MR_061812_web

1 :: WWW.MINORITYREPORTER.NET - WEEK OF JUNE 18 - 24, 2012Rochester, NYRochester, NYVOL 5. NO. 34VOL 5. NO. 34 June 18 - 24, 2012June 18 - 24, 2012

www.MinorityReporter.netw t

From Information to Understanding

www.MinorityReporter.netw t

F I U

MinorityReportergF

Saluting Our 2012 Black Scholars

2 :: WWW.MINORITYREPORTER.NET - WEEK OF JUNE 18 - 24, 2012

Minority

Reporter

Offi ce Address:17 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14614

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ADVERTISINGDave McClearyLucy Smith-Fulmore

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PHOTOGRAPHYTemple Boggs, Jr.Todd Elliott

COLUMNISTSGloria Winston Al-SaragC. Michael Tillman Rev. Michael Vaughn Vincent FelderDiane WatkinsMike DulaneyDavy VaraAyesha Kreutz

Minority Reporter, Inc. is a family of publications and other media formats committed to fostering self awareness, building community and empowering people of color to reach their greatest potential. Fur-ther, Minority Reporter, Inc. seeks to present a bal-anced view of relevant issues, utilizing its resources to build bridges among diverse populations; taking them from information to understanding.

Minority Reporter reserves the right to edit or reject content submitted. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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Minority Reporter invites news and story suggestions from readers.

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Call 585-301-4199 or email [email protected].

In This Issue:

COVER Pgs 8 - 9

- Saluting Our 2012 Black Scholars

LOCAL Pgs 4 - 5

- 3 Pitbulls Euthanized for Killing NY Woman’s Dog- 5000th Robotic Surgical Procedure Places in the Top- Constellation, Family Gives $4M to Health Network-NY College Ending Free Tuition for Employee’s Kids

STATE Pgs 6,7,12

- AARP Survey Shows New Yorkers Struggling to Pay Uitlity Costs- Bronx DA Creates Hotline for Horace Mann Victims- NY Spends $4.4M to Fund 325 Electric Car Stations

COLUMNS: Pg 14-15

-Orchids and Onions

By Gloria Winston Al-Sarag

- The Positive Side

By Michael Vaughn

- Monroe County Sheriff’s Dept Under an International Spotlight

By Davy Vara

Rochester, NYVOL 5. NO. 34 June 18 - 24, 2012

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We Can Succeed or FailLiving in a collec ve society means that what you do as an individual aff ects others. Some mes people miss this concept. I know I have over the years. I remember when I use to play my compe ve stereo as loud as it would go. A li le bass, some highs with dropping tracks that made the trunk ra le. I thought I was doing the community a favor by sharing my good music. I never stopped to think about anyone who may not like my taste in music. I knew it was wrong by infringing on others in the community, but it just didn’t click at the me. Somehow I believed I was exercising my rights and freedoms. I really didn’t get

the concepts of Mar n Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X back in those days.

I was ready to fi ght the system, any system, because I believed in jus ce, equality and fairness. I believed in my rights even though I didn’t know what they were. Therefore, I couldn’t really comprehend the responsibili es that came with those rights. I was a young adult trying to fi gure out a way to be successful without losing my iden ty. I worked so hard to be cool and to be accepted by my peers, I had swag, I wasn’t being bullied anymore, I had jokes and all it took was ignorance.

People in our community that share this commonality need to wake up. The system is designed for us to succeed and it is designed for us to fail. The choice is yours. We call this, “The American Dream.” But it is up to each of us to realize this dream for ourselves.

Honorable John Ligh ootMonroe County Legislator – District 25

Monroe Arc Workers Figh ng to form a Union(h p://www.minorityreporter.net/fullstory.php?id=1051)

What an outrage that public money that should have gone to support Individuals with developmental disabili es was diverted to fi ght a union. Thousands of $$$/day that should be going to supports and services! The ci zens of NY deserve be er -- the state should inves gate -- or do you not care because ci zens with disabili es aren’t important enough to you? Shame on ARC. I thought you were be er.~Mad Mama

I’m not a big fan of unions but I think the employees should be given the opportunity to have representa on if they want it.

It will be interes ng to see where this goes. I’m hopeful that democracy will prevail. There’s alot of nega vity around the country right now about unions but we must s ll be careful to protect worker’s rights. Someone needs to look out for the worker!~Steve


Man Dies A er Car Falls on Him During RepairsROCHESTER, N.Y. — Police say a Rochester man has died a er his car fell on him while he was working on it.Authori es tell local media outlets that the

man was working on the vehicle outside his home Monday a ernoon when it fell on him. Emergency crews were called to the scene around 12:45 p.m.

They say 45-year-old Tawfi k Aminell died at the scene. His death has been rule an accident.

Rochester police offi cers are inves ga ng.

Constella on, Family Give $4M to Health NetworkROCHESTER, N.Y. Rochester General Health System is ge ng a $4 million dona on from Constella on Brands Inc. and the beverage company’s founding family to support its cardiac care division.

The organiza on has renamed the division

the Sands-Constella on Heart Ins tute a er the gi from the family of president and CEO Robert S. Sands and the company.

The Sands Family Founda on and Constella on each provided $2 million. Sands joined the health system’s board of

directors in 1999.

Victor, N.Y.-based Constella on started in 1945 as a family-owned winemaker and has grown into a global wine, beer and spirits company.

The health system operates Rochester General Hospital, Newark-Wayne Community Hospital and other facili es.

City Emergency Communica ons Dispatcher Charged with Computer Trespass(Thursday, June 14, 2012) - City offi cials announced Thursday that they fi led criminal charges against 911 Dispatcher Ma hew P. Gizzi.

A press release to media says Gizzi is being charged with Computer Trespass, a class E- felony, stemming from an incident that occurred on March 29, 2012.

“Mr.Gizzi is charged with accessing a 911

computer system to gain informa on for personal use,” explains the release. “The 911 computer system is meant to be u lized only for use in offi cial situa ons to aide in fi rst responder responses.”

“It is impera ve that we safeguard our ci zens’ privacy by insuring that our computer systems and the informa on they contain are u lized only as needed and only for offi cial purposes,” said OPI

Director George Markert. “The City of Rochester requires its employees to act legally and ethically.”

Mr. Gizzi, 37, has been a Dispatcher for 16 years and has been placed on paid administra ve leave pending an internal inves ga on. He will be arraigned in City Court on June 19.

City of Rochester to Install Electric-Car Charging Sta onsThe city of Rochester plans to install 24 electric-car charging sta ons at seven highly-visible and busy loca ons around the city, including municipal parking garages, City Hall, the Port of Rochester and the Rochester Public Market.

The program is being funded by a $4.4 million grant from the state issued to 10 businesses, municipali es and agencies around the state.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the money will help bring 325 new charging sta ons online. Promoters of electric vehicles say they run cleaner than gas-powered cars and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Other recipients include the owners of Price Chopper Supermarkets, the New York Power Authority, the New York Port Authority, Access Technology Integra on Inc, Beam Charging LLC, Car Charging Group Inc, Coulomb Technogogies Inc, EV Connect Inc, and Plugin Sta ons Online

The charging sta ons are supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the U.S. Department of Energy.

NY College Ending Free Tui on For Employees’ KidsEmployees of the University of Rochester are losing a major benefi t: free tui on for their children who a end the college.

Administrators at the private college that star ng in 2013, children of the university’s faculty and staff will no longer get free tui on.

But they won’t have to pay UR’s tui on of nearly $43,000. Instead, they’ll pay the

rate charged to a end the state’s public four-year colleges, about $5,600.

The change won’t aff ect students already enrolled at UR or who will begin college this fall.

Administrators say the free tui on was an expensive benefi t used by a rela vely small number of employees.

With more than 20,000 employees, the university is Rochester’s biggest employer.

Many U.S. colleges off er free tui on to employees’ children.


Auburn Community Hospital and Rochester General End Affi lia on DiscussionsJune 15, 2012 – A er a four-month evalua on with Rochester General Health System (RGHS), Auburn Community Hospital (ACH) and RGHS have decided not to pursue an affi lia on. ACH has now re-opened its search for an affi lia on that will enable them to provide greater access to local care, strengthen physician recruitment and reten on, improve facili es support and con nue best prac ce sharing.

“The due diligence process helped us

to be er understand the community’s concern about poten ally losing rela onships with the healthcare providers they already know,” said Sco A. Berlucchi, president and CEO of ACH. “The things we’ve learned over the past four months will help us focus on developing the right partnership for our pa ents and our community.”

Upon fi nalizing their evalua ons, both organiza ons decided the best op on for all was for ACH to pursue a partnership

with a healthcare system that can be er support these valuable doctor-pa ent rela onships.

“If a partnership doesn’t work for the community, it won’t work for the hospital or the health system,” said Mark C. Clement, president and CEO of RGHS. “This is the reason we perform a comprehensive due diligence period, and never promise an outcome before that exercise is complete. Auburn Community Hospital is a very important community

asset, and we wish the team well as they con nue through this process.”

Auburn Community Hospital employees and physicians will con nue to play a role in the ongoing discussions. ACH will con nue to provide public updates throughout the process.

Rochester Using Toy Boats to Protect ReservoirsROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) — Workers in Rochester’s Water Bureau are playing with expensive toys while on the job, but it’s part of an eff ort to protect the city’s reservoirs.

City offi cials say the agency bought two

remote-controlled boats cos ng $600 apiece. Water Bureau workers plan to use the devices to shoo away ducks from Rochester’s reservoirs.

Waterfowl such as ducks and geese have been found to have the poten al to

contaminate drinking water with bacteria that’s harmful to humans. The city installed wires over the reservoirs in 2007 to ward off waterfowl. The wires kept the geese away, but not the ducks.

Borrowing an idea used in Boston and

Philadelphia, Rochester’s water agency plans to start using miniature boats to discourage ducks from landing on the reservoirs.

Rochester Women’s Giving Circle Awards $108,000 in Grants to Support Women and GirlsRochester, NY – The Rochester Women’s Giving Circle of Rochester Area Community Founda on is awarding $108,000 in grants to nine local organiza ons and programs that support women and girls.

Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $20,000 for a variety of programs that promote economic independence for women. The Giving Circle’s mission is to

help women and girls who may have been through crises, such as substance abuse or domes c violence, but are not presently in crisis.

“Being able to grant more than $338,000 in fi ve years has been an exci ng journey for our members and for the women and girls supported by our grants. We are fortunate to live in a community as

compassionate and giving as Rochester,” say Paula Carter and Shirley King, co-chairs of the Rochester Women’s Giving Circle and two of its fi ve founders.

The Giving Circle was formed in June 2007 by King, Carter, Ellen Bevan, Amy Irish and Alyce Van Pa en and now has more than 100 members. Every member makes an annual dona on of at least $1,000 and has

the opportunity to par cipate in the grant-making process. The dollar-in/dollar-out philosophy of the Giving Circle, under the umbrella of Rochester Area Community Founda on, means that dona ons in any one year are available for distribu on that year via grants.

3 Pit Bulls Euthanized for Killing NY Woman’s DogThree pit bulls have been euthanized a er they fatally mauled one of two greyhounds being walked by their owner in a Rochester suburb last month.

The animal control offi cer in the town of Greece says that the pit bulls were

euthanized Monday a ernoon.

The dogs a acked Nancy Kliss and her two greyhounds while she walked them on May 31. A neighbor wielding a baseball bat came to her rescue.

One of the greyhounds had to be euthanized because of its injuries. The other is recovering. Kliss was bi en on one of her hands.

The owner of pit bulls was issued ckets for having a dog loose and off a leash,

a acking and injuring another animal, and a acking and injuring a person.

5000th Robo c Surgical Procedure Places RGHS in the Top 1 Percent of Health Systems Na onwideRochester General Health System (RGHS), an integrated healthcare provider serving pa ents in 15 coun es in the greater Rochester area and beyond, this week noted the comple on of the 5,000th robo c surgical procedure at Rochester General Hospital – a high-volume milestone that places RGHS in the top 1 percent of hospitals na onwide for robo c surgery.

RGHS installed its fi rst robo c surgical

pla orm in 2004, thanks to a dona on from the Polisseni family, and added a second unit in 2008 to meet increasing demand. Today, RGHS surgical teams u lize this technology in subspecial es including urology, GYN, colorectal and general surgery. The two robo c pla orms currently u lized at RGHS are used in more than 1,000 procedures annually – two and one half mes the na onal average.

To meet increasing demand, the health

system will add a third robo c surgical pla orm in July, while expanding and clinically integra ng robo c surgical services to Newark-Wayne Community Hospital.

“We’re very proud to lead the region in this area,” said Mark C. Clement, RGHS President and CEO. “In medicine – and especially in complex clinical procedures such as robo c surgery – high volume equals high experience, which in turn

creates a superior level of exper se with tangible benefi ts to pa ents.”

Benefi ts of minimally invasive robo c surgery include reduced blood loss and post-opera ve pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery periods. Learn more about robo c surgery at the RGHS website.


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AARP Survey Shows New Yorkers Struggling to Pay U lity CostsConcern Over the Cost Of Future U lity Bills Runs High

Albany, NY – AARP today released a survey showing that close to half of New York residents say it is diffi cult to pay their u lity bills. The survey found that overall concerns of increased u li es costs run high – with 53 percent of New York residents being extremely or very concerned about their hea ng/cooling bills increasing and nearly two-thirds sta ng that in the past two years their u li es bills had increased.

“These survey results are troubling. New Yorkers are not only struggling to pay their u lity bills but are concerned that their

bills will go up even more in the future,” said Joan Parro -Fonseca, AARP New York State Director. “We know that New Yorkers pay some of the highest electricity rates in the country and we believe our state leaders need to address this problem.”

As part of a recent $245 million se lement of its inves ga on of alleged manipula on of the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) electricity markets by Constella on Energy Commodi es Group, Inc., the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has set aside a $78 million fund for the benefi t of electricity customers in New York State.

AARP has recommended to Governor

Cuomo, New York State A orney General Eric Schneiderman, and the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) that the $78 million se lement money be used to fund weatheriza on, home energy assistance, and energy effi cient appliance rebate programs. In addi on, funds should be used to provide a voice for consumers by establishing an independent offi ce or organiza on that provides consumer advocacy at the NYISO and at PSC rate increase proceedings. The Governor, A orney General, and the PSC have stated that they will submit a plan to FERC on how to spend the se lement money in New York.

“It would be a lost opportunity for all New

Yorkers who struggle every month to pay their u lity bills if the Governor, A orney General, and the PSC do not submit a plan that uses a substan al por on of the se lement money for programs that would help people aff ord their bills and to create a strong independent voice for consumers,” stated Parro -Fonseca.

The survey tled, “2012 Survey of New York Residents on U li es,” surveyed more than 800 New Yorkers 18 years and older by telephone between February 22 through April 29, 2012. The data has a margin of error of +3.5 percent. For more informa on about the survey, including a copy of the survey report, visit www.aarp.org/ny.

Bronx DA Creates Hotline for Horace Mann Vic msNEW YORK (AP) -- The Bronx District A orney’s offi ce has established a special hotline to report suspected sexual abuse at a pres gious New York City prep school.

District A orney Robert Johnson said Tuesday he’s encouraging anyone with

informa on about possible inappropriate behavior by staff members at the Horace Mann School to come forward. The hotline number is 718-838-7382.

The move comes a er a story published in The New York Times Magazine last

week said the elite school was plagued in the 1980s and early 1990s by a series of teachers who sexually abused students.

The students, mostly iden fi ed in the ar cle by le ers in their names, accused at least three now-deceased teachers

of repeatedly moles ng them and other pupils.

The ar cle was wri en by Amos Kamil, a 1982 Horace Mann graduate.

State Educa on Commissioner John B. King, Jr. today said he has approved the Buff alo City School District teacher and principal evalua on plan for School Improvement Grant (SIG) schools for the 2011-2012 school year. Approval of the teacher evalua on plan, which the district nego ated with the Buff alo Teachers Federa on, was announced earlier today by the Federa on.

“Now that the plan is signed by the district and the unions, SIG funding will be restored to the Buff alo School District,” Commissioner King said. “Buff alo’s SIG schools need all the resources they can get to help their students succeed. But it’s not just about funding. Teacher evalua ons build be er performance; they help teachers improve their prac ce, which in turn will help students improve their

performance.

Commissioner King said his goal is to ensure every student graduates from high school ready for college and careers. “That’s not happening in Buff alo right now. Students in SIG schools have been denied a good educa on for far too long. But meaningful teacher evalua ons and the improvements funded with SIG money should help start to turn that around.”

“It’s been a long struggle, but thanks to the perseverance of the District, the unions and their leaders, today is a victory for every student in one of the six aff ected SIG schools. This is the fi rst step toward a brighter tomorrow for the students and the city,” he said.

Buff alo’s Teacher and Principal Evalua on Plan Approved


ESPERANZA SPALDINGRADIO MUSIC SOCIETY

June 22-30, 2012

B U Y E - T I C K E T S O N L I N E A N D S A V E ! N O W O N S A L E A T R O C H E S T E R J A Z Z . C O M

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- The deputy majority leader of New York’s Senate wants to prohibit welfare recipients from spending social services money on cigare es, alcohol, gambling and lo eries.

Republican Sen. Thomas Libous (LIHB’-us) is introduced his bill Thursday.

It would also prohibit recipients from using state benefi ts cards to make withdrawals at liquor stores, casinos and strip clubs.

Food stamps and other benefi ts can be

tapped through the Electronic Benefi t Transfer cards.

The Southern Tier senator says his bill would protect taxpayers while assuring needy families get the temporary public assistance they need.

The bill submi ed with just days le in the session during an elec on year is expected to see li le support in the Assembly’s Democra c majority, which would have to pass it to become law.

NY Bill Would Restrict Spending of Welfare Checks

8 :: WWW.MINORITYREPORTER.NET - WEEK OF JUNE 18 - 24, 20128 :: WWWWW

Devin AglinSchool of the Arts

High School

Domonique BakerHilton High School

Brandon BeardHope Hall

Christian BeckleyBishop Kearney

High School

Tyren BellEastridge High

School

Tiara BertramFairport High

School

Victor BolerNorth Star Christian

Academy

Thaniqua Bronson-Tramel

Dr. Freddie Thomas High School

Seyefe BroukPittsford Mendon

High School

Hunter BrownAllendale

Columbia High School

Kayla BrownGreece Olympia

High School

Alexander Brumfi eldSchool of the Arts

High School

Aleeya BurrwellEdison School of Imaging & Information TechnologyCollin Bussey

Eastridge High School

Kimberly ChungGreece Olympia

High School

James Cooper, Jr.Victor High School

Joshua CunninghamGreece Athena

High School

Autumn Curry-WilburnWebster Schroeder

High School

Tamira DejesusRochester

Academy Charter School

Brianna DrummondBrockport High

School

Jasmine EdwardsGreece Arcadia

High School

Julian EkezeBrockport

Highschool

Andrew GhentGreece Olympia

High School

Keenan GloverGates-Chili High

School

Amal HirsiThomas Jefferson

High School

Philycia HounshellFairport

High School

Gequon HunterAquinas Institute

Chiamaka IkpezeBrighton

High School

Tiara JacksonThe Harley School

Tiffany JeterSpencerport High School

April JohnsonFairport

High School

Raymond JohnsonGreece Athena

High School

Crystal JonesCaledonia-Mumford

High School

Quinlan JosephHilton High School

Kaila KnightAquinas Institute

Ciera LinderGreece Olympia

High School

Kevon London-Hill

Edison School of Engineering and Manufacturing

Camaria LongAquinas Institute

Mary MaddoxEast High School

Chelise ManningThomas Jefferson

High School

Haley MarkhamBrockport

High School

Ridge McKnightChurchville-Chili

High School

Braelyn McNairRush-Henrietta

High School

Jason MitchellRush Henrietta

High School

WWWW.MINORITYREPORTER.NET - WWEEKK OF OFOF JUJJ NE NE NE E E 18181818 18 8 - 22- -- 4, 44 201201201222

Richard Albarran, Jr.Wilson

Commencement Academy

Kiera BrownGreece Olympia

High School

Tiffani FoxWilson


Jeremiah Jordan-Ferguson

Dr. Freddie Thomas High School

9 :: WWW.MINORITYREPORTER.NET - WEEK OF JUNE 18 - 24, 2012 9 9 :: WWWWWWWWWWW .MMMMMMMMMIMIMIIMININNNNMMMMM OORRITTYRRTY EPEPOEPOEPOEPOORTETETETERR NENENNEE.NENETTT -T -- WWWE WEEEEEEEEEEKEKKEKEK EEKEKEKEK EKK EKK K OOOOOFFOFOF O JUNJUNJUNNE 1E 188 -8 - 24 24244, 2, 2201201222

Ronald Morrow, IIMcQuaid Jesuit

High School

Lukonde MulengaGreece Arcadia

High School

Jayda NewsomeFairport

High School

Takara NewsomeSchool Without

Walls High School

Kamille NewtonSchool of the Arts

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Ashley OwensLeRoy High School

Chabre PotterHolley High School

Natalia PrescodOur Lady of Mercy

High School

Imani RicePittsford Mendon

High School

Pamineo RichardsBishop Kearney

High School

Paije RobinsonGates-ChiliHigh School

Shanquell RobinsonJohn MarshallHigh School

Kyshana Robinson-Burton

Edison School of Engineering and ManufacturingVanessa Rodgers

EastridgeHigh School

Chandler RodgersBishop Kearney

High School

Erik RollinsSchool Without

WallsHigh School

Rachel RutledgeHope Hall

Shayla SandersSchool of the Arts

High School

Dexter ScottWilson


Timothy SemonChurchville-Chili

High School

Kquanze’via ShawGates-Chili High

School

Rina ShermanFairport

High School

Khadijah SimsEdison School

of Business, Finance and

EntrepreneurshipSummer Smith

Wheatland Chili High School

Saphire StricklandHope Hall

Keona WilliamsSchool Without

WallsHigh School

Khari ThompsonSchool of the Arts

High School

Brandon VasciannieBatavia

High School

Shekinah VaughnChurchville-Chili

High School

Amethyst WashingtonThomas Jefferson

High School

Ke’Shon WebbGates-ChiliHigh School

Briani WhiteGates-ChiliHigh School

Whitney Rae WhiteSchool of the Arts

High School

Jasmine WilliamsGreece Arcadia

High School

Jordan Alyse WilliamsGates-ChiliHigh School

Kaiya WilliamsIrondequiotHigh School

Kelsi WilliamsHope Hall

DeVin TaylorGates-Chili High School

Sereta WilliamsGreece Arcadia

High School

Tatiana WilliamsSchool of the Arts

High School

Kadecia WilsonWilson


Kennethea WilsonSchool of the Arts

High School

Nashell WilsonDr. Freddie Thomas

High School

Kalen WinfreyAquinas Institute

Chelse ChambersSchool of the Arts

High School

Allyson Henderson

Daniek McGowan

Edward Joiner

Our 2012 Black ScholarsOn June 12 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, the Urban League of Rochester (ULR) hosted the 33rd Annual Salute to Black Scholars Recognition Dinnerto honor the hard work and determination of African American students that have excelled in education, receiving a B average or higher for seven consecutive semesters.

(Cover Photo: Alpha Phi Alpha and their scholarship winners).


Hodan AdenAjia AlexanderWarda AliBrendon AllenHanan Allen

Keyara AllenJossette AllwoodElias Amador

Sandy AristyChrystal Azatassou

Camille BallOlivia BanksTanisha Barr

Michae-Jean BarrettElilta BekeleTierra BellAlexis BenjaminKatelyn BennettSaron BerheTyshawna BiceCherish BlackmanMichaela BlandAra BogmisNicole BouieDaron BourneAustin BowmanRonald BoxxCheyenne BreedloveGregory BrewerAllis BrittanyErrika BrooksWillis BrooksAsante BrownSienna BrownHayleyBrown -WarnickRachel CampbellAshley CardenasKeturah CarterAllante CastleShanelle ClarkJordan CoolidgeCandace CooperDonlandra CooperShakeithia CooperBrianna CorbittSharon CorcoranEunique Daymond

Shaundrana DeanShantinique Depass

Taina DiazStephen DornelusZaedia DukesChloe DwyerTori EdwardsMeshia EggertTheophilus EkiyorBrenda EssienIsaiah EvansShakeyla EvansBrianna EversonRhea Fletcher

Briana FobbsAlyssa Fose-Winsman

Manoushka FrancisZanah FrancisTiara FrazierRedell FreemanRodas GhebrewoldiQuinntahj GibsonVictor GillNautica Graham

Lee GraysonAlicia GreeneAsia GrimesOlivia HamedShymel HardyAaliyah HarlingChelsea HarrisLatisha HarrisonKe’asia Heath

Allyson HendersonJaniqua HendrixChastity HenryShaunice HerendeenAmirah HicksSarafi na HilaireBrittany HillFelicia HillRamel HollidayLeilani HollinsJordan HolmesMatthew HolmesJordaan HoustonJovan HowardKevan HudsonDeeJonee HunterLamonze Hunter, JrTenacious JacksonMajahzi JacqueSymon James-WilsonTony JilesAssata Johnson

Darnell JohnsonMaisha JohnsonMarshona Jones

Tyler JonesTyra JonesDarnell JordanJA Mescia Jordan-FergusonNathalie KalumbweMintesinot KassuKimberly KnightShernel LanglaisDionna Langley

Christopher LeonardMahalie LissadeChantelle Little

Marwa MahmoudJoshua MarxJamia McCullerDaryl McCulloughMahogany McIntyreParrish McKnightLeon MelsonMaya MetzgerNatalie MiglioreMarcus MilesRodney MillerOmar Mohammed

Jazmine Moss

Shaleen Nash

Troy NelsonMaya NesmithQuentin NewsomeFozia Nur

Nicole Nyachae

Omar Omar

Isho OsmanAisha ParkerDominique Parker

Sean ParkerVivan ParksAliyah PattersonRachel Phelps

Stephanie Pollocks

Amari Porter

Anetaijia Porter-Monroe

Alexa PulliTreymel QuinnKelcee ReedCourtney RenfordKimili RobertsRachel RossNile Saahir

Bercia SaltibusNicholas SantosSyaira Scott

Monisha SeiglerSteven ServiceAngela SimsBrittani Skyers-WhiteJordan SmartAmeen SmithAyesia Smith

Dai SmithMarcus SmithMya Smith

Vivica SmithAzzaria Smith-DavisRochelle StrassnerTimothy Thomas, JrKadija Thompson-Mack

Jasmine TorresFelicia TrulyKristopher TylerJoshwuan VeiroKassandra VoightMatthew VolcyRenetta WadeNigel WalkerAntanique Ware

Jason WareNicole WhitakerJade Wilburn

Tashae WilliamsOsha WilsonCaleb WintersMalaika WoluchemMelat WondimuChantiya WootenMarcus WrightAlphonsa Wynn, JrAlison Zanders

Thomas JeffersonGates-Chili High School

School Without WallsSchool of the Arts

Wilson Commencement Academy

Charlotte High SchoolEast High School

Northwest College Preparatory

Fairport High SchoolEdison School of

Imaging & Information Technology

Penfi eld High SchoolWebster Schroeder

Edison School of Imaging & Information

TechnologyGreece Arcadia High Eastridge High School

SpencerportRush Henrietta

Gates-Chili High SchoolIrondequiot High School

School Without Walls Our Lady of Mercy

Churchville-Chili Pittsford Sutherland

Gates-Chili High SchoolGreece Athena Sodus

Central High SchoolGates-Chili High School

School Without Walls Geneva High School

Albion High SchoolChurchville-Chili

School of the ArtsHilton High School

Webster Schroeder Dr. Freddie Thomas

Irondequoit High SchoolRush Henrietta

Penfi eld High SchoolEastridge High School

School of the Arts Greece Odyssey

Webster Schroeder Brighton High School

Charlotte High SchoolSchool of the ArtsHilton High School

Wilson Commencement Academy

School of the Arts Wilson Commencement

AcademyBrighton High School

Greece Odyssey Gates-Chili High School

Greece ArcadiaEast High School

Gates-Chili High SchoolMcQuaid Jesuit

Greece Arcadia East High School

Rush Henrietta Rush Henrietta

Franklin Global Media Arts High SchoolGreece Arcadia

Canandaigua Academy

Greece Olympia Rush Henrietta

Greece ArcadiaBishop Kearney

Fairport High SchoolJohn Marshall

Hilton High SchoolSchool of the Arts

School of the Arts East High School

School Without Walls Wayne Central

School of the Arts School Without Walls

Charlotte High SchoolAlbion High School

Edison School of Applied Technology

Charlotte High SchoolSchool of the Arts School of the Arts

Rush HenriettaGreece Olympia

Our Lady of MercylSodus Central

Eastridge High SchoolGreece OlympiaGreece Arcadia

Gates-Chili High SchoolPittsford Sutherland

Greece AthenaSpencerport High School

Greece OlympiaEastridge High School

Fairport High SchoolSchool Without Walls

School of the ArtsOur Lady of Mercy

Gates-Chili High SchoolRochester Academy

Charter SchoolSchool of the Arts

Churchville-ChiliFranklin BioScience and

Health Careers John Marshall

East High SchoolSodus Central

Our Lady of MercyOur Lady of Mercy

Greece AthenaSchool Without Walls

East High SchoolWilson Commencement

AcademyCharlotte High School

Pittsford SutherlandWilson Commencement

AcademyThomas JeffersonGreece OlympiaEast High School

School Without WallsSchool Without Walls

Webster Schroeder School of the Arts

Brighton High SchoolHilton High School

Aquinas InstituteMcQuaid Jesuit

Edison School of Engineering and

ManufacturingEdison School of Imaging

& Information TechnologyFranklin BioScience and

Health CareersGreece ArcadiaPittsford MendonGreece Arcadia

Northeast College Preparatory High SchoolWilson Commencement

AcademyWilson Commencement

AcademySchool Without Walls

Charlotte High SchoolGeneva High School

Gates-ChiliGeneva High School

Gates-ChiliNorthwest College

Preparatory Rochester Academy

Charter SchoolEdison School

of Imaging and Information Technology

Wilson Commencement

AcademyOur Lady of Mercy

East High SchoolChurchville-Chili

Our Lady of Mercy Aquinas InstituteGreece OlympiaEdison School of

Imaging & Information TechnologyGates-Chili

Albion High SchoolEdison School of

Applied TechnologyCharlotte High SchoolEastridge High SchoolGeneva High School

Gates-ChiliGates-Chili

Webster ThomasWilson


School Without Walls Greece ArcadiaEdison School of


Allendale Columbia Albion High School

Gates-ChiliGreece Olympia

Wilson Commencement

AcademyChurchville-Chili

Geneva High SchoolWayne Central

Churchville-ChiliGeneva High School

Pittsford Sutherland Gates-Chili

Hilton High SchoolEdison School of


Eastridge High SchoolSchool Without Walls

Wilson Commencement

AcademyOur Lady of Mercy

School Without Walls Greece Athena

Pittsford Sutherland Fairport High School

Rush HenriettaRush Henrietta

School Without Walls Sodus Central

Black Scholars Continued


Test again at

Lead paint poisons more than 300 kids in Monroe County every year. The damage to

their brains and bones is permanent. Make sure your children are tested at one and again

at two years old. Have your home tested today. You can get the information you need to

protect your children. Call 585-224-3125. Or visit www.letsmakeleadhistory.org.

Space donated to the Ad Council as a public service of this publication.

Summer is sweet at Brockport!

250+ undergraduate and graduate courses

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Contact the Office of Special Sessions and Programs at (585) 395-2900 or email [email protected] for more information.

SummerSession ’12

To register, visit www.brockport.edu/ssp/summer.Session III July 2 – August 4Special Sessions Dates vary

Live “suite” this summer.On-campus housing is available in the Student Townhome suites for all three sessions.

Visit www.brockport.edu/ssp/summer for costs and additional information. Or, contact the Office of Residential Life/Learning Communities at (585) 395-2108 or www.brockport.edu/reslife.

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Teacher Evals, Disabled Care in Albany’s Late MixALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New Yorkers can expect to see the job evalua ons of their children’s teachers as lawmakers rush toward the end of their session in Albany, but can just about forget about any increase in the minimum wage or a moratorium on controversial natural gas-drilling process.

Facing fi nal hurdles are bills that would restrict teacher evalua ons to parents, not the general public; crea ng a safer system for disabled youths in state facili es, a crackdown on recorded telemarke ng calls, more preven on and repor ng power to combat cyber bullying, and be er protec ons for domes c violence vic ms.

There’s li le chance of success for some other big items, including an Assembly proposal to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $8.25 an hour, or establish a moratorium on hydrofracking, or fracking, the process of blas ng chemical-laden water into the earth to crack shale forma ons and release natural gas.

Then there are some wild cards, bills pushed harder by one house than the other which could go either way, o en decided as much on mood these last long days as on merits. They include banning youths under 17 years old from tanning salons and making public possession of small amounts of marijuana a simple viola on instead of a misdemeanor.

“I think we’ve done a lot of things, take a look at the last two years, or 18 months,” said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. “We’ve done a tremendous amount.”

Albany is a fl urry of closed-door mee ngs between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legisla ve leaders to make deals, followed by closed-door conferences among

the majority par es in the Senate and Assembly to approve the compromises. That’s followed by fran c bill dra ing and quick commi ee reviews to rush the bills to approval before the June 21 end of session.

Among the measures most likely to become law are:

—A protec on for teachers that would keep their evalua ons from public and media view, but available to parents of children the teacher instructs. It is part of a landmark teacher evalua on law passed earlier this year as a high priority for Cuomo who said it will improve schools.

—A measure to improve the treatment of 1 million disabled New Yorkers under care by six state agencies and hundreds of contractors who operate ins tu ons, group homes and day programs. It would establish a new state agency with a prosecutor and inspector general, complaint hotline and central registries of incidents and abusive workers to help address what the administra on described as more than 10,000 annual abuse complaints. Silver is s ll pushing for independent oversight from the execu ve branch.

—A crackdown on unsolicited telemarke ng calls by restric ng prerecorded sales pitches. The agreement would also require greater registra on requirements of companies to reduce aggressive calling.

—A new felony for repeat misdemeanor convic ons in domes c violence cases as well as a chance for judges to set higher bail to protect vic ms. Cuomo said Tuesday that the law will assure “innocent vic ms no longer have to live in fear of harm or con nued abuse.”

—A cyber bullying crackdown eff ort to help schools be er prevent and inves gate harassment, taun ng and worse by electronic messages and social media.

—A deal to establish ghter online oversight of prescrip on drugs to help curb the black market fueled by painkiller addic ons and doctor shopping.

The Senate’s Republican majority con nues to refuse to raise the minimum

wage pushed by Democrats, while the Assembly’s Democra c majority refuses to accept the Republican proposal to provide tax cuts to businesses to spur job growth.

In addi on, a bill environmentalists seek to prohibit fracking in upstate areas to extract natural gas from shale is ge ng li le interest in closed-door deal making. A period of studying reports and public comments con nues instead.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A major fi nancial ra ng agency downgraded the New York state Thruway on Tuesday to a nega ve fi nancial outlook and warned travelers of higher tolls ahead.

Standard & Poor’s said it has reduced its outlook on bonds to fi nance the state Thruway Authority to nega ve from stable. The ra ngs agency also said “aggressive” toll increases may be needed and it raised concern about the cost of Gov. Andrew

Cuomo’s plan to replace the Tappan Zee Bridge.

But the agency affi rmed its “A-plus” long-term ra ng on the Thruway Authority’s general revenue bonds. The con nued ra ng refl ects the Thruway’s essen al role as a 500-mile route from New York City to Buff alo and Pennsylvania, as well as a lack of a feasible alterna ve for trucks and cars.

In May, the Thruway Authority blamed past administra ons for fi scal problems during the recession that sparked a proposed “modest” increase of 45 percent for three-axle trucks and larger trucks.

The ra ngs report opened the door for further toll increases that could hit automobile drivers when it noted the increase would be used for maintenance, not for Cuomo’s plan to replace the Tappan Zee Bridge. The cost of a toll for a car from New York City to Buff alo is about $20.

“The nega ve outlook refl ects our

concern that the ming and magnitude of revenue enhancement and opera onal streamlining ini a ves might not be enough to off set (the Thruway Authority’s) signifi cant addi onal debt needs,” Standard and Poor’s stated.

If the authority adopts an “aggressive tolling regime” that accounts for the Tappan Zee Bridge repair costs and other capital spending, the outlook could be upgraded to stable within two years, the report said.

The $5.2 billion project would build two spans to replace an aging, overcrowded bridge across the Hudson River in New York City’s northern suburbs. The bridge carries Interstate 287 over the river between Rockland and Westchester coun es. The Obama administra on this spring rejected a $2 billion loan applica on. But another round of applica ons is planned.

Ra ngs Agency Warns of Rough Road for NY Thruway


JUNE

13Ci zen CPRTime: 4:00pm-5:00pmLoca on: Humboldt Recrea on Center - 1045 Atlan c AveHands-on version o CPR and community educa on in Emergency and Disaster Preparedness presented by the American Red Cross & Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

14Bring your voices! Time: 7:30 PMLoca on: 805 Blossom Road Rochester Show Chorus invites women for an evening of song and membership informa on. Delicious, FREE dessert recep on will be at Brighton Reformed Church Fellowship Lodge Building, For more info: email [email protected] or call 585-831-6975

162012 Red Cross Fes val Time: 1:00-6:00pm Loca on: 50 Prince Street.Fes val-goers will be treated to endless food samples, drinks, entertainment, access to the kids’ area, and free parking with the price

of admission.In keeping with their mission, the American Red Cross will recognize hometown heroes at the fes val. this year’s fes val will feature three great live bands: The fes val will include a kids’ fun area. Prices are $20 presale for adults 18; $5 for youth ages 4-17; and 3 and under are free. Info: Erin Caldwell at 585-370-1834.

17Maplewood Rose Celebra onTime: 10:00am-5:00pmLoca on: Maplewood Garden Lake & Driving PArkA celebra on in the Maplewood neighborhood featuring hor cultural workshops, entertainment, arts and cra s displays, food, lower gorge tours and childrens ac vi es.

20 Wegmans Concert by the Show SeriesTIme: 7:00pm-9:00pmLoca on: Ontario Beach Park Lake & Beach Ave.Featuring The Invictas

21 Mambo KingsTime: 12:15pmLoca on: Granite Mills Park - 82 Browns RaceLa n-Jazz ensemble featuring Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz improvisa on

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No ce to BiddersThe Town of Catlin, Chemung, New York, invites sealed bids for Water System Improvements. The work to be done under this project shall include improvements to the public water supply including site prepara on, modifi ca ons to the exis ng groundwater well house, installa on of a second groundwater supply well, construc on of a new well house, well controls, emergency backup generator, and chlorine contact piping interconnec ng. Bids shall be enclosed in a sealed, post-paid wrapper marked “Water System Improvements” and addressed to Town of Catlin, 1447 Chambers Road, Beaver Dams, NY 14812. Such bids shall be received at the Town of Catlin offi ce address un l 3:15 pm July 10, 2012 at which me the bids will be opened and read aloud. A mandatory pre-bid mee ng will be held at the

Town of Catlin offi ces on June 28, 2012. All bids must be accompanied by a security deposit in the amount of FIVE PERCENT (5%) of the amount of the base bid in the form and subject to the condi ons provided in the Contract Documents. No bidder may withdraw their bid within sixty (60) days a er the date of opening, but may withdraw it any me prior to the scheduled closing me for recep on of bids. The Contract Documents may be obtained from Hunt Engineers, Architects & Land Surveyors, PC (HUNT), 100 Hunt Center, Horseheads, New York 14845 (Phone: 607-358-1000) upon payment of THIRTY-FIVE DOLLARS ($35.00) per set (check only payable to the Town of Catlin). Any Bidder requiring the plans be sent via mail, shall b.e responsible provide a separate check of TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS ($25.00) to cover the non-refundable cost of postage and handling (payable to Hunt Engineers). Any bidder, submi ng a sealed bid, upon returning the drawings and specifi ca ons to HUNT within 30 days and in good condi on, will be refunded the $35 deposit. Any Non-Bidder will not be refunded such deposit.Copies of the Contract Documents may be examined at no expense at the Hunt Engineers, Architects & Land Surveyors, PC, 100 Hunt Center, Horseheads, New York 14845 between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM, Monday through Friday. The Town of Catlin reserves the right to waive any irregulari es or informali es in or to accept or reject any or all bids. The Town of Catlin strongly encourages par cipa on of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises and Sec on 3 Businesses in the bidding process for this federally-funded project. The Town is an equal Opportunity Employer


The views expressed on our opinion pages are those of the author and do not

necessarily represent the position or viewpoint of Minority Reporter.

STRAIGHT…NO CHASER

Orchids and Onions Orchids: To all the black and Hispanic scholars publicly celebrated in the last week. The Black Scholars dinner has been hosted by the Urban League of Rochester for 33 years. IBERO has given out s c h o l a r s h i p s since 1985, and has hosted their

scholarship awards dinner for 16 years.

Onions: To the fact that we live in a country where we have to honor our young people by culture. Why aren’t they called American scholars? In Europe and elsewhere they would just be “scholars.”

Orchids: To the profession I have found a new respect for – Roofers. I was taking me from my wri ng and fi shing near

my home one day, and as I watched off and on from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., I saw 14 roofers beat the rain by tearing off and replacing a roof that spanned the length of three apartment buildings in my complex. I was in awe of the balancing act needed to assure their safety. Their ability and agility I likened to the skill of master ballerinas. They did an awesome job. What a dangerous job they do, taking li le me for breaks and risking dehydra on in

the hot sun. The helpers on the ground, making sure materials got on the roof

no ced me watching and performed pushups with one arm. I was impressed to say the least.

Onions: To Chris Wilmot’s recollec on of a mee ng that took place some years back with Assemblyman David Gan . In a piece he recently wrote he claimed he met with Gan about one thing when an interview I conducted with the assemblyman revealed the mee ng took place because Chris was interested in running for Senate and was seeking the assemblyman’s support which he didn’t get. Gan also made note of that fact that he paid for lunch not Chris. Wilmot’s piece did not appear to give much weight to those challenging the assemblyman in primary.

Onions: To the Chicago gangs thought to be at war with each other and who are possibly responsible for 228 deaths this year. Ten of which occurred in the last week. How tragic and sad it is that anyone has to live in this war zone.

Onions: To CBS for pu ng a camera in the hand of a 15-year-old student who lives in the aforemen oned Chicago war zone, and then televising what he fi lmed in his neighborhood on camera. Does anyone other than me think this kid’s safety was never factored in? Does it appear to be a desperate cowardly move by CBS to just get a story at any expense? This 15-year-old kid appears to be on track academically and will hopefully achieve his college and business goals. He wants to be the next Bill

Gates and just may do so if CBS does not con nue to exploit him or jeopardize his family, unwi ngly.

Orchids: To Jaeda Monique Taggart, my soon to be 21-year-old au s c grand-daughter. She will be gradua ng from Mary Caroli this month and not enough can be said about the staff and the work they do with special needs children. Jaeda has been with them since age 4, and though she is learning disabled, she has learned to spell, write, talk, and is computer literate. Jaeda volunteers with Meals On Wheels and her proud grandma suspects she will hold down a job one day. She will either assist in her Mom’s Daycare or possibility work in a laundry. She is such a clean freak, janitorial work would not be something she could not handle. All she needs is to be shown.

Onions: To Jose Cruz and what appears to be the ul mate in hypocrisy when he expressed his concern in the D&C about Assemblyman David Gan ’s “double dipping.” Ques on: Was it not considered double dipping when you worked for the City of Rochester and collected a paycheck as County Legislator un l you termed out, sir? I’m just sayin’!!

Onions: To the 28 students arrested at the School of the Arts. What were you thinking? Or is cri cal thinking something else missing from the RCSD curriculum?

Orchids: To all the fantas c fathers in the

world. The ones who get the fact that plan ng your seed may make you a father but it takes much more to be a daddy! To the ones who not only willingly provide the fi nancial support required to make a child whole, but who also take the me to spend the me, loving and nurturing the child they helped to create.

Orchids: To women who struggle with dual paren ng roles daily because they made the wrong choice in men when they made the decision to bring life into this world. Some mes we have to learn the hard way that everyone who stands over a toilet and unzips his pants in the front is not a man.

Onions: To the women who use their children like pawns and have driven the men who father their children out of their child’s life. You will live to regret it. Just because you and he decided to move on does not mean you should try to keep him from his child’s life. All men are not deadbeat dads. Some are just tried of being beat down when they try to do what is right for their child. I don’t care how many women he has chosen over you. The child you have will always be his. Stop the madness. The anger in your child is causing him and/or her to disrupt public events.

GLORIA WINSTONAL-SARAG

----------------------------------Gloria Winston Al-Sarag is a Community Activist, Writer, Communicator, Political Activist. She is a native Roches-terian and has been involved with numerous community orgainzations in Rochester. Contact Gloria at: [email protected]

The Posi ve SideA few days before I wrote this column, a state report came out showing that the Rochester City School District ranks last among the state’s fi ve largest districts for having an on me gradua on rate of 45 percent.

That means less than half of the

students who begin high school in their freshman year graduate in four years! This is horrible. Just as horrible are some of the ini al responses from the Superintendent of the Rochester City School District, Bolgen Vargas.

He is calling for a longer school day as a start to resolving the problem. How he believes that this is going to solve the problem is beyond me. However, we will have to see what he comes up with.

There are so many direc ons that I could go with this report – including how the City School District decided to take me to pass out condoms in schools – but I will choose to concentrate on something very posi ve.

I was very privileged to a end the Urban League of Rochester’s Black Scholars Recogni on Dinner on June 12.

This great event is put on for the African-American students in the Rochester area. My daughter was one of the honorees this year. My wife and I were very proud to be there for her.

Although she does not a end school in the city, it was refreshing to see that there were many young people from the City School District. There is so much nega vity about the city’s schools that one could write con nuously on it. However, there are some very good things that are happening.

Young people in the City School District are overcoming obstacles despite the eff orts of some of the board members to focus more on the teachers and special interests than on them.

The young people represented during this event have had to, no doubt, overcome some very large personal issues to be able to focus on school, par cipate in their community, get into college and many of them receive scholarships.This is the posi ve side of what is going on in the City School District.

While there are plenty of bad teachers who only care about the union and how it will survive, there are some very good teachers that legi mately care about the students and have their best interests at heart.

I have witnessed this fi rst hand. At the Rochester STEM School, the principal, Kathleen Denaro is an excellent example of someone that truly cares about students.

She is one of the reasons that these students could be recognized as a Black Scholar.

The other thing that always impresses me about this dinner is the tremendous community support that is shown for these young folks. Colleges like the University of Rochester, Rochester Ins tute of Technology, St. John Fisher, Roberts Wesleyan and businesses like Enterprise car rental, State Farm insurance, PayChex and Iglesia Educa onal Centers, and organiza ons like Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, etc. do not just talk the talk, they walk the walk! They put their money where their mouth is and come together to do what they can to reward the eff orts of these deserving young people from across our region. It is so great to provide a young person with

a reward for their hard work and do it on a stage where everyone can celebrate them and others coming up can aspire to the live example being shown before them.

I also salute the Democrat and Chronicle for publishing, pictures of these Black Scholars in the paper, each year.

This is a huge undertaking, and despite the cri cism they receive, they s ll publish the pictures.

Yes, the City School District has many problems that their suburban counterparts do not have.

However, there are a select group of young people who have decided they will not allow the issues of elected school board members or union offi cials stop them from achieving the goals they have set for themselves.

I a ribute this to parents, teachers, pastors, business leaders, volunteers and the students themselves, who refuse to be a vic m but arise as a victor!

So see, there is a posi ve side.-------------------------------Tell me what you think; e-mail me at [email protected]

C. MICHAEL VAUGHN

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...


The views expressed on our opinion pages are those of the author and do not

necessarily represent the position or viewpoint of Minority Reporter.

Monroe County Sheriff ’s Department Under An Interna onal Spotlight A er Shoo ng a Dog

On Friday, June 1 around 11:30 p.m., Gary Brockler’s beloved pet dog, Diablo, a blue pit bull was shot and killed by Monroe County, Sheriff ’s Offi ce depu es, on Brockler’s property in Penfi eld, a Rochester suburb.

The two sheriff ’s depu es, whose names Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn has refused to release, fi red at least four rounds at Diablo.

At least one of those rounds penetrated through Brockler’s garage door, ricoche ng off the cement fl oor and through a garage window, nearly missing a house next door.

The Monroe County Sheriff ’s Offi ce, which ini ally stated that they were dispatched to Brockler’s home for a call about a house party, changed their story less than 48 hours a er the shoo ng, saying the reason they went to the residence on Whitney Road was for an illegally parked vehicle in

front of the residence.

Gary Brockler was in his living room watching a movie when he heard what he describes as several loud bangs.

When he opened his front door and walked outside he saw several sheriff ’s depu es and his dog Diablo, who Brockler has raised from a 3-month-old puppy, laying in a pool of his own blood in the driveway.

When asked why it takes several offi cers for an illegally parked vehicle, O’Flynn said: “That is what I am trying to determine.”

One very disturbing thing is the fact that it appears 7-year-old Diablo, was shot in the back of the head, indica ng that he was retrea ng. This contradicts Sheriff O’Flynn’s claims that Diablo was charging at depu es.

Described by many as a beau ful and loving dog, neighbors, who would drive by Brockler’s home everyday, are saddened that they will never again see what many have called “one of the friendliest dogs ever.”

Unfortunately, this is not the fi rst case where local law enforcement has shot and killed innocent pets.

In fact Rochester, New York, per capita, leads New York State with the most police shoo ngs of dogs. Since 2009, the Rochester Police Department has shot 78 dogs, killing 30.

In most cases, people’s pets have been shot and killed on their own property.

As is typically the case with police, especially a er shoo ng and killing unarmed, innocent people, in an a empt to put their spin on unjust incidents such as this, the Monroe County Sheriff ’s Offi ce, has already started to cover up this injus ce commi ed by their own by saying that Diablo, was “aggressive.” It is their way of jus fying their ac ons and the killing of an innocent dog, and a member of Mr. Brockler’s family.

A er this injus ce, I decided to put together two rallies to not only denounce the execu on of a beau ful dog, but also to put the Monroe County Sheriff ’s Offi ce,

as well as all local law enforcement under a spotlight, by bringing a en on to an issue which has become all too common – the killing of innocent pets by police.

Thanks to Copblock.org, Diablo’s story has gone interna onal. On June 10, Copblock live-streamed the second rally I held in front of the Monroe County Sheriff ’s Offi ce Zone A substa on on Linden Avenue in Penfi eld.

The outrage and support for this innocent dog has been overwhelming. Someone from Atlanta, and another person from California reached out to me to tell me they watched the rally, and they supported me for standing up to this injus ce.

The Monroe County Sheriff ’s Offi ce has come under heavy cri cism, not only for the killing of an innocent, loving pet, but also for the reckless, irresponsible conduct of the two sheriff ’s depu es who fi red off at least four rounds, which could have seriously injured or even killed, innocent people sleeping in neighboring homes.

DAVY VARA

*OVER-THE-AIR OONLYNLY. N. NOT T AVAAVAILABLE ON CAABLEBLE OR DISH


For more information or to schedule a presentation, call (585) 719-3489 or

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start drinking.

Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth in the United States. Although it is illegal, young people under age 21 drink 11 percent of all alcohol consumed in the U.S.

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence – Rochester Area

DEPAUL

Underage Drinking – is not a minor problem