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Johnny Boy kicks late for Batavia feature upset

By Tim Bojarski
johnny-boy-1.jpg
Photo of Johnny Boy courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Taking advantage of a perfect trip, Johnny Boy brushed late to capture the $15,000 Open I Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday night (August 18). 

Kevin Cummings settled Johnny Boy in behind the headstrong Con Air Hall (Jim Morrill Jr.) who got to the quarter in :28.2. Con Air Hall then slowed the half to :58.2, forcing Mr. Contestant (Keith Kash Jr.) to advance first-over from fourth at that station. As the race trotted past three-quarters, Mr. Contestant’s bid fell apart and it appeared to be down to the top two trotters. Coming off the turn, Con Air Hall was in the middle of the track while Johnny Boy slipped into the passing lane in full stride. But from far back, Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) was trotting up a storm and joined the leaders for the stretch run. Johnny Boy took the lead just before the line before Lougazi could reach and won by one-half length in 1:57.4.   

It was the sixth win of the year for Johnny Boy ($17.00) for owner Mike Torcello. Sam Smith was the winning trainer. 

Johnny Boy was one of four wins for Cummings on Friday night.

Earlier, the $12,500 Open II trot went to J-s Hopscotch who led the entire race and then hung in the final strides.

J-S Hopscotch (Kyle Cummings) left from post one and controlled the clock from there. With Mugshots Bro (Jim Morrill Jr.) sitting on his back, J-S Hopscotch set fractions of :29.2, 1:00.3 and 1:29.3 with only a mild bid from I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) during the third quarter. By the time the race got halfway through the last turn, J-S Hopscotch and Mugshots Bro had separated from the field. J-S Hopscotch was still in front but Mugshots Bro was closing fast and drew alongside him in deep stretch. With both drivers fully engaged in their urging, J-S Hopscotch and Mugshots Bro hit the wire simultaneously, leaving it to the camera to reveal that J-S Hopscotch closed the deal by a nose in 1:58.4. 

J-S Hopscotch ($3.30) got his seventh win of the year for owner Rags To Riches of Pa and trainer Tammy Cummings. It was also the second win of the night for Kyle Cummings. 

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (August 19) at 6 p.m. there will be a $4,816 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race. 

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

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Photo of J-S Hopscotch courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

RRH medical campus ready to open, officials celebrate with ribbon cutting

By Howard B. Owens
RRH UMMC Ribbon Cutting
Photo courtesy Rochester Regional Health.

With an opening date of Aug. 26 drawing closer, Rochester Regional Health celebrated the completion of its new medical campus in Batavia on Friday with a brief ceremony that included a ribbon cutting and a first look inside the building for a few dignitaries.

Many of the medical offices and services offered by United Memorial Medical Center and RRH at St. Jerome's and other medical buildings are moving into the new medical campus, making it more of a one-stop shop for area residents receiving out-patient medical care.

RRH invested nearly $45 million in the 95,000-square-foot facility.

Hospital officials describe the facility as "centrally located right off the Thruway, in a convenient place both for local residents and those coming from around the region."

There will be more than a dozen specialty services all under one roof, including primary care, pediatrics, orthopedics, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, vascular surgery, neurosciences and Sands-Constellation Heart Institute cardiologists.   

Lab services will also be offered at the campus.

The campus will also offer urgent care seven days a week.

Previously: RRH's 'one-stop' medical campus ready to open

ummc rrh facilities
Photo by Howard Owens
RRH UMMC Ribbon Cutting
UMMC President Dan Ireland.
Photo courtesy Rochester Regional Health.
RRH UMMC Ribbon Cutting
Photo courtesy Rochester Regional Health.
RRH UMMC Ribbon Cutting
Photo courtesy Rochester Regional Health.

Wings Over Batavia organizers offer fundraising opportunities

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Wings Over Batavia Air Show is coming to town on September 2 and 3 and bringing national acts and world champion aerobatic performers in a spectacular night-time show featuring a high energy-choreographed fireworks & flight display. It will be a show not to miss.

If your organization, group, or team is looking for a great fundraising opportunity, then this is it. The Wings Over Batavia Air Show is looking for groups to work the food courts and raise funds through revenue sharing. If you are interested in learning more, request information here - https://forms.gle/TRhMYknQuuY5NuEi6.

The Air Show is also looking for groups to work in the parking lots, and these groups will also be eligible to raise funds through revenue sharing. Sign up for parking online at https://wingsoverbatavia.com/volunteer/. If you would like to see more about the airshow, check out their website at https://wingsoverbatavia.com/ or like them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Wingsoverbatavia

Batavia Downs presents Mothers of Veterans Suicide with Sock Hop proceeds

By Press Release
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Submitted photo of Henry Wojtaszek (left) presents staff members from Mothers of Veteran Suicide a check from Sock Hop proceeds.

Press Release:

Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) and Batavia Downs President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek was joined by staff from Mothers of Veteran Suicide as they were presented with a check for $3,330. These proceeds were from the “Sock Hop” event that took place at Batavia Downs on August 7.

“We know how important the work that Mothers of Veteran Suicide does in the Veterans community,” Wojtaszek said. “They have had their RV at our concert series and have traveled around the country raising awareness.  We are honored to have helped host this event to raise much-needed funds for their mission.”

“We are so grateful to the staff from Batavia Downs, “said Michele Ladd, President/CEO of Mothers of Veteran Suicide. “With their promotion and assistance, we were able to put on an event that attracted more people than we thought we would have.

Over 150 people attended the Monday afternoon Sock Hop which included Music by Ruby Shooz, an appearance from Batavia Downs Ambassador and NFL Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas, and several raffles which raised an additional $1,994 in funds.

Plans are already underway to schedule next year’s event.

DOT issues statement on demolition of Louie's Barber Shop

By Howard B. Owens
louis barbershop on route 63

After reporting on the demolition underway at 229 Ellicott Street, the former Louie's Barber Shop, in Batavia, The Batavian sought more information about the history of the right of way, the Department of Transportation's agreement with the shop's last owner, and the DOT's plans for the parcel.

We received the following statement:

“The New York State Department of Transportation is demolishing a vacant structure located within our State Route 63 right-of-way in the City of  Batavia that had previously housed Louie’s Barber Shop. The decision to demolish the structure — which has been located in our right-of-way since the 1970s — was made after the building’s previous operator communicated his plans to retire and terminate his occupancy. NYSDOT had no further use for the structure and will pave the property at a later date. NYSDOT’s agreement with the nearby Pok-A-Dot restaurant remains unchanged.”

Photos by Howard Owens.

louis barbershop on route 63

Chamber of Commerce accepting nominations for annual awards

By Press Release
Norm Argulsky 2022 Geneseean of the Year
Norm Argulsky accepting the Chamber of Commerce Geneseean of the Year during the chamber's annual awards ceremony at Batavia Downs in March.
Photo by Howard Owens.received

Press Release:

The Chamber’s Annual Awards Committee has announced the “2023” Annual Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Batavia Downs Gaming, Park Road, Batavia. This is the County’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service, and volunteerism.

Please note that a brief write-up will qualify your nominee for consideration. Nominations are now being accepted for Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Business of the Year, Agricultural Business of the Year, Innovative Enterprise of the Year, Special Service Recognition & Geneseeans of the Year. Business Nominees must be a Chamber Member (If unsure of your nominee, call the Chamber to verify).

Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Road, Batavia, and can also be downloaded from the Chamber Website at www.geneseeny.com. Nominations MUST BE RECEIVED BY December 29, to be eligible for consideration.

If you would like more information, feel free to call or email Kelly J. Bermingham, Director of Member Relations & Special Events at the Chamber office, 343-7440, ext. 1026, kbermingham@geneseeny.com.

GC participates in STOP-DWI end of summer campaign

By Press Release

Press Release:

Genesee County law enforcement agencies, including the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department, and Village of LeRoy Police Department will be participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.

Law enforcement officers across New York State are taking to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives. The statewide STOP-DWI Campaign will start on August 18 and will end on September 4.

This event is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, however, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaigns aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

Always remember impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning.

Rec Time posts record time in Batavia NYSS action

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Rec Time courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

The 3-year-old filly pacing division of the $114,000 New York Sire Stakes put on quite a performance at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (August 16) and the star of the show was Rec Time (Huntsville-Ms. Malicious) who stalked a torrid early pace before setting a new track record in victory. 

In the first $57,000 division, Rec Time (Jason Bartlett) got away third as Vivians Dream (Jim Morrill Jr.) seated Southwind Bella (Jack Pelling) at the :26 flat quarter before rolling to the half in a blistering :53.3. The field was in single file and somewhat gapped as they motored up the backside where Southwind Bella pulled the pocket once again approaching three-quarters. That allowed Rec Time room to advance along the pylons, putting the top three in tight quarters rounding the last turn. Vivian’s Dream held sway to the head of the stretch, but that’s where Rec Time found the passing lane and bolted to the lead and a 2-½ length win in 1:52.3.

The time was a new track record for 3-year-old pacing fillies and supplanted the 12-year-old standard of 1:52.4 set by New Album in NYSS action back in 2011. 

It was the fifth win of the year for Rec Time ($20.20) who is owned by D Racing Stable and Jason Osullivan. Deborah Daguet trains Rec Time who was bred by Fair Winds Farm, Mark Mullen, and Steve Jones. 

Then in the second $57,000 split, Earthwindfire (American Ideal-Road Bet) remained undefeated in 2023 after winning her seventh consecutive race in a hard-fought battle. 

Jack Pelling wanted the front with Earthwindfire, but Marcus Miller made him earn it as Turn On The Charm parked the pair in :27.1 before releasing them to cross over. Earthwindfire finally skimmed the cones in the turn and carried the girls to the half in a geared-down :56.1 half. With no imminent threats looming, Pelling continued to grab leather and put up another pedestrian :30.1 panel before Rock My Socks (Jason Bartlett) moved first from fourth and drew alongside the leader before the turn. Positions remained unchanged until the top of the stretch where Earthwindfire was flanked by Turn On The Charm to her left and Rock My Socks to her right. However, Earthwindfire kept looking forward and closed out the mile with a 1:54.1 score by a neck. 

With the win, Earthwindfire ($3.20) boosted her 2023 earnings to $215,416 for owners Melvin Segal, Kentuckiana Racing Stable, and Tulip Racing. Brett Pelling is the winning trainer of Earthwindfire who was bred by Stephen Dey III. 

There were also two $20,000 Excelsior races on the card. The first was won by Sweet Cheyanne (Huntsville-Ever After) in 1:55.1 for driver Marcus Miller, trainer Erv Miller and owner Douglas Overheiser. And the second went to Light And Tight (American Ideal-Don’t Point At) in 1:55.1 for driver Kevin Cummings, trainer Nifty Norman and owners Pinske Stable and Hoese. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (August 18) with post time at 6 p.m. 

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

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Photo of Earthwindfire courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Windy Brew's second location ready to 'share our love' in Batavia

By Joanne Beck
Bradley and Michelle Snyder
Bradley Snyder and his mom Michelle Snyder, business partners for Windy Brew, open their second location Thursday at 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia.
Submitted photo.

It was a year ago Thursday when Bill and Michelle Snyder spent their wedding anniversary dinner discussing business ambitions to open a second location for Windy Brew, Michelle says.

And a year later, the couple is celebrating its 32nd anniversary and the opening of that location at 56 Harvester Ave. in Batavia. Windy Brew is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

It took some connections in Batavia and the local business world — Rob Credi of Pub Coffee Hub and Crapshoot Commissary, and Tammy Hathaway of Batavia Development Corp., the couple said — and then plans began to unfold.

“And when we were at dinner a year ago, we talked about opening a second location and reached out to some friends in the City of Batavia to see if there were any buildings for sale or for lease, and we came across the Harvester Center through Tammy, and she put us in the direction of talking to Rob … and that's how we got in touch with (Harvester Center Manager) Jarrod Clark and took this space,” Michelle said about the street-level site on the city’s east side. 

“We completely renovated the area that we have. We had some tear-out and things like that. There are two complete new bathrooms. The taproom and bar are all brand new. All the tables and chairs, it’s all brand new. We have shiplap walls, the floor is like a vinyl planking, and the bar was custom-built by a friend of ours. 

“It’s beautiful. I wanted a rustic, industrial look, and I feel like we really captured that with the way the heating and cooling ventilation and our chairs and tables just really came together really nice,” she said.

It’s a family partnership between Michelle and her son Bradley Snyder. They share their story online about how the family-run business began with a passion and love for beer. Someone gave them a beer kit as a gift, and that turned into buying a kettle and going into a full-grain brewing hobby. 

“Then we thought it was time to share our love with others,” the Snyders said. 

The first Windy Brew is on their home property in Strykersville, and the Snyders have been running it for six and a half years. 

There are 15 beers on tap, a cider and, with a full liquor license, there will be mixed drinks and wine available as well at the Batavia location, Michelle said. “But our focus is really our craft beer,” she said. 

“I consider us a brewpub. But the city of Batavia said it has to be a restaurant tap room, so I don't know. They have their own version of what a brewpub is,” she said.

As for the food menu, there will be pulled pork sandwiches made from pork that is smoked at the Strykersville facility, loaded nachos, pretzels with dill pickle dip, chips and dip, a taco basket, and tortilla chips with salsa and guac. 

The long wooden bar in variegated hues of blond is highlighted by the dropped hooded lights that give off a yellow glow. There's a definite juxtaposition of industrial silver ceiling fixtures atop the rustic flooring and weathered side paneling for an eclectic mix of design materials. Adding to the ambiance will be musician Rob Koepf, performing 1980s and 90s rock and classic country from 7 to 10 p.m. this Saturday. 

Michelle is anxiously awaiting for another vendor to open in the other half of the property, as they will be sharing some equipment, and Windy Brew will also be making custom pizzas as part of the menu. That is “coming soon,” Michelle said. 

 “I am just so excited that we are here and able to open at this point. It's been a long road, but it's been well worth it," she said. "I feel it's going to be really great for Batavia to have this location. And customers seem to be very excited about us opening in the Batavia area.” 

Though there is a clear definition between the two businesses, the other half of the site will be quite visible, and at least one operator has been identified as Vianiliz “Vee” Echevarria Rivera and her mother Elizabeth under the takeout restaurant name of Linda Borinqueña.

Rivera had hoped to open in June, and said that she had unexpected delays and would have to push that date back.

Meanwhile, Windy Brew will be there, with hours of 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Windy Brew 2
Windy Brew 3
Windy Brew 4

Submitted photos.

GCC announces Stephanie Ortel as new director of veterinary technology

By Press Release

Press Release:

stephanieortel-edit.jpg
Photo of Stephanie Ortel,
courtesy of Genesee Community College

Genesee Community College is excited to announce the appointment of Stephanie Ortel, LVT as the new director of Veterinary Technology. With a proven track record of leadership and expertise in the field, Stephanie brings a wealth of experience that will contribute to the continued growth and success of the college's Veterinary Technology program.

Stephanie is a Western New York native. She graduated from Medaille College with an AS in Veterinary Technology in 1999 and a BS in Veterinary Technology in 2005. Throughout her career her area of veterinary medicine has focused on pain management and physical rehab therapy for dogs and cats. 

Stephanie earned a MS in Adult Education from Buffalo State College in 2018. She started as an adjunct instructor at GCC in 2016 and then became a full-time instructor in 2021.

Stephanie expressed her excitement about joining Genesee Community College,stating, "As program director, I hope to continue the tradition passed from Dr. Carrie Caccamise of a highly regarded vet tech program. The Vet Tech department is committed to producing quality graduates ready to enter the workforce."

Photo: DOT begins dismantling Louie's Barber Shop building on Ellicott Street

By Howard B. Owens
louis barbershop on route 63
Photo by Howard Owens

Work crews and contractors for the NYS Department of Transportation began dismantling the former Louie's Barber Shop at 229 Ellicott Street (Route 63) today.

The building sits on a state highway right of way, and the state allowed the barber shop to continue operation so long as owner Rich Lamkin continued remained active in the business. Lamkin retired earlier this year.  The barber shop was originally owned by Louie Fanara.

A portion of the Pok-A-Dot is also on the state's right of way, and there is an agreement in place between the business and the DOT to allow the restaurant to occupy that space.

Photo: 'Ribbon' cutting at Jersey Mike's franchise on Lewiston Road

By Howard B. Owens
jersey mike ribbon cutting 2023
Photo by Howard Owens

The new Jersey Mike's franchise opened this morning with a "ribbon" (in this case, a strip of sandwich paper wrap) cutting.

The location on Lewiston Road is in the parking lot of the former Kmart store.  The new shop's neighbors are Starbucks and Tropical Smoothie. Those businesses have not yet opened.

Pictured are Jonathan Duque, Marlon Duque, Brooklyn Zeier, Kayla Sexton, Evan Mayer, Town of Batavia board member Patti Michalak, and Betsy Mihm, representing Special Olympics.

Mayer is the franchise owner.  Mayer and his staff in the photo are all from New Jersey.  The beachballs are meant to represent the Jersey Shore.

The Kmart property is being developed by Florida-based Benderson Development. The company is also planning a second building for similar businesses in the parking lot.  No plans have been announced yet for the former Kmart building itself.

Fine-tuning BK plans means more green, less pavement and all rights

By Joanne Beck
Derek Geib, Doug Beaches and Patrick Mahoney at PDC meeting
Derek Geib, left, a member of the city's Planning & Development Committee, discusses a new Burger King location with Real Estate Manager Doug Beachel and site engineer Patrick Mahoney during the committee's meeting Tuesday at City Hall. 
Photo by Joanne Beck.

After making additional tweaks to their blueprint of a new Burger King location on the city’s southwest side, site engineer Peter Sorgi and his team were encouraged Tuesday by the progress being made in Carrols Corporation’s incremental steps toward approval, he says.

“We reduced some of the pavements and some of the drive aisles, which increased the landscaping, and we also reduced some parking, which increased the landscaping, which is a direct result of the comments of this board. So, more green space, less pavement,” Sorgi said after the city’s Planning and Development Committee meeting. “And the other change I made was a right in or right out on Main Street, no left either way. And our initial plan had left both ways. So, again, it was working with the board to get that understanding. We have (the Zoning Board of Appeals) for two variances and then back here for site plan. We've been very happy with the comments. It's a better plan than it was when we started, and that's the process.”

He expects to be attending the ZBA’s meeting in September and then back to the planning committee with “our whole engineered site plan and all the landscape plans” in November for the beginning of a formal site plan review. That would most likely leave construction for the spring of 2024, he said. 

Sorgi and site engineer Patrick Mahoney reviewed those updated plans before a slightly different committee — alternate Jim Krencik sat in for Ed Flynn, who was absent. During the last meeting, Flynn raised concerns about the skewed ratio of pavement to landscaping, preferring and recommending to see more green space and taking issue with a 17-foot lane, which he said he felt was excessive. 

“Right now, I may be the only one talking about the 17-foot excessive lane over here, but I want more landscaping along Lyon Street,” Flynn had said.

No one seemed to have a problem with the updated landscaping; however, member David Beatty questioned the right-turn exits. 

"Have there been any traffic studies done … that would show how this actually works? In reality, I mean, you've got a situation where people get their food, and they're going to be either going out to West Main, right? Or they can go all the way around to Lyon Street. Are there any studies that would show you how many people would go one way or the other, for instance?” he said.

There haven’t been any such specific studies, Sorgi said. That would come up along with the state Department of Transportation environmental review, he said. Mahoney added that it’s not unusual to have both a side and front exit and to provide a sign, “which we would be willing to do, saying exit to south Lyon with an arrow direction.”

“I still think it is somewhat problematic,” Beatty said. 

Code Enforcement Officer Doug Randall asked if they were expecting the trip count to change with the new Burger King location at the corner of South Lyon and West Main streets. Mahoney estimated that it could go up at least 10 percent with increased visibility. That being said, he also doesn’t believe that folks are going to bypass other Burger Kings just to visit this new one, he said. 

Real Estate Manager Doug Beachel spoke on behalf of the company, representing “1,100 of these throughout the East Coast,” he said. 

“Typically, we do cell phone analysis that shows a heat map in terms of where they're coming from in the city of this size,” he said. “You know, most of your business is within five miles, they’ll show us where your outliers are, and then it’ll kind of take the highs and lows … it’s really, you know, three to five miles max.”

Beachel was there as the new real estate manager and said that things have been moving too slowly up to now. He would be part of the process to ensure it would be more swift, he said.

Click HERE for prior coverage.

Graham CEO rings opening NYSE opening bell to commemorate 55 years as a public company

By Howard B. Owens
Remote video URL

On Monday morning, Graham Corp. President and CEO Dan Thoren, accompanied by executive team members, rang the opening bell on the New York Stock Exchange to commemorate the company's 55th anniversary as a publicly traded company.

In a statement, Thoren said, “We are proud to commemorate fifty-five years as a public company by participating in the opening bell ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange.  This is a tribute to every associate at Graham who worked hard this past year to bring us to record sales and orders.  Their dedication to Graham and their deep engagement with their work for our valued customers and the security of our nation makes me excited for our future.”

 

Undefeated Earthwindfire in $114,000 NYSS at Batavia on Wednesday

By Tim Bojarski
earthwindfire-photo-by-jessica-hallett.jpg
Photo of Earthwindfire courtesy of Jessica Hallett.

When the New York Sire Stakes roll into Batavia Downs on Wednesday (August 16), the undefeated Earthwindfire will be on hand to try and keep her perfect record intact as she lines up in one of two, five-horse, $57,000 divisions of 3-year-old pacing fillies slated to go that night. 

Earthwindfire (American Ideal-Road Bet) has rattled off six straight wins to start her year, including four NYSS events. The other two came in Grand Circuit action at Yonkers Raceway where she won an elimination and the final of the Park MGM filly pace. Those wins have made Earthwindfire the fourth richest filly in North America this year ($186,916) behind only Sylvia Hanover, Ucandoit Blue Chip and Twin B Joe Fresh, and she is less than $3,000 from vaulting into second place on that list. A five-time victor and runner up in the NYSS final as a 2-year-old last season, Earthwindfire has been winning at will in 2023 and is positioned to continue on that path here and add to her already gaudy lifetime earnings of $508,400. 

Jack Pelling will drive from post four for trainer Brett Pelling. 

Standing in her way from another score on Wednesday will be Turn On The Charm, who is also having a breakout year of her own. 

Turn On The Charm (Huntsville-Charming Hill) is the current points leader (217) among the NYSS sophomore distaff pacers this year and has won four out of her five NYSS starts. She too competed in the Park MGM filly pace and finished a very respectable third in the final. In her last start at Yonkers, Turn On The Charm overcame a very slow start where she got away last, spotting the field 20 lengths at the half. But she rallied to finish fifth and was beaten only 3-¾ lengths. With a post one draw in this race, Turn On The Charm should get a perfect trip behind the assumed frontrunner Earthwindfire, and be in the perfect spot to strike late. 

Trainer Bruce Clarke has Marcus Miller in the bike once again. 

Team Pelling also has the filly to beat in the other division and her name is Southwind Bella. 

Southwind Bella (Huntsville-Southwind Solara) was lightly raced at two, but won three of four starts in NYSS Excel A action in 2022. This year she stepped up to the top level and has won two NYSS races while not finished off the board in the rest. Although her lifetime mark is 1:50.2 at Harrah’s Philadelphia, her last outing at Yonkers was an impressive gate to wire, 3-½ length victory in 1:53.1, which was her best clocking ever over a half mile track. She comes into this race as one of only two fillies in this field to win a NYSS race this year. 

Team Pelling sends out Southwind Bella from post one. 

The other 2023 NYSS winner in the race is Vivians Dream (American Ideal-Sports Chic) who was a state series star at two who won six legs. So far this year she has won only one of those races and it was her very first start of the year. Since then, Vivians Dream has been racing well and is currently fourth for earnings and points among this group, but she has not been able to find the winner’s circle again since May. She finished second to Southwind Bella Last week at Yonkers and looks to be the main rival again this week.

Jim Morrill Jr. picks up the lines for this start for trainer Kevin Lare.

There are also two $20,000 NYSS Excelsior divisions on the program and those splits will be contested in races six and seven. The NYSS main events are carded as races eight and 10. 

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page

Deputy Trevor Sherwood named new SRO for Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens
sheriff deputy sherwood
Trevor Sherwood, center, upon graduation from the law enforcement academy at Niagara County Community College in 2021.
From left, Chief Deputy-Road Patrol Brian M. Frieday, Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., Deputy Trevor J. Sherwood, Investigator Pete Welker, Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur.
Sheriff's Office photo.

Deputy Trevor Sherwood, a Batavia High School graduate who was a star athlete in baseball and basketball, was approved by the Pavilion Board of Education on Monday night as the school district's new resource officer.

The board voted unanimously to approve a new memorandum of understanding with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

Superintendent Mary Kate Hoffman told the board that a committee interviewed four deputies for the position and recommended Sherwood.

Sherwood joined the Sheriff's Office on road patrol in early 2021.

The SRO position became vacant after Deputy Jeremy McClellan was reassigned to road patrol at the end of the 2022-23 academic year at the apparent request of the school district, which was a move several parents protested.

The Batavian will have a more complete story on Tuesday.

trevor sherwood
Trevor Sherwood playing basketball for the Batavia Blue Devils in 2015.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Trevor Sherwood playing basketball for the Batavia Blue Devils in 2015. Photo by Howard Owens.
Trevor Sherwood playing basketball for the Batavia Blue Devils in 2015.
Photo by Howard Owens.

BHS grad and aspiring sports broadcaster encouraged by ESPN legend at Jim Kelly Classic

By Howard B. Owens
jim kelly tournament at terry hills 2023
Jim Kelly welcomes golfers to the annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Classic at Terry Hills in Batavia.
Photo by Howard Owens.

After Jim Kelly, the Buffalo Bills Hall of Famer and host of the annual tournament at Terry Hills that bears his name, the celebrity who invariably gets the most attention upon his arrival year after year is sports broadcasting legend Chris Berman. 

On Monday, after local businessman Russ Romano introduced him, Berman took extra time to talk with Griffin Della Penna, a Batavia High School graduate now working on his Master's degree in broadcasting and digital media at Syracuse University. 

Della Penna said Berman was his earliest inspiration.

"I’ll never forget watching Sportscenter for the first time with my dad when I was six years old, and Chris Berman was on the screen," Della Penna told The Batavian. "I loved his passion and how you could tell that he genuinely loved his job. Since that day, I’ve admired him, and he ignited a dream of being in his shoes someday."

It was Della Penna's first time meeting Berman, though he had hoped to meet him last year.

"For years, I’ve known that he’s been to the tournament and spent time in Western New York, but our paths never crossed," Della Penna said. "I worked the tournament last year and was bummed to know that he wasn’t going to be in attendance. To be able to meet one of my heroes today is something that I’ll never forget. While people are coming up to him telling him where to go for registration or to sign autographs, he politely told them to wait because he wanted to learn more about me and my broadcasting journey! That was the best feeling in the world when he asked me about my time at Canisius and how my program at Syracuse has been so far. He asked how much I love this profession, and he had a huge grin when I told him, 'this isn’t work to me because I’m so passionate about it.' He told me how he had that same mentality with his first job at a small market in Rhode Island and carried that into his big break at ESPN. At the end of our conversation, I told him how much it meant to me to talk to me, and he said, 'I look forward to hearing you when you make it big, Griffin.'”

In addition to a stint as "The Voice of the Muckdogs," Della Penna has held down various internships and freelance sports journalism gigs while attending Canisius. He's also received a couple of awards and scholarships while in college.

Berman, along with the other sports stars and celebrities in attendance, was at Terry Hills for the annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Classic, which is a fundraiser for the Kelly for Kids Foundation. The foundation provides grants to assist disadvantaged and disabled youth in Western New York.

sports broadcasting legend Chris Berman and griffin della penna
Griffin Della Penna poses with ESPN sports broadcasting legend Chris Berman.
Photo by Howard Owens.
sports broadcasting legend Chris Berman and griffin della penna
Chris Berman speaking with Griffin Della Penna.
Photo by Howard Owens.
jim kelly tournament at terry hills 2023
Photo by Howard Owens.
jim kelly tournament at terry hills 2023
Photo by Howard Owens.
jim kelly tournament at terry hills 2023
Thurman Thomas arriving at Terry Hills.
Photo by Howard Owens.
jim kelly tournament at terry hills 2023
Former Pro Bowler receiver Gerald McNeil at the autograph table.
Photo by Howard Owens.
jim kelly tournament at terry hills 2023
Kato Kaelin, with his wife Shengyi Xue, waits to step up to the autograph table behind Scott Norwood and Willie "Hutch" Jones. Jones is a former NBA player born in Buffalo who now runs the Willie Hutch Jones Sports and Education Program, a non-profit in Buffalo. Norwood is a former Bills kicker. Xue is a model and actress. And Kaelin, is, well, Kato Kaelin. 
Photo by Howard Owens.
jim kelly tournament at terry hills 2023
Johnny Damon, former star centerfielder with the Oakland As, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees, at the autograph table. Russ Romano on the left.
Photo by Howard Owens.
jim kelly tournament at terry hills 2023
Johnny Damon with WBTA's Nici Johnson.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Smoke in the building reported at Alex's Place in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Smoke in the building is reported at Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road.

The building is being evacuated.

Town of  Batavia Fire responding.

UPDATE 5:01 p.m.: The fire is out. Somebody on location used a fire extinguisher. There is smoke in the building.

UPDATE 5:09 p.m.: Confirmed. The fire is out. Firefighters are ventilating. 

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