Pictured: Student volunteers hand out snacks to donors. Photo credit: Susan Kuszlyk.

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs have announced that TicketReturn will be the new, exclusive ticketing provider of the New York – Penn League franchise. As part of a multi-year agreement, TicketReturn will provide the Muckdogs and its fans industry leading technology, mobile ticketing services, group ticket management and ticket account management for season ticket members. 

TicketReturn provides ticketing services to more than 250 sports and entertainment venues and is the leading provider of ticketing services for Minor League Baseball teams across the country.

“As we continue to enhance the fan experience, choosing the right ticket services provider was key in creating a positive impression for our fans before they even reach the ballpark gates” said acting General Manager Brendan Kelly.

“When it comes to ticketing, we want to provide our fans the best services and purchase options from mobile ticketing to print-at-home and TicketReturn meets those objectives."

In addition to a new ticket provider, the Muckdogs have remapped the ballpark and created a new ticket pricing structure. Traditional sections 1-10 will now be numbered 101 – 110. The Muckdogs have also introduced Advance and Day of Game ticket purchase pricing. All seating areas will increase by $1 on the day of the game as an incentive to visit the box office prior to game day or purchase online.

“We took a hard look at our ticket pricing and developed a new pricing strategy with the goal of being the best pro sports ticket value in Western New York,” said Kelly. “We feel we have accomplished that in our new pricing structure that delivers affordability for our fans.”

The new ticket tiers allow for 2019 prices to remain the same as 2018 in two of the tiers when purchased in advance. These levels include Field Box Reserved (First Base Side Sections 101-103, $9 advance / $10 day of game) and General Admission ($7 advance / $8 day of game).

The club will be introducing Field Box Prime Reserved seats from home plate and along the third base side behind the Muckdogs dugout (Sections 104-110, $10 advance / $11 day of game). These sections have increased in price by $1 for advance tickets and $2 on day of game over 2018 prices and are often the highest in demand for weekend games.

UPDATE March 15: We spoke with Kerri Schmidt, sales and marketing coordinator for the Muckdogs, and she said they are revamping the website, which has outdated information and contacts, and the newly designed site with all the ticket information will be ready in the next fews weeks.

Meanwhile, Schmidt said reserve/box season seats are on sale now and prices are:

• For sections 104-110  =  $225
• For sections 101-103  =  $200
• General Admission  =  $190
• Also, eight-game undated coupon booklets for general admission are available at the box office for $45 per booklet.

Press release:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Alabama is hosting its 35^thannual Spring Into Nature celebration from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 27.

This year we welcome back spring with the theme -- Little Critters Mean a Lot! Join us for a variety of nature-related exhibits, crafts, fishing demos, and games for the kids.

There will be activities for all ages including toad abode construction, wildlife silhouette painting, pinecone feeder creation, live birds of prey, archery games, and face painting. We are also celebrating the grand opening of our new trail! Don’t forget to meet Puddles, the blue goose mascot of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Food will be available for purchase. Parking and all activities are free.

Please visit our website here or contact Refuge staff at 585.948.5445 for more information about Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

Iroquois NWR is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester and is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact the Refuge at (585) 948-5445 or at the Federal Relay No. 1-800-877-8339.

Inside is super homey and waiting for the next owners updates! Extra large room sizes and storage galore. Oversized back sun room with pretty tongue and groove woodwork and lots of sliding doors to welcome the breezes.

Also includes propane stove to carry it into the colder months. Inside features country kitchen with laundry nook, spacious dining area and cozy living room with beautiful stone wall propane fireplace. There is a large newer 1st floor master bedroom and oversized first floor bath as well as two bedrooms upstairs.

Easy to see! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today 344-4663. Click here for more information on this listing.

Photo above: assembling birthing kits at the Batavia Senior Center.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County recently partnered with RSVP of Genesee County, The Z-Club of Batavia High School, and members of the public to assemble 1,000 birthing kits at the Batavia Senior Center.

The Club is committed to donating a total of 1,919 kits this year in honor of Zonta International’s 100^thanniversary.

Since 2010, the club has provided approximately 6,000 birthing kits to women in Haiti, Nicaragua, Libya, Uganda and other areas in the world.

A birthing kit includes a sheet of plastic, two gloves, a bar of soap, gauze, umbilical cord tape, and a razor, all placed in a quart size zip-lock bag. 

The local club received its charter in 1958. Each year the club provides advocacy and service including:

• scholarships to girls in Genesee County who will be going off to college;
• donations to local agencies, funding the Birthing Kits Project for women in developing countries who have limited access to medical care;
• toiletries for women in the YWCA's Domestic Violence Program;
• care packages for women in the military;
• as well as donations to Zonta International's worldwide service projects.

The Confederation of Zonta Clubs (later renamed Zonta International) was founded in Buffalo in 1919. Today, as Zonta International celebrates 100 years, it thrives as a global organization of more than 29,000 professional members in nearly 1,200 Zonta clubs in 63 countries.

It works to empower women worldwide through service and advocacy.  Zonta International envisions a world in which women's rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential.

In such a world, women have access to all resources and are represented in decision-making positions on an equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence. Since 1969, Zonta International has had General Consultative Status with the United Nations/Economic and Social Council.

For further information about the local club, email Batavia@zontadistrict4.org

Pictured below are women standing in line at a clinic to receive birthing kits the club sent to Haiti.

The seventh annual Mr. Batavia show is set for 7 p.m., March 21, at Batavia High School in the Auditorium. 

There are 12 seniors in this year's competition, each representing a different charity in the community. 

All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the winner's charity. Last year, $4,400 was raised and in seven years the student-run event has raised $20,190.

Tickets are $8 and are available at the school's main office and tickets will also be available at the door until sold out.

This year's contestants and their charities are:

• #1 - Harley Radley -- Pancreatic Assoc. of WNY
• #2 - Will Palmer -- 25 Neediest Fund
• #3 - Taiyo Iburi-Bethel -- All Babies Cherished
• #4 -  Cameron Austin -- Batavia VA
• #5 - Terelle Spinks -- Volunteers for Animals
• #6 - Griffin DellaPenna -- Michael Napoleone Foundation
• #7 - AT Thatcher -- GO ART!
• #8 - Kris Kuszlyk -- Juvenile Diabetes Research of WNY
• #9 - Alec Frongetta -- Genesee Cancer Assistance
• #10 - Cameron Bontrager -- Batavia Players
• #11 - John Bruggman -- Crossroads House
• #12 - Sam Rigerman -- Habitat for Humanity

A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) on the Assembly Majority’s one-house budget wish-list:

 “While I do support restoring the governor’s cuts to municipalities and funding of the Extreme Winter Recovery infrastructure program, I will not stand for a $5.7 billion tax increase as was proposed by New York City politicians today.

“There was no mention of unfunded mandate relief or breaks for small businesses, and even through all those taxes, Assembly leadership still chose to gut counseling services for veterans – an awful decision.

“Included was also an additional tax on rental cars which disproportionately affects Upstate as many in New York City use public transit to travel.

"It’s ironic that Downstate politicians want to further tax rental cars – that may be the last and final tax many families pay as they are leaving our state for the last time.”

Dr. Joseph Zambon and Mrs. Paula Fischer are Outstanding Community Members
In recognition of their work to include our students’ families in the Give Kids a Smile Day, Dr. Joseph Zambon and Mrs. Paula Fischer were nominated to receive Outstanding Community Member Awards.

While Dr. Zambon was unable to be present, Mrs. Fischer was presented with the award by Board of Education president Patrick Burk at the BCSD Board meeting on March 12.

They were nominated by Julia Rogers, district coordinator of Assessment and Instructional Services, who wrote:

"Dr. Zambon, dean of the UB School of Dental Medicine, and Notre Dame alumnus, and Mrs. Fischer, director of School-Based Programs at the UB Dental School, and BHS alumna, coordinated the partnership between the Batavia City School District and the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine for their annual Give Kids A Smile Day.

"The event, for children 1-18 years of age, took place on Feb. 9. They coordinated with Fidelis Care to offer free transportation to UB for families to attend if they needed it. The UB Dental’s Give Kids a Smile event offered free dental care -- including exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, orthodontic consultations (braces), hearing and vision screenings, and healthy eating demonstrations.

"Every child and parent received oral health supplies and lunch bag. We are so grateful to UB Dental for their inclusion of BCSD families in this event.”

Darien resident Lucas Birkby came home Sunday with five medals from a powerlifting competition in Mamaroneck sponsored by United States Strongman Inc. 

Birkby set official state records for the axle clean and press at 320 pounds, the 18-inch deadlift at 700 pounds, deadlift at 650 pounds, the log press at 310 pounds, and the atlas stone, at 360 pounds. The axle clean and the 18-inch deadlift are also national records for the heavyweight teen division.

His father, Scott Birkby said, "In addition to training at home, Luke has been training twice a week at Iron and Stone Strength gym in Clarence. His trainer is Tony Kalisz. We found this Strongman gym through a Google search since Luke's ultimate dream is to become the world's strongest man.

"I've got the feeling that the fellows there raised an eyebrow when we wrote to them and said that a teenager (he was 17 and just turned 18 this February) wanted to do strongman, but they said: 'go ahead and send him in.' That was about 10 months ago. Luke and the guys (and girls!) at the gym have had a great time since he showed up. 

Birkby has qualified to compete at the nationals in June in Columbus, Ohio.

Scott said his son is PED-free (performance-enhancing drug), adding, "Our grocery bill has taken a pretty big hit for this."

Photos and info submitted by Scott Birkby.

A grand jury stenographer has allegedly been audio recording grand jury proceedings, which isn't legally permissible, and the attorneys for Jennifer L. Serrano think the stenographer's actions are enough to get a second-degree vehicular manslaughter charge dismissed.

The 48-year-old Serrano was charged following the Aug. 11 death of 18-year-old Connor Lynskey after a Jason Aldean concert in Darien.

"I was not aware of the recordings until recently and as a matter of an ethical obligation, I notified the defense attorneys involved," said District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.

While attorneys Frank LoTempio III, and Jack Sanchez have filed a motion seeking dismissal of the grand jury indictment against Serrano, Friedman doesn't believe the recordings jeopardize the case.

"We do not believe, regardless of what the court decides, it will result in the dismissal of the indictment or lead to anything that would delay the case."

Friedman has until April 5 to file his answer to the motion with the court and Judge Charles Zambito may conduct a hearing on the motion April 25 at 1:30 p.m. LoTempio and Sanchez have asked to put the stenographer on the stand at the hearing. It will be up to Zambito to decide if there should be a hearing and whether to call the stenographer to the stand.

The recordings, if made, are a potential violation of New York's Judiciary Law, though Friedman disagrees with the analysis by LoTempio and Sanchez that the recordings rise to the level of a misdemeanor. Friedman isn't anticipating any charges in the case.

Friedman's office had no prior knowledge of the recordings and did not benefit from the recordings. The stenographer is an independent contractor and is not employed by the District Attorney's Office.

The stenographer was using a shorthand machine manufactured with the recording capability built right into the device, which is why the DA's office was not aware of the recording being made. Such a mahcine may be permissible in other legal proceedings but in New York, not in a grand jury proceeding.

Assistant District Attorney Shirley Gorman discovered the fact that the recordings were being made and brought it to Friedman's attention.

Friedman and the ADAs in his office have notified defense attorneys about the recordings but he didn't have a count for how many cases that might involve. As for as his own cases, only one other defense attorney has filed a motion related to the recordings.

"The bottom line, I really believe, is this is not going to be an issue that is going to impact cases," Friedman said. "We’re not concerned that we’re going to have indictments dismissed or any that severe as a result of this."

As for Serrano, if the case does go to trial, LoTempio said the defense is ready to proceed. They plan to bring forward an expert witness who will testify that Lynskey was intoxicated and either walking or running in the lane of traffic when he was struck.

The defense will argue that Lynskey was at fault in the accident, LoTempio said.

They also believe there is evidence to indicate that Serrano didn't know she had struck a person and therefore didn't have the requisite knowledge to be charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

The accident occurred Aug. 11 on Sumner Road. Lynskey was with friends and family at the Aldean concert at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. They were camping at Darien Lakes State Park. After the concert, the group started on foot back to the campground. The Sheriff's Office report of the accident indicated Lynskey decided to run ahead and catch up with a friend. When both groups were back at the camp, they realized Lynskey was missing. Law enforcement searched the area that night but did not find Lynskey. His body was found the next day in a ditch by the side of the road.

Serrano had been stopped and charged that night with a DWI. The accident may have occurred about a half hour before she was arrested. Through leads, Sheriff's investigators identified her as a suspect in the fatal accident.

Le Roy High School presents the musical "Once On This Island" this weekend.

A description of the story:

Ti Moune, a peasant girl, rescues a wealthy boy from the other side of the island, Daniel, with whom she falls in love. Unbeknownst to Ti Moune, the pompous gods who preside over the island make a bet with one another over which is stronger, love or death, the stakes being Ti Moune's life.

When she pursues Daniel, who has returned to his people, Ti Moune is shunned because of her lowly status. Her determination and capacity to love, though, is not enough to win Daniel's heart, and Ti Moune pays the ultimate price; but the gods turn Ti Moune into a tree that grows so strong and so tall, it breaks the wall that separates the societies and ultimately unites them.

Lead cast members:

• Ti Moune -- Marlena Pencille
• Daniel -- Lukas Austin
• Agwe -- Xach Carr
• Asaka -- Alexis Pfendler
• Erzulie -- Hailey Grasso
• Papa Ge -- Megan Privatera
• Mama Euralie -- Emily Overacker
• Ton Ton Julian -- Daniel Ferrara
• Little Ti Moune -- Ashlyn Puccio

All show times are at 7 p.m., opening tomorrow with shows on Friday and Saturday.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at leroycsd.org or at the door.

Press release:

Spring is in the air and so is chicken BBQ season! Mary Immaculate Parish in East Bethany announces its 2019 chicken BBQ schedule:

• Sunday, March 17
• Sunday, April 28
• Sunday, May 19

Meals are available starting at 10:45 a.m. until sold out.

Meals include: a half chicken (barbecued to perfection on our outdoor grills), a baked potato, vegetable, coleslaw, roll, coffee, tea, with piece of cake or pie for dessert.

Cost is $11 for adults; $7 for children 12 and under.

A $7 chicken-only take-out is also available.

The church is located at 5865 Ellicott St. Road (Route 63) in East Bethany.

Press release:

Senate Democrats advanced their one-house budget resolution today. State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-C-I, Amherst) voted against it. 

Senator Ranzenhofer has issued the following statement:

“Today’s budget resolution takes more hard-earned dollars from taxpayers. It hikes taxes by $2 billion in the first year alone. It also imposes many new and increased taxes, including on Internet purchases, paper bags, prescription drugs, driving, and real estate purchases. 

“Under this misguided budget proposal, New York State will continue to experience the steepest population loss in the United States. This irresponsible plan will exacerbate Upstate’s economic challenges and force even more Upstate residents to leave for more affordable states.

“All of these taxes will make it more expensive to live, work and retire in our state. Simply put, this plan doesn’t work for the residents of our community.”

Press release:

"Music in Our Schools Month" will be celebrated this year by the Batavia High School Music Department’s annual Music In Our Schools Concert. It will be held in the High School (260 State St.) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26^th and will feature music from every school and grade level in the district.

It is free and open to the public.

Emily Caccamise, a graduating senior, has performed in this concert for many years.

“I think the concerts are fantastic!" Emily said. "I love performing for my school and my district, but I especially think it is important that younger kids get to see what is possible.

"They watch the older kids play and, if they stick with it, they will grow and get better with practice.”

Freya Mellander and Lily Burke are both Middle School students who will be performing that night.

Lily said, “It’s really fun when you’re a younger kid and you get to play for and alongside the older kids! It’s great to see where you’re headed and exciting to see what you’ll do and grow into!”

Freya added, “One favorite memory was when I saw Mary Murphy (a senior) as a singer. I’ve only known her from Winter Guard, so it’s fun to see kids that you know perform on their instruments when you usually don’t hear them in that way!”

Jane Haggett is a strong advocate for the music program at Batavia. As department head, she strives to find many ways for music to enrich the community. She points out that the National Association for Music Education -- AKA NAfME, states “All Music All People,” that everyone is affected by music not just during the month of March.

The Child Advocacy Center in Batavia has a new forensic camera that cost about $16,000 thanks to the generosity of the folks at Chapin Industries.

Every year, Chapin hosts a golf tournament and proceeds from the tournament go a local charity. Last summer's tournament was a fundraiser for the CAC.

Justice for Children/Child Advocacy Center is a government program but it is entirely funded by grants and donations. Theresa Asmus-Roth, program coordinator for Justice for Children, said the camera is more advanced than what the center could normally get through grant programs so the donation was most welcome.

The camera is able to take higher resolution photos to document evidence of physical and sexual abuse, which may not be apparent with a standard camera.

The center is also undergoing a major renovation. The renovations will cost about $250,000 and Sheriff William Sheron said there is a possible funding shortfall of $50,000. He's asking members of the community to step up and help fill that gap. To donate visit www.justiceforchildrenadvocacycenter.org.

Photo: Bill Kegler, Sheriff William Sheron, Theresa Asmus-Roth, Undersheriff Brad Mazur, Norm Hubbard, and Ian Weatherbee.

Press release:

Every second, three new businesses "startup" in the United States. In the time it takes the average reader to finish this paragraph, nine new companies will be born, according to the 2018 GEM (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor) national report.

Conversely, the Small Business Administration tells us that 50 percent of those will fail during the first four to five years; but why is that? Do half of the entrepreneurs in the country have lousy ideas? Actually, among the leading causes for startup failure is a lack of basic business experience.

In lieu of losing thousands of investment dollars, today's entrepreneurs have found another way to gain that experience before launching their startup -- education.

"If you don't educate yourself, you'll never get out of the starting block because you'll spend all your money making foolish decisions," said Daymond John, investor on "Shark Tank," a reality television show on ABC in which contestants pitch their business ideas to a panel of potential investors in hopes of launching their retail dreams.

Genesee Community College offers both degree and certificate programs in Entrepreneurship to prepare emerging business owners and investors for success. To further open up learning opportunities to both students and the public, GCC teamed up with the GCEDC (Genesee County Economic Development Center) to sponsor the second annual Business Idea Pitch Competition.

The competition will be held Tuesday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in room T102 of the Conable Technology Building at the Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus.

The deadline for competitors to register to participate is April 5.

Registration requires the participant to submit an Executive Summary of their business idea, and attend at least one of the preparation workshops listed below. Participating high school students are not required to attend a workshop.

The competition is limited to 25 participants who will be selected based on their Executive Summary submissions and announced on April 5.

Executive Summary criteria and submission instructions are available by contacting Lina LaMattina, Ph.D., at lmlamattina@genesee.edu. 

The GCEDC's StartUp Genesee Networking Group has donated cash prizes which will be awarded at the Pitch Competition on April 30. Prizes of $100 for first place and $75 for second place will be awarded to the most outstanding competitors in the "most likely to succeed" and "most creative" categories. Pitches will be judged by local business leaders.

To help participants pursue their passions and take their first entrepreneurial steps, GCC will host three preparation workshops. 

• Starting a Business -- Tuesday, April 9, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in room T121
• Business Plan Basics -- Tuesday, April 23, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in room T121
• Idea Pitch Practice -- Thursday, April 25, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in room T122

These workshops are free and open to anyone participating in the Business Idea Pitch Competition. To sign up for a workshop, please contact Lina LaMattina , Ph.D., at lmlamattina@genesee.edu.

Josselyn A. Scott, 57, of Back Creek Road, Boston NY, is charged with driving while intoxicated with a previous conviction within the last 10 years, and driving with an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle while on the highway. Scott was arrested at 5:31 p.m. March 10 for felony DWI and drinking in her car after she was allegedly observed leaving the scene of a property-damage accident on the Thruway, then seen sitting in the parking lot of 200 Oak St., Batavia, with her vehicle running. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court then jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Timothy D. Eastridge, 41, of Chestnut Street, Batavia, is charged with: endangering the welfare of a child; unlawful possession of marijuana; and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree -- previous felony conviction. Eastridge was arrested following a Child Protective Services home visit at 11:24 a.m. on March 8. Eastridge allegedly had smoked marijuana in close proximity to his children and he was allegedly found to possess a .22-caliber rifle. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Stephanie M. Hartgrove, 30, of Chestnut Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested at 11:24 a.m. on March 8 after a Child Protective Services investigation where Hartgrove allegedly allowed her live-in boyfriend to smoke marijuana in close proximity to "their children in common." She was issued an appearance ticker and is due in Batavia City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.