Press release:

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation, which designated May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week.  

Typically, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, D.C., to participate in a number of planned events that honor those officers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice during this week.  

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these events have been postponed until October this year. There are virtual events being held all week along with a virtual candlelight vigil on Thursday, May 13. Thank a police officer; recognize the fallen.

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr., City of Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch, Village of Le Roy Police Chief Greg Kellogg, along with the Genesee County Legislature, recognize this week in honor of all those in the law enforcement profession for the countless hours each officer dedicates to the community in which they serve.  

The Genesee County Legislature will be issuing a proclamation at its Wednesday night meeting recognizing May 9 – 15, 2021, as National Police Week. The lights on the Old County Courthouse cupola will be changed to blue to acknowledge this week.  

Law enforcement officers are always prepared to respond and aid our residents, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

“We commend the men and women of the law enforcement community for their selfless dedication to the protection of the citizens and communities they serve.  May God bless them and their families. Please take a moment and join us in paying tribute to these tremendous individuals and remember those that have given the ultimate sacrifice,” said Sheriff Sheron, Chief Heubusch and Chief Kellogg in a jointly issued statement.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Assemblyman David DiPietro will be hosting a free electronic waste recycling event with Sunnking on Saturday, May 15, at the parking lot of 5130 E. Main St. (Department of Social Services parking lot) next to National Grid, in the Town of Batavia. Time is 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Any e-waste including cell phones, computers, monitors, printers, and more will be accepted for recycling at this event, though preregistration online is required by FRIDAY MAY 14 AT 4 P.M.

Those interested in attending this event can preregister using this link: https://www.sunnking.com/events/batavia-05-15-21.

“Electronic waste is some of the hardest and most expensive to dispose of,” Hawley said. “This event will provide residents from throughout the area with a convenient and economical way to dispose of their electronic waste, giving people the opportunity to do some spring cleaning, while also preventing their old gadgets from becoming pollutants.”

Cars should enter off Ag Park Drive West.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley will host a series of town hall meetings in Genesee County in the towns of Pavilion, Le Roy and Bergen on May 22.

Residents are encouraged to attend to discuss local issues and share any questions or concerns they have with Hawley. Social distancing and other health and safety protocols will be followed during this event.

“After having to suspend last year’s town halls due to COVID-19, I am excited to have the opportunity to speak with residents and discuss their concerns directly,” Hawley said. “The budget that passed recently is the largest and possibly the most consequential in our state’s history, though frankly I fear those consequences will be negative, so I am eager to hear from people in the district in regard to how they feel about it and how it affects their lives.”

TOWN HALL MEETING SCHEDULE for Saturday, May 22

• Town of Pavilion -- 10 to 10:45 a.m. / Pavilion Town Hall, 1 Woodrow Drive
• Village/Town of Le Roy -- 11 to 11:45 a.m. / Le Roy Village Hall, 3 W. Main St.
• Village/Town of Bergen -- 12 to 12:45 p.m. / Bergen Village Hall, 11 N. Lake Ave.

Press release:

On Tuesday, May 11th, the Batavia Society of Artists will host Shauna Blake at 7 p.m. for a virtual demonstration via Zoom of watercolors. This demonstration will be hands-on and Blake will encourage you to paint along with her.

You can use whatever materials you have to paint with and she will be demonstrating tips and techniques that she uses. If you don't want to paint along, you can just attend to watch.

The demonstration is designed to be at your comfort level. Please consider joining us, even if you are unable to attend for the whole demonstration.

If you would like more information or have any questions please reach out to us. Also, if you need any help getting on Zoom please let us know as well too and we would be happy to help you get set up! 

The event is posted on our Facebook page, too. Please check that out for information as well! If you have not yet paid your dues for the year just let Teresa know and she would be happy to take them before the meeting on Tuesday. All the meeting information is listed below. 

• Link to purchase tickets for not yet members:  Purchase Watercolor Demo Tickets
• Link for Members
• Join Zoom Meeting  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87166886006?pwd=aW1CYnNVL1BqYzNNWldOUGVKWEdMdz09

Meeting ID:  871 6688 6006

Passcode:  Iloveart

Isaac C. King (inset photo right), 34, no address provided, was arrested at 12:19 a.m. on May 1 following a domestic incident on Walnut Street in Batavia. He allegedly unlawfully entered a residence where a woman and child lived. While inside, King is accused of choking the woman while the child was present. King then left the residence. When located by Batavia police, King allegedly resisted arrest, fell to the ground and feigned a medical issue. "King continued to be passive resistant and threw a hissy fit, crying and screaming, refusing to get in the back of a patrol car on his own accord." King is charged with: second-degree burglary -- entering a dwelling unlawfully; third-degree robbery; endangering the welfare of a child; criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation; and resisting arrest.

James J. Santiago Jr. (inset photo left), 41, no address provided, allegedly refused to leave the porch of an address on Washington Avenue in the City of Batavia and a physical altercation with the resident ensued. Santiago was arrested at 10:39 p.m. May 3 and and arraigned in Batavia City Court. He is charged with: third-degree assault; trespassing; second-degree menacing and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. He was subsequently put in Genesee County Jail without bail. In addition, he is a registered Level 2 sex offender who had an arrest warrant out of city court for failure to sign an address verification form, first offense, and failure to notify authorities of a change of address within 10 days, first offense. Santiago is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on June 2.

Aaron Michael Pawikowski, 60, of Sumner Road, Darien, is charged with failure to verify address withon 90 days -- with prior offense(s). At 1:20 p.m. on April 29, Pawlikowski -- a registered Level 3 sex offender with three prior felony convictions -- was arrested for failure to verify his address, which he is required to do every 90 days. He was taken to Genesee County Jail for fingerprints, arraigned in county court and put in jail due to his prior felony convictions. He is due back in county court on May 26. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Zachary Hoy, assisted by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

William Richard Kapelke, 39, of Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree contempt. The defendant was arrested at 11:28 a.m. on West Main Street Road, Batavia, for allegedly violating an order of protection by being at the residence of the protected party. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court and is due there on May 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

John Edward Sackett, 54, of County Line Road, Hamlin, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- first offense; refusal to take a breath test; and moving from lane unsafely. At 10:45 p.m. on May 8, deputies responded to Route 19 in Bergen for a motorcycle crash with injuries. It is alleged that Sackett was northbound and went off the east shoulder of the roadway, striking a road sign. Sackett was treated for his injuries at a hospital and released with appearance tickets. He is due in Bergen Town Court June 2. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Cheryl Figoura, 41, no address provided, was arrested at 12:30 p.m. May 1 and charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing $800 from a coworker at a restaurant on East Main Street in Batavia where they worked. Figoura was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Zachary Russell Reed, 30, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Reed was arrested at 12:20 p.m. on April 26 on West Main Street Road for allegedly being involved in a physical altercation with another person. He was due in Town of Batavia Court on May 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Sgt. John Baiocco.

Roger Kevin Brinkman, 57, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with second-degree menacing. It is alleged that at 1 p.m. on May 6 Brinkman was involved in a property dispute about an air conditioner and during an altercation he displayed a knife and menaced the other parties involved. He is due in Oakfield Town Court on June 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. John Baiocco, assisted by Trooper Brackett Valleha Franz.

Andre Roberts, 28, no address provided, was arrested at 9:35 p.m. May 4 on three bench warrants and an arrest warrant -- all out of City of Batavia Court. He was taken into custody by the Rochester Police Department after being located by them during an unrelated matter. After arraignment in City of Batavia Court, Roberts was jailed on $20,000 bail, $40,000 bond, or $80,000 partially secured bond. He is due back in city court on May 20.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is announcing a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program designed to lower internet service costs for customers nationwide. The Emergency Broadband Benefit will begin accepting applications on May 12^th.

“Internet service has become even more vital during the COVID-19 pandemic," Jacobs said. "As our economy continues to recover and Americans recover from financial hardships brought on by the pandemic, this program will allow them to continue, or access, internet services at a discounted rate through the end of the pandemic.

"I commend the FCC for implementing this program, and I will continue my work in Congress to expand broadband access for rural communities.”

The $3.2B Emergency Broadband Benefit program provides a discount of up to a $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for qualifying households on qualifying Tribal lands.

The benefit also provides up to a $100 per household discount toward a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop, or tablet if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase through a participating broadband provider.

A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

• Has an income that is at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid or the FCC’s Lifeline program;
• Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
• Experienced a substantial loss of income through job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers;
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit program will open for applications on Wednesday, May 12^th. Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail-in application. Additional information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit is available at www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit, or by calling (833) 511-0311.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.97, up 7 cents from last Monday and up three cents since Thursday. One year ago, the price was $1.84. The New York State average is $3 – up 5 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.16.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.94 (up 5 cents since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.93 (up 5 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.95 (up 5 cents since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.97 (up 6 cents since last week)
• Rome -- $3.03 (up 6 cents since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.94 (up 5 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $3.03 (up 6 cents since last week)

A cyber attack has led to the Colonial Pipeline shutting down – the pipeline runs from Texas to New Jersey and supplies about half of the fuel that is used on the East Coast. The situation has led to an increase in oil prices and gas prices, which were already on the rise due to spring demand.

The impact will be based on the amount of time the pipeline is shut down - if the pipeline reopens in a matter of days, little disruption is expected. However, a longer shutdown could result in supply concerns and other issues. In 2016, the pipeline shutdown after an explosion, and gas prices increased, but there were no other problems in this region.

From GasBuddy:

"While average gas prices jumped last week as the nation continues to see COVID-19 recovery, all eyes are now on the Colonial Pipeline and the fact a cyberattack has completely shut all lines, leading to what could become a major challenge for fuel delivery," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"The situation is growing more intense each day that passes without the pipeline restarting, and motorists are advised to show extreme restraint or exacerbate and prolong the challenges. If the pipeline returns to service in the next day or two, the challenges will be minimal, but if full restart doesn't happen by then, we're likely to see a slight rise in gas prices, but more importantly, challenges for motorists needing fuel in Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas, Virginia, Northern Florida and surrounding areas.

"I'm hopeful the situation will quickly improve as multiple levels of government are involved, this may become a nightmare should it continue just ahead of the start of the summer driving season. GasBuddy will continue to watch the situation and update as necessary."

A transformer explosion occurred at 7497 Red Mill Road in Le Roy. A pole and wires are on fire. Le Roy Engine #62 just arrived on scene.

A caller to dispatch reported hearing two explosions and smoke in the area.

UPDATE 3:38 p.m.: Command reports no injuries, calls for fire police to shut down the road.

2021 Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame inductees, from left, Matt Balduf, Mark Brown and Brian Weber.

Guest speaker Tommy Kress with Rich and Jennifer Wagner.

Press Release from Genesee Region USBC:

The Genesee Region USBC on Saturday night celebrated the completion of a successful 2020-21 league and tournament season by inducting Brian Weber of Perry, Matt Balduf of South Byron and Mark Brown of Attica into the Hall of Fame and honoring Batavian Rich Wagner for his remarkable 899 series.

About 80 association members and guests attended the GRUSBC annual awards banquet at Batavia Downs Gaming. Tommy Kress of Hilton, New York State USBC and Rochester NY USBC Hall of Famer, was the guest speaker.

Weber and Balduf were enshrined in the Achievement Regular category and Brown was inducted into the Meritorious Service category.

Weber thanked former Perry Bowling Center owner Bill Beachner and current owners Brett and Joann Van Duser for supporting him on the lanes, which enabled him to win numerous association tournaments and events throughout Western New York. He has recorded more than 20 perfect games and two 800 series, posting honor scores in six different GRUSBC bowling centers.

Balduf thanked his wife, Darleen, for giving him the freedom to bowl in tournaments on the weekends, and his teammates, especially Mike Johnson of Batavia, whom he paired with in 2018 to win the association doubles crown. Balduf has 10 300 games, including a perfect game in a PBA Experience League on a demanding “Sport” lane condition. He also has three 800 series, with a high of 836.

Brown thanked his parents, Jerry and Donna Davis, and his wife, Penny, for encouraging and assisting him in running tournaments at local bowling centers, most of them for charitable causes. He credited Frank Formicola of Rochester, a noted tournament promoter, for instilling in him the need to distribute entry forms to area halls in an effort to attract bowlers to his events.

WAGNER HONORED FOR 899 SERIES

Following the Hall of Fame ceremony, association officials surprised Wagner with a special “shadow box” award recognizing his 300-300-299—899 series on Feb. 11 in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 5-Man League at Mancuso Bowling Center.

Wagner’s wife, Jennifer, shared her thoughts on the accomplishment – noting that the left-hander now has 44 perfect games, with the first one coming at the age of 15.

“We are all so proud of you and are excited to see what else you’re able to achieve,” she said. “Continue to stay humble but also stay hungry.”

Wagner, upon receiving the award from Association President Gary Kuchler, said he couldn’t feel his legs for the final six frames of that eventful night but managed to hit the 1-2 pocket each time – even on the final ball which resulted in the 6-pin standing.

“I played all sports growing up and baseball in college, but I never thought that it would be in bowling where I would be the most nervous,” he said.

Nevertheless, his 899 is the best in the nation thus far this season, which officially ends on July 31.

TWO EARN SCHOLARSHIPS

Other honorees were youth bowlers Haylee Thornley of Batavia and Jayden Neal of Albion, 12^th graders who received $750 and $500 scholarships, respectively, from the GRUSBC.

Thornley will be attending Daemen College to study Physical Therapy and Neal will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology to study Robotics & Manufacturing Technology.

Kress shared stories from his illustrious amateur and professional career, which includes a dozen local tournament victories, as many Rochester NY USBC association titles and more than 30 top 24 finishes on the Professional Bowlers Association Tour.

Major accomplishments include a second place finish in the 1985 USBC Masters, highlighted by match play victories over legends Earl Anthony and Pete Weber on television, and leading the qualifying of the 1980 Quaker State Open in Grand Prairie, Texas.

KRESS: FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

His message was that everyone should follow their dreams and don’t listen to those who say you’re not good enough.

“They said that I wasn’t good enough because I have a short backswing, but I didn’t listen to them,” he said. “I practiced and developed my game, what works for me, and I went into each match with confidence,” he said.

Kress, who is enshrined in the Frontier Field Walk of Fame, continues to excel on the lanes, despite two knee replacements. Two months ago, he rolled a 300 game in the Rochester Senior Masters – giving him perfect games in six consecutive decades.

Mike Pettinella, GRUSBC association manager, served as master of ceremonies. He thanked all of the bowling center employees for their hard work under stressful conditions created by COVID-19.

"It is important to recognize the proprietors, managers and their staffs for keeping their centers open -- having to disinfect and follow the guidelines -- so that we were able to enjoy the sport that we love," he said. 

The GRUSBC also presented plaques to its association tournament winners and season leaders.

Association Tournament

Open Team, Oak Orchard Bowl, Albion, Ben Lennox, Matt Baker, Richard Heise, Robbie Hanks; Women’s Team, Brown II, Le Roy, Judy Blaun, Donna Davis, Robin Blaun, Penny Brown.

Open Doubles, Todd Mortellaro and Scott Shields, Batavia; Women’s Doubles, Patricia Gilbertson and Jeanne Rosa, Perry.

Open Singles, Harris Busmire Jr., Bergen; Women’s Singles, Katy Bzduch, Perry.

Open All-Events, Nathan Cordes, Batavia; Women’s All-Events, Rachel Huntz, Perry.

Season Leaders

Adult

High Game, Men – 300, 32 perfect games; High Series, Men, Rich Wagner, 899; High Average, Men, Curtis Foss, Medina, 249; High Game, Women, Amy Allis, Medina, 287; High Series, Women, Diane Hurlburt, Warsaw, 738; High Average, Women, Hurlburt, 201.

Foss’ 249 average is an association record.

Youth

High Game, Boys, Gavin Baney, Albion, 278; High Series, Boys, Ryleigh Culver, Medina, 751; High Average, Boys, Culver, 195; High Game, Girls, Thornley, 257; High Series, Girls, Juliana Allis, Medina, 676; High Average, Girls, Allis, 184.

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS

Grand prize drawing winners for $500 each were Jamie Watson of Leicester, Darleen Balduf of South Byron and Samantha Bacon of Pike. Twenty-five dollars winners were John Kamakaris of Geneseo, Tiffany Jewell of Holley and Mark Brown.

In an election for president, Johnson defeated Kuchler and will begin a three-year term on Aug. 1. Directors Pat Fuller of Medina, Tom Sardou of Bergen and Sharon Willett of Mount Morris were re-elected for another three years.

Scholarship winners Haylee Thornley and Jayden Neal with President Gary Kuchler.

Tournament champions, front, Patricia Gilbertson and Jeanne Rosa; back, Penny Brown, Donna Davis and Robbie Hanks.

President Gary Kuchler with Curtis Foss, who averaged a record 249 this season.

Photo above, Libby Schultz, a nurse at United Memorial Medical Center, spends her free time as a flight instructor at Akron Airport. 

National Nurses Week is celebrated every May 6-12 throughout the country, and at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, three nurses with unique hobbies are being highlighted.

Shanda Williams, of Stafford, Libby Schultz, of Akron, and Jennifer Leffler, of Varysburg, all combine their hobbies with their love of nursing.

Williams, an ER nurse who is in her 21^st year at UMMC, makes shadow boxes; Schultz is a pilot and flight instructor at Akron Airport; and Leffler makes maple syrup.

Williams has always liked to do creative things. She initially went to school for fashion merchandising, but realized she couldn’t make a living in Genesee County doing that, so she decided to study nursing. When COVID-19 shut everything down, she was looking for something to do.

“I’ve always loved the old vintage things you don’t see anymore,” Williams said. “And I like to go to estate sales.”

She describes her creations as mixed media. Interesting graphics, old book pages, rhinestones, old flowers, junk beads and vintage frames all end up as one of her works of art.

“If something is not the right color, I paint it, maybe gold or silver,” she said. “If it’s missing chunks, that’s even better. It adds to the aesthetics.”

All her subject matters have angel wings incorporated, she said. She makes her own.

Much of her work she gives away, but she’d like to find a shop where she could display her creations for sale.

Schultz at 38 has only been a nurse for two years, but she has had an illustrious career as a pilot. 

“I get to do my two loves – flying and caring for people,” Schultz said. 

After high school, Schultz attended Delta State University in Mississippi, where she got her bachelor’s degree in Commercial Aviation. She has always loved airplanes and got her private pilot’s license in 2001 at the age of 20.

Flying was in her blood and in her family. Her father was in the Air Force, but not as a pilot. He served in security and the family lived on Air Force bases, including Japan. It was there that a friend of a neighbor, whose dad was a pilot, took her for a plane ride, and she loved it instantly.

“I loved fighter planes, and I still go to every airshow I can,” she said.

Schultz was accepted into the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs with hopes of becoming a fighter pilot, but issues with her eyesight put an end to that. When she graduated from Delta, she had her flight instructor’s instrument rating and multi-engine and commercial ratings. Then she moved to Memphis, Tenn.,where she began instructing.

“After a while, I needed to do something else, and wanted to fly big planes,” she said. “I got a job flying Lear jets for a construction company from Canada, based in Buffalo. I came to Western New York for that job and flew for them for six years.”

Schultz also has her airline transport certification and flew in that capacity until the company shut down. Then she went to the airlines but soon realized being gone all the time and traveling was not for her now that she had gotten married.

She said she had registered for nursing school after leaving the Air Force Academy, but switched to aviation after seeing the pilots and planes.

She got her bachelor of science in Nursing in 2019 from the University of Buffalo School of Nursing. She said she graduated just as the coronavirus pandemic was picking up.

“Right now, I prioritize nursing, ” she said.

But she works the night shift at United Memorial so she can fly during the day. Her goal still is to own her own airplane and have a grass strip.

Leffler can stake claim to the sweetest hobby. She and her husband, Zebulun, have their own sugar shack and make maple syrup.

Leffler has worked in the ER at United Memorial for 12 years. She grew up helping her dad collect sap on their farm.

They boiled it down on an old wood-fired evaporator. Most of it was for their family, but some they sold at a stand in their yard.

“That was my first job,” Leffler said. “That was how I earned my allowance growing up.”

She said when she married Zebulun, he had an engineering mind and used his knowledge to install a high-vacuum pump on their lines in the woods.

The woods operation uses wet-dry lines for both main and secondary lines with a modern dry running vacuum pump operating at up to 27-inch mercury.

“Our woods are on a hill and the sap runs by the vacuum pump, which pulls the sap from the trees,” Leffler said. “That gives you a higher production.”

The Lefflers have 4,400 taps.

Their sugarhouse also has a reverse-osmosis machine to take water out. This ultra-high-efficiency evaporator cuts down on the time needed to boil down the sap, she said.

They use UV lights for treating the incoming sap. It is pumped underground 2,400 feet to the sugarhouse from the collection shed at the bottom of the woods.

During Maple Weekends in March, they serve waffles with maple syrup as well as giving tours of the sugarhouse. 

Leffler said their Varysburg farm is a good area for maple syrup. She said weather and soil all affect the taste and syrup from one area can taste different from another.

“When I’m not at the hospital, I’m helping my husband,” she said. “In the fall, we check the lines for damage done by deer or squirrels, and in January we start tapping the trees and preparing to collect the sap until March. Then I run the evaporator.”

In addition to pure maple syrup, they make granulated maple sugar, including maple sugar shapes, and maple cream in a commercial kitchen at their Over the Hill Maple farm at 2089 Maxon Road.

“I don’t ever plan to give up nursing or making maple syrup,” Leffler said. “They are a good balance.”

Williams added that the hospital has planned activities for the nurses every day during Nurses’ Week.

“Rochester Regional Health celebrates their nurses in a big way,” she said.

On Friday, the administration cooked breakfast for the nurses. One day they received a bag of cookies from Deb's Bakery inside Harrington’s Produce and Market Cafe on Clinton Street Road in Batavia. And on other days a basket raffle is planned and a food truck will be on site at UMMC.

Wednesday, May 12 is International Nurses Day.

Submitted photos top and bottom; inset photos of farm sign and maple syrup bottle courtesy of Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism.

Below, Shanda Williams, of Stafford, with a couple of her shadow box creations, and more of her art work.

A motorcycle accident with what is believed to be serious injuries is reported in the area of 6545 N. Lake Road, Bergen.

Bergen fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 10:56 p.m.: Confirmed by a first responder, one person on the ground. Mercy Flight on ground standby.

UPDATE 10:58 p.m.: Mercy Flight can stand down. The subject is conscious and alert.

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and Genesee County ABATE held a safety awareness ride through Genesee County today starting at Stan's Harley Davidson.

County Legislator Gary Maha presented ABATE President Tim Johnson and VP Frank Gallo (left) with a resolution passed by the Legislature officially declaring May as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Genesee County. The resolution calls on residents to be alert for motorcycle riders on roadways and to drive safely.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley also spoke briefly about the legislation in Albany that affects motorcycle safety and his support for motorcycle safety.

Before Cary Hall at 211 E. Main St. can come tumbling down, the land that it sits on needs to be rezoned, according to the consultant representing the GLOW YMCA and United Memorial Medical Center in their efforts to construct a new Healthy Living Campus in Downtown Batavia.

David Ciurzynski of Ciurzynski Consulting LLC, of Attica, has petitioned City Council to change the zoning of that parcel from P-2 (Planned Development) to C-3 (Commercial) in order to have all of the land involved in the state Downtown Revitalization Initiative project under the same zoning designation.

P-2 refers to the current office medical building that is on the site originally occupied by the Cary Mansion, which was demolished in 1964 after nearly 150 years as a historical landmark.

“We have to take three or four parcels and combine them into one for the new building,” Ciurzynski said today. “It’s a commonplace process in projects such as this.”

The matter is on the agenda of Monday night’s City Council Special Conference and Business meetings.

A $30 million venture, the building will provide integrated services of the YMCA and UMMC, which is part of the Rochester Regional Health system. Construction is scheduled to start this fall and is expected to last into 2023.

The two-story facility will be situated on a stretch of land between the current YMCA and Wiard Street, covering 211 and 213 E. Main St. The parcel at 213 E. Main St., which once was the site of the Batavia Elks Home, is zoned C-3.

In his letter to City Council, Ciurzynski wrote that 211 E. Main St. “was likely kept as P-2 given the use of the building at the time of the zoning map changes.”

“The property was most recently used as a medical office building storage (it is empty now) and will be demolished to make room for the new GLOW YMCA/UMMC Healthy Living Campus upon approval of this rezone request," he wrote. "Upon completion of the new campus, the existing YMCA will be demolished.”

City Manager Rachael Tabelski, in a memo dated April 29 to City Council, advised that Council has the authority to refer matters such as these to the City Planning & Development Committee for review and recommendation. Thus, Council will consider a resolution drafted to make that happen.

Some history of 211 E. Main St., per a story on The Batavian, from 2012.

• The Cary Mansion was sold to St. Jerome Hospital in 1959 and it was taken down with about 30 days' notice five years later per orders of the hospital’s board of directors;

• The hospital began building a nursing school on the back of the property and then with very little notice decided to tear down the mansion to expand the nursing school, which was called the Catherine McAuley School of Practical Nursing. The program ran from 1963 to 1981.

• In 2012, a marker commemorating the mansion site was erected. The inscription reads: 1817-1964. A gift to his wife by Trumbull Cary, merchant, bank founder, NYS senator and first Batavia treasurer. The marker was paid for by the William C. Pomeroy Foundation.

• The building is now called Cary Hall and is owned by UMMC.

Submitted by Jessica Doktor, committee organizer for Better Corfu.

Commonly when someone mentions Corfu, New York, you think of the little village that you drive through in the blink of an eye when you are on your way to Darien Lake. You stop at the light and see a bank, a gun shop, and a gas station. While it might be a pass-through for many, there are roughly about 700 residents.

Mike Doktor, deputy mayor remembers a much more vivid livelier Corfu growing up. When Doktor purchased his family home near the village center in 2018, he sought potential in something that gave residents and passersby an esthetic appeal. When a neighbor Amy Johnson, told him that she was putting out flowerpots on the corners of Route 33 and 77.

Doktor, who was newly elected as trustee, approached the board about getting sponsorship and village support to add flowerpots on the four corners.

By the summer of 2019, four flowerpots appear on the corner thanks to the sponsorship of Pembroke Corfu Darien Kiwanis which continues to this day.

To great success, the Village of Corfu’s board made Mike Doktor chairmen of the Better Corfu Beautification Committee. A committee that also facilitates such events as Autumn in the Village and Farmers Market.  

As the committee met before the coronavirus pandemic, the idea for the Better Corfu Adopt-A-Pot was born. Twenty sponsors both business and residents were able to “adopt” a pot that also included flowers and a sign of sponsorship. Each sign is designed, printed, and donated by Quakenstein Graphic Design and Insty-Prints.

These pots lined the village limits of Main Street and Route 77.  

Each pot is put together by volunteers, and starting this year the Pembroke High School History Club will be assisting these in putting them together.

The pots will be out on display prior to the village’s Memorial Day Parade.

The interest has proven successful and while all of the pots have been spoken for the 2021 Season.

The Better Corfu Beautification Committee is seeking donations for 3' X 5' U.S. flags to replace the older weathered ones that also will remain hanging for the entire summer. If you would like to donate a flag, please drop it off at the Village of Corfu office, located 116 E. Main St., Corfu, NY 14036.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement after it was reported the April Jobs Report fell drastically below projections.

“Today’s jobs report shows what we’ve known for months – the President’s policies have disincentivized work and slowed our recovery from the pandemic. Despite hearing in February that our economy would rebound without further government intervention, the President and congressional Democrats forced through a massive spending package with hundreds of billions of dollars for programs that make it more lucrative for Americans to stay home than to seek employment.

"Now we see the effects of this bad policymaking – Western New York businesses are turning away customers because they cannot find employees. With vaccines rolling out and lockdowns lifting, our focus must be on getting Americans back to work and supporting our economic comeback.”

The jobs report released this morning shows the economy only added 266,000 jobs, falling short of the almost one million projected to be added. Yesterday, the Buffalo News reported local restaurants and retailers are struggling to find employees, and as a result are being forced to limit service, turn away customers, and suffering financially.

Press release: 

“I am happy that Comptroller (Thomas) DiNapoli will be auditing the New York State Unemployment system for fraud," said Sen. Ed Rath (NYS-61). While this is a critical first step, I believe that a full and comprehensive audit of the system needs to be done.

"From the very start of the pandemic, the unemployment system in our State has been an absolute mess and the lack of transparency has been very concerning. Between residents being unable to receive the benefits they are due, to long wait times to overpayments and blatant fraud, there has been nonstop issues.

"My office has heard from hundreds of residents regarding their unemployment problems, and I am proud to say we have been able to work to resolve many of their issues.

"Unfortunately, until the fundamental challenges with the unemployment system are addressed, these problems will continue to occur, and we will continue to see fraud and waste in the system. I am hopeful that this audit will bring some much-needed transparency to the process.”

Press release:

Catholic Charities of Buffalo announced HOPE Day, the annual 24-hour match challenge day of giving to benefit Appeal 2021 is set for Friday, May 14 across Western New York.

The first $40,000 raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar, with gifts from donors who wish to remain anonymous, in the ongoing effort to reach the annual Appeal’s $10 million goal in support of Catholic Charities and the Fund for the Faith.

Catholic Charities also announced that Appeal 2021 has raised $7,431,292 to date.

In the last three years, HOPE Days have brought in more than $1.28 million to bolster the annual Appeal.

“With less than two months to go and currently at 74 percent of our Appeal goal, we are grateful for the generosity our community has shown and also remain optimistic about reaching our 2021 goal,” said Deacon Steve Schumer, president and CEO, Catholic Charities. “Please consider joining with us on HOPE Day to help bring hope to our neighbors most in need.”

The annual Appeal helps fund 57 programs and services administered by Catholic Charities across all eight counties of Western New York, along with several ministries that benefit all parishes through the Diocese of Buffalo’s Fund for the Faith.

Catholic Charities’ programs and services helped more than 149,000 individuals of all faiths, ages and ethnicities in 2020.

These included basic emergency assistance such as food pantries, educational and vocational advancement services, family safety and stabilization services, immigration and refugee assistance, mental health and substance use treatment, and youth and family support services.

In addition, Catholic Charities, which has an office in Batavia, offers: counseling; a program for domestic violence offenders; a home visitor/friendly phone service for homebound seniors in Genesee and Orleans counties; home health care management, an in-school social work program, New Hope Partners, and Parent/Child Access.

In Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties, from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, Catholic Charities issued $17,672.21 in Emergency Financial Asisstance, impacting 2,563 residents.

To make a secure online donation during HOPE Day, go to ccwny.org/HOPEDay. Donors may also call (716) 218-1400 to pledge support. Appeal 2021 runs through June 30.

For more information about Catholic Charities and the services it provides, visit ccwny.org.

By Tim Bojarski, for Western OTB/Batavia Downs​:

While it wasn’t quite as big as winning the lottery, there were smiles galore at the Western Regional Off-Track Betting (WROTB) branch locations and Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel after last Saturday’s (May 1) Run for the Roses.

As has been the case so often since 1974 when the public benefit corporation began accepting Derby wagers, WROTB patrons crushed it at the windows, winning over $1.4 million dollars. Based on total handle from all WROTB simulcast locations including Batavia Bets.com (the corporation’s online wagering platform), that number reflects the amount of money paid out to bettors was 9 percent higher than the national average. 

Three customers ended up being OTB’s biggest winners when they each cashed for $18,912 after all three wagered $48 on a $2 Superfecta box ticket on the winning combination of 7-8-9-14. Two other patrons wagered just one dollar and hit the Superfecta in exact order of 8-7-9-14 and won $9,456. 

WROTB President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek said “It was a thrilling horse race and I’m happy so many of our customers were winners. We thank everyone who bet through a WROTB outlet for their patronage on racing’s biggest day.”

Todd Haight, director/GM of Live Racing at Batavia Downs added “I think we did a good job getting the word out that Medina Spirit was a major player in this year’s race. We also gave several reasons to wager against heavy Derby favorite Essential Quality and it appears several of our customers took that advice.”

It also appeared that those who came to bet in person heeded the advice about masks and social distancing as all locations reported business going off without a hitch. 

“We appreciate everyone following COVID protocols and working with our staff to make the Derby as successful as it was,” Director of WROTB Branch Operations Sean Schiano said. 

Schiano added that preparations are well underway at Western Regional Off-Track Betting for the second jewel of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, the 146th Preakness Stakes, to be run next Saturday (May 15) at historic Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Md.