Genesee Cancer Assistance held its annual Festival of Hope today at Batavia Downs, which included a crossing-training competition as well as basket raffles, music, a live broadcast by WBTA, and other events.
Volunteers from Volunteers for Animals were at the Animal Shelter today collecting donated scrap metal as a fundraiser for the shelter and the support provided by Volunteers for Animals.
Members of the Batavia City Firefighters, IAFF Local 896, were on Ellicott Street and Main Street in Batavia today for their annual Fill the Boot campaign to benefit MDA.
UPDATE: The firefighters raised $10,651.52.
Photos by Frank Capuano.
The third- and fourth-grade students at St. Joe's got to make butter today.
Then they got to eat the butter they made on graham crackers.
Anne Marie Starowitz, representing the Holland Land Office Museum, visited the classroom today, bringing an 1800-era butter churn as well as other artifacts from the museum and talked with the students about what life was like in early Genesee County.
She then filed two canning jars with heavy cream and had the students pass them around the room, with each student giving the canning jars 10 hard shakes before passing it to the next student.
Before long, they had butter.
Next week the students will tour the historic Batavia Cemetery.
One of the most memorable days of sixth grade at Batavia Middle School is the day students recreate the Silk Road, says Social Studies teacher Stephanie D’Alba.
Many of the children dress in costumes of the nations along the world's first stable trading route that connected China with Rome and started the process of global trade.
The Silk Road recreation gives students a chance to learn about history, geography, climate, culture, civilization and, of course, trade. The Silk Road put the world on the path of global trade.
"Today kids just get on the Internet and they think it’s so easy," D'Alba said. "This shows them the very first way that things traveled from one side of the world to the other."
The name for the trade route comes from China's chief export, silk, which wasn't available in Europe before Genghis Khan established law and order and safe passage for travelers and traders along the routes the comprised the Silk Road. China managed to keep the production method secret for centuries and Rome, with only gold to trade, found its reserves becoming depleted. The Silk Road also introduced Europe to new foods and spices (though, contrary to myth, Marco Polo did not bring back pasta to Italy).
The BMS "Silk Road" covers two floors in the school, with selected classrooms acting as countries along the trade route and the hallways marked with posters and pictures simulating deserts, seas, water stops, and areas that might be filled with bandits.
"It kind of shows you how to make a bargain and see what other people have to trade in their land and see their creativity," said Aidan Anders.
"It's pretty fun," said Cody Harloff. "It's fun trading to get other stuff and we get to see how the conditions were."
The Holland Land Office is proud to present the Rochester area historian Rose O'Keefe. At noon on Saturday, June 24, she will be speaking on the life and times of Frederick Douglass and his family while living in Rochester.
This is a free event and the public is invited.
O'Keefe is a well-known authority on many of Rochester's more famous citizen and is responsible for many of the tours of Mt. Hope Cemetery in the city.
Frederick Douglass — famed author, orator and former slave — spent 25 years with his family in Rochester, beginning in 1848. Despite living through one of our nation’s most bitter and terrifying times, Frederick and his wife, Anna, raised five children in a loving home with flower, fruit and vegetable gardens.
While Frederick traveled widely, fighting for the freedom and rights of his brethren, Anna cared for their home and their family and extended circle. Their house was open to fugitives on the Underground Railroad, visiting abolitionists and houseguests who stayed for weeks, months and years at a time.
Local author O’Keefe weaves together the story of the Douglass’ experience in Rochester and the indelible mark they left on the Flower City.
Those interested can RSVP if they wish by calling the museum at 585-343-4727, emailing at hollandlandoffice@gmail.com, or by coming to the museum at 131 W. Main St., Batavia.
"Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have the exact measure of the injustice and wrong which will be imposed on them."
-- Frederick Douglass
A car vs. pedestrian accident occured at Main Street and Jackson Street downtown. Minor injuries. City fire and Mercy medics are on scene.
UPDATE 3:28 p.m.: This was a bicycle vs. car accident, not a pedestrian, and the bicyclist declined medical attention.
UPDATE: This is a photo of the actual truck.
Batavia farmer George Putt woke up this morning, early as usual, and found his 2014 blue Ford F250 super duty crew cab pickup truck had been stolen from Offhaus Farms sometime between 9 p.m. Thursday night and 5 a.m. today, June 2.
Offhaus Farms is located at 7892 Oak Orchard Road in the Town of Batavia.
It has a Dale Earnhardt Jr. license plate frame(s) and is desparately needed because it's the only transportation Putt has to take his sick girlfriend back and forth from regular, ongoing medical treatments at Rochester General Hospital.
The Genessee County Sheriff's Office confirmed this afternoon that the truck was stolen.
If you have seen this truck or have any information about it, please contact Deputy Andrew Hale at the Sheriff's Office by calling 343-5000.
The Batavia Jr. Blue Devil Summer Basketball Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 14-18 at the John Kennedy School gymnasium.
The camp is open to boys and girls entering grades 3 through 8 in the fall. Cost is $65 and includes a camp T-shirt.
Campers are asked to bring their own basketball and put their name on it.
The camp will feature Coach Jim Fazio, the Batavia Jr. Blue Devil youth director, and youth coaches and current and former Blue Devil players.
The focus will be on the offensive fundamentals of the game, including shooting, passing, dribbling, and ball handling, with a major emphasis on shooting. There will be daily contests with full court and half court games.
Please note that Batavia City School District is not responsbile for any injury that may happen during camp.
Checks should be made payable to: Batavia Boys Basketball Boosters; mail to Jim Fazio, 5190 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020.
To contact Coach Fazio, call 356-0901 or email jfazio@gvboces.org
With payment, please provide the following information and include a parent's or guardian's signature:
John Kennedy School is located at 166 Vine St. in the City of Batavia.
Ian Jarreau Blake, 30, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana in the fifth degree. Blake was stopped on Route 33 in Corfu at 10:31 p.m. on June 1 by the Corfu Police Department and allegedly found to possess a quantity of marijuana exceeding 25 grams. He was also found to a have an active bench warrant out of Family Court. He was released on appearance tickets for the marijuana charge and the matter of the Family Court bench warrant was transferred over to the GC Sheriff's Office for handling. The Corfu PD case was handled by Officer Lonnie Nati and Officer Richard Retzlaff.
Andrew Scott Bradstreet, of Telegraph Road, Holley, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and a vehicle registration plate violation. Bradstreet was stopped at 8:29 p.m. May 31 on Searls Road in Byron following the alleged observation of a vehicle and traffic violation. The defendant allegedly possessed a small quantity of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Byron Court for June 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.
Press release:
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) accepted an application for assistance from the Savarino Companies for the redevelopment of Ellicott Station in Downtown Batavia at the agency’s June 1 board meeting.
The approximate 64,000-square-foot development will be a mix use of residential, office and retail spaces; a brewery; small beverage warehouse and hops processing facility; entertainment and event area; outside seating; and integration of the new Ellicott Trail pedestrian pathway.
The $17.6 million project is estimated to create up to 60 good-paying full-time jobs. For every dollar of public sector investment there is an anticipated private sector investment of approximately $25.
The project is being done through the “Batavia Pathway to Prosperity” (BP2) program which was created through an inter-municipal agreement between the City of Batavia, Genesee County, the Batavia City School District, the Batavia Development Corporation and the GCEDC.
BP2 was conceived to pool resources in order to invest in distressed areas in the City of Batavia. The BP2 program will be implemented though PILOT increment financing (PIF), referred to as the “BP2 fund,” which is the first of its kind in New York State where all local taxing jurisdictions are participating.
Supported by the redirection of 50% of new project PILOT payments, the BP2 fund will play a critical role in generating development within the Batavia Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA), a 366-acre area within the City of Batavia containing five strategic redevelopment sites.
”The collaboration among various government jurisdictions is simply smart economic development,” said Paul Battaglia, GCEDC Board chairman. “The BP2 program is an opportunity to attract development and jobs to the urban core of Genesee County and just as important, create vibrant neighborhoods in economically disadvantaged areas of the city.”
UPDATE 4:09 p.m.: The shuttle times have been changed slightly, see information in bold below. Also everyone will be allowed to bring lawn chairs, both VIP ticket holders and General Admission.
Press release:
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced facility details for all those attending this Sunday’s Lonestar concert being held onsite.
Some area intersections could be under the direction of local law enforcement. If that is the case, please use caution and pay attention to directions given by police. Please allow for extra travel time due to increased traffic volume.
Please note that anyone visiting Batavia Downs after 3 p.m. on Sunday will see parking lot attendants in our main lot directing you on where to park your car. Please follow their directions as the facility attempts to streamline the parking process with the anticipation of increased car volume. The valet will be open as per usual so those who do wish to valet their cars do have that option.
Two shuttles run by Regional Transit Service will be operating from 3 to 8 p.m. 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. and then again from 9 p.m. until midnight 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. to and from all local chain hotels to Batavia Downs. If you are staying or parking at any of these local chain hotels, we ask that you do take the shuttles to help reduce traffic congestion.
Once onsite, there is no tailgating or drinking of alcoholic beverages in the parking lot. This will be enforced by our staff.
Inside the venue, lawn chairs ARE permitted for everyone -- General Admission area only and VIP ticket holders.
Concert will take place rain or shine so ponchos and umbrellas are permitted as well. Please note that no coolers, outside food and beverages, weapons or firearms are permitted onsite or at the venue. All bags and purses will be subject to search.
Doors open at 3 p.m. with the first musical act starting at 4 p.m. If possible, arrive early to avoid traffic. Tickets can be purchased online at BataviaConcerts.com or in person at our Made in America store in the Batavia Downs Lobby.
Press release from Dave Olsen, GCLP chairman:
The Genesee County Libertarian Party will hold its 2017 convention on Monday June 5, beginning 6:30 p.m. at T.F. Brown's Restaurant in Batavia.
Organizers expect to introduce three candidates for the Batavia City Council At Large positions.
Each will have a few remarks to make, along with Dr. Mark Glogowski, LPNY State chairman, Larry Sharpe, LP candidate for NY Governor next year, and possibly Austin Petersen, 2016 Presidential contender via video chat.
The public is cordially invited to attend and ask questions.
T.F. Brown's is located at 214 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.
A westbound tractor-trailer is disabled on Main Street in front of the Holland Land Office Museum in the city and traffic is reduced to one lane, causing congestion.
Fire from a stove (possibly in a wall behind it) reportedly started a working structure fire at an apartment complex at 4112 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. It's originating from unit B9. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding. A first responder on scene reports smoke showing. The fire has gone to a second alarm. Alexander's Fast Team is called for mutual aid along with Darien, Elba and East Pembroke. Stafford is called to stand by at Batavia's station #2.
UPDATE 9:29 a.m.: This is the Batavia Meadows apartment complex.
UPDATE 9:32 a.m.: National Grid was called in and has a one-minute ETA. Command requests law enforcement to the scene to help evacuate the complex. He says they are having difficulty evacuating it and several apartments are "charged with smoke."
UPDATE 9:37 a.m.: Elba is asked to stand by at Batavia's station #1.
UPDATE 9:39 a.m.: An engine from the city is requested to the scene. Elba is now requested to the scene.
UPDATE 9:42 a.m.: The city's third platoon is called to headquarters on Evans Street.
UPDATE 9:47 a.m. A Town of Batavia code enforcement officer is called to the scene. Firefighters are asked to go in apartments and open doors and checks walls for heat/fire. The fire was first called in as a fire in a wall, then a stove fire, now they are reporting it stems from an electrical problem in a wall.
UPDATE 9:54 a.m.: A woman's small dog is hiding under a bed and refuses to come out, and there are a couple of stubborn cats in other apartments, but command says there's not enough smoke wafting in the air to put them in jeopardy so they are letting them stay put for now. A rep from the American Red Cross is called to the scene.
UPDATE 10:11 a.m.: Byron firefighters were called to stand by in their own quarters.
UPDATE 10:23 a.m.: Firefighters are ventilating the structure. Stafford is returning to service.
Paige’s Bounce Houses, a family owned party rental business for Western New York, recently custom built a trackless train, “The Peyton Express,” for customers to rent.
Kevin Sikorski, the owner, said the new trackless train is a “fully loaded Cadillac.”
The trackless train has one engine and four cars, with each car holding six kids or four adults, or a combination. It includes LED headlights, tail lights, LED underglow, a stereo system, public address system, a 10-inch chrome bell and an authentic train whistle.
“We started Paige’s Bounce Houses six years ago and we keep expanding every year,” Sikorski said. “As far as I know, there is only one other (trackless) train in all of Western New York.”
Sikorski said the train can run on any hard, flat surface, such as grass, dirt and blacktop.
While Paige’s Bounce Houses is named after Sikorski’s oldest daughter, Paige, the new trackless train is named after his youngest daughter, Peyton.
Sikorski said the trackless train is perfect for birthday parties, church events, corporate events, festivals, fairs and parades.
“Whatever you think you can use it for, you can rent it by the hour,” Sikorski said.
The train will also come with a staff engineer, so those who rent don’t have to worry about running the train, Sikorski said.
The trackless train will be transporting the grand marshal of the Attica Founders Day Parade on June 3, then will be giving rides at the Attica Memorial Park.
Pricing for renting the train and more information can be found by clicking here.
Press release:
John Kennedy Intermediate School has received a $5,000 Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant to purchase "Math and Movement" materials for The JK STEAM Program.
“We had the Math and Movement day with Suzy Koontz in April and can now purchase mats of our own to have here at John Kennedy thanks to Lowes,” said Melissa Calandra, who spearheaded John Kennedy’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Program for fourth-graders this year and will take charge of the STEAM lab for all JK students, grades 2-4, next year.
During the Math and Movement day, students moved to the mathematics lessons – emphasizing patterns, stepping out calculations, and working out concepts on large mats. They were able to practice addition, subtraction, telling time, multiplication, division, fractions, place value, and geometry – and with physical movement incorporated into the brain work, the information was a lot of fun – and better retained.
Lowe’s, which seeks to approve grants that improve learning communities, noted that, “These materials will allow for a kinesthetic, multisensory approach to teaching math that incorporates physical exercise, stretching, and cross-body movements. Using the mats, students are ‘moving to the numbers.’ ” The mats will be ordered by the end of this school year to arrive in time for use next year in the STEAM lab.
All K-12 public schools in the United States are eligible for the Toolbox for Education program. More information is available at www.ToolboxforEducation.com.
The fifth-grade students at Batavia Middle School presented their human rights projects today in the school auditorium, including Tiara Banks and Jayden Dersham, above, who portrayed Madam C.J. Walker.
Born in 1867, Walker (born Sarah Breedlove) was the first child in her family born into freedom. She eventually found a cosmetic and hair-care product company, making her the first self-made female African-American millionaire in the nation and the prominent female entrepreneurs of her era. She was also a philanthropist.
Below, Cruise Rapone and Brendon Peterson, both as Milton Hershey, founder of the chocolate company and founder of charitable foundations.
The students also made portraits of the historical figures they studied. They also recorded their presentations (bottom photo, a recording of a student as Helen Keller on an iPad). The recordings were made in front of a green screen so historical photos could be used as a backdrop.
The projects work in several Common Core requirements for fifth-graders, including making a public presentation.
Several parents attended today's presentations.
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