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YWCA announces plans to sell building to local doctor, continue services on North Street

By Howard B. Owens

The financially troubled YWCA in Batavia has reached an agreement to sell its building at 301 North St., Batavia, to Dr. Emily Fraser-Branche, a pediatrician in Batavia who will relocate her practice to the building and lease back space to the YWCA.

The sale of the property is contingent on Fraser-Branche obtaining a use variance from the City of Batavia for a medical office at the location.

When the YWCA opened in 1968 at 301 North, the neighborhood had not yet been declared R-1 (single-family residential) so while the YWCA's use of the property is grandfathered in, any other non-single-family use requires a variance.

The planned sale was announced to a group of YWCA supporters and area residents at a meeting Wednesday night.

Reid Whiting, a municipal attorney with an office in Le Roy, explained to the audience the basis of the variance application, which must be approved by the city's planning board and zoning board of appeals.

There are three criteria that must be met for the variance to be approved, Whiting said.

First, that the change is needed because the current building cannot make a reasonable rate of return; second, that the building is experiencing a unique hardship; and third, that the hardship was not created by the YWCA.

On the first point, the building is not suitable as a single-family residence and therefore couldn't be sold at a reasonable rate of return and further, the YWCA's financial difficulties demonstrate that its current use is not generating enough revenue to maintain a reasonable rate of return.

On the second, because of the building's size and location in an R-1 zone, it creates a hardship on other uses for the building.

And on the third, the financial difficulty of the why and the city's decision to change the zoning is what created the hardship that necessitates the need for a variance, Whiting said.

Fraser-Branche grew up in Batavia and obtained her medical degree from Univerity at Buffalo. She returned to Batavia to practice medicine in Batavia and a few years ago opened Three Little Birds Pediatrics at 314 Ellicott St.

At Wednesday's meeting, she explained that it was the death of her father who inspired her to open her own practice. He encouraged her to strike out on her own and follow her passion.

She's been able, she said, to avoid being swallowed up by a regional hospital group and remain independent. Her practice she said is focused on taking care of her patient's physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

When she realized she might be able to acquire the YWCA building and move her practice there, she said it was an opportunity beyond her dreams to give her practice room to grow. It was a big decision, she said, that led to a lot of sleepless nights and a lot of prayer but in the end, it just seemed like the right thing to do.

“This is my home community," Fraser-Branche said. "I want to remain here. I want to continue to practice here. I want to continue to watch families grow and thrive.”

In response to residents' questions at the meeting, she said her office will only be open during standard, daytime business hours. Her business doesn't require big dumpsters and what little medical waste is generated by the business, it is safely stored in regular-sized, but sealed, garbage bins and safely removed from the property.

Whiting, in answer to a question, said a variance for the YWCA will not make it possible for other properties in the community to open businesses.

Whiting also said that if, for whatever reason some time down the road, another business wants to use the building, that business would require its own variance unless it was also a medical practice.

If the variance is to be granted, Whiting suggested, community members who support the YWCA will need to speak up in support of the variance.

"We hope anybody here who feels strongly about the future of the YWCA, its place in this community, and the chance to foster a great pediatric practice within this community, we hope that some of you, if not all of you, would take some time out of your busy schedules, particularly around this time of year, to put in favorable word to the planning board and the zoning board," Whiting said. "It’s very important because frequently the only people who show up at variance application hearings are opponents of the variance."

One argument in favor of the variance, Whiting said, is there is already medical uses in that part of Batavia, from UMMC to several medical offices. He said residents won't notice anything different with Three Little Birds Pediatrics than what they're used to from either those medical practices or the YWCA.

The medical practice will be in the back, roughly two-thirds of the building, while the YWCA will continue to operate in the front of the building, still offering its current programs and services, with My Sister's Closet moving to a room in the front of the building.

Millie Tomidy-Pepper, the current executive director, said the YWCA's office hours will remain the same, which are weekday, daytime hours.

The Batavia YWCA, founded in 1910, served the community from various locations, including its own downtown building for many years, until launching a building fund in the 1960s, raising more than $200,000, purchasing the property at 301 North, and finally opening the new building in 1968.

This spring, it looked briefly like the YWCA in Batavia was going to have to close up shop. It was out of money and Executive Director Jeanne Walton was replaced by Tomidy-Pepper, who took over an organization with debt and no reserves. The community rallied around the YW and between donations and the support of other YWCA's Tomidy-Pepper and the board, they were able to keep the doors open.

The sale of the building will help the YWCA continue to serve the community, Tomidy-Pepper said.

"I think it’s a good fit," Tomidy-Pepper said. "I can’t think of anybody else who could have put an offer in on the building who could have fit any better, honestly."

Dr. Emily Fraser-Branche

Millie Tomidy-Pepper

Reid Whiting

Sponsored Post: State Farm - Mark Lewis Agency - Get your home winter ready

By Lisa Ace


Be energy efficient
Since your heating system will probably be running constantly throughout the winter, remember to change out your HVAC filters every month. Inspect the insulation in your attic and crawl space. Warm air rises and leaves the house through the roof, so you should focus on insulation in your ceilings. Seal areas around recessed lights, the attic hatch, and plumbing vents that may be allowing warm air from the living space below to enter the attic. Proper attic ventilation, adequate attic insulation, and a tight air barrier between the attic and the interior of the house will work together to prevent ice dams.

If you don't have double-paned windows, remove the screens and install storm windows to ensure that the heat stays in and the cold stays out. If you're on a tight budget, pick up an inexpensive plastic-film sheet kit from your local hardware store. These will only last one season, but they do help with energy efficiency and are able to halt the cold flow of winter drafts. If you have a fireplace, burning firewood is another way to save energy costs. When you use the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly -- about an inch -- and close doors leading into the room. That will prevent the fire from drawing warm air out of the rest of the house and replacing it with cold air. And remember to store your firewood in a dry place at least 30 feet from your home to avoid a fire hazard.

Protect your pipes
Pipes located in attics, crawl spaces, basements, and near outer walls can be susceptible to freezing in extreme temperatures. When the forecast calls for unusually cold temperatures, let water drip from hot and cold faucets overnight. Also try keeping cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate in places like below sinks. If you open the cabinet doors, be sure to remove anything inside the cabinets that may pose a safety to hazard to children, such as household cleaners. For exposed pipes in your attic, basement or crawl spaces, add extra insulation around them. View the tips to avoid frozen pipes for more information.

Be ready for an emergency
Blackouts and snow-ins can occur during winter months, so take a moment to prepare yourself and your family for such emergencies. Having the following items ready will help you make it through safely.

  • Flashlights
  • Bottled water
  • Nonperishable food items
  • Blankets
  • Phone numbers for your utility companies
  • Battery backup to protect your computer and other important electronic equipment
  • First-aid kit

Decorate safely
'Tis the season to be festive, but remember to stay safe with your holiday decorations. Inspect the wires of your light display before switching them on—they may be frayed and present an electrical fire hazard. Same goes for the Christmas tree inside -- always check the light strands for any sign of wear and tear from being in storage. If you have a real Christmas tree, keep it watered, since dry trees catch fire easier. Check with your local municipality for instructions on how to dispose of the tree once the new year arrives.

Don't forget yard care
Even with the cold weather conditions, your yard still needs to be maintained. Make sure tree and shrub branches are well away from the house and windows. Icy conditions can cause branches to break and damage your home. Walk around your home and survey the roof to see if any ice dams have formed; call a contractor if you suspect this is the case. As you walk around your house, check the foundation for small cracks or openings where mice or other pests can tunnel in. Winter is when they seek the warmth of your house, so seal up any possible entrances. While you're outside, clear snow off gas meters and away from basement windows and your dryer exhaust vent.

Blue Devils drop home opener, 64-51

By Howard B. Owens

The Blue Devils, missing a couple of key players to start the season, dropped to 0-2 with a loss in their home opener to Athena, 64-51.

Andrew Francis scored 15 points for Batavia and Jake Humes added 11, with nine coming on three-pointers. Cam White scored six points. White also had three rebounds.

Joe Martinucci had seven rebounds and scored three points.

Ethan Biscaro, who suffered a knee injury in the state championship football game, Mason McFollins, and Caden White did not play.

For Greece Athena, Melvin Council Jr. scored 17 points and Kelvin Reaves Jr. scored 14 points.

The Blue Devils travel to Pittsford Sutherland for a game Tuesday.

In other boys basketball action Wednesday, Pavilion beat Letchworth 52-39.

In girls basketball: Attica beat Byron-Bergen 61-44; Oakfield beat Holley, 64-33; Alexander beat Pembroke, 43-36; Elba beat Wheatland, 65-45.

To purchase prints of photos click here.

Photos: Annual holiday remembrance service

By Howard B. Owens

H.E. Turner Funeral Homes hosted their annual Christmastime service of prayer and worship to remember loved ones who have passed in 2018.

Pastor Masha Rivers conducted the service at Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia.

Law and Order: Two people arrested on bench warrants

By Billie Owens

Matthew James Florian, 30, of Pratt Road, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant Dec. 11 for alleged failure to comply with the terms of his conditional release stemming from a DWI guilty plea. He was released on his own recognizance and was scheduled to reappear Batavia City Court on Dec. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Jennifer Nichole Wenner, 31, of West Main Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court on Dec. 11. Batavia police responded to an address on East Main Street in Batavia for a suspicious condition. While on scene, police took Wenner into custody. She was arraigned and released and is due in city court on Jan. 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Video: Christmas song by Mary DelPlato

By Howard B. Owens

As he has done each of the past few years, Carmen DelPlato has shared with us Christmas song with lyrics by his mother, Mary DelPlato, and music and performance by Anthony DelPlato.

Sponsored Post: Stop into High Voltage Tattoo and take part in our holiday fundraiser

By Lisa Ace


High Voltage Tattoo & Piercing is hosting its annual holiday fundraiser but instead of hosting one big tattoo marathon, owner Mark Fanara is selling gift certificates with all proceeds going to abused and neglected children in Genesee County.

Fanara said 100 percent of the price of the gift certificates will go to Justice for Children and Genesee CASA and the gift certificates will be sold at a discount. If you spend $20 for a gift certificate, you will receive a $25 gift certificate, for $50, get $60, for $100, get $125. There is no limit on gift certificates.

The sale lasts through Dec. 23.

High Voltage Tattoo is located at 110 W. Main St., Batavia.

T.F. Brown's hosting annual community dinner on Christmas Day

By Howard B. Owens

Since the 1990s, T.F. Brown's and the Batavia Lions Club have hosted a free Christmas Day dinner open to the whole community and the tradition continues in 2018.

Anybody in the community is welcome to attend with a reservation for either the noon or 1 p.m. meal, which includes a visit for children with Santa and a present.

To help support the dinner, T.F. Brown's is hosting a Christmas Happy Hour and Ugly Sweater Contest from 4 to 8 p.m., Dec. 20. Guest who donate a toy get a free beverage. There will be dinner and drink specials and prizes with the DSP Jazz Trio performing from 5 to 8 p.m.

For community members wishing to attend the dinner, reservations are required. Call Barb at 345-1000. She will need to know how many people are attending and the names and ages of children who will be there.

Photo: Becky Amico, Lions, Rick Mancuso, owner of T.F. Brown's, Joe Teresi, Lions, and Frank Yanik, a cook at T.F. Brown's.

Law and Order: Le Roy woman with previous conviction accused of driving while impaired by drugs

By Billie Owens

Roberta Ann Goodman, 51, of East Main Road, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs -- with a previous conviction, a Class E felony. On Dec. 9 at 10:09 a.m., the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received multiple calls of a motor vehicle being driven erratically westbound through the Town and Village of Le Roy. Le Roy Police Detective John Condidorio was able to catch up to the vehicle and initiate a traffic stop stop with the suspect vehicle on Main Road in Stafford. Sheriff's deputies arrived on scene and administered standardized field sobriety tests and Goodman was subsequently arrested. After being given a Drug Influence Evaluation at the jail by Deputy Matt Butler, a certified Drug Recognition Expert, Goodman was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash bail. Additional charges are pending. In addition to Condidorio and Butler, the investigation by Deputy Ryan DeLong was assisted by Deputy Erik Andre and Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Dustin L. Stump, 48, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with illegal disposal of items. He was arrested at 1:09 p.m. on Dec. 10 after allegedly illegally disposing of garbage in a privately owned dumpster. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and is due there on Dec. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Mark S. Bradley, 58, of Pavilion, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; unlawful possession of marijuana; consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle; and unauthorized stickers on windshield. He was arrested on Dec. 9 following a traffic stop on Warsaw Boulevard in the Village of Silver Springs. During the stop, he was allegedly found to be in possession of crystal meth, marijuana, marijuana paraphernalia, and an open container of alcohol. His vehicle was towed from the scene. He was processed at the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office and released to relatives. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Village of Silver Springs Court on Jan. 7 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan, assisted by Deputy Bradley McGinnis.

Shannon M. LaPaglia, 37, of Le Roy, was arrested at 6:22 a.m. on Dec. 9 by troopers out of SP Batavia and charged with DWI, unlawful possession of marijuana and vehicle and traffic infractions. Her arrest came after troopers responded to a property damage accident on Byron Road in the Town of Stafford. She allegedly failed standardized field sobriety tests. Troopers also allegedly located marijuana in her vehicle. She was transported to SP Batavia for processing and allegedly found to have a BAC of .13 percent. LaPaglia was released on an appearance ticket returnable to Stafford Town Court later this month.

Jason Lawrence McKenzie, 40, of Covell Road, Pavilion, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 7:01 p.m. on Nov. 30 following a complaint at a retail store on Veterans Memorial Drive of shoplifting. He allegedly stole merchandise by passing all points of purchase without paying for the items. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Jan. 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Matthew J. Reed, 34, of State Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court on Dec. 9. Police responded to an address on State Street for the initial report of a possible domestic incident. While there, he was taken into custody on the bench warrant. He was jailed on $500 cash or bond and was due in city court on Dec. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Peter Flanagan.

J'zon A. Richardson, 20, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. He was arrested on Dec. 10 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court for an unspecified incident which occurred on Nov. 15 on Ellicott Street in Batavia. He was arraigned and jailed in lieu of $500 cash or $1,000 bond and is to return to city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider.

Photo: Handpainted patriotic totes donated to vets home

By Howard B. Owens

The Genesee Country Decorative Painters, founded in Batavia in 1983, painted dozens of totes with patriotic themes as a service project for 2018 and today presented the gifts to the State Veterans Home in Batavia as a gift to veterans at the home.

Each member painted three bags each.

Photo: Diane Fiorentino, Laurie Bellucci, and Maggie Cummings, activity director for the vets home.

Hit-and-run accident reported at Center and School, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A black sedan reportedly hit another vehicle near Center and School streets, Batavia, and then fled down School Street.

The vehicle should have front, passenger-side damage.

Batavia PD is responding.

City Church will hold two candlelight services on Christmas Eve and everyone is invited

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City Church invites you to come out on Christmas Eve for our annual Candlelight Service.

We will be having two services this year, one at our City Church location at 210 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia at 6 p.m. and one at our St. Anthony’s location at 114 Liberty St in Batavia at 8 p.m.

This service is one of our most beautiful events we have all year. With our Christmas decor up, tree lights on, and friendly faces, you will have a warm place to be on Christmas Eve.

We begin our night singing together, then the kids will be brought up front for a traditional telling of the Christmas story. We have a choir and song specials throughout the night, and we end the evening by lighting our candles, symbolizing the light that was sent to us on that beautiful Christmas day.  

We are thankful to be able to plan this service on such a beautiful night to remember what this wonderful Christmas season is about. Everyone is welcome and every child receives a gift before they leave.

We would love to have you join us on Christmas Eve (Monday, Dec. 24). 

  • 6 p.m. at The City Church location on 210 E. Main St.
  • 8 p.m. at the St. Anthony’s location on 114 Liberty St.

Visit www.thecitychurch.comwww.stanthonysbatavia.com and find us on FaceBook and Instagram. Call (585) 343-6895 with any questions.  

Merry Christmas!

Justice for Children Advocacy Center to get major renovations in 2019

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Justice for Children G.L.O.W. Foundation is pleased to announce that they are going to be embarking on a major renovation of the Justice for Children Advocacy Center in 2019.

Through collaboration with Genesee County, the Justice for Children G.L.O.W Foundation, the Kiwanis Club of Batavia, the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia, and many individual and corporate donors, the Justice for Children Advocacy Center will have a home that fully meets the needs of all of the children and families that visit the Justice for Children Advocacy Center – today and well into the future!

Thanks to a generous offer of a long-term lease from the Church, the Foundation will be using the funds raised by the Kiwanis Club of Batavia and donations from the community to renovate the current location at 304 E. Main St.

The evolution of this plan truly was a community effort, and sends a valuable message to the children and families in our communities who have been impacted by abuse: You are not alone. Your community supports you. We are all willing to work to keep you happy, healthy and safe.

The community is welcome to attend an open house on Wednesday, Jan. 9th  from 9 to 11 a.m. to learn about the plans for renovating the Justice for Children Advocacy Center.  

For more information about the Justice for Children G.L.O.W. Foundation, please visit their website at www.justiceforchildrenadvocacycenter.org

Law and Order: Hutchins Street man with two DWI convictions and no license arrested for DWI, jailed without bail

By Billie Owens

Jeremy G. Ives, 43, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with: felony DWI -- two previous convictions; aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; and following too closely. Ives was arrested at 6:23 p.m. on Dec. 8 on West Main Street in Batavia after a traffic stop. Ives was allegedly found to be operating his vehicle while intoxicated and he had a revoked driver's license. He was arraigned and jailed without bail and is due in Batavia City Court this afternoon (Dec. 10). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Quella SM Polk, 37, of Birchwood Drive, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Polk was arrested and issued an appearance ticket on the charge following a domestic incident in the gym at John Kennedy School at 10 a.m. on Dec. 8. Polk allegedly had unwanted physical contact with another person. Polk is due in Batavia City Court on Dec. 18 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

James E. Baker, 56, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, DWI with a BAC greater than .08 percent, and driving with no headlights. He was arrested at 9:28 p.m. on Dec. 7 on Summit Street in Batavia after a traffic stop. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Elizabeth M. Grattan, 28, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was allegedly observed shoplifting at JCPenney at 11:36 a.m. on Dec. 4. She was arrested and issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Dec. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Darrell J. Holloway, 50, of Farnsworth Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested and issued an appearance ticket after a larceny at JCPenney at 1:36 p.m. on Dec. 4. He is due in Batavia City Court on Dec. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Photos: Fourth annual 'Shop with a Cop' at Walmart

By Howard B. Owens

More than 50 local children were invited to Walmart today to "Shop with a Cop."

Off-duty officers from the Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD, and State Police volunteered their time to help the children pick presents for their families or themselves.

Funds for the event were donated by Batavia PBA, Genesee County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, New York State Troopers PBA, CSEA, the City’s “Jeans for Friday,” Bonarigo and McCutcheon Law Office, Bohm-Calarco Smith Funeral Home, Town of Batavia Fire Department, and Statewide Machinery/House O’ Laundry.  

Each child received $100 for shopping and Walmart provided staff to wrap the presents.

Top photo: Deputy Andrew Mullen with Dena, 8.

Sheriff William Sheron had a lot of fun shopping with Will, 14.

Santa arrives at Walmart.

Trooper Jeff Bebak.

Mauler, 7, shopping with Deputy Rachel Diehl.

Tyler, 4, shopping with Trooper Frank Velletta.

Deputy Chad Cummings.

Chastin, 10, shopping with Officer Frank Klimjack and his mother Jen Styer.

Officer Stephen Cronmiller with Clare, 1.

 

Sgt. Jason Saile with Bailee, 6.

Detective Eric Hill was joined by his wife Nicole and Aubury Towner, an Explorer, to shop with Preston, 9, Isabell, 7, and Estella, 3.

High Voltage Tattoo donating all funds from holiday gift certificate sales to local charities

By Howard B. Owens

High Voltage Tattoo & Piercing is hosting its annual holiday fundraiser but instead of hosting one big tattoo marathon, owner Mark Fanara is selling gift certificates with all proceeds going to abused and neglected children in Genesee County.

Fanara said 100 percent of the price of the gift certificates will go to Justice for Children and Genesee CASA and the gift certificates will be sold at a discount. If you spend $20 for a gift certificate, you will receive a $25 gift certificate, for $50, get $60, for $100, get $125. There is no limit on gift certificates.

The sale lasts through Dec. 23.

High Voltage Tattoo is located 110 W. Main St., Batavia.

Photo: Heather Violet and Mark Fanara.

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