After just about a year in his new role as technology director at Batavia City Schools, Brian Sutton has left for a similar job at another district, and the city’s board has appointed a new director to fill the gap.
The board approved Wendy Villone to a four-year probationary position as director of educational technology during Monday’s meeting.
She is to begin Sept. 12, bringing with her more than two decades of experience in education and technology at the Caledonia-Mumford Central School District and at EduTech RIC - Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, a district press release states.
Villone was hired at a prorated salary of $88,000, with her full salary to be $110,000, per negotiated collective bargaining agreement. She will fill the vacancy left by Sutton, who was formerly a principal at John Kennedy Intermediate since 2020 before taking on the technology role and charging ahead to deal with a state Comptroller’s audit in July of 2023.
Right off the bat, Sutton was faced with key findings from the audit that he needed to address while aligning with the district’s Strategic Plan. He gave his first report of findings and suggested solutions to the board in October 2023.
The Batavian asked Superintendent Jason Smith about the circumstances of Sutton’s departure, and if Villone would continue with the work already completed to address the Comptroller’s audit.
Sutton left his position for a technology director position at Rush Henrietta School District, Smith said.
“During his tenure with us, he successfully achieved several initiatives, including addressing both the Comptroller’s audit and the technology functional review,” Smith said Tuesday.
Sutton's first task was to review the existing structure and services offered through BOCES, including database management, the physical inventory process, technology leadership and how assets are identified and tagged.
Then he had to reestablish a formal leadership in the technology department and implement a formal Technology Committee, with a data protection privacy officer and reviews of data privacy law to ensure that all requirements are being met, he had said during the presentation.
He had been working with Edutech to ensure that tags were provided on all “products” that come from them, which is a restructuring of Batavia’s inventory system and prices to ensure accountability for all hardware, he said, including district-owned devices, per board policy.
He was implementing a software program to track software inventory product purchases and related expiration dates. He had also been rearranging and organizing the physical workspace of the technology department and at the storage room at Robert Morris.
All of these tasks have been items to enforce the existing board policies on inventory control based on the Comptroller’s audit. Not only were hundreds of devices discovered missing from inventory, but the district had been paying their annual fees.
Stepping into his own role to provide technology leadership, Sutton is using the functional review audit as a roadmap to prioritize and address issues that were uncovered, he said.
As a result, he was having weekly technology department meetings with tech aides at the middle and high schools, providing guidance and support to the creation of the digital fluency class at the middle school, and re-establishing the district technology committee with a focus on staff development and learning, he said.
Smith and the board feel confident that Villone will be up to the task at hand. At Caledonia-Mumford Central School District, she managed technology infrastructure, implemented instructional software, and oversaw data security compliance, and prior to that as coordinator of Data Governance she provided training and guidance on cybersecurity and data protection to 47 school districts, the release states.
The Batavian also asked Smith if he was concerned about a recent rash of departures of administrators, including several assistant principals, the athletic director and Sutton, at the district.
“It's common and expected for assistant principals to transition to principal positions after a few years. For example, I served as an assistant principal for three years before becoming principal at Elba in 2004. Mr. Hussain, Mrs. Torrey, and Dr. McCarthy were all assistant principals at Batavia for approximately three years each, and they have successfully moved on to principal roles, and we are proud of their accomplishments,” Smith said. “As the largest district in the region with a substantial staff, Batavia typically experiences personnel changes during the summer months leading up to a new school year.
"I'm pleased to report that we've attracted a diverse and experienced pool of applicants, including current administrators from other districts, to fill our open positions," he said. "We're excited to welcome our newest hires to BCSD. I'm confident they'll be a great fit within our community, and I'm encouraged by their enthusiasm, wealth of educational experience, and desire to make a positive impact here in Batavia.”
On Monday, August 12, upon recommendation from Superintendent Jason Smith, the Batavia City School District Board of Education approved the appointment of Wendy Villone as the Director of Educational Technology, effective September 12, 2024.
"We are excited to welcome Wendy Villone to the Batavia City School District as our new Director of Educational Technology," said Superintendent Jason Smith. "Wendy's extensive experience in educational technology leadership, coupled with her impressive background in data governance and cybersecurity, makes her an ideal fit for this critical role. Her expertise will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our technology initiatives and ensure the highest standards of data protection for our students and staff."
Wendy Villone brings over two decades of experience in education and technology to her new role at Batavia City School District. Most recently, she served as the Director of Technology and Data Protection Officer at the Caledonia-Mumford Central School District, where she managed technology infrastructure, implemented instructional software, and oversaw data security compliance. Previously, Villone was the Coordinator of Data Governance at EduTech RIC - Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, providing training and guidance on cybersecurity and data protection to 47 school districts.
Villone holds multiple New York State certifications, including School District Leader, Educational Technology Specialist, and is a New York State Master Teacher. She earned her Master's degree in Educational Technology from Nazareth College and completed the Leadership Academy at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Throughout her career, Villone has demonstrated a strong commitment to integrating innovative technologies into education, with a focus on STEAM and STEM initiatives. She has extensive experience in strategic planning, budget management, and professional development in educational technology.
"I am honored to join the Batavia City School District as the Director of Educational Technology," said Wendy Villone. "In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, it's crucial that we not only leverage technology to enhance learning but also ensure the highest standards of data security and privacy. I look forward to collaborating with the talented staff, students, and families of BCSD to create innovative, technology-rich learning environments that prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century while maintaining the integrity and security of our digital infrastructure."
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Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) introduced the Federal Electric Vehicle Mandate Prohibition Act to prohibit federal, state, and local governments from enacting mandates on electric vehicles (EVs).
In March, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a new emissions rule for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles, requiring up to two-thirds of new cars and trucks sold in the U.S. to be EVs within eight years.
“Under the Biden administration’s harmful anti-American energy policies, prices have skyrocketed, and American energy production has stalled, threatening our national security and economic competitiveness,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Yet instead of working to lower energy prices, the Biden administration and Democrat-run states across the country are threatening to ban the affordable gas-powered vehicles we rely on, forcing expensive EV mandates down our throats. I introduced the Federal Electric Vehicle Mandate Prohibition Act to prohibit these foolish EV mandates.”
Press Release from the office of David Wagenhauser:
Week One: You will be represented. Unlike other Congress members, I will not spend my day making calls to raise money for the next election. I will spend my time working to improve your life.
Monday: You will be heard. While DC politicians don’t listen to each other, perhaps it’s time they started listening to their constituents. In week one, we will host our first “NY-24 Conversations.” I will dedicate 2 hours per week to take questions, comments, and suggestions from the residents of NY24 - live, via scheduled videoconferencing (zoom). You will be heard. Not by staff. Not by a recording. Not by a form letter. Not via a photo-op. But by me, your Congressional representative, doing my job.
Unlike our current Representative, who inundates you with tv ads and emails detailing what she’s got to say - or incite you to be as angry as she is – I want to hear from you.
Tuesday: Reaching out. The finger-pointing and blame game needs to end and getting things done needs to take a front seat. In week one, I will reach out to Democrats and especially Republicans to actually do something about systemic problems such as the Border Crisis. You can complain, or you can do something. I choose getting things done. I will also reach out to start the process of getting the money and influence peddlers out of our governing process. Stock trading, corporate PACs and Congress-to-lobbyist track - out, term limits and public service - in.
Wednesday: Improving lives by making Upstate and WNY more affordable - groceries, gas, healthcare and housing. Reaching out again to Congress members such as Senator Casey (PA) to fight Big Corporate greed and working to hold Big Oil and other big Corps responsible for price fixing, price gouging and addressing other causes of inflation.
Thursday: Protect, improve, and enhance Social Security and Medicare, not cut them. There is a plan by a group of more than 170 GOP Representatives to cut the benefits we are paid. I will fight them. We have worked our entire lives paying into a system and we should have no worries that it will serve us well in our retirement years.
Friday: Air and water. NY-24 is one of the leaders in cancer clusters in NY. Our toxic waste and superfund sites - and currently operating and closed landfills - threaten our water, our air, our families’ health, and our agricultural and tourism economies. Every day we take in tons of garbage from NYC and the Northeast and are left with toxic “forever chemicals” that threaten our water supply. Building garbage mountains in Upstate and WNY is not a long-term answer. . In Week one, I will hire and dedicate staff whose sole responsibility will be to address these issues..
Saturday: Protecting women’s healthcare choices is a priority, as is improving access to affordable healthcare, especially mental health care in our rural areas. While nearly half of all Americans will suffer through a mental health issue, there is a scarcity of mental health professionals in rural areas. Waiting for three months to see a psychiatrist to get needed therapy and medication, let alone one who accepts your insurance, can have real and tragic results.. In week one, I will begin writing legislation that addresses the scarcity of mental health care in rural areas, including insurance parity, incentives and making training and education more accessible.
Sunday: Rest, mass, recharge with family and friends, watch the Bills and prepare for the challenges of the weeks ahead.
The challenges facing our nation will not be solved in a week. But the ultra-partisan standoff needs to end and we need to start listening to - and working for - the American people. I will be responsive from day one to the needs of my Upstate and WNY neighbors. I will listen to what matters to YOU in our weekly conversations and get the ball rolling by bringing a common-sense, positive attitude, and willingness to work across the aisle to get things done to make your life a little better. One week at a time.
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes will once again present Summer Serenade, featuring the Genesee Symphony Orchestra.
The Serenade will take place on Saturday, September 7, at Terry Hills Golf Course and Banquet Facility, beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature hearty hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and a concert by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra. A cash bar will be available.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Genesee Symphony Orchestra and the United Way Backpack Program in Genesee County.
The United Way Backpack Program provides easy-to-make meals for school-aged children in need throughout Genesee County. Currently, the program is supplying over 1,300 monthly meals to children throughout four school districts.
The Genesee Symphony Orchestra is a dynamic, regional orchestra that presents an ambitious portfolio of concerts for the enrichment of our community through high-quality performance, educational opportunities, guest artists, and partnerships.
Tickets for the Serenade are $50 and can be purchased through any Genesee Symphony Orchestra Board Member, Lawley Insurance in Batavia, or online at unitedwayrocflx.org/summerserenade.
In today’s highly technological world, texting has replaced phone calls, emails are standard versus traditional mail delivery, and apps, such as Batavia City School District’s ParentSquare, are common tools used by parents and teachers.
However, parent Bob Trombley says this app has been unproductive, ineffective, and downright illegal so far. He spoke to the school district's board on behalf of himself and fellow frustrated parents.
“Although the Parent Square app and many others like it are a seemingly convenient way to communicate for some parents, students, and staff, for many others, it is incredibly difficult to use or to even log into, or receive any relevant information about a parent or a guardian's child. It may be no surprise to you that many class action lawsuits for various reasons have started across the country involving apps that schools decide to use as innovation platforms between parents and teachers and faculty,” Trombley said during the board’s meeting Monday. “Just a simple Google cursory search, you find many, many stories of (eavesdropping on conversations). Although you can say Parent Square does not do that, or we have been assured that they don't do that, you cannot, with a clear conscience, make that statement of fact that they do not do that; you would be speaking to something that you're not absolutely sure of to say that those things weren't happening.
"An even bigger problem here is that by insisting that parents use this app … you're forcing parent citizens to use only your method of communication," Trombley said. "We don't know if it censors. We don't know if we have a guarantee that any grievances that we have will actually be accepted or make their way across the platform. We don't know if things are filtered out, as parents are saying. We just don't know; that's a massive problem.”
Beyond it being a problem, it’s a violation of the First Amendment, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the 14th Amendment, he said. He wanted to know about those parents who don’t have a device to use an app, and those with a learning disability that might have difficulty using the app. Or those who cannot afford internet access or are “seriously challenged by technology or the ability to understand.”
“You're operating under the authority of the state. You are abridging my privilege as a parent of freedom of speech to communicate the way I want, with staff, with faculty, with teachers,” he said. “You don't have that power. If you want to force faculty to communicate a certain way, you can do that, you pay them, you can't apply your policies to the public as a whole.
“I, personally, have not been able to communicate with my students’ teacher via this app since its existence in the district; my children's mother has had the same issues. I have spoken with many parents. They all have the same problem. We get logged out. We can't get logged back in. Then we don't get all the information. We get a flood of information. No one knows what's going on,” he said. “And in my experience, when I have called the school directly and asked to speak with a teacher, I've been told, ‘No, you're not allowed to speak with the teacher; we do everything through the app.’ When I have requested paper forms, no, sorry, it has to go through the app. Everything is on the app. This is unacceptable.”
He added that some board members, “in an effort to show sympathy or empathy,” have shared with him that they have struggled with the app as well. He asked that something be done “right away” to fix this because every parent should have an opportunity to decide how to communicate with district faculty.
Superintendent Jason Smith wanted to clarify that the app was never meant to substitute other forms of communication.
“Any time a parent calls, you will have the opportunity to speak with the teacher,” Smith said, as Trombley interjected that it hasn’t been his experience. “If that's the case, I'll look into that. But under no circumstances were parents meant to ever, you know, replace that phone call. So that's not the expectation. That's not our expectation. So just, for the record, if a parent calls and asks to speak with a teacher, you're always given an opportunity.”
The Batavian has asked for additional comments from Smith regarding the district’s policy about Parent Square and teachers' understanding of communication with parents.
ParentSquare, per its website, is a simple platform for communications between home and school. ParentSquare is designed for whole-school adoption and collaborative use by district administrators, principals, school administrators, teachers, staff, parent leaders and parents at preK-12 districts and schools. Users can share messages about school logistics and student classroom learning along with pictures and files, volunteer requests and class supply lists, calendars and directory information.
ParentSquare collects two types of information: personal information your school knowingly chooses to disclose that is collected on an individual basis, and website-use information collected on an aggregate basis as you and others browse its website. The following information is also provided on the app's website:
Basic Information Your School Provides ParentSquare
Admin Role: We use name, ID, title, phone number, email address, address, group memberships, school memberships and district memberships from school-provided data.
Staff Role: We use name, ID, title, phone number, email address, address, group memberships, school memberships and district memberships from school-provided data.
Teacher Role: We use name, ID, title, phone number, email address, address, classes, section, group memberships, school memberships and district memberships from school-provided data.
Student Role: We use name, ID, address, gender, grade level, enrolled courses, other enrolled groups, extracurricular activities and family relationships from school-provided data. For schools using StudentSquare, this may include email addresses and phone numbers.
Parent/Guardian/Contact Role: We use name, relationship to the student, phone number, email address, address, communication language, group memberships, school memberships and district memberships from school-provided data. from school-provided data.
Emergency-Only Contact Role (if applicable): We use name, phone number, email address and any emergency contact information from school-provided data.
Guest/External Member Role: If provided, we use name, phone number, email address, address, group memberships, school memberships and district memberships from school-provided data.
Additional Contact Information Your School May Provide About Students
The School may also choose to provide additional student information such as their English language learning status, enrollment in free and reduced lunch programs, attendance records, lunch balances, bus routes, grades and assignments if the School is using the corresponding ParentSquare feature.
Sharing and Disclosure of Information
ParentSquare uses the data received from the School for the sole purpose of delivering products and services to the School. We do not rent, trade, or sell or otherwise distribute your information to any third parties and will only disclose information when allowed by FERPA and required a) by applicable laws or government orders or b) to maintain and operate our service or c) when authorized by the School.
ParentSquare may acquire information (including Personally Identifiable Information or “PII”) from the school SIS/SMS or other school systems, such as payroll systems, nutrition systems, fee systems, etc, through a School-requested integration.
ParentSquare provides links to external websites for purposes which are intended solely to support the school’s day-to-day operations. The School or its users may post links within ParentSquare or StudentSquare to external websites for which we have no control.
Route 20 through Bethany has been closed for three hours and remains closed at the time of this post because of an accident involving a car and a tractor-trailer.
Bethany Fire, with mutual aid from Pavilion along with Mercy EMS, responded to the accident.
One person was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.
Former Pittsburg Steeler running back Jerome Bettis signs a Buffalo Bills helmet for a fan prior to the shotgun start of the Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Classic at Terry Hills on Monday. Photo by Howard Owens.
Football stars, movie stars, and men and women successful in the business world came together at Terry Hills on Monday for a good cause -- making life better for children in Western New York.
It was the annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Classic.
The event raises money for Kelly For Kids, the charity founded by the former Bills' great to provide assistance to disadvantaged and disabled youth in the region.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Former Buffalo Bills receiver Lou Piccone sings the National Anthemn, a tournament tradition. AnthemPhoto by Howard Owens.
Jim Kelly Photo by Howard Owens.
Booker Edgerson and Chris Berman greet each other prior to the start of the tournament. Edgerson was a cornerback for the Bills from 1962 to 1969. Berman is the legendary ESPN Sportscenter anchor. Photo by Howard Owens.
Actor Christopher McDonald, best known perhaps for his role as Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore. Photo by Howard Owens.
Eric Wood, former center for the Buffalo Bills. Photo by Howard Owens.
Hall of Fame defensive tackle, Anthony Munoz, seated. Photo by Howard Owens.
The Genesee County Spartans’ season came to a disappointing end on Saturday night with a 28-3 loss to the undefeated Lockport Wildcats in the Northeastern Football Alliance Western Conference semifinals at Lockport’s Outwater Memorial Park.
Genesee County’s offense was unable to put anything together against the Wildcats, who take a 10-0 overall record into the semipro league’s championship match next weekend against the Southern Tier Stallions.
Southern Tier, now 9-1 overall, blanked Ithaca, 38-0, in the Eastern Conference semifinal.
The title match is set for 7 p.m. next Saturday in Lockport.
The Spartans’ only score came in the second quarter on a 27-yard field goal by Batavia High graduate Julia Petry.
Petry’s kick cut Lockport’s lead to 6-3 at the time but the Wildcats went on to score two more touchdowns before intermission – one on a 70-yard pass from league MVP Willie Fair III to Sean Marshall and the other on a 25-yard pass from Fair to Jordan Evert.
Lockport converted both two-point conversions to take a 22-3 lead at halftime.
The only scoring in the second half came on the game’s final play on Fair’s third TD pass.
The Spartans finish the season with a 6-3 league record (7-3 overall), with all three losses coming at the hands of the Wildcats.
“It was difficult for us to get untracked against Lockport. You have to give them credit; they have a solid team,” Rascoe said. “Our defense, on the other hand, played very well except for a couple of breakdowns.”
Spartans’ QB Corey Turpin, under pressure all game, completed just six of 23 passes for 81 yards. He was intercepted twice, fumbled twice and was sacked twice. Halfback Jed Reese carried the ball 10 times for 42 yards.
Genesee County’s top receivers, Deyonci Farley, Rayshawn Huitt and Tai Reffell-Pugh, were limited due to injuries suffered during the contest.
Defensively, the Spartans put up a fight but were victimized by a couple big plays. Defensive back Jzon Henderson came up with two interceptions – one in the end zone to thwart a Lockport drive in the fourth quarter -- and Dontre Woods also picked off a pass.
Despite the loss, Rascoe said he was pleased with the way the team and the organization came together this season, and he’s looking forward to offseason workouts starting in November.
“We have really turned things around in terms of good sportsmanship and recruiting good players, on and off the field,” he said. “We look to be even better next year when we add more local talent.”
Rascoe credited the team’s board of directors for its hard work and support -- Tammy Hathaway, Lauren Donovan, Victor Thomas, Otis Thomas and Jermaine Henderson – and thanked the businesses and individuals who sponsored the team this season.
The Batavia Muckdogs had an amazing season on the field, finishing first place overall in the West Division, and another amazing year off the field.
The Muckdogs kicked off the season walking in the annual Batavia Memorial Day Parade during training camp. Players & coaches visited local schools as well.
Then the day before the season started the Muckdogs hosted a special meet & greet at Eli Fish Brewing, where season ticket holders met the Muckdogs.
As the season kicked off the Muckdogs hosted over 500 youth baseball & softball buddies during the year playing catch pre-game before games at Dwyer Stadium.
The Muckdogs hosted the Challenger Division Baseball for an incredible day as player & coach buddies, assisting players with physical and intellectual challenges throughout the day. Dwyer Stadium along with Muckdogs staff and players hosted baseball training camps as well, throughout the season.
The Batavia Muckdogs teamed up with over 21 non-profits or charity organizations helping spread awareness and raise funds for their causes. On Friday, July 21, the Muckdogs hosted Strike-Out Cancer Night in partnership with Wilmot Cancer Institute.
On July 6 the Muckdogs hosted Military Appreciation Night with all veterans receiving free entry.
Thursday, July 18 the Muckdogs and Stop DWI teamed up to educate over 500 youth fans on driver safety.
Then the Muckdogs closed out the regular season on July 28 collecting donations for the Genesee County Animal Shelter.
Throughout the year the Muckdogs shared some great community programs with their Katie’s Star Memorial Fund Night (assisting in organ donor recovery), Live Like Levi (St. Joseph’s Schools), and First Responder Recognition (Honoring Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello).
Dwyer Stadium had some amazing visitors this season as well too. Buffalo Bills current rookie Guard Keaton Bills threw out a first pitch. Savannah Banana’s dancing first baseman Maceo Harris entertained fans at a game in June. In honor of the 2024 Olympics Jana Kolukanova 2x Olympian in swimming (sprint freestyle) representing Estonia came for a special appearance & first pitch as well. The Muckdogs also honored their baseball past hosting Batavia Clippers night with original 1939 Batavia Clipper Samuel “Sam” Dretto son throwing out the first pitch.
Dwyer Stadium will host several events before closing for the summer. Saturday August 10 Casella will have a company picnic & kickball game. Sunday August 25 the annual Battle of the Badges – Charity Softball Game (City of Batavia Police vs City of Batavia Fire). Then on Saturday October 19 Muckdogs Trick or Treat makes it’s return for the 4th straight year, a free event for the children of our community.
The Batavia Muckdogs would like to thank their great community for all the support and are honored to keep the Batavia Muckdogs strong in our community. 2025 season tickets are on sale now starting as low as $99. If you are looking for tickets or to sponsor one of the upcoming events email General Manager (Marc Witt) mwitt.canusa@gmail.com.
Bethany native Mike Porter with his dog Hank. Submitted Photo
As a former teacher, Alexander graduate Mike Porter liked to investigate particular issues, including science fiction, the paranormal, and aliens, and it led him to questions about if the universe is so vast, "where is everybody?"
“We should be seeing signs of everyone. And one of the hypotheses that is well known is what's called the great filter, which is civilizations will appear throughout the universe, but they don't last long because they succumb to various disasters, whether it's an asteroid impact or a pandemic or a nuclear war and things like that,” he said during an interview with The Batavian. “Being a social studies teacher talking about these types of issues with students, I think I kind of started thinking, 'geez, I really feel like humanity is coming to or is at a crossroads, where we can kind of come together, overcome our differences, and address some of these key issues. Inevitably, there's going to be a big rock that hits Earth at some point. Are we going to be prepared for that, the next big pandemic?”
It was that thinking and those questions, plus prior discussions with a colleague, that led him to write his first book, the science fiction thriller, “The Graveyard Relays.”
While working as a teacher in Wyndham, Porter was drawn to a fellow teacher named Daniel with colorful stories of adventure, including one that included his dog and a bear. Daniel had a van that he lived and traveled in with his dog. The dog decided to chase the bear one day until it dawned on the bear that he was bigger and it was silly for him to be running away, so he turned around and began to chase the dog back toward Daniel’s van.
It made for an exhilarating story. The owner anxiously waited for the dog to get into the van so he could close the door safely behind both of them, leaving the bear outside.
While that was a fun story, it served as the basis for Porter’s book, with the dog and bear as metaphors for space research: Porter began to see how pursuing life out in the universe could have the same potential effect.
“I thought, how incredible, in terms of interstellar exploration; what if that were to happen with an interstellar probe where we go out exploring and then accidentally bring something back?” he said. “So it was all these things kind of together that gave me the idea for the premise of the book. I didn't really have experience with the writing realm, like writing classes. Never been in a competition, never really practiced, but I just had this kind of urge to start writing these ideas down and see if it came to anything.”
Porter’s first book evolved in the way his off-grid home has: through a series of inspirations that pushed him on toward a final ending.
Just as he and his wife Nicole went from having no electricity, running water or internet connection at their Salisbury Center house to an abode with all the amenities, the 40-year-old Bethany native fine-tuned his science fiction work, which he began in 2016, from an outline of intergalactic premises to a full-fledged collection of researched characters and planets, a plot and enough action to keep readers turning the 338 pages for a debut in June of this year.
Throughout the process Porter was fueled by an undeniable passion for his favorite topic.
“I think since I was a kid, I’m naturally drawn to it. I loved 'Star Wars' when I was a kid. I think my favorite movie is 'Interstellar.' And I’ve always been fascinated by aliens,” he said. “That’s another thing that I was actually concerned about. Since 2017 there’s been this growing disclosure movement, and I thought, ‘great, I’m writing this book about discovering alien life and it’s going to get blown out of the water because the government’s gonna say there are already aliens here.’ That hasn’t happened yet, but I think that time is probably coming.”
He’s not certain what that looks like, exactly, but he feels confident that something — of intelligence life form — is out there, or here, with us.
And this book hinges on that belief that we aren’t alone.
“One possibility is what has become known as the great filter,” he writes. “This theory postulates that civilizations universally succumb to various apocalyptic events before humanity has the opportunity to detect them. Perhaps there are untold numbers of alien graveyards that are just waiting to be found and exhumed.”
The Graveyard Relays is a 25th-century documentary series that finds and investigates extinct alien wastelands for education and entertainment. A team led by Marshall Holst, based in the Catskill Mountains, employs ASIP, an interstellar probe leased from the United Nations to cruise the cosmos searching for intelligent life.
Meanwhile, Marshall likes to escape from the “technologically saturated world” and his own stressful occupation by backpacking into the woods of the Northeast with his dog Wadsworth. However, Porter suggests that, just as with the documentary series, there’s no telling what the pair might encounter in those woods, far from the safety of the interneural Net, a hyper-intelligent artificial intelligence.
“There are risks and dangers inherent with exploration,” he writes. “In the same way, as he and his team continue to send ASIP to strange new worlds, there’s no telling what the probe might find … and what it might bring back.”
Michael David Porter grew up in Bethany and graduated from Alexander High School in 2002. He was an athlete of sorts — playing for Batavia Ramparts hockey team from second through seventh grades before moving onto baseball, football, basketball and then track, winning sectionals as a senior.
He wasn’t particularly into writing, though did some acting in school — winning a Rochester Broadway Theater League Stars of Tomorrow honor for his role in “Oklahoma” and performing in a number of shows at Geneseo State College and Delaware Park. He moved south to Wyndham to become a teacher and also ended up doing a monthly radio show.
Suffice it to say Porter has some creative chops. His parents, Dave Porter, who plays trombone in the Genesee Symphony Orchestra, and Jill, a retired nurse, still live in the Genesee County area, along with other family members, while Porter has since moved to his off-grid place in the summer of 2023.
When he interviewed for his latest job as an instructional coach at the Hamilton Fulton Montgomery BOCES, Porter forewarned them that he might not be able to come right in on severe winter days. The local highway super helps out with plowing the homestead driveway, he said, but it could get harsh.
Why the move to such a modest existence? He and his wife are hikers and nature-lovers who, ironically met online, also like to disconnect from the online world, he said.
“I think it’s important for people to disconnect from technology and get back to nature. People are meant to be active outdoors and studies show that mental and physical health can be improved significantly when people spend time outside,” Porter said, emphasizing a moral for his book. “People should stick together, put down their phones, and go outside.”
He made purposeful decisions about his book along the way, such as making people vegetarians (though he is not) and using androgynous names with no specific pronouns so that readers could fill in their own details for certain characters.
“I envision a future that is international, you know, I think if we're going to get to this future where there's basically world peace, we're going to have to set aside a lot of our differences and learn to live together,” he said. “And I wanted to be inclusive in that way, so I looked up androgynous names from different nationalities and tried to put a lot of these people on the team, and I also, in my book, avoided using any pronouns for those people. (Readers) hadn't noticed that they didn't notice that I didn't use pronouns, which tells me that it's a very fluid, natural thing. And the great thing is the reader then has the freedom to apply and attribute whatever they want in terms of identity to these characters.”
He put the book on a shelf, so to speak, for a few years until he was hit with more inspiration. Then, “I hit it really hard three years ago.” That’s when he fleshed out those 56 chapters and scenarios.
The team has sent ASIP out into exploration and it encounters an unexpected obstacle.
The team watched from their workstations in horror, each individual feeling deep pangs of terror and guilt. “Yes sir,” ASIP replied. “Preparing to return to orbit.”
Without warning, Peace accelerated toward ASIP, having apparently transitioned to its jet turbines. The gray, conical beast was closing in fast. “ASIP, there’s no time, initiate your emergency return now!” Marshall yelled.
“But Marshall, my software is being corrupted and the gravity wake could potentially —“
“Now ASIP! Return to Earth now!”
ASIP engaged the gravity drive, and from within the Pool, Marshall saw the world go dark, but for a fraction of a second, the haunting image of Peace and ASIP alone together in the gravity bubble hung frozen in the air.
Another chapter describes a conversation between Marshall and his dog Wadsworth after a crisis occurs.
“Come on Wads, get your things put together. We have to got a trip.”
“A trip? But aren’t we going to have to …”
“I’ll explain on the way, Wads. Grab your food and some toys and anything else you might need for a few days.”
Marshall ran up the stairs to the bedroom to repack his bag with new clothes. He yawned at the sight of his bed as he considered a five-minute nap, but flashing thoughts of enslavement by an alien robot made him decide against it.
But Marshall, toys won’t be good for a camping trip, and I don’t think we should go camping right now.
“We aren’t going camping. We’re going to the moon.”
Porter hopes that readers give his genre a try and enjoy the stories woven through the book to an ending that he didn’t originally include until both his wife and mother said he needed one that was more conclusive. Though it’s science fiction, there are undoubtedly broader messages about society and a “sink or swim together” attitude.
“The people that do read it, I hope they enjoy it and get something out of it, and maybe at least have some fun conversations for them, and a different way to think about the world,” he said.
When flags start to fade in color or, especially, when they become torn and tattered, they are no longer serviceable and should be replaced, said Jerry Diskin, post adjutant for the American Legion Botts-Fiorito Post #576 in Le Roy.
The proper way to retire a flag that is no longer serviceable, he said, is to burn it.
"Some people have a little concern about, 'why are you burning a flag? That's sacrilegious.' But it's the only proper way to dispose of an American flag, in a ceremonial burn.
The Legion, along with participating veterans organizations, held a ceremonial flag burning on Sunday afternoon at the Northwoods Sportsman's Club on Gulf Road in Le Roy.
Congress approved ceremonial flag burning as the proper way to dispose of old flags in 1949.
"No one wants to see a flag in a landfill or a garbage truck or anything like that," Diskin said. "Unfortunately, you do see that sometimes. We will try to advertise (the flag disposal), and we'll start gathering again right now for next year."
Diskin estimates that more than 3,000 flags, from small cemetery flags to giant flags that flew outside of corporate offices in Le Roy, were piled on the pyre at the sportsman's club.
Diskin encourages businesses and residents to regularly replace flags that have lost their glory.
"Look at the cost of a new flag -- $20, $30 for a three-by-five flag," he said. "It's not a huge investment, and you can get a very decent flag for that price."
Five bands and punk rock fans gathered at Pavilion #2 in the Genesee County Park & Forest on Sunday for the Second Annual Punk Picnic, which featured five bands from Genesee County and Buffalo.
The bands were Privatized Air, Cowboy Vampires, Election Day, Space Cowboys, and Bastard Bastard Bastard.
Free Beer performed Friday evening in Jackson Square, downtown Batavia Photo by Steve Ognibene
Continuing the Friday night concert series in downtown Batavia was the Free Beer band that performed for a good crowd to captivate some music lovers for family and friends in Jackson Square.
City of Batavia, NY Position: Full-time Building Maintenance Worker. Salary: $20.60 - $24.45/hour. The City of Batavia is accepting applications for one full-time Building Maintenance Worker. The work involves a variety of mechanical and other building maintenance tasks. Applicant must have a minimum of two years of full-time paid experience in general building construction or maintenance work, or an equivalent combination of training and experience indicating ability to perform the duties of the job. Civil Service applications may be obtained at City Hall in the Human Resource Department. Please send completed applications to Teri Dean, Employee Payroll/Insurance Clerk, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY, or via email to tdean@batavianewyork.com by September 20, 2024. Background check, psychological assessment, and physical/drug testing required. Candidate must become a resident of the County of Genesee or any adjacent town to the County of Genesee within 6 months of the date of conclusion of the probationary period for the City of Batavia. EEO
