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Car crashes into donut shop on West Main Street in the city

By Billie Owens

An elderly female has crashed her vehicle into the Dunkin' Donuts shop at 136 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia. She has a head injury. City firefighters and Mercy medics are responding. A code inspector is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 2:45 p.m.: The 89-year-old patient is being transported to UMMC. She is conscious and alert.

Grass fire on Clipnock Road, Bethany

By Billie Owens

A grass fire is reported at 9624 Clipnock Road in Bethany. It's between Torrey and Little Canada roads. Bethany Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 1:12 p.m.: A brush truck out of Stafford is requested to provide mutual aid.

UPDATE 1:14 p.m.: The fire has progressed to the woods. All available manpower out of Bethany Fire Department is requested. Plus, a tanker from Stafford is called in. Town of Batavia is called to provide a brush truck and one tanker.

UPDATE 1:18 p.m.: A tanker and Gaitors (fire-resistant leg protection wear) an all-terrain vehicle known as a Gator from Alexander, plus all its available firefighters, are called in.

From reader Destin Danser:

"It's actually a Gator from Alexander, as in the all terrain vehicle made by John Deere. Not gaitors. They have one outfitted with tracks and a water pump on the back that they use for fighting grass fires, plus a medical back for it to use for search and rescue."

UPDATE 1:27 p.m.: A full crew from Darien is standing by in its fire hall.

UPDATE 1:32 p.m.: A deputy was expedited to the scene because of a male-female domestic incident at the location. One of them left in a vehicle on Clipnock Road.

UPDATE 1:37 p.m.: A Pavilion pumper/tanker is requested to approach from Transit Road, as County Highway personnel report the fire is heading in that direction.

UPDATE 1:46 p.m.: A portion of the fire is out or nearly out. But there are hot spots along the swath eastward.

UPDATE 1:49 p.m.: Town of Batavia's response is cancelled and the unit(s) returning. The firefighters report the Transit Road area is under control.

UPDATE 1:52 p.m.: The fire near Transit Road is completely out. Mercy medics are called to the scene ASAP by the Bethany fire command. An adult male in his 50s is reportedly having trouble breathing, is passed out now and has a history of heart problems.

UPDATE 1:55 p.m.: Fire command directs a unit to the staging area to provide oxygen.

UPDATE 2:01 p.m.: All traffic is being shut down at East Bethany Le Roy Road.

UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: The roadway is reopened.

UPDATE 2:24 p.m.: Pavilion units are back in service. Mercy transported a patient to UMMC.

UPDATE 2:35 p.m.: Stafford units back in service. Some of Bethany's personnel clearing the scene.

UPDATE 2:43 p.m.: The fire is out. Darien is standing down from standby duty in its quarters. Alexander is back in service. Bethany is back in service.

Grass fire behind Weber Hydraulics, Alleghany Road, Darien

By Billie Owens

A grass fire is reported behind Weber Hydraulics in Darien, located at 10751 Alleghany Road between Erie Road and Broadway. It is moving away from the building and along the nearby railroad tracks. Darien Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 12:47 p.m.: The fire is out. Darien is back in service.

Brush fire near trailer at Alleghany and Ledge roads, Alabama

By Billie Owens

A brush fire is reported on Alleghany Road near Ledge Road in Alabama. It is said to be less than a foot away from a trailer. Alabama Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 6:39 p.m.: There's a large pile of brush on fire near an outbuilding on Ledge Road. It is west of Alleghany Road.

UPDATE 6:43 p.m.: The fire is not near a structure. One unit from Alabama will remain on scene. The others are returning to quarters.

UPDATE 6:51 p.m.: The homeowner was advised about new open burning regulations. There is no danger present now. Alabama is back in service.

'Family Matters' are the focus of seminars in 'People's Law Series' at the college

By Billie Owens

"Family Matters" is the theme for the next three-part segment being offered through the "People's Law Series," a collaborative initiative between the Genesee Community College's BEST Center and the Genesee County Bar Association.

Each of the following three seminars, being offered as part of GCC's Leisure Learning non-credit community workshops, are scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday evenings at Genesee Community College, Batavia campus in room T102. Each seminar costs $10 and will be presented by well-known local attorneys who have extensive experience in Family Court proceedings.

For the updated list of courses visit: http://www.genesee.edu/best/development/leisure-learning/ and contact The BEST Center to register by calling 345-6868.

Seminar I -- March 13
"Getting Past Your Breakup -- Custody, Visitation and Child Support"


Presenters: Robert B. McCutcheon, Esq.; Peter M. Casey, Esq.

This session will focus on the definitions of sole versus joint custody and the custodial parent. Attendees will learn about child support payment plans and other financial responsibilities, as well as court orders and attorney representation, mediation, and understanding who makes the decisions regarding a child's health, education, religion, and general welfare.

Seminar 2 -- April 17
"Matrimonial Actions"


Presenters: Deborah L. Burhans, Esq.; Benjamin J. Bonarigo Sr., Esq.

Divorce is a life-changing event and understanding the principals of matrimonial law can only help ease the transition and process. Spousal support, distribution of marital assets and debt, taxation, health insurance and separate property principles are among the topics of this session.

Seminar 3 -- May 15
"Juvenile and Family Offense Matters"


Presenters: Durin B. Rogers, Esq., Deputy County Attorney for Genesee County

When the actions and behavior of children result in Family Court proceedings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other family members and friends are all concerned and need information. Knowing about the Juvenile Delinquency proceedings, PINS (People in Need of Supervision), and understanding the legal ramifications of truancy, substance abuse, sexting, bullying, fighting, stealing, the destruction of property and the Family Offense proceedings are among the topics covered in this session.
 

"Family matters often involve and are a significant concern to the greater family network including grandparents, aunts, uncles and others. This series is affordable and specifically segmented to target an array of different Family Court issues," Ray Chaya, director of The BEST Center and coordinator of the new Leisure Learning program said.

Durin B. Rogers, Esq., president of the Genesee County Bar Association noted that the series allows for local attorney's to give back to the community. "This segment of the People's Law Series provides an excellent general reference point for domestic situations that impact many families at one time or another." It should be noted that the three-part series is provided as a public service for general reference information and is not intended to be legal advice for specific cases.

Founded in 1912, the Genesee County Bar Association is a voluntary professional association that pools the collective talents and experiences of approximately 100 member judges, lawyers, and legal professionals across the county to improve the practice of law, advance the goals of the justice system, and benefit the community.

As the BEST Center's Leisure Learning division continues to develop and introduce new programs, the public is invited to share ideas and opinions for future topics. A short Leisure Learning online survey is available at: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22EGQ7R6K59/ and all survey participants will be entered into the Leisure Learning drawing to win a Kindle Fire electronic reader.

Corfu man returns after tour of duty in Afghanistan with NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

A corfu man who is a member of the New York Army National Guard returned home this past Saturday, March 3, after successfully completing a one-year mobilization tour of duty, including combat service in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Daniel Krebs was deployed in support of Detachment One, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation, and served as a member of a CH-47 Chinook aircrew.

The New York National Guard was tasked with providing the aircrew in April 2011 to support an Army rotation to Afghanistan. With 30 days of training preparation available, New York selected five soldiers, including Krebs, based on their extensive flight experience, said Capt. Eric Fritz, the detachment commander and operations officer at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Rochester.

The troops were located between three Forward Operating Bases in Afghanistan with the primary mission of ferrying troops and landing soldiers during air assaults. Most flight missions were conducted during the night with the use of night vision goggles, Fritz explained.

"All these soldiers had a successful tour," Fritz said, "representing the New York Army National Guard and their unit with pride."

Calling BHS Class of 1982 -- your 30th reunion is being planned for August

By Billie Owens

The Batavia High School class of 1982 will be holding a weekend full of events Aug. 3-5 to celebrate our 30th year reunion.

If you are a classmate, a parent of one or just know of one of our classmates who has not been in contact with Darlene Bohn Naparstek or Amy Boland Joslyn, please send an email to Darlene at darnapar@gmail.com or call 561-672-1478 so we can make sure that you are included in all the events.

Possible chimney fire on Erie Street, Darien

By Billie Owens

A house is filling with smoke and a possible chimney fire is reported at 1500 Erie St. in Darien. Darien Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Alexander. The occupants of the home have evacuated. Attica has also been dispatched.

UPDATE 1:09 p.m.: Darien command has put the two units responding from Attica back in service.

UPDATE 1:18 p.m.: The fire is out.


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This is Arts Awareness Month and there's a lot happening

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is pleased to announce the 14th Annual Arts Awareness Month this month in both Genesee and Orleans counties -- a celebration of arts and culture in this region.

Throughout March, local cultural organizations, artists, schools and businesses are presenting more than 50 programs and exhibits. GO ART! is highlighting these events in celebration of Arts Awareness Month with calendars that are available in local libraries, at GO ART!, and in galleries in both counties and online at www.artsawarenessmonth.com.

In addition, GO ART! is hosting: its annual Decentralization Regrant Awards Ceremony on March 9th; the kick-off for its 2012 Salon Series on March 31st; the first annual GO ART! Members Exhibition; first annual Digital Art Show; and numerous special exhibits by local artists in area libraries.

Contact GO ART! at 343-9313, email info@goart.org or visit www.artsawarenessmonth.com.

Arts Awareness Month was started in 1999 by GO ART! in an effort to raise community awareness of the scope and diversity of arts and cultural programs taking place in our communities.

The original concept was to highlight the various events and exhibits already being held – such as school concerts, exhibits and plays, and now the annual culmination of “A Tale for Three Counties” – during a time period that is traditionally not perceived as having many cultural happenings.

The effort has evolved over the years in response to changing community cultural needs and offerings, and has developed into an anticipated annual project that continues to assist in promoting the diverse talent and programs available in our own backyard.

Arts Awareness Month is supported, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts and the Genesee and Orleans county legislatures.

'State of the County' in Batavia's Old Court House

By Billie Owens

Genesee County’s annual “State of the County” address is planned for 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 14 in the chambers of the Old Court House in the City of Batavia.

Chair of the County Legislature Mary Pat Hancock will deliver the brief address to be followed by refreshments prior to the regularly scheduled legislature meeting. The speech will include key accomplishments of individual departments during 2011, as submitted by those departments.

Event Date and Time
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'State of the County' is March 14 in Batavia's Old Court House

By Billie Owens

Genesee County’s annual “State of the County” address is planned for 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 14 in the chambers of the Old Court House in the City of Batavia.

Chair of the County Legislature Mary Pat Hancock will deliver the brief address to be followed by refreshments prior to the regularly scheduled legislature meeting. The speech will include key accomplishments of individual departments during 2011, as submitted by those departments.

It will also point out some of the unique challenges that face the county this year, along with strategies to maximize the impact of a proactive, positive county response.

The public is cordially invited to attend.

Today's Deals: Oliver's Candies, Larry's Steakhouse, Bourbon & Burger Co., Bohn's, and more!

By Billie Owens

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY: Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Bourbon & Burger Co., 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Batavia's newest burger joint offers more than two dozen different types of tasty hamburgers. Our menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, appetizers and an extensive beer list, plus a full bar. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Delavan's, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently so you can try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY: Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Rancho Viejo, 12 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Traditional Mexican cuisine, from tacos and burritos to pollo norteno, Rancho Viejo brings a bit of "South of the Border" to Batavia's restaurant scene. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Salsa & Curry, 13 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: An authentic Mexican restaurant, offering all of your favorite dishes from enchiladas and burritos to tacos and fajitas, as well as daily Indian food specials. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. Come try one of our many delicious burgers that we have to offer, as well as our HUGE Bomber Sandwich, homemade chicken fingers made to order, and the all-time favorite Dumpster Plate with many choices. We deliver. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl21 Buffalo Road, Bergen, NY: Open for lunch Monday through Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner favorites are our succulent prime rib and Friday fish fries! We are always happy to help plan your special occasion -- wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner, stag party, graduation, company function, banquet, family or class reunion. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

SOLD OUT

Farmers, artists, vintners and crafters sought for seventh annual Batavia Downtown Public Market

By Billie Owens

Press release:

MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES! This year, the Batavia Business Improvement District is excited to begin the planning for the Batavia Downtown Public Market that runs from June 21 to Sept 27. We are looking for farms, wineries, artists and craftsmen to participate.

Conveniently located in the downtown, visit our market before you do your regular shopping to be sure your food is the freshest and that your dollars remain local. Now entering its seventh year, the public market has grown and changed to become a staple of the downtown.

Although public markets have now become quite the trend, the goal is the same. People want the tradition of heading to the market to buy fresh, quality foods and wine and unique crafts from local farms and craftspersons. There is a desire to feel connected to their community.

Batavia has a unique geographic advantage because it bridges two major sales markets, Rochester and Buffalo. It also has four major routes that converge within the city – Routes 5, 33, 63 and 98.

Unlike some public markets which are tucked in a small lot or out of public view, the Batavia Downtown Public Market is located at the corner of Ellicott Street (Route 63) and Center Street, right in the center of the downtown. According to the Department of Transportation, over 15,000 cars drive past the market daily. Public parking is plentiful and easy to find.

The Business Improvement District, otherwise known as the BID, is a nonprofit organization made up of downtown property owners and tenants dedicated to economic and cultural revitalization that is above and beyond what the municipality can do.

A public market that is in the center of town creates a sense of place and belonging. Going back to our roots, farmer’s markets are one of the oldest forms of direct marketing for small farms, wineries and other businesses.

Farms, large or small, wineries, or artists/craftsmen that would like to sell their homemade crafts are welcome to participate.

If you would like to know more about the BID in general or how to participate in the Downtown Public Market or the autumn Wine Walk, please contact Laurie Oltramari at the BID at 585-344-0900 or email LOltramari@downtownbataviany.com.

Visit your downtown FARMACY for local food, fun and familiar faces!

Two new writing workshops offered by Present Tense Books in Batavia

By Billie Owens

Two brand-new writing workshops are being offered at Present Tense Books in Batavia.

Each two-hour session costs $17. They are:

  • Lessons in Enhancing Your Creative Abilities
  • STYLE: How to Develop Your Own Unique Writing Voice

These one-day workshops will be held Saturdays beginning March 31. The workshops are becoming very popular, and will fill up rapidly. Classes are limited to 12 participants, so sign up as soon as you can!

Students MUST register for the seminars by either entering their names on the registration site here:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/bataviacreativity

Or by writing the instructor, Bob Comenole, directly at:

snowcap2@hotmail.com

Lessons in Enhancing Your Creative Abilities

You want to think further "out of the box," to blow open every pigeon hole you encounter to generate novel and breathtaking ideas worthy of your craft, whatever that may be. This workshop is fueled by the notion that creativity is a skill that certainly can be learned and developed.

We will journey our way through various techniques of lateral thinking and innovation that will increase both your productivity and your sense of self-satisfaction. The tools acquired here can be applied equally to all, whether you are a poet, a potter, a Teamster, a business owner, a carpenter or just a die-hard doodler -- all in an approach that is relaxed and playful.

Style: How to Develop Your Own Unique Writing Voice

How to distinguish yourself from the hordes of other writers, most of them voiceless and indistinct? That is the question. This seminar is the launching point for the answer. We'll analyze techniques of the masters of our language to discover how they created moving and memorable voices. We'll then develop a set of our own tools, using an array of linguistic and rhetorical choices, to create a style that captures that voice within. This seminar fits the needs of writers in every genre.

The seminars offered by Present Tense Books are appropriate for beginners and seasoned professionals alike; there are no prerequisites for any of the workshops.

About the instructor...

For 20 years, Bob Comenole has taught writing, literature and communications at several colleges, including Miami University, Siena College, the State University of New York, and Rensselear Polytechnic Institute.

He is the author of several books and is about to release his newest work "Perplexed by the Egg & Other Stories."

If you have further questions, call 1-315-685-1480 or email to: snowcap2@hotmail.com.

Present Tense Books is located at 101 Washington Ave. Phone is 815-7640 or visit on the web at www.presenttensebooks.com.

Car accident with injuries on Slusser Road, East Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at 7996 Slusser Road, between Beckwith and Galloway roads. It's believed to be a car-into-pole incident, and possibly a rollover. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding. Mercy Flight is not available due to the weather.

UPDATE 5:05 p.m.: Two additional ambulances are called to the scene.

UPDATE 5:12 p.m.: There are three patients, all with head injuries: a 14-year-old female, a 23-year-old female, and a 19-year-old male.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: Two patients are being taken in a single Mercy rig to Erie County Medical Center.

Nominees sought for college's Cougar Athletic Hall of Fame

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation and Athletics Department is seeking nominations for its third class of inductions into the Cougar Athletic Hall of Fame.

Inclusion in the Hall of Fame is the highest athletic honor that the college bestows on its alumni and supporters by recognizing outstanding athletic achievements of individuals and teams of every era who have fostered athletic achievement and sportsmanship at the college.

The criteria for nominations to the Athletics Hall of Fame are based on an individual's noteworthy contribution to the growth, development and success of Genesee athletics, or a distinguished team that received recognition at the school, regional or national level.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from GCC's alumni website and emailed, or sent to the college's Alumni Office.(www.genesee.edu/alumni/HallofFame/)

Nominations may be submitted by the nominee or by friends, family, work associates or other colleagues who are familiar with the nominee. All nominations received by Sunday, April 1 will be considered by the selection committee. New inductees will be honored during the 2012 GCC Homecoming weekend in September.

The 2012 Cougar Athletic Hall of Fame class will succeed the 2011 inductees including: former men's basketball coach William "Bill" Van Gundy; women's basketball standout Petra (Pankova) Knoche; men's basketball standout and former women's basketball and softball assistant coach Lloyd Huling; volleyball and women's basketball standout Cyndy (Merlau) Hynes; and the 2002-2003 Men's Basketball Team that became the first Division II team ever to go undefeated in Region III with a record of 32-0.

For more information on the previous induction class into the Athletics Hall of Fame please visit http://www.genesee.edu/depts/alumni/halloffame/athletichof.cfm.

Nominees sought for Oakfield-Alabama Central School 2012 Alumni Hall of Fame

By Billie Owens

Nominations for Oakfield-Alabama Central School 2012 Alumni Hall of Fame are now being sought and will be accepted through April 30th.

Nominees must have graduated from OACS at least 15 years ago (class of 1997 or earlier). The committee seeks to honor alumni who have had significant success in their chosen field or who have contributed greatly to the Oakfield-Alabama community or both.

Anyone may nominate an individual by completing an official nomination form.

The online form may be found at:

http://oacsalumni.org/content/HallOfFame/NominationProcess/ (click on either the "online Nomination form" link or the Hornet logo).

We encourage you to use the electronic form; however, paper forms are available in the OACS middle/high office, which is located at 7001 Lewiston Road in Oakfield.

GCC announces employee and student of the month for February

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce Gail Francis has been named February Employee of the Month. Francis is a key member of the Records Office, responsible for making sure various office procedures, such as interpreting, maintaining and updating student records, are completed accurately and efficiently, each and every day.

She extends a friendly and welcoming face to everyone who enters the Records Office, providing exceptional customer service to students and colleagues alike. She also tackles campus records management, making sure mandated retention schedules are up-to-date to ensure proper maintenance and disposal of records.

Francis has been a valued member of the Genesee Community College for 21 years, launching her career in 1991, and she treasures her friendly and helpful coworkers. She's also familiar with the college from a student's perspective, having earned her AS degree in Human Services from GCC.

She resides in Batavia and is engaged to be married.

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce Lindsay Chatt has been named February Student of the Month. Chatt enrolled in GCC after graduating from Oakfield-Alabama High School in 2010, and is working toward completion of a Liberal Arts degree in Math and Science, with a concentration in Chemistry, which she plans to parlay into a career in dentistry.

An exceptional student, Chatt is a nominee for the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence; has made the President's List for three semesters; and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, which recognizes academic achievement among two-year college students. The 19-year-old native of Oakfield also excels in the ballpark, leading the GCC Women's Softball Team as captain.

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