batavia

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs, Genesee County’s only professional sports franchise, have released their 2014 promotional schedule featuring fireworks, giveaways, special events, and daily promotions.

The 2014 season is the 75th anniversary of professional baseball in Batavia. This season will feature a couple promotions to help celebrate this momentous occasion. The first one occurs every Saturday home game, as well as Sunday, Aug. 31. At these seven games, one fan will win $75 worth of “Muck Bucks” courtesy of the Genesee County Baseball Club and the Muckdogs Booster Club. “Muck Bucks” can be used to purchase food and/or merchandise at Dwyer Stadium.

The second promotion will occur on Friday, Aug. 22nd. When baseball came to Batavia in 1939, 3,000 fans attended the first game, which is an attendance record that still stands to this day. The Muckdogs will attempt to break this attendance record on Aug. 22nd. If the record is broken that night, one fan could win $3,001!

The Muckdogs will again offer fans a daily menu of money-saving promotions available throughout the season.

The Daily News will continue to sponsor Muckdog Mondays. Every Monday home game, fans can purchase buy one get one free General Admission tickets with a coupon that runs in the Saturday edition of The Daily News.

Every Tuesday, New York’s 529 College Savings Program presents Kids’ Tuesday Night Tickets. Every Tuesday home game, the first 50 kids accompanied by an adult will receive a free General Admission ticket.

The Family Four Pack will take place on every Wednesday during the 2014 season and is presented by MVP Healthcare. Fans can purchase four general admission tickets, four hot dogs, four 12-oz. sodas and a 2014 program for only $30, a savings of $16.

On Thursday nights, Bob Evans Restaurant will sponsor our Kids Eat Free promotion. At every Thursday home game, the first 100 kids 12 & under will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda and snack item.

Fireworks will again light up the sky after every Friday night game at Dwyer Stadium, as well as on the annual Independence Day celebration on July 3rd. Every Saturday will feature a pre-game concert in the concourse. These “Rock the Ballpark” events are presented by Tim Horton’s of Batavia and New Buffalo Impact, with Papa and Mama Root, an oldies rock and roll tribute band, and original music recording artists. All performances begin at 6 p.m. and are weather permitting. Returning to the lineup this year is Dollar Draft Saturday presented by Eastown Beverage and Redemption Center. Every Saturday home game, 12-oz. Bug Light and Genny Light drafts will be just $1 from 6 to 7 p.m.

At Sunday home games, kids can run the bases with Homer after the game courtesy of Bob Evans Restaurant. Also on Sundays, the first 100 seniors will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda/coffee, and a snack item courtesy of The Williams Law Firm.

Other games of note on the 2014 promotional schedule include:
Opening Day/Magnet Schedule Giveaway
Saturday, June 14th

Personal First Aid Kit Giveaway
Friday, June 20th

Muckdogs Car Decal Giveaway
Saturday, June 21st

Independence Day Celebration Fireworks
Thursday, July 3rd

Post-Game Helicopter Candy Drop
Sunday, July 20th

Prostate Cancer Awareness
Friday, July 25th

Bark in the Park
Sunday, July 27th

Le Roy Community Night
Friday, Aug. 8th

Muckdogs Note Pad Giveaway
Saturday, Aug. 9th

Snapple Night
Friday, Aug. 22nd

Team Photo Giveaway
Saturday, Aug. 23rd

Fireworks Nights will be as follows: June 20th, June 27th, July 3rd, July 18th, July 25th, Aug. 8th and Aug. 22nd.

The Muckdogs open their 2014 home schedule on Saturday, June 14th vs. the Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 p.m. For a complete 2014 promotional schedule, go to www.muckdogs.com or call the Muckdogs office at (585) 343-5454. Muckdogs season tickets, coupon books, ticket packages and individual tickets are all on sale.

The top senior scholars, musicians and citizens from Batavia High School were honored Thursday by the Batavia Kiwanis Club. Here's information provided by the school on each award recepient.

Sydney Loria is the daughter of Nathan and Kathy Loria, of Batavia. Sydney will be attending Colgate University this fall, majoring in Chemistry with hopes of continuing on to medical school in the future. She is the executive teasurer of Student Government and a member of National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Z-Club. She is also the concertmaster of the Orchestra and has participated in JV and varsity volleyball for the past four years. Sydney enjoys volunteering and has spent the past two summers volunteering at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Alexis Kindig is the daughter of John and Diana Kindig, of Batavia. Alexis received the Presidential Scholarship and is enrolled in the Clinical Health Studies/Physical Therapy program at Ithaca College to obtain her doctorate and become a physical therapist. She is in National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society, as well as Link Crew. She also plays violin in the school orchestra and is a member of Strings Sensations. She was a three-season scholar athlete all four years on the varsity cross-country, indoor track, and track and field teams.

Haley Case is the daughter of Dexter and Brenda Case. In the fall, Haley will be attending Genesee Community College to play volleyball. She will be majoring in Communications Studies with a minor in Political Science. Afterward, Haley will transfer to a four-year school before pursuing a plan to move on to law school. In high school, Haley was treasurer of National Honor Society, a member of National Art Honor Society, a mentor for Link Crew, and a representative for Student Government, including organizing the Mr. Batavia Pageant. Third in the class, Haley was also an eight-time scholar athlete.

Mike DiBacco is the son of Michael and Mary Beth DiBacco. Mike is a recipient of the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship and will be attending Carnegie Mellon University in the fall to study Mechanical Engineering. He is an active member of National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Model UN, and is president of Batavia’s Scholastic Bowl team. Mike served as co-mayor of the student body his senior year, and has participated in Student Government for three years. Mike is captain of the varsity swim team and is a two-time state finalist and national qualifier.

Ashlee Yasses is the daughter of Tim and Jill Yasses, of Batavia. Ashlee received the Presidential Scholarship and will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology, majoring in Engineering.  Ashlee is involved in Student Government and is the school’s Executive Council secretary. She was also very involved in this past year’s Mr. Batavia competition as a cohost for the event. Ashlee has played volleyball all four years of her high school career and was a co-captain for the past two years. Ashlee is also involved in National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Z-Club and Link Crew.

Taylor Sanders is the daughter of Gerald and Lynn Sanders, of Batavia. Taylor will be attending Niagara University on the Trustees Scholarship. She will be majoring in Biology with a pre-medical advisement, along with a Chemistry minor and a possible Dance minor. Taylor hopes to one day be a pediatric doctor. Taylor is the president of the Class of 2014 and is in National Honor Society.  She is also the secretary of National Art Honor Society. Taylor is very involved with her dance studio Images in Dance and has been since she was young.

Courtney Jones is the daughter of Diana Miller and Carl Jones, of Batavia. Courtney received the Presidential Scholarship and the Fr. Dunne Scholarship, and will be attending Niagara University to major in Early Childhood/Childhood Education. She is a member of National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society, where she is public relations coordinator. Courtney is very active in the 4-H Horse Program, and competes in local shows as well as the county fair and state fair. She has volunteered for the Batavia Youth Football and Cheerleading Program and for the Holland Land Office Museum.

Courtney Smith is the daughter of Richard and Lisa Smith, of Batavia. Courtney received the Achievement Scholarship and will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology majoring in Political Science and Journalism. She attended the Washington Journalism and Media Conference, a weeklong event hosted by George Mason University in Washington, D.C., in July 2013.  Courtney is a member of National Honor Society, volunteers at many community service events, participated in varsity soccer, and has worked at Sunny’s Restaurant for nearly three years.

James Fazio is the son of Jim and Nickie Fazio and resides in Batavia. He will be attending the University of Rochester in the fall and will be pursuing degrees in Computer Science and Computer Engineering. James is both a member of Batavia’s National Honor Society and Link Crew programs and has been a member of the BHS varsity baseball team for two years. He is also an active supporter of youth sports, as he contributes in the form of umpiring and refereeing youth baseball and basketball games.

Jessica Callisher is the daughter of Pamela and Arthur Callisher. Jess has received the Founder’s Scholarship from Syracuse University and will be attending there in the fall to major in Biology with the hopes to continue on to veterinary school. Jess is a scholar athlete for varsity soccer, and plays year-round. She is the secretary for National Honor Society, Student Government representative, treasurer for Stained Glass, volunteer for Mr. Batavia, and also an active member of the prom and dance committees.

Recipient for the 2014 Kiwanis Music Award Recipient for Band is Amanda Schelemanow. Amanda has participated in the concert band, jazz band, and marching band for the past four years. For the past two years, she has been lead trumpet for all ensembles. She also performs lead trumpet in our trumpet ensemble and is a member of our percussion ensemble. Amanda throughout her four years participated in the full orchestra. She is a member of our National Music Honor Society and BHS's National Honor Society. Next year she will be attending SUNY Fredonia where she is pursuing a career in Music Therapy and Psychology. Amanda will be dearly missed next year but I know she will excel next year at Fredonia.

Cassandra Warren is the daughter of Pamela Sivret and Scott DeSmit, of Batavia, and Eric Warren of Springfield, Mass. Cassandra will be attending Genesee Community College in the fall and will be majoring in Health Sciences with the hopes of continuing on to SUNY Brockport. Cassandra served as president of the Genesee Valley BOCES Chapter of the FFA in 2013-2014 school year, and has been active in Chorus since sixth grade. She has participated in Solo Fest all seven years, and was selected for All County Chorus this past March. Cassandra has also participated in both Drama Club and Production Club productions since the eighth grade, and has earned lead roles in her freshman, junior, and senior years. She has also participated in several productions for the Batavia Rotary Club, and Batavia Players. Cassandra also plays bass guitar and performs with area bands at various venues.She plans to join the Theater group at GCC. 

Val Palmer won the Kiwanis Citizenship Award for outstanding community service. Valerie is graduating this year, in just three years, still ranking in the top 15 percent of her graduating class. She is a scholar-athlete on the swimming and volleyball teams and is a member of the National Art Honor Society. Val has volunteered in the community by providing daycare for parents to attend school events and painting murals throughout the city. Her greatest passion has been working for Soup Supper at Sacred Heart Church. It is Val's generous heart and passion for helping others that has been displayed here. Val is passionate about helping others and will continue to do this as she pursues a degree in Elementary and Special Education at Canisius College in the fall.

Eric LeVan, pictured right, knows something about running a successful business. The Churchville native opened Mark’s Pizzeria in Batavia two years ago and he is also co-owner of one in Gates as well.

When he’s not making pizza, he’s engrossed in martial arts.

“When I was a kid I took martial arts classes, but it was eight years ago that I seriously got into it. I found that I loved doing it and I was passionate about it,” LeVan said. 

LeVan, along with his good friend, neighbor and fellow martial artist, Russ Corey, decided to turn their love of martial arts into a business by opening a dojo (Japanese for martial arts school) at the old location of Grammy O’s Laundromat in Batavia’s Valu Plaza. After redoing the entire space, the new 2,200-square-foot facility now has new walls and carpet, fresh paint and authentic martial arts memorabilia on the walls.

“The only thing left from the original building is one wall. We added two bathrooms, two changing rooms, an office and the workout area,” LeVan said. “We were weekend warriors who came in and got it done, although most of the credit goes to our friend and fellow martial artist, Dick Shamp, who knows more about this stuff than Russ or I do.”

Bushido Martial Arts officially opened earlier this month. If you’re looking to learn how to do fancy jumps or mixed-martial-arts type of moves, this is not the place for you.

“Our school is very traditional. We teach centuries-old Japanese martial arts traditions,” LeVan said. “Our style of Goshin Jutsu Karate is a good mix of Karate, Judo and Jujitsu. It includes punches, blocks, strikes, stances and throws used for the sole purpose of self-defense.”

Bushido means “Way of the Warrior” in Japanese. There are seven virtues associated with the Samurai Code of Bushido which is stressed at the school: Gi -- Integrity, Yu -- Courage, Jin -- Compassion, Rei -- Respect,  Makoto -- Honesty, Meiyo -- Honor, and Chugi -- Loyalty.

All classes are taught by Sensei Eric LeVan, Sensei Russ Corey or Sensei Dick Shamp, who are all black belts of varying degrees. They emphasize self-defense, help you gain mental and physical confidence, as well as provide a good workout. There are also women’s self-defense classes and anti-bullying classes available.

"I love martial arts and I’m passionate about teaching it and passing on the art,” LeVan said. “Our instructors are high energy, respectful martial artists that will work with each student one-on-one to reach their full potential, with over 30 years training and/or teaching experience.”

Bushido Martial Arts is located at 452 W. Main Street Road in Batavia at the Valu Plaza. You can visit their Web site at www.bushidomartialarts.org or call Eric LeVan 585-330-4616 or Russ Corey​ 585-303-7696 for more information.

Photo by Howard Owens.

A 17-year-old Lindwood Avenue resident arrested last week on a forcible rape charge has been indicted by a Genesee County Grand Jury on seven more criminal counts.

Joseph A. Saraceni, Jr., is charged with two counts of rape in the first degree, a Class B violent felony, as well as two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree, a Class D violent felony, and misdemeanor counts of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, aggravated harassment and menacing 2nd.

Saraceni is accused of forcing sexual intercourse with a person Nov. 11 and Nov. 12 in the City of Batavia. He accused of forcing sexual contact on those dates. On those dates, he allegedly applied pressure to the throat or neck of another person.  In October and November, he's accused of threatening another person and communicating in a manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm.

The Grand Jury also indicted Leslie C. Jackson on two counts of grand larceny 4th, a Class D felony.  Jackson is accused of stealing property from a Batavia couple valued at more than one thousand dollars. Jackson is also accused of promising to perform home improvements for that couple and receiving more than $1,000 based on the promise.

Darcy E.P. Telenko has been hired as the newest extension educator for the Cornell Vegetable Program. Joining the five other specialists on the team, Telenko will add additional resources to the regional program which serves the commercial vegetable industry in 11 Western, NY counties.

She begins as a vegetable production specialist, bringing expertise in plant pathology, soil science and weed management. This new team position was identified three years ago due to growth of the program.

“After a prolonged search, we are confident that we have hired the right person for the position,” said Julie Kikkert, program team coordinator.”

Originally from Batavia, Darcy grew up on a dairy and produce farm and managed the planting, harvesting, and sale of fruit and vegetables for Partridge’s On the Farm Market. Summers were spent as an IPM scout in WNY.

She earned her B.S. degree at Cornell University, M.S. at Southern Illinois University in plant and soil science, and Ph.D. in plant pathology and crop science from North Carolina State University. Her post-doctoral research in Virginia focused on disease management of agronomic crops, including the evaluation of disease resistance in transgenic peanut lines. Most recently she conducted research and extension trials in turfgrass, agronomic, and vegetable crops at the University of Florida, West Florida Research and Education Center.

Darcy will temporarily be residing with family in Batavia with her office at CCE Erie County. Initially she will be working four days per week until her family joins her early next year. Darcy’s husband, Dominic Telenko, will be retiring from the U.S. military where he is a Navy pilot. The couple has two children, Sophia and Vincent.

Via WBTA:

Terrel Goodson, 25, was convicted at jury trial in Genesee County Court in April of Criminal Sexual Act and Sex Abuse. The second charge carries a seven-year sentence to run concurrently.

Goodson was arrested in Albion in October. He was convicted after two days of testimony.

If Goodson is released, he will be on post-release supervision for 15 years.

A 36-year-old Rochester resident awaiting a possible trial on multiple third-degree rape charges has agreed, seven months after his arrest, to submit to DNA testing and a search of his mobile phone.

Jon Thomas Magliocco was arrested in October and is being held on $50,000 bail.

He appeared in County Court on Wednesday for his plea-cut-off date (the date Judge Robert C. Noonan sets for defendants to either go to trial or accept whatever plea offer is on the table.).  

His case was continued until a court appearance May 27 after Jerry Ader, public defender's office, informed Noonan that his client would submit to DNA testing and a search of his phone.

"We would ask for an extension to see what the results of those examinations would be," Ader said.

Friedman said wasn't sure how long it would take to get back test results for DNA, but would know better in two weeks.

Magliocco was indicted near the end of October on eight counts of rape, 3rd, a Class E felony, and nine counts of criminal sexual act, 3rd, a Class E felony.

He is accused of being older than 21 years old and engaging is sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with a person less than 17 years old.

All but one occasion is alleged to have occurred in a house in the City of Batavia and the other incident was allegedly sexual intercourse in a tent in the Town of Batavia.

The Jerome Center at 16 Bank St. in Downtown Batavia is being evacuated due to the smell of smoke in the building. Several electrical circuit breakers have blown, according to maintenance workers in the basement. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 2:17 p.m.: The scene is turned over to the building maintenance workers and National Gird. The city assignment is back in service.

A former tennant of 113 Jackson St., Batavia, has been charged with theft of services for allegedly using an extension cord to provide power to his apartment.

The use of the cord was one of the alleged code violations the city cited to condemn the four-unit complex.

Property owner Guy Pellegrino told The Batavian on April 5 that things sounded a lot worse than they were with the building and he already had restoration projects under way. This morning, Pellegrino confirmed work is continuing on the building.

Arrested was Lonnie Ford Jr., 68, now a resident of Tracy Avenue, Batavia. Ford was issued an appearance ticket.

The electricity issue, like other issues, were easy to address, Pellegrino said, but the biggest area of concern for the 180-year-old one-time mansion was bowing of the south wall.

A structural engineer has determined that the building can be made structurally sound again through the use of a turn-buckle system. That would involve running cables through the building and installing buckles on the outside of the brick facade to secure the cables.

The process was frequently used with old masonary buildings in California after earthquake standards were introduced in the 1930s.

The buckles will be on the outside of the building, which means the city's Historic Preservation Commission must approve the design change.

Pellegrino said the commission will review his application May 28. Assuming it's approved, the buckling work will begin the next day.

At least 56 vendors will be on hand, including homemade crafters and retailers.

The event is open to the public with free admission. 

Food and refreshments available for purchase.

Pictured, representing the Ag Society's event organizers, Kristen Meeder.

Volunteers from throughout the county turned out today for the United Day of Caring and provided free labor for several local projects.

Above, members of the Lions Club outside Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle with the dozens of bikes they spent the day getting into working order for needy children and adults. Some of the bikes were taken in by Batavia PD after being found abandoned and never claimed and others were put out as garbage and picked up Genesee ARC. Many of the bikes will be returned to ARC clients.

Pictured, from front: John Huntzinger, Chuck Brenner, Bob Swanson, Tom Clark, Pier Chipollone, Dave Cuttia, John Roach and Van Scoy.

Denise Danzig-Rotolo at GO ART!

Ginny Tiedi at GO ART!

Tiede shows how to make a pair of pink bunnies using a bloom from a bleeding heart.

Glenn Simon at GO ART!

Eric Olson and Joe DiSalvo at Kiwanis Park.

Gilbert Mulcahy at Kiwanis Park.

Matt Gray at the community garden.

Denise Young at the basketball courts behind the Batavia Youth Bureau.

Group photo from this morning at Dwyer Stadium by Kevin Carlson of Carlson's Studio.

Press release:

The Batavia City Council is seeking City residents who are interested in volunteering as a member of the following:

• Audit Advisory Committee
• Batavia Housing Authority
• Centennial Committee

***The Audit Advisory Committee was established to provide oversight to the financial and compliance reporting process and external audit process. The Committee aids in the communication between the City Manager and the independent auditor in areas including integrity of the City’s financial statement, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and the performance, qualifications and independence of the auditors. The Committee will be responsible for meeting with the auditor’s prior to the audit, reviewing risk assessment, reviewing the draft financial statements and making a recommendation on acceptance of the external audit reports to the City Council.

Additional responsibilities include reviewing the management letter and establishing internal controls. The Committee is made up of five members, two of whom are City Council members. The qualifications for audit advisory committee members are: an understanding of GAAP (General Accepted Accounting Principles; an understanding of GASB (Government Accounting Standards Board); a financial background in Municipal Reporting; recognition of significant deficiencies and risk exposures.

***Batavia Housing Authority -- Residents interested in applying can obtain an application from the City Clerk’s Office or can visit our Web site at www.batavianewyork.com/Files and download a Committee/Board Volunteer Application under Documents. 

***Applications for the Centennial Committee are being accepted by the Vibrant Batavia Committee. It is a planning committee for the City’s Centennial Celebrations in 2015.

Residents interested in applying to volunteer for a Committee or Board can obtain an application from the City Clerk’s Office or can visit our Web site at www.batavianewyork.com/Files.

Applications are due to the City Clerk’s Office by Friday, May 30.

Press release:

The Manhatten Dolls will perform for veterans in Batavia beginning at 3 p.m. this Saturday, May 17, and the public is invited. It's free.

Manhattan Dolls have traveled all over the world, performing at different military bases and air shows for United States veterans and service members. This Swing-style female vocal trio sings to the tunes of the 1920s, '30s, '40s, '50s and '60s. A throwback to the original USO group, the Manhattan Dolls have been written about in many publications for their performances and classic style.

The VA Western New York Healthcare System welcomes them to Batavia, where they will perform for veterans of the Community Living Center, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Residential Program facility, and the NYS Veterans' Home.

The location is 222 Richmond Ave., Building #4, Auditorium.

Jennifer L. Sprague-Clark, 31, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with assault, 2nd, menacing, 2nd and criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. Sprague-Clark allegedly stabbed another person in the leg during a dispute at 9:20 p.m., Tuesday. The investigation was conducted by Officer James DeFreze. Sprague-Clark was jailed without bail

Zachari R. Morgan, 18, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, endangering the welfare of a child and criminal mischief, 4th. Morgan was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 11:38 a.m., Tuesday.

Mark S. Allison, 52, of Medina, is charged with assault/recklessly causing serious injury with a weapon. The alleged incident was reported at 11:44 a.m., Jan. 17 in the Town of Alabama. Allison was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Peter J. Gravante, 25, of Churchville, is charged with petit larceny. Gravante was arrested by State Police for an alleged theft at a location on Veterans Memorial Drive that was reported at 9:04 a.m., Sunday.

A black male is reportedly walking along Main Street in Batavia and exposing himself, according to a caller to dispatch. He is allegedly accompanied by a female who was allegedly seen urinating in public.