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GOW Opioid Task Force: Don't go it alone -- get help for recovery and take care of yourself

By Billie Owens

A Message to Families from the GOW Opioid Task Force:

By Sue Gagne

Whenever a family member struggles with any serious ongoing condition, everyone in the family is significantly affected. To find out a loved one has a substance use problem can be heart-wrenching.

If you know someone with a substance use disorder, you may find yourself struggling with a number of painful and conflicting emotions, including guilt, shame, self-blame, frustration, anger, sadness, depression, anxiety and fear. Those emotions can often overtake our lives and cause stress, burnout, fatigue, inability to sleep and more issues that can affect our own health.

When you fly on an airplane, the flight attendant instructs you to put your oxygen mask on first, before helping others. Why is this an important rule for ensuring survival? Because if you run out of oxygen, you can’t help anyone else with their oxygen mask. This is an important metaphor for those of us who have loved ones with substance use disorder. A reminder that we need to take care of ourselves.

You may feel overwhelmed, but there are things you can do to help yourself. We all know we need to get enough rest, exercise, and eat right. Here are a few other things that will be helpful:

Learn all you can about substance use and addiction. Addiction is a disease, not a character defect! According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “As a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a disease that affects both the brain and behavior. We have identified many of the biological and environmental factors and are beginning to search for the genetic variations that contribute to the development and progression of the disease. Scientists use this knowledge to develop effective prevention and treatment approaches that reduce the toll drug abuse takes on individuals, families, and communities.”

Don’t go it alone! Shame is one of the biggest reasons people don’t seek help. It may help you to know that no one, and no family, is immune from addiction. Like any other chronic disorder, addiction to alcohol and other drugs afflicts people regardless of age, income level, educational background, race, ethnicity, religion/spirituality, and community. Many families deal with addiction. You are not alone ~ there is support!

Know that Recovery is Possible! Although it takes time, people do find recovery from addiction. Many individuals find recovery and continue on to live fulfilled lives. There are many pathways to recovery including 12-step meetings, peer-support, Medication Assisted Treatment, and more.

To learn about more about addiction, to connect with support, and to find resources related to addiction and recovery, visit the GOW Opioid Task Force website at www.gowopioidtaskforce.org

Tops Market in Le Roy to host grand reopening July 16 to unveil $1.6 million in renovations

By Billie Owens

Press release:

LE ROY -- It’s a new day for shoppers in the Le Roy community as Tops Friendly Markets unveils over $1.6 million dollars in renovations in its hometown grocery store.

This impressive investment includes everything from new flooring, energy efficient equipment, and shopping carts, to a whole new interior décor, givingthe store a refreshed and warm appearance.

Grand Reopening at the store, located at 128 W. Main St., Le Roy, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16.

Shoppers will find an expansion of Tops’ deli/carry out café areas with a remodeled seating area and bakery as well as finding a wide selection of natural and organic and gluten-free offerings conveniently integrated throughout the main aisles.

Throughout the store, shoppers will also see expanded refrigerated produce allowing for more variety and convenience, an increase of antibiotic-free meat and seafood selections, and a much larger selection of beers, including local favorites, in our Brew Market.

“I am so proud of the changes we have made to this store which will only enhance our customers shopping experience,” said Tom Brigham, store manager of the Le Roy Tops Friendly Markets. “You’ll find the store is designed to bring you more selection, more convenience, more organics, and more grab-and-go meals prepared fresh every day, all at a great value.”

Additionally Tops is proud to partner with more than 200 local growers. Some of these partners are family farms that have been growing for generations and many have been part of the Tops family for decades.

Fenton’s Produce, located in Batavia, brings our shoppers everything from corn, and potatoes, to summer squash and peppers.

Tops has also been proud to support product grown by New York State farmers who adhere to the New York State Grown and Certified program’s requirements, which includes verification of safe food handling practices and participation in environmental sustainability programs.

An added bonus for Le Roy shoppers is the gas station conveniently located on the property. As customers shop at Tops, they’ll earn points toward fuel savings! Ready to fill up? Just scan your Tops BonusPlus® card at the pump and watch your gas price drop! You’ll save 10 center per gallon for every 100 GasPoints you redeem at a Tops Gas Station. With so many ways to earn, it’s easy to save 30, 40, 50 cents, even a dollar a gallon!

Le Roy Tops shoppers will also save time by using Tops Grocery Delivery services. With fast, online ordering, get your favorite items and the best deals in town that you love -- delivered from our store to your door.

Customers can visit TopsMarkets.com/Instacartand enter their zip code to get started. Exclusive to Tops our customers can use the promo code "TakeOff15" when they visit TopsMarkets.com/Instacart and receive $15 off their first order of $35 or more.

Law and Order: Ross Street man accused of third-degree assault and threatening woman with fake gun

By Billie Owens

Salvatore M. Tornabene, 26, of Ross Street, Batavia, (inset photo right) is charged with third-degree assault. He was arrested following a domestic incident on Ross Street at 11:30 p.m. on July 1. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. Tornabene was due back in city court July 8. 

Salvatore M. Tornabene, 26, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, and second-degree menacing. At 11:05 p.m. on July 6, Batavia police responded to Ross Street for a report of subjects fighting, possibly with weapons. He was arrested after he allegedly threatened a woman with an imitation pistol. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. Tornabene was due back in city court July 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Kyle Allan Hawley, 29, of South Lake Avenue, Bergen, is charged with: two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; possession of a hypodermic instrument; and criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree. At 8:10 a.m. on July 10, the GC Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of a larceny that just occurred at a business on West Main Street in the City of Batavia. The suspect vehicle was located entering the Thruway at the Exit 48 interchange. Hawley was identified as a passenger in the vehicle. Following a search of the vehicle, and after allegedly observing stolen property in plain view, Hawley was found to allegedly possession two different kinds of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, arraigned in Batavia Town Court and processed, then released on appearance tickets. He is due back in town court on July 25. The investigation was assisted by members of the NYS Troopers and City of Batavia Police Department. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Mitchell Edward Bryan, 27, East Bethany -- Le Roy Road, Stafford, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated; DWI; driving left of pavement markings; moving from unsafely; and failure to keep right. At 12:12 a.m. on July 11, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office investigated a one-car accident on Bernd Road in the Town of Le Roy. The driver and sole occupant, Bryan, was arrested on the charges listed. He was driving northbound on Bernd Road when he cross over into the southbound lane and continued off the west shoulder, striking a tree. Further investigation allegedly revealed he had a BAC of .18 percent or higher. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in the Town of Le Roy Court on Aug. 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

David M. Raines, 37, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 7 p.m. on July 5 after an incident on Bank Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 16 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Speak Up Toastmasters induct new officers for 2019-20 fiscal year

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The energetic and motivational club, Speak Up Toastmasters, met at a special place and time on Tuesday to induct new officers for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

Janice Brooks (Area Director), members, and guests welcomed Sarah Kohl (Sergeant at Arms), Judy Britton (Secretary), Leslie Marino (VP Public Relations), Denise Hull ( VP Education), and Patrick Olson (President & Treasurer) in their new roles. Not pictured, Brenda Serena (VP Membership).

Our speaker for the evening, newly appointed President & Treasurer Olson, presented a research project on Team Work. The speech was his third educational award giving him the distinction of earning the District's Triple Crown Award.

"The nice thing about the new educational manuals is that they are all online now so they can be accessed anywhere you have an Internet connection. And it's the club experience that teaches you the most," Marino said.

There are more than 345,000 registered members in Toastmasters. Interested in becoming a better communicator and leader? Visit a club meeting for FREE!

Meetings are on the second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m., 190 Oak St., Batavia. www.SpeakUpToastmasters.org, text or call 585-993-0515 or email LeslieAGMarino@Yahoo.com to save a seat.

Byron-Bergen HS Class of '69 to dedicate memorial bench this month and hold 50th reunion party

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

BERGEN – In September, 1968, 93 students entered their senior year at Byron-Bergen High School. It was the beginning of where their roads would take them in life, decisions had to be made. Many classmates chose to further their education by attending college, some enlisted in the military, others became farmers and stay at home moms and some went into the trades.

In June of 1969, eighty-eight students received their diplomas and their adult life began.

Fifty years later, this group of friends and classmates still reunite every five years and at each reunion classmates who have passed away are remembered.

This year the Class of 1969 is donating a memorial bench to the Byron-Bergen School District. The bench has been placed in a prominent area by the flagpole in the high school parking circle.

The Memorial Bench Dedication ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, July 19, in the Byron-Bergen High School parking circle by the flagpole, 6917 W. Bergen Road, Bergen.

The public is invited and after the dedication there will be a “meet & greet” at the Rose Garden Bowl / Viking Valhalla Restaurant in Bergen.

This bench donation is the first of its kind to be made to the school and it is hoped it will inspire other classes to do something similar.

On Saturday, July 20, at 6 p.m. the Byron-Bergen Class of 1969 will gather at Dibble Family Center in Batavia to celebrate their 50th reunion and about 80 guests will be in attendance.

If you would like more information about this event, please contact Janice Gilbert at 585-967-9042 or email to jgilbert33@live.com

Here's the 4-H schedule for the Genesee County Fair July 13-20

By Billie Owens

Press release:

2019 Genesee County Fair 4-H Schedule

Remember to visit 4-H at the fair! The Genesee County Fair will be held July 13-20 at the Genesee County Fairgrounds, 5056 E. Main Street Road, in Batavia.

For more information about the Genesee County Fair, click here

2019 Genesee County Fair 4-H Schedule

Saturday, July 13th 

4 p.m.                 4-H Poultry Show (Merton Building)

6 p.m.                 4-H Livestock Costume Contest (Main Show Ring)

Sunday, July 14th 

10 a.m.               4-H Beef Show (Main Show Ring)

4 p.m.                 4-H Rabbit Show (Merton Building)

Monday, July 15th 

9 a.m.                 4-H Market Auction Goat Show (Main Show Ring)

10 a.m.               4-H Cloverbud Poultry Show (Merton Building)

10 a.m.               4-H Dairy Cattle Fitting Clinic & Master Fitter Competition (4-H Dairy Barn)

10:30 a.m.          4-H Goat Agility Contest (Goat Barn Show Ring)

10:30 a.m.          4-H Market Auction Lamb Show (Main Show Ring)

4 p.m.                 4-H Market Auction Dairy Steer Show (Main Show Ring)

5 p.m.                 4-H Market Auction Beef Steer Show (Main Show Ring)

Tuesday, July 16th

10 a.m.               4-H Cloverbud Rabbit Show (Merton Building)

11 a.m.               4-H Dairy & Meat Goat Show (Main Show Ring)

1 p.m.                 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest (4-H Dairy Barn)

4 p.m.                 4-H Energy Bike Pedal Power Activity (Kennedy Building)

5 p.m.                 4-H Market Auction Hog Show (Main Show Ring)

7 p.m.                 Fair Barn Dance (Open Dairy Barn)

Wednesday, July 17th 

9 a.m.                 4-H Hog Show (Main Show Ring)

12 p.m.               4-H Sheep Show (Main Show Ring)

3 p.m.                 4-H Geocache Challenge (Kennedy Building)

6:30 p.m.            Fair Parade

Thursday, July 18th 

9 a.m.                 4-H Dairy Cattle Show (Main Show Ring)

9 a.m.                 4-H Horse Show – Western Division (Horse Arena)

6:45 p.m.            4-H Market Animal Auction Awards Ceremony (Main Show Ring)

7 p.m.                 4-H Market Animal Auction Sale Begins (Main Show Ring)

Friday, July 19th 

9 a.m.                 4-H Horse Show – English & Dressage Division (Horse Arena)

9 a.m.                 4-H Beef Team Fitting Competition (Main Show Ring)

12 p.m.               4-H Livestock Master Showman Contest (Main Show Ring)

1 p.m.                 4-H Dairy Club Butter Making Activity (Kennedy Building)

5:30 p.m.            4-H Tractor Driving Contest

Saturday, July 20th 

9 a.m.                 4-H Horse Show – Gymkhana Division (Horse Arena)

2 p.m.                 4-H Creative Soil Painting Activity (Kennedy Building)

4 p.m.                 4-H Market Auction Master Showman Contest (Main Show Ring)

The complete daily schedule of the Genesee County Fair is available here.

Reminder: Independent Living to celebrate ADA with community picnic July 26

By Billie Owens

Batavia’s premier consumer-run human service and advocacy agency for people with disabilities, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), will hold an ADA Picnic to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Open to the general public, and offering FREE food, fun, and games, the event will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 26, at Kiwanis Park, 3808 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

Contributing to the fun will be the University Heights Art Association (UHAA), which regularly partners with ILGR on the ARTiculations Ability Exhibition in the Independent Living reception area.

Artists with disabilities are given the opportunity to display and sell their artwork at the Center. UHAA will bring projects and materials that will enable picnickers to creatively celebrate the birthday of the ADA. 

To ensure that we have enough food and materials for the fun, if you plan to attend, please R.S.V.P. to Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411.

At the time the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed in 1990, a patchwork of laws existed to protect the civil rights of citizens with disabilities only in certain situations, such as access to airports, fairness in housing, and non-discrimination by federally funded institutions.

The ADA broadly bars disability-based discrimination in employment, telecommunications, by state and local governments, in places of public accommodation such as stores, restaurants, banks, theaters, hotels, and stadia, among other protections.

This has made it the single most important body of law for a particular population, the disability community, since the protections for racial and ethnic minorities and women of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which inspired some of the ADA’s provisions.

We look forward to having you celebrate with us, but please remember to R.S.V.P.!

Sponsored Post: Open House this Sunday - 5 Allanview Drive, Batavia

By Lisa Ace


OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY 1 - 3 p.m. -- July 14th. 5 Allanview Drive, Batavia. Go first class with this immaculate 2069-square-foot, 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath colonial.

Freshly painted, offering a beautiful oak kitchen with granite countertops and newer Kenmore appliances, formal dining room with bay window, spacious living room, first-floor family room with gas fireplace and natural woodwork.

Forced air gas heat, central air, smart thermostat, full unfinished basement, two-car attached garage, smart garage door opener, open porch, patio with awning, beautiful, mature landscaped 110' x 107' lot in one of Batavia's finest subdivisions. Click here for more information.

Batavia PD moving forward with efforts to bring back K-9 program

By Lauren Leone

Batavia PD may yet once again have a working police dog and on Monday, Police Chief Shawn Heubusch updated the City Council on efforts to reinstitute the program.

The effort includes receiving donations and seeking funds from Homeland Security.

It's been 20 years since Batavia PD had a working K-9 officer.

If approved, a resolution presented to the Council on Monday would create a K-9 fund in order for the Batavia Police Department to accept donations and funds from the federal government for a canine purchase, training and associated costs. 

The K-9 program’s approximately $23,000 price tag was broken down by Heubusch. He explained to Council members that it will cost $10,000 to purchase the dog and $5,000 to train the canine and its police officer over the course of several weeks. 

“During the regular workday, we’ll give the officer the allotted time for their training,” Heubusch said. “On off-days, we’ll have to compensate the officer for that. We do have some sample MOAs with some different unions to cover that.”

Additional expenses include $5,500 to purchase a vehicle designed to carry the canine, $2,500 for food and veterinarian bills, and $500 for incidentals and supplies.

Heubusch said the K-9 program will be like a specialized tool with a warranty. Beyond regular duties, the officer who receives specialty K-9 training would be called to respond when a police dog is needed for investigations.

“The officer is not dedicated to K-9 duty 100-percent of the time,” Heubusch said. “They would be on the road just like any other officer would be assigned to a patrol zone. We don’t have the luxury of just being able to dedicate an officer to that duty.”

Council President Eugene Jankowski said that, on occasion, the canine may be called for investigations that are not in the City of Batavia. Although it most likely would not happen often, the canine and its owner would be prepared to respond at non-city locations.

BPD is working on an agreement with the Homeland Security Investigation Federal Asset Forfeiture Program to defray some of the canine and training costs. Federal funding is not currently available due to high demand for border patrol canines.

Based on the positive feedback Heubusch received from Council members, this proposed resolution may receive approval at the August business meeting, which would allow BPD to be prepared for the K-9 program when federal funding is ready.

Previously: Batavia seeks Federal funds to bring back a K-9 patrol to the city

Reynolds back in Batavia, powers Muckdogs win with two homers, five RBIs

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

When the rest of the Miami Marlins prospects were being moved up and down a few weeks ago, Sean Reynolds stayed in Florida to refine his sweet swing and work on little things in his hitting approach.

Boy, are the Batavia Muckdogs glad.

In his first game with the team this season, Reynolds blasted two home runs, going 3-for-4 with five RBIs and two runs scored. The Muckdogs (16-9) downed the Lowell Spinners (17-7), 8-6.

Reynolds, a crowd favorite, is a 6-foot-7, 237-pound first baseman who hits from the left side and throws right-handed. The fourth-round pick of the Marlins in 2016 has crushed 33 home runs in his short minor league career. The 21-year-old hit 17 home runs in Batavia last season.

"I want to be a consistent hitter who can have power," Reynolds said. "It felt good, obviously, two big ones tonight. When it happens, it's always good."

However, Reynolds was pleased with his RBI single in the seventh inning.

"My favorite hit of the three was the two-out, two-strike RBI single," Reynolds said. "It is huge whenever you get a chance to add on late in a game against a good pen like that."

As for being back in Batavia, Reynolds said, "The crowd was excited and I was excited to be back. You never want to get sent down per se, but wherever I am I am going to try to help teams win games … That was fun."

Reynolds then signed autographs for young fans and handed his oversized batting gloves to one lucky Little League player. The boy looked at the gloves with wide eyes and Reynolds joked, "don't worry, you'll grow into them."

Lowell has the best overall record in the New York-Penn League and Batavia has the second-best record, which is good enough for first place in the Pinckney Division.

With the Muckdogs trailing 6-5 following an extended fifth inning rally from their NYPL opponent, the Lowell Spinners, Reynolds came through with a blast for the ages, a two-run home run, which regained the lead for Batavia and proved to be the difference in what eventually turned into an 8-6 win for the home team.

The three-run, go-ahead moon shot, Reynolds’ second four-bagger of the game, followed his go-ahead three-run tater in the bottom of the first inning which came after a two-run first from Lowell. Both of Reynolds’ big flies came with two outs. His second home run came off the bat at 115 MPH.

Left fielder J.D. Orr, a 10th-round Marlins draft pick this year, continued his torrid start to the season, finishing 3-for-4 with four runs scored and a stolen base while shortstop Dalvy Rosario (two runs), second baseman Jack Strung (25th round pick this year) and center fielder Milton Smith II (22nd round pick in 2018) also chipped in multi-hit games. Smith, the leading hitter in the NYPL is hitting .416 with Orr at .404 and chasing him at the second spot.

Picking up the win on the mound for Batavia was right-hander Joey Steele (1-0), who pitched one-and-two-thirds clean innings, allowing two hits and striking out one. Steele, a 30th round pick this year, got out of a jam in the fifth and then went on to hurl a perfect sixth inning.

Starter Edgar Martinez went 4.1 innings and struck out four. Muckdogs’ closer Evan Braband recorded the save, striking out the side in the ninth. Braband, the Marlins’ 2019 9th round draft pick, has allowed just one hit this season while striking out 11 over six and one-third innings pitched. He now has five saves on the season. Josh Simpson, a 32nd-round draft pick this year had his third hold as he threw two scoreless innings and struck out four.

Spinners’ right-handed reliever Miguel Suero (0-1) was hit with the loss, pitching two and one-third inning, allowing two runs on three hits while striking out one.

Batavia began the game trailing 2-0 after Lowell put up two-runs in the top of the first, but Reynolds’ blast in the bottom half of the frame gave the Muckdogs the lead until the fifth inning. The Spinners struck for two runs during both their half of the fourth and their half of the fifth, giving them a 6-5 lead heading to the bottom half of the inning.

Then, Reynolds’ two-run blast during the Muckdogs' half of the fifth proved to be the difference, while Reynolds’ single in the seventh simply served as insurance.

Coming up: Tonight is Thirsty Thursday as all Labatt's products are $2. On Friday is Crafty Hour where the large selection of craft beers are just $3. There will be other specials and events during the week. All games are at 7:05 p.m.

Tickets for these games and others are available at the Dwyer Stadium box office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, online at muckdogs.com or by calling 585-483-3647.

Top photo: FIle photo from 2018. Bottom photo, Reynolds connects for one of his two homers, supplied by the Muckdogs.

Previously: In 2018, Muckdogs fans have watched perhaps the most intriguing player in the NYPL

New dialysis clinic in Batavia still waiting on final state certification

By Howard B. Owens

Nearly two months after a grand opening, Fresenius Kidney Care, on Veterans Memorial Drive next to The Home Depot, is still waiting on final certification from the state to become fully operational. 

Until then, the clinic cannot accept additional patients, said spokeswoman Madelaine Ronquillo.

Until the CMS certification is received, the clinic is open three days a week for approved patients. Ronquillo indicated this is the normal process for opening a new clinic.

The clinic's manager and staff are at the facility during normal business hours Monday through Friday, she said.

As for a real estate listing, found by an alert reader of The Batavian, Ronquillo said Fresenius has a 12-year lease on the site and the sale is a matter of the original developer selling the investment property.

The property is being offered for $2.74 million. The 3.8-acre parcel includes two other recent developments, including an urgent care business and a vacant storefront. The listed property owner is Morgan, 4181 Veterans Drive LLC, out of Pittsford.

Photo: File photo.

St. Paul's honors retiring principal and welcomes incoming principal

By Lauren Leone

Students, families and staff are celebrating the career of retiring principal Anne Werk and greeting incoming principal Jason Clark at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, 31 Washington Ave., Batavia.

Werk is retiring after more than two decades as a teacher and principal at St. Paul’s. As of July 1, Clark, who is a lifelong member of St. Paul’s church, received unanimous approval from the school board and church congregation to succeed Werk. 

Clark said his ratification brought him excitement and relief, but also sadness at the departure of Werk and her husband, Allen, who is the pastor at St. Paul’s. Clark will continue to serve as a second- and third-grade teacher in addition to his new responsibilities as principal of grades K–5.

His initial goal is “hopefully just maintaining some stability in this time of change,” Clark said. “Being that I’ve been here for 17 years, it’s not a brand new face leading the school.”

Clark has several initiatives for the school as he steps into his new position. They include increasing funding and sponsorship, incorporating more technology into classroom learning and boosting enrollment.  

“The last couple of years, our numbers have been down a little bit,” Clark said. “So, I’m just looking forward to hopefully building that back up and seeing what we can do for the future of the school.”

The Werks will be moving to Indiana to be closer to relatives. Anne Werk said she will stay updated with school and church events on social media and serve as a resource for Clark when he needs support.

Clark said he will follow Werk’s advice of relying on his faith and school staff as he enters the principal role. He described Werk as a great mentor, both personally and professionally. 

Werk’s career was honored at a retirement celebration June 19. Alumni students spoke about the impact Werk has had on them. Werk, however, feels her most meaningful experiences at St. Paul’s are teaching and overseeing students as they mature.

“I love being a part of the children’s lives and their families’ lives … and seeing growth over the years,” Werk said.

“When you get to retirement age, you start talking about your legacy and about what you’re leaving behind,” Werk said. “I hope that I’ve made a difference in the lives of the kids and their families.”

Anne Werk (left) and Jason Clark (right) in the St. Paul's school library.

Photo by Lauren Leone.

St. Paul’s offers tuition awards to two new students this fall

By Lauren Leone

St. Paul Lutheran School is offering one full-tuition award and one partial-tuition award to two new elementary students during the 2019–20 school year.

The grant money to fund these scholarships was provided by Lutheran Church Extension Society of Buffalo. 

For a student to be eligible for either the full or $400 partial-tuition award, this must be their first time enrolling at St. Paul’s school and their 2019–20 registration must be accepted by school administration by July 31.

The two students whose names are pulled at a drawing Aug. 6 will be contacted by the school board about their tuition awards.

St. Paul’s “will look into ways to get our name out there even more than it already is,” said Jason Clark, the newly hired St. Paul’s School principal.

”We’ve already started that with this grant that we’ve received and are advertising out,” Clark said. “Having a new student be able to come tuition-free for the first year is a great start.”

Registration forms are available at the school’s location at 31 Washington Ave., Batavia, and online here.

Summer Fest 2019 will mix old and new Batavia festival traditions

By Lauren Leone

The premiere Ascension Parish Summer Fest 2019 will be reminiscent of past Batavia traditions, but it promises a fresh take on the classic summer festival.  

The event will occur from noon to 11 p.m. July 20 and 21 on Ascension Parish grounds at 19 Sumner St., Batavia.

Since events like Summer in the City, the Elba Onion Festival and the St. Joseph’s Lawn Fete have been discontinued, Summer Fest hopes to adapt old festival concepts to modern crowds.

“My idea with this is to bring the community together this year,” Father David Glassmire said to volunteers during an informational meeting at the parish Monday. “We’re here — our beer, our bands and our bites. I want people to have fun.” 

Summer Fest volunteers will serve home-cooked international food options like Greek and Mexican food as opposed to conventional festival fare. Food offerings will feature a Polish platter and Italian stand to celebrate the ethnicities of parishioners. 

“You can get a hotdog or a sausage almost anywhere,” Summer Fest Co-Chair Matthew DellaPenna said. “There’s food trucks popping up in town. So, we wanted to do something a little bit different.”

Polka bands, Italian bands and local favorites like The OHMS Band, The Old Hippies and Savage Cabbage will perform live music throughout the two-day event. The festival will also offer a gambling tent, table games, a 50/50 split cash raffle and package raffles.

Ascension Parish is seeking volunteers and community sponsorships for Summer Fest 2019. Individuals can contact (585) 343-1796 or pastor@ascensionrcc.com for more information.

Ascension Parish leaders and volunteers said they are excited to host this new event and enjoy music, food and fun. Proceeds from Summer Fest will be used to serve the parish and maintain its community outreach in Batavia and Genesee County.

Democratic PAC targets Collins over campaign fundraising

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

End Citizens United (ECU) today named Rep. Chris Collins (NY-27) to the Big Money 20, the group’s top targets to defeat in 2020. ECU’s Big Money 20 campaign is focused on defeating incumbents who benefit most from the corrupt establishment in Washington by showing voters how politicians like Rep. Collins put corporate special interest donors ahead of the people they’re supposed to represent. 

“Chris Collins is one of the most corrupt members of Congress and has committed several federal crimes,” said End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller. “Not only has Collins taken hundreds of thousands of dollars in special interest money, but he has betrayed the trust of his district by using his Congressional seat to give big breaks to the pharmaceutical companies in which he has personally invested millions.

"Meanwhile, New Yorkers with preexisting conditions are seeing their coverage threatened and drug prices skyrocket. Chris Collins is watching out for his bank account and his Big Pharma donors, not New Yorkers. End Citizens United and our members look forward to defeating Chris Collins in 2020.” 

The Big Money 20 aims to educate voters about incumbents who represent the worst of Washington and rally support for reforming the political system. The members of the Big Money 20 are incumbents who take money from corporate special interests, mega-donors, and industries like Big Pharma and Big Oil and then put those interests ahead of their constituents. 

Collins and his son owned approximately one-fifth of an Australian pharmaceutical company called Innate Immunotherapeutics. Collins convinced five other GOP lawmakers to invest in the company — all while pushing legislation aimed at helping the company succeed. When the company’s one drug failed a clinical trial, Collins breached confidentiality and informed his son who tipped off several other Innate investors and sold millions of shares.

In August 2018, Collins was arrested and charged with 13 counts of securities fraud, wire fraud, and making false statements after lying to the FBI in an attempt to cover up his crimes. But this corruption was nothing new. Collins has been called “Big Pharma’s biggest supporter in Congress.”

He abused the power of his office in order to boost Innate and his other Big Pharma donors, which have given him more than $72,000 by crusading for provisions that would save Innate millions of dollars and make it easier for them to be granted FDA status.

Collins also voted for the GOP tax bill which gave billions in tax giveaways to corporations and admitted to a reporter that his mega-donors were saying to get the bill passed or “don’t ever call [them] again.” 

In the 2018 cycle, End Citizens United helped defeat 82 percent of the Big Money 20 targets. ECU will connect its more than 550,000 members to endorsed candidates who are challenging Big Money 20 targets.

ECU has conducted extensive polling and research showing that voters across the political spectrum support getting big money out of politics. ECU is a traditional political action committee (PAC) with more than four million members, including 6,300 in New York’s 27th Congressional District.

ECU raised $44 million in the 2018 last cycle and helped elect more than 150 members to the 116th Congress, including two new U.S. senators and 58 new U.S. representatives. The reform group is entirely grassroots-funded with an average donation of just $14.

NOTE: We asked spokesman Sayed Bawadden about End Citizens United, and specifically if they also listed Democratic office holders, and he responded: "We're a Democratic PAC focused on campaign finance reform, so we only target Republicans."

Also, according to campaign finance disclosures, Collins has raised only $5,000 for the 2020 campaign.

Driver cited in accident at Lewiston and West Main yesterday

By Howard B. Owens

A driver was ticketed for alleged failure to yield the right of way leading to an accident at Lewiston and West Main, Batavia, at 3 p.m. yesterday.

Sharon J. Benty, 73, of Weber Avenue, Oakfield, told Deputy Mathew Clor, who wrote the accident reports, "I had a green light and I thought she would slow down when she saw me."

Benty, according to the report, was driving a 2013 Toyota sedan east on Route 5 when she attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Lewiston Road.

Anna Jane Molnar, 19, of Phelps Road, Corfu, was driving a 1997 Ford sedan was heading west on Route 5. 

According to Clor's report, Benty turned in front of Molnar, who had the right of way.

Benty, Molnar, and Molnar's passenger, 23-year-old Austin T. Geist, all suffered minor injuries and were transported to UMMC for evaluation.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS assisted at the scene.

(Initial Post)

Late rally saves State College from series sweep by first-place Muckdogs

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Just when the Batavia Muckdogs were ready to come home with a sweep of State College, Jonatan Machado provided eighth-inning heroics.

Machado crushed a two-out, three-run home run that finished erasing a 5-2 Batavia lead and gave the Spikes a 6-5 lead they would hold for the win.

Leonardo Taveras, who has been nearly perfect for the Spikes, came on in the top of the ninth, striking out two batters while picking up the save with his fastball clocked at 98.

Picking up the win on the mound for the Spikes was Cardinals' 2019 seventh-round draft pick right-hander Jack Ralston (1-0).​Batavia won the series, 2-1.

Batavia rapped 18 hits but no home runs on Monday in a victory, and started Tuesday with two home runs.

Jack Strunc blasted his first of the season, a two-RBI shot in the fourth inning. Strunc was a 25th-round pick in June of the Miami Marlins out of Creighton, Neb.

Brayan Hernandez hit his second home run of the season in the fifth inning, a solo shot.

Nic Ready had a strong 2-for-4 game with two doubles, an RBi, and a run as he now has a .310 average.

Dalvy Rosario (run) doubled for the Muckdogs and Troy Johnston singled.

Batavia southpaw Edison Suriel took the loss in relief.

Batavia starter Julio Frias went five strong innings with five strikeouts and gave up one earned run.

Another bright spot for Batavia was a strong outing by M.D. Johnson, who came on with one out and struck out two batters for his third hold. ​

Batavia (15-9), remains in first place and plays at home at Dwyer Stadium against the Lowell Spinners, a farm club of the Boston Red Sox.

The game has many specials, including game-day food discounts that will be announced at the game, and Sahlen's will provide hot dogs for just $1 all game. It is also Turnbull Little League night as children wearing youth baseball shirts receive a free general admission ticket.

On Thursday it's Thirsty Thursday as all Labatt's products are $2. On Friday is Crafty Hour where the large selection of craft beers are just $3. There will be other specials and events during the week. All games are at 7:05 p.m.

Tickets for these games and others are available at the Dwyer Stadium box office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, online at muckdogs.com or by calling 585-483-3647.

'Sharrows' -- new lane markings, signs in Batavia to increase awareness of bicyclists

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release from the City of Batavia:

National and Local efforts to incorporate bicyclists in any new road project are finding their way into the City of Batavia.

“Complete Streets” is the term that is used for any street or highway, or any reconstruction of an existing highway, to consider the effect on bicyclists and pedestrians. Where possible, accommodation of these two groups should be incorporated into the project.

This has happened in the City of Batavia, where the most recent update to the City’s Comprehensive Plan encourages a “Complete Streets” approach. East Avenue and Liberty Street now have “sharrows,” or shared lane markings (SLM), meaning that the streets, which have only one travel lane in each direction, are shared with bicycles in a wide (14 feet or more) lane (see road photo).

Shared lane markings are high-visibility pavement markings that help position bicyclists within the travel lane. These markings are often used on streets where dedicated bike lanes are desirable but are not possible due to physical or other constraints.

Shared lane markings are placed in the travel lane to alert motorists of bicycle traffic, while also encouraging cyclists to ride at an appropriate distance from the “door zone” of adjacent parked cars.

If there is enough room, a separate bike lane should be marked. Dedicated bike lanes do impact the ability to accommodate on street parking and often there just isn’t enough room to accommodate them.

Further complicating the issue for bicyclists are streets where parking is allowed, as drivers often open their doors without looking for bicycles approaching from the rear. Bicyclists have been seriously injured by riding into a car door opened by a driver or rear-seat passenger without regard for bicycles.

The “sharrow” pavement markings should be supplemented with a Bicycle Warning Sign (see sign photo).

Federal and state criteria designate where the sharrows and the warning signs should and should not be used.

For bicyclists, where the sharrows are painted on the pavement, it only means that both bicycles and vehicles must use the same lane, and caution should be used by both. Vehicles should give bicyclists plenty of room when overtaking bicycles and bicyclists should realize that vehicles will be passing them.

Providing marked facilities such as shared lane markings is one way of helping to persuade residents to give bicycling a try and remind motorists that the roadway is to be shared with bicycles.

Law and Order: Oakfield teen accused of leaving accident, reporting car as stolen, giving false information

By Billie Owens

Kayla Michelle Yglesias, 19, of Fisher Road, Oakfield, is charged with: falsifying business records in the first degree; falsely reporting an incident to law enforcement in the third degree; operator leaving the scene of a property damage accident; moving from lane unsafely; unlicensed operator; and failure to report a property damage accident. At 8:50 p.m. on July 7, Yglesias was arrested after an investigation of an incident that occurred at 3:45 a.m. June 22 on Fisher Road in Oakfield. She was allegedly involved in a motor-vehicle accident in the Town of Oakfield and left the scene. She then reported the vehicle she was driving as stolen to Sheriff's deputies and falsified information on a supporting deposition. On July 3, deputies recovered the vehicle submerged in a body of water in the Town of Byron. Yglesias was issued appearance tickets and is due in Oakfield Town Court on July 29. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Investigator Christopher Parker.

Adam Michael Kreutz, 30, of Franklin Street, Batavia, is charged with falsifying business records in the first degree. He was arrested at 9:50 p.m. on July 7 after an investigation of an incident that occurred at 3:45 a.m. on June 22 on Fisher Road in Oakfield. Kreutz allegedly falsified information on a supporting deposition taken by the GC Sheriff's Office to conceal another crime that was committed. He was arraigned in Oakfield Town Court and jailed without bail. He was due to return to Oakfield court on July 8. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by  Investigator Christopher Parker.

Parker E. Payton, 20, of Pavilion, was arrested by the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office following a traffic stop on York Road in the Town of Pavilion. He is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; reckless driving; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; unlawful possession of marijuana; unlawful possession of alcohol by person under 21; possession of a fictitious driver’s license; and multiple other traffic infractions. Payton was observed driving on State Route 63 in the Town of Covington several feet into the oncoming lane while traffic was flowing in the opposite direction past his vehicle. Payton drove his vehicle onto Perry Road then turned on to York Road where deputies were able to conduct a traffic stop. Payton was found to be in underage and allegedly in possession of alcohol in plain view within his vehicle. A subsequent vehicle search found Payton to be in possession of marijuana inside a grinder, concentrated cannabis, and a forged NYS driver’s license. Payton also allegedly failed field sobriety testing and was taken into custody for DWAI Drugs. Payton was taken to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office where a Drug Recognition Expert performed a drug influence evaluation with Payton. Payton was found to be impaired by cannabis and unable to operate a vehicle safely. Payton was released to a sober third party and scheduled to answer the charges in the Town of Covington Court on July 29.

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