batavia

Becky L. Frens, who is accused of failing to provide for the basic needs of a 3-year-old Lab mix breed that used to be her pet, was in Batavia Town Court this afternoon.

The matter was again postponed, this time until 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 17.

Samuel Alba, an associate attorney with the law firm of Friedman & Ranzenhofer, told Judge Michael Cleveland that plea negotiations with the District Attorney's Office were ongoing and additional time was needed to submit "more documentation."

First Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini said copies of any new documents need to be forwarded to the D.A.'s office. She said she did not have a problem with postponement; but come Dec. 17 the people will demand the case to be adjudicated or a trial date set.

That's exactly what Judge Cleveland had said the last time the case was on the docket, on Sept. 24, when neither Frens nor attorney Michael Ranzenhofer showed up like they were supposed to and without communicating anything to the court.

The matter was also delayed once during the summer, on July 30, after Ranzenhofer cited unspecified "complications."

Frens, who lives on Pearl Street Road in the Town of Batavia, is in her mid-50s and was accompanied to court today by a male, possibly her husband.

She stood quietly next to attorney Alba at the bench, looking different from both her previous court appearance and from her arrest mug shot (inset photo). Today, she had long straight blond locks, and wore a maxi skirt with swirls of teal, black and white, and a purple hooded jacket.

She was arrested July 10 by Troopers out of SP Batavia and charged with overdriving, torturing and injuring an animal; failure to provide proper sustenance.

Troopers were dispatched to the Genesee County Animal Shelter at the request of animal control officers after Frens arrived at the facility to claim her dog that had been found by her neighbor the day before.

"Maya" was in very poor health with multiple issues caused by neglect, according to Volunteers for Animals. The dog was diagnosed with multiple skin infections, mange, double ear infections that left her only able to hear a dog whistle, and her uncut nails were so long she could barely move.

Under the state Agriculture & Markets law, Article 26, Section 353, this is a Class A misdemeanor. If found guilty, a defendant faces jail time of more than 15 days but not greater than one year. In addition, a fine of up to $1,000 can be imposed.

A man who keeps the books for Volunteers for Animals said outside court this afternoon that he guessed Maya's vet bills were between $300 and $500.

The dog's mange has cleared up; knots of scar tissue on her back and shoulders were surgically removed; her muscles are stronger and she's gained weight; she's been spayed. And she's been adopted into a home that cares.

The county’s Emergency Response Team (aka SWAT) is at a location just north of the Thruway on Lewiston Road for an unknown type of incident. 

Lewiston is closed between Veterans Memorial Drive and Galloway Road. 

The incident started at about 4:30 a.m.

Sheriff Bill Sheron said no information is being released at this time because it is an ongoing situation. 

Residents have been told to shelter in place. 

UPDATE 10:20 a.m.: Road reopened at about 10 a.m.; no further information has been released yet. 

Reader-submitted photo.

Tracy Ford reprised his role as the Rev. John Henry Yates during the Batavia Cemetary Association's annual Ghost Walk, which gives guests an opportunity to be treated to a lively lesson on Batavia's history.

This year's addition included Gregory Hallock, director of GO ART!, as Eli Fish, the former local brewer who has come to life again, so to speak, in the brewery and restaurant now occupying the former Newberry's building downtown.

Diana Buckman, also pictured below, played Nannie Hunt, whose sons Thomas and Joseph served in the Civil War, with Joseph dying in battle in 1862. She read a letter from Hunt's daughter Martha about Joseph's death.

Once again, the event was a sellout.

Batavia High School inducted its 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame honorees during a dinner at Terry Hills on Saturday evening.

Pictured above are, front row from left Coleen Tooley Oleski, Gerry Carmichael, Michelle Smith Jones, and back row from left Steve Frieday, Jon Santratello, and Rich Anderson. Below, the 1994-1995 Blue Devils hockey team.

Previously: Batavia Blue Devils Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner is next Saturday

Sen. Charles Schumer made his annual visit to Genesee County (he visits every county in the state at least once a year) to pledge to the local medical community and the citizens who depend on that medical community that he will do everything he can to restore funding for the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

The 340B program was enacted in 1992 provides qualifying hospitals -- hospitals that tend to serve more low-income patients -- with deep discounts on medications used in the treatment of cancer. The intent of the program is to allow hospitals to treat more patients and provide comprehensive services.

Dan Ireland, CEO of United Memorial Medical Center, said the program has allowed the hospital to reinvest $2 million annually into better patient care.

"To some folks, this is about money but really what it is about is the investment that's made for people, for health care, for our friends and our neighbors and our loved ones," Ireland said. "That $2 million gets reinvested in programs to help support cancer care as we talked about and the emergency room and outpatient clinics so folks can access care close to their homes in a timely manner."

He added, "This will change the lives of people if these cuts continue. It will change the lives here at the hospital will change lives throughout our communities. So I'm grateful for the support."

The cuts to WNY regional hospitals add up to millions of dollars a year, Schumer said, and he considers it critical that the funding is restored.

"I always defend our rural hospitals because people in rural areas should get the same health care as people in urban areas," Schumer said. "First, the people have to come greater distances. But second, it's not the density of population. So when you have to use one of these expensive machines, a CAT scan or an MRI, it is very expensive. If you're in Rochester or New York City, that machine can be used almost 24/7, so it can pay itself back. But here, not so, but you still want the person here to have the same CAT scan or an MRI or whatever so they get the same health care."

Not all funding was cut to UMMC. So far, it's been about $600,000 a year.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services enacted the cuts, which makes the cuts merely a matter of policy, so Schumer said he has tools to use to try and restore the funds. As minority leader, he can work to restore the funding through the budgetary process or he can pursue legislation to restore the funding.

He said his effort would receive bipartisan support because there are both Republicans and Democrats who represent rural areas and about 1,000 rural hospitals are lobbying for the funding.

"We are going to do everything we can to get 340B back to the way it was and get Noyes (a hospital in Livingston County) and UMMC and all of our hospitals the help they need."

Critics of the program -- which include pharmaceutical companies -- say that too many hospitals abused the program. Those hospitals, they say, did not use the cost savings to improve patient care. Instead, they say, they padded their bottom line.

Private oncologists have also been critical of the program, saying that it gives hospitals a subsidized, unfair price advantage in providing treatment.

"I'm trying to get lower drug prices across the board so we would try to help them as well, but because you're not getting it doesn't mean you go after somebody who is getting it," Schumer said in response to a question about the oncologists' complaint. "These are hospitals that need the help."

Before discussing the 340B program at UMMC, Schumer reflected on the upcoming World Series and explained why he hates the Red Sox. Listen (mp3).

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Sen. Schumer and Dan Ireland.

Reality Check volunteers from St. Joseph School in Batavia have Seen Enough Tobacco.

Submitted photos and press release:

Reality Check advocates from the GLOW region recently held events for Seen Enough Tobacco Day at their schools.

Artist Christopher McGee was at GO ART! on Thursday evening for the opening of his show, "The Rhythms of Nature."

Born in Jamestown, the Clarence-based artist said this is the first time he's had a show for this series of paintings.

He began the series in 2008 while observing landscapes while on road trips throughout Western New York. 

He said, "My experience playing drums in experimental and improvisational noise bands helped me to visually express some of the more mercurial, unpredictable elements in the universe: earthquakes, meteor showers, supernovas, and black holes."

The show runs through Dec. 8.

GO ART! has two other shows on display as well:

• The Batavia Photography Club has photos on display by members through Dec. 8.
• The Traveling Ghost by Ryan Gustman is on display until Nov. 3. Gustman was diagnosed with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder and ADHD early in his life. He specializes in photographing abandoned buildings.

Batavia Players hosts its annual fundraising concert at 7:30 tonight at Harvester 56 Theater.

The cast perfoms a variety of show tunes in their production of "Stories, Songs & Just a Touch of Sin."

Tickets are $20 at the door.

Photos submitted by Pat Burk.

Kaylee Dehlinger (Center) with Jocelyn Coburn and Kathryn Fitzpatrick singing "It Won't Be Long" from "Across The Universe."

Jacqueline Morrison, Tiffany Keicher, Kristin Gelia, and Alix Young singing "I'm A Woman" from "Smokey Joe's Cafe."

Now that the Sec V playoffs are starting to get real, the question becomes how real are the Batavia Blue Devils? If anyone had any doubt the Blue Devils gave them their answer in 26 seconds. After just a couple of plays, and barely any time off of the clock, Batavia led Newark 7 to 0.  

Newark then was unable to get anything going on their possession and had to punt. Ethan Biscaro fielded the punt, fumbled it, recovered his own fumble, then ran 78 yards for a TD punt return. Batavia led 14 to 0 and they were only two minutes into the game. 

Batavia’s defense dominated Newark’s offense again on their next set of downs and Newark was forced to punt. Batavia had an unforced turnover on the next possession and Newark recovered the ball. Newark was able to capitalize and scored a TD. Batavia 14 Newark 6.  

That was as close as Newark would ever come to mounting any real threat to Batavia. Batavia scored on their next few possessions. Even by going for it on a 4^thand 6. Batavia continued to drive the field and score almost at will. The first quarter ended with Batavia leading 28 to 6.

The rest of the game was all Batavia. They led at the half by 42 to 6. The Batavia defense would not let Newark into the game and put some points up on the board themselves’ with a safety in the third quarter

After a lot of substitutions by Batavia, Newark put up the only points of the fourth quarter scoring 8. Final Score Batavia 51, Newark 14.

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Haley M. Merrill, 26, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: 10 felony counts of second-degree forgery; 10 felony counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing; and 10 Class A misdemeanor counts of second-degree criminal impersonation. On Oct. 13, Merrill was arrested in the Town of Alexander on charges of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree. Upon entering GC Jail, it is alleged that Merrill provided false information -- a false identity -- in an attempt to benefit herself. On Oct. 16, she was arrested and arraigned on charges pertaining to false identification and then jailed without bail. She was due back in Batavia City Court on Oct. 17. The case was investigated by Deputy Ryan M. DeLong and Senior Correction Officer Matthew Burgett, assisted by Deputy M. Lute, Deputy K. McCarthy, Deputy K. Forsyth and Deputy J. McClellan.

Ryan Matthew Norton, 44, of Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, is charged with aggravated DWI, and DWI. At 11:20 p.m. on Oct. 14 on Alleghany Road, Alabama, deputies responded to the report of a motor-vehicle accident in the Town of Alabama. They located a vehicle with heavy front and side damage. Deputy Ryan Young located the operator walking away from the vehicle. Following an investigation, it is alleged that Norton was driving while intoxicated and his blood alcohol level was above .18 percent. It was determined that Norton allegedly struck a parked car in Orleans County before being stopped in Genesee County. He is due in Alabama Town Court on Nov. 14 to answer the charges. Deputy Young was assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen in this case.

Eric Charles Dockstader, 34, of Council House Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. On Oct. 13 at about 2:48 p.m., deputies responded to Meadville Road in the Town of Alabama for a report of a violation of a court order of protection. Dockstader was subsequently arrested. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Alabama Court on Nov. 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre.

John J. Saddler, 31, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with violating an order of protection. Saddler was arrested at 9 p.m. on Oct. 14 on Watson Street in Batavia and arraigned in Batavia City Court on the charge. He was jailed on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. The defendant is due in court Oct. 23 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Todd J. Pangrazio, 42, of Pleasant View Drive, Lancaster, is charged with failure to appear in court after an appearance ticket was served. He was served with an appearance ticket after failing to go to court after being issued a ticket following a traffic stop in March 4 in the City of Batavia. He was arraigned on Oct. 17 and jailed on $1,000 cash or bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

People are lining up to buy a bit of Pontillo's history -- the custom-made, red, white and green booth seats that were first installed in the restaurant 30 years ago.

Batavia's Original owner Kathy Ferrara announced her plans to sell the booth seats and she immediately received several requests from would-be purchasers. She hasn't made any commitments yet. She's waiting for the replacement booths, which will be all black, to come in next week.

"I didn’t realize it would be such a big deal to people," Ferrara said.

A number of people expressed concern that she was selling Sam and Betty's booth, the one they always sat in, but it's not for sale and will stay in the restaurant, she said.

She's only selling the ones in the larger dining room. She said she remembers when that dining room opened. She had just started working as a server for Pontillo's and the new booths were installed before even the rest of the trim of the room was completed.

Thursday evening saw past presidents and members of The Batavia Club honored for their donation of, what is now, Seymour Place. The building at Main and Bank streets downtown was formerly the home of the men's social club and was built as a bank in 1831.

The Batavia Club sold the building to GO ART! for $1.

Gregory Hallock, executive director, of GO ART! has always been very thankful to the club for its generosity.

“If you look around GO ART!, you will see that almost everything here has a plaque thanking someone for a donation," Hallock said. "But there is no mention of the people that actually gave us the building.”

That changed on Thursday when the bar, now called Tavern 2.0.1 after the address of the building at 201 Main St., was dedicated to The Batavia Club.

Fittingly, a plaque now hangs over the bar, which is more than a century old, dedicating it to The Batavia Club. The old club plaque listing all the past presidents was moved to a prominent location in the bar as well.  

Last spring, Hallock also added a permanent exhibit that is an homage to the artwork that used to adorn the walls when it was the men’s club. If you want to see that collection, ask Hallock for a tour on your next visit. 

Submitted photo and press release:

The Jerome Foundation is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 36^th Annual Health and Humanitarian Award is Dr. Matthew Landfried, who will be recognized at a luncheon next month at Terry Hills Restaurant.

The award is presented by the Foundation to recognize volunteer men and women of Genesee County who have helped promote the emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of the area’s residents. Nominees reflect “ordinary people who reach far beyond themselves to the lives of those in need bringing hope, care, and friendship and helping build a stronger, healthier community."

Dr. Landfried is currently the medical director of Surgical Services and chairman of the Department of Surgery at UMMC, as well as serving on multiple committees at UMMC and its partner Rochester Regional Health. He is an adjunct professor at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and D’Youville College and mentors Physician Assistant students, medical students and residents.

Professionally, Dr. Landfried is well respected in his field and has been published in multiple medical journals. Among other professional honors, Dr. Landfried has been named a “Top Doctor” by U.S. News & World Report.

As a member of the Trauma and Critical Care response team of National Disaster Medical System of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, he has volunteered in Haiti, Texas, and other disaster sites supporting the critical medical needs of the communities struck by disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. He assisted at an orphanage in Haiti and remains in contact with them and provides financial help as well.

Dr. Landfried is the medical lead for several area sports programs including Batavia and Notre Dame high schools, as well as assisting with various sports medicine needs at Genesee Community College. You see him on the sidelines at many youth sporting events where he donates his time and often medical assistance outside the office to student athletes in need.

He and his wife Kerry have opened their home to many Muckdog baseball players as well as exchange students.

Batavia has its own version of the Blindside movie, played by Dr. Matt Landfried and his wife. They brought into their home a high school football player who experienced a very troubled homelife. With the Landfried’s caring support and encouragement, the young man graduated from Batavia High School and completed a successful undergraduate and graduate college program and is now an educational professional in Boston.

His compassion is demonstrated in a variety of ways that are often outside of medical care. He has gone to nursing homes or made a home visit to talk with family members about a loved one’s condition or to assist in special treatment. There was a time when a patient with multiple complications needed to be transferred to a Rochester hospital. Because of the complexity of the case, there were many instructions that had to be relayed and special care provided during the transfer. In order to make sure things were done appropriately, Dr. Landfried rode in the ambulance to assure the proper care was provided and treatment would be continued suitably.

Throughout their 28 years in our community, Dr. and Mrs. Landfried have financially supported too many causes to mention. Our community is infinitely enriched by the presence of Dr. Matthew Landfried and The Jerome Foundation is pleased to honor him with the 2018 Health and Humanitarian Award.

Dr. Landfried will be honored by The Jerome Foundation at a luncheon on Friday, Nov. 30, at noon at Terry Hills Restaurant.

The cost of the event is $20 a person and is open to the public.

Reservations are now being accepted by:

• Mailing a check to The Jerome Foundation, P.O. Box 249, Batavia, NY 14021
• Or by emailing thejeromefoundation@gmail.com
• Or online at www.thejeromefoundation.org

For questions or reservations, please call Chris Fix at 585-356-3419.

Students and staff at Batavia High School are hosting a ceremony honoring Genesee County's veterans at 10 a.m. Friday Nov. 9 at the school.

The ceremony will be held in the auditorium. There will be performances from the high school band and chorus, a student representative speaker, and a keynote speaker, and a reception after the ceremony in the school's library.

The ceremony is open to all local veterans and their families. Veterans who plan to attend should email Jane Haggett, JHaggett@bataviacsd.org. Veterans are invited to include a picture with their response.

Photo: Students Cooper Mattice, Ryan Weaver, Elle Fulton, and Lyndsay Debo. Not pictured, Gyna Gibson, whom Haggett said was the real driving force behind organizing this year's event at the school.

Press release:

Batavia’s Original Pizzeria and the Kiwanis Club of Batavia are thrilled to announce they have partnered together to bring back the Kids' Halloween Parade.

The parade is going to be held on Sunday, Oct. 28^th, starting at 1 p.m. The lineup will begin in front of Dan’s Tire & Auto at City Centre Mall. Kids should arrive a little early to get their place in line.

The parade route will end at Batavia’s Original parking lot where there will be a variety of games and snacks for kids, live music, and prizes given for the best costumes.

The Kiwanis Club and Batavia’s Original are excited to bring back this free family friendly event to the community!  The event is going to take place rain or shine so please dress appropriately.

Call 343-3303 for additional details or questions.

Kids' Halloween Parade Route:

Starting in front of Dan’s Tire & Auto (on the backside of City Centre Mall) the kids will go straight until they reach Washington Avenue, where they will take a right. The parade route will follow along Washington Avenue and then take a left onto Ross Street and a quick right onto East Avenue.  From East Avenue the kids will take a right onto Vine Street, then a left onto Chase Park, followed by a right onto Elm Street.  The route crosses Main Street and takes a left into the Batavia’s Original pizzeria parking lot.

Photo provided by WBTA.

Pudgie’s Class/Event List • 3646 W. Main Street, Batavia • 343-8352
Seasonal Classes 

• Oct. 17th @ 5 p.m. -- Halloween Fairy Garden
• Oct. 27th @1 p.m. -- Pumpkin Wood Slice
• Nov. 3rd @ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- Craft Show
• Nov. 10th @11a.m. - 2 p.m. -- Fall Centerpiece
• Nov. 14th @6 p.m. -- Fall Centerpiece
• Nov. 17 @10 a.m. - 12 p.m. -- Christmas Candy Jar
• Nov. 19 @5:30 p.m. -- Christmas Candy Jar
• Nov. 21@12 p.m. -- Fairy Garden Class
• Dec. 1st @11 a.m. - 2 p.m. -- Decorate Wreath
• Dec. 5th @ 5:30 p.m. -- Evergreen Centerpiece
• Dec. 8th @11 a.m. - 2 p.m. -- Evergreen Centerpiece
• Dec. 10th @ 5:30 p.m. -- Decorate Wreath
• Dec. 12th @ 5:30 p.m. -- Decorate Wreath
• Dec. 14th @ 5:30 p.m. -- Evergreen Centerpiece
• Dec. 15th @ TBA -- Kids’ Christmas Crafts