Press Release:

Industry-leading self-defense center ‘The Firing Pin’ to host a first-of-its-kind safety class at The Kodak Center; Hundreds of students to learn newly required NY Handgun Safety information.  

The Firing Pin, a retail firearms store, indoor shooting range, and defensive training center located in Bergen, has booked The Kodak Center in Rochester and is hosting a low-cost handgun safety class on Jan. 28. Topics will include basic safety information, NY state gun laws, situational awareness training, as well as interacting with law enforcement, as set forth under the new required curriculum.

With NY State’s focus on reducing violence involving firearms through legislative action, TFP’s mission has been educating the public on firearms safety and security. Thousands of students over the past decade have learned how to safely handle a firearm at The Firing Pin, utilizing the classroom and 25-yard indoor range to hone their skills and become better gun owners.

NY State now requires 18 hours of training before an applicant can be granted their NY Pistol Permit, a new change as of September 2022. This large-scale class will fulfill 8 hours of that training, and students interested in getting their permit can take the remaining 10 hours at a later date.

The class on Jan. 28 at The Kodak Center, 200 W Ridge Rd, Rochester, hopes to reach as many people in the region as possible, the Center seats 1,900 total. The class runs from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., doors open at 8 a.m. Tickets are $15 and include a box lunch.

“We are extremely excited to bring our training to this many students, but we’re even more excited to be able to do so in such an amazing venue as The Kodak Center, we’re very thankful they were willing to work with us, as uncontroversial as a safety class should be, it took us a while to find a venue willing to work with us on this - it was very important to our mission that this class happen in the City - again, thanks to the great folks at The Kodak Center”, Brandon P. Lewis, Owner/Founder, The Firing Pin.

Here are the announcements submitted due to weather.  Email your announcements to news@thebatavian.com. 

• Due to the winter storm warning, the Genesee County Animal Shelter will be closed to the public on Sunday, January 14, 2024. We hope to resume normal public hours on Monday, Jan. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m.  We recommend calling the shelter at 585-343-6410 to confirm this prior to attending open hours.
• All BCSD events and practices for Sunday are canceled, and all BCSD schools will be closed.
• Due to the dangerous weather conditions, Batavia First Presbyterian Church’s in-person Sunday worship has been cancelled for Sunday morning.
• Alabama Hotel is closed today.

When you're charting a new path, you need a roadmap, and Shelia Eigenbrod, a year into her new job with the Genesee County Economic Development Center, has exactly that in mind.

The map would help inform high school students about career opportunities in Genesee County and what it might take to land the jobs that will put them on a path to a good salary with no college debt.

Eigenbrod, a retired Pavilion Middle School principal, is GCEDC's education consultant.

She told The Batavian after a GCEDC board of directors meeting on Thursday that her roadmap project is "very exciting."

"It's like a typical old-school map," Eigenbrod said. "It unfolds. It will contain all of the industries in Genesee County, especially those focused on advanced manufacturing. It'll designate the types of hires, whether it's engineers, skilled trades, technicians, or apprenticeship programs, and will have a lot of descriptions so that students and school counselors understand what mechatronics is, what CNC is, what advanced manufacturing is, and will also connect to workforce development."

The roadmap was the focus of her presentation on Thursday to the GCEDC board.

"This is something that is meant to be attractive to and understandable for all the guidance counselors and school officials," Eigenbrod said. "It's also something easier to hand out to students. I know we're going to compete with a lot of college materials, the mountain of stuff every graduating senior gets, but really, the message here is all the great careers we have in our community that are, no doubt, we have training programs already set up in our BOCES (and at Genesee Community College)."

She expects the map to be a nice handout at school open houses, parent meetings, and career fairs.

"We've identified a lot of the companies in Genesee County," Eigenbrod said. "We're going to have descriptors of what the company produces, their type of workforce, number of people if they're intending to hire, and if they are looking for apprenticeships, skilled trades, engineers, and technicians."

In response to board questions, she said she also expects to include information on local businesses in need of back-office help, such as accountants and other financial workers.

The map will point students to resources for training for the type of jobs available.

"I really want educators to understand what is going on, and these career pathways," she said.

Fire investigators with Batavia City Fire have concluded that Friday's blaze at the former Backhoe Joe's, 46 Swan St., was the blaze "ignited under circumstances when a fire should not be ignited," according to a press release.

The press release notes, "a fire declared incendiary does not indicate the crime of arson."

The investigation is being turned over to Batavia PD to determine if the fire was intentionally set or caused by some human action.

The building was without electrical or gas service.

Earlier today, the building's owner, Ron Viele, told The Batavian that there has been an issue with transients going into the building, perhaps lodging there.

"Probably what happened was a transient was in there who was trying to keep warm, and something stupid happened," Viele said.

See previously: Former Backhoe Joe's building nearly valueless, slated for demolition, wasn't insured owner says

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department was dispatched to a reported working structure fire at 46 Swan St. in the City on Jan. 12, 2024, at approximately 12:11 p.m. Initial dispatch reported multiple calls of flames showing.

City Fire crews were clearing two separate EMS at the time of dispatch, and Squad 17 was the first initial unit on location. Squad 17 arrived at 12:14, reporting a 3-story wood frame structure fully involved. At that time, a second Alarm was called. Engine 12 arrived four minutes after initial dispatch and requested a third alarm.

Captain Robert Fix was the initial Incident Commander and declared defensive operations with total building collapse seven minutes after initial units arrived. City Fire Chief Joshua Graham arrived at 12:23 p.m. and assumed command of the incident.

Fire crews focused on protecting an exposed building to the south of the incident structure. Crews were initially hampered by a live power line that burnt through and fell onto a metal fence, preventing them from making entry to the rear on the incident structure.

Once the fire was knocked down, an excavator was called in from Yasses. Fire investigators worked with the excavator to slowly remove debris while working to determine a cause and origin.

City of Batavia Fire Investigators believe that the fire spread through ventilation holes. No utilities were operational to the structure in preparation of demolition.   Fire Investigators have ruled the fire incendiary. Incendiary fires are defined as fires ignited under circumstances when a fire should not be ignited. 

City Fire has completed its portion of the investigation. It is important to note that a fire declared incendiary does not indicate the crime of arson. City Police will continue to investigate.

There were no injuries as a result of this incident.

City Fire would like to thank City DPW, City Police, Genesee County Office of Emergency Management, Genesee County Dispatchers, the Town of Batavia, Elba, Stafford, Pavilion, and Oakfield Fire Departments, Mercy EMS, National Fuel, National Grid, and Salvation Army for their assistance and support.

6:41 p.m.: A deputy looking for a vehicle off the road at 33 and Angling couldn't locate it, reporting whiteout conditions. The Corfu fire chief was also in the area and a short time later, he located the vehicle off the road. He reports no injuries.  Another deputy on another call at another location (didn't catch the location) reports poor visibility.

UPDATE 6:48 p.m.: A vehicle is off the road and in a ditch off Bethany Center Road. Occupants are out of the vehicle. A school bus with 22 students on board is off the road and in a ditch at 9998 Day Road, Alexander. No injuries.

UPDATE 7:01 p.m.: A driver of the bus spoke to a supervisor who is en route. The bus isn't that far off the road.  The supervisor will determine whether to send out another bus or call a wrecker to get it unstuck.

UPDATE 7:12 p.m.: There are multiple deputies assisting multiple motorists.  We didn't hear all of the initial dispatches.  One deputy is giving a courtesy lift to a truck driver to the Econo Lodge.  On Day Road, the students are being transported by law enforcement vehicles to the fire station.

UPDATE 7:39 p.m.: A car vs. pole accident is reported on Cary in Oakfield.  A Blue Jeep Compass, no injuries, is off the road on Oak Orchard Road near Batavia Elba Townline Road, Elba.

UPDATE 8:39 p.m.: The storm band seems to have moved to the south, the wind has died down, scanner traffic has slowed down.

UPDATE 8:50 p.m.: There is a tree down on wires partially blocking the roadway on Hickox Road, Alexander.

UPDATE 9:11 p.m.: An estimated 76 National Grid Customers are without power near Darien Center.  Power has been out since 8:39 p.m.  National Grid expects to restore power by 10:45 p.m. That is the only significant power outage in Genesee County.

It's been Ron Viele's intention for years to tear down the wood-framed structure at 46 Swan St., Batavia, once known as Backhoe Joe's, because it has been an eyesore on Swan that potentially devalues the rest of his property on the street.

Viele owns Viele Construction, which has an office at 61 Swan St.

"I want to make sure that street looks as good as possible," Viele told The Batavian.

He's aware of social media chatter that the fire was an "insurance fire," but it wasn't insured, he said.

"That building was not in good shape," Viele said. "It is adjacent to the railroad tracks. A former owner had taken everything out and people were coming in and taking wires and pipes, anything of value. I intended to take it down, and the building had no insurance on it."

Some years ago, he tried to buy the building, winning it at a tax lien auction for $8,000, but a former city manager felt his purchase of the building was a conflict of interest with Ron's son, Paul Viele, on City Council, so the property went to another buyer.  Then in 2018, it came up for auction again, and he and Dick Borrell teamed up to buy it for $1,800, he said. 

He bought the property with the intention of demolishing the building.

He said he owns about $800,000 worth of property on Swan Street. He wants to protect those investments.

The clean up -- after the fire -- will still cost him at least $40,000.  That may be at least $4,000 cheaper than the demolition would have cost, he said, because there is now less material to haul away.

He noted that electrical and water service had been shut off to the property for some time. 

"It was one of those buildings that could become a money pit," Viele said. "I could put six figures into it.  The return (on investment) wouldn't have been good enough to fix it."

Viele said he needed multiple permits from the city in order to proceed with demolition.  He recently got final approval and was ready to proceed, but the contractor he hired for the job was tied up, so demolition wouldn't have started for at least another two weeks.

That section of the street is zoned industrial, and the parcel is too narrow to build anything new on it because of setbacks required in the current zoning code, so once the building is cleared away, the lot will likely remain vacant.

While most people remember 46 Swan as Backhoe Joe's, it was a tavern for many decades under various names.  Those were once thriving businesses when there was still heavy manufacturing at the Harvester Center and Wiard Plow, but as employees drifted away from those industrial hubs, the bar and restaurant business on Swan Street dried up.

More recently, the building has been attractive to transients, Viele noted. He said just a week ago, he called the police to chase transients out of it, and he had asked Batavia PD to provide extra patrols in the area to keep transients away.  He put a fence around the entire property a few weeks ago to try and keep transients out of the building. 

Viele said a fire chief told him initial indications are that the fire started in the basement.

"Probably what happened was a transient was in there who was trying to keep warm, and something stupid happened," Viele said.

Fire Chief Josh Graham said that is possible, but investigators, which include investigators with Batavia PD, have not yet made a final determination on the cause and origin of the fire.

"No matter what happened, it's not a happy event," Viele said.

Previously:

• Fire reported on Swan Street
• Investigators expect to dig deep to uncover cause of fire that destroyed former Backhoe Joe's

Press Release:

H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home with locations in Batavia, Bergen, Oakfield, Warsaw, Perry, and Attica was one of only 104 funeral homes from throughout the U.S. and around the world honored with the 2023 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Pursuit of Excellence Award, placing it among an elite group of funeral service professionals. 

Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients raise the bar on funeral service excellence by adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards and providing unsurpassed service to families and communities.

To earn an NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award, a participating funeral home must meet or exceed business standards set forth by the program and demonstrate proficiency in key areas of funeral service, such as compliance with state and federal regulations; providing ongoing education and professional development opportunities for staff; offering outstanding programs and resources to bereaved families; maintaining an active level of involvement within the community; participating and actively serving in the funeral service profession; and promoting funeral home services through a variety of marketing, advertising and public relations programs. Participants are also required to adhere to a Pledge of Ethical Practices.

“This year’s Pursuit of Excellence honorees are a truly exceptional group. Not only are they serving grieving families with dignity and compassion, but they are finding meaningful ways to support and give back to the community,” said NFDA Director of Public Relations Jessica Koth, who manages the Pursuit of Excellence Award program. 

“The Pursuit of Excellence Work Group was very impressed by this year’s entries and enjoyed reviewing each and every one. The Work Group applauds H.E. Turner & Co, Inc. Funeral Home for their hard work and dedication to providing a superior level of service to families and communities. We are proud to have them as part of our NFDA family.”

“We are extremely proud to have been recognized by NFDA. We work hard every day to provide the very best in funeral service in Western New York and to receive this prestigious award is proof positive that what we’re doing is exceptional. We couldn’t accomplish any of what we do without the support of our amazing team and the communities we serve” said Steven Johnson, a partner and funeral director at H.E. Turner.

More information about the NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award program can be found on the association’s website, www.nfda.org/pursuitofexcellence.

Press Release:

If buying a home for the first time is a goal for 2024, take note. Tompkins Community Bank recently announced its participation in the 2024 Homebuyer Dream Program (HDP). The program, offered through the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY), provides up to $20,000 in assistance for eligible first-time homebuyers with the purchase of their first home.  

“As a community bank, helping people thrive in the areas that we serve is at the heart of everything we do,” said Stacy Merrill, Vice President, Residential Mortgage Lending Manager. “Purchasing a home is a big personal milestone and one with several benefits, including wealth accumulation and stability. It is our honor to be a part of that process. The Homebuyer Dream Program can help to improve access to homeownership opportunities and remove potential hurdles with down payment & closing cost assistance.”

To apply for the HDP, borrowers must be in good standing with the FHLBNY, be a first-time homebuyer, and have a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income for the county in which the home will be purchased. Additionally, awardees will need to complete a homeownership counseling program. Tompkins is proud to assist our customers as they move through the application process.

To learn more about this opportunity, visit your nearest Tompkins Community Bank and connect with one of our mortgage consultants (www.tompkinsbank.com). Applications are now open through August 30, 2024, or until funds are exhausted. 

Press Release:

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced he has secured $15 million in federal funding for New York State to help install new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at over 200 locations across the state.

The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program, which the senator created in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act. Schumer said the project will support the growing demand for electric vehicle use, lower air pollution, and reduce the overall environmental footprint of New York by ensuring residents and visitors throughout the state have easy access to charge EVs during their daily routines and at popular destinations.  

“New York just got a major jolt from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to power up brand new electric vehicle charging stations across the entire Empire State. Electric vehicles are booming in popularity, and for this industry to succeed we need to make charging your car as easy and convenient as filling up a gas tank, today’s investment will help us to do just that by bringing more charging stations to where people work and to popular tourist destinations across New York,” said Senator Schumer.

“When I led the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to passage, it was investments like these — that help boost the state’s economy and improve air quality — that I had in mind. New York, under Governor Hochul’s leadership, is leading the way to build out our nation’s network of EV chargers, supercharging the fight against climate change and getting us on the road to a cleaner future.”

“Reducing transportation emissions and transitioning to electric vehicles is key to meeting our nation-leading climate goals,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State is accelerating access to strategically placed EV infrastructure as we continue to advance clean, healthy transportation options. This funding from the Biden Administration will ensure residents and visitors alike have the latest charging technologies available to suit the needs of all travelers and communities across the state.”

Schumer said the federal funding for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), will help support both Level 2 chargers which are suitable for charging over longer periods, and Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) for quick charging. This federal funding will allow New York State to award grants to communities and projects across New York State on a competitive basis for projects that support Level 2 charging stations at more than 200 locations, including state parks, hotels, additional tourist destinations, state office buildings, and municipal parking lots throughout the state. 

In addition, competitive awards using this federal funding will also help be able to be used for Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) chargers in up to six small- to medium-sized cities and workforce development initiatives to train New Yorkers to install and maintain charging stations.

Schumer has been a relentless champion for expanding electric vehicles, helping bring production back from overseas, and expanding charging infrastructure for all communities. In the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, that Schumer led to passage, he successfully secured $7.5 billion to build out a national network of EV chargers, including an estimated $175 million over the next 5 years in funding for EV charging stations for New York State. 

New York’s first federally funded rapid charging EV station was installed last month. Earlier this week, Schumer also announced $700,000+ for Oneida County to install new EV charging infrastructure, and $15 million for NYCDOT to build an EV charging depot in the Bronx, from the same grant program funding was awarded today.

Established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Senator Schumer led to passage, the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI program) $2.5 billion over five years to strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in the places people live and work, in both urban and rural areas, including downtown areas and local neighborhoods, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged communities.

Designed to accelerate the deployment of transformative projects that will help to ensure the reliability of the clean energy infrastructure, this charging infrastructure program will ensure all American communities have access to affordable, reliable, clean electricity anytime, anywhere.

Eastridge proved a tough opponent for the Batavia Blue Devils on Saturday afternoon, taking the game 64-40.

Jamin Macdonald scored 12 points, Isabella Walsh, 10, and Karizwa Wescott, nine.

Liv Green scored 19 for Eastridge.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Press release:

In anticipation of the severe weather conditions that are predicted to begin this evening, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Genesee County Highway Department, Emergency Management Services, and the County Manager, is issuing a travel advisory for all of Genesee County effective this evening until further notice. 

Sheriff Sheron encourages residents, “For your safety and the safety of first responders and highway snow removal personnel this weekend, please stay off the roads until conditions improve.”

Motorists are encouraged to avoid all unnecessary travel due to the expected strong winds, heavy snow and sub-zero visibility.  These conditions will undoubtedly create treacherous travel for all motorists. 

During a travel advisory roads are not closed, however, no unnecessary travel is advised. A trip that could wait should not be made until the advisory is lifted.  The Genesee County Sheriff's Office does not determine the necessity for any individual to report to work.

Press release:

On Saturday, Jan. 13, a travel ban for Erie County and the I-90 has been issued due to the severe winter weather forecasted to impact Western New York through Sunday.

The driving ban begins on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 9 p.m. Anyone on the road that is not considered emergency personnel will be ticketed in Erie County and the I-90. The ban will be active till Sunday, Jan. 14 at 6 a.m. Depending on the storm on Sunday, the ban may be extended. A travel advisory for the entire area of Western New York remains in effect.

Additionally, there is a ban on Trucks/tractor trailer traffic on the I-90 from Exit 46 in the Rochester/Henrietta to the Pennsylvania border.

The Buffalo Bills game has been rescheduled to Monday, Jan. 15 at 4:30 p.m.

Troopers will be out checking all major routes of travel to ensure that motorists are as safe as possible and working with local Emergency Operations Centers as needed.  The State Police need your assistance to make this possible.  Motorists traveling in areas impacted by the snow and ice are asked to leave with extra time to make a slow and careful drive to your destination. Consider the snow accumulation on the roads, the current snowfall rate, the wind, and visibility.  Use your best judgment to determine if driving is prudent.  

Keep the following tips in mind:

•    Get the latest weather forecast before leaving with your local weather apps, monitor radio or TV stations.
•    Always clean your windows and mirrors FULLY of any snow and ice before driving.
•    Keep a full tank of gas
•    Fluid levels are sufficient ( windshield washer fluid, ant-freeze)
•    Spare tire is sufficient and you have the jack and wheel wrench
•    Use headlights at all times to increase your visibility to others.  Remember, if your windshield wipers are in use due to weather, then your headlights must be on.
•    Drive prudently.  If the conditions are adverse, you should decrease your speed accordingly.
•    Brake early 
•    Do NOT use cruise control.  This decreases your reaction time to apply braking.
•    Look out for events farther down the road.  Creating more time to react can make a difference.
•    Be aware of maintenance vehicles and emergency vehicles.  Give them room to work. 
•    If you do not absolutely have to go out on the roads, then don’t.

If you do go out, is your vehicle prepared?

Is your trunk supplied to help you to be safe in case you are stopped or stranded in an area without assistance readily available:

• Gloves, blankets, warmers, tool kit, first-aid kit, non-perishable foods, water, working flashlight and batteries, cell phone charger, etc
• Shovel, ice scraper, de-icer, snow brush, rock salt or cat litter, tow chain or cable, jumper cables or battery charger, etc.

If you are involved in a collision or leave the roadway:

• If you drive off the roadway and are stuck in a snow bank or ditch, stay in your vehicle and call 911.  DO NOT exit your vehicle unless it is an absolute emergency.  You put yourself at risk of being struck by another vehicle.
• Roll your windows down a few inches or turn your vehicle off if you are stranded in snow for a period of time with your vehicle running. Covered mufflers can cause serious physical injury or death due to inhalation of carbon monoxide.
• If you should become stranded on the Thruway or any Roadway, know your location by being aware of your direction and mile post marker.  This will help emergency personnel reach your location as quickly as possible.  

The Thruway Authority provides a wide variety of information for travelers, including current traffic conditions, accidents, and lane closures.  Visit www.thruway.ny.gov for more information.  

Slow down.  Be prepared.  Be safe.  

Elba beat Pembroke 54-46 on Friday in Girls Basketball.

Sydney Reilly scored 16 points for the Lancers. She also has seven assists. Lydia Ross scored 14 points, and Mariah Ognibene scored 12 points. Ognibene also had 11 rebounds for a double-double.

Jayden Hootman scored 12 points for the Dragons.  Elle Peterson scored eight.

Also, in Girls basketball on Friday, Notre Dame, for the second consecutive game, won in OT, beating Kendall 32-28. Sofia Falleti scored 13 points with nine rebounds. Emma Sisson scored seven and had six rebounds. Nina Barts scored six points and nabbed nine rebounds.

In Boys Basketball, Le Roy beat Warsaw, 76-48. Merritt Holly had another big game, getting a double-double with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Jean Agosto scored 20 points and had seven rebounds. Le Roy is now 9-2 and riding a five-game win streak.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Getting time to meet and talk with the people who hire workers at local companies is a valuable experience for soon-to-graduate seniors, said Chris Suozzi, VP of business development at the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

Suozzi and Karyn Winters, director of the Genesee County Business/Education Alliance, put together a job fair for graduating seniors from the region and local businesses at BOCES on Friday.

 The job fair was open to both BOCES seniors and non-BOCES students.

"We're excited that the companies are here, meeting, and trying to recruit the seniors who are going to be graduating here shortly," Suozzi said. "As we all know, everybody needs workforce."

The event is a chance for high school students to practice interview skills as well as learn about employment opportunities in Genesee County.

"A lot of them, as you know, may not have a job yet," Suozzi said. "They don't even have a part-time job. So they use so soft skills today, where their eye to eye with a company."

Photos by Howard Owens.

In 1984, Pete Rose returned to the Cincinnati Reds as a player-manager, Lee Trevino won his second PGA championship, the last Volkswagen Rabbit was produced, and Prince’s “When Doves Cry” was a Number One hit.

It was also the year that Bob Chiarmonte took a leap and got into business with Classic Optical, taking up his first property next to the former Jack’s Sports shop, now Hawley’s Insurance, in what was originally the Genesee Country Mall. Nine years later, in October 1993, Chiarmonte moved to his current location at 44 Batavia City Centre, and now Chiarmonte has retired and closed the store after nearly 40 years. 

A lot of things have changed during that time — the mall had many more clothing and shoe stores — and there was a longtime Sterling Optical that had been where the current Batavia Stagecoach Florist is, he said.

“I thought it’s either the craziest thing I’ve ever done or the smartest thing I’ve ever done,” Chiarmonte said during an interview Friday. “They closed the following year. It was just my luck I moved here when I did.”

That’s one of the memories he’ll hang onto now that he has retired as of the end of December. He obtained his business certificate on Aug. 9, 1984, and it would be 40 years this August of sustaining all of the challenges of legal woes between the Mall Merchants Association and the city, the aftermath of Urban Renewal, COVID and the resulting pandemic, and the typical ups and downs of operating a business in changing economic times. 

“COVID was tough because I was closed for three months. A lot of businesses went out of business right after COVID, because it's hard to get through that. I was able to do it … I'm sure I lost customers during the time because people don't wait. But I have a lot of loyal people that stayed with me. I'm very grateful for that,” he said. “A lot of the clientele that I've retained over the years actually became friends. So I will miss the friendship from the people that I got close with over that period. I have had some very loyal clients for all 39 years.” 

You might say that Chiarmonte’s path was chiseled while he was still at Williamsville North High School. His brother David, four years older than Bob, was an optician, and his father suggested that Bob also go into the field.

“So that's where I got the idea started. I got a job at a laboratory in downtown Buffalo making eyewear. So I was a lab technician, and I did that for several years, and then just decided that if I was going to stay in the business, I should go back to school, and get my license,” he said. “So that's what I did. Which, consequently, is when I met my wife, she's also an optician.”

He went to Erie Community College, which is where he met his wife, Lisa. After working some more, he wanted his own optical business, and ended up purchasing the Batavia location through a Buffalo optometrist who also had other locations, he said.

That optometrist had a lucrative state contract that catered to union personnel, such as prison guards, for Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties, and that “brought a lot of people to me,” Chiarmonte said. It was only when he wanted to slow down a bit that he signed off the contract and cut back on his hours three years ago, he said. 

He acknowledged that he was an eager 28-year-old when he first began, and now, at 68, he’s ready to take a pause to enjoy and visit family, which includes daughters Tristen in Colorado and Leah and his grandson in Vermont, and travel. 

He’s proud of what he and his wife largely did by themselves when moving into their current 1,100 square-foot site, which used to house a bank, Chiarmonte said, pointing in front of the counter to indicate where the teller line used to be. 

They had a wall and doorway built to form an exam room on the other side of the main reception and display area, and he built the mounts for glass shelving that displays eyeglasses. Lisa refinished all of the furniture — benches and chairs — that greets customers. 

At its height, Classic Optical employed four staff for reception, frame styling, and billing work, plus an optician. 

He served as president of the Mall Merchants Association for six years and was happy to see a final positive outcome when both sides came to an agreement. He believes that he is leaving the mall on good terms for the future, he said.

“The roof is fixed. All entrances are next on the docket. And there have been a few sales of property here, and a couple of new businesses that have opened. And I think if we continue on this path, I think it's gonna get better,” Chiarmonte said. “I’d like to see something happen with Penney's space, it's such a good space, but otherwise, I think the smaller spaces are going to be easier to sell. 

“I’ll still be in contact. I still have friends here, so people will see me around here and there. I spent more of my life in Batavia than I did in Buffalo where I was born,” he said. 

Chiarmonte has closed his shop, and plans to sell off the merchandise and eventually sell the property, he said. 

No piece of lumber, so to speak, will go unturned at 46 Swan St., Batavia, the former Backhoe Joe's, as fire investigators attempt to determine how a conflagration enveloped the vacant building on Friday afternoon and brought it to the ground.

Both Chief Josh Graham, City Fire, and Capt. Robert Fix, said as of yet, they have no clue how the fire started or why it spread so quickly.

An initial caller at about 12:10 p.m. reported smoke coming from one of the windows.  A few minutes later, Fix was leaving the County Courthouse, where Engine 17 had been dispatched earlier for a medical call, and he saw a tower of smoke to the east and immediately called for a second alarm.

"Upon arrival, it was fully engulfed in fire throughout all the windows," Fix said. "That's when we went to a third alarm because of the large brick exposure building and set up for defensive operations."

All City Fire platoons were dispatched to the fire. Oakfield Fire filled in at City Fire's hall. Town of Batavia, Stafford, and Elba all responded to the scene.

There have been no reported injuries.

Fix said the first concern was protecting nearby buildings, particularly the closest structure, a brick building to the south of 46 Swan, which explains the defensive posture of fire crews.

There was also an issue with sufficient water flow from one fire hydrant.

"The problem is with the fire, this fire, if you start using too many hydrants in the same neighborhood, you're robbing water from each other at that point," Fix said. "So we had some of the mutual aid fire departments come in off Liberty Street and start bringing a water supply from a different area."

As for potential reasons why the fire spread so quickly, Fix suggested the afternoon's strong breeze fed the flames. 

"There was a pretty good east wind here like there is now, you know, during the fire and having the vacant lot across the street and the railroad tracks, the wind is whipping right through here pretty good," Fix said. "But other than that, I don't have a reason why it got such a good head start on us."

Graham noted the age of the wood structure. Also, since the building was in the midst of demolition.

"It's an older structure," Graham said. "There's a lot of holes in it, a lot of ventilation and stuff to feed the fire. So it could be as simple as that. I can't rule anything out. We just don't know at this point."

Neither Graham nor Fix would speculate on the possible cause of the fire.

The structure has been vacant for a long, long time -- nobody at the scene seemed to know how long.  Over the summer, there were signs of work being done on the building, then a safety fence was erected around the entire lot, and a sign for Viele Construction was on the Swan Street side of the property.

The county lists 46 Swan Street LLC and the property owner. That LLC has a mailing address of 61 Swan St., Batavia, which is the location of Viele Construction.

County tax records say the "actual year built" for the structure was 1920, with an "effective year built" of 1970.  The lot size is .16 acres. The commercial use is listed as a tavern with 1,943 square feet. The total area of the structure was 3,886 square feet. 

In 2002, Joseph Garland sold the property to 46 Swan Street LLC for $70,000.  The LLC sold it in December 2011 for $1 to Julie Pappalardo.  The City of Batavia is listed as the owner prior to a sale on March 27, 2018, to Richard Borrell. He owned it until June 26, 2018, when 46 Swan Street LLC reacquired it for $1.  With the exception of the 2002 deed record, the property is listed as unusable for valuation. 

Its most recent total assessed value is $22,000. The land is assessed at $6,400.

For more photos, when the building was fully engulfed, click here.

Photos by Howard Owens.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office has issued a warning and reminder for residents to be prepared for an impending storm by taking care of errands in advance, while Gov. Kathy Hochul has already declared a State of Emergency for several New York State counties including Genesee in light of forecasts for strong winds, freezing temperatures and lake effect snow over the next three days.

The feisty winter weather is likely to cause power outages and potentially life-threatening conditions beginning on Saturday, although the call for strong winds have been issued for Friday evening, according to weather forecasts. 

Whiteout conditions are possible Saturday and Sunday, with difficult to near-impossible travel conditions. There is a travel ban for empty and tandem trucks/trailers to begin Saturday at 9 a.m. on Thruway and other  state roads in Western New York.

Hochul has deployed 100 members of the New York National Guard to Western New York to support emergency response operations, and encourages New Yorkers to enjoy the Buffalo Bills game from home. Those planning to attend should pay close attention to weather and travel updates, a press release from Hochul's office states.

New Yorkers Can Subscribe for Emergency Alerts Here

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office further advises that, due to the winter storm anticipated to affect the Genesee County area starting Friday evening with high winds and continuing throughout the weekend with the addition of areas of heavy snow accumulations and zero visibility, residents should "plan ahead, complete any necessary errands now and avoid traveling during these storm-like conditions."

UPDATED 10:28 p.m. from the National Weather Service:

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced that a bill she co-led, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, passed the House Ways and Means Committee by a vote of 24-18.

This legislation was introduced by Congresswoman Michele Fischbach (MN-7). Congressman Smith (NJ-4) was also an original cosponsor. It would prohibit the Biden administration from limiting the ability of states to spend Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds on pregnancy centers.

"Crisis pregnancy centers play a vital role in delivering crucial medical care, essential supplies, and unwavering support to pregnant women, new mothers, and both their unborn and born babies,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The Biden administration's efforts to divert TANF funds away from specific crisis pregnancy centers is a direct assault on pro-life institutions and jeopardizes access to invaluable resources for countless women. By passing this bill today in the Ways and Means Committee markup, House Republicans are fulfilling our promise to always stand with the unborn while further protecting our country’s foundational values of life, individual rights, and freedom.”

"Pregnancy centers offer a wide array of services and support for expectant mothers, fathers, and their families," said Congresswoman Fischbach. "Women who face an unexpected pregnancy should be able to safely go into a facility that is not going to push abortion on them and instead provide them with the education and support they need. And yet, the Department of Health and Human Services has proposed a rule that could restrict states from using TANF funding for these important resources, and encourages funding to go to facilities that provide abortions. This is one more example of this Administration's anti-women, pro-abortion agenda."

“Pregnancy centers across our country provide crucial services to close to 2,000,000 patients that encompass parenting and prenatal education programs, counseling, and critical material support—including pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, millions of baby outfits, millions of packs of diapers, and tens of thousands of new car seats and strollers,” said Congressman Smith. “This critical legislation will block the Biden Administration’s efforts to strip these centers of federal TANF funding and will help ensure that their dedicated and compassionate staff can continue to provide much-needed assistance and quality care for pregnant women and their precious unborn babies.”

"National Right to Life applauds Reps. Michelle Fischbach, Claudia Tenney, and Chris Smith for their work on H.R. 6918, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act. Pregnancy centers serve millions of clients annually and offer hope and support for women and their unborn children. This legislation protects access to maternal care by blocking the Biden Administration from implementing a rule that could endanger funding for pregnancy centers in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. In a post-Roe America, it is more important now than ever that pregnancy centers are able to effectively support mothers and their babies. National Right to Life strongly supports this legislation," said Carol Tobias, President National Right to Life.

Tenney delivered remarks during the markup, which can be watched here.

Press Release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), working in cooperation with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, has opened a Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Family Resource Library.  Relatives of young people with disabilities from Genesee and Orleans Counties can make appointments to investigate adaptive devices and other equipment before investing in them, and perhaps arrange a short-term loan of an item.

About the Resource Library: The CYSHCN Resource Library is for children and their families to be able to test and identify tools and supports that will help their child/ youth in areas such as development, emotional regulation, support with health conditions or disabilities, sensory processing, communication, learning disabilities, advocacy, and more. This is a great way to try items for FREE, to see what works or doesn’t work before buying.  

Supportive Equipment and Assistive Technology: Equipment is expensive, so this is a great way to try different items to see what works, or what does not, with no out-of-pocket expense. Some equipment available includes sensory toys, busy books, balance seats, tools that can support occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), speech goals, communication tools, and much more.  

Books: We have a variety of books and workbooks that support parents, children, and youth of all ages.  

For more information, contact April Fearby, CYSHCN Program Specialist at ILGR, at afearby@wnyil.org, or by calling 585-815-8501, extension 401.  

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