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Jeffery Edward Miller

By Billie Owens

Heaven received a kind, loving soul on March 4, 2020 when Jeffery Edward Miller, age 65, died suddenly following complications from surgery in Tampa, Fla.

Jeff was a corrections deputy who rose to the rank of corporal in the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office in Punta Gorda, Fla., prior to his retirement in December 2018. Upon retirement, he spent the next 14 months stopping to smell the roses and enjoying quality family time with his wife and beloved children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jeff was predeceased by his parents, Edward A. and Hazel M. (Kelsey) Miller, sister Marsha (Maggie) Miller, brother Russell B. Miller, and niece Rachel Miller.

He is survived by: his wife Theresa, of Placida, Fla.; two sons, Mark (Lisa) Miller, of Byron, NY, and Brian (Karen) Miller, of Palmyra, Va.; mother-in-law Susan Boehm, of Placida, Fla.; stepson, Sean Buotte (Jennifer), of Sebring, Fla.; brothers Roger Miller (Judy), of Surry, Va., Greg Miller (Ann), of East Bethany, NY, Paul Miller (Sheri), of Alexander, NY; two sisters, Paula Miller (George Schaefer), of Norfolk, Va., and Vicki Wolak (Jeff), of East Bethany, NY; and sister-in-law Belinda Cox (Rick), of East Bethany, NY.

He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who brought him an immense amount of joy, in addition to longtime family friend Julie Pearce of Sebring, Fla. -- who Jeff’s family also called their sister -- as well as numerous nieces and nephews and family friends in St. Petersburg, Fla.

In honoring Jeff's wishes, a private family memorial service will be held at a future date.

In recognition of Jeff’s longtime passion for animals, the outdoors and hunting, memorial donations may be made in his honor to one of the following organizations: Happy Valley Wildlife Management Area in Williamstown, NY.

Ears Animal Rescue Sanctuary of Englewood, Fla.; or the Suncoast Humane Society of Charlotte County, Fla.

Pavilion High School takes Third Place in statewide 'Top Cut Beef Contest'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Shish kabobs, beef-stuffed mushrooms, and a pancake-wrapped brisket were just a few of the delicious recipes developed, tested, and tasted in the third annual Top Cut Beef Contest for elementary, middle, and high school students in New York State.

More than 70 schools were able to cook beef in their classrooms and submit their marketing plans.New York Agriculture in the Classroom and the New York Beef Council are pleased to announce the winners of the Top Cut Beef Contest and would like to congratulate each school that participated.

The lone winner in Genesee County took Third Place in the High School Division. Pavilion High School partnered with Mill Crest Acres to create "Shishkaballz" and earn the third-place spot. Jennifer Stringer is the teacher.

Students and teachers in grades three through 12 were exposed to beef production and nutrition by developing a marketing strategy for a food product of their choice and design. Every classroom was equipped with a "True Beef: From Pasture to Plate" documentary DVD, the True Beef Educator Guide, lesson plans, and consumer guides to better understand the many cuts of beef and their best uses.

Schools were paired with a local beef producer who mentored the students through the process of beef production or supplied the beef necessary for the project. In this hands-on experience, students were exposed to careers in the beef industry and learned about safe food handling practices.

Adding a new twist this year, students created beef-centric recipes that could be sold from a food truck. The students developed their food truck recipes and tested them with their target audience. Submissions included sandwiches, stews, meatballs, and even jerky. The creativity with this contest was unlimited as students filmed their own commercials, drew logos, and designed websites to market their products.

One of the judges, Tess Southern, Agriculture Subject Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County and member of the New York Agriculture in the Classroom Advisory Board, said of the entries:

“I really enjoyed seeing the creativity that went into the beef centric meals being offered by the students. From a quick taco meal featuring ground beef on the go to a flavorful meal of steak and mushrooms, these youth impressed me with how they would manage, make and market their beef products. Having to plan a meal to be prepped and served from a food truck is no small feat and I would gladly eat any of these meals if given the opportunity!”

The entries from across the state were submitted for judging by a panel of beef producers and industry experts. Each entry was scored based on the product, the market analysis, the marketing plan, and the beef nutrition analysis.

The first-place classroom in each division will receive $250, second place earns $100, third place earns $50, and all receive a banner to display their achievement. The first-place schools will also receive a barbeque grill for their classroom from the New York Beef Council.

Congratulations Pavilion High School!

Pembroke HS senior's future as electrician looks bright, which is no shock to her instructor

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Casey Felski is a determined young person. This senior from Pembroke High School attends the Electro-Mechanical Trades Program at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center.

Last school year, she attended the Building Trades Program at the Batavia CTE Center. Rich Monroe is Casey’s Electro-Mechanical Trades instructor in the program. He describes her as a leader in the classroom and on the worksite.

“From Casey’s first day of school, I could see that hands-on learning is her forte," Monroe said. "I could tell that she would excel in whatever she attempted to do.  My job as her instructor was to spark her interest."

Each year the Building Trades and Electro-Mechanical Trades Programs build a house on-site for a home owner. All the building materials costs, as well as the construction of the home’s foundation, are paid by the home owner but the labor to construct the home is free.

This house project provides students with real-world on the job experiences including leadership roles.  

As a senior, Casey does just that, she works with the incoming juniors to orient them to working at the house site, leading group projects and running jobs as assigned by Monroe.

Besides being determined, Casey can also be described as hardworking and dedicated. She is an active volunteer firefighter with Corfu Rescue Hook and Ladder Company and she also serves as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). She runs track at Pembroke High School and works part time at a grocery store in Akron. 

Casey’s actions and work ethic in and out of the classroom have proven successful. She recently was awarded a School-to-Work scholarship from the Electrical Association of Western New York (EAWNY).

Founded in 1924, this organization’s mission is to educate about the safe and efficient use of electricity and technology, and promote the electrical industry. Each year, the EAWNY awards School-to-Work Scholarships to individuals who pursue a career in the electric industry and participate in a training program to be used for the purchase of tools.

After graduation in June, Casey’s goal is to gain acceptance into the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 41 Apprenticeship Program. Monroe said the he has no doubt that Casey will get accepted.

Photo, from left: Instructor Rich Monroe, senior Casey Felski, and Catherine Bennett, Batavia CTE Center assistant principal.

Gerald M. Reynolds

By Billie Owens

Darien -- Gerald M. Reynolds, of Darien, NY, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Leroy Village Green.

Born on September 9, 1931, to the late Edward and Celestine (Richert) Reynolds, Gerald happily called the family farm in Darien, NY, his only home for 88 years. He had a lifelong interest in history, farming, and public service.  

Upon the death of their father in 1952, Gerald and his brother Edward decided to take on the additional duties managing the Reynolds farm. He belonged to many farm organizations and received awards for herd production, milk quality, and farm safety. He was named Jaycees Genesee County Young Farmer in 1962, and Genesee County Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1998. Shady Summit Farm received a “Dairy of Distinction” award every year since 1991, and was named a Century Farm in 2003 by the New York State Agricultural Society.  

Gerald dedicated his free time to a multitude of organizations, served 15 years as a Town of Darien Councilman, and seven years as Town Supervisor on the Democratic ticket. Prior to his elected positions, he served on the Planning Board for 12 years. He was elected to the USDA Farm Service Agency to represent the towns of Darien, Pembroke, and Alabama.  He had been Chairman of the Corfu Alumni Association, a charter member of the Genesee Valley Civil War Roundtable, a member of the Holland Purchase Historical Society, and a Trustee to the Darien Cemetery Association. He belonged to and was a leader in 4H, Dairylea Young Coop., the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, and Future Farmers of America. He was a faithful member of the North Darien Bible Church until he was physically unable to attend. 

He received the Grange’s 7th degree in 1951 and was Master of the Corfu Grange #142 for 15 years. He was Chapter President of the FFA, New York State Reporter, and earned the American Farmer Degree in 1951. He was elected Vice President of the National FFA organization serving from 1951-1952. Meeting President Harry Truman in the Oval Office in 1951 highlighted Gerald’s FFA service.  

Gerald loved long drives in the country, admiring other farms, antique auctions, investigating unmarked cemeteries, visiting historic sites like Fort Niagara, Gettysburg, and homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. He loved his family above all things and took great pride in cooking for family gatherings, bragging about his grandchildren, and live music – especially when it was performed by family.     

In addition to his parents, Gerald is predeceased by his wife Verna (Cook), his brother Edward John Reynolds, his daughter Deborah Morgan, and his son Michael Gerald Reynolds.  

Survivors include his son Thomas (Laura) Reynolds of Darien, NY, daughter Heather Reynolds of Hornell, NY, stepdaughter Susan Reynolds of Geneseo, NY, 7 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Gerald’s family will be present from 4 - 8  p.m. on Monday, March 9th 2020 at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu, New York (14036). where funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 10th 2020.

BHS Drama Club's '45 Plays for 45 Presidents'

By Billie Owens

The Batavia High School Drama Club will present its newest play tonight called "45 Plays for 45 Presidents."

It starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 7. There's a matinee Sunday at 2 o'clock.

"Basically the play is exactly how it sounds; one scene for each of our 45 presidents," said Caryn Leigh Wood, musical and drama director. "It is considered experimental, historical, comedy and has some really interesting content."

A total of 25 students in grades 9-12 are in the production.

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BHS Drama Club's '45 Plays for 45 Presidents'

By Billie Owens

The Batavia High School Drama Club will present its newest play tonight called "45 Plays for 45 Presidents."

It starts at 7 p.m. and will also be performed Saturday at that time. There's a matinee Sunday at 2 o'clock.

"Basically the play is exactly how it sounds; one scene for each of our 45 presidents," said Caryn Leigh Wood, musical and drama director. "It is considered experimental, historical, comedy and has some really interesting content."

A total of 25 students in grades 9-12 are in the production.

Event Date and Time

BHS Drama Club's '45 Plays for 45 Presidents' starts tonight: U.S. history 'isn't all sparkles and fairy tales'

By Billie Owens

The Batavia High School Drama Club will present its newest play tonight called "45 Plays for 45 Presidents."

It starts at 7 p.m. and will also be performed Saturday at that time. There's a matinee Sunday at 2 o'clock.

According to Caryn Leigh Wood, musical and drama director, BHS swapped show time slots this academic year and held its musical in the fall, so the play that used to be in December is now in March.

"Basically the play is exactly how it sounds; one scene for each of our 45 presidents," Wood says. "It is considered experimental, historical, comedy and has some really interesting content."

A total of 25 students in grades 9-12 are in the production. The show was originally written for just five people, but the authors allow for expanding it.

"With over 150 roles in the show, it was quite a challenge to the cast," Wood said. "Every cast member has multiple roles, so the group dynamic is really important to the overall flow of the show. The student must really work hard to weave each of the scenes together, making it truly an ensemble piece. There isn't one single lead role." 

The play does not attempt to merely impersonate each of the 45 presidents; it's not written so that the actors are trying to mimic them, according to Wood.

Rather, the president in each scene is represented through the symbol of the "presidential coat" that is passed from one scene to the next. There are some points in the show that the coat is not even worn by a person, but handled in such a way as to symbolize the president in that scene.

Wood sums the production up this way:

"The cast has had a crazy and fun time learning this show; as you can imagine, because there is a TON of difficult content to cover. Our nation's history isn't all sparkles and fairytales and the authors don't try to gloss over that in any way. That's why the show is so dynamic and constantly changing; there are points where you can be in a serious and poignant scene, and then the next moment, you are in the middle of a comedy roast or silly game show.

"The juxtaposition and contrast can really leave you with a sense of whiplash at times. But isn't that somewhat true of our nation's history, too? Overall, this show isn't trying to make any one specific political statement, it all comes full circle again to the state that whatever your political convictions may be, a person's real power is in their vote....the final point made in the show is that our next presidential election is just over 240 days away."

"45 Plays for 45 Presidents" is performed in the black box format, the same format as in the past. Seating is limited.

Be advised the play is not intended for children under age 13.

The play is offered through special arrangment with Playscripts Inc. It was written by Andy Bayiates, Sean Benjamin, Genevra Gallo-Bayiates, Chloe Johnston, and Ken Weinberg.

Tickets in advance are $9 and available here. At the door, they are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

The school is located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

GCC Nursing students rally amidst grief and sadness over death of young mother of four

By Billie Owens

From information provided by Genesee Community College:

A fatal car accident last week tragically took the life of 38-year-old Reneé M. (Strain) Morris of Portageville, and gave rise to a wake of heartfelt intentions as a group of Genesee Community College nursing students rally around each other in grief and sadness.

They are also thinking of their special classmate and her family of four young daughters.

Morris was an honor's student at GCC, and was just two and a half months from completing her Nursing degree.

Described as "kind-hearted," "passionate" and "unforgettable," by her peers, Morris was also described as "truly genuine," and she would have made a perfect nurse, according to the instructors who are also grieving the loss of one of their top students.

In a group gathering, students and faculty alike recalled her innate desire to help people regardless who they were or what they needed.

"Renee was a very special person and an excellent student in the Nursing Program," said Ruth A. Gliss, GCC professor of Nursing. "Her classmates have done a wonderful job of supporting Renee's family and each other at this very difficult time.

"On behalf of the nursing faculty and the nursing program, our condolences are extended to everyone who knew and loved Renee." 

In less than one week, the GoFundMe website that was established by friend and classmate Amanda Linderman, has raised nearly $38,500 --approximately 95 percent of the $40,000 goal.

In addition, a special T-Shirt was created honoring Reneé's life and passion, which generated more than $3,900 that will go directly to the care of the Morris daughters.

In an effort to also provide emotional comfort, Morris's classmates and friends are also collecting pink flowers, which they plan to present to family during next week's Spring Break because "pink was Reneé's favorite color." 

Morris was a devout Christian, and would likely be touched by the multifaceted effort led by her fellow classmates to support her young family.

A Celebration of Life is planned at her parish this weekend.

To help the Nursing Program students' efforts, T-shirts are available at: www.customink.com/fundraising/remembering-renee-morris and donations are welcomed at the GoFundMe page called "The Morris Daughters."

Members of the GCC community have been encouraged to contact the College's Counseling Services for assistance in managing their sadness and grief, if needed.

Photo of Morris from Eaton Watson Funeral Home.

(Editor's note: This post has been edited per the wishes of the family and GCC.)

Timbit Beginners Jamboree is Saturday at Faletti Ice Arena

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Amateur Hockey Association (GAHA) Timbit Beginners will be participating in their end of the year “Jamboree” on Saturday, March 7th starting at 9 a.m. at the Falleti Ice Arena.

At 9 a.m. the players, ages 3 to 10, will be introduced one by one as they step onto the ice and proceed to the Blue Line for the National Anthem.

This year the Beginner Program consisted of 65 registered players. They are coached by Tim Sprague as well as many other dads, moms, family members as well as several GAHA Student Coaches serving as on-ice helpers.

Without all of this support it would be impossible to run this program.

Most of the players have been on the ice since early October. About 12 joined the program in early January.  At practices they run through drills established by USA Hockey’s American Development Modules – six stations are set up around the rink and a different drill is introduced at each station.  The players move from station to station.

GAHA is thankful for the sponsorship of their Beginner Program by the local Tim Horton Shop managed by Dave Lumberg. They provide the jerseys for all of the players as well as Timbit donuts for our special functions throughout the year.

For this Jamboree the players are divided into five teams denoted by the color of their jerseys and will play five 12-minute games with shifts of 2 minutes.  A great time is had by all.

The Falleti Ice Arena is located at 22 Evans St. in the City of Batavia.

Drum corps music extravaganza at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Music will take center stage for “An Afternoon of Drum Corps Music” on Saturday, March 14th at Batavia Downs Gaming. 

The individuals and ensembles start at 1 p.m. and the full corps perform at approximately 4 p.m.

This is a first, to have many corps performing inside this early in the year.

The corps’ consist of brass and percussion instruments. Some groups are competitive and others just for entertainment.

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Drum corps music extravaganza to be held at Batavia Downs March 14

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Music will take center stage for “An Afternoon of Drum Corps Music” on Saturday, March 14th at Batavia Downs Gaming. 

The individuals and ensembles start at 1 p.m. and the full corps perform at approximately 4 p.m.

This is a first, to have many corps performing inside this early in the year.

The corps’ consist of brass and percussion instruments. Some groups are competitive and others just for entertainment.

The individual and ensemble competition begins at 1 p.m. and will feature some outstanding individual performances in competition and exhibition.

The drum corps performing include:

  • Ghost Riders Alumni;
  • The White Sabers;
  • Hamburg Kingsmen drum ensemble;
  • Uptown Brass from Toronto Canada;
  • Tri Valley Brass;
  • Cadre Drum Ensemble;
  • St. Josephs of Batavia;
  • The Hitmen;
  • Brig Juice from Syracuse;
  • All-In Brass Band from Rochester;
  • and St. Joes Brass Ensemble.

“An Afternoon of Drum Corps Music” is also cosponsored by The Bugler’s Hall of Fame, St. Joe’s Alumni and St. Joe’s Reunion Brass Ensemble.

In attendance will be current members of the Bugler’s Hall of Fame plus the opportunity to meet and hear Hall of Fame members.

Tickets for the show are $10 at the door and for your donation, adults will receive $10 of free play at the Casino. 

There will be food and refreshments available for purchase in the Casino area all day.

At the conclusion of the show, the members and fans will be treated to a performance/dance party by Rochester’s favorite party group, the Coupe DeVilles.

For more information contact Donny Allen at (585) 297-6869 or Frank Panepento at (585) 409-4364.

Grand Jury: man indicted for Alexander burglary, grand larceny and petit larceny

By Billie Owens

Gary W. Hensley is indicted for the crime of burglary in the second degree, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 7, Hensley knowingly entered, or remained unlawfully, in a building in the 4000 block of Gilhooly Road in Alexander with the intention of committing a crime. In count two, Hensley is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony, for allegedly stealing property consisting of one or more firearms, rifles or shotguns -- in this case a Charter Arms revolver. In count three, Hensley is charged with petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly stealing property of the victim: a wooden jewelry box, loose change, a flashlight, a silver bracelet, a large commemorative penny, bedding and a Snapple box with miscellaneous property inside.

City fire chief reminds residents to change smoke detector batteries when setting clocks ahead Sunday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department reminds residents about changing smoke detector batteries when Daylight Saving time begins on Sunday, March 8.

Chief Stefano Napolitano recommends “that as residents set their clocks ahead, that they test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.”

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with missing and/or damaged smoke detectors. Often times smoke detector fails to operate because the batteries were missing, disconnected or dead.

Additionally, Napolitano recommends these safety tips:

  • Install a working smoke detector on every level of the home, outside and or inside sleeping areas/bedrooms.• Be sure to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Test smoke detectors monthly using the test button on the unit.
  • Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke detector, and knows what to do when it sounds.
  • Replace any smoke detector that is 10 years old or older.
  • Replace the smoke detector immediately if it does not respond properly when tested.
  • Batteries in traditional type smoke detectors, should be changed at least once a year, and/or in accordancewith manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Develop a plan of escape. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to get out of every room andhow to evacuate in under two-minutes. They should also know where to meet, once they are out of the house.
  • Try to avoid placing a smoke detector near a bathroom, heating appliance windows, or ceiling fans.

“Also as a reminder, if you reside in the City of Batavia and you do not have a working smoke detector or a replacement battery, the City of Batavia Fire Department will provide one smoke detector or batteries to you at no cost," Napolitano said. "Additionally, if you need assistance in testing, inspecting or changing your batteries please call 585-345-6375.

"A time will be set and members of the fire department will come to your residence and install a smoke detector, replace batteries and inspect and test the units in your home."

As Cuomo calls for infrastructure cuts, Hawley and highway superintendents cry out for more money

By Billie Owens

From Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

In light of years of stagnant investment in the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) and a proposed elimination of $65 in Extreme Winter Recovery funds by Gov. Cuomo, Assemblyman Steve Hawley rallied Wednesday in Albany with highway superintendents from around the state calling for infrastructure investment parity.

For several years, CHIPS funding has been held stagnant at $438.1 million statewide despite billions of dollars in increases to fund the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and repair downstate bridges.

This funding is used to repair and pave streets and highways. Furthermore, Gov. Cuomo has proposed cutting $65 million in Extreme Winter Recovery funds which are used by areas experiencing harsh winters to speed up recovery and repair processes.

“Whenever the MTA cries broke Gov. Cuomo is right there willing to throw more tax dollars their way, yet Upstate has to fight tooth and nail each year for a little bit extra to ensure we have safe travel,” Hawley said. “Millions of upstate residents, emergency services vehicles, farmers and manufacturers use our roads each day and their safety and quality of life matter just as much as a subway patron.

"We are seeking a $100 million increase to CHIPS and a restoration of the $65 million Extreme Winter Recovery fund – a small and reasonable step toward parity in a budget totaling over $175 billion. I will continue fighting to see that upstate gets it fair share this year!”

Elba student part of five-man winning team of financial analysis and research challenge

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Luca Zambito, of Elba, (second from left, above) was part of a five-person team from the Canisius College Golden Griffin Fund that secured a first-place win in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Research Challenge of Western New York, held Feb. 28 at Syracuse University.

Zambito is majoring in Finance at Canisius College and is set to graduate this year.

Canisius College has dominated the CFA Research Challenge in Western New York since its inception in 2010, securing first-place wins for the past 10 consecutive years.

The Canisius team overcame competitors including SUNY Geneseo, University of Rochester and SUNY Oswego to take home the first-place prize. The team now advances to the Americas Regional Challenge, to be held April 20-22 in New York City. 

"The success of our Canisius team gets more incredible every year when you consider the increasing complexity of the research and analysis, and the competition from other colleges and universities," says Richard A. Wall (Class of '78), Ph.D, CFA, professor emeritus of Economics and Finance at Canisius College and faculty advisor to the Golden Griffin Fund team. 

"To be one of only 50 teams advancing to the Americas Regional Challenge is an honor for our students and a testament to their hard work and commitment to the competition, and their futures in the investment management profession," adds Steven Gattuso (Class of '87), MBA '89, CFA, CFP, CMA, director of the Golden Griffin Fund. 

The Golden Griffin Fund team that took home first place in this year's CFA Research Challenge in Western New York was comprised of Justin Begley ('20), Luca Zambito ('20), Cameron Rosenecker ('19), MBA ('20) (team captain), Andrew Sagun ('20) and Nick Stinson ('20).

Batavia's Graham Corp. was subject of 2020 Challenge

The CFA Institute Research Challenge is an annual global competition that provides university-sponsored teams with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis.

The competition tests the analytic, valuation, reporting, writing and presentation skills of students studying Business, Finance and Economics. Teams are challenged to research a publicly traded company and write a written report with a buy, sell or hold recommendation. Teams must then present and defend their analysis to a panel of industry professionals who serve as judges in the competition. 

The subject company for this year's CFA Research Challenge was Graham Corp., headquartered in Batavia. Graham Corp. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of engineered-to-order vacuum and heat-transfer equipment for process industries and energy markets.

Housed within the Richard J. Wehle School of Business and established in 2003, the GGF was one of the region's first real-money, equity investment funds managed by undergraduate and graduate business majors. GGF students select potential companies in which to invest, manage and analyze portfolio holdings, and evaluate and recommend companies to add to the portfolio. 

In 2019, the GGF team was one of only five universities, out of 1,100 worldwide, to advance to the Global Finals of the CFA Institute Research Challenge. It was the second time in five years that the college's team competed on the world stage. 

In 2015, Canisius College advanced through the CFA Institute Research Challenge of Western New York and the Americas Regionals to win the global championship title, earning first place over more than 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 865 universities in 70 countries.

About CFA Institute

The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute is a global association for investment professionals.

It administers to the CFA and Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM) curriculum and exam programs worldwide; publishes research; conducts professional development programs; and sets voluntary ethics-based professional and performance reporting standards for the investment industry. The institute has approximately 150,000 members in 165-plus countries and regions.

About Canisius College

One of 27 Jesuit universities in the nation, Canisius is the premier private university in Western New York. Canisius celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary during the 2019-20 academic year, marking 150 years of Jesuit education and leadership in the city of Buffalo and Western New York.

Visit www.canisius.edu/150 for more information about Canisius' milestones and celebratory events.

Top photo, from left, the Golden Griffin Fund team at Canisius College: Justin Begley, Luca Zambito, Cameron Rosenecker (team captain), Andrew Sagun, and Nick Stinson.

Mark Your Calendar: Iroquois refuge hosts 36th annual Spring into Nature celebration May 2

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Alabama is hosting its 36th annual Spring Into Nature celebration from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 2.

This year, we recognize 50 years of Earth Day with the theme – Climate Challenge.

We are also celebrating 20 years of partnership with the Friends of Iroquois NWR Inc.! Join us for a variety of nature-related exhibits, crafts, fishing demos, and games for the kids.

There will be activities for all ages including sunflower seed feeder construction, live birds of prey, archery games, and guided trail walks. Our resident experts will also be out for the Eagle Watch, so you can see and learn about their nesting behavior.

Don’t forget to meet Puddles, the blue goose mascot of the National Wildlife Refuge System.  

Since Western New York weather is unpredictable, we’ve moved most of our events indoors and pushed the date back one week. So, please join us rain or shine! Food will be available for purchase. Parking and all activities are free.

The headquarters of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is located at 1101 Casey Road in Basom.

Please visit their website, or contact Refuge staff at (585) 948-5445 for more information about Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

Iroquois NWR is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester, and is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact the Refuge at (585) 948-5445 or atthe Federal Relay No. 1-800-877-8339.

Kick-off rally at Batavia Country Club for David Krzemien's bid for GC Sheriff

By Billie Owens

The Campaign to Elect David Krzemien for Genesee County Sheriff invites the public to their campaign kick-off rally from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, at the Batavia Country Club.

Come meet the candidate, learn about his goals and have a great time!

Event Date and Time
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Free SKYWARN spotter training offered by National Weather Service in Batavia March 30

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Buffalo office of the National Weather Service will be conducting a SKYWARN spotter training seminar in Batavia, at the Genesee County Fire Training Center, 7690 State Street Road, at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 30.

The training session will last about two hours and there is no cost for the training.

SKYWARN is a national effort to save lives during severe weather emergencies with an expanding network of trained volunteer weather spotters.

SKYWARN spotters support their local community and government by providing reports of severe weather directly to the National Weather Service in Buffalo by phone using the NWS spotter hotline, by email, or social media. The services performed by SKYWARN spotters have saved many lives.

The National Weather Service has an array of modern technology for detecting severe thunderstorms. Included in these are Doppler radar, satellite, and lightning detection networks. However, the most important tool for observing thunderstorms is the trained eye of the storm spotter.

By providing observations, SKYWARN spotters assist National Weather Service staff in their warning decisions and enable the National Weather Service to fulfill its mission of protecting life and property. Storm spotters are, and always will be, an indispensable part of the severe local storm warning program.

The basic training session provides a brief overview of the National Weather Service organization and our responsibilities, severe weather safety, and basic severe weather meteorology including how thunderstorms, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes develop.

Anyone can become a severe weather spotter for the National Weather Service. SKYWARN training is free and open to the public. The training is being sponsored by the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management.

For further information, you can call the National Weather Service at (716) 565-0204, ext. 223.

More information about SKYWARN is available on the NWS Buffalo website at http://www.weather.gov/buf/Skywarn

Register online, call or email the Genesee County Fire Training Center:

  • Jeanette.diehl@co.genesee.ny.us
  • 585-344-0078

National Weather Service on the Web:

  • NOAA:   http://www.noaa.gov
  • NOAA’s National Weather Service:   http://www.weather.gov
  • NOAA’s National Weather Service in Buffalo:   http://www.weather.gov/buf

Law and Order: Lyon Street man accused of threatening to kill a person and burn down the house

By Billie Owens

John Michael Taggert, 38, of North Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Taggert was arrested on Lyon Street following a domestic incident at 9:58 p.m. Feb. 28 during which he allegedly threatened to kill a person and burn down a house. He was processed, transported to jail and arraigned at 10 a.m. the following morning in Batavia City Court. Taggert was released on his own recognizance and is due to return to city court this afternoon (March 4). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Connor Borchert.

John Charles Clark, 51, of Linden Road, Bethany, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 12:32 a.m. on March 3, Clark was arrested following an investigation. Clark is accused of shining a light in the victim's window on Linden Road in Bethany over a prolonged period of time and repeated period of time. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Bethany Town Court on March 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Sgt. John Baiocco.

Tammy L. Truax, 55, of Leicester, is charged with third-degree assault. The incident was reported at 10:02 p.m. on Dec. 10 on Woodrow Road in Batavia. Truax was arrested on a Batavia City Court warrant on Feb. 28 after being located  by the Livingston County Sheriff's Office. She was arraigned in city court and released on her own recognizance. She is due to return to city court at a later date.

Kevin M. McCoy, 53, no permanent address, is charged with criminal contempt in the second degree. Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested McCoy following a complaint at the Park Site Manor Apartments on East Main Street in Batavia at 10:53 a.m. on Feb. 28. McCoy was given an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on March 10. Officer Stephen Quider assisted in the case.

Jeanne M. Casper, 41, of Knowlesville Road, Oakfield, is charged with driving while intoxicated and failure to keep right. On March 4, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies Jonathan Dimmig and Ryan Young responding to a property damage accident at 12:11 a.m. on Knowlesville in Alabama. The deputies made contact with the operator and sole occupant of the vehicle, who identified herself as Jeanne M. Casper, of Oakfield. She was arrested on the charges and is due in Alabama Town Court on March 11.

GCEDC Board to consider $22.5M brownfield redevelopment and $3.1M downtown projects

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider final resolutions for two Batavia Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) strategic projects at the GCEDC’s Thursday, March 5, board meeting.

The Ellicott Station and Ellicott Place projects would add 65 new apartments that support Genesee County’s EDGE economic development strategy for housing to support the growth of Genesee County’s businesses and communities.

Ellicott Station is a $22.5 million mixed-use brownfield redevelopment project by Savarino Companies that includes adaptive reuse and new construction at 40, 50, 56 Ellicott St., a blighted property in a key gateway entrance to Downtown Batavia, and the creation of 20 additional jobs to Downtown Batavia’s business community.

Considerable brownfield remediation, site improvements, and construction is proposed, with the project proposing a five-story apartment building with 55 new modern workforce housing units, along with a brewery, restaurant/beer garden, and preparation for additional development at the 3.31-acre campus. 

Ellicott Station is requesting approximately $3.6 million in economic incentives, with a $2,105,792 property tax exemption, a $790,512 sales tax exemption, and a $180,792 mortgage tax exemption. Revenues from the project will also contribute to the Batavia Pathway to Prosperity brownfield redevelopment fund.

Ellicott Place is a $3.1 million redevelopment of 45-47 Ellicott St. by V.J. Gautieri Constructors that includes the creation of and access to residential and commercial spaces in Downtown Batavia.

The project will construct 10 second-floor apartments at the existing facility, along with the development of first-floor storefronts and building-wide façade improvements. The redevelopment of Ellicott Place is estimated to create nine additional jobs to Downtown Batavia’s business community.

Ellicott Place is requesting approximately $130,000 in economic incentives, with a $110,400 sales tax exemption and a $20,000 mortgage tax exemption.

Ellicott Station and Ellicott Place were among eight transformational investments announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo as enabling the Batavia DRI’s strategy to drive new, mixed-use development, improved access to local healthcare, and transform public spaces for community use.

Final resolutions are being considered after public hearings were held for both projects on March 3.

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