batavia

BUFFALO -- eRic (sic) Luplow, a Batavia native and surrealist-folk “sur-folk” watercolorist, will unveil his eye-catching Yellow Dog Mural at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Elmwood Village, Buffalo.

Luplow recently completed a mural painting of a 20' x 30' angular, cube-like yellow dog on the side of the Visualeyes City optical shop building at 735 Elmwood Ave. The vibrant mural will be dedicated by Joel Feroleto, City of Buffalo common council member.

An art reception inside Visualeyes City will follow the unveiling.

To design his two-story-high image, Luplow referenced his sur-folk yellow dog painting from several years ago and worked with the dimensions of the building to recreate his piece. Over the course of four days, Luplow used a lift to outline his sketch with chalk and marker and add color to the project with wall paint.

The Yellow Dog Mural in Buffalo is his largest painting to date; his last mural is in the Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas.

“I’m a watercolor painter, so a mural is pretty far out there for me," Luplow said. "My biggest piece of work is usually 20 inches by 30 inches."

Luplow has had a passion for drawing and painting from a young age. He graduated from Batavia High School in 1975 and began as an electrician before pursuing his love for art.

Luplow currently resides with his wife, Peggy, in Truchas, NM, where he displays art in his gallery and paints in his trademark sur-folk style. Luplow describes sur-folk as a fusion of surrealism and folk art.

Sur-folk features vivid colors that mimic the hues and shapes found in the culture and landscapes of New Mexico. Luplow uses watercolor paints to capture his memorable experiences and personal struggles.

The watercolorist said family, friends and nationwide art collectors are traveling to Buffalo to view the mural, so he is excited to show off his artwork in the area of his upbringing for the first time.

“Everybody, whatever they do, is proud of it," Luplow said. "I’m proud of being an artist."

More of eRic Luplow’s work can be viewed at his website: www.ericluplow.com.

Photos courtesy of eRic Luplow.

Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County is seeking sponsorship for its next Women Build Day construction project in August.

For the first time in seven years of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build, crucial funding for the build has been pulled since Lowe’s, the major sponsor of the build, shifted its funding to larger areas.

This loss, however, won't silence the sounds of nail pounding and wood cutting. Rather, it presents a new opportunity for community businesses and organizations to sponsor the work of the Women Build volunteers.

The upcoming build next month is an offshoot of Habitat for Humanity’s National Women Build Week in May. The weeklong event recognizes women in construction trades and encourages women to hone their construction skills while helping deserving families. 

All volunteer teams will build under the supervision of a construction leader who will assist their group throughout the workday. No prior experience is needed to volunteer for the Women Build, and equipment will be provided.

The build will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 3 at Northgate Free Methodist Church's South Campus, located at 350 Bank St., Batavia.

Women will work in teams to assemble walls, which will be transported to Habitat’s new construction home at 45 Clifton Ave., Batavia, at a later date. Past Women Build houses include locations on Oak Street, East Main Street and Harvester Avenue in Batavia.

The site at 45 Clifton Ave. will become home to a hard-working mother of three who is excited about the opportunity of homeownership through Habitat for Humanity’s program. Habitat hopes to raise $5,000 from now to Sept. 3 for this build. 

“As a community, we are going to raise $5,000 to make affordable homeownership a reality for [the homeowner] and her children," said Lauren Casey, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County. "And even more, on Aug. 3, nearly 60 volunteers will work to physically advance the construction of her home.” 

Businesses are encouraged to visit Habitat’s website here to donate to Women Build 2019 and support its mission to provide safe, decent and affordable housing for families in the community. Sponsors can also make gift-in-kind donations, including labor and building materials.

Habitat extends its gratitude to local businesses that support Habitat’s goals through these generous donations. Interested sponsors can contact Habitat’s office at (585) 345-1656 or email info@geneseehabitat.com to learn more about Women Build 2019.

Carlton Lynn Beardsley, 24, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree burglary and petit larceny. On June 27, Beardsley was arrested following an investigation into an incident that occurred on June 14 at the Walmart in Batavia. He allegedly stole and inhaled an aerosol compressed air can used for cleaning electronics from Walmart, after already being banned from the store due to a previous incident. Following his arraignment in Batavia Town Court, he was jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond. He is due to return to Batavia Town Court on July 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Sgt. Michael Lute.

John E. Daley, 63, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of second-degree harassment -- physical contact. Daley was arrested after an altercation at 1:48 p.m. on June 29 on Bank Street. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Stacey C. McCaffery, 36, of North Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol and aggravated DWI. At 6:43 p.m. on June 30 McCaffery was arrested on the charges after allegedly operating her vehicle at a high rate of speed while being unable to maintain her lane on Route 5. She is due in Batavia City Court on July 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Colleen M. Hutchinson, 44, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminally using drug paraphernalia and possession of a hypodermic instrument. On July 2 and 6:19 a.m., Batavia PD was dispatched to the area of Hutchins Street for a female who was reportedly "shooting up." Patrols located Hutchinson and she allegedly possessed a hypodermic instrument and two glass "crack" pipes. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

James J. Preedom, 34, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with having a controlled substance not in its original container and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Preedom was arrested after an investigation into a disturbance complaint at 11:22 p.m. on July 1 on State Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 23 in Batavia City Court then released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Press release:

The City of Batavia’s Youth Bureau is open at 12 MacArthur Drive through Aug. 16^th, Monday through Friday from 1 – 6 p.m.

The Youth Center is a free service available to youth ages 10-18 who reside in Batavia.]

Free nutritious lunches are available to all participants now through Aug. 9 during a designated time daily. Snacks are also provided daily.

The Youth Center offers outside activities, computer use, crafts, games, Wednesday movie days, and monthly scheduled events. Registration is simple, just stop in!

Upcoming events at the Youth Center include:

• Every Wednesday is movie day, popcorn included;
• Today is the July 5^th summer cookout;
• July 8^th -- video game tournament;
• July 12^th Jell-O Day complete with Jell-O races (safe for all ages);
• July 16^th National Mac and Cheese Day;
• July 18^th make your own hotdog pretzels;
• July 22^nd National Ice Cream Day;
• July 23^rd Bingo;
• July 29^th National Chicken Wing Day with wing dip!;
• July 31^st Harry Potter Day.

The Summer Safe Carnival is July 25^th starting at 10 a.m. at the Falleti Ice Rink. Guaranteed fun for all ages. Any questions, call the Batavia Youth Bureau at 345-6420.

Press release:

The Genesee County STOP-DWI and Youth Bureau are having their Annual Night at the Ballpark on Wednesday, July 17th at Dwyer Stadium. The first 200 youth under 16 can get in free to the event. You can redeem your free ticket at the box office that night!

There will also be free Muckbucks or T-shirts to the first 200 youth, and more than 500 prizes and giveaways on hand. A chance to win a bike from Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle will be given away this night.

A variety of educational booths will be on hand, including one with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office with child ID kits. In addition to the ballgame, a magician will entertain from 6-8 p.m.

Sarah Palermo from GCASA’s Victim Impact Panel will be throwing out the first pitch!

All of this is made possible from our wonderful sponsors and contributors: GCASA, Genesee County Interagency, Genesee County Sheriff’s Association, Kiwanis Club of Batavia, United Memorial Medical Center, United States Gypsum Co, The Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, Western New York Association of Chiefs of Police, Salmon Orthodontics, Gerace Realty, Polish Falcons, Loyal Order of the Moose, Tops Friendly Markets, and Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the game starts at 7:05.

Photo: Undersheriff Brad Mazur, Asst. County Manager/STOP DWI Coordinator Matt Landers, Asst. Police Chief Todd Crossett, Chelsea Green, John Roche, owner of Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, Joanne Amon, Sheriff William Sheron Jr.

The Batavian Sessions: Delano Steele November Ends recorded April 29 2019 at the historic Newberry's Building/Eli Fish Brewing Co. on the third floor.

Some sights and sounds from GO ART's annual Picnic in the Park today in Centennial Park.

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs stayed half-game ahead of State College with a 3-2 win over the Auburn Doubledays Thursday night.

After a double-steal by Harrison Dinicola and Albert Guaimaro in the top of the sixth, Jack Strunc’s RBI ground out to first broke a 2-2 tie and was the run Batavia (12-7) needed for the win.

Batavia manager Tom Lawless is facing seven games on the road in six days, and he used five pitchers to get the win.

Julio Frias picked up his first win of the season, throwing five innings and striking out six. He has now struck out 26 in 19 innings. The Miami Marlins are seeing immediate returns on 2019 draft picks. Tyler Kolek (two strikeouts in an inning), Josh Simpson (two strikeouts, one inning) and Joey Steele (one strikeout) were all credited with a hold and combined to shut out Auburn.

Evan Brabrand came on in the ninth, gave up a hit and struck out the side for the save, his third of the season.

The first two Batavia runs came in the third. Michael Hernandez led off with a solo home run to left, his first with the team, then Dalvy Rosario tripled in Milton Smith II who had singled.

Auburn falls to 9-9 while Batavia stays half-game ahead of State College (12-8) and one-and-a-half games ahead of Mahoning Valley (11-9). Batavia and Auburn play again Friday and two on Saturday, while State College and Mahoning Valley face off again Friday.

The team will play five more games in six days at Auburn and State College before returning home to play Lowell on Wednesday, July 10 as part of a three-game homestand (July 10, 11 and 12).

Hot dogs are just $1 on Wednesday and all Labatt's products are $2. Friday is Crafty Hour, all craft beers are $3.

All three games start at 7:05 p.m. and tickets are available at the Dwyer Stadium box office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, online at muckdogs.com or call 585-483-3647.

Submitted photo: Batavia Manager Tom Lawless gives a fist bump to Albert Guaimaro.

Batavia PD and state investigators were working with City Fire investigators this morning to help gather evidence for further examination at the scene of an early morning fire on Hutchins Street that sent one person to Strong Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano said two dogs from the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control participated in the investigation this morning, including one K-9 that is trained in accelerant detection.

It will take two or three days for the evidence to be analyzed before investigators can start to draw any conclusions about the cause and origin of the fire.

Two people were taken to area hospitals this morning after the fire was reported at 2:59 a.m. Flames were showing from the attic and when the first City fire crews arrived on scene, two people were trapped on the second floor with their heads out of windows. Before crews could get ladders in place one person jumped from the second floor and suffered multiple injuries.

The second person was rescued by a firefighter on a ladder. That person was treated and released at UMMC.

The four-unit apartment building at 13 Hutchins St. was constructed in 1920 with a remodeling in 1970. It's a brick building with vinyl siding, which Capt. Bob Fix said this morning complicated the initial attack of the fire and allowed the heat to be trapped in the building.

Some firefighters required treatment for heat-related difficulties.

The 1,932-habitable-space complex is owned by Richard Siebert. The assessed value is $62,000.

Five residents were displaced and are being assisted by The Salvation Army.

Video from this morning's coverage:

There's a house fire at 13 Hutchins St. and city fire crews are on scene. Oakfield Fire Department is en route to fill in at city fire headquarters.

UPDATE 4:30 a.m.: The fire is out. The second floor is gutted and one side of the structure was heavily damaged by smoke and flames, but it's still standing.

UPDATE 5:40 a.m. (by Howard): When firefighters arrived on scene, two people were trapped on the second floor. As crews were getting out of their trucks, one person jumped from the second-floor window and was seriously injured. The other person was rescued using a ladder. Both patients were transported to UMMC; the second person for evaluation of possible smoke inhalation. The Salvation Army has been requested to the scene to assist with the displacement of four households, five people total.

Press release:

This year GO ART! has added classic family games to the event schedule at Picnic in the Park in Centennial Park in Batavia this 4th of July.

Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle is helping with a hula hoop contest.

Roth Insurance is sponsoring the main event, the egg toss contest. The egg toss is open to adults and children over 13 years old. 

Keith Roth is providing a $50 prize to the winners of the egg toss. He says it will take "good hands" to win in this competition.

The contests will start at 2 p.m.

Pictured below is Libby practicing for the event.

The Yngodess Shop is sponsoring the sack race, which is also set to start in the 2 o' clock hour. Owner Christine Crocker was in her shop giving tips on sack racing to all her customers that were interested. 

Jessica at Whole Life Fitness must be feeling extra fit opening her larger new location and changing the name of the gym.

She is challenging EVERY child in Batavia under 13 years old to a tug of war against her and her crew.

She stresses that exercise and physical fitness is not only good for you but it is also fun. The tug-o-war will be at 3:45 p.m. and all children who participate will receive a prize. 

The 41st annual Picnic in the Park runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Thursday July 4th. For more information click here.

Don’t have a team, but want to run in the Corporate Cup on Thursday, Aug. 1^st.

Join the Y’s Team -- GLOW YMCA.

Register for the race at:www.glowcorporatecup.com

Interested in volunteering? 

We are looking for members like you to help us with: setup, traffic control, food and cleanup (*Must be over the age of 18 for traffic control.)

Time: 5-8 p.m.

Contact: Rachel Hale at rhale@glowymca.org

Defense attorney Frank Housh’s motion for the disqualification of District Attorney Lawrence Friedman from the Antwan Odom assault case was denied, but the attorneys’ gag order was lifted today during oral arguments.

Housh is the defense attorney for Antwan Odom, the Batavia High School athlete charged with cutting Ray Leach with a knife during an alleged argument Aug. 4. Odom is accused of committing assault in the first degree, which carries a prison term of five to 25 years.

In May, Odom turned down Friedman’s offer to for him plead guilty to second-degree assault. The plea would be unconditional and expose Odom to a potential maximum sentence of seven years.

Housh did not feel there was enough of a guarantee from the court that Odom could be tried as a youthful offender and avoid a lengthy prison term, so his client declined the plea offer.

Friedman also filed an order to show cause (a little memorandum asking the judge to take action) in May requesting a gag order on both attorneys after Housh made statements to local reporters that Friedman considered a violation of professional conduct standards.

Friedman also filed an ethical grievance complaint with the state bar.

In response, Housh filed a motion to disqualify Friedman and assign a different prosecutor from an adjacent county to Odom's case. Housh said this motion was to protect his client from prejudice due to conflict of interest since, as he said he sees it, Friedman is prosecuting both him and his client.

Housh said that when Odom chose to not accept Friedman’s plea deal, both he and his client were attacked. He fears that Friedman’s assignment to this case may lower the public’s confidence in the justice system.

Housh said the grievance caused him to retain counsel and assume that every action he took for Odom would be used as evidence against him. Housh said he now represents his client in an unusual manner, such as consulting his personal attorney before consulting with his own client.

Housh insisted he wants to represent Odom but fears he will have to withdraw from the case due to personal, professional and financial costs. He said that his client’s Sixth Amendment right to counsel cannot be upheld if he is protecting himself from legal action. Odom's family and friends nodded their heads in agreement as Housh spoke.

Friedman explicitly opposed the motion. He said there is no merit to Housh’s argument and described it as “nothing short of ludicrous.” He maintained that Housh violated the rules of professional conduct, so it is not logical for the court to remove Friedman as the prosecutor when he was trying to uphold fair trial rights. 

Judge Charles Zambito rendered the decision that the district attorney did not demonstrate prejudice nor a conflict of interest and did not act in bad faith when he filed the grievance against Housh. So, the motion for disqualification of Friedman was denied.

In lifting the gag order, Zambito said that neither attorney opposed the gag order but that the local media did contact him to oppose the gag order based on First Amendment/free press grounds.

The Batavian filed a memo with the court objecting to the gag order, using material provided by the Reporters Committee on Freedom of the Press. 

Zambito lifted the gag order on the attorneys today.

Judge Zambito reminded the attorneys of the rules of professional conduct regarding extrajudicial statements to the media.

Friedman asked for a deadline for Housh to notify the court of his decision to continue to represent Odom. Zambito did not set a deadline because he trusts Housh will alert the court of any changes as soon as possible.

“With me or somebody else, my client is going to try his case," Housh said outside of court. "We believe strongly that the jury is going to see that this is a clear case of justification. My client was not the first aggressor.

“I think the judge is confident the lawyers understood their obligations. I don’t think I did anything wrong by explaining to the press what my motion was. The judge just wants the case to proceed to trial, and that’s what we’re going to do,” Housh added. 

Odom’s trial is slated to begin Aug. 5 in Genesee County Court.

Scott Bischoping, interim superintendent of Batavia City School District, was welcomed by trustees at the Board of Education Reorganizational Meeting this morning.

Bischoping previously served as deputy superintendent at Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES. Bischoping will step into the interim role as former Superintendent of Schools Christopher Dailey becomes the superintendent of Gates Chili Central School District.

In the interim, consultants and Board of Education members will conduct a six-month search for the best candidate for the permanent superintendent appointment.

In other action, the board:

• Reappointed Pat Burk as board president for the 2019-20 academic year;
• Swore in Pete Cecere for his three-year board term and reappointed Cecere as vice president;
• Received their board committee and building assignments for the 2019-20 school year.

The next BCSD Board of Education meeting is at 6:30 p.m. July 16 in the BOE Conference Room.

At the Muckdogs' game, the Batavia Lions Club held their annual bike giveaway. This year's winners were Emerson Mager, of Batavia, and Charlie Pratt, of Ware Shoals, S.C.

Photo by Krysia Mager.

A two-vehicle accident with minor injuries is reported in front of 401 W. Main St., Batavia.

City fire and Mercy EMS responding.

At the Arc of Genesee Orleans site on Walnut Street, Batavia, today, the Down Syndrome Parent Support Group of Genesee County Inc. presented a check for $10,000 to help fund the estimated $100,000 cost of remodeling a portion of the ARC's former production facility.

The remodeled facility will become the "GO TO Hub," a place for community prevocational and day habilitation services.

The change in the use of the building become because of changes to service delivery for ARC-type programs throughout the state.

The vision of the Arc’s GO TO Hub is to offer career development and lifelong learning, in a welcoming and inspiring space. When completed, stations will include a teaching kitchen, art and ceramics area, technology center, exercise area, simulated office and meeting rooms with mobile partitions.

Previously, ARC received a $25,000 donation from the Golisano Foundation and $10,000 from Howard Ouriel.

Donations are still being accepted. To find out more, contact Shelley Falitco at (585) 343-4203.

Top photo: Kelly Anstey; Donna Saskowski; front row -- Corinne Phelps, Colleen Fisher, Missy Cook, Lisa Losdon; back row – Gracia Leavy, Sharon White, Wanda Gilbert, Vinnie Tjhumg, Tammi Burbules, Kim Travale, Dawn Fisher, president of Down Syndrome Parent Support Group of Genesee.