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Photos: Mad hatter in Batavia Cemetery

By Howard B. Owens

While at the Batavia Cemetery today, I met three young women doing a photo shoot.  

The group leader was Jessica Wheeler (second picture, white shirt), whose degree in journalism hasn't led to a job -- not uncommon these days -- so she's going to beauty school. She's entering a national contest in hairstyling and the rules stipulate a character from a movie be used, so she decided on a female Madhatter from "Alice in Wonderland."

Wheeler is attending Salon Professional Academy in Buffalo.

The Madhatter is played by Lacey Christner, a recent grad of GCC who will be attending UB as a photography major.

The photographer is Danielle Schaffer, a Batavia resident.

Three more pictures after the jump:

 

Photos: Batavia Memorial Day Parade 2011

By Howard B. Owens

A threat of rain (that never materialized) couldn't keep hundreds of people from descending on Main Street this morning for the annual Memorial Day parade.  

The parade featured the Batavia High School marching band and flag team, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the city and town fire departments, Sheriff's Office and Police Department, along with local veterans groups and elected officials, among other groups.

More pictures after the jump.

And even more pictures on our photo purchase site. To purchase these or choose from the additional pictures at affordable rates, click here.

 

 

Plans for new monument unveiled at UMMC Memorial Day service

By James Pero

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

This is found in the Bible, John 15:13, and it was quoted this morning at the Memorial Day ceremony held outside UMMC's Jerome Center. The speaker was American Legion Commander Ronald Konieczny.

“We know what’s in people's hearts, we know how people feel about our veterans. It’s a much better feeling today than what it was during Vietnam,” Konieczny said.  "It is easy for one to believe that (Biblical) statement after witnessing the generosity and admiration shown by all those who attended today's service..."

The atmosphere was solemn but proud, as it was when plans were unveiled for a new monument to commemorate deceased soldiers from Genesee County. It will honor those killed in action during World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

This $250,000 monument is estimated to be finished in 2013; however, no building will be done before the old plaques, which were stored due to recent renovations, receive a proper military burial. The old plaques, which once stood in front of the hospital on North Street, are to be retired and then buried under the new monument.

Aside from individual grave sites, this commemorative monument will be the only permanent place in Batavia where friends and family of deceased soldiers can pay homage to their lost loved ones, and permanent it will be. The entire monument, plaza and tablets are going to be solid granite. To aid fundraising, the granite pavers used to make the plaza will be sold to families and inscribed with whatever special message is desired.

Though the announcement of the new memorial generated a lot of excitement, the service maintained its true purpose, which was honoring the heroism of deceased soldiers. Helen Laird and Adeline "Dolly" Gioia,  two Gold Star mothers whose sons were killed in combat, were honored today as well as 178 soldiers who died between 2010 and 2011. For each soldier, an American flag was placed in the ground in front of the hospital.

Memorial Day is only one day of remembrance, but for the veterans and families of fallen soldiers it is more than that. It's a chance to show their respect for the sacrifices that their comrade or family member made. With the help of United Memorial Medical Center and those who attended the commemoration, that is exactly what was accomplished today

Photos: Memorial Day, Batavia Cemetery

By Howard B. Owens

We are fortunate today to be enjoying a pleasant Memorial Day, a little overcast early but now the sun is out.

These photos are from the Batavia Cemetery. I'll have Batavia parade photos and some photos of Genesee County later today.

Batavia doctor named consultant for 'Physicians' Council for Responsible Reform'

By Billie Owens

Dr. Matthew J. Landfried, of United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, has been appointed as consultant to the Physicians' Council for Responsible Reform in Washington, D.C.

"I am very pleased to make this appointment and look forward ro Dr. Landfried's input," said Congressman Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA). "To date, lawmakers have not been receiving enough input from physicians."

According to the council, "America is facing a health care crisis. Dr. Landfried will play a key role in recommending the next course of action with respect to health care reform and in advising members of Congress on access, quality, physician reimbursement, liability reform, and other key issues.

"The Physicians' Council for Responsible Reform is comprised of leading physicians from acorss the country who are lending their expertise and are committed to offering solutions to the problems facing the health care industry without sacrificing quality."

Get ready to 'Fill the Boot' for MDA

By Billie Owens

City of Batavia firefighters will hold their annual "Fill the Boot" Drive to benefit MDA on Friday, June 3, beginning at 9 a.m.

This year’s co-chairmen are firefighters Jeff Stevens and Greg Ireland.

Off-duty city firefighters -- members of IAFF (International Association of Firefighters) Local 896 -- will help raise money for the cause. They will be at Court and Main streets as well as Court and Ellicott streets.

The IAFF is MDA’s largest sponsor.

City of Batavia Fire Department Local 896 has been holding  the "Fill the Boot" drive for 17 years. Last year's boot drive was quite successful. City firefighters with the community's help raised $5,600 for the MDA!

There are more than 40 neuromuscular diseases that are covered by MDA, including ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Donations cover everything from wheelchairs to braces, physical therapy sessions to kids' summer camps.

The guys are looking forward to hitting the streets again in an attempt to top last year’s total. They really appreciate the generousity of those that can give, be it their spare change, a dollar or even more.

Everyone is invited to the Town of Batavia Republican Committee Picnic

By Billie Owens

The Town of Batavia Republican Committee Picnic is set for Friday June 24 and will run from 5 p.m. until dark in the Kiwanis Batavia Town Park. It is located at 3808 W. Main St. Road.

Tickets $10 for Adults, $5 for children and free for children under 5.

Tickets are available from committee members or calling or emailing Sharon at 356-5306 or sharon.09@vzw.blackberry.net

Menu includes hotdogs, macaroni salad, baked beans, chips, lemonade, coffee and assorted desserts. Entertainment will be provided by the Fraterrigo Family.

The 2011 Community Citizen Award will be made at the picnic. Many door prizes will be given out, too.

This is open to the public – everyone is encouraged to attend but please reserve your tickets.For more information, please call Kathy Jasinski 762-8239.

(About the Fraterrigo Family: Ranging in age from 6 to 13, the Fraterrigo Family children thrive ontheir love of music. Under the guidance and leadership of their mother, Stacey, they have put together a wholesome musical experience with mother/daughter harmony and instruments such as the banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar and upright bass. Although most of the children are being classically trained, their show consists of bluegrass, folk and traditional American music. The Fraterrigo Family has been performing publically for four years in Western New York.)

Don Carroll Run/Fun Walk to benefit Toys for Kids campaign

By Billie Owens

The 30th annual Donald R. Carroll Run/Fun Walk will be held at 5 p.m. sharp on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011 as part of the activities scheduled for the 2011 Summer in the City.

Registration will take place from 2 p.m.. until 4:50 p.m. in Jackson Square the day of the run/walk. Registration forms will be available online at doncarrollrace.com. The entry fee is $20 prior to the run/walk and $25 the day of the event.

The race/walk will start and end at Wendy's on Main Street in Batavia.

The first 200 individuals with paid registrations will receive race/walk T-shirts. A post run/walk party will be in Jackson Square following the event where participants will be treated to a chicken bbq, hot dogs, fruit, munchies, water and soda.

Friends and guests may also attend the run/walk post party by making a $5 donation. Music and dancing will also be available.

Proceeds from the run/walk will go toward Don Carroll's Toys for Kids campaign. Anyone interested in volunteering the day of the race may contact Don Carroll at donaldrcarroll@yahoo.com.

Middle-schoolers invited to college's summer Sport and Wellness Experience

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College will hold its second annual summer youth camp focusing on health and wellness July 18 – 29.

The Genesee Sport and Wellness Experience is geared toward middle school aged-students  and will take place at the college's Batavia Campus.

The summer program includes instruction and skill development in the areas of golf, tennis, soccer and volleyball targeted specifically for local middle-school students. While the program includes plenty of hands-on instruction and experiential learning on the field, courts and gymnasium, there is also a variety of wellness topics such as nutrition, fitness, stress management, peer pressure, and drug and substance abuse issues to be presented and discussed.

"Today's sport and wellness education goes far beyond knowing the rules and regulations of each sport by embracing a holistic approach to the human body's total performance," said Becky Dziekan, director of GCC's Health and Physical Education department and the coordinator of the program.

"We are delighted to spend two weeks introducing these young people to healthy living opportunities and practices that are fun yet informative, which hopefully will last a lifetime.

Students in grades six, seven and eight are invited to attend the two-week program, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The cost is $140 and includes lunch every day and a T-shirt.

For the general flyer and registration form for Genesee Sport and Wellness Experience go to: http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/Sport_Wellnessflyer 2011.pdf

For further details, please contact Becky Dziekan, director of Health and Physical Education at 585-343-0055 x6424 or rldziekan@genesee.edu <http://rldziekan@genesee.edu>. You can also go to the webpage: http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/wellness/

Community Yard Sale set for June 11

By Billie Owens

Second annual citywide Community Yard Sale to be held in front of your house June 11. Rain date will be June 18. Time is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 344-0276 with your house number and street address.

There is always something out there for everyone. Something new this year -- if you do not want any of your items after the sale they will be picked up by Kathy Stefaniak for the Saint Joseph's Mammoth Sale  to be held next year.

You must call to be placed on our list of house numbers and streets. The phone number is 344-0276.

Photos: Michael Napoleone Memorial Baseball Tournament

By Howard B. Owens

During the annual Michael Napoleone Memorial Baseball Tournament in Batavia, the Michael Napoleone Foundation presented a $12,000 check to the Center for Pediatric Biomedical Research at URMC.

Accepting the check above are, from right, Kathleen McGrath, Paul Kingsley and Alec Kingsley.

McGrath said the money is being used to cover the expense of more powerful computers. As part of the center's research, scientists take pictures of blood cells to study. The sophisticated camera equipment creates massive files that took the old computers hours to process. The new computers do the same work in minutes. The center also replaced worn out centrifuges. 

Michael Napoleone died in 2006 from Burkitt's Lymphoma/Leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer.

Mark and Laurie (second picture, left, with her brother, Dave Pero) Napoleone set up the fondation to give back to the community after so many people helped them during their son's illness.

Teams from as far away as Fairport are competing in the tournament, which runs through tomorrow.

Griffin Dellapenna, who was friends with Michael, reads a statement about how he misses Michael and what the tournament means to him. 

Griffin met Michael when they were both battling cancer. Next week, Griffin marks his fourth year in remission.

Jeremy Boyle and Matt Roach hit back-to-back home runs during Batavia's game against Oakfield-Alabama.

To buy quality, affordable prints from this event, click here.

More pictures after the jump:

 

To buy quality, affordable prints from this event, click here.

Police Beat: Man accused of urinating in girlfriend's car during a domestic dispute

By Howard B. Owens

Daniel Roger Sumeriski, 25, of State Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, harassment, 2nd, and criminal tampering, 3rd. The charges against Sumeriski stem from an alleged domestic incident on May 18 when Sumeriski allegedly took the victim's cell phone and urinated on the interior of her car. Sumeriski was put in the Genesee County Jail where he is being held on a parole warrant.

Robert David Cummings III, 24, of Akron Road, Corfu, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, unlawful possession of marijuana and no seatbelt. Cummings was stopped at 1:34 p.m. Thursday on Bloomingdale Road, Basom, for an alleged seat belt violation. Drug paraphernalia and marijuana were allegedly found in his car. He was jailed on $100 bail. The stop was made by Deputy Chris Parker, who was assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati and Deputy Brian Thompson with K-9 Pharaoh.

Stephen Vance Recco, 20, of Hemlock Ridge Road, Medina, is charged with criminal impersonation, improper use of a mobile phone and unlicensed operation. Recco was stopped at 4:09 p.m. on Route 77, Alabama, by Deputy Chris Parker for allegedly driving while talking on a mobile phone. Recco allegedly gave a false name and date of birth during the traffic stop.

Jason Howard Freeman, 29, of Bush Gardens, Marilla, is accused of promoting prison contraband. Freeman was allegedly found in possession of a lighter and tobacco while housed as an inmate at the Genesee County Jail.

Thomas Jesse Mullen, 45, of Thorncliff Road, Spencerport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Mullen was stopped at 11:57 p.m. Friday on North Byron Road, Elba, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Kate Elizabeth Brozic, 28, of Trimmer Road, Spencerport, was arrested on a bench warrant related to a DWI charge. Brozic was picked up by Spencerport Police and turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on a warrant out of Stafford Town Court. She was jailed on $500 bail.

Grand Jury Report: Registered sex offender accused of sending explicit texts to teenage girl

By Howard B. Owens

Marlek E. Holmes is indicted on charges of failure to register change of address, failure to personally verify his address, disseminating indecent material to a minor, 1st degree, and endangering the welfare of a child. Holmes, a registered sex offender, is accused of not notifying authorities of his new address after relocating from 516 E. Main St., Batavia, on Feb. 19. Holmes is also accused of sending sexually explicit text messages to a 16-year-old girl in December 2010. 

Chester Dortch is indicted on a charge of aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st. Dortch is accused of driving on the Thruway in Batavia on Nov. 20 while knowing his license was suspended. Dortch reportedly had 10 prior suspensions for failure to answer and failure to pay fine.

Joshua Carney and Holly Carney are indicted on 11 counts of offering a false instrument for filing, 1st, and grand larceny, 3rd. The Carneys are accused of filing false statements related to Joshua's employment in order to receive food stamps and Medicaid. The Carneys are accused of stealing $7,453 in food stamp assistance and $6,564.14 in Medicaid.

Tonya M. Weber is indicted on a felony DWI charge and aggravated DWI, also a felony, for having a child under 15 in the car and endangering the welfare of a child. Weber is accused of driving drunk Nov. 29 in the Town of Oakfield.

Big garage sale will benefit shelter animals

By Billie Owens

Volunteers for Animals will hold its fourth annual Garage Sale to benefit the animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter next week.

It runs Thursday June 2 through Saturday, June 4.

The address of the garage sale is 37 E. Main St. in Corfu, Route 33.

Beginning today, donations for the garage sale will be accepted. You can drop off at the shelter during adoption hours. If you have large items, please email VFA first for other arrangements.

The shelter is located at 3841 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia. Phone is 343-6410. Adoption hours are:

1 to 3 p.m. -- Sunday through Friday, but closed on Thursday

7 - 9 p.m. -- Wednesday

11 a.m. -1 1 p.m. -- Saturday

Volunteers For Animals

http://www.vol4animals.org

Police investigating reports of cars shot at on Ellicott Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

Two cars were apparently shot at while driving north on Ellicott Avenue around 5 p.m., according to Batavia Police.

Both cars were hit, one having window damage and the damage report is not yet available on the second car.

Evidence indicates the shots came from the east side of the street between Washington and Park.

It hasn't been determined whether the shots came from a pellet gun or a small calibre firearm.

Anybody with information that might aid the investigation are asked to call Batavia PD at 345-6350.

UPDATE 9:33 p.m.: Sgt. John Peck said that some evidence was found in the area of 42 Ellicott Ave. and that two possible juvenile suspects have been identified. The investigation is ongoing. "It's possible other vehicles have been hit and the drivers are not even aware of it," Peck said. If any other cars were hit, or if anybody has more information, they can call Batavia PD at 345-6350.

Owner of Batavia Nursing Home facing federal charges; employees complain of payroll problems

By Howard B. Owens

The owner of the Batavia Nursing Home has been accused by federal authorities of committing wire fraud to help fund a "lavish" lifestyle.

Meanwhile, two employees of the nursing home on State Street have contacted The Batavian to say they've either not been paid or were paid late.

Marc L. Korn, 54, of East Amherst faces a possible 20 years in prison or a $250,000 fine or both. He was arraigned a week ago in federal court and is scheduled to appear again on June 2.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gretchen L. Wylegala, who is handling the case, said that Korn devised a scheme to obtain funds from a charitable organization he headed, the American Friends of Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, an organization which raised funds to support a medical center in Israel.

An IRS investigator told the Buffalo News he's diverted as much as $1 million for his personal use and has also kept employee payroll taxes.

For employees of the nursing home, they're wondering what's going on. Today, they were told there was no money in the payroll account so no checks would be issued. 

"We've been told we would be paid, but we don't know when," an employee said.

This has happened before, according to another employee, who said two weeks ago the employees were given checks but told they couldn't cash them until the following week.

Korn could not be reached for comment.

One of the employees said that the Department of Labor has visited the facility, but she's not aware of any action beging taken.

She said all deliveries -- including food for residents -- are now C.O.D. (collect on delivery)

"The residents have their Social Security checks sent to the nursing home," she said. "Where's the money going?"

A relative of hers is a resident at the facility and the family is trying to move her, but she said she doesn't think the community really understands what's going on at the nursing home.

Five people quit today, she said. She figures she will start pulling 80-hour work weeks to keep up with the work load.

She continues her employment there, she said, because she believes it would be unethical to leave the residents without care.

Her husband's income has also been uneven lately, she said, so times are tough.

"I have to go home and tell my kids we may not eat today," she said.

She said all of the employees are facing similar difficulties, including falling behind on mortgages and car payments.

The woman said employees have been told Korn is trying to sell the facility, but they're not aware of any progress on that front.

We tried Korn's pager number, but it's disconnected. We also emailed him and asked for comment.

Massachusetts man facing 64 rape charges pleads not guilty

By Howard B. Owens

A man who met an Oakfield woman on a bus ride from Florida to Massachusetts and then came with her to New York entered  not guilty pleas today to 51 counts of rape for allegedly having sex with the woman's underage daughter and her underage friend.

The indictment covers another 13 more charges stemming from the alleged incidents, which investigators say occurred in November and December of 2010. Raymond E. Allard is accused of engaging with sexual acts with two girls under age 15.

The alleged incidents occurred in Oakfield, the City of Batavia and the Town of Batavia.

Allard was held without bail. Judge Robert C. Noonan said Allard presented a substantial flight risk because he has no real connections to the area, is facing serious charges with a potential lengthy prison term and has a prior criminal record.

According to Det. John Dehm, Allard's prior criminal record did not include similar sexual charges, but he did appear to target his alleged victims in this case after seemingly befriending the woman and her daughter on a bus trip. 

The case remains under investigation and there may be another victim or victims, Dehm said.

The 64-count indictment includes 51 counts of rape in the second degree and 13 counts of criminal sexual act, 2nd, for allegedly engaging in oral sex with both girls.

Outside of court, Dehm said parents should be cautious with people they have just met.

"A person might appear to be extremely friendly and polite and courteous," he says, "but you just never know what their past is all about, or what they could be up to."

GO ART! announces student poetry contest winners

By Billie Owens

GO ART! announces winners of poetry contests

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) has announced the winners of the Genesee County Poetry Contest, presented in conjunction with Present Tense Books in Batavia. All winning poems may be found online at www.GOart.org.


Grades K-3

1st Place: Chloe Shuskey, Grade 3, Bergen, “Bright and Beautiful”
 
Honorable Mention: Lindsay Augello, Grade 1, Elba, “Untitled”
 
Honorable Mention: Joe Gagne, Grade 3, Batavia, “Green”
 
Grades 4-6

Honorable Mention: Briana Janes, Grade 5, Batavia, “Outside”
 
Grades 10-12

First Place: Faith Finnin, Grade 11, Batavia, “Wrong”
 

Thanks to all who participated and to Present Tense Books for partnering with GO ART! on this program.

GO ART! is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that initiates a broad range of opportunities for artists and cultural organizations, and facilitates cooperative efforts among the cultural, business, service and educational communities for the people who live in and visit Genesee and Orleans counties.

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