At about 5:40 p.m., City Fire received a report of an object next to a vehicle on fire with the fire spreading to the vehicle at 18 Elm St., Batavia.

Lt. David Green said the owner of the vehicle had tried hitting a latch in order to open using a propane heater.

It's been a week and Mark Fanara, owner of High Voltage Tattoo at 110 W. Main St., Batavia, is feeling increasingly frustrated that nobody can park in front of his business because of the massive pile of snow in the very limited space available for parking at his location.

He said he's called the city's maintenance department twice and that his landlord called as well and was told the snow would be removed today.  

Snow removal in front of city businesses is a perennial complaint of local shop owners, especially downtown where businesses often rely on the ability of customers to park along Main and walk into stores.

Dave Howe, Charles Men's Shop, said it is frustrating to have snow piled up or piling up, because it does hurt business, especially when the snowstorm comes on a holiday, as it did a week ago on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day.

"It's important for retail because bank clerks and school teachers and city workers all have the day off and it can be really busy for us," Howe said. "It's unfortunate because here we are generating tax money for the county, the state, and the city.  But I get it. It's money. It'd budget. It's overtime."

The Batavian spoke with City Manager Racheal Tabelski about the situation at High Voltage Tattoo before checking on the snowbanks downtown.  As for High Voltage, she said, "It's on DPW's list and they will get to it as soon as they can."

She has yet to respond to a text message about the snowbanks along Main Street in the downtown area.

UPDATE 11:15 p.m.: Tabelski said tonight that, yes, snow removal on Main Street in downtown continues to be an issue with every big snow event. "I absolutely sympathize with businesses trying to survive with customer access in the snow.  As you are aware, the crews have been doing the best they can. If it would stop dumping 4-5 inches on us each night, crews could get back to removal and these areas cleaned up sooner. I am hopeful they will get to public parking lanes quickly."

The snowbanks have been cleared from in front of City Hall.

Bubba's Landscaping cleared the snow from in front of the YNGodess Shop. Owner Chris Crocker said it took the crew about an hour using a snowblower and shovels.

Crocker said she understands the storm came on a federal holiday, and the city may even be short staff, "but then get on WBTA or The Batavian and explain it," Crocker said. "Tell the community what is going on and the community will come together."

She said her biggest concern is the safety of citizens who are forced to walk in the street to get to not just her business but Alberty's and the bank.  Some of those people are elderly, she noted.

"I don't want anybody to get hurt," she said.

The snowbank in front of the Masonic Temple building, the location of several businesses, including Charles Men's Shop.

Press Release:

On December 17, 2021, four members of the City of Batavia Police Department’s Emergency Response Team graduated from DCJS Basic SWAT School training in Livingston County. Basic SWAT School is a four-week intensive school focused on advanced weapons and tactics, forced entry (manual and mechanical), medical training, chemical deployment, distractionary device deployment, multi-terrain navigation, high-risk apprehensions, and specialized event security. The school was hosted by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and was put on over a four-month period.

“The skills and tactics learned are essential to the functions of our Emergency Response Team and will enhance operations even further for our Team.”, stated Chief Shawn Heubusch, “I would like to thank Sheriff Dougherty and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office for hosting us. I want to congratulate the men and women of our department that successfully completed this intensive training and are now more capable to serve our community in times of crisis.”

Top photo: Asst. Chief Chris Camp, Officer Wesley Rissinger, Officer Felicia DeGroot, Officer Arick Perkins, Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk, Chief Shawn Heubusch, and ERT Commander Sgt. Eric Bolles

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined his colleagues from the Assembly Minority at a press conference today calling for the passage of the Inflation Relief & Consumer Assistance Plan (A.8481) in response to rapid and ongoing inflation faced by New Yorkers throughout the last year. The proposal would suspend state sales tax on several everyday goods such as gasoline, cleaning products. and prepared foods for two years. Gas prices have risen over a dollar within the last year alone, while household and everyday items have risen steadily in price over the last several months. 

“Inflation is an economic force that impacts the working class more than anyone else, erasing the impact of wage increases as people find their paychecks buying less and less every week,” said Hawley. “For those who rely on fuel to heat their homes, these price increases mean less money put aside for college and emergency funds, fewer family nights out, and for some, choosing between heating their homes or filling up their vehicles. Passing this legislation would have a direct and immediate impact on the economic well-being of New Yorkers and restore the power of their hard-earned paychecks.”

Press Release:

The Town of LeRoy has received  110 COVID test kits. Each kit contains two tests. The town will distribute them for free on Wednesday Jan. 26 at the Town Hall starting at 10:00 a.m., on a first come first serve basis. Each household may have two test kits. You must be a resident of Genesee County in order to receive the kits. Please bring ID that shows your residency.

 

Batavia High School 11^th-grader Charlie Kegler is carving out his niche as the “floater” for the Zing sailboat racing team that will represent the Youngstown Yacht Club in the 2021-22 IC37 Winter Series Lauderdale Cup early next month in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The lone youth member of the nine-person crew, Kegler (at right in photo above) has excelled in a highly-competitive sport that demands sound judgment, quick thinking, strength and stamina.

Versatility is the key to becoming a successful floater, a position recognized as the glue that keeps the crew’s moving parts together. Going into his second year on the major regatta circuit, Kegler has proven himself worthy in competition as his numerous trophies would attest.

Kegler was introduced to the sport four years ago by his father, Charles, who serves as vice commodore of the yard at YCC.

In an interview with The Batavian (where he was joined by his father and grandfather, Bill), the 5-foot-11, 180-pound Charlie said that his participation in sailboat racing has enabled him to value teamwork and to speed up (no pun intended) his development.

“For me, sailing makes me feel like I’m in a different world,” he said. “It’s a sport that I enjoy, can be competitive in different ways and on different boats and with different people.”

CHARLIE’S DAD CAUGHT THE SAILING BUG

Charlie’s dad got involved in the sport six years ago at the invitation of a friend, Shane Vanstrom, currently the junior sailing director at YCC.

“I sailed once and became instantly hooked,” Charles said, adding that in time he brought his only son along to experience the thrill of sailboating.

Charlie started in the junior sailing program where the goal, according to his father, is to emphasize the safety aspects of the sport while learning racing tactics and strategy. He quickly showed that he was up to the task, participating and winning in the 420 class (normally featuring two people).

This past summer, Charlie’s Zing crew competed in the Canada Cup Challenge and, although it didn’t win, plans to challenge the champion Defiant team, that includes four past Olympians, again this summer.

The Canada’s Cup, the second-oldest match race trophy in the world, started in 1896.

SEVEN TEAMS VYING FOR THE TITLE

In the immediate future, Charlie and his team are ready to compete from Feb. 4-6 in the Fort Lauderdale regatta’s IC37 division. IC37 is the type of boat (at 37 feet) that the Zing crew and six other entrants will be racing. The other teams are from Fort Lauderdale, Newport, R.I.; New York City, Tampa, Cohasset, Mass., and Norfolk, Va.

February’s competition is the second of three legs of the Winter Series Lauderdale Cup – the first was in November, when Zing placed fourth, and the final leg is in March. The Zing crew is looking to improve its standing -- banking on the experience it gained from the first leg.

“We’re confident,” Charlie said. “We plan to go as hard as we can – max power.”

The team’s other members are in their 40s, with the strategist, Chris Doyle, in his early 60s.

Charles said that it’s rare to see someone as young as his son become part of an international crew, especially representing YCC, “which has a storied reputation from the 1970s of producing world class sailors.”

ZING SKIPPER GIVES GLOWING REVIEW

According to Zing Skipper Adam Burns, who started in the sport as a child, the Zing crew is fortunate to have Charlie as part of the team.

“He’s phenomenal,” said Burns, who recently was elected as commodore at YCC. “He’s a team player with a great attitude in a role that is very unique. Not many people can do that and it’s nice to have an agile junior sailor on board.”

Burns said sailboat racing has embraced a more diverse population in recent years, encouraging women and teens to be a part of what is considered an amateur sport.

“Two of our crew are women, plus we have Charlie, and I think that is admirable the way the sports has become more diverse,” said Burns, a wealth management consultant in Buffalo. “I didn’t have this opportunity growing up.”

TRAINING AT CROSSFIT TO GET READY

To prepare for Florida trip, which could consist of up to 12 races in those three days, Charlie said he has been working out regularly at CrossFit Tsunami in Oakfield.

“It’s important to have arm strength to pull in the spinnaker (lightweight flying sail) and the retrieval line,” he said. “In my role, I have to move from position to position, help on the deck and with the mast team; whatever is needed.”

A B-plus student enrolled in the Diesel Technician course through Genesee Valley BOCES, Charlie is exploring his college options. While scholarships aren’t plentiful, there are opportunities for assistance at colleges with sailing programs.

Furthermore, someone knowledgeable in diesel engines would have a place working at boat yards as almost all of the sailboats are diesel-powered, said Charlies’ dad, who will be accompanying him on the Florida trip – cheering him on while keeping a trained eye on the team’s performance.

Charles and Charlie Kegler at the Youngstown Yacht Club.

Charlie going solo in small sailboat.

Overhead view of the Zing crew.

Charlie with some of the trophies he has earned as a top-notch sailor.

Submitted photos courtesy of Charles Kegler.

Press release:

Light snow across western New York will increase in intensity for a few hours into the early evening. Snow will accumulate quicker on area roadways. With the sun setting and temperatures dropping, earlier wet roads will re-freeze if not well treated. The combination of accumulating snow and re-freezing roads will cause driving conditions to deteriorate through the evening commute.

The increased snowfall rate will also cause reduced visibilities to a quarter-mile at times. If traveling, allow extra time to reach your destination and allow extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Matthew Zakrzewski, 42, of Batavia, is charged with arson 5th. It is alleged that at 9 p.m., Jan. 16, Zakrzewski entered the bank yard of a residence on Bank Street and set a canvass shed on fire causing damage to the shed and its contents. Zakrzewski who is being held on other charges was issued an appearance ticket.

Matthew Zakrzewski, 42, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd and petit larceny. Zakrzewski is accused of trespassing on private property at 9:06 p.m., Jan. 16, and stealing a bicycle. Zakrzewski was arraigned in City Court and ordered jailed on $100 bail.

Kenneth Marrocco, 29, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 3rd and criminal mischief 4th. Marocco was arrested on a warrant issued in relation to an incident reported at 5:43 p.m., Dec. 28, on Ross Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in City Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Adam Bortle, 38, of Wayland, is charged with petit larceny. He is accused of shoplifting from a local business on Dec. 17.  He was arrested at the Livingstone County Jail by Officer Kevin DeFelice on a City Court arrest warrant. He was jailed pending arraignment and following arraignment, released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Michael L. Jackson, 41, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He is accused of a theft on May 16. He was arrested on a warrant and released on an appearance ticket.

Kyle A. Hillyard, 29, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Hillyard was arrested by a Batavia PD patrol officer following an accident reported at 12:09 p.m., Jan. 16, on East Main Street. Hillyard allegedly fled the scene of the accident, He was issued an appearance ticket.

Alexandro Rodriguez, 25, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal possession of a controlled substance. At 4:58 p.m., Jan. 17, Rodriguez allegedly pulled another person to the ground causing her to injure her hand. He was also allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Laquisha M. Bloom, 36, of Medina, is charged with assault 3rd. Bloom is a suspect in an incident reported at 11:15 p.m., Jan. 17, at a location on Bank Street. Bloom turned herself in at Batavia Police headquarters. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jose A. Alvarado, 33, of Albion, is charged with sex offender failure to report a change of address within 10 days. Alvarado was reportedly living at the Days Inn but was allegedly located living at an address in Albion in an investigation conducted by Det. Jason Ivison. Alvarado is currently on federal probation.

Michael Ross Whiteman, 49, of South Federal Street, Perry, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, open alcohol containers, and inadequate exhaust system. Whiteman was stopped at 12:58 a.m., Nov. 4, on Cockram Road, Byron, by Deputy David Moore.

Nicholas M. Canty, 24, of Buffalo, is charged with fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle and reckless driving. Canty was arrested by State Police following an incident reported at 1:54 a.m., Jan. 22, in the Town of Batavia. Canty was issued an appearance ticket.  No further details were released.

Joshua D. Quaintance, 33, of Byron,  is charged with DWI. Quaintance was stopped at 4:10 p.m., Jan. 20, by State Police.  He was issued an appearance ticket. No further details were released.

Article by Matt Holman, Ski Coach

Saturday was a picturesque day at Swain. Cold, sunny and partly cloudy. A perfect day for ski racing. The racecourse was all but bulletproof on Wheels Run after a large amount of natural snowfall followed by a few days of cold temperatures.

One Run of Giant Slalom:
Sophomore Lily Wagner had her best finish of her young career. She finished in 13th place in the morning giant slalom race. Lily has been training hard all season and we are finally seeing the results. This is her second top 15 finish this season. Sophia Minuto was 21st, Abby Bestine was 26th and Quinn Woeller was 29th. The Girls finished 6th. Boys competitors Ben Stone was 18th and Ethan Bradley was 24th. 

Two Runs of Slalom:
Lily Wagner finished 18th, Sophia Minuto 22nd, Abby Bestine 23rd, Quinn Woeller 24th.  Ben Stone 20th 

Quinn's second run time was an improvement of a full second and finished 3rd on the team. This team's improvement this year has been phenomenal, The team is looking forward to Monday's training session with a two-run Slalom Race on Wednesday 1/26

Photo submitted by Matt Holman. Lily Wagner, Sophia Minuto, Abby Bestine, and Quinn Woeller

Press Release:

New York State has provided Orleans County Emergency Management Office with free at-home COVID-19 test kits to distribute to residents. Starting Tuesday, January 25, 2022, each library, town hall, village hall, and the Orleans County Office Building will have a limited supply of COVID-19 test kits to distribute to their residents during normal business hours until the kits are gone. Please note all the school districts have received kits for their students and will distribute according to their respective plans. A maximum of one kit per family will be distributed at the following locations:

• Orleans County Office Building: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Town of Yates: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Village of Lyndonville: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.  Closed Daily 12:30-1 p.m.
• Town of Ridgeway: Monday–Friday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Village of Medina: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Town of Shelby: Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Town of Carlton: Tuesday–Friday 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. / Saturday 9 a.m.-12p.m
• Town of Gaines: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. / Monday Evenings 5-7
• Village of Albion: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Town of Albion: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30-11 a.m. and 12-3:30 p.m.
• Town of Barre: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Town of Kendall: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. -3:30 p.m. (closed for lunch from noon to 12:45 p.m.)
• Town of Murray: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m./ Saturday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Village of Holley: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Town of Clarendon: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. / Tuesday 12 -6 p.m./ Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Yates Community Library: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m./ Friday 10 a.m.-5  p.m./ Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Lee Whedon Library: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m./ Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Hoag Library: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. / Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Holley Community Free Library: Monday, Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. /4-8 p.m. / Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. /Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

“Residents should use at-home COVID-19 tests after a possible exposure to someone with COVID-19 or when they exhibit symptoms of COVID-19,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Testing is one mitigation strategy that can help reduce the community spread of COVID-19.”

For Free PCR and rapid testing you can go to the NYS COVID-19 Testing site located at GCC Albion Campus Center at 456 West Avenue, Albion. Walk-ins and registration allowed Monday-Saturday.

To register: https://appointments.bioreference.com/nystatecovidtesting.

To report a Positive At-home Test:
Individuals can visit the GO Health website COVID-19 Testing page under Emerging Issues (GOHealthNY.org) and choose the appropriate Home Test button for their respective county. Individuals should complete the at-home tests according to the directions provided. When the test is completed, individuals should take a picture with the individual’s name, the date and the time they took the test legibly written in permanent marker within 15 minutes of reading the test. Towards the end of the online form, the individual will be required to upload the picture on the website and attest to the authenticity and truth of the form. If there are any missing sections that are required, the form is invalid. At this time, individuals do not need to report negative at-home test results. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is to self-isolate immediately. You may not be contacted regarding your contacts, so it is important to notify your close contacts (those who you spent 15 minutes or more in a 24 hour period 2 days prior to symptoms or 2 days prior to a positive test result). It is important to continue with self-isolation from household members as much as you are able. Isolate for 5 days and if you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, your symptoms are getting better, and you can tolerate a tight-fitting mask you can return to work/school but you are still required to wear a tight-fitting mask for 5 more days. If you must share space, make sure all in contact with you are wearing masks covering their nose and mouth and frequently shared items/surfaces are sanitized often. To access isolation orders and isolation release paperwork visit our website at GOHealthNY.org (COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine Documents & Information) and complete and print out or print and hand write the forms from the county you reside in and provide to your employer or school.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.33, up two cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.40. The New York State average is $3.50, up two cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.49. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.43 (down one cent from last week)
• Buffalo - $3.45 (up one cent from last week)
• Ithaca - $3.49 (no change from last week)
• Rochester - $3.50 (up one cent from last week)
• Rome - $3.53 (up one cent from last week)
• Syracuse - $3.47 (up one cent from last week)
• Watertown - $3.52 (up two cents from last week)

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand rose slightly. The small increase still puts gas demand in a typical range for the winter driving season. Typically, pump prices decline in January due to low gas demand and a rise in total stocks, but continued growth in the price of crude oil has helped to elevate pump prices. As crude prices continue to climb, pump prices will likely follow suit.

From Gas Buddy:

“With oil prices remaining elevated, average gas prices inched up in most states over the last week even as gasoline demand weakened, a testament to how concerned oil markets are with unrest in oil-producing nations. With all eyes on the Russia/Ukraine situation, oil will likely remain north of $80 per barrel, with additional volatility. Prices could rise even more significantly if there is any further deterioration in the situation," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "For now, I don't expect any immediate fireworks at the pump, but the trend of rising gas prices will likely persist as worries continue to overpower weak global consumption."

Press release:

Batavian Mike Pettinella reached the finals of the Tommy Kress 60-and-Over Tour event Sunday, averaging 222 for six games to place third in the 51-bowler field at Doug Kent’s Rose Bowl Lanes in Newark.

Steve Nowicki, one of the best bowlers in Rochester for several decades, took first place in the tournament with a 254 final game to earn the $333 top prize. Wayne Potter of Canandaigua was second with 222 ($230), followed by Pettinella at 195 ($160) and Jim Galetta of Oswego at 190 ($120).

It is the second straight top five finish on the 60-and-Over Tour for Pettinella, a two-time titleist on the tour. He qualified with a 652 three-game series before rolling 226 and 254 in the eliminator rounds to reach the final four.

In fifth through eighth place were Rochester bowlers Joe Shullek, Charlie Gfeller and Terry Bennetti, and Elmira’s Jim Pitts.

The next stop is scheduled for Feb. 27 at Brockport Bowl.

In Genesee Region USBC league action last week, several big 700 series were reported, with Pettinella leading the way with a 764, highlighted by a 279 third game, in the Turnbull Heating Triples League at Mancuso Bowling Center.

Alex Van Scoter posted a 268 game en route to a 757 series in the County Line Friday Trios and James Townsend finished with 298 in a 756 series in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 5-Man, both at Mancuso’s.

At Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Rob Husted spun 278—751 in the Every-Other-Saturday Mixed League; at Medina Lanes, Hayden Allis shot 256—744 in the Sunday Rolloffs League, and at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, John Beadle registered 278—741 in the Sneezy’s Monday Night League.

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

Submitted photo: From left, Pete Nashburn, Tommy Kress 60-and-Over Tour director; tournament finalists Steve Nowicki of Rochester Wayne Potter of Farmington, Mike Pettinella of Batavia and Jim Galetta of Oswego, and PBA Hall of Famer Doug Kent, proprietor of Doug Kent's Rose Bowl Lanes in Newark.

Press Release:

Genesee County has received 2,580 free COVID-19 test kits from New York State to distribute to Genesee County residents. Starting the week of January 24, 2022, test kits will be available at town, village, and city municipal buildings during their regular business hours, while supplies last. Residents should contact their local municipality for details of when the municipal building is open and the availability of test kits. A maximum of 2 kits (4 tests) per family will be distributed and attendees will be required to show proof of Genesee County residency in order to receive kits. The following locations will have a limited supply of COVID-19 test kits:

• Town of Alabama
• Town of Alexander
• Town of Batavia
• Town of Bergen
• Town of Bethany
• Town of Byron
• Town of Darien
• Town of Elba
• Town of LeRoy
• Town of Oakfield
• Town of Pavilion
• Town of Pembroke
• Town of Stafford
• Village of Alexander
• Village of Bergen
• Village of Corfu
• Village of Elba
• Village of LeRoy
• Village of Oakfield
• Batavia City Hall, Clerks Office

“Residents should use at-home COVID-19 tests after a possible exposure to someone with COVID-19 or when they exhibit symptoms of COVID-19,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Testing is one mitigation strategy that can help reduce the community spread of COVID-19.” For Free PCR and rapid testing, you can go to the NYS COVID-19 Testing site located at GCC Albion Campus Center at 456 West Avenue, Albion. Walk-ins and registration allowed Monday- Saturday. To register: https://appointments.bioreference.com/nystatecovidtesting.

To report a Positive At-home Test:
Individuals can visit the GO Health website COVID-19 Testing page under Emerging Issues (GOHealthNY.org) and choose the appropriate Home Test button for their respective county. Individuals should complete the at-home tests according to the directions provided. When the test is completed, individuals should take a picture with the individual’s name, the date and the time they took the test legibly written in permanent marker within 15 minutes of reading the test. Towards the end of the online form, the individual will be required to upload the picture on the website and attest to the authenticity and truth of the form. If there are any missing sections that
are required, the form is invalid. At this time, individuals do not need to report negative at-home test results. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is to self-isolate immediately. You may not be contacted regarding your contacts, so it is important to notify your close contacts (those who you spent 15 minutes or more in a 24 hour period 2 days prior to symptoms or 2 days prior to a positive test result). It is important to continue with self-isolation from household members as much as you are able. Isolate for 5 days and if you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, your symptoms are getting better, and you can tolerate a tight-fitting mask you can return to work/school but you are still required to wear a tight-fitting mask for 5 more days. If you must share space, make sure all in contact with you are wearing masks covering their nose and mouth and frequently shared items/surfaces are sanitized often. To access isolation orders and isolation release paperwork visit our website at GOHealthNY.org (COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine Documents & Information) and complete and print out or print and hand write the forms from the county you reside in and provide to your employer or school.

Residents can sign up for an upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinic to receive their first dose, booster shot, or pediatric dose at the GO Health website at https://bit.ly/GOHealthCOVID.

Press Release:

On Wednesday January 19, 2022, Batavia resident Chief Warrant Officer-4 Bob Bialkowski US Army (Ret) had the honor and privilege to attend and participate at a funeral in Arlington National Cemetery. I and five other members of a Pilot’s Fraternity from Buffalo attended the funeral of Edward A. Kozlowski, Jr. originally from Buffalo, NY. Ed was a fellow member of our fraternity.

Ed was a highly decorated Army helicopter pilot that had been shot down in Vietnam three times during 1969, once behind enemy lines which required an assault helicopter to provide aerial cover to drive back the enemy so that Ed and his crew could be rescued. In 1971 Ed became a member of the N.Y. Army Guard in Niagara Falls that I was a member of. After about a year Ed was chosen to transfer to the Air Force where he attended fixed wing flight school and went on to serve his country flying Aerial Refueling Tankers at SAC in Rome N.Y. Ed’s next tour he was assigned to flying the Top Secret AWAC aircraft at Tinker A.F. base for ten years where he was an Instructor and Aircraft Commander. Ed retired as a Major and went on to fly commercial aircraft for several years.

His funeral at Arlington was with full Military Honors. We were honored to walk to the ceremony site behind a Caisson with Ed’s remains, pulled by six horses with a full contingent of an Air Force Marching Band, Color Guard, Armed Unit and Squad of Armed Rifle men for the salute. Ed’s service was held near the burial site where the band played several times; an Air Force Chaplain read psalms and the presentation of the flag to the family was made.

Representatives of the Secretary of Defense were also in attendance to offer their condolences. There were approximately thirty members of the Air Force that participated. We then walked to Ed’s grave site with his family to say our final farewells. Walking on the grounds of Arlington where over fifty thousand veterans, many of whom paid
the ultimate price are buried was one of the most humbling experiences in my life. Participating in the funeral service was a great honor that I will always remember. We will be forever grateful to the Kozlowski family.

      

With two games against highly-regarded Victor scheduled over the next two weeks, there’s no better time than now for Batavia Notre Dame United to show that it can compete – and defeat – the elite teams in New York State.

Coach Marc Staley’s squad took a giant step forward this afternoon, playing probably its most complete game of the season, en route to a 7-1 victory over visiting Canandaigua Academy in Section V hockey at the Batavia Ice Arena.

“Actually, I think this whole week – we knew this was going to be a big week with three games in five nights,” Staley said. “So, we set a goal to try to win them all. And, we did that.”

United, winner of four of its last five games (the other was a tie against Williamsville East), raised its record to 9-4-3 with a dominant performance against the Braves, who drop to 4-10-1.

BND got goals from six players as its sharp passing and fast pace resulted in a 46-15 shots on goal advantage.

The home team controlled most of the action and, while not tested as far as quantity of shots, United’s senior goaltender Courtney Schum came up with some sparkling saves before giving way midway through the third period to freshman Frank Falleti Jr.

Falleti returned to the ice for the first time since suffering a leg injury in the team’s opening game.

Jameson Motyka led the way with two goals. Other scorers were Zack Eschberger, Gavin Schrader, Bryce Feldmann, Brady Johnson and Gino Falleti.

United took a 1-0 lead at 9:02 of the first period when Motyka deflected a shot by Noah Hudson past Canandaigua goaltender Charlie Fuller. Schum turned away Alex Chen’s attempt in front of the net to keep the Braves off the board.

Eschberger made it 2-0 just 14 seconds into the second period with an unassisted goal and it stayed that way until Schrader tipped in a shot by Eschberger with 3:22 remaining. Josh Barnes beat Schum to her stick side at the 1:50 mark to cut the lead to 3-1, but BND responded in short order as Motyka converted a pass from Johnson with :23.9 on the clock.

The third period was all United as it outshot Canandaigua, 18-5, scoring on a shorthanded goal by Feldmann at 13:38, and even strength goals by Johnson and Gino Falleti at 11:06 and 10:20, respectively.

“Looking back at this past week, I think we got better every period,” Staley said. “We gave up only 15 shots tonight, which is our lowest total of the year. And I'm really pleased with the way that we're starting to commit in our own defensive zone.”

BND has flexed its muscles on offense all season, but now is starting to put it together on the defensive end as well.

“We know that teams are going to have to score a lot to beat us, but if we can keep teams to one, two, or even three goals, we're going to have a really good chance of winning every night,” Staley added. “But, in terms of a full 51 minute game, I think we played pretty darn well for 48 of those 51 minutes.”

Staley said the development of “a real legitimate third line” with Gino Falleti, Addison Warriner and Ryan Whitcombe is key to the team's success.

“What that does is it gives our top two lines a little more rest so they can play faster,” he said. “We have destroyed teams in the third period this year. We saw this against Greece the other night where we came back, against Williamsville East and we had a really strong third period tonight. When we can run three lines and keep our average shift length under 45 seconds, we’re going to be a tough team to beat.”

Looking ahead, BND hosts Victor at 6 p.m. on Thursday and McQuaid at 6 p.m. on Feb. 1 before traveling to Victor for a 5 o’clock game on Feb. 3. United wraps up the regular season at home against Geneseo/Avon/Livonia for a Senior Night contest at 6 p.m. on Feb. 8.

Sectional competition gets underway on Feb. 15.

Staley said Victor will present United’s toughest tests of the season.

“They’re ranked No. 2 in the state, undefeated going into today’s match against Orchard Park, another unbeaten team,” Staley said. (Orchard Park came out on top in that game by a 3-0 score.)

When asked if his team can knock off Victor, Staley quickly responded in the affirmative.

“Right now, with our team, the way we're playing, I would put this team up against anybody,” he said. “We’re staying out of the penalty box … and we we’re one-for-one on the power play tonight. When you're executing on specialty teams and you're getting some goaltending and you have three lines that you can run up front, that’s a really good recipe for winning hockey games in high school.”

Photos by Howard Owens. Top photo: United goalie Courtney Schum makes the save.

Jameson Motyka, who scored two goals, controls the puck for BND.

BND's Addison Warriner battles for the puck.

Motyka leads the rush down the ice.

A stick goes flying as Canandaigua's Brayden Crouse applies a check.

Battling along the boards.

United's Bryce Feldmann and Schum combine to keep the puck out of the net.

Schum reacts after sweeping the puck away.

Zack Eschberger slips past the Braves' defense to pursue the puck.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Assistant City Manager Jill Wiedrick, in a memo dated Jan. 24 to City Council, stated that Pellegrino Auto Sales and the David M. McCarthy Memorial Foundation have submitted the most competitive bid -- $3,100 annually for 10 years – to purchase the naming rights for the Batavia Ice Arena.

In October 2021, city management put out a Request for Proposal, seeking “a forward-thinking community leader” (business or organization) to present a proposal indicating at least a five-year commitment. According to the RFP, proceeds from the naming rights will be used to make improvements to the arena.

A draft of a resolution to formally accept the Pellegrino/McCarthy Foundation offer is on the agenda of Monday night’s City Council Conference Meeting at 7 o’clock at the City Hall Council Board Room.

The resolution stipulates that the facility will be renamed The David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena during the 10-year term of a formal naming rights agreement and any renewals thereafter.

In her memo, Wiedrick wrote that the agreement grants the prospective sponsors the following rights:

• Erect signage on the ice arena’s façade;
• Place one sign (painted) on an interior wall for Pellegrino Auto Sales;
• Hold two events for up to two hours each at the arena annually;
• Inclusion in all promotional material and other media (press releases, etc.) in cooperation with the city and Firland Management, the company that oversees operations for the city.

It goes on to note that the sponsors will pay for the installation and removal of the façade sign and major maintenance of the sign, and that Pellegrino Auto Sales, located at 4060 Pearl St. Rd., will pay for the painting and removal of the interior wall signage and the sign’s maintenance.

The rink formerly was known as the Falleti Ice Arena for many years.

The David M. McCarthy Memorial Foundation was formed in 2007 in honor of David McCarthy, who died in a motor vehicle accident in November 2006 at the age of 29.  He was a 1995 graduate of Batavia High School, where he excelled in baseball and hockey.

Since then, the foundation has donated more than $70,000 to numerous youth athletics’ organizations and individuals – including Batavia/Notre Dame hockey, Batavia Minor League Baseball, Le Roy Youth Softball and, last summer, to Batavia wrestler Casper Stewart, who competed in the USA Wrestling Nationals in Fargo, N.D.

It also sponsors the annual David McCarthy Memorial Christmas Hockey Tournament at the Batavia Ice Arena.

Fundraisers throughout the year, primarily a golf tournament at Batavia Country Club and bowling tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center, sustain the foundation, which is led by David McCarthy’s brother, Brian, president; father, Michael, treasurer; and Matthew Meyer, vice president.

Batavia City Council president Eugene Jankowski and City Manager Rachael  Tabelski faced off in GO ART!’s Celebrity Bartender Challenge at Seymour Place tonight.  Tabelski and Jankowski both said they weren't really competing and that tips would be combined, though.  All tips are donations to the arts council. 

Press Release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and western Vermont, is excited to kick off this year’s Check Out Hunger campaign (which beings Sunday, January 23-Saturday February 12, 2022) with a generous donation from the Lisa Miller Cutten Foundation for $20,000! This will directly impact FeedMore WNY right here in our community.

“FeedMore WNY is deeply grateful for the incredible partnership of the Lisa Miller Cutten Foundation. The Foundation’s gift to our Food 2 Families event allowed us to provide $10,000 worth of turkeys to community members in need. That donation was matched by Tops Friendly Markets in complementary food items, ensuring our hungry neighbors could enjoy a complete, hearty meal,” Tara A. Ellis, president and CEO of FeedMore WNY, said. “We are humbled that the Lisa Miller Cutten Foundation is donating $20,000 to kick off Tops Friendly Markets’ Check Out Hunger campaign for FeedMore WNY. The Foundation’s generosity and support will help FeedMore WNY provide nourishing food and hope to children, families and older adults throughout Western New York.”

Tops’ annual Check Out Hunger campaign has helped raise over $4,845,333 for participating food banks since 2006.

According to a recent study by Feeding America, more than 38 million people, including 12 million children, face food insecurity in the United States. With the community’s support, however, we can make a difference. When shopping at Tops simply tell your cashier you’d like to help Tops Check Out Hunger and a donation of $2, $3 or $5 will help provide food for your local food bank.

“Eradicating hunger and assisting our fellow neighbors in need is part of Tops core mission so supporting this effort on an annual basis is something that we gladly stand behind,” said Kristen Hanson, Vice President of Center Store, Our Brands; Pharmacy and FeedMore WNY board member.

Participating food banks that will benefit from this year’s Check out Hunger Campaign include:

• FeedMore WNY
• Food Bank of Central NY
• Foodlink of Rochester
• Food Bank of Southern Tier
• Food Bank of the Hudson Valley
• Food Bank of NW PA
• Food Bank of Central PA
• Food Bank of NE NY
• Food Bank of Vermont

To learn more about Tops Friendly Markets and its charitable programs, please visit http://www.topsmarkets.com/Community/Living_Here_Giving_Here/.