Late last month, Gov. Kathy Hochul put her name on legislation that now permits hemp farmers in the state to apply for a conditional license to grow cannabis during the 2022 season for the approaching adult-use retail market.

Chris Van Dusen, who, along with Shelley Wolanske, owns Empire Hemp, called the recent development “fantastic news for us.”

Empire Hemp operates in two locations in the city: a processing facility on Swan Street and a retail store at 204 East Main St.

According to information from Hochul’s office, under the law, conditionally licensed cannabis farmers must meet certain requirements, including safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly cultivation practices; participation in a social equity mentorship program, and engagement in a labor peace agreement with a bona fide labor organization.

Van Dusen (pictured at right) said Empire Hemp is in a position to benefit from the legislation.

“We're eligible both on the growing side and the processing side because there's also a provisional processing license, and we're one of 17 in the state that's eligible for processing,” he told The Batavian on Monday. “And we're one of less than 200 that are eligible for the growing side because we did grow two seasons in a row. That’s just one of the prerequisites for that.”

The law carries several requirements, including one that allows hemp growers that have grown in the past two or more years to plant one acre of high THC cannabis for recreational uses.

Van Dusen said his company, after harvest, “will take that cannabis, that flower, and bring it to our facility, and turn it into a host of products, whether it's pre-rolled cigarettes, vape cartridges, pre-packaged smokable flower as well as edibles, namely gummies. That’s what we’re going to be focused on; those are going to be our top four products.”

He also said he will incorporate the cannabis into topicals and other products that Empire Hemp sells on the CBD side of things. Currently, state law prohibits Empire Hemp, as a grower or processor, from having any financial interest in a dispensary.

Batavia’s City Council previously voted to opt in to the MRTA to host cannabis dispensaries, seeking to capitalize on the tax revenue associated with retail sales.

Empire Hemp is a CBD dispensary, Van Dusen said.

“We sell all the products that we make in our facility as far as therapeutic CBD oils and topicals, as well as skincare and self-care products. And we do sell some smokable hemp,” he said, adding that sales have been robust and that he and Wolanske are prepared to add employees and ramp up production as a result of the new law.

When asked if he saw any downside or “unintended consequences” from the legalization of cannabis for recreational use, he said that he believes that some smoke shops are selling marijuana without a license, looking to avoid paying taxes to the state.

“It’s something that needs to be talked about even if people just think it's no big deal,” he said. “I think it is a big deal because we want to play by the rules and we want to be part of the program that they're putting together and be successful at that. These guys that are doing it (illegally) are just going to make quick short term gains.”

Van Dusen said he knows that the state’s Office of Cannabis Management has been sending out cease-and-desist letters to shops that they suspect are operating outside of the law.

The Lady Irish of Notre Dame faced Andover-Whitesville at Dansville High School on Monday night to see which Class D team will represent Section V the Far West Regional championship game this weekend and Notre Dame prevailed 38-34.

Andover led 10-9 by Vanissa Hall who scored 7 out of the 10 points in the opening quarter.

The Lady Irish went to work to take over the lead by one point at the half 17-16.  Emma Sisson, Maylee Green and Avelin Tomidy added points in the second quarter.

Hall was held scoreless in the next two quarters as the Irish played tough defense and offense against the junior star who averages 30 plus points per game.

Both teams were evenly matched but Notre Dame went ahead early in the fourth quarter on an 8 point run 32-24. 

Andover crawled back into it to come at times within three points but Emma Sisson created many free throw attempts and scored 6 for 8 late in the game to give the Irish the win.

Notre Dame plays in the Far West Regional this Saturday at Rush-Henrietta High school at 1pm.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Pavilion and York have become quite the area rivalry, especially in girls basketball.

On Monday night in Letchworth, it was on full display as fans filled the house and kept the noise level at maximum volume through nearly all 32 minutes of hoops to see which Class C champion will move forward in the postseason.

Last year it was York that prevented Pavilion from winning a second consecutive Section V title (Pavilion, the C2 champs this year now have two trophies from the past three seasons) after Pavilion beat York twice in the regular season.  This year, York prevailed in regular season play but on Monday, when it mattered most, the Gophers were golden, coming out on top 40-28.

They next play East Rochester to see which Class C team will represent Section V against Section VI in the Far West Regional championship game.  The game will be played Wednesday at Rush-Henrietta.

Tonight, Lauren Kingsley was dominant scoring 16 points.  Kylie Conway scored 10 points and Karlee Zinievich scored even.

Cameron J. Sokolowski, 29, of Batavia, is charged with theft of services. Sokolowski is accused of refusing to pay cab fare at 10:03 a.m., Feb. 20.  It's alleged that Sokolowski accepted a ride from a taxi driver and when he reached his destination, went inside and refused to come back out and pay the driver. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Benito A. Gay, 33, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Gay is accused of stealing beer from the cooler at the Kwik Fill on Jackson Street, Batavia, at 8 p.m., Feb. 20. He allegedly took three beers and exited the store without paying for the beer. He was arrested and issued an appearance ticket.

Kenneth T. Marrocco, 29, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal contempt 1st. Marrocco allegedly violated a stay-away order of protection by being inside the residence of the protected party at 1:54 p.m., Feb. 25, on Montclair Avenue. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $5,000 bail, $10,000 bond, or $20,000 partially secured bond.

Angie C. Maniace, 40, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal contempt 1st. Maniace is accused of violating an order of protection and striking the protected party at 7:35 p.m., March 2 at a location on Chandler Avenue, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Laura R. Mroz, 32, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal contempt 1st. Morz is accused of violating an order of protection during a disturbance reported at 7:53 p.m., March 2. on Chandler Avenue, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Julius L. Sanford, 29, of Buffalo, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument 2nd, failure to stop for a stop sign, unregistered motor vehicle, and uninsured motor vehicle. Sanford was stopped by a Batavia patrol officer on East Main Street, Batavia, at 1:14 a.m., Feb. 13. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Derrick M. Williams, 32, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Williams was arrested on a warrant stemming from an incident reported at 4:18 a.m., Sept. 25. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Michelle D. Ulickey, 45, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Ulickey was allegedly found in possession of cocaine during a traffic stop by a Batavia patrol officer for allegedly driving with no headlights at 3:15 a.m., March 2, on East Main Street, Batavia. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Tonya M. Weber, 38, of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant. Weber is charged with petit larceny in connection with an incident reported on Ellicott Street, Batavia, at 6:01 p.m., Dec. 7. Weber was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Antwoine Kush, 19, of Rhulman Road, Lockport, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Kush allegedly violated a complete stay-away order of protection by contacting the protected party at 2 p.m., Jan. 8. Kush was issued an appearance ticket.

David Michael Milillo, 63, of Rochester, is charged with menacing 2nd. Miller is accused of displaying a pistol during a business transaction at 12:30 p.m., Sept. 2, at a location on Byron Holley Road, Byron, causing the victim to fear physical injury or death. Milillo was arrested following an investigation by Investigator Joseph Loftus and was issued an appearance ticket.

Nicholas Adam Pietrzykowski, 45, of East Road, Middlebury, is charged with DWAI/Drugs and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Pietrzykowski was stopped at 7:25 p.m., July 25, on East Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun. He was arrested on March 3 following an investigation and issued an appearance ticket.

(name redacted upon request), 47, of Alexander, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. xxxx allegedly violated a stay-away order on eight different locations. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Deanna Rae Lynn Couchman, 27, of Chili Avenue, Rochester, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to keep right, and failure to signal. Couchman was stopped at 3:12 a.m., March 5, on Route 33 in Bergen by Sgt. Mathew Clor. She was issued appearance tickets.

Andrew Luis Coffey, 33, of South Goodman Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property.  Coffey was allegedly found in possession of property previously reported stolen from Kohl's Department Store at 2:32 p.m., March 1. Coffey was issued an appearance ticket.

Jonah Ty Luplow, 19, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to use designated lane. Luplow was stopped at 1:44 a.m., March 6, on Bank Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Joshua Brabon. He was issued appearance tickets.

Amanda Beth Hopkins, 42, of Bethany, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, endangering the welfare of a child, and moving from lane unsafely. Hopkins was reportedly involved in accident at 5:15 p.m., Jan. 21, on Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion.  Her BAC was allegedly greater than .08. Their was allegedly a child in the vehicle. She was arrested on March 5 by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.  Hopkins was issued an appearance ticket.

Sandra L. Berrios, 62, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Berrios was stopped by State Police at 10:58 p.m., March 5, in the Town of Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket. No other information released.

(Name redacted upon request), 20, of Byron, is charged with petit larceny. xxxx was arrested by State Police in the Town of Batavia for an incident reported at 1:30 p.m., March 2. He was released on an appearance ticket. No other information released.

Gerald L. Arnett, 49, of Rochester, is charged with felony DWI, felony aggravated DWI, and driving without an interlock device. Arnett was stopped by State Police at 3:54 p.m., Feb. 28, in the Town of Byron. There was allegedly a child in the vehicle. He was released on an appearance ticket. No other information released.

A 61-year-old man walking in the woods off Sackett Road in Bergen during yesterday's windstorm was killed when a tree fell and struck him in the head.

Dispatchers received a report of an unresponsive male pinned under a tree at 5:58 p.m.

The victim is identified as Steven K. Reber.

Lifesaving measures were attempted at the scene by family and emergency personnel but Reber was pronounced dead at the scene.

Foul play is not suspected.

Photo by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Nimitz is much missed in the Clark household after the one-eyed feline went missing recently.

Danielle Clark is offering a return for his return.

The grey and white kitty was last seen on Tracy Avenue in Batavia.

If you see Nimitz or know where he is, Clark can be reached at (585) 409-9833 or email bring.Nimitz.home@gmail.com

Are they ever going to do something with the former Kmart at the corner of Lewiston and Park roads?

That is yet to be determined but the Benderson Development Co., which owns the building, is ready to place a couple of commercial ventures on another section of the 10.3-acre property at the corner of Lewiston and Park roads in the Town of Batavia.

According to a letter sent to the Town Planning Board by James Boglioli, Right-to-Build Northeast US director for the Buffalo-based real estate firm, two retail/restaurant businesses are being proposed for the site along Lewiston Road – south of the Kmart building:

• A 4,000-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru and bypass lane to be located in the southwest corner of the property;

• A 6,752-square-foot retail/restaurant building with a 2,000-square-foot endcap coffee shop with drive-thru in the southeast corner of the property.

Contacted by telephone this morning, Boglioli declined to provide further details until Thursday night’s Genesee County Planning Board meeting, which is set for 7 o’clock and will be conducted via Zoom videoconferencing.

Furthermore, per the letter, the project also will include drainage upgrades to bring the site into compliance with the current storm water regulations, an increase in overall greenspace and landscaping, utility upgrades and new curbing, pavement and site lighting around the proposed buildings.

As far as parking is concerned, Boglioli’s letter states that the two proposed outparcel buildings will require 84 parking spaces – much less than the 366 parking spaces on the property.

Boglioli’s letter also indicates that, at this point, there are no proposed uses for the 116,238-square-foot Kmart structure – “and any reuse of (that building) is anticipated to require significantly less parking than the former K Mart required per code, and it is expected that the use would be compatible with the proposed outparcel project.”

The referral to be considered by county planners calls for the issuance of a special use permit.

The letter contends that proposed drive-thru configurations will not adversely affect the surroundings and “provide sufficient stacking within two dedicated drive thru lanes and any additional stacking that extends out of the dedicated drive thru lanes would be captured internal to the site.”

Drawing at top shows two restaurant proposals for the former Kmart property along Lewiston Road in the Town of Batavia. The Kmart building is labeled "vacant" at the top of the site map. Provided by Genesee County Planning Department.

Press release:

Following a record-setting year of projects, Site Selection Magazine has ranked Batavia and Genesee County as the fifth most active micropolitan in the United States for business growth. Batavia and Genesee County continue to be recognized for financial investment and job commitments and economic impact at the region’s various shovel-ready sites.

Site Selection Magazine noted that the GCEDC assisted many businesses who made significant financial investments at its shovel ready sites across the county in 2021, including the Gateway II Corporate Park, Apple Tree Acres Business Park, Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park, Buffalo East Tech Park, and Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP).

Among the projects cited by Site Selection Magazine were Plug Power’s $232 million financial investment at STAMP. Plug Power has commenced construction at the 1,250-acre mega site on North America’s largest green hydrogen project. The project is targeting to create 68 new jobs and will generate the largest contributions toward local municipalities and infrastructure of any commercial-industrial project in Genesee County.

"The Site Selection Governor's Cup Rankings once again confirm that Genesee County continues to build a strong and diverse economy,” said GCEDC Board Chairman Pete Zeliff. “I am proud of the work of our board and hard-working staff at the GCEDC to be once again recognized by Site Selection Magazine."

“Genesee County continues to demonstrate that our community is a great place to work, live and recreate through the significant financial investments being made by the private sector,” said Genesee County Chair Shelley Stein.

Projects assisted by the GCEDC in 2021 resulted in $343.5 million in financial investment and 171 new jobs being pledged. These projects are estimated to result in an economic impact of $645 million in Genesee County.

“Site selection professionals are increasingly seeing the Buffalo-Rochester Tech Corridor's talent, low-cost 100% renewable electricity, and sites like STAMP as a competitive combination of assets,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde.  “The efforts by Governor Hochul and the New York State Senate and Assembly to commit funding to making sites like STAMP even more shovel-ready will make us even more competitive both nationally and internationally.”

This is the seventeenth consecutive year that Batavia and Genesee County have been recognized as the top micropolitan for business growth in the northeast U.S., and as a top 5 micropolitan in the U.S for the 11th time since 2005.

It was a busy afternoon for prospective brides and grooms at Sunday's wedding show at Batavia Downs, according to Ryan Hasenauer, marketing director for Western OTB, with more than 200 people attending the event.

There was plenty for them to see with dozens of vendors and a fashion show featuring wedding dresses from various designers.

Submitted photos.

Press release from Automobile Association of America:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.07, up 46 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.77. The New York State average is 4.26, up 46 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.83. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $4.23 (up 48 cents from last week)
• Buffalo - $4.21 (up 46 cents from last week)
• Ithaca - $4.22 (up 41 cents from last week)
• Rochester - $4.24 (up 45 cents from last week)
• Rome - $4.22 (up 44 cents from last week)
• Syracuse - $4.24 (up 49 cents from last week)
• Watertown - $4.25 (up 46 cents from last week)

According to oilprice.com, the United States has confirmed that it is in talks with European allies to potentially sanction Russian crude oil in response to Moscow's ongoing aggression in Ukraine – that sent oil prices over $130. This morning, oil prices are more than $124 per barrel – in August, oil prices were $30 per barrel. At one point during the pandemic they were below zero, in negative territory.

From Gas Buddy:

“There are few words to describe the unprecedented rise in gasoline prices over the last week, with massive spikes coast to coast in both gasoline and diesel prices, as oil prices jump to their highest since 2008. Forget the $4 per gallon mark, the nation will soon set new all-time record highs and we could push closer to a national average of $4.50/gal. California could be heading for $5.50 per gallon with more stations charging $6 and beyond," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "We've never been in this situation before, with this level of uncertainty. As we lose a major global producer under the weight of deserving bipartisan sanctions for invading a sovereign country, the cost is high. Americans will be feeling the pain of the rise in prices for quite some time, with little good news foreseen."

Resurrection Parish hosted a confirmation retreat this morning at St. Mary's Church.

Candidates made coats of arms, studies in the Corporal Works of Mercy, made church collages, and presented their saint research projects via role-play style interviews among other faith-based enrichment exercises. 

Jason Smith and Ron Chrzanowski facilitated the retreat.

Candidates will be confirmed on Pentecost Sunday, June 5 at St Joseph’s Cathedral in Buffalo by Bishop Michael Fisher.

Photos and information submitted by Jason Smith.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined two Kindergarten classes from Elba Elementary School and a first grade class from Holley Elementary School to celebrate Read Across America Week by reading Dr Seuss' "I Am Not Going To Get Up Today!” virtually to students on Zoom. Hawley has made it a point to celebrate Read Across America Day annually with local students to emphasize the importance of reading and how books can both engross them in fictional worlds of fantasy and teach them more about their own world.

 

“Beyond its practical applications in day-to-day life, the early development of a love for reading puts children on a path to lead richer lives, armed with perspectives about our world and human experiences they wouldn’t otherwise develop in their day-to-day lives,” said Hawley. “More than that, reading is a productive and affordable pastime that provides us all a means of immersing ourselves in any setting imaginable, whether fantastical or historical, sparking feelings of joy and wonder like few other activities can.”

Sunnking, the electronics recycling company based in Brockport, is returning to Batavia for another large recycling event at Genesee County Department of Social Services, 5130 E. Main St., Batavia on June 25.

More details will be released closer to the event but registration will open in March.

In the meantime, the company is asking WNY residents to name its electronics shredder.  The winner of the naming contest will win either tickets to Darien Lake Theme Park or Rochester Americans game.

Here's the full press release:

Sunnking is excited to announce its first-ever "Name the Shredder Contest." The Sunnking Name the Shredder Contest allows residents and businesses across New York to submit their best and most creative names for its electronics shredder, which destroys over 10 million lbs of recycled devices each year.

Participants have until March 18th, Global Recycling Day, to submit their most creative shredder name using the submission form on our website: sunnking.com/contest.

Winners will have their shredder name featured on Sunnking's website and live streaming shredder feed. The winner will also receive a Sunnking swag bag and their choice of EITHER four (4) tickets to Six Flags Darien Lake OR four (4) tickets to a Rochester Americans game and four (4) tickets to a Rochester Knighthawks game of their choice.

Since its launch in mid-August, Sunnking's Live Shredder Camera feed has been viewed for more than 500 hours by people all over the world.

"We've seen people name boats, snowplows, zoo animals, so why not give them a chance to enjoy naming the machine that recycles their unused devices," said Robert Burns, Sunnking's Marketing Director. "The Name the Shredder Contest is a fun way to connect with our community and promote the impact of responsibly recycling their electronics and the data security process behind it."

All names must be submitted by Friday, March 18th, 2022.

Five (5) finalists will be announced on March 28th through a website poll on sunnking.com/contest where the public can vote on their favorite.

Winners will be announced on Thursday, April 14th, 2022.

Everyone must submit original and creative shredder names on our contest website: sunnking.com/contest.

Press release:

Pay It Forward is a unique initiative at Bell Bank, putting dollars into the hands of our Bell team members every year so they can give where they see the most need. This tradition has empowered millions of dollars in grassroots giving and impacted tens of thousands of lives. The Bell Bank PAY IT Forward program has existed for 12 years with 12,000 stories and $17 million in giving. Bell Bank is proud to Pay IT Forward with this donation to Crossroads House in memory of activist Jeremy Tjhung.

Dash Hamblin, a mortgage loan officer with Bell Bank Mortgage requested this donation. He is a former resident of Horseshoe Lake in Batavia.
Jeremy’s sister Vinnie (pictured) was Mr. Hamblin’s special education teacher to his adopted son Matthew. He now resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Fargo North Dakota. Bell Bank is the largest privately-owned local bank in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Bell Bank has 2000 employees at its 16 locations, with assets totaling over $12 billion. While many companies focus solely on net profits, Bell

Bank and Bell Bank Mortgage’s “bottom line” statement is unusually simple: “Happy Employees! Happy Customers!”

We believe that if we create a great environment for our employees, who in turn give outstanding service to our customers, we will build stronger communities.

Press release:

Six Flags Darien Lake, The Thrill Capital of New York, will rebrand its Splashtown waterpark to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, and launch a massive, new slide for the 2022 season. Towering a staggering 60 feet tall, Wahoo Wave will rank as one of the tallest water rides in the waterpark and its one-of-a-kind “water wave wall” will boost the park’s already robust roster of heat-beating attractions.

“Six Flags is committed to making the park bigger, better and now wetter than ever with the addition of this world-class waterpark attraction, Wahoo Wave,” said Park President Chris Thorpe. “With non-stop, soaking thrills for the entire family, Hurricane Harbor will be the perfect summertime escape.”

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor additions include the following features:

• Expanded seating and additional lounge chairs;
• Improved shaded areas;
• Selfie photo spot featuring a 20-foot shark prop; and
• New, tropically-themed wave pool mural.

Following a six-story climb to the top of the tower, Wahoo Wave riders will twist through a hairpin turn, followed by a corkscrew. Without warning, riders in four-person tubes will plunge down an unforgettable, three-story drop. This adrenaline-packed adventure will send riders into near-vertical motions to experience extended hang times and zero g-forces.

Wahoo Wave slide complex features:

• Near vertical motions on a four-person tube;
• Thirty-foot vertical plunge;
• Whirlpool bowl;
• Huge water wave wall, where guests will feel zero-gravity bliss; and
• Refreshing catch pool.

Construction on Wahoo Wave has begun and is expected to be complete when the waterpark opens this May.

Six Flags Darien Lake will operate weekends and select weekdays May 27 until June 24, and daily through Labor Day. The park will not operate on Tuesdays.

A quartet from Oakfield captured top honors in the 20th annual Ron Riggi Memorial bowling tournament at Legion Lanes in Le Roy.

The team of Scott Gibson, Garrett Gibson, Steve O'Dell and Trevor O'Dell claimed the $880 first prize in the handicap event with a 3,624 score -- 39 pins more than the Rochester squad of Steve Meyer, Rob Gustke, Traci Spanitz and Jeanette Sease. The Meyer team earned $480 for placing second.

Steve O'Dell and Garrett Gibson rolled games of 300 and 298, respectively, while Spanitz fired 300. Gibson won the singles event with 1,036, good for $150.

Other teams cashing were the Le Roy squad of Mickey Hyde, Samantha Hyde, Naomi Hyde and Shayne Herold, 3,535, $280; Mark Brown, Kai Clark, Chris Bardol and Caycee Landers, 2,533, $240; Matt Balduf, Scott Culp, Brown and Clark, 3,480, $220, and Balduf, Culp, Aaron Philp and Tom Baker, 2,471, $200.

For a list of high scores in Genesee Region USBC league action this week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page. 

Press release:

Nominations are currently being accepted for this year’s induction class of the Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding OACS alumni who have achieved distinction in their lives and chosen field after high school through significant contributions to their career, community, or personal achievements.

If you know a person who meets the following criteria, please consider nominating him/her for this prestigious honor:

1. Nominees must be graduates of OACS or one of its predecessors or have been active in school classes and activities during their senior year. (Nominees who left school while in good standing to perform military service are also eligible. Deceased alumni are not eligible for induction until the fifth anniversary of the year of their death.)
2. Nominees must have graduated prior to 2007.
3. Selection is based on achievement after leaving OACS which includes a worthy record in more than one, and exemplary achievement in at least one of the following categories:
   • Job-related achievements
   • Professional honors and awards, professional affiliations, publications
   • Civic or community involvement
   • Personal achievements/accomplishments
   • Positive impact on the communities in the Oakfield-Alabama school district

Anyone may submit a nomination for any person meeting the criteria stated above. Nominations must be made during the nomination period only (March 1 – May 15) by using the Online Nomination Form or the PDF Nomination Form (see link below). Electronically submitted nominations are strongly preferred over mailed-in, hardcopy nominations.

Access the Online Nomination Form here.

Press release:

Genesee Amateur Hockey Association hosted 34 children at the Batavia Ice Rink (aka The David McCarthy Memorial Ice Area) on Evans Street on Saturday, March 5th for a Try Hockey For Free clinic as part of  USA Hockey  Week  Across  America.  Starting at 111:50 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. local youth, ages 4 to 9, were welcomed at the Rink to experience getting on the ice, learning how to “skate”, get up after falling, basic skills with a hockey stick, and shooting punks into a hockey net (all by being guided by the head coach and on-ice helpers).

“We look forward to welcoming families to Batavia Ice Rink to try our great sport of ice hockey,” said Sharon Gray, Coordinator of the “Try Hockey for Free” event.  “Our goal is for these families to enjoy watching their kids learn new skills with big smiles on their faces.”

The head coach for today’s event is Erik Triftshauser along with Fred Hamilton – both with more than 20 years plus starting out as GAHA players, high school players and GAHA coaches over the years.  Their on-ice helpers are mostly from this year’s United high school teams along with the sons.

The event is hosted by the Try Hockey for Free Coordinators – Sharon and Bob Gray and the GAHA Beginner Player Coordinator – Marcia Barnes.  It is the team’s goal to provide the hockey experience to area youngsters free of charge and encourage them to come October become a player in the GAHA Beginner Program which starts the first week of October.  The Beginner Program consists of two sessions (October to December and January to March) with a total of 15 on-ice hours per session.

The skates used by the youngsters are being provided “free of charge” by the Firland Rink Management Group.

USA Hockey’s Try Hockey program, with the support of the National Hockey League and NHL member clubs, among others, is designed to provide youth hockey associations with a national platform for introducing children to the sport, free of charge. 

Photos by Erin Staley.