By Becky LeFevre

Summer is almost over! Labor day is approaching, school is about to start, and the cherries are in season. Cherries in season? Thanks to creative cultivating and new storage technologies, local farms really do have fresh cherries in season RIGHT NOW! Schwab Farm, located in Gasport NY, has been working with Cornell researchers this season on testing the effects of Modified Atmosphere Packaging on different varieties of sweet cherries. Modified Atmosphere Packaging, or MAP, is the technical term for plastic storage bags that extend the life of fresh produce by controlling the atmosphere (specifically the CO2 and O2 levels) inside the bag. Given a more controlled climate, produce stays fresher longer.   But, its not as easy at it sounds. Each type of produce, and each variety within each type, reacts differently to the MAP. At Schwab Farm, different varieties of sweet cherries are placed in MAP and the effects of the MAP are carefully studied to see which varieties of sweet cherries perform best in the new packaging. This current testing will help fruit growers in the future know which varieties to grow for use in MAP, so that the freshest sweet cherries can make it to market much later into the season.

Sharon Brent from Schwab Farms sells produce at the Genesee Country Farmers Market (located in the Batavia Downs parking lot on Park Rd.) every Tuesday and Friday, and hopes to have sweet cherries for sale until Labor Day. That is remarkable, considering the typical sweet cherry season in western New York ends around the first of August. In addition to the use of MAP, cherries are available from Schwab Farm because the farm grows a wide variety of cherries that mature at different times. While some varieties are done around Aug. 1^st, many other varieties continue to mature throughout the month of August. 

Cornell chose to specifically study the effects of MAP on sweet cherries for a few reasons. Cherries are becoming more popular due to recent discoveries of their health benefits. Cherries have powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and even the ability to reduce the risk of some types of cancer and Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, sweet cherries have a very short shelf life, and here in the northeast we have a relatively short growing season. MAP can greatly help farmers meet the local demands for cherries. Instead of purchasing an alternative at the grocery store, local consumers can buy fresh produce from local farms much later into the season. This means our dollars stay in the local economy, and fruit we eat is as fresh and nutritious as possible.

With fresh cherries available later in the season, there may be a need for some fresh ideas on how to use them. Pick up some sweet cherries this week at the Genesee Country Farmers Market and try one of the quick recipes below.

At a press conference this morning, Tom Mancuso, president of Mancuso Development, said he was "delighted" the state approved a $1.5 million grant to help advance the Masse Gateway Project.

Even though the grant was $1 million less than originally requested by the city, Mancuso said the project should still be able to move forward.

It will cost at least $3.1 million and create an entrance off Masse Place into the Harvester industrial complex. The plan is to turn the old buildings into space suitable or light industrial and commercial uses for small businesses.

Mancuso said the the funding "really entitles us to spend a lot more money." In addition to the planned private investment from Mancuso Development, Mancuso implied his company will also need to come up with an additional $1 million to complete the project.

Audio: Tom Mancuso talks about the project.

The Batavian's news partner, WBTA, covered the press conference.

A Batavia man is in jail without bail after being found driving a car that was reported stolen Wednesday morning.

The auto theft was apparently part of a house burglary in the 200 block of State Street.

Reginald Wilson, 36, of 112 State St., is charged with criminal possession of stolen property.

Wilson was reportedly found driving the stolen car on Lehigh Street at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Police are investigating whether he was involved in the auto theft and burglary.

Paul Pontillo, of Pontillo's Pizza in Batavia, is accused of writing bad checks from a business account.

The alleged bad checks were written in 2008.

The 53-year-old Pontillo was arraigned in City of Batavia Court yesterday and released on his own recognizance.

Previously:

• State says: Pontillo's Pizza in Batavia owes more than $112k in back taxes
• Pontillo brother wants his name cleared of blame for tax problem
• Pontillo's brothers may head to court
• Batavia Daily News Friday: Pontillo's reopening soon doesn't look good
• Pontillo's: Open for Delivery

Gregory M. Brew, 24, of 4799 Linden Road, East Bethany, is charged with DWI and unlicensed operationof a vehicle. Brew was arrested at Strong Memorial Hospital following a rollover accident on East Road at 10:38 p.m. on Wednesday. No other vehicles were involved in the accident. Deputy Matt Butler investigated the incident.

Tyrell T. Harris, 19, of 114 W. Englewood Ave., Teaneck, N.J., and William P. Ponder, 19, of 3905 Carpenter Ave., Bronx, are charged with trespass. Harris and Ponder were allegedly involved in an incident at College Village and told to leave. After Sheriff's deputies left College Village, Harris and Ponder allegedly returned. They were jailed on $250 bail each.

William Grey Neff, 35, of 1210 S. Main St., Medina, is charged with forcible touching. Neff is accused of forcibly touching a woman.

Kelly A. Decker, 23, of 127 Liberty St., upper, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Decker is accused of stealing $200 from July 23 to Aug. 20 while employed as a cashier at Kmart.

Dustin R. Benham, 20, of Darien, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Benham was arrested by State Police in the Town of Batavia. He was held without bail. No other details were provided.

A car struck a bicyclist Thursday at 5 p.m., and while the driver stopped briefly, she left the scene before police arrived.

She is described as a "middle aged" white woman.

Police are asking the woman to either contact police, or if any witnesses can identify her, to call Detective Richard Schauf at 585-345-6312 or contact the confidential call line at  585-345-6370.

In a press release, police say the car turned right from West Main Street onto Jefferson Avenue. The bicyclist was traveling east. The driver got out of her car, but then got back in and left the scene.

No description of the car is available.

Neither the name of the bicyclist nor his or her condidtion were released by police.

UPDATE 5:03 p.m.: Det. Rich Schauf sent over this note a little while ago:

Thank You for your assistance in locating the driver of the car regarding the news release I sent earlier. The Driver heard the story on WBTA and phoned me. A witness also read the story on the Batavian. The driver was able to tell her side of the story which was verified by the witness. The report will be completed now. No charges are being placed. The bike rider had minor injuries. The important thing was the vehicle insurance information. Thanks again for your willingness to help us serve the community.  

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, N.Y.: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, N.Y.: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson St., Batavia, N.Y.: Family photos are more than just photographs. When you need photos for that special occasion, Carlson's is a great choice in Genesee County. We have a $50 gift card for $25.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: 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.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, N.Y.: Ribs, brisket, steak, prime rib -- Center Street is a meat lover's paradise. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Picasso's Pizza, 419 W. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: A great variety of pizza, subs and salads -- and try the wings, too. We have three $5 booklets of $1 gift certificates ($15 value) for $7.50. The gift certificates can be used collectively or individually.

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

SOLD OUT

At its annual meeting this summer, the Genesee County YWCA announced its choice for 2008 Business of the Year and Individual of the Year.

YWCA Program Dicrector Brenda Chapell provided this information about the honorees.

The Rent-A-Center store at 4152 W. Main St. was selected as Business of the Year. Its relationship with the YWCA began some years back when a big screen TV was needed for the public viewing of "Hip Hop: Beyond the Beats and Rhymes." A showing was scheduled at Main Street Coffee and a TV was needed. Rent-A-Center was called out of the blue and the store manager offered to have the TV delivered and arranged pick up afterward. It was a generous donation of time and money.

Rent-A-Center's Dave Harper has also allowed the YWCA  to borrow camcorders to record mock interviews during the YWCA’s “Power Up!” program. These recordings are then given to the women in the program and they are able to review their recorded interviews and learn from them. That way, they can fine-tune interview practices to increase their chances of getting a job.

In addition, Rent-A-Center also donates a used laptop for “Power Up!”. The participants are entered in a drawing for the laptop based on their attendance. This is a life-changing gift for one very lucky woman. Even though Harper has since taken some time away from the store, Rick DeFreeze has stepped in as the new store manager and continues the generous and supportive relationship with the YWCA.

The YWCA's Individual of the Year for 2008 is James Soggs. He has been an important link in the YWCA's work with our community. To many, he is best known through the Gospel and Grace program. It is an evening of food, fun and prayer and it is a blessing to all who take part.

Soggs has given of himself for years, organizing youth dances and being active in his church. He is a coach for both youth football and Little League Baseball. He encourages young people to do their best and have a good time doing it. He is a tremendous role model for the youth of our community.

What Soggs does for the YWCA and this community is much more than organizing an event. He brings people together. He bridges the gaps between people from different races and backgrounds. He shows by example what it means to be a good citizen. He shows young people that the way to happiness is doing what you love. He demonstrates what friendship truly means.

A rollover accident has been reported on East Road in Bethany, just north of Jericho Road.

Returning to Batavia our thoughts came back to the comments made, this afternoon on this site, about how little support there would be for healthcare reform.

The first surprise was that there was no one there to oppose us.  People walked by and gave us a thumbs up.  Cars passed and horns honked.  Even 18 wheelers gave us an approving toot on their horns.

A prophetic sign that we learned was true based on the reception we received tonight in Lancaster.

Beth's ingenius idea of classy candle holders.

Lorie Longhany stands amid the supporters of healthcare reform in Lancaster.

Beth, Lorie, and Dan Longhany.

It was peaceful; it was powerful; it was important to us.

A patrol officer -- not sure which agency -- reported a dumpster fire at 59 S. Lake Road, Bergen.

Bergen Fire has been dispatched.

The reporting officer and possibly one other person are attempting to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher and hose.

UPDATE 7:09 p.m.: Bergen Fire back in service.

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The city's application for a $2.5 million grant to help spark redevelopment of Masse Gateway (part of the Harvester Center complex) has been reduced to $1.5 million in the final award.

The city received word today that the funds will be released to the City, according to The Batavian's news partner WBTA.

City Manager Jason Molino told WBTA that the RestoreNY funds were intended to begin demolition and reconstruction of Masse Place.

"It's our hope that this will be the beginning of opportunities to develop that former industrial site into some more commercial and light industrial locations for businesses and hopefully increase jobs in the area," Molino said.

UPDATE: City Council President Charlie Mallow issued this statement this afternoon:

After decades of political inaction and stonewalling, our city has finally taken the first step forward to rebuild its decaying center. This could not have been possible without our City Manager and his staff. Their hard work and determination has brought millions of dollars in grants, as well as financial stability to our community over the last two years. I also want to thank Mr. Mancuso for believing in and investing in our city. Batavia can only prosper when business people like Mr. Mancuso are willing to take a chance and invest their own hard earned money into our community. I would like to give a special thanks to Governor Patterson and his staff for taking the time to understand the needs of our city and ensuring that Batavia receives its share of federal and state dollars to help stimulate our local economy.

Previous Masse Gateway Project coverage.

The driver of a tractor trailer says a possible weight shift caused him to lose control of his trailer last night, causing his rig to rumble off  southbound Route 63 and strike a utility pole.

Pole #5867 was sheared off at its base and the trailer overturned.

The driver, Ljubisa Savuljeskovic, 55, of 192 Hugson St., Hamilton, Ontario Canada, was not injured in the accident.

The mishap was reported at 9:14 p.m.

A witness told Deputy C.J. Minuto that she saw Savuljeskovic swerve suddenly and then seem to overreact, causing him to lose control of the trailer.

National Grid was called to the scene to repair the utility pole.

Roger Jaczynski, of Byron, dropped just a couple of bucks into a video lottery game at Batavia Downs on Sunday. Within seconds, he was $308,000 richer.

His winnings mark the largest progressive jackpot hit ever at an in-house video gaming machine in New York.

"We are very excited to have a jackpot of this magnitude and that we can award it to one of our valued patrons," said Marty Biniasz, director of marketing, Batavia Downs Casino.

The previous record was $197,938 awarded in 2008 to a patron of Empire City Casino at Yonkers.

A progressive game starts out with a prize of $10,000 and builds as more and more players participate without hitting the jackpot.

WBTA has interviewed Jaczynski and will air his comments on its 12:30 p.m. newscast.

Oakfield will not be holding a Community Worship Service this Sunday, normally a feature of its "Labor Daze" celebration, because the issue of gay marriage has caused a rift between churches there.

The Community Betterment Committee's Labor Daze officials, after discussions with Mayor Rick Pastecki and others, opted to cancel the 10:30 a.m. service at Triangle Park on Sunday to avoid any possibility of a "brouhaha," said festival co-chair Donna Dwyer.

The service has been part of the holiday weekend line-up for 24 years -- until now.

The situation devolved from a letter to the editor published in the Daily News on May 22 written by Rev. Larry Eastlack of Oakfield United Methodist Church. It stated that while most evangelical leaders are encouraging their congregations to oppose the "Marriage Equality Act," he differed. The legislation has been passed in several states and New York is considering it, too.

Eastlack's letter said that although most Christians believe homosexuality is incompatible with Biblical teachings, "I believe it is possible to stay true to your religious convictions, whatever they are, and still support legislation that would allow homosexual persons to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities that come with matrimony."

The reverend was unavailable for comment, but his letter created a veritable firestorm in the community and it's still smoldering.

The brigade against his views is led by fundamentalist pastors at Oakfield Community Bible Church, led by Bill Smith, and Mark Perkins, who leads the Oakfield Alabama Baptist Church. They've been coordinating the Community Worship Service for the past several years and wanted to exclude Eastlack from the Community Worship Service this year specifically because of his now publically known views on gay marriage.

(Leaders' "participation" amounts to sitting among other local church representatives and listening to a guest speaker's sermon. Cal Kern, president and general manager of a Christian sports team called Niagara Power Baseball, was scheduled this year.)

They asked to sit down with the reverend and Perkins said they, including Eastlack's associate Dave Phelps, discussed their views cordially and the meeting ended with Eastlack's decision not to participate if that meant creating more strife.

A letter prepared Aug. 10 by Perkins and Smith -- which amounts to an ultimatum to disavow gay marriage or else be shunned -- was given to Eastlack afterward "almost as an afterthought," said Perkins to emphasize the amiable tone at the meeting's conclusion.

The letter rejects the notion of gay marriage as a civil rights issue and the idea that homosexuality is determined genetically. It cites Scripture on the issue and urges Eastlack to change his stance, with this caveat:

"...our Elders have stated that having you take part (in the Sept. 6 service) would send a message to our community and respective congregations that 1. We are in agreement with your stance or 2. We are willing to pretend that unity exists."

The Labor Daze Community Worship Service was heretofore ecumenical in nature, according to residents. But Perkins said the public Sunday service is not supposed to be "a social feel-good message."

"It's meant to send a clear, Biblical Gospel message to people there who might not attend church or otherwise hear it," Perkins said.

The mayor finds the whole thing ugly.

"My personal feeling is that it just saddens me down to my soul," Pastecki said.

Anne Marie Weremblewski, 55, of 4016 W. Main St. Road, #4, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Weremblewski is accused of violating a no offensive conduct restraining order. She allegedly yelled obscenities at the protected party.

Here's the most viewed posts for August 2009.

• Blink 182 show at Darien Lake leads to 16 arrests
• St. Nick's closing its doors, by Brian Hillabush
• Children on assistance eligible for $200 in back-to-school aid
• 23 people arrested at Lil' Wayne concert at Darien Lake
• Harley-riding Border Patrol agents pass through Batavia, visit Stan's Harley
• Eleven arrests reported at Phish concert at Darien Lake
• Eric Massa, by Peter O'Brien
• Drunken driving suspected in Darien accident that kills Dansville girl
• The public should know the details of union settlement well before vote
• The Political Spectrum Quiz, by Bea McManis

Here's the most viewed video in August (Man airlifted from accident on Route 5, Le Roy, by Mercy Flight):

A smoke detector has sounded and the resident can see smoke, but she doesn't know where it's coming from and she doesn't see any fire at 335 Bank St., Batavia.

The City Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 8:56 p.m: Engine 12 back in service. Reset the alarms.

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