Mancuso Bowling Center surrendered a couple more honor scores this past week, with Paul Bacon posting 300 on Monday night and Jason Quilliam spinning 814 on Thursday night.

In the Mancuso Real Estate League, Bacon started with 191 and 215 on lanes 3&4 before stringing 12 consecutive strikes in game three to finish with a 706 series. 

The 57-year-old Lockport resident (and Batavia native) now has six USBC-certified 300 games. He is off to a hot start with a 239 average after four weeks.

In the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 4-Man League, Quilliam registered 259-289-266--814 on lanes 17-18.

It is the 42-year-old Batavian's second 800 series and raised his average to 236.

At Medina Lanes, Joe Dellario rolled a 300 game in the Thursday Firefighters League on Oct. 5.

For a list of high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Press release:

Here are the results from today's meet at Monroe County Athletics Gymnastics in Byron:

Team Results: 1. Pittsford: 133.85, 2. Fairport: 119.05, 3. Genesee: 111.375

All Around: 1. Elizabeth Power (Pittsford): 36.050, 6. Roan Finn (Genesee): 30.0,  7. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 27.45, 8. Gianna Trigilio (Genesee): 24.0

Vault: 1. Elizabeth Power (Pittsford): 9.2, 8. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 7.75, 10. Roan Finn & Mikayla Yohon (Genesee): 7.7, 16. Nee'Kay Smith (Genesee): 7.2, 17. Lei St.Clair (Genesee): 7.1, 18. Gianna Trigilio (Genesee): 5.75

Uneven Bars: 1. Elizabeth Power (Pittsford): 8.95, 7. Haylie Leitten (Genesee): 6.25, 11. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 5.95, 12. Roan Finn (Genesee): 5.9, 14. Gianna Trigilio & Mikayla Yohon (Genesee): 5.6, 17. Hannah Spencer (Genesee): 5.2

Balance Beam: 1. Elizabeth Power (Pittsford): 8.65, 3. Roan Finn (Genesee): 8.15, 9. Haylie Leitten (Genesee): 7.35, 13. Nee'Kay Smith (Genesee): 6.225, 15. Gianna Trigilio  (Genesee): 6.15,  17. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 6.0, 18. Hannah Spencer (Genesee): 5.6

Floor Exercise: 1. Katie Kull (Pittsford): 9.3, 8. Roan Finn (Genesee): 8.25, 10. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 7.75, 13. Hannah Spencer (Genesee): 6.95, 16. Gianna Trigilio (Genesee): 6.5, 17. Lei St.Clair (Genesee): 6.15, 18. Samantha Copani (Genesee): 5.7

Even though the Genesee Varsity Gymnastics team placed 3rd at the meet, there were many personal bests! The girls will continue to work hard to achieve personal and team goals. Their next meet is Friday, October 14 at MCA Gymnastics at 6 p.m. 

Press release:

Upcoming Batavia area Red Cross Blood Drives:

Tuesday, October 11
Robert Morris
Batavia City School District
80 Union St.
12:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday, October 18
NYS School for the Blind
2A Richmond Ave
10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday, November 4
Social Services Building
5130 E Main St Rd
09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday, November 12
Stafford Fire Department
6153 Main Rd. Route 5
08:30 AM - 02:00 PM

Tuesday, November 15, 2022
First United Methodist Church
8221 Lewiston Rd
02:00 PM - 07:00 PM

CAN YOU PLEASE HELP?
Disasters like Hurricane Ian are exactly why the Red Cross is so crucial. Hundreds of trained Red Cross volunteers and critical relief supplies are on the ground across the state of Florida – including volunteers from the WNY region. These aid workers have been serving at nearly 300 shelters, assessing damage and distributing supplies- including blood products to hospitals. These selfless individuals will help to provide comfort, care and hope to all those impacted by Hurricane Ian.

What can YOU do? 
Please GIVE BLOOD and help keep the Red Cross supply stable, especially for those in the path of this storm.

If you are unable to donate, or have already signed up, please take a moment to share this message with anyone and everyone you know that might be willing to help. Walk-Ins and appointments are welcome. Call 1800-RED-CROSS or schedule at redcrossblood.org

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our area contact, catherine.orr@redcross.org.

Thank you for doing whatever you can!
Please click here for one-minute video - Myths About Giving Blood

The Oakfield-Alabama Aggies remain undefeated on the 2022 season after swamping Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen 48-13 on Friday night.

It was senior night for the Aggies.

• Noah Currier had Carries, 131 yards, three Rushing TDs, a 32-yard reception TD, and 60-yard fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
• Bodie Hyde, five carries, 121 yards, one TD, 2-4 passing, 59 Yards, two passing TDs, and on defense, eight tackles and a fumble recovery.
• Connor Scott, two carries, 43 yards, 5 Tackles, and a fumble recovery.
• Brayden Smith, 10 tackles
• Aiden Warner, 10 tackles
• TJ Andrews , nine tackles

"It's nice to get a win against a tough opponent like CMBB, but the story tonight was about how we need to continue to work towards cleaning up a few things if we are going to accomplish the goals we want to accomplish," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "Luckily, true progress is not always linear.  We will enjoy the win tonight and look to our next opponent as an opportunity to take steps in the right direction for our team's journey."

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos, click here.

Drew Strollo helped Le Roy to four scores on four early possession on Friday night to help the Oatkan Knights to a 53-14 win over Vertus Charter.

Strollo scored hit Jack Tonzi on a 34-yard TD pass, ran four two yards to score, hit Tonzi again on a 33-yard pass, and ran for a three-yard touchdown.

The score was 27-8 at the half. 

In the second half, Tony Piazza scored on runs of 24 yards and one yard. Jackson Fix scored on a run of 30 yards and Simeon Fisher ran the ball in from 13-yards out.

Strollo was 2-5 passing for 67 yards.  He ran for 141 yards on 17 attempts. Jackson fixed gained 86 yards on ten carries and Piazza rushed for 66 yards on 10 carries.

Bryce Lathan had six tackles. Ryan Higgins had a QB sack and three tackles.

Photos by Ed Henry.  Top photo: Xavien Walker, Tony Piazza, and Jackson Fix halt the Vertus running back.

Cal Koukides (24) celebrates (33) Jack Tonzi’s touchdown reception.

Bryce Lathan (42) is a terror on the LeRoy kickoff team.

LeRoy’s Andrew Pocock (40) boots another successful PAT kick.

LeRoy’s Keegan Park drops the Vertus RB in the backfield.

 LeRoy’s Manny Fisher disrupts the Vertus pass attempt.

LeRoy’s Ayden Riggi provides a block for teammate Cal Koukides (24).

LeRoy’s Drew Strollo avoids a would-be tackler.

Drew Strollo (34) celebrates (5) Jackson Fix’s TD run. 

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame were solid against Clyde Savannah on Saturday for a 20-6 win

Scoring:

• Notre Dame, Jay Antinore's pass complete to Jaden Sherwood for 27 yards.  PAT Brandon Carrick.
• Notre Dame, Jay Antinore connects with Jaden Sherwood for a 7-yard TD  PAT Brandon Carrick.
• Clyde Savannah, Zymere Smith runs for 17 yards. Two-point conversion attempt fails
• Nortre Dame, Jay Antinore runs for 16 yards.  

Antinore was 13-19 passing for 258 yards.  He also threw three interceptions. Antinore ran for 67 yards and a TD.

Ryan Fitzpatrick and James Fanara each had four receptions, for 140 and 51 yards respectively.

Jaden Sherwood and Ryan Fitzpatrick led the team in tackles with five apiece.

Alexander scored the first six times the Trojans touched the football on Friday against Cuba-Rushford leading to a 41-7 win.

Scores:

• A 25-yard pass play from Trent Woods to Kaden Lyons. 
• Woods, 25-yards, to Benny Merrill in back left corner of the endzone.   
• Woods again connected with Lyons and after breaking two tackles Kaden crossed the goal line from 15-yards out. 
• One minute later Tyler Marino had a pick-six from 50 yards out
• With 2 minutes to go in the half, 2-yard run by RB Ricky Townley. 
• In the third quarter, the Trojans moved the ball down the field and Trenton Woods finished the drive with an 8-yard keeper

Cuba-Rushford scored on the final play of the game.

Townley ran eight times for 65 yards and one TD. Woods had six carries for 64 yards and one TD  and was 4-6 passing for 64 yards and three touchdowns. Kaden Lyons had two carries for 23 yards and two receptions for 40 yards and 2 TDs.

Defensively Mason Bump and Kaden Lyons along with Ricky Townley each had seven tackles. 

From the start, the Batavia Blue Devils easily handled another opponent, cruising to a 41-20 win over Dansville/Wayland-Cohocton on Friday night.

Carter McFollins opened the scoring with a 90-yard kickoff return.

Batavia scored again on the first quarter on a 19-yard pass from Ja'vin McFollins to Cole Grazioplene.

In the second quarter,  Aiden Anderson on runs of 3 yards and 8 yards. 

In the second half, Mekhi Fortes scored on an 8-yard run, and Zay Griffin scored on a 65-yard run.

Wayland scored three times in the second-half.

For Batavia, Julia Petry connected on five of six point-after attempts.

For the game, Anderson ran for 109 yards on 14 attempts and Griffin 82 yards on three attempts.

Ja'vin McFollins was 7-11 passing for 121 yards.

Carter McFollins had two receptions for 55 yards.

On defense, Garret Schmidt had 10 tackles.

James Di Lullo is a facts man, which may answer why he did so well in Scholastic Bowl before graduating from Batavia High School in 2007.

As for his more recent ventures with film-making and acting, facts have also come into play. With some experience, schooling, research and tenacity, plus assistance from family members and his girlfriend, the 33-year-old Western New York native cobbled together a production to be premiered in Buffalo this weekend.

“Goldenrod” is a short film conceived and produced at DiLullo’s family farm in Cattaraugus County. As the name implies, scenery is lush with mustard-colored goldenrod and foliage, with a glass-like lake nearby the circa 1852 homestead.

“So I was sitting on the deck of a big beautiful, plantation-style, almost farmhouse, looking out over the lake in September, and beautiful fields, and determined that this was the perfect place for me to write about, for me to create a story that could be completely produced and shot on that location,” he said during an interview Wednesday with The Batavian. “And involve local history and entertainment to combine all the three things you need for a great film, which was story, place and time.”

He had the place. And with research and garnering those facts about the geography, DiLullo wrote a story about a modest farming family and how it was affected during the Civil War. His original draft was twice as long and larger, which was cut down to just over 18 minutes and seven characters.

Given the era of the film, fashions are simple — think “Little House on the Prairie” — which features 7-year-old lead character Clara Payne in a simple white dressing gown and bare feet that seem to enjoy running through long blades of grass. The image fits her on-screen personality, that of a kid who isn’t interested in the seriousness of life when there are flowers to pick and water for dipping her toes in.

Clara eventually discovers the answer to the movie’s question “how do you love?” after suffering a family loss and filling in the void with mature compassion. Trust is also a key component in the message, DiLullo said.

“It teaches how we can learn to trust each other, who do you trust and why?” he said. “What I learned the most was how I could trust other people, that was a big step.”

Backing up to high school, the versatile DiLullo took a hiatus to play professional soccer in Finland for one day shy of a year before eventually graduating, he said. He went to Brockport State College for international business and economics, with an intent to pursue the supply chain field. He landed at Microsoft in the marketing department and “I really saw the power of marketing,” he said, in connection with product endorsements on movie sets. Think that can of Coca-Cola is there by mistake? Of course not, he said.

After repeatedly being asked if he was an actor, he got an offer and accepted to try it out. He especially appreciates the movie business and how a set contains every skill, from the creativity of writers and actors to the administrative skill of accountants, and other needs for plumbers, electricians, daycare, and even psychology fields, he said.

He portrayed a character on a website production and took a 20-week writer's boot camp course to hone his skills before “Goldenrod” flashed into his mind in September 2018. Knowing the questions to ask himself, DiLullo pondered the compelling aspects of rural New York. That took him to the Underground Railroad, which pulls the story, place and time together.

Family members Cecelia “Chee” Lullo was the wardrobe designer; Michal K. Lullo served as production assistant, and Joseph Lullo was transportation supervisor.

James was born a Lullo but took the family name DiLullo that was used in the family until 1952, he said.

Others involved with the production include Dr. Mary Reid Gaudio, producer and music producer, composer and performer;  Richard Jacobs, producer.

DiLullo reached out to his hometown roots for assistance and inspiration. “Goldenrod” is in memoriam of former Genesee Community College music professor and composer Ann Reid, and was also influenced by retired teacher, historian, and author Anne Marie Starowitz of Batavia, DiLullo said. Select costumes were provided by Main Street 56 Theater and T-Shirts Etc. was involved as a vendor.

Directed by Marjorie DeHey, the film features a cast and crew from across the nation and New York State, he said. It is “considered a favorite for awards and recognition, and will focus on being official selections at NYS-based film festivals including Buffalo, Syracuse, and Cortland.

Top photo by Howard Owens.

James DiLullo and the cast and crew of Goldenrod. Submitted photo.

Production photo from Goldenrod. Submitted photo.

 

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Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board has accepted an initial resolution for a proposed $12 million investment by 8250 Park Road, LLC for extensive renovations to the Quality Inn & Suites and Palm Island Indoor Water Park in the town of Batavia at its board meeting on Thursday, October 6, 2022.

8250 Park Road, LLC will renovate the four-season tourism and hospitality facility’s hotel rooms, lobby, event spaces, water park, and restaurant.  The re-development proposes to create 38 new full-time jobs. The project is estimated to generate $32 of economic activity for every $1 of local public benefits.

“This investment will have a major impact on our tourism and hospitality sectors. These types of facilities will attract residents throughout the Western New York Region,” said Steve Hyde, Genesee County Economic Development Center president and CEO. “The facility is in a premier location in Genesee County centrally located to attractions such as Darien Lake, and the facility’s water park is a four-season attraction as well.”

8250 Park Road, LLC is requesting sales tax exemptions estimated at $458,400, a property tax abatement of approximately $659,521, and a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $80,000.

A public hearing for the initial application will be scheduled in the town of Batavia.

Press release:

The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting their last FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinic of 2022. The clinic will be held on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia).

“Rabies is a fatal, but preventable viral disease that can spread to people from pets if they are bitten and scratched by an infected animal with rabies,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “We encourage residents to take advantage of our last anti-rabies immunization clinic of 2022 and ensure their pets are protected against rabies.”

Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum.

To save you time, please click here to fill out your registration form in advance. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you to the clinic.

For more information on Health Department services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call 585-344-2580 ext.5555.

Press release:

The dedicated staff members in the United Memorial Medical Center Intensive Care Unit have always provided the highest quality care to patients who are often the sickest, most vulnerable and most in need at UMMC.  Many staff members are local, taking care of their neighbors and friends.  And they’re giving patients that committed care right where they want it- in their own communities, close to loved ones.  Now, it’s our time to say thank you and give back.

“Our motto is having care close to home. We want to continue to provide the top notch quality care here- which there's no doubt that we have the physicians and the nurses that provide that. Now we need the new state-of-the-art equipment to do that,” said Jessica Patnode, UMMC Director of Nursing.

The Batavia Rotary Club is donating $150,000 to help UMMC create an expanded, state-of-the-art ICU.  It’s challenging the community to match that so that the hospital will received $300,000 towards its new plans.  Those who donate $250 or more will see their names added to a donor wall.

“We have many projects that come to us throughout the year,” said Marlin Salmon, Batavia Rotary Past President.  “The requests are brought to our board and the board reviews them, discusses the merits and we act upon them.  We felt that this was a very, very worthwhile project.”

The ICU renovation will include:

• Expanded ICU will more than triple in size from current space
• Ten private patient rooms with bathrooms    
• One bed dedicated to pediatric patients
• Central nurses station, with work stations outside each room
• Cutting edge technology in each room including integrated telemedicine and enhanced monitoring capabilities, and additional lift and transfer equipment in the rooms  
• New ICU waiting room

We hope to begin construction on the new ICU in early 2024, and be done with the renovations by the end of the year.

To donate you can go here: Support United Memorial Medical Center | Rochester Regional Health Foundations (rrhgive.org) 

Click here to purchase tickets!

The Batavian newsroom will be out of town today through Wednesday for personal time.

We will travel with laptops, of course, and post the news we can remotely.  There will naturally be things we can't cover in person during that time but will strive to get assistance on those stories where we can.

Press Release

Oxbo is celebrating MFG Day! As a global manufacturer of specialty harvesting and controlled application equipment, Oxbo has three manufacturing facilities in the United States: Byron, NY; Clear Lake, WI; and Lynden, WA. Oxbo also manufactures equipment Roosendaal, Netherlands, Fakenham, United Kingdom and Bournezeau, France. Oxbo products are used in more than 40 countries globally.

Oxbo provides diverse manufacturing career opportunities and employs welders, fabricators, machinists, material handlers, and assemblers. Oxbo provides on-the-job training and the unique opportunity to serve several essential agricultural businesses.

“We are proud to manufacture agricultural equipment in our US factories and to provide career opportunities in our local communities,” said Joe Perzia, Oxbo’s Chief Operating Officer. “We support the goals of MFG Day and are excited to showcase what modern manufacturing looks like at our facilities.”

As part of MFG Day, Oxbo is hosting facility tours in Byron, New York and Lynden, Washington on October 7, 2022, between 9am and noon. Students, career applicants, and community members are invited to see the full process in two of Oxbo’s US factories to better understand the role manufacturing plays in agriculture and the local community. Schedule a tour by visiting the MFG Day website or get a feel for Oxbo’s business by watching our segment on the show "Manufacturing Marvels."

Press release:

The City of Batavia announces the appointment of Joshua Graham to the position of Fire Chief for the City of Batavia.  Graham was selected following an extensive search for candidates and active recruitment campaign.  The new Chief will assume his role on Monday, October 31^st, 2022.

A Western New York native, Graham holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire and Emergency Management from Purdue Global University, an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, and an Associate’s Degree in Strategic Operation Management from the Community College of the Air Force. He has completed numerous trainings and certifications related to fire safety, management, and leadership.  He is currently serving as Captain in the Fire Department with the Department of Defense at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

Graham has worked as a professional paid fire fighter and volunteer fire fighter throughout his career.  Graham has served on Active-Duty Air Force, New York Air National Guard and he recently retired from the United State Air Force Reserves as a Senior Master Sergeant, where he filled the role of Deputy Fire Chief. He has volunteer experience with the Darien Fire Department and the Arcade Fire Department.  He also serves as a New York State Fire Instructor with the Office of Fire Prevention and Control. 

“I am excited for Josh to take on the leadership role of Chief of the Fire Department.  His record, dedication, and leadership ability made him the right fit for this position in the City.  Josh highlighted his preference to work in a team atmosphere and that made him the best candidate for this position,” said Rachael Tabelski, City Manager. 

“I am very excited to start in the position of Fire Chief for the City of Batavia. The Fire Department has done a fantastic job of upholding a high level of standard and professionalism for the community they serve, and I look forward to continuing that level of service for many years to come”, said Josh.

Josh, a graduate of Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School, lives with his wife Carrie and son Jaxon in Arcade. He will be relocating for the position.