batavia

Healthcare providers to host event to raise awareness on benefits of breastfeeding

By Billie Owens
Jul 24, 2015, 3:39pm

Press release:

Local health care organizations United Memorial Medical Center and Oak Orchard Health will be hosting an event for breastfeeding mothers that will attempt to break international records as well as raise awareness on the important health benefits of breastfeeding.

Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and their babies are invited to attend the event that will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jerome Center in Batavia on Friday, July 31.

It's part of the international "Global Big Latch On," a synchronized breastfeeding event that will include thousands of breastfeeding women and their babies/children across the world.

In addition to the count, the Latch On event at the Jerome Center will also have refreshments, giveaways, face painting, car seat check, and drawing for a Vera Bradley diaper bag. Please arrive early to register!

The Global Big Latch On was organized by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action as part of World Breastfeeding Week to raise awareness on the important health benefits of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding contributes to the normal growth and development of babies/children, and babies/children who are not breastfed are at increased risk of infant morbidity and mortality, adult obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and premenopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of a baby's life to optimize these benefits, continuing to breastfeed for two years and as long thereafter as is mutually desired by a woman and her child. World Breastfeeding Week will take place Aug. 1-7.

Law and Order: Elba women accused of supplying alcohol to minors

By Traci Turner
Jul 24, 2015, 1:57pm

Crystal M. Bouter, 26, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with two counts of giving or selling alcohol to a minor. Bouter allegedly supplied alcoholic beverages to minors.

Lee C. Clark, 35, of Lewiston Road, Oakfield, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, DWI, refusal to take a breath test, failure to keep right, moving from a lane unsafely, speeding and driving while talking on a cellphone. Clark was pulled over on Lockport Road in Oakfield by Deputy James Diehl. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Douglas J. Ostrander, 57, of North Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with driving with a BAC of .08 percent or greater, DWI, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, speeding and driving with license restrictions. Ostrander was pulled over on Buffalo Road in Bergen for traffic violations when Deputy Joseph Corona allegedly ound him to be in an intoxicated condition.

Shannon K. Kestler, 41, of Jefferson Street, Attica, is charged with petit larceny. Kestler is accused of shoplifting from Kohl's in Batavia.

Joseph A. Sunday II, 19, of South Lyndonville Road, Lyndonville, is charged with petit larceny. Sunday allegedly stole items from Kmart in Batavia.

Benishio C. Coger, 19, of Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. State police pulled over the car Coger was riding in for alleged tinted windows in Pembroke. An investigation revealed he allegedly possessed a cigar containing approximately one gram of marijuana.

City seeks volunteers for Planning and Development Committee, plus Zoning Board of Appeals

By Billie Owens
Jul 24, 2015, 11:44am

Press release:

The City Manager is seeking City residents who are interested in volunteering as alternate members of the following Committees/Boards:

Planning and Development Committee
Zoning Board of Appeals

The City Planning and Development Committee (PDC) works on issues relating to land use decisions; to review and approve or disapprove the aesthetics and architectural design on all new construction plans and/or extensive renovations to the exterior of any building within the City of Batavia; and approves or disapproves site plans and plats. Currently the PDC is responsible for leading the update and implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) makes determinations to grant or deny variances requests from property owners regarding the City’s zoning laws.

Appointment to either board is for a 5-year term. Alternate member positions are established for purposes of substituting for a regular member due to a conflict of interest. Alternate members possess the same duties and responsibilities as regular members and attend all meetings however only vote when a regular member is unable to participate.

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

Applications are due to the City Clerk’s Office as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact:

Office of the City Manager
One Batavia City Centre
Batavia, New York 14020
Phone: (585) 345-6330
Fax: (585) 343-8182
E-mail: jmolino@batavianewyork.com

Police respond to juveniles fighting during Care-A-Van event at Austin Park

By Howard B. Owens
Jul 23, 2015, 9:28pm

A small group of juveniles got into a ruckus this evening at Austin Park during the weekly Care-A-Van Ministries cookout event and Batavia PD was called to respond, said Sgt. Chris Camp.

Camp said normally you want parents who are present to get involved and deal with their children, but tonight the parents got too involved. They started yelling at each other.

Four city units and three county units responded to the call as a result.

Camp said it's unfortunate that 95 to 98 percent of the people who attend the Care-A-Van event never cause a problem, but Thursday night calls to Austin Park are becoming routine, he said.

Caller reports woman walking away with air-conditioner from Crossroads House rummage sale tent

By Billie Owens
Jul 23, 2015, 9:04pm

A caller at Ficarella's Pizzeria reports watching a woman steal an air conditioner from a tent set up for the Crossroads House rummage sale off Liberty Street (behind the car wash). The caller said the woman is carrying the unit and walking toward the Pok-A-Dot. City police are responding.

The tent sale started today (ending at 4 p.m.) to help terminally ill people in Batavia. It runs Friday and Saturday, too.

UPDATE 9:17 p.m. (by Howard): The caller was a volunteer night watchman who was just arriving at the garage sale to set up his night lights. He spotted the woman taking the air conditioner from under a tarp. She didn't move it far. The volunteer was wondering how she was going to transport it on her bike. The woman left, but police caught up with her and she said she was only looking at the unit. "How'd it look?" asked the officer. "Good," she said. "So you're coming back tomorrow to buy it?" "Yes," she said. Police took down the woman's ID information and released her.

Plea agreement delayed for Suzanne Corona's alleged drug sale charge

By Traci Turner
Jul 23, 2015, 6:07pm

So far, there's no plea agreement for Suzanne Corona in her alleged drug sale charge. The attorneys in the case could not reach an agreement, though Corona was scheduled to appear in Genesee County Court today for a possible plea.

Judge Robert C. Noonan held a conference with Assistant District Attorney Will Zickl and Corona's attorney Brian Degnan but with no deal, the case was adjourned.

Corona, 45, of Osterhout Avenue, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. She allegedly sold suboxone to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force in March.

If a plea is not negotiated, the case will go to trial.

She is due back in court at 9 a.m. on Aug. 3.

For previous coverage, click here.

Local artist's work featured in New York City art show

By Traci Turner
Jul 23, 2015, 4:06pm

Brandi Bruggman, a multimedia artist from Batavia, will be showcasing her fine art pieces at one of the largest exhibits in Manhattan tonight.

"Glimpse" is a one-night art show at the Highline Ballroom. The multifaceted art show features work from visual artists, musicians and makeup artists.

RAW, an international arts organization, presents the show and has invited emerging independent artists from all over New York to showcase their work. The organization holds art shows in 60 cities across the United States.

"This is my first big art show in New York City that I have participated in with a whole showcase," Bruggman said. "It's a good social networking event and an opportunity for me to sell my work as well."

("Be Love" is one of Brandi Bruggman's paintings showcased at the art show in Manhattan. Her full showcase includes 10 paintings, sample glassware and a book of prints.)

RAW found Bruggman's work on Etsy and recruited her for the show a month ago. Due to the short notice, she has been working diligently to finish her paintings and organize a print book. All of the paintings featured in her showcase are new and made within the last 60 days.

Bruggman has owned her art business for six years. She first started her business producing Bruggies, a line of soft goods, in her college dorm room. Now her main focus is on fine arts. She does a variety of paintings and murals for local businesses but also ships her work all over the country and to England and Canada.

Photos: Crossroads House mega garage sale

By Howard B. Owens
Jul 23, 2015, 2:15pm

There is certainly a train load of stuff to consider buying at the Crossroads House garage sale today, and all of it is priced to sell.

The sale, on School Street between Liberty and Swan, goes until 4 p.m. It resumes at 9 a.m. tomorrow and goes to 4 p.m., and then 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

South Main Street and River Street closed Thursday for paving

By Billie Owens
Jul 22, 2015, 1:29pm

Press release from the city's Bureau of Maintenance:

The intersection at South Main Street and River Street will be closed on Thursday, July 23, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for paving operations.

Residents and businesses are not to park on the roadway during paving operations.

Residents and businesses will have limited access to their properties and should expect delays when paving operations are ongoing. All other traffic is asked to avoid this area and seek alternate routes.

If work is postponed by weather work will be rescheduled for the next calendar day.

Paving on North Street in the city rescheduled for Friday

By Billie Owens
Jul 22, 2015, 11:14am

Press release from the city's Maintenance Bureau:

Paving operations on North Street have been rescheduled due to delays outside our area. Work originally scheduled for today will take place on Friday. North Street -- from Ross Street to Naramore Drive -- will experience traffic delays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.on July 24.

Traffic will be reduced to a single lane for paving operations. The following side streets that intersect with North Street will see temporary traffic closures preventing access to North Street while paving operations are ongoing:

Manhatten Avenue
Columbia Avenue
Vine Street
Trumbull Parkway
North Spruce Street
Allenview Drive
Naramore Drive

Residents and businesses are not to park on the roadway during paving operations.

Residents and businesses of North Street, from Ross Street to Naramore Drive, will have access to their properties, but should expect delays when paving operations are in front of their properties. If work is postponed by weather, work will be rescheduled for the next calendar day.

All other traffic is asked to avoid this area and seek alternate routes. Thank you for your cooperation.

Three local people reenlist in Army National Guard

By Billie Owens
Jul 21, 2015, 4:55pm

Press release:

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Sergeant Jeremiah Prine, from Le Roy, has reenlisted to continue service with the Company A (Distribution), 427th Brigade Support Battalion.

Sergeant First Class John Capellini, from Batavia, has reenlisted to continue service with the Company A, 2-108th Infantry.

Staff Sergeant Kevin Czachorowski, from Byron, has reenlisted to continue service with the Company B, 642nd Support Battalion.

"The New York Army National Guard has sustained our force at or above 100-percent strength for the better part of seven years now," Murphy said. "Keeping those ready forces in our ranks mean that New York is ready to provide forces for state missions here at home, as we saw during the Buffalo Snow Emergency last year, Hurricane Sandy in 2012 or for sustaining our support to federal missions for our nation around the country and around the world."

"Each of our 16,000 men and women serving in the Army and Air National Guard has an important role and I'm pleased that so many continue to reenlist and remain part of our New York National Guard family."

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

Building Leadership Excellence -- certificate program offered at The BEST Center

By Billie Owens
Jul 21, 2015, 4:08pm

Press release:

The BEST Center's Building Leadership Excellence Certificate Program is now forming a new cohort.

Building Leadership Excellence is an intensive, hands-on program designed to develop proven skills needed to manage, influence, create, inspire and LEAD organizations in today's dynamic economy. You will learn to think and act strategically, enhancing management performance and improving organizational skills in decision making, coaching, innovative problem solving and conflict resolution.

As a participant, you will work in an engaging and dynamic team environment. Upon completion of the course you will be able to:

Inspire subordinates to work to their full potential;
Communicate at an advanced level to better manage conflict;
Learn strategies to establish buy-in and ensure accountability;
Enhance your coaching skills;
Establish a lasting network of capable leader colleagues.

Each session is filled with real-life examples and practical techniques for getting results. Begin immediately applying leadership excellence at your job and in your life!

In today's fast moving, highly competitive marketplace, organizations require highly functioning, innovative leaders. To make the most of this opportunity -- ENROLL TODAY...the next cohort will kick off Thursday, Aug. 6.

Attendance is required in all of the eight half-day sessions scheduled Thursdays, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Session dates are: 8/13, 8/20, 9/3, 9/17, 10/1, 10/15, 10/29 and 11/5. Graduation presentations will occur on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seating is limited.

For more information call 585-345-6868 or
e-mail Lauren Cummings at lmcummings@genesee.edu

BHS Class of '55 holds social gathering at The Polish Falcons on South Swan Street, Batavia

By Billie Owens
Jul 21, 2015, 3:57pm

The Batavia High School Class of 1955 is planning its 60^th Class Reunion!

There will be a social gathering of classmates on Friday, Aug. 7^th at 8 p.m. at The Polish Falcons of American Nest, located at 123 S. Swan St., Batavia, NY 14020.

There will be a formal get-together with food, desserts, and drinks on Saturday, Aug. 8^th at 3 p.m. at The Dibble Family Center, located at 4120 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

Event Date and Time

Aug 7, 2015, 8:00pm - Aug 7, 2015, 11:55pm

Bernie Sanders for President meeting at Coffee Culture in Batavia

By Billie Owens
Jul 21, 2015, 3:06pm

A meeting in support of Bernie Sanders for President will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, at Coffee Culture. This is just one of many many meetings being held in homes, restaurants, etc., across the country at the same time and date. Coffee Culture is located at 6 Court St. in the City of Batavia.

Event Date and Time

Jul 29, 2015, 7:00pm - Jul 29, 2015, 8:00pm

Register now for second annual Chalk the Walk, part of Summer in the City

By Billie Owens
Jul 21, 2015, 3:00pm

Press release:

The Batavia Improvement District’s Summer in the City festival presents GO ART!’s Chalk the Walk. As part of the bash that is Summer in the City, which is sponsored by the Batavia Improvement District, there will be some extra artistry and competition.

GO ART! will be presenting the second annual Chalk the Walk on Aug. 15th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Artists, professional and amateur and young and old, will be able to purchase a square section of concrete by the City Center to decorate with chalk pastels. There will also be a children’s section for fun scribbling. Using materials available, artists will follow the theme “GO ART!...Where does art take YOU?” to create inspired pieces for a crowd of at least 2,000 people.

Prizes will be awarded to those whose pieces are most outstanding. Adult First Prize will be $250. People’s Choice Award will be a $20 Alex’s Place gift card, two T-shirts, and two mugs. The Youth Prize will be a basket of goodies worth more than $50.

A jury will select the winners for Adult First Prize and the Youth Prize. People’s Choice will be chosen by the general public by way of donation voting (ie: the art piece that receives the most donation money will be the People’s Choice winner). All donations collected for the People’s Choice Award will go to funding GO ART! youth programming.

To sign-up for this event, people need to register online at http://www.goart.org/chalk-the-walk/ or register in person at GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., Batavia, from Tuesday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. People can also sign up and pay the day of the event but it is highly encouraged to do so ahead of time. Remember, no one is officially registered until payment is received.

Fees are $20 for adults (18+) and $10 for Youths (17 & under). Every registered artists will receive a box of chalks and a drink to get them started. There will be a chalk swap area where people can trade out their chalks for other colors they need. Artists are encouraged to bring their own chalks as well.

It is important to assure that each artist and their work, as well as the event itself, is respected, so there will be rules and regulations. These are available on the Web site at at http://www.goart.org/chalk-the-walk/.

People can find updates on Chalk the Walk by going to the Web site: http://www.goart.org/chalk-the-walk/ or by following Chalk the Walk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BataviaStreetPaintingFestival.

Chalk the Walk is currently seeking financial sponsors to make this exciting event happen and those interested should e-mail or call Gena Korn at americorps@goart.org or at (585) 343-9313.

CONTACT PERSON: GENA KORN
PHONE #: 585.343.9313
E-MAIL: americorps@GOart.org

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batavia

Healthcare providers to host event to raise awareness on benefits of breastfeeding

Sponsored Post: 16th Annual Town of Batavia Harley Davidson Raffle is Saturday!

Law and Order: Elba women accused of supplying alcohol to minors

City seeks volunteers for Planning and Development Committee, plus Zoning Board of Appeals

Sponsored Post: Friday's events at the Genesee County Fair!

Police respond to juveniles fighting during Care-A-Van event at Austin Park

Caller reports woman walking away with air-conditioner from Crossroads House rummage sale tent

Plea agreement delayed for Suzanne Corona's alleged drug sale charge

Local artist's work featured in New York City art show

Photos: Crossroads House mega garage sale

Sponsored Post: Thursday's events at the Genesee County Fair!

Sponsored Post: Don't miss Cedar Street Sales & Rental test drive event!

South Main Street and River Street closed Thursday for paving

Paving on North Street in the city rescheduled for Friday

Sponsored Post: Wednesday's events at the Genesee County Fair!

Three local people reenlist in Army National Guard

Building Leadership Excellence -- certificate program offered at The BEST Center

BHS Class of '55 holds social gathering at The Polish Falcons on South Swan Street, Batavia

Bernie Sanders for President meeting at Coffee Culture in Batavia

Register now for second annual Chalk the Walk, part of Summer in the City