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GC softball programs signs seven student athletes, five are local

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Community College softball program announced several additions to its recruiting class, signing seven local student athletes to letters of intent.

Grace Zandrowicz (Attica), Tatiana Draper (Elba), Mikayla Bush (Perry), Kennedy Lampart (Batavia), Samantha Tatarski (Pembroke), Katie Haefele (Pembroke) and Jaclyn Guzdek (Oakfield) will all join the Cougars beginning in the fall after recently committing to Genesee.

Tatarski earned a place on this spring's All-Genesee Region All-Star team and helped lead the Pembroke High School softball team to the sectional semifinals. She won 11 games on the mound and batted over .400 for the Dragons. Fellow Dragon Haefele will add to Genesee's corner infield, joining the Cougars as a third baseman after a season that garnered her All-GR Honorable Mention.

Guzdek, Draper and Zandrowicz were also named All-GR Honorable mention and will bolster the GCC offense and defense. Guzdek, also committed to the Genesee CC women's soccer program, played shortstop for Oakfield-Alabama High School on the diamond and goalkeeper on the pitch. Draper joins the Cougars outfield after playing right field for Elba's sectional championship team this spring and Zandrowicz, who was a member of the Attica High School volleyball team, played third base for the Blue Devils.

Bush was selected an All-Livingston County Athletic Association (LCAA) Division III All-Star as a catcher for Perry High School and also participated in the Exceptional Senior girls soccer game. Fellow catcher Kennedy Lampart will join GCC after helping the Batavia High School softball team to the sectional finals and 12 wins this spring.

Genesee graduates five sophomores from a team that advanced to the Region III-A Finals series this spring. The Cougars won 19 games and set the school record for most home runs (23) in a season and tied the mark for most doubles (66).

Genesee Community College athletics program endeavors to provide a quality and competitive intercollegiate athletics program consistent with the National Junior Collegiate Athletics Association (NJCAA) philosophy and the overall educational mission of Genesee Community College. Participation in collegiate athletics should be an extension of the total educational experience for the student athlete. The inherent philosophy emphasizes the athletic setting as a classroom used to teach character, commitment, work ethic, respect for differences, and the importance of sacrifice, teamwork, and cooperation.

For further information and pictures go to Genesee's Athletic webpage, which is updated regularly with game results, team rosters, photographs and information about Genesee's overall athletic program.  http://www.geneseeathletics.com.

Pembroke discus thrower picks up medals at state championships

By Howard B. Owens

Pembroke senior Kilian Lewis, captain of the track and field team, earned third place in the Class D2 state championship this past Friday with a discus throw of 159' 8". The finish earned him a spot in the Federation Games on Saturday, and he earned third, among all schools, large and small, with a throw of 161'.

Lewis, who holds the school record with a throw of 164' 6.5", will compete for St. John Fisher College next year.

Photos and info submitted by Aaron Burch.

Law and Order: Corfu woman convicted of DWI earlier this year, now charged with felony DWI

By Billie Owens

Christina V. Dadey, 43, of Corfu, is facing numerous charges after an investigation following a 9-1-1 call about an erratic driver around 4 p.m. on June 7. Dadey was stopped on Gulf Road in the Village of Wyoming by Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Aaron Chase and Sgt. Colin Reagan. They had responded to a call that originated in Genesee County about a vehicle that was all over the road. The vehicle had failed to keep right and the driver was pulled over and a roadside investigation was completed along with field sobriety testing. Dadey was subsequently arrested on suspicion of DWI and transported to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office where she allegedly supplied a positive BAC or .18 percent or higher. She was charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, failure to use an ignition interlock device and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Dadley was convicted earlier this year of DWI, making this a felony arrest. She was put in Wyoming County Jail on $500 cash bail or $2,000 bond. She is due in Town of Middlebury Court on June 19.

Marissa Marie Yott, 21, of Livingston Street, Warsaw, is charged with second-degree assault. Yott was arrested at 7 p.m. on June 3 on Alleghany Road in Darien after allegedly striking another person in the head with a glass bottle, which caused injury to the victim. Yott was arraigned in Pembroke Town Court and subsequently released under supervision of Genesee Justice pending futher court appearances to be scheduled in Darien Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Graff, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Jordan David Edenholm, 28, of Gabbey Road, Corfu, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more, first offense; DWI -- first offense; DWAI (driving while ability impaired) -- combined influence of drugs or alcohol and drugs; criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th; and unlawful possession of marijuana. At 7:57 a.m. on June 8, Edenholm was arrested on Griswold Road in Stafford. Following a traffic stop, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies conducted an inventory search of the vehicle and allegedly found a controlled substance and marijuana. The defendant was released on appearance tickets and is due in Stafford Town Court on July 27. The case was handled by Deputy Chad Cummings, assisted by Deputy Andrew Hale.

Law and Order: Concert fan accused of seriously hurting another person with punch

By Howard B. Owens

Nicholas Michael Lotemplo, 18, of Chicory Lane, East Amherst, is charged with assault, 2nd. Lotemplo is accused of punching another person causing severe injury at Darien Lake the night of the Chance the Rapper concert. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Frederick Beniamino Ellis, 50, of West Main Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding, failure to dim headlights and driver's view obstructed. Ellis was stopped at 2:22 this morning on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Jeremy Clifford John Newton, 28, of Greenfield Road, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, more than 25 grams, and failure to stop at stop sign. Newton was stopped at 8:53 p.m. Sunday on South Lake Avenue, Bergen, by Deputy Michael Lute.

Andrew Charles Maier, 30, of Main Road, Corfu, is charged with felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and speeding. Maier was stopped at 8:12 p.m. Saturday on Colby Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Christina June Morabito, 35, of Chili Center Road, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to dim headlights. Morabito was stopped at 2:54 a.m. Sunday on Route 33, Bergen, by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Pembroke student takes second place in Employment Skills event at NY Western Region FFA Convention

By Billie Owens

Kerri Richardson, Agri-Business Academy Instructor, left, congratulates Melissa Keller, right, Agri-Business Academy student, at a recent Board of Education ceremony.

Submitted photo and press release:

Thirteen Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center students represented the Western Region at the New York State FFA Convention in Leadership Development Events in May at the State University of New York at Morrisville.

Melissa Keller (Pembroke) placed second in the Employment Skills event and will represent New York State at the Big E Fair next fall in Massachusetts. This event is the Eastern States Exposition Fair where students from throughout the Northeastern United States come to compete.

Kerri Richardson is the Agri-Business Academy instructor and FFA co-advisor. She explained how well Melissa fared in this event.

“This is one of the most competitive competitions at the convention. Melissa had to prepare a resume, cover letter and job application along with a phone and in-person interview,” Richardson said.

Melissa earned a $1,500 national FFA scholarship called the America’s Farms Grow Ag Leaders/Monsanto Fund.

The team of Melissa Keller, Cole Hudson (Notre Dame) and Cherie Glosser (Warsaw), placed third in the Marketing Plan event. Four students, Rebecca Semmel (Warsaw), Stella Glosser (Warsaw), Sarah Lippert (Attica), and Elizabeth Jurs (Elba), competed as the Food Science team and placed ninth out of 27 teams.

Allison Pajda (Attica) placed sixth in the People in Agriculture event.

The Batavia CTE Center FFA program focuses on leadership, personal growth and career success. The co-advisors are Richardson and Holly Partridge, Animal Science instructor.

If you know of a current junior or underclassman who is interested in business or agriculture, or is unsure of a career path, applications are now being accepted for the Agri-Business Academy at the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Agri-Business Academy is a one-year partnership program between the Partnership and Genesee Community College. This college prep program is geared toward highly motivated high school seniors interested in investigating careers in the agribusiness field.

Through the Agri-Business Academy, students explore the many career opportunities available to them — locally, internationally or often it is a dynamic blend of both. Students can also earn 15 college credits through the ACE program at Genesee Community College.

Applications are available at http://www.genesee.edu/home/ace/career-pathways/agri-business-academy/. Any questions can be directed to Richardson at (585) 344-7783 or kirchardson3@gvboces.org.

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

Defendent requests new attorney, change of venue, recordings and transcripts and gets none of it

By Howard B. Owens

Charles Schilling, who has already had to change attorneys once, had several requests for County Court Judge Charles Zambito today: he wants a new attorney; he wants a change of venue; he wants a copy of the Grand Jury transcripts; he wants a copy of any of the discovery gathered in his case; he wants tapes or transcripts of calls he believes were recorded. 

He was very polite to Zambito while reading the statement he prepared and in responding to Zambito's questions or statements, but much of what he asked for, he isn't getting.

Schilling, a resident of Akron, but currently being held in the Livingston County Jail, was indicted on counts of second-degree burglary and second-degree criminal trespass a year ago. The charges stem from an apparent dispute with a woman in Pembroke. On Thanksgiving Day, Schilling was reportedly shot in the leg by the woman's father after he allegedly broke into their home.

Public Defender Jerry Ader became Schilling's attorney suddenly a couple of weeks ago after the private attorney who had been handling the case quit. Apparently, there were phone conversations between Schilling and the attorney that prompted the attorney to quit the case.

Schilling said he was just trying to ensure he was getting good representation because his parents laid out $15,000 for his defense. He wanted tapes of the conversations he had with his attorney because he believes the recordings, which he believes exist, would exonerate him of the accusation of speaking inappropriately to the attorney.

Zambito told him he has a new attorney, he's keeping his new attorney because he failed to show adequate cause for new appointed counsel, and any issue with his prior attorney was settled, as far as the court is concerned, once the attorney was removed from the case.

Schilling said he doesn't believe he can get a fair trial in Genesee County because he believes his troubles in the Genesee County Jail -- the reason he's being held in Livingston County -- will spill over into his trial.

Zambito denied his request for a change of venue.

Assistant Public Defender Robert Zickl said Schilling isn't entitled to copies of the Grand Jury transcripts, by statute, until his case goes to trial, and he shouldn't have them until then, and Zambito agreed.

Schilling also claimed that a person involved in the case was involved in making a pornographic video that can be found online and he wanted information on the investigation into the video.

Zickl said there is no such video; there is no investigation and there won't be an investigation.

As for other discovery, Ader is in the process of obtaining those documents and statements and asked for another 30 days to obtain and review the material.

Pembroke math teacher dies in ATV accident

By Howard B. Owens

A math teacher a Pembroke Junior-Senior High School, Dawn Krol, died last night following an ATV accident, according to a letter sent to district parents today.

The letter does not specify where the accident occurred or provide further details about the accident. 

"Ms. Krol was an exemplary teacher in every way and we will miss her greatly," Principal Nathan Work wrote in the letter to parents. "Her commitment to teaching and love for our students can be an example to all of us."

Work said counselors will be available to meet with students this week to provide emotional support and help them cope with her death.

"Because of our close school community, this death touches everyone at school," Work wrote.

Law and Order: Dunkirk woman accused of Leandra's Law violation

By Howard B. Owens

Tawny L. Collazo, 32, of Swan Street, Dunkirk, is charged with DWI, felony DWI with passengers under 16 years of age, and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Collazo was stopped at 12:48 a.m. on Main Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan. Collazo is accused of driving drunk with two children under age of 16 in the vehicle. Collazo was released on an appearance ticket.

Law and Order: Randall Road, Le Roy, man accused of unlawful surveillance where privacy was expected

By Billie Owens

Daniel Lee Green, 47, of Randall Road, Le Roy, is charged with second-degree unlawful surveillance, a felony. He is accused of installing "an imaging device in a location where there was a resonable expectation of privacy." The incident time and date was 4 p.m. on April 25 in the Town of Le Roy. No other details were provided in the report. The investigating officer was Genesee County Sheriff's Youth Officer John Dehm. Green was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court.

Darrell D. Smith, 50, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with: first-degree coercion; first-degree unlawful imprisonment; second-degree menacing; fourth-degree criminal mischief; criminal obstruction of breathing; fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon; and criminal tampering. Smith was arrested at 3:43 a.m. on May 6 following a disturbance at 7 Hutchins St., upper. Smith was jailed without bail and was due to reappear in City Court later on May 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Joseph Bailey James, 36, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree assault; third-degree criminal mischief; fourth-degree criminal mischief; resisting arrest; and second-degree harassment. James was arrested at 2:55 a.m. on May 7 at 34 Columbia Ave., Batavia. He was jailed without bail and was due in City Court May 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Bolles, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Matthew Robert Reiner, 29, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with: aggravated DWI -- a BAC of .18 percent or more; DWI, first offense; unreasonable speed through a yield sign; failure to yield right of way at a yield sign; and moving from lane unsafely. Reiner was arrested at 12:37 a.m. on May 12 on Route 98 in Elba after a one-car accident. He was issued appearance tickets for Town of Elba Court on June 14 and released after processing. The case was handled by Genesee County Deputy Howard Wilson, assisted by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Mary K. Shaffer, 38, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 7:09 p.m. on May 5 at 107 State St. after a domestic incident wherein Shaffer is accused of hitting another person in the face. She is due in City Court May 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Matthew H. DeLosh, 26, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operator -- under the influence of alcohol; DWI -- first offense; and DWI -- with a BAC greater than .08 percent. DeLosh was arrested at 10:54 a.m. on May 8 on Ellicott Street following a traffic stop. Upon further investigation, it was learned that his driving privilege was previously suspended for a prior alcohol-related offense. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is due in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Office Jamie Givens.

Deborah S. Rodriguez, 49, of Farnsworth Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, a Class A misdemeanor, and aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, a misdemeanor. The defendant was arrested May 11 by the county Local Drug Enforcement Task Force in the afternoon following a traffic stop on Holland Avenue in the City of Batavia. She was alllegedly found in possession of drug paraphernalia and to be operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver's license. She was issued appearance tickets returnable to City Court on May 23.

Thomas A. Gilliatt, 51, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, a Class A misdemeanor. The defendant was arrested May 10 by the county Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, which was conducting a surveillance in the School Street municipal parking lot in Downtown Batavia when members allegedly witnessed what appeared to be a drug transaction. The task force conducted an investigation and allegedly found Gilliat in possession of a quantity of hydrocodone pills. He was arrested and issued an appearance ticket for City Court May 16.

James R. Smahol, 31, of Coronado Drive, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and possession of a hypodermic needle. He was stopped at 7:05 p.m. on May 11 on Genesee Street in Pembroke following a traffic complaint. Smahol was allegedly found in possession of three packages of Suboxin without a prescription, plus several baggies of suspected heroin, and three hypodermic needles. He was released on an appearance ticket for Town of Pembroke Court on June 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Danielle M. Rozell, 35, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of DWI. She was arrested at 2:05 a.m. on May 7 following a report of a possibly intoxicated female operating a vehicle at a gas station. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in City Court on May 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia GeGroot, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

Corey Green, 22, of Smith Street, Warwick, R.I., and three others whose ages and residences were not provided -- Sean A. Goncalves, Bala G. Belmiro and Fernando Campos Roldan -- are all charged with soliciting without a permit. On May 5 at about 10:30 a.m., Batavia Police officers Frank Klimjack and Kevin DeFelice responded to the area of 400 E. Main St. for the report of subjects soliciting for cellular service, according to the police report. During the investigation, it was discovered that the employees did not have permits issued by the City of Batavia Clerk's Office. They were arraigned in City Court where they each pled guilty and were fined $150. They were released after paying their fines. 

Mathew John Heimbrecht, 28, of Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with resisting arrest, trespass, and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested  May 9 on a bench warrant for charges issued on April 6 on Park Road in Batavia. He was arraigned in Town of Darien Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $750 cash or $1,500 bond. He is due in court May 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by a sargeant.

Jared D. Elliott, 19, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was stopped at 12:32 a.m. on East Main Street in Batavia and allegedly found to possess marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket for May 23 in City Court, then released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer James Ivison.

Justin W. Bird, 28, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bird was arrested on West Main Street in Batavia at 7:05 p.m. on May 7 following an investigation into a complaint and he was allegedly found to possess marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on May 16, then released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Amar S.M. Zainelabdin, 29, no permanent address, is charged with failure to appear on an appearance ticket. Zainelabdin was located by the Erie County Sheriff's Office and turned over to BPD on a City Court arrest warrant. The defendant is scheduled to appear in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Hawley visits Pembroke school to discuss his role as legislator

By Howard B. Owens

Submitted photos and info:

Assemblyman Stephen Hawley visited fourth-graders at Pembroke Intermediate School. Students have been studying the history of New York State, the government of New York, and how New York has helped shape America.

Assemblyman Hawley discussed his responsibilities and duties, while students participated in a question and answer session. Earlier in the year, students from Mr. Brown's Social Studies class wrote to Assemblyman Hawley after learning about the branches of government in New York.

ARC awards scholarships to four students planning on working with people with disabilities

By Howard B. Owens

Four area high school students were honored by the Arc of Genesee Orleans on Thursday night at the agency's annual meeting with scholarships from the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is awarded to students interested in working with people with disabilities.

The scholarships were awarded to Natalie Bigelow, Batavia HS, who plans to attend Daemen College and study Physical Therapy; Alyssa Weaver, Pembroke HS, who plans to enter a Physician's Assistant Program; Hannah Bowen, Notre Dame HS, who plans to attend Clarkson University, and she will pursue a career in Psychology; Marlaina Fee, Byron-Bergen HS, who plans to study Elementary Education at Geneva College, with a focus on Special Ed and Sign Language.

Representing the schoalrship fund was Molly George.

Law and Order: Covington resident accused of dealing cocaine in two counties

By Howard B. Owens
Jeffery Brodsky

Jeffery M. Brodsky, 45, of Morrow Road, Hilltop Acres, Covington, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Brodsky is accused of providing cocaine in both Genesee and Wyoming counties. He is accused of selling cocaine to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force in Genesee County on two occasions. He was jailed pending a bail review.

Travis L. Bartz, 21, of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant while being held in the Genesee County Jail on unrelated charges.

Devon D. Rogers, 30, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Rogers was allegedly involved in an incident reported at 1:50 a.m., May 2, on Pearl Street, Batavia.

Amanda L. Dixon, 31, of Oak Orchard Road, Albion, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Dixon allegedly failed to appear in City Court on a traffic violation. She was arrested by Medina PD and turned over to Batavia PD. Dixon posted $500 bail and was released.

Kimberly M. Douglas, 35, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Douglas allegedly failed to appear for a previous court date.

Michael Adam Jude Salter, 36, of North Service Road, Beamsville, Ontario, Canada, is charged with petit larceny and harassment, 2nd. Salter was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 2:19 a.m. on May 1.

Garrett A. Jurewicz, 19, of Crittenden Road, Akron, is charged with DWI, driving while ability impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana, and driving left of pavement marketings. Jurewicz was stopped at 2:30 a.m. on West Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Howard Wilson.

Jacob Anthony Hazzard, 22, of Hudson Avenue, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, unauthorized stickers on rear window, insufficient tail lamps, and unlicensed operator. Hazzard was stopped at 9:59 p.m. Saturday on Drake Street, Oakfield, by Deputy Micheal Lute.

Brett Nelson Magoffin, 41, of Genesee Street, Pembroke, is charged with assault, 3rd. Magoffin is accused of assaulting another person during a dispute at 5:01 p.m., Thursday.

Michael Evan Wilson, 23, of Macedon Center Road, Palmyra, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unlawful possession of marijuana, speeding, and unregistered motor vehicle. Wilson was stopped at 3:06 a.m. Friday on Lake Street Road, Le Roy, by Deputy Ryan Young.

A 17-year-old resident of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was charged following an investigation into a reported suspicious condition in the parking lot of Alexander Deli in the Village of Alexander by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Linda Eileen Grimes, 52, of Transit Road, Elba, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful imprisonment, 2nd. Grimes is accused of physically preventing a 13-year-old from leaving a room in a residence in Byron and of allegedly touching the youth inappropriately.

Darrel T. Wilder, 29, of Bates Road, Medina, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to notify DMV of address change, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on a highway. Wilder was stopped at 11:45 p.m. April 29 on Route 33, Stafford, by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Library budget vote in Pembroke on May 16

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Residents of the Pembroke Central School District are being reminded to vote on Tuesday, May 16, at the Pembroke High School from 12  to 9 p.m. Posters and signs about the Corfu Free Library vote featuring local residents who are library patrons can be seen throughout the area. The signs and posters are a reminder for residents that their votes will determine the future of the Corfu Free Library.

About 45 people attended the April 18 public meeting held by the Corfu Free Library Board of Trustees at the Pembroke Community Center to learn about the proposition. The Trustees also hosted two small group sessions at the library in late April for residents.

At these meetings, Kristie Miller, president of the Corfu Library Board of Trustees, and Diana Reding, Library director, provided information about the May 16 vote that proposes to transition the Corfu Free Library to a school district public library. The library would remain housed in the same building with the same staff.

The school district would have no direct control of the library but would collect funds for the library. This transition would stabilize the funding needed to operate the library and provide elected representation to the taxpayers, as library trustees will be elected rather than appointed.

According to Board President Miller, “We hope that residents remember to vote on May 16. At our meetings, we have explained that library usage has increased steadily while our funding has not. With this vote, the proposed level of community-based funding would amount to 24 cents per $1,000 of assessed values on properties in the Pembroke School District.

"Without this transition, the future of the library is uncertain. We have been encouraged the positive comments we have received from the community who believe that the library is important to all of us.” 

Slides from the presentation at the April 18 public meeting and additional information about the upcoming library vote are available online at the library’s website atwww.CorfuFreeLibrary.org. Residents with questions can also contact Miller at 585-599-4266.

Pembroke to start carrying pet oxygen masks to fire calls

By Howard B. Owens

Pembroke firefighters Troy Williams, left, and Kurt Pasturszynski hold pet oxygen masks, which were donated to the department by Emma's Mission. The pet masks will be stowed on Pembroke's trucks, ready to use in the case of a fire where a pet suffers from smoke inhalation.

For more information about Emma's Mission, click here.

Submitted photo and information.

GC Republican Women's Club announces this year's Caring for America charities

By Billie Owens
This information is from the Genesee County Women’s Republican Club:
 
The Genesee County Women's Republican Club announces that this year's Caring for America charities are Operation Injured Soldiers and the Eagle House in Pembroke.
 
At its annual Spring Breakfast -- to be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday May 13th at the Dibble Family Center -- attendees are asked to bring an item to donate to Eagle Star Housing that day.
 
“Participants will have a chance to network, learn about this year’s political landscape and hear about some 'boots on the ground' veterans' programs that give our American heroes a new lease on life," said Rachael Tabelski, president of the GCWRC.
 
The cost of breakfast is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. The Dibble Family Center is located at 4110 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. Checks can be made out to GCWRC, mailed to Treasurer Michele Smith at 20 Canterbury Lane, Bergen, NY 14416. Registration is requested by May 10th (extended from May 8).
 
“Operation Injured Soldiers was formed to help wounded veterans participate in outdoor recreational activities like hunting, fishing, family gathering and retreats,” said Ed Spence, New York State representative for Operation Injured Soldiers. “All funds are dedicated to sending as many veterans as possible on outdoor recreational trips. $100 can send one veteran on a hunting trip, and around New York this year there are over 10 hunting and fishing trips scheduled.”
 
Spence will be discussing his personal story and current veterans' needs and programing. Other honorary attendees at the breakfast include New York State Federation of Republican Women’s (NYSFRW) President Karen Smith and the NYSFRW 8th Judicial Director Kim Bowers, as well as Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, Assemblyman Steve Hawley and representatives from Congressman Chris Collins office.
 
“Eagle Star Housing, a not-for-profit organization, provides transitional homeless housing for veterans at facilities in Pembroke and Spencerport,” said Zach Fuller, executive director of Eagle Star Housing. “We take veterans off the street and provide a safe warm environment to begin the rehabilitation process. We are grateful to the local community for the continued support and help along the way. Since we started in 2012 over 588 of veterans have been provided 43,584 of nights to sleep in a safe, recovering environment.”
 
Also, the GCWRC will also be accepting donations at the following locations starting on May 15tht hrough Dec. 1st for Eagle Star Housing. Items needed include board games, playing cards, movies, books, toiletries, toothpaste, toothbrushes, first-aid items, bathing supplies, and nonperishable food items.
 
Donation Locations
Town of Bergen Office — 10 Hunter St., Bergen 
Town of Bethany Office – 10510 Bethany Center Road, Bethany 
Town of Oakfield Office -- 3219 Drake St., Oakfield
Town of Pembroke Office – 1145 Main Road, Pembroke
The Insurance Center -- 50 Main St., Batavia
 
If you have a question or want to learn more about the GCWRC, contact Rachael Tabelski, 558-409-4008 or at rachael.tabelski@yahoo.com

CTE students inducted into the National Technical Honor Society

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Last month, the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Chapters inducted 58 career and technical education students from Batavia Career and Technical Education Center. Evening candlelight ceremonies took place at Elba High School.

These students met a rigorous criteria set forth by this national organization. The minimum grade-point average for acceptance is a 3.0. Students are also selected based upon credit hours completed, attendance, volunteer service, and membership in other student organizations.

The inductees are noted below.

Agri-Business Academy

Elizabeth Jurs -- Elba CS

Emily Mikel -- Pavilion CS

Melissa Keller -- Pembroke CS

Animal Science

Breanne Duzen -- Pembroke CS

Jazmin Mateos Rendon -- Oakfield-Alabama CS

Peyton Mackey -- Byron-Bergen CS

Shelby Brandes -- Le Roy CS    

Auto Technology

Jacob Borkholder -- Oakfield-Alabama CS

Tyler Weaver -- Pavilion CS    

Building Trades    

Brandon Lewis -- Byron-Bergen CS

Brandon Perry -- Attica CS

Cameron Brumsted -- Byron-Bergen CS

Chandler Bow -- Byron-Bergen CS

Dillon Montgomery -- Byron-Bergen CS

Ethan Conrad -- Notre Dame CS

Gaven Cassidy -- Le Roy CS

Jacob Morgante -- Byron-Bergen CS

Joseph Aguglia -- Attica CS

Kylar Chambry -- Byron-Bergen CS

Computer Information Systems

Daniel Jensen -- Byron-Bergen CS

Cosmetology

Alaila Velez -- Pembroke

Anna Field -- Attica

Rachel Tebor -- Pembroke CS

Tapanga Wheaton -- Batavia CS

Zara Lohman -- Attica CS

Criminal Justice

Brandon Cutter -- Attica CS    

Electronics

Jacob Keiper -- Attica CS

Kyle Evans -- Le Roy CS

Nicholas Zenzen -- Caledonia-Mumford CS

Steven Lyness Jr. -- Le Roy CS       

Graphic Arts

Haley Wasikowski -- Alexander CS

Isaiah Ciociola -- Batavia CS

Jenica Hickey -- Byron-Bergen CS

Jenna Scott -- Caledonia-Mumford CS

Jeremiah Keaton -- Pavilion CS

Jorgette Mezydlo -- Attica CS

Makayla Carpenter -- Caledonia-Mumford CS

Sarah Howden -- Pavilion CS

Sean Vasko -- Oakfield-Alabama CS    

Health Careers Academy

Alyssa Weaver -- Pembroke CS

Amy Chasse -- Pavilion CS

Garrett Downs -- Elba CS

Hailey Stevens -- Elba CS

Mackenzie Good -- Pavilion CS

MiKayla Tillotson -- Pavilion CS

Molly Neidrauer -- Oakfield-Alabama CS

Paige Hameister -- Batavia CS

Rebecca Reamer -- Pavilion CS

Health Dimensions

Casey Shaw -- Pembroke CS

Victoria Welka -- Byron-Bergen CS

IT Academy

Sophia Matla -- Le Roy CS

Metal Trades

Aiden Schadt -- Attica CS

Brent Schum -- Alexander CS

David Paddock -- Pavilion CS

Dillon Stein -- Caledonia-Mumford CS

Garrett Sando -- Byron-Bergen CS

Joel Jackowski -- Attica CS

Zach DiLiberto -- Caledonia-Mumford CS

About the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center

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

Two Batavia CTE students selected to attend State FFA Convention

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo: Batavia CTE Center FFA members, from left: Alex Morales (Batavia), Rebecca Meyers (Batavia), MacKenzie Fox (Byron-Bergen), Melissa Keller (Pembroke), Tracy Rudgers (Attica), Stella Glosser (Warsaw), Cherie Glosser (Warsaw), Rebecca Semmel (Warsaw), Elizabeth Jurs (Elba), Allison Pajda (Attica), Rachel Smith (Churchville-Chili), and Tyler Curbelo (Batavia).

Press release:

Two Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center students will be representing the Western Region at the New York State FFA Convention in Leadership Development Events on May 11-13 at the State University of New York at Morrisville.

While competing at the FFA sub-states competition on March 18 at Pioneer High School, Allison Pajda, an Attica High School junior in the Animal Science program, placed first in the People in Agriculture Leadership Development Competition, and Melissa Keller, a Pembroke High School senior in the Agri-Business Academy, placed second in the Employment Interview Skills competition.

In the Employment Interview Skills competition, students had to complete a phone interview, an in-person interview with three evaluators, and write a follow up letter. In addition, students’ resumes, cover letters, and applications were also evaluated. The judges’ scores in all of the above areas were averaged to determine the overall placing. For the People in Agriculture competition, Allison had to research and present on five different careers in agriculture and choose one career to write an essay about. Allison interviewed a local livestock producer and wrote her essay on his career.

New York State has three different sub-state regions and the top two students in each region move on to compete at the State Convention for the Leadership Development Competitions. Prior to the sub-states competition, 12 Batavia CTE Center students competed at the district competition, which was held at Springville High School on Feb. 28. Those 12 students scored high enough to advance to the sub-states competition.

The Batavia CTE Center FFA program focuses on premier leadership, personal growth and career success. The advisors are Holly Partridge, Animal Science instructor, and Kerri Richardson, Agri-Business Academy instructor.

Sub-states Competition Results:
Employment Interview Skills -- Melissa Keller (Pembroke), second
People in Agriculture -- Allison Pajda (Attica), first
People in Agriculture -- Tyler Curbelo (Batavia), third
Parliamentary Procedure Team -- third

District Competition Results:

Prepared Public Speaking -- Melissa Keller (Pembroke), first
Prepared Public Speaking -- Rebecca Meyers (Batavia), sixth
Extemporaneous Public Speaking -- Tracy Rudgers (Attica), fifth
Extemporaneous Public Speaking -- Cherie Glosser (Warsaw), ninth
FFA Creed -- Liz Jurs (Elba), third
FFA Creed -- Alex Morales (Batavia), fourth
Employment Interview -- Tracy Rudgers (Attica), second
Employment Interview -- Melissa Keller (Pembroke), third
Employment Interview -- Stella Glosser (Warsaw), fifth

People in Agriculture -- Allison Pajda (Attica), first
People in Agriculture -- Tyler Curbelo (Batavia), second
Agricultural Issues – MacKenzie Fox (Byron-Bergen), Rachel Smith (Churchville-Chili, and Rebecca Myers (Batavia), second
Parliamentary Procedure -- Rebecca Semmel (Warsaw), Melissa Keller (Pembroke), Tracy Rudgers (Attica), Cherie Glosser (Warsaw), Elizabeth Jurs (Elba), and Stella Glosser (Warsaw), second

About the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center

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

Girl Scouts set up Little Free Library in East Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

Members of Girl Scout Troop 42025, from Corfu, set up a Little Free Library outside Seaman's Hardware in East Pembroke as part of their Earth Day project on Saturday. They stocked it with a large collection of children's and adult books they collected.

"We wanted to put a free library in our neighborhood with hopes that it will be used greatly!" said member Lilly Senko.

"Reading is so important to being a good learner, and when everyone can get free books to read, it will help them read more," said Hannah Beach.

Photos and info submitted by Julie Beach.

East Pembroke residents hold first neighborhood watch meeting

By Howard B. Owens

Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble, right, and Undersheriff Greg Walker were on hand Wednesday night at Pembroke Elementary School for an initial neighborhood watch program organized by residents of East Pembroke and attended by about dozen residents.

Dibble went over some of the crime issues and calls for service in East Pembroke and talked about what residents can do to help fight crime.

The group will meet again in about three months to talk about further actions and perhaps have another speaker in.

One thing of interest to the group was getting residential and neighborhood signs noting that neighborhood watch is active in the community.

"If somehow we can get at least 50 percent of the homes with neighborhood watch signs in the windows, they (would-be criminals) might just move on," said resident Taylor McCabe. 

Dibble encouraged residents to call in any suspicious activity or report anything that seems out of place. 

One interesting note from Dibble: If you accidentally dial 9-1-1, don't hang up, Dibble said. It's better to stay on the phone and just tell the dispatcher, "oops, sorry," because otherwise, dispatchers must send two patrols to the location of the 9-1-1 call to confirm the reason for the call.

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