Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) [center] introduces several veterans of World War II on the Assembly Floor last Friday.

Submitted photo and press release:

Coinciding with the legislature’s celebration of Flag Day and the founding of the Army, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) had the honor of introducing many veterans of World War Two on the Assembly Floor on Friday.

“World War II veterans, ‘The Greatest Generation’ are an elite and special group and it is important to frequently recognize and cherish their role in defending America’s freedom,” Hawley said. “Many of these brave young men and women volunteered, sometimes lying about their age in order to answer the call of duty.

"Their courage and bravery helped shape and preserve American exceptionalism, and it was truly an honor to introduce and meet with them in Albany.”

Hawley, a veteran of the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, is the son of a World War II veteran himself, R. Stephen Hawley, who fought in Burma as part of Merrill’s Marauders.

Hawley also hosts an annual trip to Washington, D.C., each September, the Patriot Trip, joining local veterans and their families on a tour of our nation’s military and political monuments.

Press release:

On Monday, members of Batavia Downs management announced their commitment to expand their ticket giveaway programs, collectively known as “Suitestakes,” at their gaming facility.

Batavia Downs plans to enter into a three-year agreement with Pegula Sports Entertainment for a suite at the Buffalo Football Stadium for events as part of Batavia Downs’ Ticket Promotion Program.

Batavia Downs just finished the first year of a three-year agreement with Pegula Sports and Entertainment for a Suite at the Key Bank Center.

The “Suitestakes” promotion has been in place at Batavia Downs since 2014 and has expanded over the years. As part of Batavia Downs’ Marketing Plan, the purchase and use of all tickets is approved by the New York State Gaming Commission on an annual basis.

The program did receive Gaming Commission approval for the 2019 year.

The promotion was honored with the prestigious Diamond Romero Award by Raving Consulting for its success in generating revenue and enhancing patrons’ relationship with Batavia Downs. The award is judged by an independent group of Casino Marketing Professionals.

“Our Suitestakes program has and continues to help us achieve record results,” said Ryan Hasenauer, director of Marketing of WROTB/Batavia Downs. “We will be expanding the number of times and methods with which we distribute the tickets to ensure future success.

"Revenues from the facility are distributed to the shareholders of Western OTB including the 15 Western and Central New York counties and two cities of Buffalo and Rochester. Our success means more money is given to those municipalities.”

As a public benefit corporation Batavia Downs competes daily with privately run casinos to attract customers. The environment is competitive and Batavia Downs is committed to continuing programs so residents of member municipalities don’t miss out on critical community development revenue.

“Recently, there has been speculation about the propriety of our promotional activities that benefit our customers and whether tickets for sporting events and concerts have been used properly,” said Henry Wojtaszek, president and CEO of WROTB/Batavia Downs. “After those reports, we invited the Gaming Commission to examine our records and interview WROTB officials regarding these allegations.

"Two Gaming inspectors accepted our invitation and we complied expeditiously. Following this review, the inspectors advised WROTB that they were pleased with our cooperation and fully satisfied that the records they reviewed and the interviews they conducted did not raise any issues of concern for the Gaming Commission.“

The board will consider the resolution pertaining to the Buffalo Stadium tickets at their meeting later this month.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Batavia Business & Professional Womens Club Inc. 2019 Scholarship Committee, has awarded scholarships to seven Genesee County high school students, two Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP) students, and one Genesee Community College student is pending.

The clubs Committee Co-chairpersons Peggy Johnson and Bobbi Norton presented the awards for the evening.

The High School Student recipients are as follows: Brianna Bromley (Batavia), Lindsey Coniber (Le Roy), Joshua Kelsey (Alexander), Mary Kochmanski (Alexander), Garrett Sinemus (Elba), Jadan Torcello (Batavia), Taya Townley (Alexander).

Each received a $1,000 check to support their educational and career goals.

These scholarships are open to Genesee County high schools seniors (male or female).

Each student maintained an 85 percent average or higher, completed a one-page application with a letter of recommendation from a school staff member and submitted a personal essay discussing their achievements and future goals as well as an essay from a parent.

The finalists were interviewed by the BBPWC Inc. Scholarship Committee in May and notified.

The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP) recipients are as follows: Emily Boldt (Pavilion) and Anna O’Geen (Warsaw). Each received a $500 scholarship award. These students were selected through the GVEP, Student Services Committee.

The Genesee Community College (GCC) adult student will receive a $500 scholarship award. The selection process for the GCC award is completed by the Genesee Community College Foundation and is pending selection of a candidate.

All of the award winners were invited to the Batavia Business & Professional Womens Inc. June Banquet, which was held June 6 at Dibble Family Center, Batavia.

Additionally, the BBPWC Inc. members voted at their May Meeting on the Service Awards to be distributed and this year. Six $500 checks were awarded.

To be considered for the service award a letter written on appropriate letterhead was sent to the BBPW requesting consideration.

The following service organizations received monetary awards at the banquet: All Babies Cherished, Bethany Fire Department, Care-A-Van Ministries, Crossroads House, The Warrior House and Habitat for Humanity.

To find out more about BBPW scholarships and service awards visit our webpage: https://bataviabpw.wordpress.com/.

The BBPWC Inc. also voted at their May meeting for Women of the Year. This year's recipient is Michelle Gillard, the club's treasurer who joined the organization in 2015. She was looking for a way to give back to her community and the group was a great fit for her. Gillard credits her ability to do what she does to all the wonderful members within the organization.

Please support our next fundraising event by joining us for our Meat Raffle on Saturday, Oct. 19, at Notre Dame High School. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and first spin will be at 6:45 p.m. All proceeds from this event benefit Genesee County scholarships and the service organizations.

Tickets will be available to purchase from any member beginning in August. Please contact Michelle at 585-297-0779 or send an email to bataviabpw@gmail.com.

Top photo -- scholarship recipients -- from left: Joshua Kelsey (Alexander), Brianna Bromley (Batavia), Mary Kochmanski (Alexander), Garrett Sinemus (Elba), Jadan Torcello (Batavia), Lindsey Coniber (Le Roy), Anna O’Geen (Warsaw), Taya Townley (Alexander).

Bottom photo -- service award winners -- from left: Sue Sherman -- All Babies Cherished; Nancy Ewert -- The Warrior House; Bridget Ohlson -- Care-A-Van Ministries; Mel Davis – Bethany Volunteer Fire Department; Marie Scofield -- Habitat for Humanity; Peg Patterson-Case – Crossroads House.

Press release:

Are you ready to change your financial future? Northgate Free Methodist Church is hosting its next semester of Financial Peace University, which will be held on Monday nights, starting on July 1st from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the North Campus.

It is located at 8160 Bank Street Road in Batavia.

For more than 25 years, Financial Peace University, created by Dave Ramsey, has helped thousands of people take control of their money.

Through this nine-week course, Ramsey’s proven money-management class will show you step-by-step how to create a budget, pay off your debt, make wise spending decisions, and save for the future.

Preregistration is required, so please visit www.northgatefmc.com and follow the Financial Peace link to sign up.

The cost is $109, scholarships are available.

If you have questions please email office@northgatefmc.com or call the church office at (585) 343-4011.

Genesee-Orleans OUT! will be hosting their first ever Pride Parade and Festival in Batavia from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, June 28th.

Lineup for the parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Austin Park in Batavia. The parade will conclude on Bank Street at the GO ART! building where there will be food and entertainment! It is located at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

For more information and to register for the Pride Parade please go to www.goart.org and click on the Program & Events tab or contact Gregory Hallock directly at (585) 343-9313 or ghallock@goart.org

From Sen. Michael H. Ranzenhofer:

The New York State Senate passed the “Green Light Bill.” State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-C-I, Amherst) voted against it. 

Senator Ranzenhofer has issued the following statement:

“(Monday's) passage of the Green Light Bill is very troubling to me. I do not agree with granting driver’s licenses to those who enter the country illegally. This bill goes too far.

"It provides none of the protections or restrictions found in the 12 other states that issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. This is just another example of the misguided priorities of the Senate Majority.

“In my recent questionnaire, nearly 80 percent of residents opposed this radical bill. It is equally disturbing that Senate Democrats ignored concerns of the law enforcement community and local clerks.”

Timothy P. Tomczak was named dean of Human Communications and Behavior last month, a role he assumes July 1. 

Tomczak is a three-time SUNY Chancellor Award honoree. Last year, Tomczak received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service; in 2007 while working as GCC's associate professor of Psychology, Tomczak received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities; and in 1994 he was first recognized with the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.

He was also recognized by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Teaching Excellence Award in 1991, and is the author or co-author of more than 20 professional articles and presentations. He is an associate member of the American Psychology Association and the Council of Undergraduate Teachers of Psychology.

Earlier this month, The Batavian interviewed Tomczak about his role at GCC as well as topics in his and his department's field of study, including human behavior, heuristics and cognitive biases, psychology, social media, his favorite podcasts, and more.

A driver's brake line apparently broke causing an accident at 9:36 a.m., Monday, on Route 77 at Cohocton Road, Pembroke, according to a Sheriff's Office accident report.

Only one driver in the two-car accident was injured. 

Kendra L. Cain, 48, of Main Road, Corfu, suffered an elbow injury and was transported to UMMC for evaluation.

According to the accident investigation by Deputy Kevin McCarthy, Cain was driving a 2002 Ford SUV eastbound on Cohocton Road when she came to a stop sign at Route 77.

She was unable to stop the vehicle and her SUV traveled into the intersection where it struck a 2015 Chrysler SUV driven by Mary Saleman, 69, of Clover Place, Cheektowaga.

Neither Saleman nor Cain's passenger, Demetrius A. Cing, 16, were injured in the crash.

No citations were issued.

A 54-year-old Batavia man has been accused of selling crack cocaine to agents of the Local Drug Task Force. 

Carlos "Sinbad" Samol, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Samol was picked up Sunday morning on a sealed Grand Jury indictment by Batavia PD while they were investigating an unrelated matter.

The suspect allegedly sold a quantity of crack cocaine an undercover agent on two separate occasions.  

He was arraigned in County Court and jailed on $15,000 bail or $30,000 bond.

Press release:

The Police Department wishes to welcome Officer Miah Stevens and Officer Peter Post Jr. to the Department.

Both Officers recently completed their field training and have been assigned to the road patrol.

Officer Stevens is a 2013 graduate of Pembroke High School and then attended Genesee Community College and SUNY Brockport where she majored in Criminal Justice. She completed her Basic Police Academy at Niagara University having graduated this past February. Officer Stevens’ stepfather works for the City of Batavia in the Water Department, she has three brothers and sisters.

Officer Post attended GCC after earning his High School Diploma in 2015. He is a 2018 graduate of the Rural Police Training Academy at GCC. Officer Post then began his career with the villages of Perry and Warsaw Police Departments as a part-time police officer. His father is a retired Police Detective and his mother a retired New York State Trooper. Officer Post has three brothers and sisters.

“We wish to welcome Officer Stevens and Officer Post to the City of Batavia and the Police Department,” said Chief Shawn Heubusch. “They are both wonderful additions to the police force and extremely community oriented.”

“I find when I bring people here, I’ll get a parent who will be like, ‘what’s that?’ and we’ll go into a 20-minute conversation about the history of the house,” said Kate Wilcox-Rodwell, who owns a newly renovated mansion in Pavilion called The Hillcrest Estate.

Twenty minutes may just scratch the surface of the history of mansion, which sits on 120 acres at 1940 Craig Road.

It was built in the late 1800s in the Country Place Era, a time according to The Cultural Landscape Foundation, in which large, opulent residences were built by affluent families in pastoral settings, often serving as getaways from city life during the warmer months of the year.

The Hillcrest Estate has welcomed notable guests like President Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain and Ethel Barrymore.

And for nearly four decades it has stayed in the Wilcox family, which has hosted many public and private events for friends and family.

Kate Wilcox-Rodwell (inset photo below) grew up in the home and last year she and her husband, Matthew Rodwell, moved to the property to devote themselves to extensively restoring it.

The 32-room mansion is spacious at 9,500 square feet. It features 11 bedrooms, a grand ballroom, stone fireplaces and its original wooden floors. Historic antiques are showcased with natural lighting, bookshelves, flower arrangements and vintage furniture.

The estate’s grounds are groomed and landscaped, but they still feel walk-able and casual. The secluded property has a reflecting pool, covered veranda, tiered terraces and various locations suitable for photography like the woods.  

“There’s a lot of unique character here that you can’t get in a brand-new facility,” said Wilcox-Rodwell. “You can’t get authentic character everywhere, but you can here.”

The ballroom and lawns are available for weddings, bridal parties, corporate meetings, small and large social gatherings and community events. The ballroom can accommodate 120 guests, and the outdoor reception tent can host approximately 300 guests.

“One of the things I love about this place is the flexibility and different areas to choose from [for your event]. You’re not subject to one spot for one thing,” Wilcox-Rodwell said.

Upgrades to the estate include new landscaping, roofing, masonry work and an ADA-accessible ramp. To use the space to its fullest potential, the owners are renovating the restrooms, foyer and bridal lounge. Future plans include remodeled bedrooms for guests and year-round housing for the owners.

The Hillcrest Estate recently joined the Chamber of Commerce in Genesee and Livingston counties to enhance its business culture and grow closer to the community.

“I have to commend both of the chambers because they have been great — resources and spreading the word about what we are trying to do — I can’t thank them enough for that,” Wilcox-Rodwell said.

“They can really connect you with other individuals who share similar values because they’ve got businesses in their respective counties that want to grow and thrive and connect with other business owners.”   

The owners plan to also support charitable causes with their event space going forward. In September, The Hillcrest Estate will host the Town of York Historical Society to celebrate the town’s bicentennial.

Wilcox-Rodwell describes a rewarding part of owning the mansion as “being able to share this property with other people. There are people who live five minutes from here that don’t know that there’s this amazing house in their backyard that has all this history that 100 years ago was a big part of their town. I’m excited to share it.”

To contact The Hillcrest Estate, phone (585) 356-7164 or visit online here.

Photos courtesy of Kate Wilcox-Rodwell.

Press release:

Coinciding with the 244^th Anniversary of the United State Army, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) had the privilege of unanimously passing an Assembly Resolution Thursday in Albany honoring Staff Sergeant David Bellavia for receiving the Medal of Honor. The honor will be presented to him by President Trump on June 25.

Staff Sgt. Bellavia, who was born in Albion and lives in Batavia, will become the first living Iraq War veteran to receive the Medal of Honor after bravely rescuing his entire squad who had become trapped during the Battle of Fallujah. He then proceeded to engage the enemy, killing four and wounding a fifth, which ultimately led to the safety of three squads of the Third Platoon.

“Staff Sgt. David Bellavia is a true example of the American courage, bravery and heroics that have forged our great nation and he is beyond deserving of this tremendous honor,” Hawley said.

“His willingness to put the lives and protection of others above himself during the Iraq War’s most intense battle is a priceless act of selflessness to which we should all emulate and, for that, he is an American hero. I am honored to recognize Staff Sgt. Bellavia for his service to our nation and thank him for his sacrifices in protecting our country and its citizens.”

A motorcycle accident is reported on Route 33 in Stafford. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics responded. South Byron Fire Police are called to shut down Route 33 at Griswald Road and Route 33 at Route 237.

Mercy Flight is called to the scene.

UPDATE 5:34 p.m.: A husband and wife were riding their respective motorcycles, he on a black bike, she on a red Honda, when he slowed down for unknown reasons. His wife, who was just behind him, slowed suddenly to avoid hitting him and she lost control of her bike and crashed. She had an open-face helmet on and suffered road rash on her face and extremities and complained of head, chest and abdomen pain. A trooper at the scene said she was taken by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital.The husband was not injured. No other vehicles were involved. 

Edward James Leddick, 23, of Cheektowaga, is charged with second-degree harassement. At 12:39 a.m. on June 17 Leddick was arrested following an argument on Fargo Road in the Town of Darien. It is alleged that during the arugment, Leddick struck a female in the nose and pushed her to the ground. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Darien Court on July 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Heberlein.

Eric Duda, 46, of Prestige Crossing, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. At 11:20 p.m. on June 14, deputies responded to Prestige Crossing in the Town of Batavia for a reported criminal mischief complaint. After an investigation Duda was arrested. He allegedly damaged property valued at $300 that belonged to another person. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on July 8. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eril Andre, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen

Daniel Jon Lewis, 23, of Meadow Farm South, North Chili, is charged with second-degree assault. He was arrested on June 11 for an assault that allegedly occurred at 10:09 p.m. on June 10 while he was incaracerated in the Genesee County Jail. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or bond. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor.

Kelly James Rhim, 40, of Coven Street, Rochester, is charged with second-degree assault. He was arrested on June 11 for an assault that allegedly occurred at 9:49 p.m. on June 10 while he was incarcerated in the Genesee County Jail. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or bond. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor.

Le Roy police are responding to an apartment on Bacon Street after a caller to dispatch complained that a package intended for her was delivered to a neighbor and the neighbor is refusing to give it to her.

This solid double has all seperated utilities-including water! Large apartments, great parking two-car detached garage and good yard! Lower furnace 4 yrs. old, deck new 2018 as well as garage doors and garage roof and siding. Click here for more information or call Lynn Bezon today to see this listing.

3233 Pratt Road - Town of Batavia: 1991 Fairmont 14 x 76 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.

Press release:

Farmers Market Coupons will be distributed at the Genesee County Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia, on the following dates:

• Wednesday            June 26         10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Wednesday            July 10           1 - 4 p.m.
• Tuesday                 July 16           10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Thursday                July 18           10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Also, the Genesee County Office for the Aging also plans to distribute coupons at the:

• Le Roy Farmer’s Market from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 6;
• Downtown Batavia Public Market from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 26.

Booklets are available to adults aged 60 years and older who are income-eligible. Proof of age identification must be provided.

Income guidelines are as follows: household of one $1,926 per month; household of two $2,607per month; and, household of three $3,289 per month.

Maureen Estabrooks, Office for the Aging’s coordinator for the program, noted, “Anyone 60 or older in a household may receive a coupon booklet as long as they are income eligible. This means that in a qualifying household, multiple individuals may receive booklets.

"This program is a wonderful way to help older adults with limited income purchase fresh produce from our local farmers.”

Questions may be directed to the Genesee County Office for the Aging at 585-343-1611.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department during the Zac Brown Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday.

Caleb J. Muhs,18, of Hoover Road, Rochester, arrested on a charge of harassment 2nd and resisting arrest after allegedly pushing and shoving a deputy and then physically resisting the arrest.  Muhs was arraigned in Darien Court and remanded to jail in lieu of $500 bail.

John S.A. Fichter, 20, of Carrie Marie Lane, Hilton, arrested on a charge of criminal trespass 3rd after allegedly entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. 

Erika C. Russell, 21, of Thorndyke Road, Rochester, arrested on a charge of criminal trespass 3rd after allegedly entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. 

Megan E. Motkowski,19, of Millford Crossing, Penfield, arrested on a charge of criminal trespass 3rd after allegedly entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

David m. Odojewski, 27, of Enola Avenue, Kenmore, arrested on a charge of disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with Live Nation Security while being ejected from the concert. 

Jonathan J. Curry, 30, of Lehavre Street, Cheektowaga, arrested on a charge of trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. 

Matthew R. Worley, 19, of Route 64, Ionia, Pa., arrested on a charge of trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. 

A 17-year-old of Olde Post Rider Trail, Greece, NY arrested on a charge of trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Britney L. Emmick, 22, of 14th Street, Troy, NY arrested on a charge of trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

A 51-year-old Rochester resident has been arrested by members of the Local Drug Task Force, accused of selling crack cocaine in and around Genesee County.

Lorenzo A. "Tone" Terry, of Lang Street, Rochester, is accused of selling crack on three separate occasions to an agent of the task force over a six-month period.

Terry, the subject of an arrest warrant, was arrested on Batavia PD a week ago when he was spotted walking in the City of Batavia.  

The suspect has served four prior prison terms, going back to 1992, for drug possession and sales.

Judge Charles Zambito ordered Terry held in the Genesee County Jail on $50,000 bail or $100,000 bond.