batavia

When I ran into the Harley-riding Border Patrol agents today, they said they were in town for a golf tournament at Terry Hills co-sponsored by the Border Patrol and that I should show up at 4 p.m. because "one of the real hereos" was going to get an award from the Border Patrol.

Mark O'Brien, from Marilla (just outside of East Aurora), served in Iraq as Marine corporal, where in service to his country, he lost an arm and a leg. O'Brien is married with a child (in the stroller, far right of the picture).

The group presented O'Brien with a $1,000 check as a token of appreciation for his service.  He received at least five standing ovations during the presentation.

This morning, driving down Main Street, Batavia, I spotted a group Border Patrol agents riding Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, and I immediately thought, "I've never seen the Border Patrol on motor bikes before."

I would soon learn, this is an unusual sight -- there is only one motor bike unit with the Border Patrol in the United States, and they're based in Grand Island.

I stopped at an intersection next to the agents and asked one what they were up to and he told me they were headed to Stan's Harley-Davidson -- a pilgrimage of sorts, I gather.

The agents were in town to display their bikes at a Border Patrol co-sponsored golf tournament at Batavia Country Club.

Assistant Chief Mike Hester told me the Border Patrol invested in the Harley unit a year ago, during the previous administration, when the President was looking to double the size of the Border Patrol. Area agents found out that the Buffalo region has the second highest rate of Harley ownership in the nation, so a Harley unit was seen as a way to get into the community and recruit potential agents. Mostly, the Harley unit has been used at bike events and other community events, but they also patrol the tourist areas of Niagara, where heavy pedestrian traffic can make a typical cruiser harder and more dangerous to use.

Pictured are Supervisor Adam Matuszeiuski, Chief Hester, Acting Assistant Chief Andrew Scharnweber and Field Operations Supervisor Jason Heckler.

Stan's Harley was the group's last stop for the day in Genesee County before heading home.

Richard Stefaniak e-mail in this report and the championship picture:

The Batavia 9 & 10 year olds all-stars won two games this past weekend to become section 1 champs. In game one Batavia beat Orchard Park 9 - 6. Matt Roach pitched the first three innings for Batavia and did a great job giving up only three hits. Orchard Park had a 5 - 2 lead going into the 6th. Batavia finally got the offense going in the top of the 6th when Bryce Polito got things going with a lead off single Alex Canty singled, Ryan Antinore drew a walk  then the scoring started when Tyler Hale singled ,Steven Stefaniak doubled and Jacob Hale singled. T.Hale, Stefaniak and J. Hale would score after Jeremy Boyle and Reid Rademaker would draw walks  Boyle would also score  giving Batavia  a 7 run top of the 6th for a 9-5 lead.Polito would close out the game for Batavia  by pitching a strong 6th giving up  one run on one hit and getting the #5 batter to pop-up to the catcher (Rademaker).
 
In the Sectional Championship game Batavia faced Webster and won 12-10 Batavia scored first to start the game when T.Hale lead off with a single followed by singles from S.Stefaniak and J.Hale to give Batavia a two run lead.Webster also scored two in the bottom of the first to tie the game. In the  third Batavia would jump out to a 7-2 lead with hits from T.Hale (dbl) and singles from  Stefaniak, Rademaker, Jeremy Boyle and Alex Canty. Again Webster faught back scoring five runs to tie the game in ther half of the third.In the top of of the forth Polito,Canty and Micheal Marrocco would score for Batavia giving them a three-run lead Webster would score one in there half inning. In the top of the fifth Batavia's Andrew Mruczek would finally put Batavia on top for good with a shot to right field that scored two. Alex Canty then shut down the webster bats in the sixth and getting the final out by strike out. Batavia will now advance to the state finals in Penfield Saturday August 8 at 11:00 a.m. and Sunday August 9 at 12:00 p.m.

The picture is as follows Front row Ryan Antinore, Alex Canty, Jeremy Boyle, Steven Stefaniak, Micheal Marrocco. Middle row Jacob Hale, Reid Rademaker, Matt ROACH, Bryce Polito, Andrew Mruczek,Tyler Hale, Josh Boyle.Coach Tom Canty and Manager Larry Hale

Jenna L. Josephite, 20, of 1605 Nesbitt Road, Attica, is charged with driving while on drugs, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and criminal possession of a weapon. Josephite was allegedly stopped by Sheriff's deputies following a complaint in the City of Batavia of criminal mischief by a passenger in her vehicle (no details provided). Brass knuckles were allegedly found in the center compartment. Joseph E. Marr, 31, of the same Attica address, was reportedly the passenger in the vehicle and was also charged with possession of a weapon as well.

Coneie A. Munio, 22, 41 Clinton St., Brockport, is charged with DWI and DWI with a BAC of .08 or greater.  Munio was arrested following a complaint of a suspicious vehicle parked illegally on Peachey Road. When Deputy H.J. Carlson arrived, he reportedly found Munio in the car. Munio also received a ticket for allegedly "standing on pavement/parked wrong direction."

Elliott M. Hickman, 18, of 26 Granson Ave., back-upper, Batavia, and at 17-year-old companion and another youth is charged with petty larceny. Hickman and his companions allegedly each tried to leave Kmart with one pair each of ear phones without paying for them.

Meet Pearl Louria and Julia Burns, better known as the Happy Clippers. These two young women live at Washington Towers.  They took a tour of the bus this evening at National Night out. We had a great conversation. They shared with me that they have a group that clips coupons and they send them to the service men and women in Iraq. It seems the service people can use the coupons at the PX. They are also involved in a group called ummm. umm. well the Happy Hookers! They knit and crochet hats for the newborns at the local hospital. They also make lap blankets and many other items.

Isn't it awesome how the talents they have help serve others!  They could not keep a straight face when they told me the name... these ladies sure blessed us this evening with their visit.!

These young kids climbed aboard as well. Meet Vanessa Horseman, Kyliee Forsha and Dustin Forsha. I told them to smile pretty for all of you on the Batavian!

Got to love those Care-A-Van cookies!

Ok I admit it! I am a kid at heart! Of course I had to take in the face painting that was being done by the Girl Scouts! Here is my buddy Wes and I.

What an awesome night out ! I have never been to such an event before. I was really impressed! Thanks to all who organized the event!

Tonight's the night. At 5 in Batavia's Austin Park, the local coalition of National Night Out hosts its annual free event to show unity against crime.

It promotes the ongoing efforts to foster a safe, drug-free environment for everyone. People are also encouraged to put their porch lights on tonight to show support for a safe community.

The activities at Austin Park will be a great opportunity to have a fun, inexpensive family night in Batavia, according to Det. Rich Schauff of the Batavia Police Department.

The usual spray park and concession stand will be open, plus there'll be a bounce house for kids, fire trucks to see, a dunk booth, child identification kits, free bicycle licensing (bring your bike or its serial number) and more.

Perrywinkle, the rep for Perry's Ice Cream will be there as well as Homer from the Batavia Muckdogs. Speaking of dogs, state troopers will put on a canine demonstration of their powerful and well-trained four-legged aides.

Plus, music, a family movie, caricature drawings, Care-a-Van Ministries and reasonably priced food.

Batavian Lisa Barrett, a songwriter and performer, will sing her song "Share Your Light."

Besides many citizens, members of the local National Night Out coalition are:

• Genesee /Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc.
• Batavia Police
• City of Batavia Youth Bureau
• Genesee County Youth Bureau
• Drug Free Coalition
• Drug Free Marshalls

Care-A-Van would like to thank Cornell Cooperative Extension Office for partnering with us to make a difference. The gals came out his past Saturday for grocery distribution at Batavia Gardens. They did a few home visits with folks while we were there and were able to set up follow up services for those in need

Elder Ron DeMena of the Prayer Room came out on Sunday to do the street church service at Sunset Motel. I just love Elder Ron! He is such a man of the Lord's wisdom. He sure does always look dapper too!

Pastor Charlie Piscitello and his wife Judy led the street church service at the 400 Towers. They have such a love for people and are such a talented couple

Thank you to all for partnering with us. Do you or your organization have a talent or service to share and would like to partner to make a difference? We welcome all of you to join us in making a difference here in the City.  We can be reached at 343-0328.

God Bless and Keep the Light On!

Bryan McWain Hargrave, 22, of 10692 Pavilion Center Road, Pavilion, is charged with petty larceny. Hargrave allegedly stole two 18-packs of beer and a bottle of water from the Wilson's Farms Store in Pavilion on July 12, at 5:17 p.m.  The alleged left was taped on the store's security cameras. On July 31, Hargrave was located and reportedly admitted to the theft.

Aaron F. Branton, 33, of 4022 Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI. Officer Dan Coffey reportedly observed Branton drive his vehicle over the center line on Main Street Saturday at 2:12 a.m. Upon investigation, Coffey concluded Branton was driving while intoxicated.

Andrew J. Rock, 23, of 144 State St., Apt. #3, Batavia, is charged with harassment. Rock allegedly made threatening phone calls to a woman acquaintance. He was placed in jail on $1,000 bail.

Douglas G. Goodwin, Jr., 18, of 130 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested Thursday at 1:54 p.m..

Eric C. Smith, 21, of 27 Dellinger Ave., Batavia, is charged with menacing and disorderly conduct. Smith is accused of making threats and acting in a threatening manner while at the M&T Express convenience store at 100 W. Main Road, Batavia, Sunday at 3:30 a.m.. Officer Bolles arrested Smith and took him back to police headquarters where he allegedly urinated on the floor, leading to the disorderly conduct charge. Further charges are pending regarding alleged property damage at the M&T Express.

Brad C. Doward, 19, of 16 Harvester Ave., Batavia, is charged with DWI and DWI with a BAC of .08 or greater. Doward was reportedly stopped on Oak Street by officer Camp for allegedly running a red light while turning right. During the traffic stop, officer Camp concluded Doward was allegedly intoxicated.

Larry S. Yoho, 37, of 134 W. Main St, third floor, Batavia, is charged with assault. Yoho allegedly assaulted another person Friday at 1 a.m..

Steven E. Ball, 35, of 11 1/2 Meadowcrest Drive, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Ball allegedly violated an order of protection that barred him from contact with a female acquaintance.

Warren T. Cotton, 32, no permanent address, is charged with petty larceny. Cotton allegedly stole jewelry from Lambert's Jewelers, 375 W. Main St., Batavia, on July 21 at 3 p.m.. Det. Pat Corona investigated the case.

Rob Ronald Rindell, 39, of 8897 Lovers Lane Road, Corfu, is charged with harassment. Rindell allegedly grabbed and pushed another person during a domestic dispute Saturday at 6:45 p.m..

Teresa Marie Ganzhorn, 19, of 4346 Batavia-Elba Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. Ganzhone was allegedly driving a car without the owner's consent.

Jered E. Menichol, 22, of 4560 Walden Ave., Lancaster, is charged with DWI. Deputy Frank G. Bordonaro allegedly came upon Menichol's vehicle parked on the highway, blocking Harlow Road in Darien. Upon further investigation, Bordonaro concluded Menichol had allegedly been driving drunk. He was also charged with driving an uninspected vehicle.

Brian Robert Mruczek, 29, of 9214 Dorman Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment. Mruczek allegedly grabbed and pulled his wife's hair during a domestic dispute. A stay-away order was issued.

UPDATE: We just received arrest reports from the State Police for the first time:

Chrystal S. McCook, 23, of Batavia, and Christine A. Forte, 31, of Le Roy, were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Forte was stopped for allegedly speeding on Route 63 in Oakfield on Sunday. Forte was issued traffic tickets for several alleged infractions, according to State Police.

Michelle L. Boccaccio, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of prescription medication outside of its prescribed container. Boccaccio was allegedly found in possession of three Adderall pills without a prescription or a prescribed container after being stopped for alleged speeding on I-490.  Boccaccio was also allegedly driving on a suspended New York driver's license.

Jeremy H. Boyce, 26, of Lyndonville, is charged with DWI following a traffic stop for allegedly talking on his mobile phone while driving. Boyce is accused of having a BAC of .07 percent. Boyce was stopped at routes 5 and 77.

Video from Sunday's nights game at Batavia's Dwyer Stadium where former BHS and GCC standout Ryan Gugel played for the first time as a pro in his hometown ballpark.  Gugel is a free agent-signee with the Philadelphia Phillie's franchise in Williamsport.

Jim Owen was one of Ryan's teachers. He had this picture taken before last night's game.

This evening, City of Batavia firefighter Richard Stefaniak was riding high atop the city's ladder truck. He told me the view is great from up there.  He was testing the apparatus after some recent repairs.

If you would like to download a high-res version this photo, click here.

This Tuesday, Augst 4th is National Night Out here in Batavia at Austin Park. The event is being  held from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Pictured above is Lisa Barrett. She was out videotaping at a recent Care-A-Van event. I got the opportunity to catch up with her to hear her story of the song she will be singing at National Night out this week.

" I was sitting in St. Mary's Church listenting to Deacon Tom Casey's homily. He said some words that had a great impact on me. He said "we've all been given special talents, so go and share  your light with the wolrd." It was his words, together with my personal feelings on violence and the poor in the world, that inspired me to write the song. "Share Your Light".

The song has made great strides. It has been the theme song for National Night Out in Cheetowaga, NY in 2007 and again this year in Batavia.

"Share Your Light" is also a theme song for an event in Virgina Beach, VA called Share Your Light Night. The neighbors line their streets with  luminary bags to symbolize neighborhood unity and safe neighborhoods for kids. I have been the "ok" to start our very own Share Your Light in Batavia. Stay tuned for more information on this.

The song seems to appeal to secular and non -Secular organizations. Lisa had a minister email her that she wanted to play the song during the sermon. Another church in the D.C. district is interested in the song for a fundraising campagn for their church. They said the song so closely resembles their theme.

Lisa and her husband  Kyle and son Tyler are working on a music video for the "Share Your Light". They use to be neighbors of Paul and Bridget Ohlson from Care-A-Van Ministries years ago. When they started thinking of the video and showing people sharing their light, they instantly thought of Care-A-Van ministries and how they go forth to share the light. The video will include photos from the Virgina event and film footage from Care-A-Van Ministries. Care-A-Van was so honored to be a part of song and vision that will reach thousands of people.

Lisa also feels very honored to be singing at Austin Park. As she was inspired to start her songwriting upon the death of her nephew, who's name was Austin. Now does that give you the chills or what!

Be sure to join us all at Austin Park to hear this wonderful song and to celebrate the safety of our community. There are alot of fun events planned at the park including a Free Outside Family Movie.- Mall Cop.

In closing Lisa stated " I guess Deacon Tom was right. I shared my light.. and now the song is starting to reach across the world!

You can visit Lisa's website at www.lisabarrettcd.com

Also www.shareyourlightnight.blogspot.com for more on the Virgina event.

Best of Luck Lisa. God Bless and go forth and Share that Light!

As we say- Keep the Light On! - Care-A-Van Ministries

I also enjoyed her latest hit "Punchin' In Punchin" Out

The picture above is what the loading dock of the former Latina's Grocery Store was taken Monday. Below is a picture taken this afternoon.

As you can see, there's still some work to be done (weeds growing from the roof, graffiti clean up), but it's a big improvement.

Work crews at the direction of the city clean up the Latina's lot (which had weeds encircling the building) on Wednesday. City officials told WBTA that the property owner was fined $250 under the new weed abatement ordinance, plus the cost of clean up. Also cited and cleaned up was Della Penna Paving (picture from Monday below).

No word on how much the property owners will be billed for the clean up work.

Carlos Manuel Cruz, 20, of 120 Crowley St. Upper, Buffalo, is charged with harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. Cruz allegedly bit his girlfriend's father in his left breast during a fight. Cruz was allegedly holding his 3-month-old son at the time.

Joshua P. Moore, 18, of Route 31 in Holley, is charged with petty larceny. Moore and two accomplices allegedly stole beer from Tops on Tuesday. Store cameras were used to help identify Moore. The two other suspects have not been apprehended yet. Moore was also allegedly caught Wednesday night trying to steal beer from the Southside Deli on Ellicott Street.