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Two Batavia residents arrested on weapons and drug charges

By Howard B. Owens
Herbert Gennis Cecilia Rodriquez

Two Batavia residents were arrested yesterday on weapons and drug charges following an investigation by the Local  Drug Task Force in drug sales in the City of Batavia.

The charges were filed following the execution of a search warrant on Aug. 16

Taken in custody yesterday were Cecilia Tina Rodriquez, 32, and Herbert Bernard Gennis, III, 28, both of Raymond Avenue.

Rodriquez is charged with:

  • Criminal nuisance 1st, a Class E felony
  • Conspiracy 4th, a Class E felony
  • Criminal possession of a weapon 4th
  • Criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th
  • Two counts of criminal using drug paraphernalia
  • Endangering the welfare of a child.

Gennis is  charged with:

  • Criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, a Class  D felony
  • Criminal nuisance 1st, a Class E  felony
  • Conspiracy 4th, a  Class E felony
  • Criminal  possession of a controlled substance 7th
  • Two counts of criminal using drug paraphernalia 2nd
  • Endangering the welfare of a child.

Both were arraigned in City Court. Rodriquez was released on an appearance ticket. Gennis was released on his own recognizance.

McGowan Insurance Agency opens in City Centre

By Howard B. Owens

Information and photo submitted by the Chamber of Commerce. 

Local businessman John McGowan, Jr. recently completed the purchase and renovation of a space in Batavia City Centre.

The location was ideal,  McGowan said, because it is central to the city and the people he will be servicing. He was also attracted by the low cost of purchasing and renovating the space.

 

Firefighters raising money to buy winter coats for local children

By Press Release

Press release:

Everyone knows that Western New York winters can be long, snowy and brutally cold. Can you imagine being a child trying to get to and from school in these conditions and not having a warm coat to wear?

The City of Batavia Firefighters Local 896 is once again teaming up with Operation Warm to provide winter coats to children in our community. Local 896 has partnered with Batavia Downs raising money to purchase brand new American made winter coats so children can comfortably and confidently get to school this winter.

In the past Local 896 has donated more than 300 coats through Operation Warm. Our goal this year is to raise enough funds to purchase 300 coats. City firefighters will coordinate with Batavia Community Schools and distribute coats in the coming months.

To donate easily and securely please visit:

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/operation-warm-inc/team-up-with-city-of-batavia-firefighters?fbclid=IwAR3lcxk0tMnKQQ94zKuf74S1YQKXBDt7YslkKcwWCknXrHmigUo8C8KBAfQ

Thank you for your continued support.

Law and Order: Recently released sex offender accused of rape

By Howard B. Owens
Jon Magliocco

Jon T. Magliocco, 44,  of  Batavia, is charged with rape  3rd, criminal sexual act 3rd, and criminal sexual act 1st. Magliocco was released from prison on Aug. 2nd as a Level 3  sex offender. On Aug. 16,  two people reported being raped by Magliocco. The first incident allegedly occurred sometime between Aug. 10 and 11 at a residence on  Mill  Street. The second incident allegedly occurred between Aug.  14 and 15 at the same location. Magliocco was arrested after an investigation by Det. Jason Ivison and Officer Jason Waldron. Magliocco is being held at the Genesee County Jail.

William A.  Nichols, Jr., 28, of Medina, was arrested by Medina  PD and turned over to Batavia PD on a warrant for alleged failure to appear in court as directed. He was arraigned in City Court. His current status was not released.

Michael J. Robbins, 61, of Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 4th and conspiracy 5th. Robbins is accused of stealing property from a business on East Main Street, Batavia, on July 31. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Earnest J. Reese, 74, of Batavia, is charged with DWI,  driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Reese was stopped at 9:24 p.m., Saturday, on Bank Street in Batavia by Officer Peter Post.  Reese's vehicle allegedly struck a parked car.  Reese was issued an appearance ticket.

Cassandra F. Smith,  35, of York, was arrested on a warrant. Smith allegedly failed to appear in court on charges related to thefts from a  cemetery on  Harvester Avenue on  Aug. 16. Smith was processed at the jail and released.

A 16-year-old was arrested on a charge of harassment 2nd. The youth is accused of pushing and punching another juvenile during a fit. The youth was issued an appearance ticket.

Aaron J. McFollins, 42, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. McFollins was stopped by a Batavia PD officer on Sept. 16 on East Main Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Leslie R. Parris, 38, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Parris was stopped at 4:53 a.m., Sept. 19, on Dellinger Avenue  by a Batavia police officer. Parris was issued an appearance ticket.

Adele J. Feeley, 20, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, an open container, and speeding. Feeley was stopped at 10:46 p.m., Sept. 24, on West Main Street, Batavia, by a Batavia police officer. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Stephanie L. Coley, 39, of Brockport, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. At 1:58 a.m., Sept. 24, a Batavia police officer reportedly found Coley sleeping in the driver's seat of her vehicle at a location on Oak Street. She was allegedly found in possession of a crack pipe and several small bags containing an unknown white powder. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Mandy L. Miller, 41, of Batavia, is charged with arson 2nd and criminal mischief.  Miller is accused of setting fire to a carpet and a door at a residence on North Spruce Street on Sept. 25 during a dispute. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jeremy G. Ives, 46, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Ives is accused of damaging a residence on Highland Park, Batavia, on Sept. 26. He as issued an appearance ticket.

Kimberly J. Pol, 33, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to use a turn signal. Pol was stopped at 10:12 p.m., Sept. 26, in Batavia by a Batavia police officer. Pol was issued an appearance ticket.

Christopher C. Taylor, 21, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Taylor allegedly made threats to burn down a house in violation of an order of protection. He was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Myron D. Dupler, 74, of Batavia, is charged with public lewdness.  Dupler is accused of masturbating with his penis out of his pants while at the corner of State Street and Washington Avenue at 8:12 a.m., Sept. 27. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Rae C. Cook, 32, of Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd and criminal possession of a weapon. Cook is accused of stepping another person in the neck with a knife during an argument at 10:28 p.m.,  Oct. 2, at a location on Fisher Park, Batavia. Cook was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

Marcos Velazquez, 18, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Valazquez allegedly smashed out several windows of a vehicle on Wood Street at 2:11 p.m., Sunday. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jessica B. Eschenlauer, 32, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Eschenlauer is accused of striking a person with a wooden kitchen spoon during an argument at a residence on Eleanor Place at 9:30  p.m., Monday. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jery Riley III, 43, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Riley allegedly damaged a door inside a residence on Manhattan Avenue during an argument at 4:19 p.m., Monday. He was released on his own recognizance. 

A 17-year-old is charged with harassment 2nd. The youth allegedly threatened another person with physical harm during an argument on Wednesday at a location on Hutchins Place, Batavia. He was released on his own recognizance. 

James Lee Thomas, Jr., 47, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent person. Thomas allegedly struck a mentally disabled minor multiple times causing pain. He was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and released on his own recognizance.

Daniel Jonathan Eastridge, 26, of  Woodstock Gardens Apartments, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08  or greater, speeding, moving from lane unsafely, and driving left of pavement markings. Eastridge was stopped at 6:03 p.m., Saturday, on Telephone Road, Pavilion, by Deputy Jordan Alejandro.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jayson Lee Chamberlain, 37, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with burglary 3rd and petit larceny. Chamberlain is accused of stealing property from a barn on Fisher Road, Oakfield, at 10:55 p.m., Oct. 7. He was arraigned in Oakfield Town Park and released on his own recognizance. 

Jessica J. Stocum, 44, of Batavia, is charged with assault, endangering an incompetent person, endangering an adult, criminal possession of a weapon. Stocum was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 3:19 a.m., Sunday, in the Town of Batavia. She was ordered held on $10,000 bail.  No further details released.

Cynthia M. Stewart, 40, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Stewart was arrested by State Police in connection with a theft reported at 1:41 p.m., Oct., in the Town of Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket. No further details released.

Matthew J. Zon, 40, of South Byron, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, criminal mischief 4th, and criminal contempt 1st. Zon was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 5:24 p.m., Oct. 4, in the Town of Byron. He was ordered held on bail. No further details released.

HFL edges Batavia in a battle of two top Class B state ranked teams 27-26

By Howard B. Owens

The Blue Devils suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of #1 ranked Honeoye Falls Lima, 27 to 26.

Batavia is now 5-1 and HFL is 6-0. Both are in Class B in Section V and could meet again in the post-season.

Jesse Reinhart was 14-10 passing for 123 yards and a TD.  He also ran for 68 yards on eight carries.

Aidan Anderson gained 162 yards on 12 carries and scored twice. 

Javin McFollins had three receptions for 91 yards and a TD.  Carter McFollins gained 31 yards on five catches.

Kaden Marucci had 13 tackles and an interception. Vincent Arroyo had eight tackles, Matt McWethhy, seven, and Javin McFollins, seven along with a fumble recovery.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Local law enforcement looking for man missing from nursing home

By Press Release

Press release:

The Batavia Police department is looking for 64-year-old Michael C. Jackson who left the Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing facility located at 257 State St. He was last seen at approximately 5:30 pm, wearing a red sweatsuit. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Batavia Police Department at 345-6350.

 

 

 

Photo By Howard Owens: Helicopter searching the Thruway corridor in Batavia.

Photos: Fire Safety Week at Jackson Primary

By Howard B. Owens

It's Fire Prevention Week at Jackson Primary with students learning about fire safety, including fire drills, kitchen safety, fire alarms, and stop, drop  and roll.

Captain Greg Ireland, Batavia Fire, has made instructional videos for the children.

Today, the fire department visited the school. Other activities include a coloring contest, a get "spotted" making good choices contest (the winners get a  ride in the fire truck), and a list of fire safety rules to discuss at home.

Batavia Peace Garden to hold Fall Festival basket raffle Oct. 23

By Press Release

Press release:

Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden prepare for their annual Basket Raffle fundraiser to be held on Saturday, October 23rd during the FALL FESTIVAL sponsored by All Babies Cherished.  The event with taking place at the Batavia City Center.  All proceeds from the Basket Raffle will benefit the Batavia Peace Garden.  Barb Toal, President of the Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden “we have assembled a fantastic line up of over sixty gifts and gift baskets just in time for the holidays.  There is something for everyone.  Many unique gifts, multi-generational, designer handbags, artwork, jewelry, pet friendly, handmade & seasonal, toys, and fine collectibles.  The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is free.  There will be more than 70 vendors present throughout the mall.  The festival will feature food and entertainment.  Bring the whole family.”

Submitted Photo: Dona Tiberio, Barb Toal, Ida Monachino, Berneds Scoins, Louise Wallace, Carol Grosso, MaryJo Dumuhosky, Dianna Bogue, Paula Savage

Richmond Memorial Library to launch third year of 'Richmond Reads'

By Press Release

Press release:

Now in its third year, Richmond Reads is the community one-book program for the Richmond Memorial Library community. Meant to bring the community together through a shared reading experience, this year’s selection is The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin.

The 2021 Richmond Reads program is in full swing with a busy schedule of events and discussions centered on this year’s selection. A story of hope, found family and reconciliation, The Music of Bees is Eileen Garvin’s first novel and was published in April of 2021.  When three strangers find themselves thrown together by chance on a honeybee farm, they discover more than they ever expected- in the bees and in each other.

Copies of the book can be borrowed through Richmond Memorial Library or accessed through the library’s OverDrive app as an eBook or audiobook. Copies are also available to purchase at the library for $15, cash or check.

Programs and events:

The Music of Bees Book Discussions- Wednesday, October 13 at 9 am,  Saturday, October 16 at 10 am  or Monday, October 18 at 6:30 pm: Join us for a discussion of The Music of Bees!  The only requirement to attend a book discussion is to read the book! All discussions will take place at the library. No registration required.

Richmond Reads Reel Discussions- Thursday, October 14 at 6 pm:  Join us at the library for a screening of The Vanishing of the Bees (2009), followed by a discussion. This documentary “takes a piercing investigative look at the economic, political and ecological implications of the worldwide disappearance of the honeybee.” (imdb.com) No registration is required.

Virtual Author Visit! Thursday, October 21 at 7 pm: Author Eileen Garvin will visit from Oregon via Zoom. She will present a book talk and answer questions! Those who are unable to access Zoom from home are invited to watch the program at the library. Please register for either viewing option by calling 585-343-9550 x3 or at batavialibrary.org. Three winners will be randomly chosen from registered attendees to win a signed copy of the book! Winners or a representative must be able to pick up their prize from the library. Registration is required.

Richmond Reads Review Contest: Write a review of The Music of Bees for a chance to win a copy of the book signed by the author and $50 to a local restaurant! All rules, information, and the review form can be found at batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads or at the reference desk at the library. Firm submission deadline: Monday, October 18 at 5 pm. Submissions will be reviewed anonymously by the Richmond Reads Committee and two winners will be chosen. Winners or a representative must be able to pick up their prize from the library.

Richmond Reads is sponsored by The Friends of Richmond Memorial Library.  For more, visit batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads. Questions about the program can be directed to Community and Adult Services Librarian and Richmond Reads coordinator Samantha Basile at 585-343-9550 x8.

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St in the city of Batavia. For more events and information, visit batavialibrary.org or find us on Facebook at Richmond Memorial Library or Instagram @batavialibrary.

Man accused of raping teen in Batavia in 2000

By Press Release

Press release:

Roger K. Brinkman was arrested for the above-listed charges. In the year 2000, Brinkman allegedly forcibly raped a female who was (a young teenager) at the time of the alleged crime. Brinkman was arraigned before Judge Rogers at Batavia City Court and held on $50,000 A, $100,000 B, $300,000 partially secured bond. 

BID charged up over new EV stations in Downtown Batavia

By Press Release

Press  release:

City of Batavia officials and community leaders were joined by leaders from National Grid to commemorate the installation of four new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The stations were made possible through National Grid’s Make-Ready Electric Vehicle program, which funds electricity infrastructure costs associated with new EV charging stations for its upstate electric business customers.

For the Batavia stations – two located at Mancuso Bowling Center, 214 East Main St. and two at The City Church, 210 E. Main St. – National Grid’s program covered more than 90 percent of the infrastructure costs to install the stations.

“The Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District Board of Directors was excited to pursue this project and are thrilled to see four EV charging locations within our downtown,” said Beth Kemp, executive director, Batavia Business Improvement District (BID). “We would not have been able to move forward with these progressive additions to our downtown without the assistance of National Grid, NYSERDA, Rick Mancuso, and Marty Macdonald. Thank you to all partners involved.”

“Electric vehicle adoption is on the rise in New York State, and EV charging stations are a great way to attract employees, and also a great way to attract and retain new customers,” said Paul Gister, customer and community engagement manager, National Grid, who added that the stations have become more popular among landlords seeking to attract and retain tenants, as well as helping New York State achieve its energy targets by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

National Grid’s EV charging program is available for businesses, multi-unit residential buildings and retail stores, as well as parks and vacation destinations.  The company also offers a program for companies looking to electrify their fleets, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and meet the de-carbonization goals of the states where the utility operates.

“These programs include incentives for customers who have an eye on the future, who support clean energy initiatives, and are providing a necessity for the vehicles that will take us there,” Gister said. “Initiatives like these are at the heart of how we collaborate with customers and significantly impact our communities and community partners. These kinds of collaborations are central to our Project C initiative, which was created to inspire change and create a more equitable future for our customers and communities.”

Added Rick Mancuso, owner of Mancuso Bowling Center and TF Brown’s Restaurant, “We were presented with an opportunity to provide EV charging stations through programs offered by National Grid and NYSERDA through the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District. We believe that with the increase of electric car sales there will be a need for stations and at the same time, these stations will drive traffic to the downtown area as well as the surrounding businesses. We’d like to thank Beth Kemp and the BID for their support of not only this project but also, all that the organization does for the Batavia Business Improvement District.”

“The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is proud to promote, support, and connect our local business and tourism communities. We believe passionately in collaborations that enhance our abilities to live, work and play in Genesee County,” said Erik Fix, president, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. “We are grateful for our partnership with National Grid and the BID and appreciate them working together to bring EV Car Charging Stations to downtown Batavia. Congratulations to both organizations and thank you to National Grid for continuing to invest in our community!”

Photos by Howard Owens

Donations sought at Friday's Blue Devils game for community closet

By Press Release

Press release:

This Friday, October 8th, the Batavia Football players, Boosters and Community Schools will join together in a Hygiene and Food Drive at VanDetta Stadium prior to the BHS football game.  The Batavia Blue Devils play Honeoye-Falls Lima at 7 pm.   Help support your community by bringing donations for the Family and Community Engagement Center’s Community Closet! Any non-perishable food or hygiene item donation enters you to win four season passes to Six Flags Darien Lake- good for the remainder of this season to enjoy Fright Fest and Magic of Lights: A festive holiday light extravaganza!

Then on Saturday, October 16, the Batavia Bulldawgs and Community Schools will be hosting another Hygiene and Food Drive at VanDetta during their games at 1, 3, 5 and 7 pm.  

At both events, we will be collecting items at the main entrance to the stadium.    All items collected will be distributed locally as needed.

Pictured with District Social Worker Julie Wasilewski are BHS Football players Abel Hammer, Aidan Anderson, and Carter Wasilewski

Church events pack the house (and tent), with one more slated for Wednesday night

By Joanne Beck

If you happened to drive along Bank Street Road near Saile Drive Sunday, Monday or Tuesday night, you may have gotten stuck in a line of traffic or behind motorists trying to find a parking spot.

There was no sporting match or major concert. Rather, it was something much more divine, Pastor Paul Doyle says. Cornerstone Church featured guest speaker Mario Murillo in a big yellow tent on the Bank Street grounds. 

“I think COVID has had a big effect on people, people’s lifestyle has changed. Some people are weary with politics and government, are you vaccinated or unvaccinated, was the election rigged or not rigged,” he said while preparing for Tuesday’s event. “Who do you trust? I think people are running to God for that.”

Doyle, who has been the leader of the church the last four years, had known of Murillo and even offered to loan the big tent for the evangelist’s appearances in California. That was in January when Cornerstone’s congregation was 30 people. Zoom ahead several months later, and the Murillo speaking engagements have “put our church on the map,” Doyle said.  

“He decided to come out here … it just seems that New Yorkers are hungry for an answer,” Doyle said. “He is simply addressing issues that affect Christians.”

Murillo had his doubts that the small city of Batavia would attract many people, and was going to be content with a half-filled tent, Doyle said. Both men were shocked at the turnout of more than 3,000 attendees per night on Sunday and Monday, and they sat in the rain to boot.

People were from different locales — at least 16 states represented — and denominations, including those from Amish and Mennonite communities, Doyle said.  Although Murillo has expressed opinions about the White House administration and his beliefs regarding who is president, this event is not about that, Doyle said. 

“People are not being converted to a political party,” he said. “(Murillo) is talking about Jesus Christ. Families are bringing their loved ones. There’s a fresh set of people each night.”

Visitors from Kentucky and North Carolina to Florida and beyond not only traveled to attend but also to pitch in and help. Doyle said a core of 400 volunteers have been functioning as ushers, parking attendants, security, and first-aid responders. Two smaller tents have been added to the main one to accommodate overflow, and people are also welcome to plant a seat elsewhere on the property, he said. 

As for any potential COVID concerns, masks were provided for those who wanted one, he said, even though it’s an outdoor event and people can distance themselves if they want. 

Doyle cited a scripture from the Old Testament (2 Chronicles 7:14) that serves as a guide for the church: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

He believes society is yearning for that healing. 

“I promote the love of Jesus,” he said. “The only thing that interests me is the new people coming to the Lord.” 

There is one more gathering tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the church, 8020 Bank Street Rd., Batavia. Admission is free. 

From GCC to national fame, Samara Brown hits the right notes on The Voice

By Joanne Beck

When Genesee Community College’s Fine and Performing Arts Director first met Samara Brown, a theater student from the Bronx, she noted something different.

“She was very talented and quirky, and she didn’t know what to do with it,” Maryanne Arena said of that meeting in 2007. “I called her the sponge. She always wanted to learn, she wanted to do something with her life.”

Brown can check off that box. She’s been a featured singer on season 21 of The Voice Blind Auditions. Watched by millions of viewers, the show puts vocal hopefuls on the spot to perform with hopes of getting selected by a seasoned mentor.

Brown had wanted artist John Legend to choose her because “he’s probably my biggest inspiration,” she said during an interview Tuesday. Needless to say, she put in a lot of time rehearsing her song “over and over and over” for the audition. (When he turned around) “I was kind of frozen. I think I blacked out a little,” the 32-year-old said.

During her time at GCC, Brown was diligent about her craft, Arena said. She asked a lot of questions about the what and why of the art and requested solo coaching time. A “very shy” and rather modest performer, Brown absorbed every ounce of the experience and never wanted it to end, Arena said.

“I would have to say, ‘ok, it’s time to go.’ She worked really hard, she never thought she was great,” Arena said. “She never walked around like she was the star. I recognized her talent, but I wanted it to become part of her confidence.”

When Brown’s episode of The Voice aired on Sept. 27, Arena and her family were in their seats at home watching it unfold. Arena felt certain that John Legend would pick Brown and be able to lend his pop and jazz background.

Then it happened. After her impressive rendition of “Sweet Thing,” Brown’s work paid off. She was chosen by John Legend and Ariana Grande. Pause for that electric moment when Brown said “I pick John.” Arena has told her students that if, at the end of the year, their taxes list entertainer as an occupation, that’s success. And, for sure, most people don’t make it to this point, she said.

“We were all jumping around in my house,” Arena said. “We were really excited. It didn’t surprise me; I expected great things from her.”

The student and teacher have stayed in touch over the years. Ever since they met, Brown’s “quirkiness” spoke to Arena about the young woman’s gifts.

“We connected right away. She was alone because she lived in the Bronx and didn’t go home. She kind of became a second daughter to me; she spent Thanksgivings on the farm," Arena said. “I keep saying it, but I’m so proud of her.”

In August, Brown posted to social media "I auditioned for The Voice!" Since then, staff and faculty at Batavia-based GCC had been longing to see her performance, which is now available online. Her audition left judges John Legend and Ariana Grande fighting over who would get to be her coach this season.

Brown earned a Theatre Arts degree from GCC in 2009 with several musical roles under her belt, including a flying Peter Pan in Peter Pan-The Musical, as the Village Doctor in The Incredible Jungle Journey of Fenda Maria, Lady in Blue in For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow is Enuf, a performance that was awarded "Excellence in Acting to the Ladies of Color for their Ensemble Work" and received the highest honor, "Best Long Play of 2009.”

A GCC Alumni Spotlight Story quoted Brown’s take on what she reaped from her two years at GCC.

"In my career specifically, you need two things; technique and talent, I think the technique is definitely what GCC gave me," she said.

Brown lives in Bushwick, a thriving art, restaurant, and bar community on the edge of Brooklyn. She has been busy performing live music at clubs in Manhattan and Brooklyn, cover bands at weddings, and working on her own original music. Yet, all of that face time with audiences didn’t quite prepare her for stepping on stage for her blind audition.

“The nerves were there, it was a lot of pressure,” she said. “Once I was on stage, the jitters were definitely there.”

Confidentiality agreements prevented her from talking about anything specifically show-related. She did acknowledge the “long journey” she has been on to become a professional singer. This latest feat has given her a well-deserved nod.

“It is the fruition of what I’ve been doing,” she said.

Each week, the singers with the lowest number of votes are sent home, until only one artist remains. The Voice winner will receive a recording contract and a cash prize. The NBC show is expected to air on both Monday and Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific times.

Photo submitted by NBC of Samara Brown

Law and Order: Albion woman accused of assaulting person in Byron with a hammer

By Howard B. Owens

Carrie Anne Clay, 27, of Albion, is charged with burglary 2nd, assault 2nd, criminal mischief 4th. Clay was arrested on a warrant stemming from an incident reported in Byron at 7:28  a.m., Sept. 25, by Deputy Kevin Forsyth and Deputy Rachel Diehl.  It is alleged that Clay attacked another person with a hammer. She was reportedly thrown out of the residence and broke back in and attempted to attack the same person again. The victim sustained minor injuries and declined EMS assistance. Clay was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and held on $5,000 cash bail.

Tamaneeka T. Perez-Smith, 42, of Britton Road, Rochester, is charged with felony driving while impaired by drugs, felony  DWI, resisting arrest, driving without an interlock device, leaving the scene of a property damage accident,  failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, failure to move over for an emergency vehicle, insufficient turn signal, failure to stop at a stop sign, moved from lane unsafely, unlicensed operator. Perez-Smith was allegedly driving erratically on Park Road in the Town of Batavia and fled from a patrol attempting a traffic stop. She was taken into custody by Deputy Nicholas Chamon and issued an appearance ticket.

Mary Grace Vaughan, 25, of Charlesgate Circle, East Amherst, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely.  Vaughan was arrested by Deputy Zachary Hoy after a report at 12:58 a.m., Oct. 2,  that a vehicle had struck a  guard rail on Main Road in Pembroke.

Colleen Beth Gill, 51, of Spring Road, Alexander, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving without an interlock device, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd, driving to left of pavement markings. Gill was stopped at 6 p.m., Monday, on Main  Street, Alexander, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Daniel W. Knauss, 52, Pavilion, is charged with assault 2nd, obstruction governmental administration 2nd, resisting arrest, and criminal contempt 2nd. Knauss was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 3:06 p.m., Sept. 29, in the Town of Pavilion. Knauss was ordered held in jail. No further information about the case was released.

 

History Trivia Night @ the Museum

By Press Release

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its History Trivia Night @ the Museum. Join us Thursday, October 14th at 7 pm at the Holland Land Office Museum to test your knowledge of the World Series. Admission is $3 per person or $2 for museum members. If you would like to attend, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727. Trivia will also be available via Zoom. Please visit the museum's Facebook page or website, www.hollandlandoffice.com, for the Zoom link.

 

Event Date and Time
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