Commonly Asked Workers’ Compensation Questions:

It was a big night for Notre Dame on Friday. Yes, the boys' basketball team won another post-season playoff game -- beating Jasper-Troupsburg 71-58 -- but it was also the night the Fighting Irish honored Hall of Fame Coach Mike Rapone for achieving his 700th career win in Lyndonville last week.

Rapone was honored in remarks by Principal Wade Bianco, lifelong friend, former principal, Joseph Scanlan, and former player Mike Redding.

In the game, Collin McCulley scored 23 points, Gabe Macdonald, 15, Mark Sanders, 12, and Ryan Fitzpatrick, 8. Sanders also had five steals, Macdonald had 14 rebounds and six assists. McCulley had seven rebounds.

For Jasper-Troupsburg, Brayden Hill scored 19 points, hitting four three-pointers, and Tyler Flint scored 12. 

Also on Friday in boys' basketball:

• Pembroke lost to Lyons 73-46.
• Byron-Bergen beat RACS 71-63.
• Alexander beat Clyde-Savannah 54-49.
• Oakfield-Alabama beat South Seneca 84-58.

Upcoming games:

• In Class D1, Notre Dame plays Genesee Valley at 8:15 p.m., March 2, at Mount Morris in a semifinal game.
• In Class D2, Elba plays tonight at 7 o'clock at Elba against Destiny.
• In Class C3, O-A plays York at 8:15 p.m., March 2 at Genesee Community College.
• In Class C2, Alexander plays either Perry or Cuba-Rushford at 8:15 p.m. March 2 and a location to be determined.
• Le Roy plays at 7 tonight at home against Wayland-Cohocton in Class B2.
• Batavia plays at 7 tonight at home against Newark in Class B1.

The Batavia High Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team’s season came to an end tonight at the hands of host Palmyra-Macedon, 58-48, in the quarterfinals of the Section 5 Class B1 Tournament.

The Lady Blue Devils battled back from a 15-point deficit to twice climb within six points in the fourth quarter, but were unable to overcome a shaky first half punctuated by foul trouble and the inability to keep the taller Lady Red Raiders from dominating inside.

Fifth-seeded Batavia finishes with a 14-8 record while No. 4 Pal-Mac advances to the next round with a 17-4 mark.

“We made a lot of mistakes. We didn’t get back (on defense),” Batavia Coach Marty Hein said. “We knew we had to press to try to wear them down, to get them into some foul trouble – which did happen, but we didn’t sprint back hard enough and gave up a lot of easy buckets because we just didn’t communicate.”

Hein also pointed to the foul situation, especially the fact that junior point guard Mackenzie Reigle had to sit all but 19 seconds of the second quarter after picking up her third foul.

“The idea was there, but obviously, we got into foul trouble ourselves,” he said. “Kenzie not playing for a whole quarter is not ever going to be a productive thing for us offensively. Actually, that hurt us offensively and defensively.”

Pal-Mac, behind senior forward Andra Savage’s 11 points, took a 29-18 lead into the locker room.

“We put up only 18 points in that first half, and Kenzie only played the first quarter and maybe 30 seconds of the second quarter,” Hein said. “That’s a killer for us.”

The home team upped the advantage to 43-28 late in the third quarter before hot-shooting junior guard Bryn Wormley led a Batavia rally that closed the gap to 45-36. Wormley had 10 of her game-high 25 points in the quarter.

Batavia employed a full-court press at the outset of the fourth quarter and cut the deficit to 45-39 on a free throw and bucket by senior forward Emma Krolczyk, who had all five of her points in the final frame.

The teams traded baskets until a three-point shot by Wormley – her sixth three-pointer of the game – pulled Batavia within 54-48 with 1:18 to play. That was as close as the Lady Devils got, however, as a layup by sophomore forward Ryley Trail and basket by junior guard Sophie Lyko sealed the victory for Pal-Mac.

Reigle, who fouled out in the closing seconds, ended up with six points (below her 15 ppg average) along with five rebounds and five assists, while sophomore guard Jaylene Dersham also had six points. Junior guards Kennedy Kolb and Tess Barone rounded out the scoring with 4 and 2, respectively.

Savage paced Pal-Mac with 17 points while senior guard Katherine Smyth added 12 and Lyke chipped in with 10.

Hein said he was impressed with the quality of the teams at the top of the Class B1. Entering Friday’s action, No. 1 Waterloo and No. 2 Dansville both were at 18-2, while No. 3 Livonia was at 16-4.

“We knew coming in with the teams that were left in the B1 Class, you needed a B-plus to an A performance every night that you were going to come out on the floor,” Hein said. “With the foul troubles and not getting back (on defense), we didn’t do that B-plus performance.”

Despite the loss, the coach said the season was a pleasurable one.

“Overall, I really love how all the girls were working together. It’s the tightest group that I’ve been with. They work together. It’s not just always about friendship; they care about each other on and off the court. It’s probably one of the best groups that I’ve enjoyed working with,” he said.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

From top to bottom -- Tess Barone battles for a rebound; Mackenzie Reigle drives to the hoop; Kennedy Kolb goes for a loose ball; Barone attempts a free throw as Jaylene Dursham looks on; Brym Wormley splits the defense for a shot.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley announced today that he has endorsed Sen. Chris Jacobs in the April 28 Special Election for U.S. Congress. Jacobs is running to serve the remainder of former Rep. Chris Collins’ term representing New York’s 27th Congressional District.

The district spans from the suburbs of Buffalo through the Finger Lakes and Canandaigua with Hawley’s hometown of Batavia sitting at the heart of the district.

“I am wholeheartedly endorsing Senator Jacobs to serve as our next Congressman,” Hawley said. “In an era highlighted by radical ideals and attacks on our values, we need a strong leader and proven legislator who will stand up for our beliefs here in Western New York.

"Senator Jacobs is a successful businessman with a proven track record of creating jobs and giving back to his neighbors philanthropically. I endorse Senator Jacobs in the April Special Election and am confident he will serve with honor and dignity as our next Congressman.”

UPDATE: The Chris Jacobs campaign also put out a press release that contained this statement:

“I am beyond honored and grateful to receive Assemblyman Hawley’s endorsement," Jacobs said. "It has been an honor serving beside him in the State Legislature and he has been a true conservative fighter for the people of Western New York.

"With his endorsement, I feel confident that we can usher in a new era of prosperity in our region and send strong conservative leadership to Washington."

Press release:

At the Feb. 26th Legislature meeting, County Manager Jay Gsell announced his plan to retire as of Aug. 14. He will have 27 years as county manager and a total of 45 years working in government.

In addition to announcing his retirement date, Gsell shared details of the succession plan, which includes Assistant County Manager Matthew Landers' appointment to the position of County Manager.

Upon earning his bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary, Gsell immediately went on to American University earning his Master of Public Administration degree.

In the late 1970s and through the 1980s, he served as assistant or city manager in the cities of Trenton, Norton Shores, Eau Claire, Winchester, Cumberland, and Marshalltown. In 1993, after rising to the top of 70 applicants from a national search, Gsell was appointed county manager by the Genesee County Legislature.

According to Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein, he has completely immersed himself in Genesee County, a place he and his wife, Ann Marie, call home.

“Jay wears many hats; county manager and budget officer, family man, member (and past president) of Rotary, United Way board member and chair of the county’s comprehensive plan committee to name a few,” Stein said.

The Legislature has met with Landers and look forward to a seamless transition.

Landers brings nearly 10 years of municipal experience beginning with a three-year stint as director of real property tax services before a promotion to deputy treasurer and in 2014 assistant county manager.

Matt and wife, Melissa, are lifelong Genesee County residents.

He attended The College at Brockport where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Public Administration. He’s an active member of Kiwanis Club, Leadership Genesee graduate and is a certified public accountant.

Landers can been seen coaching daughter Katie’s softball team or working on the fields at Lyons Park or pitching to son, Ben, at batting practice.

“We are well-positioned to maintain quality administration of our county and look forward to promoting homegrown Matt Landers to county manager,” Stein said.

CORRECTIONS: A source provided the following corrections to the press release: Landers has 16 years of municipal government experience.  He was deputy county treasurer from 2004 to 2014. During that time, he was also director of real property for three years.

A two-car accident with minor injuries that is blocking traffic is reported at Lewiston and Park roads in Batavia. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding, along with Mercy medics.

Top photo: Special guest Courtney Voos (center left) and Byron-Bergen Elementary School counselor Jenna Voos (center right) with Elementary School students at Dental Health presentation.

Submitted photos and press release:

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and Byron-Bergen Central School District finished strong with a special presentation from dental hygienist Courtney Voos.

She works at Caledonia Family Dentistry.

Voos described healthy teeth habits with Pre-K through second-grade students.

“How long should you brush your teeth? Does anyone know?” Voos asked. “Two minutes. In two minutes you can brush all of your teeth. The tops, bottoms, insides and outsides.”

Voos also talked about healthy snacks, special treats, flossing, and what happens if you get a cavity. She then asked the students if they had any questions. One student asked why people are not supposed to swallow toothpaste.

Voos explained, “Toothpaste has something in it called fluoride. Fluoride is really good for your teeth, but is isn’t so good for your tummy. If you swallow a little toothpaste when you brush, it’s not really a big deal, but if you ate a lot, you would get an upset stomach.”

“I wanted to become a dental hygienist because I loved going to the dentist as a kid,” said Voos. “I still love going to the dentist and I love helping people clean their teeth so they can have awesome teeth, too.”

“The really important thing is to make sure you go to the dentist two times a year,” said Voos. “Remember, you don’t have to brush all of your teeth, just the ones you want to keep!”

Bottom two photos:Dental hygienist Courtney Voos gives dental health presentation at Byron-Bergen Elementary School.

If, as Ben Franklin so wisely stated, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” then the Prevention Department at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse is a heavyweight in the effort to keep young and old alike from the ever-present dangers of alcohol and drugs.

“We offer cradle-to-grave services, from in-school programs to moms who are pregnant to seniors dealing with prescription drug management,” said Sherri Bensley, GCASA’s assistant director of prevention. “Our philosophy is based on prevention science – programs that are research-based, data-driven and outcome-focused.”

Bensley, a Medina resident with 15 years of prevention education experience under her belt, outlined the various services provided by the GCASA Prevention team, a group of seven educators and a secretary that serves Genesee and Orleans counties.

And she is quick to express her appreciation for the employees she supervises.

“Our collaboration is fantastic,” she said. “Really, it’s the best prevention staff in the world. They are passionate about their work and are good at what they do.”

And that dedication is fueled by the commitment that Bensley has made as a GCASA employee -- starting as a prevention educator in Orleans County, coordinator of the highly successful Responsible Server Training and Children of Addiction programs, and assistant director for two years in Orleans before being promoted to her current position.

“I’m motivated by the opportunity to help a young person or family stay clear of the problems caused by alcohol, tobacco and drug use and, beyond that, playing a role – whether big or small – in seeing people break free from substance use or addiction,” she said.

Toward that end, Bensley pointed to around a dozen different programs that GCASA offers.

Too Good for Drugs and Too Good for Violence target elementary and middle school pupils; SPORT, a one-on-one classroom initiative, focuses upon high school students’ overall wellness.

Teen Intervene is a fee-based program that assists school teachers and administrators in getting youth back on track after problems arise due to alcohol and drug use, and Active Parenting Now and Active Parenting for Teens help parents cope and manage difficult situations.

Other Prevention programs include the following:

-- Accountability Circles: Based on restorative justice principles, this program serves youth who are ticketed for underage drinking or break their school’s code of conduct. They provide education regarding the dangers of drinking and drug use, as well as allow participants to hear community members explain how they are affected by underage substance use.

-- Children of Addictions Support Group: A free program for children ages 6-16 whose lives have been hindered by a family member’s or caretaker’s use of alcohol or other drugs. Participants attend sessions over six weeks aimed to helping them develop healthy coping skills and understand the disease of addiction.

-- DWI Victim Impact Panel: Open to anyone convicted of DWI offenses in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties, fee-for-service VIP sessions feature volunteer speakers who address the consequences of what happens when people drink alcohol and get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

-- Responsible Server Training: This is a three-hour fee-for-service class, certified by the New York State Liquor Authority that educates employees of bars, restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor stores and other establishments that sell or serve alcoholic beverages.

“We have been offering this for quite some time and have trained hundreds of employees all across the state,” Bensley said. “Owners of establishments that sell or serve alcohol understand the severity of serving to a minor or serving someone who is visibly intoxicated.”

GCASA’s Prevention staff also promotes several “environmental strategies” that are designed to reach the community as a whole, instead of centering upon individuals. These include the Underage Drinking Tipline (1-800-851-1932), Project Sticker Shock (putting warning labels on cases of beer, for example) and placing Red Ribbon Week literature in schools and banners along city streets.

Currently, GCASA has contracts with seven schools – Batavia, Byron-Bergen, Oakfield-Alabama, Notre Dame/St. Joseph’s, Le Roy, Medina and Lyndonville – and “are always looking to join forces with more schools,” Bensley said.

Regardless of its contract status, GCASA conducts Prevention Needs Assessment surveys in all Genesee County schools and in four Orleans County schools every two years in an attempt to gauge the incidence and prevalence of alcohol, drug and tobacco use among students.

“The PNA survey is an evidence-based endeavor, and we keep track of the results for several years,” Bensley explained. “We also encourage feedback and set up focus groups as required by the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

GCASA’s Prevention department has expanded its services in recent years to deal with the heroin epidemic, starting a free opioid overdose prevention training to help people learn to recognize signs of an opioid overdose, understand steps to be taken to prevent death, and learn how to administer naloxone (NARCAN training) to reverse an opioid overdose.

While Bensley touts her staff’s commitment as the key to numerous success stories, she said one of the biggest challenges is making the public aware that “we’re out there – that we’re on the second floor (of the GCASA campus at 430 E. Main St.)” as well as having a distinct presence at the Albion office, in several school districts and throughout the community.

“That, along with funding and parental involvement, is one of the hardest hurdles,” she said. “Educating parents is sometimes very difficult, because they’re busy. But the most dangerous thing is when a parent says, ‘Not my kid.’ For every parent who says that, there’s a kid who is struggling.”

For more information about GCASA’s Prevention services, contact Bensley at 585-331-8742 or send an email to sbensley@gcasa.org.

Photo at top:

GCASA PREVENTION TEAM: Assistant Director of Prevention Sherri Bensley (middle) is surrounded by her team at GCASA, from left, Diana Fulcomer, Communications & Development Director Shannon Ford, Christen Ferraro, Carol Nicometo, Kristen Gombos, Diane Klos, Sheila Harding and Elizabeth Novak.

Disclosure: Story by Mike Pettinella, GCASA publicist.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I), congressional candidate Chris Jacobs (NY-27), and State Senate candidate Ed Rath (61st SD) will join a host of local Republican candidates and members of the public on Saturday, Feb. 29, at the Dibble Center in Batavia from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. to kick-off campaign season 2020 and continue petition drive efforts.

All are invited to attend.

Dibble Family Center is located at 4120 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

Press release:

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has granted Upstate New York counties devastated by the Halloween storm last year, $9,200,000 in federal funding through the Emergency Relief (ER) program.

The $9.2 million will go toward repairing roads and highways in Upstate New York, both of which were seriously damaged during the flooding, including those in the NY-27 Congressional District.

“This grant is good news for everyone in Upstate New York," Schumer said. "Last Halloween, our state, from one corner to the other, saw severe damaged after being ravaged by heavy rain, flooding, and tempestuous winds.

"This federal aid will finally begin the process of healing and recovery for these Upstate communities and ease the burden of natural disasters on New York taxpayers."

Senator Gillibrand said: “I’m grateful we could deliver federal aid to communities across Upstate New York that are still suffering from the extensive damage caused by the Halloween storms. This grant is an important first step in ensuring these communities get the resources they need to rebuild.”

During the Halloween storm, 12 counties received at least 3 inches of rain, which is nearly a month’s worth in most Upstate areas, and 27 counties received flood warnings and flash flood warnings.

Furthermore, winds blew between 60 and 70 miles per hour, knocking down countless trees, destroying private property and leaving hundreds of thousands of Upstate New Yorkers without power.

In the Mohawk Valley, hundreds of residents were evacuated and many properties remain uninhabitable. The storm even tragically took the life of a priest, Father Tom Connery, in Herkimer County, who was trapped in his vehicle during one of the flash floods.

In Western New York, floodwaters and wind caused millions in damage across the Lakes Erie and Ontario shorelines.

Schumer and Gillibrand have long advocated for federal recognition of the disaster and called repeatedly for funding to begin repairs. The DOT funding will go toward the 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, and 27 Congressional districts.

Press release:

Tops Friendly Markets, which has more than three quarters of its stores in New York State, is a couple of days away from no longer providing plastic bags to its shoppers due to newly passed legislation banning the use of plastic bags.

While Tops has been providing its shoppers with a wide variety of bags for its shoppers to choose from, from jute and reusable to canvas and paper, long before the plastic bag ban was a glimmer in anyone’s eye, the locally owned and operated grocer felt it was important to educate its customers on the environmental impact of the new legislation set to take effect March 1.

“At Tops, social responsibility and sustainability have always been at the core of the company’s mission, said Kathy Sautter, public and media relations manager for Tops Friendly markets. “Tops upholds standards that ensure that we reduce environmental waste and energy consumption while providing our customers with sustainably sourced, high-quality products.

"But being responsible environmental corporate citizens goes beyond the products on the shelves or even the actions we take behind the scenes. It’s about the education we provide our customers and that’s why we’ve chosen to partner with our local municipalities to better inform our consumers about the impact the NYS plastic bag ban will have on the environment to help you, the consumer better understand the changes at hand.”   

To learn more about Tops environmental efforts please visit www.topsmarkets.com/sustainability.

Batavia City Council President Eugene Jankowski released a budget message video on social media today.

Genesee Community College's History Club is proud to welcome Jeffery Glodzik, Ph.D., associate professor of History at D'Youville College, on Wednesday, March 11, at 7 p.m. to present "Erasmus: The Most Important Figure in the Reformation Era?".

The famous Dutch humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam played perhaps the most important role in the intellectual world and the religious conflicts in the 16th century.

His satirical critiques of Catholicism opened the door for more pointed criticisms and the allowed for the challenges taken up by Luther. His disagreements with Luther after the onset of Reformation solidified the differences between Catholic and Protestant and ultimately made permanent the division in Western Christianity.

The show begins at 7 p.m. in room T102 of the Conable Technology Building on GCC's Batavia Campus and is free and open to the public. All are invited to attend.

Press release:

On Thursday, March 26, the City of Batavia and Genesee County Youth Boards will sponsor their 24^th annual Youth Recognition Dinner at Terry Hills Restaurant & Banquet Facility.

Twenty young people will be honored for their commitment to community service and/or their impressive role in their family. Additionally, the dinner will recognize two adult youth workers and an adult youth volunteer.

The following young people will be recognized for their outstanding service in the community and/or family: Amanda Bergman, Justine Bloom, Shannon Breton, Sydney Brown, Emily Cerefin, Elizabeth Clark, Ally Flint, Tate Fonda, Luke Geiger, Sally LaDuke, Julie Muntz, Eva Rhoads, Kelsey Schlagenhauf, Donovan Sherman, Madaline Spencer, Montana Weidman, Lily Whiting, Isabella Wilder, Rachael Wight and Maxwell Whalen.

Maria Casper is receiving the Adult Youth Worker Award from her position at Elba Central School. Casper goes above and beyond her job requirements to do whatever she can do for her students. Michael Wilson is receiving the Adult Youth Volunteer Award for his extensive time spent organizing and making “Shooting for a Cure” a huge success.

Registration and refreshments will begin at 5 p.m. The program and dinner will commence at 6 p.m. Seating is limited.

If you are interested in attending the banquet, contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau at (585) 344-3960 no later than March 11^th.

Closures and cancellations for today:

• Pavilion Central School
• Classic Optical

Earlier this week, The Batavian asked Batavia City Manager Martin Moore to explain the $700,000 shortfall in the 2020-21 budget, considering that the loss of VLT (video lottery terminal) funds from Batavia Downs Gaming amounted to much less than that at $440,789.

The current budget proposal calls for a 7.48 percent property tax increase to City residents and has City Council considering a vote to override the state's 2 percent tax cap at its March 9 meeting.

Prior to Councll learning about Gov. Andrew Cuomo's intention to take the VLT money from municipalities and include it in the state budget, Moore's budget called for a 0.97 percent tax hike.

Moore sent back the following email in Q&A form on Thursday evening:

Q. How short are the City’s revenues compared to its expenses?

A. $700,000 (This figure is rounded. The actual amount is $698,329).

Q. Why $698,329? I thought the amount of VLT funds the State is trying to take is $440,000.

A. The City is facing two (2) hits to its revenue:

-- The loss of VLT funds: $440,789.

-- A reduction in the use of unassigned funds (Workers’ Compensation unassigned funds): $257,540.

-- Total shortfall: $698,329 

Q. What are unassigned funds?

A. Unassigned funds: Funds in City accounts that are not approved for use in the budget, but are still accounted for. Unassigned funds are monies left over after a previous fiscal year(s), that are either kept in reserve to pay for cost overruns in the next year or are used to pay for capital improvements, replenish reserves, or to balance the budget.

Q. How many years has the City been using unassigned funds to balance the budget?

A. I have verified the use of unassigned funds for the use for at least the past eight (8) years.

Q. What is the original amount of unassigned funds that the City Manager was asking approval to use in the General fund budget?

A. In order to avoid overriding the tax cap, the City Manager originally recommended that the City use $741,640 of uncommitted funds. These funds would have come from:

-- $259,100 of General unassigned funds;

-- $225,000 of Water unassigned funds;

 -- $257,540 of Workers’ Compensation unassigned funds.

Q. Why is the City reducing its use of unassigned funds by $257,540?

A. The City of Batavia is self-insured with both our Workers’ Compensation and Health Insurance programs. As a result, major illnesses or accidents can require the City to pay for claims out of City funds. While this is less expensive than buying prepackaged insurance, it does require the City of Batavia to maintain a reserve of funds in the case a major illness or accident happens during the fiscal year. 

With the City being hit by the loss of VLT revenue, it is highly important to avoid any more cuts to other General Fund programs should we be hit with a large worker’s compensation claim(s). Therefore, I have strongly recommended that we leave the Workers’ Compensation funds alone and not use them.