Stories from

Gabrielle M. Chaplin, 28, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, and Trevon L. Armstrong, 34, of Denio Street, Batavia, and Darius L. Jones, 27, of Exchange Street, Attica, are charged with several crimes in connection with a traffic stop of a single vehicle at 12:22 p.m. on Oct. 2 at East Avenue and Ross Street in the City of Batavia. An investigation pursuant to a traffic stop for failing to signal a turn, allegedly revealed that marijuana, oxycodone and a loaded hangun were inside the vehicle. A 10-month-old child was allegedly in the back seat and not properly secured in a child-restraint seat; the child was also allegedly in proximity to the handgun. All subjects were arraigned in Batavia City Court and all were to appear again in court Thursday morning (Oct. 3). All are charged with: criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a misdemeanor; endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor; and unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation. In addition, Jones is charged with exposure of a person, a violation. And Chaplin is also charged with failure to give notice, a traffic infraction, and improper/no child restraint, another traffic infraction. Armstrong and Jones were jailed without bail; Chaplin was jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. The incident was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Christopher Parker, assisted by Deputy Christopher Erion and K-9 "Frankie," Sgt. Michael Lute, Sgt. James Diehl, Investigator Ronald Welker, Det. James DeFreze, and Batavia Police officers Felicia DeGroot, Jordan McGinnis, Stephen Cronmiller, Mitchell Cowen and Adam Tucker.

Jeffrey D. Hart, 40, of Sumner Road, Corfu, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree; driving while intoxicated; DWI -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more; speeding; and refusal to take a breath test. On Oct. 3 following a traffic stop at 9:55 p.m. on Route 77 in the Village of Corfu, Hart was arrested. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Oct. 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Saile.

Possible minor injuries are reported following a two-car accident at West Main Street and Dellinger Avenue in the City. City fire and Mercy medics are called; medics are asked to evaluate those involved.

Press release:

The Chamber’s Annual Awards Committee has announced the 2019 Annual Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 7, at The Quality Inn & Suites, Park Road, Batavia.

This is the County’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism.     

Please note that a brief write-up will qualify your nominee for consideration.

Nominations are now being accepted for Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Business of the Year, Agricultural Business of the Year, Innovative Enterprise of the Year, Special Service Recognition & Geneseeans of the Year.

Business Nominees must be a Chamber Member (If unsure of your nominee, call the Chamber to verify).   

Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Road, Batavia and can also be downloaded from the Chamber website at www.geneseeny.com.  

Nominations MUST BE RECEIVED BY Dec. 30 to be eligible for consideration. 

If you would like more information, feel free to call Kelly J. Bermingham, Director of Member Relations & Special Events at the Chamber office, 343-7440, ext. 1026.

Many people have heard about CARFAX, the one-stop-shop online for used cars. The Genesee County Animal Shelter's Volunteers For Animals offer their own version, called CATFAX, but it's an in-person opportunity for those interested in "certified pre-owned adult cats."

We're not making this up; they are. (Cleverness credit where cleverness credit is due.)

For only 60 bucks, with zero-percent financing -- cash or check only, you can bring home your very own feline companion.

Features and Specs:

• All cats over 1 year old;
• All makes and models;
• Standard 4-paw drive;
• 100,000 purr warranty;
• Over curtain climbing phase.

Multi-point Inspection:

• Spayed or neutered;
• Vaccinated;
• FIV/FeLV tested;
• General grooming;
• Flea, earmite, worm treatment.

To test drive your potential pet, or at least check under the hood, visit the Genesee County Animal Shelter at 3841 W. Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia during adoption hours.

Adoption Hours:

Or call the shelter at (585) 343-6410.

Serious inquiries only. Real pets for real people. Must be able to provide food, water, shelter and affection. Those not up to the task need not inquire. Providing catnip, luxury bedding, bejeweled collars, crystal supping dishes, a chaise longue (lounge), and other whimsies optional.

This message has been brought to you as a public service on behalf of fur friends county-wide.

Submitted photo and press release:

An annual spring adventure where students in Genesee Community College's History Club visit important historical sites, museums and battlefields in April ultimately benefits the local lovers of blues music this fall.

Sonny Mayo and the Lowdown are coming to GCC's Stuart Steiner Theater on Friday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. for an evening of excellent rhythm and blues featuring a great selection of original tunes and old favorites by a former GCC faculty member. All proceeds from the concert will be dedicated to the History Club's spring break history tour.

Frank "Sonny" Mayo is now a retired GCC public speaking professor, but he is anything but retired from his passion for music. Mayo is bringing his trio with him for a show that promises to give local music aficionados a taste of folk, blues and Americana music, and all for great cause.

Mayo released his first album, "So Far So Good," out of Nashville in 1981.The album was critically acclaimed by Record World magazine and culminated a six-year apprenticeship in Los Angeles and Nashville. Since then, Mayo has released 11 albums on the indie label, Thunder Road Music.

His most recent CD, "Chasing the Chord" was released in 2016 and is a blend of folk, blues and Americana, rich with vivid characters and editorial comments on societal issues.

Mayo has also performed as an opening act, host or shared the bill with numerous musicians including but not limited to Eric Andersen, Eric Bibb, Rory Block, The Burn Sisters, Jen Chapin, Guy Davis, Bill Morrissey, David Olney and slide guitarist Roy Rogers.

Professor Mayo was once a GCC "office neighbor" with Derek Maxfield, associate professor of history at GCC's Batavia Campus. Their collegial conversations lead to a number of dynamic opportunities through the years, to share the new music and support the experiential learning for their students.

"Educational spring breaks are an important facet to the student experience and to learning outcomes," Maxfield said. "As students see these historic places for themselves outside of a classroom, they come away with a new appreciation for the problems, opportunities and even mistakes made by people in the past.

"They also learn about themselves, the world around them, and often, they make life-long friendships. It is an honor that my former colleague and continued friend, Frank or Sonny Mayo, is willing to share an evening of music for such a worthy cause."

Presale tickets are $18 for adults and $20 at the door. GCC students and children under 12 are $10.

 Advance tickets are encouraged by contacting Maxfield, who is also GCC's History Club advisor, or Marie Kochmanski, clerk-typist in the second floor Humanities Suite, Room B259, or Michelle Forster, secretary in the third floor GCC Human Communication and Behavior Suite, Room B359.

For more information or to purchase tickets, email Maxfield at ddmaxfield@genesee.edu or call 585-343-0055, ext. 6288.

A statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley on the proposed Public Finance and Elections Commission:

“The decision by Downstate Majority lawmakers to create a Public Finance and Elections Commission will have disastrous effects on both campaign ethics and taxpayers’ wallets. 

“Instead of diverting this to an outside panel, a decision of this magnitude should be debated and voted on with the input of the public. This should go through the legislative process; lawmakers must take responsibility for unpopular decisions, instead of washing their hands when something isn’t politically salient. 

“There is no justification for financing political campaigns on taxpayers’ dollars. The tax burden New Yorkers are subject to is ridiculous. The state was just ranked the third-least tax-friendly state in the country, and decisions like creating a Public Finance and Election commission are exactly why. 

“Instead of allocating tax dollars to fund political campaigns, the money should go to statewide improvements in infrastructure, such as clean drinking water and repairing deteriorating bridges and roads.

“I stand with my colleagues who have spoken out against this constitutional violation and abuse of power. The best interest of taxpayers has been put on the back burner for far too long.”

Submitted photo and information:

BASOM -- Friends and family of Karen Brown -- a lifetime Western New Yorker, wife, mother, stepmother, and grandmother -- say she needs the community's help.

In a letter about a charity benefit planned Oct. 20 in Lancaster for her, they say that Karen is 47 years old and has lived in Basom for 20 years. She has struggled with colon cancer since January, 2017.

She has endured radiation, chemotherapy, and major surgery to remove it. In spite of these treatments, the cancer has not responded in her favor. She is now undergoing experimental cancer treatments at Roswell Cancer Institute in efforts to keep her cancer from spreading further.  

To help with the expenses of the experimental medical treatments and allow Karen to put her focus on her fight with cancer, her friends and family will be hosting a benefit in her honor.

There will be raffles, live music and food at the benefit to raise money.

The benefit will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20th at VFW Post #7275, located at 3741 Walden Ave. in Lancaster (NY 14086).

Your support is needed to help make Karen’s benefit a huge success. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated, and can be arranged for pickup. 

"Please hold Karen and her family close to your hearts by keeping them in your thoughts. We are truly grateful."

Today, you can make an immediate difference by helping with a donation. Suggested donations include, but are not limited to, gift cards or certificates, raffle items, theme baskets and monetary donations.

Monetary gifts may be made in person at the benefit or by mail at the below address. Checks may be made payable to Karen M. Brown with the word “Fundraiser” written on the memo line.

Mail to:

Karen Brown Benefit c/o Kristine Fazio

11820 Boncliff Drive

Alden, NY 14004

Please direct any questions, comments and or concerns to benefit coordinators:

• Joanne Morrison 980-422-9109
• Kristine Fazio 716-553-5093

A motor-vehicle accident with unknown injuries is blocking traffic in the area of 512 Ellicott St. in the city. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

Above, Marianne Sernoffsky, Mary Yunker and Heather Parker at the 56th annual Zonta International Conference in Buffalo.                        

Submitted photos and press release:

Zonta International is celebrating 100 years since its founding in Buffalo in November 1919. Three of the original nine clubs are part of District 4: Buffalo and Rochester, and Erie, Pa. District 4 of the organization held its 56^th Conference in Buffalo Sept. 17-30 and four members of the Batavia-Genesee County Club attended the weekend portion of event.

Heather Parker and Marianne Sernoffsky were club delegates, Mary K. Yunker, as one of two district historians, and AnnMarie West as an area director (inset photo below).

Attendees heard from several guest speakers:

• NYS Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke to the group on Saturday;
• Mary Travers Murphy, the CEO of the Family Justice Center of Erie County;
• Beverly Jacobs, J.D., of the Mohawk Nation, an attorney who works to empower indigenous women of Canada and has received awards for the human rights fight relating to missing and murdered indigenous women and girls in Canada.

Both district and area awards were presented over the weekend; the local Zonta Club received an award for its monthly club newsletter.

The club will be participating with the Le Roy Historical Society on Oct. 6^th when an open house will be held at the former Donald Woodward Airport on Asbury Road in Le Roy on Sunday afternoon.

The club raises funds for their service projects and scholarship fund through several events during the year.

The next one will be the annual Holiday Festival over the weekend of Nov. 10 and 11 at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. As usual, Santa Claus will be present for photos with children, and more than 150 crafters and vendors have signed up to participate.

The club has set March 7 for its annual Lucky Number Luncheon.

Zonta’s Mission & Vision  

Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. Zonta International envisions a world in which women's rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential.

In such a world, women have access to all resources and are represented in decision making positions on an equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence.

The New York State Magistrates Association and its statewide membership has proudly presented a certificate to commend and recognize the service, dedication and accomplishments of their esteemed colleague and fellow justice, Honorable Gary Barry Graber in appreciation of 40 dedicated years of service in the Town of Darien.

The Certificate of Appreciation is presented with the sincere congratulations and best wishes of the association on Sept. 15, 2019.

Signed,

Honorable Michael A. Petucci, president

New York State Magistrates Association

(Editor's note: The end of 2019 marks the 40th year that Graber has served as Justice in Darien Town Court. Graber is a member of Leadership Genesee Class of 2005.)

From Ferrell Gas:

All this month Ferrellgas in Batavia is collecting gift cards to donate to the nonprofit Willie Bee Foundation to help families with a child in crisis.

Throughout October, the business at 655 Ellicott St. is seeking the public's help to reach its goal of amassing 100 gift cards to help spread some love to families that need the community's support.

Do you have a gift card sitting on your desk or in some drawer that you've never used? Consider mailing it to Ferrell Gas to help ease a local family's burden during what for many of them may be the hardest time of their life.

Drop a gift card off at the office or mail one there.

For your kindness, you will receive a coupon for a FREE 20# tank exchange from Ferrell Gas.

As always, we thank you for your continued support. Let's show everyone how amazing our community is!

Mailing address: Ferrell Gas, 655 Ellicott St., Batavia NY 14020

Phone: 1-800-437-4856

To learn about the Willie Bee Foundation, click here.

Press release:

Culinary art is an important medium in the arts and officials with the local nonprofit GO ART! are realizing its significance by expanding the scope of their collaborative efforts into multiple culinary programs at the Bank Street site.

A number of food-related programs have emerged at GO ART! as they offer new food and drink opportunities in the community.

The most recent addition is Jeanne’s Table, which will offer a prix fixe eight-course theme-based dining experience once a month. Local gastronome Jeanne Walton is in charge of this enterprise that is sure to delight diners.

Cost is $60 per person and seating is limited to 20 people.

Other culinary offerings at GO ART! include Afternoon Teas, which have been offered every month for the past year and can also be booked privately, and its first Farm to Table Dinner. Tavern 2.O.1 regularly schedules wine and craft beer events; it is open to the public at 5 p.m. Wednesday –Saturday.   

Use of the commercial kitchen has increased significantly with regularly scheduled cooking classes by Genesee Valley Education Partnership.

For more information, contact Valeria Antonetty, GO ART! Facilities and Operations coordinator, at 585-343-9313.

Nikkia Marie Blackshear, 22, of Thorpe Street, Batavia, is charged with making unnecessary noise. On Oct. 1, Batavia police responded to Thorpe Street for the report of loud noise which occurred at 11:50 p.m. on Sept. 30. Blackshear was subsequently issued an appearance ticket for allegedly playing loud music. She is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Rae C. Cook, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and resisting arrest. Cook is accused of petit larceny at 2:59 p.m. on Sept. 26 on Ellicott Street in Batavia. On Oct. 1 she was located and allegedly fought with a police officer, resisting her arrest. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court on Oct. 1 and was due back in court this morning (Oct. 3). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Wendy L. Root, 50, of Quaker Hill Road, Albion, is charged with petit larceny. Root was arrested after she was allegedly caught shoplifting from a business on East Main Street in Batavia at 4:33 p.m. on Oct. 1. Root was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Kody Anne Wenzel, 27, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Wenzel was arrested following an investigation. It is alleged that she stole merchandise at 11:25 a.m. on Sept. 25 from a business on East Main Street in the City of Batavia. Wenzel was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket and released. She was instructed to be processed at Genesee County Jail prior to her Oct. 1  appearance in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Submitted photo and press release:

Annual Foam Training was held for members of fire departments in Genesee and Orleans counties, with three-hour classroom sessions held in each of the counties followed up with a three-hour hands-on session held on Sept. 30 at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. 

The annual foam training centered on terminology related to firefighter suppression foam, application techniques, equipment, calculations used in accordance with NFPA 11 and water supply to perform foam firefighting or vapor suppression operations.

The 52 Genesee County participants were:  

ALABAMA

Press release:

Responding to concerns over the length of firefighting training programs, the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control has redesigned the Fire Officer I (FOI) program into five individual modules. Completion of all five modules will earn the participant a Fire Officer 1 certificate.