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GCC Spring 2012 President's List honorees

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College proudly announces that the following students are among 540 students who were named to the President's List for the Spring 2012 semester. Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better. (The college also maintains a Dean's List comprised of students who earn a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74. Genesee's Dean's List will be released in the next several weeks.)

This year's Genesee Community College Spring 2012 President's List honorees, with their hometowns, are listed below:
 

Basom

Danielle Hirtzel
Jessica Pfalzer
Theresa Rainey
Elias Seward
Leah Snyder

Batavia

Russell Jackson

Bergen

Elizabeth Jarnot
Charles Lee
Lindsay Stumpf

Byron

Tiffany Harrington
Richard Lucas
Stacy Maskell
Arlene Olmstead
Adrienne Payne
Danielle Thom

Corfu

Angel Alexander
Stacy Brockway
Rachel Doktor
Tracy Kearney
Michael Kraus
Kyle Maurer
Kayla Meyer
Alyssa Reeb
Dawn Roberto
Dawn Smith
Trevor Spiotta
Dana Wolbert

Darien Center

Shannon Bates
Kylynn Bank
James Erb
Matthew Herod
Hannah Zimmermann

East Bethany

Autumn Atkinson
Julliane Ingalls
Alec Kirch
Bryce Kirch
Sarah Lawson
Janet Gohlke

East Pembroke

Anthony Nati

Elba

Michael Anauo
Nicole Beardsley
Richard Dorf
Chapin Guthrie
Chelsie Pangrazio
Samantha Walker

Le Roy

Kevin Callahan
Andi DeBellis
Eric Hayes
Stephanie Heisler
Jeanice Howard
Gregory Humphrey
Donald Kahm
Mark McAvoy
Cody Niccloy
Willard Prevost
Michele Rast
Bethany Roth
Heather Schroeder
Brenda Sheflin
Denise Simcick
Michael Sullivan
Conor Tomaszewski

Linwood

Deena Hernandez

Oakfield

Della Balduf
Jonathon Cassiano
Lindsay Chatt
Benjamin Cherry
Angela Larmon
Laura Ostrowski
Sara Read
Joseph Sullivan

Meghan Vandersteur

Pavilion

Samantha Barclay
Patricia Brown
Wendy Edwards
Kaleigh Kingsley
Jonathan White

South Byron

Halle Davalos

Stafford

Michelle Jackson

 

Genesee Community College offers over 60 academic programs and certificates, including the new Veterinary Technology (Vet Tech) and Polysomnography (Sleep Tech) programs. Genesee is accessible through seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as through online classes in the Distance Learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes yet state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch."

Wortyndyke Road closed for repaving

By Billie Owens

Wortyndyke Road in the Town of Batavia is closed temporarily for repaving. There are barricades up at routes 33 and 5. No vehicles, including emergency vehicles, will be allowed.

Law and Order: Batavia man allegedly violated order of protection

By Billie Owens

Brad C. Doward, of 10 Hall St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt in the first degree, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment, 2nd. The 22-year-old was involved in a domestic incident Aug. 3 on Prune Street wherein he allegedly pushed a female acquaintance in the presence of a 10-year-old child. There's an order of protection in place directing the defendant to refrain himself from harassment against this female. He turned himself into the Batavia PD on Aug. 5, was arraigned and put in jail without bail pending his court appearance today at 1:30 p.m. The investigating officers were Frank Klimjack and Jason Ivison.

Dr. Anna Lamb elected president of New York State Osteopathic Medical Society

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Anna M. Lamb, DO, FACOFP of Batavia, New York has been elected as the new president of New York State Osteopathic Medical Society (NYSOMS) as of March 2nd 2012.

Dr. Lamb is a graduate of the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (1996) and has her master’s degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo (1992) with a focus on natural sciences.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Saint Bonaventure (NY) University (1989). She owns and operates a family practice, Lamb Family Medicine, in Batavia where she also serves as President of Medical Staff at United Memorial Medical Center.  Dr. Lamb was awarded a Fellow designation by the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) in 2009.  Dr. Lamb also belongs to the New York State ACOFP, the American Academy of Osteopathy, the American Osteopathic Association and the Cranial Academy.

Dr. Lamb is actively involved in her community. She is a member of the Batavia Rotary Club, Zonta Club and concert band.  She is a member of the Genesee County CASA for Children Board as well. 

Batavia Junior Blue Devils win Babe Ruth 15U championship

By Howard B. Owens

Submitted:

The Batavia Junior Blue Devils defeated the Livonia Devil Dogs 3-1 to win the Monroe County Babe Ruth 15U Western League Championship.  

The Junior Blue Devils went undefeated in the double elimination playoff, defeating the Greece Bombers, Rush Henrietta Comets, Gates Spartans, and the Livonia Devil Dogs in the Championship.  

In the championship game, the  Junior Blue Devils played solid defense behind a pitching gem by Tyler Prospero.  Batavia turned two timely double plays in the second and fifth innings to help thwart Livonia’s rally attempts.  

Prospero did not allow a hit until the seventh inning when the Devil Dogs touched him for a home run, Livonia’s only run, and a double.  Prospero struck out six as he kept the Devil Dogs off balance the entire game.  Batavia scored all three of their runs in the fifth inning as Patrick Wrobel led off the inning with a double to right center.  

After a pop out, Tom Demmer plated the first run of the game with a line drive down the left field line.  Then after a strikeout, Dominick Mogavero's infield single scored Demmer.  Greg Mruczek's second single of the game scored Mogavero, giving Batavia a 3-0 lead.  

Other hits in the game for the Junior Blue Devils were by Quinten Weis and Noah Dobbertin.

In the first round, Batavia defeated Greece 10-7 led with two hits each by Nick Bauer, Dakota Swimline, Dwayne Fonda, and Quinten Weis and singles by Nate Goodwin Demmer, Wrobel, and Mogavero.

Batavia’s 5-4 second round win over Rush Henrietta was led by hits from Trevor Sherwood, Adam Taylor, Wrobel, Weis, Bauer, Dobbertin, Fonda, Mruczek, and Prospero. Mogavero had a solid pitching effort to get the win over the previously undefeated Comets.

And in the third round 10-9 win over Gates, the Junior Blue Devils offense was helped by nine walks.  Hits for Batavia were a double and a single by Wrobel, two singles by Prospero, and singles each by Robert Zickl, Mogavero, Mruczek, Sherwood, and Weis.

Sam Patel named CEO of Grease Lightning

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Ben Thompson, founder and company president of Grease Lightning has announced that Sam Patel has been named the new CEO of Grease Lightning and it’s chain of auto shops.

Mr. Patel, a resident of Moline, IL and investor in Grease Lightning has been involved in various business ventures from constructing, operating, and managing motels, gas stations, liquor stores, fast food chains and property management. He brings tremendous retail business experience, specializing in successfully growing small size to mid size companies and will utilize great operational expertise in franchising to this venture.

Ben Thompson will remain on board as an advisor but will focus on the company’s chemical venture, namely Hog Polish and associated products as well as the company’s media branch. Ben’s wife and co-founder, Jackie Thompson will also step back to an advisory role.

Grease Lightning, a Batavia, NY company was launched in late 2009 and has locations in New York, Maine & Illinois. Parties interested in becoming owner/operator of a Grease Lightning shop anywhere in the U.S. should reach out to VP of Operations John McEwing at (401) 241-9375.

Grease Lightning is operated locally at 4003 W. Main Rd., 50 Liberty St. and on the web at
www.mygreaselightning.com.

Children in parks programs learn about recycling at ARC facility

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Genesee ARC and the City Youth Bureau Parks program teamed up this summer to offer educational tours at ARC’s new Trash & Recycling facility, 3785 W. Main St. Road.

Children from all five city parks program sites signed up to learn about the city’s recycling efforts and how items are reduced, reused and recycled.  ARC Trash & Recycling Coordinator Mike Smith shared information about recycling seven different types of plastic, as well as tin cans, paper and the number one product recycled at the new facility, cardboard.

A new initiative called e-recycling was showcased during the tour, explaining the NYS law requiring recycling of electronics such as a computers, televisions, cell phones and electronic games.

(Photo: Mike Smith and a group from the Williams Park recreation program in front of piles of baled tin cans).

City Slickers donating money to cancer victim for new Facebook likes

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

City Slickers Bar & Grill is giving back. This time, it's all powered by Facebook. Starting today, anyone that likes their facebook page, www.facebook.com/cityslickersbar , will have add another $.25 that will be donated to Austin Heineman. Austin, a recent 2012 Pembroke graduate, was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer. The donations are being given to help pay for medical bills and treatments that his insurance would not cover. The donation count will continue to grow until $500.00 is raised for Austin's Army!

One-car rollover on westbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A one-car rollover accident with four occupants still inside is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 393.7. Unknown injuries. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: The vehicle landed on its roof and it's actually on the shoulder of Harloff Road. One person remains trapped inside. There are multiple cars pulled over near the accident scene.

UPDATE 7:36 p.m.: Two adults and two infants were in the car, with one adult still inside. A second ambulance is called along with traffic control.

UPDATE 7:51 p.m.: The driver is being transported to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 8:01 p.m.: The babies are being transported to Women's & Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

UPDATE 8:07 p.m.: East Pembroke is back in service.

Crossroads House hosts successful 5K run in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Amy Swanson, assistant director for Crossroads House, sent along a couple of pictures from yesterday's Run the Roads for Crossroads House 5K. She said it was a "wonderful day" for a run. A total of 211 people turned out for the event. Collin Mulcahy finished first to win the Overall Male with a time of 17:19; Liz Valento was the Overall Female winner with a time of 20:35.

The complete results can be found at www.crossroadshouse5k.com.

Swanson wrote:

All proceeds raised today help support the mission of Crossroads House in providing comfort care to the dying. Individuals with three months or less to live can stay at Crossroads House completely for free where our volunteers and nurses take care of physical, emotional and medical needs.

We accept residents from not only Genesee County, but also Wyoming county as well. All of our funding comes from in-kind donations, memorials and community support like we experienced today! Along with the runners and walkers who turned out today, more than 50 area business sponsored this event!

Photos: Cooling off at the Spray Park on a hot day

By Howard B. Owens

Aiden, at 22 months, enjoyed his first visit to the Spray Park in Austin Park today while his family, from Clarendon, was visiting Batavia.

More shots from the Spray Park in today's 90-degree weather below.

The weather prediction for Sunday remains strong thunderstorms.

Photos: Ricky Palermo Foundation charity tournament at Terry Hills

By Howard B. Owens

Joe Maiorano (top) and Charlie Hamilton (bottom) tie off during the annual Ricky Palermo Foundation charity tournament at Terry Hills today. Maiorano came from Danbury, Conn., and Hamilton from Tampa, Fla., for the tournament.

Photos: World Harmony Run passes through Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

The World Harmony Run passed through Batavia today.

The effort is a relay-run involving dozens of runners who have already traveled 8,500 miles on a 10,000-mile journey through all 48 continental states.

There are also running participants in 100 other countries around the globe.

Salil Wilson said the effort is intended to send a message that "peace and harmony starts with each person."

"It demonstrates," he said, "that there is far more that unites us as one human family than divides us."

The group, which includes runners from Germany, Hungary, New Zealand, Belarus, and, of course, the United States, stopped for refreshments at the Peace Garden before heading east.

Click here for a map of the route the group has traveled.

Top photo and photo below, Laszlo Szente, of Hungary.

Woman who admitted to welfare fraud must repay $11K

By Howard B. Owens

A Maple Street resident who admitted to welfare fraud will serve five years probation and must repay $11,341.18 after being sentenced in Genesee County Court.

Kerry Ackley, 39, admitted in May to a felony count of attempted grand larceny, 3rd.

She received benefits after failing to report her receipt of worker's compensation. She was originally charged with four counts of offering a false instrument for filing and the grand larceny charge.

Ackley is also barred from receiving food stamps.

Man admits in federal court to robbing Batavia bank in 2007

By Howard B. Owens

A man who robbed a bank in Batavia in November 2007 entered a guilty plea in federal court on Friday, admitting to a total of five bank robberies in Western New York and Pennsylvania.

Michael Makolinski, 31, of Buffalo, faces up to 25 years in jail, a $1 million fine or both after pleading guilty to bank robbery.

“In his greed to steal the money of others, this serial bank robber thought he could prey upon banks located is some of our smaller communities, as well as in Buffalo,” said U.S. Attorney William Hochul. “As today’s convictions prove, the defendant’s belief was wrong.”

Besides the robbery of the Bank of America branch in Batavia, Makolinski, who appeared to display a gun in each robbery, hit banks in Erie, Pa., Irondequoit, Lewiston and Buffalo.

All of the robberies occurred between October 2007 and December 2007.

Sentencing is set for Nov. 13.

Possible minor injury accident reported on Clinton Street Road

By Howard B. Owens

A two-car accident with possible minor injuries is reported on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, in front of Terry Hills Golf Course.

The accident is blocking.

Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 10:21 a.m.: One lane blocked. Debris in roadway. One person complaining of neck pain.

UPDATE 10:34 a.m.: One patient being transported to UMMC.

UPDATE 10:51 a.m.: Town of Batavia fire back in service.

City kicks off strategic planning with resident survey

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

City residents and those who work in the city are asked to provide input to the Batavia City Council through a Citizen Survey posted on the city’s Web site at www.batavianewyork.com.

Two years ago the city conducted a citizen survey to gauge how citizens perceive the quality of several city services. The survey also inquired as to whether citizens plan to remain in Batavia in five years and provided an area for general comments.

The data received from the survey was used to develop the city’s Strategic and Business Plan. Last year was an overwhelming success for our first year of implementation as the city achieved or exceeded nearly all of its identified performance measurements and key intended outcomes.

The results of the 2012 survey will again provide the city with information for its strategic planning process 2013 – 2015.

“This past year has been an enormous success for our city,” said City Manager Jason Molino. “It is important that we continue this planning process moving forward, and getting input from our citizens and workforce is vital to the planning success.”

The online survey can be viewed using any computer with Internet access. To find the survey, an individual will need to go to www.batavianewyork.com and click on the link labeled, “Citizen Survey.”

This link will take you directly to the survey which can be filled out online and submitted by the click of a button upon completion. All residents and those working in the city can take the survey, and the survey can be accessed more than once by eligible members of the same household.

For individuals without computer access, the Richmond Memorial Library is encouraging Batavia residents to utilize its free Internet service to take the survey. The library offers several computer terminals from which the survey can be taken. The service is free, however individuals must sign up to become a library member.

Membership to the Richmond Memorial Library is free and requires only a few minutes to provide some basic information. Summer library hours are: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Residents can also pick up and submit a hard copy of the survey from the city clerk’s office at city hall.

Reel Discussion at Richmond library: 'You've Got Mail'

By Billie Owens

Reel Discussions at Richmond Memorial Library will feature the film "You've Got Mail," beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28.

The Tom Hanks / Meg Ryan romantic comedy is the story of two rival bookstore owners who battle in real life and unknowingly begin an Internet romance.

Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward. The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

For more information, call the library at 343-9550 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org.

Event Date and Time
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Reel Discussion at Richmond library: 'Midnight in Paris'

By Billie Owens

Reel Discussion at Richmond Memorial Library in August will feature the movie "Midnight in Paris." It begins at 6 o'clock on Thursday evening, Aug. 23.

Paris is a city that lends itself to daydreaming, to walking the streets and imagining all sorts of magic. "Midnight in Paris" is about a screenwriter hero named Gil who strolls the lanes of Paris with his head in the clouds and walks right into his own best fantasy.

Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward.

Event Date and Time
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Local History: One woman honored on World War I monument in Williams Park

By Howard B. Owens

On Memorial Day I took a minute to read the names on the World War I monument in Williams Park.

My assumption was, these where the names of people killed in combat, so when two, possibly three, names looked like the names of women, I was curious as to who they were.

I contacted Susan Conklin, Genesee County historian and records management officer, to see if she knew anything about the monument. She asked me to get the names, which I finally got around to doing for her earlier this week.

Here are the three names that got my attention:

Elva Springer, Florence Carney and Cecelia Cochran.

It turns about both Springer and Carney were men who served in the Marine Corps and Army.

The first name of Springer, a resident of 12 Fisher Park, is also spelled Alva. He was wounded in action some time prior to May 1, 1918. His death as a result of his wounds was reported locally Nov. 22, 1918.

According to a newspaper article from May 1, 1918, Springer was the son of John Springer, who by that time had moved to New York City. John Springer worked for the Batavia Rubber Company. His son had worked for him prior to enlistment.The article says "he was well known among young people here."

Carney, middle name Vincent, was among the first men drafted on Feb. 7, 1918.  He lived at 26 Russell Place. His death was reported Oct. 15, 1918 from pneumonia at Camp Aberdeen.

Miss Cecelia Josephine Cochran, the lone woman listed on the monument, was the daughter of Capt. and Mrs. Elliott P. Cochran of 17 Vernon Ave., Batavia. She had been a nurse in Rochester. She left Batavia Sept. 30, 1918 as a volunteer nurse for the United States Public Health Service. The family was notified Oct. 14, 1918 that she was quite ill with pneumonia at Army Hospital in Huntsville, Ala.

The family held a private funeral Oct. 21, 1918, at home followed by a service at St. Joseph's officiated by Father Gilhooley of East Pembroke.

Cochran was buried with military honors at the Catholic Cemetery in Le Roy.

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