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Submitted photos and press release:

At the Batavia City School District Board of Education meeting on Feb. 6, several students and staff members were presented with achievement awards for their exemplary work and contributions.

Nathaniel Barber is an Outstanding Student!

In recognition of his demonstrated kindness, compassion, and respectfulness to all staff and fellow students, kindergartener Nathaniel Barber was presented with an Outstanding Student Award by Board of Education president Patrick Burk.

He was nominated by Kelly Heizmann, Lucille DiSanto, and Shannon Reiss who wrote, “At six years old, Nathaniel is a model of the core beliefs we hope to instill in our students at Batavia City Schools. Nathaniel comes to school every day with a smile on his face and ready to learn. No matter how challenging the task, Nathaniel approaches everything with a positive attitude and puts forth his best effort.

"During his busy days, there are times Nathaniel has to leave a task incomplete to attend one of his therapy sessions; when he returns to class, he is not only ready but wants to finish the work he left behind. This is just one example of his strong work ethic. Nathaniel takes newly learned skills from a therapy session and independently applies them to all areas of his school day.

"For example, it is not uncommon for him to independently use or correct his pencil grip in speech therapy to the correct way that he was shown in occupational therapy. Anyone who knows Nathaniel would tell you that he is respectful, compassionate, and kind to all. This is shown in his respect to our school and others by following directions and classroom rules.

"Often times Nathaniel will rub the shoulder or put his arm around a peer who may be struggling or having a difficult day. You can count on him to try to encourage or cheer up others. His kindness is seen by all who know him. His positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and happy state of mind are infectious to all of us who are lucky enough to know and work with him.”

Savahanna Vanderveer is an Outstanding Student!

In recognition of her kindness, compassion, and respectfulness to all staff and fellow students of the Batavia City School District, Savahanna Vanderveer was presented with an Outstanding Student Award by Board of Education president Patrick. She was nominated by Mary Kanaley and Eileen Peterson, who wrote, “Kindness and perseverance are just two character traits that come to mind when thinking about Savahanna. She brings a smile to everyone's face and a positive attitude to the class with her friendly, bubbly personality. She is always looking for more ways to help friends and teachers. Savahanna works hard in all areas and tries her best in everything she does. Mrs. Kanaley and Mrs. Peterson are so proud to nominate Savahanna for this award for all she has done to be a wonderful friend and student this year!”

Jeremy Mettler is an Outstanding Staff Member!

In recognition of his valuable contribution to the staff and students of the Batavia City School District, BHS Social Studies teacher Jeremy Mettler was presented with an Outstanding Staff Award by Board of Education president Patrick Burk.

He was nominated by Dr. Corey, who wrote, “Mr. Mettler is very passionate about at-risk students. He organized a poverty simulator exercise for Middle School and High School teachers so that they would learn more about how it feels to live life in poverty.

"The event was well-received by all and brings a new level of awareness about the needs of many of our students. He will help facilitate future events for teacher aides and all teachers.”

Jessica Levins is an Outstanding Staff Member!

In recognition of her valuable contribution to the community, staff, and students, Jessica Levins was presented with an Outstanding Staff Award by Board of Education president Patrick Burk.

She was nominated by Kelly Garner, who wrote, “Miss Levins works in the Counseling Center as a counseling assistant and also spends one day a week interning as she works toward her bachelor's in social work and eventually a master's in school counseling.

"In November, she was asked to help with the annual holiday donations at the High School. In addition to calling every family to procure wish lists, Miss Levins created all of the stars for our BHS Giving Tree, organized every donation that came in, and kept in constant communication with the families we helped this holiday season.

"She spent much of her own personal time to accomplish these tasks, made her own generous gift donations to the cause, and also helped deliver the gifts to families.
Miss Levins truly went above and beyond to make a difference for our families who were most in-need this holiday season.

"Because of her outstanding and selfless work, we were able to provide clothing, shoes, toys, and wrapping paper for 37 students from 13 different families this holiday season. From her outstanding connections with our students, to her work as a freshman class advisor, and now this incredible gift to our community -- Jess genuinely takes care of BCSD each and every day.

Jessica Levins and Kelly Garner are Outstanding Staff Members!

For going above and beyond to provide support to those in need, and for their compassion and leadership while serving others, Counseling Center assistant and intern Jessica Levins and BHS counselor Kelly Garner were presented with Outstanding Staff Awards by Board of Education president Patrick Burk.

They were nominated by Mark Warren, who wrote, “Kelly Garner and Jessica Levins stepped up to organize a Giving Tree for the High School staff to purchase gifts for District students in need. Their efforts allowed families in the District to help provide clothes and "wish" items to their children during the holiday season. The faculty and staff did an excellent job supporting the program, but without Mrs. Garner and Miss Levin’s compassion and leadership, it would not have been as successful.”

Ann Marie Wood is an Outstanding Staff Member!

In recognition of her valuable contribution to the staff, students, and community, Ann Marie Wood was presented with an Outstanding Staff Award by Board of Education president Patrick Burk.

She was nominated by Andrea Smith, who wrote, “Mrs. Wood serves as a substitute in many positions throughout the District. She willingly takes on the job with a smile and handles any position with dedication and enthusiasm, regardless of the challenges she may face.

"She comes to the Middle School to sub in the offices, as an aide, and even as a teacher. Mrs Wood recently served as a substitute for my Spanish classes at BMS and I could not have asked for a better person.

"Ann Marie is dedicated to the students and staff of BCSD and to the Batavia community. We are blessed to have her as part of our staff!”

Press release:

As part of our continued community partnership, the Batavia Police Department offers the following services to landlords in an effort to help them choose the best possible tenants and evaluate police responses to their properties.

These services were developed in direct response to feedback the department received from landlords and directly address the concerns they had. Below are the listed services and information on both programs.

Property Owner FOIL (Freedom Of Information Law) Request – This service will tell landlords how many times the Batavia Police Department has responded to a property within the time frame requested. After the initial request, we will provide a monthly contact summary every month on the second Tuesday of the month. Landlords can have the information emailed to them at no cost. For a hard copy, a charge of $.25 per page will be assessed. Copies of actual reports will not be provided.

Tenant Background Check – This service will show landlords the times a potential tenant has been arrested. This information will only show arrests and not how many times the potential tenant has had police contact. The information provided will include arrests from the Batavia Police Department ONLY and will cover the previous five years. The potential tenant will have to submit the background check form, in person, as we must verify their identity. Cost for this service is $10 which will need to be collected from the potential tenant at the time the form is turned in. The background form cannot be turned in by the landlord.

Copies of the above request forms can be found under the “Police Department” section on the City of Batavia’s website located at http://www.batavianewyork.com/Files. Forms can also be provided via email, U.S. Mail or by stopping at Batavia Police Headquarters located at 10 W. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020. Results can be sent via email, U.S. Mail or in person.

Press release:

Crosby’s is celebrating the grand reopening of two convenience stores in Batavia and Elba this week.

Grand reopening festivities will take place at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at the store in Elba, located at 64 S. Main St., and will be attended by: Keith Palmer, Elba Central School District superintendent; Assemblyman Stephen Hawley; Jay Grasso, a field representative from Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer’s office; and Patrick McKinney, a representative from Congressman Chris Collins’ office.

At 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9, the Batavia location at 5267 Clinton Street Road will celebrate its grand reopening with Mickey Edwards, Byron-Bergen Central School District superintendent; Assemblyman Hawley; and Congressman Chris Collins.

In addition to the festivities at each location, Crosby’s will donate $500 each to the Byron-Bergen Central School District and the Elba Central School District.

Both of these locations were existing structures acquired by Crosby’s in early 2017 that underwent remodels that included major cosmetic upgrades and a variety of customer-friendly amenities including fuel, a sub shop and multiple hot and cold beverage options.

“Updating these two stores allows us to better serve our customers with an expanded offering,” said Doug Galli, vice president and general manager of Reid Stores. “Crosby’s thrives in communities like these because we become an active participant within the community – beyond simply offering products and service.”

At each location, customers can get a cup of Crosby’s signature 100-percent Arabica bean premium roast coffee for only 99 cents for a regular size. The Elba location will also feature f’real milkshakes; smoothies; and Crosby’s Arctic Express, which offers frozen carbonated beverages (Arctic Chill and Arctic Freeze) or frozen fountain sodas in more than 12,000 flavor combinations.

Each location also features an extensive take-out menu that includes fresh-baked pizza, made with Crosby’s own 100-percent whole-milk mozzarella, served whole or by-the-slice; fresh, made-to-order hot and cold subs prepared in an in-house Sub Shoppe; and fresh-baked cookies prepared on site. The Elba location will also have fried foods, including chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, pizza logs and more.

The stores will also offer a newly expanded selection of cold beverages, dairy and frozen foods, fresh fruit, competitively priced grocery items, tobacco products and other amenities including an ATM, prepaid wireless phone cards, gift cards, propane exchange and a variety of New York State Lottery games. Both locations will accept SNAP benefits.

The Batavia location recently upgraded the fuel facility and now offers Mobil fuel. The Elba location offers Mobil gas and diesel fuel. Both locations are also on the Plenti rewards program. See the store for further details.

Crosby’s, a division of the Reid Group, is headquartered in Lockport, NY. The company operates 87 Crosby’s convenience stores throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania and Upstate New York.

The Reid Group, founded in 1922, is a full-service independent motor fuel marketer providing a comprehensive range of products and services for retail motor fuel outlets and convenience stores. The Lockport-based company serves retail and commercial customers.

For more information, visit www.CrosbysStores.com.

      Ismael Laffosse

Ismael L. Laffosse, 31, Fisk Road, Akron, is charged with second-degree attempted assault, second-degree menacing, third-degree criminal mischief, and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Laffosse is accused of striking another person with a baseball bat and damaging that person's personal property. The incident was reported at 6:54 p.m., Jan. 29, at a location on Apollo Drive, Batavia. The victim suffered serious injuries but has been released from the hospital.

Armando L. Carrion-Rojas, 23, of McCall Road, Greece, is charged with criminal mischief. Carrion-Rojas is accused of breaking the driver's side mirror of his girlfriend's car at 1:50 p.m. Monday at a location in Le Roy, and of damaging a residence door after his girlfriend locked him outside the residence. He was jailed on $500 bail or $4,000 bond.

Derek James Wert, 36, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Wert allegedly contacted by electronic means a person he was ordered by a judge not to contact. Wert was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Ronald F. Ratulowski, 44, of Eleanor Place, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault. Ratulowski was arrested on a warrant. The original incident was reported at 11 p.m. Sept. 10 at a location on Eleanor Place. No further details released.

Bonnie L. Cortright, 30, West Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on two City Court warrants. The reason for the warrants was not released. She was released on her own recognizance.

Kevin Andrew Rivera, 23, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. Rivera allegedly broke the window of a College Village dorm room at 10:56 p.m. Monday.

Nicholas Gerald Schafer, 19, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with DWI, driving while impaired by drugs, driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs and alcohol, and parking violation on a highway. Deputy Kyle Krzemien was dispatched at 4:17 p.m. June 30 to Batavia Elba Townline Road, Elba, to investigate a complaint of a subject passed out in a vehicle. Following an investigation, Schafer was charged.

Jeremiah D. Williams, 26, of Batavia, was arrested by State Police following a revocation of parole. He was ordered held in jail.

An 18-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with petit larceny. The defendant was arrested on Goade Park. The incident was reported at 6:17 p.m. Monday in Kendall. The arrest was made by State Police at 6:10 a.m. Tuesday. No further details released.

Katrina P. Giummo, 29, of Corfu, is charged with petit larceny. Giummo is accused of a theft reported in Corfu at 1:18 p.m. Monday. She was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Yesterday afternoon, consultants and an investigator from the Department of Environmental Conservation were at the former Santy Tire property, an anticipated part of the Ellicott Station project, digging test pits to further define the severity and scope of environmental contamination on the property.

There is a pending application for the property for a brownfield tax credit -- one has already been granted for the Della Penna property -- for the parcel. The DEC asked for more evidence of environmental contamination.

A car has reportedly gone of the roadway and into the woods in the area of mile marker 393.0 in the eastbound lane of the Thruway. 

Unknown injuries. 

The location is in the area of Kelsey Road. 

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched. 

UPDATE 9:07 a.m.: No injuries. No damage to vehicle. Town assignment back in service. 

A larceny of a canine just occurred on Griswold Road. The caller told a dispatcher that a gray vehicle pulled into the driveway and took the dog through a door and drove off.

The driver headed down Clinton Street Road and turned northbound onto Batavia Stafford Town Line Road.

The caller followed the suspect's vehicle and state troopers caught up with it on Bank Street south of West Saile Drive, where they now have it stopped.

UPDATE 1:44 p.m.: We are working to clarify some additional information. The dog's owner says the dog was outside when it was taken.

Press release:

The Fashion Program students at Genesee Community College are proud to announce the 37th Annual Fashion Show to take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, and everyone is invited to save this date now!

The theme this year is "Ascendant" which carries two separate but equally important definitions. First, "Ascendant" speaks to the rising power GCC has in communicating fashion. This show is the culmination of student learning and it truly delivers the message that fashion is not only thoughtful, but impactful.

Secondly, the term ascendant represents the very first moment of a new day when the sun's path crests the eastern horizon. It typically describes a person's rising sign -- the exact moment of one's birth, dictating by calendar, the astrological sign under which a person is born. Astrological signs have been used to describe character traits of those born under each sign; just one way in which groups of people differ from one another.

The "Ascendant" theme moves beyond recognizing these differences and to use fashion to make statements about moving to appreciate those differences as potential contributions to creative teamwork.

"Ascendant" promises to be a bigger production than ever! It will take place on the 24,000-square-foot indoor field house in the brand new Richard C. Call Arena, which will be transformed into a dreamlike area by the Fashion Program students. With plenty of space and accommodations for 2,000 guests, the students will be putting on one huge production.

The only show will be on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 7 p.m. so make sure to get your seats today!

Tickets to attend the show are available in advance for $5 per person until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25. After that, tickets will be available at the door for $8 per person. To purchase tickets in advance, email fashionshow@genesee.edu today.

Interested in an opportunity to show your support for the Fashion Show? GCC's fashion program students are currently soliciting and accepting production sponsors. Business donation opportunities of $10 and personal donation opportunities of $5 are still available.

Sponsors will be included in the Fashion Show Program as well as on the Fashion Show website. Contact Debbie Mancuso at (585) 345-6830 or via email at fashionshow@genesee.edu to schedule a donation pick up or to make special arrangements for your donation. Checks should be made payable to GCCA and can be mailed to: Genesee Community College, Fashion Show, One College Road, Batavia NY 14020-9704.

To get an inside look at the 37th Annual Fashion Show, Ascendant, follow @trendygcc_ on Instagram and @trendygcc on Twitter. Students will be sharing details about the show and more!

The Fashion Program at GCC has always been a flagship program for the college. The knowledge and experience of the program faculty and the dedication to their students has produced quality and professional workplace candidates and well-prepared transfer students since the program's inception 40 years ago.

Recently, GCC resigned its articulation agreement with LIM for students in the Fashion Business: Merchandising A.A.S. program. Students who complete the track and degree can seamlessly transfer to LIM to complete their B.B.A. in Fashion Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, Marketing or Management.

In addition, GCC is very excited to announce a new articulation agreement with Cazenovia College. This agreement provides a seamless transfer opportunity for GCC's Fashion Business: Merchandising A.A.S. students to Cazenovia's Fashion Merchandising B.P.S. and for GCC's Fashion Business: Fashion Design A.A.S. students to Cazenovia's Fashion Design B.F.A. degree program.

Anyone interested in taking advantage of these transfer opportunities through GCC is encouraged to contact GCC's Student Success Center at (585) 345-6805 or via email at SSC@genesee.edu.

Take a stroll down Memory Lane with a fun winter concert by the Genesee Chorale on Sunday, March 4 at St. Joseph's Catholic School.

The performance begins at 4 p.m. The school is located at 2 Summit St. in the City of Batavia.

The nonprofit ensemble of 75 members from Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, Livingston and Erie counties will perform: "In My Life," "Blackbird," "Blowin' in the Wind," "As TIme Goes By," "Someone to Watch Over Me," and Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody."

These and other choral renditions of favorites have been prepared under the direction of Ric Jones. Soloists and small groups will round out the program, which draws from pop, rock, Broadway, film, and even a television series.

Tickets are available through the box office online here for $8 or they may be purchased at the door for $10.

Press release:

The Arc of Genesee Orleans will again be presenting an Art Show & Film Festival in celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

It will be held Saturday, March 17 at the GCC Stuart Steiner Theatre located on 1 College Drive, Batavia.

There will be a collection of artwork created by individuals served at the Arc of Genesee Orleans on display in the foyer at Stuart Steiner Theatre. You will have an opportunity to meet and talk with the artists from 12:30 to 1 p.m. and the Sprout film screening will begin at 1 o'clock.

You can enter to win a beautiful framed work of art courtesy of an artist served by the Arc of Genesee Orleans. Admission is free.

For more informatiom, contact Shelley Falitico at 343-4203 or visit arcgo.org

The Warrior House of Western NY Gun Raffle/Chinese Auction and Spaghetti Dinner will be held starting at 1 p.m. on Satruday, April 7, at Ascension Parish Hall. It is located at 17 Sumner St., Batavia (formerly the Sacred Heart Social Center).

Must be 18 to win prizes and must be able to pass NICS check. Warrior House is not responsible for NICS outcome.

For more information, contact Edward Spence at (716) 560-0697.

The event will last until all prizes are awarded.

They are:

1) Stevens 301 20 ga. shotgun

2) $75 cash

3) Savage A22, 22 long rifle

4) Mossberg 500 20 ga.

5) $100 cash

6) Savage 93-22 mag

7) $125 cash

8) Thompson Center Triumph 50 cal.

9) Winchester 94 Trooper 100 anniversary 30/30

10) $150 cash

11) Springfield Armory M1A 308 Winchester

12) Windjm AR-15 .223/5.56

13) Chiappa M19 9 mm carbine

14) $200 cash

15) Savage Axis II 30.06

Eli Fish Brewing Company, in the Newberry's building downtown, might be less than a month away from opening.

Co-owner Matt Gray said construction is done. Now it's just a matter of waiting for the delivery of the rest of the furniture and kitchen wares.

Starting today, four managers are working full-time at the restaurant and brewery. Next week, there will be an open interview period for potential staff members.

Gray said his partner, Jon Mager, should be able to start brewing beer next week, which is one of the big decisions because it will take four weeks for the first batch to be ready to serve.

"Which puts us in a real bind," Gray said. "Do we open on March 1 or do we wait another three weeks so we have our own beer on tap?"

The target date for the FreshLab winners to open their food booths is April 1. The winners have not yet been announced.

There are four apartments on the second floor just about ready for occupants. The rental rates will be from $850 to $950 for the one-bedrooms and $1,250 for the two-bedroom apartment (which features a large living room and dining area and a large master suite with a dual-head shower).

There's space on the third floor for three apartments. One will be either two or three bedrooms and possibly a balcony/deck in the back of the building. The Newberry building is one of the projects under consideration for a Downtown Revitalization Initiative prize and if selected, the money will be used to finish these apartments as well as a patio/seating area at the back of the restaurant in Jackson Square.

"I'm excited," Gray said. "Jon is excited. I've just got to get it open. Not only has it been a long time and a big project, we're pushing it. Our staff is ready to go. We're ready to go. We need to start changing the flow of cash."