A minor-injury accident is blocking traffic at Route 33 and Wortendyke Road in the Town of Batavia. East Pembroke fire is responding along with deputies and Mercy medics.
UPDATE 12:44 p.m.: Extrication equipment is required at the scene. A second Mercy rig is dispatched.
Locals from the community gathered together yesterday in support of the second annual "Hops for Hope" by the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation to raise money for pediatric cancer.
The Foundation was established in 2007, in memory of Michael C. Napoleone, the 8-year-old son of Mark and Laurie Napoleone from Batavia, who died from Burkitt’s Lymphoma/Leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer.
Laurie thanked the crowd for coming to support the fundraiser event and also added "moments change very rapidly as ours did in 2005, surround yourself with good people, you continue to move forward despite the many challenges life gives you."
She continued to speak of what the foundation has contributed since it's inception. More than $436,000 has helped hundreds of local families, $90,000 has been contributed to research, $68,000 were donated to youth grants. Golisano Children's Hospital has two hospital rooms from the charity totaling $50,000 and locally in Batavia at UMMC Rochester Regional Health was given $25,000 for a new ICU pediatric room that is tenatively scheduled to be completed in 2021.
The event was held at Eli Fish Brewing Company, cost was $15 per person and included many food stations along with basket raffles, a Yeti cooler, foundation glass raffle, a live band and a cornhole tournament.
The foundation next big event is May 2nd -- the 2020 Derby Day Gala held at Terry Hills Golf Course, Restaurant and Banquet Facility at 4 p.m.
Above is the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Board.
The Ohms band
Health Academy Students from Laurie Napoleone's class
NY-27 resident Michael Caputo, a political strategist with ties to Donald Trump, took to Twitter today to ask why didn't we, in our story about Nate McMurray being put on unpaid leave by his employer, Delaware North, mention that McMurray has said "insulting things" about his company and its owners.
In a statement in the tweet directed at another reporter from Upstate New York, Caputo said, "how long would you last if you tweeted insults about the owners of (the name of the reporter's newspaper)."
"Do more reporting," Caputo said.
Caputo raised a valid point -- at least insofar as we should have taken a closer look at those tweets, so we did.
In the past 30 days, McMurray has mentioned, either directly or indirectly, Delaware North or the Jacobs family 18 times.
Sixteen of those tweets were posted since Feb. 8, which would have been after McMurray said he was placed on unpaid leave.
McMurray is running for the NY-27 seat vacated in September by Rep. Chris Collins, who pled guilty to federal insider trading charges. The family of McMurray's opponent, Chris Jacobs, owns Delaware North, where McMurray, licensed to practice law in New York, is a VP of business development.
Attempts to reach Jacobs or a member of the campaign for comment have been unsuccessful.
In an interview with Caputo this afternoon, Caputo said McMurray's tweets are problematic, and whether they came before or after McMurray was placed on unpaid leave, they should give voters pause about McMurray's judgment.
"This is the only public visibility that Western New Yorkers have to the kind of employee he was," Caputo said. "If he's willing to say those things for all the world to see, you can imagine what kind of teammate he was at Delaware North."
Caputo is not associated with the Jacobs campaign and is not currently working with any other potential candidate in the NY-27, though he did spearhead a "Draft David Bellavia" effort last year.
The Aurora resident said, "I know 100 attorneys who are more qualified than him who would kill for the job he has. From my perspective, if he ever darkens the door of Delaware North again, it would be a shame."
We spoke with McMurray briefly today and he dismissed the accusation that he was put on unpaid leave for his tweets but said he couldn't discuss the issue in detail.
"This wasn't something that happened suddenly," McMurray said. "This happened after mounting pressure."
He wouldn't elaborate on what he meant by "pressure."
As for the content of his tweets, especially those sent since Feb. 8, McMurray said, "My duty is to talk about issues relevant to the people of the 27th District."
From a review of McMurray's tweets over the past 30 days, the first reference we can find to his employers is from Feb. 1.
As a kid, the richest guy I knew was my uncle, an electrician with a Caddy.
— Nate McMurray for Congress 2020 (@Nate_McMurray) February 1, 2020
My opponent’s uncle owns the gosh darn Boston Bruins.
That matters, is reflected in what we fight for.
Deep down, I will always be the kid in the grubby Sabre’s shirt yelling, “the Bruins suck!”
His next tweet was Feb. 3.
My opponent calls me a “deranged socialist loser.”
— Nate McMurray for Congress 2020 (@Nate_McMurray) February 3, 2020
But his billionaire uncle paid me to be the Vice President of Business Development at their company for years! How does that make sense?
NOW HIRING: “Deranged socialist loser” status a plus!
(they will say anything...)
Starting Feb. 8, McMurray sent out 16 tweets that made reference to his job or his employers, including at least one that seemed to hint at his employment situation:
I work for the company owned by my opponent’s family. I’m going to talk about it, because it hasn’t been easy.
— Nate McMurray for Congress 2020 (@Nate_McMurray) February 8, 2020
I like a lot of the people there. But here’s a secret...a lot of them like me. Many are proud. I’m proud.
Who doesn’t like telling the Boss...
YOU DON’T OWN ME.
One of McMurray's favorite targets during this tweetstorm is the Jacobs' family ownership of two casinos in Western New York.
When I leave our humble campaign office in Hamburg, I drive by the glowing casino owned by my opponent’s family...one of many.
— Nate McMurray for Congress 2020 (@Nate_McMurray) February 11, 2020
Can you imagine owning a casino? Will Ferrell made a movie about it. He went to jail. It’s like printing money.
ELITE PRIVILEGE
That’s what we face.
In his tweets, McMurray hinted at corrupt motives of the Jacobs' family in promoting Chris Jacobs for Congress:
On both sides of NY27 are two big casinos. Full of people. Spending lots.
— Nate McMurray for Congress 2020 (@Nate_McMurray) February 12, 2020
My opponent’s family owns both. In our part of the world only people named Jacobs and Native Peoples (under law) got casino licenses.
And now they want a Congrssman. To get more? Haven’t they got enough?
In one tweet, McMurray accused Jacobs of voting on a bill in the State Senate that affects the family casino businesses. We are unable to substantiate the claim.
Did Christopher vote on legislation affecting his family’s financial interests?
— Nate McMurray for Congress 2020 (@Nate_McMurray) February 15, 2020
Yes. #NY27, didn’t we watch the last Congressman go to jail for doing some of that too?
Yes.
One of Caputo's issues with McMurray's tweets is that he is using the Jacobs' family wealth as a wedge issue as part of his seemingly progressive, anti-inequality campaign theme.
If your family owned half of Buffalo, had your name on everything from hospitals to hockey teams—while people across your region suffered from the worst jobless rate in the country—you’d think you’d say, “Maybe we should keep our heads down.” Not, “We want Congress too.”
— Nate McMurray for Congress 2020 (@Nate_McMurray) February 8, 2020
"He uses income disparity with a Berniesque (referring to Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders) spin," Caputo said. "That rhetoric doesn't play well in the NY-27. The vast majority of Republicans in the NY-27 find that kind of rhetoric offensive."
Reminded that this is a populist district that almost went for Jack Davis in the last special election (a special election in 2011 won by Kathy Hochul), Caputo said that may be so, but McMurray's approach to wealth inequality is not the approach that will resonate in the district.
"Looking at the income disparity message, using his employer as an example, he looks like a guy who stabs his employer in the back by using the wealth of a family that has fed him for years as a hammer in the income disparity debate," Caputo said. "The NY-27 is going to find him offensive."
Caputo is aware that self-funded Republicans handpicked by GOP leadership hasn't worked out too well for the NY-27 in recent years. There was Chris Lee who was caught posting shirtless photos of himself on Craigslist and Chris Collins who is going to prison on insider trading charges.
The other difficulty Chris Jacobs faces in the special election is he does not seem to be the choice of Trump-supporting Republicans. Jacobs is also not Caputo's first choice but Jacobs has his support now.
"I am Republican and I support the Republican nominee," Caputo said.
Whether Jacobs wins or loses the special election on April 28, both Stefan Mychajliw and Beth Parlato are vying for the title of most Trump-loyal future member of Congress, to the point of attacking Jacobs as a "NeverTrumper," which Caputo acknowledges could dampen GOP turnout in an election timed to coincide with the Democratic presidential primary. If the Democratic turnout is more than 50 percent -- Caputo considers that unlikely -- McMurray could be sent to Washington for at least seven months.
"The real question is how much do you want Nate McMurray as your congressman," Caputo said. "The question Republicans have to answer is, do you want Nate McMurray as your congressman for even five minutes?"
Caputo calls McMurray a socialist. A charge McMurray has repeatedly denied (in our video interview on Thursday, we pressed McMurray on the socialism issue; we'll release the video after Jacobs has participated in a proportional, in-depth interview).
If McMurray does pull out a victory on April 28, Caputo said he's confident he won't stand a chance to in the general election in November.
"It's metaphysically impossible for a Democrat to win in the district when Donald Trump is on the ballot," Caputo said.
UPDATE 9 p.m.: It's been brought to our attention that we have perhaps not explained enough about what Delaware North is. Here's the Wikipedia entry: "Delaware North is a global foodservice and hospitality company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. The company also operates in the lodging, sporting, airport, gaming and entertainment industries. The company employs over 55,000 people worldwide and has over $3.2 billion in annual revenues." Key people: Chairman Jeremy Jacobs, and Jerry Jacobs and Louis M. Jacobs are co-CEOs, and Charlie Jacobs is CEO of Boston Holdings. Delaware North operates nine gaming facilities nationally, including Hamburg and Finger Lakes.
Shortly after this story was published, Nate McMurray (we had asked him to substantiate his tweet quoted above) provided links to three senate bills that are related to the casino business in New York that Jacobs cast votes on. They are:
When Nate McMurray ran against Chris Collins in 2018 for the NY-27 congressional seat, there was no apparent problem with his employer, Buffalo-based Delaware North.
He kept his job. He kept his salary.
During his tenure as supervisor in Grand Island, he kept his job. He kept his pay.
Two weeks ago, Delaware North informed McMurray he was being placed on leave without pay. He wasn't given an explanation.
Delaware North is owned by the family of Chris Jacobs, McMurray's opponent in the April 28 special election for the NY-27.
McMurray said he and his family are presently getting by on vacation pay and an earned bonus.
"I worked hard for the company," McMurray said. "I love many people there. But this is unquestionably difficult. I’ve expressed that to them."
Despite the loss of a regular paycheck, McMurray said he's committed to staying in the race.
McMurray made reference to his loss of wages today on Twitter and The Batavian reached out to him for clarification. He said he was limited in what he could say about the situation but confirmed that he had been put on leave without pay.
An attorney licensed to practice law in New York, McMurray is part of Delaware North's legal team.
Multiple attempts to reach the Jacobs campaign today for comment were unsuccessful. We also tried reaching out to Delaware North for comment and were unsuccessful. Messages were left in both cases.
Photo: Still from a video interview The Batavian conducted with Nate McMurray on Thursday evening at the Richmond Memorial Library. We intended to release the full nearly 50-minute interview once we've secured a similar and proportional interview with Chris Jacobs.
Press release:
As budget negotiations in Albany intensify, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has written to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie requesting that Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) Aid be restored in this year’s Enacted Budget due April 1.
The City of Batavia is slated to lose $440,789; the Town of Batavia $160,388 and Genesee County $200,392 as proposed by Gov. Cuomo in this year’s Executive Budget.
“The impact on these municipalities, along with others, will put a devastating financial hardship on our already overtaxed New York State citizens who continue to flee to other states,” Hawley wrote in the letter.
“Local officials and constituents in my district have reached out to me with their concerns. This proposal will have a huge impact on fire companies, police officers and other essential personnel who provide safety for our communities. On behalf of all communities in jeopardy of losing this aid, I implore you to restore this funding."
A crash is blocking traffic at Ellicott and Court streets in the city. Two vehicles involved, no injuries. City fire and Batavia police are responding.
A two-car accident that's blocking traffic is reported at Alleghany and Bloomingdale roads, Basom. One person has a chest injury. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.
The long-anticipated Ellicott Trail was supposed to be finished by Thanksgiving, but it's now Valentine's Day and still no dice. Why? One word: WEATHER.
"The Ellicott Trail is about 70 percent complete," said Thomas Lichtenthal Jr., Town of Batavia highway superintendent and assistant engineer. "We plan on completing it by June this year and open it to the public. We had some weather delays in the fall last year that didn't allow us to complete it."
Only four months to go, which will mark to the month when actual construction began three years prior.
The $1.7-million project is funded mainly with state Department of Transportation grant money. It's a joint venture by the City of Batavia and the Town of Batavia, with each contributing 10 percent of funding. The town is the lead agency.
A new bridge on Walnut Street was paid for with a $250,000 Municipal Facility Grant, and Genesee County Parks Department capital project funds will pay for a boardwalk at DeWitt Receation Area.
The trail itself is 4.6 miles long, but from end to end it's nine miles if you include sidewalks and bridges. It goes from Seven Springs Road to Pearl Street Road (Route 33).
Once open, during daylight hours only, signs will point the way for pedestrians and bicyclists. Motor vehicles will not be allowed on the trail, except for those of first responders -- firefighters, medics and law enforcement. City police will have bike patrols in spring and summer.
The off-road sections have been the most labor-intensive because of culverts, dilapidated railroad beds, trees and other vegetation and the removal of them.
Ellicott Trail will provide an alternative for physical exercise, the enjoyment of nature, and traversing the city and its businesses. Enthusiasts tout this kind of amenity as one that is increasingly attractive to urbanites, especially Millennials.
(Top: File image of the winning entry in the Ellicott Trail logo contest, unveiled in February 2017. It was created by Jayme Privitera, a professional graphic designer.)
The Genesee County Planning Board on Thursday night recommended approval of a site plan review to operate a gift shop in the former Warner’s Flower Shop at 21 Main St., Oakfield.
Seeing no significant countywide or intercommunity impact, the board gave its OK for Denise Linsey, of Basom, to purchase the building and set up her own store in the Commercial (C-1) District, which will be called “Simple Pleasures Home Décor & Gifts.”
Linsey’s application states that the store will be open from 1 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
The proposal now will be considered by the Oakfield Village Board for final approval.
In other action, the board recommended:
-- Approval with modifications of a special use permit for Thomas Dougherty of 1262 Herkimer Road, Darien, to construct a recreational pond on his property.
The approval is contingent upon the developer adhering to guidelines issued by the Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District office that focus upon the location and construction parameters as well as obtaining permits from the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
-- Approval of a site plan review for the construction of a 6,000-square-foot storage building (40-by-150) at Six Flags Darien Lake. The proposed 24-foot high building would be located off Sumner Road in an area behind the amphitheater.
-- Approval of a downtown design (site plan) review for contractor Ben Boyce to install a 12-foot by 9-foot overhead door and a 3-foot by 7-foot swing door along the west wall of the Tenney Coin Laundry facility at 200 Ellicott St., Batavia.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has penned a letter to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie requesting that Library Aid be fully funded in this year’s state budget.
Gov. Cuomo plans to cut Library Aid by $5 million this year, for a total of $91.6 million, according to his Executive Budget proposal. Furthermore, the governor aims to cut Library Construction Aid by $20 million back to a total of $14 million.
“This level of state aid is inadequate for libraries within this state and there are no other educational institutions expected to function at this level of state aid," Hawley wrote in the letter. "It is imperative that increases in Library Aid are made each year in proportion to the general education funding. As you know, library monies in the budget are not in line with education funding – it is separate, therefore, libraries are not recipients of those increases.
“There should be no barrier when it comes to providing our constituents with the essential tools necessary for their betterment. Our constituents, who range from toddlers to the elderly, depend significantly on the services provided by our libraries. In addition, access to resources for job training, start-up businesses, consumer health, education, financial and technology training come from our libraries.
In previous budget negotiations, Hawley was successful in working with members across the aisle and the governor in restoring proposed cuts to Library Aid.
Thomas J. Leonard, 36, no permanent address, is charged with falsifying business records in the first degree, petit larceny, and conspiracy in the sixth degree. Leonard was arrested at 6 p.m. on Feb. 13 on an arrest warrant out of Town of Batavia Court. The warrant stems from an investigation into a larceny that occurred at Walmart. It is alleged that Leonard stole property from Walmart, then attempted to pawn the property at Pawn King Pawn Shop and falsified business records in the process. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court, then released on his own recognizance. He is due to return to court on March 17. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien. The arrest was made by Deputy Erik Andre with the assistance of Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.
Christopher Michael Sims, 31, of Manhattan Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated, with a prior conviction within 10 years; parking on a highway; having an uninspected motor vehicle; and refusing to take a breath test. Sims was arrested at 5:46 a.m. this morning (Feb. 14) on Dubline Road in Bethany after a traffic complaint. It is alleged that Sims was driving a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol after being found unresponsive parked in the roadway. He was processed at the jail and released on appearance tickets. He is due in Bethany Town Court on Feb. 25. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Jordan Alejandro.
Kyle Christopher Madden, 26, of Lake Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Madden was arrested at 12:18 p.m. on Feb. 13 at an apartment on Lake Street Road in Le Roy during an investigation of an unrelated matter. He was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Le Roy Town Court on Feb. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.
Driving down Route 262 in Byron this morning, I spotted this old, snow-covered truck, in a yard off the roadway.
A reader spotted the Planter's Nutmobile (replete with the now-deceased Mr. Peanut) on Route 98 this morning.
As part of the legal process required by the state for a special election, the eight-county chairs that comprise the NY-27 met last night and officially named Nate McMurray as their candidate in the April 28 election.
The chairs are Michael Plitt, Judith Hunter, Jeanne Crane, Jerry Zeller, Brittany Wells, Francine Del Monte, John Hurley (who attended via phone), and Cynthia Appleton.
The meeting was held at the Holiday Inn in Batavia.
UPDATE: Press release from Nate McMurray:
Nate McMurray, the Democratic candidate in NY-27, issued the following statement in response:
“I am putting my full heart into this race. We all know this election is critical because we aren’t just sending a message to New York, we are sending a message to the entire country to say that we don’t want ‘politics as usual’. We don’t need another ‘Rich Chris’ using this position to make deals for themselves and their companies. We need representation and a message that includes everyone. We need to give the people of NY-27 a voice,” said Nate McMurray.
“Nate was our person from the start,” said Michael Plitt, Chair of the Genesee County Democrats. “His platform shows that he knows exactly what our district needs. He’s going to protect social security. He’s going to improve healthcare. After years of not having someone who represented our interests, Nate is someone who finally can.”
“I can tell you that Nate McMurray has created a grassroots movement here and has demonstrated understanding and concern for the residents of Wyoming County and beyond. But it's more than that. He has reminded all of us that Liberty is a precious thing, not to be buried but held up to the light every day of our lives and when Nate McMurray goes to Washington, we know he will do that very thing," said Cindy Appleton, County Chair of Wyoming County Democrats.
"Last night we ratified what we have known for a very long time: Nate McMurray is our candidate. We've been united behind him for over two years because he works like no one else we've ever seen to bring true representation to NY 27,” said Judith Hunter, County Chair of Livingston County Democrats.
“Unbelievably, the Republican powers that be have decided for the third time in the last dozen years that what this district needs is a rich guy named Chris who can't possibly understand what life is like for the ordinary voters of the 27th, despite the fact that the previous two times ended very badly. Unlike his opponent, Nate McMurray gets it.”
“A tough and well-deserving candidate,” said Brittaney Wells, County Chair of Monroe County Democrats, “Nate McMurray was officially designated last night by the Monroe County Democratic Committee for the Special Election in NY-27. The MCDC has complete faith that Nate will uphold his values as a fighter for families and a defender of the United States and the communities he will represent.”
Jay Zona, County Chair of Niagara County Democrats, said, “Niagara County was one of the first counties to get on board with Nate for this special election. He performed very well here in the 2018 election as a new name and we are looking forward to getting his message out.”
Here's a birthday present that paid off in a big way -- a lottery scratcher purchased at a convenience store in Elba for Nichole Williams turned out to be worth $1 million.
Williams, a mother of three, and a cancer survivor, and resident of Knowlesville, said the money will help pay off her medical bills and she will start a college fund for her children.
“It’s definitely a blessing,” Williams said. “It’s definitely a huge weight lifted off my shoulders that I can provide college for my kids or if they don’t want to go to college we can put it towards a tech school or whatever else they want to do.”
Photo and information courtesy OrleansHub. For more on this story, click here.
Press release:
Tens of thousands of women worldwide participated in the IF:Gathering, either in person at the sold-out event in Dallas Feb. 7-8 or via livestream to locations like Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia. Representing a variety of cultures and denominations, these women hold one thing in common: they want to live like God is real.
The IF:Gathering provides space for women to wrestle with essential questions of faith, to dream, and to connect with one another. In Batavia, local leaders are hosting a delayed airing of the IF:Gathering on March 27 and 28 at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia (North Campus).
Join the women of Northgate, Batavia and the surrounding areas for two days of amazing speakers via telecast, including IF:Gathering founder Jennie Allen, plus Jo Saxton, Jada Edwards and Beth Moore. There will be live worship, and refreshments.
Ticket cost is $15 for both days.
Time is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday March 27; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28.
For more information about the local IF:Gathering and to register, click here.
Allen, the author of "Restless" and "Nothing to Prove," created the nonprofit organization with the intention of providing a pure, honest space for this generation of women to wrestle with the essential question: IF God is real, THEN what?
To date, IF:Gathering has reached more than 1.2 million women in more than 179 countries. By partnering with the organization Days for Girls, Northgate is coming alongside women around the world, fostering relationships, and using women’s God-given gifts to not only transform hearts but also leave a tangible impact on the entire world.
"We have a grand desire to see an entire generation discipled and unleashed to then go and make more disciples of Jesus. We believe with God it’s possible," according to their website.
Pembroke scored 300 points in Wednesday's second match of the Scholastic Bowl at Genesee Community College to beat out Pavilion, 140 points, and Oakfield-Alabama, 130.
Alden won the first match, beating Akron and Elba, 340 to 220 to 70.
A car is on its side in a one-vehicle accident at Lewiston and Fisher roads in Oakfield.
A person reportedly has a minor head injury.
Mercy EMS requested to the scene for patient evalutaion.
Oakfield fire responding.
Congratulations to all of our fantastic 2020 Democratic candidates!
Of the endorsements, Committee Chair Michael Plitt said, "Democrats in Genesee County are expressing more enthusiasm and engagement that we have seen in a long time. Our party is excited to get to work for our dedicated and qualified candidates."
Submitted photo and press release:
The 13th GLOW Region Tech Wars will be held Thursday, March 12, at Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus. The annual Tech Wars brings middle and high school students from all 24 of the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming (GLOW) region's school districts together in teams to work collaboratively to demonstrate their technical expertise through innovative, mind-expanding competitions.
Each year, with a forward vision and new developments in technology, Tech Wars introduces new events. 2020 is no different. This year's competitors (students) have chosen from close to 30 available competitions to showcase -- and put to the test -- some basic and some extremely intricate and innovative technology. Regardless of the event, all of the students enjoy the opportunity to see their hard work come to fruition.
Tech Wars event details, rules and competition descriptions are available at techwarsgccny.org.
Tech Wars 2020 events brings back some favorites such as: Battlebot Soccer; the Regatta; Bridge; CO2 Cars; King of the Hill; Logo Design; Sculpture; Onsite CAD Drawing and Reverse Engineering CAD; Skimmer Cars; Sumo Bots; Tractor Pull and Trebuchet; and will introduce the all new, Lumber Labyrinth.
In addition to Lumber Labyrinth, Tech Wars 2020 also introduces Skimmer Cars and Technical Drawing for the middle schoolers as well as other legacy events such as Catapult; Paper Airplane; Rube Goldberg; and Sculpture. Back by popular demand for all participants is the Mystery Event, which allows students to use their creativity and skills in an on-demand, timed situation.
For the second year, Tech Wars also features STEAM Jam @ Tech Wars, an event held simultaneously for third- to fifth-grade students from GLOW region schools. More than 100 students will participate in various team building and mind-stimulating activities that foster skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM). As an educational precursor to a future in technology, STEAM Jam participants will have the opportunity to observe the fun and exciting Tech Wars 2020 competitions.
Educational support for Tech Wars and STEAM Jam comes from the dedication, state-of-the art facilities and quality instruction in the GLOW region schools. Teachers share ideas and explore new technology and developments through both a Regional STEAM Teachers' cohort and a Regional Tech Teachers' Cohort.
Focused on local economic development, the newly established Regional Tech Teachers' Cohort collaboratively cultivates relationships between the schools and local professionals to provide information sessions, field trips, school to work opportunities, and more to enhance student learning experiences. Through these experiences and relationships students begin to form goals and a vision for their own futures.
The efforts of programs like Tech Wars, STEAM Jam and the Cohorts are already making a difference with many thanks to community support. Tech Wars 2020 has been presented with a record number of sponsors Gold Sponsors: Liberty Pumps, Northeast Industrial Tech Inc., Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, Graham Corporation, Amada Tool America Inc., and Glow with Your Hands. Silver and Bronze Sponsors: LandPro Equipment, Oxbo International, Takeform, DWB Enterprises and the Varysburg Lions Club.
"The support of local businesses and organizations in this region is second to none," Ann Valento, ACE program specialist said. "Without these organizations and other generous local donors, Tech Wars would not be possible.
"Our local sponsors also serve as volunteers, judges, and spend their valuable time talking with students and inspiring entrepreneurial spirit. In addition, the businesses that participate in these events get an exclusive opportunity to meet and network with the future workforce in our community."
Tech Wars is also proudly sponsored and hosted by Genesee Community College and its ACE (Accelerated College Enrollment) program. The ACE team and the entire GCC community work diligently to provide a safe and appropriately-equipped environment to showcase the students' technological skills and creativity.
Tech Wars is among several dynamic programs giving students the opportunity to learn hands-on, often in business settings and with industry professionals. The ACE Program's Career Pathways is committed to helping students explore career options and make a smooth transition from high school to further education and/or a career.
For more information about the Career Pathways programs, please contact Ann Valento, Genesee Community College Career Pathways Specialist at 585-3430055, ext. 6316, or amvalento@genesee.edu.
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