From the Historic Batavia Cemetery Association:
The Historic Batavia Cemetery Candlelight Ghostwalk on Oct. 26th is a sellout. People may still call 943-5662 and leave their name and phone number if they wish to be placed on a cancellation list.
County health officials are still waiting on details from the federal government on a $1.3 million grant awarded to Genesee County and Orleans County for lead-hazard abatement and reduction in older homes.
At a meeting of the Human Services Committee last week, Paul Pettit, director of the health departments in both counties, said the first he learned that the counties had received the grant was by reading about it in The Batavian.
Since then, he's received a phone call confirming the grant but formal guidelines have not yet been delivered to his office.
"This is a significant amount of funding to come into Genesee County and to Orleans County and it would really help us to help those who don't have the means and the funds potentially to fix the problem," Pettit said in an interview last week.
Pettit's office applied for the grant over the summer.
The grant will enable the health departments to identify housing stock with potential lead hazards and make available grant money to the property owners to remediate the hazard.
"This funding is very important because what it does is, it allows, number one, a potential partnership with the homeowners or rental landlords to be able to fix a problem before a child gets poisoned and have funding available to remediate those homes prior to the poisoning occurring," Pettit said. "So when you look at it from a primary prevention standpoint, that's what we want to do. We want to try to prevent a child from getting poisoned in the first place."
The grants will be available to both homeowners and landlords of residences built prior to 1978 in three of the four census tracks in the City of Batavia and one census track in Albion.
Until the guidelines are in place, Pettit said it's not possible to provide details on how properties will be identified, inspected and what the criteria will be for providing assistance to property owners.
"We're gonna have to stand this program up fairly quickly when we get the formal announcement of the funding," Pettit said.
Health department staff has recently been through training for lead risk-assessment certification, Pettit told the Human Services Committee.
He also told the committee there is legislation pending in Albany that would require landlords with housing built prior to 1978 to receive annual lead-safe certification for their units, unless they made the property lead free, which would mean doing likes like removing trim, replacing windows, installing siding on the outside of the building.
"We do not want to see any child poisoned from lead exposure," Pettit said. "It can lead to developmental delays and other health impacts that could affect them over their entire lives. It's very important to identify and find these hazards early and then protect the children so they're not getting lead poisoning."
Press release:
The City of Batavia Water Deptartment is on location of a water main break at the Intersection of Ellicott Street and Clifton Avenue.
Clifton Avenue will be closed to through traffic. Water may be interrupted on Clifton Avenue, and James, William and Ellicott streets between Otis Street and Clifton Avenue, and Harvester Avenue from Ellicott Place to Ellicott Street.
Please do not attempt to do laundry as water may be discolored due to work being done.
The Blue Devils soccer team has historically faired poorly on artificial turf but Monday, they got a chance to start a new tradition -- one that is now necessary -- by winning their first home game in the new Van Detta Stadium.
Batavia beat Dansville 3-2 behind three goals by Garrick Havens. Two were on penalty kicks and the third was assisted by Andres Mateos.
Batavia took 16 shots on net and Dansville, 14.
Unique to the current roster are three pairs of brothers, all starters.
Watch the video to find out more and click this link to subscribe to our YouTube channel.
I spotted this caterpillar inching over the asphalt of our driveway so I grabbed my macro lens to try and make a picture of him (or her).
Lauren Yvette Smith, 20, of Strauss Road, Lockport, is charged with second-degree assault. At 6 p.m. on Oct. 6, Smith was arrested after an investigation of an assault complaint at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center during the Meek Mill and Future concert. She allegedly punched a female victim in the face and broke her jaw. Smith was arraigned in Darien Town Court then released on her own recognizance. She is due back in Darien Town Court on Oct. 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Deputy Chamoun Nicholas.
Zachary V.D. Seeley, 22, of Lyman Road, Bergen, is charged with: Aggravated criminal contempt; aggravated family offense; and endangering the welfare of a child. On Oct. 6 at 9:24 p.m., following an investigation, Seeley was arrested. He allegedly violated a stay away order of protection and has previously been convicted of first-degree criminal contempt. During the incident at a motel on West Main Street Road in Batavia, Seeley allegedly threw a 16 oz. Dr. Pepper soda pop bottle at a child. Seeley was apprehended at a separate location and arraigned in Town of Batavia Court. He was put in jail on $5,000 cash bail or bond. He is due in Town of Batavia Court on Oct. 21. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.
Pictured above from left. Top row: Alan Brewen, Don Grieger, Michael Killelea, Gil Jordan, Will Mancuso and David Huebsch. Seated; Kevin Feary, Jeff Watkins and Steve BonDurant.
The “All-Weather Gang” keeps a 40-year tradition alive with regional artwork and an exhibit at the Richmond Memorial Library Gallery. Monday's show opening features local scenes depicted in various painting disciplines and continues through October.
Batavia High School held its annual Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner on Saturday night at Batavia Downs.
Inducted were:
Patsy Anthony Rapone, 52, of Meadowcrest Drive, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested on Sept. 30 after an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred Sept. 20. He was arrraigned on Oct. 1 in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on Oct. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.
Patsy Anthony Rapone, 52, of Meadowcrest Drive, Batavia, was arrested Sept. 30 and charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. He was allegedly found to be in possession of a shotgun illegally, because he is a convicted felon, on Dec. 25 on Meadowcrest Drive. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is to return to city court on Oct. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.
Jeremy S. Carlson, 48, of Sumner Road, Darien Center, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI; failure to keep right; speeding; and drinking alcohol in the motor vehicle on a public highway. At 8:55 a.m. on Oct. 6 Carlson was stopped on Pearl Street in Batavia and subsequently arrested at 9:08 a.m. He was processed and released from custody with an appearance ticket for Oct. 23 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Sgt. Eric Bolles.
Stephen Joseph King, 34, of Falleson Road, Rochester, is charged with: Aggravated driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .18 percent or greater; DWI -- first offense; and unsafe starting of a stopped motor vehicle. Following a traffic stop at 9:37 p.m. on Oct. 5 on South Lake Avenue in the Village of Bergen, King was arrested. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Bergen Court on Oct. 30. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.
A car vs. pole accident is reported at 14 W. Main St., Batavia.
That's in front of the Genesee County Jail.
City fire and Mercy EMS responding.
The driver is reportedly unconscious.
UPDATE(S) By Billie (9:18 p.m.): The accident is actually on the south side of Main Street, between the Peace Garden and the sewage lift station.
UPDATE 9:25 p.m.: The driver is conscious and alert and was able to walk to the stretcher.
UPDATE 9:59 p.m.: The driver is being transported to UMMC for evaluation. The accident toppled over a light standard and a DPW worker responded to deal with the situation.
Press release:
Army Staff Sgt. Bellavia of Western New York has been invited to throw out the first pitch at tonight's Washington Nationals baseball game against the the L.A. Dodgers (Oct. 6). The game in D.C. begins at 7:45 p.m. and will be aired on TBS. The two teams are tied at 1-1.
Shortly after receiving the Medal of Honor at the White House on June 25, Bellavia threw out the first pitch at the Mets/Yankees game on the Fourth of July.
Coming up
This Saturday, Oct. 12, Bellavia will be honored by the Niagara Falls community with a key to the city and present the talk "Duty 1st with David Bellavia: Serving Country and Community" at the Rapids Theatre. Tickets to the 3 p.m. event are $22 and will benefit a new nonprofit created by Bellavia called Deuce Deuce Relief Fund.This inaugural fundraiser and Deuce Deuce benefits soldiers from Bellavia's prior Task Force in Iraq (Task Force 2-2), who may be experiencing hardship or require other assistance.
Tickets are available online through EventBrite, with a link at DavidBellavia.com.
Photo: Submitted by Duty 1st courtesy the New York Mets. The photo is from the Mets v. Yankees game earlier this year.
UPDATE: Video below courtesy Duty 1st.
It was another sell-out crowd on the streets of Downtown Batavia last night for the BID-sponsored Wine Walk, this year with a 1920s theme.
We'll also have a video from the event posted later.
Submitted photos.
By Samantha Stryker, Richmond Memorial Library Community & Adult Services librarian
On the evening of Thursday, Sept. 26, the Reading Room at Richmond Memorial Library was filled nearly to capacity for the inaugural Richmond Reads author visit.
The purpose of the Richmond Reads one-book program was to bring the community together through the common experience of reading a book, engaging in thoughtful discussions about it, and hosting a visit from the author.
This year’s selection was the novel "Southernmost" by Silas House, who visited the library that evening to share a reading, give a talk and, as he put it, “have a conversation” with the audience.
The Richmond Reads program began months prior, when the book selection was announced in February. Many related events followed, including a contest during Summer Reading for a chance to win attendance to a tea with the author, a Joni Mitchell tribute concert by artist Leah Zicari to celebrate the musical influences in "Southernmost," a film screening of the documentary "Hillbilly" and community book discussions.
As homage to the Tale for Three Counties program, the Richmond Reads committee also decided to revive the review contest that had been a hallmark of Tale. Four winners were selected to attend a small tea event with the author for a chance to interact one-on-one prior to the main event.
Reviews were judged anonymously by the Richmond Reads committee for creativity, originality and writing quality. The four contest winners chosen were Ruth Andes, Sue Blanchard, Laurie Mastin and Rita Nan Tresco. Excerpts from their review are included below.
Ruth Andes (Elba):
"Southernmost requires each of us to look back at pivotal points in our lives. We confront the beliefs we hold and realize that they no longer fit the person we have become. The two gay men forced Asher to take that public stand. Once confronted, we cannot go forward in the life we have constructed. Change is required and often that change is radical.”
Sue Blanchard (Lockport):
“While reading this story, you can’t help but put yourself in the same set of circumstances and examine your own prejudices, values, morals, and beliefs. Not only was the book a well written story, but it challenged my thinking. I admire Asher for standing up for what he believed was right, despite the negative impacts, and, in the end I believe he made the right decision. Southernmost illustrates the struggle that judgement and hatred cause – Asher was judged by his community, and he judged his brother - both situations caused emotional turmoil. Tolerance is indeed a hard quality to embrace.”
Laurie Mastin (Pavilion):
“ 'Brainwashed: persuaded, convinced, indoctrinated, molded.' (courtesy-- Thesaurus: English (U.S.))
The term was only used twice in this book but it struck me as a central theme. Aren’t we all brainwashed by the experiences we’ve had and the people we are surrounded by?
"Reading this novel was thought provoking at a time when our country is being divided by extremely different points of views on many of these issues. It’s time to reconsider our past brainwashing, and use critical thinking to reach common ground.”
Rita Nan Tresco (Batavia):
“To flee with his son Justin is the only option Asher Sharp, a small Tennessee preacher feels he has after examining his conscience and finding his voice to speak to his congregation, on the topic of tolerance and human kindness. Preacher Sharp loses everything; his wife, family, and congregation and is also shunned by his community. With little access to the son he loves above all else, he sees no way out but to run…Along the way, as the story unfolds, we find our author, Silas House, weaving his words to be like a musical river of honey with many bends, twists and turns. The lovely conclusion has a beautiful message of learning to care for others through kindness, finding forgiveness in your heart, and being tolerant and respectful of each other. But mostly this lovely story is about finding the voice and the courage to love all of humanity.”
The Inaugural Richmond Reads Event
During his talk Sept. 26, Silas spoke to the themes in the book as they related to his personal experiences, ranging from his own journey as a father to his experience growing up in the evangelical church. He read passages from the text, particularly those that spoke to his theory that dogs are symbolic of “the presence of the divine.” Indeed, throughout the book, we see the pivotal part that dogs play as a metaphor for the lost and found faith of the main characters.
During an interactive discussion with participants, House graciously answered questions ranging from “what are you working on now?” (he said he has many “pots on the stove,” or projects, all at once -- one of which is a novel about a man and dog traveling across Ireland, set in the near future) to “what are you reading now?” ("Whiskey When We’re Dry" by John Larison, which he highly recommended, along with "Women Talking" by Miriam Toews) and answered many questions about his themes and characterizations in the novel.
The only question he declined to answer (to avoid spoilers) was what he thought happened to his main character, Asher, after the end of the book. He did note, however, that he likes to end his books with hope, which was certainly the case with "Southernmost."
After his talk, House signed books and interacted even more with attendees, sharing his open and generous spirit. He was warmly received, with one attendee showing him true Western New York hospitality by gifting him with some heirloom tomatoes to take home!
Making it Possible
This project would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Richmond Reads Planning Committee, comprised of Sue Briggs, Sue Chiddy, Leslie DeLooze, Irene Hickey, Frances McNulty and Judy Sikora. Thanks also to Lift Bridge Book Shop, of Brockport, for selling books at the event.
Richmond Reads was sponsored by The Friends of Richmond Memorial Library, as well as through a grant through GO ART!
This project was also made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!
Richmond Memorial Library continually provides access to physical and virtual resources and services that meet the educational, informational and recreational needs of its diverse community in a safe and comfortable environment.
Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.
About Silas House
Hailing from Kentucky, Silas House is the best-selling author of six novels, three plays, and a book of creative nonfiction. He is a former commentator for NPR’s “All Things Considered,” is the recipient of three honorary doctorates and has won numerous prestigious awards for his work. "Southernmost" in particular was long-listed for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and was honored with many more awards.
House recently produced, wrote, and was featured in the documentary "Hillbilly," which examined the myths and stereotypes of Appalachia, historically and in the context of the 2016 election season. "Hillbilly" was chosen as the winner of the Best Documentary at the L.A. Film Festival and was long-listed for an Academy Award.
Silas currently lives in Lexington, Ky., with his husband, Jason, and has two children.
Top photo: The Richmond Reads Planning Committee pictured with author Silas House. Back row, from left: Irene Hickey, Sue Briggs, Sue Chiddy, Judy Sikora and Leslie DeLooze. Seated: Samantha Stryker, Community & Adult Services lbrarian and Richmond Reads coordinator, and Author Silas House. (Not pictured: Frances McNulty) (Photo credit: Jim DeLooze)
Photo below: Author Silas House speaks to a packed room at Richmond Memorial Library for the inaugural Richmond Reads Program. (Photo credit: Jim DeLooze)
Below: Summer Reading and Review Contest winners attend a small one-on-one event at GO ART! with the author ahead of the main event.
Below: Author Silas House signs books following his talk for the 2019 Richmond Reads Program. (Photo credit: Jim DeLooze)
The Blue Devils appear to have found their own four horsemen of destruction, capable of shredding defenses and leaving despair in their wake.
Cody Burns, Terez Smith, Alex Rood and Jesse Reinhart are establishing themselves, since Head Coach Brennan Briggs realigned the backfield before last week's game, as a dominant offensive force.
Last night Burns gained 118 yards on nine carries and scored a TD. Smith ran for 99 yards on 21 carries. Rood rushed 14 times for 95 yards and two TDs. While Reinhart was 7 for 16 passing for 113 yards and a TD.
Batavia beat Bishop Kearney 33-18.
Daemon Konieczny caught two passes for 58 yards. Bannon Moore had one 30-yard TD reception.
On defense, Isaiah Hill had nine tackles and Rood had eight. Max Rapone snagged two interceptions and returned one 90 yards on the last play of the game, getting caught from behind two yards from the goal line. Reinhart had five tackles and an interception.
In other Friday night football:
Photos by Steve Ognibene.
Top photo: Bannon Moore, who caught a key pass from a double QB move from Rood to Reinhart with seconds left before halftime to give the Devils the lead.
To view and purchase prints, click here.
Reinhart intercepts the ball during the first half.
Alex Rood scores from the ground.
Blue Devils defense stopping senior Nathan Carter from scoring.
Maximus Rapone incercepts the ball.
Cody Burns on the run for a touchdown.
Gabrielle M. Chaplin, 28, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, and Trevon L. Armstrong, 34, of Denio Street, Batavia, and Darius L. Jones, 27, of Exchange Street, Attica, are charged with several crimes in connection with a traffic stop of a single vehicle at 12:22 p.m. on Oct. 2 at East Avenue and Ross Street in the City of Batavia. An investigation pursuant to a traffic stop for failing to signal a turn, allegedly revealed that marijuana, oxycodone and a loaded hangun were inside the vehicle. A 10-month-old child was allegedly in the back seat and not properly secured in a child-restraint seat; the child was also allegedly in proximity to the handgun. All subjects were arraigned in Batavia City Court and all were to appear again in court Thursday morning (Oct. 3). All are charged with: criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a misdemeanor; endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor; and unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation. In addition, Jones is charged with exposure of a person, a violation. And Chaplin is also charged with failure to give notice, a traffic infraction, and improper/no child restraint, another traffic infraction. Armstrong and Jones were jailed without bail; Chaplin was jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. The incident was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Christopher Parker, assisted by Deputy Christopher Erion and K-9 "Frankie," Sgt. Michael Lute, Sgt. James Diehl, Investigator Ronald Welker, Det. James DeFreze, and Batavia Police officers Felicia DeGroot, Jordan McGinnis, Stephen Cronmiller, Mitchell Cowen and Adam Tucker.
Jeffrey D. Hart, 40, of Sumner Road, Corfu, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree; driving while intoxicated; DWI -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more; speeding; and refusal to take a breath test. On Oct. 3 following a traffic stop at 9:55 p.m. on Route 77 in the Village of Corfu, Hart was arrested. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Oct. 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Saile.
Possible minor injuries are reported following a two-car accident at West Main Street and Dellinger Avenue in the City. City fire and Mercy medics are called; medics are asked to evaluate those involved.
Many people have heard about CARFAX, the one-stop-shop online for used cars. The Genesee County Animal Shelter's Volunteers For Animals offer their own version, called CATFAX, but it's an in-person opportunity for those interested in "certified pre-owned adult cats."
We're not making this up; they are. (Cleverness credit where cleverness credit is due.)
For only 60 bucks, with zero-percent financing -- cash or check only, you can bring home your very own feline companion.
Features and Specs:
Multi-point Inspection:
To test drive your potential pet, or at least check under the hood, visit the Genesee County Animal Shelter at 3841 W. Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia during adoption hours.
Adoption Hours:
Contact the Volunteers For Animals at www.vol4animals.org
Or call the shelter at (585) 343-6410.
Serious inquiries only. Real pets for real people. Must be able to provide food, water, shelter and affection. Those not up to the task need not inquire. Providing catnip, luxury bedding, bejeweled collars, crystal supping dishes, a chaise longue (lounge), and other whimsies optional.
This message has been brought to you as a public service on behalf of fur friends county-wide.
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