batavia

An older woman at 167 Vine St. Batavia, using a walker, was reportedly helped from her house while it was filling with smoke this evening by an identified female neighbor.

The woman, whose name has not been released, was treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation. 

Interim Fire Chief Dan Herberger said it appeared the fire started in the basement and the basement was fully involved by the time fire crews arrived on the scene and was starting to make an incursion into the first floor by the time it was extinguished.

"There is significant fire damage in the basement and the fire popped up through the first floor," Herberger said. "There is significant smoke damage throughout the house. There is a lot of damage.

Mary McCarthy, daughter of the resident of the house, and her husband Mike McCarthy told The Batavian's photographer Jim Burns about the apparent rescue of her mother by a neighbor and said she became aware of the fire when receiving an alert on her mobile phone from the house's Ring security system and she could view the smoke through the Ring's recorded video. The McCarthys immediately headed to the house.

The fire was reported around 6:30.

City Fire along with Alexander's Fast Team, with mutual aid from the Town of Batavia and Le Roy Fire, responded to the two-alarm fire.

Herberger said the fire was somewhat difficult to fight because the basement is set up for a home hair salon, so there are barriers in the basement along with chemicals.

The original dispatch placed the fire at the YWCA on North Street but when crews arrived, they determined the fire was at the residence.  There was smoke coming from the chimney, which on a warmer day, indicates basement fire, Herberger said, and flames showing from at least three basement windows. 

County records indicate the home is owned by Joyce Meisner and Mary McCarthy.  The ranch-style brick house was built in 1950 and is 1,715 square feet. The assessed value is $155,000.

UPDATE: Press release,

On Monday, February 21, 2022, at 6:34 pm the City of Batavia Fire Department responded to reported smoke from a house at 167 Vine St. in the City of Batavia.  Initial fire units arrived at 6:38 pm to find smoke emanating from a one-story, single-family home.  One occupant of the home was assisted to safety by the City of Batavia PD and neighbors upon FD arrival.  Fire crews entered the home to find a large volume of smoke throughout with fire in the basement.  Crews had difficulty locating the fire due to its location in the basement.  The fire was placed under control at 7:32 pm.  Extensive fire and smoke damage were caused to the structure and contents.

Two civilian injuries were reported, however, both refused transport to the hospital.  No firefighter injuries were reported. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation by City of Batavia Fire Department fire investigators.  

The City of Batavia Fire Department was assisted by the City of Batavia Police, City of Batavia Bureau of Inspections, Town of Batavia FD, Alexander FD, LeRoy FD, Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center and Emergency Management Office, Mercy EMS (as well as an ambulance from the FEMA deployment to the area), National Grid and National Fuel.

Photos by Jim Burns

Article by Coach Nick Burk

The Batavia Indoor Track team competed at the A2 Section V championships on Saturday at Houghton College and the boys team came away with a 111 to 107 victory over 2nd place Newark and 13 scoring schools. This Sectional Championship is the 10th title for the Batavia Indoor boys team and the 26th Sectional championship for both the girls and boys Indoor teams.  Combined with our Outdoor Sectional championships, this makes 37 Titles for Batavia Track and Field!

The meet started out very strong with a 4th place finish in the 3200m by junior Nate Canale (10:28.56).  The 55m Hurdles was a big event for the Blue Devils with Junior Fabian Vazquez finishing 2nd (8.19), Junior Ifran Armstrong finishing 4th (8.62), and Senior Jesse Reinhart finishing 5th (8.79).  Next in the 1000m, Junior Cody Harloff crossed the line in 3rd place (2:45.96), and Junior Noah Pickard finished 4th (2:49.78), in the 1600m, Freshman Cooper Konieczny finished 6th (5:15.51), and in the 300m Sophomore Parris Price finished 6th (37.63).

In the Field events, Batavia had a dominant showing, specifically in Pole Vault with Junior Tyler Umlauf winning the event championship (11-0).  Senior Noah Burke finished 2nd (11-0), and Sophomore Owen Halpin finished 6th (9-0).

The throwers once again were well represented in this meet with Senior Austyn Fernandez taking 2nd in the Shot Put (44-2) and 4th in Weight Throw (47-10).  Senior Luke Geiger placed 2nd in the weight throw with a phenomenal toss (56-2). Senior Abel Hammer finished 3rd in the Shot (43-10) and Senior Dan Saeva finished 5th in Shot as well (41-7). Junior Parker Kleinbach finished 6th in the Weight Throw (44-9).  All together our throwers contributed 29 points in just two events towards our total score.

Other field event results included Fabian Vazquez finishing in 2nd in Long Jump with a new personal best jump (21-2), Jesse Reinhart finished in 4th in Triple Jump (40-10) and 4th in High Jump (5-7), and Senior Carter Havens finished 6th in Triple Jump (39-5).

All three relays were able to score demonstrating the depth and balance of our team this season.  The Boys 4x800 Relay of Cody Harloff, Noah Pickard, Dom Grillo (Junior) and Nate Canale finished 4th (9:30.32).  The 4x400 Relay of Carter Havens, Donavin Solis (Sophomore), Ifran Armstrong, and Cole Grazioplene (Sophomore) finished in 3rd place (3:42.87), and the 4x200 Relay of Fabian Vazquez, Aidan Anderson (Junior), Parris Price, and Cole Grazioplene finished in 3rd as well (1:36.46).

The strength of the Batavia program is that we've structured our team to be as competent across all of the events for track and field as possible.  We place great emphasis on developing hurdlers, vaulters, and throwers to compliment our accomplishments on the track.  Once again the depth of our team shined through in this meet and contributed directly to our 10th championship!

Not to be outdone, our Batavia Girls Indoor Track team had an incredible day and fell just 1 point short of their own championship. Canandaigua finished in first with 88 points, while our girls scored 88.  There were 13 total teams that scored for the girls as well.

On the Track Freshman Campbell Riley had an incredible meet winning the Sectional Championship in the 1500m (5:12.72) and placing a very close 2nd in the 1000m (3:10.43).  In the 3000m, freshman Izzy Scott finished in 5th place (11:44.19).  In the 55 Hurdles, Junior Abby Moore finished 4th (10.18).  In the 1000m Freshman Nicole Doeringer placed 4th (3:20.35), and Senior Olivia Halpin placed 6th (3:40.11). In the 1500m, 7th grader Mallory Boyce finished in 6th place (5:49.72).  All of our points besides one that was scored on the track were from girls who are underclassmen and will return next season.

In the Field events, specifically, the girls Shot Put we had arguably our best performance of the day from 8th grader Libby Grazioplene. Libby entered the meet seeded 15th in this event and ended up as the Sectional Champion with a personal best throw that was more than five feet above her previous best (30-5).  This was one of the most clutch performances we've ever had for Batavia Track.  Freshman Zenallah Simmons finished 2nd in Shot (29-6) and 6th in Weight Throw (32-2). Senior Emma Radka finished 4th in Shot Put (28-8),

Other field event results included Senior Gavin Konieczny finishing in 2nd in Pole Vault (8-6) and her sister, Junior Sydney Konieczny finishing in 4th in Triple Jump (31-0) and 6th in Long Jump (14-10). Sophomore Isabella Walsh finished 2nd in the High Jump (4-11).

The girls had a great showing in the relays also, demonstrating our team's depth.  The 4x800 Relay of Izzy Scott, Jadyn Boyce (Sophomore), Makayla Andalora (Senior), and Mallory Boyce finished in 4th (11:16.32).  The 4x400 Relay of Nicole Doeringer, Leigh LeFevre (Freshman), Noelia Ventura (Senior), and Campbell Riley finished in 3rd place (4:31.30), and the 4x200 Relay of Abby Moore, Layla Jones (Freshman), Sydney Konieczny, and Ella Shamp (8th grade), finished in 4th with a season-best performance (1:55.72).

The girls team came into this meet seeded to finish in 4th place by nearly 30 points to Canandaigua!  We ended up in 2nd place by one point and this was a truly amazing performance by our Lady Devils! So many of our girls contributors on this year's team are young and yet they displayed heart and determination like a much more veteran team would.  Our future is very bright with these young athletes.

Batavia track and field is proud to have competed so well in Sectionals and is looking forward to the State Qualifier meet this coming Friday at Houghton College.  Again none of our success would be possible without the dedication from our coaching staff including Dan Geiger, Bre Clark, Rich Boyce, Bill Buckenmeyer, and Amanda Mikiciuk. These coaches helped prep this team for success and were up to the task of continuing the strong traditions of Batavia Indoor Track. full results can be found at:
http://results.yentiming.com/2022/indoor/2-19-22-Class-A2.htm

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

A possible basement fire is reported at 167 Vine St. Batavia. 

Smoke coming from the basement. 

A second alarm has been called. 

City Fire on scene. 

UPDATE: 7:22 p.m. Alexander Fast Team called to the scene.

Bob Knipe's passion for the arts, community, media, and technology are all symbolized by the new podcast studio at GO Art!'s home, Seymour Place, in Batavia, according to his son, Tom Knipe, and Knipe's wife, Linda Knipe, who both spoke Sunday prior to a ribbon-cutting at the studio.

"My dad was somebody who this is just such a fitting thing to do in my dad's honor," said Tom Knipe, who currently runs the industrial development agency in Ithaca. "He was a college media guy. He was a radio guy. He, he loved really good sound. He was an audiophile since forever. I remember him putting huge headphones on my head when I was two years old. Listen to this. So it's very fitting."

Knipe was involved in numerous community organizations, most of them around the arts.  He was on the board for GO Art! (and continued to be actively involved after his term on the board expired), as well as playing with and volunteering for the Genesee Symphony Orchester, Batavia Concert Band, and the Genesee Wind Ensemble.  He was also a Rotarian and served on City committees.

"He saw all of his activities as critical contributions to the local community and its economic development," Linda said. "He told us some time in those final days that music brought meaning to his life. He said, 'without music life is kind of a cruel joke. I believe that there is music to the atmosphere, the sciences, the flow of electricity, the beat of the heart. Music is fundamental to everything.' And volunteering was fundamental to Bob's character and upbringing as well."

GO Art! Executive Director Gregory Hallock recalled the arduous path he took to get his job.  He first applied in 2015 and didn't get the job.  He said it was Knipe who called him to say he didn't get the job.  He told him, Hallock said, that he wasn't ready. When the job opened up again in 2016, Hallock applied again.  Again, Knipe broke the sad news but this time with an alternative offer:  Hallock could become the assistant director, a position that hadn't existed before and would need to be funded through a grant.

"He had this plan," Hallock said. "He wanted me to come in as the assistant director because I wasn't from the area. He said you don't know anybody but you're meant to be here. He said, it's not your time. You need to be under somebody. So they hired, they got a grant to hire me, and brought me in, in February of 2016 so that I could work for a year under somebody else and then take over."

Linda Knipe said Bob always saw potential in Hallock and Hallock said Bob Knipe was always there for him.

He painted the main gallery.  He built art displays. When Hallock floated the idea of a library in Seymour Place, Kniped showed up with books to donate.  That was nearly five years before the library opened.

Whenever Hallock put the call out to board members, and even though Knipe was no longer on the board, he was always the first to respond.

"I always got a phone call or text from him, saying, 'What do we have to do? How do we make this happen?' Hallock said. 

Linda said Bob loved Batavia and wanted to see it prosper and its people do well.

"Those of you closest to Bob probably understood his motivations but he loved people," Linda said. "His efforts were to change people's lives for the better, individually through programs and through building a community that was fun, interesting, and fulfilling to live in. He worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for people to grow."

Top photo: Bob Knipe's grandchildren, Alice, Eleanor, and Alder, along with Linda Knipe and Tom Knipe, cut the ribbon in the new podcast studio.

Tom Knipe.

Teams from 17 high schools from throughout Western New York were at Batavia High School on Saturday for a winterguard circuit competition, including Batavia (top seven photos).

Music instructor Jane Haggett said winterguard is the indoor version of color guard and the teams are judged on the effectiveness of their program, including colors and props selected for the performance, on dance technique, equipment used, and the speed and efficiency of setting up for their performance and removing their set after the performance.

It's great fun for the students to throw and spin prop rifles and sabers during a routine set to music.

The music and the story of the routine are expected to work together for a cohesive performance. 

"The kids that participated are very passionate about the activity," Haggett said. "They love the team effort. They love to dance. They love spinning the equipment. It is definitely a bonding, family-oriented activity. They develop relationships forever with their teammates and with other students in the activity."

It's also fun for Haggett.

"I love seeing the kids be successful," Haggett said. "I love the fact that this activity teaches discipline, perseverance, respect. There are so many other character traits that these kids portray because they have this activity that they spent hours participating in."

Medina (bottom three photos) hosts a circuit competition on March 12. Then there are regional competition is later this year in Philadelphia and Pittsburg followed by the national champion, with Batavia participating, in Dayton.

Ryder J. Berry, 21, of Farmersville Station, is charged with grand larceny 3rd. Berry is accused of stealing money from a family member at 10:15 a.m., Oct. 12, at a location on Summit Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Linda L. Snyder, 39, of Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal mischief 4th and two counts of harassment 2nd. Snyder was allegedly involved in a disturbance at 7:34 p.m., Feb. 12, on Highland Park, Batavia. Snyder was released on appearance tickets.

Casey T. Vaughn, 32, of Batavia, is charged with no lights on a bicycle, obstruction of governmental administration, and petit larceny. Vaughn allegedly led police on a foot pursuit after an attempted traffic stop at 1:12 a.m., Feb. 13. he was eventually apprehended in the area of Haller Place, Batavia. At the time of his apprehension, it was determined he was also wanted on four outstanding warrants. Vaughn was arraigned in City Court and released.

Lynn M. Homer, 48, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Homer is accused of shoplifting from a business on Ellicott Street at 5:45 p.m., Feb. 4. Homer was released on an appearance ticket. Also charged, Joseph W. Freeman, 37, of Batavia.

Shawn M. Twardowski, 39, of Batavia, is charged with two counts of trespass and one count of criminal trespass 2nd. Twardowski allegedly refused to leave UMMC at 1:05 a.m., Feb. 11.  He also allegedly entered a business on East Main Street, Batavia, at 7:56 a.m., Feb. 10, that he had previously been told he could not enter. He also allegedly entered a business on East Main Street at 1:42 p.m., Feb. 10, that he had previously been told he could not enter.  He was issued an appearance ticket in all three cases.

Samuel Dominic Tabone, 28, of Rochester, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing. Tabone is accused of committing a crime of an unspecified nature on Feb. 18 at a location on East Main Street, Pembroke. His release status is unknown.

The National Weather Service is forecasting that by late tomorrow afternoon, the Tonawanda Creek could crest at 10 feet.

Measurements are taken behind the County Courthouse.

Currently, Law Street is closed with minor flooding near Walnut Street in the City of Batavia. Stegman Road in Pembroke is also closed.

Kibbee Park is flooded to the brim.  There is minor flooding on South Jackson.

Send your flood photos from anywhere in Genesee County to: howard@thebatavian.com

CORRECTION: This story previously used measurements and forecasts for the wrong stream gauge on the Tonawanda.  It's been corrected to reflect the correct stream gauge.

Kibbe Park

Law Street near Walnut.

Behind the County Courthouse

South Jackson.

It was a busy night at Seymour Place, 201 East Main St., Batavia, on Thursday night with GO Art! hosting two art show openings and a Celebrity Bartender Challenge.

In the challenge, Lauren Humphrey and Mandy Humphrey faced off in a tip-fund raiser for the arts council.

Artists Adrian Morris and Rita Mallison opened, for each of them, their first solo exhibitions.

Morris, above, is originally from Ireland. He married a gal from Stafford (they're now divorced) and moved to Genesee County about a decade ago.  He said he's been painting and drawing all of his life and enjoys his membership with GO Art because being part of the local community of artists is like being with a family (his family is all in Ireland, and he may return there at some point, he said, because his mother is getting older).

"I love the supportive nature," Morris said. "It gets me out of the house and I meet a lot of other artists and we socialize and network here."

He has given art demos at Seymour Place, most recently a pallette knife demonstration in which he produced an Irish landscape painting.

He specializes in landscapes and portraits and said he's done numerous portraits on commission for local residents and is available for more portrait commission work.

There is another Celebrity Bartender Challenge at GO Art! tonight featuring Rebekah Ireland vs. Ryan Duffy starting at 6 p.m.

Rita Mallison, a long-time Batavia resident, started painting just a few years ago.  She specializes in portraits of nuns, priests, saints, and religious heroes.  She took up the subject after her conversion to Catholicism but said she has long been fascinated by nuns and wanted to be a nun when she was a little girl.  She said she could never afford to buy paintings sho she keeps the prices of her paintings low.

In the main gallery is a show of work by William Mathews, which opened previously.

Residents of The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Batavia, 257 State Street, are without heat and power tonight due to water infiltration into the basement of the facility.

Interim Chief Dan Herberger said crews have yet to determine the source of the water but it's possible that it is more than weather-related flooding.

"The fact that there is chlorine (in the water) tells us it may be city water, drinking water," Herberger said.

At about 11 p.m., a DPW crew shut off water to the facility.  That will help emergency responders determine whether the source of the water with chlorine is from a break in a line going into the facility or from a nearby water main.

"We're trying to rule out a water main break somewhere," Herberger said.

Firefighters from both the City of Batavia and Town of Batavia are on the scene running pumps in the basement to try and get ahead of the ongoing infiltration. 

Herberger said the water got into electrical chase ways and the heating system.  He said it will take an electrical inspection and HVAC contractors to determine when it is safe to turn on those systems again.

State Health Department officials are on scene to assist the facility in implementing its emergency response plan.

Herberger said for now the residents are warm.

"We're hoping not to evacuate," Herberger said. "That's the last resort."

UPDATE 1:33 a.m.: National Fuel requested back to the scene to turn the gas back on and get the heat back on.

Press Release:

The Genesee Amateur Hockey Association invites children to the Batavia Ice Rink (aka The David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena) on Evans Street on Saturday, March 5th for a Try Hockey For Free clinic as part of  USA Hockey  Week  Across  America.  Starting at 11:50 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. local youth, ages 4 to 9, are encouraged to experience ice hockey for the first time and learn the basic skills in a fun, safe environment.

"We look forward to welcoming families to Batavia Ice Rink to try our great sport of ice hockey,” said Sharon Gray, coordinator of the “Try Hockey for Free” event.  “Our goal is for these families to enjoy watching their kids learn new skills with big smiles on their faces.”

USA Hockey’s Try Hockey program, with the support of the National Hockey League and NHL member clubs, among others, is designed to provide youth hockey associations with a national platform for introducing children to the sport, free of charge. 

All your youngster needs is a helmet (bike or sports) and winter gloves.  Skates are available at the Rink and will be available Free of Charge through the Firland Rink Management Group. The GAHA organization does have a few hockey sticks available (but must be returned at the end of the clinic).

Players in attendance will be given a free USA Hockey jersey to take home.

To register for this Try Hockey For Free event, please visit (PLEASE NOTE – EVENT IS LIMITED TO 40 PARTICIPANTS)

www.TryHockeyForFree.com

Photo: File photo from 2016 by Howard Owens.

A Walnut Street resident who got into a tussle with Batavia patrol officers on Oct. 20, 2020, leading to one of the officers sustaining an injury, told Judge Melissa Cianfrini in County Court today that he didn't do anything wrong.

He then entered a guilty plea to assault in the second degree as part of a plea agreement that caps his potential prison term at three years.

Qumane J. Santiago, 23, entered a plea on an Alford basis. The plea means that Santiago is accepting a plea deal because he believes a jury would convict him of the multiple charges against him, exposing him to a potentially longer prison term, even though he disputes the facts of the case as presented by the prosecution.

When asked by Cianfrini if that was the reason he was pleading guilty -- a legal requirement to clarify that the defendant understands the plea -- Santiago said he was only pleading guilty because he wanted to get the case over with.

"I'm not going to admit to something I didn't do," Santiago said. "I just want to go along with what you all want me to do."

Cianfrini explained to Santiago that there is nothing she was asking him to do and that whether to plead guilty or not was entirely his choice.

"I don't want you to do anything you don't want to do," Cianfrini said. "It's your decision. You have a right to a trial."

For sentencing purposes, Santiago also admitted to having a prior felony conviction.

The plea satisfies a four-count indictment delivered by a grand jury on May 21.  Besides the assault, Santiago was indicted on an additional count of assault 2nd, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, and criminal mischief.  An additional harassment charge, related to an incident at the jail, from a separate case pending in City Court was also dropped.

As part of the Alford plea, Assistant District Attorney Joseph Robinson was required to provide the facts of the case that would be used to convict the defendant if the case went to trial.

Robinson said on Oct. 23, 2020, Officer Peter Post and Sgt. Dan Coffey responded to a residence on Walnut Street for a report of an assault inside the residence. When the officers attempted to detain Santiago, he barricaded himself inside the residence. The officers observed him damaging inside the residence so they used force to enter the residence. Santiago tried locking himself in a bedroom and the officers broke down the door.  When they attempted to take Santiago into custody, there was a struggle on the bed and Post suffered a cut on his leg from a sharp object on the bed that required medical attention. 

Robison said there was body-worn camera footage as well as photographs to substantiate the charges.

Robinson has other prior arrests in Genesee County, including criminal trespass, menacing, and conspiracy and robbery. 

Santiago remains free on bond and is scheduled for sentencing at 11 a.m., April 27.

Every building has a story.  The Pok-A-Dot has one that involves family, friends, bands, railroad tracks, ‘50s décor and thousands of customers.  All could add a page to the story of the Dot.  My page would be going to the Dot in the ‘60s with my brothers and sisters and fighting over the swivel stools at the counter.  Today when my brother and sisters’ families come home, the first place they want to eat at is the Dot!

Prior to the establishment and construction of the “Pok-A-Dot” restaurant at the corner of Liberty Street and Ellicott Street in Batavia, a bandstand occupied the current parcel of land.  It was used for band concerts for the neighborhood residents.  With the help of Congressman Harold Ostertag, and John Gioia, owner of Gioia’s Drug, the property was leased to Philip Pastore and Joseph (Trigger) Marone. They built what has been known as the Pok-A-Dot Restaurant.

They dug the foundation for the 20- by 20-foot “box type” wooden building in April 1953.  It was completed on June 6, 1953.  The sides of the building housed flaps, which were pulled down at the end of the business day.  They were painted black with multicolored “Pok-A-Dots.” The idea for its name originated when they saw a house painted with polka dots. 

The first day the Pok-A-Dot opened, Philly and Trigger were ready with the cigar cash box, hot dogs, and hamburgers for 20 cents and free ice cream.  At the end of their first day, the cigar cash box was overflowing with money.  The tired, excited partners were guessing how much money they made at the grand opening. They thought at least $500.00.  With eagerness, they began to count all of their money and were surprised that they made only $85.00. 

Added to the original menu of hotdogs, hamburgers, ice cream, and ice-cold root beer served in frosted mugs came “roast Beef on Wick” and a pepper and egg sandwich (the first in Genesee County).  As the business grew, more items were added to the menu.    The cooking of the famous Beef on Wick began in Leona Pastore’s kitchen, along with pasta fagioli from the very infancy of the Dot.

The railroad tracks ran right behind the new Pok a Dot building.  The tracks were so close you could almost touch the train as it went by. The workers for the railroad enjoyed the Dot and would park the train down by Swan Street unhook the engine and ride it to the back of the Dot and go in for lunch.

Eventually, the building was enclosed with windows, which were removed at the beginning of the warm weather.  In 1961 an enclosed dining room was added with red tables and wrought iron chairs.   Added to the 1950s décor was a jukebox with small boxes on the counter.

The Pok-A-Dot became a place for many famous celebrities to sit and unwind after their performances across the street at the well-known Roman Room Restaurant.  People like Al Martino, Julius La Rosa, Tony Pastore, Dick Contino, and many well-known bandleaders were among them.

When you went into the restaurant, you were not given a menu.  Rather the waitress would say, “What can I get you?”  All your choices were on the menu wall.  If it wasn’t up there and they could make it, they would.  Over the years, many young people worked at the Dot, including all of Mr. Pastore’s six children.  The waitresses over the years were very loyal. The current manager Jo Anne has worked at the Dot for over 25 years.  Jennifer, Nicole, Lynette, Jo Anne, and Melody make up the rest of the current working staff.  You can find some of these ladies working different shifts from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday.  On Sunday the hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Pok-A-Dot has been featured in the book Sunlight Dialogues that was written by Genesee County’s most famous author, John Gardner, who frequented the restaurant as a young man.  Each year in October the Pok-A-Dot hosts an evening of readings for the John Gardner Society from the great author’s books.  Author and some time reader at these gatherings, Bill Kauffman, stated, “The Pok-A-Dot is the literary capital of Culinary Batavia.”  The Pok-A-Dot has also been immortalized in the painting and calendar sketches of Batavia’s well-known artist, John Hodgins.  Wanda Frank, a radio personality for WBTA made a CD, Grandpa’s Home for Christmas, which mentions the Pok-A-Dot in her radio play.  It seems that the Pok-A-Dot is the setting for more than just a good meal.

To this day, people who grew up in and around the area and then moved away to different parts of the country return and make a special stop to enjoy the Beef on Wick for which the Dot has been famous in the WNY region for 56 years.

In 1999 a business called Mail Boxes Etc. used a refrigerant technology to send perishable products in the mail.  One of these boxes was used when a man came in and wanted to ship overnight a hot pepper sandwich from the Pok-A-Dot as a birthday gift to his brother.  The brother used to live here and loved the sandwiches.  There are many creative ways to ship the Dot’s food to different places.

T-shirts have been sold with the Pok-A-Dot logo and can be found as far away as California, Florida, Colorado, and many more places.

The Pok-A-Dot has been a regular stop for thousands of people who want a good cup of coffee, good food, and good conversation.  “Meet you at the Dot,” is a well-known expression.  You will always find the regulars and then you would find people like me who just go to the Dot to have a Beef on Wick, fries with gravy, and root beer in a frosted mug.

In October of 2006, Phil Pastore and Joe Marone were honored at the Paulo Busti Cultural Foundation Brunch for Italians being in business for over 50 years.

October 2014, Joseph “Trigger” Marone died.  Batavia mourned his passing.

We lost Philip Pastore on July 17, 2018. 

We lost the beautiful Leona Pastore on February 6, 2022.  She was very instrumental in this article.

Photos: File photos by Howard Owens. Top photo, Phyllis Pastore-Beers and Leona Pastore.

Memories are swirling around in everyone’s mind remembering the original creators of the Pok-A-Dot

Q. What is a Workers’ Compensation claim?

A. A Workers’ Compensation claim is a legal action that occurs when you get hurt during the course of your employment. In New York State you cannot sue your employer. When you get hurt at work, the Workers’ Compensation system provides for lost time financial payments and medical treatment required as a result of your work-related injury.

Q. How do I know if I have a Workers’ Compensation claim?
A. If you sustain an injury during the course of your employment, you should contact our office for a free case evaluation as soon as possible. We can help you determine if you have a Workers’ Compensation claim and assist you in filing the proper paperwork.

Q. How long do I have to file a Workers’ Compensation claim?
A. You are required to report your injury to your employer within 30 days. There is also a two-year time limit to file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Board. Failure to adhere to these time limits can result in a denial of your claim.

Q. Is a Workers’ Compensation claim my only recourse if I am hurt at work?
A. In New York State, you cannot sue your employer. In some circumstances, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed in addition to a Workers’ Compensation claim. This includes, but is not limited to, injuries sustained in a work-related motor vehicle accident, constructions injuries, or injuries sustained at a location not owned by your employer. Our team of attorneys at Dolce Panepinto will assess your claim to ensure that every legal avenue available to you is pursued.

Q. How much does a Workers’ Compensation Attorney cost? 
A. Workers’ Compensation fees are generated on a contingent basis. This means that we only receive payment if we generate money in connection with your Workers’ Compensation claim. More information on contingent fees can be found here. Additionally, our attorneys can explain our attorney fees in greater detail.

Q. Do I need an attorney?
A. While an attorney is not required, it is strongly recommended that you retain an attorney. The Workers’ Compensation Law is complex, confusing, and often difficult to navigate. The insurance carrier will have an attorney fighting on their behalf, we recommend that you have an attorney fighting on your behalf. Having an attorney means ensuring your rights are protected, maximizing your benefits, and making sure your questions and concerns are addressed.

Dolce Panepinto works tirelessly to protect the rights of injured workers by making sure that those responsible are held accountable. If you or a family member are injured at work, or in your private life, contact us today for a free case evaluation at (585) 815-9003. For further questions regarding Workers' Compensation Law or to contact Dolce Panepinto: click here.

Press release:

Christine Jones, 34 of Batavia, pled guilty to one count of Grand Larceny 4^th in Batavia Town Court on February 8, 2022.  Sentencing has been scheduled for May 4, 2022.

Jones was originally charged with 5 counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing and a single count of Grand Larceny 3^rd after an investigation by Department of Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi revealed that Jones failed to report that the biological father to one of her children was residing in the home, or that he was earning wages/income.  Jones subsequently received $17,197.00 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to.

Arctic Refrigeration Co. of Batavia and the Mager family delivered a $2,310 donation today to Crossroads House.

Half of the money came from family members, a donation in lieu of Christmas presents to each other, and half came from the proceeds of the annual Henry J. Mager Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament.

After a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, the golf tournament, founded in 2010, will return this September.  Named after the founder of Arctic Refrigeration, proceeds from the tournament are used to fund scholarships for students from Batavia High School or GVBOCES who are intent are pursuing a career in a trade, such as construction engineering, architecture, HVAC, automotive, building, agriculture, or energy.  

Fundraising has been more difficult during the pandemic, said Diane Sia, a staff member at Crossroads House, and donations by families and businesses such as the Magers set an example for what others can do to help organizations in the community.

"That is huge in our books," Sia said.

Photo by Howard Owens. From left, Emily Crawford and Diane Sia, with Crossroads House, and Jon Mager and Teresa Tamfer.

Press release:

If you are someone who is civic-minded, independent, ambitious, enjoys exploring creative solutions to problems, and wants to make an impact in your community, we want to talk to you about running for local office.

If you are interested in getting involved politically in any capacity, please reach out to us at geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com or www.geneseedemocrats.net

The following local elected offices will be voted on in November 2022. 

• City Council at Large

• City Council 6th Ward Representative

Tara Lyn Robinson, 29, of Genesee Street, Pembroke, is charged with unlawful possession of a noxious material. Robinson is accused of using pepper spray on another person without proper justification during an incident reported at 10:36 a.m., Feb. 10, at a location on Genesee Street, Pembroke. Robinson was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and released on her own recognizance.

Matthew J. Sanchez-Sanquiche, 25, of Batavia, is charged with Burglary 2nd, robbery 3rd, criminal contempt 1st, and criminal contempt 2nd. Sanchez-Sanquiche allegedly violated an order of protection at 3:59 p.m., Jan. 20, at a location on North Spruce Street, Batavia, by striking a person multiple times in the cause causing an injury. He also allegedly took the victim's phone during the incident. There were also allegedly children in the residence who are protected by stay-away orders. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $15,000 bail, $30,000 bond, or $60,000 partially secured bond.

Lyndsay T. Young, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Young is accused of making numerous calls to a person thereby violating an order of protection. Young was also arrested on two warrants for alleged failure to appear. Young was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision. 

Christina Sanchez-Anderson, 33, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Sanchez-Anderson was arrested on a warrant stemming from an incident reported at 3:18 p.m., Oct. 11. She was arraigned in City Court and ordered jailed on $1 bail.

Jessica L. Holtz, 38, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Holtz was taken into custody by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and turned over to Batavia PD on two warrants stemming from an incident reported at 7:42 a.m., Nov. 27 on South Swan Street, Batavia, and at 10:44 p.m., Nov. 18, on Jackson Street, Batavia. Holtz was arraigned in City Court and released.

Daniel T. Henning, 41, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th. Henning was arrested on a warrant following an investigation. He is accused of stealing property from a residence in Batavia and then found in possession of it at noon, Dec. 22, at a location on Veterans Memorial Drive. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released under supervision.

William Ramson Dieter, 48, of Lewiston Road, Oakfield, is charged with harassment 2nd. Dieter is accused of putting his hand on another person's neck and pushing her into a wall during an incident reported at 12:15 a.m., Feb. 5, at a residence on South Pearl Street, Oakfield. Dieter was arraigned in Town of Oakfield Court and released on his own recognizance.

Rafael Eliseo Colon, 39, of Grant Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Colon is accused of violating an order of protection at 8:46 p.m., Feb. 5, at a residence on Prestige Crossing, Batavia. Colon was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court. There is no information available on his release status.

Travis C. Wissinger, 22, of Medina, is charged with DWI. Wissinger was stopped at 3:09 p.m., Feb. 7, in the Town of Alabama by State Police. He was issued an appearance ticket. No further information released.

Of the myriad weight loss apps, programs, diets and routines out there, many people still fail to achieve long-lasting success, and Nancy Fallon, certified coach and manager of the Ideal Me Weight Loss Clinic in Batavia, believes there can be another outcome, she says.

“The Ideal Me protocol is a science-based program designed to help you lose weight by resetting your body to lose fat,” Fallon said during an interview with The Batavian. “It’s a three-phase approach to losing weight, and, most importantly, learning how to  keep it off. We’re excited about it. When you lose those initial pounds, it gives you the motivation to keep going.”

Ideal Me Weight Loss is part of Guler Cardiology and Wellness at 34 Swan St., Batavia. It’s a branch of the Ideal Protein of America company, which focuses on fat-burning through an initially low-carb, higher protein food program.

Unlike many of those other programs, Fallon said this one provides one-on-one counseling and the education necessary to keep clients on track with a life-changing transformation. The three phases start with the actual weight loss; that is achieved by getting the body into ketosis with a quality protein meal plan of three “Ideal Me Protein” products, plus vegetables and proteins such as chicken, beef, or fish. That initial phase includes a review of the client’s health history, weight loss goals, and food preferences. For example, there are gluten-free and vegetarian options for those clients who need them. 

Phase II is to stabilize that weight loss by re-introducing carbs — low glycemic carbs — to the meal plan and drop to two Ideal Me Protein foods per day; and the third phase is to sustain the weight loss by making healthier food choices, writing in a food journal and maintaining a weekly check-in with a certified coach, she said. 

The program is overseen by a medical physician, Dr. Ahmet Guler. There is “a huge epidemic” of people being overweight and obese throughout this country, he said, and that leads to many different illnesses.

“Heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation, and the list goes on,” Guler said. “So with all that in mind, what our goal here, or our vision here, is, basically, how can we get our communities healthy.”

The answer was discovered with the Ideal Protein of America program as a way to improve the local population’s diet and ultimately reach a healthier weight, he said. The program decreases highly saturated fats and carbohydrates and increases proteins and low-carb fruits and vegetables, supplemented with protein-based snacks and desserts. In turn, by doing that, those symptoms of hypertension, diabetes and/or high cholesterol might also improve, Dr. Guler said.

His philosophy is that people who are overweight also often move less as a result, which leads to other problems. So by attacking the cause — the weight — the issues of painful hips and knees, heart disease, and other ills have a better chance of improving, he said.

“So if we could help you lose that weight in a healthy way, in a scientifically proven way, then basically, you may have a chance, a second chance, at life in terms of motivating yourself to start moving,” he said. “And as you move, it might motivate you to do more exercise. And if you do more exercise or cardio exercise, then your overall health just may improve. So that's basically the gist of it.”

The Ideal Me program is a one-year package deal that includes a variety of 70 Ideal Protein foods of salty, savory, chewy, crispy, and/or sweet tastes; plus vitamin and mineral supplements, and one-on-one sessions with the coach. Does it mean never eating fast food again? Not necessarily. However, the coach and program material will teach you how to make healthier choices for overall better health, he said. 

Fallon experienced first-hand how the program worked, and has gone from client to cheerleader and coach for its effectiveness.

“I did the program four years ago, and I lost 35 pounds. My bloodwork was better than it ever has been in years,” adding what made the difference for her. “I could still have those little treats I liked, the chocolate products I was able to have.”

She also believes that the program strays from others by offering individualized plans, accountability and motivation depending on clients’ needs. Seminars on the program are being offered every two weeks at the wellness center. Prospective clients will be able to sample products and hear more about the program, she said.

For more information or to sign up for a seminar, call (585) 250-4567 or email gulercardiology@gmail.com.

Top photo: Dr. Ahmet Guler and Nancy Fallon celebrate the addition of the Ideal Me Weight Loss Clinic at Guler Cardiology and Wellness at 34 Swan St., Batavia. The clinic (and one in Warsaw) is the "only one in this area" between Buffalo and Rochester, Guler said. Photo by Howard Owens.  

A Batavia patrol officer reports that a complaint about the welfare of some kids at a local residence proved to be unfounded.

We didn't catch the location.

The children were fine, the officer stated.

"If Miss (name redacted) calls in again, be advised it's probably because the neighbor didn't give her any cigarettes," the officer informed a dispatcher.