batavia

Press release:

National Grid has approved a $100,000 economic development grant that Quaker Houghton will use to offset costs related to new electricity service. The new service is necessary to support a building expansion and installation of state-of-the-art equipment at its 4d Treadeasy Ave. facility.

“National Grid is often part of the discussions and works with manufacturers like Quaker Houghton that are planning expansions and need upgrades to their energy infrastructures,” said National Grid Regional Director Ken Kujawa.

“Projects like these that support investments in local businesses are those that can help our customers lower their operating costs, be better positioned to compete and meet customer demand.”

The grant was made through National Grid’s Electric Capital Investment Incentive program. The program is among a suite of economic development programs offered by the company to offset customer costs related to upgrading electricity infrastructure needed to accommodate expansion or new construction project.

More information about National Grid’s economic development programs is available at www.shovelready.com.

The folks at Dunkin' Donuts are root-root-rooting for the home team as the Batavia Muckdogs open a three-game playoff series at Dwyer Stadium at 7:05 p.m. against the Lowell Spinners.

Indeed, "Go Muckdogs!"

Photo submitted by Melanie Case.

It's a big step moving from fourth grade to fifth grade when Batavia students enter middle school and find they must now manage getting themselves to multiple classrooms and taking care of their books and belongings in a locker.

To help with the transition, Batavia Middle School hosts Connect Day on the day before classes officially begin, when teachers and eighth-graders help the new kids learn about their new school.

Press release:

Northgate Free Methodist Church is continually opening its doors to the community and is inviting everyone to their events throughout September and the rest of this year.

In addition to worship services, Northgate offers dozens of volunteer-led small groups, many of which are open to the public. Several groups relaunch in September, including:

GriefShare

A 13-week group designed to help and encourage those grieving the loss of a loved one due to death. The format is a weekly video presentation and discussion time that offers hope and comfort. Find more information herehttp://www.griefshare.org/about. Meetings will take place on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., starting Sept. 10th, at Northgate’s North Campus, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia. There is a $15 cost for workbooks; scholarships available.

DivorceCare

A friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. DivorceCare seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. You will learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for your future. A new 13-week session begins on Saturday, Sept. 14th, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Northgate’s North Campus. There is a $15 cost for workbooks; scholarships available.

Mothers of Preschoolers or “MOPS”

Women who gather together twice a month to share and support each other in the remarkable journey that is motherhood. Meetings consist of relevant speakers, fun crafts, supportive conversations and fellowship. There is always hot coffee and childcare provided at MOPS meetings. Moms can choose a 9 a.m. morning group or a 6:30 p.m. evening group. MOPS is open to all moms with children from birth to their youngest child finishes kindergarten. MOMSNext is also available for moms of school-aged children. They meet every second and fourth Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit northgatefmc.com for more information and to register. Each group has a separate membership fee; scholarships are available.

Celebrate Recovery

Meets every Thursday evening at 6:30 (including any and all holidays that fall on a Thursday, unless there is a serious snowstorm). Our CR leaders guide and assist those of us who are gaining joy and freedom in Christ as we apply the 12-Steps of Celebrate Recovery to the hurts, habits and hang-ups we all struggle with. All are welcome! We believe anyone and everyone would benefit by attending this group, where we take off our masks and allow God to transform our lives. We are able to share openly and honestly about our struggles with people we come to trust, who will maintain confidentiality, and who will not judge us. For more info, click here.

Financial Peace University

The next semester of this nine-week course will be held on Wednesday nights, starting on Sept. 25th from 7-8:30 at the North Campus (8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia). For more than 25 years, Financial Peace University, created by Dave Ramsey, has helped many people take control of their money. Ramsey’s proven money class will show you step-by-step how to create a budget, pay off your debt, make wise spending decisions, and save for the future. Preregistration is required, so please visit northgatefmc.com to sign up. The cost for the class is $98.99; scholarships are available. If you have questions please email john@northgatefmc.com.

For more information about any of these groups or other events, please contact the Northgate office at (585) 343-4011 or email office@northgatefmc.com

GO ART! is hosting a Farm to Table Dinner on Sept.14^th.

This fits with its mission of expanding the culinary arts and cultural richness of farms in Genesee and Orleans counties.

Farm to Table events have become extremely popular in the last few years. GO ART’s! event is expected to be just as popular as the many other similar events held around the country in rich and diverse farming communities like ours.

The splendid diversity of the local food and expert preparation by the Genesee Valley Education Partnership Culinary Program, led by Executive Chef Tracy Burgio, are not to be missed.

Guests will enjoy live music and food that could not possibly be any fresher in the magical restaurant without walls at GO ART! at Bank and Main streets in Downtown Batavia. It is sure to please all who attend.

The four-course feast costs $105 per person and will feature local produce, beef, chicken and a vegetarian option. Click here to see the menu.

Because this is the debut farm to table dinner in Batavia hosted by GO ART!, as a special thank you for those attending, diners who book this year will be able to pre-purchase tickets for next year's event before tickets are available to the public.

For information on purchasing tickets, please click here.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Culinary Arts Club at GVEP.

Photos courtesy of DixieLand Images | Marcy Morgan.

Andrew J. Rock, 33, of Judge Road, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree harassment; second-degree strangulation; petit larceny; and second-degree criminal trespass. Rock was arrested following an alleged domestic incident at 3 a.m. on Sept. 2 at an apartment on North Spruce Street in the City of Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. He is due in city court at 1:30 p.m today (Sept. 3). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Cowen Mitchell.

Justin R. Swift, 40, of Le Roy, was arrested Aug. 29 following a traffic stop by Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies on Route 20A in the Town of Orangeville. Swift was pulled over at 11:38 p.m. for allegedly speeding and failing to signal for lane changes. Swift also allegedly continued driving for a distance when police were attempting to pull him over. Swift was found to have an open container of alcohol in his vehicle along with a 7-year-old child. Swift allegedly failed roadside standardized field sobriety testing and was taken into custody. The child was transported to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office where she was later released to a family member. Swift was also taken to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office where he refused to submit to a breath chemical test. Swift was charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated – child in vehicle; DWI; refusal of pre-screen breath test; consumption of alcohol in motor vehicle; failure to yield right of way to emergency vehicle; no signal; and speed over 55 mph. He was arraigned in the Town of Warsaw Court where his license was suspended pending a DMV Refusal Hearing. He was put in Wyoming County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond, and he is scheduled to return to the Town of Orangeville Court on Oct. 2 for further proceedings. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Justin Bliss, assisted by Sgt. Colin Reagan.

Minnie M. Henry, 31, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. She was located and arrested after an investigation into an alleged domestic incident at 6:15 a.m. on Aug. 22 at an apartment on Hutchins Street in Batavia. She is due in Batavia City Court this afternoon (Sept. 3). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Jenna L. Josephite, 30, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested after a larceny investigation at a local business. She was transported to Genesee County Jail for processing and given an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Tonya M. Weber-Jackson, 35, of Highland Park, Batavia, was arrested on two warrants out of Batavia City Court. On Sept. 1 she was delivered by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies to the Batavia Police Department headquarters on the warrants. She was arraigned at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 2 and jailed on $1,000 bail. She is due back in court on Sept. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Patrick B. Shores, 32, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with failure to appear. Shores turned himself in at Batavia Police Department headquarters at 9:15 a.m. on Aug. 25 on an arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in city court on Sept. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

From Genesee Community College:

The History Club at Genesee Community College has released an exciting lineup for the Fall 2019 Historical Horizons Lecture Series. This series is designed to educate, entertain and help stimulate the sharing of knowledge, discussion and learning all centered around the importance of history.

All Wednesday lectures in this series begin at 7 p.m. in room T102 of the Conable Technology Building, Batavia. All events in the Historical Horizons Series are free and open to the public.

The season kicks off on Sept. 4 as Chris Mackowski, Ph.D., professor of Journalism and Communications at St. Bonaventure University, discusses his book, “Grant’s Last Battle: The Story Behind the Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant.”

Facing financial ruin and struggling against terminal throat cancer, Ulysses S. Grant fought his last battle to preserve the meaning of the American Civil War. His war of words, “The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant” would cement his place as not only one of America’s greatest heroes, but also as one of its most sublime literary voices.

Did you get to see "Hamilton The Musical"? Then you won’t want to miss this event - Oct. 2. Danny Hamner, adjunct instructor of history at GCC, presents “A Historian Reflects on Hamilton The Musical.”

In this talk, Hamner explores what "Hamilton The Musical" gets right and wrong about love, marriage, power and ambition in the early American republic, and what theater can express that traditional historical narratives struggle to capture.

Then on Nov. 6 Terrianne Schulte, Ph.D., of D’Youville College will present “We Have to Create a National Debate, Community by Community…” which celebrates women trailblazers in environmental reform.

Throughout the 20th century, women have played important leadership roles in environmental preservation and restoration, often by educating the public regarding complex environmental issues to encourage grassroots activism. These unsung heroes deserve our attention and respect.

Closing the Fall 2019 season, the History club is proud to present its own adjunct instructor of history, Melinda Grube, Ph.D., on Dec. 4 who will portray Abigail Adams – LIVE! One of the Founding Mothers of America, Abigail Adams is one of the most remarkable people of the founding generation.

Left to care for her children, the farm and the family business interests when her husband, John Adams, was off chasing political fame, Abigail carried on to the best of her ability. She accepted the long absences from her husband as a necessary sacrifice for the good of the country. Come hear her story live, as presented in period costume and tone by Grube.

Four people were arrested on drug-related charges, including one suspected drug dealer, following a raid at a residence on Pearl Street in Batavia on Thursday night.

Members of the Local Drug Task Force, assisted by the Batavia Emergency Response Team, executed a search warrant following an investigation into possible narcotic trafficking at 9:30 p.m.

Taken into custody were: Edwin Peart Jr., 36, of Brookridge Drive, Rochester; Marc C. Cook Sr., 29, of Pearl Street, Batavia; Aamaje Z. Bell, 18, of Brooklyn Street, Batavia; and Matthew C. Olcot, 40, of Woodstock Gardens, Batavia.

Peart is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, tampering with physical evidence, promoting prison contraband, 1st, and obstructing governmental administration. He was ordered held without bail.

Cook is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Bell was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument. Bell was issued an appearance ticket.

Olcott was charged criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Ryan Matthew Sharlow, 49, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree assault, second-degree menacing with a weapon, and fourth-degree criminal mischief. At 10:42 p.m. on Aug. 28, deputies were dispatched to a residence on School Road in the Town of Stafford for a reported disturbance. Sharlow allegedly struck a victim with a blunt object, which caused physical injury, and he allegedly threatened another victim. He was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond. He is due in Stafford Town Court at 1 p.m. on Sept. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Shannon Gene Draper, 45, of Transit Road, Pavilion, was arrested after allegedly damaging another person's property following a domestic incident at 10 p.m. on Aug. 29 on Transit Road, Pavilion. He was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and released on his own recognizance after temporary orders of protection were issued for the victims. He is due in Pavilion Town Court at 3 p.m. on Tuesday (Sept. 3). The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jordan Alejandro, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Michael E. George, 56, of Lewiston Road, Oakfield, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child under age 16 as passenger -- with a prior conviction within 10 years; DWI with previous convictions; and moving from lane unsafely. At 12:03 a.m. on Sept. 1, Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore conducted a traffic stop on Route 63 in the Town of Batavia. George was subsequently arrested, arraigned in Town of Batavia Court, and jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash or $2,500 bond. He is due in Town of Batavia Court at 2 p.m. on Sept. 23.

Jordan Lee Hull, 25, of Alpine Lane, Caledonia, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .18 percent or more; DWI; moving from lane unsafely; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle; and unsafe tire. He was arrested following the investigation of a motor-vehicle accident at 10:03 p.m. Aug. 31 on Circular Hill Road in Le Roy. He is due in Town of Le Roy Court on Sept. 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jared Swimline, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Jenna Lynn Josephite, 30, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree and promoting prison contraband in the second degree. At 8:35 a.m. on Aug. 29, Genesee County correctional officers were processing Josephite after her arrest in the City of Batavia for petit larceny. It is alleged that she knowingly and unlawfully entered the Genesee County Jail while in possession of contraband -- drug paraphernalia. This was a metal smoking pipe commonly used for narcotics. She is currently under supervision of NYS Parole for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree. Parole was notified and a parole detainer was issued. Josephite was transported to Batavia City Court and arraigned, then jailed in lieu of $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Correctional Officer D. Stone and Correctional Officer Philip Mangefrida.

Jeremiah D. Welchruth, 18, of Lockport, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; driving while intoxicated; and speeding. At 11:08 p.m. on Aug. 29, Welchruth was arrested on Main Road in Pembroke following a traffic stop. He was issued an appearance ticket for Sept. 19 in Pembroke Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Christine Marie Hulme, 53, of Kensington Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; DWI -- operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; driving left of pavement markings; and operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile phone. Hulme was arrested at 10:18 p.m. on Aug. 30 on Sumner Road in Darien. She was issued an appearance ticket for Sept. 17 in Darien Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor.

Bobby James Mulder, 40, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more, and driving while intoxicated. He was arrested at 3:48 a.m. on Aug. 31 on Lake Street in Le Roy after an investigation into a complaint of an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Mulder was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 12. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jenna Ferrando.

A workshop for individuals in recovery and their friends, family and allies -- based on the book "Get Your Loved One Sober: Alternatives to Nagging, Pleading, and Threatening" by Robert J. Meyers and Brenda L. Wolfe -- will be held Wednesday (Sept. 4) at Northgate Free Methodist Church.

Time is 6 to 8 p.m. Address is 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia (North Campus). Presenter is Pastor Vern Saile.

About the Book

Historically there have been few options available for individuals seeking help for treatment-resistant loved ones suffering from substance abuse. Coauthor Dr. Robert eyers spent 10 years developing a treatment program that helps concerned significant others improve the quality of their lives and learn how to make treatment an attractive option for their partners who are substance abusers.

"Get Your Loved One Sober" describes this multifaceted program that uses supportive, nonconfrontational methods to engage substance abusers into treatment.

Called Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), the program uses scientifically validated behavioral principles to reduce the loved one's substance use and to encourage him or her to seek treatment. Equally important, CRAFT also helps loved ones reduce personal stress and introduce meaningful, new sources of satisfaction into their life. 

For more information or to register, please text/call Sue Gagne at 585-815-5248 or via email at sgagne@gcasa.org

Presented by RECOVERY WOW (WithOut Walls), providing safe, sober health and wellness activities geared toward individuals in recovery from a substance-use disorder and their families. ("You are not alone in this." Peer recovery advocates are here for you 24/7: (585) 815-1800.)

Submitted photo and press release:

It was a wild Sunday in the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division as the first-place Batavia Muckdogs fell to Auburn, 3-1 and West Virginia, which is tied with Batavia for first, lost to Mahoning Valley, 11-1.

As a result the teams are tied with 40-35 records. Batavia is at Auburn on Labor Day at 1:05 p.m. and West Virginia is at Mahoning Valley at the same time.

Auburn took a 3-0 as Pedro Gonzalez tossed five innings of no-hit ball with six strikeouts.

Batavia scored as Dalvy Rosario doubled and scored on a J.D. Orr RBI.

But that was all the Muckdogs could muster. The pitching staff was solid as Jackson Rose took the hard-luck loss, going 4.2 innings with five strikeouts, no walks and a hit.

Josh Simpson went 2.1 innings with a strikeout and Jonakier Villalobos went two innings with a strikeout.

Orr stole two bases to give him 29 on the season while Milton Smith II stole his 20th base.

If the Muckdogs make the playoffs as the division winner or the wild card champion, playoff tickets will go on sale Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Call 585-483-3647 for information on 2020 season tickets.

Photo: Batavia's Sean Reynolds used his 6-foot-8 frame to leap, snag this ball over his head then reach bag to tag Landerson Pena of Auburn.

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs want to see a big crowd for tonight's 7:05 game against the Auburn Doubledays; it's Fan Appreciation Night with a post-game Disney-themed fireworks show presented by Ferrellgas.

The Muckdogs are in the midst of a heated playoff race and look to PACK THE PARK with great ticket and food and beverage specials!

To celebrate Fan Appreciation Night, all general admission tickets will be only $5.

Food and beverage specials will include $2 hot dogs, $2 peanuts, $1 chips and $3 craft beer cans.

The Batavia High School 2019 Section V championship team will be honored as well.

In addition, the team will host a post-game launch a ball contest with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Willie Bee Foundation. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase six tennis balls for $5 for the chance to win round-trip airfare on Allegiant Air and other great prizes.

Tickets are available now online at Muckdogs.com or can be purchased at the Dwyer Stadium Box Office until the seventh inning on today.

About the Willie Bee Foundation

The Willie Bee Foundation is a not for profit charitable organization that benefits local families that have a child facing life threatening ailments by proving monetary, medical and social support services.

About the Muckdogs

Recognized as the birthplace of the New-York Penn League and one of it’s founding franchises, 2019 marks the 80th season of professional baseball in Batavia. Operated by Batavia Muckdogs Inc., the Muckdogs are the Class A Short Season Affiliate of the Miami Marlins and the only professional sports franchise in Genesee County.

Submitted photo of BHS 2019 varsity baseball team and coaches -- Section V champions -- first published June 1.

City of Batavia Fire responded to a call of a house fire on 18 East Avenue early Saturday morning. The fire started the up stairs unit bathroom.

A smoke detector alerted the couple living up there that there was a fire. They called 9-1-1 and woke the tenant on the first floor alerting her to the fire. All evacuated safely and are currently being give aid by he neighbors. Two cats remain in the building.

The fire is knocked down. Building is being ventilated.

East Avenue is currently closed between Ross and Vine streets.

UPDATE 4:10 a.m.: One cat made it out on its own, the second cat was rescued by Batavia fire and is being given oxygen. There was also an infant in the upstairs apartment who was evacuated safely and appears to be fine but is being evaluated by EMS.

Initial investigation indicates the fire was ignited by faulty electrical in the upstairs bathroom.

Press release:

Liberty Center for Youth, 114 Liberty St., is set to open to all youth ages 9-16 in the City of Batavia at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5^th.

The Liberty Center for Youth (former St. Anthony’s school) is a joint agency project between the City of Batavia Youth Bureau, and the GLOW YMCA.

The focus of this project is to broaden the services offered to the youth of Batavia and have it conveniently located in one facility. The property is owned by City Church.

“Locating this facility in heart of the City, to serve our youth, is the right move,” said City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. “I believe that the enrollment for the City of Batavia Youth Bureau programs will continue to grow and this will be 'the place' where kids want to go.

"They will find a positive caring environment here lead by the City Youth Bureau.” 

The United Way of Genesee County has contributed $50,000 to the project and will be providing funding for an additional five years at $10,000 per year.

“The United Way is excited to partner with the City of Batavia and the GLOW YMCA to make this project a reality,” said Tammy Hathaway, regional director of the United Way of Genesee County.

“This project fits within our mission to motivate and organize people...through a unified, community-wide effort to mobilize resources and apply them to best serve the needs of Genesee County.”

The new location will offer a technology center with 10 new computers donated by Marchese Computer Products, 10 brand new tablets, and a smart board with wireless capabilities. The Liberty Center for Youth will provide free tutoring and homework assistance.

The facility will contain a game room with pool, air hockey, ping-pong, and foosball, as well as a four-square court and gaming room with a PS4 and Wii. 

The former cafeteria has undergone a major renovation turning it into a multipurpose room where students are encouraged to socialize, and grab a snack. A free snack will be provided daily to participants. The cafeteria will also be used for special events such as Art, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), Music, and other activity nights.

This location also offers a gymnasium to allow for year-round sports activities.

“This has been a dream of ours for a while,” said Lydia Schauf, program coordinator City of Batavia Youth Bureau. “We have wanted to find a central location where we could make the most impact on the Youth of our City, we wanted a place where they could feel comfortable to socialize and be active but most of all to provide a safe environment.”

The City of Batavia Youth Bureau has prided itself in offering free, safe and fun activities to youth and is excited and encouraged by this new endeavor. The staff of the Youth Bureau is capable, trained and ready to see a very successful first year of programming at the new location.

“It has been an amazing journey of learning, problem solving and growing as we have developed this partnership over the last three years," said Jeff Townsend, executive director of GLOW YMCA.

"Working together as a non-profit and government entity has been way less challenging than first thought. I appreciate this opportunity in my career to see a vision come to life. And I’m thankful to have worked alongside Jocelyn Sikorski on this project.” 

The Liberty Center will be open year-round. Hours of operation are as follows 2:30-6 p.m. during school and 1-6 p.m. during school breaks and summer vacation. 

Registration is free and participation forms can be found at 114 Liberty St. or on the City of Batavia website under the Youth Bureau Department.

If there are any questions please call Lydia Schauf of the City Youth Bureau at (585) 815-5308. Transportation will be offered afterschool to the facility but must be arranged through the Batavia Central School District.