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Notre Dame's cross country team wins milestone title

By Staff Writer
Remote video URL
VIdeo by Pete Welker

Notre Dame won its 100th sectional block on Saturday with a Cross Country championship at Letchworth State Park.

The team received an escort through the city of Batavia by City of Batavia Fire Department.

notre dame cross country
Photo by Pete Welker

Famous Dan stars in Batavia Downs feature trot

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Famous Dan courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

It was lights, camera, action for Famous Dan on Friday (November 1) night after he muscled his way to the top and then cruised home a winner in the $9,500 featured trot at Batavia Downs.

Kevin Cummings and Famous Dan fought with Arrakis (Joe Chindano Jr.) and Topolino (Dave McNeight III) to the quarter in :28.2 before crossing-over to the lead he would maintain for the remainder of the race. Once in control, Famous Dan trotted to the half in :59.4 and three-quarters in 1:29.3 where he started to pull away from the field. Unchallenged from there, Famous Dan swung around the final bend, entered the top of the lane and found his way home the best by five in 1:58.4.

Famous Dan ($3.00) is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.

There was a major upset in the last race on the card when Bolt Of Beauty (1:58, Kyle Cummings) made a three-quarters, three-wide move to victory at 40-1 and paid $82.50 to win. It also triggered a single unique Jackpot Super Hi-5 combination of 8-9-5-3-1 that returned $2,910.30 for a 20-cent wager.

Dave McNeight III topped all drivers on Friday with three wins while trainers Betty Clegg and John Leggio each won two.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (November 2) with post time at 6 p.m.

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Kiwanis Club of Batavia hosts free Thanksgiving morning community skate

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia will be hosting its annual Free Thanksgiving Morning Community Skate on Thursday, November 28, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena on Evans Street in Batavia. 

Admission and skate rentals are free (while supplies last). There will also be free hot chocolate. 

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia is thankful for the local community's support of their fundraisers. It’s through their fundraisers that events such as this can be provided for the children of Batavia and surrounding communities. Please come out and enjoy this free event!

Genesee Cancer Assistance prepares for annual event to acknowledge local generosity

By Press Release

Press Release:

CHAPIN International, Inc. will be featured as the Executive Producer with a $3000 sponsorship in honor of Genesee Cancer Assistance’s Annual Dinner Event. 

John Riter, representing the local Merrill Lynch office and Gerace Realty will be noted as co-producers for this red carpet-themed evening Night of Celebration and Hope. 

The event will take place in the Park Place Banquet Room at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel on Saturday, November 16.

Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. is proud to acknowledge Chapin International, John Riter/Merrill Lynch, Gerace Realty, Reliant Real Estate, Beverly’s Fowers and Three Little Birds Pediatrics for their support of GCA with 29 years of serving cancer patients in Genesee County.

Doors will open at 4 p.m. with a basket raffle and cash bar. Appetizers at 5 p.m., a buffet dinner served at 6 p.m., and followed with a special program. The ticket price is $35 and includes $25 in free play. Tables can be reserved for parties of 8 or more. 

Tickets are presale only and available for purchase until Friday, November 8 by calling the office at (585)345-0417 or online at www.geneseecancerassistance.org. The public is invited to join us!

Grateful for Recovery artist reception set for Wednesday

By Press Release
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One of the many pieces of art that will be on display throughout November as part of the Grateful for Recovery art show at Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia. Submitted photos.

Press release:

The public will have an opportunity to meet the artists who are participating in the Grateful for Recovery art show that is on display throughout November at Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia.

An artists’ reception is scheduled for 4 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 6.

Presented by the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Genesee County and UConnectCare, the show is designed to showcase the talents of those in recovery from substance use disorder, mental health and other issues, and to reduce the stigma associated with the recovery community.

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One of the many pieces of art that will be on display throughout November as part of the Grateful for Recovery art show at Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia. Submitted photos.

Photos: Legends and Stars opens at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens
legends and stars batavia downs

It's Legends and Stars Weekend at Batavia Downs, which includes a memorabilia show in the Parks Place Events Center and autograph sessions for several retired sports stars.

The show opened Friday evening and will continue on Saturday.

The new CEO and president of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, Byron Brown, was on hand Friday, mingling with guests and vendors. This visit was documented by a video crew, capturing footage for planned future TV commercials promoting Batavia Downs as an event center.

Here's Saturday's autograph session lineup:

  • Mark Recchi, 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.
  • Pierre Turgeon, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Brett Hull, 12:00 – 12:45 p.m.
  • Scott Norwood, 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
  • Chris Chelios, 1:15 – 2:00 p.m.
  • Howard Ballard, 1:45 – 2:00 p.m.
  • Bruce Smith, 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
  • Eric Wood, 2:30 – 3:00 p.m.
  • Cornelius Bennett, 3:00 – 3:45 p.m.
  • Darryl Talley, 3:00 – 3:45 p.m.

For more information and tickets, click here.

Photos by Howard Owens.

legends and stars batavia downs
legends and stars batavia downs
legends and stars batavia downs
legends and stars batavia downs
legends and stars batavia downs
legends and stars batavia downs

Holland Land Office in November includes Michael Block's Civil War presentation, trivia night and extended hours

By Press Release

Press Release:

On November 7 at 7 p.m., come to the next edition of the Guest Speakers Series and hear Public Historian Michael Block's presentation, "Only One Shout, Then a Terrible Silence!" The fighting along the Rappahannock on November 7, 1863, is lost in the general history of the Civil War. In the annuals of the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Northern Virginia, the fighting usually receives a passing reference. The battles of Rappahannock Station and Kelly’s Ford resulted in lost opportunities for both armies. Admission is $5 for non-members and $3 for members, please get in contact with the museum if you would like to attend either at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

"This project is made possible with funds from the statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!"

The museum is extending its hours every first Wednesday of the month until 8 p.m.! You will get personal tours from staff and volunteers, meaning you will get a more in-depth history of Batavia and Genesee County! You also may be able to go upstairs, if you are able and want to! 

Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night @ the Museum on Thursday, November 14 at 7 p.m. In honor of the end of World War I, the topic is the 1910s. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

HLOM and DAR to host veterans open house on November 6

By Press Release

Press Release:

In honor of Veterans Day, the Holland Land Office Museum (HLOM) and the Anna Ingalsbe Lovell Chapter NSDAR are hosting a Veterans Open House on Wednesday, November 6, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The HLOM and DAR chapter’s appreciation for their service will include special “thank you” gifts for each veteran, waiving their admission fee, and providing refreshments. 

The Anna Ingalsbe Lovell chapter members honor our Revolutionary patriots and support current and retired military personnel with donations and programs. 

Master Gardeners launch book drive for Salvation Army's Christmas Angel Tree program

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Genesee County Master Gardeners are collecting NEW, unwrapped BOOKS for youth, ages infant to 18 years old. The books will be donated to the Batavia Salvation Army for their annual Christmas Angel Tree program. 

The gift of a new book delivers a message of hope and instills self-confidence in children. Books enhance a child’s ability to read and communicate effectively.

The Batavia Salvation Army has requested the following needs for books:

  • Graphic Novels (Such as Dog Man, Cat Kid, Capt. Underpants, etc.)
  • Elementary age books
  • Early reader chapter books
  • Young adult fiction
  • Comic Books

You can drop books off at the Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension office (420 East Main St., Batavia), Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A collection bin has been set up near the reception area window. Donations of new books can be made through December 4.

The Genesee County Master Gardeners thank you in advance for your support.

Please contact Jan at 585-343-3040 x132 if you have questions.

Spirits of Halloween alive and well in local government offices

By Howard B. Owens
Remote video URL
Submitted video: DMV Ladies Have S'more Fun

It's become quite the tradition in Genesee County government departments -- staff members coordinate a theme for Halloween, with each department competing for the best costumes of the day.

We have no word on who won but here are pictures of a few of the departments that joined in this year.

dmv ladies have s'more fun
Submitted photo: DMV Ladies Have S'more Fun.
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It's all in The Adams Family at the Clerk's Office.
Photo by Howard Owens
genesee county halloween
Offices of the County Manager, County Attorney, and Legislature in the Old Courthouse.
Submitted Photo
genesee county halloween
Probation Department
Submitted Photo
genesee county halloween
Office for the Aging.
Submitted Photo
genesee county halloween
Public Works
Submitted Photo
genesee county halloween
Information Technology
Submitted Photo

Photo: St. Paul student wins ride to school in fire truck

By Howard B. Owens
st-paul-coloring-contest-winner

Josephina Varland, a student at St. Paul Lutheran School, got a ride to school on Thursday morning in Batavia Fire's Engine 12.

The ride was Varland's reward for winning CIty Fire's safety coloring contest for her school.

Photos by Howard Owens.

st-paul-coloring-contest-winner

Won Surreal Deal an easy victor in Batavia distaff feature

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Won Surreal Deal courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Press Release:

After getting some class and post relief from her last two starts, Won Surreal Deal impressively toured the facility at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (October 30) evening en route to her sixth win of the year in the $12,000 upper-level conditioned pace for fillies and mares.

Kyle Cummings and Won Surreal Deal grabbed the initial lead from their pylon-position start before Louie The Lilac (Kevin Cummings) overtook them at the eighth pole. But Won Surreal Deal didn’t want the trip and re-took control before the :28.1 quarter. From there, Won Surreal Deal got to the half in a measured :57.1 half where Hes Express (Drew Monti) pulled first-over to challenge as they made their way onto the second circuit.

Hes Express drew alongside Louie The Lilac, but second was as far as he got as Won Surreal Deal continued to chug along on the engine and started to separate at three-quarters as Louie The Lilac tried to keep pace, which she did. But she could not make up any ground on Won Surreal Deal as the cruising leader won in-hand by 1-¾ lengths in 1:54 flat.

Won Surreal Deal ($3.50) is owned by Parsimonious Racing Stable and trained by Jeff Sorenson.

Later in the $9,500 conditioned event for fillies and mares, Oaxaca Dream N (Dave McNeight III) took the lead at the quarter from Shooting Brooke (Joe Chindano Jr.), who then sat the trip behind the leader through quarters of :28.4, :58.2 and 1:27.1. At the top of the stretch, Shooting Brooke pulled the pocket and blasted down the lane, gaining on Oaxacan Dream N with every stride. The race went down to the wire where Oaxacan Dream N hung on by a neck and won in 1:55.4.

It was the ninth win of the year for the heavily-backed Oaxacan Dream N ($2.90) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags and trained by Maria Rice.

In the fourth race, 10-year-old Prairie Panther (Drew Monti) finished first in 1:56 and chalked up his 75th career victory for owners Joel Warner and Mike Deters, who also trains the habitual winner.

Brett Beckwith was visiting from The Spa and left as the leading driver on Wednesday after he won three races during the night. Two of those winners were conditioned by Chris Petrelli, who tied Maria Rice for top trainer honors with a double.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (November 1) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a carryover of $1,621 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

Genesee County Jail has a new fax number

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Genesee County Jail has a new fax number effective immediately. Please update your records. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

New Fax Number: (585) 815-7977

Batavia PD reminds parents and children to be safe on Halloween

By Press Release
miah stevens and william yung
Officer Miah Stevens and Officer William Yung visited the Richmond Memorial Library last week to share trick-and-treat safety tips with children visiting the library.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

As Halloween approaches, the Batavia Police Department wants to ensure a fun and safe experience for all trick-or-treaters and their families. To make this Halloween a memorable one, we've put together some essential safety tips for both pedestrians and drivers. 

Pedestrian Safety:

  • Stay on the sidewalk: Whenever possible, stick to sidewalks and avoid walking in the street. If there's no sidewalk, walk on the edge of the road facing traffic. 
  • Use crosswalks: When crossing the road, use designated crosswalks and follow traffic signals. Be visible: Wear bright or reflective costumes to increase visibility, especially at night. 
  • Stay in groups: Trick-or-treat in groups, and make sure there's adult supervision for children. 
  • Avoid distractions: Put away phones and other electronic devices to minimize distractions while walking. 

Driver Safety: 

  • Slow down: Be cautious and reduce speed in residential areas, especially during peak trick-or-treat hours. 
  • Be aware of pedestrians: Keep an eye out for children and adults walking, as they may be difficult to see in dark costumes. 
  • Use headlights: Turn on your headlights to increase visibility, even during the day. 
  • Avoid distractions: Put away phones and other electronic devices to minimize distractions while driving. 

By following these simple safety tips, we can all contribute to a fun and safe Halloween experience for everyone. Remember, safety is everyone's responsibility! Happy Halloween from the Batavia Police Department!

trick or treat library
Photo by Howard Owens.

Photo: City Fire gives John Kennedy student a lift to school

By Howard B. Owens
city fire coloring contest

Eight-year-old Amara Thomas got a ride in City Fire's Ladder Truck 15 to school at John Kennedy on Wednesday.

Amara was the John Kennedy winner in the department's annual fire safety poster contest, sponsored by IAFF Local 896.

Photos by Howard Owens.

city fire coloring contest

Water main break, repair on Watson Street in city

By Press Release

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Water Department is repairing a water main break in the area of Watson Street.

Water loss is to be expected in the surrounding area while repairs are being completed. Work will resume on Thursday morning, Oct. 31, 2024. The amount of time the water will be turned off to complete these repairs is uncertain at this time.

As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

We apologize for any inconvenience, and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated. 

Ascension Parish appeals to Bishop to remain open, encourages ongoing support

By Press Release
sacred-heart-church.jpg
Photo by Howard Owens

Press Release:

Parishioners of Ascension Parish mailed their appeal to the Bishop on October 28 requesting that he keep our parish open.

This is only the first step in the process. We want to thank all the folks who worked on the appeal, that helped to publicize our situation, that gathered and signed mandates, and that are supporting us, and praying for us.

We are grateful to all of you. Please remember to attend Mass at our church, to donate to our parish so we can pay our expenses, and to join us for activities and events.

Reminder, we pray the Rosary weekly at 6 p.m. on Wednesday evenings in the church. All are welcome.

For more information visit our Facebook Page - FriendsofAscension or email us at FriendsofAscensionParish@gmail.com.

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