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Law and Order: Corfu man jailed on $10,000 bail each for two separate domestic incidents

By Billie Owens

Joshua Michael Pierce, 21, of Meadowbrook Terrace, Corfu, is charged with reckless endangerment and criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation. Pierce was arrested on June 18 following the investigation into a domestic incident at 3 a.m. on June 14 on Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke. He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash bail and is due in Pembroke Town Court on June 30. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Joshua Michael Pierce, 21, of Meadowbrook Terrace, Corfu, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and criminal mischief in the fourth degree. He was arrested on June 18 following the investigation into a domestic incident that happened on Route 20 in the Village of Alexander at 1:05 p.m. on June 11. He was arraigned in Alexander Town Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail and is due in Alexander Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Jason Saile.

Rodney John Prichard, 28, of North Main Street, Delevan, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle while registration suspended, and having an open container of alcohol. At 3:08 p.m. on June 19, Prichard was stopped on Alleghany Road in the Town of Darien for allegedly driving with a suspended registration. He was also allegedly found to possess an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Darien Town Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Brittney Lynn Caldwell, 26, of North Main Street, Delevan, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle. At 3:28 p.m. on June 19, following a traffic stop on Alleghany Road in the Town of Darien, Caldwell was allegedly found to possess marijuana and have an open container of alcohol inside a vehicle. She was released on appearance tickets for Town of Darien Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Rondell Jermaine Watson Sr., 34, of Raeburn Avenue, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny, conspiracy and disorderly conduct. On June 18, Watson was turned over to Genesee County Sheriff's deputies by the Rochester PD on a bench warrant out of the Town of Batavia Court. He was put in jail and is due in Town of Batavia Court on June 27. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.

A 16-year-old who lives on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 2:45 p.m. on June 15, the youth was allegedly found to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana on the school grounds of Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. high school. The youth was issued an appearance ticket for Bergen Town Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Butler.

Law enforcement NET details results in two drug-related arrests

By Billie Owens

Press release from the City of Batavia Police Department:

On June 15, uniformed members of the City of Batavia Police Department along with members from the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force (comprised of members from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Le Roy Police Department, and City of Batavia Police Department), New York State Parole and uniformed members of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office conducted a Neighborhood Enforcement Team detail in the City of Batavia.

The detail focused on quality of life issues, drug enforcement, warrant checks and probation checks in targeted neighborhoods. The following arrests were made:

Eddie L. Miles Jr., 44, of Central Avenue, Batavia, was charged with one count of unlawful possession of marijuana (a violation) and several traffic offenses following a traffic stop.

Michael Lazik, 62, of Creek Road, Batavia, was arrested on an indictment warrant charging him with one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th, a Class D felony, and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th, also a Class D felony.

Officers conducted 12 parole checks, 16 traffic stops and issued 10 traffic tickets for various violations.

Car vs. bicycle accident reported in the city at North and Tracy

By Billie Owens

A car vs. bicycle accident is reported at North Street and Tracy Avenue. The bicyclist was reportedly unconscious in the roadway but now is conscious. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 10:12 a.m.: The bicyclist was transported to UMMC. City fire and police have cleared the scene.

Red car reportedly unloads cage full of cats into parking lot at BMS

By Billie Owens

A caller to dispatch reports about 20 minutes ago a red Chevy Cavalier-type coupe drove into the parking lot of Batavia Middle School on Ross Street and dropped off "a cage full of cats," then left. Law enforcement is reponding.

UPDATE 4:29 a.m.: An eyewitness told Howard at the scene that a lone woman driving a bright red Cavalier drove behind their house and to the school parking lot and got out with a cage. When the driver saw she had been spotted, she left the cage with two cats inside and quickly drove off. The cats are black and white and were taken to the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Hawley: Legislature fights heroin epidemic and corruption, but offers 'few bones' for Upstate NY

By Billie Owens

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) issues comments on the closing of the 2016 Legislative Session:

“The legislature’s bipartisan compromise on an exhaustive package to combat our state’s heroin crisis is promising and will provide more access to recovery services and ease insurance requirements so those who truly need help will be included.

"Pension forfeiture for corrupt lawmakers is a great first step toward cleaning up Albany’s pool of corruption, but more is needed. I will continue fighting for term limits for legislative leaders and increased transparency to root out public officials from abusing the power entrusted in their office.

“While we had some major victories statewide, Upstate was once again left high and dry for the most part. We saw no small business relief to counteract the detrimental minimum wage hike passed in April and little infrastructure funding to repair our roads, bridges and highways that are ravaged annually by harsh winters.

"Creating jobs and improving our business climate will remain a top priority of mine, and I will continue to oppose political gimmicks and irresponsible investments made with tax dollars instead of commonsense tax and regulatory cuts for local businesses.”

Both houses vote in favor of 'Charitable Gaming Act' now lawmakers ask groups to write governor

By Billie Owens

Press release(s):

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) and Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer (R-Amherst) applaud their colleagues for passing this much-needed raffle bill, which nows awaits Govenor Cuomo's signature.

“I am elated to announce that the Senate has passed the ‘Charitable Gaming Act of 2016’ (A.10249A/S7640A) this afternoon and the bill is set to hit Govenor Cuomo’s desk in the near future for the executive’s approval before it becomes law. I would like to commend Sen. Gallivan (R-Elma) and Sen. Ranzenhofer (R-Amherst) for their leadership in the Senate to guide this bill through the legislative process and get it passed as well as Sen. Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) for his persistence on this issue."

In a separate statement, Sen. Ranzenhofer said:

“I am pleased to announce that the State Senate has approved a bill to lift state gaming authority regulations for raffles. Now, local fire departments and other organizations in Genesee County will be able to continue efforts to support our community and help offset the local tax burden. I was proud to co-sponsor the legislation and vote for it in the State Senate, and I am hopeful that Governor Cuomo will sign it into law.”

Hawley added:

“What we need now is for all nonprofit organizations, church groups, Rotary clubs, fire departments, Kiwanis clubs -- and any other service clubs statewide that raise money through raffles -- to write the governor urging him to sign this bill into law.”

Governor Cuomo’s Mailing Address

Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
NYS Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

Unannounced Homeland Security visit to GCC successfully vets Batavia campus

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College, which has administered tens of thousands of tests through the years, was recently tested, the College's Board of Trustees learned at Monday's (June 13) monthly meeting. The trustees were pleased to learn the College's Campus Safety department not only passed the test, but were also in the 90th percentile. 

Unbeknownst to the college's administration, its security systems and its readiness for a terrorist attack were tested by an unplanned and unannounced visit by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security over three separate days. Suspicious vehicles in the parking lots, unregistered visitors taking photographs, and activities inside the Batavia Campus were not only noted by the Campus Safety officers, but also recorded and finally reported to outside authorities.

It was then College officials learned that the Batavia Campus was one of the few sites that successfully responded in a safe and secure manner to Homeland Securities clandestine efforts to test terrorist threat readiness. Many of the unannounced exercises conducted by Homeland Security in public spaces such as shopping centers, hospitals, public arenas and other campuses go unnoticed and unreported. 

"When the Board of Trustees voted to expand Genesee's public safety office to include peace officers several years ago, they made a very wise decision and investment," GCC President James M. Sunser said. "We are continuously working to be aware of all activities on our campuses, and be as sensitive as we can to any suspicious activity." 

In other business Monday evening, the Board of Trustees:

Heard Trustee Donna M. Ferry, chair of the Nominating Committee, report on the following recommendations for the 2016-2017 slate of officers for GCC's Board of Trustees: Laura J. Bohm, chair; Donna M. Ferry, vice chair; and Peter R. Call, secretary. The Board will vote on these recommendations at the next meeting on July 11.

Heard Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Kathleen (Kate) Schiefen report that the GCC's Nursing program recently completed a year-long comprehensive review. With the Board of Trustees approval, the proposal to rebuild the program under concept-based curriculum will be sent to the State University of New York (SUNY) and eventually to New York State Department of Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. With the flood of changes in today's ever-advancing healthcare environment, both instructors and students are often frustrated by the extensive knowledge needed to study, remember and apply to real practice. The new concept-based curriculum manages the information overload, increases student engagement and the development of critical thinking skills.

Heard President Sunser report on the extension of the GCC Educational Support Personnel Association (ESPA) employee contract which includes annual salary increases of 2 percent for the next three years. 

Heard William (Bill) Emm, executive vice president for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, report on the progress of the College's "Self Study" in preparation for next year's Middles States Accreditation visit. Approximately 80 members of the College's faculty and staff are serving on seven working committees, each focused on one of the seven Accreditation Standards. The Steering Committee is co-chaired by Emm and by Tim Tomczak, professor and director of GCC's Social Science division. Professor Tomczak is currently editing the seven narratives produced by the committees and the draft will be ready for final review by the College community before the end of summer. These efforts are in preparation for Middle States Accreditation site visit scheduled April 2-5, 2017.

Heard Kevin Hamilton, vice president and Finance and Operations, report that GCC is now hosting a Mesonet Weather Station on the northeast corner of the Batavia Campus near the cellular tower. The station is part of a network of 125 weather stations installed across New York State, funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Together, the system will provide vertical profiles of temperature, relative humidity, 3D wind speeds, cloud height, and eventually soil temperature readings when sensors are added. The system of weather stations, overseen by the State University at Albany, will benefit homeland security, energy, aviation, emergency management and agriculture, and comes at no cost to GCC. 

Welcomed staff member, Maureen Spindler, GCC's new visual communications specialist. Maureen has more than 20 years of experience in photography, owning The Village Photographer, a boutique photo studio in Hilton, where she specialized in portraits, events and commercial photography. She served as photographer and graphic designer at Finger Lakes Community College and with the Pavilion Gift Company. She and husband, Paul, have three adult children. They reside in Hilton.

Empire Access ready to provide TV service in Batavia as soon as franchise agreement is signed

By Billie Owens

Officials with Empire Access said today they expect to begin offering cable TV service in Batavia this fall.

They've applied for a franchise license and have been working closely with City Manager Jason Molino and other staff on an agreement.

"Jason's been great to deal with. We're looking forward to giving Time Warner more competition," said Empire COO Jim Baase.

Empire Video, a subdivision, has been offering high-speed Internet service (data and voice) in the city for the past year.

Following a public hearing, once the city council approves its franchise agreement, it goes to the state’s Public Service Commission for final approval.

Empire plans to offer new customers an introductory monthly rate of $65, which would rise to $121 after six months. There would be no rate increase for the term of the contract.

But existing Empire customers would be offered "bundled pricing" and be given the opportunity to get the introductory rate as well.

"We try to do the right thing by customers," Baase said.

Once cable TV service is added to the mix, Empire expects to double its local customer base, to at least 15 percent market penetration.

Customers can expect a high-quality, 100-digital signal with a higher resolution than the competition, which has a mix of analog and digital.

Plus, they will be able to provide their customers with local stations from both Rochester AND Buffalo, not one or the other as is the case currently -- depending on your provider.

Also, it will all be in high definition at no extra cost.

"It's a TV everywhere product," said Bob VanDelinder, Empire Access director of marketing. "You can watch it on your iPad, smartphone, and not just at home, but while traveling, too."

The digital video recording service records up to five different stations at a time, and while using different TV sets.

There will be no set-up or installation costs. No bulky cable to install. It's all wireless, with a modem. And they will help you program your remote control device before they leave.

"It's a pretty easy transition for customers," Baase said.

"We offer a very competitive product," VanDelinder said. "We're excited to be here."

Because Batavia is already wired for broadband, TV service will be a cinch for Empire to roll out.

"It'll happen immediately, as soon as we sign a franchise agreement with the city," Baase said.

Empire says its eager to help the city in its "Bet on Batavia" campaign to vy for $10 million in downtown revitalization funds, for example, by bringing Wi-Fi downtown.

They are rolling out broadband to business customers in the Village of Le Roy and hope to add residential soon.

Batavia Concert Band announces schedule for 91st season, free as always

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Concert Band’s 91st season of music making will run again this year with free public concerts in Batavia’s Centennial Park on June 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug. 3 and 10, as well as the ever-popular July 4 "Picnic In The Park" sponsored by GO ART!

In addition, the Band will be featured at Birchwood Village Apartments' "Light the Night" concert on Tuesday. Aug. 2. The Aug. 3 concert in Centennial Park will feature sections of the Band and soloists.

The Batavia Concert Band’s repertoire is wide ranging in origin, period and style: marches, Big Band and swing numbers, popular songs from musicals and movies, rock favorites arranged for band, classical adaptations, fun songs for kids of all ages, and everything in between.

The Band consists of 45-55 brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from talented high school students to 60-year veterans. Many have professional experience; the rest are advanced amateur musicians. All love to play.

This year’s conductor will be John Bailey, instrumental music director at Lyndonville Central School. The June 29 and July 4 "Picnic In The Park" concerts will be conducted by Joshua Pacino.

Founded in the early 1920s, the Batavia Concert Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except during World War II. The Band currently enjoys support from GO ART!, concert sponsors, program advertisers and individual patrons. The City of Batavia supplies chairs for musicians. The Band also sponsors 50-50 raffles at every concert, bake sales and other low-key fundraisers. Individuals or businesses interesting in supporting the Band should contact a Board member at any concert.

Downbeat for regular season concerts is 7 p.m., Wednesday evenings, in Centennial Park, Batavia. (*In the event of rain, concerts will move to Genesee Community College’s Stuart Steiner Theatre. Notices will be posted at the northwest corner of Centennial Park, announced on in local media, on the Batavia Concert Band’s website http://bataviaconcertband.net, and the Band’s Facebook page.)

Batavia Downs stall applications now available

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Stall applications for the 70th season of live harness racing at Batavia Downs Gaming are now available on the track's website (www.bataviadownsgaming.com). Simply click on "Live Racing" and then the "Horsemen" tab.

Stall applications are also available at the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association website (www.wnyhha.net ) or in person at the Buffalo Raceway race office.

Stall applications must be received by Friday (July 8), according to Racing Secretary Joe Zambito.

The 2016 season at America’s oldest lighted harness track features 70 race dates and includes six matinees and three twilight programs. The meet opens on Monday (July 25) and concludes on Saturday (Dec. 10).

Live racing will be presented on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights to begin the season with a new post time of 6:15 p.m. Sunday afternoon will replace Monday night beginning on July 31.

Holiday matinees include Labor Day (Sept. 5) and Columbus Day (Oct. 10). All matinee post times are 1:15 p.m. A special Breeders Cup program on Saturday (Nov. 5) begins at 3:30 p.m.   

The backstretch opens for tack on Sunday (July 17) at 8 a.m. Horses may begin arriving on Tuesday (July 19) also at 8 a.m.

The draw for opening night, which features New York Sires Stake action, takes place on Thursday (July 21).

Batavia Downs will also be featuring a claiming series this year which will begin in August. More details on that will be available when the meet begins. 

Anyone with questions should contact Todd Haight, director/GM of Live Racing, at 585-343-3750; ext. 6322.

Charitable Gaming Act passes state Assembly, awaits Senate approval

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman State Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) applauds passage of a bill to update gaming and charity requirements, and help the Stafford Volunteer Fire Deptsrtment reinstate car its raffle. He says it's a "huge vistory for Stafford Fire Department, churches and service clubs."

“I am pleased to announce that the ‘Charitable Gaming Act of 2016’ has overwhelmingly passed the Assembly Thursday afternoon," Hawley said. "I would like to commend Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow (D-Mount Vernon) and Assemblyman Robin Schimminger (D-Kenmore) for championing this bill through the house as well as Sen. Patrick Gallivan (R-Elma), the bill’s author in the Senate, Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer (R-Amherst) and Sen. Robert Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) for pushing this measure in the Senate.
 
"I am proud to have helped lead this initiative to update our archaic and detrimental gaming laws that have hurt charitable organizations, churches, non-profit organizations and service clubs all across the state, including the Stafford Fire Department. This is a great example of how bipartisan politics can work in Albany’s sea of gridlock and can have lasting positive effects for the people and organizations of our state. The bill is now in the Senate, where I am told by Sen. Gallivan that he is very hopeful it will pass before we adjourn for the year today.”

Accident reported on the Thruway at Pembroke exit

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo.)

A motor-vehicle accident is reported on the eastbound Thruway at or near Exit 48 in Pembroke. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments, along with Mercy medics, are responding.

UPDATE 8:31 p.m.: The male driver was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by ground ambulance, but didn't seem to have life-threatening injuries because he was out and walking around at the scene before being transported, according to an eyewitness.

Graduate of Metal Trades Program at Batavia Career and Tech Ed Center awarded $5,500

By Billie Owens

Kevin Adair, AWS Section chairman (right), presents the award to Aaron Buckland.

Press release:

The Rochester Section of the American Welding Society (AWS) recently presented Aaron Buckland with a $5,000 scholarship that he can apply to the welding technical school or college of his choice. He also received an additional $500 cash award toward equipment or supplies for school.

Aaron plans to attend the Commercial Diving Academy in Florida to train as an underwater welder/diver.

Aaron is a recent graduate of the Metal Trades Program at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center. Don Shuknecht was Aaron’s instructor. 

“Aaron is a fine example of a student who is committed to achieving his absolute best," said Shuknecht, a Metal Trades instructor. "His positive attitude and spirit provides him with a drive to achieve. I know that he will be successful in whatever he attempts."

Aaron is also a member of the NYS SkillsUSA Fabrication Team that will be competing in the SkillsUSA National Competition in Louisville, Ky., later this month.

###

The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center is a school that is part of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State. 

Finalists announced in GCC's Outstanding Scholar Awards for Advanced Studies Program

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Twenty-four students from across Western New York were the finalists for Outstanding Scholar Awards in Genesee Community College's Advanced Studies program. The awardees were honored at a ceremony and reception May 24 in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee's Batavia campus.

Advanced Studies is part of the College's ACE Programs, or Accelerated College Enrollment, and allows high school students the opportunity to earn college credit from Genesee while attending class within their high school. High school teachers approved as Genesee adjunct faculty teach all Advanced Studies courses. Some of the most enterprising young students earn enough transferable Advanced Studies credit to enter their first year of college as sophomores. ACE Programs, in partnership with more than 50 local school districts, serves about 2700 high school students across Western New York each year.

The 24 finalists were selected from 129 semifinalists in the five subject areas of mathematics, science, social science, foreign language and English. As in years past, a committee of academic professionals from Genesee Community College selected the following award winners, listed by school within their subject areas:

ENGLISH

Noah Dobbertin -- Batavia High School (Genesee County) 

Kathleen Ferguson -- Dansville High School (Livingston County)

Jasmine Plummer -- Lyndonville High School (Orleans County)

Andrew Hollister -- Perry High School (Wyoming County)

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Lea Brown -- Batavia High School (Genesee County)

Abby Rice -- Kendall High School (Orleans County)

MATHEMATICS

Allison Herrick -- Pioneer High School ( Cattaraugus County)

Laura Karlnoski -- Alden High School (Erie County)

Luca Zambito -- Notre Dame High School (Genesee County)

Catherine Appleton -- Lima High School (Livingston County)

Xander Apicella -- Holley High School (Orleans County)

Andrew Hollister -- Perry High School (Wyoming County)

SCIENCE

Jaclyn Wallace Alden High School (Erie County)

Emily Sherman -- Notre Dame (Genesee County)

Xinyan Luo Lima -- Christian Schools (Livingston County)

Andrea Biernbaum -- Honeoye Falls -- Lima (Monroe County)

Meredith Patterson -- Albion High School (Orleans County)

Andrew Hollister -- Perry High School (Wyoming County)

SOCIAL SCIENCE

Ashley Dusza -- Alden High School (Erie County)

Madison McCulley -- Batavia High School (Genesee County)

Hannah Moriarty -- Keshequa High School (Livingston County)

Madison Greenwald -- Barker High School (Niagara County)

Kyle Thaine -- Albion High School (Orleans County)

Mikaela Nielson -- Wayland Cohocton High School (Steuben County)

"We look forward to recognizing our top students each year," said Ed Levinstein, associate dean of ACE Programs. "Not only are the students deserving of this recognition, but their teachers, counselors and administrators should be just as proud.

"They play a crucial role in helping us provide college credit opportunities in the high schools and these students have certainly made the most of them. My team and I are always proud to help students get a head start on their college careers while saving them substantial tuition in the process."

Tompkins Bank of Castile offers tips to avoid becoming victim of cybercrime

By Billie Owens

Press release:

BATAVIA, NY -- Every year, millions of consumers fall victim to cybercrime. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, in 2014, consumers lost more than $800 million from scams initiated through the Web. In recognition of Internet Safety Month in June, Tompkins Bank of Castile is highlighting seven tips to help consumers protect themselves from online fraud.

“The Internet has become one of the most popular tools used to commit fraud by criminals who are becoming more and more sophisticated,” said John McKenna, president and CEO.  “As a result, it’s extremely important for consumers to secure their wireless networks and filter the amount of personal information they choose to divulge online.”

Tompkins Bank of Castile recommends the following seven tips to keep you safe online:

  • Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date.  Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates so you receive the newest fixes as they become available.
  • Set strong passwords. A strong password is at least eight characters in length and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing scams use fraudulent emails and websites to trick users into disclosing private account or login information. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from sources you are not familiar with. Forward phishing emails to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at spam@uce.gov – and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the email. 
  • Keep personal information personal. Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out your passwords and answer those security questions in the password reset tools. Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name, etc.  Be wary of requests to connect from people you do not know.
  • Secure your Internet connection. Always protect your home wireless network with a password. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious about what information you are sending over it.
  • Shop safely. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears on the page.
  • Read the site’s privacy policies. Though long and complex, privacy policies tell you how the site protects the personal information it collects. If you don’t see or understand a site’s privacy policy, consider doing business elsewhere.

About Tompkins Bank of Castile

Tompkins Bank of Castile is a community bank with 16 offices in the five-county Western New York region. Services include complete lines of consumer deposit accounts and loans, business accounts and loans, and leasing. In addition, insurance is offered through an affiliate company, Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Wealth management, trust and investment services are provided through Tompkins Financial Advisors. Further information about the bank is available on its website, www.bankofcastile.com

City school district receives nearly $213K from state for extended school day and violence prevention programs

By Billie Owens

Information provided by the NYS Education Department.

Batavia City School District was awarded a grant totaling $212,748 from the state Education Department for extended school day and school violence prevention programs.

A total of 83 school districts and nonprofit organizations statewide, out of 450 applicants, received $24 million in grants for these programs, Commissioner MaryEllen Elia announced Wednesday.

Batavia City School District was the only school district or nonprofit in Genesee County to receive grant money for this purpose.

“It’s a simple proposition – when students are safe and engaged in productive afterschool activities, they’re going to enjoy school more and do better,” Elia said in a press release. “The grants we’re awarding today will go a long way toward protecting and enriching our children.”

Eligible programs provide support to students through extended school day activities and/or school safety programs which promote violence prevention. Extended school day programs will increase student achievement, provide extracurricular enrichment activities, and contribute to school violence prevention. School violence prevention activities include comprehensive school-based intervention models that reduce violence and improve school safety as well as provide funding for safe corridors, diversity programs, collaboration with law enforcement agencies or community-based organizations.

Each application was evaluated and scored by peer reviewers, including experts in expanded learning opportunities; college and university faculty and administrators; professional program evaluators; community educators; community service providers; staff from foundations and charitable organizations, as well as SED staff.

Lucy N. Friedman, president of ExpandED Schools, said, “We believe in the power of an extended day to engage kids in ways that are not always possible in a traditional classroom setting. Without the fear of a grade, students are more open to explore new challenges, like robotics or debate.

"Extended day programming provides kids with more time for enriched learning and social-emotional development. These extra hours also support the working parents because they know their children are in a safe, engaging place and this strengthens communities.”

A full list of grant awards is available at: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/documents/ESDSVPR3Awardees.pdf

Brittany Perzia, of Batavia, graduates from Boston College

By Billie Owens

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. June 15, 2016 -- Brittany Perzia, of Batavia, has graduated summa cum laude from Boston College with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University's Robert J. Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences (major(s): Biology, Communication).

She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society and was given the Thomas I Gasson award for ranking #1 in The Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences

Commencement was held on May 23 in Alumni Stadium on the Boston College campus. There were some 4,000 undergraduate and graduate degree recipients in the Boston College Class of 2016.

Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1863, Boston College today is one of the foremost universities in the United States, with a coeducational enrollment of approximately 14,100 undergraduate and graduate students drawn from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. Boston College is focused on its founding Jesuit mission to offer students a transforming educational experience: to help them develop both their intellect and their character, and to encourage them to lead lives of faith, integrity and service to others.

Congressman Collins introduces resolution commemorating Boy Scouts' 100th anniversary

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) on Wednesday released the following statement after introducing a resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of the day the Boy Scouts of America was granted its Federal charter.

“The Boy Scouts of America have played a pivotal role in shaping millions of young lives across our country,” Congressman Collins said. “The values I learned, as a Scout, have formed the foundation of my beliefs and positioned me to succeed throughout my professional career. This resolution officially recognizes one of America’s most influential organizations and I look forward to the Boy Scouts of America continuing their good work.”

On June 15, 1916, the Federal charter of the Boy Scouts of America was passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate and signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson. In the past 100 years, the organization has helped shape the lives of millions of young men. There are more than 2,400,000 youth and 1,000,000 adult volunteers actively involved today in the Boy Scouts of America.

The full resolution, which has 33 original cosponsors, can be read here. The Senate introduced a similar resolution today, which was led by Senator Mike Enzi (WY).

Congressman Collins co-chairs the Scout Caucus in the House of Representatives and is a lifelong member of Boy Scouts, an Assistant Scoutmaster, an Eagle Scout, a member of the Executive Board – Greater Niagara Frontier Council (GNFC) and was chairman of the GNFC National Jamboree for 2001, 2005, 2010, and 2013 as well as the World Jamboree for 2007.

David L. Reeb

By Billie Owens
Corfu -- David L. Reeb, 65, of Corfu, passed away at Buffalo General Hospital, Tuesday (June 14, 2016) with his family by his side.
 
Dave was born February 7, 1951, in Buffalo, a son of the late Louis M. Jr. and Irene Springer Reeb. He was the brother of the late Kathleen L. Reeb. 
 
Dave was retired from Jay E. Potter Lumber in Corfu. He was the best Papa ever and his greatest joy in life was spending time with his grandchildren.
 
Dave was the loving husband of Frances (Grant) Reeb; wonderful father of Shawn (Miranda) Skeet and Yalonda Skeet; precious Papa of Haleigh Crandall, Elizabeth Skeet, Klaira Samanka, Alyssa Kozak and Gabriel Kozak; brother of Christine Thornley, Beverly Snider, Karen Reeb, Louis M. (Rustie) Reeb III, Donald (Kathy) Reeb and Andrew (Sherry) Reeb. Many nieces and nephews also survive. 
 
Family and friends may call Friday, June 17 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu.
 
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 18, at C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu.

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