Press Release:

Spring has arrived, and with it comes Genesee County’s Farm Bureau’s annual event, Kinderfarmin! We are ecstatic to be able to bring this wonderful tradition to our kindergarten students and families! Kinderfarmin will be held on Wednesday, June 5, at Hildene Farms in Pavilion. 

This event, in one form or another, has been happening for over 40 years in Genesee County and has become a staple for classrooms. Kinderfarmin’ has been recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation as an “Event of Excellence.”

This day attracts over 600 kindergarten students from ten school districts. Including teachers, chaperones and a hundred volunteers, the host farm will have over 1000 visitors in a single day. For this one day, this local dairy farm will continue to dairy but also be transformed into a classroom with hands-on learning stations and guided tours.

Genesee County Farm Bureau partners with roughly 20 local businesses and organizations to provide a unique experience that is both fun and educational for all ages. We aim to highlight all the effort that goes into making our favorite dairy products like milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and of course Ice Cream!

Our field trip is FREE for every student and would not be possible without the generosity of our many sponsors and local farmers.

Kinderfarmin will be held on Wednesday, June 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hildene Farms, 10972 Roanoke Rd, Wyoming. For more information, contact Natasha Sutherland at 585-356-5560.

Press Release:

The Senate Democratic majority adopted a single resolution confirming the appointment of 45 nominees put forward by the Governor. These appointments include various paid and unpaid positions in New York State. While there were some very qualified appointees including Acting Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), Daniel Martuscello, there were many more that needed thorough discussion and scrutiny.

Among the crowd of nominees was an individual appointed to the Commission of Corrections who is married to one of the leaders of the Attica riot, an uprising where 43 people lost their lives, including 11 corrections officers.

Several decision-makers responsible for the harmful mandates implemented during COVID-19 were also approved for important positions. Many of these policies contributed to the loss of life, destroyed businesses, and caused tremendous struggles for our educational system and our youth.  

Appointed positions have powerful decision-making authority that impacts every resident and business in New York State. It is wrong to include all the nominees in one measure, including some for highly paid, consequential positions. Each appointment should require a stand-alone vote.  

This is another instance of one-party rule circumventing the principles of good government to serve their interests. New Yorkers deserve better than those they’ve entrusted to lead our state.

Press Release:

Genesee Community College (GCC) proudly announces the renaming of its Student Success Center to the James M. Sunser Student Success Center in honor of Dr. James M. Sunser's distinguished service and commitment to student success.

Dr. Sunser, a visionary leader in education, has served as the President of Genesee Community College for thirteen years, leaving an indelible mark on both the institution and the lives of countless students. During his tenure, he oversaw initiatives that fostered academic excellence, student engagement and growth, including the construction of the Student Success Center and the Richard C. Call Arena. Dr. Sunser has announced his intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 academic year.

With the opening of the Student Success Center in 2017 as the new 'front door' of the main campus, Genesee Community College introduced a new student success coaching model. This model provides efficient enrollment and student services with a new level of intentional engagement focused on students' academic and personal success.

"This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated faculty, staff, and students, who have worked tirelessly to create an environment where every student can thrive. Our goal has always been to provide the support and resources needed for students to achieve their dreams, and I am deeply grateful for this acknowledgment of our shared commitment to their success," said Dr. Sunser.

A hub for academic support services, career development resources, and extracurricular opportunities, the Center embodies Dr. Sunser's belief in providing students with the tools and guidance needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

"We are honored to rename our Student Success Center after Dr. James M. Sunser, whose leadership has profoundly impacted our college community," said Jacalyn Whiting, Chair of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees.

For more information contact Vice President, Development, Admissions, and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.

Press Release:

Highlights of National Grid’s Filing: 

 

• Critical investments to ensure the reliability and safe operation of the company’s energy delivery system that serves 2.3 million upstate New York residential and business customers.
• Enhanced system resiliency and reliability measures to manage and reduce the impact of frequent and severe weather and enable continued strong storm response. 
• Integrated energy planning to consider interactions between gas, electric, and customer energy systems to achieve long-term climate goals in a safe and affordable way.
• Infrastructure investments to support economic development, connect clean energy, and enhance security.
• Targeted programs and dedicated teams to better serve residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
• Enhanced energy affordability programs and services, and programs to enable clean energy and energy efficiency benefits for disadvantaged communities.

National Grid has submitted a proposal to support a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy system that will enhance reliability and advance New York’s clean energy goals in a filing with the New York State Public Service Commission. The filing, which proposes to reset electricity and natural gas delivery prices beginning in spring 2025, is focused on maintaining critical infrastructure, improving customer service, providing additional assistance to vulnerable customers, promoting economic growth, and preparing electricity and gas networks for the energy transition that will rely more heavily on clean energy sources.

The company’s plan includes targeted investments and programs to reduce emissions, strengthen the safe delivery of energy, connect renewable energy projects to the company’s networks, and increase energy efficiency offerings and other programs to help customers reduce their energy usage. 

Additionally, the plan will improve the overall customer experience by increasing the number of consumer advocates to assist vulnerable customers, including those in disadvantaged communities, eliminating credit card fees for residential bill payments, and adopting new technologies to provide more self-service options for customers.

The company shaped the filing after conducting listening sessions with customers, communities, environmental justice advocates and other key stakeholders. The meetings were held to help ensure National Grid’s proposal aligns with the goals and priorities of the customers and communities it serves while meeting our legal and regulatory mandates. 

“Prioritizing the energy needs of our customers is vital, and nothing is more important than the safe operation of our networks as we look for new ways of delivering energy for all our customers,” said Phil DeCicco, New York General Counsel. “We have identified essential investments in this rate proposal, and we will ensure no customer is left behind in their access to reliable and affordable energy as we continue on the clean energy transition.” 

An Extended Period of Energy Price Stability

The company’s efficiency initiatives and relatively low commodity costs in recent years have contributed to an extended period of energy price stability. Adjusted for inflation, total bills are lower than they were 16 years ago. As noted in the charts below, average residential electricity bills were approximately 20% lower in 2023 than they were in 2007, and natural gas bills are 40% lower over
the same period. 

The one-year proposal would result in a total monthly bill increase of about $19, or 15 percent for a residential electricity customer using 625 kilowatt-hours. The total gas bill increase for residential gas customers would be about $18, or 20 percent a month, based on 78 therms used. 

Today’s filing includes a one-year proposal along with cost data for three additional years to enable discussions on a multi-year settlement. Reaching a settlement that spreads cost increases over four years, for example, could reduce the first-year delivery price impacts by more than half.

“While we have made every effort to moderate the proposals and resulting bill impacts in our filings, we are interested in exploring a multi-year rate plan that would allow National Grid to take full advantage of efficiencies and manage bills over multiple years,” DeCicco added. “We’re committed to doing all that we can to minimize any impact on our customers while delivering on the critical safety, reliability, and clean energy priorities our customers expect and deserve. Recognizing the imperative to manage customers’ bills, these filings balance the need for continued investment with the need to maintain affordability and protect our most vulnerable customers.”

Additional customer benefits in the proposal include: 

• Investment of approximately $1.7 billion in the electricity grid and $338 million in gas networks across upstate New York. This includes investments that will increase the company’s ability to seamlessly connect renewable, distributed generation.
• Investments in the natural gas system will mitigate regional capacity constraints, make needed infrastructure replacements, and improve the safety and reliability of the distribution network. This includes the retirement of 128 miles of leak-prone pipe over four years.
• Increased customer assistance and energy affordability programs for those having difficulty managing their energy costs.
• Continued deployment of economic development and energy efficiency programs that help grow the upstate economy.
• Adding more than 800 jobs over the next four years to support electric and gas operations, grid modernization and customer programs. These will include local employees who live and work in the communities we serve and support the regional economy.

The plan also will prepare the electric system for the company’s Upstate Upgrade initiative, which is essential to the continued reliable operation and resiliency of the energy infrastructure and further enables the connection of locally generated clean energy across Upstate New York.

The New York Department of Public Service will thoroughly review the proposal to ensure the company prudently invests in, operates and maintains its energy delivery system.

“National Grid is determined to build a better energy future while keeping energy as affordable as possible,” DeCicco said. “We look forward to an open and transparent public review process and encourage customers to become involved in how we can build a better energy future for all the communities we serve.”

National Grid’s upstate New York electricity business serves 1.7 million customers in more than 680 cities, villages and towns across 25,000 square miles, while its gas distribution business serves more than 640,000 customers across portions of central, northern and eastern New York. 

National Grid’s full rate case filing can be found on the Public Service Commission’s website as ngrid.com/uny-ratefiling.

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), alongside Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20), Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Congressman Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22), and Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19) introduced bipartisan legislation to protect benefits and access to care for hundreds of thousands of seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans in Upstate New York.

Last year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made a needed adjustment to the wage index for Upstate hospitals, treating geographically rural and rural reclassified hospitals equally. This change led to wage index increases of 20-40% across Upstate New York. 

While this provided significant relief for hospitals that had been severely underpaid by the fee-for-service program, it inadvertently placed substantial financial pressure on regional Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, which are predominantly non-profit organizations. Because CMS did not account for these new costs in their benchmark rates for 2024, MA plans have experienced significant financial challenges that jeopardize plans’ ability to provide affordable, quality coverage to their beneficiaries. Without relief, health plans will be forced to cut benefits and increase premiums for seniors who can least afford it.

This legislation would address these dramatic reductions in access and benefits by granting CMS the ability to adjust their benchmark amounts to account for local areas with wage indices that grew by 20 percent or greater. This needed relief will ensure regional, non-profit MA plans remain viable and safeguard enrollees’ robust benefits and access to quality care.

“Our community's seniors deserve continued access to affordable, high-quality healthcare,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “By adjusting the benchmark rates to reflect the increased costs faced by our regional plans, we can protect our seniors from losing essential coverage and experiencing higher premiums. This bill will ensure that Medicare Advantage plans continue to provide the robust benefits that so many members of our community rely on.”

“Ensuring our seniors have access to the most affordable health plans and are able to maintain their popular Medicare Advantage benefits is one of my top priorities which is why I am proud to co-lead this legislation to address the wage index reclassification,” said Congresswoman Stefanik.

“Many Upstate New Yorkers rely on not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plans,” said Congressman Molinaro. “I’m proud to support Rep. Tenney’s bill to give CMS the authority to ensure seniors have access to the benefits they earned and are fully cared for.”

In honor of Memorial Day, it is imperative to talk of the stories of those who gave their lives in service to our country. One such Genesee County soldier’s life was just recently brought to light at the museum, Robert J. Zeis, who served and was killed in the Second World War. As with many of the veterans that we have come to remember in the history of the county, the information has come from family members. In this case, it was Robert’s niece, Marjorie Gilhooly, who brought in his medals and service record for us to share.

Robert J. Zeis was born on July 29, 1911, in Buffalo to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Zeis. He entered the Army even before the United States’ entrance into World War II, joining on April 11, 1941. He was added to Company B of the 28th Infantry, 8th Division. Zeis was shuffled around many training facilities both in the United States and overseas, particularly in Ireland before his unit saw serious action. Their crucible of fire would come almost a month after D-Day, on July 4th, 1944. Technical Sergeant Zeis and his comrades were part of the following forces after the initial landings in Normandy, landing at Utah Beach.

After the breakouts from the beachhead, they were part of the fierce fighting in and around the Normandy peninsula. Their first contact with the enemy was to establish bridgeheads over the Ay River, allowing for further attacks into Brittany and Northern France. During this push, Zeis’s unit captured over 115,000 prisoners and tons of war material.

Robert Zeis would be part of the force that was marching north out of France towards Belgium and the Netherlands in an effort to cross into Germany. They took part in Operation Queen in November 1944 to capture crossings across the Rur River and the Hurtgen Forest. The operation was hard sledding as the German forces controlled the vital dams along the river, and the Battle of the Bulge farther south did not allow for many reinforcements. The Germans blew the dams and flooded the river plain making the Allied attacks even more difficult. 

Zeis’s unit was part of the attack called Operation Grenade, during which the river was finally crossed on February 23, 1945. It was during this attack that Technical Sgt. Robert Zeis was killed that morning. He was initially buried in the American National Cemetery near Margratan, Netherlands, but in 1948 his body was brought back to the United States and was buried in Woodlawn National Cemetery in Elmira. Robert Zeis left behind his widow, Lillian (Seibert).

Technical Sergeant Robert J. Zeis received the following medals for his service, which are pictured in the article. They are in the possession of his niece, Marjorie Gilhooly. Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Service Ribbon, European Campaign Service Ribbon with three Bronze Stars, American Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Service Ribbon, Distinguished Unit Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar.

On Thursday afternoon, Danielle Rotondo, general manager at Terry Hills, presented JT Turnbull with $16,228.55 -- the total of funds raised at a charity golf tournament held at the course on Saturday.

The funds will assist Turnbull with expenses related to lifestyle adjustments following a spinal injury while skiing in January.

Rotondo set a fundraising goal of $10,000 for the event.

There is also and ongoing GoFundMe campaign with a goal of raising $100,000 to assist Turnbull.

Previously: Terry Hills hosts golf tournament to assist JT Turnbull on his new journey

The Batavia Police Department honored the men and women who served the city of Batavia as peace officers on Wednesday at Officer Arthur J. Luplow's graveside.

Luplow served the city for 26 years, from the incorporation of the city in 1915 until his retirement in 1941.

He likely served as a village constable prior to incorporation.

He's described as a gentle giant—a big man who filled a big uniform once on display at the Holland Land Office Museum but whose final on-duty photo shows him holding the hands of two children, helping them cross a street.

Following his retirement, he was an exempt fireman and served as the organization's president. He was also active in Elks and a "formidable" cribbage player.

Luplow is buried in Grandview Cemetery.

There are approximately 50 people who retired from the police department buried in various cemeteries in Genesee County.

Police Officers Memorial Day was authorized by Congress and signed into law by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.

It is observed across the nation annually on May 15.

Troop A holds an observance each year at a memorial at the Batavia Barracks for troopers who have died in the line of duty.

Welcome home to 17 Northern Blvd! This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 3-bath ranch has a large yard, shed, and attached garage. Freshly painted throughout with new carpet and extra soft padding, the home features a new gas fireplace and mantel. Enjoy the light and open spaces of the generous rooms and numerous windows. You'll appreciate the convenience of first-floor laundry and the partially finished basement with a bar area and entertainment space. During the warmer months, take advantage of the spacious yard and the privacy of cul-de-sac living. This home is a must-see! Delayed negotiations until Tuesday 6/4 at 2PM.

At the start of every season, when asked, "Who are the players fans should really watch this season?" Batavia Muckdogs Manager Joey Martinez has the same trouble answering the question

He just can't seem to narrow the response down to two or three players.

"It's not fair to just pick just one. I can pick them all. I love all my guys," Martinez said. "I bet on them. I bet on us. You know, that's all I can do. That's all I know. I like them all."

He did try to single out a few players, starting with, "We've got a couple of arms out there that are pretty impressive."

There's Michael Benedict, Matt Misiti, Reed Marcum, and Garrett Brunstetter.

"Liam Ryan is pretty nasty. He's pretty nasty," Martinez said. "I watched him yesterday. He's pretty nasty."

He added, "I like the arms that we have, and we still got three or four guys coming. I'm looking forward to our William and Mary guy getting here. Anthony Greco. It looks like he's going to be a good guy.

Yet to arrive yet is a projected third baseman, Jake Butler.

"He's a very young guy with a very high IQ," Martinez said. "He has a great feel for the game."

Then he mentions Justin Austin and says, "I mean, the list goes on and on. We have got some really good players. I'm not even sure who else to say. The list goes on and on."

There are also a half-dozen or more returners, including local pitchers Bryceton Berry and Ty Woods. Trey Bacon, Garrett Beaver, Isidro Rosario, Lucas Lopez, and Tucker Beving are also returning.

James Bolton, from Webster, will make his Muckdogs debut this season. 

"I always have a lot of surprises and tricks up my sleeve, but I think our team is a little younger this year, a little bit more athletic, a little bit more speed," Martinez said. "We tried to make some adjustments in the offseason. So I would say more bats and balls skills. The pitching staff is looking good on top of that; I think, you know, with the Dogs, we are always gonna be competitive, man, you know, that's the only way I like it -- win or go home."

The Muckdogs open the season on Thursday in Jamestown, followed by an away game on Friday in Elmira, before the home opener against Elmire at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday. Fireworks will follow the game.

The team's first day game at Dwyer is on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. against Niagara Falls Americans, a new team in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, and like Batavia and Elmira, the team is owned by Robbie and Nellie Nichols. The next home page after that is June 6 at 6:35 p.m. against Newark.  For the complete 2024 schedule, click here. For the current roster, click here.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department will shut down the water around Jackson Street on Thursday, May 30, for a valve replacement.

The length of time the water will be off is unknown.

Water will be shut off on Ellicott from Liberty to Jackson and Jackson from Main to Ellicott.

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.

Press Release:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to buckle up ahead of a national Click It or Ticket high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort. 

The national seat belt campaign, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs from May 20 to June 2, 2024. 

“We want seat belt use to be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike,” said Assistant Police Chief Chris Camp. “It’s not just a safe thing to do — it’s the law. During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers. Buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash. We see the results of not wearing a seat belt all the time. We see the loss of life. So often, it could have been prevented.”

The national seat belt use rate in 2023 was 91.9%, which is good — but it can be better. The other 8.1% still need to be reminded that seat belts save lives. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night.  

One of the focuses of the Click It or Ticket campaign is nighttime enforcement. NHTSA data shows a higher number of unrestrained passenger vehicle occupant fatalities happen at night. Also, seat belt use differs among females and males. Of the males killed in crashes in 2021, more than half (54%) were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 42% were not buckled up.  

“If the enforcement effort alerts people to the dangers of unrestrained driving, we’ll consider our mission to be a success,” said Assistant Police Chief Chris Camp. “If you know a friend or a family member who does not buckle up when they drive, please ask them to consider changing their habits. Help us spread this lifesaving message before one more friend or family member is killed as a result of this senseless inaction. Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember to buckle up.”  

For more information on the Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization, please visit NHTSA.gov/ClickIt.

Press Release:

Please be advised that Alva Place from Bank Street to State Street will be closed on Friday, May 31 from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. We recommend selecting an alternate route to minimize traffic congestion.

Please also note effective May 31 at 3:30 p.m., the City will close Alva Place from Bank Street to the entrance of the City Centre parking lot near JC Penney’s for the duration of the Police Station construction project.

The closure is in anticipation of the beginning of Phase 2 Police Facility Parking Plan. The goal is to make parking accessible for businesses on Washington Avenue and State Street in the City Parking lot during the construction project.

Please see the attached Phase 2 map for reference. Phase 2 will commence in mid to late June. Please plan accordingly, when accessing parking around the construction site.

Press Release:

On May 23 the Byron-Bergen Elementary School grounds transformed into an outdoor agricultural education classroom for the annual Farm Day celebration. Jr./Sr. High School students who participate in FFA or study agriculture in science classes volunteer to spend the day teaching the younger students about where their food comes from. 

The goal of the event, which began four years ago, is to introduce elementary students to the agriculture community in which they live and to spark their interest in pursuing advanced agricultural studies in high school. And it’s working.

The fourth annual Farm Day boasted 22 student volunteers, double the number from of last year. In its first year, Farm Day was only for kindergarten students and the information was presented by adults from the community. As the event expanded, older students stepped into the instructional roles.

“It’s significant to see the high school students sharing their animals, knowledge, and interest in agriculture with the elementary students,” said Byron-Bergen Elementary Principal Kristin Loftus. “The younger students can see themselves as Farm Day presenters in a couple years, and they’re excited about it.”

“I think today was really interesting!” said fifth-grade student Adalin Davidson. 

Davidson was not raised on a farm but is “definitely” planning to join the FFA and study agriculture in high school.

According to Jr./Sr. High School Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor Jeff Parnapy, the increase in student Farm Day volunteers reflects the increased participation in agriculture education in the district.

“This year we really started to see the effects,” said Parnapy. “Participation in the FFA has doubled. Enrollment in the higher-level agriculture classes has doubled. I hope these young people will participate when they get to high school, too.”

Tenth-grade Farm Day volunteer and FFA member Grace Mundell agrees that the opportunity to learn about agriculture has shaped her future plans. Although she was not raised on a farm, she hopes to live on one someday.

“I joined the FFA in eighth grade and I always had an interest in animals,” said Mundell. “I had friends in FFA who got to do a bunch of cool stuff so I decided that would be a good way for me to learn, too.”

Farm Day 2024 included presentations on cereal grains, animal feeds, maple syrup production, the history of the FFA, planting and growing sunflowers, and dozens of animals including cows, horses, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, pigs, rabbits, rats, and chinchillas.

By James Fink

The upcoming Bourbon & Whiskey Fest at Batavia Downs is seen as a natural fit for both Jeff Weisenborn's company and the venerable Genesee County destination.

"I see it as a perfect partnership," said Weisenborn, a sales representative for the Cheektowaga office of Empire Merchants North.

Empire is the regional distributor of popular brands such as Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester - three of the most popular bourbon and whiskey brands sold in Western New York.

Batavia Downs and Empire Merchants North are partnering for the Sixth Annual Bourbon & Whiskey Fest on June 8, which also ties in with the Belmont Stakes. Various Jack Daniel's, Old Forester, and Woodford Reserve will be showcased.

"We do events like this because it helps draw attention to all our brands," Weisenborn said. "Jack Daniel's is an old town classic."

Events like the Bourbon & Whiskey Fest help Weisenborn "connect" with those who buy the various Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester brands.

"People love to talk whiskey," Weisenborn said. "Whiskey and bourbon are extremely popular. People associate it with getting together and having a good time. And they love the history of our brands."

The Sixth Annual Batavia Downs Bourbon and Whiskey Fest is Saturday, June 8. The event runs 4:30 - 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and include a $20 coupon for free play at Batavia Downs, a $5 betting voucher for the Belmont Stakes, food, a program, and a free glass. Tickets are available through BataviaConcerts.com.

James Fink writes on behalf of Batavia Downs.  Sponsored Post paid for by Batavia Downs.

Press release:

Please be advised that Bank Street from Alva Place to Washington Avenue will be closed on Thursday, May 30, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. To minimize traffic congestion, we recommend selecting an alternate route.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we work to improve our community. 

Philip Klein is a successful film composer in Hollywood; still, it's nice to come home again and visit your alma mater.

Especially if the same high school orchestra that helped mold your talent is preparing to debut a piece you wrote and arranged.

"It's very meaningful to me, it's very special," Klein said. "My world in L.A. now. It is so fast-paced. Kind of crazy. So to come back here and just kind of have this moment that feels like a community again, you know, you don't really get that, and to share it with students. It's really special. It means a lot to me that they would even want something from me and that they would take the time to play it so well."

The piece is Flight of the Voyager, which tells the story of Voyager 2. The spacecraft was launched in 2018 and is the first craft to reach Uranus and Neptune and is the second craft to reach interstellar space.

The piece was written specifically for the Pembroke Concert Orchestra to perform.  It makes its international debut on May 30th at 6:30 p.m. in the Pembroke Junior-Senior High School Auditorium.

Klein graduated from Pembroke in 2003. He studied trumpet performance and composition at Northwestern University. In 2011, he was selected as one of six fellows with the Sundance Institute's Film Composing Lab. In 2009, he won Best Composing from the ATAS Foundation's College and Television Awards. He was a nominee in 2022 for best original score for an animated film, for Wish Dragon, from the International Film Music Critics. The same group named him Break Through Film Composer of the Year in 2021. He won the Alan Parsons Award in 2022 for Best Original Score Short Film (Who Goes There).

His film credits include Joker, The Mandalorian, Medieval, The Last Full Measure, Cicero in the Winter, and Clones Gone Wild, along with dozens of others where he participated in the scoring or orchestration.

"It's amazing to us that Mr. Klein wrote the piece for Pembroke, and our band director,  John Bailey, is wildly excited for our students to get to meet and work with him," said Superintendent Matthew Calderon.

At the rehearsal on Tuesday, Klein was clearly enjoying himself.

"It's a lot of fun for me to be back," Klein said. "First off, I mean, just to be in, in school with them again, and just the energy of seeing a group like that play together. And it's always fun to hear your piece of music played live for the first time. They did great; they worked really hard. And it's not an easy piece."