batavia

A car vs. bicycle accident is reported at 541 E. Main St. City fire and Mercy medics responding.

Batavia PD released these images today of a larceny suspect. The man in the pictures may have stolen items from a local store. People with information that may assist in the investigation are asked to call Officer Nicole McGinnis at (585) 345-6350.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department is sponsoring the 5th Annual Fire Prevention Week Coloring Contest. This coloring contest is open to students from grades kindergarten – five.

“Our hope is to get the children to discuss fire safety with their teachers, other students and parents/guardians.” 

Information has been distributed to City schools, but we wanted to include any City area homeschooled children as well. Copies of the official coloring page and contest rules can be picked up at City Fire Headquarters, 18 Evans St. We encourage all eligible students to participate.

The 2017 Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 8-14) theme is “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” Additional information can be found at the Fire Prevention Week website www.FPW.org

“We all practice fire drills at work, at school; but how many of us have actually practiced a fire drill at home?”

“Practicing Exit Drills in the Home (EDITH) is important for the entire family. Drawing a map of your home, knowing two ways out of every room and having a meeting place outside where all family members can gather in case of an emergency are important steps that all families should practice.” 

Any posters wishing to be entered need to be at the Fire Station located at 18 Evans St. in Batavia no later than 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12.

Judging of the posters will take place Oct. 13th – 15th. The winner of each group will receive a ride to school on a City fire engine, and be invited to a special awards luncheon with their family held at the fire station. Second- and third-place finishers in each group will also be invited to the fire station awards luncheon.

The best of luck to the students! Full rules are available at the City of Batavia Fire Department on Evans Street in Batavia or by contacting us via email. (gireland@batavianework.com)

Mother Nature got a little artistic this afternoon, putting a rainbow over Seymour Place, home of GO ART!, in Batavia.

Reader-submitted photo.

With a little sweat equity you could have a great return on your investment-literally brand new tear off roof as of listing date! This home is definitely in need of paint and wall paper but someone with a great decorating sense could make a beautiful home-with over three full floors of useable living space, four large bedrooms and huge fully finished attic which could be anything you wanted!

This home sits on quiet corner lot set back from intersection and has great fenced yard for whatever you want to keep fenced in! Definitely one to think about! Call Lynn Bezon today ar Reliant Real Estate or click here for more information on this listing!

Signs reading “store closing” were posted out front of the office supply store on Veterans Memorial Drive for customers yesterday.

Parent company Office Depot has confirmed that amid declining sales the Batavia location will be closing along with around 300 other stores nationwide.

Via our news partner WBTA.

Thursday night was open house for Batavia High School, with teachers on hand to provide parents information on homework, assignments, chances for college credit, classroom expectations, and to answer questions and show off students' work.

The students at John Kennedy School raised $555 for new library books and Principal Paul Kessler paid the price.

As a "reward" for the students, Kessler spent the day in jail.

Students, such as third-grader Anthony Nesbitt, took turns as guards to ensure he didn't escape.

The pre-lunch crowd passing the jail was pretty merciless. "You stay locked up, Mr. Kessler," more than once said as they walked in their class lines.

"The kids are having fun with it," Kessler said. "So are some of the teachers."

For a second time, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office has sent out invitations to members of the community for an announcement at City Hall only to cancel the same day. 

Cuomo’s office sent out invitations this afternoon and before 5 p.m. canceled the appearance. 

No reason was given for the cancellation. 

Write up and photos submitted by Carolyn DellaPenna.

Last night the Batavia Varsity girls and boys senior recognition game was held at Van Detta Stadium against Greece-Odyssey.

After double overtime, the girls game ended in a 2-2 tie with goals made by #6 Ari Brown & #13 Bri Bromley. All players stepped up their game and goalkeeper Bri Janes made multiple saves to hold Greece-Odyssey to just two goals.

Seniors Recognized included:
   #2 Rachel DeNise
   #3 Claire Zickl
   #7 Alaina Bowman
   #9 Sophie Dinehart
  #11 Brigid McCormack
   #14 Bri Janes
   # 32 Kelsey Kasmarek

Last Varsity home games at Batavia High School are Monday, Oct. 2, against Wayland-Cohocton at 5 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 5, against Honeoye Falls-Lima at 4:30 p.m.

The boys won 1-0 with a goal made by Andrés Mateos in the 18th minute of the game. Nathan Hamilton had four shots on goal. Due to a strong defense by seniors Brandon Bradley, Stephen Gilebarto, Kyler Preston, and Jake Stokes, Greece-Odyssey was held to no goals. This is the second shutout for goalkeeper Jake Stokes.

Seniors recognized included:
  #1 Jake Stokes
  #4 Nathan Hamilton
  #7 Brandon Bradley
  #8 Cameron Hardy
  #9 Gordie Montgomery
  #11 Peter Fallon
  #12 Andrew Freeman
  #13 Julio Vazquez
  #14 Charlie Beaver
  #17 Kyler Preston
  #20 Stephen Gilebarto

Last Varsity home game at Batavia High School is Friday, Oct. 13, against Pembroke at 4:30 p.m.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's visit to Batavia has been rescheduled and he will be at City Hall at 1:40 p.m., tomorrow.

It's possible -- though no official will confirm it -- that Cuomo is here to announce Batavia is the winner in the Finger Lakes region of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative prize.

Press release:

Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse is sad to say goodbye to Dr. Magdi Credi. Dr. Credi began working as the Medical Director at GCASA almost seven years ago. At that time, he was trained in addiction medicine by GCASA’s former Medical Director, Dr. Charles King.

Dr. Credi has been an integral part of GCASA’s medical team, providing healthcare services and medication-assisted treatment for many patients over the years. His kindness and compassion toward people suffering from substance use disorders have been greatly appreciated by patients and staff. 

Executive Director John Bennett recalls why he wanted to recruit Dr. Credi to be GCASA’s Medical Director.

“Our conversation centered on Dr. Credi being a healer and that people with an addiction need compassionate medical care," Bennett said. "We have been blessed to have him as our Medical Director for many years and more recently as part of the medical team.”

Dr. Credi stated, “Working with our patients has been very eye-opening. I am very thankful to John Bennett for having the vision to provide methadone treatment.”

Dr. Credi worked his last day at GCASA today, Sept. 28th. He plans to enjoy his retirement by spending time traveling and enjoying his grandchildren.

Press release:

The countdown is on for several exciting happenings that will help to launch Domestic Violence Awareness Month at YWCA of Genesee County.

A motorcycle ride, 5K, Harvest Supper and disco party are events that begin this weekend and move through October.

“We’re thrilled to be able to highlight the heavy topic of domestic violence with some upbeat, family-friendly events that help to pull the community together for a great cause,” YWCA Executive Director Jeanne Walton said.

“We never want to lose sight of those affected by domestic violence, and these events complement the programs and services that we offer year-round.”

There are only four days until bikers of all kinds take to the road for a 90-mile Kickstands Up for Domestic Violence Awareness trip through Genesee, Wyoming and Livingston counties.

Riders pay $20 for the map and a chicken barbecue, and passengers pay just $5 more, meal included. There will be a silent auction with everything from a basket of edible treats and salon gift certificates to motorcycle-related goods.

Kickstands are up at 1 p.m. Saturday at YWCA, 301 North St., Batavia, for the start of this event.

In seven days, runners and walkers will take to the streets for the second annual Stiletto & Sneaker 5K. The USA Track and Field certified race will be followed with awards by age category, a purple celebration with a powder toss, lantern release, cotton candy and snow cones, a balloon artist and a brief message in support of victims and survivors of domestic violence.

The 5K takes off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at YWCA. Registration is $30 for individuals and $40 for teams of up to 10 middle and high school students.

Meanwhile, for those looking for a hearty meal of local produce, the Harvest Supper will serve up an array of succulent dishes from 4 to 7 p.m. that same evening. Culled from local farms and agricultural producers, the menu includes bean and kale soup, beef stew, zucchini bread, roasted potatoes, sausage with peppers and onions, roast chicken, pumpkin bars, apple crisp with fresh whipped cream and hot mulled cider.

The United Way of Genesee County has set a fundraising goal for the next year of $388,000 to help support 25 programs run by 20 local agencies.

Director Eric Fix also announced this morning at the kickoff breakfast at the Dibble Family Center an ambitious plan to build "Teen City," a new center to provide activities for teens from throughout Genesee County.

Plans are still being developed, including finding a location for the center in the City of Batavia, but Fix said the goal is to open the doors by fall of 2018.

He's working with Jeff Townsend of the YMCA to develop the center.

"One of the things we've both been told throughout our careers is teen centers don't work," Fix said. "You can't do teens. It just won't work. I personally feel with funding from United Way and other sources, with our community support, and all the great people at the table at the same time coming up with this concept it definitely will work."

Fix also celebrated the events and accomplishments of the past year, which included raising $385,000 in last year's campaign, which was headed by Bill Fritts, who is directing the fundraising effort again this year.

The 10th Annual Day of Caring attracted more than 400 volunteers who worked at 35 sites.

"If you missed it, it's the highlight event Genesee County of all last year," Fix said. "Out of anything that happens in the whole entire county, it was hands down the best event. I think I've seen tie-dyed shirts in my sleep but it was the signature event of the year."

The backpack program starts back up next week and Fix said he's personally excited to get involved in that again, working with clients of ARC at the Salvation Army to fill backpacks with food to help children from needy families get through the weekends each week. There will be 180 to 200 backpacks packed each weekend.

There are two events left in the United Way's 5K series, the Acorn Run this weekend in the Genesee County Park & Forest, and the Stiletto & Sneaker 5K at the YWCA on Thursday.

Fix said all the agencies supported through the annual fundraising drive are making a big difference in our community.

"It's not easy," Fix said. "They can tell you that. I can tell you that from talking to them and working with them. And it's our United Way effort that helps support their organizations and helps them do the work that they do.

"I can't say that they wouldn't exist without it, but I know that their lives would be a heck of a lot harder if they didn't have that money. So we appreciate everybody who gives to the campaign."

Call Mike Sisson, Mancuso Real Estate 585-409-4172 for more information or click here to view the full listing.

Throughout the last month, two sisters from Oakfield have been planning, renovating and putting together a hair salon in Batavia.

Platinum Salon opened its doors at 6 S. Lyon St. on Tuesday for a soft opening.

“We are doing it together,” said Nicole Toal, the business manager.  

Toal and her sister, Alicia Desjardins, grew up in Oakfield. Toal still lives in Oakfield, while Desjardins resides in Batavia.

Desjardins has been in the cosmetology business for more than 20 years and has always wanted to open up her own salon.

“She finally went ahead and took that leap,” Toal said. “I’m more of the business side. I’m on board to help her get things going.”

Platinum Salon offers a variety of services, including haircuts for each member of the family, coloring, microblading, and eyelash extensions.

“She does a lot of the beauty trends that are out there now that a lot of other places don’t offer,” Toal said. “Those are the big things that a lot of people have to go to the city to get, but now they can stay local and get those treatments done.”

Before opening the salon, Toal was a graphic designer, and Desjardins worked at another salon.

“It was sad to let it go,” Toal said. “But I’m excited to do this together. We’re sisters. We’ve been best friends since we were kids, so it’ll be a lot of fun.”

A month ago, Desjardins began putting her dream into plans and found a location for the salon.

“As soon as she started to look, she found this place a few days later and we jumped right in, doing it as quick as we could.”

The previous renters also owned a salon, Toal said.

“She closed her doors for whatever reason, and the space sat empty for a couple years,” Toal said. “We came in, remodeled the place, cleaned it up, fixed it up and put our own little touch on it.”

Their father and Toal's husband did the renovations that were needed for the space.

“They’re both carpenters, so they’re real handy with that stuff,” Toal said. “It’s definitely a family kind of thing that’s being going on.”

Toal said they are planning on doing a grand opening on Saturday.

The salon is currently open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Those interested can book appointments through their website, located here.

Submitted photos.

The 16th annual Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner is this Saturday at Terry Hills.

Social hour begins at 5 p.m. Dinner is at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person.