batavia

Today was the United Way Day of Caring.

The projects we visited included the Lion's Club annual bike repair workshop at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle. Club members worked on bikes that were donated, provided by thrift stores, or from the police bike locker. The bikes will go out to the community through a variety of agencies, including Arc of Genesee Orleans, the American Red Cross, and a church bike program in Bergen.

Other projects pictured: Batavia Peace Garden volunteers working on the garden behind the Genesee County Courthouse, the Community Garden and the BID's chalk decorations of Downtown Batavia.

Stylianos “Steve” Spryopoulos, a local restaurateur who loved what he did and loved his family, was lain to rest today with his funeral possession passing through the parking lots of the businesses he helped found and co-owned with his wife, Rula, and son John -- Settler's and Billy Goats.

Spryopoulos died Friday morning at age 66.

Click here for his obituary.

The Lady Irish Summer Men's Basketball League will enjoy its second year this season, which starts July 1.

There are seven league games scheduled and a two-week playoff tournament. Referees are certified.

Cost to play is $500 per team, and the first 10 paid teams will participate. No favorites.

All games and stats will be reported to The Batavian.

All games will be played on Sundays at Notre Dame High School in Batavia.

A managers meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6 at Notre Dame. At that time, teams will pay to be in the league.

If a team manager is unable to attend the June 6 meeting, a team member should go instead.

Contact Otis Thomas for more info via email at:  otisthomas33@yahoo.com

Jackson Primary School held their annual spring student art show on Tuesday night.

State Police Troop A held their annual memorial service Tuesday honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the citizens of Western New York.

Speakers included James P. Kennedy Jr., United States attorney for Western New York, and Major Edward J. Kennedy, Troop commander. 

The event was held inside because of rain.

To purchase prints, click here.

Crossroads House is having their Annual Spring Memorial Basket Raffle on Saturday, May 19th from noon to 4 p.m. It will be held at the ARC Community Center located at 38 Woodrow Road in Batavia.

If you can’t make it to the raffle on Saturday, stop in at the Community Center on Friday from 4-6 to purchase and place your tickets. We will have over 150 baskets as well as gift cards, several Mega prizes and two Special Mega’s, the classic Woody Pedal Car and the ½ Day Lake Ontario Fishing Charter.

Tickets for the Special Mega’s are available prior to the event at Crossroads House as well as at the raffle. We have baskets for all ages and for the guys, too!

Lunch, beverages and desserts will be available for purchase. Come on out for great food and prizes all while supporting comfort care right here in our community.

Press release:

Rain or shine, the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Spring Garden Gala on Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

This annual plant sale features a variety of perennials, many of which are from the gardens of Master Gardeners. There will also be a selection of house plants and locally grown geraniums. Plant sale starts promptly at 10 a.m. No early birds please.

Step inside and visit the Basket Auction for gift certificates and a variety of themed baskets. Gently used garden books will also be for sale. Basket Auction drawing starts at 12:30 p.m.

Bring in a soil sample from your garden or lawn for a free pH test and Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions. There will also be a demonstration at 11:30 a.m. on how to divide some common perennials.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants, books and other interesting items. Arrive at 10 a.m. for the best plant selection. Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

For more information contact Brandie Waite at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office in Batavia.

Visit our website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information.

Jacqueline M. Saeli is indicted for the crime of third-degree arson. It is alleged that on Jan. 6 she intentionally damaged a building and a motor vehicle -- a shed on property on North Lake Road, in the Town of Pembroke, which contained a 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. She allegedly did so by starting a fire or causing an explosion.

Nicholas G. Williams is indicted for the crime of burglary in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 30 he knowingly entered unlawfully into a building on Lake Street in the Town of Le Roy with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of second-degree criminal content, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intentionally disobeying or resisting the lawful process or other court mandate. In count three, Williams is indicted for the crime of resisting arrest, also a Class A misdemeanor, because he allegedly intentionally prevented or attempted to prevent an officer from arresting himself or another person.

Dartanyan A. Robinson is indicted for the crime of driving while ability impaired by drugs, as a Class D felony. It is alleged that on March 30 that he drove a 2004 Land Rover in the Town of Batavia on the eastbound state Thruway while his ability to do so was impaired by drugs. It count two, he is accused of the crime of driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs or of alcohol and any drug or drugs, as a Class D felony. In count three, the defendant is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count three that Robinson knew, or had reason to know, that his driver's license had been suspended or revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug when he drove the Land Rover on May 30. In count four, Robinson is accused again of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. It is alleged in count four that the defendant knew, or had reason to know, that his driving privilege had been suspended or revoked by the commissioner for refusals on multiple occasions to submit to a chemical test: on May 27, 1998; May 26, 2000; March 2, 2009; and Nov. 12, 2013. In count five, he is accused of speeding on March 30 in the Town of Batavia. In count six, the defendant is accused of the crime of circumvention of an ignition interlock device. It is alleged in count six that on March 30, the 2004 Land Rover he was driving was not equipped with an ignition interlock device, which he was required to have. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Robinson is accused of having been convicted: of the crime of DWI, as a Class E felony, on Oct. 31, 2000 in County of Niagara Court; of the crime of DWI as a misdemeanor on Feb. 21, 2013 in County of Niagara Court; and of DWI, as a Class E felony, on Dec. 15, 2014, in Monroe County Court. These three prior convictions form the basis for the suspensions or revocations referenced in count three of the current indictment; and the latter two convictions form the basis for the felony charges in counts one and two of the current indictment.

Jerome W. Amesbury is indicted for the crime of unauthorized use of a vehicle in the second degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Jan. 26 in the Town of Bergen that Amesbury -- knowing he did not have the owner's consent -- took, operated, rode in or otherwise used a 2002 Buick Rendezvous.

This is an intense four-hour clinic designed to empower women. From situational awareness to actual defense techniques, women learn how to dig deep and fight for their survival.

Due to its mature content, this class is designed for ladies 13 and up. Call M&S Tactical Solutions today 585-219-4248 to register or click here for more information and class pricing.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating an assault which occurred on 05/13/2018 at approximately 11:30 p.m. Four victims were located at the scene with varying degrees of injury. Three were treated at the hospital and released. The fourth has been admitted with serious injuries. Batavia Police are looking for any witnesses to the event.

Anyone with information in reference to the case may contact Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk at 585-345-6357 or the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350, the confidential tip line at 585-345-6370 or online at http://www.batavianewyork.com/police-department/webforms/report-suspicious-drug-or-criminal-activity.

Photo: File photo.

Previously: Assault victim reported at Central and Jackson, Batavia

Heidi Mix, above left, director of Regional Medical Programs (left) with Katie Lyons, class Valedictorian. 

Submitted photos and press release:

The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership recently celebrated the graduation of 20 students from its School of Practical Nursing program.

Of these 20 students, 15 students graduated with honors.

Students took part in this 12-month, 1,200-clock-hour program that is certified by the New York State Education Department. The program is designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN Examination for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

This course is offered in three different sites located in Batavia, Rochester Tech Park in Gates, and Leicester.

For more information about this program, contact the Adult Education/School of Practical Nursing at 344-7788.

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The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership offers a broad scope of adult education programs including a School of Practical Nursing and a Certified Nursing Assistant program, vocational training as well as classes for those seeking to broaden their skill sets. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State. 

(Photo below: Heidi Mix, director of Regional Medical Programs (left) congratulates LPN graduate London Aylor.)

        Edward Perdue

Edward F. Perdue, 57, of Rome, is charged with burglary, 3rd, conspiracy, 5th, and petit larceny in connection with his arrest as the suspected burglar of Plaza Spirits in November. He is also charged with identify theft, 3rd, and petit larceny because he is accused of using a using a stolen credit card. In a third set of charges, Perdue is charged with burglary, 3rd, grand larceny, 4th, conspiracy, 5th, and petit larceny for his suspected role in the burglary of Mr. Wine & Liquor in August. Perdue is currently confined to the Mohawk Correctional Facility and following arraignment was released back into the custody of DOCs. (Previously: Arrest made in thefts from two local liquor stores.)

Morgan L. Cox Jr., 26, of Central Avenue, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on traffic tickets. He had been cited for alleged unlicensed operation involving alcohol and speeding and driving without a license. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Rae C. Cook, 29, of Central  Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear in City Court. She was held on $250 bail.

Thomas E. Brenkus, 50, East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Brenkus was stopped at 7:20 p.m. Saturday on Clinton Street by Officer Arick Perkins.

Tatiana C. Lugo, 23, no permanent address, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, and resisting arrest. Lugo allegedly refused to leave a residence on North Spruce Street, Batavia, at 10:40 p.m. Friday. She was jailed on $2,000 bail or $4,000 bond.

Paul C. Ferro, 23, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, possession of a hypodermic instrument, and aggravated unlicensed operation. Ferro was located on Central Avenue at 1:37 p.m. May 3 and allegedly found in possession of heroin and a hypodermic needle.

Michelle L. Misiak, 52,  was arrested on a warrant out of City Court. She was jailed on $250 bail.

Carolann Hyde, 61, of Burke Drive, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Hyde is accused of stealing from her employer, a business on East Main Street, Batavia.

Brian Anthony Knox, 34, of Quaker Road, Scottsville, is charged with DWI, driving while impaired by drugs, possession of a hypodermic instrument, and inadequate plate lamp. Knox was stopped at 10:22 p.m. Thursday on Townline Road, Bergen, by Deputy Austin Heberlein.

James Carl Davis, 28, of Eagle Harbor Road, Albion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, improper right turn, failure to obey traffic control device, and speeding. Davis was stopped at 2:39 a.m. Sunday on Lewiston Road, Batavia, by Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Christopher James Doxy, 33, of East Center Street, Medina, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, criminal mischief, 4th (preventing an emergency call), harassment, 2nd, and unlawful imprisonment, 2nd. Doxy was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Erik Andre reported at 11 a.m. Thursday at a location on Lewiston Road, Alabama.

John Paul Emilio Dougherty, 23, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speed unreasonable, moved from lane unsafely, and driving left of pavement markings. Dougherty was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Jeremy McClellan into a vehicle accident on West Sweden Road, Bergen, at 2:20 a.m. Friday.

Michael John Romanowski, 45, of Green Leaf Meadow, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, refusal to take a breath test, and open container. Romanowski was stopped at a checkpoint on Lewiston Road, Alabama, at 8:07 p.m. Thursday by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Lovelle William Ince, 20, of 106th Avenue, Queens Village, is charged with two counts of criminal mischief, 4th. Ince allegedly punched a large hole in a wall and damaged a door at College Village in an incident reported at 4:21 p.m. on May 6.

Joseph Jonathan Kuzma, 38, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd, trespass, and criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. Kuzma was arrested by Deputy Ryan DeLong following an investigation into stolen property on Byron Elba Road. He allegedly stole property valued at more than $3,000. He was previously charged with petit larceny. He was also charged with trespass for knowingly and unlawfully entering and remaining on the premises. He allegedly knowingly possessed stolen property with intent to benefit himself in June 2016.

David W. Hockenberry, 30, of Tonawanda, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, license plate violation, and moving from lane unsafely. Hockenberry was stopped at 5:40 p.m. Nov. 30, in Darien by State Police. He was arrested Friday. No further details released.

Mark A. Stoneham, 57, of Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and moving from the lane unsafely. Stoneman was stopped at 8 p.m. Thursday in the Town of Pembroke, by State Police.

Terrence S. Morgan, 23, of Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving while impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana, driving without a license, aggravated unlicensed operation, and speeding. Morgan was stopped at 2:30 a.m. Saturday on Route 33, Byron, by State Police. As part of the traffic stop, Asiana I. Wedlow, 21, of Rochester, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th.

Press release:

EverPresent Church invites you to visit our new location at 4 Batavia City Centre, Batavia. We are excited to announce our Grand Opening Weekend on May 18-20 at the former Homestead Center also former home to Roxy’s Music Store.

EverPresent Church was founded in 2013 in the local YMCA. Not long after its beginning the church found a new home at 8 City Centre, formerly Center Stage Dance Co. Although EverPresent Church embraced its new location, we still longed for a space we could call home.

The conversation started back in 2015 with the owner of The Homestead Center but a deal wasn’t stuck until the summer of 2017.

Since our move into our new location we have been very busy settling in and making it our own. We are excited to be holding services and If you are looking for a warm friendly environment with a caring community of believers this just might be the place for you.

We are a family oriented church with great vision for you and our community. We are excited to see what God has in store for our church and anticipate great things for the future of Batavia.

If you are looking for a church and it’s been difficult to find where you fit or feel comfortable, this is the place for you! We are Real People, living Real Lives, with a Real Hope! We invite you to check it out and celebrate together as we help one another on this journey called life.

Grand Opening Weekend

• Friday, May 18^th at 5:45 p.m. -- MOVIE NIGHT showing “THE GREATEST SHOWMAN." Free popcorn and water; pop available to purchase.
• Saturday, May 19^th -- OPEN HOUSE from 2 to 5 p.m. Come by and check out the place, get some info about the church, and meet the pastors. 
• Sunday, May 20 -- SUNDAY SERVICE at 10:30 a.m. Join us for a time of worship and an encouraging message.

​We guarantee that you will experience God and His love through the people at EverPresent Church. We look forward to meeting you!

"Real People. Real Life. Real Hope!"

This Tuesday, May 15th, is Fine Arts Night at Jackson Primary from 5 to 7 p.m. for Jackson Primary families as well as the community! Come see the childrens' artwork, listen to some singing, and enjoy refreshments.

Don't feel like cooking? Local food trucks, including Center Street Smokehouse, The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, Stafford and Froyo that will be parked behind Jackson Primary from 4-8 p.m. Jackson Primary will receive a portion of all purchases. It is sure to be a fun night!

The school is located at 411 S. Jackson St. in the City of Batavia.

While you are out and about, don't forget to vote for the 2018-2019 BCSD Budget and also for three Board of Education positions.

Voting will take place on Tuesday, May 15, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Batavia High School, 260 State St., for residents living south of Route 5 (aka Main Street); and at the Robert Morris building, 80 Union St., for residents living north of Route 5.

Jacob Rosenbeck, age 7, (also in photo at bottom) and Carolyn Pratt are painting the boards that will replace a number of the beds at the community garden. Jacob has been helping at the Garden and growing vegetables there since age 2.

Submitted photos and press release:

Gardeners and volunteers will be busy this week preparing the Batavia Community Garden for Opening Day. Join us at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 19 at the garden, located in MacArthur Park in the City of Batavia (252B State St.).

There are plenty of beds and you could lease one on the spot. Not only that, there will be several Master Gardeners on hand to assist you with getting started growing your own vegetables. We use the squarefoot gardening method to plan out 4’ x 4’ ($15) and 4’x 8’ ($25) raised beds. The lease fee is for the season and the bed is filled and ready for planting on opening day.

If you want a sneak peek, take a stroll through MacArthur Park. Parking is available adjacent to the youth center. You will notice raspberries growing along the perimeter fence. Our garden shed, courtesy of Batavia Rotary houses all of our tools, books and all natural pest control remedies.

You will see a great deal of activity on Wednesday, May 16, as the garden is a United Way Day of Caring Work Site. Thirteeen of the raised beds will be replaced that day and filled with a quality, all natural growing mix. These new beds will be deeper and allow for more versatility in what can be planted. For example, carrots and beets should do nicely.

Throughout the season surplus produce is donated, in fact one or two beds will be designated exclusively for this purpose. Garden volunteers tend to donation beds and also cultivate cutting flowers for donation. Washington Towers and Crossroads House have been the primary beneficiaries, but this year the advisory board hopes to increase the reach of donations.

For more information contact the City of Batavia Youth Bureau, 12 MacArthur Drive; Phone: 345-6420.

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs (Class A Short Season Affiliate of the Miami Marlins) and Genesee County’s only professional sports franchise have announced nightly promotions that deliver value and respond to fan feedback.

The Home Opener is set for Monday, June 18th at 7:05 p.m. as the Muckdogs face the West Virginia Black Bears (Pittsburgh Pirates).

The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a Muckdogs Magnet Schedule presented by Tompkins Bank of Castile.

Individual game tickets will go on sale Monday, May 21st, at 10 a.m. at the Dwyer Stadium ticket office and online at Muckdogs.com. Highlights of the 2018 nightly promotions include:

Saturday Night Fireworks
The Muckdogs are moving post-game fireworks shows to Saturday nights in 2018. The team has increased the number of post-game shows to seven (7) beginning June 23rd. The change to Saturday nights is reflective of fan feedback and surveying of season ticket members. Each show will be set to music consisting of a different theme and genre. Fireworks nights include: 6/23 Southern Rock Fireworks; 7/3 Salute to the USA Independence Eve Expanded Fireworks; 7/7 Country Hits Fireworks; 7/14 '80s Hair Band Fireworks; 7/21 Jimmy Buffet Night Fireworks; 8/4 Elvis Fireworks; 8/25 '90s Hits Fireworks.

Friday Buck-A-Beer Nights
Every Friday home game will feature $1.00 12oz domestic draft beers. New this season $1 drafts will be available from 6 p.m. until the 7th inning.The Muckdogs will also be instituting an ID check booth at a designated location within Dwyer Stadium in which all fans 21 and over must present ID and receive a wristband in order to purchase alcohol. The new wristband policy on Friday nights will also allow for improved speed of service at concessions.

NY’s 529 College Savings Program Sunday Family Fun Days
New York’s 529 College Savings Program presents Family Fun Sundays during the 2018 season. From noon-12:20 select Muckdogs players will sign autographs in the concourse for all fans in attendance. After the game, all kids can run the bases just like their favorite Muckdog players courtesy of Bob Evans restaurant. Sunday games will include face painters, contests and prizes for kids throughout the game. Sundays will also feature a special Family 4-pack offer that includes four general admission tickets, four hot dogs and four regular size sodas for only $35.

WON Buck Weiner Wednesdays
New this season are WON Buck Weiner Wednesdays featuring $1 hot dogs all game long (maximum eight hot dogs per transaction). Fans can also purchase small sodas for only $1. Each Wednesday is also a Winning Wednesday presented by WBTA 1490 AM. When the Muckdogs win – all fans in attendance receive a FREE ticket to any future Muckdogs game.

2018 Home Game Times
Game times for the 2018 season are as follows: Monday through Saturday 7:05 p.m. (except July 26^th -- 11 a.m. Camp Day), Sundays 1:05 p.m. (except July 1^st 4:05 p.m. and Aug. 26^th 4:05 p.m.).

A complete list of Muckdogs promotions and giveaways will be announced at a later date. Fans are encouraged to stay up to date with team social media platforms.

Follow us on twitter @bataviamuckdogs, and like us on facebook.com/bataviamuckdogs. The official team website, muckdogs.com is currently under construction and will be refreshed and updated to provide the latest news, information and team content throughout the season. A relaunch date will be announced in the coming weeks.

Robert A. Boyce, age 51 and a resident of East Pembroke, who was involved in an ATV accident at 8:16 p.m. yesterday has succumbed to his injuries at ECMC.

The investigation is ongoing but the Sheriff's Office states that both alcohol and speed are being considered contributing factors in the crash.

Boyce was riding his ATV on a trail near National Grid transmission lines about 200 yards off Hartshorn Road when he apparently failed to negotiate a turn.

Previously: East Pembroke resident seriously injured in ATV accident

The Sheriff's Office is investigating an ATV accident reported at 8:16 p.m. Sunday in the area of 8706 Hartshorn Road, Batavia; it seriously injured the rider.

Robert A. Boyce, 51, of East Pembroke, was transported via Mercy Flight to ECMC with unknown injuries.

The preliminary investigation indicates Boyce was traveling east on the trail along National Grid power lines about 200 yards from Hartshorn Road when he failed to negotiate a turn, rolling his ATV. 

Assisting at the scene were Mercy EMS and East Pembroke fire.

The investigation is being conducted by Sgt. Andrew Hale, Investigator Christopher Parker, and Deputy Travis Demuth.

(Initial Post)