batavia

When it comes to springtime fun in Batavia, everyone seems to be, ahem, hopping on board.

Batavia First Presbyterian Church recently announced its annual Easter egg hunt, brunch and visit from the Easter bunny beginning at 11 a.m. April 1 at 300 East Main St., Batavia.

And then, the church, led by Rev. Roula Alkhouri, and organizers of the Batavia Development Corporation Indoor Market, led by Director Tammy Hathaway, partnered to double the fun.

The market will be open with assorted vendors inside the City Centre concourse, plus there will be family-friendly activities such as face painting, a coloring contest, multiple games, and a bounce house.

The Easter Bunny is planning to look dapper and have pictures taken with visiting families, and perhaps also play some games. Easter Bunny fun begins at 11 a.m. at both venues and ends at 12:30 p.m.

Both sites will offer a passport for children to find specific Easter Bunny helpers to obtain stamps on their passports. Each stamp will earn the child an entry ticket for a chance to win an Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle shop gift certificate, Hathaway said.

Vendors are collaborating on a basket to raffle off during the event, and tickets and more details will be available that day at the market information table.

Pat Burk of Batavia Players, whose home theater is at City Centre, jumped on board as well. He said that he invited the Boy Scouts to participate and conduct their candy sale, and “I think we are doing popcorn and something else that day as well,” Burk said.

Add in some enthusiastic shoppers and energetic kids, and it’s “a recipe for a fantastically fun Saturday,” Hathaway said.

The indoor market’s hours are 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the downtown Batavia City Centre. 

File photo of the Easter Bunny during a past visit to Main Street, Batavia. 

You live and work and hope to be healthy enough to remain at home in those disputable golden years.

Yet, it far too often becomes a conundrum of finances if you’re not. How do you afford to hire a home health aide, and if you can, will there be one available?

New York State reportedly has the largest shortage of these aides in the country, and there’s been an ongoing battle of wages that’s not likely to go away. Yes, Gov. Kathy Hochul granted a much-needed $3 increase in last year’s budget in an effort to catch up with the flagging workers’ wages from a few stagnant years.

And in this year’s budget, advocates and agencies are rearing the bullhorns once again to appeal Hochul’s proposal to eventually prevent home health aides’ wages from ever exceeding a maximum, thereby remaining as a bottom minimum wage earner.

Hochul’s budget plan calls for the minimum wage, which is currently $14.20, to be indexed to inflation and capped at 3 percent annually. Home care advocates argue if the minimum wage reaches $18, direct care jobs would once again become low-wage positions and make it difficult for the state to attract new workers to the field. 

Issued from the New York Caring Majority: “As New York’s population ages and the home care worker shortage grows, Governor Hochul is throwing gasoline on a fire” the organization said in a statement. “This budget will ensure the state’s home care shortage will only deepen in the years to come.”

While that’s an umbrella agency for the state, the issue is not any less crucial right here in Genesee County. Office for the Aging Director Diana Fox has said previously that low wages and the demands of the job have meant waiting lists for her agency’s clients.

Home care workers perform a variety of tasks, including personal care such as bathing, assisting with toileting, dressing, food prep, some housekeeping, and maybe errands, it depends on the person’s needs, Fox said.

Those needs are only growing, she said.

“Fair pay for home care workers is a very important issue as the amount that workers currently make is not fair considering the responsibilities that they have and the vulnerable population they are assisting,” Fox said to The Batavian. “Locally, statewide and nationally, there are not enough home care workers to cover the demand. The Genesee County Office for the Aging provides casework staff that do assessments for people that utilize our services to determine if someone is eligible for such assistance, and we have a waitlist for home health workers.

“Given that, our aging population is continuing to increase. I don’t see the need likely to go down. I think that it takes special, committed people to do this kind of work, and while wages alone may not draw people to the field, it is important for people to have a livable wage and to be compensated in a way that supports them to stay in the field.”

And there’s the conundrum: A growing older population in need of care and the need for a larger workforce to care for them. A group of older adults visited Albany on Monday to deliver more than 8,000 letters demanding that the House and Senate reject the governor’s proposed budget and instead move to raise home care wages.

There was not a local contingent in Albany, but OFA has signed on to be part of advocacy efforts, Fox said. So there’s an avenue to help support the cause for aging.

There is also the other end of having to pay for workers, which becomes an issue of having enough personal savings or using insurance, if anything will even cover this need (many will not). And then build a network to find workers because they won’t just be waiting for you. This is not something to be left for those golden years, as decisions only become harder.

Often it will take a crisis to force the decision, and being proactive is really the better way to go. This reporter knows all about it, and the situation can be sad, scary, confusing, and even maddening at times. Prepare. Research. Get answers. Have a plan.

There are programs and resources available at OFA, YMCA GLOW, Richmond Memorial Library, AARP, Alzheimer’s Association, and your medical practitioner for maintaining one’s mental, financial and physical health.

For more information from OFA, call 585-343-1611.

File Photo of a senior home visit program through Genesee County OFA.

A suspect in a five-hour standoff at 46 Walnut St., Batavia, on Monday night,  is accused of taking a hostage and wielding a knife while barricading himself in an apartment he didn't live in.

Anthony Armstrong Jr., 34, of Rochester, is charged with burglary in the first degree, a Class B felony, unlawful imprisonment in the first degree, a Class E felony, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (a prior conviction) a Class D felony, menacing in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and three counts of criminal mischief in the fourth degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

The incident began at 5:08 p.m. with a hang-up 9-1-1 call.

When officers arrived at the location of the call, they learned Armstrong and a tenant in the complex were arguing and the tenant wanted Armstrong removed. While officers were interviewing the caller, Armstrong entered another apartment without permission of the resident and barricaded himself inside, holding the resident against the person's will. 

Armstong is accused of being armed with a knife. He reportedly made threats to harm himself and placed the victim in fear.

While inside, he allegedly damaged property and refused to allow the victim to call for help.

The Emergency Response Team and Crisis Negotiations Team were dispatched, and Sheriff's deputies responded to assist.

The New York State Police assisted, and the SWAT unit from Monroe County was requested to the scene.

An ERT member began making regular announcements over the unit's loudspeaker system, informing the suspect that he was under arrest and needed to exit the building with his hands in the air.

The victim managed to escape the apartment through an upstairs window and was helped to safety by officers.

Shortly after 10 p.m., officers were able to enter the apartment and take Armstrong into custody.

Armstrong was taken to a Mercy EMS ambulance and transported to UMMC for evaluation.  He was then taken into police custody and arraigned in City Court. He was ordered held in the Genesee County Jail.

A statement from police reads, "The City of Batavia Police Department wishes to thank the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Genesee County 911 Center, Mercy EMS, City of Batavia Fire Department, Monroe County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, Genesee County Office of Emergency Management and Genesee County Mental Health for their assistance in helping to bring this situation to a safe resolution."

Previously: ER Team on site issuing an arrest to person inside Batavia residence

An Emergency Response Team is on-site at a residence on Walnut Street in Batavia and has issued repeated warnings to an occupant that "you are under arrest."

"Exit the residence immediately," a member of the team said through a public address system around 8:40 p.m. Monday. 

The occupant cannot be seen inside the property.

Law Street and the roundabout are closed to traffic. 

UPDATE 10:26 p.m.: Press Release

Currently the City of Batavia  Police Department, along with other law enforcement agencies, are investigating an incident on Walnut Street that began at approximately 5 p.m.

Initial call to the Genesee County 911 Center was a 911 hang-up call. Upon investigation by our officer it was determined that a crime was in progress. Officers attempted to interview an individual, however the individual retreated into an apartment and barricaded themself inside. The individual was armed with a weapon at the time of contact.

At this time all tenants of the apartment house have been evacuated and there is no threat to the general public. Officers are actively trying to negotiate with the individual to get them to surrender peacefully. All residents in the area are asked to remain indoors until the incident is resolved.

Further information will be released when the incident is brought to a resolution.

UPDATE 10:28 p.m.: Suspect is in custody and being treated in an ambulance on site. 

UPDATE 10:35 p.m.: Press Release

 At approximately 10 p.m. a male suspect was taken into custody.  The investigation is ongoing and the Batavia Police Department will release more information as it becomes available.

UPDATE 12:10 a.m. (By Howard Owens): Shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday, police were dispatched to 46 Walnut St., Batavia, following a 9-1-1 hang up call. The first officers on the scene determined a possible crime was in progress. Officers attempted to interview an individual at the address. The individual retreated into a second-floor apartment and barricaded himself or herself inside.  Police report the individual was armed with an unspecified weapon.  All of the tenants of the complex were evacuated.  Police stated during the incident that there was no threat to the general public. Officers attempted to negotiate with the individual.  The Emergency Response Team was dispatched. Batavia PD also deployed its MRAP. Eventually, the Monroe County SWAT unit also arrived on scene with two armored vehicles. Genesee County Emergency Management responded with its command unit. Emergency Management deployed its drone over the scene. A K-9 was also observed at the scene. Negotiators from Batavia PD and the Sheriff's Officer were on scene. At about 10 p.m., the subject was taken into custody. The process by which he was taken into custody is not known at this time and was not visible to a reporter observing the scene. The charges against the individual, if any, have not been released at this time.  After the subject was in custody, he was placed in a Mercy EMS ambulance for evaluation.  It's unknown if the subject was taken to a hospital.

The Batavian's exclusive photos from the scene by Howard Owens.  The photos show the SWAT team from Monroe County outside 46 Walnut St., Batavia.

Press Release:

The Genesee County 4-H Dairy Club was well-represented at the Finger Lakes Region 4-H Dairy Bowl Contest on Saturday, March 18 in Jordan Hall in Geneva. 4-H youth from across the Finger Lakes region competed in the event. Dairy Bowl is a Jeopardy-style competition that tests participants knowledge of dairy cattle facts, including breeds, equipment, nutrition and more. Top placing participants will have the opportunity to represent the region at the state level contest later this year. 

Dairy Bowl Results:

• 3rd Place Beginner Team: Gia Zuber, Lilia Buckenmeyer, Veronica Wolcott and Lucy Kimball.
• 3rd Place Junior Team: Owen Kimball, Tate Zuber and Annalise Sybertz.
• 2nd Place Beginner Individual: Veronica Wolcott

The Genesee County 4-H Program is a youth development program for youth ages 5-18.  New 4-H youth members, adult volunteers and clubs are always welcome to join.  For information about how to join the Genesee County 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040 ext. 101.  Enrollment information is also available on our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu

Submitted Photo of Genesee County 4-H Dairy Bowl participants, from left, Gia Zuber, Owen Kimball, Lilia Buckenmeyer, Tate Zuber, Lucy Kimball, Annalise Sybertz, and Veronica Wolcott.

A sports memorabilia show held once a month at Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia continues to grow, said co-founder Norm Pimm at Sunday's show.

All 70 available vendor tables today were filled, and two hours into the six-hour event, Pimm estimated attendance already exceeded 1,000.

"We already have our April and May dates already booked," Pimm said. "So until they start the renovation of the hotel, we're gonna be here, and then hopefully they can squeeze us in and during the renovation, or we'll be back after."

The idea for the show started with a conversation between Pimm and Jen Oberlis, who owns a sports collectibles store in Spencerport.  Oberlis thought there might be a market for a collectibles show in Batavia, halfway between Buffalo and Rochester.

A lifelong collector who had been going to collectible shows for a while, Pimm introduced his son Brendan to the hobby.

"A couple of years ago, he got into collecting sports cards, and we would work together on it," Pimm said. "I was like, 'oh, let's get him into doing what I would do when I was his age, and he could make a bit of money for college or whatever he wants to do. So we started doing some shows and then decided to have one set in Batavia."

If the event keeps growing -- this was its fifth month -- the way it has been, Pimm anticipates expanding into an adjoining conference room at the hotel, which would mean the addition of up to 100 more vendors.

Photos by Howard Owens

Press release:

Rochester Regional Health‘s United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) achieved Magnet recognition in March, a reflection of its nursing professionalism, teamwork and superiority in patient care. The Magnet Recognition Program® from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence.

Just 595 U.S. healthcare organizations out of over 6,000 U.S. hospitals have achieved Magnet recognition.  UMMC now joins other RRH hospitals that have a proud history of Magnet achievement, including Rochester General, Unity, Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic and Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, and our Primary Care and Ambulatory Specialty Institute (PCASI), which was the first primary care organization in the nation to achieve this prestigious designation.

“Magnet recognition provides our community with the ultimate benchmark to measure the quality of patient care,” said Sheri Faggiano, Chief Nursing Officer for United Memorial Medical Center. “Achieving Magnet recognition reinforces the culture of excellence that is a cornerstone of how we serve our community. It’s also tangible evidence of our nurses’ commitment to providing the very best care to our patients.”

Research demonstrates that Magnet recognition provides specific benefits to healthcare organizations and their communities, such as:

• Higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication, availability of help and receipt of discharge information.
• Lower risk of 30-day mortality and lower failure to rescue rates.
• Higher job satisfaction among nurses.
• Lower nurse reports of intentions to leave their positions.

Magnet recognition is the gold standard for nursing excellence and is a factor when the public judges healthcare organizations. U.S. News & World Report’s annual showcase of “America’s Best Hospitals” includes Magnet recognition in its ranking criteria for quality of inpatient care.

The Magnet Model provides a framework for nursing practice, research, and measurement of outcomes. Through this framework, ANCC evaluates applicants across a number of components and dimensions to gauge an organization’s nursing excellence.

The foundation of this model comprises various elements deemed essential to delivering superior patient care. These include the quality of nursing leadership, coordination and collaboration across specialties, as well as processes for measuring and improving the quality and delivery of care.

To achieve Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. This process includes an electronic application, written patient care documentation, an on-site visit, and a review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.

Photos via UMMC

The initial report was for involving a room and its contents.

The fire has reportedly spread into the attic.

All occupants are reported to be out of the house.

City Fire responding.  The second and fourth platoons have been recalled.

UPDATE 3:10 a.m.: Fire knocked down, checking for extension.

UPDATE 3:37 a.m. by Joanne Beck: The cause is reportedly unknown at this time, but the fire is believed to have originated outside of the house. The cause is under investigation.

UPDATE 3:53 a.m. (by Howard): National Grid requested to the scene.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Press release:

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers will host the 102nd “Great Batavia Train Show & Sale” along with the “Batavia Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet” on Sunday, March 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Richard C. Call Arena, Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia.

Admission: $6 (Adults), $3 (under 18 yrs.), Free (under 13 yrs.)

The popular train show typically attracts 1,200 to 1,500 model railroad enthusiasts and railfans from across Western and Central NY, Northwestern Pennsylvania, and Southern Ontario. There are over 100 vendors occupying 250 tables offering merchandise ranging from antique railroad artifacts to the most modern digitally controlled model trains.

The GSME began hosting Train Shows in the early 70s at the Holland Land Office Museum. The bi-annual show has steadily grown to become one of the premiere events of its kind in Western New York.

The train club hosts two shows each year, a Spring show and a Fall show. A free Open House is held, typically, on the first Saturday of December at the Club’s facilities in Oakfield, where club members maintain operating layouts in O Gauge (Lionel), HO & N scale.

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers is located at 50 Main Street (Rte. 63), Oakfield, N.Y. (above the M&T Bank) and is open Tuesdays from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Business meetings are held the last Tuesday of each month. Visit www.gsme.org. Like us on Facebook. Visitors welcomed. (Stair access only.)

File photo by Howard Owens.

Cambria Orbaker, 10, of Pavilion, and Audryana Schulman, 6, of Batavia, had fun seeing the Easter Bunny at Oliver's Candies on Saturday in Batavia, along with visiting the petting zoo.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Noah Logsdon, 2 1/2, of Batavia, enjoyed feeding the animals in the petting zoo.

Hazel is a baby kangaroo.

We all know -- or should -- that Sherman burned Atlanta, but like all historical characters who have become more myth than human, there is more to General William Tecumseh Sherman than his march to the sea during the Civil War.

The Ohio native was an intellectual, insightful man with a keen understanding of human character, said Derek Maxfield, a GCC history teacher who has written a 160-page biography of Sherman.

GO ART! hosted a reception on Friday evening to celebrate the release of "Man of Fire," published by Savas Beatie as part of the Emerging Civil War Series. 

"Somebody like Sherman is a lot more complex than what popular culture makes him out to be, and that was part of one of the reasons I wanted to write this book," Maxfield said. "Here's a character who is not that simple."

In popular culture, Sherman is remembered for burning nearly all of Atlanta to the ground on Nov. 15, 1864, largely because of Gone with the Wind. From Atlanta, Sherman marched his Union soldiers to Savannah (the March to the Sea) as they destroyed everything in their path.

"I think one of the tasks of a good biographer is to make somebody more human, make them more easily understood," Maxfield said.

It as tough, Maxfield said, capturing somebody as complex as Sherman in 40,000 words, but he thinks he's produced the best short biography yet of the Union general.

This is the first biography written by Maxfield but his second book.  Previously, he wrote "Hellmira: The Union's Most Infamous Civil War Prison."

Among Sherman's more positive traits, Maxfield said, was his intellectual strength.

"He used to love to quote Shakespeare, so he was very literate, and I think that part of him is lost," Maxfield said. "He is known as this arsonist and barbarian, at least to the South, and even some of his partisans want to remember him that way. I think it does him a disservice because he's probably the most intellectual of all of the generals in the Union Army.

"I also think that he had a deeper understanding of people than many in the administration, perhaps save Lincoln. I think that, ultimately, that understanding of human nature is one of the keys to the Union victory because he could understand how to break the will of the Confederacy and end the war sooner."

The most unredeemable aspect of Sherman's life, Maxfield said, came after the Civil War.

"I think you have to be careful judging people of another time and place by 21st-Century values, but the thing that punches me in the gut is he's the author of a federal policy in the late 19th Century to kill the buffalo in order to subdue the Plains Indians," Maxfield said. "That's the one that I find the most unredeeming."

The book, Maxfield hopes, will find an audience among people with an emerging interest in the Civil War while also appealing to people who have already read a good deal about the war between the states.

"I always envisioned it as a general audience book for somebody who might not even know a lot about the Civil War," Maxfield said. "I was aiming kind of broadly, but certainly anybody who has an interest in the Civil War, I would hope that they would find this of value."

For more about the book, click here.

Photos by Howard Owens. First and second photos, Derek Maxfield.

Tracy Ford, actor and teacher, dressed above as Sherman, wrote an essay published at the end of the book entitled "Becoming Sherman."  He's signing a copy for fellow actor Daniel Snyder, who played Arthur Brisbane in the one-act play written and produced by Derek Maxfield, Brothers at Odds: The Brisbane Story

The 4th Annual Musicians of Note celebrates five inductees to the Class of 2023

Last evening at Batavia High School, the fourth annual “Musicians of Note” paid tribute to honorees of the Class of 2023.

This year’s honorees were:

• Diana Dipson Class of 1929, 1911-1997
• Melanie  “Melzie” Lakin Case, Class of 2012
• Deanna Spiotta, Class of 2005
• Brian Fontaine-Isaac, Class of 2001
• Gloria McLauglin, retired music teacher, 1970-1989

The 2022 Musicians of Note honoree Mark Hoerbelt was recognized last evening, as he was unable to attend last year.

Each candidate was recognized for their music successes in high school, college and post-education studies by a tribute video narrated by the Master of Ceremonies Paul Spiotta.  Some of the candidates each performed on stage with their music of choice, accompanied by students and staff.

The school district honored two very dear colleagues and supporters of the Batavia Music Department.

First was James Owen, son of Frank E. Owen, a strong supporter of the music department at BHS.  He contributed scholarships, served on the Committee of Musicians of Note and was praised for his kindness, generosity, passion and sense of humor.

Second was previous BHS band director, 2001 Musicians of Note honoree, Ken Hay, who taught many students at BHS and made a strong impact for 20 years.  He was remembered by many for his inspiration, talent and nurturing of the students he taught.

Superintendent Jason Smith spoke highly and dearly of both Jim Owen and Ken Hay, who recently passed away in his opening remarks along with congratulating the Class of 2023 inductees, ending with a quote from Jimi Hendrix, “Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.”

The Musician of Note Committee is accepting nominations for next year's honorees though October. You may find the application for the Musician of Note on BCSD Website or email JHaggett@bataviacsd.org to have one emailed to you personally for future nominations or click here.

The above photo is provided. Pictured left to right, Gloria McLauglin, Mark Hoerbelt ( Class of 2022 inductee ) Deanna Spiotta, Brian Fontaine-Isaac, Melanie Lakin Case “Melzie”, not pictured Diana Dipson.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Pictured left to right, Jane Haggett-Paladino Music Department Chairperson, Jason Smith BCSD Superintendent, Paul Kesler, BHS Principal, Melzie Case, Class of 2023 Inductee

Melanie "Melzie" Case, Class of 2012

Deanna Spiotta, Class of 2005

Brian Fontaine-Isaac, Class of 2001

Gloria McLaughlin - Retired Music Teacher 1970-1989

Mark Hoerbelt - 2022 Musicians of Note Inductee

A 68-year-old Batavia woman who was active in the community as a volunteer and advocate was killed Friday evening on Route 5 in the Town of Batavia after her westbound 2021 Hyundai suburban crossed the double-yellow line and struck two-oncoming vehicles.

Mary Ellen Wilber was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Karen Lang.

"She loved this community," Paula Savage told The Batavian on Saturday morning. "She was involved in so many organizations."

The accident, in the area of 3833 West Main Street Road,  is under investigation by the Sheriff's Office.

Wilber's vehicle struck a 2014 Ford F-350 and a 2015 Jeep Cherokee, which were both eastbound at about 6:36 p.m.  The driver of the F-350 was uninjured. The driver of the Jeep was transported to ECMC with lower body injuries.

Among the groups Wilber supported and participated in were the  Friends of The Batavia Peace Garden, the Business and Professional Women's Club. She was also an occasional public speaker at City Council meetings on issues that mattered to her.

Her brother, David J. Zanghi, was known as the "The Mayor of Southside."  He died in April 2020, the first local person to die as a result of contracting COVID-19.

Savage said whenever she needed anything, Wilber would rush to her side to help.  If a tour group showed up unexpectedly at the Peace Garden, Wilber arrived minutes later in costume to provide an orientation to the tourists.  

"She was one of the most giving, loving people I have ever met," Savage said. "It's a terrible loss for me."

Carol Grasso, who served alongside Wilber in community volunteer efforts, said she loved her family and her community.

"She was a great girl for the community," Grasso said. "She did everything. She was involved with everything. If anybody ever needed anything, she was there."

Savage said, "It's not only a loss for me. It's a loss for our community."

Top photo: File photo by Howard Owens from 2013 when the Peace Garden received an award from the Chamber of Commerce.  Mary Ellen Wilber is second from left, with Barb Toal, Carol Grasso, and Berneda Scoins.

It was showtime on Thursday at GO ART! for Brian Kemp and two other artists with new solo shows in one of Seymour Place's galleries.

While Kemp had won multiple local art competitions over the years, this is his first solo show.

Kemp describes his creative process as intuitive and almost childlike, and he takes found materials of wood and metal along with Duck cloth for painting to create unique and original pieces, all while listening to an assortment of tunes for inspiration.

"I love creating in this manner as it allows for unplanned expression," Kemp said. "It amazes me what comes out of my works as they develop."

Also opening on Thursday was a show by Bryan Wright. A Batavia resident, Wright is originally from Charleston.  As a child, he was drawn to the seaside and water, which remains an inspiration for his work in various mediums. 

The collection was inspired, he said, by countless hours spent digging and rummaging through the earth in search of unique rocks, shells, sand dollars, and even an occasional shark's tooth. 

"I truly enjoy working with my hands and find my training in graphic design and basic metal fabricating has proven to be practical when fixing things and effective when creating art with such rugged material," he said.

The two pieces below are by John Midla, who also has a new show at GO ART!

Photos by Jim Burns.

After multiple inquiries, The Batavian has learned that animal abuse charges against Cassandra Elmore have been resolved, and the dog she was accused of allowing to ingest narcotics has a new home.

Elmore had actually entered a guilty plea, as part of a plea agreement, to disorderly conduct on Feb. 2, a month before our last story on the case, but nobody associated with the case informed The Batavian of the plea when we inquired about the status of the case.

Oddey, Elmore's former French Bulldog, was adopted the same day as when the article ran, March 3, and The Batavian's inquiry to a member of Volunteers for Animals about the dog's status also went unanswered.

Elmore entered her plea and was granted a conditional discharge, meaning that if she avoids any further arrests and complies with court orders for the next year, her record on these charges will be sealed.

Elmore, 30, was arrested in July and had faced three counts of injuring an animal under New York Ag and Markets Law Section 353.  She reportedly took Oddey to veterinarians with apparent drug overdoses after the dog, according to police reports, licked up white powder from the kitchen floor.

Batavia PD is currently trying to locate Elmore, who has warrants out for her arrest after she was released from custody after being picked up on prior warrants, in order to go to a treatment facility. She reportedly never showed up at the facility.

The warrants are for charges that arose after her arrest on the animal charge.  She is facing ongoing criminal complaints on charges of obstruction of governmental administration 2nd, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, criminal possession of a weapon 4th, criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd, as well as failure to comply with a court-ordered program.

Bill and Michelle Snyder, owners of Windy Brew in Strykersville, are one step closer to opening a tavern and bar at 56 Harvester Center in Batavia.

City Council gave the business owners a nod of approval for a liquor license during this week’s conference session. Batavia Police had no objections, according to the city clerk-treasurer.

That being said, their plans are still on hold due to the permit process, and they are waiting to hear back from the city, Michelle said Wednesday.

Plans are to include live music and a tasting room for brews, including Windy Brew, made in Strykersville.

Press release:

Calling all green thumbs and community builders! Emmanuel Baptist Church is seeking volunteers to help build and farm our brand-new community garden in the field behind the church at 190 Oak Street in Batavia.

Our garden will feature 20 spacious 4x3 plots, which, once constructed and fenced, will be transformed into thriving vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens. We may add larger plots if there is a desire for them. But we can't do it alone - we need your help to build garden beds, plant seeds, tend to plants, and harvest the fruits of your labor. (Each person who signs up for a plot gets to plant, maintain and harvest from their own plot!) If you help build the garden, you get to farm a plot for free for a season. Otherwise they will be 20 dollars a plot.

Being a gardener at our community garden is more than just a chance to get your hands dirty. It's an opportunity to connect with fellow garden enthusiasts, learn new skills, and contribute to a project that will benefit the entire community.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, you can grow veggies or flowers and grow yourself as well! Our team will provide all the necessary tools and seeds. There will be water barrels with watering cans available as well. So if you're looking for a place to get your garden growing while enjoying the great outdoors, come join us at Emmanuel Baptist Church's Community Garden. Together, we can create something truly special.

There will be an informational meeting held Wednesday, March 29th at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 6 p.m. for those interested in helping or renting a plot. For more information or to volunteer, please call 585 343 4905 or email ebcbatavia@gmail.com. 

Submitted by Coach Nick Burk:

The Batavia Indoor Track Team competed at the Nike Nationals meet this past weekend in New York City at the Armory Track and Field and had many outstanding performances!

The Blue Devils' throwers were well represented at the national meet, with five athletes competing. 

Parker Kleinbach earned a second-place finish in the Weight Throw with a distance of 57' - 6.25" while Sheldon Siverling placed 16th (51' - 3.75") and Mathew Mcwethy placed 25th (48' - 4").  Sheldon also competed in the Shot Put and earned a ninth place finish as well with a distance of 50' - 1.25". Sheldon has thrown the Shot Put over 50' multiple times in the last four weeks, which is very impressive considering he is only a sophomore.

The Blue Devils had two girls qualify in the Weight Throw as well, with Ava Wierda medaling with a 4th place finish and a distance of 41' - 10" and Drew Stevens placing 22nd with a throw of 35' - 11.5".  Both of these ladies had over two foot personal best throws in this meet and definitely were excited about their performances.  

Once again, the Blue Devils have demonstrated that we are one of the premier teams for throwers in the State and have continued an impressive streak of fifteen years with State and National caliber throwers.  Coach Geiger does an amazing job in developing these athletes and has built a training structure that is second to none in our area for throws competitors.

Our Boys sprinters had a phenomenal showing at the Nike Nationals meet as well, with both our 4x200 and 4x400 Relays qualifying to compete.  The 4x200 with Fabian Vazquez, Aidan Anderson, Parris Price, and Cole Grazioplene finished in 13th place with a time of 1:34.20.   This was the second fastest time in program history and a very competitive race for these athletes.   Our 4x400 Relay, which was our last race, finished in fifth place, earning a medal with a time of 3:29.40.  This performance is a new school record, the first time we've had a team run under 3:30 in program history, and the fastest time of any team in Section V this season.  Relay members included Fabian Vazquez, Parris Price, Ryan Dillon, and Cole Grazioplene.  Finally, Fabian Vazquez was able to compete in the 60m Hurdles and add to his very impressive hurdle resume with a time of 8.84 and a 29th-place finish.

Our Girls were able to compete in multiple relays as well, with the Sprint Medley Relay (200m - 200m - 400m - 800m) earning a nineth place finish with a time of 4:25.07.  Relay members included Kylee Brenna (200m), Ava Anderson (200m), Abby Moore (400m), and Campbell Riley (800m).  This was a very competitive performance by these young ladies, three of whom return next season.  Our girls 4x800 had an incredible race running the 2nd fastest time in program history and only missing the school record by 1 second.  Nicole Doeringer, Jadyn Boyce, Izzy Scott, and Campbell Riley finished in 9th place with a time of 9:59.05.  All four of these young ladies ran very tough and were a great example of our Blue Devil pride during this meet!  

Not to be outdone, the Boys 4x800 Relay was able to have a similar bittersweet outcome with a phenomenal race as well.  Relay members included Cody Harloff, Donavin Solis, Noah Pickard, and Nate Canale.  These athletes earned a 17th-place finish in the boy's race in a time of 8:21.62 which is also only one second off the school record (from 1986) in this event.   The Blue Devils distance program led by Coaches Rich Boyce and William Buckenmeyer continues to have impressive results season after season.  Our distance athletes, time and again, display toughness and competitiveness, particularly in these big meets!

Mallory Boyce, our youngest team member competing at Nationals, was able to qualify in multiple events and had a fine showing as well.   She competed in the middle school Mile and 400m.  In the 400m she ran a new personal best time of 1:06.9 and placed 33rd.  In the Mile run, she had a time of 5:30.33 and placed 44th.  As an 8th grader, this was an outstanding opportunity to compete in a big showcase meet and gain valuable experience for the future.

Our biggest performance came from the mixed 4x400 Relay consisting of Ryan Dillon, Nicole Doeringer, Jadyn Boyce, and Nate Canale.  They ran a terrific race and competed in the top-seeded race finishing in 5th place with a time of 3:54.96.  This time established a new school record for this event but also earned these four athletes High School All-American Status for Track and Field. We are so proud to have had the opportunity to run in this race, and these athletes rose to the occasion.

Altogether, Batavia had 22 athletes compete at the Nike Nationals this season in a three-day competition with thousands of athletes from across the country.  This was a tremendous finish to our indoor season, which included two Sectional Championships, multiple qualifiers for the State Championships, and culminating with an unbelievable experience at Nationals in New York.  Congrats to all of the Blue Devils that participated during this incredible season!

Submitted photos.

Douglas M. Ashworth, 48, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with menacing. Ashworth is accused of pointing a rifle at two youths on Oct. 9 on Vine Street in Batavia and placing the individuals in reasonable fear of injury or death. He was arrested on Feb. 28 and issued an appearance ticket.

John J. Saddler, 35, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd, aggravated criminal contempt, grand larceny 4th, and petit larceny. Saddler is accused of entering the home of a person projected by a court order and stealing property, including an NYS benefits card and then using the card at a local business. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed until his next court appearance.

Sarah A. Malone, 40, of Graham Street, Batavia, is charged with theft of services and criminal impersonation 2nd. Malone is accused of dining at a restaurant in the City of Batavia on Feb. 21 and leaving without paying for her meal. Once located, Malone allegedly provided officers with a fake name and date of birth. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Ariel N. Pontillo, 32, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWAI drugs and failure to keep right. Pontillo was stopped by Officer Joseph Weglarski at Main and Court streets in the City of Batavia on Feb. 25.

Michael E. Wilson, 29, of East Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI and insufficient tail lamps. Wilson was stopped at 2:32 a.m. on Feb. 26 on East Main Street in Batavia by Officer Joseph Wglarski. Wilson was issued an appearance ticket.

Rebecca R. Fugate, 22, of Woodrow Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Fugate is accused of striking another resident of a residential care home in Batavia on Feb. 24. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Heather L. Armstrong, 46, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Armstrong was arrested on Feb. 28 following a report of a disturbance at a business in Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Brittany L. Hollaert, 26, of St Paul Street, Rochester, is charged with failure to appear. Hollaert is accused of failing to appear in court as ordered on charges of grand larceny 3rd, petit larceny, and criminal trespass charges. She was released on her own recognizance and admitted into a drug treatment facility. Her case will be transferred to SAFE Court.

Grant J. Fremstad, 22, of Ekern Street, Westby, Wis., is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, improper lane usage, and open container. Fremstad was stopped at 2:23 a.m. on March 5 on East Main Street by Officer Joseph Weglarski. Fremstad was released on an appearance ticket.

Demerio J Watts, 38, of Eggert Road, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right, and failure to signal. Watts was stopped at 1:18 a.m. on Ellicott Street in Batavia by Officer John Gombos. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Phillip D. Byford, 32, of Brockport Spencerport Road, Sweden, was arrested on City Court bench warrants. The first warrant for an alleged petit larceny on Jan. 24, 2020. He was issued an appearance ticket and allegedly failed to appear in court. The second warrant was for an alleged petit larceny also reported on Jan. 24, 2020. He is accused of failure to appear on an appearance ticket. The third warrant is for a charge of criminal trespass 2nd at a location on East Main Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and allegedly failed to appear.  He was arraigned in City Court and ordered to appear at a later date.

Myia N. Sobus, 19, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, and Timothy J Alis, 18, of Park Road, Batavia, are charged with petit larceny. Sobus and Alis are accused of filling a shopping cart at an undisclosed store (UPDATE: Through court records, The Batavian confirmed the location was Tops) in Batavia with $897 in merchandise and leaving the store without paying for the items. They were released on appearance tickets.

Shawn M. Sloan, 38) of Porter Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal trespass 2nd. Sloan is accused of entering an apartment on Bank Street, Batavia, on March 3, and stealing a kitchen utensil. Sloan was released on an appearance ticket.

Shannon B. Harder, 38, of Bowen Road, Attica, is charged with DWI, unsafe turn, speed in zone, and failure to keep right. Harder was stopped on Center Street, Batavia, on March 8, by Officer Sam Freeman. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Brian Eric Dagar, 37, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with petit larceny. Dager is accused of shoplifting at Walmart in Batavia on Feb. 26. Dagar was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released.

Evan Francis Maynard, 22, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Maynard is accused of shoplifting from Target in Batavia on March 2. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Jeanna Marie Hattaway, 36, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd. Hattaway was allegedly found in possession of multiple controlled substances during a traffic stop conducted by Sgt. Kyle Krzemien at 3:38 a.m. on March 3 on Lewiston Road, Batavia. She was released on an appearance ticket.

LeeAnna Krull, 53, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband 1st and promoting prison contraband 2nd. Krull was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance while inside the Genesee County Jail on March 1 at 4:07 p.m. She was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court and ordered held.

Beglervoic Denis Ikonic, 20, of East Ridge Road, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Ikonic is accused of shoplifting from DIck's Sporting Goods on March 5 at 4:30 p.m.  He was released.

Marie Tiffany Walter, 31, of Putnam Road, Bethany, is charged with petit larceny. Walter is accused of shoplifting from Walmart. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Zachary Austin Laird, 26, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, and criminal mischief. Laird is accused of damaging property at a location on Bethany Center Road at 8:15 p.m. on March 1. He allegedly left the scene and drove back while intoxicated. He was arrested by Deputy Nicholas Chmoun and Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush and was held in the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment.

Jeffrey M. Schneider, 44, of Alexander, is charged with DWI. Schneider was stopped by State Police at 7:50 p.m. on March 11 in the Town of Alexander. He was released to a third party.  No further information released.