Photo of It's Corona Time courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Indiana-campaigned but locally owned, It's Corona Time made her western New York debut one to remember as she mare-handled the competition while winning the $13,500 Open Handicap distaff pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Monday (Sept. 2) afternoon.
Leads changed a number of times after the start as It's Corona Time (Joe Chindano Jr.) and Arco N (Dave McNeight III) swapped the front. After they passed the :27.4 quarter, It's Corona Time finally settled on the point and really got down to business.
It's Corona Time paced to the half in :56.4 with a two-length lead that she extended to four by three-quarters. She continued to pull away around the last turn and was separated from the field by 5-½ lengths when they hit the straight. Heading down the lane, Chindano was in full recline as It's Corona Time bolted home wrapped-up and stopped the clock in 1:54.2.
A 4-year-old daughter of the former Batavia Downs all-time pacing track record holder Aracache Hanover, It's Corona Time ($2.30) is owned by Bill Switala and James Martin (who also bred the mare) and trained by Maggie Chindano.
Joe Chindano Jr. ended the day with three driving wins.
In the undercard $11,500 upper-level conditioned pace for fillies and mares, despite being overlooked by the betting public after being off over a month, Dance Ticket (Kyle Swift) made quick and easy work of her seven foes after taking the lead and setting unchallenged fractions of :28.4, :59.1 and 1:28. Dance Ticket then rounded the last turn and darted for the line on top by 2-½ lengths in 1:57.2.
It was the third win in the last five starts and fifth win of the year for Dance Ticket ($20.80) who is owned by 716 Standardbreds and trained by Courtney Wright.
Dave McNeight III also had a driving hat trick on Monday while 11 different trainers each scored one win apiece.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 4) with post time at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,306 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race.
Photo of Topville Somebeach courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Just one week ago, Dave McNeight III had a brilliant night at Batavia Downs as he won five races on the card. On Saturday (Aug. 31), McNeight one-upped himself at The Downs as he won six races during the program and now sits a solid second for dash wins this meet.
“Triple Sticks” won with The Downtown Bus (1:55, $4.00), Lana’s Desire (1:55.2, $16.20), Daylight Rush (1:55.1, $9.10), American Rascal (1:55.2, $41.20), Remember The Beach (1:56.1, $6.80) and My Mind Is Made Up (1:55.2, $2.90).
Mcneight now has 27 wins and is second to Jim Morrill Jr. who tops the leaderboard with 31 wins after Saturday’s action. Also as a result of his big night, McNeight is now only four wins away from 1,700 lifetime.
Two races McNeight didn’t win on Saturday were the pair of $13,500 Opens that were both taken by gate to wire winners who each reached double-digit wins for the year.
Saratoga Raceway regular Topville Somebeach, traveled west on the 90 to compete at Batavia and didn’t have to worry about paying the toll to get home after he won the $13,500 Open Handicap pacing feature in the fastest overnight clocking of the season.
Jim Morrill Jr. sent the front-loving Topville Somebeach right to the point and rated a moderate half in :57.1. As they made their way into the clubhouse turn, Melanion N (Drew Monti) was rolling up the outside and got as far as the pocket-sitting Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) at the 1:24.3 three-quarters. Topville Somebeach took his 1-½ length lead into the final bend as Melanion N and Villiam continued to track from behind, but both had work to do. The chase continued into the stretch where Villiam got the closest before the line, but came up a half length short as Topville Somebeach won in 1:52.3.
It was the fifth win in a row and tenth of the year for Topville Somebeach ($6.70) who is owned by Stephen Picarazzi, Darryel Bullard and Bret Derue, who also trains the winner.
Then in the $13,500 Open Handicap trot, Power And Grace showed her speed and class and she dominated the field of seven male rivals.
Drew Monti put Power And Grace on the lead and then put the field to sleep with a :59.1 half. As the race made its way around the turn three, Monti hit the gas and Power And Grace started to pull away up the backstretch, opening up a 2-½ length lead at three-quarters. She continued to gap the field rounding the final bend and had a four length lead at the top of the stretch. Power And Grace turned for home all by herself and cruised to the line under no urging whatsoever to win in 1:56.3.
It was also the tenth win of the year for Power And Grace ($5.50), as well as her 66th career victory. Hartel Maintenance and Lormer McClure, Brett Macdonald and Reg Higgs own Power And Grace who is trained by Ronald Macdonald.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs with a special Labor Day matinee on Monday (Aug. 31) with post time at 1:15 p.m.
Photo of Lana’s Desire courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
As someone in recovery for more than four decades, Linda Ackley knows what those struggling with substance use are going through.
Now in her 22nd year at UConnectCare (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse), Ackley is a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor currently is serving as a “tech.”
A dedicated employee, her experience and compassion have made a difference in the lives of her clients at the agency’s Atwater Community Residence and Detox Center.
It was in her mid-20s when Ackley came to grips with her excessive drinking and -- leaning on what she calls “her higher power” -- found the strength to put those days behind her.
“I went back to school and got my diploma (she had dropped out after becoming pregnant at the age of 16),” she said. “Then, I went to Genesee Community College and got my associate’s degree in social work, and from there I went to Brockport and got my bachelor’s degree in mental health/social work.”
Since then, she obtained her master’s degree and has worked tirelessly to counsel and mentor people seeking to break free from the grip of substance use.
“When you’re trying to relate to young people who are in the program, it makes a big difference if you can tell them that you’ve been there; that you know what the heck they’re going through,” she said. “If they find out that your book smart, they’re going to give you a hard time. They’ll say, ‘You don’t know how I feel.’ Yeah, you do know how they feel when you’ve been there.”
Ackley’s work ethic has transferred to her daughter, Carrie Anne, who also works at UConnectCare. She also has a son, John, who lives in Genesee County. Her other son, Francis, died in 2001.
When not at work, Ackley and her longtime partner, John, rescue animals – primarily cats.
“We've been saving the animals for years,” she said. “That’s my big thing now. I’ve got 12 of my own after I fixed them and got them all sets, and four kittens that I’m fostering right now.”
Ackley said she is proud of her granddaughter, Julietta, who is enrolled at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs in pursuit of a PhD.
“I raised her, although not my blood, right along with my other grandchildren (after Francis died),” she said. “I’ve had her for 20 years and she’s doing great.”
Linda Ackley Submitted photo.
Ackley suffered a severe injury to her right arm years ago while working at Genesee County ARC (resulting in replacement of the bone from the shoulder to the elbow), but that hasn’t slowed her down. She also underwent heart surgery earlier this year.
“They put a watchman into my left valve,” she said, adding that she returned to her job several weeks later.
As far as working at UConnectCare is concerned, Ackley said “this place is just like family.”
“It’s a great place to work,” she added. “We all work together and do our best for our clients.”
She said she encourages those in recovery – young people who have come through UConnectCare – to pursue a career in substance use or mental health counseling.
“We had two people here that were in the program that I encouraged to get into recovery, and after that come back here to work,” she said. “Guess what? They’re back here working.”
The path to recovery begins with U. At UConnectCare, we want you to work with us. For more information on employment opportunities, go to www.uconnectcare.org.
Photo of Keeper Of Secrets courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
A pair of $10,000 conditioned trots topped the card at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 30) night and both winners were heavily backed at the windows.
In the first split, Keeper Of Secrets (Kyle Cummings) sat third behind the front-running BJ’s Smitty (Drew Monti) to the half in 1:00.1, where he made a first-over move heading into turn three. Keeper Of Secrets gained a narrow lead on the outside over BJ’s Smitty at three-quarters, who then fought back to the front at the top of the stretch. But when they turned for home, Keeper Of Secrets got back in gear and cleared the field by 1-¼ lengths to win in 1:59.
It was the second win in the last three starts for Keeper Of Secrets ($4.80) for owner Lawrence Barnett and trainer James Rothfuss.
Kyle Cummings ended the night with three driving wins.
Then in the second division, Curry Hanover (Kevin Cummings) took the lead from post one and was pressured on the outside by Jacked (Dave McNeight III) through quarters of :28.2, :57 and 1:27. As they trotted into the last turn, Jacked dropped out, leaving a clear path for the pocket-sitting Four Wheelin (Drew Monti) to make a dash. Four Wheelin closed all the way to the wire, but Curry Hanover was tough and hung on by a neck in 1:58.1.
It was the fifth win of the year for Curry Hanover ($4.70) who is owned by Franklin Meier and trained by Angelo Nappo.
Joe Chindano Jr. also scored a driving hat trick while trainers Marc Shuttleworth and Chris Petrelli each registered two wins apiece.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 31) at 6 p.m. and there are two carryovers of note. The Pick-5 in the first race has a $706 carryover and the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race will see the pool start with $1,154 on Saturday.
Photo of Curry Hanover courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Genesee and Wyoming County residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, September 14, at Centennial Park in Batavia. Registration opens at 10 a.m., with the Walk commencing at 11 a.m.
“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are now treatments that change the course of the disease,” says Kaitlyn Less, director of development for the Western New York Chapter. “We hope that everyone in the community can join us to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments and finally end this disease.”
Julia Rogers of Batavia has participated in the Genesee/Wyoming Walk for several years. “I Walk to honor those who live with this disease and in memory of those who passed away before a cure could be found,” she says. "It must be so scary for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Just for a moment imagine you can't come up with a close family member's or friend's name or participate in familiar activities like you used to. Our Walk supports the caregivers, family members and friends who have become the safety and security for their loved ones.”
On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony – a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.
Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In New York State, there are more than 426,5000 people living with the disease and 543,000 caregivers.
The funds raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s ensure the programs and services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association are free to all who need them, in addition to funding the research and advocacy efforts which have resulted in new treatments for people living in the early stage.
To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s for Genesee and Wyoming Counties, visit act.alz.org/GeneseeWyoming.
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, announced that Daniel J. Thoren, President, Chief Executive Officer, Christopher J. Thome, Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer, and Matt Malone, Vice President of Graham Corporation and General Manager of Barber-Nichols, will present and be available, in person, for investor meetings at the Gabelli Annual Aerospace & Defense Symposium in New York, NY on Thursday, September 5.
The Company presentation is scheduled to begin at 1:15 p.m. Eastern Time. A live audio webcast of the event with accompanying slides will be available at GHM Investor Relations. An archive of the presentation will be available at the same link following the conference.
The Batavia City School District proudly announces that Batavia High School has been named a School of Excellence for the 2023-2024 academic year by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). c
This prestigious recognition, awarded to schools where at least 75% of varsity teams qualify for and receive the NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete team award, highlights the exceptional academic and athletic achievements of Batavia's student-athletes across 25 varsity teams.
Superintendent Jason Smith expressed pride in the accomplishment, "This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes, who excel not just in their sports but in the classroom as well. It reflects our district's commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals who prioritize both academic and athletic excellence. Moreover, this achievement shines a positive light on our entire Batavia community, showcasing the caliber of students we nurture and the supportive environment we've cultivated together."
Joel Reed, the newly appointed Director of Physical Education, Health & Athletics for Batavia City School District, shared his excitement about joining a district with such high standard, "I'm thrilled to be joining a school community where the students and coaching staff have set such a high bar for excellence. This achievement is impressive, and I look forward to working with everyone to continue this tradition of success both in academics and athletics. As we move forward, our goal is to not only maintain this standard but to inspire even more of our student-athletes to strive for this level of academic achievement. We encourage all our students to embrace the scholar-athlete mindset and reach for excellence in everything they do."
According to NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas, "The efforts made by student-athletes in the classroom are paramount to their success in the athletic arena and beyond their high school days." He added, "We are proud of those who put in the work as 'student' and 'athlete,' as well as the growth in both of School of Excellence and Distinction recognition."
NYSPHSAA reports that the number of schools earning the School of Excellence Award has increased from 219 in the 2022-2023 school year to 226 in 2023-2024, indicating a growing commitment to academic excellence among student-athletes across the state.
Batavia High School will receive a commemorative award at the local athletic director workshop this fall, recognizing this significant achievement.
Genesee County officials, in coordination with local and state agencies, are prioritizing the safety and security of all attendees at the forthcoming Wings Over Batavia Air Show. This event is scheduled to occur at the Genesee County Airport on Saturday, August 31, and Sunday, September 1, from 5 - 9 p.m.
Comprehensive Safety Measures
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee County Office of Emergency Management, New York State Police, City of Batavia Police Department, Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy Flight EMS are collaborating to implement a comprehensive safety plan. Emergency service providers will be stationed on-site to ensure public safety and to provide immediate response to any medical emergencies that may arise.
Special Effects and Aerial Maneuvers
As part of the air show, planes will perform various flying, diving, and maneuvering displays. Additionally, there will be planned explosions, pyrotechnic displays, and fireworks, all managed exclusively by the event organizers. Attendees and nearby residents are reminded that these activities are planned and should not cause alarm. Please refrain from dialing 911 unless it’s an actual emergency.
Traffic Control
In preparation for and during the event State Street Road will be closed from West Saile Drive north to Batavia Elba Townline Road, and West Saile Drive will be closed from the Milton Cat building to the storage barns on the east side of the Airport. Motorists are urged to follow signage and flaggers, exercise caution, and remain alert to changing conditions. Pedestrians should adhere to marked paths and signage.
Satellite Parking at GCC
This year, a satellite parking option will be available at Genesee Community College (GCC). Buses will shuttle attendees between GCC and the airport, with drop-off at the main entrance and pick-up at the airport’s main terminal for return to GCC.
For more information about the show, parking details and other additional details, please visit: https://wingsoverbatavia.com/.
A 48-year-old man accused on Wednesday of firing a gun at an unoccupied car at a mobile home park in Batavia was accused in Texas in 2014 of plotting an insurrection and planning the mass murder of men, women, and children at a mosque in Washington D.C.
Robert James Talbot Jr., who attended Pembroke High School and once lived on Pratt Road in Batavia, was admitted in Federal Court in 2014 to attempted interference with commerce by robbery and solicitation to commit a crime of violence and was sentenced to Federal Prison in November 2015.
State troopers arrested him on Wednesday following an investigation into an incident at Babcock Mobile Home Park, 5066 Clinton Street Road, Batavia, and charged with reckless endangerment in the first degree, criminal mischief in the third degree, and two counts of criminal possession in the fourth degree.
The vehicle was apparently struck six times by bullets. State Police gathered forensic evidence to determine where the shots had been fired from, along with interviews, which led to the arrest of Talbot. Talbot was allegedly found in possession of a Savage Mark II .22 LR Rifle and an H+R 1871 Pardner Pump 20-gauge shotgun.
According to court documents from 2014, Talbot created a Facebook page in 2013 called the American Insurgent Movement, where he shared his plans and tried to recruit "like-minded" people.
He reportedly recruited undercover FBI agents.
Then a Katy, Texas resident, he said his goal was to “to restore America Pre-Constitutionally and look forward to stopping the Regime with action by bloodshed.”
According to the documents, he planned to fund his insurgency by robbing banks and to kill everybody working for banking cartels.
He also said he wanted his recruits to use full-automatic AK-47s to send the "Muslim brotherhood a message they will never forget."
He also wrote a manifesto that said, “We must rebel. There is no other option no. Blood and bullets are the only two things that will change this world, short of divine action.”
NYSP investigators have not shared any information about Talbot's possible motivation for firing gunshots at the 2016 Ford Explorer, which did have the appearance of a law enforcement vehicle.
The date of his next court appearance has not been released. As of Thursday morning, he was being held pending arraignment in Centralized Arraignment Part Court. His current release status is unknown.
State Police said he has no known residential address.
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, through National Grid’s Electric Vehicle Make-Ready Program, has installed 16 Level 2 EV charging plugs to be used by those who visit one of Western New York’s top entertainment destinations.
For the project, National Grid’s program provided $96,000 in EV incentives that covered around 78% of infrastructure-related construction costs, including the cost of labor and materials. Altogether, 16 Level 2 plugs were installed in two parking lots: Twelve are in the main lot, with the remaining four in the VIP/valet parking lot. Beyond the newly installed plugs, this project investment also provided Batavia Downs with funding to increase the existing electricity infrastructure to accommodate future EV charging as driver demand increases and additional plugs are needed.
Batavia Downs officials say that they are available for use by guests at the facility who may be visiting for any number of events and promotions being held onsite.
“Initial meetings were held last year with National Grid to discuss the potential for such a project, “said Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel President & CEO, Henry Wojtaszek. “Construction, which began on the EV chargers earlier this year, was completed over the summer. Buffalo-based electric vehicle charging station contractor PPR Energy Solutions installed the plugs. With more demand for these types of amenities, we plan on doing promotions and hotel deals that may be attractive for guests who own electric vehicles.”
“With more drivers choosing electric, this project provides both guests and residents an increasingly sought-after amenity as National Grid collaborates with customers like Batavia Downs to pioneer New York’s clean transportation future,” said Whitney Skeans, National Grid’s EV Make-Ready Program Manager, who added that the charging stations can be found by EV drivers on popular plug-finding apps. “We’re always grateful for opportunities to work with companies like Batavia Downs, leading the charge in their commitments to economic viability, convenience and value for the EV drivers of today and for years to come.”
The project also received funding from NYSERDA’s Charge Ready 2.0 program, which provides Level 2 charging station hardware rebates that further reduce the overall cost of projects for workplaces, public facilities, and multi-unit dwellings across New York State.
More about National Grid’s Make-Ready Program
National Grid’s Upstate New York EV Make-Ready Program helps business customers fund up to 100% of project costs related to installing electricity infrastructure. Recent projects such as the installation of EV charging stations at Aquarium of Niagara and in the Village of Ellicottville demonstrate the collaborative nature of how National Grid works with customers toward shared, clean energy goals. The company plans to invest more than $150 million in Make-Ready incentives to install 9,000 plugs across Upstate New York – including 3,000 across Western New York – by the end of 2025.
These projects also align with New York State’s climate action initiatives that call for reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality and zero-emission vehicle regulations by 2035. New York State provided additional support to meet these goals in November when it announced additional infrastructure funding to accelerate electric vehicle adoption and stimulate $4 billion in EV charging infrastructure investments.
Photo of My Debt Collector courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Record breaking, total domination is the only way to describe the performance put on by My Debt Collector (Chapter Seven-Magic Presto) at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 28) night who was absolutely peerless while winning the $102,500 New York Sire Stake for 2-year-old trotting fillies.
My Debt Collector’s time of 1:56.4 gave her a new lifetime record, set a new Batavia Downs track record for 2-year-old trotting fillies, and established a National season’s mark for 2-year-old trotting fillies over a half-mile track. The previous mark of 1:58 was set by Chapvious in NYSS action at Yonkers Raceway on June 25.
Driver Jim Morrill Jr. sent My Debt Collector right to the front and extended his lead with every stride after that. My Debt Collector hit the quarter in :28.4 up by 2-¾ lengths, flew by the half in :57.4 leading by six, and extended that bulge to nine lengths as she passed three-quarters in 1:27 flat. With the other four fillies clearly no match, Morrill had My Debt Collector wrapped up and cruising as she hit the line in front by seven in 1:56.4.
It was the second straight win and third victory of the season – all in NYSS races – for My Debt Collector ($2.40) and increased her 2024 bankroll to $185,259, which now makes her the second richest 2-year-old trotting filly in North America behind only Canadian trotting standout, Monalishi ($273,125). My Debt Collector is owned by David Mc Duffee, Melvin Hartman and Little E, who also bred the filly in partnership with Herb Liverman.
There were also two $20,000 Excelsior races on the card.
In the first, Flashchap (Chapter Seven-Wing Flash) won in 2:00.3 for driver Tyler Buter, trainer George Ducharme and owner Purple Haze Stable. John Cummins bred the winner.
The very next race, K J Title (E L Titan-Aren’t I Hanover) also won in 2:00.3 for driver Drew Monti, trainer Alex Giuliani and owner/breeder Scott Woogen.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 30) at 6 p.m.
State Police are investigating an apparent shots-fired incident at 5066 Clinton Street Road, Batavia.
A photo of a white SUV submitted by a reader looks like it could be an unmarked law enforcement vehicle and shows, potentially, six bullet pockmarks, including four in the windshield.
According to Trooper James O'Callahan, the public information officer for Troop A, there were no injuries. However, O'Callahan was not on duty Wednesday night, and he said he couldn't provide more information until Thursday.
The vehicle was unoccupied at the time the shots were fired, O'Callahan said. O'Callahan did not comment on whether the vehicle was law enforcement or not.
He said an arrest has been made.
UPDATE: Press release from NYSP, Troop A:
On August 28, 2024, The Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested Robert J. Talbot, 48 with no known address for Reckless Endangerment 1st degree, Criminal Mischief 3rd degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th degree (2 counts).
On August 28, 2024, at 12:39 P.M., Troopers out of SP Batavia responded to a complaint of a parked vehicle believed to be shot by a weapon at Babcock Mobile Home Park, Clinton Street Road in the town of Batavia. Investigation determined that an unoccupied 2016 Ford Explorer parked on the street was shot multiple times in the windshield. The NYSP Forensic Identification Unit began processing the scene to designate an area of interest as to where the shots originated from. With further interviews and after processing the scene, Talbot was arrested and the two weapons a Savage Mark II .22 LR Rifle and an H+R 1871 Pardner Pump 20 gage shotgun were recovered from the residence following a consent to search. Talbot is a convicted felon.
Talbot was transported to SP Batavia for processing and taken to Genesee County CAP Court pending arraignment.
Work has begun on the prep work for demolition of the former Batavia Restaurant Supply at the corner of South Lyon and West Main streets in Batavia to make way for a new Burger King. Photo by Howard Owens
Barriers have been put up on the corner, and work has begun inside the former Batavia Restaurant Supply building at West Main and South Lyon streets in preparation for the demolition of the Batavia site to make way for a future Burger King.
After several trips between the city and county planning boards in 2022 and 2023, applicant Carrols LLC, represented by Peter Sorgi, was making headway with two variances, one of which included a reduced parking lot size.
The applicant plans to move from its current spot on the north side of West Main Street to 301-305 W. Main St., where having a traffic light at the corner and more space for a bigger drive-through restaurant were mentioned as benefits for building a new location.
Meanwhile, BRS, owned by Nate Charvella and Stacey Schrader, has since moved westward to 4152 W. Main St., Suite 18A, Valu Plaza. Beverly's Flowers & Gifts, owned by Russ Fitzgibbon and adjacent to the restaurant supply company, moved to 228 W. Main St.
An official date for the new Burger King has been a moving target, with spring to fall 2024 as the potential initial construction phase. The Batavian has requested a comment from Sorgi and will provide an update if/when Sorgi responds.
Milling work occupies workers along Jefferson Avenue in Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens
Work crews have been out on the streets for milling, and are expected to be wrapping up by the end of Thursday, according to a prior city announcement.
All motorists have been forewarned that they will experience traffic delays this week between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. for milling operations on any of the following:
Joe Oddo celebrated his 100th birthday on Sunday. Photo by Steve Ognibene
For Joseph Oddo, a Batavia native and Army veteran, it didn’t take long to name what’s kept him going for a century.
“I always help people out. That’s why I think the Lord blessed me, because, you know, the things I did in my life to help people,” the newly turned 100-year-old said during an interview with The Batavian. “I worked with people. I kept going all the time.”
Oddo will be celebrating his 75th wedding anniversary with his wife Fran on Sept. 24 — a date he joked he had not better forget. She stayed home to care for their children while he was on the road a lot, he said, as his work ethic didn’t just get him through jobs but through life.
“So everything worked out,” he said. “I kept myself busy, kept going. I always did that. When you come from a family of 10 kids …”
As the oldest in his family, he learned early on, which originated from his dad arriving “off the boat” from Sicily with a sponsorship from a Le Roy resident, that he needed to forge ahead with whatever came his way.
That included doing his patriotic duty right out of high school graduation in 1942, he said. A military draft had just been declared, and the government wasted no time pulling young boys into service. Oddo was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served with the Signal Corps 234, a 3342 signal battalion, he said.
“I still remember, and in the battalion, various different companies. So I was a 231st company, which dealt with radio, telephone and teletype. My job was a W8, a double E day was a field telephone. That was my job, and I made sure that those are operating, and the people that had them made sure that they were getting the right information,” he said. “Because, you know, we were in Persia, they call it Iran today. See, when the Germans pushed, I mean they pushed, what’s it called, the Germans into Russia, came in with a lot of equipment, they talked about, they came along with tanks and guns and everything else.
We were just outside of Tehran into white Russia, so to speak, and that’s where we were stationed, and that’s how we kept the communications going from that point on because we could reach the troops and everybody from that point,” he said. “I served three years in World War II. I got my notice in December ’42, so in January ’43 I got inducted. I went to Fort Niagara.”
He became a leader right away when he was put in charge of troops. Then, he said, they boarded a train to New Jersey for training.
“And then all of a sudden, I had to go to Fort Monmouth for two months. And it teaches all the communications of telephone and teletype and radio and all that,” he said, referring to another time during service. “We all worked together and stuff like that. Occasionally, we had guard duty. They had a lot of German prisoners, we used to guard them at night time, that was our duty some times. We put switchboards out in the field and we had to operate switchboards because they were contacting what was on the other side of Germany.”
When he returned in January 1946, he resumed working at Doehler Jarvis even though he was “a little upset” that he couldn’t go on to school.
“When I couldn’t go to school, I had to go to the Army. I did my duty and said, ‘Why did you pick on me? I was only 18 years old, you know. But you had to serve your country. I did it,” he said. “I was told Jarvis said they wanted me; I became a steward. They made me the president of the union. I ran for president, and that was president of four plants in Chicago, Toledo, Grand Rapids and Pottstown, Pennsylvania.”
He did such a great job, in fact, that he was offered a job in Detroit for the United Auto Workers. Sell your house and move, he was told. He worked with the union for many years, negotiating contracts and such, traveling to California and “all over the place,” he said. He was so good at negotiating and so fierce that he was even dubbed “Jimmy Hoffa,” he said.
He couldn’t sell their local home and move, however, due to his wife’s mother, who had a disability and wanted her daughter close by.
Oddo never had a gap in employment, being offered various jobs throughout his life — a testament to that work ethic no doubt. He and Fran have two children, Sal Oddo and Marianne Anderson, and they still live in the Southside home they bought in 1960.
Through all these years, he has retained his memories and the drive to do what Joe Oddo does best.
“Keep going; it’s the key. Don’t stop,” he said. “I’m 100 years old, I’m still going. I do things, you know, work outside, clean. I do everything right now.”
Joe Oddo, 100, with his wife Fran, 93. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Joe with his daughter Marianne (Oddo) Anderson and son Sal Oddo. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Multi generations of family for a group photo with Joe. Photo by Steve Ognibene
City of Batavia Fire Captain Bob Fix being honored at Erie County Fair. Submitted Photo
During a heatwave in early July, Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation faced several related challenges: the nursing home’s HVAC system faltered, the mechanical room overheated, and the elevators broke down, creating a potentially hazardous situation for the senior residents.
When City of Batavia Fire Captain Bob Fix was called to the scene, he didn’t merely give a standard response. He exceeded expectations, Supervising Administrator Samantha Vagg says.
"Captain Fix stuck out because of how he guided younger firefighters and frequently called back after his team left to make sure our facility was okay,” Vagg said to The Batavian.
His proactive approach, including collaborating with nursing home staff and coordinating with National Grid, prevented further issues, Vagg said, which prompted her to nominate Fix for Erie County Fair’s Firefighter Honoree Award.
The award, which was presented to Fix on Aug. 18, is given to individuals who exemplify the highest standards of the fire service, showcasing a notable record of service, achievement, and selflessness.
City Fire Chief Josh Graham spoke highly of Captain Fix, emphasizing that the department’s standard is to go above and beyond. He added that the entire department takes pride in Fix’s recognition, which reflects the collective dedication that defines the firefighters’ work.
"Captain Fix is a dedicated professional and a true asset to our community,” Graham said. “We are honored to have him represent Local 896 as Sunday's Firefighter Honoree.”
Fix, a 21-year veteran of the fire department, said that no matter how bad his day might be going at work, “whoever’s calling for help is having a worse day than me.”
“If I can do a little extra, why not?” he said, remaining rather modest about the recognition. "I'm just the guy that got nominated for the award."
He deflected praise aimed at him instead to his entire team and the nursing home staff, who he said played a crucial role during the emergency. Vagg said that she would have nominated the whole department if she could have since it “is so professional every time we interact.”
Firefighting is not just a career but a calling in his family, Fix said. Being honored at the fair became a full-circle moment for him, combining his love for the community with his lifelong commitment to public service. He’s also quick to point out that the department does so many other things within the community.
"My father was a firefighter, and I've been going to the fair for as long as I can remember,” he said. "We’re there for car accidents, technical rescues, building safety inspections, and more. In October, we’ll focus on fire prevention, going into schools to teach fire safety. It’s all part of the job."
