Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), and our colleagues in our sister agencies in the Western New York Independent Living Family of Agencies (WNYIL), offer our warmest congratulations to ILGR Independent Living specialist in Batavia David Dodge, as his service to citizens with disabilities across the Empire State was recognized last month.

Sheila J. Poole, the commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) issued a Citation to Dodge, recognizing his "Outstanding Service to the Statewide Rehabilitation Council (SRC) of the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB)."

In addition to his ongoing contributions as "a loyal and dedicated member" of the SRC, the document particularly lauds Dodge, (who is, himself, legally blind), for his work: on NYSCB's Assistive Technology Task Force (ATTF); advising the Commission on the development and reinvestment in seven Assistive Technology Centers in all regions of the State; helping to advance the personal development of children with visual impairments through use of appropriate technology; and working to improve AT services, generally.

It goes on to single out his ability to function as a guest speaker with little notice.

Dodge has also been scheduled in advance for some venues, such as: sharing the podium with ILGR Director Rae Frank for "Diversity in Disability sharing Universal Design Principles with the Community" at the New York Association for Independent Living (NYAIL)'s 2017 Statewide Conference and Expo, "Purpose. Progress. Power." in Troy; and presenting alongside Esther Greenhouse of Cornell University at Access to Independence of Cortland County Inc.'s June Workshop "Universal Design Strategies: Developing Environments for the Lifespan!"

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

It's been a busy football summer for Mason Randall, who will be a junior at Notre Dame High School this year.

He's established himself as a legitimate contender for a Division 1 roster spot.

Last month, he was number one, with the highest score of all lineman, participating at the sections 5 and 6 NYS High School Football Coaches Association Combine held at Fairport High School.

That earned him an invitation to the “Elite Showcase,” held at Ithaca College this past weekend, where he showed off his skills along with 250 of the state's best high school football players.

His father, Doug Randall, said the combine went really well:

The coaches from the colleges and high schools were very positive and offered a lot of tips and advice to the young men including the importance of their high school grades. 

The participants were broken up into smaller specialty groups to work with various college coaches. They were warmed up and given instruction and demonstration in proper technique and then they put those instructions to use in someone on one competition.

At the end of the showcase, the students were given the opportunity to meet one on one with all the coaches and ask questions about the different programs and schools in hopes of cultivating an invitation to play for them. 

Notre Dame's incoming Head Coach Joe Zambito said he's very fortunate to be taking over a team with a player like Mason on it, along with a group of linemen who are all impressive in size and ability.

"We have a really good line coming back Mason is a great student-athlete," Zambito said. "He’s unbelievable to coach and I’m lucky enough that in my first year I get to coach guys like him."

He said Mason's showing at the combines is really impressive.

"He beat some guys who already have Division I scholarships," Zambito said. "It goes to show you how hard he’s worked in the off-season to get himself in shape and in place to become an elite lineman, not only in GR but in New York State.

Mason said it feels great to get the recognition he's received and earning a D1 scholarship is one of his football dreams.

"Division I highest level," Mason said. "I’ve always loved football. My dad’s always loved football and everybody else in my family. Nobody in my family has ever gone D1. I had a couple of grandfathers go D2, but it would be so great to be able to go D1."

(Above, Laura Platt with a photo of her great uncle, Sgt. Otis (Bus) Loomis. Photo credit: Lucine Kauffman, who took this picture when Laura was a guest on her Genesee Life radio program on WBTA.)

Submitted photos and press release from Pat Iamon:

As a family member of a POW of the Korean War, Laura Platt, of Byron, received information about the Korea Revisit Program and she and her husband, Doug, went this spring.

Platt’s great uncle, Sgt. Otis (Bus) Loomis, was her mother’s favorite uncle and she had always known of his sacrifice and her mom’s heartbreak that he never returned home from the war.

Over the past 15 years or more, there has been an outreach program sponsored by the federal government that continues to keep families of MIA/POW informed of efforts to recover and repatriate the remains of their family members and also to reinforce the fact that these brave service people who gave their all will never be forgotten.

Several members of Platt’s family have attended these gatherings over the years on behalf of Sgt. Loomis, but here was an opportunity to have Loomis’s family return to Korea and see firsthand how the United States changed the fate of South Korea.

The Platts filled out the required documents and prepared for a 16-hour flight to Seoul, South Korea. The third Heroes Remembered Program was held this spring, developed by South Korea's Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA). As part of the program, the agency paid half of Platt’s flight, and her husband’s flight cost was discounted by 30 percent.

The Platts were greeted at the Seoul airport as were the other 49 American family members representing 24 fallen U.S. military in attendance. The group posed for a photo before leaving the airport.

When they reached the hotel, they found two large ice sculptures of eagles in the main foyer. Each family member was given a rose and escorted through a welcoming path with applause and more photos.

Each family was assigned a Korean representative that helped them throughout their stay. The Koreans were starting a photo and video diary that would be given to each family at the end of their stay. Laura Platt said that the Korean people were so gracious and welcoming.

“We were treated like royalty,” she said.

The group was taken by bus to their hotel. They were given some time to refresh and were then gathered for dinner. At dinner each person received a name badge and a booklet that included their itinerary.

(Photo of Doug and Laura Platt in front of a picture of the demilitarized zone that splits North and South Korea.)

Over the next days the Koreans escorted the group as they traveled by deluxe motor coach to tour many of the historic and notable venues. They learned all about the Korean War, its devastating impact on South Korea.

Many Koreans shared their traumatic personal experiences during the war.

The Platts got to know the other Americans and their stories of how that war impacted their family. There was a brother in his late 80s there for his lost brother, a 92-year-old wife there for her lost husband, many children of fathers who were killed in Korea. Most of the family members were nieces and nephews as most of the fallen were very young men and not married.

The Koreans brought the group to several cemeteries and monuments commemorating the war. Plaques that contained the names of all foreign soldiers lost in the war covered the walls of a large room. The names of the Americans were organized alphabetically by state. In addition to the United States, many other countries sent aid and troops during the war.

However, Laura Platt remarked that the list of the Americans from New York  and Pennsylvania was longer than the listing of the fallen from all other countries put together. According to her, there were more than 36,000 Americans killed in action during the Korean Conflict and to date, along with her uncle, there are still 7800 “missing in action”; their bodies have not been identified or recovered. The efforts to do so are progressing slowly, and with family DNA they are continuing to ID the remains.

(Photo of Doug and Laura Platt dressed in traditional Korean costumes (the exception being Doug's sneakers, of course.))

Laua Platt said that they were busy every single day. Korean TV and news reporters were on hand to highlight the event in their local the news. The group was also entertained by the Koreans through song, dance and Kung Fu demonstrations. They were even invited to dress in their native costumes which all were happy to do; a colorful group photo was then taken. There were ceremonies where each family’s fallen service person was recognized and honored.

Previously, her knowledge of the Korean War was only a paragraph or two in her high school history book. Now she learned how the country was leveled during the war. The buildings were leveled and there was not a tree left on the mountains. Nearly every wild animal was wiped out, too. There were only two bridges over the Huang River during the war! Today there are 32 and more in the planning.

A friend of the Platts told them that when he was in Korea in 1960 there were only dirt roads! Today Korea is thriving in the world economy.

Of all the ceremonies the most meaningful one performed was where the South Korean soldiers presented an 8 x 10 canvas photo of each familiy's loved one. It was held in front of the American monument for the United States Armed Forces in the Korean War, Gapyeong County. The monument was a giant American flag made of concrete. It was created by South Korea's MVPA Minister Pi Woo-jin.

The most surprising fact about the trip according to Platt was just how thankful the people of South Korea are toward Americans, from students to the elderly.

“We saved their freedom,” Platt said. “A young student walked up to my husband and said, 'We love Americans.' ”

When asked what was the most significant happening during the time in South Korea, Platt said, “We were there during the historic Summit between North and South Korea. There were TV reporters everywhere and some areas were closed down for security. History was being made and we were within miles of where it happened.”

(Ambassador of Peace medalists -- Doug Platt, third from left, with an unidentified U.S. citizen; and two South Korean ambassadors.)

One member of each family was awarded the Ambassador of Peace on behalf of the service that their countrymen have performed in restoring and preserving the freedom and democracy of South Korea.

“It was presented to Douglas Platt on April 27, 2018, the very day of the Summit,” Laura Platt said.

The Platts decided to make a stop in Bangkok, Thailand, before heading back home to visit their former exchange student, Ramitar ("Rita") Burasai. Over the years the Platts have hosted many exchange students. Rita and a girl from Germany spent a school year with them and joined their daughter, Tiffanie, at Byron-Bergen High School about seven years ago.

Rita’s mom, dad and sister enjoyed reciprocating the hospitality of her American host family. They took time out of their schedules to tour the Platts all around Bangkok and the surrounding area teaching them about the history and customs of their country and showing them many historical sites. The Platts enjoyed reconnecting with Rita and getting to know her family.

(In Bangkok, Thailand, the Platts visited with their former exchange student, Ramitar ("Rita") Burasai.)

They found the people of Thailand very friendly and helpful and really loved the food. The Platts said their trip to Asia was an unexpected but wonderful experience.

At the fair yesterday, we took in a couple of events at the Draft Horse Show.

Mark Barre (top photo and fourth photo), of Lor-Rob Dairy in East Bethany, won in the Unicorn Class and Doug Laurence, of Arkport, won the Farm Team Class (pictured below with his ribbon stuck in his hat and in the third photo).

Yesterday's classes also included Six-Hitch, Farm Single, Open Cart, Farm Obstacle, and Feed Team.

Steven Beardsley, one of the organizers of the event, said the teams are judged on how well they work as a unit, the horse animation (for example, how well and high their pick up their legs on a trot, their headsets (straight and high), and the uniformity and cleanliness of the whole hitch. Some classes have slightly different criteria, such as the Farm Team, where horses must also demonstrate their ability to perform commands.

For the fair schedule, click here.

Town of Le Roy Historian Lynne Belluscio holds the Certificate of Appreciation she received from Joe Riggi at the Le Roy High School Alumni Banquet on July 13.

Submitted photo and press release from Pat Iamon:

On July 13, during the Le Roy High School Alumni Banquet at Sacred Heart hall in Batavia, Joe Riggi presented Lynne Belluscio, Town of Le Roy historian, with a framed certificate thanking her for her dedicated service to Le Roy.

The annual alumni banquet is for Le Roy High School students who graduated 50 or more years ago.

Busy as she always is, Lynne rushed in, bounced around the room chatting with many of her fellow LeRoyans; many that she called by name. At the start of the festivities Riggi introduced Lynne who gave an interesting talk about Le Roy’s Jell-O history. She shared many facts about the invention of Jell-O, the Woodward family, the Jello-O plant, marketing stories of the product and also about the artifacts at the Jell-O Museum she manages.

Lynne asked for a raise of hands from those in attendance whose family members worked at the North Street Jello-O plant. It quickly appeared that about 15-20 percent in attendance had mothers, fathers, aunts or uncles who worked at the plant. Marie, Rose and Joe Riggi, all present and members of the Alumni Committee have a long history with Jell-O. The Riggi’s mother and father relocated to Delaware when General Foods moved the plant to Dover. Once in Delaware their other siblings, Frances and Sam not only found work at the plant but also met their spouses there.

Following her talk Lynne could not stay for the meal and said her goodbyes while inviting everyone to come to the Jell-O Museum over Oatka Festival weekend. As she was ready to turn and leave Riggi stopped her to recognize her with the committee’s award of appreciation. 

This year there were members from the Class of 1944 through the Class of 1967. During the program Riggi showed many old photos of Le Roy as well as photos of the classes in attendance taken from old yearbooks. If anyone wants information on attending future banquets or becoming a member of the committee, please give Rose Scott a call at 585-768-7534.

Knowing that Lynne would be honored, Pat Iamon tried to quickly get some information about our keeper of Le Roy’s information. She spewed out her story as Iamon scribbled notes down. Lynne is a wealth of dates and details. Her memory is outstanding. As the town historian for the past five years it is hard to believe she’s dedicated herself to a town that’s not her home town. Lynne’s only been here since 1969 when she and her husband built their family home on North Road.

Lynne and her husband, Bob, are both from Rochester. Lynne attended Monroe High School then graduated from SUNY Oswego and worked as an Industrial Arts teacher at the Number 2 and 7 schools in Rochester. Bob attended West High School and graduated from RIT, he worked for Kodak. They have two children: Mark born in 1971 and Laura in 1972.

When they decided to build a home, they chose Le Roy. Lynne stayed home for a period of time before accepting a position heading up the special events at the Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford. During her years there she initiated many of their established yearly events such as the Agricultural Fair. She also established a baseball team known as the “Slab City Sluggers” who played ball around the community for several years.

Lynne had been a member of the Le Roy Historical Society since 1971. She became the director in 1988 and in1989 she initiated the column that appears in the Le Roy Pennysaver & News every week. Lynne estimates that she has written more than 1,000 of these lengthy fact-filled articles.

Once she became our town’s historian she has headed up many initiatives. She led the crusade to beautifully restore our little Statue of Liberty on the banks of the Oatka Creek. Last year she established a marker to commemorate the first Le Roy woman to vote. On April 2, 1982 she cast her historic vote. The marker stands in front of Le Roy’s Municipal Building.

Besides her continuing work in educating us, upgrading and increasing the collections and improving the appeal of the Le Roy House and Jell-O Museum, Lynne has more projects in the works. She is planning a new World War I memorial for Trigon Park and also has some plans for the historic steam shovel located on Gulf Road.

Lynne who is more than dedicated to Le Roy’s history is constantly digging up facts and happy to teach us all about this delightful little town. At the end of her talk, Lynne expressed her desire to become an honorary member of the Class of 1962. Any class would welcome her!

Press release:

Last week, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer spoke directly to United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to urge him to secure a level playing field with Canadian producers during the renegotiation of the North American Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

According to Schumer, in recent years, Canada has established dairy pricing policies and has maintained high tariffs that have effectively created a “Dairy Wall” -- stopping most U.S. dairy products from accessing Canadian markets and distorting global trade. Dairy farmers and producers from across New York State have been severely hurt by Canada’s manipulative and protectionist dairy trade practices, and it will only get worse without action.

Schumer, in his call, urged USTR Representative Lighthizer to press forward during NAFTA negotiations to secure free and fair trade for dairy farmers and producers in New York State and beyond. While NAFTA negotiations have stalled and there have been no scheduled NAFTA rounds, new rounds of negotiations are anticipated.

“During my call with United States Trade Representative Lighthizer, I made it clear that our hardworking New York dairy farmers and producers across Upstate New York are the most competitive in the world, but they depend on stable and fair rules to compete fairly in the nearby Canadian market," Senator Schumer said. "But Canada has erected a de facto protectionist ‘dairy wall’ and is not playing by the rules, and the current NAFTA renegotiation must be used to rectify that.

"I urged Representative Lighthizer to do more and do it now, so that dairy farmers and producers can finally compete on a level playing field, and am calling on him again to use this opportunity to fix the unfair Canadian dairy trade barriers that have plagued dairy farmers and producers across Upstate New York.”

Schumer explained Canada has an unfair advantage over New York dairy farmers and producers. In addition to Canada’s 270-percent tariff on milk, a program called the “Class 7” pricing program, a market-distorting supply management system, has caused severe pain to New York dairy producers since it came into force last year.

In fact, Canada has used the Class 7 program to triple its milk powder exports in the past year, by creating excess milk production capacity within Canada then dumping the resulting milk powder onto world markets. To further prove this dumping exists, Schumer added that Canada’s dairy farmers are some of the highest paid in the world, yet Canadian dairy companies are still able to be among the lowest cost sellers of Class 7 products globally.

Schumer made clear in his call that as the United States, Canadian and Mexican trade officials are closing in on a deal to revamp NAFTA, dairy farmers must be protected, and that more must be done to finally dismantle Canada’s market-distorting policies and ensure a level playing field for Upstate New York ’s dairy farmers and producers.

Schumer said that he has directly stressed the importance of securing meaningful changes in our dairy trade relationship with Canada to past and current administration officials, including President Trump, current United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Canadian Ambassador to the United States David MacNaughton, and the U.S. Ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft -- who have all committed to address this issue.

Recently, Schumer joined Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) to urge U.S. trade officials to do more to secure a level playing field with Canadian producers during NAFTA negotiations.

Aaron Leone, a sophomore at Le Roy High School, is now one of the top clay target shooters in the nation after finishing 73 among 1,331 competitors this weekend at the USA HS Clay Target League Championships. He shot 194 of 200. He finished sixth out of 49 competitors from New York. The competition was held in Mason, Mich.

Photos and info submitted by Tim McArdle.

A four-foot long alligator was found in a vacant building at 11 Lehigh Ave., on Monday, and picked up by Encon Officer Wilson.

The alligator was initially discovered by Batavia PD but spokesman Investigator Eric Hill said the report didn't indicate how an officer found out about the alligator.

A DEC spokeswoman said the Seneca Park Zoo agreed to house the animal temporarily until it can be relocated to a permitted facility.

The case is still under investigation and she said it's illegal in New York to possess any crocodilian family without permits.

The building's listed owner is RCT Corp. The Batavian emailed a person who might be associated with that company to see if we can get more information.

Photo by Linda Cotter​.

Batavia was six outs away from a no-hitter at BB&T Ballpark in Williamsport, Pa., on Tuesday night. However, you would never have guessed that by looking at the box score. The game against the Crosscutters went to extra innings and ended up being a 7-5 victory for the Muckdogs in the 10th.

Chris Vallimont was the starter for Batavia, he went three innings in his third pro start. He issued three walks but did not allow any hits for the first time in his career. Manuel Rodriguez was the piggyback reliever for Batavia, as he had been since Vallimont’s arrival. Rodriguez had a career day as well; he went four innings of perfect baseball. He did not allow any hits or walks and struck out five batters in that time.

Batavia’s offense got it going early in the ballgame. They jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the fourth on a two-run double from JD Osborne to give the Muckdogs the lead. The Muckdogs would tack on one more run in the seventh inning when Albert Guaimaro hit a triple to the right-field wall, he would score on a passed ball.

Batavia went to the bullpen in the eighth inning and that is when the Crosscutters would get their first hit. Zach Wolf was on the mound for the Muckdogs, he hit the first batter he faced with a pitch. Jesse Wilkening left the game in place for Rafael Merchan. He would come around the score on the first hit of the game for Williamsport with an RBI double from Seth Lancaster in the next at-bat. After breaking up the no-hitter, Lancaster himself would come in to score from an RBI single from Madison Stokes later in the inning to make it a 3-2 ballgame.

The game was taking another turn in the ninth inning with Elkin Alcala on the mound. Danny Mayer led off the ending with a walk, he would eventually come around to score after the Crosscutters loaded the bases and a single from Jonathan Guseman brought him in to tie the game at 3-3.

After losing the no-hit bid, Batavia had to focus on winning the game. The Muckdogs unloaded for four runs in the top of the 10th. Osborne started the inning on second base, he was bunted over on a bunt single from Guaimaro. Guaimaro advanced to second on a wild pitch, forcing the infield in against Bubba Hollins. He lined a ball to right field for a two-run single. Denis Karas, the next batter, sent a ball inside the right-field foul pole for a two-run homer to give the Muckdogs a 7-3 in the 10th.

Williamsport would not go down as easy, a leadoff double from Madison Stokes scored the starting runner at second, Ben Aklinski. Stokes himself would eventually score on a single from Danny Mayer to cut Batavia’s lead to 7-5. Alcala would be able to finish the game from there to give Batavia the win. Batavia snapped a four-game losing streak with the victory, and will go for the series win on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. from BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field.

The Batavia Little League 11-12 all-star team defeated Fredonia on Tuesday night to advance to the Section 1 finals against undefeated Webster. Batavia will host the game, starting at 5:30 this afternoon, at Ernie Park Stadium on State Street.

Manager Sam Antinore's club has bounced back after losing to Webster last weekend by topping Central Amherst on Monday and Fredonia last night.

The Batavians have to win two games against Webster to claim the sectional crown. If Batavia wins tonight, the championship game would take place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the same location.

Members of the Batavia club are Jay Antinore, Dane Dombrowski, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jaden Firmstone, Bronx Buchholz, Ryan Fazio, Cole Grazioplene, Orion Lama, Brady Mazur, Trent Woods, Jamison Motyka, Jimmy Fanara and Cooper Hamilton.

Photo: Joe Marone, on the left, and Phil Pastore on the right. Marone and Pastore were partners in the Pok-A-Dot. Marone died in 2014. Also pictured, James Pero.

Philip Pastore Jr., who owned the Pok-A-Dot, a Batavia institution, for 65 years, passed away Tuesday at the age of 93.

Pastore was proud of his little diner that became legendary throughout the region and unique enough to be featured once on the Travel Channel.

In 2013, when celebrating the restaurant's 60th anniversary, he said, "It’s probably one of the greatest things in my life, to own something for 60 years."

Pastore died peacefully at the United Memorial Medical Center surrounded by his family.

He and Joseph “Trigger” Marone opened the Dot at the corner of Liberty and Ellicott as a hot dog stand in 1953. It quickly became a regular breakfast and lunch spot for locals and as the years went on, drew visitors from throughout the region, famous for its beef on weck.

The Gilmartin Funeral home is currently handling arrangements for the family.

Below is an article by Anne Marie Starowitz about the Pok-A-Dot that she gave The Batavian permission to publish:

Let’s Meet at the Dot: Remembering Philip Pastore

Every building has a story. The Pok-A-Dot has one that involves family, friends, bands, railroad tracks, ‘50s décor and thousands of customers.  All could add a page to the story of the Dot. My page would be going to the Dot in the ‘60s with my brothers and sisters and fighting over the swivel stools at the counter. Today when my brother and sisters’ families come home, the first place they want to eat at is the Dot! 

Prior to the establishment and construction of the “Pok-A-Dot” restaurant at the corner of Liberty Street and Ellicott Street in Batavia, a bandstand occupied the current parcel of land.  It was used for band concerts for the neighborhood residents. With the help of Congressman Harold Ostertag, and John Gioia, owner of Gioia’s Drug, the property was leased to Philip Pastore and Joseph (Trigger) Marone. They built what has been known as the Pok-A-Dot Restaurant.

They dug the foundation for the 20- by 20-foot “box type” wooden building in April 1953.  It was completed on June 6, 1953.  The sides of the building housed flaps, which were pulled down at the end of the business day. They were painted black with multicolored “Pok-A-Dots.” The idea for its name originated when they saw a house painted with polka dots. 

The first day the Pok-A-Dot opened, Philly and Trigger were ready with the cigar cash box, hot dogs and hamburgers for 20 cents and free ice cream.  At the end of their first day, the cigar cash box was overflowing with money. The tired, excited partners were guessing how much money they made at the grand opening. They thought at least $500.00. With eagerness, they began to count all of their money and were surprised that they made only $85.00. 

Added to the original menu of hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and ice cold root beer served in frosted mugs came “roast Beef on Wick” and a pepper and egg sandwich (the first in Genesee County).  As the business grew, more items were added to the menu. The cooking of the famous Beef on Wick began in Leona Pastore’s kitchen, along with pasta fagioli from the very infancy of the Dot.

The railroad tracks ran right behind the new Pok a Dot building. The tracks were so close you could almost touch the train as it went by. The workers for the railroad enjoyed the Dot and would park the train down by Swan Street unhook the engine and ride it to the back of the Dot and go in for lunch.

Eventually, the building was enclosed with windows, which were removed at the beginning of the warm weather. In 1961 an enclosed dining room was added with red tables and wrought iron chairs. Added to the 1950s décor was a jukebox with the small boxes on the counter.

The Pok-A-Dot became a place for many famous celebrities to sit and unwind after their performances across the street at the well-known Roman Room Restaurant. People like Al Martino, Julius La Rosa, Tony Pastore, Dick Contino and many well- known bandleaders were among them.

When you went into the restaurant, you were not given a menu. Rather the waitress would say, “What can I get you?”  All your choices were on the menu wall. If it wasn’t up there and they could make it, they would. Over the years, many young people worked at the Dot, including all of Mr. Pastore’s six children. The waitresses over the years were very loyal. The current manager Jo Anne has worked at the Dot for over 25 years. Jennifer, Nicole, Lynette, Jo Anne, and Melody make up the rest of the current working staff. You can find some of these ladies working different shifts from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. On Sunday the hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m..

The Pok-A-Dot has been featured in the book Sunlight Dialogues that was written by Genesee County’s most famous author, John Gardner, who frequented the restaurant as a young man. Each year in October the Pok-A-Dot hosts an evening of readings for the John Gardner Society from the great author’s books. Author and some time reader at these gatherings, Bill Kauffman, stated, “The Pok-A-Dot is the literary capital of Culinary Batavia.” The Pok-A-Dot has also been immortalized in the painting and calendar sketches of Batavia’s well-known artist, John Hodgins. Wanda Frank, a radio personality for WBTA made a CD, Grandpa’s Home for Christmas, which mentions the Pok-A-Dot in her radio play. It seems that the Pok-A-Dot is the setting for more than just a good meal.

To this day, people who grew up in and around the area and then moved away to different parts of the country return and make a special stop to enjoy the Beef on Wick for which the Dot has been famous in the Western NY region for 56 years.

In 1999 a business called Mail Boxes Etc. used a refrigerant technology to send perishable products in the mail. One of these boxes was used when a man came in and wanted to ship overnight a hot pepper sandwich from the Pok-A-Dot as a birthday gift to his brother. The brother used to live here and loved the sandwiches. There are many creative ways to ship the Dot’s food to different places.

T-shirts have been sold with the Pok-A-Dot logo and can be found as far away as California, Florida, Colorado and many more places.

The Pok-A-Dot has been a regular stop for thousands of people who want a good cup of coffee, good food and good conversation. “Meet you at the Dot,” is a well-known expression. You will always find the regulars and then you would find people like me who just go to the Dot to have a Beef on Wick, fries with gravy and root beer in a frosted mug.

In October of 2006, Phil Pastore and Joe Marone were honored at the Paulo Busti Cultural Foundation Brunch for Italians being in business for over 50 years.

October 2014, Joseph “Trigger” Marone died. Batavia mourned his passing.

Batavia mourns again. We lost Philip Pastore on July 17, 2018. Memories are swirling around in everyone’s mind remembering him and the Pok a Dot.  Our hearts go out to the Pastore family. 

Article published in "Back in the Day, Snapshot of Local History, The Way I See It," by Anne Marie Starowitz.

UPDATE: The Travel Channel show that included a segment on the Pok-A-Dot ran in Britain, called "American Times." The Pok-A-Dot appears at minute 29.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18th – Children’s Day/ 4H Family Night - Kids Ride Special 1-5 p.m.

• 9 a.m.         Open Draft Horse Show—Halter Class (Horse Ring)
• 9 a.m.         4-H Meat & Dairy Goat Show (Show Ring) 
• 9 a.m.         Open Class Goat Show (Old Draft Horse Barn)
• 10 a.m.       EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS OPEN
• 12 p.m.       4-H Sheep Show (Show Ring)
• 12:30 p.m.  Small Fry Tractor Pull (Exhibition Building)
• 1 p.m.         Open Draft Horse Show—Hitch Class (Horse Ring)
• 1-5 p.m.      MIDWAY OPEN for KID’S DAY (Amusement Area)
• 4 p.m.         4-H Hog Show (Show Ring)
• Open Swine Show to Follow 4-H (Show Ring)
• 5-10 p.m.    MIDWAY OPEN (Amusement Area)
• 5-8 p.m.      Car Cruise (East Lawn)
• 6 p.m.         Fair Queen Pageant (Entertainment Tent Stage)
• 10 p.m.       EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS CLOSE

*This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time.*

When 8-year-old Gunnar came to his father and said he didn't want to play tackle football anymore, Otis Thomas listened. He also remembered a commercial for a youth flag football program sponsored by the NFL that he had seen during the Super Bowl a couple of years ago.

Thomas talked with Kevin Rogers and they agreed to apply to the NFL to set up a league in Batavia.

It was a very easy process, they said. The NFL provides a step-by-step guide and the staff is helpful and friendly, they said.

So, Batavia will have an NFL-sponsored flag football program for children ages 5 to 14 this fall; "no contact, 6 on 6."

Thomas said it's not his goal to take anything away from the Batavia Bulldawgs, the local tackle football program, but he believes there are a lot of parents in the community who want to give their children a fun activity and see them learn the sport but don't want to strap a heavy helmet on their heads.

"I don’t want to pull away from anything the Bulldawgs organization has done around Batavia," Thomas said. "I coached for two years. It was good for me. It was good for my son but it’s also good to see other opportunities for other kids that aren’t ready to play contact football."

Both Thomas and Rogers are aware, of course, about the growing concern parents have about football, concussions, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy or CTE. 

"I just wanted my son to play all the sports that I never had a chance to," said Rogers, who didn't come from a football family and didn't play the sport as a child. "Now, as a parent, you sort of see where my parents were coming from growing up, where it’s a little bit more violent of a sport than we’re used to, especially for young kids, ages 5 to 14. Their bodies are still developing. We wanted to start something to give the kids options who want to learn the sport."

The field dimensions are smaller, 30 yards by 70 yards, which will allow the new league to play as many as five games at one time on the varsity football field at Notre Dame High School off of Union Avenue.

The games consist of two 15-minute halves between teams of six players each. They will be played on Sunday mornings so parents can get home in time to watch the Bills. There will be one practice a week -- one hour on Wednesday nights. Each child who signs up, for $65, will get a replica NFL jersey and a pair of flags with their team's logo on it.

There are no helmets.

"I don’t really agree with putting a 5- or a six-year-old or a 7- or 8-year-old in a helmet," said Thomas, who played in Batavia Youth Football as a kid, played in high school, and played semi-pro ball.

"We teach them, 'don’t use your head' but you put that helmet on, it’s a weight. You can see it. Go to any little Pop Warner game and you see a kid running by himself for a touchdown he’s leaning to the left but his body is really wanting to go to the right."

Rogers said he and Thomas have talked to 30 or 40 parents and gotten a lot of positive feedback on the idea, so they're expecting plenty of children to sign up.

They think even though there is no contact, young players will learn key fundamentals of the game that will help them if they decide to play high school football, including the vocabulary of the game, the rules and how plays are run.

The safety aspect of flag football is why Thomas thinks the sport will catch on in the community, though he said it is an individual decision for each parent on whether to sign their kids up for contact football or flag football.

"I love the game but I love the safety and I value my kid's life a little bit more," Thomas said.

The co-ed league is open to boys and girls age 5 to 13 from throughout the area, with divisions for ages 5, 6 and 7, 8 and 9, 10 and 11, and 12 and 14.

Please contact Otis Thomas at (585) 993-0244 or Kevin Rogers at (716) 860-4551 with any questions.

(Thomas and Rogers said they are not aware of any other NFL flag football leagues in WNY. They think the next closest one is in Ohio. They hope other parents will start leagues in neighboring counties.)

There will be registration sessions at:

• Dick's Sporting Goods on Veterans Memorial Drive -- this Saturday, July 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tuesday, July 24, 4 to 7 p.m.;
• Batavia City Centre --  tomorrow, Thursday, July 19, and Thursday, July 26, 4 to 7:30 p.m. both days;
• T.F. Brown's restaurant -- this Saturday, July 21 and the folllowing Saturday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

The Genesee County Fair for 2018 is underway and one of the big events for the first day yesterday was the fair parade.

There are events all week. Click here for a schedule.

To purchase prints click here.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing millions in waste and water disposal loans and grants in the towns of Alexander, Oakfield, Canadice, and Barre.

In each of these towns, water quality testing has indicated threats to public health and a lack of safe water. The funding will go toward various solutions to alleviate these concerns and provide reliable water service to residents.

“USDA’s investment in the towns of Alexander, Oakfield, Canadice, and Barre will improve the quality of life for residents of those communities,” Collins said. “Access to clean water is essential, which is why I voted in support of the 2018 Omnibus spending bill that included these funds to our nation’s rural communities.

"The Trump administration has prioritized investing in rural communities to build a foundation for rural prosperity, and I am pleased that these efforts are being seen in Western New York.”

Funding awarded is listed below:

• Town of Alexander will receive a $2.7 million loan and a $2.2 million grant
• Town of Oakfield will receive a $236,000 loan and a $691,000 grant
• Town of Canadice will receive a $1 million loan and a $200,000 grant
• Town of Barre will receive a $708,000 loan and a $493,000 grant

Rural community leaders can apply for these funds electronically by using the interactive RD Apply tool. They can also apply through one of USDA Rural Development’s state or field offices.

For more information on USDA’s projects to upgrade water and wastewater systems in rural communities, click here. Municipalities seeking assistance from the USDA are encouraged to call Collins’ Lancaster District Office at 716-634-2324.

Daily at the Genesee County Fair: $5 Carload Admission Every Day & Night! *Midway Rides. *Daily Wristband Specials Available. Agricultural Awareness Exhibit * Livestock Exhibits. Container Garden Contest -- Exhibition Building. Chainsaw Carver

TUESDAY, JULY 17th – “Senior Citizen Day”/Rochester Regional Health United Memorial Medical Center. 

• 9 a.m.        4-H Horse Show—Western Classes (Horse Ring)
• 9 a.m.        4-H Market Animal Auction Hog Show (Show Ring)
• 10 a.m.      Open Class Rabbit Show (Merton Building)
• 10 a.m.      EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS OPEN
• 12 p.m.      4-H Market Animal Auction Lamb Show (Show Ring)
• 1 p.m.        4-H Poultry Showmanship (Merton Building)
• 4 p.m.        4-H Market Animal Auction Dairy Steer Show (Show Ring)
• 4-10 p.m.   Faith at the Fair—Christian Music (Entertainment Tent)
• 5 p.m.        4-H Market Animal Auction Beef Steer Show (Show Ring)
• 5-10 p.m.   MIDWAY OPENS (Amusement Area)
• 6 p.m.        North American Classic Six-Horse Hitch (Horse Ring)
• 6 p.m.        4-H Rabbit Show (Merton Building)
• 10 p.m.      EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS CLOSE

*This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time.*

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for all of Genesee County by the National Weather Service and it is in effect until 10:45 p.m.

The storm is moving east at 35 mph hour with wind gusts up to 60 mph. Damage to roofs, siding and trees possible. 

The National Weather Service recommends moving to an interior room at the lowest floor of your building.

Large hail and damaging wind and continuous cloud-to-ground lightning spotted in this storm, along with torrential rainfall, and flash flooding is possible.