Stories from

Genesee County Health Department Public Health Column

Are you actively taking the necessary steps to live healthy? If not, now is a great time to start if you want to make a difference in the quality and quantity of your life. Take a few moments to learn why your family should register for the FREE Get Fit! Program by March 1.

The Healthy Children and Families Coalition is offering this eight-week family-based program that makes exercising and eating right fun and realistic.

Families who register will also receive a YMCA pass to use the facility in Batavia for free throughout the duration of the program! There are also chances to win prizes throughout the program that further encourage healthy lifestyle choices.

Enroll your family today by visiting www.GetFitWNY.org or calling 585-344-5420!

Classes will be held on Thursdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m. from March 7th -- May 9th at the Pembroke Primary School, 2486 Main Road in East Pembroke, and also at Pembroke Intermediate School, 58 Alleghany Road, Corfu (for two classes only -- March 21 & 28).

There will be no class on April 18th and April 25th. Hurry, limited spots available.

Throughout the program, families will bond together through exercising, sampling healthy food choices, discovering simple and great tasting recipes, as well as learning how to eat right on a budget. Exercising is made fun with different activities each week including yoga, taekwondo, and parachute games.

The Get Fit! Program aims to battle the obesity epidemic locally. Sixty-six percent of adults and 37 percent youth in Genesee County are either overweight or obese.

But the weight problem is nationwide. And being overweight or obese contributes to your risk of developing heart disease. According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause death in the United States. Excess weight, even 10-20 pounds, increases a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, certain types of cancer and other medical ailments.

According to the Surgeon General, overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80 percent if one or more parent is overweight or obese. For the first time in history, it is possible for children to have a shorter life span than their parents.

The increased cost of nutritious foods, larger portion sizes, increased consumption of processed foods (typically having higher salt concentrations), and decreased physical activity are the fuel in this out of control “fire.”

The Get Fit! Program is made possible by the Genesee County Health Department, the Genesee County YMCA, Rochester Regional Health at United Memorial Medical Center, the City of Batavia Youth Bureau, Oakfield Family Medical Care, Insight Grants Development, Alexander Central School District, Pembroke Central School District, and the Rotary Club of Batavia.

A power line is down in the roadway at 9131 Creek Road. The location is between Dorman and Lehigh roads. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 12:13 p.m.: City of Batavia Fire Department is called for mutual aid to the incident.

Submitted photos and press release:

Last year, Homeland Security Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement recorded 28,000 seizures of counterfeit goods valued at $1.4 billion. One raid alone in Laredo, Texas, brought in 181,000 items valued at $42.9 million. The serious issue of counterfeit merchandise hits much closer to home, however, with ongoing investigations and detective work occurring each year at the New Era Field in Orchard Park throughout the Buffalo Bills season.

John K. Payne, senior detective with the Orchard Park Police Department will share his vast experience and knowledge about counterfeiting NFL products and other merchandise on Wednesday, March 6, at 1 p.m. in room T102 as part of Genesee Community College's Fashion Business Speaker Series. The event is free and open to the public. Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Counterfeiting is a form of theft and seriously impacts businesses, the economy, and our society. The International Chamber of Commerce estimates nearly $500 billion in lost economic activity in one year alone as illegal competitors steal brands and products from legitimate companies who hold genuine trademarks and patents.

Many companies have invested years of research and millions of dollars in product development, typically they employ U.S. citizens, and also support local communities. Stealing revenue from these companies through counterfeiting their products not only affects their bottom line, but also significantly hurts their ability to innovate and invest back in the company and community.

This crime can also pose a serious health risk with products in the food and pharmaceutical industry. 

Detective Payne began his efforts to curtail counterfeit merchandising at football games nearly ten years ago when the Buffalo Bills alerted local law enforcement that numerous vendors were selling illegal items outside the stadium. NFL officials worked closed with the Orchard Park Police Department to train key members of the force to identify legitimate products against the counterfeit.

Detective Payne assembled a task force which included the assistance of federal agencies. In the past few years, numerous arrests have been made including a major supplier, and thousands of dollars of counterfeit merchandise has been seized and destroyed. 

With more than 25 years in law enforcement, including 20 years with the OPPD, Detective Payne has a broad base of experience in criminal justice. He has been a SWAT Team member, sniper, observer, major crimes and fire investigator, as well as an instructor with the Erie County Police Academy. He earned both a master's degree in Police Administration and Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Hilbert College.

"This is the first time the Fashion Business Lecture Series has covered the topic of counterfeit merchandising, and we are honored to have Detective Payne share his expertise to our campus and community," said Laura Taylor, instructor of Fashion Business.

"This is not only an important subject to my fashion business students, but GCC's criminal justice and business students will also gain a vast amount of information from his lecture."

Below, Orchard Park Police Department Senior Detective John K. Payne and some counterfeit NFL merchandise.

Kayleigh Marie Perez, 29, of Cone Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. She was arrested on Feb. 21 for two crimes. In the first incident, she allegedly stole a debit card from Walmart at 7:49 p.m.. on Jan. 13 and used it at several locations. Perez was released on an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia Town Court on March 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Deputy Mathew Clor. In the second incident, she allegedly stole a credit card from a resident who lives on Main Street in Oakfield. She was also released on an appearance ticket for that and is due in Oakfield Town Court on March 11. The Oakfield case was handled by Deputy James Stack, assisted by Deputy Minuto.

Jeremy Ryan Eaton, 41, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is a registered Level 2 sex offender who is on parole and is accused of failure to register a change with authorities as specified in NYS Correction Law 168-F, Section 4 (Must register within 10 days any change of residence, employment, Internet account access provider, enrollment or attendance at any institution of higher education.) Eaton was being held in GC jail on a parole violation at the time of his arrest on Feb. 4. Following his arraignment in Batavia City Court, he was put back in jail with no bail. He is due in city court again at 11 a.m. on March 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Det. Eric Hill.

Christian Dean Boyce, 55, of Watson Road, Elba, is charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana; aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree; unlicensed driver; operating a motor vehicle out of class; and unregistered motor vehicle. At about 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 9, Boyce was arrested following a traffic stop on North Byron Road in Elba. It is alleged that the defendant had an arrest warrant and a bench warrant out of Town of Elba Court and that he was operating a tractor-trailer without a license. Boyce was recognized by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, who initiated the traffic stop. Boyce was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and put in jail in lieu of $500 cash bail. He was due in Town of Elba Court on Feb. 20 to answer the charges. Deputy McClellan was assisted in the case by Deputy Christopher Erion.

Jill M. Turner, 36, of Burke Drive, Batavia, is charged with dog running at large. It is alleged that she allowed her dog to run at large onto her neighbor's property on Burke Drive at 5:19  p.m. on Feb. 17. Turner is issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on March 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer James Sheflin.

In photo above, Ashley McCormack embarks on "bossing" an Action Trackchair.

Ashley McCormack is a spirited 18-year-old who lives in Darien and has been confined to a wheelchair since she was 10.

When she was little she used to go fishing with her dad on Hamlin Beach along the shores of Lake Ontario. They would also hike trails in Letchworth State Park and go camping.

Life as she knew it and her outdoor adventures were cruelly curtailed by the onslaught of ataxia-telangiectasia syndrome or Louis-Bar syndrome. She was diagnosed with it at age 8 and by 10 she unable to walk on her own.

The progressive neurological disease also makes it hard for her to talk and do a lot of other things. Doctors told her she wouldn't live long, but she's still here, still "wanting to live her life" and enjoy it, too.

Winters are especially difficult because when ice or mud or snow gets on the wheels of her regular motorized wheelchair, it's easy for her to get stuck.

So her mother, Susan Pfalzer, says Ashley's routine is very limited: going from the house to the car -- then to the store or church or the doctor or wherever -- and back again. House-to-car-to-building and back again.

Her little pal, a mixed terrier named "Shyla" often accompanies the self-professed animal lover, who volunteers at two local shelters.

Enter Cheryl Medina, a longtime friend of the family who found out about an amazing -- and expensive -- piece of equipment: the Action Trackchair. To learn more about it, click here.

"Cheryl sent me information about it and it seemed really neat but I didn't think too much about it," Pfalzer said. "But Cheryl is a go-getter and she arranged to have Ashley get a demo of the chair for a day."

The all-terrain wheelchair is highly customizable. Insurance won't cover the cost of it and it retails for more than $11,000. The one that Ashley got to try out goes for $16,300.

The joy Ashley experienced at being able to get around was unreal. She could go visit her Nana down the road, get some fresh air, pay her respects at the family's pet cemetery in the back yard, tool around.

Timid of using it at first, by the day's end she was tackling mounds of snow and showing that Trackchair who was boss.

"Ashley is such a good, sweet girl and she's like any 18-year-old -- she wants to be out and doing things," Medina said. "She's so funny and full of life."

To help her with this noble mobile dream, Medina and Ashley's mother and her Nana, Annette Pfalzer, will hold a benefit at Darien Fire Hall from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 31. It is located at 10537 Alleghany Road, Darien Center.

There will be plenty of food and music.

Tickets are $10 presale or $15 at the door.

Organizers, friends and family are seeking cash donations, checks, gift certificates, gift baskets and auction items.

Cash donations and checks can be made out to:   Ashley's Action Trackchair. Send them to:  Susan Pfalzer, 1792 Sumner Road, Darien, NY 14040.

Group donations are encouraged.

For corporations and organizations, there is an EIN number available for your donations.

For presale tickets, donations or other information about this benefit, call: Cheryl Medina at (716) 863-0388; or (Nana) Annette Pfalzer at 547-9342; or (Mom) Sue Pfalzer at (585) 300-9508.

There is also a GoFundMe account set up. Visit here.

Photos courtesy of Sue Pfalzer.

Ashley and her doggie "Shyla" with her regular motorized wheelchair.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is calling for all (54) state prisons to remain open and operating today amid a subtle announcement by the governor late Friday to close three unspecified New York prisons.

The plan was buried in a release of Gov. Cuomo’s 30-Day Amendments as changes to his Executive Budget proposal.

“Closing any state prisons would have dire consequences for public safety and the brave correctional officers who work with our incarcerated population,” Hawley said. “By consolidating the prison population, we run the risk of double bunking inmates and exacerbating the high number of violent attacks against corrections officers we have seen in recent years.

"This is not about a declining prison population, this is about the governor scrambling to save money to cover up his $2.3 billion budget shortfall – a terrible solution for an even worse self-inflicted problem.”

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced they will be putting on their second annual Bourbon and Whiskey Fest on Saturday, June 8^th. The event will run from 4 to 7 p.m. as the event will coincide with the Belmont Stakes Triple Crown race.

A commemorative glass will also be available for the first 100 persons to arrive. 

Former Buffalo Football Player and Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas will be in attendance. A portion of each ticket sold will benefit the Thurman Thomas Family Foundation.

Tickets are $40 and include $15 Free Play, a T-shirt, a custom cocktail from Black Button Distillery and Four Roses Bourbon and sampling from more than 20 different brands of bourbon and whiskey. Complementary Grazing Stations will be on hand as well.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, February 22^nd, at 10 a.m. on Bataviaconcerts.com and at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop. Tickets for Designated Drivers are just $25 and include everything listed above except the cocktails and sampling. All attendees MUST be 21 years of age or older.

“We’re excited to hold our Bourbon Fest again and to donate a portion of the proceeds to Thurman Thomas’ Family Foundation,” said Henry Wojtaszek, CEO/president of Batavia Downs Gaming.

“Our guests really enjoyed sampling all kinds of different bourbons and whiskeys, so much so that we’ve added many of them to the new Gatsby Bar. We look forward to another great event.”

Betting windows with live mutuels tellers will be open so attendees may bet on the day’s races. The track apron will be open where guests can purchase cigars or visit area food trucks that will be on hand for the event.

From the City of Batavia Police Department.

The missing adult reported by the Batavia Police Department, Jessica Deridder, was located in Greece. Jessica was located unharmed and is OK. The missing person alert has been rescinded.

The Batavia Police Department would like to thank everyone for their assistance.

Darnel J. Tillmon is indicted for the crime of assault on a police officer, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 2 in the Town of Le Roy that Tillmon acted with intent to prevent a police officer -- a New York State trooper -- from performing a lawful duty and his actions caused serious physical injury to the officer. In count two, Tillmon is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony, by acting intentionally to prevent the officer from performing a lawful duty and his actions caused physical injury to the officer. In count three, Tillmon is again accused of second-degree assault for allegedly recklessly causing serious physical injury to the trooper by means of a deadly weapon or instrument, in this case a motorcycle. In count four, the defendant is accused of third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly recklessly causing physical injury to another person -- the trooper. In count five, the defendant is again accused of third-degree assault for acting with criminal negligence, causing physical injury to the trooper by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument -- the motorcycle. In count six, Tillmon is accused of reckless endangerment in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly recklessly engaging in conduct which created a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person. In count seven, Tillmon is accused of the crime of unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count seven that Tillmon knew he had been directed to stop his motor vehicle by a uniformed police officer or a marked police vehicle by the activation of either lights or lights and sirens, and he attempted to flee by engaging in reckless driving. In count eight, Tillmon is accused of resisting arrest, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intentionally preventing or attempting to prevent an officer from arresting himself or another person. In count nine, Tillmon is accused of the crime of third-degree escape, a Class A misdemeanor, for escaping from custody. In count 10, Tillmon is accused of failing to comply with the lawful order of a police officer or flagperson. It is alleged in count 10 that the defendant drove a 2006 Kawasaki and failed or refused to comply with the lawful order or direction of a police officer or flagperson duly empowered to regulate traffic. In count 11, Tillmon is accused of the offense of improper passing for operating the Kawasaki and overtaking or passing another vehicle on the right shoulder of the NYS Thruway. In count 12, Tillmon is accused of moving from lane unsafely, a violation of Vehicle and Traffic Law, by riding the Kawasaki on a roadway divided into clearly marked lanes and failing to drive within a single lane and moving from a lane without regard to doing so safely. In count 13, Tillmon is accused of unsafe starting, a violation of Vehicle and Traffic Law, by moving the Kawasaki, which had been stopped, standing or parked, without first determining if movement could be made with reasonable safety. In count 14, Tillmon is accused of failing to use signal lamps, contrary to Vehicle and Traffic Law, by riding the Kawasaki and changing lanes or entering an exit ramp of the Thruway without using signals by hand and arm, or signal lamps. In count 15, Tillmon is accused of speeding for operating the Kawasaki that summer day at a speed greater than was reasonable and prudent under the conditions and without regard to the actual and potential hazards at that time. In count 16, Tillmon is accused of speeding for operating the Kawasaki at 135 mph in a 65-mph zone. In count 17, Tillmon is accused of reckless driving, a violation of Vehicle and Traffic Law, for operating the Kawasaki on I-90 in a manner which unreasonably interfered with the free and proper use of a public highway or unreasonably endangered users of a public highway.

Erica R. Leach is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 24 in the Town of Darien that Leach knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance: cocaine with a weight of 500 milligrams or more.

Latashia M. Sanchez is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor. It is alleged that on Oct. 18 in the Town of Stafford that Sanchez drove a 2011 Chevrolet on Main Road -- Route 5 -- while intoxicated. In count two, she is accused of DWI, per se, as a misdemeanor, for having a BAC or .08 percent or more at the time. In count three, Sanchez is accused of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count three that Sanchez knew or had reason to know that her driving license was suspended and that she was driving without a license while intoxicated. In count four, she is accused of driving her vehicle in excess of 55 mph. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, the defendant is accused of having been charged with DWI, per se, in Town of Le Roy Court on July 31. The prosecution of that crime forms the basis for the suspension referred to in count three. As a result of the prosecution, her license was suspended at 2 p.m. on Oct. 18 and was therefore in effect at 5:19 p.m. Oct. 18, when she allegedly violated the laws resulting in the current indictment.

Jeffery C. Rogers is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 25 he drove a 2011 Chevrolet with Tennessee plates on West Main Street in the City of Batavia while intoxicated. In count two, Rogers is accused of aggravated  DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 percent or more at the time. In count three, Rogers is accused of exceeding the maximum established speed limit. In Special Information filed by the First Assistant District Attorney of Genesee County, the defendant is accused of having been convicted of driving under the influence, as a misdemeanor, on April 13, 2015, in General Sessions Court, Knox County, Tenn. That conviction was within 10 years previous to the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Program is excited to announce a NEW 4-H Cooking Workshop Series!

The first series will be learning how to cook Breakfast Foods and will be four weeks long.

4-H Breakfast Foods Cooking Series Dates:

• Saturday, March 2^nd, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Saturday, March 9^th, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Saturday, March 16^th, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Saturday, March 23^rd, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The series is open to youth ages 9 and up. Youths need to enroll in the 4-H program to participate. All classes will be held at the Cooperative Extension building located at 420 E. Main St., Batavia, NY. 

Space is limited! To register please contact Brandie at the 4-H Office for more information. Call 585-343-3040 or email genesee4h@cornell.edu

Press release:

From soon-to-be high school graduates to first-time adult college students; military veterans to full-time employees; local residents to international prospects; computer geeks to the digitally challenged; and career enthusiasts of every persuasion -- Genesee Community College will have its doors open this spring welcoming potential new students of all ages, backgrounds and academic interests. In total, GCC has 15 different events on its Spring Visits calendar, which is a notable record of its own. 

"Genesee Community College, especially with our new facilities and success coaches at the main campus in Batavia, really is the number one value in educational opportunity in Western New York!" said Shelitha Williams, Ph.D., vice president for Student and Enrollment Services.

"I've worked in other institutions and traveled extensively, and I'm proud to make this claim. This spring, we hope anyone who has even the remotest thought of a college education or is seeking a new focus in life will come see us!"

The 2019 Spring Visits GCC calendar includes the following events at the Batavia Campus:

Major Exploration Days:

• Friday, March 8 - Business, Science and Technology
• Friday, March 22 - Law, Criminal Justice and Human Services
• Friday, March 29 - Health and Physical Education
• Friday, May 3 - Creative Arts, Education and Liberal Arts

The Major Exploration Days all begin at 8:45 a.m. with registration and a continental breakfast before hearing presentations by Admissions, Financial Aid and Student Activities. Guests will then have a campus tour including the new Richard C. Call Arena and the Student Success Center.

From there they will meet the faculty, current students and success coaches related to their academic major.

Finally, those interested can tour College Village seeing the newest housing opportunity, namely the renovation of Birch Hall into the "communal" living facility featuring single bedrooms surrounding the large, centrally located and shared kitchen and bathrooms. 

• Spring Open House -- Saturday, April 6, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. -- This is GCC's Spring 2019 "signature" event providing prospective students and their families the chance to gain broad insight about GCC's robust services for student success. Presentations or interactive conversations with Admissions, Financial Aid, Career and Transfer Services, Student Success Center, Athletics, Student Activities and College Village will be among the many opportunities. Full campus tours will be provided, and to commence the Open House, GCC's theater majors will perform excerpts from "ENCOUNTERS" and "The Lamp is the Moon," two of GCC's performing arts events this spring.

Campus Tours and Group Information Sessions 

• Thursday, Feb. 28, 12:30 - 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 16, 12:30 - 2 p.m.
• Thursday, April 18, 12:30 - 2 p.m.

In just 90 minutes, visitors will hear the highlights of GCC's many programs and services, as well as the enrollment process. They can also enjoy a one-hour walking tour with a College Village option for those interested in living on campus.

Targeted Academic Information Sessions 

For those pursuing a career in healthcare, attending a specific information session is often a mandatory step in the application process. For this reason, different healthcare divisions are offering their own Info Sessions as outlined below:

Physical Therapist Assistant in the PTA Lab in room A208

• Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. 
• Wednesday, March 20, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. 
• Wednesday, April 3, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. 
• Wednesday, April 17, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 1, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
• Monday, May 6, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Nursing - Non-LPNs Only in the Med Tech Building -- second floor

• Monday, March 18, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 22, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 12, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Advanced Placement (LPN to RN) Only in the Med Tech Building -- second floor 

• Wednesday, Feb. 27, 4 - 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 26, 9 - 11 a.m.
• Thursday, April 11, 1 - 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 8, 9 - 11 a.m.
• Monday, June 10, 4 - 6 p.m.

Veterinary Technology in T119A

• Thursday, Feb. 28, 12:45 - 2 p.m.

Register online for any of GCC's Spring Visits here. For more information about any of the Spring Visit events, contact GCC's Admissions Office at 585-345-6800, toll free at 1-866-CALL-GCC or email Admissions@genesee.edu. For online, door-to-door driving directions click here.

To tour GCC remotely, click here for a 360 degree virtual online campus tour!