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St. Jerome Guild's annual Noel Nook at The Jerome Center

By Billie Owens

The St. Jerome Guild Inc., annual "Noel Nook" will take place at The Jerome Center at 16 Bank St., Batavia, on Friday, Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. All customers will enjoy a 10-percent discount on the entire order (some exclusions apply).

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St. Jerome Guild's annual Noel Nook is next Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2-3

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The St. Jerome Guild Inc., annual "Noel Nook" will take place at The Jerome Center at 16 Bank St., Batavia, on Friday, Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 3, 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 recently celebrated a 100-year jubilee. The Guild operates the Jerome Center Gift Shop at the Bank Street site.

Enjoy punch and cookies and browse our new Christmas and holiday items in the Shop and in the enormous "Nook" room of Snowbabies, Jim Shore figurines, Santas, snowmen, crystal ornaments, crystal candle holders, angels, elegant glittered trees, and glittered ornaments in pastels; holiday wreaths and sprays, hundreds of additional ornaments plus primitive art of tin and wood; bird houses, canvas art, throws, centerpieces, battery-operated candles, candle warmers, night lights.

We also carry a popular variety of walking sticks. Gift cards are available.

‘Tis the season to wear customer favorites of stylish ponchos and shawls, woven caplets, fur-trimmed hats, gorgeous scarves, and headbands. We are featuring a new line of jewelry, petite Ginger Snaps, which are interchangeable with each piece of jewelry and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and stones. We continue to carry our selection of purses, wristlets, and wallets.

Our reasonably priced "Jerome Collection" includes rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces sets, some with semiprecious stones, and a wide assortment of watches, and children’s jewelry.

Another new line, "Warm Buddy" of natural heat therapy warm-up plush animals, and spa comforts of essential oils, aromatherapy eye pillow, shoulder wrap, and anti-stress spa mist. You will find gorgeous baby jackets, tummy blankets, bibs, banks, picture frames, milestone items, and a variety of children's toys and additional plush animals.

If you like Giftology then you will find bar accessories of unusual wine stoppers, "Pilsner Chillers," eclectic and metal wine caddies depicting doctors, golfers, nurses, firefighters, musicians, athletes, and gardeners. If you like Anthropologie then you will love our home goods including written expressions of wall and counter art, kitchen towels, spatula sets, mugs and aprons. We continue to carry Stonewall jams and sauces.

The St. Jerome Guild Inc., has fulfilled pledges of more than $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 were used to purchase four neonatal bassinets from the hospital wish list. For decades the Guild offers to UMMC employees who are pursuing their educational careers, an annual Health Professional Scholarship.

Children who visit the Jerome Center Urgent Care are comforted with plush animals. The Guild sponsors the Jerome Center Annual Employee Recognition Day to thank employees 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. - noon, managed and operated only by Guild volunteers.

New members are welcome to join the Guild throughout the year. Members attend regular monthly meetings that include a program and guest speakers. The Guild manages a monthly lottery and the community is invited to participate.

Halloween STOP-DWI Crackdown will be in force Oct. 30 until Nov. 4

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In conjunction with Halloween festivities, local law enforcement will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving from Oct. 30 until Nov. 4.*

Genesee County STOP-DWI coordinator Matt Landers announced today that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in the crackdown.

Halloween is meant to be scary, but not when it comes to driving. When it comes to drunk driving Halloween can turn the roads into a horror fest. While we spend time trick or treating and hosting parties with our loved ones, law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives.

New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.

Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem. 

The STOP-DWI Halloween Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Throughout the remainder of the year the Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign will also target Thanksgiving and the national Holiday Season in December.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol- and drug-related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.  

You can help to make a difference by Having a Sober Plan! Download our mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home: www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp

Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning. Have a safe and happy Halloween Weekend!

*Editor's Note: The dates have been corrected. The original press release contained the wrong dates. The above information is correct.

Roll With Faith back to winnings ways at Batavia

By Billie Owens

Photo of Roll With Faith with driver Kevin Cummings.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

After hitting the board in her last two starts, Roll With Faith got back to the top of her game winning the $10,400 fillies and mares Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday evening (Oct. 24). 

The two-scratch race was down to five starters when Roll With Faith (Kevin Cummings) got away second off the gate behind A Crafty Lady (Drew Monti) who then took the girls to the half in :57.1. There, Badlands Delight (Shawn McDonough) was moving first over, but not fast enough for Kaitlyn Rae (Ray Fisher Jr.) who swung three-deep in front of the stands and drew alongside A Crafty Lady as they worked their way up the backside.

As they passed the three-quarters in 1:25.3, A Crafty Lady packed it in and Kaitlyn Rae took the lead spot on the pylons. But with no time for even a breath, Roll With Faith was out and at her and the two paced in sync around the last turn. The team pacing ended as the tandem was split up heading down the lane because Roll With Faith simply opened up and cruised away to a wrapped-up four-length win in 1:54.2. 

It was the 13th win of the season for Roll With Faith ($2.70) who has now earned $74,232 for owners Finish Line Investors, Larry Willer and John Mungillo, who also trains the mare. 

In the $8,800 Open II for distaff participants, Drinkin N Dancin (Ray Fisher Jr.) went gate to wire in 1:56.4 and registered her sixth win of the year for owners Rocco Stebbins and David Crumb. Joe Skowyra trains the winner. 

Kevin Cummings had three winners on the night to lead all other drivers on Tuesday. He now has 80 wins for the session and draws to within three wins of the current leader Drew Monti with 83. Monti had one win on Wednesday. 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday evening (Oct. 26) with post time set for 6 o'clock. When it does there will be a $493 carry over in the early Pick-5 wager and a guaranteed $1,500 pool for that bet. The early Pick-5 is a 50-cent base wager that begins in race one and runs through race five. 

Le Roy Fire District completes 2019 Budget preparation

By Billie Owens

Press release from Jerry Diskin:

The Board of Commissioners of the Le Roy Fire District has concluded its budget review and has developed the Proposed Budget for 2019.

Through redistribution of funds within budget lines, the District was able to work within the guidelines, bringing the proposed budget in under the NYS 2-percent tax cap.

The Proposed Budget of 2019 was adopted Oct. 23, prior to the deadline of Nov. 4, as specified under NY State Law.

This year’s budget reflects a reduction in the tax rate of 5 cents, from $1.63 down to $1.57 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

Specifics of this year’s budget include Workman’s Compensation Insurance cost that will exceed $58,000. In 2017, the Fire District saw an increase in this cost by over $44,000. Workers' compensation insurance cost increased from  $7,800 in 2016 to more than $52,000 in 2017. This was as a result of a “reevaluation” of rates by Genesee County’s Self Insured Workman’s Compensation Insurance.

As a result of this increase the Fire District has had to reduce the budget for other necessary expenditures to cover this additional cost.

In addition, beginning in January, the District will be required by law to provide “Firefighter Cancer Coverage” insurance that will cover all interior firefighters, in addition to firefighters of record from 2013 to date. The projected costs are estimated at $140 per firefighter per year. The total impact will amount to approximately $5,000 to 6,000 in additional unfunded mandates involving insurance costs in the 2019 budget.

Another area of cost increase is in firefighter personal protective equipment specifically “turnout gear,” which includes, coat, bunker pants, helmet, gloves, hood and boots. This year an effort was made to obtain $40,000 for 10 “sets” through the American Fire Grant. The application was unsuccessful as the Grant programs have been significantly reduced in both numbers and dollars. This same Grant request is being resubmitted this month.

This budget reflects significant increases in apparatus and equipment maintenance costs and upgrades due mainly to the increasing age and complexity of the apparatus.

The Public Hearing on the 2019 Budget was held on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the District Conference Room. The budget approval vote was held on Tuesday, Oct. 23, during the regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Le Roy Fire District.

WNY Pediatric Endocrinology opens its Batavia office Monday

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

We are pleased to announce the opening of WNY Pediatric Endocrinology at 7 Evans St., Batavia, on Monday, Oct. 29. (The practice is in the historic round brick building formerly occupied by Dr. Anna Lamb and staff.)

Our doctors are both certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics in Pediatric Endocrinology and have more than 10 years experience treating patients.

The doctors will be treating the following conditions:

  • Growth concerns;
  • Short stature;
  • Abnormal weight gain;
  • Early or delayed puberty;
  • Pituitary dysregulation;
  • Thyroid concerns;
  • Bone health;
  • Lipid concerns;
  • Adrenal disorders;
  • PCOS and other menstrual irregularities.

The office will be open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please call (585) 201-7112 to schedule an appointment and we’ll be happy to address your concerns! 

You can also check us out on our website at www.wnypedsendo.com. We look forward to serving the local community.

Nadezhda (Nadia) Danilovich, MD, (left in photo) graduated from Gomel State Medial Institute in Belarus and completed her residency and fellowship at Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. She is a member of the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Pediatric Endocrinology.

Shannon Fournter, MD(right in photo) graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and completed her residency at Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and her fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She is a member of the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Pediatric Endocrinology.

City leaf collection is Oct. 29 through Nov. 30

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Citywide leaf collection will begin Oct. 29 and will continue until Nov. 30.

Residents of the following streets can rake leaves to the parkway, but do not place in the street; these streets are Clinton Street, Oak Street, Main Street (including East and West Main Street), Pearl Street, South Main Street (between Oak Street and Walnut Street),Walnut Street, Richmond Ave (between Oak Street and Prospect Avenue). If your street has a route number (i.e. Route 5, Route 33, Route 63 and Route 98), then please keep leaves out of the roadway.

All other streets are asked to rake leaves close to the curb line, taking care not to block storm drainage structures/catch basins or not to block travel-way of streets.

Leaf operations typically have one crew on the Northside working from Grandview Terrace moving west, north of Main Street, and a second crew on the Southside beginning on River Street moving East in areas South of Main Street. A third crew will work using a vacuum along main roads and numbered routes. It takes about two weeks to go through the entire city.

Any resident with leaves can also bring them to the yard waste station until it closes for the season on Dec. 8. Beginning Nov. 5, the Yard Waste Station hours will be adjusted to 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Yard Waste Station is closed on Thursday, Nov. 22, for Thanksgiving.

Important Information About Leaf Collection:

  • Leaf piles must be clear of sticks and other debris;
  • Leaf piles must be clear of all animal waste – if animal waste is found in the piles, they will not be picked up;
  • Grass clippings, flower pottings, branches, pumpkins cannot be picked up and residents may bring those items to the Yard Waste Station on Law Street (which will be open through Dec. 8);
  • Leaves should not block traffic;
  • Leaves should not be piled near intersection corners. This causes sight issues for motorists/bicyclists/pedestrians;
  • Keep leaf piles clear of drainage ways and catch basins. Blocked drainage leads to localized flooding;
  • Leaves should not be piled around mailboxes, power poles, fences, fire hydrants or other obstacles.  Do not park on leaf piles. The heat from a vehicle exhaust system could start a fire;
  • Do not wait to get your leaves out. We will normally collect leaves twice within the month of leaf collection;
  • If it is snowing, we plow first. If it continues to snow, then leaf operations will be suspended;
  • There is no leaf pickup in the spring.

Bureau of Maintenance, 147 Walnut St., Batavia

Phone: 585-345-6400, Opt. 1

Fax: 585-343-6199

www.batavianewyork.com

Pink Hatters & Friends Night Out is tomorrow at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Cancer Services Program of Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming and Niagara Counties along with United Memorial Medical Center are proud to once again host the annual Pink Hatters & Friends Night Out.  

In recent years, this special event has expanded beyond breast cancer awareness month to recognize and inspire those affected by all types of cancer.  An evening of education, personal stories, and entertainment is set to lift the spirits of those battling cancer, honor the survivors, and pay tribute to those we have lost.

When: Thursday, Oct. 25

Where: Batavia Downs -- 8315 Park Road, Batavia

Time:

4 p.m. -- Doors open

6 p.m. -- Buffet dinner 

7 p.m. -- Program begins

Bergen and Stafford students earn scholarships at Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio

By Billie Owens

Students from our area were among more than 600 students who earned endowed scholarships at Baldwin Wallace University this fall. BW has a long history of endowed scholarship support from alumni, faculty, trustees and friends.

More than 400 named scholarships provide in excess of $3 million to help students attend, persist and graduate from BW. Endowed scholarships vary in their requirements with many specifying financial need, a course of study, involvement on campus or a commitment to excellence in a particular field.

BW grants a wide range of scholarships to current students each year. Including endowed, merit and need-based scholarships, BW students received over $48 million in financial support from the University for the 2018-2019 academic year. The following local students earned endowed scholarships:

Sean Donovan, of Bergen, a graduate of Byron-Bergen High School majoring in music composition, earned the William F. Grady Scholarship.

Fiona O'Connor, of Stafford, a graduate of Le Roy Central School majoring in criminal justice and political science, earned the Dr. Lucille Mercer Scholarship.

Baldwin Wallace University, founded in 1845, was one of the first colleges to admit students without regard to race or gender. An independent, coeducational university of 4,000 students, BW offers coursework in the liberal arts tradition in more than 80 academic areas. Located in Berea, 12 miles from downtown Cleveland, Ohio, BW offers students the cultural, educational and business advantages of a major metropolitan area.

Sarah Rynkowski from Alexander completes Army basic combat training in NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General of New York, announces the recent service accomplishment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their initial commitment to serve community, state and nation.

The newest Citizen Soldiers to complete Army basic combat training and advanced individual training were welcomed to their units during a New York Army National Guard battle handoff ceremony Sept. 8.

Pfc. Sarah Rynkowski from Alexander was formally welcomed into the Headquarters and Services Company, 642nd Support Battalion during a transition ceremony at the Patriot Way Armory in Rochester.

The ceremony marks their completion of the National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program, a preparatory training program that provides new recruits with training, lessons and skills to excel at their initial military training.

The Soldiers will now embark on their traditional National Guard service to state and nation as part-time Citizen Soldiers.

"For these new Soldiers, being welcomed to their unit after basic training and advanced individual training is exhilarating and a proud day for them and their families. They received their unit's distinctive shoulder patch, which officially makes them part of their new team," Shields said. "I congratulate these Soldiers on this tremendous individual achievement and wish them the best as they integrate into their new unit and learn the teamwork and leadership skills necessary for success."

"Every Soldier or Airman across our great State makes a difference every day they serve, whether helping their community at home or serving our nation overseas. We welcome these newest Citizen Soldiers and Airmen as part of our Guard family," he said.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state's executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York's Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.

Reception to be held Nov. 15 to meet new Cornell Extension executive director

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will host a reception to meet the newly appointed Executive Director, Christopher Crawford, immediately prior to the organization’s annual meeting. 

The event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 5:30 p.m. at Terry Hills Restaurant, 5122 Clinton Street Road, Batavia. There is no cost to attend.

Cornell Cooperative Extension friends, volunteers and members of the community are welcome to attend.

Please RSVP by Nov. 9 to Yvonne: ydp3@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040, ext. 123.

Read about the new executive director here.

Three Batavia Bulldawg teams to play Saturday in NOFA Championship Games

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Bulldawgs Youth Football and Cheer program is excited to announce that three Bulldawg teams have made it to the Niagara Orleans Football Association (NOFA) 2018 Championship Games. Games will be played this Saturday, Oct. 27, at Veterans Memorial Baseball Park in Medina.

The Bulldawgs Mini Division (8-9 year olds) finished its regular season undefeated with a record of 9-0. This past Saturday they defeated the #4 seeded Tri Town Trojans 19-0 in the playoff round to advance to the championship.

The Mini Bulldawgs are the #1 seed with a 10-0 record and will face the #2 seed Newfane with a record of 9-1.

The Bulldawgs are coached by Head Coach Jed Davis, assisted by Frank Gioia, Scott Lazarony, and Bobby Darch. The Mini game will kick off at 11 a.m.

The JV Bulldawgs (10-11 year olds) finished with an impressive 7-2 regular season record to earn the #4 seed in the playoffs.

After successfully beating the #1 ranked Albion Purple Eagles this past Saturday with a 20-6 win, they will face the Holly Hawks who are ranked #3 with a 9-1 record entering the championship round.

The JV Bulldawgs are coached by Head Coach Brian Mruczek, assisted by Aaron Fix, Justin Smith, Kenny Griffin, and Al White. The JV championship game will kick off at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Also finishing with an undefeated regular season of 9-0 the Varsity Bulldawgs entered into the playoff contest as the #1 seed against the #4 Albion Purple Eagles. Playing through the cold and rain this past Saturday, the Bulldawgs capped off a 34-0 win against Albion to make it to the Championship Game against the #2 seed Tri Town Trojans.

Tri Town has a record of 9-1 with their only loss being against the Bulldawgs in regular season play. The Varsity Bulldawgs are coached by Head Coach John Marucci, assisted by Jerry Smith, Eddie Woods, Michael Almekinder, Chez Rolle, along with junior coaches Evan Cummings and Kaiden Marucci. The Varsity Championship game is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m.

The Bulldawgs would like to invite any and all of the Batavia community to come out and support these amazing young athletes on their championship quest. Come join the CheerDawg cheerleaders as they lead the Bulldawg fans and supporters in the stands.

Games times again are 11 a.m. (Mini), 1 p.m. (JV), and 3 p.m. (Varsity) this Saturday at "Medina Vets Park," located at 335 W. Oak Orchard St., Medina.

City resident accused of threatening to shoot cops in case of starving, neglected pup

By Billie Owens

A 23-year-old City of Batavia man suspected of starving and neglecting a puppy found by a Good Samaritan in Stafford on Oct. 4 has been arrested.

Brandon Joseph Welch was arrested in the afternoon on Oct. 18 at his residence, 679 E. Main St., apt. 4H, and jailed without bail for allegedly making a terroristic threat to police, among other charges.

Batavia police executed a search warrant at his apartment in connection with the animal abuse case of a pup Volunteers for Animals at the shelter dubbed "Opal." That animal is now in foster care.

According to Batavia Police Det. Eric Hill, police got the warrant after receiving a tip from a witness.

Welch initially told police that he had found the puppy, a fawn-and-white colored female weighing only 9.2 pounds when rescued. The dog was not able to stand on its own and was covered in urine and feces, and was severely dehydrated and malnourished.

The police investigation determined Welch was "supposed to be caring for the dog," Hill said.

Welch said "he was going to shoot the next police officer who came to his apartment," Hill said, and police recovered firearms in Welch's possession.

Welch is charged with making a terroristic threat, which is a Class D felony, as well as falsely reporting an incident in the third degree (for claiming he found the animal); torturing/injuring/not feeding an animal; and owning/harboring an unlicensed dog.

He was arraigned the same afternoon, last Thursday, and is due in Batavia City Court tomorrow, at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24.

The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Opal, meanwhile, is looking like a different creature since she's been in foster care and received veterinary care and some decent nutrition. The pictures below -- sitting up smart and standing up strong on all fours, -- were sent to us yesterday by Volunteers for Animals. (Love those ears! Note the wagging tail!)

Law and Order: Oakfield man accused of failing to provide dogs with shelter, physical care

By Billie Owens

John Wesley Mitchell Jr., 44, (above photo) of South Main Street in Oakfield, is charged with failure to provide sustenance. He was arrested at his residence on Oct. 19 on three counts of failure to provide sustenance, a misdemeanor under Section 353 of the state Agriculture and Markets Law. It is alleged that Mitchell deprived two canines of appropriate housing. It is also alleged that Mitchell deprived one of the canines of physical care. Mitchell was issued appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Oakfield Court. He is due there at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Richard Anthony Dekenipp, 50, of Fayette Street, Palmyra, is charged with petit larceny. Following a larceny investigation at a business on Ledge Road in the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, Dekenipp was arrested at 4:28 p.m. on Oct. 19. He allegedly stole a carton of Seneca Menthol cigarettes at 3:43 p.m. on Oct. 14 by passing all points of purchase without paying. He was released after being issued an appearance ticket for Town of Alabama Court, where he is due on Nov. 7. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

BID announces winners of its inaugural Scarecrow Contest

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Business Improvement District hosted its first Scarecrow Contest for Downtown Batavia.

As a creative way to add some more fall flavor to downtown decorating, the BID invited any business, group or organization to enter the contest.

For $20 each business was provided basic supplies of straw, a post and zip ties along with their pole assignment. Each business could then get creative in creating their scarecrow.

All voting for favorite scarecrow ended Friday, Oct. 19th. 

  • First-place Winner for 2018 is Batavia Pediatrics;
  • Second-place Winner is Genesee Valley PennySaver;
  • Third-place Winner is Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle

First-place winner receives $100 cash prize, second place $75 and third place $50. The BID would like to thank Home Depot for sponsoring the scarecrows and donating of posts, and to our City of Batavia Fire Department for assembling the posts.

For more information on B.I.D. and Downtown events please visit our website at www.downtownbataviany.com.

Local dancers to sell 300 raffle tickets to buy equipment for dance studio

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Harvester 56 Theater Dance Academy, a Batavia-based nonprofit educational institution, is conducting its first fall fundraising initiative.

This school of 20 local dance students will be selling just 300 raffle tickets to community members this month to raise funds to add mirrors and dance mats and other necessary equipment for the school that’s now in its second year and is the only studio in Genesee County that offers Irish dance. 

Raffle tickets available at the Harvester 56 Theater or contact us through our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Havester56TheaterDanceAcademy

List of Prizes include:

  • Grand Prize: 2-night NYC stay for 4 includes admissions to American Museum of Natural History, Ripley’s Believe it or Not!;
  • 2-night Niagara Falls USA for 2 with admissions to Old Fort Niagara, Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises, Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum and 2 Niagara Falls USA Encounter Passes that include Cave of the Winds, Niagara Adventure Theater, Aquarium of Niagara and the Scenic Trolley;
  • 1-night stay for 2 at Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn with an appetizer and craft beverages;
  • 1-night stay for 4 at Palm Island Indoor Waterpark with waterpark admissions;
  • 1-night stay for 2 at The Hotel at Batavia Downs with breakfast;
  • 4-admissions to Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises;
  • 4-admissions to a Fall Foliage excursion at the Medina Railroad Museum;
  • 4-admissions to Genesee Country Village & Museum;
  • 4-admissions to Hidden Valley Animal Adventure Safari;
  • $100 “Dine Around Town” -- includes Alex’s Place, Eli Fish Brewing Co., Settler’s Restaurant, Batavia’s Original Pizzeria and Eden Café.

Cost is $20 per ticket, cash or check (payable to Batavia Players).

All prizes valid for 2019 Season, only 300 tickets being sold locally.

Winners will be placed back in for grand prize drawing. Winners will be announced on Facebook Live on Saturday, Dec.15th, at 3 p.m. at www.facebook.com/Havester56TheaterDanceAcademy and then posted online at: www.bataviaplayers.org/dance.html

About The Harvester 56 Theater Dance Academy 

Founded in 2017, The Harvester 56 Theater Dance Academy provides quality dance instruction at an affordable price. Classes are taught by professionally trained instructors in a fun and relaxed environment at Robert Morris School, 80 Union St., Batavia.

We offer classes for students in kindergarten through adult, beginner to advanced. Competition team is available. We are the ONLY school in Genesee County offering IRISH DANCE.  

Its mission: To provide a safe, respected and quality dance program that is designed to be student oriented, parent supported and staffed with excellence.

Its goal: To establish a group of young dancers that will participate in dance performances, theater productions, as well as attempt to learn different types of movement and dance techniques at an affordable rate.

Case of neglected Lab 'Maya' delayed again so former dog owner can gather 'more documentation'

By Billie Owens

Becky L. Frens, who is accused of failing to provide for the basic needs of a 3-year-old Lab mix breed that used to be her pet, was in Batavia Town Court this afternoon.

The matter was again postponed, this time until 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 17.

Samuel Alba, an associate attorney with the law firm of Friedman & Ranzenhofer, told Judge Michael Cleveland that plea negotiations with the District Attorney's Office were ongoing and additional time was needed to submit "more documentation."

First Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini said copies of any new documents need to be forwarded to the D.A.'s office. She said she did not have a problem with postponement; but come Dec. 17 the people will demand the case to be adjudicated or a trial date set.

That's exactly what Judge Cleveland had said the last time the case was on the docket, on Sept. 24, when neither Frens nor attorney Michael Ranzenhofer showed up like they were supposed to and without communicating anything to the court.

The matter was also delayed once during the summer, on July 30, after Ranzenhofer cited unspecified "complications."

Frens, who lives on Pearl Street Road in the Town of Batavia, is in her mid-50s and was accompanied to court today by a male, possibly her husband.

She stood quietly next to attorney Alba at the bench, looking different from both her previous court appearance and from her arrest mug shot (inset photo). Today, she had long straight blond locks, and wore a maxi skirt with swirls of teal, black and white, and a purple hooded jacket.

She was arrested July 10 by Troopers out of SP Batavia and charged with overdriving, torturing and injuring an animal; failure to provide proper sustenance.

Troopers were dispatched to the Genesee County Animal Shelter at the request of animal control officers after Frens arrived at the facility to claim her dog that had been found by her neighbor the day before.

"Maya" was in very poor health with multiple issues caused by neglect, according to Volunteers for Animals. The dog was diagnosed with multiple skin infections, mange, double ear infections that left her only able to hear a dog whistle, and her uncut nails were so long she could barely move.

Under the state Agriculture & Markets law, Article 26, Section 353, this is a Class A misdemeanor. If found guilty, a defendant faces jail time of more than 15 days but not greater than one year. In addition, a fine of up to $1,000 can be imposed.

A man who keeps the books for Volunteers for Animals said outside court this afternoon that he guessed Maya's vet bills were between $300 and $500.

The dog's mange has cleared up; knots of scar tissue on her back and shoulders were surgically removed; her muscles are stronger and she's gained weight; she's been spayed. And she's been adopted into a home that cares.

Reminder: Nominations now being accepted for 2018 chamber awards, deadline is Dec. 28, ceremony set for March 2

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Chamber’s Annual Awards Committee has announced the 2018 Annual Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 2, at The Quality Inn & Suites, Park Road, Batavia (formerly The Clarion Hotel).

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. 28, 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.

Annual reading of the works of author John Gardner at the Pok-A-Dot

By Billie Owens

The annual reading from the works of Batavia's best-known author, John Gardner, will be read at the Pok-A-Dot on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 8 to 9 p.m.

This event is sponsored by the John Gardner Society.

It is free and open to the public.

The Pok-A-Dot diner is located on the corner of Ellicott and Summit streets in the City of Batavia.

Event Date and Time
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Traditional Martial Arts Association Tournament is Nov. 3 at Le Roy HS

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The sixth annual Traditional Martial Arts Association Tournament will be held at the Le Roy High School Gym Saturday, Nov. 3rd, with eliminations starting at 10 a.m.

The Tournament will consist of Sparring (point fighting), Individual Kata (forms), Team Kata, Weapons Kata, and Self Defense.

Tournament organizers are Soke William Cavalier (Livonia Tatsu Do School), Hanshi Dick Borrell (Borrell’s Karate Academy Batavia), and Renshi Fred Merica (Le Roy Karate & Self Defense Center/ Main Street Fitness). All three have been close associates and tournament/clinic organizers for the past 40 years.

Ages of competitors will start as young as 4 years old with no age limit. We have had competitors in the past well into their 70s. Divisions are broken down by skill level and age.

Spectators are welcome at $5 each and students at $4 each.

The high school is located at 9300 South Street Road, Le Roy.

To see a flier go to www.tatsudo.com and click the link at left of page “November 2018 TMAA Tournament - Download Flyer” or call 585-414-3181.

There will also be a breaking demonstration at noon. They break everything from boards, bricks, coconuts, and Louisville Sluggers with their shins.

Anyone interested to help be a scorekeeper please calls 585-414-3181 for more information, minimum 15 years old, no experience needed.

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