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A cornucopia of jobs available at career center, director says

By Howard B. Owens

Scott Gage, director of the Genesee County Job Development Center, has a simple message for anybody looking for a job or a better job: come on down.

There are currently 400 job openings listed with the career center and not nearly enough applicants to fill them, Gage said.

"If anybody is interested in work, definitely come down and see us at the career center, because there are a lot of openings," Gage said.

Yes, many of the jobs are entry-level production jobs, but they're good paying jobs, Gage said. There's also a number of professional-level jobs available.

The recession-era fear people had about taking a stab at a new job at a chance for career advancement or higher pay has disappeared, Gage said. More people are looking to move up, which helps create openings for other workers and it's also the sign of a strong local job market.

"There are not a lot of job seekers coming through our doors," Gage said.

St. Joe's holds annual Walk-A-Thon

By Howard B. Owens

Info and photo submitted by Lauren Humphrey.

St. Joseph Catholic School students walked to meet sponsor pledges they raised in an effort to promote exercise and supplement funding for technology improvements.  The students have raised more than $3,000 to date and are still accepting donations. Visit our Web site, www.sjsbatavia.org  if you would like to make a donation online!

Little League back in hots and pizza business

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia Little League has paid for a health permit, according to County Manager Jay Gsell.

Gsell said a VP with the league showed up at the County Health Department this morning and paid the fee, Gsell said.

The department had told league officials they couldn't sell pizza and hot dogs without a proper permit, which costs $175 per food stand.

HLOM features Upton and Ellicott on front of building

By Howard B. Owens

The Holland Land Office Museum has replaced its decade-old banner with two new posters featuring Joseph Ellicott and Gen. Emory Upton.

The posters were created by Vinyl Sticks and sponsored by Ken Barrett Chevrolet and Cadillac.

Speaking of HLOM, June speakers:

Tuesday June 9th, 6 to 8 p.m., Genesee County Historian Michael Eula; Topic: Why do wars happen? Genesee County and the problems of human conflict 1775 – present

Friday June 12th, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Erica Wanecski; Topic: Health Resorts in the 19th Century

For more information call the Holland Land Office Museum, (585) 343-4727​ 

Volunteers sought for visitors booth

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Here is a fun and interesting way that you can assist your community -- by volunteering a few hours at the Genesee County Visitor Information Center. If you love our surrounding communities, enjoy helping people, and feel that you could be great ambassador for Genesee County, the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is looking you.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will reopen the seasonal Visitor Information Center on Friday, June 5th. The center is located at 131 W. Main St. in Batavia and operates in the summer months to assist summer visitors.

The Chamber is currently looking for a few helpful residents to greet visitors and provide directions and area information to travelers at our visitor “booth,” which is located in the parking lot of the Holland Land Office Museum.  Our volunteers greet visitors, hand out maps, dining guides, provide directions, recommendations and more. 

Available shifts are:

  • Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.
  • Sundays: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as every other Sunday 3 to 5 p.m.

If you are interested in a two- or three-hour shift, weekly or biweekly, please call Kelly Rapone (585) 343-7440, ext. 23, at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

Photo by Howard Owens.

Photo: Planting plants Downtown

By Howard B. Owens

It's planter planting day in Downtown Batavia with volunteers from the Sun Catcher Garden Club of Batavia helping out. Above, Connie Moon and Barb Defazio take care of a planter at Main and Jackson.

Oakfield-Alabama passes school budget

By Howard B. Owens

Results from Tuesday's school budget vote for the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District:

Proposition #1:  School Budget   Yes 205, No 43
Proposition #2:  Acquisition of School Buses and Related Equipment    Yes 194, No 41  

Voters pass City Schools budget by wide margin

By Howard B. Owens

Results from Tuesday's vote in the Batavia City School District vote:

I.  Budget - $43,108,373 (increase of $122,011 or 0.28%: $0.00 increase in tax levy)
   Yes   - 426 (85.03%)
   No    - 75  (14.97%)

II.  Capital Reserve - $7,500,000, ten years
   Yes -  391  (81.12%)
   No -    91   (18.88%)

III.  Transportation Mileage Change - Grades 2-4 > 0.50 miles and Grades 9-12 >1.50 miles within the city limits (all outside city limits are eligible already)
  Yes -  405  (83.16%)
  No -   82   (16.84%)

Hawley urges passage of violent criminal registry

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today called on Assembly Democrats to pass Brittany’s Law, which would establish a statewide registry of violent offenders. The legislation provides the public with crucial information about criminals with histories of violence to prevent future victimization. The Senate version, S.513, was passed on Monday and championed as a method to combat domestic violence and preserve the safety of New York’s communities and families.

“Every day this legislation sits dormant in the Assembly is another day that New York’s women are at risk of becoming victims,” Hawley said. “Unfortunately, many victims do not know that their assailant has a violent history or has been incarcerated. This bill would make information of that nature accessible and help law enforcement track convicted felons to ensure the safety of the neighborhood or community in which they live. I am once again calling on Assembly Democrats to stop playing politics with women’s safety and passBrittany’s Law immediately.”

Join The Batavian Club Today!

By Howard B. Owens

The people who have joined The Batavian Club over the past two years have helped The Batavian tremendously. The membership dues have helped pay dues and helped us make more use of freelancers.

We even ended up hiring a contract worker to send out the most recent batch of membership kits (long, long overdue, which had a lot to do with my decision to just say, "I should hire somebody to do this work.").  

Join now and help us do more. We have a good group of people willing to help The Batavian and I'd like to throw more work their way. Join The Batavian Club and help employ local people.

You love The Batavian, so help us get better.

Use this button to set up a recurring annual payment of $50 (a discount for subscribing on an annual basis):

Use this button to make a single-year payment of $60:

GCEDC announces completed revolving loan repayment for local business

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Genesee County Economic Development Center officials announced today that the new owners of Falcone Electric, an electrical supply provider in Batavia, have completed repayment of a $100,000 revolving business loan issued by the GCEDC in 2010.

On January 1, 2010, Dan and Amy Vanderhoof purchased the assets of Falcone Electric from Michael Falcone with the assistance of GCEDC’s Revolving Loan Fund Program. The loan was issued to assist in the new owners’ purchase of the company and ensure that Falcone’s would continue to operate and provide jobs for the existing employees under the new ownership. Through the process, Michael Falcone was able to transition to retirement knowing that his three wishes for the business would be carried out – that Falcone Electric would remain a family owned and operated small business; it would maintain close ties to the local community; and it would support the employees and customer base that have been loyal to Falcone’s for many years.

The Revolving Business Loan also helped fund operating capital and the purchase of a computer warehouse management system. GCEDC provides this type of loan to fund investments that support enterprise sustainability, growth and job retention or creation.

“The GCEDC educated and guided us throughout the process in finding the loan program that was the perfect fit for our needs,” said Dan Vanderhoof, co-owner of Falcone Electric. “It is comforting to know that there are financing opportunities for small businesses through local resources provided by entities such as the GCEDC.”

“Purchasing a business, especially a business with such a strong tradition, can be a daunting task especially in finding the capital to make such a transaction feasible, said Dan Vanderhoof, co-owner of Falcone Electric. “Were it not for the Revolving Loan Fund program, we may not have been able to fulfill our dream in buying Falcone Electric from Mike.”

Upon the company’s purchase in 2010, the Vanderhoofs kept the company under the “Falcone” name and have made upgrades to modernize the store.

“We wanted to recognize Dan and Amy to simply remind small businesses that they have low-cost options when it comes to financing their business,” said Mark Masse, senior vice president of operations at the GCEDC. “What better testament to the revolving fund program than through business owners who were able to directly benefit from it.”

GCEDC offers revolving businesses loans at a minimum of $25,000 and maximum of $200,000. The utilization of the loan funds must be consistent with GCEDC’s mission to support enterprise sustainability and job retention and/or enterprise growth and job creation. For more information about GCEDC’s loan programs and incentive offerings, please visit www.gcedc.com.

Photo by Howard Owens.

Local volunteers given extra training on fighting flammable liquid fires

By Howard B. Owens

Twenty-four volunteer firefighters from Genesee County are participating in a three-day class to improve their knowledge and skill in dealing with spill-related fires.

The class, conducted by state fire trainers, is designed to give them a better understanding of fighting fires involving flammable liquids using Class B foam.

"These fires are pretty tricky to deal with," said trainer David Baker. "These are fires that can move, so it's a different kind of fire than most people are used to dealing with and can present some pretty significant problems."

The course, which includes classroom instruction, covers types of foam from different manufacturers, how to apply it in different situations and how much foam to use depending on the fire.

Terrain, as well as the nature and amount of the liquid, dictate best practices for fighting specific fires, Baker said.

"This program is designed to teach firefighters how to make the appropriate type and amount of Class B foam and how to apply it correctly to put out a spill fire," Baker said.

Genesee County was picked as one training location, in part, Baker said, because of all the transportation routes that pass through the county.

The basics of fighting spill fires are covered in all early firefighter training, but the course is designed to provide both a refresher for experienced firefighters as well as a hands-on opportunity to work with foam on spill fires. Because such fires are so rare, fighters don't get to practice dealing with them very often.

Two local women open 'No Finer Diner' in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A fun, friendly atmosphere where people can enjoy a good, homestyle meal -- that's the goal for Lori Trader and Cindy Eggelston, proprietors of Le Roy's newest eatery, the No Finer Diner, right on Main Street, Downtown.

Longtime residents will remember the location as the former Tyler's Restaurant.

Eggleston said is their very basic goal is "We want happy customers."

In the tradition of great American diners, No Finer offers a big breakfast spread and the usual fare for lunch and dinner of burgers and hot dogs, sandwiches, melts and salads, along with entre staples such as ham steak, liver and onions and a seafood basket. There's also a veggie lasagna for those who go meatless and a lasagna in the opposite direction that substitutes veggies for pasta and is filled with turkey for those looking for lean protein with fewer carbs. There's also a kids' menu.

Opening a restaurant of her own had long been a dream, said Trader, who worked for years as a waitress at various local establishments.

"I would walk my dogs by this restaurant almost every day and just imagine what it could be, see the people in there, and I was excited about it," Trader said.

Eggleston had a background in catering and was thinking about finding a commercial kitchen so she could expand her business.

"On April 6, Lori said, 'I really want to open the old Tyler's and I said, 'Ok, let's do it,' Eggleston said. "By the end of that week, we were at the attorneys signing all of our corporate paperwork."

It all came together that quickly, and soon the buzz started spreading around Le Roy that the diner would reopen, run by a couple of local women.

"One of my customers came to my house two days ago and said he's never seen a community so supportive and so excited about somebody opening a diner," Trader said.

Batavia City Schools budget vote today

By Howard B. Owens

It's budget vote day in the Batavia City School District.

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.

Besides the proposed 2015-16 budget, residents are asked to vote on establishing a capital reserve fund, a mileage change in transportation, and three board of education seats.

A summary of the public proposal is available on the district Web site, as well as all the budget documents.

If you live north of Route 5/Main Street, vote at Robert Morris. If you live south of Route 5/Main Street, vote at Batavia High School.

Raymond R. Warren

By Howard B. Owens

Pembroke - Raymond R. Warren, 84, a long time resident of Pembroke, passed away Sunday (May 17, 2015) at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.
Mr. Warren was born July 7, 1930, in Corfu, a son of the late Edward and Doris Aylsworth Warren. Ray was a life member of the Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA), A-On-Do-Wa-Nuh Sportsman’s Club in Geneseo and an honorary member of the Sportsman’s Coon Hunters Association. Ray loved to hunt, fish and especially trap shooting at area clubs and also clubs in Ohio and Florida. Ray was the beloved husband of the late Doris Witt Warren and brother of the late John, Thomas, Emma, Harriet and Margaret.

Ray is survived by two sons, James (Roxanne) Warren and Ronald (Catherine) Warren; grandsons, Kenneth (Kristen) and Andrew Warren; great grandchildren, Brooke Marie and Tyler Raymond; brothers and sisters, William, Augustus, Gertrude and Nancy. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends may call Wednesday 4 to 8 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m. to Noon at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY. Funerals services will follow at Noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pembroke Fire Department, 630 Main Road, Corfu, NY 14036.

Byron-Bergen recognized as District of Character

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Byron-Bergen Central School District’s emphasis on educating the whole student recently earned it a place on Character.org’s annual list of State Schools and Districts of Character. These 80 schools and four districts from around the United States demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development that has a true positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate.

“This is a great honor for everyone in our district — from the students and parents to the teachers and administrators. They have all been united in their efforts to make our schools places where students can learn to be both intelligent and good citizens,” said BBCSD Superintendent Casey Kosiorek. “I am so proud to see our school community recognized for their dedication and hard work.”

BBCSD adopted a district-wide framework for character education in 2012 that teaches students about leadership, ethics, decision making, and respect. It centered on the district’s core values, "Challenge, Engage, Nurture." The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (www.violencepreventionworks.org) has since become an integral part of the education experience at all grade levels. “The Leader in Me” (www.theleaderinme.org), a whole-school transformational model that uses Steven Covey’s Seven Habits and gives students self-confidence and life skills, was also adopted in 2012.

The extensive School of Character application process was navigated by Amanda Cook and Patrick McGee, assistant principals at the elementary and Jr./Sr. high schools. “The process offered us the chance to reflect on our character education initiatives and identify areas of strength as well as opportunity,” Cook said. “Their reviewers gave us feedback that will help us strengthen current practices using the 11 Principles of Character Education framed by Character.org.”

The character education movement is a proactive effort to help students recognize, and then do, what’s right. In schools of character, teachers work together as professionals, with parents and community members as partners. They positively shape the social, emotional, and character development of their students. Children in these schools feel safe, respected, and connected to those around them, allowing them to thrive academically and socially and be motivated to give back to their communities.

Character.org (www.character.org), is a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., that works with schools to inspire, educate, and empower young people to be ethical and engaged citizens.

Caption: Character education is built into daily life at all grade levels at Byron-Bergen Schools. (l-r) Students Clare Fraser and Grace Pulcini; assistant principals Patrick McGee and Amanda Cook; students Pearl Jolliff and Rayna Brew.

Law and Order: Fire response leads to discovery of allegedly mistreated dogs

By Howard B. Owens

Ashley Marie Fladie, 24, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is charged with two counts of cruelty to animals. Fladie is accused of possessing two dogs that were deprived of proper care and, as a result, suffered from numerous medical conditions that authorities say could have been avoided with proper care. The dogs were examined by a veterinarian, who allegedly determined the dogs were in unsatisfactory condition due to improper care. Animal Control assisted in the investigation. The dogs were discovered during a response to a fire at 2720 Pearl Street Road the evening of March 11.

Ashley M. Kreutz, 27 of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kreutz is accused of stealing a gift card from her employer, Kohl's, worth $37. The alleged theft was detected on surveillance video.

Jordan C. Dunham, 42, of Batavia, is charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, controlled substance in non-original container and no license plate lamp, and Nicole P. Gonzalez, 32, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and controlled substance in non-original container. State Police stopped Dunham's Chevrolet Cobalt on Route 33, Bergen, for an alleged license plate lamp out. During the interview, Dunham reportedly said he didn't have a license. A trooper reportedly observed his hands shaking and he appeared nervous.  The trooper allegedly spotted five glassine bags of heroin on the back seat floor. During the subsequent search, a trooper allegedly found two plastic baggies containing cocaine and a large glassine bag containing suboxone sublingual strips.

Merlin L. Brainerd, 34, of Silver Springs, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Brainerd was stopped by State Police on Route 63, Batavia, for alleged tinted windows. A trooper detected the alleged odor of marijuana. Further investigation turned up a baggie allegedly containing two grams of marijuana and a glass smoking pipe with marijuana residue.

Alexis A. Camilo, 19, of Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Camilo was stopped in Corfu by Village police for allegedly driving 48 in a 35 mph zone on Route 77.

Craig M. Stevens, 54, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Steven allegedly slapped a woman at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at a location on North Spruce Street.

Yolanda E. Johnson, 28, of West Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant related to an aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, charge. Johnson was arrested, arraigned and released on her own recognizance.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. The youth allegedly punched a hole in a wall at an undisclosed location at 9:30 pm. on May 12. Batavia PD withheld the name of the suspect.

Francisco Martinez Jr., 42, no permanent residence, was arrested on a warrant related to an endangering the welfare of a child charge. Martinez was arraigned, had a DNA sample collected at the jail, and was released.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and menacing, 2nd. The youth allegedly threatened his 13-year-old brother with a knife at 6:30 p.m., May 5, at an undisclosed location. The name of the suspect withheld by Batavia PD.

Carlos Samol, 50, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Samol allegedly struck two people, including a juvenile, in an alleged incident reported at 2:38 p.m., Wednesday.

Sarah Mae Wilson, 32, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with disobeying an order of protection. Wilson was allegedly located by police officers hiding in the closet of a protected party. Wilson was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Karen D. Bannister, 74, of South Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a harassment charge. Bannister was arraigned and released on her own recognizance.

Daniel L. Dioguardi, 34, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration. Dioguardi allegedly ran from police when they attempted to detain him for questioning during a burglary investigation at 5:17 p.m., Friday. Dioguardi was jailed on $3,000 bail or $6,000 bond.

Stanley D. Wilson, 54, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Wilson is accused of stealing beer from the Red Apple at 99 Jackson St., Batavia.

Michael A. Galas, 24, of Woodcrest Boulevard, Tonawanda, is charged with trespass. Galas was allegedly trespassing at Rolling Hills Asylum, Bethany. Also charged, Nicholas J. Hora, 24, of Old Farm Court, Cheektowaga, Rebecca M. Klein, 24, of Knowlton Road, Kenmore, and Jessica M. Cichocki, of Elm Place, Lancaster. The four people were allegedly caught on the property at 6:54 p.m., Sunday.

Daniel Thomas McPhee III, 48, of Losson Road, Cheektowaga, is charged with possession or transport of unstamped cigarettes, motor vehicle lights not meeting safety standards and running a red light. McPhee was stopped at 8:53 p.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Christina Aminta Soler, 37, of Phelps Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Soler allegedly violated an order of protection by contacting the protected party.

Jacob John Stone, 39, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. Stone allegedly kicked and damaged a door during an argument.

Honour Haley Myers, 26, of Hamm Road, Lockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to stop at stop sign. Myers was stopped at 6:33 p.m. Saturday on Route 33, Stafford, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Eric Charles Zglinicki, 53, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with criminal possession of weapon, 4th. Zglinicki was allegedly found in possession of firearms despite his prior felony conviction. The weapons were confiscated.

Patricia Leslie Brown, 61, of Park Avenue, Whitesboro, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarattes. Brown was stopped at 9:56 a.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Kathleen Marie Szkotak, 46, of Park Avenue, Whitesboro, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes and driving with dark-tinted windows. Szkotak was stopped at 9:56 a.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Robert James Lefrois, 30, of Down Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, unlicensed operator, possession / display of a forged inspection certificate and inadequate muffler. Lefrois was stopped at 12:52 p.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Harvey Arthur McMurray Jr., 47, of Bennett Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol, speeding, unlicensed driver and unregistered motor vehicle. McMurray was stopped at 2 a.m. May 8 on Lewiston Road, Oakfield, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Wendy S. Dempsey, 44, of Sunset Parkway, Oakfield, is charged with trespassing. Dempsey allegedly entered a business in Oakfield where she had been previously told not to enter.

Photos: Graduation day at GCC

By Howard B. Owens

Genesee Community College held is 47th commencement ceremony Sunday in the Anthony Zambito Gymnasium.

Kristin Skarie, a Fairport resident and author of “A Year of Nothing New—Tools for Living Lean and Green,” was the keynote speaker.

Le Roy's Bob Bennett was honored for his years of dedicated service to the college.

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