batavia

There’s a joke between Rob Credi and his wife Karie about a nickname they’ve dubbed a part of their home. Rob periodically makes dinner, and sometimes it comes out really good, and other times, not so much. So they call the culinary space Crapshoot Kitchen.

It’s a name that stuck for his latest business venture that will rent opportunities for starter businesses and organizations to get going in the culinary field for take-out meals and food items. The Crapshoot Kitchen & Commissary is located at 56 Harvester Ave., in The Harvester Center, on the east side of Batavia.

“You’re standing in the vestibule now,” Credi said during a walk-through of the street-level site Tuesday afternoon. “So when you walk in this way, this is my space. And this is all a commercial commissary kitchen, meaning that I’m building the entire kitchen, putting in the hood and all the equipment, and all that for someone who wants to come in and use it to prepare food in a certified kitchen, for sale to public consumption.”

He plans to rent it out to three or four operators, ideally food businesses that would be using the space on a regular basis. He already has one committed vendor who makes Puerto Rican cuisine, and potentially a baker. Both vendors were referred by Batavia Development Corporation, he said.

The space can be rented by the hour or the month, for organizations wanting to make, say, cookies for a fundraiser, or take-out restaurateurs wanting to establish themselves.

Credi’s space is 1,400 square feet and will include a long counter, kitchen area, 13-foot hood, baking equipment, coolers, storage lockers, prep stations, tables, and a few chairs for patrons waiting for a food pick-up.

Large solid pillars form a visual wall that begins the separation between Credi’s place and what will be Windy Brew, a pub and tasting room owned by Bill and Michelle Snyder. They wanted to wait until their permits were received before talking details about their place, but prior planning board meetings have teased that the place will feature pretzels and pizza, craft brews from the site’s brewery in Strykersville and elsewhere, and music.

Property Manager Jarrod Clark, who is an officer of Harvester Center LLC, will be taking care of the front and back spaces with steel framing and all-glass vestibules, for two entry/exit ways. There has also been talk about converting part of the rear exterior into a beer garden green space and additional parking, Credi said. He hopes to have the site up and running by June. He estimated that combined, the space is about 3,500 square feet.

His commissary venture was largely based on the idea of food truck owners needing a kitchen to prepare, pack and work out of for their mobile businesses, he said. There is a large garage door at the back that trucks can back right up to load and unload equipment and supplies, he said. In addition to the shared space, renters would have access to dry and cold storage, equipment, and educational resources.

“While the primary purpose of the kitchen is to serve as a prep kitchen for most members, there are also very limited spots available for those looking to conduct a more retail-oriented and customer-facing business operation through the use of its streetside retail counter,” Credi said.

No newcomer to the business world, Credi owns Coffee Pub Hub just down the street, to the right of the Crapshoot. Although he has at times complained about issues of city protocol, lack of communication and tight parking, Credi has been amazed and thankful that recent road construction didn’t dampen customer enthusiasm to keep coming back for his specialty coffee drinks, breakfast sandwiches, and new bubble teas.

“The coffee shop is doing fantastic,” he said. “We had one of the best weekends we’ve ever had. It’s building of the brand.”

So perhaps that answers why he is investing in another site on the same street, but The Batavian asked anyway: why, after your previous complaints?

“That is a question that I asked myself many times a day. Honestly, I like this project, I don't want to say it's not for me, because, obviously, you know, I'm behind it, and I am gaining from it, but it's like a community focus thing. Like, it's more for other people than it is for me. I've done the coffee shop so far, which, this is my business, and I'm trying to make money and provide a service to the city,” Credi said. “But this is more to help other people, which I like about it, which is something I've always kind of done behind the scenes if anyone had a question about starting a business. I obviously do care a lot about the city of Batavia. And that's where a lot of my frustrations come from, is seeing things that could be done better that aren’t.

“But at the end of the day, I think with Tammy Hathaway, she's been great as far as an investor for the city. And I think working with her on a project like this has kind of restored my faith in the direction it's going. We don't get all the limelight and excitement as they do in the downtown projects or the low to maybe middle-income housing project on Ellicott. But there's enough to be said for this building. I think this building has a lot of promise,” he said. “Obviously, I'm investing in a second location in this building. I like the direction that it's going with the new ownership and with Jarrod in charge. So I see this as a building that's really going to take off and be a huge part of Batavia’s success in years to come.”

For more information or to inquire about space, email CrapshootKC@Gmail.com.

Top Photo of Batavia business owner Rob Credi showing his latest venture at 56 Harvester Center, and above, out back of the site, where a beer garden and green space may eventually replace some of the back lot, along with more parking space. Photos by Howard Owens.

A peace sign that was drawn on a window from inside a business space at the Harvester Center on Harvester Avenue in Batavia.

Photo by Howard Owens.

A pedestrian has been struck by a vehicle in the area of 370 West Main St,, Batavia.

A first responder reports the patient is conscious and alert.

City Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Southbound traffic is blocked at Union and West Avenue. 

The Easter Bunny, an easter egg hunt, and a buffet breakfast -- Easter was celebrated today at Batavia First Presbyterian Church.

Photos by Howard Owens.

The David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena was full of racing fans and the roar of engines on Friday night for Xtreme Ice Racing night, sponsored by the Batavia Muckdogs and CanUSA.

Muckdogs/CanUSA owner Robbie Nichols said as many as 200 more people wanted to attend but tickets were sold out by Friday morning. He said there may be two nights of racing next year so more people can enjoy the event.

Photos by Howard Owens

Press release:

The Board of Trustees of Notre Dame High School has announced that after eight years of dedicated leadership, Principal Wade Bianco will retire from the school in the summer of 2023.

Bianco retires after over 40 years in education. He joined Notre Dame in 2015.

“Mr. Bianco has dedicated his 40-year career to the success of students,” said James Sutherland, President of The Board of Trustees.  “He led our school with passion and commitment and made countless contributions to the school’s vibrancy and success.” 

Bianco’s many accomplishments have resulted in impacts that will endure well past his retirement and will continue to strengthen the school and community. The Board of Trustees reports the following as just some of the many highlights of Mr. Bianco’s tenure:

• Continued Notre Dame’s Number 1 ranking in the GLOW Region by Buffalo Business First Magazine, a streak that lasted 18 consecutive years.
• Continued Notre Dame’s excellent graduation rate and college placement rate.
• Maintained Notre Dame’s presence by drawing students from across Western New York; enrollment currently includes students from 21 different school districts.
• Managed the complete renovation of the school campus, including state-of-the-art technology throughout the building.
• Guided Notre Dame through the COVID pandemic as a school that remained open for in-person instruction every day, allowable by New York State.
• Oversaw the addition of Notre Dame Junior High (7^th and 8^th grades), which has been a driving force in the recent increase in enrollment.
• Developed relationships with major donors that allowed for continued campus improvements, while preserving the Notre Dame High School Endowment.
• Supported excellence in athletics and fine arts, while continuing the strong Catholic tradition of Notre Dame High School.

“Mr. Bianco will be missed immensely, but his inimitable spirit will continue to inspire the students he served,” said Sutherland.  
A succession planning process will be conducted over the next weeks to help The Board of Trustees identify the best candidate to serve as principal upon Bianco’s retirement. Those qualified individuals with interest in the role can send their resumes to: JimSutherland7@Gmail.com

Photo: File photo by Steve Ognibene.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating a larceny that occurred at United Memorial Medical Center on 3/24/2023.  The victim's stolen credit card was used shortly thereafter at our local Target.  The two individuals pictured are the ones suspected of using the stolen credit card.  If anyone has information leading to the identification of these individuals, please contact Officer Andrew Mruczek at (585) 345-6350.  

A stalled semi-truck at around 2 p.m. on Friday afternoon had traffic tied up at Main and Ellicott in Batavia.

Kyle J. Schroeder, 26, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, was arrested on four bench warrants issued by Batavia City Court on March 22 by Officer Wesley Rissinger. The bench warrants stem from four separate incidents.  Schroeder is accused of entering a residence on April 23 on Liberty Street, Batavia, and stealing a pack of cigarettes. He was arrested on April 24 and issued an appearance ticket. Schroeder was arrested on April 29 and accused of driving while under the influence of drugs and of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. He was arraigned in City Court and released. Schroeder was arrested on Aug. 25 after patrols were dispatched to the rear of a business on East Main Street to check a report of a man "tweaking out."  After being identified, Schroeder was arrested on bench warrants for alleged failure to appear. He was also charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th after allegedly being found in possession of crack pipes and baggies. He was arraigned in City Court and released. Schroeder was arrested on Oct. 20 on a charge of criminal mischief while at court on another matter. Schroeder allegedly kicked and damaged an electrical lock box on the exterior of a business on Jackson Street so he could charge a mobile phone.  He was arraigned and released under supervision. On Jan. 28, Schroeder was arrested on multiple warrants related to the previous arrests.  Following his arrest on March 22, Schroeder was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court. His release status is unknown.

Christine M. Caplis, 42, of Clinton Street Roa, Batavia, is accused of failure to appear and was arrested on a bench warrant on March 23 by Officer Sam Freeman. Caplis was arrested after Freeman spotted her walking on Summit Street in Batavia. She is accused of failure to pay for services at a local restaurant on Nov. 5., 2021. She was arrested on six subsequent bench warrants related to the original charge. Arrest dates: Dec. 28, 2021, June 26, 2022, Aug. 13, 2022, Sept. 18, 2022, Oct. 7, 2022, and Feb. 18, 2023. Following her arrest on March 23, Caplis was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court, and her release status is unknown.

Marquis K. Saddler, 32, of Post Avenue, Rochester, is charged with tampering with evidence, criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th, failing to yield to an emergency vehicle and illegal turn signal. Saddler is accused of throwing a narcotic out of the driver's side window during a traffic stop on March 13 at an unspecified time on Naramore Drive. Saddler was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court and held in the Genesee County Jail.

Alexander C. Schwartz, 27, of Harwin Drive, Rochester, was arrested on a bench warrant for failing to appear and is charged with bail jumping 3rd. Officer Kevin Defelice arrest Schwartz on March 22. Schwartz was transported from the Niagara County Jail to Batavia City Court, where he was arraigned and remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of bail.  Schwartz was first arrested on Nov. 13 and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation 1st and speeding.

Jamie L. Broadbent, 40, of W Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant. Broadbent is accused of failure to appear on a grand larceny 4th charge. She was arrested Sept. 10 for allegedly stealing an electric bicycle. She was issued an appearance ticket and is accused of failing to appear as ordered to answer to the charge. She was arrested on the warrant by Office Megan Crossett on March 21.

James A. Reinhardt, 54, of South Lake Road, Corfu, is charged with aggravated DWI, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely, and failing to use designated lane. Reinhardt was stopped at 2:22 a.m. on March 18 on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer John Gombos. Reinhardt was issued an appearance ticket.

Joanne M. Robbins-Lockwood, 55, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and operating with no headlights. Robbins-Lockwood was stopped at 9:20 p.m. on March 17 on Ross Street, Batavia, by Officer John Gombos. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Johnney L. Shannon, 64, of Creek Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled 7th. Shannon was stopped on Washington Avenue on March 19 by Officer John Gombos. Gombos requested the assistance of Officer Stephen Quider and K-9 Batu. Shannon was allegedly found in possession of several bags of narcotics inside the vehicle. Also arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled 7th was Loretta L. Baer, 51, of Wood Street, Batavia. Both were released on appearance tickets.

Haley M. Larnder, 23, of River Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled 7th. While arresting Larnder on a bench warrant, Officer Wesley Rissinger allegedly found Larnder in possession of a narcotic. Larnder was issued an appearance ticket and turned over to the Sheriff's Office on the warrant.

Michael S. Veihdeffer, 50, of South Royal Parkway, Lockport, is charged with DWI and equipment violations. Veihdeffer was stopped at 1:45 a.m. on March 19 on West Main Street Road by Officer Joseph Weglarski. He was issued an appearance ticket and released to a third party.

Curtis Middlebrooks, Jr., 33, of Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, is charged with harassment 2nd. Middlebrooks was arrested by Deputy Jonathan Dimming in connection with an incident reported at 6:55 p.m., March 18, on Bloomingdale Road, Alabama. No information was released on the nature of the incident. He was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court and released on his own recognizance.

Brian Carl Valyear, 18, of Alexander Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Valyear was arrested at 12:27 a.m., March 18, on Alexander Road, by Deputy Trevor Sherwood after Sherwood was dispatched to investigate a report of a vehicle blocking the roadway.  Valyear was released on an appearance ticket.

Jason Howard Freeman, 41, of South Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Freeman is accused of possessing narcotics when he was taken into custody on an unrelated charge on Nov. 2 on West Main Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Weldon Jarreau Ervin, 31, is charged with assault 34d and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Ervin is accused of recklessly causing an injury to another person during a disturbance reported at 8:30 a.m., March 26, at a location on Alleghany Road, Pembroke. He also allegedly took the vehicle of another person without permission.  He was ordered to appear at a later date in Town of Pembroke Court.

Jason S. Hall, 33, of Medina, and Terry L. Depoty, 34, of Albion, are both charged with grand larceny 4th and criminal possession of stolen property 4th.  Hall and Depoty were arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported in the Town of Batavia at 11:20 a.m., March 29.  Hall was released on an appearance ticket and Depoty was ordered held in jail. The State Police did not release more information on the arrests.

Michael J. Mess, 30, of Alexander, is charged with grand larceny 3rd and insurance fraud. Mess was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 9:30 a.m. on March 15. He was released on his own recognizance. The State Police did not release any further information.

A 30-year-old Batavia woman agreed to a plea deal this week stemming from welfare fraud-related chages.

Chandah Sundown entered a guilty plea in Batavia Town Court to one count of disorderly conduct.

The plea satisfies her arrest previously on charges of filing a false instrument in the first degree, 11 counts, and one count of grand larceny in the third degree

She was arrested for failing to report that the father of her children was also residing in their home and earning an income. 

Sundown was given a one-year conditional discharge and has made full restitution of $8,353.

The Genesee County Department of Social Services asks that anyone suspecting welfare fraud can report it by calling (585) 344-2580, ext. 6417 or 6547.  All calls are confidential.

 

How do you get through a play with nearly 4,000 lines of script and requires just under double the amount of actors that you have?

“It’s a long play. We did a play review, we went line by line and chose what lines to keep and what we could cut,” Director Jane Burk said of the Shakespeare in Springtime debut production. “We cut a lot. One act has 13 scenes, act four has 15 or 16 scenes. We had to pick and choose what scenes to cut or combine.”

Not the glamorous side of theater, perhaps, but important all the same. Reviewing words to be spoken — William Shakespeare’s words, no less — is nothing to dismiss as an idle task. Burk has been trading off the director’s role for the Batavia Players Shakespeare in Springtime series every other year, and this time it's her turn.

The play is “Antony and Cleopatra,” the second longest of Shakespeare’s works, and set in late B.C. Considered part comedy, romance, and tragedy, it hits the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Batavia City Centre’s concourse.

Major characters are, of course, Mark Antony, a Roman general and one of the three joint leaders known as triumvirs who rule the Roman Republic after the assassination of Julius Caesar; Octavius Caesar, adopted son of Julius; Lepidus; Cleopatra, queen of Egypt who follows six Cleopatras before her; and Sextus Pompey, a rebel against the triumvirate and son of the late Pompey.

Mark Antony—one of the triumvirs of the Roman Republic, along with Octavius and Lepidus—has neglected his soldierly duties after being beguiled by Egypt's Queen, Cleopatra. He ignores Rome's domestic problems, including the fact that his third wife, Fulvia, rebelled against Octavius and then died.

Octavius calls Antony back to Rome from Alexandria to help him fight against Sextus Pompey, Menecrates, and Menas, three notorious pirates of the Mediterranean. At Alexandria, Cleopatra begs Antony not to go, and though he repeatedly affirms his deep passionate love for her, he eventually leaves.

The triumvirs meet in Rome, where Antony and Octavius put to rest, for now, their disagreements. Octavius' general, Agrippa, suggests that Antony should marry Octavius's sister, Octavia, in order to cement the friendly bond between the two men. Antony accepts. Antony's lieutenant Enobarbus, though, knows that Octavia can never satisfy him after Cleopatra. In a famous passage, he describes Cleopatra's charms: "Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale / Her infinite variety: other women cloy / The appetites they feed, but she makes hungry / Where most she satisfies."

Burk saw a stage production a “very, very, very long time ago,” she said and has gotten up to speed on the show and how she has wanted to put her own twist on it.

“So many things happened, basically, all within a relatively short time, that brought about the downfall of all of these people. And it was a tragedy, with the one exception of Octavius Caesar, who survived. There were military battles, there were sea battles that occurred in northern Egypt, in the Roman area of Italy, and throughout the area of the Eastern Mediterranean. I mean, historically, this was a very volatile period of time. Shakespeare was writing a play, so he made mention of many of these different activities that were happening and how they were reflected in the time period. But his main focus, because he was a playwright, was the actual personal relationship between Mark Antony and the other two members of the triumvirate,” Burk said. “And then, on the other hand, between Mark Antony and Cleopatra, who was a ruler and a queen in her own right. She lived from approximately 51 BC until she died by suicide in 30 BC. Mark Antony, he was a little bit older than her, his birth date was somewhere around the mid-80s, 82 or 83 BC. But his death was also by suicide in 30 BC, which was technically the end of the issue of the Roman dynasty, and of the Egyptian dynasty and how they related to each other, militarily and politically.

“Realistically, you could almost point the finger at what happened between Mark Antony and Cleopatra and their downfall. And what happened to the countries where they lived in that time period,” she said. “And the military issues that arose. That all played into that, that final thing of being left with one specific Emperor, who was Augustus Caesar, and the head of the Roman Empire.”

One-half of the City Centre stage will be dressed in traditional B.C. scenery and costuming and dialogue, while the other half will sport a contemporary look, she said. While the historic views may not seem relevant today, might they be?

“And so there's a juxtaposition between how the two who are contemporary and are so not contemporary, are they contemporary? Are things that happened in the long ago time of Egypt, are they still relevant today? And those that have some impact on what is happening in the Roman place, and vice versa?” she said.

All of the action is on stage, and that means all of the action — actors and audience. There is seating for 60. Placing spectators around the stage at ground level with a split stage of time periods just would not have worked, Burk said.

And “lighting is very important.”

“It’s going up on one side while going down on the other,” she said. “It’s a truly amazing cast, I could not be more proud of them. I was so relieved to have them try out. We have an extraordinarily talented cast.”

The show is 2 1/2 hours, plus intermission, and debuts at 7:30 p.m. Friday and continues at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Main St. 56 Theater, Batavia City Centre. Enter through the purple door next to Batavia Family Dental.

Tickets are $16 for adults and $14 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, go HERE. 

Top Photo, left to right, Cynthia Nelson as Caesar, Shaun Coburn as Dollabella, James Barcomb as Lepidus and Jacqueline Morrison as Pompey; Erin Stamp as Menas and Elijah Van Epps as Enobarbus; Erin Stamp as Menas, Jacqueline Morrison as Pompey, Steve Coburn as Marc Antony, Shaun Coburn as Dollabella, Cynthia Nelson as Caesar, James Barcomb as Lepidus and Elijah Van Epps as Enobarbus; Steve Coburn as Marc Antony and Jaqueline Morrison as Pompey; and Kendra Morrison as Alexis, Emily Crawford as Cleopatra, Shellene Bailey as Charmian and Patrick Burk as Mardian. Photos by Howard Owens.

View 334 West Main Street, Batavia.
View 117 State Street, Batavia.
View 103 Halstead Avenue, Sloan.

Press release:

As the Batavia Lions Club continues to move past the pandemic, we are reconnecting with our partners from past projects.

For many years the Club had been working with the Batavia Police Department and Adam Millers to refurbish bikes that have been recovered by the BPD and get them into the hands of children and adults who can use them. To that end, Detectives James Defreze and Matthew Wojtaszczyk (pictured above with Lions President Diane Hawn) visited the Club to review how bikes might be recovered and be eligible for donation to the Lions Club.

Many bikes are recovered each year that are damaged beyond repair. Those bikes are disposed of. If owners can be found for the usable bikes, they will be returned. If there is no way to determine ownership, they can be donated to an organization like the Lions. In past years those bikes have been refurbished and distributed to organizations such as The Salvation Army and ARC.

The detectives do encourage people to register their bikes with the BPD so if they are recovered, the bikes can be returned to the owner.

A relaxed discussion followed on several issues that the BPD faces every day and the complexity of modern law enforcement. Detectives Defreze and Wojtaszczyk were relaxed and informative in the give-and-take with the Lions Club. The Club looks forward to re-establishing the bike program and working with BPD to serve the community.  

Top photo: Submitted.

File photo from 2014 Day of Caring outside Adam Miller Toys and Bicycles by Howard Owens, from front: John Huntzinger, Chuck Brenner, Bob Swanson, Tom Clark, Pier Chipollone, Dave Cuttia, John Roach and Van Scoy.

Press Release:

Richmond Memorial Library invites you to attend the 2023 Spring Series of Books Sandwiched In!

Now in its 42nd year, this program is a familiar favorite for many RML patrons and new attendees are always welcome. Guest speakers will share book reviews, generally of non-fiction titles. This series will also include fiction and non-fiction reviews from the Books Sandwiched In Committee.

“We’ve got a wide variety of titles to hear about this series,” shares program coordinator and Community Adult Services Librarian Samantha Basile. “We’ve got bestsellers, timely reads and some titles that people may not be familiar with but will find really interesting. Both 'The Last Slave Ship' and 'The Escape Artist' are newer and share very important forgotten histories. 'Braiding Sweetgrass' has been on the NYT Paperback Non-Fiction list for 153 weeks now and was first published in 2013, so it is also really interesting to hear how these books stay relevant and their messages continue to resonate with readers.”

Sessions will take place at the library on Wednesdays in April from 12:10 – 1 p.m. Enjoy refreshments and enter for a chance to win a door prize at each program! Each session will feature a drawing for a $10 gift certificate to a local lunch spot. Attendees do not need to read the books prior to the program and copies of the chosen titles will be available for checkout. Each session will also be recorded and will be available to view on the library’s YouTube page .

Wednesday, April 5, 12:10 – 1 p.m.: Meet the Books Sandwiched In Committee as they share short fiction and non-fiction reviews! Committee members include Stacey Anderson, Richard Beatty, Christina Mortellaro Frank, Cathy Uhly and program coordinator Samantha Basile. Titles to be discussed include "Louise Blanchard Bethune: Every Woman Her Own Architect" by Kelly Hayes McAlonie, "The Librarian Spy" by Madeline Martin, "Chasing the Boogeyman" by Richard Chizmar, "Of Women and Salt" by Gabriela Garcia and "How to Sell a Haunted House" by Grady Hendrix.

Wednesday, April 12, 12:10 - 1 p.m.: Retired attorney and community volunteer Julia Garver reviews "Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom," "Scientific Knowledge" and the "Teachings of Plants" by Robin Wall Kimmerer (2013)

“In reflections that range from the creation of Turtle Island to the forces that threaten its flourishing today, Robin Wall Kimmerer circles toward a central argument: that the awakening of ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings will we be capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learn to give our own gifts in return.” (from publisher summary)

Wednesday, April 19, 12:10 – 1 p.m.: Retired history teacher and community volunteer Ron Chrzanowski reviews: "The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World" by Jonathan Freedland (2022)

“In April 1944, Rudolf Vrba became one of the very first Jews to break out of Auschwitz and make his way to freedom--one of only a tiny handful who ever pulled off that near-impossible feat. He did it to reveal the truth of the death camp to the world -and to warn the last Jews of Europe what fate awaited them at the end of the railway line. Against all odds, he and his fellow escapee, Fred Wetzler, climbed mountains, crossed rivers and narrowly missed German bullets until they had smuggled out the first full account of Auschwitz the world had ever seen.” (from publisher summary)

Wednesday, April 26, 12:10 - 1 p.m.: Rev. Dr. Roula Alkhouri and Rev. Dr. Shiela McCullough review: "The Last Slave Ship: The True Story of How Clotilda Was Found, Her Descendants, and an Extraordinary Reckoning" by Ben Raines

“The complex history behind the recent discovery of the last known slave ship to convey Africans to the U.S. before the Civil War. In 2019, environmental journalist Raines, who lives in Alabama, helped unearth from the muddy delta outside Mobile the sunken remains of the schooner Clotilda, which made its infamous run to the west coast of Africa in July 1860 and returned carrying 110 slaves…A highly readable, elucidating narrative that investigates all the layers of a traumatic history.” (from Kirkus starred review)

Books Sandwiched In is generously sponsored by The Friends of Richmond Memorial Library. Support of the Friends is always welcomed through donations and memberships! Visit the library to learn more. Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia. For more information about the library and its programs, visit batavialibrary.org.

Submitted Photo.

Well-informed, polite, and a wonderful person with her own style.

That’s how City Councilwoman Patti Pacino’s colleagues described the Second Ward representative. Pacino announced Monday evening that she would be stepping down from her position due to health-related issues. After 13 years taking a seat in Council Chambers as one of nine elected city leaders, she will miss it and will be missed, her colleagues said.

“I’m already missing it,” she said after council’s meeting at City Hall.

Pacino explained that, in addition to her medical condition the last several months — a bilateral ear infection that resulted in a December brain surgery and difficulty with walking and hearing — “I’m very tired,” she said. Her family has been helping to transport her to and from places, and she made the decision that it’s too much to continue.

Good news includes her regained memory, vocabulary and ability to use a fork and a pen. Hearing aids should help to replace part of her hearing, and she’s working on being able to walk again.

She read a prepared statement at the beginning of the meeting that read, in part:

"In light of these changes, I have sadly decided to stop early on my council work. Tonight will be my last meeting as a City Council member. I’m sure I will still visit meetings to share my opinions, just behind a different microphone,” she said.  “I wanted time tonight to offer my sincere thanks to all the city policemen, firemen, departments, the city manager and staff at City Hall, all the Batavia citizens who have shared questions and suggestions, and most of all to all the dedicated people who have sat in these nine council seats during the past 13 years sharing hours of reading, studying, discussing, and agreeing to work overlooking the management of the City of Batavia.

“This has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life,” she said. “My great thank you to all.”

Pacino has jumped on board no matter the topic, whether it’s the deer on Ross Street, an old police station, or a picnic in the park. She hasn’t been afraid to speak her mind, but not in a flashy or ignorant way.

City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. commended Pacino for being so well-informed. She reads everything, he said.

“And she knows what she's talking about when she makes comments. And so I have a lot of respect for her because of that,” he said to The Batavian. “She's well educated, and does her research. And that's one of the important things, I think, of being on council, to make sure you understand both sides of the situation. And she has been very, very good in that respect. I liked her comments, and she usually contributes some good information. So she's going to be sorely missed.”

Pacino was great to work with and knew how to interact professionally during meetings, Councilman Bob Bialkowski said.

“I can only wish her good luck. And I think she knows what she needs to do. She knows what’s best. She’ll be missed on council, that’s for sure,” Bialkowski said. “I mean, working with her, it's always been a pleasure, it's always been polite, polite exchanges. She helped me one year on the parades.”

Councilwoman Kathy Briggs agreed. “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Patti,” she said.

“I enjoyed discussing City issues with her and getting her opinions,” Briggs said. “I’m going to miss her, but she won't be forgotten. I will still contact her and talk about everything.”

Sixth Ward  Councilwoman Tammy Schmidt has known Pacino for decades. From her large-framed glasses to a comical moment after a council meeting, Schmidt has fond memories of Pacino, a well-known community advocate.

“I have known Patti since high school.  She worked there when I was in school.  I also thought she was a wonderful person with her own style and her signature eyeglasses.  I did not recognize her without them!  I have only worked on council with her 15 months, but I believe her heart was in her work no matter what the job was,” Schmidt said.  “My most recent memory is when she got locked behind the gate with John Canale after a meeting, and nobody knew how to set them free.   I have a nice photo to look back on.  Patti will be missed and I hope she will be replaced with a person who has a love for this city and a passion for the job and our citizens.”

Councilman Richard Richmond, chair of the City Republican Committee, said that the committee had already pegged David Twichell to run for the Second Ward seat when Pacino had indicated that she wasn’t going to run for re-election in November. So the plan is to temporarily fill her seat with Twichell until he runs for a term in November, Richmond said.

Twichell is president of the city’s Youth Board.

Top Photo of Patti Pacino during Monday's council meeting at City Hall, by Joanne Beck; her official city photo; and above, a file photo from 2010 when she was sworn in the day after she misunderstood the time of the official swearing in ceremony, by Howard Owens.

Beachy Cabinet Makers Wild won the Batavia Mens Hockey League Championship at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena on Sunday, defeating the Kelly Holland Inn NorthStars, 5-4 in overtime.

Shawn Beachy scored the first goal in the opening period.  Wild led 1-0 after 1.

The Stars tied the game with 4:51 left in the second period on a goal by Nick Bush.

Two minutes later, Ken Beachy scored to give the Wild back the lead 2-1.  A couple of goals were disallowed by the Wild in the next two minutes.  Twenty-one seconds before the end of the second period, the Wild scored again to increase the margin, 3-1 on a goal by Shawn Beachy, assisted by Ryan DiFilippo, who had two assists in the game.

After a Zamboni clean, the Wild carried the momentum from the locker room to score a goal by Jason Harasimowicz and gave the Wild a commanding 4-1 lead.

However, the Stars did not give up, seven minutes left in the third period,  Mason Versage scored two goals within a minute apart, including one on the power-play to cut the lead to one.

Then minutes later, at 4:14 left, the Stars' James Kujowski tied the game on a loose puck in front of net-minder John Bermel for the Wild.

The game went to a ten-minute sudden death overtime after a 4-4 tie.

Both teams had opportunities to end the game, and play got scrappy and challenging.  With four minutes left in the overtime, Wild caught a roughing penalty. Stars were on a 5 to 4 power play opportunity. 

Jason Harasimowicz from the Wild said “I stepped up to the faceoff circle, was aggressive and wanted to see where it goes.  I am just going to start picking up speed and hope I can get the puck in their zone.  I came down the right side, took the shot in the corner and scored. I have scored on the goalie like that during the regular season.  So, if I score, I score.  I know I have done it before and hoped it would get in the net. It did and could not believe it."

Harasimowicz scored the game winning goal short-handed with 3:35 left in the overtime to give the Beachy Cabinetmakers Wild the men’s league title.  Harasimowicz was named MVP.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Jason Harasimowicz named MVP

Beachy Cabinet Makers Wild 2023 Mens Hockey Champions

Three Beachy family generations, photo left to right Ken, grandson Sawyer, son Shawn

Multiple small power outages are reported in Genesee County, and two affect at least 600 National Grid customers each.

A power outage throughout most of Bethany stretches from Route 20 to the City of Batavia and another within city limits is in the southeast corner of the city.

On the first one, National Grid expects to restore power by 1:30 a.m.  On the second, in the city of Batavia, the ETA for power restoration is 3 a.m.

Press release:

Families in the Batavia area are invited to attend the annual Kiwanis Club of Batavia Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8 at 9 AM sharp.  The event will take place at Centennial Park with three age categories: birth-3, 4-7 and 8-10.  Along with the thousands of eggs hiding in the park, there will be nine golden eggs.  The nine lucky children who discover the golden eggs will be able to exchange them for a chocolate bunny from Oliver’s Candies.

There will also be one golden egg hidden each day in Centennial Park beginning on Saturday, April 1 through Thursday, April 6.  The golden eggs will be hidden at different times each day to allow for families with different schedules to search and have an equal chance of finding them. The golden eggs are restricted to kids age 12 and under, although older siblings and family members can help search!  The winning golden eggs must be turned in at the Easter Egg Hunt on April 8th to receive an Oliver's Candies chocolate bunny.

The club is asking those who find golden eggs prior to the Easter Egg Hunt, please send pictures to the Kiwanis Club of Batavia Facebook page at facebook.com/kiwanisclubofbatavia.

Kiwanis Club of Batavia is proud to offer fun, healthy family activities that serve children in our community.  For more information, visit the club’s Facebook page or their website at www.bataviakiwanis.org.  The club meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday at 12:10 at Batavia’s Original Pizza and welcomes new members.