Stanley T. Hooker, 32, of Batavia, is charged with menacing 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, and harassment 2nd. Hooker is accused of threatening another person on Sept. 27 with a knife during a fight on Spencer Court. He was arraigned and released.
Lakara D. Johnson, 34, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Johnson is accused of shoplifting at Walmart at 2:57 p.m. on Oct. 8. Johnson was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.
Ajia R. Hasenauer, 31, of Rochester, was arrested on Sept. 30 on two warrants. The first warrant stems from an incident where Hasenauer allegedly took another person’s vehicle without permission. She was charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle 3rd. The second warrant was issued after Hasenauer failed to appear in court, after being issued a misdemeanor traffic ticket. She was arraigned and released.
Peter M. Costantino, 63, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd and endangering the welfare of a child. Costantino is accused of fighting with a neighbor while two children were present on Sept. 28. He was arraigned and released.
Alicia M. Lyons, 44, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Lyons was allegedly on Kwik Fill property on Oct. 1, after previously being barred from the property. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Christopher L. Rebmann, 51, of Attica, was arrested on Sept. 25 on a warrant. The warrant was issued after Rebmann allegedly failed to appear in court on an appearance ticket for criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. He was arraigned in City Court and released.
Vanessa and Lola’s Legacy, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, will host a raffle on Saturday, October 12, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Tractor Supply Company in Batavia during the store's vaccine clinic.
The raffle features donations from local businesses, including a Yeti cooler from Batavia Tractor Supply and a $20 gift card from Stan’s Harley Davidson. Proceeds from the raffle will help cover veterinary bills for Rottweilers and Pitbulls battling cancer.
In addition to the raffle, Vanessa and Lola’s Legacy will collect food donations for cats and dogs to support homeless individuals in collaboration with Independent Living. Donors who bring a bag of pet food will receive five raffle tickets.
Raffle ticket prices are as follows:
2 tickets for $5
5 tickets for $10
12 tickets for $20
Payment can be made via Venmo at @VLLegacy or PayPal at @VanessaLolasLegacy.
Organizers encourage community members to participate in this fundraising event to support local pets in need.
Grandview Cemetery is holding its 2024 Annual Holiday Wreath Sale. Wreaths are approximately 24 inches and it includes a red bow, berries, and pine cones.
These wreaths can be for your door or for the grave of a loved one. Pick-up dates are Saturday, November 23, and Monday, November 25 at the Cemetery Maintenance Garage from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Cost of the wreaths is $27 each. To order please call Joyce at (585)343-0877 or the Office at (585)993-1317 by October 31st. All proceeds assist in the maintenance of our beautiful cemetery.
Photo of Double Class courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Driver Kyle Cummings was on point Saturday (October 5) night at Batavia Downs after winning both the $13,000 Open Handicap trot with Double Class and $13,000 Open Handicap pace PL Quarantine in convincing fashion.
First in the trot, Cummings took Double Class off the gate and trailed from fifth as Power And Grace (Drew Monti) led the field to the half in a tepid :58.4. But that tempo would soon pick up when Biscoe (Jim McNeight Jr.) came calling first-over with Double Class drafting one out and one back. These positions remained unchanged to three-quarters and around the last turn where Double Class tipped three-wide heading into the stretch and then trotted home alone while Cummings high-lined and broke the beam in 1:57.2.
It was the second win in the last three starts and eighth win overall this year for Double Class ($20.40) for owner/trainer Jim Clouser Jr.
Then in the pace Cummings took immediate control of the race with PL Quarantine, who led at every stage of the race. After setting quarters of :28.2, :57.4 and 1:26, PL Quarantine broke away by 2-½ lengths around the last turn and then bolted home on top by three in 1:53.3.
It was the seventh consecutive win for PL Quarantine ($3.60) who is owned by Jane Stanley and his trainer Joe Alba.
Cummings also won with Catch A Lefty A (1:57, $3.00) to complete his hat trick.
A notable win came in the $11,000 mid-level conditioned trot where the venerable trotter Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) employed one of his patented come-from-behind brushes to hit the line first in 1:59 and chalk-up the 65th win of his career. The now 10-year-old Lougazi ($35.20) has now earned $573,259 for his owner Mary Warriner and trainer Ryan Swift.
Mike Deters was the top conditioner on Saturday, sending two from his stable to the winner’s enclosure.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (October 9) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $1,940 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of PL Quarantine courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
The Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce the recently selected 20th Hall of Fame class. The 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees will be introduced at halftime of the Batavia vs Vertus Charter homecoming football game on Friday, October 18. Game time is at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, October 19 the committee will host the Hall of Fame Dinner at the Batavia Downs Banquet Facility. A social hour will begin at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6 p.m. and the ceremony immediately following dinner.
The 2024 Inductees are:
Peter Arras
1957 Football, Basketball, Baseball (Contributor)
Tony Kasmarek
1960 Football, Wrestling, Baseball
George Galliford
1961 Athlete: Cross Country, Wrestling, Track & Field
If community members would like to attend the event, they can purchase Hall of Fame tickets in the Athletic Office at Batavia High School or send a check payable to The Batavia Coaches Association at the address above. The cost of the Hall of Fame tickets is $40 per adult and $20 for children under 10.
Tickets must be purchased by Friday, October 11. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Athletic Director’s office, (585) 343-2480 x: 2003.
Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM) (“GHM” or “the Company”), a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission-critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy and process industries, today announced its participation in Noble Capital Markets’ C-Suite Interview Series, presented by Channelchek.
In this exclusive interview, Graham Corporation's Chief Executive Officer, Daniel J. Thoren, andChief Financial Officer, Christopher J. Thome, sit down with Noble Capital Markets Research Analyst Joe Gomes to provide insights into the Company’s ongoing strategic transformation and growth outlook.
HomeCare & Hospice proudly serves Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee, and Wyoming counties is offering presentations about the services they provide.
HomeCare & Hospice is a licensed home care program allowing patients with short-term needs or chronic conditions to remain safely in their own homes. Hospice and palliative care programs, also available through HCH, are a multi-disciplinary approach to end-of-life care providing physician oversight, nurses, social work, spiritual care, aides, and volunteers to ensure patients and their caregivers’ needs are met wherever they call home.
“Something we hear often is ‘we wish we would have called you sooner’”, said Nikki Wiseman, Chief Nursing Officer at HomeCare & Hospice in Allegany. “We want the communities we serve to understand and know that they have options when it comes to end-of-life care and we look forward to providing more information to local organizations.”
To schedule a presentation at your organization, please contact Nikki Wiseman, HomeCare & Hospice Chief Nursing Officer, at 716-372-2106 or visit www.homecare-hospice.org for more information.
The City of Batavia Fire Department is sponsoring the 11th annual Fire Prevention Week Coloring Contest. This is a coloring contest open to students from grades Kindergarten- Fifth Grade. “Our hope is to get the children to discuss safety with their teachers, other students and parents/guardians.”
Information has been distributed to City schools, but we wanted to include any home schooled children in the City of Batavia School district as well. Copies of the official coloring page and contest rules are available at City of Batavia Fire Department, 18 Evans Street or by contacting Lieutenant Bob Tedford at rtedford@batavianewyork.com. We encourage all eligible students to participate.
The 2024 Fire Prevention Week (October 6-12) theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” Additional information can be found at the Fire Prevention Week website www.FPW.org.
Smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, but they have to be working in order to protect people, “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign drives home just how important it is to install, test, and maintain smoke alarms to ensure they’re working properly.”
Any posters wishing to be entered need to be at the Fire Station located at 18 Evans Street in Batavia no later than Tuesday, October 15 at 4 p.m.
Judging of the posters will take place October 13-17. The winner of each group will receive a ride to school on a City Fire Engine, and be invited to a special awards luncheon with their family held at the fire station. Second and third place finishers in each group will also be invited to the fire station awards luncheon.
The UR Medicine Mobile Mammography Van will be providing breast screenings at Batavia Downs.
The van will be available on October 23 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in the parking lot at Batavia Downs.
This service offers advanced 3D mammography screenings targeting women aged 40 and older. It's an easy, quick process that provides the same quality of care as an in-office visit.
To schedule an appointment, call 1-844-870-0002 or email mammovan@urmc.rochester.edu. You can also visit their website at mammovan.urmc.edu for more information.
Marlarie Joanne Smart, 37, of Pembroke, and Melani Lynn Maloney, 43, of Pembroke, are both charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Smart and Maloney, sisters, are accused of working together to steal $112.90 in merchandise from Walmart by "skip scanning" while checking out. Both were issued appearance tickets.
Joni Marie Johnson, 49, of Millicent Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with resisting arrest and petit larceny. Johnson is accused of stealing merchandise from Dick's Sporting Goods at 6:20 p.m. on Oct. 4. She was held pending arraignment.
Timothy Dennis Clark, 54, of Charwood Circle, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Clark is accused of working with another person to steal merchandise from Dollar General on Townline Road, Byron at 9:26 p.m. on Sept. 30. Also charged, Ryan Michael Bobzin, 35, of West Bergen Road, Bergen.
Oliver Thomas, 33, of Elba, is charged with DWI, driving on a restricted license, following too close, and consumption of alcohol in motor vehicle. Thomas was stopped at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 2 on Route 63 in Batavia by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell.
Edward Micahel Gorski, 42, of Genesee Street, Pembroke, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Gorski is accused of violating a stay-away order by going to the protected party's residence in Pembroke at 6:21 p.m. on Oct. 3.
John Robert Kormos, 55, of Parma, Ohio, is charged with DWI, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, and moving from lane unsafely. Kormos was stopped at 9:24 p.m. on Oct. 5 on Oak Orchard Road, Elba, by Deputy Zachary Hoy.
Morris Marquis Taylor, 34, West Barre Road, Albion, is charged with felony DWI, speeding, and drinking alcohol or using cannabis in a motor vehicle. Taylor was topped at 2:34 a.m. on Oct. 6 on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Jacob Kipler. He was held pending arraignment.
The Batavia Boys Varsity Soccer team triumphed over Midlakes/Red Jacket with a decisive 7-1 victory on Saturday evening at Van Detta Stadium.
This match was part of Batavia's Super Soccer Saturday event, which featured boys and girls JV and Varsity games, an alumni match, and senior recognition.
The standout performance was particularly meaningful as all five senior players—Jeremiah Childs (#15), Will Fulton (#6), Trevor Tryon (#8), Gavynn Trippany (#3), and Matt Wittmeyer (#7)—each scored. Additionally, Troy Hawley (#5) contributed a goal and assists came from Devin Hughes (#20), Trey Tryon (#16), and Troy Hawley (#5).
Every year the City of Batavia Fire Department spreads the word in town, and throughout our schools and community about fire prevention.
Fire Prevention week is observed each year during the week of October 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871. This horrific fire killed more than 250 people and destroyed more than 17,400 structures leaving more than 100,000 people homeless.
This year the City of Batavia Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — The official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Smoke alarms: make them work for you”.
This year’s focus on working smoke alarms comes in response to NFPA data, which shows that the majority of U.S. home fire deaths continue to occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
Smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, but they have to be working in order to deliver the needed protection. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign reinforces the critical importance of smoke alarms and what’s needed to install, test, and maintain them properly.
Having working smoke alarms in the home reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent).
However, roughly three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.
People tend to remove smoke alarm batteries or dismantle them altogether when they don’t know how to fix the issue. These actions put them at serious risk in the event of a home fire.
The City of Batavia Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme. “Smoke alarms: make them work for you”.
The City of Batavia Fire Department wants to share the following safety messages that support this year’s theme:
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or don’t respond when tested.
For City residents: to setup an appointment to install a free smoke detector or battery please contact Fire Headquarters at 585-345-6375.
To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” visit fpw.org. Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for children, caregivers, and educators can be found at sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org.
The City of Batavia Fire Department is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week; including stops at Batavia schools, housing units, and the library.
Crossroads House is pleased to announce the appointment of Marilyn Almeter-Milbrand, MS, BSN, RN, as the new Director of Resident Care.
Marilyn brings with her more than 30 years of extensive experience in nursing, management, and healthcare leadership, making her a vital asset to our comfort care home.
With a Master of Science in Management and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Keuka College, as well as an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Genesee Community College, Marilyn’s educational foundation is complemented by a stellar career across various health sectors, including hospice care, acute care, and nursing management.
Professional Experience
Prior to joining Crossroads House, Marilyn served as Chief Executive Officer at Hospice of Orleans in 2023, where she provided compassionate leadership and operational oversight to hospice care services in Albion.
Marilyn's career also includes two decades at Rochester Regional Health – United Memorial Medical Center, where she held progressively responsible roles culminating in her position as Vice President of Nursing/Chief Nursing Officer from 2017 to 2019. During her tenure, she led various initiatives, such as:
Steering the nursing team toward achieving Baby Friendly status.
Leading the hospital’s initial Magnet Journey, a prestigious designation in nursing excellence.
Implementing a Nursing Investment Program to promote professional development and certifications among nurses.
Achieving recognition for Stroke Center of Excellence and Joint Center of Excellence certifications.
Marilyn’s earlier roles included serving as the Director of Professional Practice, overseeing nursing standards, quality control, regulatory compliance, and policy development. She also held nursing leadership positions at Medina Memorial Health Care System, where she excelled as a Nurse Manager in Intensive Care and the Emergency Department.
Leadership and Vision
Crossroads House Executive Director, Tracy Ford, expressed excitement about Marilyn's appointment, "Marilyn’s remarkable career and deep commitment to quality patient care make her the perfect fit for Crossroads House. She is taking on the role previously held by founder, Kathy Panepento. Her leadership will be pivotal as we continue to provide compassionate end-of-life care to our residents and their families."
A Commitment to Excellence in Care
Marilyn is a long-standing member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) and currently serves on the Genesee and Orleans County Health Department Quality Assurance Board. Her leadership will undoubtedly strengthen Crossroads House’s mission to offer compassionate, quality care for those nearing the end of life.
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce its next History Story Time. Since our last History Storytime last month, Anne Marie Starowitz will be back on October 26!
Starowitz will be doing the theme Halloween and Fall Treats from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to sign your kids or grandchildren up! It is sure to be spooktacular! Admission is $5 for non-members and $3 for members!
When Drew Monti won the first race at Batavia Downs on Friday (October 4) night with Heavens Fury (2:00.4, $5.10), he reached a major milestone by registering the 2,500th win of his career and he did it on his 30th birthday. The win was only the first of four that Monti had during the evening, putting an exclamation mark on his accomplishment. He also won with Hudsonandbernard (1:57.2, $9.90), I’m Already Gone (1:56.4, $6.10) and Seasiderocket (1:58.4, $7.20).
Monti started driving at New York fairs in 2012 at the age of 17 and won his very first start behind Super Grover at Waterloo, NY. A year later, he got his first pari-mutuel win at Batavia Downs in the fall of 2013 behind Right Back At You who was a heavy favorite at 1-9, and Monti has remained a favorite of trainers and bettors alike on several circuits ever since.
Although racing full time at Batavia Downs where he won the driving title in 2016 and 2018, Monti has also been a regular reinsman at Plainridge Park since 2019 where he has finished in the top five among that driver colony on four different occasions. Over the years, Monti has also competed at The Meadowlands, Yonkers, The Meadows, Woodbine-Mohawk Park, Northfield, The Red Mile and Buffalo.
For his career overall, Monti now has 2,503 wins, 2,393 seconds and 2,253 thirds from a total of 16,957 starts and just under $19.5 million in purses as a result.
Monti’s big night Friday also vaulted him into first place for wins at the current meet at Batavia, as he now sits on top of the list with 55 wins ahead of Kevin Cummings (53), Joe Chindano Jr. (53) and Dave McNeight III (52).
The one race Monti did not win was the $9,500 featured trot where Makes Me Charlie (Jim McNeight Jr.) grabbed the lead past the half and won boldly by 2-¾ lengths in 1:58.1. Makes Me Charlie ($2.90) is owned by Amy Butler and Margaret Butler, who also trains the winner.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (October 5) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $1,473 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Michael Marsh and David Hall, Edward Jones financial advisors in Batavia, invite the public to attend a holiday open house from 12 - 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 7 located at 7 Jackson Street.
"We are happy to be part of the Batavia community and would like to express our appreciation for the confidence and support we receive year-round," Hall said.
October 2023 File Photo of when Linda Borinquena opened inside The Crapshoot Kitchen & Commissary on Harvester Avenue in Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens
Harvester Center’s east side business incubator was bustling at one point about a year ago -- with three new food places, a children's entertainment venue and a community workout place -- marked now by vacancies.
Vianiliz “Vee” Echevarria Rivera and her mother, Elizabeth, had brought authentic Puerto Rican food to Batavia with Linda Borinqueña, which meant “a beautiful Puerto Rico,” a takeout restaurant, alongside entrepreneur Rob Credi’s Xavmen Ramen takeout place and adjacent to Windy Brew, a second location for the craft brewer based in Strykersville.
Linda Borinqueña and Xavmen Ramen were housed under the umbrella of The Crapshoot Kitchen & Commissary, a culinary space available for rent owned by Credi. Although all three places were as ideally situated as can be in that monstrous building — street level — one by one they each have closed, or are soon to be closing.
Credi owns the popular Pub Coffee Hub down on the north end of the street, and The Crapshoot Commissary, a space for rent by small food business owners looking to open a takeout restaurant and/or a food truck delivery or catering business, toward the south. He is also business manager for the future Shush Wine Bar LLC on Jackson Street in downtown Batavia.
Rivera took the opportunity to follow her dream for awhile with the Puerto Rican takeout place, and received rave reviews upon opening, she said, but eventually opted to close it down. Anyone who has ever owned and operated a food business will tell you that it becomes a 24/7 grind that requires staff, time and energy to maintain.
Although Windy Brew opened its doors in August 2023 with “pride and excitement about the future,” a more recent decision was made, the owners said on their social media site.
“While feedback and reviews from the community were strong from the start, it was a challenge to gain a foothold and draw in the volume of patronage that is necessary to sustain a business. That is why we have made the difficult decision to close Windy Brew Batavia. Our last day of operation will be October 13th,” the post stated.
Those three businesses, plus House of Bounce and The Brick, which each moved (The Brick is now Flex Space) to downtown locations this year, have left gaps at Harvester Center.
A Harvester tenant said that the site at 56 Harvester Ave. is also missing a property manager, since he is no longer serving in that position.
The YWCA of Genesee County is thrilled to announce the addition of four outstanding women to its Board of Directors, marking a full board of 13 members. Each of these new members brings a wealth of experience in empowering individuals and serving the community.
Georganne Elia, Board Chair, emphasized the significance of the new members’ backgrounds, "Each of these women brings a unique skill set rooted in empowering others and raising up those in need. From advocacy and justice to supporting vulnerable populations, their collective experience aligns perfectly with the YWCA’s mission. We are excited to have them join us as we continue making an impact in the community."
Diana Prinzi
Diana Prinzi, Program Coordinator for Genesee Justice, has an extensive background in law enforcement, victim advocacy, and working with diverse populations.
Prinzi expressed her enthusiasm for joining the board, stating, “With my background in law enforcement, victim advocacy, and diverse populations, I feel I can be a valuable asset to being a part of the solution. In my daily work, I strive to empower and strengthen women through obtaining justice. I welcome the opportunity to join this group and continue making a difference.”
Anneliese Aliasso
Anneliese Aliasso (Anni), who joined DelPlato Casey Law Firm in June, focuses on transactional real estate and estate planning. She is passionate about diversity certification applications, including the Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise Program, and is eager to contribute to the YWCA of Genesee County.
"I am deeply committed to giving back to the community and helping women in need. Joining the YWCA Board gives me the chance to extend my efforts to uplift and support women facing challenges. I look forward to making a meaningful impact," Aliasso said.
Marianne Lampart
Marianne Lampart (Mare), Vice President of Residential Services for Lifetime Assistance, Inc., has dedicated 27 years to supporting individuals through her work.
Lampart says, “The most rewarding part of my career is the amazing people we support daily. Supporting, encouraging, assisting, and loving these exceptional people is the reason why I started in this field. I will never forget why I am still here — it’s all about them.”
Mare’s dedication to supporting vulnerable populations emulates the YWCA’s vision and purpose, and her passion for advocacy will be an asset in advancing the organization's goals.
Sandy Wojtaszczyk
Sandy Wojtaszczyk, recently retired after 25 years in social services, spent the last 15 years as the supervisor of Child Protective Services. She brings extensive experience in child welfare and family advocacy to the YWCA board.
"Throughout my career, I've seen the impact that community support can have on individuals and families. I am deeply passionate about helping others and am committed to giving back to the community that has given so much to me. Joining the YWCA Board is an incredible opportunity to continue making a difference in people's lives," Wojtaszczyk said.
These four women complete a full board of directors for the YWCA of Genesee County, joining a dynamic leadership team that includes:
Georganne Elia, Board Chair, Community Integration Specialist for Lifetime Assistance, Inc.
Emily Marling, Vice President, Certified Financial Planner for Merrill Lynch
Lauren Casey, Treasurer, Financial Assistant for the Genesee County Economic Development Center
Dr. Emily Fraser-Branche, Pediatrician and Practice Owner for Three Little Birds Pediatrics
Cassandre DiPiazza, Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Veterans Health Administration
Laurie Pfaff, Senior Manager of Marketing Support for Liberty Pumps
Lisa Smith, Senior Employment and Training Counselor for Genesee County Job Development Bureau
Ashlee Reigle, Human Resources Manager for Liberty Pumps
Anita Strollo, Coordinator for Genesee County Business Education Alliance
"We are honored to welcome these talented women to our board," said Jamie Rada, Executive Director of YWCA of Genesee County. "Their dedication to empowering individuals and advocating for justice echoes our agencies purpose and mission. Their collective experience will help drive our organization forward in creating a stronger and more inclusive community."
For more information about the YWCA of Genesee County and its services, please visit www.ywcagenesee.org or contact us at 585-343-5808 or ywca@ywcagenesee.org.
Photo of Louie The Lilac courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Despite his current sharp racing form, Louie The Lilac was grossly overlooked at the windows and sent off at 21-1. However the punter’s snub didn’t faze “Louie” as she blew up the tote board after winning the $13,000 Open Handicap pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (October 2) evening.
Louie The Lilac (Shawn McDonough) got away fourth as Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings), It’s Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) and Oaxacan Dream N (Dave McNeight III) all left and paced three abreast around the first turn. As they headed up the backstretch, It’s Corona Time opted out to third while Oaxacan Dream N forged ahead for a long journey as Won Surreal Deal owned the lead at the pegs and wasn’t going to relent. These top two paced to the half in :55.1 before Oaxacan Dream N began to tire from the airing.
As the race approached five-eighths, Louie The Lilac tipped out from third and drew alongside It’s Corona Time as both were still chasing Won Surreal Deal heading to three-quarters. Won Surreal Deal opened up two lengths in the last turn, where Louie The Lilac pulled ahead of It’s Corona Time and then went back to the pylons. At the top of the stretch, McDonough dipped Louie The Lilac into the passing lane and bolted past the tiring Won Surreal Deal to win by a length in a season’s best, 1:54.1.
Louie The Lilac ($45.80) is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.
McDonough, Smith and Torcello also won the $11,000 with True That, who came from nowhere to swoop the group.
True That got away sixth while Shooting Brooke (Joe Chindano Jr.) marched off quarters of :27.3, :56.4 and 1:25.4. At that last station, Dark Eclipse N (Drew Monti) tipped from second to go after the leader and True That was still sixth and third-over in the outer flow. At the top of the stretch, Dark Eclipse N took the lead and looked like a winner. But True That came from the clouds, five wide in the middle of the track and zoomed by everyone to win at the line in 1:55.3.
It was the third win in a row for True That ($11.20).
Besides the two top paces, the owner/trainer combination of Torcello and Smith also lit up the board two other times on Wednesday, as their barn continues to be red hot. Joining their stablemates Louie The Lilac and True That in victory were Scenic Adventure (1:55.1, $3.60) and Stonebridge Hypnos (1:56, $3,50).
Drew Monti was a wizard at the reins on Wednesday, scoring a grand slam during the night, including a natural hat trick in races 12, 13 and 14. Monti won with Bet I’m Lucky (1:56, $17.60), Embrace The Rust (2:01.4, $8.70), Shake me Loose (1:57.1, $5.20) and the already mentioned Stonebridge Hypnos.
Monti now sits one win shy of career win 2,500, which he has an excellent chance of getting this Friday (October 4) when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs at 6 p.m. Friday will also feature a $1,115 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
