For a couple of months I've wanted to drop in on Cafe Le Roy and see the new shop set up by Don and Reyhan Antinore.

When I dropped in today, Don showed me the cafe in the back, which the Beatest of the Beats of 60 years ago would find hep, man.

Then Don introduced me to his new ice cream counter. Don said he serves only three flavors -- vanilla, chocolate and strawberry -- just like, he said, ice cream shops when he was a kid. And from those three flavors he can make floats, banana splits and sundaes.

Don said it's the first ice cream shop on Main Street in Le Roy in years and years.

This is a press release from Genesee Community College.

At the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees on Monday, they agreed to locate an educational wind turbine at the Batavia campus in cooperation with Batavia, Alexander and Pavilion high schools.

The three schools received a Title I federal grant to purchase the wind turbine, which will be used by the high schools and the college for science and engineering instruction. Trustees anticipate locating the turbine at the northeast corner of the campus. The turbine will be much smaller than many windmills, standing only 70 feet. The schools identified the Batavia campus an ideal location for the turbine since it is believed to be the windiest location in Genesee County.

The turbine will generate a variety of wind and meteorological data that will be transmitted to a computer housed at the campus. Students will use and analyze the data as part of their educational programs. The college has identified at least nine engineering, chemistry and physics courses that would use the turbine and turbine-related data. Eight Genesee Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Physics courses offered in area high schools are also expected to use turbine data. And at least two of the high schools are developing courses that would specifically include use of the wind turbine.

Hundreds of students will directly benefit from the equipment each year, said Eunice M. Bellinger, Ph.D, executive vice president for Academic Affairs. The turbine could also be used for community courses and demonstrations in the future, President Stuart Steiner said.

In addition to its small size, the wind turbine is very quiet, rated with a noise level of 35 decibels, which is softer than a typical conversation. One side benefit of the wind turbine is that will generate about 1,500 kilowatt hours of electricity a year, which will slightly decrease the college's electricity bill.

Besides supporting educational programs, the wind turbine reflects the State University of New York's system-wide commitment to an "energy-smart" New York.

"We have a real commitment to sustainability and we want to help meet SUNY's vision of an energy-efficient New York state," Bellinger said.

Here's a press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C – Batavia) recently sponsored a bill, that has passed the Assembly, which will allow New York’s world-class wineries to become more competitive, both within the state and abroad.

Assembly bill 7828-A repeals a number of onerous mandates on winery owners and grape growers that will streamline the licensing process and encourage the growth of this booming industry.

“Wineries and grape-growing farms are cornerstones of New York’s agricultural industry,” Hawley said. “By reducing the red tape that owners of these businesses must sift through in order to become properly licensed, these establishments will save time, money and resources that will encourage existing operations to expand and new businesses to open.

"As a sponsor of this legislation and a member of the Committee on Agriculture, I commend my colleagues for helping me achieve these sorely needed, procedural reforms for our wine industry.”

The provisions of A.7828-A will:

• Allow the owner of a winery license to sell wine in bulk to wholesalers, retailers and other major distributors;
• Authorize a winery to manufacture, bottle and sell various fruit products on-premises;
• Allow wineries and farm wineries to charge event operators for the use of their premises; and
• Reduce the number of specialized licenses for wineries and farm wineries, providing a more efficient registration process.

“With places like Leonard Oakes Estate Winery and Schwenk Wine Cellars located right here in Western New York, it is imperative that we encourage our agricultural job creators to set up shop in our communities,” Hawley said. “I am confident that this legislation will not only benefit our current grape growers and winery operators, but will draw even more business owners to our fertile soil and spacious landscapes in the future.”

When a property in a town or village is seized in a tax lien foreclosure, by law and by courtesy, the county ensures towns, villages and school districts receive the back taxes owed those jurisdictions. 

The county also reimburses some related expenses the local jurisdiction might incur, including, up 'til now, demolition costs on condemned buildings.

But that can get expensive, so County Treasurer Scott German proposed to the Genesee County Legislature on Wednesday that the county stop guaranteeing towns and villages that demolition costs will be covered.

German is asking the legislature to pass a resolution, followed by a letter from County Attorney Charles Zambito to mayors and supervisors, declaring that the county will no longer cover the cost of demolition on tax lien foreclosed buildings.

Some costs could be covered, German said, if the property fetches more at auction than is owed in delinquent taxes, but for parcels without buildings, that rarely happens.

German told the Ways and Means Committee that, for example, on a parcel that is less than an acre, it might bring $3,000 at auction, but the demolition cost on a building might be $20,000.

The way things have been, the county ends up paying the entire bill, even though it had no part in contracting for the demolition.

"Who can blame them for going in and taking care of demolition, but it shouldn’t be a county cost," Legislator Mary Pat Hancock said.

Under state law, the county must reimburse school districts and towns for taxes owed when it forecloses on a property, and the county has provided those reimbursements to villages, even though not mandated by law.

The city takes care of its own tax lien foreclosures.

Press release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kathy Hochul today announced that Genesee County Airport will receive nearly $1.3 million in funding for its apron expansion, which will provide greater and safer aircraft movement, as well as aircraft parking at the airport.

“This is great news for both the Genesee County Airport, as well as all the aircrafts that travel through here,” said Congresswoman Hochul. “This funding will help the airport rehabilitate aprons, as well as enhance and expand the safety of aprons.”

The viability of the airport is important as it houses a State Police helicopter, numerous crop-dusting planes, and a medical helicopter used to transport victims in emergencies.

The airport is also used for training by the Army National Guard.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) is pleased to announce the addition of Michael J. Bakos as grant program coordinator for the center's Advanced Manufacturing and Nano-Tech Certificate Training Program. Bakos has more than 30 years of managerial experience in the biomedical industry and holds an A.A.S. degree in Electronic Technology from Erie Community College (ECC) as well as a B.S. degree in Management from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He is a resident of Genesee County, serves on the Town of Pembroke Planning Board, and is president of the Akron-Newstead Rotary Club.

In his role as grant project coordinator, Mr. Bakos will manage, coordinate, implement, support and evaluate a noncredit certificate training program that will prepare participants for entry level positions in advanced-manufacturing and high-tech industries such as microelectronics and photovoltaics. The program was developed to satisfy the demands of this growth sector in Genesee County and the surrounding Western New York and Western Finger Lakes regions.

Program participants will receive an introduction to the skill sets necessary to succeed in a high-tech and advanced-manufacturing environment. The program is a joint-venture partnership between the GCEDC, Genesee Community College (GCC), the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Genesee County, with training taking place at the Genesee Community College and Rochester Institute of Technology campuses.

"Mike’s background, training and experiences with a large high-tech, life-science company will be an asset to our program," says John Jakubowski, GCEDC workforce development consultant.

"This is an exciting opportunity for myself and for the residents of our community that are planning to enter or re-enter the local workforce," says Mr. Bakos. "The program covers a diversity of topics including teambuilding, LEAN Manufacturing concepts, computer applications, work readiness activities, and technical subjects such as microelectronics, surface mount technology, and polymer processing."

The program is offered "free" to qualifying applicants. Applications for the program are now being accepted and are available through The Genesee County Career Center, 587 E. Main St., Suite 100, East Town Plaza, Batavia, NY 14020.

LeRoy Farmers’ Market is pleased to announce its fifth year of offering fresh, seasonal and local produce and products to the LeRoy community! Opening day is 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 25, in the Bank Street parking lot behind McDonald’s.

There are 19 vendors this year to provide eggs, cheese, baked goods, coffee and tea, soap, honey, flowers, wine, BBQ pork sandwiches, herbs, maple syrup, nut butters, naturally grown frozen beef, made to order hot dogs and hamburgers, and fruits and vegetables. 

The market is happy to welcome back Mellander's Maple. Dennis Mellander returned from his sugar bush in Allegany County with a good supply of Maple syrup and maple products. In addition, he will be offering nut butters from Once Again Nut Butters from Nunda, including, sunflower butter, almond butter, cashew butter and organic butters. Stop in and have a sample!

New to the Market this year is D’s Franks, Gabby’s Pumpkin Patch from Oakfield, Stony Creek Flower Farm and Zantopeia Herb Garden, both from Caledonia.

Diane Strock of D’s Franks, has offered made to order hot dogs, hamburgers and sausage for three years at several locations from her mobile food trailer. She uses Zweigle hot dogs and locally made hot sauce. She also offers hot coffee and cold bottled water and soda.

Another addition to the many local farms at the Market is Gabby’s Pumpkin Patch from Oakfield. Patricia Gibsons’ family farm offers seasonal produce including kale, sugar snap peas, turnips, pumpkins, gourds, parsnips and fresh-cut herbs. 

Fresh-cut flowers from Linda Driscoll at Stony Creek Flower Farm in Caledonia are a beautiful addition to the LeRoy Farmers’ Market. Linda will also offer bouquets and dried flowers.

Drew Zantopf of Zantopeia Herb Farm in Caladonia, will be offering a variety of potted herbs and plants for the first market only. Come early for the best selection!

Every Saturday there will be entertainment. On opening day, June 25, the market will welcome back Bev Hess. She plays some of our favorite songs on her keyboard and is very entertaining!

The LeRoy Farmers’ Market is open from 8:30 to 12:30 every Saturday morning June 25 until mid-October. Our market participates in the New York Nutrition Program and some vendors participate with New York State WIC program. Please check our website www.leroyfarmersmarket.org for information, or our fan page on Facebook for weekly updates and special happenings.

(Thank you to my LFM advertising partner -- Catherine Rhoads -- for the content!)

It was meet-the-players evening at Dwyer Stadium as fans and the 2011 Batavia Muckdogs were able to mingle and meet for the first time.

The evening included a whiffle ball home run contest for both adults and children, live music, hot dogs and pretzels along with an autograph session when fans could come on the field and meet the players.

The home opener is at 7 p.m., Friday. There's also a game at 1 p.m. on Father's Day, Sunday (and I'll be there with my dad, though I doubt we'll have a catch on the field after the game.).

More pictures after the jump:

This evening, 10 young women who are about to graduate from high school were awarded scholarships totaling well over $5,000 from the Batavia Zonta Club.  

Kasey Edgerton, from Oakfield-Alabama High School, who was described as “a scholar, an actor, a feminist…a volunteer,” was awarded the Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship.

Kasey will study English and Japanese at SUNY Albany with plans to become a teacher of English as a Second Language.

The Winnie Legg Business Award was given to Amy Schmidt, who will begin her studies in International Business at Elmira College after graduating from Batavia High School. As she wrote in her application, Amy enjoys traveling abroad as well as interacting with people of different cultures and hopes to incorporate these interests in her career.

Aimee Hurlbut, also a student at Batavia High, was awarded the Muriel Pies Art Scholarship. 

Aimee plans to study in a 2+2 program through Genesee Community College and Roberts Wesleyan College, where she will major in Business Administration and Graphic Design. A recommendation letter from her coach explained that, “(s)he feels that she must not only take time to improve her own life but also to improve the lives of others.” 

The Sis Babbage Scholarship for music was awarded to Maryssa Peirick from Batavia High School, who will study Vocal Performance at SUNY Fredonia in the fall. Maryssa aspires to sing with the New York Metropolitan Opera. 

She wrote, “I know that perseverance and dedication are what will make me successful.”

Justine Saraceni of Notre Dame High School was given the Education Scholarship. 

Justine will study Childhood and Special Education at St. John Fisher College. She was described as being very active in the community, including extensive volunteer work. She was quoted as having written in her application, “I need to be willing to fight through any obstacle that comes my way.” 

A Batavia High School Student, Nicole Guilds, was presented with a Math & Science Scholarship. She will study Nursing at Genesee Community College, with plans to transfer to D’Youville College.

Nicole aspires to work in the oncology ward of a hospital like Women’s and Children Hospital in Buffalo. She wrote that she “will be able to educate less fortunate women.”

A Scholarship for Math & Science was awarded to Kelsey Scott of Elba High School, who will be attending SUNY Geneseo to study Biology. The valedictorian of her class, Kelsey participates in numerous activities including SADD, the Big Buddy Program and Pageturners. 

In a letter of recommendation, her library club advisor explained, “I have found her to be a mature young lady with great potential.”   

Alexis Kegler from Pavilion Central was given the Mabel Ellis Memorial Scholarship in Math & Science. She will be studying Nursing in a 2+2 program with Genesee Community College and SUNY Brockport. 

In her application, Alexis expressed her motivation to succeed in the sciences, a field that remains somewhat male-dominated. 

A Math & Science Scholarship was also awarded to Nicole Bailey of Byron-Bergen High School. Nicole will attend Clarkson University to study Environmental Engineering. She plans to help companies to “go green.” 

In a letter of recommendation, Nicole’s Social Studies teacher and coach stated, “I have no doubt…she will make her community proud.”

Brittani Scharlau from Alexander High School was presented with the Ann Robertson Memorial Scholarship in Math & Science. In the fall, she will be attending the Rochester Institute of Technology with a major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. 

Brittani’s Advanced Placement English teacher wrote in a recommendation that she “thrives when challenged” and cited her character as one of her greatest strengths.      

Zontanian Patti Pacino explained, “That’s what our group does; we take care of women all around the world and in our very local area.”

All of the award recipients were described as being very involved in their schools, activities in their communities and volunteer work. 

This year, there were also many qualified applicants who could not be awarded scholarships; so, the Zonta Club is planning to add more scholarships. Patti Pacino closed by encouraging members to “get out there and work” in order to make even more scholarships available to young women in the community. 

Thanks to the loyalty and support of her many voters, Lisa Barrett's song,"When You Look at Me," is now one of three finalists in the international contest for "Best Original Song."

Yes, she's made it to the sixth and final round.

Barrett, who lives in Batavia, says she's very grateful to all of the people who have gotten her this far. She submitted the following to The Batavian:

There's so much I'm feeling...an array of emotion.

I do have butterflies this time around! I also feel like I'm watching this happen to someone else.

I'm so grateful to all who have been voting and standing by me. I wouldn't be here without them. 

I'm taking this all the way to #1 because it's too important to me! There's so much more I need to do on this journey.

There are so many more songs to sing and write, so many more people to heal with the music. 

I will continue bringing awareness for pediatric cancer research in Austin's memory.

I also do this in memory of my dad, Sigmund Racki. I look to carry on his legacy and his love for music. He always told me and my sisters that we could do anything if we just set our minds to it.  (Well dad, I did just that)

This competition has brought back so many memories of Austin, both happy and sad.

I remember one time in the hospital when Austin pointed to me.  He wanted to sit with me, and then fell sound asleep. 

I also remember visiting his home. I walked in and talked with my sister, Gail. Well, Austin heard my voice and came running with his arms outstretched towards me. He jumped in my arms with the biggest smile! That was in December, and it was the best Christmas gift I could have received. With so much sadness, I try to hold onto those happy moments in my heart. 

Finally, it's time to put a Western New Yorker on the map! 

Voting for Lisa's song will last through Monday. Here is the procedure:

1. Go to www.bestoriginalsong.com

2. Click on "Click Here to Listen"

3. Select Stage 6 - June 13th Show Date

4. Vote for and/or download "When You Look at Me"

For previous coverage, see:

Batavia singer/songwriter has high hopes for very personal song 

Singer/songwriter advances to next round in world competition

Batavian Lisa Barrett moves up in international song contest

There is a report of a fire in the woods in the area of 2609 Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road, Oakfield.

Oakfield Fire is responding.

UPDATE 11:50 a.m.: East Pembroke's brush truck requested to the scene. It is a grass fire.

UPDATE 11:58 a.m.: East Pembroke's brush truck no longer needed at the scene.

UPDATE 12:20 p.m.: Oakfield is back in service.

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Danny D. Williams, 22, of 21 Wood St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, coercion, 2nd, criminal mischief, 4th, criminal trespass, 2nd, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Williams is accused of being at a residence on Thorpe Street at 10:58 p.m., Monday, and being loud and disruptive. When his female acquaintance asked him to leave, according to police, Williams allegedly refused. During the incident, Williams allegedly damaged a glass vase and a mobile phone. Williams allegedly grabbed the phone from the woman's hand and threw it against a wall when she threatened to call police. Three young children were in the residence at the time. According to police, a "no offensive conduct" order was in place at the time of the alleged incident. Williams was taken into custody Tuesday and jailed on $750 bail.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kraving's offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Stafford Trading Post, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY: Lunch or dinner, Stafford Trading Post offers a variety of fresh, homemade meals, as well as snacks and drinks. Now in a new, expanded location. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $10 gift card for $5.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $10 gift card for $5.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. Decorate your home or office for spring or summer. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

SOLD OUT

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Sitting on her clutch of eggs, a mother goose is doing her best to keep a low profile while keeping a wary eye out for predators -- and photographers.

If only for a short time, this wetland tract is where "momma" and her brood will call home.

Three of the five hatchlings. 

Three of the five youngsters are barely visible, yet mom & dad manage to stay fore and aft of the entire brood.

Young and vulnerable, the goslings are totally dependant on their parents for protection. And with numerous predators found throughout the various types of habitat in the wetland, there is much to protect these fuzzy youngsters from.

When Oak Orchard Creek spills its banks, such as it did this spring, northern pike find their way into the marshes and deeper pools, such as the one above. Toothy northerns have, on occasion, been known to take young waterfowl.

Aquatic predators, like mink, make their home here, not to mention danger from above in the form of hawks and owls. 

Flooded timber can be enchanting, yet full of peril for young waterfowl.

This is a likely place to encounter snapping turtles or a marauding raccoon.

For these goslings, everything must seem larger than life...and perhaps a bit overwhelming at times. Maybe that's the reason for this youngster's perplexed look.

This youngster seems to be making sure all siblings are present and accounted for!

While there are numerous predators that live in and around the wetlands, there are neighbors that bring no cause for alarm...such as these painted turtles.

Or a cardinal in the cottonwood.

Even an eastern swallowtail.

With all the distractions, sometimes mom or dad needs to crack the whip! Here she's seen hissing, as if to say, "get back in line."

All things considered, at the end of the day the best place for a gosling is directly below the protection of mom's down feathers.

A large plume of smoke is reported coming the woods at 951 Broadway Road. The type of fire is unknown. Darien Fire Department is dispatched.

The location is between Harlow and Warner roads.

UPDATE 12:54 p.m.: The chief says it's a small controlled burn.

UPDATE 12:55 p.m.: The fire stems from burning paper and wood. The homeowners have been advised of burn regulations. Darien is back in service.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Democrat Committee has endorsed the following candidates:
 
THIRD WARD
Kathryn Balbick Bellamy – 5 Lewis Ave.

Katie is a graduate of Notre Dame High School and is the daughter of City Court Judge Robert Balbick and Jane Balbick. She grew up in Batavia and currently resides with her husband James and two children at 5 Lewis Ave. Katie has worked and is trained as a paralegal. A member of the City of Batavia Democrat Committee, Katie looks forward to representing and serving the residents of the Third Ward.

FOURTH WARD
Pierluigi Cipollone – 1 Union Square

An Italian born naturalized citizen, Pierluigi’s father brought his family to Batavia in 1960. We lived on the south side of Batavia. He attended St. Anthony’s Elementary School and Notre Dame High School.  He obtained an associate’s degree in Computer Science from GCC and moved on to receive a bachelor of technology degree in Computer Systems from Rochester Institute of Technology. A former employee of Xerox, Pierluigi has successfully started a small business here in Batavia.

FIFTH WARD
Kathy Briggs – 3 South Main St.

Incumbent City Councilwoman Kathy Briggs received the endorsement of the Democrat Party. Kathy is known for her constituent service and for working on the city budget that has erased a large shortfall over the past three years. Kathy has served the Fifth Ward for many years and has been instrumental in restoring fiscal responsibility to the city.

SIXTH WARD
Rosemary Christian – 29 William St.

A longtime advocate for her constituents and the residents of the Sixth Ward, and the longest serving council member, Rosemary Christian received the endorsement of the Democrat Party. She has worked as part of a cooperative measure amongst all council members to address the budget shortfall and measures relating to employee benefit costs.

Residents on Douglas Street in the city are confused about a seemingly new effort by a code enforcement officer to ticket them for parking, at least partially, on the grass.

That's illegal, but some residents spoke at Monday's city council meeting and said they've been doing it for years, if not decades, and never a peep before from city officials.

“(The city) is telling us that what a parkway is, is grass…or stone (between the road and sidewalk),” Barbara Shephard said. “And we can’t park in that parkway at all? We have to park in the road? It’s ridiculous.”

After a lengthy discussion that sometimes got heated, the council agreed to consider the matter at a future council conference meeting.

During the discussion, one resident was gaveled down by Council President Marianne Clattenburg.

According to WBTA:

“Leave it alone – now. And if you don’t: at the next meeting, I’m gonna be here,” Shephard sternly told the council. “Oh yeah. I’m gonna be here again, and I’ll be here all the time. Leave them alone, you understand?” Shephard’s stern delivery prompted Council President Marianne Clattenburg to ask Police Chief Randy Baker whether Shephard’s statements constituted a threat. When the Chief replied that they did, Clattenburg banged her gavel and cut Shephard off.

A resident of 3 Orchard Drive, Le Roy, who suffered serious burns in a house fire early Monday morning, has reportedly told Le Roy Police that he started the fire.

Charges are pending against Paul F. Atkinson, 42, according to a statement from Le Roy Police.

Atkinson remains hospitalized at Strong Memorial Hospital where he is being treated for first-, second- and third-degree burns.

According to Le Roy Police, Atkinson said that he started the fire as a result of a disagreement he had with his father Sunday.

The release says that Atkinson made a full statement taking responsibility for the fire.

Several hours before the fire, Atkinson appears to have left a status update on his Facebook page that reads, "everyone can go to hell, tired of this life."

The fire was reported at 3:26 a.m. after the family dog alerted Atkinson's sister to the fire. Her husband, Richard Nelson climbed from a second-floor window to escape the flames and reportedly suffered an ankle injury in the fall. His wife was helped down an outside stairway by a Le Roy Police Officer.

The father, Thomas Atkinson, who owns the house, was not at home when the fire started. He was delivering newspapers.