batavia

Bill and Kay McDonald have spent their living the dream, playing and singing for smiling, clapping, foot tapping, and sometimes dancing audiences.

They decided a few months ago they wanted to give young, aspiring performers a chance to relish the same experience they've enjoyed all these years -- getting on stage with a good sound system in front of an audience looking to be entertained.

The McDonalds are producing concerts on June 23 and June 30 that will feature young performers. Both shows start at 6 p.m. in Jackson Square.

"We're really concentrating on the youth this time," Bill McDonald said. "We've got eight, nine, 10-year-olds that we've wrangled in -- guitar players, a bagpipe player, and accordionist.  We've got a couple of more seasoned veterans like Deanna Spiotta and Don Thomas and Steve Kruppner."

The young artists include William Franz (bagpipes), Leah Ford (guitar), Nolen Wright (guitar), Spencer Moscicki (guitar on June 23), and Quinn Karcher (accordion on June 30).

Also on the bill, the Ghost Riders and the Old Hippies.

The name of the show is, naturally, "Homegrown."  The event is paid for through a $5,000 grant from the state that was administered by GO ART!

The young performers were found by talking with teachers and friends, but even with the dates set, there might be more room on the bill for other aspiring performers.

"We could probably squeeze room for more," Bill said. "If we had a few more, we could. Every time you do that, it limits somebody else's time. But that's okay. We think the more, the better. Everybody's gonna play. If we (the Old Hippies) only get a couple of songs than so be it."

Bill McDonald can be reached at 585-250-2269 or billmcdonald50@gmail.com  

The performances will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/bill.mcdonald.188 and https://www.youtube.com/@oldhippies933.

More than a year ago, Gina Schelemanow went through a bit of a rough patch and decide to take a more positive turn with life.

 Schelemanow started creating art with linoleum cut prints.

"t was just kind of nice, like a nice release for me," the budding artist said. "A lot of them are like animals or books or just things that I enjoy in life that make me happy."

This month, Schelemanow's show at the West Main location of Independent Living of the Genesee Region put Schelemanow's work on display, and the show had its official opening on Thursday.

The Bergen resident was a housing coordinator for ILGR and is now doing a similar job for Project Blue in Buffalo.

At Byron-Bergen High School, Schelemanow wasn't particularly into art.

"I did like art classes in school for school, but nothing like extra," Schelemanow said. "I wasn't in any of the fancy art classes or anything."

There's nothing dark in Schelemanow's work, and the artist said that's by design.

"It's just as kind of like a creative outlet," Schelemanow said. "I never thought that you have to be good at doing art to do it. It was never something that I thought I was good at or thought I was creative. And when I started doing it, I really was able to come up with a lot of different things. So it was nice to go through the process of it."

The show runs through August.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Batavia Downs hosted its annual Batavia Bourbon and Whiskey Fest on Saturday in Park Place Event Center, which included multiple vendors and distilleries.

Attendees were able to sample a variety of bourbons and whiskeys. The event coincided with the running of the 2023 Belmont Stakes.

Photos by Nick Serrata.

Press Release:

Join the Genesee County Parks along with the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club and try out fishing at DeWitt Recreation Area on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.! 

No fishing license is required. This is part of the NYSDEC’s Free Fishing Weekend, perfect for beginners! 

The program meets at Pavilion 2. Friendly guides will be on hand to assist you. Fishing gear and bait are provided or bring your own.

Hot dogs, chips, and water are for sale. All proceeds benefit the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club. Kids up to age 16 can join the fun and get the chance to win a prize for catching the biggest fish, sponsored by the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club! One lucky derby fisher will also win the door prize! 

This program is FREE!! Call 585-344-1122 to register, or walk-ins are also welcome.

Call 585-344-1122 to register. For more information, visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or 585-344-1122.

Press release: 

The City of Batavia Fire Department reminds residents to use caution when using and storing lithium-ion batteries. There was a recent fire in the City caused by lithium-ion batteries in an electric bike. 

These fires burn hot and fast while simultaneously releasing large amounts of toxic smoke and can quickly spread throughout a structure as well as nearby structures. There were 200 fires in 2022 in New York City alone were caused by batteries from e-bicycles, electric scooters, and similar devices.

As the devices that use lithium-ion batteries grow in popularity, so do the chances of similar incidents happening in the City of Batavia. When these batteries start on fire, they can be difficult to extinguish. When they burn, they burn extremely hot and fast. These fires ignite nearby combustibles much quicker than a standard fire. 

It is vitally important that consumers use, store, and charge them according to the manufacturer's guidelines. It’s also a great idea to remain close by while these batteries are charging and unplug them when they are full.

To help prevent a lithium-ion battery fire, please follow these safety tips:

• Be sure you have working smoke alarms installed on every floor of your residence.
• Use only the original equipment manufacturer's batteries and charging cords.
• Refrain from using aftermarket batteries and chargers. While they may be cheaper to purchase, these batteries are more likely to pose a burn, fire, or explosion hazard.
• Store any scooters, e-bikes, etc., outdoors if at all possible. If you have to store them inside, keep them away from doors, windows, stairways, and egress paths.
• Do NOT use extension cords or power strips to charge the batteries.
• Place the batteries on a hard flat surface, do not charge on a pillow, couch, or bed.
• Charge only one battery at a time, and do not allow it to remain plugged in once it’s full.
• If you notice any changes in the batteries, such as damage, odor, change in color, increase in heat, change in shape, leaking, smoking, or failing to keep a charge, stop using it immediately.
• Keep an ABC class fire extinguisher or a dry-chemical extinguisher on hand.
• Do not throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash. These batteries should be recycled and you can find a location at the following link https://www.call2recycle.org/locator/

If you have any questions, please contact the City Fire Department at 585-345-6375.

Press Release:

On Tuesday, June 13, and Tuesday, July 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guy Sceusa from the NYS Department of Veterans Services will be at the Genesee Country Farmer's Market. Veterans will fill out a self-attestation verifying he or she is a veteran. Guy will be issuing checks to the Veterans. The market will be open that day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at Bank Street and Alva Place. 

 Press Release:

Steve Hawley released a statement regarding the final days of the NYS Assembly session. 

“The New York State Assembly finished their session for the year without meaningfully addressing the problems millions across this state are trying to deal with. The Majority ignored the affordability crisis plaguing our state, they ignored the public safety concerns our citizens have raised, and they failed to counteract the immigration crisis spurred by New York City legislators. Instead of focusing on any of these issues, the Majority prioritized removing checks and balances and giving criminals more leeway after they leave prison. It was a wasteful use of the Assembly’s time and energy.”

Batavia lost its bid on Saturday to become the first Flag Football champions in Section V history at Monroe Community College with a 20-0 loss to Canisteo-Greenwood.

Batavia entered the game undefeated at 8-0 and as the #1 seed.  Canisteo was 7-1 at the start of the game.

It would be tempting to blame the loss on turnover -- there were a couple but were mostly inconsequential -- and penalties -- there were a few.

But more, Canisteo-Greenwood outplayed the Blue Devils.

After stopping Batavia on its first possession, Canisteo scored on its first drive. And on its second.

Batavia advanced the ball to the opposing goal line at least three times, but Canisteo-Greenwood keep the Blue Devils out of the end zone each time. 

There are no stats available for the game.

Photos by Howard Owens.  For more photos and to purchase prints, click here.

The Batavia Muckdogs are back at Dwyer Stadium tonight (Saturday) after beating Geneva on their turf on Friday, 10-6.

Player stats:

• Julian Pichardo got the win after going six innings with no walks and 10 Strikeouts.
• Trey Bacon collected his five career save and a strikeout in 1 2/3 innings of work.
• Anthony Calabro went 2-4 with two runs, a double, an RBI, and a stolen base.
• Henry Daniels went 2-4 with two runs, and a double.
• Giuseppe Arcuri went 2-4 with two RBIs.
• Brice Mortillaro went 1-2 with two Runs, an RBI, a walk, and a stolen base.

Game time is 6:35 p.m.

Press Release:

On Friday at approximately 4:01 p.m., the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting possible shots fired in the area of 25 Vine St., Batavia. Upon arrival, officers learned that an individual had possibly fired a weapon in the direction of a residence at that location following an earlier altercation between a group of individuals.

There were no reported injuries and it was determined that the act was targeted. Detectives from the City of Batavia Police Department's Detective Bureau were called in to investigate, and developed potential suspects early on in the investigation. 

After collecting evidence, witness accounts and video footage the detectives were able to narrow their focus to one individual who fired a single shot towards the rear area of the residence at 25 Vine St. following a verbal altercation at the residence. The altercation stemmed from an earlier altercation not at that location.

The suspect was taken into custody at a residence in Le Roy with the assistance of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police and Village of LeRoy Police Department. 

Luke A. Rose (age 19) of Batavia was charged with one count of Reckless Endangerment in the 1st degree and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd degree. He was arraigned in Central Arraignment Part (CAP) Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail on $20,000 cash bail/ $40,000 bond/ $60,000 partially secured bond and ordered to reappear on June 20, 2023 at 1 p.m. in City Court.

The Department wishes to acknowledge and thank the Genesee County Sheriff's Office Emergency Dispatch Center, Genesee County Sheriff's Deputies, New York State Police Troopers and Village of Le Roy Police Officers, along with citizens that assisted, in investigating and apprehending this individual.

Previously: Police investigating report of possible gunfire on Vine Street in Batavia

Eastridge got on the board first, but it was all Batavia after that, as the Blue Devils went on to win a smoke-delayed, and then rain-delayed, Flag Football sectional semifinal playoff game on Friday at Van Detta Stadium.

The final: 27-6. 

The game was originally scheduled for Tuesday but was canceled because of poor air quality due to wildfires in Canada.

On Friday, Batavia scored 27 unanswered points in the first half on scores by Julia Clark (twice), and Isabella Walsh and a TD keyed off an interception by Jaimin McDonald. Then the rain came, causing another delay.

There was no scoring in the second half.

Batavia plays in the first-ever Section V Flag Football final at 11 a.m. today (Saturday) at Monroe County Community College.  Batavia, the #1 seed, will take on #2 seed Canisteo-Greenwood (7-1) for the Class B title.

"We found ways to win," Coach Ben Buchholz told he team. "We found ways to make big plays, and that’s exactly what good teams do.   We finally started to click; big players made big plays.  

Of the defense, he told them, "We had girls in some spots that did not play there all year. You stepped up, made plays for us, and that’s exactly what we needed, and I’m super proud of you.  We have a lot of unfinished business. Tomorrow let’s go win a block, let’s win this.  Let’s come in with the best version of us that we have had all year and let’s win this thing."

Game Highlights:

• Isabella Walsh - four receptions, 87 yards, a TD and a two-point conversion.
• Anna Varland -18 carries, 112 yards
• Julia Preston - two receptions, 39 yards
• Julia Clark - 127 yards passing. one passing TD, two rushing TDs.
• Jaimin Mcdonald - four Interceptions and nine flag pulls
• Alyssa Talone - six Flag Pulls
• Hannah Carney – Interception

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Photos by Howard Owens

There may have been at least one gunshot fired late this afternoon in the vicinity of 23 and 25 Vine St., Batavia, according to police.

The report of gunfire is unconfirmed.

Witnesses reported to police that a person fired a shot down the driveway between two houses.

There were apparently people outside at the time of the incident, according to Det. Sgt. Matt Lutey, who managed to take cover or otherwise avoid the gunfire.

Nobody was injured in the incident.

Since no building was struck, Lutey said, there is no physical evidence at this time to confirm that shots were fired.  

Lutey said police do not know at this time what type of weapon might have been involved. There is no suspect description available at this time.

There are multiple residents in the area, including small children.  The residents were discussing the incident among themselves, that it was "crazy" and that children and pets could have been hurt.

A dedication to family and friends and the Italian-American community in Batavia is why James Saraceni was recognized on Wednesday night at Batavia Downs as the Paolo Busti Foundation's Italian-American of the Year.

In his remarks, Saraceni spoke about his friends and family more than about himself and recalled the difficulties that immigrant Italians faced in trying to come to this country.

"Between 1880 and 1920, an estimated four million mostly southern Italians arrived on U.S. shores during these years," Saraceni said. "The Italians primarily came seeking economic opportunities they could not find at home. Southern Italy at the time suffered from a combination of unemployment, overpopulation and natural disaster -- natural disasters being earthquakes. Today, Americans of Italian ancestry are the nation's fifth-largest ethnic group."

On both sides of his family, his ancestors faced struggles to get to America. 

"My grandfather immigrated here, and it was nine years before he would see his wife and daughter again," Saraceni said.  "So when you hear about immigrants going through tough times trying to get into this country now, legal or not, a lot of you had the same story that it was not easy to do. And that just astonishing to me that they do that."

As part of the introduction of Saraceni, Board President Michele Fuller noted that Saraceni has served on the board for more than 15 years. He's served as treasurer and helped the organization in any way he could.

He was the board's unanimous choice for this year's award.

"We selected Jim because of his commitment to family," Fuller said. "You know how Italians feel about their families. I don't know anyone that is as loyal, caring and loving as he is to his family. He not only loves his children, he loves his nieces, his nephews."

His daughter is Alexandra Zelinsky. She said her father is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.

"My father's motive in life -- he dedicates everything he does to enable a more successful future for his family and prides himself on being hardworking," Zelinsky said. "As long as I can remember, he has instilled a work ethic in our family. He works tirelessly to ensure everyone around him is taken care of - his family, his friends, and his customers, which often includes working late into the evenings and answering calls no matter the time of day."

A big part of the annual dinner is the Foundation's scholarship awards.

This year's award winners are Sean Czyryca, Le Roy, Michael Marchese, Batavia, Cooper Fix, Batavia, Aden Chua, Batavia, and Kaylie Kratz, Notre Dame. For more information on each of the winners, click here.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C - Batavia) joined fellow Minority assembly members today for a press conference calling for the holding of a bill that would seek to automatically seal criminal records after a predetermined period. 

Called “Clean Slate,” the bill has been pushed by the Assembly Majority in what is read as an effort to prioritize the welfare of criminals above law-abiding citizens.

“This measure will single-handedly make the review of convicted felons’ history much more difficult, inherently increasing threats to public safety,” Hawley said. “I don’t understand why this is the issue that has dominated the Majority’s focus at the end of our legislative session for 2023 when we’re in the midst of an affordability, public safety and immigration crisis.”

“For a victim of crime, the slate is never wiped clean, so the favoritism shown to former convicts astounds me. I call on my colleagues in the Majority to reject this proposal wholeheartedly,” Hawley concluded.

Press Release: 

As part of New York State's Path Through History, the Holland Land Office Museum will be hosting a War of 1812 Encampment on Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The event features re-enactors, encampments, and other displays both inside and outside of the museum. The re-enactors are from the local Genesee Militia, which was stationed in Batavia.

Batavia was the location that U.S. forces and refugees from Buffalo retreated to after the village of Buffalo was burned in December 1813. 

The event is included with regular admission to the museum. You can find other great events happening during the Path Through History Weekend by following the link below https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/path-through-history/.

Press Release:

The City of Batavia is “All-In” to revitalize our city through economic development and housing programs that will raise our standard of living and make our community one of the most attractive places to live, work, and play. The City is considering applying for Federal grant assistance to help income-eligible owner-occupied single-family homeowners with essential home improvements.

Sometimes the smallest things we can do for our neighborhoods can have the biggest impact. Home improvements are a catalyst for changing the look and feel of a neighborhood and improving residents’ quality of life. 

Here in Batavia, Summit Street is a perfect example of a street brought back to life with vibrancy and is now a model for other transformations across our City. When one resident makes improvements to their home, others follow.

Grant funds would enable homeowners to make home repairs with grant and deferred loan funding.  Any single-family homeowner is encouraged to apply.

If you own a single-family home in need of repairs, please click on the Residential Rehabilitation Survey button on the City’s homepage at www.batavianewyork.com.  You can also pick up a survey in the City Manager’s office, on the second floor, at City Hall. Surveys will also be available at the Richmond Memorial Library. 

The City’s goals include the following:

1. Create a viable urban community with decent housing
2. Ensure a suitable living environment for all (safe, sanitary, and habitable dwellings)
3. Expanding opportunities for all, including persons of low to moderate incomes
4. Rehabilitate the City one building at a time.

The City of Batavia is requesting your full cooperation to help us obtain housing rehabilitation grant funding. Please complete and mail in or drop off the surveys to the City Manager’s Office, One Batavia City Centre, by July 7.