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Law and Order: Wyoming County Sheriff's Office arrests Batavia woman and Pavilion man

By Billie Owens

Lindsay A. Clemm, 37, of Batavia, was arrested on July 28 following a traffic stop on Route 19 in the Town of Warsaw. Clemm was stopped for allegedly going 56 mph in a 30-mph zone on South Main Street near Jefferson Street in the Village of Warsaw. Multiple other traffic infractions were allegedly observed in the Town of Warsaw while Wyoming County Sheriff's deputes attempted to get Clemm's vehicle to pull over. Clemm allegedly failed field sobriety tests. Clemm's vehicle was towed from the scene and she was taken to the Sheriff's Office where she was evaluated by a drug recognition expert. She was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and was processed and released to a third party. She is due in Town of Warsaw Court Aug. 12. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan.

James K. Penders, 47, of Pavilion, was arrested July 27 following a traffic stop for a loud muffler on Route 19 in the Town of Covington. He was allegedly found to have a revoked license dated June 22, 1996 and an expired license dated March 16, 1995. He was released with appearance tickets for Covington Town Court on Aug. 12. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Adam Hope.

Reel Discussion at Richmond library: 'October Sky' about coal miner whose son develops passion for rocket science in age of Sputnik 1

By Billie Owens

Event:  Reel Discussions

Place:  Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia

Date & Time:  Tuesday, Aug. 13th, at 6 p.m.

Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward. On Tuesday, Aug. 13th at 6 p.m., we will be showing the movie is “October Sky” and RML Reference Librarian, Jim Doyle, will be the discussion leader.

Event Date and Time

Mark Your Calendar: 16th annual Fur Ball is Sept. 28, new auction and raffle items being accepted now

By Billie Owens

The 16th annual Fur Ball to benefit the Spay/Neuter Program at the Genesee County Animal Shelter will be held at the Sacred Heart Social Center in the City of Batavia starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28.

There will be food and beverages and basket raffles and silent auctions.

Tickets are $25; tickets for children 12 and under are $15. Tables of 10 are available for $250.

Make checks payable to: Volunteers for Animals -- Spay/Neuter Program. They can be mailed to: Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia NY 14020

The Sacred Heart Social Center is located at 17 Sumner St.

The Volunteers for Animals is now accepting new items for the auctions/raffles for the Fur Ball. They can be left at the shelter during adoption hours.

The shelter is located at 131 W. Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia.

Adoption hours are:

  • Afternoons on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Also, Wednesday nights from 7 to 9
  • CLOSED THURSDAYS
  • Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

info@vol4animals.org

www.vol4animals.org

vfafurball@gmail.com

Garden Talk at Cornell extension resumes on Thursday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Garden Talk is back from its July break! Join us on the first Thursday of the month starting this Thursday, Aug. 1.

All Garden Talk programs run from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Bring your lunch to the Cornell Cooperative Extension office (420 E. Main St., Batavia) and join us. This free series is open to the public. Registration is not required.

Our lineup for the remainder of the year is as follows:

Aug. 1 -- “Sensory Gardens” – Come learn about the benefits and how to create a garden for the five senses. The talk will include how they can be used as a healing therapy for people as well as encourage natural learning experiences for children. The sensory garden invites everyone to enjoy the garden and stimulate their senses.

Sept. 5 – “Growing Garlic” -- “There are many miracles in the world to be celebrated and, for me, garlic is the most deserving” -- Leo Buscaglia. Let’s celebrate Buscaglia’s appreciation of this most essential plant! Join us for a talk on all things garlic -- its history, uses, horticultural varieties and cultivation.

Oct. 3 – “Autumn Décor Demonstration” -- Join us as Master Gardener Jane Grehlinger shows us how to create a fall masterpiece from the garden.

Nov. 7 – “Gardens of England” -- Master Gardener Pam Ketchum will present brief reflections from a 13-day tour of English gardens. Highlights will include the Chelsea Flower Show, Great Dixter, Sissinghurst and Hidcote. Ketchum will share some history of the original owners, and talk about structure, garden rooms, patterning, pathways, and of course – color.

Future topics and other Master Gardener events will be posted on the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/.

Former BCSD superintendent Chris Dailey honored with Apple Award

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The BCSD Foundation lnc.'s Board of Directors is pleased to announce Chris Dailey as a recent recipient of the BCSD Foundation Apple Award. He was nominated by Stephen Ognibene in June.

Ognibene nominated Dailey and presented him with a Foundation Apple for many reasons. First he would like to "thank Mr. Dailey for his 11 years contributing to much success in our school district." He is a leader to his staff, students, and parents who have connected with him. He has fulfilled his motto "Take Care of BCSD" in so many ways.

Dailey has been engaged in every way with our students and family members. He attended many sporting, events, Mr. Batavia, music concerts, and his worked helped achieve the number one workplace for our district. He was a Blue Zoo participant and a Blue Devil at heart. Our community is truly thankful for the years of commitment to BCSD.

About the BCSD Foundation Apple award

It is given by a member of the school and/or local community to a Batavia City School District employee or volunteer. In the opinion of those giving the honor of this distinction, the awardee has gone above and beyond in their role and is being recognized by one or more people for these accomplishments.

Local artist, Mark Jensen, will be making each individual resin apple -- none will be exactly the same. If you are interested in giving a Foundation Apple award, please submit your nomination form and $75 (payable to the BCSD Foundation Inc., 260 State St., Batavia NY 14020, att: Allison Chua). Nomination forms may be found on our webpage (at www.bataviacsd.org under Quick Links).

Community members with questions are asked to email us at foundation@bataviacsd.org.

Photo: Nominator Stephen Ognibene and awardee -- former BCSD Superintendent Chris Dailey, now superintendent of Gates Chili Central School District in Monroe County.

'Summer Portrait' community-based physical theater play with music by classical composers to open in August

By Billie Owens

MoonJava Café, located at 56 Harvester Ave. in Batavia, and The Visual Truth Theatre Ensemble present "Summer Portrait" in August.

It's a community-based physical theater play written by Eric Zwieg, based on Arthur Schopenhauer's "The World as Will and Representation," with music by Gustav Mahler, Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann and Arnold Schoenberg.

Performances on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 28 and 29, will be at 7 p.m. The performance on Friday, Aug. 30, will begin at 5 p.m.

Good will offering accepted.

'Summer Portrait' community-based physical theater play with music by classical composers

By Billie Owens

MoonJava Café, located at 56 Harvester Ave. in Batavia, and The Visual Truth Theatre Ensemble present "Summer Portrait" in August.

It's a community-based physical theater play written by Eric Zwieg, based on Arthur Schopenhauer's "The World as Will and Representation," with music by Gustav Mahler, Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann and Arnold Schoenberg.

Performance on Friday, Aug. 30, will begin at 5 p.m.

Good will offering accepted.

Event Date and Time

'Summer Portrait' community-based physical theater play with music by classical composers

By Billie Owens

MoonJava Café, located at 56 Harvester Ave. in Batavia, and The Visual Truth Theatre Ensemble present "Summer Portrait" in August.

It's a community-based physical theater play written by Eric Zwieg, based on Arthur Schopenhauer's "The World as Will and Representation," with music by Gustav Mahler, Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann and Arnold Schoenberg.

Performance on Thursday, Aug. 29, will be at 7 p.m. The performance on Friday, Aug. 30, will begin at 5 p.m.

Good will offering accepted.

Event Date and Time

'Summer Portrait' community-based physical theater play with music by classical composers

By Billie Owens

MoonJava Café, located at 56 Harvester Ave. in Batavia, and The Visual Truth Theatre Ensemble present "Summer Portrait" in August.

It's a community-based physical theater play written by Eric Zwieg, based on Arthur Schopenhauer's "The World as Will and Representation," with music by Gustav Mahler, Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann and Arnold Schoenberg.

Performances on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 28 and 29, will be at 7 p.m. The performance on Friday, Aug. 30, will begin at 5 p.m.

Good will offering accepted.

Event Date and Time

Car fire reported five feet away from residence on Wolcott Street in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A car fire, five feet from a residence, is reported at 81 Wolcott St., between Union and Clay streets in the Village of Le Roy. Le Roy Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 12:34 p.m.: A first responder on scene reports a working car fire.

UPDATE 12:36 p.m.: A chief at the scene says "fire appears to be knocked down. Continue the equipment."

UPDATE 12:51 p.m.: The Le Roy assignment is back in service.

Batavia Downs posts impressive opening week numbers

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The first week of live racing at Batavia Downs produced some very impressive numbers for betting and attendance, showing a dramatic spike over last year. 

After the last race on Sunday was over the track had realized: a 27-percent increase of on-track handle; a 6.8-percent increase on export betting; WROTB handle up a total of 12 percent; total betting up 11 percent; and attendance up 16 percent.

“Where we are very pleased with all of our handle numbers, the most impressive stat might be the attendance,” said Todd Haight, director/general manager of Live Racing at Batavia Downs. 

“Our opening night crowd was unbelievable and that carried over into the weekend. We had the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) and some really nice weather which helped, but there is a definite buzz about our championship meet in the area this year.”

The Batavia Downs summer/fall meet continues on Wednesday (July 31) with post time at 5 p.m. The highlight of this year’s racing session is the $1.8 million NYSS Night of Champions that will be held at the Downs on Saturday (Sept. 14).

Dine at Settler's for dinner and Crossroads House gets 20-percent of the pre-tax receipts

By Billie Owens

You can mark another night on your calendar that you won’t have to cook! On Tuesday Aug. 27, Settler’s Family Restaurant will donate 20 percent of your pre-tax dinner bill to Crossroads House if you visit between 4-9 p.m. No coupon necessary.

Have a great meal and donate to a great cause at the same time!

Settler's is located at 353 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

Event Date and Time
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Basic Exterior Firefighters Operations training completed by 14 GC students

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The spring Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) program was held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. The 79-hour program began in March and concluded on May 15. Fourteen students completed the 79-hour program from eight county departments. 

The BEFO program is an entry level program for the volunteer fire service designed to prepare students to respond to emergencies as exterior firefighters. Students are instructed in fire extinguishers, building construction, forcible entry, ladder deployment, incident command, drafting operations and hazardous materials operations level. In addition, students are trained in ropes and knots, and first aid/CPR. 

Participants included: 

ALABAMA

  • Joseph A. Uhrinek

TOWN OF BATAVIA

  • William Allen

CORFU

  • Cyle J. Felski

EAST PEMBROKE

  • Matthew N Allen 
  • Sheri Allen 
  • Jenniffer J. Groff
  • Erin M. Martin 
  • Noah A. Martin 
  • Alyssa M. Nye

ELBA

  • Brandon M. Burgess

LE ROY

  • James D.King

OAKFIELD

  • Matthew Doran

PAVILION

  • Shane J. Freeman 

STAFFORD 

  • Julia Bobo

Visit your local fire department to find out more about volunteer opportunities.

Open burn reported on Pearl Street in the city

By Billie Owens

An open burn in the city is reported at 130 Pearl St. City fire and law enforcement are responding. The location is between Roosevelt Avenue and Brooklyn Avenue.

Nineteen GC firefighters completed vehicle rescue training in June

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Nineteen firefighters from Genesee County completed an 18-hour Vehicle Rescue: Operations Level training program held over five nights in June; concluding on June 27.

Operations level requires the rescuer to enter the hot zone and perform the rescue in normal-type passenger vehicles.

Student who successful completed the program are able: to demonstrate the ability to perform a situational assessment of the accident scene; to determine what support services, if any, are needed and to determine the effective application of tools, equipment and personnel; recognize existing and/or potential hazards and take appropriate steps to control the same; gain access to the entrapped patient(s); provide for patient assessment and any necessary emergency medical care; assess and perform disentanglement of the patients so as to facilitate patient care, patient packaging and extrication; provide for patient packaging and removal; and assess for and perform patient extrication from the damaged vehicle.  

Participants included:

ALABAMA

  • Ryan M. Thompson

TOWN OF BATAVIA

  • Bryan A. Moscicki
  • Ian A. Sanfratello
  • Tyler J. Stewart

CORFU

  • Jacob Stiles

DARIEN

  • Joe T. Marino

EAST PEMBROKE

  • Matthew N. Allen 
  • Samantha M. Cavalieri

ELBA

  • Michael J. Pfendler

LE ROY

  • Jared Chick
  • James D. King 
  • Stephany McVicker

SOUTH BYRON

  • Nichole Boldt
  • Chase Cone
  • Andrew L. Konieczny
  • Vito Muoio

STAFFORD

  • Mark Dougherty 
  • Matt Hendershott
  • Ashley Swartzenberg

Visit your local fire department to find out more about volunteer opportunities.

Alzheimer’s disease programs and services being offered in Genesee County

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Do you know the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia? Learn the facts during a free educational program in Batavia."Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia" is a free program that will be presented by experts with the Alzheimer’s Association® Western New York Chapter at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

The Genesee County Office of Aging at 2 Bank Street will host the class.

While Alzheimer’s disease currently cannot be prevented or slowed, there are steps to take and recommendations to follow in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise and cognitive activity that promote healthy aging.

Learn more during a free educational program offered by dementia experts at the Chapter in August. "Healthy Living for your Brain and Body" will be presented at 1 p.m. at the New York State Veterans Home at 220 Richmond Ave. in Batavia on Monday, Aug. 12.

Registration is required for both programs by calling the Chapter office during traditional business hours at (716) 626-0600, ext. 313, or 24-hours a day, 7-days a week at 800-272-3900.

Additionally, the Chapter oversees several monthly caregiver support group meetings across the county, which allow caregivers to connect with others facing similar challenges and hear advice for overcoming them:

  • 3rd Wednesday (Aug. 21) at 7 p.m. – Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St. in Batavia
  • 3rd Thursday (Aug. 22) at 1 p.m. – Genesee County Office for the Aging, 12 Bank St. in Batavia
  • 2nd Monday (Aug. 12) at 2 p.m. – The Greens of Le Roy, 1 West Ave. in Le Roy

Community social programs, or respites, are also available every month in Batavia and Corfu. This program provides relief to those who care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia and offers them some time to refresh and recharge, while their loved one is engaged in social activities in a safe environment.

First Presbyterian Church of Batavia offers this free service on the fourth Monday (Aug. 26) from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For additional information, please call Mickey Rodak at (585) 455-5940.

Local residents now have a second Batavia location for this service. On the second Monday of each month (Aug. 12) St. James Episcopal Church at 405 E. Main St. will offer a four-hour program, starting at 10:30 a.m. Those interested in this respite should call Barbara King at (585) 343-6802.

Indian Falls United Methodist Church at 7908 Allegany Road offers a respite program on the third Wednesday (Aug. 21) from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, call Celinda McQuiston at (585) 762-9105.

To learn more about other Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, contact the WNY Chapter office at 800-272-3900.

You can also access dementia care programs and resources by calling the Genesee County Office for the Aging at (585) 343-1611.

Deadline to register for Alex's Place Chef Russell Memorial Golf Scramble is Aug. 1

By Billie Owens

The Alex's Place Chef Russell Memorial Golf Scramble will be held on Sunday, Aug. 11, at Batavia Country Club.

The deadline to register is Aug. 1st. Time is running out!

Here's the link to the brochure and the sponsorship and registration forms.

This year, the grand prize is a trip to Florida, which includes a boat rental and snorkeling!

The money raised from this fundraiser will be donated to Crossroads House, and for a scholarship created in memory of Chef Russell Bugbee. This scholarship will be awarded to an area high school graduate who is pursuing education in the culinary field.

C’mon out for a day of fun and sun and GOLF!

Thank you!

Crossroads House

Salvation Army seeks help funding its Back to School Backpack program

By Billie Owens

The Salvation Army is asking for the community's help in funding its Back to School Backpack Bash Program.

The nonprofit organization is asking you or your company to sponsor backpacks for our children who live in Genesee County. By sponsoring a backpack you will help give a child a much needed services to help start there school year out on the right foot.

They will provide the backpack and ask that you fill the backpacks with the supplies listed below.

Any items you can provide for these backpacks are appreciated. Please label backpacks according to supply list. Thank You

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST ($30)

Box of 24 crayons, pencils, pink eraser, washable markers, glue sticks, bottle of glue, box of tissue, hand sanitizers, pair of blunt scissors, pencil box, plastic pocket folders, wide ruled notebooks, composition notebooks

MIDDLE SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST ($40)

Box of pencils, glue sticks, bottle of white glue, pink eraser, pair of scissors, pencil case, 6 – pocket folders, loose leaf paper, composition notebooks, blue pens, red pens, binders, subject dividers, scientific calculator, pocket dictionary, pencil shaper, highlighter

HIGH SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST ($50)

Box of Pencils, box of pens, composition notebooks, folders with pockets, package of graph paper, loose leaf paper, pocket dictionary, post-it notes, ruler, scientific calculator, scotch tape, stapler, box of staples, and stapler remover, three ring binder with subject dividers, highlighter, index cards, red pens.

For the flier and sponsorship form on this intitiative, click here.

Please fill out and email or fax it to (585) 343-6717 susan.myers@use.salvationarmy.org, or mail this form to 529 E. Main St., Batavia NY 14020.

Law and Order: Holland Avenue man accused of fighting with family member again

By Billie Owens

Kiha S. McNear (inset photo left), 21, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: first-degree criminal contempt -- with a prior conviction; criminal contempt -- having physical contact; second-degree burglary; fourth-degree criminal mischief; and second-degree harassment. McNear was arrested at 1:55 a.m. July 25 after a domestic incident on Walnut Street in which he allegedly violated an order of protection and got into a physical fight with a famiy member. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash or bond. He was due back in court July 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Justin P. Avino, 26, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested after an investigation allegedly found he physical contact with another person at 4 a.m. July 21 on Swan Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 8. The case was handled by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Katherine S. Thomas, 46, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. She was arrested after an investigation into a disturbance on Ross Street at 1:11 a.m. on July 26. Thomas was warned to stay away from the scene by police but she allegedly returned a short time later. She was issued an appearance ticket for July 30 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Sgt. Matthew Lutey.

Dustin Wayne Bogue, 37, address unknown, Buffalo, was arrested on a warrant in which is alleges that the defendant violated an order of protection at 10:38 a.m. on April 5 on Tracy Avenue in Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed with unspecified bail. He was due to return to city court on July 28. The case was handled by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Myriam M. Cruz, 36, of Copeland Street, Rochester, and Christian Saez, no age or address provided, are each charged with two counts of petit larceny after allegedly shoplifting from a local business on separate occasions in July. Cruz was released on her own recognizance. Saez was jailed on July 26 in lieu of $500 cash bail or $2,500 bond. Both are due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 1. The investigation was conducted by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Tony J. Aguglia, 39, of Main Street, Clarence, is charged with larceny of beer from a local business at 2:50 a.m. on July 25. He was arrested and processed at the jail, issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 6 in Batavia City Court, and released to his mother. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Darryle Streeter.

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