retirement

As the ceiling of the Richard C. Call Center rumbled from 75-mile-an-hour winds Saturday evening, a group of about 70 people gathered to pay tribute to one of Genesee County’s finest. 

Larry Friedman was bid farewell and best wishes amidst of stream of anecdotes, remembrances, friendship, and his professional career accomplishments as the county’s district attorney for the last 40 years. 

“Larry’s a good man. He’s a hard worker, tenacious, and passionate about his cases, that’s why I enjoy working with him,” said Theresa Asmus Roth, program coordinator of the Children’s Advocacy Center, which she fondly described. “It’s a child-centered place, an environment that’s meaningful to our families on the worst days of their lives. They get to come to a place that looks like it was built for them.”

The advocacy center hosts children of suspected abuse during their examinations. It was one of Friedman’s many projects and goals for Genesee County, so that abused children could find safety and comfort in their first steps toward justice. Once a case was developed by medical, psychological, and law enforcement staff, it was fought by Friedman in the courtroom.

As state Assemblyman Steve Hawley said, “we’re all here because of Larry Friedman and the job he’s done in Genesee County.” 

“We can expect him and all of law enforcement to uphold the law, and they’re working strongly with all kinds of folks,” Hawley said. “No one wants you to leave. This Legislature takes great pride in recognizing and applauding Lawrence Friedman.”

Hawley presented one of many citations to Friedman, of Batavia, for his efforts to “strive to improve the lives of citizens.” Filling the DA position for six unopposed consecutive terms, with 140 felony jury trials and an 82 percent conviction rate, Friedman demonstrated his “steadfast commitment” to the role, Hawley said. 

Nearly two hours of speakers comprised a who’s who of Genesee County, which also included members of the county Legislature, management, Sheriff's Office and BAR Association, city police and various members of legal systems in Genesee and Wyoming counties. They listed his myriad attributes, from providing “faithful, conscientious service” and being “smart, quick-witted and flexible,” to being willing to share his professional enthusiasm  as mentor to kids and adults alike. 

Peter Guppenberger spoke of Friedman’s civic contributions as a Batavia Kiwanis president, secretary and “keeper of secrets.” The district attorney was instrumental in helping to not only meet the club’s goal of raising $150,000 for a new CAC site, but exceeding it to $212,000, Guppenberger said. 

“The power of one, times by like-minded people; that’s Larry’s legacy in Kiwanis,” Guppenberger said. 

While most speakers took to the podium that was front and center, Wyoming County Judge Michael Mohun opted to mill about the room regaling the audience with a story about how Friedman once loaned Mohun his three-cylinder, impressively powerful motorcycle after Mohun’s new Mustang convertible got towed away after being parked in the front of the courthouse. 

Following several weeks of abiding patience, Friedman finally asked where his motorcycle was, as Mohun was enjoying it. Mohun eventually retrieved his vehicle from impound and returned Friedman's motorcycle, he said with a smile. Mohun spoke highly of his colleague and friend and said he believes that Genesee County is “a hell of a lot better place to live” because of Friedman’s presence.

“Because of that man right there,” he said, pointing out Friedman at a nearby table. 

Incoming District Attorney Kevin Finnell, who will begin his term in 2022, acknowledged that his predecessor will be “a tough act to follow.” Friedman’s enthusiasm stems from his love of the law and to serve as prosecutor, Finnell said, adding that the entire county legal system deserves credit.

“I’ll do my best to continue their legacy in Genesee County,” he said. “You’re out here enduring this weather because of what Larry did. He’s loyal, to the staff and to the people who worked with him. He’s humble; he never wanted the spotlight; he would share it with the rest of us. Thank you Larry for taking the time to work with me for the last two years.”

When it was Friedman’s turn at the microphone, he dispersed the spotlight once again by asking anyone who has worked with him over the years to join him at the podium. One by one, he recognized their “phenomenal assistance” and thanked them for it. He also acknowledged aspects of the 16 departments that have worked with him over the years, from probation and information technology to county management and the defense department.

“I’m very grateful to the County Legislature … the Legislature realizes the need for public safety. They understand it, they respect it,” he said. “I feel so privileged to be able to serve this county. Thank you to all of you to be here despite COVID, despite the weather. And thank you to Jeanne (Walton) for being responsible for all of this, and for the committee.”

He had joked that he initially wasn’t going to retire, but he then saw that a Committee to Retire Larry Friedman had been formed by Walton, so he had to do it. He and Walton, (photo below with Friedman), plan to move west to California to be closer to family, which includes his daughters Suzanna and Rebecca.

The committee also includes Vicky Muckle, Lacie Snell, Mary Ann Wiater, Kevin Finnell, Fred Rarick, and Tom Williams. 

Top photo: Wyoming County Judge Michael Mohun shares stories about his friend and colleague, Genesee County District Attorney Larry Friedman during a retirement gathering Saturday at the Richard C. Call Center in Batavia. Guest speakers also included incoming District Attorney Kevin Finnell, Genesee County Legislature members Gary Maha and Shelley Stein, Assistant City Police Chief Chris Camp and City Judge and attorney Tom Burns. Friedman thanked the roomful of attendees, which included a portion of colleagues he has worked with, above, over the last 40 years of his legal career. 

While they say that everyone can be replaced, finding someone with the compassion, knowledge and personality of physical education teacher Carmen Del Plato certainly will be a tall order for the Batavia City School District.

Del Plato, who grew up as part of a large and close-knit Italian-American family on Batavia’s southside, retired on Tuesday after 23 years with the district – 13 at Jackson Primary and the last 10 at John Kennedy Intermediate.

About 100 friends, family and colleagues celebrated his career last night at Eli Fish Brewing Company on Main Street.

JK Principal Brian Sutton said the Vine Street school won’t be the same without the energetic and resourceful Del Plato in the classroom.

“Mr. Del Plato is borderline irreplaceable. He's one of a kind,” Sutton said. “There is nothing that Mr. Del Plato wouldn't do for the kids here at John Kennedy.

“I tell everyone he almost flies under the radar because he does all the little things. He walks through the cafeteria, helps kids with their lunch. He talks to students about more than just PE (physical education) when they're in the gymnasium. He really connects with the kids and holds them to a high expectation and high standard -- and they meet it.”

Sutton, in his second year as principal, said he leaned on Del Plato and admired his approach to teaching.

“Mr. Del Plato has a wealth of experience in Batavia and knowledge … I really turned to him a lot to get a feel for the building and things that he's seen and tried to learn from his experiences, while also just observing him and the way he conducts himself as a professional,” he offered. “It’s really unfortunate (he’s retiring) although I'm very happy for him that he has taken this next step and he will definitely be missed.”

Fellow physical education teacher Dan Geiger, who worked with Del Plato for the past decade, called him “a tremendous assets to our district and our community.”

“Carmen can still name all the families in the neighborhoods from the time he grew up and it is just going to be a huge loss for the district,” Geiger said. “He’s got such great connection to the kids and to the families. The excitement he brings -- the great level of discipline and respect that kids have for him. It's just a sad day for our district, but I can't be more happy for him.”

Del Plato, in acknowledging his well-wishers, revealed a spirit of thankfulness as he looked back on his time with the school district – recalling the inauspicious beginning that almost didn’t happen.

“I have a lot to be thankful for. First of all, I am thankful for my job,” he said. “Back in 1998, I was coaching three sports and Pep Johnson was retiring and Buddy (Brasky) was moving from Jackson to the high school and a job came open. And I applied for the job. And I'm was at the blind school (New York State School for the Blind) doing summer school, and I called to see if they were calling for interviews.”

Del Plato said he was told that calls for interviews were made, but his phone wasn't ringing.

“I didn't even get a call for an interview. And I was so distraught. I mean, I was coaching three sports. I was kissing everybody's butt. And I didn't get an interview,” he said, drawing a big laugh. “That very same day (former Athletic Director) Nancy Viola called my wife and said, ‘Why didn't Carm apply for the job?’

“And my wife (Debra, a teacher at Williamson Middle School) said, ‘He did apply for the job; he hand delivered the application.’ She (Viola) goes, ‘I’ll call you right back.’ So, Nancy did some of her magic and I get an interview, I think the next day. Thank goodness, Skip Bonacquisti was on the interviewing committee and I got hired. It was that close, and I might not have gotten the job. I’ll never forget that. Thank you, Nancy Viola.”

Del Plato said he was thankful that his first job was at Jackson school – a block away from his home – and that he was able to work with one of his buddies, Val Zinni, a longtime custodian in the district.

He mentioned that it was a thrill to see the kids grow from kindergarten to fifth grade. Included in that group were his son and daughter.

“I got the chance to teach my son, Joey, and my daughter, Marcella, and I didn’t give anybody any extra special treatment,” he said. “If I had your son or daughter, they had to be able to tow the line, especially my kids. They couldn’t call me daddy at work.”

He shared that one day his son forgot his sneakers and had to sit in timeout.

“I sent his mother a nasty letter,” he joked, again to the delight of his audience. “And my daughter knew the rule that she couldn’t call me daddy. One day … she was at the end of the line and as she was walking out, she whispered, ‘Hi daddy.’ I said get out of here.”

Del Plato thanked his aides and spoke about his “partner in crime” Geiger.

“Dan likes to take risks. I don't like to take risks. So, when I want to do balloons with the kids, he wanted to do dog sled racing with the kids. When I want to do ribbons with the kids, he wanted to put a zip line across the gym. But I think we both made each other better teachers,” he said.

Geiger said he learned a lot from Del Plato, including how to pronounce every vowel (in the names) of Batavia’s southside residents.

“I learned a lot about the Italian background,” Geiger said. “I do know a few Italian words but I’m not sure if I should say them because he really never tells me the true (meaning), so I could get in trouble. But I can't thank Carm enough for all the time spent together. He's really helped me develop as a teacher and as a person.”

Del Plato actually has 35 years in the New York State retirement system, starting in 1986 at Genesee Valley BOCES' alternative education program and moving to the NYSSB in 1988, where he served for five years as a childcare and teachers' assistant. He worked at Geneseo Central School, Geneseo State College and St. Anthony's School in Batavia from 1993 to 1998.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Physical education teacher Dan Geiger presents Del Plato with a gift.

Mike Bromley, Batavia City School District director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics, gives Del Plato a special ball that he ordered for his gym classes.

Bromley recognizes Del Plato's contributions with a Blue Devil Forever plaque. "In grateful appreciation of your outstanding dedication and mentoring and nurturing the many, many students in the Batavia City School District from 1998 to 2021."

Del Plato and Val Zinni performing as Elwood and Jake -- The Blues Brothers, which has been a hit in Batavia for many years. 

Click here to purchase your tickets today.

Batavia City Fire Department’s Engine 11 says farewell to longstanding firefighter Capt. Mark Mikolajczyk. For more than 21 years Mikolajczyk has responded to fire calls throughout the city and surrounding communities. Now, he is ready to hang up his gear to spend more time with his family.

“Being a fireman was a rewarding experience,” Mikolajczyk said. “It was nice knowing that the public trusts us enough with their loved ones.”

Mikolajczyk began his firefighting career in December 1993. Throughout the years, he earned the title of lieutenant – in 2005 – and in 2012 he became captain. Family and friends, both near and far, gathered for a farewell luncheon in his honor. 

Although the day marked Mikolajczyk’s retirement, he had one last call to make – a would-be dryer fire – that turned out to be a drill.

“The experience of teaching and working with this crew the past five years was great,” Mikolajczyk said. “I will miss the guys I’ve worked with.”

Sandy Gillard, center, hasn't not worked in 38 years.

She has worked at Batavia's Richmond Memorial Library since 1972, went back to school for her bachelor's and MLS (Master of Library Science) degrees while raising three sons about 20 years ago, and has worked very hard to make the library a fun and welcoming place for kids and their families. 

Gillard is retiring this year, and Tuesday of next week will be her last day as children's librarian at Richmond.

On Wednesday, families and friends gathered at a reception -- held in the library's Children's Room -- to express their appreciation for her years of service.

Gina Bergman was one of the parents in attendence. She had a lot to say about what Gillard has meant to her family -- especially to her 7-year-old daughter, Amanda.

"Amanda adores her," Bergman said. "She always treats her like a rock star whenever we see her in public -- like at a restaurant she'll say, 'Oh my gosh, it's Mrs. Gillard! Let's go say hi!' She's really instilled in Amanda a love for the library."

Pictured Gillard with Robert Bombard, 11, who presents her with a flower as a token of his esteem.

"I say she's very important [to the library]," Bombard said. "She brings people to the library with her niceness. It's always great to see someone with such laughter and joy."

Gillard has had a similar effect on other library staff members as well. Kathleen Facer, reference and technology librarian at Richmond, has worked with her for many years and come to know her very well, both as a librarian and as a person.

"Whether in working with the public or with fellow staff members," Facer said, "Sandy's knowledge, enthusiasm and kindness have always been an inspiration."

"She has really come to define the Children's Room here at the library," said Library Director Diana Wyrwa. "She's developed it so much over the years, and she's always proven to be very good at literature selection. I've had many librarians tell me that the Richmond Library has one of the best children's literature collections available."

Having begun her job as library director in 2004, Wyrwa says that she came to the library "at the apex" of Gillard's career, "where we have 700 kids coming to the library and many different programs for children."

One of Gillard's major contributions to the library has been the development of the Summer Reading Program, which she admits is one of the aspects of her job that she will miss.

"I love the creativity of planning and collaborating with my husband (who builds set pieces based on each summer program's theme) to transform the Children's Room into a magical place," Gillard said. "I will miss describing an idea and watching Craig make it a reality. We make a good team!"

She will also miss her colleagues and the families she works with, with whom she has formed deep connections.

"She always remembers the kids," Bergman said. "It's amazing. Sometimes someone will come in who she had in Story Hour 30 years ago, and she'll still talk about the things they used to do when they were little."

Amy Joslyn, a former clerk at Richmond and now a children's librarian in Fairport, said that Gillard influenced her decision to go back to school and become a librarian. Part of Gillard's influence was the fact that she "brought the library to the community."

"She's always been the link," Joslyn said. "To the kids, she was the library. She really loves her job, loves the kids and relates well to parents. She was a big influence on me."

Pictured Gillard, far right, back at the beginning of her career (photographer unknown).

In a way, Gillard's retirement marks the end of an era. At 38 years, she is the library's senior staff member. She has seen many changes throughout her career, but some things have stayed the same.

"What I've seen change is the amount of media attention and commercialization books get," Gillard said. "There are dolls, board games, TV characters, movies, etc., based on children’s books. Still, really good books are being published now just like years ago."

She also notes the way technology and the availability of release dates, etc., online has influenced changes in young audiences.

"In the 1970s children came to the library to see what new books were available. Now they come to the library wanting to know if you have the latest title in a series. They know the release date and expect that you will have the book on the shelves ready for them to take home."

But as the decades have progressed and changes have come and gone, one thing has remained constant: Gillard's love for her profession.

"I have been the luckiest person in the world," she said, "because I have been paid to do what I love. Richmond Library is Batavia’s greatest asset. The board (of directors) and staff and Friends of the Library have been a joy to work with, and I am proud to have had a small part in building a Children’s Room that is the envy of people from other communities."

In retirement, Gillard plans to volunteer in the community, spend time with her elderly mother, travel with her husband and read (of course).

For more details about Gillard and her career, have a look at this Q&A, which was conducted about a year ago.

You might not think of Batavia as a hot retirement destination, but according to a study by American City Business Journals, it is -- after 249 more popular choices.

That's right -- Batavia, in wintry, high-taxed, economically challenged Western New York is the 250th hottest place to retire.

That puts it ahead of such places as Klamath Falls, Oregon, Knoxville, Tenn., Clewiston, Florida and Bay City, Texas.

A total of 940 cities were ranked in the list.