batavia

Premier Genesee Nursing Home held a birthday party today for two residents who turned 100 years old in October.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley was on hand for the birthday party for Mary Meleca, born Oct. 22, 1917, in Batavia, and Eleanore Bialkowski, born Oct. 1, 1917, in Poland.

Meleca grew up in Batavia, met her husband, Frank, on Main Street, where he was a local barber. He died young and she never remarried and they didn't have any kids. "No luck," she said. She likes sitting outside to enjoy the day as well as bingo and music. Her past hobby was cooking for her husband.

Bialkowski moved to the United States with her family when she was a child. She married Robert Bialkowski and they had two children, a son and a daughter. She's been married twice and widowed twice. She was raised Catholic and the church is still an important part of her daily life. 

After all the well wishes and a chorus of "Happy Birthday" led by Hawley, birthday cake was served.

A 39-year-old former Alabama resident pled guilty to one felony and one misdemeanor this afternoon in Genesee County Court in connection with complaints about construction work paid for but not completed.

Dana Ryan, who used to live on Galloway Road but now lives on Pratt Road in Batavia, was originally charged with one count of fourth degree grand larceny in the Town of Batavia, and one in the Town of Pembroke; a misdemeanor charge of misappropriation of property is pending in Town of Batavia Court.

Under the terms agreed to today, he waived the specter of a grand jury indictment and pled guilty to a single count of grand larceny, 4th, and the pending misdemeanor property misappropriation charge.

The charges against Ryan, who completed the 11th grade, were brought in July after an investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office following a complaint in Batavia and another in Pembroke. The victims told Investigator J.M. Graff, who was assisted by Deputy K.M. McCarthy, that they made payments to Ryan pursuant to construction contracts for work agreed upon but not completed.

They claimed payments made to Ryan for home-improvement contracts were not allocated into a proper account and the funds were used by the defendant for purposes other than the agreed upon work.

The Batavia native with close-cropped blond hair and a thin build, wore a black hoodie advertising a tree service company and gray jeans to court. Judge Charles Zambito asked Ryan if between Sept. 18, 2016 and May 15 he stole property in excess of $1,000 and Ryan said "Yes."

He faces maximum jail time of one-and-a-third to four years and agreed to pay total restitution of just under an estimated $9,000 to two victims -- one male and one female, who are under temporary orders of protection from Ryan until Oct. 31, 2018.

Zambito told Ryan that if he does not follow the rules, or make court appearances, or is uncooperative with the Probation Department, then he will be in trouble. Ryan can't get arrested or violate any conditions he is required to abide by, otherwise the terms of sentencing under the plea agreement are null and void; although the guilty plea would remain, the judge could impose a harsher sentence.

Genesee Justice has already notified the judge of some violations, one on Oct. 17 and another one before that, plus three assessment appointments were missed at Horizon Health Services.

Public Defender Jerry Ader told Zambito that the issue with Horizon was they had the incorrect client phone number, but that has been corrected and Ryan has an appointment with them on Monday.

"If I get one more notice I will revoke your supervision (under Genesee Justice pending sentencing) and you will go to jail (now)."

Ryan said he understood.

Sentencing is set for 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 3.

Batavia resident Laurie J. Lerkins (inset photo), jailed on drug charges, was in Genesee County Court for a bail hearing this afternoon.

The 40-year-old, who lives on Harvester Avenue, is accused of selling cocaine to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force within the past eight months. She is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Both are Class B felonies.

The District Attorney's Office sought bail of $25,000 to $50,000. Assistant DA Kevin Finnell told Judge Charles Zambito that Lerkins was "a significant flight risk."

The prosecution reminded the court that she was accused of the same charge of selling drugs 14 years ago. Finnell noted that the defendant scored only one point on her evaluation by the supervisory agency Genesee Justice, which the judge considers in making bail decisions.

Public defender Lisa M. Kroemer said her client would not be able to post bail and has only two relatives here, a brother Lerkin chooses not to communicate with, and a son.

Finnell argued that her ability to post bail was not relevant, nor was the fact that she has a small family.

The defendant's attorney relayed her client's vehement claim that she has always complied with court requirements and has always made mandatory court appearances and plans to continue doing so.

After a brief private discussion with attorneys for both sides, Zambito set Lerkins bail at $5,000 cash amd $10,000 bond.

The judge noted that Lerkins was not in a treatment program for substance abuse, which was a reason she did not score higher in the Genesee Justice report. Lerkin's attorney said her client has expressed a willingness to undergo treatment.

Zach Fuller presented plans to members of the County Legislature on Monday for a 55-unit apartment complex on East Main Street, Batavia, hoping to sway the Legislature to officially support it which will keep the project moving forward.

Fuller said 18 of the units will be designated as transitional housing for formerly homeless veterans.

Fuller is with Eagle Star, which operates a home in East Pembroke to assist homeless veterans. The program is aimed at helping veterans re-establish stable lives, providing assistance in obtaining veterans benefits, counseling, life coaching, and a supportive atmosphere.

The complex at 552, 554, and 556 E. Main St., will provide housing to veterans who are ready to move out of the East Pembroke home, or the one Eagle Star operates in Spencerport. Eagle Star works with the Veterans Administration to identify eligible veterans.

"Many of our veterans don't know they're eligible for Social Security, veterans benefits, or some benefits are not fully activated," Fuller said. "We try to make sure they are accessing everything that they are supposed to be and allowed to access."

The veterans program, which will include an on-site guidance counselor, is funded through a state grant.

The rest of the 55 units in the four-story complex will be designated for people earning under the median income for Batavia.

Fuller said the location is ideal for the community of people it will serve because it is a walkable neighborhood with essential amenities, such as a grocery store, pharmacy and public transportation nearby.

Further funding applications will be submitted to NYSHCR in December.

The property is already zoned for this sort of facility and the project has been approved by the city's planning committee.

Fuller hopes to begin construction in the fall with apartments move-in ready in early 2020.

       Laurie Lerkins

Laurie J. Lerkins, 40, of Harvester Avenue, of Batavia, is accused of selling cocaine to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force within the past eight months. 

With the help of Batavia PD, she was located on Harvester Avenue and taken into custody.

She was jailed on charges of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Both are Class B felonies.

Deborah R. Blatt, 56, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal trespass, 3rd. After refusing medical treatment in the emergency room of UMMC, Blatt allegedly sat down in the waiting area and refused to leave after being told by hospital staff to leave. Blatt allegedly pushed a responding officer.

Brian L. Erickson, 52, of Cherry Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Erickson allegedly pushed another person during an incident reported at 5:32 p.m. Tuesday at a location on Ross Street.

Robin L. Walsh, 50, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Walsh allegedly concealed several items in her purse at Tops Market and walked out of the store without paying for them.

Trisha R. Santora, 35, Naramore Drive, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, refusal to take breath test, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, driving a motor vehicle while on a mobile device. Santora was stopped at 9 p.m. Oct. 19 on Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

David L. Andrews, 29, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and suspended registration. Andrews was stopped at 3:17 p.m. Sunday on Jefferson Square, Batavia, by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Batavia's first snow of the season fell this morning.

The staff at L&L Transmissions are ready for Halloween. Dressed up as Minions are Nick Newton and Greg Lyons.

If you and/or your co-workers dressed up for Halloween today, send a picture to howard@thebatavian.com and we'll add it to this post.

Submitted by Tammi Ferringer. Genesee County employees.

Four photos above, Grandma’s Luv’n Care had a "friendly grandmother" costume contest today.

Jeremy Yasses and Joe Pellegrino

A lot of home for the money – located on the North side and needs NO flood insurance, keeping it super affordable for those on a budget! Great location and great price! With a little sweat equity, you could have a great return on your investment-literally brand new tear off roof as of listing date! This home is definitely in need of paint and wall paper but someone with a great decorating sense could make a beautiful home-with over three full floors of useable living space, four large bedrooms and huge fully finished attic which could be anything you wanted! Home sits on quiet corner lot set back from intersection and has great fenced yard for whatever you want to keep fenced in! Definitely one to think about! Call Lynn Bezon At Reliant Real Estate today at 585-344-HOME (4663) or click here for more information about this listing.

Lisa A. Slichta, a Certified Respiratory Therapist of 16 years, opened Respirations LLC, on Aug. 31, to better serve the community for greater patient care for sleep needs.

Slichta also provides liaison services to medical communities such as physician practices, hospitals and rehab facilities.

“Due to my experience, and relationships that I built over a decade with the medical communities, the medical offices call on me to make sure the referral order gets handled promptly for their patients and are serviced within a timely fashion,” Slichta said.

Respirations is located at 653 E. Main St. in Batavia, and can be reached at 344-3000.

The business is based on a contract service, working with several durable medical equipment, DME, companies and sleep medicine companies.

Respirations provides continuous positive airway pressure or bilevel positive airway pressure therapy, home oxygen services, home sleep apnea testing, non-invasive ventilation therapy and cough assist afflovest therapy, for obstructive sleep apnea, sleep disorder breathing patients, and patients with chronic lung diseases.

“As the contracted therapist, the DME companies and sleep [companies] provide me with the equipment needed to start patients on their prescribed therapy or needed sleep testing,” Slichta said.

Patients pick up their equipment and and are instructed during an appointment on how to use prescribed equipment in the office. Under certain circumstances, Slichta can travel to the patient’s home for setup.

“It’s part of my business to make sure that the patient’s insurance is covered by the DME or sleep medicine company that accepts the patient’s insurance,” Slichta said.

She said the physician offices that choose respirations no longer have to spend a large amount of time on the phone calling around to find their patient medical equipment.

“This concept helps these practices focus more on patient care and not wasting an astronomical amount of time on the phone trying to expedite a referral,” Slichta said.

She is planning on having several other therapists join the team, to continue with great customer service.

“My growth in the community is very important to me, and customer service is what I have always strived for,” Slichta said. “I am planning on expanding services and having more retail sleep products in the very near future, making my shop a one stop shop for all your obstructive sleep apnea needs.”

Tuesday marks the 500th anniversary of Reformation Day, celebrated alongside Halloween, by Protestant Christians.

On Oct. 31, 1517, German monk Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, Germany.

Pastor Alan Werk from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia, said Reformation Day is an important holiday that marks the beginnings of the church body.

“It shows recognition that the Bible is God’s word and it’s our sole authority for what we teach and believe,” Werk said.

On Nov. 4th from 2 to 4 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church will hold a family-oriented Reformation Day Celebration. There will be stations for people to walk around to learn more about Martin Luther and Reformation Day. St. Paul's is located at 31 Washington Ave. in Batavia.

“The other important recognition is that we are saved by Jesus Christ, not by the things that we do,” Werk said. “Jesus did for us what we couldn’t do.”

Earlier in the month, St. Paul members gathered to watch a documentary about Martin Luther, to start the celebrations of Reformation Day.

Every year, the congregation celebrates Reformation Day on the last Sunday of October.

“It lets us live with a whole lot more joy and peace,” Werk said. “We remind ourselves about all things the Reformation stands for in terms of our faith and Scriptures.”

The three key points celebrated are Scripture alone, faith alone and grace alone, Werk said.

When Martin Luther nailed the Ninety-five Theses to the church, he did not set out to create a new church body, Werk said.

“What he was really trying to do was correct some things that he recognized from his study of the Bible, that the church had been doing wrong,” Werk said. “He wanted to make some adjustments and corrections.”

Werk said he ended up getting kicked out of the church, which prompted him to start a new church body.

“He wanted to call the church back to the things the Bible taught,” Werk said.

Austin Lee Wester, 23, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of drug paraphernalia. Police responded to the area of 21 Ross St., Batavia, at 11:13 a.m. Wednesday after a postal carrier reported observing a person who "appeared to be on something and suspicious." It was also reported that Wester walked around to the back of a residence and appeared to be casing the residence. He was jailed on $20,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Stacey Lynne Ives, 38, of Angling Road, Pembroke, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, and unreasonable speed. Ives is accused of driving a vehicle that struck a parked semi-trailer in the area of 2200 Angling Road, Pembroke, at 3:06 a.m. Sunday. When deputies arrived on scene, Ives was reportedly out of the vehicle and walking around. She was treated at the scene by Mercy EMS and released with no reported injuries. The accident was investigated by Deputy Ryan Young.

James M. Rossiter, 35, of Clifton Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to signal, failure to use headlights, moving from lane unsafely. Rossiter was stopped at 1:04 a.m. Sunday on North Spruce Street, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Michael J. DiFalco, 29, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. DiFalco was arrested on a warrant for an alleged theft that occurred at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at 41 S. Main St., Batavia. He was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Danielle Elizabeth Cummings, 39, of Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Cummings was taken into custody at Wayne County Jail by Batavia PD and returned to the City of Batavia for arraignment in City Court. She was jailed on $2,500 bail. No information released on the charges contained in the warrant.

Geoffrey M. Anderson Jr., 52, of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass and second-degree harassment. Anderson was allegedly in a building at Batavia Middle School without authorization at 10:14 p.m. on Friday. While being escorted from the building, Anderson allegedly pulled away forcefully from a security aide and made threatening statements.

Ryan N. Bartholomew, 23, of Adams Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Bartholomew is accused of directing obscene language at City of Batavia residents while in a vehicle in the area of 6 Orleans Ave., Batavia, at 3:44 a.m. Wednesday. 

Michael Charles Friedman, 60, of Quarry Hill Estates, Akron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or higher, and possession of an open container in a vehicle. Friedman was stopped at 1:45 a.m., today, on Macomber Road, Alabama, by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Daniel Edward King, 41, of Alleghany Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, disorderly conduct, and unlawful possession of marijuana. King allegedly returned to Batavia Downs at 5:37 p.m. Saturday after being told to leave, and using obscene language causing public alarm. He was jailed on $1,000 bail or $20,000 bond.

Cindy M. Auberger, 54, of Keitel Road, Albion, is charged with felony DWI, drinking alcohol in a vehicle on a public highway, refusal to take a breath test, and unlawful of possession of marijuana. Auberger was allegedly found in a vehicle parked roadside at 12:37 a.m. Sunday on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Jenna Ferrando.

John A. Petronio, 35, of Long Bridge Road, Albion, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Petronio was allegedly found in possession of an electronic stun gun at 1:57 a.m. Friday at a location on Lake Street Road, Le Roy.

Matthew Scott Williams, 29, of Hundredmark Road, Elba, is charged with petit larceny and auto stripping. Williams is accused of stealing catalytic converters from vehicles at a residence on Hundredmark Road, Elba. He is also charged with grand larceny, 4th, and falsifying business records, 1st. He is accused of selling a vehicle for scrap when he was not the owner of the vehicle had no night to sell the vehicle. He allegedly produced documents purporting to show he was the owner of the vehicle. The alleged theft was reported Sept. 28 on Clinton Street Road, Bergen.

Minnie M. Henry, 29, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Henry was arrested by State Police for an alleged theft reported at 3:33 p.m. Aug. 22 at a location in the Town of Batavia. No further details released.

Press release:

The City of Batavia will celebrate Halloween on Tuesday, Oct. 31 only. Trick-or-treating activities will take place from 5 to 9 p.m.

Drivers and walkers are asked to be especially cautious during this time. Have fun and be safe.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Monday, Oct. 30, from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area north of Main Street and east of Bank Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected.

These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

A lot is at stake this November for workers all across the state. New Yorkers will have the opportunity to vote on hosting a constitutional convention. The purpose of this convention is to write a new state constitution or revise the existing one. However, if this happens it could lead to many problems for workers and their families. Labor regulations are already under attack in Congress, and it is crucial that we keep state protections for workers. Currently our state constitution gives workers the right to fair compensation and the right to unionize. We need to ensure these rights stay ours and VOTE NO in November.

These are just some of the groups who will be voting against the convention:

• Environmental Advocates of New York
• Equality New York
• New York State AFL-CIO
• New York State Alliance for Retired Americans
• New York State Professional Fire Fighters
• New York State Rifle and Pistol Association
• Strong Economy for All Coalition
• Working Families Party
• NYSUT
• NYS Public Employees Federation (PEF)
• Western New York Area Labor Federation
• New York Professional Nurses Union (NYPNU)
• Buffalo AFL-CIO

If you have any questions or concerns about the upcoming vote please call Dolce Panepinto at 585-815-9003. We are here to fight for workers’ rights.

The 21st annual John Gardner Society gathering at the Pok-A-Dot to remember Batavia's most famous novelist at his favorite local restaurant brought people in from some distance this year. There were two people who drove in from Pennsylvania, two from Indiana, and one of Gardner's best friends, who drove up from Binghamton (playwright Jan Quackenbush). Among the travelers, a former student and a former dorm mate of Gardner's. First-timers to the reading also included a couple from Buffalo.

Reading in the top photo, Beth Buechler, who was one of Gardner's students in Binghamton and traveled to Batavia from Indiana.

Tracy Ford

Bill Kauffman

Terry Abrams, of Basom, reading, as he does every year, from "On Becoming a Novelist."

Norm Morford, a dormmate's of Gardner's while in college.

Helen Maier

Other readers included Byron Hoot, from Pennsylvania, Lucine Kauffman, Steve Lewandowski, JoNelle Toriseva, and John Maier.

Dan Eberly and his wife, Sarah, hosted a carnival in their backyard yesterday for the children living on and around Thorpe Street in Batavia.

"This is a busy neighborhood and there are lots of kids and we just wanted to get to know them," Dan Eberly said.

The carnival had various games that allowed the children to earn tickets that could be redeemed for prizes. There were also hotdogs, snacks and drinks.

It was all free.

Most of the year Eberly, who is originally from Baltimore, works overseas but with an extended stay at his home in Batavia, he thought it was a good time to do something for the neighborhood kids.

"I had carnivals in my neighborhood when I was growing up and they were the highlight of my fall," he said.

The Eberlys also host Nerf gun games every Wednesday evening in their backyard. If kids show up and don't have their own Nerf guns, the Eberlys supply them.

Eberly is also mindful that Thorpe has a reputation for being a troubled neighborhood.

"We had the shooting — it was literally out my front window -- a couple of weeks ago, and we just figure this would be a good way to start changing the community by getting to know everybody," Eberly said.

Jenn Boyki will move into her new home on Bloomingdale Road in Basom with a new sense of opportunity and freedom thanks to Habitat for Humanity.

Volunteers started working on the house, built in 1900, before a potential Habitat owner had been identified, so by the time Boyki applied and was approved, there wasn't much time for her to complete the required 300 hours of "sweat equity" to qualify for the purchase of the property.

But she got it done, all while raising two young children and working as a supervisor at Tim Horton's in Batavia.

"This speaks to her dedication and determination to provide a safe and stable home for her family," said Lauren Casey, CEO of Habitat in Genesee County.

The work was worth it, Boyki said.

"I loved it," she said. "I absolutely loved it. It gives you more enjoyment of being a homeowner versus just moving into a house."

With a piece of property out of the city she thinks she and her kids will have more freedom for themselves.

'It's an opportunity," she said. "The kids love animals, so we will be able to own some animals. I don't have to worry about a landlord and if something breaks, them fixing it on their own time."

Mary Case presented Boyki with a quilt she made to add comfort to the new home during the dedication ceremony.

Marie Scofield presented a symbolic loaf of bread.