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Batavia Concert Band's free performance at Centennial Park

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Concert Band’s 90th season of music-making will run this year with free public concerts in Batavia’s Centennial Park on July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, as well as the ever-popular July 4th Picnic in the Park sponsored by GO-ART!

The Batavia Concert Band’s repertoire is wide-ranging in origin, period and style: marches, Big Band and swing numbers; popular songs from musicals and movies; rock favorites arranged for band; classical adaptations; fun songs for kids of all ages, and everything in between.

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Batavia Concert Band announces annual Concerts in the Park

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Concert Band’s 90th season of music-making will run this year with free public concerts in Batavia’s Centennial Park on July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, as well as the ever-popular July 4th Picnic in the Park sponsored by GO-ART!

The Batavia Concert Band’s repertoire is wide-ranging in origin, period and style: marches, Big Band and swing numbers; popular songs from musicals and movies; rock favorites arranged for band; classical adaptations; fun songs for kids of all ages, and everything in between.

The Band consists of about 50 brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from talented local high school students to 60-year veterans. Many have professional experience; the rest are advanced amateur musicians. All love to play.

This year’s conductor will be Mr. John Bailey, instrumental music director at Lyndonville Central School. The July 4th Picnic in the Park concert will be conducted by Mr. John Kresse.

Founded in the early 1920s, the Batavia Concert Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except during World War II. The Band currently enjoys financial support from the NY State Council on the Arts via GO-ART!, concert sponsors, program advertisers, and individual patrons. The City of Batavia supplies chairs for musicians. The Band also sponsors 50-50 raffles at every concert, bake sales and other low-key fundraisers. Individuals interesting in supporting the Band should contact a Board member at any concert.

Downbeat for regular season concerts is 7 p.m. Wednesday evenings in Centennial Park, Batavia. (* In the event of rain, concerts will move to Genesee Community College. Notices will be posted at the NW corner of Centennial Park and announced on WBTA radio AM1490, posted on  <http://www.thebatavian.com>, and the Batavia Daily News Web site, <http://www.thedailynewsonline.com>.

All concerts are free to the public of all ages. Light refreshments are available. Bring the family, some friends, lawn chairs or a blanket -- and enjoy!

Be sure to also take advantage of our chicken barbeque in Centennial Park, at the July 30 concert.

For more information on the Band, how to sponsor, etc. see http://bataviaconcertband.net. We’re also on Facebook!

Info contact: Bob Knipe, bobknipe@hotmail.com, 585 343 5991

Genesee County Farmers' Market in the Downs' parking lot opens Tuesday, June 10

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Farmers' Market opens for the season on Tuesday, June 10, at the Batavia Downs parking lot on Park Avenue. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Fridays, through Oct. 31.

"The market is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year," says Market Manager Mike Bakos, "This market is the original Farmers' Market in Genesee County and remains a 'Grow Your Own' market featuring locally grown produce and specialty items. The vendors are planning many special events to celebrate this milestone anniversary."

  • Kids' Day -- July 25
  • Wine & Beer Day -- Aug. 22
  • Ladies' Day -- Sept. 19

Parties interested in joining the market to become a seasonal vendor or day vendor may contact Sharon Brent at (716) 560-0853 or by e-mail at   sharon_brent@hotmail.com

Qualifying charities, service groups, or 501c3 organizations that would like to participate in the market may obtain a "FREE" market stall by contacting the market at (716) 866-4958 or by e-mail at   mbakos@rochester.rr.com

GC Chamber of Commerce hosts 42nd annual Golf Outing

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will host its 42 annual Golf Outing on Thursday, July 31, at Terry Hills Golf Course & Banquet Facility, located at 5122 Clinton St. in Batavia.

Cost is $125 per person and includes: Golf cart, lunch and dinner.

The lunch menu includes hot dog or hamburger/cheeseburger.

Dinner includes grilled Italian sausage with peppers and onion, BBQ hamburgers, grilled chicken breats and much more.

Cost is $30 for dinner only. Bring your spouse, coworker, colleagues and friends!

Scramble format; limited to 128 golfers.

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BERNINA sewing machine dealer in Eden to host Sewapalooza workshop

By Billie Owens

Press release:

BERNINA of America, the premier manufacturer of sewing, embroidery and quilting machines, is pleased to announce that Eden Creative Sewing Center, a BERNINA Dealer in Eden, will host Sewapalooza, a hands-on embroidery, and quilting workshop on Friday, June 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

BERNINA educator Kathy Schalda will lead attendees through three projects that use quilting, embroidery and BERNINA’s DesignWorks Software Suite. The event costs $95 and includes use of BERNINA machines and accessories, all supplies, and lunch.

The workshop will take place at Duffy Hall, located at 8791 S. Main St.

To register, call (716) 992-4364 or stop by Eden Creative Sewing Center, which is located at 8386 N. Main St.

BERNINA’s DesignWorks features CutWork, PaintWork and CrystalWork software that can transform a compatible BERNINA embroidery machine into a mixed media tool. With CutWork, shapes, patterns and designs can be cut from multiple layers of fabric. PaintWork allows the application of pen drawings to fabric and textiles. CrystalWork enables users to create crystal appliqué patterns for textiles and garments.

About BERNINA
Founded in Switzerland more than 100 years ago, BERNINA is the world’s premier manufacturer with a proven reputation for offering state-of-the-art sewing and embroidery systems, sergers and embroidery software.

Car crash blocking traffic at Route 33 and Wortendyke Road, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at Route 33 and Wortendyke Road. A caller at the scene reports no injuries. It is blocking traffic. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics for evaluation.

UPDATE 4:55 p.m.: Now one person is said to have a minor injury.

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: A patient is being transported to UMMC.

Four 'local celebrities' will 'Pour You A Drink' and tips go to Habitat for Humanity

By Billie Owens

May I pour you a drink?" asked Le Roy's smooth-talking Mayor Greg "Porp" Rogers.

"I'll think I'll have a Harvey Wallbanger," replied the beautiful nonprofit volunteer.

"That was popular in the '70s, I remember it like it was yesterday," old Porp said.

"Make it without alcohol though, I'm designated tonight," she said.

"I virgin Wallbanger?"

"Like I said -- I've gotta drive."

Meanwhile...

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Law and Order: Alabama man charged with two felonies, several violations for allegedly riding ATV while intoxicated

By Billie Owens

Joshua Scott Bettilyon, 26, of Gorton Road, Alabama, was charged with two felonies and several violations stemming from an incident on May 30. He allegedly operated a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more, which is a felony, and was also charged with DWI with a previous conviction of same within the last 10 years, another felony. In addition, he was cited for alleged ATV violations -- reckless driving, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, unregistered vehicle, unlawful operation on highway, inadequate brake lights, unsafe tires, no / improper lights, and uninsured vehicle. Bettilyon was arrested by Sheriff's deputies after a short vehicular pursuit. NYS Police assisted in this incident, which was investigated by deputy Joseph Corona, assisted by troopers Hanssel and Kosowski.

Donald E. Ford, 40, of Oak Street, Batavia, was arrested by Batavia PD on charges of endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd, in an incident on May 30 on Oak Street. He allegedly threatened to harm an individual while that individual was in the presence of three children. He was jailed and bail set at $2,500. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Eric Hill, assisted by officer Frank Klimjack.

Edwin Leroy Stancliff Jr., 35, of Alleghany Road, Corfu, was arrested by Sheriff's deputies on May 30 and charged with two counts of menacing, 2nd, and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Stancliff allegedly displayed a 6-inch kitchen knife during a domestic dispute, threatening his girlfirend and an acquaintance. After his arraignment in Pembroke Town Court, he was jailed. The incident was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Lonnie Nati, assisted by deputy Christopher Parker.

Christopher Lynn Bayliss, 35, of Tower Road, Wyoming, was arrested June 1 following the investigation of a motor-vehicle accident on Attica Road in Alexander. He is charged with felony DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, refusal to take breath test, unsafe backing of a vehicle and driving without a seat belt. He was jailed on $5,000 cash bail and is to return to Alexander Town Court on June 10.

Bryan H. Fetterly, 28, of Barrville Road, Elba, is charged with harassment in the second degree -- physical contact, and criminal mischief in the third degree -- damaging property of another person in excess of $250. It is alleged that on West Main Street in the City of Batavia on May 30 Fetterly and two other subjects were in a vehicle when an argument took place. Fetterly allegedly kicked one of the subjects several times before exiting the vehicle and then struck the vehicle, causing damage to that vehicle. He was arrested and released on an appearance ticket and is to be in Batavia City Court on June 3. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Chad Richards.

Allen W. Gray, 34, of Oak Street, Batavia, was arrested and charged with harassment, 2nd, following an incident on South Main Street, Batavia, on May 29. Batavia PD officers went to investigate a disturbance complaint and it's alleged that Gray shoved two people following a verbal altercation. He was issued an electronically generated appearance ticket and released. He is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on June 3. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by officer Christopher Camp.

Mamie M. Baugh, 36, of Dewey Avenue, Rochester, is charged with third-degree assault following an incident on May 25 on Bank Street in the City of Batavia. She was arrested after Batavia PD responded to a disturbance at that location. She was issued an appearance ticket for city court. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Keven DeFelice, assisted by officer Nedim Catovic.

Joseph Bennett, 26, of West State Street, Albion, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property and petit larceny. He was transferred to Batavia Police by Albion Police on May 29 after being arrested on a warrant for violation of Genesee County probation. He was jailed in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bail bond and is due in Batavia City Court on June 6. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Nedim Catovic.

Darrin Mitchell Brown, 24, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. On June 1, he was arrested by a Sheriff's deputy for allegedly violating a court order of protection by threatening the protected person. Brown was issued at appearance ticket and is scheduled to be in Town of Oakfield Court on June 16 to answer to the charge. The incident was investigated by deputy Joseph Loftus.

Joey Aaron Evans, 23, of State Street, Batavia, was arrested by Batavia PD on May 29 on a bench warrant issued by Batavia City Court for allegedly failing to comply with drug court and petit larceny. He was jailed on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. He is to appear in city court again on June 26.

Michael D. Snyder, 42, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested following an incident on May 30 wherein he allegedly took a 30-pack of Budweiser beer from Top's Market without paying for it. Snyder fled eastbound on Route 5 and was apprehended near the Batavia Fire Department. He was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in city court on June 3. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Chad Richards, assisted by officer Richard Schauf.

John A. Snook, 26, of Gillette Road, Albion, is charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing $51.95 in merchandise from Walmart on May 14. He was arrested by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies and is currently in Orleans County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Town of Batavia Court on June 16. The incident was investigated by deputy Joseph Loftis.

A 16-year-old student at Pavilion High School was arrested on May 30 and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. The student was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance while at the high school. The student was issued an appearance ticket for Pavilion Town Court at a later date. The incident was investigated by Sheriff's deputy Chad Minuto.

Manure pile on fire on Marble Road

By Billie Owens

A manure pile is on fire at 8122 Marble Road, according to a farm hand there. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding. The location is between Akron and Gabbey roads.

UPDATE 1:05 p.m.: The site is next to the alpaca farm. A responder on scene says "it's smokin' pretty good."

UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: Fire is out. Indian Falls is back in service.

UPDATE 1:49 p.m.: Pembroke is back in service.

Organizers of Garden Party awards dinner thankful for community support

By Billie Owens

This was sent in by Barb Toal, Friends of Batavia Peace Garden, and Jeanne Walton, YWCA of Genesee County.

 

PARTNERS IN PEACE

This year for the first time, Friends of Batavia Peace Garden and YWCA of Genesee County combined efforts to throw a fantastic "Garden Party" awards dinner on May 10. We could not have done it without the tremendous and overwhelming support of this wonderful community, and we
offer our heartfelt thanks to all involved.

In attendance was an incredible mix of people from many walks of life, all who were joined together in a mutual effort to support the goal of two organizations: to bring more peace and harmony to our community.

We have learned that a common goal helps to create the common thread that ties us all together to
accomplish great things. Thank you to everyone for helping us to turn our vision into reality.

We can't say it was all easy to merge the desires and goals of two organizations for one big event. But it was a terrific lesson that with change comes challenge, and with challenge comes learning. It was the learning that ultimately gave us the ability to overcome the challenge.

Let’s all learn from our experiences and change the things we often accept without question, because they are familiar and comfortable. That can result in "the greater good," and we all prosper and grow in the end.

Our mantra for the evening, a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, now holds true more than ever: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

Betty C. Perry

By Billie Owens

Betty C. Perry

Akron -- Betty C. Perry, 87, of Akron, passed away at her home Saturday (May 31, 2014) with her loving family by her side.

Mrs. Perry was born on February 4, 1927 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Murray and Lillian Mullaney Colby. She and her late husband, Charles A. Perry, were the proprietor’s of Perry’s Market in East Pembroke for nearly 30 years. Betty was a member of the Corfu United Presbyterian Church and a member of the Chancel and Bell Choirs. She was an avid quilter, loved to bake and was a friend to everyone. Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband, Charles A. “Buster” Perry and her brothers, Alyn Colby Sr. and Richard Colby.

Betty was the loving mother of three sons, Michael (Monica) Perry of Batavia, David (Diane) Perry of Houston and Dean Perry of Batavia; two daughters, Cathy (Don) Nadolinski of Corfu and Carol (Lynn) Cooney of League City Texas; adoring grandmother of Jason (Heather), Kyle (Caroline), Sara, Jonathan, Jessica, Justin and Matthew. Betty is also survived by a sister-in-law, Carol Colby of Webster and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call Monday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 East Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Corfu United Presbyterian Church 63 Allegheny Street, Corfu. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, East Pembroke. Flowers are gratefully declined.

Memorials may be made to the Corfu United Presbyterian Church PO Box 159 Corfu, NY 14036 or The Hospice Foundation of WNY, Inc., 225 Como Park Blvd. PO Box 590 Buffalo, NY 14240-0590 or to the American Cancer Society.

Alleged one-eyed bandit accused of stealing gas clerk's prescription glasses

By Billie Owens

The clerk at the Kwik Fill at the corner of Ellicott and Jackson streets reports that an elderly white male allegedly stole his prescription glasses. The suspect was last seen walking toward Save-A-Lot and law enforcement is responding. He is described as being 5'10'' with a skinny build, wearing a flannel shirt, suspenders, a cowboy hat and he has one eye.

UPDATE 7:29 p.m.: The glasses are aviator style and the theft is allegedly on the store's film, which an officer is reviewing.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: The suspect has been located and police are taking him to the Kwik Fill.

Allegedly drunk motorcyclist causes ruckus at Indian Falls Log Cabin

By Billie Owens

An allegedly intoxicated motorcyclist is said to have caused a ruckus at Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant. The male allegedly punched an employee's car. He was last seen riding a Harley-Davidson toward Route 77. Law enforcement is responding.

UPDATE 5:04 p.m.: The bike is black. A female employee was also allegedly punched. City police are notified as the license returns to a city street.

Main Street spiff-up planned this Thursday in Le Roy, all hands welcome

By Billie Owens

This week Le Roy plans to spiff up Main Street. Although Earth Day was April 22, anytime is good for the "Earth Day Clean-up."

This civic project takes place from 3 p.m. "until done" on Thursday, June 5 (or Friday, June 6 if it rains).

  • Plans include: Cleaning windows inside and out.
  • Window decorating of vacant building with a Spring theme (which can include Knights, HCNY and MSR logos). This is a suitable activity for older kids.
  • Chalking drawings on the sidewalks made by little kids.
  • Sweep outside
  • Pull weeds

Contact is Jennifer Keys at Jennifer.Keys@rochester.rr.com

Check out the Le Roy Healthy Community and Le Roy Main Street Revitalization pages on Facebook.

Possible fire in apartment above bakery and deli in Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A possible fire is reported at 6946 Ellicott Street Road in an apartment above the Heavenly Sweets Bakery & Deli. Pavilion Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Le Roy. The caller is a resident who came home and found the smell of something burning inside the building and a light haze.

UPDATE 2:28 p.m.: The first responder on scene reports nothing showing.

UPDATE 3 p.m.: This is now a working structure fire. Bethany and Stafford fire departments are called to the scene and Stafford is also requested to provide a fill-in engine and crew for the Pavilion Fire Hall.

UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: A Mercy medic unit is requested to come in non-emergency in case needed.

UPDATE 3:09 p.m.: The city's Fast Team is requested to respond.

UPDATE 3:14 p.m.: The city's first platoon is called to stand by in its headquarters.

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: Heavy smoke is reported in the attic.

UPDATE 3:33 p.m.: Firefighters are informed that the attic runs the length of the entire building, which is quite large.

UPDATE 3:34 p.m.: The roof has been opened up but only light haze is coming out. Bergen is asked to fill in at Le Roy Fire Station.

UPDATE 3:41 p.m.: Confirmed that all occupants are out of the building.

UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: Calendonia fire is on scene to provide mutual aid.

UPDATE 3:58 p.m.: More smoke is filling the second floor. They are going to draw water from Hanson's crick.

UPDATE 4:01 p.m.: Although there are no flames visible, command is still concerned about the potential for combustion. The building's sprayed insulation is smoldering and causing much of the smoke, which makes it difficult for firefighters to see inside.

UPDATE 4:08 p.m.: York firefighters are on scene and establishing a draft site.

UPDATE 4:10 p.m.: A Sheriff's deputy is called to the scene to secure firearms.

UPDATE 4:44 p.m.: Town of Batavia's fill-in crew is requested to the scene. Heavy black smoke is pouring from the roof where they opened it up.

UPDATE 4:47 p.m.: All interior firefighters are told to get out. Now they're going to open up the side of the building.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: The color of the smoke spewing out the windows is changing color, reports a firefighter. South Byron fire is asked to stage in their quarters.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: Darien, East Pembroke and Elba firefighters are asked to man their ladder tanker trucks and stand by in their own quarters in case needed at the scene or anywhere in Genesee County.

UPDATE 5 p.m.: Firefighters are ordered off the roof. Another Bethany crew is asked to stand by in their hall.

UPDATE 5:06 p.m.: Interior firefighters from Alexander are asked to stage in their quarters. Flames are said to be visible.

UPDATE 5:09 p.m.: National Grid has shut off power to the burning building and the one next to it.

UPDATE 5:14 p.m.: National Fuel reps are on scene and are asked to shut off the gas lines(s) to the buildings at the street.

UPDATE 5:17 p.m.: A second Mercy rig is asked to stand by at the fire scene.

UPDATE 5:33 p.m.: Some standby tankers are called in, plus another South Byron crew is told to report to their hall. All staging for fire crews is being moved to the front of the bank. Barre fire is asked to stand by in Barre's hall.

UPDATE 5:37: Town of Batavia's Rescue 20 and all available interior manpower called in.

UPDATE 7:23 p.m.: The second story is completely gutted and the building is a total loss. Heavy equipment is en route to raze the structure. A crew from Wyoming Correctional Facility is on scene to help with clean-up. A pet cat was rescued.

GC Dairy Maid tells why dairy products are important to your diet

By Billie Owens

Genesee County Dairy Maid for 2014 is 9-year-old Georgia Luft, of Elba. She wrote this article to kick off National Dairy Month.

June is National Dairy Month. What greater time to make sure your have at least three dairy products in your daily diet than now! Research recommends that everyone should consume three dairy products daily to be healthy.

Dairy products have many health benefits, especially for your bones and teeth. Dairy foods provide vital nutrients that include calcium, potassium, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B12, magnesium, zinc, riboflavin and protein. Dairy products provide a powerhouse of nutrients!

Eating dairy products may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in older adults, while helping children and adolescence build bone mass. Dairy products have also been associated with reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and lowering blood pressure in adults. Recently research has suggested that by enjoying three servings of dairy products a day, part of a nutrient-rich and balanced diet, dairy products may help in maintaining a healthy weight. Keep in mind that choosing low-fat or fat-free forms of dairy products provide little or no solid fat while providing many other health benefits.

Keep the “3-A-Day” theme in mind as you plan your daily meals. Experts recommend three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy food every day. Many of us could use to add one additional daily serving of nutrient-rich dairy products to help meet recommendations. One dairy serving is equal to: An 8-ounce glass of milk, a 6- or 8-ounce container of yogurt, or 1½ ounces of cheese.

It’s easy to get your 3-A-Day in when you start with some yogurt for breakfast with fruit, some cheese with lunch and a big glass of milk with dinner. Enjoy a cool glass of milk during the summer months, as it does the body good!

Wood carving class with Vince Pagliaroli offered at GC Nature Center - registration required

By Billie Owens

Wood Carving wth Vince Pagliaroli

Saturday, June 7, 2014

10am-12pm

Cost: $5/person. Registration Required.

Vince Pagliaroli will be showcasing his fine works of art. Vince's creations are made from his own patterns. Duck decoys, birds, and fish are carved from a variety of natural materials. He will be demonstrating the techniques he uses to make his carvings. For more information and to register, call #585-344-1122 or email jsping.geneseeconsed@yahoo.com. The program will be held at Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center, 11095 Bethany Center Rd., E. Bethany. 

Beginner's guide to meditation class offered at Woodward library - registration required

By Billie Owens

Thursday, June 12, 6:30 - 8 p.m. This class is designed for those wishing to add more peace and serenity into their lives. We will discuss what meditation is, the benefits of doing it, and how to do it.  You will learn several simple but effective meditations and we will try a few during class.  Learning to meditate is one of the simplest and rewarding things you can do for your well-being.

Registration is required. Register at www.woodwardmemoriallibrary or call 585-768-8300.

Led by Tracy Martorana, nutrition and wellness consultant.

Two-car crash at North Byron and Transit roads, minor injuries

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at North Byron and Transit roads. Four people sustained minor injuries. Byron and South Byron firefighters are responding. Mercy medics are on scene.

UPDATE 11:02 a.m.: A second ambulance is called in.

UPDATE 11:07 a.m.: Elba Fire Police are called in.

UPDATE 11:33 a.m.: At least two people have been transported to UMMC.

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