Students participating in the Holland Land Office Museum's History Heroes program this summer are learning about World War I.
Recently they visited the Richmond Memorial Library and Batavia Showtime Theaters. There are 40 children enrolled in the eight-day program.
Info and photos provided by Anne Marie Starowitz.
(Photo provided by Jake Pietrzykowski via GoFundMe.)
Jeremy Pietrzykowski thought he could save a little money if he repaired his own barn roof. That is what he was doing July 1 at his barn at 8953 Alexander Road, Batavia, when a gust of wind kicked up, caused him to lose his footing, and he fell 20 feet to the ground.
He landed on his side. Town of Batavia Fire was called, Mercy EMS and soon Mercy Flight was dispatched to the scene. He was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital, where doctors discovered he had cracked vertebra, a punctured lung, broken ribs, and deep bruises.
“It was the most pain I’ve ever experienced in my life,” Pietrzykowski said. “I thought I was going to die.”
On July 2, Pietrzykowski underwent spinal fusion surgery, to fuse five vertebrae together, to eventually heal as one solid bone.
“I’ve been sleeping in the chair,” Pietrzykowski said. “I can’t help out with anything.”
Pietrzykowski grew up in Batavia and has lived here his entire life. He loves to be outdoors and enjoys running marathons. He had hoped to qualify for the Boston Marathon this year but had to scratch that plan.
“I love to run,” Pietrzykowski said. “I’ve run 13 marathons in Boston and New York [City], and others.”
As a hardworking father of three, Pietrzykowski has spent more than 20 years working for UPS. He is on a five-pound weight lifting restriction.
“I’m normally the guy that doesn’t stop moving and now I can’t do anything,” Pietrzykowski said. “I can walk around a little bit, but as far as the kids, I can’t pick them up.”
Pietrzykowski’s brother started a GoFundMe page, located here asking for donations to help get him back on his feet and support his family. His mother-in-law has been staying with him to help take care of the kids, but he said things have not been easy.
“She’s stepped right up and helped us out tremendously,” Pietrzykowski said.
His doctors said his recovery should be three to four months.
“There is always a light at the end of the tunnel,” Pietrzykowski said. “I’ll get back to where I need to be, it’s just going to be a long road.”
Press release:
Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $92,994 in federal funding for the Alexander Fire Department. The grant was awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, which is designed to help first responders improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.
“Firefighters are selfless individuals and are essential to keeping our communities safe,” Congressman Collins said. “It is imperative that our fire departments have the resources necessary to keep their members safe while they are protecting others. I was proud to work with the Alexander Fire Department to secure this crucial $92,994 in AFG funding and thank them for their service.”
The Alexander Fire Department will use this $92,994 federal grant to purchase 15 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs and 30 oxygen bottles. This will provide the Alexander volunteer firefighters with breathable air when responding to an emergency situation.
"This funding will help keep our firefighters safe and ensure they can properly respond to emergencies in the local community. We are strong supporters of the AFG grant program and will continue to work with Rep. Collins to support this important funding,” said Alexander Fire Chief Marshall Merle.
The AFG Grant Program provides direct funding assistance to fire departments, State Fire Training Academies, and non-affiliated EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of both the public and emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.
Press release:
Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $84,191 in federal funding for the Corfu Fire Department. The grant was awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, which is designed to help first responders improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.
“Firefighters answer a noble calling to put the lives of others before their own,” Congressman Collins said. “It is imperative that our fire departments have the resources necessary to keep their members safe while they are protecting others. I was proud to work with the Corfu Fire Department to secure this crucial $84,191 in AFG funding and thank them for their service.”
The Corfu Fire Department will use this $84,191 federal grant to purchase 12 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs. This will provide the Corfu Fire Department with breathable air when responding to an emergency situation.
"This funding will allow us to purchase necessary equipment that we might otherwise not have the resources to replace. The federal AFG program is an important funding source for rural departments like ours. We will continue to work with Congressman Collins regarding issues impacting local fire departments in our region," said Corfu Fire Chief Brian Schollard.
The AFG Grant Program provides direct funding assistance to fire departments, State Fire Training Academies, and non-affiliated EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of both the public and emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.
Press release:
Proving that a minute can matter, Tompkins Bank of Castile is launching the fourth and final round of the quarterly Community Minute Challenge. Each quarterly winner is awarded $2,500; by the end of the contest, a total of $10,000 will have been provided in much-needed funds to local not-for-profit organizations.
“In each of the first three rounds, the support for the Community Minute Challenge has been impressive, with thousands of votes cast for the participating organizations,” said John McKenna, Bank president and CEO. “As proud members of the communities where we operate, we’re thankful for the important services that are provided by non-for-profit organizations in our area.
"We’re thrilled to be able to bring attention to their positive work through the Community Minute Challenge.”
The fourth round will begin July 24 and run through Aug. 7. The winning organization is determined by public voting on the Bank of Castile Facebook page, where visitors can watch the one-minute videos produced by participating nonprofits and then vote for their favorite. Each video explains how the nonprofit would use the awarded funds. The seven organizations competing in this round are:
- Delphi Drug and Alcohol Council Inc. (Monroe County)
- Friends of Letchworth State Park (Wyoming County)
- Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library (Genesee County)
- Genesee Cancer Assistance (Genesee County)
- Geneseo Parish Outreach Center (Livingston County)
- Gilda's Club Rochester (Monroe County)
- Pathstone Enterprise Corporation (Monroe County)
To show support for the initiative and cast a vote, participants should “like” the Tompkins Bank of Castile Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TompkinsBankofCastile and click on the Community Minute Challenge app. They can then select their favorite nonprofit after watching the one-minute videos. Individuals can vote once per day during the contest period.
Launched in August 2016, the Community Minute Challenge has awarded $7,500 to date.
The first-round winner was Going to the Dogs Rescue in Wyoming County, an organization dedicated to helping homeless pets find loving forever homes. The second-round winner was ARC of Genesee Orleans, a resource of choice for people with disabilities and their families in both Genesee and Orleans counties. The third-round winner was Community Action for Wyoming County, an organization that seeks to improve the quality of life of all people they serve by focusing on their needs and encouraging them to realize their goals and become self-sufficient.
T.F. Brown's Blind Squirrels beat Wii Not Fit 12-11 last night to take the Co-Ed Softball Championship at Kibbe Park.
Mike Jamil provided the game summary:
Eddie Davis' big game was not enough as Wii Not Fit loses in the bottom of the seventh inning by one, as Lee hits walk-off opposite field single.
Everybody contributed for the T.F. Brown's Blind Squirrels, that's for certain.
Fava gets his first ever title in any league anywhere, breaking his mush curse.
Jamil finally breaks his coed curse.
Wii Not Fit, though they always look like they're overmatched and the underdogs, keep that grit, which got them to a #2 seed regular season although preseason picked to be no higher than the #5 seed.
An evenly matched game throughout with a muckyish outfield -- left by the flood at Kibbe Park not even a week prior -- wasn't keeping these two teams filled with non-prima donnas off the field.
Davis burned Jamil badly in the first, which led to his immediate benching, costing the team with pathetic fielding. Safe to say he redeemed himself at the plate, returning the favor by not being dead weight, thank God. (Corny third-person talk since I'm the one writing this.)
Over 10 hours of HAND rolling and almost 72 hours of sun made this night possible.
Couldn't believe the number of spectators tonight even.
Members of the winning team are Ronnie Sumeriski, Mike Jamil, Pat Fava, Jackie Janes, Jarad Lee, Heidi Dempsey, Mike Badami, Chester Harrington, Ariel Ford, Chelsey Ruzewski, Lacy Leto, as well as Kirsten Rowland and Jerry Dykstra, who were unable to participate in the title game but were vital cogs all season long for the T.F. Brown's Blind Squirrels.
For more pics go to: Visit Steve Ognibene's photography site.
Another great sunny day at the Genesee County Fair. You really need to come check it out, so many more events and activites to enjoy.
Highlight's of today's activities include the 4-H dairy cattle show, the 4-H livestock auction, Karaoke, and stock-car races at the Genesee Speedway. For a complete schedule, click here.
Thursday, June 20 - Veteran’s Day at the Fair
*This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time*
DAILY AT THE GENESEE COUNTY FAIR: $5 Carload Admission Every Day & Night! * Midway Rides * DAILY WRIST BAND SPECIALS AVAILABLE.
* Agricultural Awareness Exhibit * Livestock Exhibits * Air Sculpture – Transforming Balloons into Art (Exhibition Building), Chainsaw Carver—Elaine Foy.
(Submitted photo: 2017 State Fair selections in the Kennedy Building at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.)
Press release:
The Genesee County 4-H Office would like to thank all of the local 4-H members who entered exhibits in the 2017 Genesee County Fair.
We would also like to thank all of our volunteers, judges, family and friends who came to support our youth; we could not do it without you!
There were so many great exhibits to choose from and they will be on display in the Kennedy Building on the Genesee County Fairgrounds now through Saturday, July 22.
Congratulations to the following Genesee County 4-H members whose exhibits have been selected to advance to the New York State Fair, which will take place in Syracuse Aug. 23- Sept. 4.
For more information about the New York State Fair visit: http://nysfair.org/
Section B – Educational Exhibits
Section C – Communications and Expressive Arts
Section DA – Food and Nutrition
Section DB – Fine Arts and Crafts
Section DC – Hobby Crafts and Home Environment
Section DE – Textiles & Clothing
Section E – Visual Arts and Photography
Section F – Horticulture
Section M – Veterinary Science
Cloverbuds – For Display Only
Submitted photos and press release:
Environmental Science Career Exploration Camp provided adventure and learning July 10th – 14th at Genesee County Park & Forest.
Eighth- through 11th-graders from six different local schools formed a class of elite Environmental Science trainees. Each day consisted of time in the forest and wetlands with hiking, identifying invasive insects, taking tree measurements, navigating, stream sampling, performing bird surveys and more.
Camp instruction was sponsored by Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry, Genesee County Youth Bureau, NYSDEC, USDA APHIS, Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, NYSDEC ECO, Genesee ARC Trash & Recycling facility, GLOW Region Solid Waste, and CC Environment & Planning.
Presentations and hands-on activities were led by professionals in 10 different fields including Forestry, Conservation Law Enforcement, Wildlife Management, and Environmental Planning.
Campers learned a ton while enjoying lunch and snacks each day from camp sponsors: Alex’s Place, Subway, Mark’s Pizzeria, Batavia’s Original, D&R Depot, and Tops Friendly Markets of Le Roy.
Special thanks to all of the volunteers and sponsors for making this excellent experience possible for the next generation of conservation professionals!
Press release:
Genesee Division, NY District Kiwanis will hold a Division Council Meeting to "Meet the Candidates" and dinner on Saturday, July 22, at BW Restaurant & Reception Center. It is located at 11070 Perry Road in Pavilion.
The event is hosted by Kiwanis from Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford & Pembroke, Corfu and Darien.
Cost is $30 per person. This is a "Take a Bite Out of Lyme" fundraiser.
Time is divided as follows:
Come and enjoy Kiwanis fellowship and year-end celebration!
Meet the candidates for Kiwanis Governor-Elect 2017-18:
RSVP to Penny Arnold (585) 356-3413 or pennyarnolddunigan@yahoo.com
Or to Charlene Schoenenberger (585) 584-3738 or schoenenberger50@gmail.com
Seniors at Batavia High School this year will not only be afforded the privilege of reserved parking spaces in the student lot, they will be able to paint their designated spot with just about any design they like.
Overall, board members for the City School District loved the idea, presented by the executive council of the Class of 2018, but requested some modifications from the original idea before approving it.
"With a personalized parking spot, the students are able to reserve their spots and then express their individuality, which is really meaningful as maturing young adults," said student Mikey Lullo.
The students said there would be three options for students. The first costs the student nothing -- they get an assigned spot that will remain black asphalt throughout the year. The second option allows them to reserve a spot for $10, but they can't personalize it. The sweet spot, painted and personalized, would be $15.
The project is a fundraiser for the Class of 2018.
The original proposal would make all options available to all students who drive to school and students paying $15 would be able to select three possible spots, which would then be assigned randomly from those choices.
Because it's the first year, the board thought painted spots should be reserved for seniors and all spots should be selected at random.
"I love this kind of stuff," Board Member Peter Cecere said. "I think the finished product looks amazing."
Then he raised concerns about how slots would be selected.
"While I'd like to give everybody at least one of their top three choices, that's just not going to work," Cecere said. "Inevitably you're going to have a kid complaining because 'hey this kid's got this and I paid the same amount of money.' "
Trustee Shawna Murphy wondered if the privilege might be tied to academic performance or attendance, but the feeling was that would add another level of complication. She also expressed concern that in this climate, the painted slots would look dingy over the course of the year.
The students said they researched schools in similar climates and found with the right paint, it hasn't been a problem. They also said the paint acts as a sealant, which helps protect the surface of the parking lot.
At the end of the year, the students would be responsible for painting over, with black paint, the customized student spots.
While students who wish to personalize parking spots must get a sketch approved by school administrators, the council said they will also help watch over the parking lot.
Cecere expressed concern about vandalism and bullying associated with customized slots. The students hope security cameras and their vigilance will help tap down these issues.
"We're going to be there and we take it upon ourselves to monitor everything, us being the executive council," said Lauren Leone. "We are there to check everyone's paint and make sure it's being respectful."
Murphy asked how the council knew this was something they knew their fellow students wanted.
Lullo said the idea has been a big hit on social media.
"This has gone around multiple times and there has been positive feedback from pretty much the majority of the school who is on social media saying 'oh we wish we have this' and 'this would be so cool,' " Lullo said. "They said, 'this is so great, we want this.' So we kind of took it and ran with it."
Top Photo: Lauren Leone. Bottom photo: Kiara Cherry, Amand Patel and Mikey Lullo.
Video about a similar program at a high school in Lebanon, Ind.
Dwayne Bartholemau Spivey, 40, of Doran Street, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st. At 10:45 a.m. Sunday on Lake Street Road, Le Roy, Le Roy PD, State Police and the Sheriff's Office were conducting a joint traffic checkpoint. Officers reported observing a vehicle driven by Spivey stop prior to the checkpoint, with Spivey exiting the driver's side and changing seats with the passenger, making the passenger the driver when the vehicle arrived at the checkpoint. Upon investigation by Deputy Chad Cummings and Deputy Chris Erion, Spivey was found to have 25 suspensions over the course of two decades. The other occupant, the passenger who became the driver, had a valid license. Spivey was jailed without bail.
Jesse Dean Parsons, 33, of Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with promoting prison contraband. Parsons is accused of entering the Genesee County Jail on an unrelated charge with a known banned item.
Press release:
New York State, as part of the Adopted 2017/18 State Budget, included another mandate on all local governments and possibly school districts to discuss and develop shared services ideas and plans for eventual submittal to the County Legislature in August/September 2017, and then submittal to the New York State Department of State by Oct. 15.
Part of the process for discussing and developing said public sector shared services plans is to have public meetings/opportunities for citizen input and to take suggestions on possible public sector shared services opportunities that have not already occurred and are in place.
In order to satisfy the public forum mandate, the Genesee County Legislature will hold an open comment period at the beginning of each of the next three Legislative body meetings on July 12, July 17, and Aug. 9 at approximately 5:30 p.m. in the Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia, in the third-floor Chambers.
Press release:
Assistant Golf Professional Mike Eichner urged golfers to use common sense when negotiating the Stafford Country Club course during the 41st Annual Arc of Genesee Orleans Lullo Memorial Tournament. Although the weather was picture perfect Monday, recent heavy rains resulted in areas along the 96-year-old course that was a little challenging.
“In the end, it was a great day of golf for the Arc,” Eichner said.
The tournament also features tennis and bocce divisions.
In golf play, Jonathan Tretter and Marc Ramos came out on top, both shooting a 77. Low gross honors for women went to Tina Lambert with an 84.
In the low net category, Bryan Countryman and Paul Marchese tied at 64, and Ed Shultz was close behind with 65. Francesca Fuller had a low net score of 73 for women.
In the blind bogey competition, Alan Saskowski matched the blind bogey number drawn of 74.
The hole-in-one contest on 8 was sponsored by Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Unfortunately, no one shot an ace to drive away with a 2017 Ram Pickup Express.
In other contests on the course, Zach Fuller won the longest drive on 15 and honors for longest putt on 11went to Dan Burnham who sank a 60’ 5” putt! In the closest to the pin contests, John Curtiss won a golf bag, courtesy of C.H. Wright on 8 (20’2”); Marc Ramos earned top prize on 12, a Red Osier Gift Certificate; Paul Barton won a Schwinn bicycle, donated by Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle in the top prize on 14(15’6”). The contests on #11 and #12 this year honored the memory of Ralph Houseknecht, a disability advocate and Arc supporter who passed away in 2016. Three generations of the Houseknecht family were represented at the tournament on Monday, the same day an engraved stone was installed on the course in his memory between the 12th tee box and a walking bridge that also bears his name.
In bocce, the first-place team representing ESL Federal Credit Union was Jim Miller, Jenna Holota, Mary Blevins and Dan Basch.
In tennis, first-place team honors went to Steve Clemm and Paul Hiscutt. Second-place team went to Diane Bonarigo and Jerry Reinhart. Bonarigo also earned top score in the tennis division.
Gold sponsors of the event were Turnbull Heating & Air-Conditioning, Graham Corporation, MTE Turf Equipment Solutions/Tom & Lynn Houseknecht, Crickler Vending, One Group, Relph Benefit Advisors and Tompkins Bank of Castile /Insurance Agencies/ Financial Advisors. Silver sponsors were: Batavia Turf, The Daily News, The Bonadio Group, Oakfield Family Medical Care, Alpina Foods, Erie and Niagara Insurance Association, In Memory of Ralph Houseknecht, Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Tops Friendly Markets, Bessey Tools, Parkview Health Services, Genesee Valley PennySaver and Manning Napier, One Group and The Insurance Center.
Also supporting the event were 12 golf sponsors, three tennis sponsors, seven bocce sponsors and seven Friend of Arc Tournament sponsors. Door prizes, silent, and Chinese auction items were donated by dozens of area businesses. The 2017 cart sponsors were Philadelphia Insurance and Pinnacle Manufacturing.
A total of 124 golfers, eight tennis players, and 36 bocce players participated in the annual event that raises money to benefit programs and service for people with disabilities served by Arc of Genesee Orleans.
The winner of the $1,000 cash drawing was Ron Brueckner with ticket number 15341. The ticket seller was Deb Hinze, of Batavia.
The Arc of Genesee Orleans Lullo Memorial Tournament is named in memory of Danny Lullo, a local businessman who came up with the idea to hold a tournament to benefit Genesee ARC programs and services for people with disabilities in our community. The Tournament is the longest-running charity event at the local private country club.
Ed Carney is the event chairman. Peggy Lamb chairs tennis and Deb Fischer chairs bocce.
The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Chicago concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday:
Jaqueline M. Walker, 48, of Wallace Drive, Grand Island, is charged with resisting arrest and two counts of harassment, 2nd, after allegedly kicking and striking several Live Nation security officers and then resisting arrest by kicking deputies while being taken into custody.
Mark P. Walker, 49, of Wallace Drive, Grand Island, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching a Live Nation security officer in the face.
Here are some of the sights from the second day of the Genesee County Fair.
Today's events:
Wednesday, July 19th - “Children’s Day - 4-H Family Night” Kids ride special $5 wrist bands 1-4pm
*This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time*
DAILY AT THE GENESEE COUNTY FAIR: $5 Carload Admission Every Day & Night! * Midway Rides * DAILY WRIST BAND SPECIALS AVAILABLE.
* Agricultural Awareness Exhibit * Livestock Exhibits * Air Sculpture – Transforming Balloons into Art (Exhibition Building), Chainsaw Carver—Elaine Foy.
UPDATED at 9:47 p.m.
Batavia PD investigators took less than a day to identify a suspect in a knife attack on a person overnight on East Main Street.
Arrested this afternoon was JW Hardy III, 30, of 216 Liberty St., Batavia.
He is charged with assault in the first degree and gang assault, 1st.
He was jailed without bail.
The investigation is ongoing.
Under NYS Penal Code, the charge of gang assault does not mean that the person charged is a member of an organized, ongoing, criminal enterprise. It does mean that the police suspect was aided by two or more other people in perpetrating an attack that caused serious physical injury.
Chief Shawn Heubusch said that right now police believe there was at least more than one person involved.
As for any possible actual gang membership for Hardy, Heubusch said, "There is no reason to believe he is involved in any organized criminal enterprise."
The attack was reported at 1 a.m. in the area of 318 E. Main St., Batavia.
Upon arrival, officers located a male victim who had a severe laceration to his upper arm, lying on the ground.
The victim was transported by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital. He reportedly had serious injuries.
Based on evidence and witness statements at the scene, police said earlier today that the victim had been beaten and slashed with a knife by at least one person.
Police reported at the time of the release that one person was being questioned in connection with the attack.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Batavia Police Department Detective Bureau at (585) 345-6350 or the Confidential Tip Line at (585) 345-6370.
Investigators have leads to track down and a person of interest in a home invasion assault in Bethany three nights ago, according to Investigator Chris Parker, who is leading the case.
The 73-year-old victim is in stable condition at Strong Memorial Hospital after initially being transported to UMMC the night of the attack.
Parker said he has interviewed someone who is not a suspect at this time, but truly a person of interest.
The crime was reported just before 9 p.m., Saturday at a residence in the Bethany Center Road, Paradise Road area of Bethany.
The victim called 9-1-1. He told deputies on scene that he was asleep and the intruder woke him. He said he had been hit with an unknown object, which caused facial wounds, and sprayed with an unknown substance.
Parker did not discuss what might have been used to hit the victim, but that all indications are, whatever the victim was sprayed with was likely nothing more than water. There is no evidence to indicate it was any other substance.
"I can allay any public fears that there is a person or persons out there coming into people's homes and assaulting them," Parker said. "That is not the case here. This was not a random act."
People with information that might be helpful to the case can call the Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000.
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