With a grant from GO ART! the Elba Betterment Committee host live music in the village park featuring the Jimmie Leggs Trio.
Le Roy resident Katie Orlando shared her photo with us of comet NEOWISE as it passed earth in the evening sky last night.
The comet is expected to be visible at night until July 26.
For more information about viewing from NASA, click here.
If you take a good, clear picture of the comet, email the photo to howard@thebatavian.com
New York State bowling center proprietors are going on the offensive in an effort to convince Gov. Andrew Cuomo to allow their businesses to reopen.
Rebuffed in their attempts to be part of the state’s Phase Three reopening plan, proprietors are becoming increasingly frustrated and worried after not being able to resume operations when Phase Four went into effect on June 26.
With backing from the Bowling Proprietors Association of America and the New York State Bowling Proprietors Association, bowling center owners have reached out to state lawmakers, hoping to impress upon them – and ultimately, the governor -- that with proper social distancing and disinfecting protocols in place, bowling can resume in a safe environment.
Local Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and Long Island Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano as well as Senator Daphne Jordan, who represents an area including Saratoga Springs, have written letters to the Cuomo on behalf of the bowling industry.
Hawley’s letter in June, pushing for a Phase Three opening, was signed by 17 other state legislators.
DeStefano hosted a press conference via Zoom videoconferencing last week and another at noon today that was broadcast on Facebook Live today from Coram Country Lanes in Suffolk County.
Today’s event attracted bowling proprietors and bowlers from across the state.
'We're Ready, Willing and Able'
“We know that bowling centers are supposed to be within Phase Four. We’re in Phase Four but yet the bowling community has not been advised as to what to do about reopening,” DeStefano said. “We’re here today to show everybody that the bowling community is ready, willing and able to do the things necessary to reopen.”
DeStefano said bowling centers “are not looking for a handout, we’re not looking for something for nothing … we want to do what is right for our communities. This is something that both sides agree on and the only person who hasn’t been listening is the governor.”
Nassau County Assemblyman John Mikulin said that bowling proprietors, like other business owners, want everyone to be safe.
“Bowling centers have a plan and can implement that plan and maintain social distancing,” he said. “Bowling contributes much to our communities.”
Approximately 300 bowling centers in New York employee around 8,700 people.
“Those are 8,700 people that are no longer working since March,” DeStefano said. “We need to get these people back to work and off the unemployment rolls.”
Looking for Clear Direction
Robert Martinez, representing Tom Muratore, Suffolk County legislator, said “if the pandemic does not hurt us, keeping our businesses closed and keeping people sitting home and waiting to work will certainly destroy us.”
DeStefano echoed the proprietors’ disappointment over the lack of direction from Albany.
“There are plenty of things that we have done so far to try and get these centers open again,” he said. “Unfortunately, for whatever reason, we’ve reached out to the Department of Health, we’ve reached out to the governor’s office, we’ve had a Zoom conference with the governor’s office and today we still haven’t heard … any guidance.”
Joe LaSpina, proprietor of Maple Family Centers on Long Island (and a center in Florida that has reopened), displayed his company’s 30-page reopening document that underscores customer safety, employee safety and exceeding the Center for Disease Control guidelines.
“We’re ready to embrace testing and social distancing. A pair of lanes is 11 ½ feet wide; that’s ample space for social distancing,” he said. “Our bowlers are aching to come back.”
At the Mercy of the Governor
Anthony Palumbo, another Long Island assemblyman, questioned Cuomo’s motivation in not responding to the proprietors.
“It’s almost if the governor is relishing in the fact that he can arbitrarily decide what is going to open and what isn’t going to open,” he said. “We’re all adults; we can do this safely and smartly. These small businesses will never reopen unless they allow us some leeway to do it smartly and safely.”
Chris Keller, owner of The All Star, a bowling center in Riverhead, said that since the shutdown, proprietors have focused on developing a plan for “clean, responsible and safe reopening when it was time.”
“Well, it is time. It’s time for the governor to trust in us; it’s time to let us open our doors again; it’s time to rehire our 8,700 employees; it’s time to enjoy our wonderful sport again,” he said.
John LaSpina, Joe’s father and longtime industry leader, pointed out that 40 years ago, bowling proprietors joined forces with the NYS Insurance Fund to create a safety group for all member centers.
“Through all of those years we have made significant strides in workplace safety, we have benefited by our collective exchange, reaped the benefits of discounted premiums and annual rebates based on our own safe performance. As you can see, safety is nothing new to us,” he said.
Bowling Supports Youth, Veterans
He also talked about the USBC’s commitment to youth bowling, noting that $80 million is being held in SMART accounts as scholarships earned by boys and girls across the nation. And that bowling has raised more than $50 million for veterans through the Bowlers to Veterans Link since the fund’s inception in 1942.
John LaSpina brought up that bowlers in the Downstate area are traveling to New Jersey and Connecticut to bowl.
“So, we wave and wish them luck on the lanes and remind them of all those tolls,” he said.
What he really would love, he said, is to have a “private conversation” with the governor.
“I would tell him that I was glued to the TV for almost every one of his briefings and that I salute him for making hard decisions, which is what leadership is all about,” he said. “Give us clear guidance of your expectations and we will deliver. We will enforce social distancing, lower occupancy and follow all sanitation protocols.
“We are ready, we are smart, we are safe … it’s time for you to open our doors and let us show you what we can do.”
Press release:
The 20th Annual Van Hulburt Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the comfort care home Crossroads House and Masonic Charities will take place on Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Batavia Country Club.
It will be hosted by Hesperus Masonic Lodge #837, Bergen. The cost is $70 per person and includes: 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, dinner, and prizes. Guests are welcome for a $25 fee.
The tournament is a four-person scramble. Sign in is at 11 a.m., lunch is at 11:30, and shotgun start is at noon. All teams must be paid by Aug. 14th to guarantee placement in this event.
For more information, contact: Marty Krause at (585) 730-2809; Ralph Marsocci at (585) 397-9313; or Cortney Gale at (585) 444-6764.
The tournament is sponsored by Triple-O Mechanical of Bergen.
Other sponsors include: Alexander Country Deli, Bergen C-Store, Ashley Capital, Bonduelle USA, Jerry Hulburt & Family, and Ralph & Rosie’s Deli & Pizzeria who have provided lunch all 20 years!
The tournament’s namesake, Van Hulburt, worked for 35 years at Byron-Bergen School as a teacher, counselor, and he coached golf for 25 years. He was a Past Master of Hesperus Lodge and a beloved member of the Masonic community.
Press release:
- Genesee County received two new positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 240 positive cases.
- The positive individuals reside in Batavia and Le Roy.
- One of the positive individuals is in their 20s and one is in their 60s.
- The positive individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
- Two of the previous community positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
- Five new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
- No individuals are hospitalized.
- Orleans County received zero new positive case of COVID-19, maintaining a total of 269 positive cases.
- Eight new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
- Three of the total active positive cases are hospitalized. Please note those in the hospital may be from the community or a state-regulated facility. We do not separate them out to protect their privacy.
A caller to dispatch reports four male juveniles are in the falls behind Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant. One appears to be having some difficulty, but none are said to be "distressed." However, none appear to be able to reach an embankment and hoist themselves out of the water.
Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics and the city's Water Rescue Team #14.
UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: There were three young males in the water, not four, when rescuers arrived on scene. They were each given a life jacket and a rope was deployed. Now there are two out of the water and two remain in the water.
UPDATE 3:48 p.m.: Pembroke command tells first responders to assemble at the far eastern side of the parking lot. And the Rope Rescue Team is also called to stand by at the county Emergency Management Office.
UPDATE 3:50 p.m.: All four males are out of the water and on shore now. Three are fine; one will need medical attention.
UPDATE 3:52 p.m.: The rescue teams are cancelled.
UPDATE 4:16 p.m.: The assignment is back in service.
Submitted photo and press release:
In an effort to brighten the day for local frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tompkins Bank of Castile, Tompkins Insurance Agencies and Tompkins Financial Advisors donated 3,400 Oliver’s Candy Bars to the Rochester Regional Health Staff.
The sweet treat will be handed out to all employees as a way to say "Thank You!"
Pictured from left are: Steve Beardsley, senior vice president, Commercial Banking regional manager, presents Jim Creighton and Gina Burden-Rambert of Rochester Regional Health with 3,400 candy bars to distribute to their staff.
Press release:
Spots are still available for guided kayak tours of DeWitt Pond in Saturday, July 25. Deadline for preregistration has been extended until Wednesday, July 22.
Seize the day with a guided kayak tour of DeWitt Pond on Saturday, July 25th and discover a new world.
Meet at the boat launch at DeWitt Recreation Area of Cedar Street in Batavia. No experience needed, a beginner kayaking lesson is provided!
Rent a kayak or bring your own. Kayak rentals with life vests are provided by Adventures in Fitness Inc. Solo kayak rentals are available for ages 12 and up, tandem kayak rentals are available for kids under 12 and must be piloted by an adult.
Masks are required when unable to maintain six feet of social distance. Participants are encouraged to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; or use hand sanitizer with at least 60-percent alcohol and rub hands together until dry if soap and water are not available.
Guided tour fee is:
Preregister by Wednesday July 22nd by calling (585) 344-1122.
For more information visit our website.
Or contact Shannon Lyaski via email.
Public Notice
Town of Batavia State of Emergency Declaration
A State of Emergency was declared in the TOWN OF BATAVIA, effective at 6 p.m. on July 16, 2020.
This State of Emergency has been declared due to the existing and continuing declared States of Emergency at the Federal, State, County, and City of Batavia, related to the COVID-19 virus.
This situation threatens the public safety.
This State of Emergency will remain in effect for 30 days or until rescinded by a subsequent order.
As the Chief Executive of TOWN OF BATAVIA, County of Genesee, State of New York, I, Gregory H. Post, exercise the authority given me under Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being, and health of the citizens of this Municipality.
I hereby direct all departments and agencies of TOWN OF BATAVIA to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.
Gregory H. Post,
Town of Batavia Supervisor
July 16, 2020
A caller to dispatch reports that six kids are setting off smoke bombs in the first block of Wolcott Street in Le Roy. Le Roy police are responding.
From the New York Council on Problem Gambling:
Mental health refers to our cognitive, emotional, and behavioral wellness. How we think and feel can attribute to the behaviors we display. Many individuals struggle with their mental health in a daily basis.
A variety of factors come into play, but did you ever stop and think that problem gambling may be a source of emotional distress for someone?
Nearly 668,000 New Yorkers have experienced a gambling problem in the past year. That is a lot of family, friends, and colleagues having trouble; possibly half of the state population.
Problems from gambling can include sleep issues, strains on relationships with loved ones, financial problems and struggles at work.
Each person struggling with problem gambling affects up to 10 of the closest people to them. A study found that nine out of 10 people affected by someone else’s gambling problems felt emotional distress.
This means that between the people struggling with problem gambling and the people closest to them, nearly 6.7 million New Yorkers are affected by problem gambling and may struggle with mental health issues because of it.
People who struggle with problem gambling are also at a higher risk for struggling with other mental health disorders.
Two out of three gamblers reported that their mental health suffered as a result of their gambling problems.
In addition to struggling with gambling they may be struggling with mental health problems such as a mood disorder, personality disorder, and anxiety.
On top of that, problem gambling has the highest suicide rate among all addictions. About 50 percent of those struggling with a gambling problem have either thought about or attempted suicide. And one in 5 has attempted and/or died by suicide.
Those are frightening statistics.
How can we tell if someone is struggling with a gambling addiction? There are several warning signs to look out for including: being absent from friend/family events because of gambling; feeling stressed or anxious when not gambling; low work performance due to absence or preoccupation with betting; and lying to family and friends about how much money and time is spent on gambling.
For more information and help in Western New York, please click here to access the website of the Problem Gambling Resource Center in Williamsville. Or call (716) 833.4274. Email is: WesternPGRC@NYProblemGambling.org
Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 36, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; driving while intoxicated; unlicensed operator; failure to keep right; and moving from lane unsafely. Wilcox was arrested at 3:03 a.m. July 17 after a motor-vehicle accident on Clinton Street Road in Bergen. The defendant was released with appearance tickets for Sept. 2 in Bergen Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.
Athena M. Hanley, 33, Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. On July 16 at 4:45 p.m. on Main Road in the Town of Pembroke, Hanley was arrested after the investigation of a motor-vehicle accident. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Pembroke Court on Aug. 12. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.
The YWCA in Batavia held a vigil on Wednesday at its North Street location to rally against racism. Featured speakers included Rev. Shiela Campbell McCullough and local businessman Brandon Armstrong.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley is featured in a new public service announcement ad for the 2020 Census. The PSA is being submitted to television stations to air.
The New York State Police will be hosting a child passenger safety seat event BY APPOINTMENT ONLY at Troop A headquarters, 4525 W. Saile Drive, Batavia, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow, July 18.
Our child safety seat technicians will be on hand to assist with the installation of your child’s safety seat, and answer any questions.
AN APPOINTMENT IS NECESSARY for this event, please contact (585) 344-2200.
A car vs. pole accident with unknown injuries is reported at 1433 Main Road in Pembroke. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.
UPDATE 4:12 p.m.: Injuries are believed to be minor.
UPDATE 4:13 p.m.: National Grid is notified that the pole is cracked and utility wires are damaged.
UPDATE 4:25 p.m.: A second ambulance is called to the scene.
UPDATE 4:29 p.m.: National Grid is on scene.
UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: One person is being transported to ECMC.
UPDATE 5 p.m.: Two patients were transported in separate ambulances to ECMC.
People have been using the Ellicott Trail -- especially since COVID-19 hit -- for months but yesterday was the official opening of the 9.7-mile bike and walking route that snakes through the city and down from Williams Park to Seven Springs Road.
The project cost $1.7 million, mostly funded by grants, with the city and town picking up 10 percent of the cost.
Thank you to Dean Brooks for the drone footage used in the video.
The Genesee Region United States Bowling Congress Board of Directors has voted to cancel the Annual Banquet that was scheduled for July 25 at Batavia Downs Gaming.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing mandates that go with it, the board felt that it would be best to hold off on any large gatherings at this time.
The plan is to hold the banquet, including the Hall of Fame ceremony, on May 8, 2021, at Batavia Downs Gaming.
The association’s leaders in league high average, high game and high series – for both adults and youth – will be recognized with the presenting of plaques at the 2021 ceremony.
The 2019-20 leaders are as follows:
High Game – Men, 300, held by many; Women, 279, Diane Hurlburt, Warsaw; Youth, 300, Boys, Tony Sprague, Batavia, and Kyle Johnson, Batavia; Girls, 279, Jillian Menzie, Bergen.
High Series – Men, 834, Alex Allis, Medina; Women, 815, Diane Hurlburt, Warsaw; Youth, Boys, 752, Tony Sprague, Batavia; Girls, 653, Jillian Menzie, Bergen.
High Average – Men, 246.2, Curtis Foss, Medina; Women, 211, Amanda Coniglio, Mount Morris; Youth, Boys, 199, Dennis Van Duser, Perry; Girls, 196, Jillian Menzie, Bergen.
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
The association voted to honor four graduating senior bowlers with scholarships for the 2019-20 season. All four will receive scholarships in the amount of $600.
This year’s recipients are Jillian Menzie of Bergen (Rose Garden Bowl), Tony Sprague of Batavia (Mancuso Bowling Center), Emma Miller of Le Roy (Mancuso’s), and Dennis Van Duser of Perry (Perry Bowling Center).
GRAND PRIZE DRAWING
The board did agree, however, to conduct the association’s annual “grand prize drawing” at its next board meeting, tentatively slated for 6 p.m. Aug. 5.
Three $500 prizes and four $25 prizes will be awarded in a random drawing of “entries” accumulated by bowlers through the association’s awards program.
LEAGUE SUPPLY PICK UP
In other action, the board agreed to set Tuesday, Aug. 11 and Thursday, Aug. 13 as the league supply distribution dates for the 2020-21 season.
Secretaries of USBC leagues that bowl at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, Le Roy Legion Lanes, Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Paris Lanes in Oakfield, Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion and Medina Lanes will be able to pick up their supplies after 6 p.m. on Aug. 11 at Mancuso Bowling Center.
Secretaries of USBC leagues that bowl at Mount Morris Lanes, Perry Bowling Center, Letchworth Pines in Portageville, Livingston Lanes in Geneseo and Raider Lanes in Caledonia will be able to pick up their supplies after 6 p.m. on Aug. 13 at Mount Morris Lanes.
The supply packet will include membership cards, high score applications, league sanction application and updated league information.
President Gary Kuchler, Association Manager Mike Pettinella and Director John Wood plan on being present on both dates to answer questions, and are hopeful that bowling centers will be reopened by then.
BOARD VACANCIES
Kuchler announced that board of director positions will be extended for another year since the Annual Banquet is on hold.
At its most recent meeting, the board elected Jerry Davis of Pavilion as vice president.
Four association members – Rich Culver of Medina, AJ Allenbrandt of Le Roy, and Batavians Brian Green and Mike Johnson -- have indicated their desire to fill vacancies on the board and have been recommended by the board for appointment at the August meeting.
Two other openings on the board are vacant.
GRUSBC members interested in serving on the board are asked to contact Kuchler at (585) 356-5915 or by sending an email to: gkuchler60@yahoo.com
Danny D. Williams, 31, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and endangering the welfare of a child. Williams was arrested after a domestic incident on Ellicott Street at 1:30 p.m. on July 6. It is alleged he destroyed a cell phone and was in a physical altercation with a minor. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is due back there on Aug. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.
Donald J. McClary, 25, of Indiana Street, Rochester, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a prior conviction; failure to stop from a driveway; unsafe turn; moving from lane unsafely; and unregistered motor vehicle. At about 1 p.m. on July 14, Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins responded to 573 E. Main St. in Batavia for a report of a male slumped over the wheel in the McDonald's parking lot. After a subsequent traffic stop and investigation, McClary was released with traffic tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 16. Perkins was assisted by Officer Joshua Girvin.
Shawn P. Thomas, 37, of Pine Ridge Road, Cheektowaga, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Thomas was arrested on July 9, after he was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on East Main Street in Batavia on May 7. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.
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