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UMMC honored for giving newborn baby from Medina a 'Safe Haven'

By Howard B. Owens

Staff at UMMC were honored this morning for their participation recently in the "Safe Haven" drop off of a newborn baby by a mother in distress.

Timothy Jaccard, president and director of AMT Children of Hope Foundation, and author of the 1996 law that makes Safe Haven possible, presented plaques to the hospital and to staff for UMMC's acceptance of a Safe Haven baby last month.

In late may, a mother contacted Jaccard's organization looking for an option for a baby she could no longer care for. The mother was directed to the Medina Fire Department, which accepted the baby and transported it to UMMC.

The Safe Haven law allows mothers to hand over babies to Safe Haven ambulances and hospitals without any repercussions.

Prior to the law's adoption, Jaccard said, as many as 25 babies a year in New York were being left to die in Dumpsters and along roadways. Last year, only three babies in New York died after being abandoned.

"It’s very rewarding to know that we made a difference in the community," said Maryann Cogdill, who is in charge of the maternity ward.

The baby was given a medical examination to ensure it was healthy and then placed in a foster home and it will eventually be adopted.

Photo: Mary Beth Bowen, VP of nursing, Mark Schoell, CEO of UMMC, Denise Polovick, RN, Jaccard, Cogdill and Dan Ireland, VP of clinical support services.

Police are looking for suspected guitar thief

By Howard B. Owens

Police are  looking for a white male suspected of stealing a guitar from a car in the City Centre parking lot.

He was last seen heading heading toward the Jerome Center.

He is wearing dark-colored pants, a zip-up hoodie, and a dark baseball-style hat. He is riding a 10-speed style mountain bike.

The suspect broke out a window of the vehicle to steal the guitar.

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: It's an electric guitar, not in a case.

UPDATE Wednesday: Scanner traffic on Tuesday indicated the suspect's hoodie was orange.

Batavia resident using the Tonawanda to prepare for historic canoe trip from Albany to NYC

By Howard B. Owens

Rick Levins says the Tonawanda Creek is a spiritual place. He's been drawn to it most of his life, he said. For more than 30 years, he's lived on its bank in a home on Walnut Street.

This spring, he started paddling it every day, finding a few moments of peace, but also preparing for a historic canoe trip next month from Albany to New York City down the Hudson River.

The trip is known as the Two Row Wampum Renewal Epic Canoe Trip and is being organized by a group of Native Americans in the Syracuse area to commemorate the first treaty between Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) and Dutch traders in 1613.

"Basically, the treaty said, 'we're in our canoes, you're in your ships, we're going down the same river together, but we won't bother you, you don't bother us,'" Levins said. "That didn't always work quite so well, but the Iroquois and Haudenosaunee have honored that treaty. This is a 400-year renewal. It's the basically indigenous person saying we're losing the path here and we need to get back to some of these old ways."

Levins is half Native -- his mother was from the Six Nations in Canada -- and his cousin from Six Nations introduced him to the trip.

The journey starts July 27 and ends Aug. 9 on the United Nations Indigenous People's Day. 

Along the way, there will be seminars and lectures. The trip is intended to promote peace, friendship and environmental sustainability.

Levins has been paddling on the Tonawanda every day since the start of spring preparing for the trip. Every day, he says, he has the creek to himself. He sees geese, ducks, herons, beavers and deer and listens to the birds tweet and twitter.

"I've even seen deer swimming in the creek," Levins said. "I was going up the creek, coming around the bend, and I saw something in the water. At first, I thought it was a beaver. There's a lot of beaver in here. Well, the beaver started to get up out of the water and it turned into a deer. A nice young buck with velvet."

Because of the historic meaning of the Tonawanda to both Natives and white settlers, Levins said he's always felt a special connection to the waterway that was once an important transportation link.

"The creek holds a lot of meaning to me," Levins said. "There's so much history here."

Links:

Paving of Buell Street and Ellicott Avenue rescheduled for tomorrow

By Howard B. Owens

From DPW:

Due to rain, the paving work on Buell Street and Ellicott Avenue has been postponed for today. Paving operations have been rescheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12th from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for Buell Street first and then moving to Ellicott Avenue. Rain date for tomorrow will be Thursday, June 13th if needed.

Batavia council approves resolution calling for repeal of SAFE Act, 7-2

By Howard B. Owens

Asked to support repeal of the SAFE Act, two Batavia City Council members voted no on the resolution, saying repeal goes too far.

Before the 7-2 vote Monday night, neither Patti Pacino nor Pier Cippolone offered specifics about what was good or bad with the law, which critics say violates the Second Amendment and does nothing to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals.

"Repeal is too big for me," Pacino said. "I would rather change it a little bit and I'm not going to fight that battle right here."

The SAFE Act was pushed through by Gov. Andrew Cuomo following the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Local government bodies across Upstate have been passing repeal resolutions, though such resolutions have no force of law.

"I do not agree with an outright repeal," Cippolone said. "There's some good and there's some bad and we need to work with the bad and leave the good."

Information provided by The Batavian's official news partner, WBTA.

'Suspicious package' in Walmart parking lot results in traffic jam

By Billie Owens

Veterans Memorial Drive is closed to traffic and vehicles traveling on Lewiston Road are bottlenecked after a "suspicious package" was found more than an hour ago in the parking lot of Walmart.

Town of Batavia firefighters, Sheriff's deputies, and State Police responded to the scene as the attempt to remove the object got under way.

UPDATE 6:20 p.m.: "The package was safe," is what a State Police officer told dispatch a moment ago and responders are back in service. Veterans Memorial Drive is reopened. The package in question was a black backpack that was found at the fence at the north entrance to the parking lot, by the retention pond parallel to Veterans Memorial Drive. It seemed suspicious because it had a car antenna next to it with a wire running from it into the backpack. Videotape from Walmart is being reviewed to try and determine who put the backback by the fence.

The package was some distance from the store itself and the majority of shoppers. State Police used their robot to X-ray the package.

Sgt. Ron Meides said authorities needed to exercise every precaution, given the suspicious nature of the package.

UPDATE (by Howard): Turned out to be some sort of computer case, not a backpack. After retrieving an X-ray of the bag's contents and examining the results, State Police gave the all-clear. Authorities obtained pictures from store security cameras of the woman who may have left the package. It's unknown if there was any ill intent or just carelessness.

UPDATE 10:18 p.m.: Sgt. Meides said the woman who left the package was identified and contacted. Prior to going to Walmart, she had sold some items at Pawn King. Some of the items didn't interest the pawn broker, so before entering Walmart, she set the items by the fence. In the process of shopping, she spoke with some people and by the time she left, she had forgotten about the items and walked right past them. No charges are being filed and she was reminded, Meides said, to be more mindful in the future.

BHS student will be a National Youth Correspondent at media conference

By Billie Owens

Courtney Smith, a student at Batavia High School, has been selected to represent Batavia as a National Youth Correspondent to the 2013 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University. It will be held July 7-12.

Courtney joins a select group of students from all over the country for an intensive study of journalism and media. Smith was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in journalism and media studies.

With distinguished faculty, guest speakers, and direct access to elite D.C. practitioners, the Washington Journalism and Media Conference offers aspiring journalists and student leaders an unparalleled experience. The weeklong program will encourage and inspire young leaders from across the country who desire a unique experience focused on successful careers in this dynamic industry.

 

Three GCC students receive SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce three students have been named 2013 recipients of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. Samantha Callisher, Suzanne Smith, and Samantha Vogt were recognized at an awards ceremony in Albany. Each recipient received a framed certificate and a medallion, which is traditionally worn at commencement.

The Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997 to recognize students who have best demonstrated, and have been recognized for the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts, campus involvement or career achievement.

Each year, campus presidents establish a selection committee, which reviews exemplary students. Nominees are then forwarded to the Chancellor's Office and are subject to a second round of review. Finalists are then recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award.

Callisher, 20, is studying Fashion Merchandising Management with plans to further her education after GCC, eventually earning a master's degree in Business. The Batavia native chose GCC because of its fashion program. Her career goal is to become a fashion buyer for a successful retailer. At GCC, Samantha is involved in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America). While compiling an impressive academic record, her community volunteerism also helped earn her the Chancellor's recognition. She gives of her time at Jackson Elementary School in Batavia, the Batavia Nursing Home and GCASA (Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse).

Smith, a native of Geneva, is pursuing her second degree at GCC, this time in Communications and Media Arts. She earned an associates degree in Hospitality and Tourism in May 2009 while raising a family and working full time. Shortly after graduating, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare form of cancer. She credits her GCC family with helping her as she went through treatment. She has been in remission for two years. Her journey through cancer led Suzanne to self-publish a book about the experience, and she has become active in organizing cancer awareness and fundraising events at GCC and the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, where she's also served as a cancer "coach" helping others deal with the diagnosis. Suzanne is an active member of radio club at GCC and serves as Vice President of Marketing for the Multicultural Communications Club (Toastmasters International).


Vogt, 20, is studying Fashion Merchandising Management at GCC. The West Seneca native earned the Chancellor's Award because she has excelled in all aspects of her work at GCC. A 4.0 student, she is project manager of the Fashion Program's annual Spring Fashion Show and contributes posts to the Fashion Program Blog. She served as a Resident Assistant in College Village, and is the student representative to GCC's Board of Trustees. Samantha is also president of the Business Forum Club, and active in SHAG (Student Health Awareness Group), Toastmaster's, Campus Activities Board and DECA. In addition, she works at M.A. Carr Bridal in Orchard Park and has produced five bridal fashion shows and a prom fashion show. Upon graduation, Samantha plans to continue her studies at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

"The GCC Campus Community is so proud of these exemplary students," said Virginia Taylor, Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services said. "Not only are they preparing themselves for very bright and successful futures, but they're also setting a great example for other students. If you work hard, you really can achieve anything."

The three honorees were among 243 students from 63 SUNY campuses recognized for their remarkable achievements. Recipients of this year's award have an overall GPA of 3.8 and records of significant contributions to their campuses and communities.

Batavia Concert Band's first summer concert moved to Stuart Steiner Theatre due to possible rain

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Concert Band will present its first summer concert on Wednesday, June 26th at Centennial Park in the City of Batavia. Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee County Community College. It moved to the college campus due to the possibility of rain.

John Bailey will be the Principle Conductor for the 2013 Batavia Concert Band Summer Concert Series.

Downbeat for regular season concerts is 7 Wednesday evenings in Centennial Park.

Event Date and Time
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Batavia student honored as Class of 2015 prize winner in Phi Beta Kappa

By Billie Owens

Amy Schmidt, of Batavia, was recently honored as a Class of 2015 Prize Winner from the Pi of New York Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.

Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious honor society, and is dedicated to fostering and recognizing excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Only 280 colleges and universities have been granted a charter for a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. Elmira College's chapter was established in 1940.

GCC announces 10 faculty promotions

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees recently promoted 10 members of the faculty in recognition of their teaching and scholarly accomplishments.

Promoted to the rank of Professor from Associate Professor:

•    Cindy Francis, of Batavia, Collection Development Librarian, Alfred C. O'Connell Library

After earning her General Studies degree from GCC, Cindy went on to receive a bachelor's degree in Business Marketing from Arizona State. She lived in many states before returning to Western New York and accepting a part-time position in the GCC Library in 1993. She earned her master's in Library Science at the University at Buffalo and joined the library staff full time in 2004. She received a SUNY Chancellor's Award for Librarianship in 2009.

•    Garth Swanson, of Stafford, History

Garth has been with GCC for 21 years, starting as an adjunct instructor in 1992. Swanson initiated the World History curriculum at GCC and has developed a number of new course offerings, including New York State History and History of Sport in America. He has received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2007 and serves as vice president of the Holland Purchase Historical Society Board of Directors.

Promoted to the rank of Associate Professor from Assistant Professor:

•    Julie Jackson-Coe, of Snyder, Reading

Julie came to GCC in 1989 as it began to help students with different learning needs. She was a learning specialist in the Center for Academic Progress (CAP) and held that position for 10 years. In 1999, she took a nine-month position at Niagara University's learning center, returning to GCC two years later to teach reading full time. She is a 2013 SUNY Chancellor's Award winner for Excellence in Teaching.

Promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor from Instructor:

•    Deborah Carrasquillo, of Warsaw, Nursing

Deborah joined GCC five years ago, bringing with her nearly 30 years of professional nursing experience in clinical, administrative, and academic settings. She received a master's degree in Executive Leadership in Nursing and a post-master's certificate in Nursing Education from Daemen College. Deborah teaches fourth semester nursing students at GCC. She is active in nursing organizations and also serves on the Village of Warsaw Planning Board.

•    Amy Conley, of Middleport, Business and Accounting

Amy is a certified public accountant who has been with GCC for four years. She holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from St. John Fisher College and an MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology. Amy made the career shift into academics after 15 years of working in the public and private sector. At GCC, Amy is actively involved with students on campus as both the co-advisor of GCC's Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization (CEO Club) and as a leader of the school's Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

•    Michelle Eichelberger, of Rochester, Library

Michelle came to GCC in August 2009. She previously was a librarian at Finger Lakes Community College and Penn State's Altoona Campus. A native of the Rochester area, she's pleased to be part of the GCC community.

•    Gary Glaser, of Wheatfield, Biology

Gary has been a full-time faculty member at GCC for four years. He teaches Anatomy and Physiology in traditional, hybrid, and online courses. Gary also works as a professional photographer and photographs GCC's annual Spring Fashion Show.

•    Jodi Harvey, of Geneseo, Teacher Education

Jodi has taught courses in the Teacher Education Transfer Program at GCC for the last four years. She also serves as an academic advisor for the program and co-advisor for the Teacher Education Club. Prior to GCC, she was a Fine Arts teacher. She also taught Special Education, in a self-contained classroom and as a consultant.

•    Eileen Mathis, of Williamsville, Psychology

Eileen joined the GCC faculty in 2008, first as an adjunct and a year later as a full-time instructor. Prior to GCC, she was a diversion counselor and addictions therapist in Rochester. She has bachelor's and master's degrees in Psychology and has worked as an elementary teacher and a prison psychologist.

•    Derek Maxfield, of Churchville, History

A native of Dundee, Derek just completed his fourth year at GCC. A graduate of SUNY Cortland, he received a master's degree in History from Villanova and has completed all but his dissertation toward a doctorate from the University at Buffalo. Derek has been the central coordinator of GCC's ongoing Civil War Initiatives, which has included numerous lectures, exhibits, and two separate weekend-long Civil War Encampments involving several thousand visitors. He is a 2013 SUNY Chancellor's Award winner for Scholarship and Creative Activities.

Three local students make the dean's list at Clarkson University

By Billie Owens

Three local students were named to Clarkson University dean's list for the Spring 2013 semester:

Patrick Flynn, of Batavia, a sophomore majoring in Aeronautical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Jacob Muench, of Darien, a sophomore majoring in Aeronautical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Casey Engle, of Byron, a senior majoring in Electrical Engineering.

Dean's list students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours. Clarkson University is located in Potsdam.
 

Two local scholars earn distinction at Clarkson University

By Billie Owens

Two local students were named Presidential Scholars for the Spring 2013 semester at Clarkson University:

Andrew Lichtenthal, of Batavia, a sophomore majoring in Aeronautical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Kaley Johnson, of Bergen, a senior majoring in Engineering and Management.

Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.

Clarkson University, in Potsdam, offers 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.

Paving project tomorrow on Buell Street and Ellicott Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

Crews will be paving Buell Street and Ellicott Avenue tomorrow and the streets will be closed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Residents of those streets will have access to their properties, but access will be limited at times.

Paving will begin on Buell Street and then move to Ellicott Avenue.

All traffic is asked to avoid these areas during paving.

Law and Order: Reader tips lead to arrest of alleged 400 Towers bike thief

By Howard B. Owens

Joey A. Evans, 22, of 202 State St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Evans allegedly admitted to a theft of a bicycle from 400 Towers following several anonymous tips to police from readers of The Batavian.

Darrell Smith, 46, of 26 Queens Drive, West Seneca, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation. Smith is accused of grabbing a woman he knew by the throat.

Bill A. Thomas, 53, of 252 State St., Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct (creating a hazardous or offensive condition), disorderly conduct (obscene language/gestures) and open container. Thomas was arrested at 140 W. Main St., Batavia, for an alleged incident reported at 6:15 p.m., June 3, at 15 Main St., Batavia. No further details were released.

Danny J. Torok Jr., 26, of 3177 Dodgeson Road, Alexander, is charged with burglary, 1st (use or threat of use of a dangerous instrument), criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, unlawful imprisonment, 1st, criminal contempt, 1st (violating an order of protection while using a weapon), and menacing, 2nd. Torok was taken into custody by Batavia PD on an arrest warrant. The alleged incident was reported at 1:30 a.m., May 16. He was jailed without bail. No further details were released.

Cherkiga Starks, 36, of 335 Bank St., Apt. A7, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The alleged incident occurred at 11:57 p.m., May 31. No further details were released.

Steven E. Wells, 51, of Macomber Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, operating without an interlock ignition device, and driver's view obstructed. Mary E. Wells, 51, of Macomber Road, Oakfield, is charged with facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation, David Daniels, 56, of Macomber Road, Oakfield, is charged with consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Steven Wells was stopped at 2:11 p.m., Sunday, on Slusser Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Chris Parker for allegedly driving with driver's view obstructed. Upon investigation, he was found to be allegedly driving drunk. Mary Wells is reportedly the registered owner of the vehicle and is accused of knowing Steven Wells did not have a valid driver's license. David Daniels was a passenger in the vehicle and was allegedly consuming alcohol while in the back seat.

Jason Leo Antos, 21, of Independence Avenue, Niagara Falls, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and unlawful dealing with a child. Antos is accused of unlawfully entering the campgrounds at Darien Lake Theme Park and supplying alcohol to a minor.

Joshua M. Gaudioso, 24, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with possession and transportation of more than 400 untaxed citgarettes. Gaudioso was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 5:43 p.m., Saturday, on West Main Street, Le Roy, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. During the stop, Gaudioso was allegedly found in possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes and operating on a suspended registration.

Heather Jo Lehman, 20, of Oliver Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and unlawful possession of alcohol under age 21. Lehman was allegedly on Darien Lake Theme Park campgrounds property unlawfully and in possession of alcohol at 3:19 a.m., Sunday.

Jeffrey Scott Canale, 43, of Orchard Drive, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to reduce speed on curve, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and failure to keep right. Canale was allegedly driving a 1999 BMW on Oatka Trail, Le Roy, at 2:13 a.m., when he was involved in a single-car accident.

Elizabeth Anne Weiner, 22, of Conkey Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Weiner was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for an alleged traffic infraction June 2 by Deputy Patrick Reeves. She was allegedly found in possession of Ecstasy (MDMA) and marijuana.

Clifford Leo Regimbal, 34, of Granite Street, Webster, Mass., was arrested on bench warrants for alleged criminal possession of marijuana and unlawful growing of cannabis. Regimbal is being held on an unrelated matter after being returned to New York from Massachusetts, and was arrested on warrants out of Town of Alabama Court. He was also arrested on warrants out of Village of Corfu Court for alleged criminal use of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance, 7th.

Joel David Prouty, 27, of Fisher Road, Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Prouty is accused of stalking and harassing a protected person in violation of a court order issued by Judge Robert C. Noonan.

Jesse S. Repass, 26, of Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Repass is accused of stealing from a location on Lewiston Road, Batavia, and was arrested by a state trooper.

Basketball fans from Batavia might find a familiar face, or least a familiar voice, in Miami this week

By Howard B. Owens

If you happen to be in Miami for the NBA finals, and happen the Largo Bar & Grill, across the street from the American Airlines Arena, you'll hear a familiar voice -- WBTA's Jerry Warner.

Stephen Warner, manager of the Largo, streams WBTA every morning to keep up with the news from back home and listen to his father.

A graduate of Oakfield-Alabama High School, Genesee Community College and SUNY Brockport, Warner has been managing the bar and grill since it opened in 2010.

The place is popular with Miami Heat fans -- players might even stop in -- and it's been hopping with the Heat making the finals again this year, Warner said.

Western New Yorkers pass through the Largo regularly, Warner said. Notre Dame alum Paul Merrill (bottom photo) is the bar manager at the Largo.

Photo: Batavia teachers attend rally in Albany

By Howard B. Owens

Photo and information provided by Mark Warren, VP Batavia Teachers' Association:

Members of the Batavia Teachers' Association and their families attended the NYSUT One Voice United rally on Saturday June 8th in Albany.

Speakers representing parents, teachers, and various other groups highlighted the major issues that need to be addressed to help our students and our schools including over-reliance on expensive corporate developed tests, equitable funding of schools, and protecting the safety and privacy of students and staff.

Over 20,000 teachers, parents, and students attended the event.

Photos: 2013 St. Joe's Parade and Lawn Fete

By Howard B. Owens

Lots of people and lots of fun once again for St. Joe's Parade and Lawn Fete in Batavia.

Below is a slide show of the parade. To purchase prints from this slide show, click here.

Below is a slide show of the lawn fate. To purchase prints from this slide show, click here.

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