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Portion of Walnut Street in Batavia closed weekdays for Ellicott Trail work

By Billie Owens

Travel Advisory: Sept. 5-6 and Sept. 9-13 -- Road Work

Route 98 (Walnut Street) in the City of Batavia, between 65 Walnut St. and 25 Walnut St., is reduced to alternating one-way traffic controlled by flaggers 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. today (Sept. 5), tomorrow, and next week from Monday through Friday to allow for the construction of the Ellicott Trail Project.

For further information contact:

Tom Lichtenthal
Town of Batavia
Asst. Town Engineer

3833 W. Main Street Road

585-343-1729, ext. 218

Opening Reception at Williams Gallery in Rochester for Batavia resident Don Burkel's exhibit 'Natural Abstractions,' a collaboration with Jim Thomas

By Billie Owens

An exhibition of photography and drawings titled "Natural Abstractions" by Batavia resident Don Burkel and his longtime friend Jim Thomas, of Victor, is on display Friday, Sept. 6 through Oct. 14 at the Williams Gallery in Rochester.

An opening reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6.

The Williams Gallery is located inside the First Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Road, Rochester.

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'Lincoln: Constitutional Pragmatist' is topic of Derek Maxfield's talk at GCC's Stuart Forum Sept. 17

By Billie Owens

From Genesee Community College:

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 12:30 p.m. all are invited to the William W. Stuart Forum on Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus to hear Associate Professor of History Derek Maxfield present "Lincoln: Constitutional Pragmatist."

This event is in honor of national Constitution Day. It celebrates the ratification of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787 when the supreme law of the land was signed by 39 men.

Maxfield will explore America's relationship with Abraham Lincoln and his association with its Constitution.

A deeper understanding of Lincoln may surprise some people, and even tarnish his popular image for others.

To some extent this is because Americans tend to think of Lincoln more as a statesman and hero, rather than a politician. The truth, however, is that Lincoln was a very talented politician and could be just as smooth, yet slippery, as the best and most manipulative of civic leaders.

Lincoln's relationship with the Constitution was shaped by both Lincoln -- the statesman, and Lincoln -- the politician, depending upon circumstances.

This event is FREE and open to the public.

Law and Order: Woman accused of fighting on Watson Street in the city

By Billie Owens

Patricia A. Gibson, 29, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction of governmental justice. She was arrested on Aug. 30 after an incident at 8:46 p.m. on Watson Street in Batavia. It is alleged she was observed in a physical fight with another individual. Gibson allegedly ignored officers' commands, but was eventually taken into custody without further incident. She was issued an appearance ticket for Sept. 10 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider.

Wesley Thigpen, 38, no address provided, is charged with: second-degree burglary; criminal contempt of court in the second degree; and fourth-degree criminal mischief. On Sept. 3, Thigpen turned himself in to the Batavia Police Department on these charges. He is accused of violating an order of protection by entering the protected party's residence and preventing them from calling 9-1-1. He was due is Batavia City Court on Sept. 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Jacob L. Hernandez, 25, of McKinley Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Hernandez on Sept. 3 on an active warrant out of Batavia City Court. The warrant stemmed from an incident at 5:15 a.m. on July 4 on McKinley Avenue. He was arraigned in city court then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due to return to city court on Sept. 19. Officer Post was assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Veterans Memorial Drive paving planned Sept. 10-12; one lane of travel each direction those days

By Billie Owens

Travel Advisory: Sept. 10-12 -- Road Work

Veterans Memorial Drive in the Town of Batavia between Lewiston Road (Route 63) and Park Road/Veterans Memorial Drive intersection will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. those days to allow for paving of the roadway. Expect delays during these times.

For further information contact:

Tom Lichtenthal
Town of Batavia Highway Superintendent

3833 W. Main Street Road

585-343-1729, ext. 218

Draw schedule change at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Horseman please be advised that the draw for Wednesday (Sept. 11) has been pushed back one day from Friday (Sept. 6) to Saturday (Sept. 7) with the entry box closing at its normal 9 a.m. time. 

Driver changes will be due on Saturday (Sept. 7) by 1 p.m.

Anyone seeking further information should contact racing secretary Joe Zambito at 585-344-6161.

The 2019 racing season continues through Saturday (Dec. 14) with racing conducted every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night through the end of November. 

In December racing will be held on Friday and Saturday nights only. The only other exception is Columbus day week when racing will be held on Monday, Friday and Saturday.

The compete racing schedule can be found at www.bataviadownsgaming.com.

Batavia's Margaret Cecere is a student-athlete playing soccer at Kutztown U. in Pennsylvania

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pa., will have 31 student-athletes representing its women's soccer program for the 2019 season, including Margaret Cecere, of Batavia.

The 2019 season will bring a new look to the Kutztown University Women's Soccer Team. With the renovation of Kutztown Field, KU will have a ton of positive energy around the program, as it continues to compete to achieve its lofty, yearly goals of winning championships.

Not only will the field be different for the Golden Bears this year, but the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) has also changed up its format for women's soccer. Since 2010, the PSAC has had a single division. With the addition of Shepherd University to the conference, the PSAC is now instituting two divisions (East and West), a first since it last had two divisions in 2009. Each team plays each other twice during the regular season.

Kutztown was recently voted second in the Eastern Division of the PSAC preseason poll, behind defending conference champs and nationally ranked Bloomsburg. Nationally ranked West Chester, 2017 PSAC champion East Stroudsburg, and 2018 semifinalist Millersville round out the top-five in a very competitive division featuring a majority of the top teams in the Atlantic Region.

But Head Coach Erik Burstein, beginning his 13th season as head coach, once again has an experienced and talented team that has played in big, postseason games earlier in their careers.

"I have tremendous faith in this group," Burstein said. "We have some exceptional athletes who work hard, have great attitudes, buy into our culture, believe in our system and have worked hard to adapt to their new roles and responsibilities.

"They are an exciting group who truly want to be successful, and I believe they will be. However, we all know this new divisional format will provide some very different and unique challenges. We need to focus on one game at a time and make sure we finish in the top four in the East. Once that is accomplished, we can start thinking about competing for championships. Stay humble and stay focused; one game at a time."

KU finished the 2018 season at 14-4-2 overall and qualified for both the PSAC and NCAA Atlantic Region tournaments. It was the third consecutive NCAA berth and eighth in 10 years. Dating back to the 2008 season, Kutztown has earned 11 straight PSAC Tournament appearances.

Kutztown begins its 2019 campaign with back-to-back road games. It will take on the University of Charleston (WV) in the season opener on Thursday, Sept. 5, and then play at Millersville on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The home-opener in the brand-new Keystone Field complex will be Saturday night, Sept. 14, under the lights at 6 p.m., against East Stroudsburg.

$10,000 grant check presented at Elba Central School Board meeting in library, money will strengthen STEM education

By Billie Owens

Elba Central School has been awarded a $10,000 grant to enhance its curriculum for STEM -- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

By working with farmers, America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education Program, sponsored by the Bayer Fund, awarded $2.3 million in grants nationwide this year to strengthen STEM education in rural schools.

The schools that received grants were nominated and selected by farmers in their communities and Elba's farmers answered the call to strengthen STEM education.

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Nominated by local farmers, Elba Central School awarded $10,000 grant to enhance STEM curriculum

By Billie Owens

Press release:

ELBA -- Elba Central School has been awarded a $10,000 grant to enhance its curriculum for STEM -- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

By working with farmers, America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education Program, sponsored by the Bayer Fund, awarded $2.3 million in grants nationwide this year to strengthen STEM education in rural schools.

The schools that received grants were nominated and selected by farmers in their communities and Elba's farmers answered the call to strengthen STEM education.

Elba's grant will allow it to produce and broadcast video announcements.

There will be a check presentation at the Monday, Sept. 9 Board of Education meeting at 7 p.m. at the Elba Central School Library Media Center. (The school is located at 57 S. Main St. in Elba.)

​Grow Rural Education has distributed more than $18 million in grants to more than 1,000 rural public school districts since 2011. 

For each grant-winning school, teachers, students and, oftentimes, community members develop plans to create more engaging and innovative STEM programs.

Grow Rural Education grants have helped schools purchase an array of STEM-related materials, such as augmented-reality sandboxes, weather-forecasting and robotics equipment.

To qualify for a Grow Rural Education grant, farmers nominated a school or school district to compete for a merit-based grant of either $10,000 or $25,000. School districts that were nominated then submitted a grant application describing their STEM-focused project.

Grow Rural Education’s Farmer Advisory Council, consisting of approximately 30 farmer leaders from across the country, reviewed the finalist applications and selected the winning school districts, including Elba Central School.

About America’s Farmers

The America’s Farmers campaign highlights the importance of modern U.S. Agriculture through communications and community outreach programs that partner with farmers to impact rural America. To learn more, visit America’s Farmers at www.AmericasFarmers.com.

About the Bayer Fund

The Bayer Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the overall health and wellbeing in communities where farmers and Bayer employees live and work. Visit the Bayer Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

GCEDC Board to consider approving incentives for three projects on Thursday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider approving incentives for two projects, and consider accepting an application for another project, at its Thursday, Sept. 5, board meeting.

Graham Manufacturing plans to invest $2.03 million across multiple projects at its City of Batavia campus, including expanding the company’s welding school, repurposing an existing 4,000-square-foot structure and construction of a new 8,875-square-foot warehouse.

The company is seeking sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions of approximately $210,000.

Provident Batavia LLC is seeking incentives to construct a 13,000-square-foot addition to an existing office, warehouse, and distribution facility leased to SCP Pools in the Town of Batavia. The $1.194 million project would retain 15 jobs in the Town of Batavia and create opportunities for future growth of the company. 

Total incentives are approximately $156,312.

Finally, Six Flags Darien Lake LLC is seeking sales tax incentives of approximately $126,000 for a new $1.575 million 60-foot-tall water ride at the Hurricane Harbor water park in the Town of Darien. The project will help retain 380 jobs at one of the county’s largest sales tax revenue generators.

Thursday's GCEDC Board meeting will take place at its offices at 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia at 4 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

Workshop Sept. 17 for families and friends of those struggling with substance use disorder

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Family Supported Recovery Half-Day Training: A Free Workshop for Family Members and Friends of those with a Substance Use Disorder

Join us for this free, informative, inspiring and educational workshop that has been specifically created for all of those that love someone who is struggling with a substance use disorder.

Taking a strength-based and compassionate approach, this workshop has been designed to support all friends and family in learning how to be a more effective and influential partner in their loved ones ongoing battle with addiction and early recovery. It also respectfully and empathically empowers you to give equal or greater focus to your sense of wellness, satisfaction and health.

Whether you use this information to improve your family relationships and/or choose to apply it to your own recovery, you will walk away with new thoughts, perspectives and skills!

If you are a parent, sibling, spouse, grandparent, aunt, uncle, adult child or friend and you are affected by a loved one's active substance use disorder or simply want to know how to best support your loved one's recovery, then this unique skills based workshop is for you.

Class is taught by Keith Greer or Lori Drescher of the Recovery Coach University. Limited space. Reserve your seat.

When: Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Lake Plains Community Care Network 575 E. Main St., Batavia (Eastown Place, near Aldi, next to Family Dollar.)

The class is free. Registration is required by calling 585-345-6110. Please request by class name and date.

The class will be cancelled if less than 10 register.

This event is sponsored by the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse -- GCASA.

Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence celebrates Columbus Day Weekend with Pumpkin Drop & Pumpkin Olympics

By Billie Owens

The Great Pumpkin Farm’s Fall Festival celebrates its 24th year as Western New York’s favorite fall destination.

For seven consecutive weekends, the Fall Festival offers something for every age, including: amusement rides; hayrides; corn maze; the pumpkins and mum patch; pumpkin cannon; shooting gallery; homemade donuts, pies, cookies and pastries; Halloween decorations; and special events.

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Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence kicks off Sept. 14 with seven weekends of special fun, open weekdays too through Oct. 31

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The Great Pumpkin Farm’s Fall Festival will celebrate its 24th year as Western New York’s favorite fall destination when it opens at 10 a.m. on Sept. 14.

For seven consecutive weekends, the Fall Festival offers something for every age, including: amusement rides; hayrides; corn maze; the pumpkins and mum patch; pumpkin cannon; shooting gallery; homemade donuts, pies, cookies and pastries; Halloween decorations; and special events, such as the World Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest, the Trebuchet Contest and OINKtoberfest, New York State’s BBQ Cook-off – and so much more!

This year, the Great Pumpkin Farm has once again declared opening weekend – Sept. 14 and 15 – to be Armed Forces Weekend, in collaboration with WNYHeroes, Inc. The regular admission fee will be waived for active duty and retired military, police or fire department personnel who present proper identification to WNYHeroes representatives at the gate; they will also be permitted to bring one guest for free.

WNYHeroes representatives will also be on hand at an informational booth in the Event Center at the Great Pumpkin Farm.

Kicking things off on Armed Forces Weekend, there will be dinosaurs -- animatronic Vinnie and Teddy roaming the Corn Maze from noon to 4 p.m. both days in search of prey, and The Balloon Experts will be around, too, making their incredible balloon characters.

All attractions will be up and running on opening weekend. New features added this year include a Superheroes-themed Corn Maze and The Witches Brew Bar, which will be open every weekend, with live music inside or out (depending on weather). View the schedule.

The Great Pumpkin Farm is located at 11199 Main St. in Clarence and features plenty of free, onsite parking. 

Festival Hours: 10 a.m. to dusk, weekends beginning Sept. 14-15.

Admission: $8 per person; children 2 and under admitted free.

(Discounted tickets ($6.50) can be purchased at all Buffalo & Rochester Wegmans locations.)

The admission fee includes the Magic Show with Mike & Annie; Cackling Hen Revue Show; petting zoo; face painting; cow train ride; tractor-drawn hayride; children and adult pie-eating contests; scarecrow-making contest; pumpkin decorating contest; mummy-wrapping contest and kids’ craft area. 

Coupons with paid admission include: $2 off the Corn Maze; $1 off Panning for Gems; Boo Barn; Zombie Train; Jumbo Pillows; Pumpkin Slingshots (not available Oct. 20). 

For More Info: Complete event information is available at www.greatpumpkinfarm.com.

WEEKEND #2: Sept. 20-22– OINKtoberfest 2019, including Friday Night BBQ Preview Night (FREE admission); OINKtoberfest, New York State’s official KCBS-sanctioned BBQ Cookoff on Saturday; Zombies in the Corn Maze; The Balloon Experts and live music in The Witches Brew.

WEEKEND #3: Sept. 28-29 – The World Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest on Saturday; Funny Face Drawing Contest; Dinosaurs in the Corn Maze; The Balloon Experts; live music in The Witches Brew and Indepumpkins Dayon Friday night (with fireworks!).

WEEKEND #4: Oct. 5 & 6 – Superheroes Weekend and World Pumpkin Weigh Off on Saturday;Dinosaurs in the Corn Maze; The Balloon Experts; live music in The Witches Brew and In Jest Juggling & Comedy Show

WEEKEND #5: Oct. 12, 13 & 14 (Columbus Day Weekend) Pumpkin Drop on Monday (Columbus Day); Pumpkin Olympics; In Jest Juggling & Comedy Show; Zombies in the Corn Maze; The Balloon Experts; live music in The Witches Brew; Awesome Paws Rescue and $20 Wristband Day (Monday only)

WEEKEND #6: Oct. 19 & 20 - Annual Trebuchet (catapult) Contest with local high school teams (practice Saturday, contest Sunday); Zombies in the Corn Maze; The Balloon Experts and live music in The Witches Brew.

WEEKEND #7: Oct. 26 & 27 – FINAL WEEKEND; Costume Contest; The Balloon Experts and live music in The Witches Brew.

WEEKDAYS AT THE GREAT PUMPKIN FARM:

The Great Pumpkin Farm will also be open weekdays, Sept. 16 through Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to dusk. There is NO admission on weekdays, except on Columbus Day, Oct. 14.

The Pumpkin Palace is open weekdays and features Halloween decorations, a bakery and candy store. Guests can purchase pumpkins; cornstalks; gourds and cider. There’s also a petting zoo, hay maze and playground. Group tours are also conducted during the week for school and community organization groups.

About the Great Pumpkin Farm and the Fall Festival

Since 1996, when it first hosted the World Pumpkin Weigh-off and was included in the Guinness Book of World Records for the first 1,000-pound pumpkin, the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence has grown. Its annual Fall Festival is Western New York’s largest fall family event in the region, and includes popular events such as OINKtoberfest, New York State’s Official BBQ Cookoff; the Pumpkin Trebuchet competition and the Pumpkin Farm Olympics.

Fall Festival at Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence kicks off with free entry for military, fire and police personnel

By Billie Owens

The Great Pumpkin Farm’s Fall Festival will celebrate its 24th year as Western New York’s favorite fall destination when it opens at 10 a.m. on Sept. 14.

Event Date and Time
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Total of 28 volunteer firefighters complete skills refresher course

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Designed to review previously learned skills and improve proficiency, the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus / Interior Firefighter Operations (SCBA-IFO) four-hour refresher is an engine company refresher that combines skills learned in the Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) program and IFO program into a scenario-based response format.  

Twenty-eight Genesee County fire personnel completed the refresher class held on Aug. 19 at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. 

ALABAMA

  • Richard T. Brunea
  • Ronald Bauer
  • Sidney Eick
  • Aron J. Kehlenbeck
  • Michelle L. Patnode
  • Ryan M. Thompson

DARIEN 

  • Thomas Bieler
  • Jeff Luker 
  • Joe Marino
  • Joseph Murphy 
  • Teresa Tesch

CORFU

  • Dean T. Eck 
  • Glenn Eck
  • Jayden D. Eck 
  • Bruce Fauth
  • Casey Felski
  • Kristen Gaik 
  • James Hale
  • Tyler G. Lang
  • Matthew P. Lenhard
  • Ethan J. Librock 
  • Justin S. Rodland 
  • Steven Rodland 
  • Lori Ann Santini
  • Brian Schollard 
  • Dan Smith 
  • Jacob Stiles
  • Megan Stiles 

Visit your local fire department to find out more about volunteer opportunities.

Reminder: Euchre players, gift cards, raffle baskets needed for 'Fight WITH Ike' event Sept. 14 in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Family, friends and the local community are bonding together again for the Second Annual “Fight WITH Ike” Euchre Tournament & Raffle on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co. in Le Roy. The benefit is being held in honor of Batavia resident Ike Styer.

Ike is battling stage 4 brain cancer known as glioblastoma and has been unable to work while undergoing several treatments to fight this aggressive disease.

While he has the everlasting support of his loving wife, Jen and young children, Chastin and Hailey, it’s time to show Ike he also has the support of this great community. You can help by donating or attending this fun, family event.

Donations in the form of themed baskets, gift cards and other prizes are graciously being accepted on or before Sept. 10.

They can be dropped off at Grace Baptist Church -- 238 Vine St., Batavia. Or call for pick up: Linda Styer (585) 813-3351.

All are welcome to attend and show support by joining in the euchre fun, or just taking part in the rest of the festivities.

To name a few, there will be music, a video gaming truck, good eats, and raffles including 50/50, gift cards and hotel stays, and many themed baskets. There will be something for everyone!

  • Saturday, Sept. 14 @ 3 p.m.
  • Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co.  -- 10 Lent Ave., Le Roy
  • Cost is $30 for Euchre, T-shirt, food & festivities OR $20 minimum donation for food & festivities.

Euchre players wanted, call or text: Peggy Paladino (704) 254-4663.

To follow more about Ike’s journey, visit the “Fight WITH Ike” Facebook page.

City fire hydrants to be flushed and tested Sept. 9-10 on East Main, North and Naramore

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 9th and 10th, from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area of East Main Street, North Street and Naramore Drive.

Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in 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.

This annual testing is essential to maintain the communities class III Insurance Service Office (ISO) public protection classification, and to assure that hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes.

Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city’s water system, identifies weak areas in the system, removes material that settle in the hydrant, and cleans out the lines. Checking each hydrant improves crew knowledge of hydrant locations.

If you have any questions, or should at any time notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at 585-345-6375.

Free anti-rabies clinic at Pembroke Highway Department

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Health Department is offering a free Anti-Rabies Immunization Clinic on Thursday, Sept. 19th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Pembroke Highway Department, 1145 Main Road (Route 5), Pembroke.

Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Voluntary donations are accepted.

Event Date and Time
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Free anti-rabies immunization clinic offered Sept. 19 at Pembroke Highway Department

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Health Department is offering a free Anti-Rabies Immunization Clinic on Thursday, Sept. 19th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Pembroke Highway Department, 1145 Main Road (Route 5), Pembroke.

Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Voluntary donations are accepted.

You can save time by filling out your registration form before going to the clinic. To do so, click here. If you fill out your registration form in advance, please be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you.

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