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Public invited to meet Elba schools' three superintendent candidates

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Elba Central School District’s Board of Education (BOE) has named three finalists for the district’s next Superintendent.

Tony Zambito, president of the Elba Central School District’s BOE, said he is pleased with the high-quality candidate pool and is enthused about the potential the three finalists have to offer.

“Choosing the best superintendent for our district is the board’s main priority,” Zambito said. “The field of candidates was diverse, which made narrowing the field to three very difficult. We are confident that one of these candidates will be the best candidate for our school district and community.”

The three finalists are Karrie Schiavone, Sheila Eigenbrod, Ph.D., and Keith Palmer.

The community is invited to attend a meet-and-greet with each of the candidates from 5:30 to 6 p.m. this afternoon, and tomorrow Wednesday,  May 27, and Thursday, May 28 in the School Library/Media Center at the Elba Central School District. Schiavone will visit today; Palmer on Wednesday; and Eigenbrod on Thursday.

The anticipated start date for the new superintendent is July 1.

Kevin MacDonald, district superintendent of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, who is acting as search consultant, said the Board has developed and implemented a process that will help determine the best candidate.

“This is a rigorous search process,” MacDonald said. “Finalists will visit the Elba Central School District to meet with staff and the community and go though another round of interviews. The process concludes with the Board meeting to make a final decision.”

Karrie Schiavone is currently the Principal of Holley Elementary School, a position she has held since 2012. From 2002 until 2012, she served as the director of Instruction and Special Programs for Holley Central Schools (HCS). Prior to that, she served as elementary principal of the Warren P. Towne School in Medina. From 1995 until 1999, Schiavone served as an intermediate teacher and in many supervisory roles at HCS including elementary Science coordinator and district Social Studies curriculum writer. Schiavone began her career in education in 1994 as a teacher for the Bethel Head Start in Buffalo. Throughout her career she has served in many leadership capacities. She currently oversees a number of committees at HCS including the district’s Technology; Safety and Health/Wellness committees as well as the APPR Committee. She has a broad scope of fiscal management at HCS, including developing and managing budgets and grants for a multitude of district programs and services. She holds a bachelor of science from SUNY Buffalo, and a master’s degree in Education from the College at Brockport. Schiavone earned a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from The College at Brockport and also holds a New York State School Administrator Certificate.

Sheila Eigenbrod, Ph.D., is the principal of Pavilion Central Middle/Secondary School where she has served as principal since 1996. Eigenbrod began at the Pavilion Central School (PCS) District in 1993 as the Middle School principal and director of Special and Preschool Special Education. From 1990 until 1993 she served as the school psychologist and chairperson for Special Education at the Friendship Central School District. She also served for three years as a school psychologist at the Stanley Falk School, a private school in Buffalo for students who have special learning, social, and emotional needs. Eigenbrod began her career at the New York State School for the Blind as an occupational therapist. She earned a bachelor of science and a master’s degree from SUNY Buffalo. She also holds certifications as both New York State School District Administrator and Teacher/School Psychologist. Eigenbrod earned her doctorate degree in Educational Psychology in 1996 from SUNY Buffalo. Her list of endeavors is varied and includes many accomplishments. Under her leadership, the PCS District earned regional top rankings for graduation rates and advanced Regents Diplomas. She supported fiscal management of zero-based budgeting for grades 6-12 and Eigenbrod led the development of district positions that addressed accountability and instruction.

Keith Palmer is the principal of Pembroke High School, a position he has held for 12 years. From 1991-2003, he served as the assistant principal of Kendall High School in Kendall. Palmer began his career in 1987 as a Math and Computer Science teacher at North Warren Central School in the Adirondacks. He also taught at the Washington Correctional Facility located in Comstock for two summers in both 1988 and 1990. Palmer holds a bachelor of arts from Houghton College, and a master’s degree from SUNY Plattburgh. He holds three New York State (NYS) certifications, a NYS School District Administrator, a NYS School Administrator and Supervisor Certificate and a NYS School Business Administrator Certificate. Palmer’s career encompasses a variety of leadership accomplishments including developing Professional Learning Communities to build school/family communication and maintaining effective relations with union leadership. His instructional leadership includes constructing guaranteed and viable curriculum for all coursework through the school.

GCC launches new campus emergency number

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Those in need of emergency assistance at Genesee Community College now have a simpler way to call for help. Dial (585) 345-6500 and you'll be directly connected to Campus Safety who can then respond immediately. The new number eliminates the need to dial the main GCC switchboard and be transferred to the 6500 extension.

"We wanted to make it easier for people to find us," said Stephen Wise, director of Campus Safety. "We also wanted to make the 6500 number synonymous with campus safety."

Internal users calling from a GCC phone can still dial the 6500 extension to reach Campus Safety in an emergency. The extension 6240 is also still available for non-emergencies. Those outside the College wishing to reach Campus Safety in a non-emergency may call (585) 343-0055, ext. 6240.

Campus Safety recently acquired a new vehicle making it an opportune time for the change. The new emergency number (345-6500) is featured on reflective decals on each vehicle.

"We want to be readily visible so people know where they can go for help," Wise said.

The decals feature the updated Campus Safety logo as well as the new 345-6500 phone number. Previously, the campus security vehicles bore an image of Genesee Community College's old logo and current College seal that features the landmark Holland Land Office Museum.

Fire with multiple explosions reported at Kistner Concrete on Read Road, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A fire with multiple explosions, "multiple vehicles, possibly tankers involved," is reported at Kistner Concrete Products, Inc., 8713 Read Road, Town of Pembroke. East Pembroke fire chief responding told dispatch "I can't get close enough -- multiple explosions." East Pembroke Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Oakfield, Darien, Alexander and Town of Batavia.

UPDATE 12:08 a.m.: Pembroke Fire Department is asked to stand by in East Pembroke's fire hall.

UPDATE 12:09 a.m.: Mercy medic #2 is requested to the scene on Read Road.

UPDATE 12:18 a.m.: A dispatcher tells command: "My partner spoke with the owner and he explained what was happening. He's been updated about the situation."

UPDATE 12:22 a.m.: Howard at the scene says the fire is out. A semi-truck was completely destroyed and a flatbed truck adjacent to it was heavily damaged.

UPDATE 12:29 a.m.: East Pembroke Fire Chief Don Newton told Howard: "I don't know what blew up. We were sitting at the fire hall when we heard the explosion. I've heard tires explode and they never sounded that loud."

UPDATE 1:55 a.m.: Photos and more information from Chief Don Newton.

Newton said he and two other members of the department were burning the midnight oil at the Fire Hall working on reports when they heard a series of booms.

"It sounded like thunder," Newton said. "Well, actually, it sounded like more than thunder, so we walked outside then I heard about 10 more explosions and I said there's more than just thunder going on."

Newton and the other firefighters got into his personal vehicle and went out to scout the area. A short drive down Route 5 and they spotted the orange glow in the sky at Kistner Concrete. They swung down Bennett Road, but couldn't get into the yard because of the locked gates and barriers. Newton said he could see a truck was on fire and it looked as though the fire could have spread to other vehicles. He was worried whether there might be a structure nearby.

"I couldn't tell if there was a building around it or not because the smoke was thick and it was black and it was dark," Newton said. "You couldn't see anything except for the orange glow."

Newton radioed dispatch and immediately requested a second alarm. He took the firefighters with him back to the Fire Hall and they rolled two engines.

The gate off Read Road was locked, so Newton used one of the trucks to pull it down so they could get access to the fire.

Soon, other volunteers arrived on scene and the East Pembroke crew with the aid of Oakfield, Town of Batavia, Darien and Alexander, was able to quickly get the fire knocked down (Pembroke and Indian Falls provided fill-in at East Pembroke's hall).

The quick response likely saved another truck that was sitting next to the one that caught fire as well as a piece of machinery on the neighboring flatbed trailer.

The cause of the fire is still undetermined, but was possibly electrical.

The truck's saddle tanks were brimming with fuel, ready for the next day's work, but a lot of things could have exploded, not just those tanks.

"The explosions could have been everything from tires to the fuel tanks to the air chambers," Newton said. "There's a lot of pressurized units on these trucks. This truck was last used on Friday, so it's very possible everything could still have been pressurized on it."

People reported hearing the explosions as far away as Wortendyke Road and the Village of Corfu.

Log pile fire gets out of control on Lewiston Road, Alabama

By Billie Owens

A caller reports a pile of logs on fire got out of control and is now posing exposure threats on several fronts of the property at 2245 Lewiston Road. Alabama Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Oakfield.

UPDATE 6:17 p.m.: Fire is out. Assignment is back in service.

Schedule of Memorial Day ceremonies and parade

By Billie Owens

From our news partner WBTA, Memorial Day events, May 25:

Schedule and Locations of Ceremonies:

7 a.m.  –  Vietnam Veteran Memorial in Genesee County Park;
8 a.m.   –  World War I Memorial Wreath Laying and Salute in Williams Park;
8:30 a.m.  –  Batavia Veterans Administration Medical Center;
8:45 a.m.  –  State Veterans Home;
9:30 a.m.  –  Wreathe Laying and Salute at the Upton Monument;
10 a.m.  –  Elmwood Cemetery;
10 a.m.  –  Memorial Day Parade down Main Street starting at Eastown Plaza;
10:45 a.m.  –  Jerome Center Veterans Memorial;
5 p.m. -- Dedication of the Civil War memorial headstone for Pvt. Conrad Litt in Old Section of Indian Falls Cemetery.

Three-day Michael Napoleone Memorial Baseball Tournament begins this afternoon

By Billie Owens

At 2:30 this afternoon the three-day Michael Napoleone Memorial Baseball Tournament begins at the ball park on State Street in Batavia. It promises to be a fine time for families to enjoy the Great American Pastime and help a worthy cause. There will be lots of baseball games, food, kids' activities and on Saturday, the Lions Club will offer free cancer eye screenings at the Main Tent on State Street.

Also, don't miss The Awareness Ceremony which will be at 1 o'clock at the Little League Field on Saturday.

Game starts today are at 2:30, 4:30 and 6:30 for Little League and Minor League.

On Saturday, games are at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. for Minor League and Little League.

Sunday Little League and Minor League:

10:15 a.m. -- Playoff
12:15 p.m. -- Playoff
3:15 p.m. -- Championship

Williams Park
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Friday -- 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (under lights)

Saturday -- 10, 2:30

Sunday -- 10, 12:30, 3:30 playoffs and Championship

 

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, Inc., was founded in 2007 in memory of Michael C. Napoleone, the eight year old son of Mark and Laurie Napoleone from Batavia, who passed away from Burkitts Lymphoma/Leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer. During Michael's illness, the community rallied around the family to assist with food, gas, medical bills, and other necessities. The not-for-profit Foundation, a 501(c)3, organization, was created to give back to those who cared, to give forward to those in need, and to support research efforts to find a cure for childhood cancer.

Assemblyman Hawley holds office hours this afternoon at GCC

By Billie Owens

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C–Batavia) is hosting his regular outreach office hours for Genesee County residents at Genesee Community College this coming Friday, May 22.

It will be from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Conable Technology Building Room T123 at the college, located at 1 College Road, Batavia. Staff members from Assemblyman Hawley’s office will be there.

To schedule a separate appointment with the assemblyman, please contact his office at hawleys@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling 813-9319.

Event Date and Time
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Two Batavia figure skaters successfully compete in Spring Skate Festival in Cheektowaga

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Six area figure skaters who train at Lockport’s Cornerstone CFCU Arena competed May 16-17 at the Spring Skate Festival hosted by the Skating Club of Western New York at Holiday Twin Rinks in Cheektowaga. Angelina DiTullio, of Lockport, Michelle Dyer, of Batavia, Macy Midla, of Batavia, sisters Emily and Allison Milleville, of Lockport, and Kristin Riemer, of Royalton, together competed in 13 events over the course of the two-day competition. The skaters collected one gold medal, four bronze medals, and three fourth-place ribbons overall.

The Figure Skating program at Cornerstone CFCU Arena is growing under the coaching and direction of Figure Skating Director Dawn Ahlers.

On June 13, Cornerstone CFCU Arena’s Lockport Skating School will host its first Basic Skills competition involving competitors from its Figure Skating and Learn to Skate program as well as skaters from out of town. To date, applications have been received from as far away as Rochester and Ontario, Canada. Plans are to create a United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) sanctioned club and host recurring events to draw skaters from across the region to Lockport.

The Cornerstone CFCU Arena features two NHL regulation-size rinks, a pro shop, a performance training center and seating for 630 spectators. The 93,500 square-foot facility at 34 Chestnut St. in Lockport opened its Figure Skating and Learn to Skate programs in October. More information about these and other programs may be found at www.cornerstoneicearena.com.

In photo, from left, Macy Midla, of Batavia, Michelle Dyer, of Batavia, and Kristin Riemer, of Royalton.

High school student exchange program seeks host families

By Billie Owens

Press release:

International Experience -- USA (iE-USA), a high school student exchange organization, announced that it plans to welcome a record number of students to U.S. communities in the Fall, mirroring a national trend. According to CSIET (Council on Standards for International Education Travel), 200,000+ exchange students are expected this year.

As the leading English-speaking host country of foreign exchange students, our nation as a whole has seen an increase in high school exchange participants of about 13 percent in the past decade (CSIET 2013; 2014). This upward trend is expected to continue as a growing number of international students seek both English fluency and cultural competency to prepare for the increasingly global marketplace.

When U.S. communities engage with a growing number of international students, local schools and families benefit from the cultural interactions they inherently provide.

"Every year our state plays host to many talented, top-of-their-class students with the lifelong dream of studying in America," says Emily Rolin, iE-USA's regional director, “and our communities reap the rewards.”

Rolin, who boasts 10 years of work in student exchange, says that each student who visits her community brings with them a unique perspective.

“We have the opportunity to see through their eyes: to explore another culture not through travel, but through relationships,” she said.

Though many high schools once viewed exchange participants as “extra” students requiring the attention of teachers and staff, the popular opinion among administrators is shifting to favor exchange student enrollment as a natural way to integrate differing worldviews into the classroom. The U.S. Department of Education has stressed the importance of building the global competencies of U.S. students to make them internationally competitive, and many believe that welcoming exchange students into the high school setting can help toward that end.

“As a principal, I truly appreciate the opportunity to host foreign exchange students on a yearly basis,” says Principal Kevin O’Neill of Vicksburg, Mich. “The infusion of a variety of cultures into our high school has been an invaluable experience for our students.”

Families who host an exchange student often benefit on a more personal level, forming family ties that last far beyond the boundaries of the exchange. Hosting an international student offers these local families a realistic way to explore a new culture right at home.

“My wife and I wanted to travel the world, but we both worked full time, so we brought the world to us!” remembers Dave Long, a retired Vietnam veteran who has been hosting exchange students since 1982.

“Our family has been blessed in so many ways by student exchange,” says Sara Lee, whose family has hosted 3 iE-USA students in the past five years. “We consider our students to be a part of our extended ‘international’ family!' ”

The Lees recently returned from Colombia, where they visited their previous exchange students’ families and toured the local countryside.

iE-USA’s exchange student participants are between the ages of 15-18 and come from many countries including Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Thailand, Montenegro, and Argentina. Each student undergoes an extensive application process and is responsible for his/her own spending money and health insurance coverage. A list of current students can be found online at http://usa.international-experience.net/. <http://usa.international-experience.net/>

Host families (traditional families, singles, empty nesters, etc.) provide a supportive home base for their student for a semester or full academic year. Visiting students participate as active members of the family, integrating into their daily routines and traditions just like any other family member.

iE-USA is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to promoting education and understanding through intercultural and academic exchange. iE-USA is certified by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) and strictly adheres to all U.S. Department of State Student Exchange Program regulations and guidelines.

To learn more about how you can experience and support cultural exchange in your own home, contact iE-USA representative, Joe Bissell-Maynard at j.bissell@international-experience.net, (517) 455-7518.

The first Beertavia craft beer festival is this afternoon at Jackson and Center streets Downtown

By Billie Owens

Today is the inaugural Beertavia, a craft beer festival featuring more than 50 brews. The event takes place in the parking lot at Jackson and Center streets from 3 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $40; VIP tickets are $55; designated drivers pay $10. Tickets are available at Angotti Beverages, located at 61 Jakcson St., or from eventbrite.com.

Beertavia is brought to you by the Downtown Business Improvement District. Phone 344-0900.

Event Date and Time
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Minor-injury accident in city at Main and Jackson

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at Main and Jackson streets in Batavia. City fire is responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 4:48 p.m.: One person was transported to UMMC with a hand injury.

FREE workshop -- Mental Health in the Workplace: How, When & Why to Help

By Billie Owens

Karl Shallowhorn, director of community advocacy, Mental Health Association of Erie County and Compeer of Great Buffalo, will present a FREE program focused on the impact of mental health in the workplace on Tuesday, May 19th. It will take place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Terry Hills Restaurant & Banquet Facility, located at 5122 Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

Topics to be covered include: the financial implications of depression among employees, rick factors and proactive management. In addition, information will be provided about the importance of self-care and managing stress in a demanding work environment.

Breakfast will be served. There is no charge for this program. Space is limited -- RSVP to the Genesee County Mental Health Association at 585-344-2611 or via e-mail to    admin@mhagenesee.org

Annual flag raising at Batavia Peace Garden is Saturday, plus Time Capsule dedication, reenactors

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Peace Garden Annual Flag Raising will take place on Saturday, May 16th, at 11 a.m. in the Batavia Peace Garden, located next to the Holland Land Office Museum at 131 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia. The flags will be raised by veterans and volunteers. NYS Assemblymen Steve Hawley will provide a brief history of the flags.

Saint Joe’s Brass Ensemble will be on hand to provide patriotic music. The Genesee County War of 1812 Militia will perform a ceremonial salute following the flag raising. This will be followed by taps.

In addition, the Batavia Bicentennial Time Capsule Dedication is scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. on the grounds of the Holland Land Office Museum. This will be followed by a reception in the Museum with complimentary refreshments.

Planned activities include costumed reenactors and hot dogs for sale. 

This is a family-friendly event. The public is invited to attend. Bring your lawn chairs and make a day of it!

Dry conditions prompt governor to extend brush burning ban until May 21

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that New York State has extended the ban on residential brush burning until May 21 due to continued dry conditions across the state. Open burning of debris is the largest single cause of spring wildfires in the state. In addition, the high fire danger burn ban prohibits outdoor fires, such as campfires and recreational fires, and open fires used for cooking. View the proclamation here.

“State officials have worked hand-in-hand with local firefighters to help contain a rash of wildfires that have broken out across New York in recent weeks," Governor Cuomo said. "With dry weather conditions persisting, I am extending this burning ban to better protect the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers who may find themselves and their property in harm’s way. I urge everyone to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their neighbors and the first responders.”

The eastern, central, southern and far northern regions of the state are rated as having a high risk of fire danger, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation. The Southern Tier, Lake Ontario, and Adirondack regions are rated as having a moderate risk of fire danger. Additionally, the red flag warning is a short-term, temporary warning, indicating the presence of a dangerous combination of temperature, wind, relative humidity, fuel or drought conditions which can contribute to new fires or rapid spread of existing fires. This year, 110 fires have burned nearly 3,600 acres.

While all wildfires in New York are now contained, numerous state agencies deployed resources over the past two weeks to help battle wildfires in the astern New York.

On May 5, Governor Cuomo activated the Fire Operations Center at the New York State Emergency Operations Center in Albany to monitor and assist with a large brush fire in Ulster and Sullivan counties. Assets from the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Department of Environmental Conservation, the State Police, State Department of Transportation and the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs coordinated the fire response, including assistance from fire departments in Greene, Schoharie, Delaware and Broome counties. The Roosa Gap Fire in Sullivan and Ulster counties was caused by debris burning and consumed more than 2,700 acres. The fire is now contained. Patrols continue to monitor the site to ensure there are no flare ups.

All trails in the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness area in the town of Hunter, Greene County, are now reopened. The Department of Environmental Conservation closed these trails on May 8 while the Heavenly Valley Road Fire burned over 110 acres.

Since 2009, New York State has enforced a residential brush burning ban for towns with less than 20,000 residents from March 16 through May 14, the period when most wildfires occur. Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack Park and Catskill Park, are designated “fire towns,” and open burning is prohibited year-round in these municipalities unless an individual or group has a written permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation. Burning garbage is prohibited year-round. Violators of the open burning regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense.

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens said, “Keeping the burn ban in place for an additional week, and including a ban on cooking and recreational fires, is necessary and prudent. Governor Cuomo’s action will remind people to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Many of us enjoy the beautiful natural resources we have in New York, and we all play a role in protecting these resources as well as our family and friend’s by preventing fires.”

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner John P. Melville said, “We are urging the public to be mindful that during periods of dry weather and gusty winds, brush fires can ignite from anything that can create a small spark. A lightning strike, a discarded match, or even a car backfiring, could cause a dangerous fire. It is important to take precautions to protect our neighbors and our property from situations that can quickly go from bad to worse.”

Since the ban was enacted, the average number of spring fires per year has decreased from 3,297 to 1,425 or 43.2 percent. To view an updated map of fire danger ratings in New York, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/68329.html.

Elba firefighters host spaghetti dinner and raffles on Sunday to benefit ECS student with cancer

By Billie Owens

The Elba Fire Department is hosting a Pasta Dinner to benefit Elba Central School senior Michael Pfendler in his fight against testicular cancer. It will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, at the Elba Firemen's Rec Hall, located at 7143 Route 98 in Elba.

Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for kids.

Dinner includes pasta with meatballs & sauce, coleslaw, bread, drink and dessert.

Also available will be raffles, Chinese auction baskets, 50/50, and more.

Tickets available at the Elba Town Clerk's Office, Chap's Elba Diner, M&T Bank in Elba, or purchased at the door!

For more information or to donate, please call 585-704-0510.

Elba firefighters host spaghetti dinner and raffles to benefit ECS student with cancer

By Billie Owens

The Elba Fire Department is hosting a Pasta Dinner to benefit Elba Central School senior Michael Pfendler in his fight against testicular cancer. It will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, at the Elba Firemen's Rec Hall, located at 7143 Route 98 in Elba.

Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for kids.

Dinner includes pasta with meatballs & sauce, coleslaw, bread, drink and dessert.

Also available will be raffles, Chinese auction baskets, 50/50, and more.

Event Date and Time
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McTeacher's Night is May 20 to benefit BHS Class of '16

By Billie Owens

McTeacher’s Night Benefits Batavia High School Class of 2016
On Wednesday, May 20, Batavia High School faculty members will work at the new McDonald's, 573 E. Main St., from 4:30-7:30 p.m., to benefit the Class of 2016. For McTeacher's Night, McDonald's will donate 15 percent of all sales (drive-thru and dine in) to the Class of 2016.

 

Event Date and Time
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