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Byron-Bergen fifth- and sixth-graders design custom 3-D 'pumpkins'

By Billie Owens

Photos and information from Gretchen Spittler, Byron-Bergen Communications Specialist.

BERGEN -- Craig Schroth’s fifth- and sixth-grade STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) Lab classes are carving pumpkins. But, there are no pumpkins in the room.

Students sit at their computers and each one builds and carves their own virtual pumpkin in a three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) program. When they are complete, Schroth will print them on a 3-D printer.

“It takes a long time, but it’s cool,” said one student.

“Cool” is the word most students use to describe the project.

The pumpkins start to take shape. Students “group” repeated elliptical spheres to create scalloped edges, then add a cylindrical stem. On each screen, orange shapes come together to form what is, unmistakably, a pumpkin.

To hollow out the pumpkin, students place a sphere in the middle. It does not affect the surface design but “it makes printing more efficient,” Schroth explains. “I have two printers and many students and I want to fill the display case with as many projects as possible.”

The students have been following instructions up to this point, but now they get creative. Students add jack-o-lantern faces using various shapes and designs. Eyes appear as stars and hearts. One pumpkin has sunglasses and a mustache.

When compared with traditional pumpkin carving, one students argues that she doesn’t like getting pumpkin guts on her hands. Another argues that virtual pumpkins have no seeds, a favorite snack of hers. When asked if he would like to continue working in 3-D design in high school, another student simply blurts, “Yes!”

“This project has been a great way for students to explore the use of computer-aided design programs in 3-D modeling and prototyping,” Schroth said. “Students are applying skills that they have learned in math class through angles, measurement, and geometry to design a model they can actually hold on to with 3-D printing.”

In the front hallway of the Elementary School, a large display case holds a tractor and wagon, both built by third-grade students. The tractor is driven by the STEAM Lab robot mascot, named Byron, and the tractor displays rows of 3-D printed jack-o-lanterns. Picked fresh daily. Well, printed fresh daily.

USDA establishes domestic hemp production program

By Billie Owens
WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the establishment of the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program.
 
This program, as required by the 2018 Farm Bill, creates a consistent regulatory framework around hemp production throughout the United States.
 
“At USDA, we are always excited when there are new economic opportunities for our farmers, and we hope the ability to grow hemp will pave the way for new products and markets,” Secretary Perdue said.
 
“We have had teams operating with all hands-on-deck to develop a regulatory framework that meets Congressional intent while seeking to provide a fair, consistent, and science-based process for states, tribes, and individual producers who want to participate in this program.”
 
Background:
 
Later this week, an interim final rule formalizing the program will be published in the Federal Register that will allow hemp to be grown under federally-approved plans and make hemp producers eligible for a number of agricultural programs.
 
The rule includes provisions for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to approve hemp production plans developed by states and Indian tribes including: requirements for maintaining information on the land where hemp is produced; testing the levels of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol; disposing of plants not meeting necessary requirements; and licensing requirements.
 
It also establishes a federal plan for hemp producers in states or territories of Indian tribes that do not have their own approved hemp production plan.
 
The interim final rule becomes effective upon publication in the Federal Register. Following publication, USDA invites public comment on the interim rule and the information collection burden. A preview of the rule is posted on USDA’s website.
 
USDA also developed guidelines for sampling and testing procedures that are being issued concurrently with this rule. These documents provide additional information for sampling agents and hemp testing laboratories.
 
More information about the provisions of the interim final rule is available on the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program webpage on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) website.
 
Once state and tribal plans are in place, hemp producers will be eligible for a number of USDA programs, including insurance coverage through Whole-Farm Revenue Protection. For information on available programs, visit here.

City fire to flush some hydrants Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing / testing fire hydrants on Wednesday, Oct. 30th, Thursday, Oct. 31st, and Friday, Nov. 1st from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area of north of Main Street, west of Bank Street and south of Main Street, east of Jackson Street.

Homes and businesses nearby will be affected.

These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

Youth age 4 to 9 invited to 'Try Hockey For Free' clinic Nov. 9 at Falleti Ice Rink

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Amateur Hockey Association invites children to the Falleti Ice Rink on Evans Street in Batavia on Saturday, Nov. 9th for a Try Hockey For Free clinic as part of Hockey Week Across America.

Starting at 11:40 a.m. to 1 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 Falleti Ice Rink to try our great sport of ice hockey,” said Dale Hutchins, president of GAHA. “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. The GAHA organization does have some used hockey helmets available for the event as well as a few hockey sticks.

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

To register for this Try Hockey For Free event, please visit www.TryHockeyForFree.com

For more information, please contact:  Sharon at svgray@rochester.rr.comor 585-344-2248 (coordinator for Try Hockey For Free).

Empire Access, with GC locations in Batavia and Le Roy, launches fiber optic services in Victor

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Empire Access has launched state-of-the-art fiber optic Internet, phone and security services in Victor. Empire now provides super high-speed service, offering up to 10X faster connections than cable Internet services. This new fiber service is being offered to both residential and business customers.

“We’re thrilled to offer our lightning-fast fiber optic Internet to homes and businesses in Victor. Fiber optic technology provides a much faster, more reliable Internet service,” said Jim Baase, chief operating officer for Empire Access. “This recent expansion in Victor utilizes the Ontario County fiber optic network (Axcess Ontario) that Empire Access acquired in 2018.”

Empire fiber optic service offers the Victor area a unique opportunity and a clear technological advantage. Many areas comparable to the size of Victor currently do not have an option to access fiber pptic Internet.

Fiber optic service is far more reliable and not prone to slow-downs plagued by cable. Each customer has their own dedicated connection and is not affected by congestion and weather.

Empire Access features very affordable plans priced below competitors’ offerings for gigabit and 100 Mbps Internet. Gigabit offers speeds up to 1,000 Mbps and is perfect for video streaming, gaming and downloading large files.

Along with fiber optic-based Internet service, Empire also offers a complete array of communications and security services –

  • Home and business phone service – including various plans with business options including toll-free numbers, phone systems, voice mail and more
  • Security and home automation – such as 24/7 video monitoring and in-home or business-based automation, the ability to remotely manage security, lock and unlock doors, control appliances, adjust heating/cooling and more from a smartphone, tablet, or computer
  • Advanced business services – enterprise Wi-Fi, business email, audio and video conferencing, dark fiber and metro Ethernet

Empire Access is part of a locally/family-owned and operated company; rooted from a telephone company founded in 1896. The organization has long been recognized for their knowledgeable, reliable and responsive service. Live customer support is available 24/7/365.

To see if Empire Access fiber optic service is available in your neighborhood, please call 800-338-3300 or visit www.empireaccess.com.

About Empire Access

After starting in 1896 with one telephone line in Prattsburgh, NY, Empire Access has grown significantly as a family-owned, locally based communications provider serving large areas of Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania.

Today’s Empire offers a wide range of products and services from basic phone service to customized phone solutions, scalable high-speed fiber optic Internet, basic to enhanced digital TV service and advanced security solutions. Responding to a variety of business and consumer needs, Empire continues to expand into new areas while retaining a strong focus on local, personalized customer service. In 2017 and 2018, Empire Access was awarded Best Internet Service Provider in the Southern Tier region of New York.

Empire Access offers fiber optic service in Arkport, Batavia, Bath, Big Flats, Burdett, Canandaigua, Canisteo, Corning, Dansville, Elmira, Elmira Heights, Geneseo, Geneva, Hammondsport, Hornell, Le Roy, Montour Falls, Mount Morris, Naples, North Hornell, Odessa, Prattsburgh, Penn Yan, Victor, Warsaw, Watkins Glen, and Waverly in New York and Sayre, Athens, South Waverly and Troy in Pennsylvania.

Independence Express offers free van rides for disabled voters to polling places Nov. 5

By Billie Owens

Press release:

One of the greatest privileges we have as American citizens is to vote for the elected leaders that we choose – but for many individuals with disabilities who wish to do so in person, getting to their polling place may be a challenge.

In Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans or Wyoming counties, Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL) can help!

Independence Express, the transportation branch of WNYIL, will provide van rides, free of charge, to people with disabilities who need one to vote on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5th).

Independence Express has wheelchair-accessible vehicles for those with mobility challenges, and ambulatory people can get transportation, too. While we can’t help anyone up or down stairs, and they must rely on friends or relatives for that, we can take people to their voting place and then back home or to work, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., (except during drivers' lunch from 12 to 1 p.m.).  

If this is appealing, please email transportation@wnyil.org with “Election Day” in the subject, and provide this information:

  • The rider’s name;
  • Address;
  • Phone number;
  • If rider uses a wheelchair (or write "WC"), or if rider is ambulatory ("AMB");
  • The name and address of the polling place (i.e., Ascension Parish, 15 Sumner St., Batavia, NY 14020);
  • If anyone is going with them, such as a Personal Care Attendant (PCA).
  • [If more than one extra person or PCA, give the number of PCAs -- we can only take up to three people at one time];
  • The rider's first choice of the time to go to the polls.

Alternately, one may call Christian at 716-836-0822, ext. 108, to set up a ride. If there is high demand at times, requests will be honored on a "first-come, first-served" basis.  

Voting is your right – and we can help you exercise it!

The Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

$5,000 Guaranteed Pick-5 Wednesday at Batavia

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

On Wednesday (Oct. 30) there is a carryover of $1,381 and a guaranteed pool of $5,000 for the Pick-5 wager that day.

The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s (USTA) Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website or by direct download by clicking here.

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, the carryover amount will move to the Friday (Nov. 1) program.

Post time for the first race Wednesday is 5 p.m.

CDL training offered in December for GC ag producers and their employees

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, in collaboration with Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, will be offering a CDL Training Program for Genesee County agriculture producers and their employees for Class A and Class B licenses.

This training program is designed for producers and farm employees that have some experience with commercial truck operation.

An informational meeting will be held on Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension building at 420 E. Main St., Batavia.  This meeting will explain how the program works and answer any questions you may have. The required training materials and medical forms will also be passed out at this time.

Classroom instruction dates are Dec. 10 and 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Drive times will be scheduled with the instructor at a later date.

Class A drivers must be at least 21 years of age and Class B drivers must be at least 18 years of age.

Full payment (check or cash) is due at the class on Dec. 10. The cost for Class A is $775 and the cost for Class B is $600.

Registration is required and will be accepted until Dec. 3 or until the class is full. Class size is limited.

For more information or to register, please contact Jan Beglinger at 585-343-3040, ext. 132.

Nate McMurray releases plan to address corruption in Washington

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Nate McMurray, Democrat running for Congress in NY-27, intends to address loopholes that lead to corruption in Congress and fight for the bills that have died in the Senate without review. 

The “For the People Act,” or HR 1, was proposed this year, but never made it to the Senate floor, is one such piece of legislation. HR1 comprehensively addressed financing of elections, ethics reform, and expanding voting rights.

These issues were a critical focus during McMurray’s race against Chris Collins in 2018, but the legislation has been stonewalled by the Republican Senate. 

“HR 1 needs to be taken seriously by Senate Republicans, because at the end of the day, corruption is not a partisan issue. As it stands, though, Republicans will not pass this legislation all at once,” McMurray said, “We need leaders that say, ‘look, the buck stops with us.’

"We’ve seen the damage that corruption can cause in the democratic process, and we need to look at each element of this legislation and fully address it.When I’m elected, I intend to work with my colleagues and propose legislation that we will get through Congress.”

McMurray’s proposal for addressing corruption in government includes proposals to:

  • Enact stricter limits on political contributions from special interests, lobbyists and wealthy special interests. McMurray has voluntarily imposed  a ban on corporate PAC money for his campaign, but believes this should be the law for all candidates.
  • Keep investigation inquiries open -- even after a member has left their seat.
  • Strip corrupt members of Congress of their pensions when found guilty of violating the public trust. 
  • Prohibit members of Congress from sitting on for-profit corporate boards.
  • Pass tougher campaign finance laws and more transparent disclosures of outside political spending.
  • Overturn the disastrous Citizens United decision, which opened the floodgates for unlimited, untraceable spending in our elections.

Batavia Ramparts Ice Hockey Homecoming Weekend at Falleti Ice Arena

By Billie Owens
The Batavia Ramparts Ice Hockey Team will host the final day of Homecoming Weekend Nov. 3 at Falleti Ice Arena, 22 Evans St., Batavia. Games and events all day!

Sunday's time is 2 to 9 p.m. There will be a special appearance by the Buffalo Sabres' Sabretooth mascot from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

This year the theme is "Go Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness," in honor of Donato Morgante.

Event Date and Time
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Batavia Ramparts Ice Hockey Homecoming Weekend at Falleti Ice Arena

By Billie Owens
The Batavia Ramparts Ice Hockey Team will host Homecoming Weekend Nov. 2-3 at Falleti Ice Arena, 22 Evans St., Batavia. Games and events both days!

Saturday's time 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Amerks Moose will join the fun from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Sunday's time is 2 to 9 p.m. There will be a special appearance by the Buffalo Sabres' Sabretooth mascot from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

This year the theme is "Go Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness," in honor of Donato Morgante.

Event Date and Time
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Law and Order: Corfu sex offender accused of failing to register email address

By Billie Owens

Raymond Dennis Bieganski, 66, of Main Street, Corfu, a NYS Level 2 registered sex offender, is charged with failure to register an email address. He was arrested for violating NYS Correction Law by failing to register an email address on July 22. He was issued an appearance ticket for Nov. 4 in Village of Corfu Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Justin David Spilberg, 31, of Salt Works Road, Medina, is charged with: driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .18 percent or more; DWI; and speeding. Spilberg was arrested at 7:54 p.m. on Oct. 26 on North Lake Road in Bergen after a traffic stop for speeding. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Bergen Town Court on Nov. 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.

Cameron James Demaison, 23, of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, is charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated and DWI. He was arrested at 9:32 p.m. Oct. 17 on North Street in Batavia following a traffic complaint. Demaison was released on appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Joseph M. Dispenza, 46, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated and DWI. On Oct. 26, Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Dispenza on the charges following an investigation into a one-vehicle accident involving a motorcycle on Bank Street in the city at 10:22 p.m. on Aug. 4. Dispenza was given uniform traffic tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 6. Post was assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Brian Keith Dyer, 53, of North Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Dyer was arrested following an incident in which he allegedly pushed someone at 9:29 p.m. Oct. 22 on North Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on Oct. 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

GCC Fashion Design and Business students learn about 'color draping' Nov. 4, public invited

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The faculty and students of the Fashion Design and Business programs at Genesee Community College are excited about several upcoming events that celebrate the changing seasons and how to best present yourself.

The first event, the Color Draping Session is free and open to the public and scheduled Monday, Nov. 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. in room T119 in the Conable Technology Building. Under Fashion Design Professor Donna Ehrhart, students and participants from the local community will enjoy a free consultation. Together, they will determine the color palettes that most appropriately complement each person's unique hair color, skin tone, complexion and eye color, and the seasonality of fashion.

"Color psychology goes all the way back to the 1700s and has continued to shape both the world of fashion and art, especially through the creative process of design or when painting or photographing portraits," Professor Ehrhart said.

"The Draping Session gives our sophomore students the opportunity to practice the skills they learned last year and engage the freshmen students in the theory of color. We hope members of local community will join us and also enjoy the event."

The second event, "Dress for Success and Dining Etiquette" is open to GCC students only and is co-sponsored by the College's Fashion Program, Alumni Office and Student Success Center. On Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 5 - 6:30 p.m., again in room T119, Professor Ehrhart will be joined by Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Jennifer Wakefield in preparing a multifaceted program that will cover not only the importance of dressing for success, but also all the nuances of dining in a manner that reinforces professionalism and confidence.

"Is bacon eaten with a fork or your fingers? Which fork do you use? Which water glass is yours? Knowing the answers to these questions can be a critical component to the impression one makes," Wakefield said. "A lot of important business is conducted over a meal and it is best to know dining etiquette and not let something as simple as having pepper in your teeth detract be your lasting impression." Student participants must come prepared to this event by wearing their business attire.

A third and final opportunity that is also in development with GCC's Fashion program is a window display competition in tandem with Downtown Batavia's "Christmas in the City." Several store fronts will be designed and decorated by GCC students in time for the holiday event on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Photos: Sunday's Halloween parade hosted by Batavia's Original and Kiwanis Club

By Billie Owens

Another fall day in Batavia, NY, USA...

Photos and information submitted by Kathy Ferrara.

Batavia's Original and the Kiwanis Club of Batavia held their second annual Halloween Parade on Sunday.

Their trek through wind and rain from Dan's Tire to the pizzeria at Harvester Avenue and East Main Street was rewarded with food, games, a magician, a costume contest and prizes. Of course there was plenty of candy!

Judges were Batavia City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr., Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron Jr., city fire Capt. Greg Ireland and city fire's EMS Program coordinator Tom Douglas.

The magician was Doug Ireland. Harvester 56 Theater actors were present in some amazing costumes.
 
A macabre little man in black...
Batavia's Original owner Kathy Ferrara greets parade participants upon their arrival at her pizzeria.

Kindred spirits, wild and woolly...

A gruesome twosome...

Fishing...sorta...

The morbid wedding party...

It was magical...or was it?

Spiderman was a boy once, with regular folks and a little sis -- it was enough to make him want to climb the walls...

St. Jerome Guild holds annual 'Noel Nook' with gifts galore on Nov. 1-2

By Billie Owens

By Marilyn Dickinson, Board Secretary, St. Jerome Guild Board of Directors

The St. Jerome Guild Inc., annual "Noel Nook" will take place at The Jerome Center at 16 Bank St., Batavia, on Friday, Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. All customers will enjoy a 10-percent discount on the entire order (some exclusions apply).

The Guild, a not-for-profit volunteer organization has been serving the healthcare community for decades and celebrated their 100-year jubilee a few years ago. The Guild continues to be an active organization donating vital equipment to UMMC.

The Guild operates the Jerome Center Gift Shop at the Bank Street Campus and we invite the community to enjoy punch and cookies and browse our new Christmas and holiday items in the Shop and in the enormous "Nook" room.

If you like home goods then you will find bar and wine accessories, eclectic and wine caddies depicting doctors, golfers, nurses, firefighters, musicians, athletes, and gardeners are customer favorites.

You will love the expressions of wall and counter art, kitchen towels, spatula sets, mugs, aprons, Santas, snowmen, crystal candle holders and warmers, angels, elegant glittered and country trees, hundreds of ornaments, cardinals, llamas, holiday wreaths, flags, hundreds of ornaments, throws, centerpieces, night lights, jams and jellies.

Gift cards are also available.

‘Tis the season to wear customer favorites of stylish ponchos and shawls, woven caplets, fur-trimmed and wool hats and gloves, gorgeous scarves, and headbands. Petite Ginger Snaps, that are interchangeable with bracelets, necklaces and rings come in a variety of colors, shapes, and stones.

We continue to carry our selection of stylish handbags. Our reasonably priced "Jerome Jewelry Collection" includes rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces sets, some with semi-precious stones, and a wide assortment of watches, and children’s jewelry.

Other popular items are cozy baby jackets in blue, pink and leopard, oneses, tummy blankets, picture frames, milestone items, and a variety of children's toys and plush animals.

You will be surprised at the price point of our Famous Beekman Brothers’ products of hand creams, soaps and lip balms. We offer Warm Buddies, too, which include anti-stress spa mist, and eye masks.

The St. Jerome Guild Inc., has fulfilled pledges of well over $100,000 to the UMMC facilities expansions and initiatives, and supports the UMMC Foundation projects as a major sponsor.

Last spring, the annual fashion show and basket raffle proceeds purchased a needed Accuvein illuminator for the Maternity Department, and the year prior fashion show proceeds purchased four neonatal basinets from the hospital wish list.

For years, the Guild offers to UMMC employees pursuing educational careers, our annual Health Professional Scholarships.

Children who visit the Jerome Center Urgent Care are comforted with plush animals and cancer patients receive care bags of personal items.

The Guild sponsors the Jerome Center Annual Employee Recognition Day in thanks for their efforts serving the community.

Guild members donate thousands of volunteer hours working at the Shop and for UMMC events, including the Teddy Bear Clinic.

St. Jerome Gift Shop business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, managed and operated only by Guild volunteers.

New members are welcome to join the Guild throughout the year and a membership tea is held in September. Members attend regular monthly meetings that include a program and guest speakers.

The Guild also manages a monthly lottery and the community is invited to participate. Please join our Facebook page to view our inventory at: St. Jerome Gift Shop.

(Submitted photo.)

Time changes Sunday; city fire chief reminds everyone: 'Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department joins fire departments nationwide in promoting the annual "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" campaign on Sunday, Nov. 3.

Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano encourages all residents to adopt the simple, life-saving habit of changing smoke alarm batteries when they change their clocks back from daylight savings time to standard time.

“It’s an easy, inexpensive, and proven way to protect your family and your home,” Chief Napolitano said. “Plus, with winter quickly approaching and most everyone turning their heating systems on, it also makes this an ideal time to make sure your heating system is working properly.

"This is a great opportunity to check yourcarbon monoxide detectors as well.”

Today’s home fires grow in size faster than ever, typically allowing as little as one to two minutes to escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds, due to current home furnishings burning faster and producing more toxic gases and smoke. One thing that is instrumental in reducing deaths is to close doors to prevent the fire from spreading and to facilitate escape.

Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with either no smoke alarms or non- working smoke alarms. Smoke alarm failures usually result from missing or dead batteries or disconnected wires.

The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping; a working smoke alarm provides critical extra time needed to get out safely.

According to the NFPA, the maximum life cycle of a smoke alarm is 10 years from the date of manufacture, not the date of installation. Beginning in 2002, all smoke alarms must have a manufacture date marked on the outside of the smoke alarm. If your smoke alarm does not have a manufacture date or if you’ve had it for morethan ten years, it needs to be replaced.

The City of Batavia Fire Department recommends purchasing smoke alarms with 10-year lithium batteries. All smoke alarms should be tested monthly.

“The City of Batavia Fire Department has a free smoke alarm installation program,” Fire Chief Napolitano said. “If you do not have a smoke detector or if you are unsure the batteries are working properly, members of the City of Batavia Fire Department will come to your home and ensure that you have a working smoke detector, absolutely free of charge. Call (585) 345-6375 to set upan in home appointment.”

Black Is Back victorious in Batavia Open

By Billie Owens

Photo of Black Is Back with driver Dave McNeight III.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

It was a simple plan for Black Is Back. Take the lead, steal the half and cruise home for the win. And that's exactly what he did in the $12,500 Open I Handicap pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 26). 

Black Is Back (Dave McNeight III) left unchallenged and set early fractions of :27.3 and :57 flat to the half. Down On My Luck (Drew Monti) was in the breeze first-over at that point and continued to gain ground on the leader up the backstretch and to the three-quarters. 

As they headed around the far turn and into the stretch Down On My Luck was pacing hard and trying to make up the 1-½ length deficit, but Black Is Back was the better horse this night and hung on for the win by one-length in 1:53.4. 

It was the 10th win of the year for Black Is Back ($3.10) who has now earned $75,050 for owners Curtis Edholm and Mihajlo Zdjelar Sr.; Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr. does the training.

The $11,000 Open II Handicap pace saw I’m So Handsome (Denny Bucceri) leave from post one, slow the half to :58.2 and then come home in back to back :28.2 quarters to hold off a fast closing Sir Pugsley (Drew Monti) and win by a length in 1:55.

I’m So Handsome ($10.80) scored his sixth win of the year for owner Mike Torcello and trainer Gerry Sarama. 

The $10,000 Open III pace turned an unexpectedly fast mile when Charmbo Orbit (Denny Bucceri) drafted third for a half before pulling first-over heading to the three-quarters to run down the leading Thisjetsabookin (Dave McNeight III) and hold off a late rush from Brunello N (Drew Monti) in the stretch to win by a neck in 1:53.4.

It was a new seasonal mark for Charmbo Orbit ($21.20) who is owned by Keith Pinkowski and trained by Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr. 

Those back to back wins for Denny Bucceri were two of the three he won on the card, giving him a hat trick for the evening. Drew Monti also won three races on Saturday night. 

With no Pick-5 winner on Saturday, there is a $1,381 carryover and a $5,000 guaranteed pool will be offered on the Pick-5 wager on Wednesday (Oct. 30) when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday afternoon at 5 p.m.

The guaranteed pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s (USTA) Strategic Wagering program and as such, there will be free program pages for races one through five available on the USTA website starting this morning (Oct. 27).

'Popcorn Ball' at St. Joseph School Nov. 2, food from Eli Fish, dance to band 'Groove'

By Billie Owens

St. Joseph School will host the "Popcorn Ball" from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2.

The school is located at 2 Summit St. in the City of Batavia.

Food will be catered by Eli Fish Brewing Co.

Live music will be performed from 7 to 10 p.m. Dance to the sounds of "Groove."

Plus there will be a euchre tournament, ticket raffle, and lottery.

For more information, contact the school at 343-6154.

'Popcorn Ball' at St. Joseph School, food from Eli Fish, dance to band 'Groove'

By Billie Owens

St. Joseph School will host the "Popcorn Ball" from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2.

The school is located at 2 Summit St. in the City of Batavia.

Food will be catered by Eli Fish Brewing Co.

Live music will be performed from 7 to 10 p.m. Dance to the sounds of "Groove."

Plus there will be a euchre tournament, ticket raffle, and lottery.

For more information, contact the school at 343-6154.

Event Date and Time
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