A parolee with a lengthy criminal history is in custody following a string of car thefts in Genesee County.
Edward G. Ruckdeschel, 61, of Batavia, is charged with two counts of grand larceny in the third degree and two counts of grand larcenhy in the fourth degree, and could face more changes, according to the Sheriff's Office.
During a lengthy investigation, "several" stolen vehicles were located throughout Genesee County and surrounding areas.
The investigation was conducted by road patrols and criminal investigation divisions with the assistance of the State Police and the Orleans County Sheriff's Office.
Ruckdeschel available criminal record goes back to 1986 when he was arrested in Monroe County and sent to prison, convictions for criminal possession of stolen property 2nd and criminal possession of stolen property first.
In 1997, he was imprisoned for criminal mischief in the third degree and burglary in the third degree.
In 2000 he was sent to prison again on a conviction in Cayuga County for grand larceny in the fourth degree.
In 2006, in Oneida County, burglary in the third degree.
In 2011, criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree.
In 2017, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the second degree.
His first conviction to lead to prison time in Genesee County was in 2020 for grand larceny in the fourth degree, auto theft, and grand larceny in the third degree.
Ruckdeschel was arraigned and jailed without bail.
The Sheriff's Office said the investigation is ongoing and Ruckdeschel faces several additional charges.
Batavia Senior Cole Grazioplene on his way to the endzone in the opening quarter. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Coming in as the #3 seed, the Batavia Blue Devils dominated #2 seed Geneva in the Class B semifinals on Friday night, earning the right to play for a sectional seminfinal next week with a 44-6 win.
Cole Grazioplene had four receptions for 100 yards and two TDs, plus an 88-yard kick return score. He also scored on a two-point conversion.
QB Bronx Buchholz was 8-14 passing for 144 yards. He tossed three touchdowns and was picked off twice.
On defense, Mekhi Fortes had four tackles and two touchdowns. On offense, he had four receptions for 44 yards and TD.
Zailen Griffin rushed for 63 yards and a touchdown. Brock Warran also scored a TD on the ground.
Le Roy beat Penn Yan/Dundee, 33-22. Tony Piazza ran 20 times for 163 yards and three touchdowns. He had four tackles on defense and broke up two passes. Jackson Fix, seven rushes, 39 yards, a TD, plus two receptions for 46 yards and a TD. He also had seven tackles and a forced fumble. Tommy Condidorio was 4-9 passing for 68 yards and a TD.
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Last year's successful Downtown trick-or-treat is returning to the business district again on Saturday.
Organized by Michael Marsh of Edward Jones and sponsored by YNGodess, this is the second year in a row that children have been invited to get into their Halloween costumes and visit participating local businesses for tricks or treats (probably treats).
The event runs from 1 to 3 p.m.
Trick-or-Treat Stops:
Edward Jones
Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle
YNGodess
My Cut Barbershop
Valle Jewelers
HUNT Real Estate ERA
Creamy Creation
GOArt!
Eli Fish Brewing Company
Center Street Smokehouse
Bourbon & Burger Co.
Charles Men's Shop
The Coffee Press
Cinquino's Pizza
Eden Café
Roman's
Geico Batavia – Zachary Korzelius
The Spa at Artemis
Iburi Photography
Batavia Bootery
WBTA Radio
Main St Pizza Company
O'Lacy's Irish Pub
Foxprowl Collectables
The following are in/around the City Centre:
Main St 56 Theater – City Centre
Releve Dancewear Boutique – City Centre
LeBeau Salon – City Centre
Everybody Eats – City Centre
Remember to Trick or Treat responsibly, organizers remind families.
Photo of GCC's Stuart Steiner Theatre courtesy of genesee.edu.
Press Release:
What: GCC's Forum Players Present: The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa FastHorse.
Where: Performances in the Stuart Steiner Theatre
When: Nov. 16, 17, 18 @ 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 19 @ 2 p.m. The play is approximately 90 minutes long.
In Larissa FastHorse's hilariously funny satirical play, positive intentions collide with absurd assumptions. As a terminally "woke" teacher, Logan, a high school drama teacher/ actor, enlists the help of some interesting characters: Caden, an elementary school history teacher (frustrated, inspiring Playwright and Actor). Jaxton, a yoga practitioner/actor (politically correct to a fault), and Alicia, a simplistic actress (who has a knack for being painfully honest), scrambles to create a school pageant for children that somehow celebrates Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month, or do they? Find out when you join us on the journey that is The Thanksgiving Play.
Larissa FastHorse (Sicangu Lakota Nation) is a 2020 MacArthur Fellow, award-winning writer/choreographer, and co-founder of Indigenous Direction, the nation's leading consulting company for Indigenous arts and audiences. Her satirical comedy, The Thanksgiving Play (Playwrights Horizons/Geffen Playhouse), is one of America's top ten most produced plays. She is the first Native American playwright in American theater history on that list. The play recently had a short run on Broadway, being the "critics pick" in the New York Times.
The Thanksgiving Play is a relatively new piece, having first been performed in October 2018 off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons in NYC. This past spring, The Thanksgiving Play played on Broadway from April 20 through June 11. We are excited to have such a new and critical play being produced at GCC.
Jaime Arena is directing The Thanksgiving Play for her second time; last year she directed the play at SUNY Geneseo. Brodie McPherson is the production designer. Current GCC student Jeriko Suzette is Assistant Director, and Cass Dzielski is the Stage Manager for the production. The show features GCC students Lauren Ruch, Tony Haitz, Qasim Huzair and Isabella Wheeler as the four instructors longing to create a politically correct Thanksgiving Pageant.
Director Jaime Arena wanted to approach this play with compassion for the Native American tribes and their history. She didn't want to lose the satirical aspect, while wanting to give voice to those at the center of the story. Jaime enlisted Karlie Jones, who is Cayuga, to help. "Director Jaime Arena and I have been longtime friends since 2005, and she asked for my input/direction on this piece. Not much is needed to give - Larissa FastHorse hits all the right notes, showcasing a "woke" society wanting to help minority groups in the best way possible and navigating their way to the best answer. Giving space for us to be heard and proving appreciation without appropriation is possible. The conversation of our cultural stereotypes must be heard; this play gives us a chance to voice the current climate of our Indigenous struggles." -Karlie Jones, Cayuga Nation
"I took the same script and reimagined it by adding and subtracting what I did at Geneseo with the same sole purpose, which is to have the audience leave the Stuart Steiner stage after the performance able to understand; it is not our job to speak for any other culture but to stand beside them and have their back as they speak their truth. To me, that is the true definition of an ally." -Jaime Arena, director
Please be advised that the play includes moments depicting historical violence.
Tickets can be purchased on the Genesee Community College website under the 'Center for the Arts' tab: https://www.genesee.edu/campus-life/center-for-the-arts/ General admission is $10. Qualifying discounted tickets (GCC staff and faculty, seniors 55+, children under 16, non-GCC students) are $5. Admission is free for GCC students who present their ID at the box office. Please contact the Box Office with any questions. boxoffice@genesee.edu or call (585) 343-0055 x6490.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will be holding their Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) Quarterly Meeting. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 4 - 5 p.m. at the Genesee County Health Department (3837 W. Main Street Road Batavia) or by zoom.
During the meeting, advocacy will be discussed and the election of officers will take place. Refreshments will be provided.
The LEICC is a supportive group made up of county officials, Early Intervention providers, childcare providers, parents of children with disabilities, and other community members. The members of the council are encouraged to collaborate and voice their opinions to help raise concerns to better the program, and ultimately, help the children.
The goal of the LEICC is to afford the opportunity for parents and other members to voice their thoughts and concerns on the strengths and weaknesses of the Genesee and Orleans County Early Intervention Program and to work together to improve the program. The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are encouraging parents to attend and to offer input as to how we can best meet the needs of all infants and toddlers.
For Zoom connection information or for more information on the meeting, please contact Sarah Kathryn McLaughlin, Early Intervention Service Coordinator for Genesee County, at 585-344-2580 ext. 5503 or 585-589-3147.
Photo of Center Attraction courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Center Attraction has raced 11 times at Batavia Downs coming into her start on Wednesday (Oct. 25) and has not cut a mile since her first outing back on July 26 when she won by 2-¾ lengths. Ten starts later, Center Attraction was back on the point and simply mauled her competition in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares.
Jim McNeight Jr. flew from post five with Center Attraction and opened up a quick three lengths at the :27.4 quarter. With the rest of the field trying to stay close, Center Attraction kept on rolling and extended her lead to four lengths at three-quarters after a stiff :28 third panel. McNeight rounded the last turn and headed for home without any opposition and Center Attraction stretched out by 5-¼ lengths at the light where she won in 1:53.4 and took a new lifetime mark.
It was the seventh win of the year for Center Attraction ($2.90) who has now earned $66,814 this year for owners Pamela Schieber and Robert Anderson, who also trains the mare.
One race later in the $11,500 mid-level condition for distaff side-wheelers, A Black Diamond (Kevin Cummings) left from post six and ducked-in second where she sat a cozy pocket trip behind Its Mesmerise A (Kyle Swift) through quarters of :26.4, :56 and 1:25.1 before she continued to trip-out around the last turn to the top of the stretch. There, Cummings dipped into the passing lane with A Black Diamond and blew right by Its Mesmerise A by 2-¼ lengths to win in 1:55.1.
It was the 10th victory of the year for A Black Diamond ($10.60) who is owned by Lav Racing Stable and trained by Russell Bratt.
Wednesday’s driving leader was Jim Morrill Jr. who had a grand slam while Shawn McDonough topped the trainers with a hat trick of his own.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 27) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $656 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.
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.
Photo of A Black Diamond courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
The St. Jerome Guild, Inc., annual "Noel Nook" will take place at the Jerome Center at 16 Bank Street, Batavia on Nov. 2, 3, and 6, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, and from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Guild operates a second gift shop at the UMMC Kiosk at 127 North Street Campus.
Noel Nook at the Shoppe on North Street will be held on Nov. 9, 10, and 13 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. All customers will enjoy a 10% discount on the entire order (a few exclusions apply). We invite parents and their children to mail their Santa’s letters in the North Pole Post located outside each gift shop location.
‘Tis the season to wear customer favorites of stylish coats, ponchos, capes, and shawls, woven caplets, fur-trimmed and knit hats and gloves, tops, slacks, and gorgeous scarves, from K & K Interiors, Carmen & Coco, Mud Pie, Demdaco, Simply Noelle, and Gantz, to name a few.
Our updated selection of Petite Ginger Snaps, which are interchangeable with bracelets, necklaces, and rings come in a variety of colors, shapes, and stones. We continue to carry our selection of stylish handbags. Our reasonably priced 'Jerome Jewelry Collection’ includes rings, bracelets, earrings, necklace sets, with semi-precious stones, and children’s jewelry.
Popular items are cozy baby jackets in blue, pink, and leopard, tummy blankets, picture frames, milestone items, and a variety of children's toys, plush animals, clothes, and handmade baby blankets and hats. Patrons love the all-natural goat milk, sulfate-free body products for men and women from Beekman 1802 of lotions, soaps, facial cleansing wipes, and lip balms.
You will find bar and wine accessories, eclectic and wine caddies depicting doctors, golfers, nurses, firefighters, musicians, athletes, and gardeners. Enjoy the expressions of lighted wall art, holiday wreaths, kitchen towels, spatula sets, mugs, nutcrackers, Santas, snowmen, Snowbabies, crystal candle holders and warmers, glittered elegant trees and angels, and lighted country trees. Included are gorgeous lighted ornaments, cardinals, flags, throws, centerpieces, decorative lighting and night lights and Thanksgiving items. Gift cards may also be purchased.
The St. Jerome Guild, Inc., a not-for-profit volunteer organization has been serving the local healthcare community for decades and celebrated a 100-year Jubilee a few years ago and the group continues to be an active organization donating vital equipment to UMMC. The Guild’s Hometown Heroes Star Initiative honoring all UMMC employees for their humanitarian efforts during the height of the pandemic raised $3000. These funds contributed toward the Guild’s $7000 purchase of an urgently needed freezer to store the Covid vaccine.
In 2022, the Guild pledged $20,000 over five years toward the Intensive Care Unit Expansion at UMMC North Street, and donated $1000 over five years towards the Foundation Cornerstone initiative. The Guild’s Gift Shop is excited to be moving from Bank Street to UMMC’s new destination campus on Oak Orchard Road in winter of 2024.
For decades, the Guild offers to UMMC employees pursuing higher educational careers, our annual Health Professional Scholarships. Children who visit Urgent Care and Emergency Department are comforted with plush animals. Cancer patients have received care bags of personal items. The Guild has sponsored the Jerome Center Annual Employee Recognition Day to thank employees for their efforts in serving the community.
Guild members donate thousands of volunteer hours working at both shops and on UMMC Foundation projects. Over the years the Guild has hosted many fundraisers including fashion show luncheons and hopes to sponsor another next summer. St. Jerome Gift Shop business hours vary Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
New members are welcome to join the Guild throughout the year and a membership tea is held in September. Members attend regular monthly meetings that include a program and guest speakers. The Guild manages a monthly lottery and the community is invited to participate. Please join our Facebook page to view our inventory at: St. Jerome Gift Shop.
Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont, announced today that the company will once again offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11 percent discount off of their grocery bill this Veterans Day.
This marks the 11th year Tops has been extending this discount to military personnel and their families. Since its inception, the Veteran’s Day discount has saved Veterans and their families over $781,000.
On Saturday, Nov. 11 Tops Markets will honor an 11 percent discount off of a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location.
Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11 percent discount off of their total purchase that day.
“The respect and gratitude we have for the people who serve and have served in the military is immeasurable, and for that, we are forever grateful,” said Ron Ferri, president, of Tops Friendly Markets. “We wanted to support local military personnel by giving back to our associates and customers who have courageously defended our country and made many sacrifices through their military service.”
Tops is a longtime supporter of military associates and customers. The company’s support of military organizations includes, but is not limited to, support of the Wall that Heals, American Veterans Tribute Traveling Wall, Honor Flight Missions and golf tournaments, sending care packages for troops serving domestically and overseas, VA hospital visits, participation in veteran job fairs, parades and expo, and Tops Stars for Our Troops program by which stars from embroidered US Flags slated for retirement are presented to Veterans, active duty personnel, and first responders.
File photo of Derek Geib in 2019, when he first opened The Coffee Press on Jackson Street in Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens.
It’s not a very exciting election year in Genesee County, as the two largest jurisdictions — the City of Batavia and Genesee County — are marked by uncontested races for every seat up for a vote on both City Council and County Legislature.
However, there is a new City Council candidate and three propositions on November's ballot.
The City Council election features incumbents Paul Viele for Ward 1, Alfred McGinnis for Ward 4, Kathy Briggs for Ward 5 and Tammy Schmidt for Ward 6, all who are running unopposed for re-election.
David Twichell, who filled the seat of Patti Pacino for Ward 2 earlier this year, is running for his first full term unopposed.
Newcomer Derek Geib is running to fill the seat vacated by John Canale, who opted not to run again for Ward 3.
Geib, a city business owner, president of the downtown Business Improvement District and member of the city’s Planning and Development Committee, is also running unopposed.
Unfortunately, voters won’t have an opportunity to learn why he’s running for a seat on council or why he would like to represent his section of the city, because Geib declined an interview with The Batavian.
“I don’t have interest in doing interviews ever for anything honestly,” he said.
These are the uncontested races for Genesee County positions:
Genesee County Clerk - Michael Cianfrini
Genesee County Coroner - Wade Schwab
Genesee County Coroner (unexpired term) - Donald Newton Jr.
Genesee County Legislator, District 2 Towns of Bergen, Byron, and Elba - Christian Yunker
Genesee County Legislator, District 4 Towns of Batavia, and Stafford - Brooks Hawley
Genesee County Legislator, District 6 Towns of Alexander, Bethany, and Pavilion - Gregg Torrey
Genesee County Legislator District 8 City of Batavia, Wards 2 & 3 - Marianne Clattenburg
Three propositions are on the ballot this year:
Proposal One: Removal of Small City School District from Special Constitutional Debt Limitation.
The proposed amendment to Article 8, section 4 of the Constitution removes the special constitutional debt limitation now placed on small city school districts, so they will be treated the same as all other school districts. Shall the proposed amendment be approved? Yes or No.
Batavia City Schools administrators are in favor of this amendment, because it would allow the district to borrow more money for projects in the future. As is, the limit means Batavia can only borrow up to five percent of its debt limit, versus other school districts that can borrow up to 10 percent.
This measure does not include the current $45 million capital project that’s on the table, Superintendent Jason Smith said, as it would take effect after that project vote.
Proposal Two is to extend sewage project debt exclusion from the debt limit. The proposed amendment to Article 8, section 5 of the Constitution extends for 10 years the authority of counties, cities, towns, and villages to remove from their constitutional debt limits debt for the construction of sewage facilities. Shall the proposed amendment be approved? Yes or No.
Proposal Three is for voters in the towns of Byron and Bergen only: Shall the Town of Bergen (Town of Byron) establish an annual tax in the amount of $0.55/$1,000 (fifty-five cents per one thousand dollars) of assessed value in order to support the operation of the Byron-Bergen Public Library, commencing in the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2024. Yes or No.
Library board President Sally Capurso recently explained why she and board trustees are asking town voters to approve this measure.
Michael Gosselin as Rev. John Yates. Photo by Howard Owens
The Batavia Cemetery Association sold 160 tickets -- a sellout -- for the 2023 Ghost Walk on Saturday, which is the third or fourth straight sellout for the association's major fundraiser, said President Sharon Burkel.
"The money goes for the upkeep of the cemetery," Burkel said. "We have some small investments, but we mostly survive on fundraisers and donations."
Beyond raising money, the 10 stops on the walk help tell the story of early Batavia, from Joseph Ellicott to Dean and Mary Richmond, William Morgan, and John Yates.
"It also brings awareness of the cemetery so people realize that it's here," Burkel said. "They can come and walk through and enjoy the architecture and the genealogy and the history. There's some very impressive people in here."
Michael Gosselin as Rev. John Yates. Photo by Howard Owens
Connie and Charley Boyd as Mary and Dean Richmond in the Richmond Mausoleum. Photo by Howard Owens.
Patrick Weissend as Joseph Ellicott. Photo by Howard Owens
Dan Snyder as Albert Brisbane. Photo by Howard Owens
Joshua Pacino as William Morgan. Photo by Howard Owens
8976 Wilkinson Road Batavia-Town.Solid country home that packs in a lot of value! This 3 bedroom home has been updated and modernized throughout the years and offers a lot! Perfect for the starters and the down-sizers! There is a first floor bedroom and full bath on the first floor for those that need, and an additional larger two bedrooms up as well as a convenient upstairs laundry-washer and dryer to stay! First floor has open floor plan with eat in kitchen and large pantry closet as well as a large open back room for tons of storage needs or even office/playroom possibilities! Starting with the inviting full open porch and the awesome HUGE COVERED back porch leading to pool, the yard is just perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities! The back is fully fenced and has two large utility sheds AND an awesome fully insulated hobby or "play" shed ideal for so much, everyone will argue over who gets it!! The lot is just over an acre located in Pembroke School District and perfectly situated to town for shopping and thruway entrances and all major routes! Call Reliant Real Estate today! 585-344-HOME (4663).
Frank Capuano submitted a photo of last night's half-moon showing the Sea of Tranquility, where Apollo 11 landed in 1969, the Sea Serenity above it, and below it, the Sea of Fertility and the Sea of Nectar.
On Saturday, October 28, St. James Episcopal Church will be hosting “Ah, Sweet Music!”, a concert and dessert tasting in Memory of David Lange to benefit the church’s organ chamber preservation. David served as the organist at St. James from 1995 until 2022.
The evening will feature a variety of music by many who knew and loved David. Appearing will be Emily Helenbrook, soprano; John Novak, piano and organ; David Hirsch, alto saxophone; The Genesee Chorale Select Ensemble with Ric Jones, conductor and Doug Hanson, piano; Brass Quintet and Percussion with John Novak, organ, Brandon Luce, trumpet, Dakota Hirsch, trumpet, Jessica Gottschall, horn, Peter Celentano, trombone, Jason Decker, tuba, and Dustin Woodard, percussion; and the St. James Choir.
In homage to David Lange’s infamous sweet tooth, a selection of St. James’ dessert specialties will be available for tasting. The event is sponsored in part by the Buffalo Chapter, American Guild of Organists; H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Homes; and an anonymous donor. Tickets are $25 for Dessert and Concert, $20 for Concert only.
Dessert Buffet 6:30-7:15 p.m., Concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at St. James, 405 East Main Street, Batavia, or the Genesee Chorale Box office: www.GeneseeChorale.com/box-office. For more information, call 585-343-6802.
Notre Dame High School boys basketball Coach Mike Rapone (NDHS 1971) has not coached a game in well over a year, but that has not stopped the accolades from rolling in on his record-breaking career.
The school was informed that the Basketball Coaches Association of New York Executive Board has selected Rapone for induction into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame. Rapone was previously inducted into the Notre Dame High School Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Section V Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
During his 42-year career at Notre Dame, he amassed a record of 728-212 with an eye-popping winning percentage of over 78%. To put that in perspective an average season over the entire span of his ND career ended with 17 wins and only 5 losses.
He began his varsity career in the 1980-1981 season and promptly won his first Genesee Region Title and the school’s first-ever Section V Championship in Boys Basketball. The rest would be New York State basketball history as his teams would go on to win 17 consecutive Genesee Region titles to begin his career and 32 out of his first 34 seasons in total.
During an 11-year span from 1992-2002, his teams would accumulate a record of 225-44 (84%), win 10 GR titles, appear in 9 Section V Championship Games, win 5 Section V titles, and 2 New York State Championships.
In addition to the 728 victories, Rapone’s career totals include 34 Genesee Region Titles, 10 Section V Championships, 5 NYS Far West Regional victories, and 2 New York State Championships (1992 and 2001). He is the current holder of Section V records in wins (728), championship game appearances (19), Section V Championships (10), Section V Tournament #1 Seeds (19), and championships in 4 different classifications (B, C, D, and DD).
The New York State Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in March 2024, and more details will be provided as they are made available.
Photo of Big Chic Magnet courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
There was an obvious front-end speed bias at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 21) and the winners of the top two paces took full advantage of that route to victory.
In the $15,000 Open I Handicap, Joesstar Of Mia A (Jim Morrill Jr.) overcame interference by the breaking Avion Seelster (Dave McNeight III) in the first turn and made his way to the front at the quarter in :27.1. From there, the field stayed single file until three-quarters where Stranger Things (Kevin Cummings) had made his way to second and was at the leader’s tail. Stranger Things bid folded in the final turn leaving the tripping Mirragon A (Austin Sorrie) the only horse left with a shot. But Morrill closed that door as well and he urged Joesstar Of Mia A to the line on top by 1-¼ lengths in 1:53.
Joesstar Of Mia A ($4.90) is owned by Dowse Racing and is trained by Gareth Dowse. It was one of three wins for Dowse on the card.
Morrill would go on to win five more races to take a six-pack home with him on Saturday. Beside Joesstar Of Mia A, Morrill also won with Parmesan N (1:54.4, $3.10), Epic Ace (1:52.2, $3.60), Angelo J Fra (1:57, $5.30), Odds On Delray (1:54.2, $2.70) and Runrunjimmydunn N (1:54, $2.10). Morrill was only scheduled to drive in seven races on Saturday and he won five consecutive before finishing out in his sixth assignment. Morrill’s UDR for the night was .857.
Another Saturday gate-to-wire effort was turned in by Big Chic Magnet (Dave McNeight III) in the undercard feature $13,000 Open II pace.
McNeight had Big Chic Magnet pacing sharply on the lead and amassed a 2-½ length bulge at the quarter in :28. As the race passed the stands the first time, Gunslinger Hanover (Drew Monti) came with a rush and made his way to second, crossing over to the pegs at three-quarters. However, this challenge didn’t phase the leader as Big Chic Magnet rounded turn four in full flight and dashed home on top by 2-¼ lengths to win in 1:54.1.
Big Chic Magnet ($19.40) is owned by EVM Racing and Rodney Long. David Russo trains the winner.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 25) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $408 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.
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.
Photo of Joesstar Of Mia A courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Batavia players react at the end of time to Pal-Mac in their 2-0 loss on Saturday in the Class A Girls Soccer quarterfinal playoff game at Van Detta Stadium while Pal-Mac players celebrate their win. Photo by Howard Owens.
With only one loss, Batavia went into the postseason with one of its best -- perhaps its best -- seasons ever in Girls Soccer, as the #3 seed in Class A and hoping to advance.
The Blue Devils were 14-1-1 in the regular season, but Coach Roger Hume said he knew Palmyra-Macedon would be tough to beat, even though the Raiders finished up the regular season 10-5-1 and the #6 season in Class A.
The Blue Devils 2-0 on Saturday, then, was clearly disappointing to the Batavia squad.
Hume said he was proud of his team's effort and success over the course of the season.
"We had the best record in my 15 years (as head coach)," Hume said. "This group surprised me by how they weren't worried about anyone. One game at a time. They came back and won two games in OT to keep their undefeated record. We had five seniors who were all leaders with no drama. It was fun to come to practice. They have set the bar high, but last year the bar was set for this group, and they crushed it. Next year's group will be as strong, too."
Pal-Mac's forward, Lillian Boesel, scored both goals for the visiting team.
Batavia played hard through both halves of the match, firing 15 shots, but Pal-Mac keeper Marianna Hodgins came up with 10 saves against shots-on-goal.
The Blue Devils have had five chances to score on corner kicks.
The Raiders took 13 shots, with five on goal saved by Ava Higgins.
"We had enough to beat them," Hume said, "but they took advantage of their opportunities.
The Batavia soccer program -- boys and girls -- has been on the upswing since the move into Van Detta Stadium. The boys finished the season 8-7-1 with a first-round sectional loss to Pittsford Mendon, 9-1.
Girls Sectional Summary:
Class B: #8 Le Roy lost to #1 Haverling 1-0 in the quarterfinals.
Class C1: Oakfield-Alabama beat Letchworth in quarterfinals 3-0. The #3 seed will play #2 Williamsville on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Cal-Mum.
Class C2: #12 Alexander lost to #5 Dundee/Bradford in the pre-quarterfinals 2-1. #4 Byron-Bergen beat #13 Bolivar-Richburg in the quarterfinals 9-0 and next face #1 seed Ganada on Tuesday at a time and location to be determined.
Class D: #10 Notre Dame beat #7 Mount Morris 6-2 in the pre-quarterfinals and lost 1-0 to Northstar Christian Academy in the quarterfinals.
Boys Sectional Summary:
Class B: #7 Le Roy lost to #2 Livona 1-0 in the quarterfinal after beating #10 Attica/Alexander in the pre-quarterfinal 4-0.
Class C: #13 Pembroke lost #4 Keshequa 8-0 in the pre-quarterfinals. #5 Pavilion/York lost on penalty kicks to Avon after a 2-2 tie in regulation time in the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals, #2 Byron-Bergen beat #10 Holly 5-0. On Wednesday, the Bees face #3 Addison at 5 p.m. at Geneseo High School.
To view more photos from Batavia's game and to purchase prints, click here.
Ava Varland. Photo by Howard Owens
Ella Shamp Photo by Howard Owens
Jaimin Macdonald Photo by Howard Owens
Ella Shamp Photo by Howard Owens
Adyson O'Donnell with a shot on goal in the first half. Photo by Howard Owens
Isabella Walsh with a pass downfield during second half. the Photo by Howard Owens
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Guest Speaker Series on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. The museum welcomes back Civil War historian and author Chris Mackowski, as he presents “Grant’s Last Battle.” The presentation details the difficulties that Ulysses S. Grant had as he wrote his memoirs near the end of his life, as he battled throat cancer. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next presenter for our Guest Speaker Series on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. Steven Huff will be presenting his newest work "Resting Among Us: Authors' Gravesites in Upstate New York." Steven Huff will make a PowerPoint presentation, and lead a discussion on the region’s literary gravesites, who the authors were, what they wrote, and why they are important. Copies of the book will be available for sale. Admission is $5/$3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
Join the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night @ the Museum on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. This month's topic is the Cuban Missile Crisis. Trivia will take place again at GO ART! located at 201 E. Main St. in Batavia. Their Tavern 2.0 will also be open if you would like a beverage. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
Description automatically generatedIndependent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) welcomes Karina Treleaven to work with the Homeless Alliance of Western New York (HAWNY) to coordinate the Continuum of Care (COC) for people with disabilities of the Genesee Orleans and Wyoming County (GOW) Region as a HAWNY Program Specialist to maximize their community participation.
Ms. Treleaven brings to her new experience in various positions: she was a Bilingual Caseworker with the Genesee County Department of Social Services; a seventh and eighth-grade Spanish teacher at Notre Dame High School in Batavia; a Family and Community/ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance) Specialist and Health/Nutrition Specialist at Early Head Start at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee Counties; Bilingual Employment Coordinator and Job Coach at Catholic Charities Community Services; Family and Community Services Coordinator at Agri-Business Child Development; Spanish debt collector who helps debtors improve their credit at Pioneer Credit Recovery; Interpreter-translator for the teachers and the children at Rainbow Preschool-ABCD Building; and she taught Spanish-English to youth and adults from impoverished communities at Nuestra Señora De la Merced High School.
Among her responsibilities are conducting monthly COC meetings; maintaining and increasing participation in Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) for service providers; analyzing data from HMIS to guide housing programs; communicating with HAWNY to help coordinate services and comply with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) expectations; regularly meeting with Warming Shelters, Schools, Jails, Hospitals, Employment Providers, Mental Health Providers or other organizations and providing resource information to their direct service staff; increasing organizational participation in the COC; networking with Landlords to educate and engage their participation in housing programs; and increasing homeless services in general, including prevention, shelter and permanent housing.
ILGR is delighted that Karina Treleaven is bringing her vast experience to serve the GOW region in her new capacity.
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.
