Members of the Genesee Amateur Hockey Beginners celebrated Christmas during practice at Falleti Ice Arena on Monday night with a visit from Santa Claus, who led the 3- to 9-year-old hockey players on a skate around the rink. There are 75 players participating this year.

A man involved in the theft of more than $3,000 in battery cables from 50 busses in Oakfield in 2014 was recently located in Arizona, returned to Genesee County, and today entered a guilty plea to third-degree grand larceny.

The arrest of Jordan Prentice on the charge was not previously reported so not a lot information is available on the case.

In a brief email exchange today, Chief Deputy Jerry Brewster said Prentice was an accomplice of Jeremy Dean Lyons, who was indicted in 2014 on a count of criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd.

Prentice, Brewster said, "took off on us."

According to Brewster, Prentice removed copper wires from busses at Lutz Sales, 2051 Judge Road, Oakfield, on Aug. 25, 2014.

"These were thick, heavy copper battery cables that ran the entire length of the bus," Brewster said. "As you probably recall, copper prices were through the roof at the time."

As part of the plea agreement, Prentice won't receive a sentence greater than "shock probation," which means a time in jail and probation.

Assistant District Attorney Shirley Gorman did not oppose Prentice, who was in custody at the time of his hearing this morning, being released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Prentice, she said, has been living in Arizona for two years, has married, become a father, and has held a steady job.

While awaiting sentencing next month, he cannot leave Genesee County, however. He will be living with his parents in Oakfield.

Even though one of his co-defendants has already entered a guilty plea to attempted assault in the first degree, Anthony Spencer has decided to let a jury decide his fate in a trial for his alleged participation in a group assault on a man on East Main Street in July.

The attack, which included a beating and a knifing, nearly cost the victim his life.

Spencer today turned down a plea offer that would have capped his prison term at 10 years.

He is charged with assault in the first degree and gang assault.

Only Spencer, 26, and JW Hardy, 30, were identified as suspects in the attack, though police believe there were others involved, hence the gang assault charge, which requires at least three participants. The charge does not require actual gang affiliation. Police have not said whether they believe Spencer and Hardy are affiliated with a known gang.

Hardy entered a guilty plea last week to first-degree attempted assault. Spencer passed up the chance to plead to the same Class C felony.

Hardy is scheduled for sentencing Feb. 14. Jury selection in Spencer's trial is slated to begin March 5. Fred Rarick has been appointed to represent Spencer.

Officer Arick Perkins is credited with saving the victim's life.

"I wish Jason the best, but we can't waste any time (in finding a replacement) with all the projects we have going on." -- Eugene Jankowski, City Council president.

"Tompkins County's gain is our loss." -- Adam Tabelski, City Council member.

"He's coming over to the dark side!" -- Jay Gsell, Genesee County manager.

Those were the initial reactions from City of Batavia and Genesee County leaders to the news that Jason Molino, Batavia City manager for the past 11 years, has resigned to accept the position of Administrator for Tompkins County. Reports indicate that Molino will serve in his current post until the end of January, when he and his family will move to the Ithaca area.

(See press release from Tompkins County below).

Jankowski said he wishes Molino well, but admitted that he is "jealous of Tompkins County -- they're getting a good county manager."

He and Tableski credited Molino for creating Batavia's solid financial picture and for spearheading the many projects that have infused the city with federal and state money (specifically the $10 million DRI award) in recent years.

"I'm sad to see Jason leave; Tompkins County's gain is our loss," Tabelski said. "Jason has provided realiable leadership and continuity for over a decade, and is largely responsible for turning the finances around. It is readily apparent that he is respected inside the walls of City Hall, as he has done a great job of setting goals for the city and working collaboratively."

Both Jankowski and Tabelski said they weren't surprised by Molino's desire to advance -- the Tompkins County job comes with a much larger budget and hundreds more employees -- but would not say that stalled contract negotiations were the reason for his departure.

"I can only go by what Jason told me and he said that the last couple years were some of the best he ever had," Jankowski offered. "He never said, 'It's the way you treated me and I'm out of here.' I just think it is time for him to expand his wings."

As reported in The Batavian, Molino's salary of $93,782 was not increased by Council last month, but the two parties had been talking about a long-term contract. According to a story in the Ithaca Journal, the annual salary commanded by Tompkins County Administrators for a 40-hour workweek is $117,000. There is reason to believe that Molino's starting salary will be more than that.

Jankowski said that Council may put the search for an assistant manager on hold, instead ramping up its efforts to replace Molino.

"Speaking for myself, I think it may be best to hire a manager first, then wait until the new manager picks his or her assistant," he said. "Until then, the department heads can handle their own jobs. I've been through this before as a city employee, so we should be OK."

Jankowski said he also is "looking to the public to weigh in -- to let us know what our direction should be."

While joking that Molino is "coming over to the dark side," Gsell was serious when he said that Molino will "absolutely" do a great job for Tompkins County.

"Jason has been in New York State for a long time and he has experience in county government as an intern in Schenectady County," Gsell said. "Plus things are in good shape there (in Tompkins County), not like they were here when Jason came in."

Gsell said the biggest differences from city management to county administration focus on the social and human services programs, as well as Job Development, Office for the Aging, and overseeing a jail.

"Tompkins County has done a lot with consolidation under Joe Mareane, who was there for nine years and was well-respected," Gsell said. "Jason also has been involved with shared services, and this will help him."

Per Tompkins County's press release, Tompkins County began a national search for a new County Administrator in July, after former administrator Mareane announced his intent to retire. A diverse search committee comprised of county legislators, department heads, labor representatives, and community members narrowed a field of more than 20 applicants and conducted interviews. Three were recommended to the full County Legislature and were interviewed by all 14 members; new Legislators-elect observed and asked questions.

Molino could not be reached for comment this afternoon.

Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion has produced a bunch of perfect games and 800 series over the past few seasons, thanks to a commitment to reinvest into the lanes by proprietor Randy Hanks.

On Dec. 11, Hanks joined in on the fun by posting a 300 game in the Sneezy's Monday Night League en route to a 753 series, which was second to Curtis Foss; 760 for the night.

Hanks, a 51-year-old right-hander, used a Roto-Grip Uproar for games of 211-242-300. He now has three USBC-certified 300 games -- two at Bowl-A-Roll Lanes in Rochester and one at Oak Orchard Bowl, a center he has owned since 2006.

At Scopano's Lanes in Oakfield, righty Steve O'Dell stayed hot with a 300 game to cap a 778 effort in the County Line Stone League.

O'Dell, who had his eighth perfect game and 816 series in November, recorded 212-266-300, rolling the final 22 strikes with an IQ Tour Pro ball. He also had a 299 game recently in a league at Clarence Bowling Academy.

For all of the week's high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the page.

Watch for more local bowling news on Thursday in Mike Pettinella's Pin Points column.

(Sheriff's Office)

Submitted photos and press release:

Genesee County Employees from the Sheriff’s Office, Jail Division, Highway Department, Probation Department, Department of Motor Vehicles and County Clerk’s Office were among the many departments that donated food and cash for the Holiday Tote Project sponsored by the Batavia Kiwanis Club working in conjunction with the local Salvation Army and United Way.

The CSEA General Employees Unit donated $200 and the County Clerk’s Office held a “Dress Down for Charity” event to raise funds for the Tote Project. With these efforts and several generous personal donations County Employees collected more than $700 in cash and several hundred food items.

Batavia Kiwanis Club President, Matt Landers, was thrilled by the generosity exhibited by the Genesee County workforce.

“I’m amazed every year at the ability of the Genesee County employees to give more than the previous year!" Landers said. "The kindness of Genesee County employees is going to help make Christmas brighter for dozens of local families.”  

Highway Department

County Jail Division

Probation, Treasurer, DMV, Clerk's Office

Food donated at the County Building.

Submitted photo and press release:

During the last six seasons, the Pembroke High School Girls’ Basketball Team has focused on winning—not just league games, but the battle against breast cancer. It’s a cause that is personal to the team and their school district because of the number of faculty and community members who have been affected by the disease.

Yet according to Senior Captain, Olivia Kohorst, this year’s fundraiser -- 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 25, Pembroke vs. Oakfield-Alabama (at Pembroke) -- is particularly important as it marks the final season she will be able to play in the event.

“I was only in sixth grade when the first varsity team came up with the idea to host the first Shooting For A Cure! game in support of Toni Funke’s battle with breast cancer,” said senior Olivia Kohorst.

The team spent that inaugural season seeking support from the community and local businesses in hopes of funding research efforts at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) in honor of Mrs. Funke.

“I remember being on the PYA team at the time with my friends. A lot of us went to that first game and I remember wearing pink and that the gym was really crowded! As a young kid, to see our community come together the way they did in support of Mrs. Funke made a lasting impression on me. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of that, part of something bigger than just me playing basketball with my friends,” Kohorst said.

“This fundraiser means more to our team every season.  It gives us an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and it gives us greater purpose not only as student-athletes but as people. Cancer affects us all, my family included, and to be a part of a team that supports those fighting means more to me than I can express in words..

"Being a part of Shooting For A Cure! has affected me in such a positive way. Playing in this game was the highlight of each season I played basketball at Pembroke and I look forward to still being involved after I graduate.”

The 2017-2018 Shooting For A Cure! donors list numbers more than 70 merchants and individuals including ADPRO Sports, AdWorks, Batavia Country Club, Batavia’s Original Pizzeria, the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Bisons, Courage of Carly Foundation, Chef’s, Dave & Adam’s Card World, DuPont, Insty-Prints, M&T Bank, Original Pizza Logs, Pembroke Youth Association, Terry Hills, Yancey’s Fancy and the YMCA to name a few.

Many of the product donations will become game night auction baskets and raffle prizes. Monies will also be raised from apparel sales and food sales with the generous support of local pizzerias and vending companies. Additionally, the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation has revamped their online platform and developed a Team Roswell site.

Direct online donations are now being accepted in support of Shooting For A Cure! at: http://give.roswellpark.org/goto/ShootingForACurePGBB.

The team hopes Shooting For A Cure! will continue its tradition of topping the previous years’ fundraising total.

“All of the money raised that evening goes directly to support cancer research at Roswell Park,” sophomore Mackenna Johnson said. “Playing basketball for Pembroke is not just about trying to win games, it’s about giving back to the community and showing our support for those in need.

"My oldest sister Breanna and her teammates started Shooting For A Cure! back in 2011 in support of Mrs. Funke, and what they started has become one of the largest Team Roswell fundraising events. Last season, we raised over $20,000 in one night, it was amazing! Our community is so supportive and we truly can’t thank all of the volunteers and donors enough for all that they do to support this game."

Roswell Park has officially sanctioned Shooting For A Cure! as a Team Cure fundraiser and as a valuable example of the way that young people can make a difference. “We continue to be impressed by the Pembroke Girls’ Basketball Team each and every season. They push themselves, not only on the court, but off the court as well, going above and beyond for the benefit of others.

It’s inspirational to have a group of teens who are so passionate about raising funds for cancer research at Roswell Park.These girls continue to demonstrate an incredible amount of compassion,” said Alex Hoaglund, Team Roswell special events coordinator. “This team is special and their community is remarkable.

"Although the players may change each season, Shooting For A Cure! has remained constant, with the girls leading the charge for six consecutive seasons. To think that they’ve has raised over $60,000 in six seasons with this game is a testament to the benevolence of the entire Pembroke community as well as this special team.”

For more information go to:  Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/PemGBBPinkGame/

                                              Twitter, https://twitter.com/pemgbb_pinkgame

                                              Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/shooting4acure/

                                              Team Roswell, http://give.roswellpark.org/goto/ShootingForACurePGBB

ABOUT PEMBROKE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM: The Pembroke High School Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team is comprised of nine outstanding girls, ages 14 to 17. Their 2017-2018 captains are Olivia Kohorst, Sam Ianni, Mackenna Johnson, Mackenzie Jurek and Casey Wurtz. They are coached by Ron Funke. Team colors are green and black and their nickname is Dragons. The team began Shooting For A Cure! as an annual event in 2011, and they are committed to the hard work and dedication it will take to win the battle against breast cancer.

ABOUT ROSWELL PARK CANCER INSTITUTE: RPCI is among the first and only upstate New York facility to hold the National Cancer Institute designation of "comprehensive cancer center" and to serve as a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Many RPCI faculty serve on the NCCN panels that create the Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™ — the internationally recognized standards for clinical policy in oncology, and the most comprehensive, most frequently updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine.

The RCPI campus spans 25 acres in downtown Buffalo and consists of 15 buildings with about 1.6 million square feet of space. A new hospital building, completed in 1998, houses a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment center. In addition, the Institute built a new medical research complex and renovated existing education and research space to support its future growth and expansion. www.roswellpark.org.

(Photo: Dublin Castle in Ireland.)

Submitted photos and press release:

Genesee Community College is excited to announce the addition of a new study abroad opportunity to the 2018 10-week summer session course list. This program will consist of online course material and lecture and culminates in a 12-day trip to both Iceland and Ireland.

The faculty-led trip will integrate Digital Photography (PHO118) and Sociology (SOC102) into an educational and inspiring exploration to compare European and American cultures and social observations and capturing them through the lens of the camera. Exposure to the daily European life and the images they will document are invaluable learning tools for understanding cultural differences and creating a better future for themselves and others.

GCC faculty members Josephine Kearney, assistant professor of Sociology and Human Services and Heather Jones, associate professor of Fine Arts will guide the students during their excursion from June 19 through June 30 (exact travel dates may change). While traveling, they will visit many historic landmarks including The Book of Kells, Trinity College, Dublin Castle and Blue Lagoon. They will also get to witness the breathtaking volcanic landscapes and geo-thermal pools of the region.

"We look forward to another excellent summer traveling and exploring the Icelandic and Irish cultures on our journey," Jones said.

The trip costs $4,790 per participant and includes all flights and public transportation, hotel stays, breakfast and dinner each day and scheduled guided events. Tuition for the six college credits is not included and is to be paid separately. Financial Aid is available for eligible students for course tuition.

The trip is limited to 20 participants, so interested students or community members are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Additional information on the study abroad program is available at https://www.genesee.edu/home/academics/study-abroad/icelandireland/

"A study abroad experience transforms the lives of the students forever," Kearney added.

Applications are being accepted until March 31, 2018. To participate in the study abroad program, contact Associate Professor of Fine Arts Heather Jones at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6448, or via email: hjones@genesee.edu or Assistant Professor of Sociology & Human Services Josephine Kearney at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6344, or via email: jkearney@genesee.edu.

(Photo below: Blue Lagoon in Iceland.)

(Photo: Volunteers packed more than 100 food baskets and delivered them throughout the community during the weekend of Dec. 16.)

Submitted photos and press release:

Members of the Byron-Bergen Central School District’s learning community can always be counted on to provide assistance to neighbors in need during the holidays. For many years, district students, teachers, staff, and administrators have worked together with local partners to make the season happier for everyone in the Byron-Bergen area.

This year’s Holiday Community Service program collected toys and games, clothing items, rolls of wrapping paper, boxes for wrapping gifts, and more than 1,200 non-perishable food items.

In addition, close to $4,000 was donated by the faculty, staff, and others in our learning community to purchase gifts for district families in need. Many area businesses also helped out by “adopting” local families and individuals, providing special holiday gifts.

The district partnered with the local Hesperus Lodge No. 837 Free & Accepted Masons, where donated items were taken for sorting and packing. Organized by Dick Sands, the Masons, and employees from both the Byron-Bergen Elementary and Jr./Sr. High schools, Board of Education members, and community volunteers pitched in to help. More school volunteers help deliver over 100 food baskets and gifts before the holidays.

“The magic of this special season is the community spirit it inspires in so many of us,” said District Superintendent Mickey Edwards. “I am so proud of the generosity shown by all of our students and by everyone in our schools.”=

A big part of the program’s success this year was the contribution made by the Varsity Club Holiday Food Drive. Student athletes from the high school pulled together to collect more than 850 food items—a record amount.

The drive was organized by student officers Leah Thompson, president; MaKenzie Muoio, vice-president; Morgan Fuller, secretary and Lucas Stucchio, treasurer, and the hard work was provided by the girls and boys basketball and swim teams, and the cheerleading team. Team members pooled their competitive spirit to make the challenge more fun: it became a contest, won by the Cheer Team who collected more than 300 items.

Varsity team members from all three seasons of sport at Byron-Bergen perform community service throughout the school year, with projects like the annual Lift-a-thon, the Retro Apparel Sale, and the spring Blood Drive.

(Photo below: Varsity Club members with a few of the hundreds of donated items collected for the Holiday Food Drive.)

Submitted photo and press release:

Jason Molino, currently City Manager of the City of Batavia, has accepted Tompkins County’s offer of employment to become that County’s next County Administrator.

Molino’s selection is subject to formal appointment by the Tompkins County Legislature—that action scheduled for the Legislature’s Dec. 19^th meeting. The new administrator’s start date will be determined, once the appointment becomes official.

A credentialed local government management professional by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), with diversified experience in public administration, Molino has served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Fiscal Officer of the City of Batavia (Genesee County) since 2006, leading a city workforce of 130 (departments of Police, Fire, Public Works, Community/Economic Development, and Youth Bureau) and administering an annual operating budget of $25 million and a $25 million capital plan. From 2004 to 2006, he served as Assistant to the Village Manager for the Village of Port Chester, New York, where he assisted in projects and issues related to operations, personnel, labor negotiations, and public engagement.

Molino is also a veteran, having served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve for seven years, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class.

“We are very pleased to have Jason coming to join our team,” said Michael Lane, chair of the Tompkins County Legislature. “He brings with him a strong background in budgeting, labor relations, and management oversight; and has compiled a strong record of supervising a multi-department workforce, inter-municipal cooperation, and securing important grant funding for his community.

"Jason’s credentials are a great fit for county government and I know our residents and businesses will welcome him and work with him to keep our county moving forward on its course for success.”  

"I am truly honored to be given this opportunity to work for such a progressive community,” Molino said. “Tompkins County is recognized across the State of New York as a leader in government, and I’m looking forward to being part of this team. My family and I are eager to become members of the community and enjoy all that Tompkins County has to offer."

Molino holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, University of Albany, State University of New York and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Norwich University, Northfield, Vt. Molino is married with four children (ages 3, 5, 7, and 18) and currently resides in Batavia.

Tompkins County began a national search for a new County Administrator in July 2017, after former administrator Joe Mareane announced his intent to retire. A diverse search committee comprised of county legislators, department heads, labor representatives, and community members narrowed a field of more than 20 applicants and conducted interviews. Three were recommended to the full County Legislature and were interviewed by all 14 members; new Legislators-elect observed and asked questions.

The County Administrator is the chief executive officer of Tompkins County. The Administrator serves at the pleasure of the Legislature and is responsible for conveying the will of the Legislature to departments and representing the concerns of departments to the Legislature.

The Administrator is routinely charged with highly complex projects and challenging responsibilities, among them  development of the annual recommended County budget, appointment and supervision of non-elected department heads, ensuring that policies of the Legislature are followed, managing special projects of the Legislature, and representing the County Legislature at the state and local level.

Deputy County Administrator Paula Younger has served as Interim County Administrator since mid-November.

Joseph J. Cavico Jr., 49, of Albert Street, Rochester, is charged with assault, 3rd, menacing, 2nd, willful defacement of a weapon, and criminal possession of a weapon. Cavico is accused of striking a victim numerous times and threatening the victim with a pistol and knife. During the investigation by Le Roy PD, police located a .357-caliber pistol with its serial number removed. Cavico was jailed without bail. The investigation is ongoing.

Roberta A. Goodman, 50, of East Main Road, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Goodman was stopped by Le Roy PD at 12:48 p.m. June 20 following a complaint. Goodman allegedly failed to maintain her lane of travel and almost struck objects. Goodman was allegedly under the influence of prescribed medication.

Kimberly White, 28, of Wyoming Road, Wyoming County, is charged with petit larceny. White and an accomplice allegedly stole $319 of Hydroxycut supplements from Walgreens in Le Roy on May 16.

Shane E. Dann, 41, of Swan Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Dann was arrested on a City Court warrant. The charges were not released. 

Sean M. Haugh, 20, of North Main Street, Warsaw, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Haugh was arrested at the Wyoming County Jail and transported to Batavia City Court. Haugh was released after posting bail.

Rae C. Cook, 28, of Gilbert Street, Le Roy, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Cook is accused of punching a nurse while at UMMC's emergency room.

Kiara M. McCoy, 28, of Woodward Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, uninspected motor vehicle, and speeding. McCoy was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a traffic stop at 10:32 p.m. Friday on Walnut Street, Batavia, by Officer James Prusak.

Nikkia Marie Phillips, 31, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Phillips is accused of stealing merchandise from Walmart.

Anthony M. Strollo, 59, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with trespass. Strollo allegedly walked onto property on Wortendyke Road without permission at 2:45 p.m. on Thursday.

Kevin James Weber, 47, of Judge Road, Alabama, Alabama, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Weber allegedly threatened another person with a knife at 4:10 p.m. Thursday at a location on Judge Road, Alabama. He was ordered held on no bail and a full stay away order of protection was issued.

Jacklyn Maureen Ganzhorn, 30, of Genesee Street Road, Attica, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Ganzhorn allegedly struck another person at 10 p.m. Thursday at a location on Orangegrove Drive, Batavia.

There have been winter mornings in Le Roy when Myrtle Burrell couldn't even see down Wolcott Street from her crossing station at Main and Church, the snow was blowing so hard.

No matter the weather, for 34 years, with only a couple of days off, Burrell has been at her post helping children get across Main Street safely.

Even this morning, on the day of her 90th birthday.

It was no big deal, she said. "As I told my grandson, it's just two 45s."

The last time she missed a crossing guard shift, she said, was when her husband Roy passed away.

"I don’t believe in missing time unless something is really wrong," she said. "I guess I'm too dedicated."

She loves the kids, she said. And she doesn't let them mess around on her corner, she said. Once when some boys were acting up Burrell, who isn't much taller than many of the children she helps cross, told them they better watch it or she would karate chop them. And they said, "oh, right," so the next day she came back to the corner with a picture of herself from a karate class. That got the boys' attention.

Burrell started the job after being laid off when the Sylvania plant in Batavia closed. She went to a get-together at a friend's house and somebody mentioned working as a dispatcher and Burrell said, "that's something I'd like to do." 

The person told her to go see then-Police Chief Sam Steffenilla.

She did.

He hired her on the spot.

But then the crossing guard who worked Main and Church decided to quit. Steffenilla asked her if she wanted that job and she said she couldn't do both jobs, but agreed to give the crossing guard job a try.

"They showed me what to do and left me and I've been on my own ever since," she said.

A car has reportedly hit a tree in the area of 1059 Ledge Road, Alabama.

The initial report is minor injuries though the driver can't get out of the car.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

T.F. Brown's/Lions Club will once again host their annual Christmas Day Community Dinner, which is free and open to all members of the community who want to enjoy a full-course holiday dinner and a visit from Santa.

For Christmas Day, there are two seatings Christmas Day, at noon and at 1 p.m.

Children will be able to visit with Santa and receive a present.

For reservations, call Barb at (585) 345-1000. Barb will need to know how many people are attending and if children are attending, their names and ages.

The Holland Land Office Museum will host a presentation and book signing by David Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., author of "Emory Upton Misunderstood Reformer," at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12. The museum is located at 131 W. Main St., Batavia.

Admission is $5 per person, which helps support the HLOM Speaker Series. RSVP by Jan. 10^th due to limited seating.

Fitzpatrick is facility resident and professor of History at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Mich. He attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he was also a history instructor.

He has authored several military journal articles and published essays. His current work is one of the definitive texts on the life of Upton and his post-war contributions to reforming the Army.

In addition, a panel discussion with Fitzpatrick and local historians, will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13th, at the new Student Success Center, Room G200, Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia.

Discussion will focus on the various aspects of General Upton’s character and life. Free to the public. Hosted by the Holland Land Office Museum and GGC History Club.

For more information about the programs or purchasing his book contact:

Holland Land Office Museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com

Submitted photo and press release:

Anthony Angotti, president and owner of Beers of the World in Batavia (a business of Angotti Beverage Corp.) was honored Dec. 2 with the Star District Award by the Knights of Columbus.

Angotti is the only member in New York State to receive this recognition and one of only 18 members worldwide to achieve this designation.

The Star District Award goes to district deputies attaining 100 percent or more of their district’s membership and insurance quotas, and, in addition, at least one of their active councils must attain one of the levels of Star Council.

Anthony Angotti joined the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of the Genesee Council #4812 in April 1993. It was shortly thereafter he became Deputy Grand Knight and then Grand Knight for the same council. During his elected position as Grand Knight, fundraising for those in need were among many of Tony’s responsibilities.

In 1995, he took his 4^th degree and then became Navigator at the Bishop Kearney Assembly. He was assigned to guide the 4^th degree assembly for two years including fundraising for the Canandaigua VA Hospital. At that time, he also became a Knight of Columbus Color Guard and then went on to become Assistant Commander. The Color Guard’s presence is mainly known at the Greater Rochester International Airport during the arrivals of the Honor Flights. They also perform the Memorial Day and Veterans Day Missing Man Ceremony in Canandaigua.

Tony was elected to the position of Trustee, and then shortly thereafter was appointed the position of District Deputy which he has held since 2014. He oversees five councils within Monroe County including, Our Lady of the Genesee Council #4812 in Henrietta, St. Louis Council #15833 in Pittsford, Ascension Council at St. James #15638 in Irondequoit, St. Stanislaus Council #9326 in the City of Rochester, and St. John of Rochester Council #15917 in Fairport.

His duties include ensuring that all of the Councils have the proper paperwork for the Knights of Columbus State Office, fundraising for the VA hospitals and collecting money and goods for Coats for Kids. Tony also is a member of a group of Knights that purchases or refurbishes chalices to be given as gifts to newly ordained priests.

“After immigrating to the United States 62 years ago, we left our native land with nothing but what we could carry by hand on the boat and no money in our pockets," Angotti said. "I will never forget those that helped us when we arrived and because of that I will forever be grateful. I have a great appreciation for this land and the Veterans that have fought for our freedom.

"It has been such a pleasure being a part of an organization as the Knights of Columbus. My membership has afforded me the opportunity to repay my appreciation by helping those in need especially the veterans of the United States."

About the Knights of Columbus

With more than 1.8 million members, is the world’s largest lay Catholic fraternal service organization. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, its’ pastors and their community. The guiding principles of the order are: Charity; Unity; Fraternity; and, Patriotism.