Muckdogs looked to even up the last series against the Niagara Power last evening at Dwyer and did so in big fashion scoring runs in five of nine innings. 

Niagara jumped out to a 1-0 lead on an RBI by Coleman.  Batavia tied the game 1-1 with a Corso walk RBI.  After another walk RBI and throw off base Muckdogs take a 3-1 lead after one.

Kenny Dodson stole home in the second inning and Gavin Schrader brought home Josh Leadem, Muckdogs lead 5-2 after four.

Josh Leadem, co-player of the game tonight, going 3 for 3, 2 RBI’s, two runs, 2 second base hits, smacked a triple to right that brings home two more Muckdogs to increase the lead by five, 7-2 in the bottom of the fifth.

Caleb Rodriguez and Levis Aguila combine to make it 9-2 in the sixth, before Bryan Fry smashed a big triple making it 10-2. Then Tyler Cannoe brings Fry home making it 11-2 after six innings of play and eventually the final score.

Starting pitcher Joshua Milleville (pictured in second photo) was outstanding behind the plate.  Pitched seven innings allowing 2 runs with 8 K’s and is 3-0 with the win and co-player of tonight’s game.

Batavia has outscored their opponent the last two home games 23-5 and improves their overall record to 18-10, Niagara drops to 10-20.

Next game is tonight home at Dwyer Stadium, versus the Jamestown Tarpskunks with a 7pm start.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Matt Gray and his folks, Bob Gray and Sharon Valyear-Gray, sat in the audience during City Council’s conference meeting Monday evening. Matt was waiting to hear what came soon in the business meeting that followed: a unanimous 9-0 vote to approve his pitch as Batavia Sports Facility Management to fully embrace operations at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena.

"I'm very proud of him," Valyear-Gray said.

City officials’ reactions ranged from happiness to nostalgia.

“This is fantastic,” councilman Paul Viele said. “It’s good to see local people interested in the ice rink.”

Councilman Bob Bialkowski and President Eugene Jankoski were excited about the prospects of having a local Batavian on board.

“It’s great, just great to see community involvement,” Bialkowski said.

The contract is with Matt as owner of Batavia Sports Facility. It’s a five-year contract, with up to three five-year renewals. Matt, who has partnerships with Eli Fish Brewery and Matty’s Pizza, has an eye toward the snack bar with thoughts that perhaps some of that familiar food and drink would be served there.

"We do plan, in the very near future, some upgrades to the existing snack shop. We do have a five-year plan with quite a bit of capital improvements to it … so we do hope that we can extend the snack bar into more of a sit-down area inside the rink,” he said.

Since he was in kindergarten, Matt played ice hockey at the Evans Street arena, all through high school and even when he attended college locally, he said. So it’s fair to say that he’s been actively involved with the ice rink and Ramparts hockey team for more than a decade.

“But even more than that, I’ve been active for the last five years or so with development of that area,” he said during a quick interview with The Batavian after the meeting. “So not only am I interested in doing the necessary improvements to the rink  - it is aging, it’s over 40 years old — but it also could be an economic catalyst for the entire downtown area. My goal was to see it used to its fullest, not only for more of the residents of the city and town of Batavia but also drawing more people in from (outside of the local area).”

Matt’s proposal is “super exciting,” City Manager Rachael Tabelski said to The Batavian after the meeting. She was a teen in the early 90s and remembers Batavia as “really a fun place to come to.” The city had amenities such as an arcade of games, a swimming and wading pool and a fairly active ice rink.

“I think we’re bringing the 80s and 90s back,” she said.

Matt clarified that he doesn’t have an official partnership with Robbie Nichols, owner of Batavia Muckdogs and CAN-USA Sports and operator of Dwyer Stadium. But because of Nichols’ extensive background in the business of sports, he and Matt have been discussing various ideas for the rink.

“He did reach out to me with his expertise and his experience in order to be part of this, both for marketing and someone I can go to for just knowledge on risk management,” Matt said.

Activities planned for the rink include special events, dog shows, rollerskating, youth and adult floor/roller hockey, gym classes, home shows, indoor basketball and soccer, gun shows, all in addition to open skates and ice hockey leagues.

Batavia Sports Facility is taking over for former operations company Firland Management, which did not renew a contract in July.

Previously: From beer and pizza to ice, Batavia entrepreneur proposes his next venture

Photo: Batavia entrepreneur Matt Gray walks out of a City Council meeting Monday evening with the approval from all nine council members for his proposal to operate and manage the ice rink as Batavia Sports Facility Management.

Following years of jokingly being addressed as a key dignitary for the Redfield Parkway neighborhood, Jim Owen finally got his wish.

The native Batavian, former teacher, coach, active citizen and well-known figure around town was dubbed the title Mayor of Redfield during City Council’s meeting Monday.

After reading some of Owen’s history, Council President Eugene Jankowski presented the 1961 Batavia High School grad with a proclamation to recognize his “many years of dedicated service within the city and the Redfield neighborhood.”

“The City Council of the city of Batavia hereby extends this proclamation to Jim Owen for his devotion, dedication and service to the city of Batavia and names him the Mayor of Redfield Parkway,” Jankowski said.

If you don’t know Owen, an affable guy with a sense of humor, a coach’s perseverance and a teacher’s knowledge of Batavia’s history, then you must not have attended a ribbon-cutting, school event, business opening or a myriad of other activities that Owen has made certain to attend.

Long regarded for his involvement on his two lane street wedged between the veteran’s hospital and West Main Street, Owen probably could have run for Mr. Batavia. He’s the friendly face and sociable personality at, well, most everything.

Unofficially, Owen has been called mayor by many who know him, and he has gladly accepted the title.

James (Jim) Owen grew up with his family on Redfield Parkway and made the seasonally decorated street part of his life for nearly 80 years. It's lined with Christmas trees in winter, jack-o-lanterns in the fall and baskets of flowers in spring and summer. He’s the son of Frank E. Owen (whose name now graces Batavia High School’s auditorium), and Natalie Walker Owen. Jim lived on the parkway with his siblings, Kathy and Robert.

After graduating high school, Owen attended Morrisville Institue of Technology, followed by Rochester Institute of Technology. He was first hired as teacher in Sacketts Harbor and later at Hamburg Central School, where he enjoyed his work and coaching cross-country for 35 years.

He retired from Hamburg Central in 2003. Owen then returned to his beloved 2 Refield Parkwy home, obtained a job as a substitute teacher at Batavia City Schools and assisted with “all things Redfield.” Those who do know Jim Owen call him mayor for his exhaustive participation in his neighborhood and informal role as ambassador in the community, his proclamation states.

In December 2021 GO ART! dedicated its library to the Owen family, which includes his father Frank, a music teacher who developed much of the music program at the city schools. A man of humility, Jim Owen has been first to point the attention elsewhere, primarily to his late sister Kathy for all of the work that she did in their neighborhood and beyond, and to his family.

After offering his “warm thanks” to council for the honor, he reminded the audience — which included a group of his Redfield neighbors — that “you are not only honoring me, you are also honoring Kathy Owen, the queen of Redfield Parkway, and the Owen family.”

He took a trip down memory lane while providing a little history lesson about his neighborhood. The corner lot, number 2, was previously owned before being sold to his parents “by a very prominent lady at that time,” he said. That was none other than Edna Gruber Reeves, a well-known “professional madam.”

His dad, Frank, made sure to handle the closing of the property sale at an attorney’s office, as he thought it was much more proper than to be seen walking out of Edna’s place.

After everyone had a giggle, Owen thanked neighbors Mike Riggi, Michael Dibacco and Linda Conroy for coining the term “Mayor of Redfield Parkway” for Owen, and the many others who kept that moniker alive all this time.

“Now it is official,” he said. “Thanks to the City Council and all the people that made this day special.”

Top photo: Batavia resident Jim Owen, aka "the Mayor of Redfield Parkway," shows the proclamation given to him during City Council's meeting Monday at City Hall. Above, City Council President Eugene Jankowski reads the proclamation to make Owen's title official. Photos by Joanne Beck.

Photo submitted by Chris Crocker.

If you just like to hang out and check out hot rods, or own one you want to show off, the Village of Corfu, around Dadios at Route 33 and Route 77, is the place to be at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Jim Reinhardt said everyone is welcome to the hot rod night that serves no other purpose than to look at some classic machines.

Submitted photo.

Press release:

Claudia Tenney’s campaign announced today raising over $330,000 in Q2 of 2022. Claudia’s campaign has more than $1 million cash on hand for the upcoming election.

Over 1,900 donors, including 500+ new donors and President Trump's Leadership PAC, contributed to the over $330,000 Claudia raised this quarter.

“I am honored by the outpouring of support we have received from all across Upstate New York. The North Country, Central New York, Finger Lakes and Western New York are ready for change and looking for a strong conservative leader to hold Biden and Pelosi accountable. Our campaign continues to have the resources we need to win in NY-24 and take back the House this November!" said Congresswoman Tenney. 

The Alexander Volunteer Fire Department hosted its annual tractor pulls on Saturday.

Red Creek provided the evening's musical entertainment.

Photos by Philip Casper.

A building at 245 Liberty Street was demolished today.

According to county tax records, the 2,590-square-foot commercial structure was built in 1950 and was acquired by Batavia City Schools in 2017.

School officials were not available today to answer questions about the property.

UPDATE: See previous coverage about this building HERE. The property was donated to the school district and the land will provide additional parking for Jackson School.

Top photo by Howard Owens.

County tax records photo of the structure.

Most recent Google Streetview photo of the building.
 

Press release:

Please be advised that beginning on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 those wishing to visit Batavia Downs who arrive by heading south on Park Road will enter our parking lot via Batavia Downs Trail, the small road located just past Alex’s place.  Traffic leaving the parking lot must also exit at that location.

Also beginning on Tuesday, July 12, traffic on Park Road, North of Batavia Downs, will go back to two way traffic.

In order to expedite the completion of the Park Road Project, Park Road will be closed from this new Batavia Downs Parking Lot entrance all the way to the south to Lewiston Road for the immediate future while the road is being worked on. They expect completion on this part of the project by late August.

Those wishing to access the free valet parking must do so by entering into the main lot and following signs directing them to the area near the crosswalk near Batavia Downs’ front entrance.  The valet will be located near the red square on the attached map.  Valet parking will not be accessible from the former K-Mart Parking lot.

Kelly L. Fossum, 60, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Fossum is accused of shoplifting several packages of meat from a grocery store on Ellicott Street, Batavia.  She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jonathan Will Dodson, 36, of Chugg Road, Holley,  is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and speeding. Dodson was stopped at 10:11 p.m., July 8, on South Main Street, Elba, by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.  He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on appearance tickets.

Arthur L. Golden, 64, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Golden was allegedly found in possession of a crack pipe during an incident on East Main Street, Batavia at 6:28 p.m., June 3. Police say an analysis of the pipe confirmed the presence of cocaine residue. Golden was issued an appearance ticket.

Sharon A. Williams, 54, of Batavia. is charged with harassment 2nd. Williams is accused of harassing somebody during an altercation reported at 8:13 p.m., June 28, at a location on East Main Street, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.

James D. Hooten, 33, of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant. Hooten is accused of conspiracy 6th and petit larceny. He was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Ryan M. Douglas, 22, of Oakfield, is charged with DWI.  Douglas was stopped by State Police in the Town of Elba at 12:39 a.m., July 10. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Galen B. Sundown, 29, of Basom, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and aggravated unlicensed operation. Sundown was stopped by State Police in the Town of Alabama at 1:42 p.m., July 10.  He was released to a third party.

James C. Malone, 25, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, criminal mischief 4th, criminal contempt 1st, and endangering the welfare of a child. Malone was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 1:53 p.m., July 8, in the Village of Oakfield. He was released on his own recognizance. No further details released.

Ronald M. Clark, 55, of Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny and grand larceny 4th. Clark is accused of a theft in the Town of Le Roy at 2:09 p.m., July 4. The grand larceny charge stems from an accusation that one of the items stolen was a credit card. He was arrested by State Police and released on an appearance ticket. No further details released.

Over the last six-plus years, plans — and hopes — for a new and improved Healthy Living campus have certainly been put to the test.

A zoning change, suggestions for less cement and more green space, lighting up Wiard Street and rethinking an entry/exit from Summit Street, plus the constant push to raise money for the $33.5 million project may have given pause but never a fullstop since 2016.

Officials and community members celebrated Monday what United Memorial Medical Center CEO Dan Ireland described as making “this vision a reality.”

Ireland and about 100 others gathered at 213 East Main St., Batavia, one of the parcels between Main and Bank Street that will be the future 78,000-square-foot facility.

“This is a pivotal and historic day in our community’s health and wellness journey,” Ireland said. “We are breaking ground on an innovative, forward-thinking model of integrated health and wellness that will transform downtown Batavia. From a healthcare perspective, this facility and model of care that it represents will exemplify how healthcare can evolve to support the healthcare needs of the community today and for the next generations.”

“The Healthy Living Campus is the future of health care, where medical and wellness programs are integrated under one roof. It’s made possible through our community partnerships, and it’s helping patients get all the care they need and deserve in one place. 

He recalled the high level of effort it has taken during the past nearly seven years of planning, collaboration and diligent work to reach this point. He credited Rochester Regional Health’s staff teams, community partners, GLOW YMCA and “most importantly you” for arriving at the day shovels were symbolically plunged into the earth.

Not only was the event about a new facility, but also about an “innovative and integrated” system of what and how care is delivered. Meal planning, building healthy habits, assessing mental and physical health, and taking preventive measures for well-being are just some of the services to be offered.

Add in state-of-the-art exercise equipment, a new pool, an indoor track, a teaching kitchen, and an adventure room play area for children.

Top it off with 22 exam rooms and two medical procedure rooms for primary care, telemedicine appointments, behavioral health and crisis intervention support, cancer prevention, chronic illness, and community education services, and the site is a one-stop-shop for many health concerns and fitness goals, officials said. There will also be a drop-in childcare center.

“Today is not just a celebration of a new building or clinic, it’s the celebration of a community coming together to reimagine health and wellness of the future and transform our downtown," Ireland said. "It’s celebrating you and your friends and neighbors who have worked tirelessly over seven years to advocate, plan and collaborate to make this vision a reality. Without your voices, your ideas, your support, we would not be here today at this milestone. We are embarking on this exciting new chapter of health and wellness in Downtown Batavia.”

The project’s birth was a few city managers ago, when talk of an expanded Healthy Living campus at times seemed pie-in-the-sky for some. Seeing it finally come to fruition is “a big load off our minds,” City Council President Eugene Jankowski said.

“I’m excited to see this project begin,” he said. “There were a lot of setbacks, and it’s really easy to call it quits.”

He thanked all involved for remaining steadfast on the journey and “moving forward to positive outcomes” in the city’s future.

Robert Walker, CEO of GLOW YMCA, remembered picking up the phone back then and becoming engaged in the concept. Almost seven years later, this plan “has truly changed the path of both organizations,” he said.

“Your leadership and support have impacted me tremendously,” he said.

He cited the YMCA’s mission statement: To develop the spiritual, mental, and physical wellness of all people in an atmosphere of Christian fellowship and thanked individual and collective community members for their determination to come together, strive for improvement, and see this project through.

“The GLOW YMCA and Rochester Regional Health Healthy Living Campus is a place for children, adults, and families from all walks of life in our community to come together and improve their lives — spirit, mind and body,” Walker said. “The state-of-the-art campus will not only be a benefit for the health of our residents, but also for the health of our local businesses, transforming downtown Batavia.”

Perhaps equally notable to the support for the project is the timing now, in the midst of a post-pandemic, RRH CEO Dr. Richard Davis said.

We’re all about reimagining what healthcare can and must be in the 21st Century, we’re focusing on those strategic themes and talents of literally 20,000 of our team members … delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time, to achieve the right health outcomes for the right value,” he said. “Healthy Living is a shining example of what truly is an innovative model.”

The strengths of two organizations — RRH and YMCA — are being brought together to offer the best of each one alone as an essential service to the city of Batavia, he said.

Officials also included Rob Rodriguez, NYS secretary of state, Senator Edward Rath III, Tom Houseknecht, on behalf of him and his wife Lynn, and Paul Battaglia, chairman of the YMCA Campaign Committee.

“I know when we started this quest in 2016 … many people thought this was an impossible dream. Now … this dream is coming true,” Battaglia said. “Today we’re not just celebrating the groundbreaking of a building, but celebrating the health of our community. This is a transformational project that is going to completely change the downtown area. It’s going to bring people downtown, create excitement and vitality that we believe will have a significant domino effect on the local businesses there. We could not be prouder of this relationship.”

The Healthy Living project was made possible with state, federal and community fundraiser monies, including an NYS economic development health care grant of $11.6 million, a $4.1 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant, and ongoing fundraising efforts by more than 50 GLOW YMCA and RRH volunteers.

Officials expect construction to be completed in 2023.

Top photo: Officials take shovels in hand for the symbolic gesture during the Healthy Living campus groundbreaking ceremony Monday at 16 Bank St., Batavia. United Memorial Medical Center CEO Dan Ireland, Rob Walker, CEO of GLOW YMCA and Rochester Regional Health CEO Dr. Richard Davis say a few words during the event. Photos by Howard Owens. Renderings of the project provided by RRH.

Press release:

Last week, Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) introduced Steven’s Law to bring transparency and needed safeguards to the fertility industry. The bill is named in honor of Steven Gunner, who tragically passed away at the age of 27 due to an opioid overdose following a long battle with addiction and schizophrenia. His parents learned after his passing the donor used to conceive him also struggled with addiction and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

“Today, I am proud to announce I have introduced Steven’s Law, a bill that will bring needed safety regulations to the fertility industry. After the passing of their son, Laura and David Gunner discovered that the donor they had used to conceive him had failed to disclose pertinent medical information in his pre-donation screening and was diagnosed with schizophrenia and later died from substance abuse,” Jacobs said. “This legislation is common sense and will ensure other families around the country will not have to endure the same pain and suffering of the Gunners. I want to truly commend Laura and David for their strength in the face of such adversity - their advocacy and fight will ensure thousands of other families are protected.”

“This legislation is simple and straightforward and will ensure that common sense protections are put in place in a widely unregulated industry. We are working to ensure that any potential parent has the right to see all available information about a potential donor to help them make the most informed decision possible,” Laura and David Gunner said. “We want to thank Congressman Jacobs for his work to bring attention to our son Steven’s story and to put forth legislation in his honor to protect other families from enduring such pain. It is our great hope this legislation will gain momentum and the support needed to pass quickly.”

Steven’s Law would require sperm banks to collect information from donors on diagnosed medical conditions including genetic disorders, mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, familial medical conditions, and sexually transmitted diseases. Sperm banks would also be required to disclose certain information to participants including the donor's anonymized medical records, a summary of the information in such medical records, and any medical information the sperm bank was unable to obtain.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

Press release from Automobile Association of America:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.68, down 13 cents from last Monday and down 12 cents since reported last Tuesday. One year ago, the price was $3.14. The New York State average is $4.80, down 9 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.20. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $4.72 (down 8 cents from last Tuesday)
• Buffalo - $4.76 (down 5 cents from last Tuesday)
• Elmira - $4.79 (down 8 cents from last Tuesday)
• Ithaca - $4.86 (down 5 cents from last Tuesday)
• Rochester - $4.86 (down 7 cents from last Tuesday)
• Rome - $4.90 (down 5 cents from last Tuesday)
• Syracuse - $4.81 (down 7 cents from last Tuesday)
• Watertown - $4.90 (down 3 cents from last Tuesday)

Early last week, unleaded gasoline dropped below $5 a gallon at about 80% of gas stations across the country as oil prices dropped amid broad market concern regarding a potential slow, or even stall, of economic growth due to rising interest rates and inflation. A lower economic growth rate than expected could cause crude demand to further decline, leading pump prices to follow suit. This morning, oil prices are at $103 to $105, down slightly from the $103 to $107 per barrel seen last Tuesday.

Last Wednesday, data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed that gas demand sat at 8.93 million b/d, which was lower the last year’s rate of 9.11 million b/d at the end of June. On the other hand, domestic gasoline stocks increased by 2.6 million bbl to 221.6 million bbl. These supply and demand dynamics, along with decreasing oil prices, have pushed pump prices lower. If these trends continue, drivers will likely continue to see relief at the pump.

From Gas Buddy:

“The national average has declined for 27 days straight, or four weeks, the longest decline in average gas prices since the pandemic started in 2020. Average gas prices are down nearly 40 cents, with Americans shelling out $140 million less on gasoline every day than they did a month ago," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "We may see the trend last a fifth week, as long as oil prices remain cooperative and don't surge beyond $105 per barrel, and as long as refinery production of gasoline remains strong. But we're not completely out of the woods yet - we could also see a sharp reversal in the decline. There remains risk of a spike in prices that could send us to new record levels in August, should any disruptions occur. It could be a wild ride, but for now, the plummet at the pump shall continue."

A motorcyclist reportedly struck a deer in the area of 4943 Paradise Road, Bethany, and sustained a possible broken leg.

Bethany Fire and ambulance responding.

The patient is conscious and alert with leg pain.

The roadway is not blocked.

UPDATE 7:35 a.m.: One patient transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy EMS.  Bethany Fire back in service.

A 30-year-old Batavia woman is charged with injuring an animal after a veterinarian treated a French Bulldog three times for an overdose of cocaine or "some other narcotic."

Cassandra L. Elmore faces three counts of injuring an animal.

The dog was treated on May 15, May 25, and June 21 for the apparent overdoses.

Elmore is also accused of owning an unlicensed dog.

According to a Batavia Police Department release, officers believe the dog "got into" the narcotic but don't specify how the dog came into contact with the narcotic.  

Police believe Elmore owns the Bulldog.

The current status of the dog is not reported in the release.

Elmore was issued an appearance ticket.

Two people were arrested on grand larceny charges July 3 after allegedly stealing merchandise from Dick's Sporting Goods on Veterans Memorial Drive, and then fleeing from police.

The suspects were eventually apprehended after being followed at a high rate of speed from Batavia to Rochester on the Thruway and the I-390. 

Ashley L. Grann, 33, of Brooks Avenue, Rochester, and Jacob D. Smith, 33, of Clifford Street, Rochester, are charged with reckless endangerment 1st, grand larceny 4th, unlawful fleeing from a police officer, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, and obstruction of governmental administration. 

The Sheriff's Office released information on the arrests today.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Grann and Smith were pursued by deputies, and exited their vehicle on Brooks Avenue and then ran from deputies before being apprehended. 

They were allegedly found in possession of narcotics. 

The Sheriff's Office did not say what the duo is accused of stealing.

They were arraigned in Town of Stafford Court on behalf of Batavia Town Court and ordered to return to Batavia Town Court on July 23.

The incident was investigated by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun and Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Sergeant Andrew Hale, Deputy Alex Hadsall, Deputy Ryan Mullen, and State Police.

Somebody who bought a Mega Millions lottery ticket at Crosby's in Elba could be $1 million richer.

All that person needs to do is claim his or her prize.

According to the NYS Lottery, one second-prize ticket from the July 8 Mega Millions drawing was purchased at Crosby’s in Elba.

The winning numbers were 20-36-61-62-69.

The obstacles faced by a young black musician and untangling the mystery of who stole his priceless violin makes for a compelling story, said Samantha Basile at the reveal of the Richmond Memorial Library's summer reading selection.

"This year, we had a lot of strong contenders, but we kept coming back to one in particular," said Basile, the community and adult services librarian at the Richmond library. "So this year's title selection is a debut novel. It is part mystery part coming-of-age story. It was a Good Morning America GMA book club pick."

The selection is The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocum.

Basile said the selection committee, which has been reading review copies of multiple novels over the past year, was "drawn to the powerfully written passages about music, the element of mystery, and the no holds barred portrayal of the obstacles faced by a young black classical musician and contemporary America."

Basile played a short video from Slocum in which he described and discussed his debut novel.

"It's a story about perseverance and hard work and the power of one person believing in you and believing in yourself," Slocum said. "It's a story of Ray, who discovers that his old family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius violin. This discovery catapults him into superstardom in the world of classical music. And right before the Tchaikovsky Competition, which is the Olympics of classical music, his violin is stolen."

And thus the mystery begins, and a determined protagonist works diligently to uncover, from among many suspects, who stole his violin so he can recover it in time for the competition.

"This story came to me in the summer of 2020 When everything was shut down for everyone," Slocum said. "As a professional violinist, I wasn't playing any concerts. I wasn't teaching any lessons. I wasn't practicing for any recitals, or performances or anything. So it really gave me an opportunity to sit down and write."

Members of the Genesee Symphony Orchestra's string section performed during the reveal and Library Visits Coordinator Lucine Kauffman read a passage from the book (see video below).

Slocum will be at Richmond library, 19 Ross St., Batavia, at 7 p.m. Oct. 7  to discuss his book and sign copies.

The Richmond Reads Committee will host additional book discussions and readings during the summer.

Copies of the book are available now to borrow at the library in regular or large print, and on the Libby app as an eBook or audiobook. Copies may be purchased at the front desk for $20, cash or check made out to the Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library.

Photos by Howard Owens

Some of the best young basketball players in the region -- about 70 of them -- are participating in an annual five-week basketball camp at Batavia High School hosted by Coach Buddy Brasky.

The program runs from July 5 to August 8.

Brasky said most basketball camps during the summer last for only one week.  He favors five weeks because that gives the players more time to work on their skills.

"Repetition is the mother of learning," Brasky said.

Numbers are good in camp, he said, with 70+ kids. It’s about average compared to other years.

He's been hosting the camp for 25 years.

"I wanted to help raise the level of basketball in the glow region," Brasky said. "Plus I wanted a place where the best players in the area had a place to compete against each other throughout the summer. I expect the players that come to camp to significantly raise their skill level by the end of the camp, and to also raise their competitive spirit."

Assisting Brasky this summer are Matt Shay, boys Varsity coach at Pembroke HS,  Billy Truitt, former Division 1 and professional basketball player,  Tim Sullivan, well-respected skills instructor, and Tim Stevens, boys Varsity assistant coach at BHS.

Photos by Howard Owens