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Now accepting applications for 21st Century Fund grants, deadline is Dec. 6

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The 21st Century Fund a fund and giving circle of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is now accepting applications from nonprofit organizations for its 2019-2020 grant cycle. Applications must be submitted online here and are due by 4 p.m. Dec. 6.

Organizations interested in learning more about the 2019-2020 grant process are encouraged to attend one of the two grant briefing sessions held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 10 and Oct. 15 at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. Information on how to confirm your attendance for the information sessions can be found on the website.

A group of selected applicants with high-impact projects will be invited to present at an event in early March, where 21st Century Fund members will learn about the projects and vote to narrow the pool down to a group of finalists. In April, the finalists will present live on stage, members will vote and a $100,000 grant will be awarded.

The 21st Century Fund is unique in that the members pay a one-time fee to join and every two years come together and vote to award a $100,000 grant for a specific project they feel is of strategic importance to Western New York.

Lifetime members can join as individuals, families, businesses, or organizations for $2,100, and membership pledges can be paid over five years. A special rate of $1,000 is available to individuals 35 years of age and younger, which can also be paid over five years. The Fund’s membership includes a diverse group of professionals, families, students and more.

Batavian Johnson spins 822 series in Toyota league at Mancuso's

By Mike Pettinella

Batavian Mike Johnson grabbed the spotlight in league bowling action last week by rolling a lofty 822 series in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday night league at Mancuso Bowling Center.

The 52-year-old left-hander put together games of 279-255-288 for the Eastown Beverage team for his fifth United States Bowling Congress-certified 800 series to go along with a handful of 300 games.

Johnson – an employee of MTM Property Management in Rochester – rolled 10 strikes in the opening game and eight more in game two before stringing 10 consecutive strikes in game three. His bid for a perfect game was thwarted by a stubborn 7 pin on the 11th ball – but he had the 800 well in hand by that point.

He used a Radical Intel bowling ball, drilled by Brian Green of Striking Effects Pro Shop, for the first time.

Johnson said he plans on competing in the Genesee Region USBC’s first tournament of the season -- the Handicap Bracket Challenge singles event on Saturday, Oct. 26th at Mancuso Bowling Center – and in the Genesee Region USBC Senior Masters Tournament on Sunday, Nov. 3rd at Mount Morris Lanes.

For a list of high scores from area bowling centers, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the page. Mike Pettinella's next Pin Points column is scheduled to run this Thursday.

Blue Knights Tri-State Conference to be held in Batavia Columbus Day Weekend

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County is set to welcome 150 members of Blue Knights New York IV, who will converge on Batavia over the Columbus Day weekend to attend the Blue Knights International Convention and the Tri-State Conference.

While in the area the group is working with area businesses to provide food, drink and entertainment to the attendees. They are returning to Batavia for the first time since 2014 and their event will leave an estimated $40,000 economic impact to the area.

Blue Knights New York IV was founded in 1986 by a small group of NYS Corrections officers from Groveland Correctional Facility in Sonyea in Livingston County. Since that time, NY IV has grown to become a vibrant part of the Blue Knights organization.  

The current members come from all facets of the law enforcement community consisting of active and retired members from city, town and village police, county sheriffs, New York State Police (including BCI), New York State Parole and State Corrections. These officers have ranks all the way from chief of oolice to entry level officer.  

With a general 50-mile radius of the original Groveland -- Sonyea Charter address, NY IV stretches along the Interstate 390 corridor from the shores of Lake Ontario to the Southern Tier. Their area covers Allegany, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Orleans, Ontario, Stueben, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.

Their activities and accomplishments equal that of much larger chapters. Throughout Blue Knights lifetime, New York IV has organized or participated in charity events for the American Cancer Society, United Cerebral Palsey, the Kali Poulton Research Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, the Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC), Strong Memorial Hospital's Children's Center, and for Lifetime Assistance Inc. 

NY IV was also a sponsoring chapter of the Attica -- 9/11 Memorial Ride conducted by NY 8 for five years, which memorializes those slain corrections officers from the 1971 Attica Prison riot and all those officers killed in the line of duty throughout the country and in particular at the Sept. 11th tragedy in NYC. 

Following the termination of the Attica Ride event, NY IV was then a sponsoring club for several years of Operation Patriot. This event honored all law enforcement, firefighters, EMS and military and was held on the 9/11 Weekend. In the past, they have supported the Genesee Valley Chapter of C.O.P.S. and a Christmas in July Toy Ride to benefit the Golisano Children's Center at Strong Memorial Hospital. This event brings hundreds of toys to the hospitalized children at a time of year when many are forgotten.

Firefighters wearing pink ribbons in October to support heroes fighting breast cancer

By Howard B. Owens

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For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the uniform T-shirt of Batavia City Fire Department is adorned with pink ribbons on the front and back so that firefighters can show their support of those who have fought or are fighting the disease.

"We want people to understand that we appreciate the fact that firefighters are often given the term heroes, however people fighting breast cancer are really the true heroes," said Chief Stefano Napolitano. "We want to support those people that have lost the battle and those that are currently fighting and those who are going to be fighting in the future."

Napolitano's own mother was successfully treated for breast cancer (though she has since passed due to other health reasons) so this is a cause that is especially important to him, he said.

"I know several other ladies that are fighting or have fought and are survivors so this is just a small way that city fire can let them know that we're here supporting them," the chief said. "We enjoy the support of the community and it's an honor and it's humbling to be able to provide that support and return to those that are fighting their own fires."

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Night at the Races fundraiser for Steve Hawley is Oct. 18, RSVP by Oct. 10, sponsorships available

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley, the New York State Deputy Minority leader, invites you to join him for his fundraiser -- the 12th Annual Night at the Races -- at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18 at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.

It is located at 8315 Park Road in Batavia.

Cost is $80 per guest or $150 per couple and includes a two-hour open bar, special dinner buffet and $20 Free Play per person.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

  • $1,000 TRIPLE CROWN LEVEL: 10 tickets, race named for sponsor, special gift, tote board and program recognition, group picture with “Triple Crown” race winner and Assemblyman Hawley;
  • $800 KENTUCKY DERBY LEVEL: 8 tickets, program recognition, group picture with “Kentucky Derby” race winner and Assemblyman Hawley;
  • $600 BELMONT STAKES LEVEL: 6 Tickets, program recognition, group picture with “Belmont Stakes” race winner and Assemblyman Hawley;
  • $400 PREAKNESS STAKES LEVEL: 4 tickets, program recognition.

Please RSVP by Oct.10th -- call 585-356-0686.

Please consider supporting Assemblyman Hawley by attending the Night at the Races event. Please RSVP to the event with your name(s), address, number of attendees along with a check made payable to : 

Friends of Steve Hawley

7768 Oatka Trail

Le Roy, NY 14482

Law and Order: Meadowcrest Drive felon accused of endangering child, illegally possessing shotgun

By Billie Owens

Patsy Anthony Rapone, 52, of Meadowcrest Drive, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested on Sept. 30 after an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred Sept. 20. He was arrraigned on Oct. 1 in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on Oct. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Patsy Anthony Rapone, 52, of Meadowcrest Drive, Batavia, was arrested Sept. 30 and charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. He was allegedly found to be in possession of a shotgun illegally, because he is a convicted felon, on Dec. 25 on Meadowcrest Drive. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is to return to city court on Oct. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Jeremy S. Carlson, 48, of Sumner Road, Darien Center, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI; failure to keep right; speeding; and drinking alcohol in the motor vehicle on a public highway. At 8:55 a.m. on Oct. 6 Carlson was stopped on Pearl Street in Batavia and subsequently arrested at 9:08 a.m. He was processed and released from custody with an appearance ticket for Oct. 23 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Sgt. Eric Bolles.

Stephen Joseph King, 34, of Falleson Road, Rochester, is charged with: Aggravated driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .18 percent or greater; DWI -- first offense; and unsafe starting of a stopped motor vehicle. Following a traffic stop at 9:37 p.m. on Oct. 5 on South Lake Avenue in the Village of Bergen, King was arrested. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Bergen Court on Oct. 30. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

Sponsored Post: Look no further – this home has it all

By Lisa Ace


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Pembroke volleyball team finishes second in Warsaw tournament

By Howard B. Owens

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The Pembroke Dragons placed second in the Warsaw Volley Tournament over the weekend.

The Dragons beat Alexander in the semifinals but fell to Warsaw in the finals in three games. Dekari Moss and Olivia Metz were named to the tournament all-star team.

Lancaster resident announces bid for NY-27 congressional seat

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Frank C. Smierciak II, a 28-year-old conservative Republican, announced today that he is running for U.S. Congress in New York’s 27th District to bring desperately needed conservative leadership to Washington.

“Our nation is in crisis. For decades we have allowed career politicians, lawyers, and self-interested millionaires to run this country into the ground. We can not afford this destructive cycle any longer. It is time for our voices to be heard. It is time for a private citizen to take the fight to Washington.”

“Our national debt is skyrocketing, Social Security is collapsing, and veterans, the true heroes of our great Republic, die waiting in line for care or languish in homelessness while we spend billions on illegal immigrants. Our elected officials, both Democrat and Republican, have directly facilitated all of these things. They must be held accountable. We need to act now before it is too late.”

“Our politicians claim they understand and identify with what we go through as private citizens but let’s be frank, politicians are isolated from what the average citizen deals with. The Washington Elite are doing nothing to save Social Security because their retirement is taken care of; they do not have the same worries as the rest of us.

"They claim to be on your side, but when push comes to shove, they resort to the same tired tactics of padding their wallets and playing the blame game, stoking the Democrat vs. Republican rivalry. The truth is, the Washington Elite are a unified team that looks out for itself, and the rest of us are on the other team, left standing in the cold, footing the bill for their incompetence.”

“Our nation cannot afford to have another political insider that is elected based solely on the size of their campaign fund and who they know; we need an average citizen, one that faces the same issues as everyone else, and one who will have to deal with the consequences of the actions of the Washington Elite.

"I am proud to be running to represent not only the current residents of the 27th District but to represent all future residents; all of our children and grandchildren will feel the brunt of the inept blundering that has existed in Washington for decades.”

“As a private citizen that makes around the median income for the district, I know what it is like to worry about paying your bills, I know what it’s like to worry about not being able to save enough for the future, and I know what it’s like to fear the age of retirement knowing that years of paying into Social Security will be money wasted.

"We are all to blame for allowing this cycle to continue; I ask that all of you stand with me to bring the reign of the corrupt Washington Elite to a swift end and take one more step toward draining the swamp. Make no mistake, only we private citizens can drain the swamp. Establishment politicians pay lip service to the sentiment of 'drain the swamp' but the reality is, they are the swamp.”

“I believe so strongly that our Republic needs to get back to its roots that I am putting my entire life savings and retirement on the line. I feel it is my patriotic duty to sacrifice my future so that our great nation will continue to have one."

“Unlike career politicians who will promise everything under the sun to get elected, I will only make one promise to those who would support me: I will fight every single day for our shared interests, for the future of this country, for our children, and for our grandchildren, so that the American Dream can be viable for generations to come, and so that our nation will continue to be one founded on liberty, sacrifice and prosperity.”

Gas prices continue to drop in WNY

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.65, no change since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.91. The New York State average is $2.72 – down 2 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.01. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

  • Batavia -- $2.69 (down 2 cents since last week)
  • Buffalo -- $2.68 (down 2 cents since last week)
  • Ithaca -- $2.67 (down 1 cent since last week)
  • Rochester -- $2.71 (down 2 cents since last week)
  • Rome -- $2.71 (down 2 cents since last week)
  • Syracuse -- $2.61 (down2 cents since last week)
  • Watertown -- $2.68 (down 2 cents since last week)

In its latest weekly report, the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) data revealed that gas demand is starting to decline – as is typically the case during the fall. Demand for gasoline is slowing and matches the rate seen at this time one year ago. Alongside the drop in demand, gasoline stocks are relatively stable.

The drop in demand, amid stable stock levels, has helped the majority of motorists across the country see pump prices stabilize or decline after spiking a few weeks ago when Saudi Arabia reported that two of its oil facilities were attacked. If demand continues to drop, while stocks decline or hold steady, pump prices will likely continue to stabilize.

Video: Wine Walk with a jazzy theme

By Howard B. Owens
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Car hits pole in front of Genesee County Jail

By Howard B. Owens
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A car vs. pole accident is reported at 14 W. Main St., Batavia.

That's in front of the Genesee County Jail.

City fire and Mercy EMS responding.

The driver is reportedly unconscious.

UPDATE(S) By Billie (9:18 p.m.): The accident is actually on the south side of Main Street, between the Peace Garden and the sewage lift station.

UPDATE 9:25 p.m.: The driver is conscious and alert and was able to walk to the stretcher.

UPDATE 9:59 p.m.: The driver is being transported to UMMC for evaluation. The accident toppled over a light standard and a DPW worker responded to deal with the situation.

David Bellavia throwing out first pitch tonight for playoff game in Washington

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

Army Staff Sgt. Bellavia of Western New York has been invited to throw out the first pitch at tonight's Washington Nationals baseball game against the the L.A. Dodgers (Oct. 6). The game in D.C. begins at 7:45 p.m. and will be aired on TBS. The two teams are tied at 1-1. 

Shortly after receiving the Medal of Honor at the White House on June 25, Bellavia threw out the first pitch at the Mets/Yankees game on the Fourth of July. 

Coming up
This Saturday, Oct. 12, Bellavia will be honored by the Niagara Falls community with a key to the city and present the talk "Duty 1st with David Bellavia: Serving Country and Community" at the Rapids Theatre. Tickets to the 3 p.m. event are $22 and will benefit a new nonprofit created by Bellavia called Deuce Deuce Relief Fund.

This inaugural fundraiser and Deuce Deuce benefits soldiers from Bellavia's prior Task Force in Iraq (Task Force 2-2), who may be experiencing hardship or require other assistance. 

Tickets are available online through EventBrite, with a link at DavidBellavia.com.

Photo: Submitted by Duty 1st courtesy the New York Mets. The photo is from the Mets v. Yankees game earlier this year.

UPDATE: Video below courtesy Duty 1st.

Video: Le Roy's halftime homecoming

By Howard B. Owens
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Video: Highlights from Le Roy's 58-13 victory over Mynderse

By Howard B. Owens
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Andrew Englerth rushed for 206 yards and four touchdowns to help lead Le Roy to a 58-13 win over Mynderse/South Seneca on Friday night.

Kyler LaCarte filled in at QB for Jake Hill, who is missing a couple of games due to an injury, and was 5-9 passing for 52 yards. LaCarte scored a touchdown while gaining 25 yards rushing on five carries.

Nate Andrews scored two touchdowns, one rushing and one on an 82-yard punt return. Andrews also converted six point-after attempts.

Kaiel Robinson also scored a touchdown.

Cole Rauscher had 10 tackles and an interception.

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Top Items on Batavia's List

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