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The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation honored area outstanding students on Tuesday at its 40th Scholarship Awards Dinner.

Honored were:

Andrew David Strollo. Andrew Strollo is a student at Le Roy High School and is the son of Jeff and Jessica Strollo. He will graduate this spring, Summa Cum Laude. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Deca, Knight Media, and the Scholastic Bowl. 

Julia Clark. Julia Clark is a graduating Senior at Batavia Senior High School and the daughter of Paul and Patricia Clark. She plans to attend Mercyhurst University and double major in Business and Intelligence studies. Julia will also play softball for Mercyhurst.

Previously: 

• Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation names 2024 scholarship winners for June 4 event
• Batavia businessman shares humble beginnings, dedication to local roots

To view or purchase photos, click here.

A major telecommunications company's application to erect a new mobile device cell tower is a fairly straightforward approval process for local planners, and on Tuesday evening, Robert W. Burgdorf of Rochester, an attorney representing Verizon, provided several useful nuggets of information.

It was an initial meeting in the regulatory process with the Town of Batavia Planning Board. The application must still undergo an environmental review and a public hearing, but Burgdorf was happy to discuss the process and some of the technical issues involved in installing a cell tower.

Cell towers are extremely location-sensitive because they have to be high enough to reach the neighboring towers but not so high that there is a spillover of signals into the neighboring cells.

"They've got to be placed so that they can hand off to the neighboring cells, again without interfering," Burgdorf said.

They wind up in a honeycomb-like grid, not too close but not too far apart.

Cell towers generally serve a one or two-mile area and can't be too close together or too far apart.

If the tower is under 200 feet tall—this one will be 154 feet tall—the Federal Aviation Administration does not require lighting or striping.

This down will be a matted steel gray.

"We've learned, and we've actually done studies, that this blends in with our skies in Western New York," he said.

An observation a couple of board members quipped was a depressing thought.

Oh, and 5G doesn't cause COVID.

A board member's question prompted the discussion of health concerns about cell towers. Burgdorf said federal law preempts that as a concern for local planners, which he regrets because it also preempts an opportunity to educate the public.

"This is a radio signal, that's all this is," he said. "It is an incredibly weak radio signal. We've had radio signals around since the 20s, the 30s. The only difference between this and a television or radio station is that those operated tens of thousands of watts, sometimes megawatts. So the power levels, from radio and television, just radio signal is much, much stronger than these. These are incredibly weak. They have to be incredibly weak for two reasons. One is they can't interfere with neighboring cells, which are often a mile, two miles away, and we have to be able to get a return path from the user"

He said that if anybody is concerned about cell phone signals, the first thing they should do is seek to do is shut down radio and television signals.

"The issue does come up, but anybody who looks into it, who's being rational, will see that that's not really an issue," Burgdorf said.

The tower will be located at 9300 Wilkinson Road on a 100x100-foot leased parcel. It will be fenced, and a small gravel road will connect it to Wilkinson. There will be minimal traffic to the location—maybe one maintenance worker a month will visit the site.

The board voted to seek lead agency for coordination purposes under the state's SEQR regulations (pronounced seek-ur, it stands for State Environmental Quality Review Act) even though Burgdorf informed lead agency designation for this project is not strictly required.

The board did it as a matter of course, because that is its standard practice, but board members said they will seek their attorney's opinion.

"It's not a fatal error to declare yourself lead agency," Burgdorf said, so he didn't object.

He said a lead agency is only required when there are other "involved" agencies. In this case, other agencies, such as the Genesee County Planning Board, are only "interested" agencies, so there is nothing in the SEQR process to coordinate with other involved agencies.

"Look, the SEQR regs are a pain. They really are," he said. "They're pretty convoluted and they force a lot of municipalities to really become an expert. It is a pretty intense set of regulations, so for what it's worth, if you declare yourself lead agency, that's not the process, but it doesn't make it defective, so whatever you want to do."

Proceeds from the sale of a children's book developed by the Chamber of Commerce --  “Genny Sees the Eclipse” -- will help feed rescue animals and even enable a couple of sanctuaries to give a couple of horses a safe place to retire.

On Tuesday, Brian Cousins, president of the Chamber, presented $28,653.56 to Jonell Chudyk, Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary; Marcy Colantonio, Volunteers for Animals; Maryanne Arena, Mary Land Haven for Horses; Pamela Harmon, Cherry Hill Sanctuary.

Each organization is receiving  $7,163.39.

"This is truly life-changing," said Chudyk. "I know for us from Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary, that amount, that total amount, will pay for the amount of hay that we need through winter. So thank you so much."

Harmon said the $7,000 would help Cherry Hill rescue more horses, and Arena, at Mary Land, said her rescue for retired racehorses would be able to add two horses to its stable.

"It may sound like, 'Oh, two horses,' but that means two lives saved," Arena said.

The book was produced to educate children about the April 8 total eclipse of the sun in Genesee County.  The chamber received orders from 28 states -- including Hawaii -- and 165 cities.  Forbes named it one of the best five books for people to buy to learn more about the eclipse.

It was written by Colleen Onuffer and illustrated by Andy Reddout.

"We talked to the agriculture community, and we talked with the scientific community to make sure the book was true to life," Cousins said. "Then we thought about how we could commemorate this book to our community, and we thought of you and your selfless devotion to these animals. If you take a look at the book, you will see each one of the animals that you take care of day in and day out are represented in that book." 

Press Release:

GLOW OUT! is excited and proud to announce multiple events, with the potential for many more throughout Pride Month across the GLOW region. We welcome the LGBTQ+ community, allies, friends, and loved ones to the 2024 festivities. 

This year's theme is "Be Your Passion. Be Your Pride."

On Friday, June 7 all are welcome at Eden Cafe’s First Friday Art Opening featuring Buffalo artist Janna Willoughby-Lohr and an exhibit from LGBTQ+ youth superstars from 5:30 - 7 p.m. Eden Cafe is located at 242 Ellicott St in Batavia.

Also on Friday, June 7 those 21 and over are invited for a Professional Happy Hour at GO ART! from 4 - 6 p.m. Meet your peers, make some friends, and get ready for Pride! GO Art! is located at 201 Main Street, Batavia.

Finally on Saturday June 8, join us for our Pride Parade, Festival, Vendor Fair & Story Hour. The afternoon begins with the Drag Queen Story Hour event for families in Jackson Square at 3 p.m. 

Then the Pride Parade will line up at Batavia First Presbyterian Church, with marchers assembling at 4 p.m. and stepping off at 5 p.m. 

The route will cross Main Street, turn left onto Washington Avenue, and again onto Bank Street, finishing at Jackson Square for the Pride Festival, featuring family-friendly drag performances from 6 - 10 p.m. While waiting for the parade, enjoy the vendor fair on Jackson Street from 4 to 8 p.m. featuring eclectic artisans, local non-profits, and a variety of food trucks!

Press Release:

The State University of New York Board of Trustees today appointed Dr. Craig Lamb as president of Genesee Community College. Lamb’s appointment is effective August 1, 2024.

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “After an extensive and thorough search for the president of Genesee Community College, we would like to congratulate Dr. Craig Lamb. He is no stranger to SUNY, serving at GCC since 2013. His incredible career championing higher education will serve him well as he leads the institution into a bright future.”

“Community colleges offer so much for the areas they serve, from workforce development and microcredentials for individuals seeking to upskill, to providing students with springboards from associate degrees to our bachelor’s degree programs,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “Having presidents who understand each campus and know what the communities need is crucial in fostering student success and upward mobility. I congratulate Dr. Lamb on his appointment and look forward to collaborating for the benefit of our students, faculty, and staff.”

About Dr. Craig Lamb

Dr. Craig Lamb joined Genesee Community College in 2013 and currently serves as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Having held various leadership and administrative roles, Dr. Lamb is a believer in the transformative power of a high-quality, affordable, and accessible college education, especially for individuals who have been historically underrepresented and underserved. Dr. Lamb’s efforts are driven by his commitment to inclusivity, intellectual and social growth, shared governance, fiscal responsibility, and the development of life-long learners.

Dr. Lamb’s career has been dedicated to the public postsecondary educational sector, including previous positions at SUNY Empire State University, the University of Connecticut, and SUNY Plattsburgh. He has completed several professional development programs specifically focused on executive leadership within an ever-changing educational environment. Along with his professional and administrative roles, Dr. Lamb has taught a variety of college courses in face-to-face, hybrid, and online modalities for more than two decades.

Dr. Lamb earned his Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the University at Albany, and his Master of Science in College and Agency Counseling from SUNY Plattsburgh.

Chair of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees Jacalyn Whiting said, “The Genesee Community College trustees are pleased to welcome Dr. Craig Lamb as our next president. Dr. Lamb brings extensive experience and leadership to this role, and we look forward to working closely with him in continuing our commitment to student success above all else.

Dr. Lamb said, “It is a profound privilege to be selected as the next President of Genesee Community College. I am deeply thankful to those who have entrusted me with this role. For the past ten years, I have been honored to be part of the GCC community, and I am excited to lead our campus in our steadfast commitment to student success.”

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is sponsoring a proposal in the state Assembly that would eliminate the registration fee for Gold Star mothers’ and Gold Star family members' distinctive license plates. 

Hawley believes this initiative is a small way for New York to show its appreciation for the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

“As an Assemblyman and a veteran, one of my top priorities is finding ways to give back to the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Hawley. “Gold Star families have given so much for our country and this is just one small way for our state to show our gratitude for all they have done. I’m proud to sponsor this proposal and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to consider this initiative to show our thanks to our Gold Star families.”

Press Release:

YWCA of Genesee County is growing! Executive Director, Jamie Rada, announces several new board members carefully chosen to meet the needs of the agency.

“Our community has some incredible resources, agencies, and people. Our goal is not to reinvent the wheel but to work with community members to fill in gaps and assure that there is an intersectionality of services and support for the people we help. We have an amazing team of staff and an incredible, dedicated board," says Jamie Rada, Executive Director.

The Executive Board includes:

• Board Chair - Georganne Mott-Lang, Community Integration Specialist for Lifetime Assistance, Inc.
• Vice President - Emily Marling, Certified Financial Planner for Merrill Lynch
• Treasurer - Shannon Ford, Service Director of Communications and Development for Uconnect Care

Board Members include:

• Dr. Emily Fraser Branche, Pediatrician and Practice Owner for Three Little Birds Pediatrics
• Cassandre DiPiazza, Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Veterans Health Administration
• Chris Fix, retired
• Laurie Pfaff, Senior Manager of Marketing Support for Liberty Pumps
• Lisa Smith, Senior Employment and Training Counselor for Genesee County Job Development Bureau
• Lauren Casey, Financial Assistant for the Genesee County Economic Development Center
• Ashlee Reigle, Human Resources Manager for Liberty Pumps 
• Anita Strollo, Coordinator for Genesee County Business Education Alliance

“Each of these women brings an incredible and unique skillset to the table, allowing us to enter into a period of agency and program growth and development in order to expand our reach and support more people”, says Rada.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is once again partnering with Sunnking Sustainable Solutions to offer free electronic device collection and recycling for the community. Collection day will be Saturday, June 22 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the parking lot at 5130 E Main Street Rd. in Batavia. Pre-registration is requested of all attendees at the website https://form.jotform.com/Sunnking/eo-batavia---june-2024.

“Recycling is a small but impactful way we can help keep our communities clean and I’m grateful to the good people at Sunnking Sustainable Solutions for partnering with me for another year of work,” Hawley said. “Anything from cell phones to computers to TVs can be recycled, so please, register today and help keep our communities clean!”

Press Release:

Genesee County is pleased to announce the expansion of the Hiring Emergency Limited Placement (HELP) Program, approved by the New York State Department of Civil Service, to address staffing shortages for critical roles.

The HELP Program, initially implemented for the following key positions, has now been extended to include several additional titles. 

Previously Approved HELP Program Titles:

• Caseworkers
• Emergency Services Dispatchers 
• Mental Health Clinical Therapists
• Mental Health Clinical Social Workers
• Social Welfare Examiners

Newly Approved Non-Competitive Positions:

• Accounting Supervisors
• Assistant Social Worker II
• Case Manager II
• Clerk Typist
• Electronic Health Records Program Specialist
• Financial Clerk Typist
• Housing Coordinator
• Intake Clerk
• Legal Clerk Typist
• Motor Vehicle Service Representative

Effective immediately until December 31, 2024, candidates hired for these positions will not be required to undergo Civil Service testing and will be hired in a non-competitive classification. This extension aims to enhance recruitment efforts, increase the pool of qualified candidates, and alleviate concerns about exam requirements.

The County's Human Resources Department will continue collaborating with various departments to ensure a smooth transition and effective recruitment for these roles.

Candidates must still meet the minimum qualifications for their respective positions. Genesee County remains committed to maintaining high standards and ensuring hired professionals are well-suited for their roles.

For further information or inquiries about the expanded HELP Program, please contact the Genesee County Human Resources Department at 585-815-7805 or civilservice@geneseeny.gov.

Press Release:

The Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden have commissioned five beautiful interpretive panels that are scheduled to be unveiled at the Batavia Peace Garden during a special ceremony on Thursday, June 6 at 1 p.m. 

The public is invited to attend. A reception will follow with light refreshments at the Holland Land Office Museum.

The interpretive panels were designed by local graphic artist, Matt Steinberg.

These panels were made possible through the generous support of GoArt! and the NYS Community Regrant Program.

These beautiful panels complete phase one of the Batavia Peace Garden. Phase two is a work in progress located behind the Genesee County Court House.

We invite the public to visit the Batavia Peace Garden and enjoy the ongoing display of beautiful seasonal blooms and artistic displays. We have an amazing story to tell and now that the panels are installed, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about our fascinating history.

The Batavia Peace Garden is made possible and maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. Volunteers are always needed and welcome to assist in the many activities of maintaining this beautiful community garden.

Please visit our website at Bataviapeacegarden.com for more information.

Press release:

While gophers may not be well known for their running ability, Pavilion Central School’s Gopher 5K Fun Run/Walk – named for the school’s mascot – asked its students, staff, and residents to do just that.  Competitive racers, walkers, and families participated in the school’s first annual event, held on Saturday.  

Divisional winners all took home awards, and a special prize was given to the “most spirited family” decked out in purple and gold, the school’s colors.  “Excellus (the company behind the school’s health care plan) gave us promotional items for each family participating,” said Ashley Tallman, District Wellness Committee Coordinator and Health/Physical Education Department Chair.

This event fits in well with her department’s goals:  “We really are just trying to get people to be more active and use our community resources in (the 5K), especially our Walking Trail,” said  Tallman.  “We just completed it with a  grant from the New York State Department of Transportation through BOCES, and basically, we were able to utilize some of that funding to clear parts of our path and buy equipment like bicycles, lumber for bridges, map consoles, etc.”  

The Walking Trail, partially funded by the state’s Creating Healthy Schools and Communities Initiative, is about 2.2 miles. “Our actual 5k course is modified from the Walking Trail a little, as it needs to be the correct distance for a 5k, " said Tallman.  The trail spotlights some of PCS’s educational programs, such as the Outdoor Classroom, and fits the district’s goal to promote physical fitness for its students, families, and the Pavilion community.  The physical education department hopes to increase the use of the trail through a new curriculum, cross-country meets, and more community events..  

The 5K began at 10 AM, and more than 100 people registered, including 30 competitive runners and 80 who signed up to walk with their families. “We’re hoping to grow it every year,” Tallman said.  

Proceeds from the school’s first annual event benefited the Wellness Committee and Walking Trail maintenance in addition to covering event costs.  

Photos by Ashley Tallman

“The Whirligig of Time,” the newest production from the Batavia Players at Main St. 56 Theater, melds the fantasy of time travel with the magic of William Shakespeare to captivate an audience's imagination.

Written by Rick Bingen, Whirligig (itself a reference to a line in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night), the play is the story of a woman who visits London on vacation and then returns to complete the journey he longed to take before they returned home. Her husband, a software engineer obsessed with Shakespeare, had planned a visit to a tavern known for its authentic recreation of a watering hole from the Bard's time. Alas, when they arrive on that last night, the tavern is closed.  

The husband begs his wife, Olivia (another allusion to the Twelfth Night), to stay in London a few more days and catch another flight home. After all, he argues, you never know if their plane might roll off the runway or he might die of boredom in his job.

After he passes, Olivia returns to London and that tavern. After a brief visit to contemporary times, she is magically transported back four centuries and meets Shakespeare and his friends and associates, Richard Burbage, Will Kemp, Rebecca Heminges, and John Heminges.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Notre Dame High School graduated 36 students from the Class of 2024 Sunday afternoon at Resurrection Parish in Batavia.

Kalen Muehlig was the class valedictorian. He encouraged his classmates to be "relentless in everything you do."

Kate Ricupito was the salutatorian. She told her classmates, "Do what you love and see where it takes you. Nothing is permanent. Countless doors are open and waiting."

Interim principal Michael Rapone honored many students with awards in academics and athletics, as well as staff and parents who have embraced and helped make the school year memorable.

Jay Antinore, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jaden Sherwood were co-Man of the Year. Teresa Compton and Emma Sisson were co-Woman of the Year. 

Assistant Principal Lindsay Warner presented the candidates, senior awards, and special recognition awards.

George Woodruff, class president, presented the senior gift to the school.

The top 10 students recognized were Kalen Muehlig, Kate Ricupito, Violet March, Emma Sisson, Joshua Kirsch, Owen Murray, Theresa Compton, Maria Dollas, Sophia Iovannisci, and Harold McWilliams.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will flush fire hydrants on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6, from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the general area North of E. Main St. and East of Bank St. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected.  

These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area.  As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored.  If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

This annual testing is essential to maintain the community Class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification and to assure that fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes. Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city's water system, identifies weak areas in the system, and removes material that settles in the water lines. Checking each hydrant improves fire department personnel's knowledge of the hydrant locations.

If you have any questions or should notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at 585-345-6375.

Press Release:

On May 18 Genesee Community College celebrated its 56th annual Commencement Ceremony with a group of 15 students from area high schools and homeschools deserving special mention. They completed their GCC degree requirements concurrently with their high school diplomas or New York State High School Equivalency. Nine of these graduates participated in the sixth annual cohort of the College's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Enrichment Program through GCC's Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Office.

These high-achieving individuals include the following: Jason Anstey (Albion), Finnegan McCue (Albion), Meganne Moore (Albion), Lucy Rivers (Albion), Jacqueline Santiago Garcia (Albion) and Isabella Thom (Holly). 

The following graduates took part in the STEM Enrichment Program: Alexander Balaban (Medina), Cash Domes (Attica), Connor Domoy (Oakfield), Kaylynn Green (Oakfield), Nicholas Martinucci (Batavia), Zachary Narowski (Perry), Benjamin Stone (Batavia), Kara Tobolski (Oakfield) and Samantha Werner (Warsaw).

The STEM Enrichment program began in 2012 allowing the students to start their college studies as early as the seventh grade. In addition to their traditional schoolwork, they enrolled in college level coursework each year taking advantage of many academic opportunities and successfully completing all of the rigorous challenges of an associate degree.

"We are extremely proud of these 15 exceptional students who have not only earned their high school diplomas but also completed their GCC degree requirements. Their dedication and hard work demonstrate the power of early college enrollment and the opportunities it provides. They are truly an inspiration to future generations of students," said Ann Valento, director of Accelerated College Enrollment programs at Genesee Community College.

Kaitlyn Harloff, STEM/EXCEL program coordinator at Genesee Community College, added, "This program highlights the remarkable achievements of our students and their ability to excel in demanding academic environments. Their success is a testament to the effectiveness of the STEM Enrichment Program and the commitment of our faculty and staff to support and guide them."

Genesee Community College's 56th annual Commencement Ceremony was held at the Richard C. Call Arena and featured special guest Keynote Speaker Dr. James M. Sunser, President of Genesee Community College. To view the ceremony, please visit: https://www.genesee.edu/commencement/.

For more information contact Vice President, Development, Admissions and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Highway Department is announcing the commencement of the first round of NOVA Chip Paving on Monday. This project will enhance road surfaces across several vital routes, improving driving conditions and extending the life of local roadways.

Schedule and Locations: 

Perry Road (Pavilion/LeRoy): 

• June 3 - 4: Route 20 to Route 19
• June 5 - 6: Route 20 to Route 63

Linden Road (Bethany):

• June 10 - 11: Bethany Center/Linden intersection to Silver/Linden intersection

Brookville Road (Alexander):

• June 12 - 13: Brookville/Creek intersection to Brookville/Route 20 intersection

Dodgeson Road/Bennett Road/Simonds Road/Sumner Road (Darien):

• June 17 - 20: Dodgeson/Halstead intersection to Sumner/Harper intersection

Weather permitting, the entire project is expected to be completed by June 20.

Road Closures and Access:

During work hours (Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.), the affected roads will be closed to through traffic. Emergency responders will be able to pass through the work zones as needed. 

Local schools, including Le Roy School, Pavilion School, Alexander School, and Pembroke School, have been notified to ensure school buses can still pick up and drop off students without disruption. Adjustments will be made to accommodate school transportation needs. 

Residents and commuters are advised to plan alternate routes during this period.

Le Roy Jr-Sr High School held its annual art show this past week, and on Friday morning, Principal David Russell invited The Batavian to meet with three senior art students, Savannah Harms, Abby Rose Root, and Paityn Cooper.

Savannah Harms
Harms said she's been an artist "ever since I was a baby, practically.

"I mean, my mother has always loved art, so I was looking up to her since I was a child. She was drawing, she was tattooing, she was doing everything, so when I was looking up at her, I was watching her do her drawings, and I'd be in the back corner trying to draw exactly what she was.  I've loved it ever since I could even learn to draw."

To her, art is a form of freedom.

"In every artistic piece that you look at around here, you can see the emotion, the feelings that are put into the piece," Harms said. "What was targeted behind that? So, for example, my Edward Scissorhands, what I think about I did this the time that Johnny Depp was going through all of the things he was going through (in his legal case) case. You could just see the emotional distraught. I did that piece, kind of just reflecting that this was a very vulnerable moment. In that movie, it was acting, but you can see just that vulnerable moment. So, I mean, I just love the emotion that can be put into pieces. And you can just see somebody's raw feelings when you look at their artwork."

As for artists she admires, it's no surprise her mom tops her list.

"A lot of people always pick very famous or popular artists, but it's always I always go to my mother," Harms said. "She's somebody who I could not see anybody surpassing her level."

After graduation, Harms will become a full-time tattoo artist.

"I love tattooing," Harms said. "It's a different type of art. I love creating something that I can put on somebody's body forever."

Abby Rose Root
Root's mother is also an artist.

"I grew up with furniture all about me being painted by her, paintings of hers on the wall, and watching her do color pencils, oils, gouache and all different types of mediums," Root said. "She's definitely been a key component in keeping me motivated during my process because she always gives me reassurance when I need it and helps when I need it."

The work on display in the show displayed an interest in fantasy.

"I just like to draw it," she said. "I love this idea of a magical world where you can space whenever you like, and whatever you imagine can come true."

At the top of the artists who inspire her is Le Roy HS art teacher Antonio Ieon Koukides.

"He inspires me because I love the way he can teach all different people, and no matter where they come from, not matter their background, no matter what their skill level is, he's always able to help them improve," Root said.

After graduation, Root plans to attend Genesee Community College for two years for a fine arts degree. Then, she will see where she wants to go after that, whether to continue to pursue art or maybe get a degree in business. 

"Then maybe I could become a teacher or own my own studio or maybe do both," Root said.

Paityn Cooper
Cooper figures her art journey began when she was about nine years old, inspired by her dad, who is an artist.

She said she likes art because "it expresses things that I usually wouldn't be able to say in words."

She said she tried to make her paintings unique and not fit into any specific genre.

Cooper isn't planning a career in art.

"I want to use it as a hobby and to express what's going on through my life throughout my life," she said.

Additional photos of some of the art on display from the show below.

On Friday, city firefighters, members of IAFF Local 896, held their annual MDA "Fill the Boot" fundraiser in Downtown Batavia.

The results of the fundraising effort have not been released.

Photos by Frank Capuano.

Seeing the contracts NFL teams are handing out, it’s wild to see the value of a journeyman quarterback or a promising left tackle. 

But we have students graduating from our high schools this year who have made their own million-dollar decisions in mechatronics and in the metal trades.

And nothing is preventing more students from doing the same. 

Take Joseph Costa and Thomas Condidorio from Le Roy. 

We just celebrated our 100th graduate in the Batavia Career & Technical Education Center’s Electro-Mechanical Trades Program, and their story is an example of why this career pathway is working.

In their junior and senior years, Joseph and Thomas trained in the Electro-Mechanical Trades classroom and went on job shadows and paid youth apprenticeship co-ops at Gorbel.

Both students are now graduating with accepted offers to continue with the company and pursue apprenticeships.

Without college debt and with the starting salaries matching their training experience, they are on the path to making $1 million over the next 12 years.

How?

Upon entering the workforce in a specialized field, students can complete a four-year apprenticeship program, where they gain hands-on experience and develop their skills while contributing to the team as a valuable asset.

These four years can earn you as much as $250,000 debt-free!

After your apprenticeship, you will be well on your way with promotions, additional job duties, and leadership roles that will set you up for sustained success throughout your professional career.

Your next eight years in the workforce can earn you an additional $750,000, which will complete your 'make a million in mechatronics' milestone as a professional who can receive a steady annual salary increase.

Joseph and Thomas are thrilled to have the chance to 'make a million in mechatronics', but what's even more exciting is that every other student in their region and their classmates in the CNC and Welding programs at the Batavia CTE share the same incredible opportunity!

These three programs are just the beginning of what mechatronics and the metal trades have to offer, providing a foundation for a wide range of career possibilities.

Mechatronics is an in-demand skill set that employers are actively searching for. It provides professionals with diverse roles related to computing, robotics, mechanical engineering, and information technology.

For Joseph and Thomas, the programs that led them to start their careers in mechatronics with a strong foundation in robotics, residential/commercial electrical, circuit boards, wiring, and most importantly, how to become self-sufficient learners, skills manifested from the instruction of Rich Monroe and the Electro-Mechanical Program.

These skills lead to local careers including residential electrician, industrial electrician, maintenance technician, advanced manufacturing technician, robotics technician, engineering/engineering technician, solar technician, and even healthcare technician!

Even if your child is graduating without taking advantage of this program, there are opportunities to catch up.

The same partners who supported Joseph and Thomas team up for a six-week mechatronics-based program at the Batavia CTE Center. The program provides students aged 18-24 with paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

By gaining these skills, students can improve their job prospects and increase their earning potential in the region.

With all of the companies growing in our region, we can help your son or daughter find their path. As a career coach, I’m passionate about helping them.

We can get them on the path to ‘make a million in mechatronics and the metal trades’!

Contact me at csuozzi@gcedc.com to learn more about the opportunities available.

Chris “Coach SwazZ” Suozzi is the Vice President of Business & Workforce Development at the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

Construction may have begun six weeks ago, but the "groundbreaking" -- a dignitary-studded event on Alva Place -- on a new home for the Batavia Police Department was held late Friday morning under clear blue skies.

The new police headquarters on Bank Street will be 20,000 square feet and cost more than $15 million. According to officials, the facility will be "state-of-the-art," compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and provide all the features necessary for a 21st-century police state.

It replaces a 167-year-old building, the Brisbane Mansion, once the home of one of Batavia's most historically important wealthiest families, then City Hall, then the police station.

Police say it is dilapidated, outdated, and totally inadequate to handle the demands of modern policing.