The final field preparation and practice are underway as the Batavia Muckdogs prepare for their home opener tonight against the Auburn Doubledays.Gates open at 6 p.m., game starts at 7:05.The weather for the opener looks great with a predicted 75 degrees and light wind; no rain is in the forcast.This should allow for Western NY Skydiving to parachute in with the ball for the first pitch.
Gorgeous and lovingly maintained sprawling ranch on five-plus beautifully landscaped acres with a pond! Absolutely something for everyone in this well laid out home and the storage space is unbelievable! This home has two living rooms, gorgeous kitchen with awesome views of remarkable back patio and in-ground pool which overlooks pond and fields with wildlife galore. Owners have literally just finished reroofing home and upgraded the electrical prior to listing!
If all that isn't enough this home has an absolutely huge finished basement with cozy living area, workshop space and a man cave that everyone will be jealous of with kitchen/bar area AND two-hole putting green! This home goes on and on and was meant for entertaining! Great location close to Batavia, Alexander schools. Must see! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today or click here to view the complete listing.
Andrew Underhill's passion for growing strawberries took him across the world to Eisenberg, Germany, to work on a strawberry and asparagus farm.
The 15-week internship was required for his graduation from SUNY Morrisville, Underhill said.
“I love growing strawberries and it was a 35-acre farm there,” Underhill said. “It was my dream farm.”
Underhill said when deciding where to complete his internship, he knew wanted to be on a large strawberry or asparagus farm.
“I wanted to go somewhere farther than New York,” Underhill said.
His college roommate had family in Switzerland, who ended up having a connection at the farm in Germany.
Erdbeer Land, the farm he interned at, has 35 acres of strawberries and 15 acres of asparagus, with 385 employees.
While at Erdbeer Land, Underhill learned new cultivation methods for strawberries and asparagus, and how to extend strawberry seasons.
Underhill said he also learned how to grow white asparagus while in Germany, but doesn’t plan to grow it here.
“It’s harder to grow,” Underhill said. “It’s the same plant, but it grows under the soil.”
The Elba resident works on his family farm, Underhill farms, located on 4847 Batavia Elba Townline Road. He is the fourth generation of Underhill men to farm on the same fields.
Now an alumnus of SUNY Morrisville, he said he plans to take over Underhill farms one day.
Press release:
Victor Roberts, veterans benefits advisor, NYS Division of Veterans' Affairs, will be at the Downtown Batavia Public Market this Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to distribute NYS FreshConnect Checks to local veterans.
FreshConnect Veterans Checks are a component of Governor Cuomo's "New York Fresh Connect Farmers' Markets" (FreshConnect) program. The program is designed to assist New York farmers by increasing the sale of locally grown food in communities.
FreshConnect checks will be issued as a one-time annual benefit: 10 - $2 checks ($20) -- one packet per household, per season. Checks will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis to veterans and current members of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of their immediate families, including un-remarried surviving spouses of a veteran.
Employees of New York State and veterans or service members with immediate family members employed by New York State are not eligible for FreshConnect checks.
"Recipients will not require ID," Roberts said, "but they will need to sign a form accepting the program's rules and regulations."
"The checks can be used to purchase fresh produce from participating vendors at the Market," said Market Manager Mike Bakos. "The Market is excited to be a distribution point for FreshConnect Veterans Checks and we thank all of our veterans for their service to our great country."
A 17-year-old resident of Maple Road, Basom, is charged with unlawful surveillance, 2nd. The youth is accused of placing a mobile phone with its video camera operating in a locker room at Oakfield-Alabama High School. He was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.
Nathan Gerald Safford, 27, of Broughton Road, Silver Springs, is charged with unlawful fleeing of a police officer, reckless driving, speeding (over 55 mph), speeding (in a 40-mph zone), and failure to stop at red light. Safford was arrested once stopped at 8:25 p.m. Friday on Main Road, Corfu, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan. He was jailed on $25,000 bail or $100,000 bond.
Philip Michael Arcuri, 31, of Oak Street, Warsaw, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, unlawfull possession of marijuana, moving from lane unsafely, and failure to use designated lane. Arcuri was arrested following an investigation into a property-damage accident at 4:40 p.m. Friday on Lake Road, Pavilion, by Deputy Micheal Lute. Arcuri was allegedly found in possession of heroin, a needle and marijuana.
Mark Anthony Constable, 28, of Meigs Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and no front plate. Constable was stopped at 12:30 p.m. Friday on Route 33, Bergen, by Deputy Chris Erion.
Glenn Vincent Gerold, 27, of County Route 26, Carthage, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, and inadequate headlights. Gerold was stopped at 9:37 p.m. Friday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.
Joshua Adam Locurcio, 37, of Stenson Avenue, Rochester, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, driving on a suspended registration, unlawful possession of marijuana, operating an uninspected vehicle. Locurcio was stopped at 8:06 p.m. Sunday on Route 33, Bergen, by Deputy Ryan DeLong.
Patrick Frances Donaldson, 47, of Harvard Street, Hamburg, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to stop at stop sign. Donaldson was stopped at 10:33 p.m. Friday by Deputy Ryan DeLong.
Press release:
The Batavia Lions Club recently presented its annual scholarships and awards for the 2016-2017 school year.
This spring,more than 20 graduating seniors at Batavia High School and Notre Dame High School applied for scholarships and were interviewed by a committee of Lions Club members; four were chosen to receive $1,000 each toward their college education. In addition, selected students from both schools were awarded the Art Roth Fine Arts Award and the Bill Cook Scholar Athlete Award.
The final award is the Batavia Lions Club Award in Communications, which is presented to a Genesee Community College student in memory of two former Batavia Lions and local media legends – Paul Bostwick, the former managing editor of the Batavia Daily News, and James H. Gerrity, the former news director of WBTA.
During the high school football season each fall, members of the Lions Club man the food stand at Notre Dame Stadium to sell snacks during each home game. The proceeds are used exclusively for the scholarship and awards program at Notre Dame. The BHS Scholarships, Bill Cook and Art Roth Awards as well as the Bostwick/Gerrity Award are funded through money set aside by the Batavia Lions Club.
This year’s winners are (from left):
Kelvin LaPierre – Paul Bostwick/James Gerrity Award and is currently attending Genesee Community College. Serena Strollo-DiCenso – BHS Scholarship, will be attending the University of Buffalo to begin her path to law school. Hannah Bowen – ND Scholarship, will attend Clarkson University to study Psychology. Angelina Miconi – BHS Scholarship, will attend Genesee Community College to begin her program in Art Education. McKenna Dziezmian – BHS Art Roth Fine Arts Award, will attend the University of Rochester to study Biomedical Engineering. Campbell Anderson – BHS Bill Cook Scholar Athlete Award, will attend the Air Force Academy. Jacob Weatherwax -- ND Scholarship, will attend Alfred State to study Welding Technology and Business. Christopher Lemley – ND Bill Cook Scholar Athlete Award, will attend Case Western University to study Civil Engineering. Keara Zerillo – ND Art Roth Fine Arts Award, will attend the State University of New York at Fredonia to study Music Education.
The Lions Club congratulates all of this year’s winners and wishes them success in all of their future endeavors.
The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Florida Georgia Line concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday:
A 17-year-old, of Seeley Road, Williamson, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.
Tyler D. Pemberthy, 22, of Lillybrook Court, East Amherst, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.
A 16-year-old, of York Street, Honeoye Falls, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.
Brandon M. Erskine, 24, of State Route 21, Hornell, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly engaging in a fight while exiting the concert.
Jaymi R. Seitz, 26 of Whitney Road, Ontario, Canada, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, after allegedly using a key to scratch another person’s vehicle.
The Ramble Music & Arts Festival will be held on July 1 this year on Center Street, with music, vendors and activities.
The Ramble is an annual reunion of musicians and artists that at one time or another, called Batavia or the nearby areas, their home. The event includes craft vendors, food vendors, a designated kid zone with rides and activities, and music.
This year, there will be 33 bands and performers at the Jackson Square and Center Street Stage.
Paul Draper III, the event coordinator, said there will be a larger, second stage to look forward to.
“There have also been major expansions for vendors this year,” Draper said. “There’s a duck pond and a dedicated kid zone. It is very family oriented.”
The performers include Audibull, Bad Luck, Batavia All Stars, Bluesway, Dave Holnbeck, Driven, Eagle Creek, Genesee Ted, Ghost Riders, Kevin Moyles, KoKo & The Moon Crickets, Kruppner Brothers, Loosely Tight, Mark Grover, Me & Red, Mitty & The followers, Nichols Brothers Band, Noah's Reign, Steve Kruppner, Paul Almeter, PD3 & Co., Red Creek, Rhythm Collision, Rich Lullo Band, Rock Soulgers, Ryan & Scott, Ryan Consiglio, Savage Cabbage, Sierra, Soul Craft, TONK!, Trolls, Unruly, and Zero.
Draper said they are still accepting vendors and sponsorship opportunities. If anyone is interested, contact thebataviaramble@gmail.com
Doug Forsyth is counting down the days until he rides his bike across the country to raise money for cystic fibrosis.
On July 9, Forsyth, a Le Roy native, will be flying to Portland, Ore., where he will begin his 30-day journey, eventually ending up in New York City.
Although it was part of Forsyth’s bucket list to ride his bike across the country, he was inspired to take the journey and raise money by his best friend’s child, who is living with cystic fibrosis.
“It’s a terrible disease,” Forsyth said. “Kids are just born with it and there’s nothing you can do.”
Forsyth said he found a foundation, Claire’s Place Foundation Inc., that gives money directly to the families who have kids that have been in the hospital for more than two weeks.
“I heard from them and the money that I’ve raised already has been given to a family in Minnesota,” Forsyth said.
He has raised almost $4,000 so far through his GoFundMe page and donations made directly to the foundation.
His cycling mentor, Douglas Sawyer, from Ossining, will be riding with Forsyth. Sawyer will be raising money for traumatic brain injuries.
It will be an unsupported ride, meaning he will be towing a bike trailer filled with camping supplies. Forsyth plans on camping two-thirds of the time and getting hotels the rest of the way to wash up.
“I’m very excited about it,” Forsyth said. “I just hope I can have the stamina to do it.”
Updates about his journey will be posted on his Facebook page and donations can be made here.
A microwave caused a two alarm fire on 20 Swan St about 9:30 am.There was the smell of smoke but no visable flames.Two children were sent for observation for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. All units are back in service.
"Huckleberry" was last seen on North Bergen Road near Route 237. He is chipped and belongs with Cindy Matthews and Chris Oehler. Call Chris at (585) 315-2995 or Cindy at (585) 455-9377.
UPDATE: Huckleberry is home safe, thanks to an alert reader.
A resident on Slusser Road, between Pratt and Killian roads, reports his neighbor's dog took off last night around 8:30. He answers to "Ruben." If you have information about the dog, call Amy at (716) 998-1860 or Tom at (585) 993-2163.
UPDATE: Ruben is home safe.
This evening, Billie and I catch a plane for Los Angeles. We'll visit Bakersfield, Ventura and San Diego over the next eight days, seeing family and friends.
We return the morning of June 26.
While we're gone, we'll do our best to keep up with the site.
Covering news for us will be our intern Maria Pericozzi, reporter Mike Pettinella, and photographers Jim Burns and Steve Ognibene.
We also, as always, appreciate your help. We're always grateful for readers who send us pictures or news tips. If something is going on that you think other readers might like to know about, email me (preferred) at howard@thebatavian.com or text (585) 260-6970 (don't count on me seeing Facebook messages).
Note to Deal of the Day buyers: We're not going to post any deals today or tomorrow, but I will try to get a daily post up through the week. However, deals won't be shipped out in the mail until June 27, a week from Tuesday.
Award recipients are nominated by their high school guidance counselors, teachers or administrators.
Each exemplifies the colleges' motto "To Be, To Know, To Do."
Award winners are guaranteed a minimum of $40,000 in scholarship during the four years of study at Russell Sage College or The Sage College of Albany in recognition of their academic achievements and community involvement.
Press release:
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support the Genesee-Orleans Culture Connects Series, which is called "GO-C."
This is a multi-month program to highlight, explore and increase appreciation for the artistic contributions of diverse ethnic and cultural populations of Genesee and Orleans counties. The project will enhance our region’s current arts offerings, and enable us to create new opportunities to feature our region’s diversity through performances, arts workshops/classes, screenings, lectures, exhibits, and historical presentations.
NEA (www.arts.gov) Chairman Jane Chu said, “The National Endowment for the Arts is committed to nurturing artists and the arts in communities across the country. Supporting projects from organizations like GO ART! represents a wise investment in both western New York and the creative vitality of the nation.”
At GO ART! the project is being led by Karen Canning, Director of GLOW Traditions, a traditional arts and folklife program shared by the arts councils of the GLOW region.
Canning says, “We want to create more spaces and places where people can celebrate their cultural heritage, experience cultures different than their own, and find connections that may otherwise remain hidden or forgotten.”
GO ART! began offering programs in the series last October, including a Mexican Sugar Skull Workshop for Día de los Muertos, a Celtic Christmas event as part of Batavia’s Christmas in the City, and “Hush Now: Poems to Read Aloud,” poetry workshops and reading by Annette Daniels Taylor in February.
Currently, the Bank of Castile Main Gallery features a traveling exhibit, “Dream of America,” showcasing the work and creative lives of Hispanic farmworkers in our state.
The series will extend through 2017, and includes collaborations with local libraries, festivals and town and village partners. GO-C events will feature the cultural and/or artistic contributions of ethnic communities in our region, historically and present-day. These include Italian, Polish, Irish, African American, Latino, Anglo, and Native American traditions.
Other events will highlight unique cultural traditions of our region, related to our particular histories, environment, agriculture and economies.
We welcome information about programs on these themes, to add to our listings and promotions of GO-C events. Call 585-343-9313, email glowtraditions@goart.org, or visit www.goart.org/go-c for a full listing.
Yesterday, we reported that State Police had opened an investigation into a pickup truck that had been stolen earlier in morning from MY-T Acres Farm in Batavia.
The truck was returned at 4:20 a.m. today. It was undamaged with all the property still in the vehicle.
The owner credits publication of the theft on The Batavian with the return of the vehicle.
For the first time since 2011, Marty Stuart was back at The Ridge tonight along with his band, The Superlatives.
The Superlatives are:
As part of Gay Pride Month, the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission of the New York Courts is sponsoring a speaker series in courts in the state to help train judges and others in the courts system about gay rights and LGBTQ issues.
Today's speakers in the County Courthouse in Batavia were Brooke Barone, a plainteiff in a landmark case that expanded the rights of non-biological parents, and her attorney, Margaret Canby.
Marc Levine, executive director of the commission explained after the meeting (I had other business to finish and didn't make it on time for the speakers) what the commission is about and about the progress the LGBTQ community has made in the courts over the past 15 years.
"We went across the state doing things and it was beautiful to see the changes in the court system," Levine said.
Levine started a volunteer alliance in 2003 and the commission was formed at the start of this year and during that time, he said, he's seen more people in the court system come out and seen more judges, clerks, and administrators appointed to top positions.
Yesterday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo named the first openly gay man appointed to the Court of Appeals, Paul Feinman.
"This is something we thought was going to be so far off, we didn't even know if we'd live to see that happen," Levine said.
There were judges from throughout the region at the event, including every full-time judge from Chautauqua County.
The turnout was both significant and important, Levine said.
"Sensitivity Training is a beautiful thing," Levine said. "It's one thing when you look at someone in a textbook; it's a completely different thing when you come and you see people and you listen to them and they become real and you get to see why it's important, and you care and you take that out into the courts with you and set a tone that the courts know that people need to be treated with respect. They are sensitive to the needs of the community."
Levine is clearly a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ. I asked him one question and he spoke uninterrupted for nearly 10 minutes. Here's the full audio (mp3).
Photo: Judge Edwina Mendelson, left, Margaret Canby, Brooke Barone, Marc Levine, Judge Paula Feroleto, Andrew Isenberg, district executive for the Eighth Judicial District.
Two motorcyclists were reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound on Route 5 in Pembroke and disregarded law enforcement attempts to pull them over. They "blew through the light at (Route) 77," one continued on and the other made a right turn to go southbound on 77. Law enforcement is continuing the pursuit.
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