Singer/flutist Emily Crawford and guitarist Eric Zwieg, known collectively as Local 1, entertained a crowd of about 50 people today at the Batavia Culture Jam at MoonJava Cafe at 56 Harvester Ave., where works by local artists are being prominently displayed.
Brian Laird shared some of his inspirational poems, with themes ranging from the value of living, salute to board games, nature and a memorial to his family dog. Other poets of the day were Eric Weatherbee aka The Humble Bard and Howard Owens, publisher of The Batavian.
Richard Beatty, host of Geezer Radio on WGCC, provided some interpretative reading, including a satirical take on the evolution of television. Photos by Mike Pettinella.
My trip to Washington, D.C., to witness David Bellavia receiving the Medal of Honor and be inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon is the highlight of my journalism career.
Yes, it was a great experience to visit the White House (I'll answer the question many people have asked, "Did you meet the president?" No.) and the Pentagon, and it was an honor to see Bellavia receive the Medal of Honor. But in going to these events, what I didn't expect was how meaningful it would be to meet the men who served with Bellavia in Fallujah, Iraq. I got to see firsthand their love for each other and hear their stories and speak to several of them individually.
It was a special honor and pleasure to meet and speak with Colin Fitts, Maj. Joaquin Meno, and Sgt. John Bandy.
On Tuesday night, I was able to attend a party at a private residence in D.C. with the men of Bellavia's platoon. I was there when Meno made a toast to their fallen comrades. And though I took no pictures, made no recording, it's a moment I'll never forget.
One of the highlights of the trip -- and there many -- was hanging out with Michael Ware, a legendary combat journalist. We spent a lot of time together and he helped me with my coverage. My interview with him figures prominently in this video.
I hope the video gives you a good sense of what took place in Washington over four days and provides you with a better sense of what happened in Fallujah on Nov. 10, 2004. The video doesn't just cover the main events -- the Medal of Honor ceremony and Hall of Heroes ceremony -- both of which were open to the press; but also the events I attended as a guest of David's while other media were excluded, primarily the reception in the ballroom of the hotel on Monday night and the reception in the White House after the Medal of Honor ceremony.
This is a complete photo gallery from my attendance of events and ceremonies in Washington, D.C., this week for David Bellavia receiving the Medal of Honor. Some of these photos come from events that no other photojournalist attended.
A plan to build a 5-megawatt solar farm on Ellicott Street Road in the Town of Batavia is not sitting well with area residents, who shared their views with the property owner at a neighborhood meeting on Friday night.
About 25 people gathered at the home of Bill and Nancy Brach at 5168 Ellicott Street Road to discuss the pros and cons of solar farms in general and to gain information about the specific project proposed by Donald Partridge, owner of a large dairy farm on that road.
“To be honest, probably some of us would like to see if there’s any way to keep this particular project from taking place,” Nancy Brach said.
She was referring to Partridge’s application to put a 36-acre solar farm on land located at 5103 Ellicott Street Road, about a half-mile southeast of Shepard Road – on the left-hand side as you head out of Batavia toward East Bethany.
Brach cited concerns over adverse health effects, proximity to residences, unattractive appearance, negative effect on property values and taxpayer subsidies in her opening statement to the group.
Currently, Partridge’s proposal is on hold since it was denied by the Town Zoning Board of Appeals for being over the maximum size allowed (20 acres). It could be resubmitted, however, if it were modified to show two separate 20-acre parcels or if the ZBA were to reconsider its decision on a variance.
To his credit, Partridge (and his wife, Pat) attended the meeting and stood his ground. And to his neighbors’ credit, the meeting progressed in a respectful, civil manner.
Partridge said that he proposed one 36-acre solar farm instead of two 20-acre units to eliminate the need for two sets of poles and other hardware. He also said that he moved it back from its original location.
“We sought a variance to make it more efficient and when (Trousdale Solar) engineers came back to me with the first design, it was tight up to Folger’s pine trees,” he said.
The proposed site is about 150 feet from the property line of Richard and Jolene Folger at 5105 Ellicott Street Road.
It also is within the sight line of the property of Steve and Mary Smith at 5107 Ellicott Street Road and is not far away from an ARC of Genesee Orleans group home down the road.
While Partridge said his goal was to be “less intrusive to everybody,” that apparently isn’t enough to convince the Smiths and the Folgers.
“We’re concerned about the safety of these solar farms, especially being near residents,” Mary Smith, mentioning the need for “filters” and the possibility of stray voltage.
“It’s not so much about useable energy; what are the effects of this electricity on individuals?” her husband added.
Folger said he needs more accurate data to make an informed decision.
“My biggest objection is that there are too many unknowns,” he said. “How does it affect people’s health and property values? And the Town doesn’t have a handle on setbacks (believed to be 50 feet from a neighboring property).”
Partridge, a member of the Batavia Town Planning Board, acknowledged that he will make a “super income” from the project, much more than he would make if he farmed the land.
He added that he would make sure the soil quality would be retained and is committed to green energy, noting that he has three private windmills on his farm.
“Our resources are limited – gas, oil and coal – and someday will run out,” he said.
The neighbors also voiced their displeasure with the way the Town communicates with area residents when projects such as these pop up.
“We feel the Town was a bit underhanded in notifying us (prior to board meetings). It was a last minute thing,” said Kathy Antonelli, of 5061 Ellicott Street Road, who has been assisting Nancy Brach in this effort.
Toward the end of the meeting, Mary Smith provided Partridge with a ray of hope.
“If you would consider moving it (the solar farm) back a ways (from the road), we would be very grateful,” she said.
Photo: Donald Partridge, right, and Steve Smith look at a map of the site of a 36-acre solar farm being proposed by Partridge on Ellicott Street Road. Photo by Mike Pettinella.
A car and motorcycle accident is reported at Route 98 and West Saile Drive.
No word on injuries.
Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 9:07 a.m.: Town of Batavia units can hold in quarters.
OPEN HOUSE: 7773 Macomber Road, Oakfield. Super solid country home in the middle of fields – beautiful location! Outside landscaping is beautiful in spring, summer and fall with endless perennial flowers and pretty patio to sit and enjoy.
Inside is super homey and waiting for the next owners updates! Extra large room sizes and storage galore. Oversized back sum room with pretty tongue and groove woodwork and lots of sliding doors to welcome the breezes and also includes propane stove to carry it into the colder months.
Inside features country kitchen with laundry nook, spacious dining area and cozy Livingroom with beautiful stone wall propane fireplace. There is a large newer first floor master bedroom and oversized first-floor bath as well as two bedrooms upstairs. Easy to see! Click here for more information or call Lynn Bezon today to see this listing.
3233 Pratt Road - Town of Batavia: 1991 Fairmont 14x76 with a permanent 25x19 side addition that gives this home extra roominess that you don't get with the others! Spacious and homey and well kept is what you will find with this three bedroom, two full bath home.
The floor plan is great and the kitchen is wonderfully big with a ton of cupboards! Pretty landscaped yard with covered open porch and nice shed for all your extras! Click here for more information or call Lynn Bezon today to see this listing.
59 North Pearl Street, Oakfield. More than what meets the eye this solid commercial building with a space for everyone! Attractive large office space that has large private conference room main office space and front office.
There are two huge bay garages with oversized overhead doors-one heated. Separate storage or equipment rooms if needed. Upstairs features large nicely finished three rooms and small kitchenette could be extra office space or living quarters!
This place will surprise you with how nicely done and the endless possibilities that it has to offer! Easy to see! Click here for more information or call Lynn Bezon today to see this listing.
A three-car accident with injuries that is blocking traffic is reported at Bloomingdale Road and Tesnow Road, Alabama. One person is reported to have a possible broken leg; another person is unconscious. Alabama Fire Department, Mercy medics and law enforcement are responding.
UPDATE 3:24 p.m.: Mercy Flight #5 in Batavia is on ground standby.
UPDATE 3:29 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called to the scene. A landing zone will be set up in a cornfield on the southeast corner of Tesnow and Bloomingdale roads. Scene commander says there's one patient, and two vehicles involved. The male patient has been extricated and CPR is in progress. This was a T-bone accident. Pembroke's rescue unit is called to provide mutual aid and so is Akron.
UPDATE 3:35 p.m.: Law enforcement is not on scene yet; traffic control is needed from fire police, says the chief in charge.
UPDATE 3:36 p.m.: A female involved in the accident is being transported by ambulance to UMMC with a possible broken right forearm.
UPDATE (by Howard) 4:12 p.m.: Mercy Flight is in the air.
UPDATE 6:02 p.m.: According to Chief Deputy Brian Frieday, a 78-year-old male died at the scene after a head-on collision with a vehicle driven by a 17-year-old boy. A pickup truck and SUV collided. The 17-year-old's pickup apparently swerved into the oncoming lane of traffic and struck an eastbound SUV after attempting to avoid another vehicle. (Update via Alecia Kaus/Video News Service. Photos via Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.)
UPDATE: Leroy N. George, 79, of Alabama, died as a result of his injuries sustained in this accident. The driver of the other vehicle was Matthew S. Murzynowski, 17, of Akron, who was transported to Millard Filmore Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. George was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. The investigation is being conducted by Chief Deputy Brian Frieday, Sgt. Jason Saile, Sgt. Andrew Hale, Investigator Chad Minuto, Deputy Travis DeMuth, and Deputy Joshua Bradon. Assisting at the scene were members of Emergency Management, the Coroner's Office, Mercy EMS, Alabama fire, Akron fire, and Indian Falls fire.
A two-vehicle collision with injuries, and blocking traffic, is reported in Stafford at 9710 Transit Road.
The location is between East Bethany - Le Roy Road and Wescott Road. Stafford and Bethany fire departments are responding, along with Mercy medics and law enforcement.
UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: The roadway is completely blocked. One patient has minor injuries and needs to be evaluated by medics. One vehicle is disabled and a tow is called.
UPDATE 3:12 p.m.: Northbound traffic on Transit Road will be stopped at East Bethany - Le Roy Road. One patient refused medical aid.
UPDATE 3:16 p.m.: Dan's Towing is sending two tows to the scene.
Press release:
Batavia Ramble Music & Arts Festival, in partnership with Eli Fish Brewing Co., will be held from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 6th.
The Batavia Ramble
In short: One day, two outdoor main stages, 30+ bands, food trucks, craft vendors, artist displays and much more!
Where: This will be held on Center Street and Jackson Square in Downtown Batavia.
Important Things to Note
This event is FREE to the public thanks to the generous donations from our sponsors.
Seating is festival style and B.Y.O.C. (bring your own chair)
Attractions
Music: Two outdoor main stages with more than 30 musical acts throughout the day! With a variety of music ranging from classic and modern rock to country to blues and everything in between!
Vendors: Lots of unique craft and art vendors to peruse while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Batavia Ramble.
Food: This year we are adding FOUR amazing food trucks to the event!
Sponsors:
Eli Fish Brewing Co.
Cedar Street Rentals
L & L Transmission
R.A. Haitz Roofing & Siding
Bourbon & Burger Co.
T-shirts ETC
Center Street Smokehouse
Glenna's CBD
For additional information: contact us at TheBataviaRamble@gmail.com or leave us a message right on our facebook page at Facebook.com/TheBataviaRamble
Kim Gibson, library manager at Haxton Memorial Library in Oakfield, shows a chain which children will receive as part of the library’s summer reading program. Children will receive a bead to put on the chain for every 20 minutes of reading they do.
OAKFIELD -- Haxton Memorial Library’s Summer Reading Program got off to a rousing start with a kickoff carnival Thursday in Triangle Park.
Library Manager Kim Gibson said the summer reading program has been such a success, and the 125 children who attended the kickoff are a testament to that.
“With parents and friends, we had at least 250 people here,” Gibson said.
There is no mistaking Gibson’s love of her job and her passion for promoting reading in the community. Gibson has been at the library for 18 years – eight as children’s librarian and 10 as library manager.
“This event gets the word out and tells the community what we’re all about,” Gibson said of the kickoff carnival.
Children who attended the carnival received an entry in a drawing for entrance to the New York State Fair. They also received a ticket to each of the stations set up in the park, which included cotton candy, popcorn, games and face painting.
There were also balloons and animals from the Buffalo Zoomobile.
Most importantly, the carnival gave Gibson, library staff and her volunteers the opportunity to promote the summer reading program, which is in its fourth year.
The theme this year is “A Universe of Stories” and it runs from July 1 to Aug. 9.
The program features ongoing contests and prizes, movies at 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, story time at 10:30 a.m. Mondays and a family activity every Thursday at 7 p.m.
A new feature this year which Gibson is excited about is a chain, which every child will receive. Children are encouraged to read at home and for every 20 minutes of reading documented, they receive a bead for their chain. When they reach two hours of reading, they get a “brag tag” for the chain.
“I got the idea for a couple of other libraries, where it’s been very successful,” Gibson said. “They can come in whenever we’re open and give us their times, which we will keep in a folder.”
She said children will be on their honor in recording their reading time.
“If they want to read the same book over, that’s OK, too,” she said.
Gibson said the summer reading program is so important because it gets children in the library, and it’s free.
The summer reading program includes special activities for all the family, from young children to adults, such as making robots and rockets, space-themed craft nights, a Harry Potter-themed scavenger hunt and two nights of Brush Strokes read and paint. Early registration is necessary for Brush Strokes, because it fills up fast, Gibson said. The idea of Brush Strokes for children 2 to 12 is to read about something, such as a llama, and then paint it.
For the adults, there is a basket raffle. For every book they take out they receive an entry to win one of the theme baskets, put together with items donated by the community. At the end of the six weeks, the number of books taken out is tallied up and the top reader receives a gift card.
“We are trying to encourage reading across the board – from young children to adults,” Gibson said.
Gibson said the summer reading program is accomplished with the help of wonderful volunteers and donations from many businesses in the community. She said the children’s clerk, Hayley Lown did a lot of work preparing for the program.
“This event takes a lot of planning and a lot of hard work, but in the end it’s worth it,” Gibson said. “We are very fortunate to have so many dedicated staff and volunteers. We have some regular library volunteers and others from the Oakfield Betterment Committee. We couldn’t do it without them.”
Gibson said she knows everyone is busy in the summers, and it’s wonderful to see so many children who want to read.
The summer reading program will conclude Aug. 9 with an ice cream party, thanks to a local individual who donates the ice cream.
“I love the library,” Gibson said. “It’s been a huge part of my life and it’s so exciting to see kids come in and take books out. I see so many kids who used to come in to my story hour in the children’s library, and now they are graduating.”
Gibson said there aren’t many places for kids to go in their small community, and this is the library’s way to give back to the community.
Information on the summer reading program can be found on their website at www.haxtonlibrary.org, by calling the library at 948-9900 or visiting them at 3 North Pearl St.
Photos by Virginia Kropf.
Jill Klotzbach, whose daughter Hayley Lown is the children’s clerk at Haxton Memorial Library, carries balloons to Triangle Park for a carnival Thursday night to kick off the summer reading program.
Kim Gibson, left, library manager at Haxton Memorial Library, and Board President Ann Engel, sign in children Thursday night in Triangle Park for the kickoff carnival for the summer reading program.
Riley D’Alba gives cotton candy to Brooklyn Esten, 5, during the carnival Thursday night in Triangle Park to kick off Haxton Memorial Library’s summer reading program.
Lily Davis, 12, volunteered to pass out balloons to children who attended the carnival Thursday in Triangle Park to kick off the summer reading program.
Above, Doris Tootell, seated, and her daughter, Joan Stevens, at the YMCA Thursday morning.
Submitted photo and information from the YMCA in Batavia.
Doris Tootell is a local resident who attends the Silver Sneaker exercise class twice a week at the YMCA in Batavia.
That's been her routine for 11 years now and she has no plans to change it. Just because she turns 98 tomorrow (DOB: June 29, 1921) is certainly not reason enough.
"Doris never complains and just keeps going,” says Bonnie Versage.
As for Tootell, she credits YMCA group instructor Becky Swanson for her stick-to-itiveness and says the workouts help with her aches and pains.
Her friends at the Y are so inspired by her liveliness and get-up-and-go spirit that they held a little celebration for her at yesterday's class.
“(She's the) most caring woman I have ever met,” said friend Nancy Speed.
You know she really cares for you when she bakes you a pie, and her gal pal Brenda Cackett says she bakes pies for all her friends."
We should all be so lucky!
A house fire is reported at 6616 Junction Road, Pavilion.
Both occupants were exiting the house
Pavilion fire, Le Roy fire, and Stafford dispatched.
UPDATE 12:44 a.m.: Fully involved structure fire with flames coming through the roof. City fire and Alexander dispatched.
UPDATE 12:50 a.m.: A chief calls for a defensive attack.
UPDATE 12:54 a.m.: National Grid called to the scene.
UPDATE 1:40 a.m.: Caledonia to proceed to the scene and Bergen to fill in at Le Roy.
UPDATE 3 a.m.: Information and photos from Alecia Kaus/Video News Service: The house is a total loss. The homeowner (listed on the county tax website as Kenneth Reamer) woke up to a fire in the house. A friend was sleeping on the couch. The owner called 9-1-1 grabbed one of his cats and ran out. The other cat was seen running out of the house. No cause of origin of the fire yet released.
Defense counsel called its first witness, Sgt. Jason Saile from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, to testify about the motor-vehicle accident reconstruction that he conducted Aug. 11 after a hit-and-run accident in Darien that killed 18-year-old Connor Lynskey.
Saile said his assignment was to document the evidence found at the accident scene on Sumner Road and draw conclusions about the vehicle-pedestrian collision based on his certification in accident reconstruction.
In Saile’s accident reconstruction report, he noted that the only environmental factor that may have influenced alleged drunk driver Jennifer Serrano was decreased visibility due to the darkness of the unlit road. Otherwise, Sumner Road was clear, dry and its pavement relatively even.
When defense attorney Frank LoTempio asked whether intoxication played a role in the accident, Saile responded with, “Absolutely.” The sargeant maintains that alcohol consumption around the time of the Jason Aldean concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center affected the perception of both pedestrian Lynskey and driver Serrano as they departed the performance.
Saile also attested to the fact that the crash data reporter in Serrano’s Jeep did not detect any signs of heavy braking, swerving or a change in velocity as she traveled along Sumner Road. Her vehicle, according to Saile, never slowed down or maneuvered at any point before or during the impact with Lynskey.
Earlier testimony from Nathan Balduf, deputy and motor-vehicle inspector with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, offered that there were no vehicle mechanical failures in relation to the accident. Saile testified that no skid marks from Serrano’s vehicle were observed on the pavement or gravel shoulder.
Lynskey’s behavior on the night of his death was brought into question before jurors. LoTempio alleged that Lynskey was in violation of NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law 1156b, which states pedestrians must walk against the direction of traffic where sidewalks are not provided. The landing spot of Lynskey’s body indicated he may have walked or jogged in the same direction as Serrano’s Jeep.
A diagram of the accident scene on Sumner Road was also produced by Saile during his investigation. Although Saile reported an 87-foot debris field along both the road and the shoulder, the sergeant said it was difficult to determine the exact location of impact due to the unknown velocities of both Lynskey and Serrano.
Saile also testified he is uncertain of his initial finding that the collision occurred on the pavement rather than on the shoulder. This discrepancy evoked emotion in Frank LoTempio, who remarked in his opening statement that Lynskey may have been hit because he was intoxicated and tripped on the pavement in front of Serrano’s vehicle.
Tensions peaked when District Attorney Lawrence Friedman objected to questioning about a footprint found in the gravel and the possibility of Lynskey falling. Friedman argued LoTempio did not establish evidence or expertise for Saile to testify that Lynskey tripped.
LoTempio insisted the sergeant could speak to the evidence he used when preparing his motor-vehicle accident reconstruction. The attorneys grew so animated that Judge Charles Zambito excused the jury for a 10-minute adjournment and called a bench conference.
Serrano is charged with vehicular manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it, driving while intoxicated and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Jurors will attempt to reconstruct the accident scene for themselves as the trial continues at 9 a.m. tomorrow in Genesee County Court.
The executive director of GO ART! spoke plainly to Batavia Development Corporation board members this morning -- it needs funding ASAP in order to make badly needed improvements to its headquarters -- the historic Seymour Building at 201 E. Main St.
GO ARTS!'s Gregory Hallock asked board members to provide financial backing for a $50,000 loan, which would make the nonprofit eligible for funding from the NY Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Arts and Cultural Facilities Improvement Program Mid-Size Capital Project.
The NYSCA grant is available through the Empire State Development Regional Council Capital Fund (REDC) initiative. GO ART! must prove its ability to finance restoration projects in order to qualify for $150,000 in state funding.
Hallock’s request comes after the New York Preservation League conducted an assessment of the GO ART! property and identified areas for improvement totaling $500,000. Hallock determined that at least $176,000 is required for immediate changes to the building.
High-priority needs include the installation of both an air-conditioning unit and elevator. Hallock said he wants second-floor offices and meeting spaces to be available for rent within the next few months in order for the building to remain accessible and easy to use.
Hallock said time is of the essence. The REDC grant application is due July 27, but GO ART! will not know if it received that state funding until December. He's also waiting to hear back about grant applications to organizations in Buffalo and Rochester, but those responses will not arrive until August.
“$500,000 is what [the improvement cost] is marked at now,” Hallock said. “They said this number is going to grow substantially. So, that’s why there is a priority on my list of things to get done to get this grant money. Also, the REDC doesn’t guarantee this money is going to be there from year to year.”
In response, Rachael Tabelski, BDC director of economic development, proposed that the BDC could back the $50,000 loan, so NYSCA could see GO ART! has access to funds for this capital project.
“We would be issuing a long-term, conditional offer to match these state funds,” Tabelski said.
Tabelski offered that BDC could set aside $50,000 of its Revolving Loan Fund for GO ART! and issue a conditional loan approval with an expiration date. Then, Hallock could return periodically with updates on the project scope and costs.
According to this proposed plan, the board could keep extending its conditional loan approval until the grant is potentially awarded to GO ART! Hallock noted that GO ART! may never have to tap into the loan if it qualifies for the grant.
“We get repaid with the funds down the road. One way or another, this will go through. So, this is a fairly safe loan,” said Pierluigi "Pier" Cipollone, BDC board president.
The board did not vote on the conditional loan today, but Hallock is slated to update board members on GO ART!’s progress toward grants and renovations. He will return at the board’s meeting at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 22 in Batavia City Centre.
A caller reports hearing an explosion in the area of 1600 Ham Road, Alabama.
A first responder reports smoke showing.
Alabama fire responding for an investigation.
UPDATE 6:31 p.m.: A chief reports that the resident at 1600 also heard the explosion but that it wasn't at that property.
A car-bicycle accident is reported at 56 Ellicott St., near the former Santy Tires location.
No word on injuries.
City fire and Mercy EMS responding.
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