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Milestones include engagement, wedding and birth announcements as well as job promotions, military service and similar personal accomplishments of you and your family that you wish to share with the community.

Brittany Perzia, of Batavia, graduates from Boston College

By Billie Owens

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. June 15, 2016 -- Brittany Perzia, of Batavia, has graduated summa cum laude from Boston College with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University's Robert J. Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences (major(s): Biology, Communication).

She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society and was given the Thomas I Gasson award for ranking #1 in The Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences

Commencement was held on May 23 in Alumni Stadium on the Boston College campus. There were some 4,000 undergraduate and graduate degree recipients in the Boston College Class of 2016.

Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1863, Boston College today is one of the foremost universities in the United States, with a coeducational enrollment of approximately 14,100 undergraduate and graduate students drawn from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. Boston College is focused on its founding Jesuit mission to offer students a transforming educational experience: to help them develop both their intellect and their character, and to encourage them to lead lives of faith, integrity and service to others.

Notre Dame senior to receive William F. Brown Memorial Scholarship from The Jerome Foundation

By Billie Owens

Connor Logsdon, a newly graduated senior from Notre Dame High School with an exemplary record of leadership and community service, has been selected to receive the William F. Brown Jr. Memorial Scholarship from The Jerome Foundation.

The $1,000 award was established in the spring of 2015 in memory of Brown, noted Batavia author, broadcaster and journalist, who died in November 2014 at the age of 91.

A former owner and president of WBTA Radio and longtime correspondent for The Buffalo News, Brown also was a charter member and trustee emeritus of The Jerome Foundation, a not-for-profit association that distributes funds to benefit United Memorial Medical Center and other entities.

The scholarship is awarded annually to a 12th-grader who intends to pursue at least a four-year degree in Journalism, Communications or Public Relations. The honoree must attend a high school in Genesee County and reside in Genesee County.

Logsdon served as class president and National Honor Society president at Notre Dame, where he compiled a 91 average while completing a dozen advanced placement courses. He will be attending Fairfield University in the fall, majoring in Public Relations through the Connecticut institution’s College of Arts and Sciences.

He was awarded the Bellarmine Scholarship by Fairfield University, a tuition award of $18,000 that is renewable for four years.

Logsdon has been active outside of the classroom, most notably for his role as volunteer coordinator for the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, a Batavia-based organization that oversees several events throughout the year to support families dealing with cancer.

The foundation was founded in 2007 in honor of Michael Napoleone, one of Connor’s best friends, who died at the age of 8 due to an aggressive form of blood cancer.

Logsdon has been recognized for his leadership skills with awards from Assemblyman Stephen M. Hawley and Sen. Michael H. Ranzenhofer. 

He also participated in drama club, and the school’s mock trial program and volunteered at his church and for other community projects. A three-sport athlete, Logsdon received the Joe Zais Memorial Award for leadership in 2015 as a member of the Little Irish varsity football team.

 “Connor’s resume speaks for itself,” said Justin Calarco-Smith, president of The Jerome Foundation. “Both in the classroom and in the community, he is a proven leader.

“We wish him nothing but the best as he pursues a career in the Public Relations field. Without a doubt, Bill (Brown) would be thrilled with Connor’s selection.” 

Genesee County undersheriff completes statewide training program

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo.

Press release:

Genesee County Undersheriff William A. Sheron Jr. (center), along with 40 undersheriffs from across New York State, attended a training conference at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs last week. Sponsored and organized by the New York State Sheriffs' Association and the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute, the program provides the Undersheriffs with training in the latest advances in law enforcement and correctional practices.

During the three‐day program: Oneida County Undersheriff Rob Swenszkowski presented the International Association of Chiefs of Police leadership training program; Madison County Sheriff Allen Riley and Associate Counsel Alex Wilson reviewed legislative issues including “Raise the Age” proposals; Niagara County Undersheriff Michael Filicetti discussed a Niagara County officer involved shooting and recruiting for law enforcement officers; Madison County Lieutenant Jeff Franceschelli, assistant jail administrator, presented the benefits and continuing hurdles of PREA compliance; Chautauqua County Undersheriff Chuck Holder discussed their Pistol Permit Program; and Lt. Robert Richards, Niagara County Stop DWI coordinator, and Michelle James, St. Lawrence County, discussed collection of DWI fines and fees.

The Undersheriff is appointed by the County Sheriff and often functions as the chief administrative officer, reviewing all operations of the Sheriff’s Office, including the road patrol and investigative divisions, the county jail, the civil law enforcement division, court security, and the 911/communications and dispatch division.

NYSSA is a not‐for‐profit corporation formed in 1934 to assist New York’s Sheriffs in the effective delivery of services to the public. It’s comprised of all 58 Sheriffs in New York State. The Sheriffs’ Institute was established in 1979 to advance criminal justice education, prevent juvenile delinquency, and support victims of crime and their families.

BHS grad and team from University of Rochester take third place in Tibetan Innovation Challenge

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo of Batavia High School graduate Brandon Smart (center) and his team (holding certificates and trophies) at the University of Rochester, who took Third Place last week in the Tibetan Innovation Challege. Team members are, from left: Su Sean Ng, Sarah Spoto, Smart, Fahria Omar and Kat Cook.

Press release:

Brandon Smart, 2016 graduate of Batavia High School and now an undergraduate at the University of Rochester, along with his four teammates placed third in the Tibetan Innovation Challenge.

This is an intercollegiate social entrepreneurship business plan contest. Top universities from around the world compete in this challenge. The ideals submitted from this contest are meant to improve the lives of Tibetans living in refugee camps in India.

Smart and his team competed with four others finalist teams in the final round of the competition June 3 in Rochester. The winning team was from the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester.

Smart's team proposed a powder and water that used the power of barley to provide benefits to consumers while aiding Tibetan refugees at the same time.

All of the business proposal were presented to a lecture hall of people, including the four judges and Dalai Lama representatives. The judges and coordinators said this was the toughest and closest competition thus far. 
 
The teams that made the finals were of high caliber, all of them MBA students from top universities.
 
Smart was the only undergraduate student who made it to the finals, and on his first try, the rest were all graduate students, several of whom had competed in the challenge previously. He was also the youngest finalist in the competition's history.
 
"It was such a great experience...truly an amazing moment," Smart said. "I will be forever grateful for and inspired by these amazing women. They gave me the opportunity of a lifetime by adopting me onto their team. They saw potential in me and this led to the other graduate students and judges from the competition to see potential in me as well.
 
"I've been seeking and preparing for an opportunity like this for several years and I can't thank Su Sean Ng, Sarah, Fahria, and Kat enough for all that they have done for me. We hope to push the company live in the near future, selling Mya Barley Powder to local areas and expand as demand increases. We turn a profit by year 2 so the ROI is very strong."
 
For business inquires, contact Brandon Smart at brandonsmart96@gmail.com.
 
Here is a video detailing the company (the most video on YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAubLB5Zlfc

Samantha Walker of Byron was on Lebanon Valley College's women's track and field team

By Billie Owens

Samantha Walker, of Byron, was one of more than 200 Lebanon Valley College students who played a varsity sport during the 2016 spring season. Walker, a graduate of Byron-Bergen High School, was a member of Lebanon Valley's women's track and field team(s). Walker is pursuing a bachelor of science in Actuarial Science at The Valley.

The Dutchmen finished third at the Outdoor MAC Championships in May. Olivia Jendrzejewski took gold in the high and triple jump events and Jessica Olewine placed silver in the long jump. The women's 4x800 relay and 4x100 both won silver and earned First-Team All-MAC honors. In total, 21 athletes either received gold, silver, or bronze, and All-MAC honors. Jendrzejewski, who was named the MAC Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year, is capped her stellar junior campaign by earning All-America honors at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a fifth-place finish in the high jump. She also earned USTFCCCA All-Region honors in all three jump events to go along with a CoSIDA Academic All-District nod.

A member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III, American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), and Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC), Lebanon Valley College offers 24 sports. More information about LVC athletics is available at godutchmen.com.

Lebanon Valley College is a private, coeducational college founded in 1866 and dedicated to the liberal arts. The College offers 40 undergraduate majors plus self-designed majors and a range of minors, concentrations, and pre-professional options, as well as graduate degree programs in athletic training, business administration, music education, physical therapy, science education, and speech-language pathology.

The College has 1,608 full-time undergraduate students and 108 full-time faculty. Students can choose from more than 90 clubs and organizations, and 12 study abroad programs. LVC awards generous academic scholarships to those whose high school records demonstrate a commitment to challenge and achievement. Learn more at www.lvc.edu.

Annville is 15 minutes east of Hershey and 35 minutes east of Harrisburg; Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are within two hours.

Catherine McAllister of Batavia to participate in Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery Program

By Billie Owens

Catherine McAllister, of Batavia, who graduated from Duquesne University in May, will participate in the Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery Program, an all-expenses-paid educational and cultural initiative that sends Italian-American students to Italy. Sponsored by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), the tour will visit Italy’s Piemonte region, NIAF’s 2016 Region of Honor, from June 9 to 23.

McAllister is one of 20 college students selected from across the nation to participate in this program. She was a 2012 Batavia High School graduate and has been awarded a Paolo Busti Scholarship. She is the daughter of Gregg and Debbie Accardi, of Batavia, members of the Paolo Busti Society of Genesee County.

For the fourth consecutive year, participants will give back to the Italian community.  This year, the students will work with school children under the care of the Salesians of Don Bosco at the Mother House, known as Valdocco, in the city of Torino. This NIAF travel program’s benefactor is a member of the Occhienna family, the mother of Saint Don Bosco. Ambassador Peter F. Secchia’s father is a descendent of the Occhienna family.

“The Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery Program affords these young adults an incredible opportunity to further understand the historical significance of Italy and its many contributions to the United States and to the world. The bond these students forge with each other and with Italy will increase their interest in preserving their shared heritage,” said Anita Bevacqua McBride, co-chair of the Foundation’s scholarships and grants committee.

“We are so proud that we are able to offer such a program to young Italian American students. This cornerstone program of the Foundation will strengthen their understanding of their rich culture as they experience the land of their ancestors for the very first time in their lives,” said Gabriella Mileti, NIAF director of programs.

Now in its 17th year, the 14-day NIAF program kicks off with a walking tour of Torino, the first capital of modern Italy and the residence of the Royal Savoy Family. In Torino, the group will visit La Reggia Venaria, one of the residences of the Royal Savoy Family; the Basilica of Superga, the burial place of the Savoy Family; Palazzo Reale, the royal seat of Duke Emanuele Filberto in 1563; and the National Museum of Cinema. The first evening will include a dinner with members of the NIAF Board of Directors at a local agriturismo, a working farmhouse.

The itinerary includes: tours of the Martini & Rossi factory and museum in Asti, one of the renowned centers of wine production; the Borsalino factory, known for its fedoras; and the famed chocolatier Ferrero factory in Alba, home of the white truffle, “tartufo bianco.” Visits to the historic towns Acqui Terme, Alessandria and Neive are also part of the tour. In Nieve, students will visit a 17th century winery “La Cantina del Glicine.” During the program, students will gather to watch Italy play against Ireland, Sweden and Belgium in the Euro Cup 2016. The students also will participate in an excursion on Lake Maggiore to explore Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori.

NIAF is proud to administer the Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery Program which includes round-trip airfare between the United States and Italy, accommodations, meals, guided tours and on the ground transportation. For more information, visit www.niaf.org/voyageofdiscovery.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage of Italian-Americans. Visit www.niaf.org.

Sarah Hill of Corfu now member of Phi Kappa Phi at SUNY Potsdam

By Billie Owens

Sarah Hill, of Corfu, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Hill was initiated at State University of New York at Potsdam.

Hill is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine and headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society. The Society has chapters on more than 300 college and university campuses in North America and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

Sheriff's sergeant and deputy continue to learn and grow professionally

By Billie Owens

Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello (center) upon completion of the Civil Supervisors’ Training Program with (l to r) Broome County Sheriff Dave Harder, Cortland County Sheriff Mark Helms, Sheriffs’ Association President/Herkimer County Sheriff Chris Farber, and Saratoga County Sheriff Mike Zurlo.

Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Reeves (center) upon completion of Phase 2 of the Statewide Civil Law Enforcement School, Albany County Chief Deputy Paul Courcelle (left) and Sheriffs’ Institute Executive Director Chris O’Brien (right).

 

Submitted photos and press release:

Sixty deputy sheriffs and civilian staff from 43 Sheriff’s offices around the state attended the New York State Sheriffs' Association/Sheriffs’ Institute Civil Supervisors’ Training Conference in May at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, including Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello. The three-day training program is part of a training series offered each year.

Additionally, 37 deputy sheriffs and civilian staff from 20 Sheriff’s offices around the state completed Phase 2 of a specialized training program in Civil Law Enforcement at the Albany County Courthouse in May, including Deputy Patrick Reeves. Deputy Reeves completed Phase 1 training in April of this year. This week‐long Phase 2 Civil Basic School is sponsored by the New York State Sheriffs' Association Institute.

The school is required for counties seeking to earn accreditation of its civil office from the New York State Sheriffs’ Association. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Civil Bureau is accredited. The training is provided without charge to any civil personnel nominated for the school by a sheriff.

All sheriffs have civil law enforcement functions, including the service of process and enforcement of judgments and other court orders and mandates. These conferences provide participants with training in the latest advances in civil law enforcement and a forum to discuss current civil law enforcement issues and share best practices.

NYSSA is a not-for-profit corporation formed in 1934 to assist New York’s Sheriffs in the effective delivery of services to the public. It comprises all 58 sheriffs in New York State. The Sheriffs’ Institute was established in 1979 to advance criminal justice education, prevent juvenile delinquency, support victims of crime and their families, and provides the only statewide training program for civil deputies.

Richmond library to dedicate Roy Mason paintings in honor of the late Ted & Rosemary Surowka

By Billie Owens

Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia is hosting a Reception and Dedication Ceremony on Wednesday, June 29 at 6:30 pm. 

All are invited to the dedication of the library’s Roy Mason paintings in memory of the late Ted and Rosemary Surowka, commemorating their many years of service to the Batavia City Schools and the Richmond Memorial Library.

A performance by the musical group “Folk ‘o the Road” will follow. More information is available in the library and at www.batavialibrary.org.

GC 4-H youth compete at state Horse Communications event

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo: Alexandria Tarbell, left, and Alianna Baris.

Press release:

Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H youth who competed in the 2016 New York State 4-H Horse Communications Event at Cornell University in Ithaca on Saturday, May 14! Representing Genesee County 4-H in the Junior Individual Presentations category were Alianna Baris from the Mystic Riders Club and Alexandria Tarbell from the Rustic Riders Club.

4-H youth from across New York State came together to compete in the NYS 4-H  Horse Communications Contest, which is an event for qualifying youth (decided at the regional level) to compete and show off public speaking and communication skills. The event is centered around the horse world, encompassing a wide variety of topics.

The communications program offered by 4-H is one of the most beneficial programs, allowing youth to learn and practice public speaking skills that can be used in future.

Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, and the NYS Horse Program are proud of all the youth who participated in this educational event.  Congratulations ladies!

For more information regarding local opportunities in 4-H Youth Development call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at 585-343-3040, ext. 101 or e-mailgenesee4h@cornell.edu. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Allison M. Weaver of Le Roy named to dean's list this spring at Kutztown U. in Pennsylvania

By Billie Owens

KUTZTOWN, PA (05/26/2016)-- Allison M. Weaver, of Le Roy, has been named to the Spring 2016 dean's list at Kutztown University. To be eligible for dean's list, an undergraduate student must be registered for at least 12 credits and have a minimum grade point average of 3.60. More than 1,650 students were named to the list.

Founded in 1866, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education located on 289 acres nestled in the beautiful East Penn Valley in Berks County, between Reading and Allentown. For more information, please visit www.kutztown.edu.

GCASA Foundation awards scholarship to Notre Dame senior Jessica Bukowski

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Each year, GCASA Foundation awards two $1,000 scholarships; one to a Genesee County student and one to an Orleans County student. GCASA Foundation Scholarship was established to support the work of GCASA. The foundation board is committed to the scholarship program, created to help students who will study human services, counseling, or health services.

The committee selected Jessica Bukowski, a senior at Notre Dame High School as the award recipient for a Genesee County student. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Senate, and Mock Trial Team. She also is a competitive gymnast and member of the varsity swim, diving, softball, and cross-country teams. Jessica works as a gymnastics coach and is expected to graduate second in a class of 39 students.

In Jessica’s essay, she wrote, “I will study and perform the best I can in my education and then take what I learn to help make at least one person’s life better.”

Jessica plans to pursue a degree in Psychology at Canisius College.

Caitlin Malanowski, is an Albion Central School senior and the recipient of the award for an Orleans County student.

This year, the selection committee, comprised of two board members, Kathleen Maerten and James Morey, and one past board member, Jason Smith, decided to add an additional Director’s Choice scholarship award in the amount of $250 due to the exceptional applications received. The Director’s Choice scholarship was awarded to Albion Central School senior, Madeline Gibbs.

Sarah M. DiBacco of Batavia earns BS in Chemistry from St. Lawrence University

By Billie Owens

Sarah M. DiBacco, of Batavia, was one of nearly 600 students who were awarded bachelor degrees from St. Lawrence University during Commencement ceremonies held on May 22 in Canton.

DiBacco is a member of the Class of 2016 and majored in Chemistry. DiBacco received the degree of bachelor of science magna cum laude. DiBacco graduated from Batavia High School.

About St. Lawrence University:

Founded in 1856, St. Lawrence University is a private, independent liberal arts institution of about 2,500 students located in Canton, New York. The educational opportunities at St. Lawrence inspire students and prepare them to be critical and creative thinkers, to find a compass for their lives and careers, and to pursue knowledge and understanding for the benefit of themselves, humanity and the planet. Visit www.stlawu.edu.

Nazareth College announces students on dean's list for Spring 2016

By Billie Owens

ROCHESTER, NY (05/26/2016)-- Nazareth College announces its Dean's List for the Spring of 2016 semester.

Kelsey Hill, of Batavia, is majoring in Health Sciences.

Lauryn Krebs, of Corfu, is majoring in International Studies.

Jessica Meyers, of East Bethany, is majoring in Occupational Science.

Kelsey Milligan, of Pavilion, is majoring in Health Sciences.

Kathleen O'Donnell, of Batavia, is majoring in Biology.

Andrea Raphael, of Batavia, is majoring in Occupational Science.

Courtney Taylor, of Bergen, is majoring in Biology.

Alexandra Walker, of Byron, is majoring in Communication Science & Disorders.

Steve Hyde named chairman of the NYS Economic Development Council

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Steve Hyde, president and CEO of Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), has been named chairman of the New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC). It is the state's largest economic development organization.

Hyde was elected to a two-year term during NYSEDC’s annual meeting in Cooperstown today (May 25). Hyde and the GCEDC have been members of the NYSEDC since 2004. 

The New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC) is the state’s principal organization representing economic development professionals, businesses and colleges and universities for more than 40 years. NYSEDC promotes the economic development of the state and its communities and encourages sound practices in the conduct of local, regional and statewide development programs, as well as develops education programs that enhance the professional development skills of NYSEDC members.

“Steve Hyde has outstanding private and public sector experience and leadership and his record of success in Genesee County will serve NYSEDC well during his term as Chair,” said Brian McMahon, executive director of NYSEDC.      

As president and CEO of GCEDC, Hyde has played a critical role in generating more than $1 billion in new investment in Genesee County through the years, resulting in thousands of new jobs and unprecedented economic development growth.

One of the most notable economic development accomplishments to date is the 1,250-acre Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in the town of Alabama, which is expected to generate thousands of jobs in the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced in October 2015 the first tenant at STAMP – 1366 Technologies, which plans to build a state-of-the art solar wafer manufacturing facility creating approximately 1,000 new jobs over the next few years. 

“I have been very fortunate to work with some great public and private sector organizations in Genesee County which has resulted in me having the opportunity to serve as Chairman of NYSEDC,” Hyde said. “This opportunity will allow me to collaborate closely with various economic development leaders across New York State to create a more favorable climate for business growth and the retention and creation of jobs and private sector investment.”

Hyde holds a B.S. from Cornell University and an M.B.A. in finance, sales and marketing from Rochester Institute of Technology. He resides in the City of Batavia with his wife, Joann.

County treasurer named state's Finance Officer of the Year

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Scott German, Genesee County treasurer, was named Finance Officer of the Year by the New York State County Treasurers and Finance Officers Association at the statewide County Finance School last week.

German has served as County Treasurer since 2004, prior to which he served as Deputy County Treasurer for 10 years. In October 2014 he was elected to be one of two NY state directors to NACCTFO ( National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers & Finance Officers).

Members of the County Treasurers and Finance Association are elected county treasurers or comptrollers and appointed county commissioners of finance and their deputies from throughout New York State.

He received the award in Syracuse, while attending County Finance School, a training and education event for county treasurers and finance officers from across New York State. The event was hosted by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), the Office of the State Comptroller, and the NYS County Treasurers and Finance Officers Association.

“I am honored to receive this award from my colleagues across the state,” German said. “It is my privilege to serve Genesee County as treasurer, a role I take very seriously.”

County treasurers and finance officials from all areas of the state attended County Finance School, presenting a unique opportunity for attendees to share best practices and solutions.

“On behalf of NYSAC, we applaud Treasurer German’s commitment to Genesee County and its residents. Our associations thrive most when we exchange the innovative ideas and effective solutions that are being deployed in counties across the state. It is only fitting that we take the time to honor those who are putting those solutions to work for their residents,” said NYSAC President William E. Cherry.

The New York State Association of Counties is a bipartisan municipal association serving all 62 counties of New York State including the City of New York. Organized in 1925, NYSAC's mission is to represent, educate and advocate for member counties and the thousands of elected and appointed county officials who serve the public. Visit www.NYSAC.org to learn more.     

Sheriff's sergeant receives statewide Special Recognition Award for his work to help stop drunk driving

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Gregory H. Walker has been selected by the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) New York State to receive its “2016 Special Recognition Award." He was one of only two individuals statewide to be selected for this award.

Sgt. Walker was nominated by Genesee County Sheriff Gary T. Maha for his extensive involvement with DWI enforcement and drug recognition throughout his 28 years at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. 

In 1999, Sergeant Walker was the Office’s first DRE (Drug Recognition Expert) and was certified as a DRE Instructor in 2003. He continues to be very involved in the DRE program by assisting the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee with its DRE training, which covers several neighboring counties. He has played a role in reaching more than 300 educational professionals. Sgt. Walker has instructed 11 DRE classes and has conducted 169 DRE evaluations.

The award was presented to Sgt. Walker during a luncheon held in Schenectady on May 18. Attending the luncheon were Sheriff Maha and Chief Deputy Gordon L. Dibble.

Linden native crowned Miss New York State in Sunburst Pageant

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photos.)

Alexander High School graduate Fleur Remington (Class of 2013) was crowned Miss New York State in Syracuse on Sunday after winning the Sunburst Beauty Pageant there on Saturday.

The 21-year-old Genesee County native grew up in the Bethany hamlet of Linden and will be attending her second semester at SUNY Brockport this fall, where she will continue her studies as a Biology major, with a minor in Forensic Science.

As pageants go, she's pretty new to the scene. She competed with young women who've been participating in them since kindergarten. Remington's first beauty competition was at age 18 when she was a freshman at Genesee Community College. It was the Miss New York USA Pageant. She won a local title for Sunburst in Watertown in 2014 then tied for fourth place at the Sunburst Miss New York State last year.

Those experiences allowed her to gain some useful experience and knowlege.

In Saturday's pageant, she also won Photogenic categories A and B, Swimwear, Top Model Look and Model Search, and was second runner-up in Casual Wear. 

"I cried, to be honest," she said of being named Miss New York State. "It was so surreal for me. I worked so hard and I was competing with girls who've been doing this since age 5. It doesn't feel real yet."

Now that she's won a state crown, she will compete in July for the Florida-based Sunburst Pageant's International crown, which is sort of a misnomer: "It's called the International Pageant, but only girls from the U.S. compete."

When proof of talent is called for, she has the gift of song.

"I can sing," she said. "I've been singing since I took chorus in fourth grade. I was the only soprano to make all-county chorus every year from sixth through 12th grade."

In fact, Remington will perform at a USO show in Rochester on the 4th of July. She hasn't decided what song she'll perform yet.

Her minute in that bit of limelight comes at the behest of beauty pageant maven Mary Therese Friel, a native (born in 1960) and current resident of Pittsford who won the titles Miss New York USA and Miss USA. She later modeled and opened her own agency and now trains pageant participants.

Friel is credited with teaching her about the world of pageants. And Remington's experiences to date have helped her to become, as she puts it, "a professional young woman."

"I represent myself, my hometown, my family, and Genesee County," Remington said. "I want everyone to see me, and them, as part of a great community."

Besides making lasting friendships with her peers, she has gained self confidence by taking part in pageants. She tries her best, she said, and knows that with persistance and work she can achieve her goals.

And when she's ready to start a career, she has known since age 10 what she wants to do -- work in a crime lab. The gross things that those scientists get to study and investigate absolutely fascinate Miss Fleur Remington.

UPDATED: Oakfield's Williams family one of 36 selected nationwide as 'Lemonade Days Hero Reps' to help cure kids with cancer

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Oakfield resident and Childhood Cancer Hero, Brady Williams and his family, have been selected as Lemonade Days Hero Reps!

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation selected 36 families across the country as ambassadors for their national fundraiser in June. Each family symbolically represents the 36 children diagnosed with cancer daily in the United States. 

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a nonprofit dedicated to finding cures for all kids with cancer, has selected 36 families across the country to take a “stand” against childhood cancer as Lemonade Day Hero Reps during Alex’s Lemonade Days, June 10-12.

The 36 Lemonade Days Hero Reps symbolically represent the 36 children diagnosed with cancer every day in the United States. Each family has been personally impacted by childhood cancer and will spread awareness about the ongoing childhood cancer fight by sharing their personal journeys.

These 36 families show that childhood cancer occurs regularly, randomly and spares no ethnic group; socioeconomic class; or geographic region. As a part of their Lemonade Days Hero Family duties, the families will each hold a lemonade stand during Alex’s Lemonade Days, spread awareness of their initiatives to their communities and enlist community members to host their own stands.

Meet the Williams Family

“Brady is the best brother in the world,” says his brother, Eli.

Brady Williams, diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2009, is one in a set of triplets: Cara and Eli, ages 9. They also have a younger sister, Allison, age 7. The Williams family wants others to know that the impact of childhood cancer does not end when treatment ends. But Brady is optimistic saying, “Someday I will help make the world a better place!”

Alex’s Lemonade Days commemorates 8-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott’s challenge to help her raise $1 million for childhood cancer cures, one cup of lemonade at a time. With help from volunteers across the country, Alex reached her million dollar goal before losing her life to cancer in August 2004.

“Just like the Williams Family, our family knows firsthand just how personal the fight against childhood cancer is,” said Liz Scott, co-executive director of ALSF and Alex’s mom. “Our daughter would be honored to know that these 36 families will continue her legacy by literally taking a stand against childhood cancer and inspiring those in their community to come together toward finding cures.”

Now every year, volunteers are invited to host lemonade stands over the course of these three days in June to continue Alex’s mission and bring renewed attention to the fight against childhood cancer. Since 2004, more than 22,000 Lemonade Days stands have been held nationally, raising over $12 million. This year, the Foundation hopes to reach the 25,000th Lemonade Days stand.

Participants are encouraged to show support through social media utilizing #LemonadeDays on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and more.

For more information on Alex’s Lemonade Days and to sign up to host a lemonade stand visit AlexsLemonadeDays.org.

***UPDATE JUNE 2: The Williams’ lemonade stand is from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 10, at Valle Jewelers, 21 Jackson St., Batavia.

Brandon Hackett of Pavilion begins military career in NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

LATHAM, NY (05/17/2016)-- Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General of New York, announces the recent service accomplishment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their initial commitment to serve community, state and nation.

Pfc. Brandon Hackett, from Pavilion, completed the Army's rigorous basic combat training and advanced individual training, culminating with a ceremony held May 15 at the Geneseo Armory in Geneseo to mark start of training with their new unit, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry.

The ceremony marks their completion of the National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program, a preparatory training program that provides new recruits with training, lessons and skills to excel at their initial military training.

The Soldiers will now embark on their traditional National Guard service to state and nation as part time Citizen Soldiers.

"The handoff ceremony marks the introduction of our new Soldiers to their unit and receiving new shoulder insignia, highlighting the start of their military service here in New York to serve state and nation, German said. "I commend these Soldiers for their initial accomplishments in training as their first milestone of a career as a Citizen Soldier."

"Every Soldier or Airman in every unit across our state plays an important role in defending our homeland and serving our nation. We welcome these newest Citizen Soldiers as part of our New York National Guard family."

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

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