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Batavia Cemetery Association to host Victorian Home Tour in the city on May 17

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Cemetery Association will hold a Victorian Home Tour from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 17th. The interior home tour will feature some of Batavia's finest examples of Victorian architecture on Ellicott Avenue, and Ross and Summit streets. The houses were built between 1862 and 1899. The tour starts at the Historic Batavia Cemetery on Harvester Avenue at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at bataviacemetery.com, in person at T-Shirts, Etc., Center Street, Batavia, or by calling 507-6524. Any remaining tickets may be purchased at the cemetery the day of the tour, however advance purchase is recommended as a limited number will be sold. No children under the age of 12 please.

All proceeds benefit the upkeep and restoration of the Historic Batavia Cemetery, which was founded in 1823 and was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places in 2002.

United Way of Genesee County forms six local 5K race series spanning May through September

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The United Way of Genesee County is pleased to announce the formation of the Genesee County Race Series. The event is a collaboration between the United Way and six local 5K events and will culminate with the annual Runner of the Year Award.

Runners will be required to participate in at least three events to be eligible for awards. The top four race results will be counted toward an individual's ranking. Cash awards ($300 for first, $150 for second and $50 for third) will be presented to the top three male and female runners. In addition, awards will be presented to the top three runners in each age group (overall winners will not be eligible for age group prizes). There will also be awards given to individuals who participate in all six races. Awards will be presented at a year-end banquet in October.

According to United Way of Genesee County Director Erik Fix, “The United Way believes in building a better community through education, income and health. The Race Series is just one way we can help build a healthy community. We are excited to partner with six great local races to create the series. Our goal is to quickly grow to 10 races by 2017.”

The vision for the series is to draw more people to each event and getting more people out to participate.

“We hope the additional prizes including a cash prize will help to draw some quality racers and their families and friends to Genesee County,” Fix said.

The series will begin with the UMMC Spring Sprint 5K on May 9 and culminate with the ARC Friends and Family 5K on Sept. 26.

The six races are:

  • May 9 -- UMMC Spring Sprint 5K
  • May 29 -- Genesee Cancer Assistance Festival of Hope 5K
  • July 4 -- Kiwanis Independence Day 5K
  • Aug. 15 -- Don Carroll Toys for Kids 5K
  • Sept. 7 -- Jaycees Labor Day 5K
  • Sept. 26 -- ARC Friends and Family 5K

The series is being sponsored by Alpina Foods. The yogurt company will be present with sample products at each event. The series is open to individuals of all ages regardless of where they reside. Series registration is not necessary. By registering for an individual race you are automatically qualified for the series. For full series details please check out the United Way of Genesee County Web site www.uwgeneseecounty.org

Acclaimed scholar, teacher, author, poet Rev. Dr. John Philip Newell speaks on 'The Rebirthing of God'

By Billie Owens

“The Rebirthing of God”
A Celtic Evening with REV. DR. JOHN PHILIP NEWELL
Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 7 p.m.
at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia

Come and listen to internationally acclaimed scholar, teacher, retreat leader, author and poet John Philip Newell challenge us to explore a new beginning for Christianity. In the midst of dramatic changes in Western Christianity he offers the hope of a fresh stirring of the Spirit among us.

Tickets are free, required for admission and available at:  www.fpcbatavia.org

Speaking directly to the heart of Christians – those within the well-defined bounds of Christian practice and those on the disenchanted edges – as well as to the faithful and seekers of other traditions, he invites us to be part of a new holy birth of sacred living.

For many years now Rev. Dr. Newell has been writing about the sacredness of being, the “of-Godness” that is at the heart of our lives and all life. He is the former Warden of Iona Abbey in the Western Isles of Scotland and internationally acclaimed for his work in the field of Celtic spirituality, having authored more than 15 books, including his best-known titles, "Listening for the Heartbeat of God," "Praying with the Earth," and "A New Harmony: The Spirit, the Earth & the Human Soul."

Rev. Dr. Newell’s talk will be based on his most recent publication, "The Rebirthing of God: Christianity’s Struggle for New Beginnings." Books will be available for sale and following his talk, John Philip will be signing books. A freewill offering will be taken.

Rev. Dr. Newell is an ordained minister in the Church of Scotland with a passion for ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. More information about John Philip and his work can be found at www.heartbeatjourney.org

Simply click on this event as it scrolls across the home page. You will be asked to register for the event and instructed to print a ticket. Questions? Call the church office at 585-343-0505.

Spend a Celtic Evening focused on 'The Rebirthing of God' with acclaimed scholar, teacher, author, poet Rev. Dr. John Philip Newell

By Billie Owens

“The Rebirthing of God”
A Celtic Evening with REV. DR. JOHN PHILIP NEWELL
Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 7 p.m.
at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia

Come and listen to internationally acclaimed scholar, teacher, retreat leader, author and poet John Philip Newell challenge us to explore a new beginning for Christianity. In the midst of dramatic changes in Western Christianity he offers the hope of a fresh stirring of the Spirit among us.

Event Date and Time
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SADD hosts county-wide dance for fifth- through eighth-graders at GCC

By Billie Owens

On Friday, May 8th from 7-9 p.m., Genesee Countywide SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) is sponsoring a county-wide dance at Genesee Community College. The dance is open to all fifth- through eighth-graders in Genesee County. Admission at the door is $5.

There will be refreshments available for minimal cost, glow bracelets and necklaces along with a great DJ. So come out and join us for some fun!

Event Date and Time
-

Car crash on Bank Street Road, Town of Batavia

By Billie Owens

A one-car accident with injuries is reported at 8249 Bank Street Road, between the city line and Stephen R. Hawley Drive. A passerby told dispatch she approached the vehicle, which is off the roadway on the west shoulder into the grass, and the driver was slumped over the wheel, unresponsive. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are en route. The patient is subsequently said to be semi-responsive and having chest pains. Mercy Flight's availability is being checked.

UPDATE 7:52 p.m.: Mercy medics just arrived at UMMC with the patient.

Car wreck on Thruway, unknown injuries, Le Roy responding

By Billie Owens

A car accident, unknown injuries, is reported on the Thruway and Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding. In the area of mile marker westbound 380.8, the vehicle wound up eastbound and is in the median but did not strike anything. It's just west of the Bergen Road overpass.

UPDATE 8:08 a.m.: No injuries. Churchville fire is called to respond and the Le Roy assignment is back in service.

Transformer on fire on Clinton Street Road, National Grid notified

By Billie Owens

A transformer on a primary power pole is confirmed on fire at 5263 Clinton Street Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding. National Grid is notified. A caller reported flames "like a flamethrower" shooting from the pole.

Same vacant house on fire again on Snyder Road, Elba

By Billie Owens

A vacant structure fire is reported for the third time in a week at 6616 Snyder Road, Elba. Elba fire is responding to the "rekindle" along with mutual aid from Oakfield.

UPDATE 12:45 p.m.: Fire is out. Elba assignment is back in service.

 

House fire reported on State Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A house fire is reported at 122 State St., upper apartment. City of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: "There's a possibility of a person trapped inside the apartment," says a dispatcher. "We have an open (phone) line and can hear a person still inside." Heavy smoke is showing and flames are shouting out of the rear window, says a firefighter on scene.

UPDATE 1:55 p.m.: City command reports everyone is out of the structure, then calls for a second alarm.

UPDATE 1:58 p.m.: Darien, Alexander Fast Team, and all available city fire manpower called in. Town of Batavia fire is to stage in its quarters.

UPDATE 2:02 p.m.: Command reports fire knocked down. Darien's response is cancelled. Alexander is continuing to the scene. National Grid has been notified. Mercy medics are on scene in case needed.

UPDATE 2:29 p.m.: The American Red Cross will be contacted to respond to the scene.

Trailer filled with smoke on Overlook Drive, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A trailer is reportedly filled with smoke on Overlook Drive, Batavia. One person is still inside the structure. Town of Batavia fire is responding.

UPDATE 6:30 a.m.: We didn't hear any more transmissions on this incident, so we spoke with a dispatcher. The incident was smoke from cooking and the fire department has cleared the scene.

Vacant house on Snyder Road ablaze again in Elba

By Billie Owens

A house fire is reported at 6616 Snyder Road, Elba, located between Lockport and Maltby roads. It's the same vacant structure that was on fire April 20. Snyder Road becomes Weatherwax Road south of Maltby. A Sheriff's deputy on scene confirms the blaze and says some trees next to it are also on fire. Elba fire is responding along with mutual aid from Oakfield, which is to set up a draft site on Maltby Road, and Byron and Barre. Snyder Road will be shut down to traffic.

UPDATE 5:23 a.m.: Alabama fire is asked to fill in at Oakfield's fire hall.

UPDATE 5:32 a.m.: Elba command reports the fire is knocked down.

UPDATE 7:40 a.m.: Photos added.

"The structure was pretty much gone when we got here," said Elba Chief Mike Hale. "It was just a matter of getting the fire out and making sure the crews were safe doing it."

The fire is under investigation.

"It's definitely suspicious," Hale said. "We were out here earlier this week and now we're back again, so there's definitely something suspicious there."

Because the house was vacant and already pretty much gone by the time fire departments were dispatched, Hale said he kept the response to a minimum necessary for manpower and water.  Besides Elba, responding were Byron, Oakfield and Barre.

Driver backs out of driveway and runs over male pedestrian on Jerico Road, Bergen

By Billie Owens

A car vs. pedestrian accident is reported at 6874 Jerico Road, Bergen. Bergen fire and Mercy medics responding. A responder on scene says a driver was backing a vehicle out of the driveway and accidentally struck a man, who is still down in the roadway. The vehicle is blocking traffic. The vehicle reportedly drove over both his legs, but the victim has no neck or back pain. The location is north of Town Line Road and south of Swamp Road.

UPDATE 2:31 p.m.: A Bergen Ambulance is en route to Strong Memorial Hospital with a Mercy medic onboard with the patient. The Bergen fire assignment is back in service.

Three-car collision on Park Road, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A three-car collision is reported at 8820 Park Road, in front of the Hershey's Ice Cream shop. Injuries are believed to be minor. One vehicle caught fire. It was doused but the vehicle is still smoking. In addition to Batavia fire, two Mercy rigs are responding.

UPDATE 3:36 p.m.: Howard, who is at the scene, was told that a minivan with two child passengers was making a left turn and hit an eastbound vehicle, causing both vehicles to careen into a car stopped at a stop sign. One of the children in the minivan suffered a bump on the head but was not transported for treatment. No one else was injured.

Pole and wires down in the roadway on Brown Road, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A pole and wires are down in the roadway in the area of 2495 Brown Road, Pembroke. The wires are sparking. East Pembroke fire and law enforcement are en route. The location is between Ridge and Halstead roads.

Escapee from the hospital?

By Billie Owens

"We have a white male walking briskly down Summit (Street) wearing a hospital gown," says a dispatcher. Batavia police are responding.

It is 33 degrees and frosty outside.

UPDATE 8:04 p.m.: "They (police) are in service in the parking lot of Dan's Tire with the patient released," reports a dispatcher.

School bus minivan and semi-truck collision shuts down eastbound Route 33

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer vs. school bus minivan accident is reported at 2300 Genesee St., Pembroke. One child is onboard the minivan. They are reporting no injuries, but the minivan is underneath the tractor-trailer and the occupants are pinned inside. The East Pembroke fire chief on scene says the tractor-trailer is blocking traffic. The location is between Angling and Read roads. Corfu Fire Police are called for traffic control at Route 33 and Angling Road. Eastbound traffic will be shut down.

UPDATE 7:32 a.m.: A family member, possibly the child's parent, is at the scene.

UPDATE 8:10 a.m.: Fire Police remain on scene but other responders are back in service. The road will be reopened shortly.

UPDATE 8:11 a.m.: The door of the minivan was jammed shut but firefighters got it unstuck quickly once they arrived, and the child was picked up by a family member.

UPDATE 8:30 a.m.: Photos added. The milk truck was backing into a dairy farm. The driver of the van reportedly told deputies he didn't see the truck. One or both drivers may be cited, pending conclusion of the investigation. There were no injuries.

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