Photo: Snow in the cemetery
Yes, it is March 23 and yes, we have snow.
batavia
New Photography Business in Batavia
Despite the daily reminder of a cringing economy Ashley, 23, and Jeremy Hausfelder, 27, are a newly married couple who decided to put their fears aside and launch Bella Art Photography at 17 Vine Street, Batavia.
It was when the couple started planning their own wedding and looking for a photographer they were instantly attracted to photography.
"I became infatuated with finding the perfect photographer for our wedding." Ashley continued saying a a photographer was their biggest investment for the wedding.
"After all, your wedding day flies by fast and all you have left to remember it by are through your photographs," said Ashley.
Bella Art specializes in weddings, high school senior, and newborn photography. The couple opened their small in home studio officially this past January. They hope to expand the studio in the next couple years and currently travel to their clients choice of location with all their equipment and props.
With the natural fear of starting a business it was the fear of the unknown that weighed heavily over the couple.
Would the community be supportive and receptive to a new photography business? Will the finanical investment pay off in the end? These were just some of the questions lingering in their minds while going forth with Bella Art.
"However, no one can succeed if they never try and I know that we would have regretted not trying to create this business," said Ashley.
They invested thousands of dollars and countless hours of research to ensure they were doing things the right way.
"The majority of our time was put into researching everything from what equipment purchase, branding our "image", financing, etc," said Ashley. " It definitely isn't easy, but we really feel it's worth it."
Word of mouth from previous clients is keeping these two busy on the weekends and has already lead to weddings booked this summer.
"You would think that it would be stressful juggling our full time jobs and then working on our business part-time on the weekends, but it is extremely rewarding, " said Ashley. "It doesn't feel like work when it's something you love and enjoy doing."
Only a few months later from the official launch date and Bella Art has expanded its marketing.
"We are registered on several wedding websites, we just recently put an ad in the Penny Saver to recruit for senior reps, had a display in Key Bank here in Batavia, and we also use Facebook," said Ashley.
They chose the name Bella Art because they said it's exactly what they strive to produce every day, "beautiful art."
The couple said what makes this all worth it is capturing special candid moments and being able to freeze those emotions in time while being able to see a client's reactions when you show them their pictures.
Their advice for starting your own business, "Patience is a virtue. It's so importnant to do your research and have a plan in place before you jump right in. Most importantly though, love what you do."
Area high-school students show off talent in original printmaking show
Traditional printmaking is on display at the Senior Center on Bank Street through April 29.
The prints were created by high-school students from Batavia and Le Roy.
These aren't digital, computer-generated prints, but handcrafted original images using silkscreen, linoleum, wood block, collography and stencils to create new works of art.
Local teens display work in traditional printmaking
A Traditional Printmaking Show is on display at the Batavia gallery of the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!). It runs though April 29 and features pieces by 21 local artists.
The Batavia gallery is located inside the Genesee County Senior Center, 2 Bank St. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The printmaking show is the brainchild of AmeriCorps worker Joe Langen. Although digital (computer-generated) prints are fairly commonplace, this show celebrates the time-honored, hand-generated traditional printmaking process.
In photography, a print is considered a copy of a photographed image. In printmaking, prints are original images produced by applying layers of ink to a background, usually paper.
Silkscreen, linoleum, wood block, collography and stencils are perhaps the most common ways of producing prints. Other, more difficult methods include etching, lithography and engraving, to name a few.
Printmaking is a way for artists to share their vision of reality and fantasy. This exhibit gives you a chance to delight in the creativity of established artists and the new generation of gifted teens.
Just because the method is a traditional one, doesn’t mean the themes necessarily are. Lady Gaga, anyone? Please come and share enjoy this delightful variety of perspectives on life and nature.
Student artists whose works are on exhibit at the Batavia gallery are:
Le Roy High School -- Allison Weaver, Karl Graff, Kylan Carter, Rayleigh Staba, Sarah Ehrmentraut, Alexandrea Zoccali, Bobbi Welker, Maggie Kibler, Jonathan Dimick, Rachel Graham and Charlotte Carmel.
Batavia High School -- Rebecca Zinni, Maria Yefremenko, Jamie Whitmore, Annie Janofsky, Samantha Brenkus, Catie Boerschlein, Chelsea Anthony, Hayley Jensen, Bianca Grazioplene and Allison Bryant.
GO ART! exhibits are made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts. For more information, contact GO ART! at 343-9313, info@GOart.org or visit www.GOart.org.
Photo: Gulls landing on former Latina's building
Well, it looks like the fake angry owls and streamers aren't doing much to keep the gulls from the roof of the former Latina's building.
Photos: Mock trial, Notre Dame vs. Batavia
Batavia and Notre Dame students went head-to-head this evening at the Genesee County Court House in a mock trial competition that brought in teams from throughout the region.
This mock trial was presided over by Judge Robert C. Noonan.
No word on results yet.
Previously: Students compete in mock trials at Genesee County Court House
These photos are available for purchase by clicking here.
Above, Jake Krajawski, BHS, is questioned by a defense attorney. Second photo, Matt Sausner and Eric Lomonoco of Notre Dame.
From left, Sausner, Lomonoco and Megan Zickl.
More pictures after the jump:
Maura Chmielowiec, BHS
Megan Zickl
Rosie Mortellaro
Evan Sutherland
Judge Robert C. Noonan
Matt Sausner
Maura Chmielowiec, Evan Sutherland and Patrick Flynn
Brittany Perzia
Eric Lomonoco
Maura Chmielowiec
Jake Krajawski
Era Reda-Kendrick
Police Beat: Man accused of tampering with witnesses
Robert Thigpen, 35, of Patriots Landing, Rochester, is charged with two counts of tampering with a witness, 3rd, and criminal contempt, 1st. Thigpen was picked up by Batavia Police on a bench warrant and turned over to the Sheriff's Office. Thigpen was jailed pending a court appearance today. (For previous coverage of Thigpen, click here.)
Taylor Robert Benjamin, 18, of 139 Christina Drive, North Chili, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 5th, a misdemeanor. Benjamin was arrested by Le Roy police following a complaint of youths gathering under the pedestrian footbridge between Church and Mill streets. As an officer approached, he reportedly observed Benjamin lighting a glass pipe and inhaling the smoke from it.
Ryan T. Daley, 28, of 57 Elizabeth Ave., Hamburg, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, refusal to take breath test and inadequate lights. Daley was stopped at 8:05 p.m. Thursday on East Main Street by Officer Thad Mart.
A 17-year-old resident of Mechanic Street, Elba, is charged with petit larceny. The youth is accused of stealing $42.81 in merchandise from Kmart on Saturday.
Justin Zane Baker, 22, of Webber Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Baker allegedly pushed a woman several times during a domestic dispute at 6:25 a.m., Sunday.
A 16-year-old resident of Angling Road, East Pembroke, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol while under 21 with intention to consume. The youth was arrested following a traffic stop at 7:48 p.m. Saturday on Angling Road by Deputy Patrick Reeves.
Eric Thomas Wolford, 18, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, possession of alcohol in a motor vehicle, endangering the welfare of a child and failure to yield right of way. Wolford was stopped 7:46 p.m., Saturday, on Angling Road, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.
Craig Edward Blake, 59, of Sliker Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, failure to keep right, unauthorized display of amber lights, refusal to take breath test. Blake was stopped at 12:23 a.m. Sunday on Park Road by Deputy Patrick Reeves.
Douglas Westley Green, 54, of Woodlands Way, Brockport, is charged with petit larceny. An investigation by Deputy Joseph Graff into thefts over a period of time at Stan's Harley Davidson led to the identification of Green as a suspect.
Melissa M. Lesage, 31, of 31 Buffalo St., Bergen, is charged with failure to appear in court as directed. Lesage was taken into custody by Rochester Police and turned over to Batavia Police on a warrant from 2007 for failure to appear as directed on an alleged traffic violation. Bail was set at $300.
Lamar Randall, 25, of 266 E. Park St., Albion, is charged with failure to appear in court. Randall was arrested on a bench warrant. Bail was set at $350.
Justin E. Cratsley, 22, of 115 State St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal contempt, 2nd. Cratsley is accused of harassing a person he is barred from contacting at the YMCA on Saturday.
Sabrina Zinni, 36, of 219 North Spruce St., Batavia, is accused of showing up for a court ordered work detail under the influence of alcohol. She was jailed on $1,000 bail.
Andrew Z. Perdock, 24, unknown address, is charged with petit larceny. Perdock is charged with petit larceny. Perdock was arrested by State Police at 12:53 p.m. Saturday and held on cash bail. No further details released.
Yolanda M. Skeet, 32, of 24 Allegheny Road, Corfu, is charged with felony DWI under Leandra's Law. Skeet was stopped for allegedly speeding on the Thruway by State Police. She allegedly had a 9-year-old child in her car and a BAC of .08 or greater. Skeet was jailed in Ontario County on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.
Ramparts drop championship game 3-0
Connecticut got a chip shot 40 seconds into the championship game in Portland, Maine, this afternoon and the Batavia Ramparts spent nearly all of three periods chasing the lead.
The Ramparts lost 3-0.
Goal two for Connecticut was a rebound off the goalie, said coach John Zola.
Goal three came on an empty net play at the end of the game.
"Everyone played their heart out," Zola said. "Both teams played very, very hard."
The coach said he doesn't believe a Batavia team has ever advanced as far as the Ramparts did this season. At the age level of the Ramparts, the northeast regional championship would have been as far as they could have advanced.
Wild out duel Blues to grab 'Batavia's Stanley Cup'
Shawn Beachy and Ken Beachy led the Beachy Cabinet Maker Wild to a 3-1 championship win over Genesee Orthopedic Blues on Sunday morning.
Both Beachys scored goals, with Shawn picking up two assists and his father Ken getting one.
Ryan DiFilippo also scored for the wild.
The Wild's third goal came with less than a minute into the game when the Blues emptied their goal to put an extra offensive player on the ice.
Dave Holtz, with no assist, scored the Blues only goal.
Blues goalie Jason Molino faced 27 shots and Wild goalie Scott Fauth faced 32.
Molino was named the game's 3rd star, Fauth, 2nd star and Ken Beachy was named MVP.
In the consolation game, Batavia Legal Printing Sharks beat the
Kelly's Holland Inn Stars 7-5.
For the Sharks, Jeff Reuter and Dan Hudson each scored three goals
and Andy Pfalzer had one.
For the Stars, Nick Bush, Dave Bogue, T.J. Peca, Nick Martell and Cal Rice scored one goal each.
Top photo, Ken Beachy hoists the championship trophy. Third photo, Wild goalie Scott Fauth snags a shot. Bottom photo, Ken and Shawn Beachy.
There are 21 photos with this post and an additional 40 or so available for purchase on our photo purchase page. BUY PHOTOS
More pictures after the jump:
Drug task force hauls in suspected heroin dealer in Batavia
A Batavia resident is in custody tonight after agents of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force allegedly found him in possession of numerous packages of heroin, some marijuana, packaging for narcotics, a gravity knife and $4,000 in cash.
A search warrant was executed Saturday afternoon on the residence and the car of Jarrett James Locicero, 21, of West Main Street.
The warrant was a culmination of an investigation into the sale and distribution of heroin in the Batavia area.
Locicero was located in his car on Clinton Street, Batavia, and stopped by members of the task force and uniformed deputies.
Investigators then searched his residence.
Locicero is charged with possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and misdemeanor counts of criminally possessing drug paraphernalia and criminal possession of a weapon as well as a violation of unlawful possession of marijuana.
Following arraignment in city court, Locicero was jailed without bail.
Photos: 2011 Batavia Jaycees Home Show at Batavia Downs
For the 38th time, the Batavia Jaycees are hosting its annual Home Show. This year, it is once again at Batavia Downs.
The show is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A couple dozen vendors are on hand to help owners explore options for home improvement.
Car crash with minor injuries on East Main Street, Batavia
A two-car motor-vehicle accident is reported in front of 596 East Main St. in the City of Batavia. Injuries are believed to be minor. It is blocking traffic.
Traffic is being rerouted.
City fire and Mercy medics are responding.
UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: One minor injury is reported. Medics told to respond non-emergency mode. The roadway is reopened and traffic is being directed.
Spaghetti Dinner
Saturday, April 9th serving 5-7 p.m.
Emmanuel Baptist Church, 190 Oak Street, Batavia
All you can eat spaghetti, homemade meatballs, salad, Italian bread, dessert and beverage
Adults-$8 Children under 10-$4
For reservations call 343-7278
Proceeds from the dinner go to fund B.A.S.I.C.-("Brothers And Sisters In Christ") the church youth group for their mission trip to Blue Knob, Pennsylvania in July.
Event Date and Time
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Three Federal Detention Facility employees accused of selling steroids
Three Erie County residents who worked at the Federal Detention Facility on Federal Drive in Batavia are being accused of selling anabolic steroids in violation of federal law.
It's not clear if the men were allegedly selling steroids at the facility or elsewhere.
UPDATE: The men are not accused of selling to prisoners.
Charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute anabolic steroids, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of anabolic steroids were Richard Eldridge, 35, of West Seneca, and Michael Trautmann, 48, of Cheektowaga.
Richard Lazzaro, 39, of Cheektowaga, is charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribuiton of anabolic steroids.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison or a fine of $500,000 or both.
Eldridge and Trautmann allegedly engaged in the sales and distribution from Oct. 13 to Nov. 30, 2010.
According to the indictment, they are suspected of distributing nandrolone deconoate, oxymetholone and oxandrolone.
Lazzaro is accused of distributing testosterone enathate, boldenone undecylenate, testosterone propionate and methandrostanolone in January.
Eldridge is an immigration enforcement agent with the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. Trautmann and Lazzaro were detention officers working as federal contract employees.
The indictment is the culmination of an investigation on the part of special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James H. Robertson and the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory Null.
Photos: St. Patrick's Day 2011 in Batavia
Good times once again in Downtown Batavia for St. Patrick's Day. I stopped by Center Street Smoke House -- where McMahon Dance School students performed traditional Irish dances -- and O'Lacy's, and then one more quick stop at Center Street on the way back to the office.
Prints of these pictures available for purchase by clicking here.
More pictures after the jump:
Clerk's Office working on ID program to benefit veterans
A program to benefit Genesee County's military veterans is in the works. It will computerize discharge papers filed with the Clerk's Office. It will also provide money-saving opportunities for veterans at participating businesses when they show their photo ID card.
Dubbed "Return the FAVOR" (Find & Assist Vets of Record), it began about two years ago in Putnam County and since then has been implemented in about a dozen counties statewide.
Currently, Genesee County stores the record of discharge papers, called Form DD-214, on paper only. Veterans voluntarily submit their DD-214 to the clerk of record in their community as a safeguard procedure so it can be replaced if need be or replicated.
In a few months, the paper trail comes to a virtual end and the data goes online.
"Paper is fragile," said Clerk Don Read.
Not mention inefficient and cumbersome to keep up to date. The county probably has about 30,000 gun permits archived since 1934 when permits were first issued. But how many are active, valid permits is unknown.
Those who have implemented "Return the FAVOR" rave about what a good idea it is, Read said.
David Bellavia -- a highly decorated combat veteran petitioning to run as an independent for Congress in New York's 26th District -- issued a press release today thanking Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul for bringing "Return the FAVOR" to that county.
He praised her leadership in the program, which he termed "an appreciated salute to veterans," adding that it should be a statewide standard.
(His kind words are perhaps notable because Hochul is widely regarded as the likely Democrat canidate in the 26th District and will be a Bellavia opponent if he makes the ballot. Bellavia recently launched a petition drive to get on the ballot.)
Read said his office looked into providing "Return the FAVOR" here last year but the cost was prohibitive. The computer software and plastic ID cards, etc., was estimated to cost $30,000 and that money was not in the budget.
But last fall, the county negotiated with a computer company which was contracted to begin computerizing records of pistol permits on Jan. 1. They found out the company could also do the veterans record/ID card program using the same tools employed for pistol permits at, according to Read, no additional cost.
"The first thing is to perfect the pistol-permit program," Read said, adding that his office is looking at a launch date of May 1 and the veterans program would begin sometime afterward.
"We are contacting officials and asking how they would like the (new) pistol permit to be formatted," Read said.
County Judge Robert C. Noonan heads up the Handgun and Pistol Permit Program. District Attorney Lawrence Friedman is also being consulted along with law enforcement.
"This will benefit the Sheriff's Office because deputies will be able to access the database on our Web site," Read said. "When they are going to an address, they can find out who has a pistol permit and what kind of weapons they have before they get there."
Regarding "Return the FAVOR," Read said they are communicating with other counties to possibly extend the discount benefits across county lines. For example, a veteran with an ID card from Genesee County could get a dinner deal at a participating restaurant in Erie or Wyoming County.
The estimated cost to the veteran applicant at the Clerk's Office would be a one-time fee in the $5 to $10 range.
Read said his office plans to work closely with the Chamber of Commerce and the Veterans Service Agency to get businesses to support the discounts-for-veterans program.
But since the Veterans Service Agency lost a full-time worker due to budget cuts, Read said he expects his office will have to do more of the "ground work."
Man accused of biting cop opts for jury trial on felony assault charge
A 25-year-old Batavia resident accused of biting a police sergeant will take his case to a jury.
Donald F. Stillwagon II, of 142 Pearl St., charged with a assault in the second degree, appeared in Genesee County Court today to either accept or reject a plea offer from District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.
The offer, six months "shock probation" -- a short time in jail followed by a term of probation. The alternative, if convicted by a jury, is a possible seven-year stint in state prison.
Judge Robert C. Noonan made it clear that after today there will be no chance for Stillwagon to accept a negotiated plea. Stillwagon said he understood that.
Stillwagon is accused of biting Sgt. John Peck, Batavia PD, in the arm after Peck arrived at his house in response to a domestic disturbance.
Reportedly, a male there was choking another person, which prompted the police response. The alleged incident occurred Oct. 1.
Peck sustained a minor injury and was treated and released at UMMC.
The trial date is April 18.
Police Beat: Accused of criminal contempt, suspect reportedly found hiding in basement
Joshua A. Harris, 21, no permanent address, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, criminal trespass, 2nd, harassment, 2nd, and two counts of criminal contempt, 2nd. Harris was wanted on several accusations of criminal contempt for allegedly failing to obey an order of protection. Harris was taken into custody by Officer Chris Camp at 5:50 p.m., Wednesday. Harris was reportedly found hiding in a basement at a residence on Oak Street.
Christopher W. Cummings, 31, of 21 Old Meadow Lane, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Cummings is accused of having physical contact with another person in a parking lot at 419 West Main St., at 12:35 p.m., Tuesday.
Deputy 'interferes' with driver's morning routine
A deputy called into dispatch this morning saying he was behind an erratic driver and was attempting to pull her over (I missed the location).
She wasn't stopping, so he flipped on his siren.
"She's continuing at a low rate of speed, but not stopping," he told dispatch.
Another unit started toward the area.
She finally pulled over.
After the traffic stop, one deputy told the other: "Apparently, you interfered with her routine. She was getting dressed and putting her make up on."
No word on what citation(s) might have been issued.
UPDATE 9:26 a.m.: At least one citation is being issued for an alleged violation of vehicle and traffic law section 1226: "No person shall operate a motor vehicle without having at least one hand or, in the case of a physically handicapped person, at least one prosthetic device or aid, on the steering mechanism at all times when the motor vehicle is in motion."
Thief and burglar admits to several crimes, gets seven years in jail
A 26-year-old former Batavia resident who was charged with multiple crimes in Genesee County over a 10-month span will spend nearly seven years in jail.
Brett Myers Blair, who has lived in Batavia and Bergen, admitted in January to a charge of burglary, 2nd, and agreed to cooperate with law enforcement in clearing several criminal investigations.
Besides the crimes investigators suspected Blair committed, Blair also admitted to several uncharged crimes.
Judge Robert C. Noonan said Blair coming clean on his criminal activity enabled him to arrive at a plea deal that substantially reduced the charges against him but did not warrant reducing the maximum sentenced available for burglary, 2nd.
Last week, Blair was sentenced on a felony charge in Monroe County to two to four years in state prison.
Blair will serve his seven year sentence on the Genesee County charge concurrently with the Monroe County conviction.
While in prison, Blair must pay more than $3,000 to four victims.
He will also undergo treatment for substance abuse.
"I realize there have been a lot of victims and I’ve changed a lot of lives as result of my actions and I’ll never be able to take that away, including from my mom and my son," Blair told Noonan.
"I'm truly sorry for the crimes I committed," Blair added. "When I'm using drugs, I'm a totally different person from the person I normally am. I got caught up in something I couldn't get out of. Now I can just make myself better with the time that I'm given."
Within Genesee County, Blair's apparent criminal activity goes back to at least March 2009 when he was accused of possessing hydrocodone following a traffic stop.
In early October, Blair was accused of trying to steal a 50-inch plasma TV from Kmart.
When Blair reached his plea agreement in January, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office released information on five other crimes Blair was accused of committing.
