batavia

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Guest Speaker Series on Wednesday, April 19, at 7 p.m. The museum welcomes local author and presenter Rick Falkowski as he shares the histories of those who made our area what it is from its beginnings in the early 1800s. The subjects include such significant persons and events as Red Jacket, Joseph Ellicott, the War of 1812, and the Erie Canal, among many more. Copies of Falkowski's books will be available. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Concert Series on Thursday, April 20, at 7 p.m. as it welcomes back local guitarist and musician Steven Kruppner. The concert will be an hour and a half from 7-8:30 pm featuring a wide array of tunes, focusing on the singer-songwriter as a storyteller. Admission is $5 or $4 for museum members. If you would like to attend, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Java with Joe E. series on Thursday, April 27, at 9 a.m. This month's presenter is Larry Barnes, the City of Batavia Historian. Larry will be sharing his travels across the United States over the past decade to the other locations named Batavia, all nine in total, the others in: Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Montana, and California. He shares the origins of their names and compares their features to our own community. Admission is free, and coffee and donuts will be provided. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Nineteen miles of electrical wiring.

That’s one of the amazing facets making up the new $70 million county jail, Legislature Chairwoman Shelley Stein said Monday after taking a tour of the facility-in-progress.

Stein and fellow legislators Gary Maha, Marianne Clattenburg, Brooks Hawley, John Deleo, Gordon Dibble, Chad Klotzbach and Christian Yunker were afforded a special inside glimpse of the jail under construction between County Building 2 and the animal shelter.

Members of the media were not invited to participate. The Batavian asked Stein why not.

“The people who go to work there every day, they sign in, and they sign out, they have an obligation to the eventual public safety of that building. We sign in, we sign out, no pictures,” she said. “This today was an awareness of how far our building has come, to help us, those of us that have been involved in the design, been involved in funding, to see where we are and to ask questions. So it's an obligation of ours, to the public, to the public safety, that the sheriff has responsibility of.”

The Batavian asked why couldn’t a few members of local media sign in just as legislators did.

“I don’t know the answer to that question. I’m gonna be real honest. It would not be something that’s comfortable to me, because you’re going to see there are open places that are not yet fully built out, to protect what’s inside, such as our wiring, our Internet things like that,” she said. “Again, it is all about protecting, those are people who will be held there. And it’s protecting our staff, who will be helping to keep everybody safe and secure.”

It’s not about keeping any secrets from the public, she said, especially since Senior Project Manager Carl York from The Pike Company presents a monthly report about jail progress. She deferred to Sheriff William Sheron, as the one who oversees the jail and public safety, for answering when the public will be able to see photos of the jail’s interior via a media tour.

“I would say at some point, I don't think we're there right now. Because, you know, it's still in the developmental stage where I'd rather have you see more of a finished product,” Sheron said. “I’d really rather have you see the finished product rather than, for safety concerns, I don't want those kinds of pictures out in the media, that, you know, here's how the wiring is or whatever. It's really about the safety and the welfare of those people who are in our care and custody, and also our staff.”

He estimated that a tour might be more feasible closer to the end of the year.

During his report to the Public Safety Committee after the tour, Sheron reviewed some “project quick facts” about what has gone into the jail so far, including:

• 55,000 cubic yards of earthwork
• 115,000 building concrete masonry units
• 190 tons of structural steel
• 57.5 tons HVAC ductwork
• 19 miles electrical wiring
• 1,800 electrical light fixtures

The footprint is 101,377 square feet of four-pod configurations with 184 beds. The facility will house jail administration staff and Genesee Justice.

Photos of the jail by Philip Casper. Photo of Diana Prinzi and Sheriff William Sheron by Joanne Beck.

Press release:

Tompkins Community Bank announced that Diane Torcello has been promoted to president of the bank’s Western New York (WNY) market. Previously, Torcello served as senior vice president and community banking manager. In her new role, she is responsible for the bank’s growth, community and client engagement and stakeholder relations throughout its Western New York market as well as fostering relationships with clients of Tompkins insurance and wealth affiliates.

“Diane has a proven record of leadership expertise and excellence as a community banker throughout the region, from Rochester to Batavia to Buffalo and their surrounding communities,” said John McKenna, president of Tompkins Community Bank. “Having witnessed first-hand her dedication over the past ten years, I know that her vast knowledge of financial services and commitment to collaboration makes her the ideal leader to build on our success in Western New York.” 

A veteran of the banking industry, Torcello is well-known throughout the community for her expertise in retail, commercial, operations, and branch management. She began her career as a teller at The Pavilion State Bank and steadily rose through the company’s ranks into the position of commercial lender.

Torcello began her 18-year tenure with Tompkins as vice president and branch manager before being elevated to senior vice president and community banking manager in 2013, a position she has held for the past decade. In this role, Diane is responsible for the leadership of all staff and operations of the Western New York branch network, as well as the direct involvement and management of the largest deposit relationships. She also interacts routinely with the Tompkins WNY bank board on business development and strategy.

Most recently, Torcello was named one of the Rochester Business Journal’s Women of Excellence in the publication’s 2023 awards announcement. She is also a past recipient of the Women in Business Award from the Batavia Daily News and the 40 Under 40 from Buffalo News.

“Diane’s impact on both the Tompkins community and the community at large has been immeasurable over her remarkable career,” said Jim Fulmer, board chair of Tompkins Community Bank. “Her dedication to the professional growth of her team, and the economic health of her community, is emblematic of our mission to its core.”

Active in the community, Torcello has served as a board member and volunteer for several nonprofit organizations throughout her career, including the Genesee County Chamber Business Development Committee, Mary Immaculate Finance Committee, Children’s Home Committee, United Way, St. Mary’s Parish Council and Junior Achievement. She has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Genesee Community College for 14 years, including two as Chair. An upcoming graduate of Roberts Wesleyan University, Torcello resides in Pavilion with her husband, Ralph, although is frequently in Rochester and Buffalo visiting her two sons and their families.

Press Release:

"The Last of the Dragons" by Kristin Walter, adapted from the story by Edith Nesbit, will be performed by Genesee Community College's Children's Theatre class for local schools on April 20 & 21 at 10:30 a.m. The children will have the opportunity to talk to the cast and ask questions after the performance. If you would like more information about this, please email boxoffice@genesee.edu.

Performances that are open to the public will be held on April 20 at 12:30 p.m., April 21 at 7 p.m. and April 22 at 2 p.m. The show runs roughly an hour long and are free of charge. All are welcome to attend.

"In the kingdom of Middlefield, there is a tradition. On a princess' sixteenth birthday, she is tied to a rock, kidnapped by a dragon, rescued by a prince and lives happily ever after. But what happens when the prince is too afraid to fight, the princess wants to do the rescuing by herself, and the dragon is nowhere to be found? Adapted from the story by Edith Nesbit, The Last of the Dragons tells a tale of bravery, intelligence and unexpected friendship." - summary by Concord Theatricals.

"The Last of the Dragons" was originally produced in 2006 by the celebrated and critically-acclaimed Manhattan Children's Theatre. The show focuses on two main themes. First, it empowers girls to know they can do anything as well as boys and they should let nothing stop them from following their dreams. The Princess rejects the notion of being a damsel in distress and wants to avoid fighting the dragon all together. She hatches a plan with the Prince to avoid conflict so no one has to perish. Second, it's about not judging. It is assumed that the dragon is scary and bad just because he is a dragon. But through patience and compassion, the dragon's true nature and desires are revealed. The story challenges the notion of tradition for traditions sake, and demonstrates how the world can be vastly improved through kindness.

The script follows the original story closely while infusing contemporary humor into the dialogue. The show is directed by Rob Reiss with Maryanne Arena serving as the acting, voice, and movement coach, and Brodie McPherson as the production designer.

Children's Theatre (THE221) is a course held once a year. Students participate in auditions, rehearsals and production of a Children's Theatre play. It includes reading, analysis and interpretation of children's theatre literature. The goal of the class is to have a play to present on GCC's campus to area schools. Sometimes the show will tour the area and play at local schools and recreational sites. The students are able to explain the way children's theatre differs from other forms, analyze the design aspects of a given script and to implement experimental learning. Our college students have learned new and creative storytelling techniques that they can't wait to share with the community.

For more information contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.

This year's Mr. Batavia contest features 10 Batavia High School seniors who are prepping to compete for the esteemed title at the 10th annual competition. It's set to begin at 7 p.m. Friday in the Frank E. Owen Auditorium at BHS, 260 State St., Batavia.

The students compete in multiple rounds of the event to display their various talents -- from singing and comedy to playing instruments and acting. Donations raised from ticket sales and donations will be given to the top three winners’ charities. Since 2013, the annual event has raised $32,719 for local organizations.  

This year’s contestants

Aidan Anderson
Batavia VA

 

Aden Chua
Genesee Cancer Assistance Alex Johnson
The David McCarthy Memorial Foundation Brendan Burgess Volunteers for Animals Cooper Fix
Ricky Palermo Foundation Garrett Schmidt
All Babies Cherished Ifran Armstrong Crossroads House Shawn Kimball Habitat for Humanity     Michael Marchese
Batavia City Schools Foundation Fabian Vazquez
Golisano’s Children Hospital    

Additional members of the Mr. Batavia Committee include Julia Clark, Julia Preston, Brooke Scott, Lydia Evans, Clara Wood, Nora Wood, Olivia Shell, Cassidy Crawford, Isabella Walsh, Aleeza Idress, Grace Parker, Brie Gabriel, Jakayla Rivera, Addison Glynn, Bridget Taggart, Alyssa Talone, Anna Varland, Julia Petry, Abby Moore, and Sydney Konieczny.

Hostesses for the evening’s event include Clara Wood, Maya Schrader, and Lucy Taggart.

Staff choreographers for Mr. Batavia include Saniiya Santiago and Melania deSa e Frias. 

Tickets are $10 each and will be sold to students during school lunches the week of April 17 and at the door for the community. 

Lisa Robinson, advisor for Mr. Batavia, would like to thank the Batavia City School Foundation for its help and support in collecting and distributing funds to the local organizations. 

Photos submitted by Batavia City Schools. 

Tylee Gaines

Tylee D. "Love" Gaines, 44, of Summerville Drive, Rochester, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th.  Gaines was arrested on a warrant stemming from a sealed Grand Jury indictment. The charges were sought by members of the Local Drug Task Force following an investigation into the sale of crack cocaine in the City of Batavia. Gaines is accused of selling crack cocaine to agents of the task force while in the City of Batavia. He was allegedly found in possession of 14 bags of crack cocaine, leading to additional charges not contained in the original indictment. Gaines was arraigned in County Court and released under supervision.

Raymond Amaro

Raymond Amaro, 36, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with robbery 3rd, assault 2nd, grand larceny 4th, reckless endangerment 2nd, and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident. Amaro is accused of stealing car keys from a victim by force at a location on East Avenue and then striking that person with the vehicle while fleeing the scene on April 4 at an unspecified time. Amaro was arraigned in City Court and held on bail.

Andrew William Taylor, 35, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with arson 4th, reckless endangerment 2nd, and criminal mischief 4th.  Taylor was arrested by Deputy Jenna Ferrando. The Sheriff's Office released no information on the incident that led to the arrest of Taylor other than the incident was reported at 7:34 a.m., April 2, at a location on West Main Street, Batavia. Taylor was released on an appearance ticket.

Anthony Freeman Armstrong, Jr., 34, of Calmlake Circle, Rochester, is charged with possession of prison contraband.  Armstrong is accused of possessing contraband inside the Genesee County Jail at 10:35 p.m. on April 7. The Sheriff's Office did not release further information about the circumstances of Armstrong's arrest.  Armstrong was issued an appearance ticket.  Armstrong is also charged with criminal mischief 4th. Armstong is accused of ripping a hot/cold compress rendering it useless while inside the Genesee County Jail on April 12 and 8:30 a.m.

David Edward Brege, 36, of West Center Street, Ridgeway, is charged with promoting prison contraband 2nd and petit larceny. Brege is accused of stealing a $10 bill from another inmate at 4 p.m. on April 5 while in the temporary hold cell/booking area of the Genesee County Jail. He was allegedly found in possession of a $10 bill inside a secure holding area of the jail.  Brege was issued an appearance ticket.

Robert L. Drennen Sr., 41, of Holley Street, Brockport, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Drennen is accused of stealing a debit card on March 30 and withdrawing money from the victim's bank account without permission. Drennen was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Leonard E. Aguayo, 36, of Cross Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd and resisting arrest.  Officer Sam Freeman reportedly tried to arrest Aguayo on a warrant on March 30. Aguayo allegedly resisted arrest. The warrant was the result of an investigation into a prior incident on South Main Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in City Court. Release status not reported.

Cody J. Nichols, 38, of North Street, Caledonia, is charged with petit larceny. Nichols is accused of stealing $300 in merchandise from a supermarket (the name of the market was not released). Nichols was issued an appearance ticket.

Samantha L. Tate, 30, of Federal Drive, Batavia, is charged with improper turn and DWI/drugs. Tate was stopped at an unspecified time on March 31 on Ellicott Avenue by Officer Sam Freeman. Tate was issued an appearance ticket.

Rickie L. Pitts, 56, of Prospect Avenue, Medina, is charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation 1st, and no/inadequate headlamps. Pitts was stopped at an unspecified time on April 2 on Main Street at Jefferson Avenue by Officer Adam Tucker. His release status was not provided.

Joshua Edward Szumigala, 27, of Orchard Park Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, drinking alcohol or using cannabis in a motor vehicle, driving left of pavement markings, and moving from lane unsafely. Szumigala was stopped at 5:42 p.m. on April 1 on Batavia Oakfield Townline Road by Deputy Jacob Kipler. Szumigala was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court. His release status was not provided.

Rosemary Renee Waters, 37, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny.  Waters is accused of stealing merchandise from an undisclosed store on Veterans Memorial Drive at 9:28 on April 7.

Justin Ryan Nadrowski, 31, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful surveillance 2nd.  Pratt is accused of hiding a camera inside the bedroom of another person at a location on Pratt Road.  Nadrowski was jailed pending his arraignment.

Joshua M. Ruffin, 27, of Burrows Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th.  Ruffin was arrested by Deputy Trevor Sherwood.  The Sheriff's Office did not release details on the circumstances of his arrest. He was arrested on Main Street, Batavia, at 10:19 p.m. on March 19. He was arraigned in City Court and released. 

Ivette Amanda Dejesus, 21, of West Colvin Street, Syracuse, is charged with petit larceny. Dejesus is accused of stealing merchandise, along with two other women, from the Old Navy store in Batavia. Dejesus was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Jennifer Sandra Lee, 39, of Therston Road, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and promoting prison contraband 1st. Lee is accused of possessing a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia while inside the Genesee County Jail on April 11 at 4:54 p.m.  Lee was held pending arraignment.

Allison Ann Forsha, 31, of Nunda, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Forsha is accused of shoplifting on April 11 from Dick's Sporting Goods and Target in Batavia. Forsha was issued an appearance ticket.

Chase P. Ackerson, 24, of Henrietta, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Ackerson was stopped by State Police at 9:29 p.m. on April 15 in the Town of Le Roy. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Palen Cordell, 19, of Le Roy, is charged with grand larceny 3rd. Cordell was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 11:15 a.m. on April 11 in the Town of Batavia. Cordell was also charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th  for an incident reported at 6:10 p.m. on April 14 in the Village of Le Roy. The State Police did not release details on either incident. Cordell was released on his own recognizance. 

 

A mourning dove in a backyard in Batavia.

Photo by Jason Smith.

Press release:

Do you love a parade?  Do you want to see a really great parade in the City of Batavia on Memorial Day?   Do you know of any groups or clubs who you would like to see march in our local parade?   

If you answered YES to any of these questions, please join our Planning Committee on Wednesday, April 19 at 5 p.m. at City Hall in Batavia.  

For any questions or more information, please contact Bob Bialkowski, City Council member at large and parade chairman, bbwski@yahoo.com

Click here to email your resume today!

A fire is reported in the back yard of a residence on Hutchins Street in Batavia.

City Fire dispatch as well as Batavia PD.

City Fire is responding non-emergency.

There is a burn ban in effect until May 14.

UPDATE 2:02 p.m.: Fire is out. City Fire back in service.

It's going to be warm outside this weekend so if you need a break from the unseasonable heat, Chamber of Commerce President Brian Cousins has a suggestion -- come on down to the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena for the 2023 Home Show.

"I know it's a great weekend," Cousins said. "The weather this weekend is awesome, which is unheard of in April -- you get 80-degree weather. But you know, the inside of the Ice Arena is a little bit cooler than outside. It's like natural air conditioning in here. So it's very comfortable for people. I'm looking forward to seeing as many people can come out do so to work on their to-do lists."

This is the first home show for Cousins as chamber president, and he's excited to see it off to a good start.  All of the vendor booths are full, and the chamber even had potential vendors trying to sign up for booths on Friday morning.

Admission is $3 for adults, and hours Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

"Make a list," Cousins said, "check it twice when you're out sitting on your deck or something this weekend, then make a quick trip out, spend an hour to get some different ideas and things that you wanted to do over the course of the last two, three years, especially over the COVID time period when you couldn't get somebody to help you out with things."

Photos by Howard Owens

An open fire is reported in the backyard at a residence on Edwards Street, Batavia.

It's the second open burn City Fire is responding to tonight.

There's a burn ban in effect until May 14.

UPDATE 10:31 p.m.: Fire is out. The Resident advised the fire was not permitted. City Fire is back in service.

OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY APR. 15th, 11am - 12:30pm. They just don't build them like this anymore! This is just a good quality, well built 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home on lovely lot! This home features spacious rooms and awesome floor plan-so well laid out and it immediately feels homey and welcoming the minute you step in the door! Lovingly and well maintained throughout the years it had a tear off roof put on in 2018, that will come with a transferable warranty as well! Boiler system just serviced and new updated electric panel box being installed as we speak! It's also generator ready! The basement is large and open perfect – for additional hang out space or work area. The setting is super picturesque with great country views all around you and yet you are just minutes from town! This home is located in the Alexander School System. Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today, 585-344-HOME (4663).

No matter how much technology may change, it's the human beings answering the calls that will make a difference. 

Genesee County legislators recognized that fact during its meeting Wednesday as part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week, which runs through Saturday. 

Legislator Chad Klotzbach read the proclamation presented to Sheriff William Sheron, Director Emregency Services Dispatch Center Frank Riccobono and Dispatcher Shaylene Kilner as representatives of the department.

Emergencies occur all hours of the day and night requiring police, fire or emergency medical services; and when an emergency occurs, the prompt response of these first responders is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property; and

WHEREAS, the safety of our first responders is dependent upon the quality and accuracy of information obtained from citizens who call our Emergency Services Dispatch Center; and

WHEREAS, Public Safety Telecommunicators are the first and most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services; they work 24/7 and have one of the most stressful jobs in America; and

WHEREAS, Public Safety Telecommunicators are the single, vital link for our first responders by monitoring their activities by radio, providing them information, and insuring their safety; and

WHEREAS, our Emergency Services Dispatchers exhibit compassion, understanding and professionalism during the performance of their job. Now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Legislature hereby declare the week of April 9 through 15, 2023 to be National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week in Genesee County, and takes great pride in honoring the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep our county, citizens, and first responders safe.

Riccobono thanked the county Legislature on behalf of the men and women that work at a 911 center.

He also expressed his own appreciation for the proclamation, especially on the heels of some uncompromising days: Winter Storm Elliott’s unrelenting snow, winds and successful efforts during Christmas 2022 weekend to strand hundreds of travelers on Genesee County’s roads; and the unexpected passing of fellow dispatcher Andy Merkel, in March of this year.

“As you can imagine, this has been kind of a rough year for us. Like most county departments were understaffed, which is forcing a lot of overtime, we had this little event back in December called a blizzard which every one of my staff ended up working a part of it,” he said. “And then we went on and we're currently doing a major rehaul of our 911 center. So we're kind of squeezed into the backup center right now.

“And then, as you're aware, we recently lost one of our own, so it's definitely been a very challenging year for us, but we still keep plugging on and we thank you for your support.”

Top Photo: County Legislator Chad Klotzbach reads the proclamation to Frank Riccobono, William Sheron and Shaylene Kilner at the Old County Courthouse Wednesday, and above,  Riccobono says a few words on behalf the men and women who work at a 911 center. Photos by Joanne Beck.

A rollover accident is reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 396.6 in the westbound lane.

There is possible ejection of an occupant. 

Mercy Flight is on in-air standby.

East Pembroke Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 12:25 p.m.: A medic on scene reports that Mercy Flight is not required at the scene.

UPDATE 12:40 p.m.: One patient transported to ECMC.

I was told that training a cat was demanding  

Our cats had us trained in two days!

Our lives changed when we adopted our kittens from the Volunteers for Animals of Batavia Animal Shelter. Our Clyde and Missy became our children; we refer to them as our babies.   We look forward to coming home to see them when they greet us at the door.

When we first got them, we bought all the supplies to protect our furniture and the special tape to keep them off the dining room table and counters. That lasted about a week; they now have two climbing houses, one in our dining room and the other in our sun parlor. Our home also has cat cozies on chairs, fireplace hearth, and coffee tables. We also heated their window cozy. They both love to lie in our bathroom sink.

Although our house has been known for our cameras on the outside of our property, we also have cameras inside our basement to check when and how much they poop. 

You can also find one on our kitchen counter to record when and how much they have eaten.

Back in the day, you could buy a goldfish or a painted turtle at JJ Newberry Department Store. In talking to my baby boomer friends about their pets, they said they had pet chickens, birds, snakes, white mice, rats, rabbits, and toads, besides the favorites, cats, and dogs. Of course, an exotic pet back then was a raccoon or crow, or you could order a pet monkey through the mail.

This story captured my attention. A baseball league called the PONY League (Pennsylvania, Ontario, and New York) played in Batavia and had a raffle at one of their games in the 60s. An actual pony was given away. I can’t imagine going home and telling my mom what I won at the baseball game!   Readers, is there any truth to that story?

As an elementary teacher, I greatly advocated for a classroom pet—many great stories of our years with guinea pigs and hamsters are still remembered today.

I remember Neptune’s Garden Pet Shop on Liberty Street and Pet Mart on East Main Street, a favorite of mine. Today there is Country Max and Petco on Veterans Memorial Drive. These two stores have everything you need for your pets and a place to adopt a new family member. 

Please share the stories of your pets. For example, we tell our friends our cats own our house, and they allow us to live there. 

Press release:

Rain or shine, the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Spring Garden Gala on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main Street in Batavia.

This annual plant sale features a variety of perennials, many of which are from the gardens of Master Gardeners.  There will also be a selection of houseplants.  The plant sale starts promptly at 10 am.  No early birds, please.

Visit the Basket Auction for garden art, gift certificates and a variety of themed baskets.  The basket auction drawing starts at 12:30 pm.  Gently used garden books will also be for sale.

Our garden garage sale was so popular last year, we’re doing it again!  We’ll have an assortment of gently used or maybe never used, gardening items such as containers, tools, signs, and garden decor.  This will be set up in the parking lot area near the garden shed.

Bring in a soil sample from your garden or lawn for a free pH test.  (A half-cup sample of your garden soil in a clean container is plenty.)  Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants at great prices, plus garden art and other interesting items.  Arrive at 10 am for the best plant selection.  Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

For more information, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office at 420 East Main Street in Batavia.  Visit our website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information.  Like us on our Facebook page for Gala and Master Gardener program updates https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens.

When he was in high school, David Twichell never intended to have children.

“The good Lord decided differently,” Twichell said during an interview with The Batavian. “Now I have 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.”

And the retired grandpa — most formerly facilities manager for Bank of America’s six states of the Northeast  — spends a lot of time with the little ones. He names it as one of his biggest hobbies. Perhaps no surprise is that Twichell has also served on the city’s Youth Board.

He believes in the JFK adage, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” And so, now that has filtered “down to the city level,” the newly inducted City Councilman said.

Twichell was sworn in Monday as the Second Ward representative, temporarily filling a vacancy left by Patti Pacino until the election in November.

A homegrown Le Royan and 1973 Pavilion High School graduate, Twichell went on to work as a guard at Attica State Correctional Facility in the mid-1970s for two years. He was then picked by Genesee County Sheriff’s Office to become a deputy.

“They were looking for individuals that had training in prison activities because, of course, back in those days, all deputies started out in the jail,” he said.

He left to become a single parent. Finding child care for his various shifts proved difficult, so he did it himself, he said. He adopted his first child from his ex-wife and went on to become a foster parent over the course of 20 years. He is glad he didn’t go with those first his school inclinations.

“Raising those three children was one of the best experiences in my life,” Twichell said.

He was on standby during COVID because “you know, when a child wakes up in the morning with a runny nose, you can’t send them to school. So Grandpa got a call at six o’clock in the morning, and I did a lot of babysitting, and I enjoyed every minute of it.”

Even when The Batavian called for an interview, he couldn’t talk because he was surrounded by grandkids, he said. They range in age from 16 to 18 months. Twichell sees the glass as half full for life, including his personal schedule.

“That’s another blessing. I’m divorced. I’m single. I’m retired. So I couldn’t ask for anything more,” he said. “I get up every morning. My days are wide open. And I generally filled them with grandchildren.

And I do some odd jobs on the side, just to keep myself busy as well.”

Hobbies? The 67-year-old has several motorcycles and likes to take a cross-country trip every summer. The latest one was a roundtrip that took him to Washington State, southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and Florida. He has family in many states, “so I’ve got lots of places to stay on my trips.”

A newcomer to the government realm of an elected seat, Twichell has spent the past 15 years petitioning for young people during council meetings, he said, especially during budget sessions.

“Now I’m just looking to take that to the next level instead of representing just youth, now I’m representing the entire Second Ward,” he said. “It’s just become public that I’ve taken over the Second Ward from Patti, so I haven’t had much contact yet, but I’m anticipating a lot of future contact with my constituents.”

What challenges does the city face?
“I think some of the challenges that are gonna be forthcoming with the city are the budget, as the state seems to be giving us more and more mandates and less and less support, the new police station, all the development that's been going on with the Savarino project and Ellicott Street, etc., etc. And I think that's where we're really going to be focused with the increasing costs of personnel and fuel and labor costs,” he said. “And I think the city is facing some real fiscal challenges here in the future. And I'm looking forward to working with City Council and the city manager in addressing those issues.”

How will you get to know your constituents and what they think are city issues?
"What I'm planning on doing is primarily going door-to-door, but also putting out a public invitation for my Second Ward constituents and maybe have a picnic in the park or hot dogs and hamburgers. Something of that along those lines."

A motto you live by?
"I live by my faith, my family and my city," he said. "This is where I live. This is where I plan on spending my retirement until my last days. I'm not going anywhere, and am looking forward to these challenges."

He plans to run for the seat in November. His platform is to “ensure a level or reduced taxation structure while maintaining the same level of city services.”

Second Ward City Councilman David Twichell. Photo by Joanne Beck.