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Press release:

Genesee Chorale sings a celebration of the planet with a concert called “Voices of the Earth” at 7 p.m., April 5, at Pavilion High School, 7014 Big Tree Road, Pavilion, and at 4 p.m., April 7, at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia.

The April 7 concert will also feature a display of area students’ art work with a recycling theme.

Come hear “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” “For the Beauty of the Earth” and other selections by the 70-member Chorale under direction of Ric Jones.

All tickets are $10 each and may be purchased via credit card or PayPal through Chorale’s website box office, www.GeneseeChorale.com. They are also available as “will call” or from Chorale members or at the door.

Submitted photo and press release:

 Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today joined legislators, highway superintendents and members of road repair crews from across the state to call for a $150 million increase to the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS).

They also want restoration of $65 million in Extreme Winter Recovery funds that Gov. Andrew Cuomo plans to axe from this year’s budget.

“Western New York’s winters are brutal and it’s no surprise that potholes and road deterioration spread like wildfire every spring, so to cut these funds would rob us of the ability to provide safe, smooth and reliable transportation moving forward into the summer travel months,” Hawley said.

“CHIPS funding hasn’t increased in many years but state leaders have no issue dumping billions more into the dysfunctional MTA and expensive Downstate projects. This money is vital to Upstate and we are asking for a small increase relative to the entire budget which is projected near $170 billion this year. I am hopeful state leaders heed our message today.”

On Aug. 31st, Michael A. Tenebruso, 50, succumbed to the complications of battling cancer for the better part of six years.

During those six years, Mike had many setbacks but continued his courageous and valiant fight by focusing on his many victories.

Victories such as: putting his cancer in remission for a time; being hired as a principal at Hillary Park Academy within the Buffalo Public Schools; being asked to be the guest speaker for the Pink Hatters; and most importantly, raising his three beautiful children Nick, Anna and Nate.

The positivity that he invoked in others was awe-inspiring. Not only was he a role model to his family and friends, but to the thousands of young lives that he impacted through his educational leadership.

It is with that in mind, the members of the Batavia High School Class of 1986 want to honor Mike's memory with an ongoing educational scholarship.

Over the last six years, through multiple fund-raising efforts and events, people have come to aid Mike and his family through his ongoing battle against cancer.

The love and support present at each of the events was overwhelming, but of course well placed, because it was for Mike.

For those of us who were blessed enough to know Mike, we knew him for the following traits: positivity, tolerance, belief in others, friendship, passion, and his love for his fellow man.

Cancer was not a trait that I ever thought of when I thought of Mike. Granted, that insidious disease eventually took him from us, but it never defined him.

"The challenge and benefit of physical, mental and emotional growth isn't realized when you're knocked down. It comes when you decide, beyond all obstacles, beyond all naysayers, and beyond all pain to rise up and say 'AGAIN!' " -- Michael Tenebruso

Going forward we would like to celebrate Mike’s passion for education and life through a memorial scholarship in his name.

To do that, we are asking for your support.

I know we are just one of the many organizations and fundraisers that you support, but we would appreciate your donation to the March 30, 2019 Michael A. Tenebruso Scholarship bowling event. Currently it is a one-time event, but the goal is to make it an annual event until the scholarship can be self-funded.

About the Michael A. Tenebruso Scholarship bowling event hosted by BHS Class of 1986:

• When and Where: Saturday, March 30 starting at 2 p.m. at T.F. Brown's Bowling Lanes (Registration starts shortly after 1 p.m.);
• Who benefits: BHS Class of 1986 Michael A. Tenebruso Memorial Award;
• Cost: $25 per bowler -- Teams of five, adults only, No Tap Tourny;
• To sign up: email rachb228@gmail.com or thancock@gorockets.org;
• What's included in registration: Three games of bowling (nine pins=strike) and shoes, pay cash prize to top three places for both men and women ($150/$100/$75);
• What will be available to buy: Your own food and drinks, Chinese auction chances, special items, Strike Pot, 50/50, gift certificates, additional raffles.

Attention Business Sponsors*:

• Business sponsors of $250 or more get their name at the end of a lane on a 3' X 5' sign and registration for five bowlers.
• Business sponsors of $150 to $249 get their name above a lane on 2' X 2' sign.
• Business sponsors of $100 to $149 get their name above a lane on 1 1/2 ft. by 1 1/2 ft. sign.
• Business sponsors of $50 to $99 get their name on an 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch sign.

*In addition, please email a digital copy of your company’s logo to Tom Hancock at:  thancock@gorockets.org

1. BHS Class of 1986, Rachel Berardini, (585) 409-4838  email: rachb228@gmail.com
2. BHS Class of 1986, Thomas Hancock, thancock@gorockets.org  /  phone (814) 758-9220

Recipient is chosen by: High School Scholarship Committee.

Amount of Award: To Be Announced.

Criteria:

• Student pursuing an education at SUNY College at Brockport;
• High school GPA of 85 or better;
• Must possess positivity, tolerance of others, belief in others, passion & love to mankind just as Mike did;
• An essay describing the candidate's qualifications for this award is required.

Other information:

• This award is to be used for non-tuition-related expenses (ie: books);
• The recipient will receive the award each semester he/she remains in the education field during undergraduate studies (to a maximum of eight semesters);
• The recipient must submit to the Batavia City School District Foundation Inc.** an unofficial transcript, copy of syllabus listing textbooks/required materials and receipts;
• The recipient's name will be shared with other members of the BHS Class of 1986;
• For reading and/or presenting the award to the recipient, first preference will be given to Mike's children and/or parents.

**The BCSDF is a nonprofit organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Your donation may be tax deductible. For more information about BCSDF click here.

Ranelle E. Reuben is accused of driving while intoxicated, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 18 she drove a 2010 Dodge on Route 5, Route 98 and Batavia-Elba Townline Road while intoxicated. In count two, she is accused of aggravated DWI, per se, for having a BAC of .18 percent or more at the time. In count three, she is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for driving while her driver's license was suspended or revoked and while she was intoxicated. In count four, she is again accused of aggravated unlicensed operation -- for driving without a license while knowing it was withdrawn because she refused to submit to a chemical test, and while she was under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count five, the defendant is accused of circumvention of an interlock device for driving a vehicle which was not equipped with a court-ordered ignition interlock device. In count six, Reuben is accused of following too closely in violation of vehicle and traffic law. It is alleged in count six that Reuben followed another vehicle more closely than was reasonable and prudent, in regard to speed, traffic and roadway conditions. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Reuben is accused of having been convicted of DWI as a Class E felony on Dec. 20 2012 in Genesee County Court. That conviction forms the basis for the suspension or revocation referred to in count three of the current indictment; and she knew or had reason to know about the 2012 conviction and the subsequent loss of her driver's license.

Rodney S. Schwartz is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 25 in the Town of Alexander that Schwartz drove a 2014 Ford on Route 20 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, also a Class E felony, for driving that day without a driver's license, which had been suspended or revoked. In count three, Schwartz is accused of second-degree obstruction of governmental administration, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that he intentionally obstructed, impaired or perverted the administration of law or other governmental function by means of intimidation, physical force or interference, or by any independently unlawful act. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Schwartz is accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a Class E felony, on April 16, 2010 in Supreme Court, City of Buffalo, Erie County and that conviction forms the basis of the suspension or revocation referenced in the current indictment.

Trisha A. Park is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 30 in the Town of Le Roy that Park drove a 2012 Chevrolet on Wolcott Street while her ability to do so was impaired by the use of a drug and while a child 15 years of age or less was a passenger. In count two, she is accused of driving while ability impaired by drugs, as a misdemeanor. In count three, she is accused of endangering the welfare of a child by knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than 17 years old.

Press release:

“Managing Your Online Reputation” will be the subject of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Workshop on Wednesday, March 13.  

“With so many ways for people to review organizations these days, how do business owners keep a tab on all of it?" said Tom Turnbull, president of the Chamber. “This workshop will teach the fundamentals of keeping a good reputation in today’s electronic environment and how to use your reputation to gain sales.”

Greg Lindberg, of the Small Business Administration, will conduct the workshop. This is the one of a series of business workshops held in conjunction with the United States Small Business Administration and the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

The workshops are open to all Chamber and non-Chamber businesses and their employees and will offer expert advice from experienced professionals designed to help small businesses succeed and grow.

The workshop will be held at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Road, Batavia.

The session will run from 8 to 9 a.m. and includes a question-and-answer period.

Cost for non-Chamber members is $10 for each attendee. Chamber members and Batavia Business Improvement District members may attend all small business workshops free of charge but should make reservations to insure space. 

To reserve a seat in any workshop or for more information, contact Kelly Bermingham at 585-343-7440 or by email at kbermingham@geneseeny.com

From Hollwedel Library Trustee Deb Davis:

The Hollwedel Memorial Library Friends and Trustees will be hosting an Open House from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 honoring their retiring manager, Suzanne Schauf.

Schauf has been the Library Manager since 2003 and has worked at the library since 1999.

She will be greatly missed.

Please stop in to wish Suzanne well and enjoy some refreshments with us.

The library is located at 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion.

A search for a new library manager is underway.

(Photo of Suzanne Schauf courtesy of Richard Schauf.)

A three-vehicle collision with injuries is reported at Route 5 and Batavia Stafford Townline Road. Stafford Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 5:42 p.m.: Mercy medic #1 and Le Roy ambulance are called -- second and third ambulances to the scene.

Press release:

Batavia and Genesee County have continued their streak of being recognized as one of the nation’s top micropolitan regions for business growth, as the area was ranked third in Site Selection magazine’s annual rankings.

The ranking of “Top Micropolitans” is based on cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people which cover at least one county. It is the 16th consecutive year Batavia and Genesee County have been recognized and the fifth consecutive year ranked in the top five.

The area received its highest ranking ever in 2017 as it climbed all the way to number two among the annual survey of micropolitans across the country. 

“We are thrilled that the hard work that Genesee County and our partners in the public and private sector continues to be recognized as making Batavia-Genesee County the top micropolitan for business in New York,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic development Center.

“Our region is focused on building the shovel-ready sites, active business attraction, expansion and retention, and workforce talent development to continue our economic growth.”

Site Selection magazine recognized 13 of the GCEDC’s project “wins” in 2018 across several stages of project development. The GCEDC closed on 16 projects in 2018, securing $33.7 million in capital investment, 99 new jobs, and more than 189,000 square feet of new construction in Genesee County.

Since 2003, the GCEDC has provided similar assistance and incentives for 465 projects which have generated $1.3 billion in capital investment and the creation and/or retention of approximately 4,627 jobs.

Above, file photo of inside LB Grand taken in March 2018.

Press release (inset photo below submitted):

• Ribbon Cutting with the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce at 3:30 p.m.
• Feast: 4 to 8 p.m.

Executive Chef Sean Wolf reassures that the menu will still include favorites such as tripe, fish fry and of course, Dolly’s famous sauce, but guests can also expect to find new Italian American selections as well as an updated bread program that includes house-made sourdough.

On March 19, guests will have the option to order a "St. Joe’s Plate" with traditional St. Joseph’s Day selections including the customary anise-flavored bread and Italian cookies.

Fish Frys will be available Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the Lent season.

For more information visit LBGrand.com or call to reserve a table 585-768-6707.

Some History on the LB Grand

The LB Grand came to be in 1983 as a result of the extraordinary efforts of Ron and Dolly Piazza. In the subsequent decades, the Piazza family fed and served drinks to two generations of LeRoyans, Genesee County residents, friends, neighbors, and lovers of homemade Italian food. In 2017 the Piazzas “passed the torch” to the Farmer family.

Admittedly, when the Piazzas approached the Farmer family, the timing wasn’t ideal. With the restoration of Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn well underway, the thought of opening two restaurants simultaneously seemed challenging.

However, after touring the facility, Bill Farmer, proprietor, remarked, “We saw something” mentioning that the building had a sort of “mystique” that he was drawn to.  He added that his Italian heritage added a nostalgic pull as well.

Executive Chef Wolf said that he was all for the idea and that he saw the LB Grand as “the spot” for the community, noting that the size of the building and history associated with it made the LB Grand a real gem within the community that was worth maintaining.

After the purchase, the Farmer family decided to keep the name that the Piazza family had built and continued operations while working towards exposing the character of the building.

Bill noted that “Things that take longer often yield a better result,” and for the past two years has worked in conjunction with his team to fine tune the interior, exterior and overall operations. “As with any business, it’s still a work in process but we’re proud of where it’s come and are excited to celebrate with the community.”

Above, LPN Valedictorian 2019: Heidi Mix, director of Regional Medical Programs (left) with Class Valedictorian Jenna Staheli.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership recently celebrated the graduation of 23 students from its School of Practical Nursing program. Of these 23 students, 18 students graduated with high honors, a 90 percent or above.

Students took part in this 12-month, 1,200-clock-hour program that is certified by the New York State Education Department. It is designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN Examination for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

This course is offered in three different sites located in Batavia, Rochester Tech Park in Gates, and Mount Morris.

“As a nurse, you can truly make a difference in someone’s life; you could help save a life or help bring a new one into the world," said Heidi Mix, regional director of medical programs. "You can care for patients as they recover, and assist families through some of the most difficult times in their lives.

"A career in healthcare truly is rewarding. The need for nurses grows every day. Our School of Nursing Programs have a 100-percent placement rate.”

For more information about this program, contact the Adult Education/School of Practical Nursing at (585) 344-7788.

Below, LPN Perfect Attendance 2019: Heidi Mix, director of Regional Medical Programs, (left) congratulates LPN graduates Jenna Staheli, Amanda Booth and Denise Bagwell, for earning perfect attendance.

About the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership:

It offers a broad scope of adult education programs including a School of Practical Nursing and a Certified Nursing Assistant program, vocational training as well as classes for those seeking to broaden their skill sets. 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.

Brian Wilson, 30, no address noted, of Corfu, was arrested on two counts of reckless endangerment after deputies say he was driving in wintry conditions without his headlights on. Wayne County Sheriff's deputies said he drove without headlights in two separate incidents on Route 104 and Lake Avenue in Williamson early this morning in the predawn hours (March 4). Deputies allege he was driving at a high rate of speed on Lake Avenue. Both of those incidents, deputies say, took place before sunrise and during snowy weather conditions, with roads covered in snow. Wilson was put in Wayne County Jail on $250 cash or $500 bond.

Armando M. Teruel, 35, of Black Spruce Court, Amherst, is charged with second-degree contempt. He was arrested on Feb. 25 on a Batavia City Court warrant. He is accused of violating a stay away order of protection that was issued on May 13 by contacting the protected party. He was released on his own recognizance. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Spencer Alan Luthart, 22, of Mill Street, Middleport, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- first offense; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or more; unlawful possession of marijuana; operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate. Luthart was arrested at 1:32 a.m. on March 3 on Wolcott Street in Le Roy after he was stopped for alleged traffic and vehicle violations. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Le Roy Town Court on April 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy Jenna Ferrando.

Aiken R. Ahdeosun, 20, of Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, was arrested March 1 by Batavia police after he was spotted walking on Thorpe Street. He had a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court for failure to appear on a charge of petit larceny that occurred at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 18 at the M&T Express Mart at 100 W. Main St. in Batavia. He was also charged with bail jumping back in September for failing to appear in court on another matter in August. After his arraignment, he was jailed in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. He was due to return to city court today (March 4). The cases were handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Joseph W. Freeman, 34, no address provided, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 10:27 a.m. on Feb. 27 at Tops Market in Batavia after allegedly shoplifting. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and found to have a bench warrant issued Jan. 31 for failure to appear concerning an unspecified incident. After arraignment, he was jailed in lieu of bail and is due in city court on Tuesday (March 5). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.