Stories from

Press release:

The Jerome Foundation is seeking nominations for the 36th annual Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County.

The award recognizes outstanding men and women whose volunteer efforts have improved the physical, emotional or spiritual well-being of the greater Genesee County area.

“We are fortunate to have many caring and committed volunteers devoted to the sick or those in need, and helping build a stronger, healthier community for all of us,” said Justin Calarco-Smith, president of The Jerome Foundation.

Past recipients have included doctors, nurses, educators, clergy, and community volunteers.

Nomination forms are available by emailing Chris Fix at:   thejeromefoundation@gmail.com or calling 585-343-1398.

Organizations or individuals may nominate candidates. Consideration will be given to actual accomplishments achieved through volunteer service and subsequent improvements to quality of life.

Nominations should be submitted on or before Oct. 5.

The 2018 award winner will be honored at a luncheon on Friday, Nov. 30, at Terry Hills Restaurant.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Revival Salon on Sunday afternoon.

Submitted photos and press release:

Nearly 100 people attended the Grand Opening of Revival Salon on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 16^th, located at 401 Ellicott St. in the City of Batavia.

The name Revival not only stands for refreshing one’s beauty, it also honors a very special lady and the goal to carry on her legacy. The great-grandmother of salon owner Jessica Levins was Viola Kulikowski, who owned and operated Viola’s Beauty Salon for nearly 70 years in the same space -- at the corner of Ellicott and Swan streets.

Levins remembers watching her great-grandmother at the salon and being infatuated with the idea of owning a business that was exciting and fun. Viola is not only with her great-granddaughter in spirit on this new venture, but within the business name. Viola’s nickname “Vi” is cleverly hidden inside the name Revival. Jessica’s mother came up with the name, while her dad designed the Revival logo.

Entrepreneurship is a family trait. The building at 401 Ellicott St. has been in the family since her great-great-grandfather owned a barbershop. In the mid-'90s her aunt, Pam Reed, owned and operated the “All Victorian” gift shop there. Her Uncle Mark Kulikowski, now owns the building and operated Southside Photography there most recently. Another Uncle Frank Kulikowski, owns and operates Frankly Design laser engraving just down the block.

Levins earned her cosmetologist’s license in 2014 and gained experience at a couple local hair salons. Her specialties are colors and updos. She has also worked for the past four years as a counseling aide in the Batavia City School District while earning her bachelor’s degree. As if starting a new business wasn’t enough, Levins is also continuing her graduate work at the University of Buffalo to earn her master’s degree and become a school counselor.  

Levins has three hair stations that she will be renting out to independent hair stylists. 

The Revival Salon is starting out by appointment only.

Before cutting the red ribbon on Sunday, Levins first and foremost thanked the key people involved with helping make her dream a reality: Small Business Development Center Advisor Sam Campanella; Batavia Development Corporation President Pier Cipollone; BDC Director Rachael Tabelski; BDC Board Member Chris Fix; Genesee County Chamber of Commerce President Tom Turnbull; Rick Hale of Genesee Plumbing; Brian Kemp of T-shirts Etc.; and Michelle Farina of Michelle’s Catering.

She also thanked City and County officials who attended -- District 7 Genesee County Legislator John Deleo; Sixth Ward Councilwoman Rosemary Christian; Fifth Ward Councilwoman Kathy Briggs.

Levins gave a special thank you to her parents Debbie Levins (John Deleo), Steve Levins, Stepdad Ed Popil, her sister Melissa Levins, grandparents, and all the family and friends who took the time to come and celebrate her Grand Opening. A well planned out celebration included plenty of food, games, prizes, T-shirts, hats, cups, and giveaways.

For more information or to book an appointment at the salon, call Jessica at (585) 402-9269.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday announced that $5 million is available as part of the first rebate designed specifically for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at workplaces, office buildings, multi-family apartment buildings, and public locations such as theaters, malls, parks and retail locations.

The installation of charging stations for public use supports the Governor's ambitious clean energy goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030.

"New York continues to lead the nation in reducing our carbon footprint by aggressively investing in clean transportation methods," Governor Cuomo said. "By expanding public access to electric vehicle charging stations, this program will make it more affordable for New Yorkers to make the switch to an environmentally friendly electric vehicle, resulting in a cleaner, greener New York for all."

"We're expanding access to electric vehicle charging stations and investing in installation initiatives to promote electric vehicle use," Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said. "Communities across the state are taking advantage of funding and programs to support electric vehicles, and this funding as part of the first rebate for the installation of charging stations at office buildings, apartment buildings, and other locations continues to advance our clean energy goals and help make communities greener and healthier for future generations."

Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the new Charge Ready NY initiative provides a $4,000 rebate per charging port for public or private employers, building owners, municipalities and nonprofit organizations to install Level 2 charging stations. Depending on installation costs and the model/make of the charging station, installers can save up to 80 percent of a typical installation's total cost. Level 2 stations provide up to 25 miles of electric range to cars for each hour they are charging. Charging stations must be installed at one of the following types of locations:

• Public parking lot: must have at least ten parking spaces and be open to the general public at least 12 hours per day for at least five days per week. Examples include municipal or privately-operated parking lots or garages, parking at retail locations, shopping malls, restaurants, parks, transit stations, schools and other destination locations.
• Workplace: must have at least 10 parking spaces that primarily serve a minimum of 15 employees who work at or near the lot. Examples include office buildings, universities, schools, and hospitals.
• Multi-unit housing: must have at least eight parking spaces that primarily serve a building with five or more housing units, such as apartment buildings, condominiums and co-ops.

Chairman of Energy and Finance for New York Richard Kauffman said, "Governor Cuomo is building a comprehensive electric vehicle and charging infrastructure across the state to support the electrification of the transportation sector -- the biggest emitter of carbon than any other industry. New York is rapidly becoming a leader in clean transportation technologies and deployment across the state and today, we're making another move to get us closer to our meeting our emissions reductions goals."

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Alicia Barton said,"Through initiatives like Charge Ready NY, Governor Cuomo is helping New Yorkers join the clean transportation revolution that is taking place in our state. Combined with the Drive Clean Rebate, which provides rebates for the purchase of electric vehicles, this initiative is helping reduce emissions by making cleaner modes of transportation a possibility for more and more drivers."

NYPA President and CEO Gil C. Quiniones said, "The build-out of an extensive electric car charging network is key to getting more New Yorkers to drive low-emission vehicles and bringing New York State that much closer to its clean energy goals. Our new Evolve NY electric vehicle initiative focuses on addressing infrastructure barriers and our ongoing joint efforts with NYSERDA will help bring more fast chargers to qualifying businesses and nonprofits through our workplace charging programs across the state."

Charge Ready NY rebates can be combined with New York State's 50 percent tax credit for installing charging stations. The tax credit is applied after therebate amount received from NYSERDA. Charge Ready NY rebates cannot be combined with other New York State charging station rebate programs offered by NYSERDA, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York Power Authority, or other state entities.

The transportation sector is one of the largest producers of energy related greenhouse gas emissions in New York State. As a result, the state has multiple initiatives and programs designed to reduce these emissions and support the expansion of electric vehicles. For example,  the Drive Clean Rebate initiative provides New York residents with rebates of up to $2,000 for the purchase of a new or leased electric car. Since its launch, more than 9,000 New York residents have received rebates totaling more than $12 million.

This new initiative supports the Governor's Charge NY 2.0 initiative, which aims to have at least 10,000 charging stations across New York by the end of 2021, so clean cars can travel across the State with the opportunity to recharge along the way. The initiative also builds on the Governor's Charge NY initiative, which was launched in 2013 and has a goal of having 30,000 to 40,000 electric cars on the road by the end of 2018.

To complement Charge Ready NY, which enables public and private organizations to apply directly for rebates, the Governor recently announced a $250 million commitment by the New York Power Authority to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and expand electric vehicle fast charging stations along key transportation corridors and in New York City airports.

Entities interested in installing a charging station at their location can visit NYSERDA's website at www.nyserda.ny.gov for more information.

Reforming the Energy Vision

Reforming the Energy Vision is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York's economy. REV is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency and requiring 50 percent of the state's electricity needs from renewable energy by 2030.

Already, REV has driven growth of more than 1,000 percent in the statewide solar market, improved energy affordability for 1.65 million low-income customers, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other clean tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and achieves the internationally recognized target of reducing emissions 80 percent by 2050.

To learn more about REV, including the Governor's $5 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, visit rev.ny.gov

Press release:

People who really listen to others are gifted with compassion and empathy, and the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York is looking for volunteers willing to share those gifts!

Every month, the Association’s Western New York Chapter oversees close to three dozen support groups for caregivers of individuals with dementia, including four such meetings across Genesee County.

These groups are led by Chapter-trained facilitators who provide a vital service by encouraging caregivers to share their concerns, find support among their peers and hear advice about providing the best care they can from others in a similar situation.

The Chapter is looking to provide free training for volunteers to lead monthly support group meetings in Batavia and Le Roy. If you are interested in sharing your time in a meaningful, rewarding and vital way, please call Marie Baun at the WNY Chapter between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday Through Friday at (716) 626-0600, ext. 8994. She can also be reached via email at MBaun@alz.org.

About the Alzheimer’s Association WNY

 The Alzheimer’s Association is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization for care, support and research of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The elimination of the disease through advancements in research, providing and enhancing care and support for all impacted, and reducing the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health define  the organization’s mission.

The WNY Chapter is located at 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6, in Williamsville and offers a 24/7 Helpline for services and support at 1.800.272.3900. The Association also offers online resources, including secure sites for caregivers, training for professional care partners and information about local support services at alz.org/WNY.

“I look forward to continuing my dedicated service representing Genesee, Orleans and Monroe counties in the State Assembly. It was a privilege to be considered a top candidate for congress and I am humbled at the outpouring of grassroots and party support I received across Western New York.

"I will continue to travel my Assembly District this fall, listening to the needs and concerns of residents as I make my case for reelection. Tax relief, economic vitality and job growth, providing assistance for our veterans and halting Gov. Cuomo’s radical and dangerous agenda will remain my top priorities.”

D'andre J. Cramer, 19, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: third-degree burglary; fourth-degree criminal mischief; and petit larceny. Cramer was arrested and arraigned on Sept. 11 following an investigation into a burglary which occurred a year ago this month at a shop in the City Centre mall. He was jailed and bail was set at $5,000. The defendant is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 20. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Det. Thad Mart.

Rachel M. Penepinto, 27, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Penepinto was arrested on Vine Street at 4:20 p.m. on Sept. 15 after being accused of threatening to fight a neighbor and kill their dog. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Ryan Matthew Norton, 44, of Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment. Following an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred 8:15 p.m. on Sept. 11 on Bloomingdale Road. Norton was arrested, arraigned and put in jail on $2,500 bail. He is due in Alabama Town Court on Oct. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Danny D. Williams, 29, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree harassment. Williams was located on Thorpe Street in Batavia and arrested following an investigation into an incident which occurred at 3:39 a.m. on Sept. 8 on Wood Street in Batavia. He was jailed on $20,000 cash or bond bail. He is due in City Court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Marissa B. Royse, 28, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs -- combined influence of drugs; following to closely; speed not reasonable and prudent; moving from lane unsafely; and failure to keep right on a two-lane road. She was arrested on Sept. 10 at 11:12 a.m. at 27 Walnut St. in Batavia following an investigation into an accident with injuries. She was issued multiple tickets and released; she was due in City Court this morning (Sept. 17). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider. Forty minutes later, at 17 Walnut St., she was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana following the investigation into the personal injury motor-vehicle accident earlier that hour at 27 Walnut St. She is due in City Court on Tuesday, Sept. 18 to answer that charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Aaron M. Hatt, 22, no permanent address, Batavia, is charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal obstruction of breathing; criminal mischief in the fourth degree; and second-degree harassment. Hatt was arrested following an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at an apartment on Thomas Avenue, Batavia. He was arraigned and jailed on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond. He was due in Cioty Court this morning (Sept. 17). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Latiqua Shonnel Jackson, 25, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with introducing dangerous contraband into prison in the first degree and criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree. On Sept. 10 at about 2:20 p.m., Jackson was being processed into GC Jail. It is alleged that she knowingly entered the jail while in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. She was arrested on the charges Sept. 13 and jailed on $10,000 cash bail. She is due back in City Court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by Deputy Susan Mattice.

Joseph Buckley, 57, is charged with having an open container of alcohol in a city park. At 10:23 a.m. on Sept. 12, Buckley was arrested in Austin Park on Jefferson Avenue. He was jailed on $250 bail and was due in City Court on Sept. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Scott D. Larnder, 42, Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested on Sept. 13 for failing to appear on previous charges. After arraignment, he was released on his own recognizance. He was due back in City Court on Sept. 14. The  case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Press release:

This Saturday, Sept. 22, starting at 6:30 p.m, marks the 10th performance of the Music Memories Concert being held at City Church, located at 210 E. Main St., Batavia.

All proceeds for this concert go to support Crossroads House, a comfort care home for the terminally ill, in its 20^th year of serving residents of Genesee and Wyoming counties.

It’s St. Joe’s Reunion Brass Ensemble’s final performance using its present name as we know the group.

Nine years ago, Frank Panepento along with his friends, started the Reunion Brass Ensemble specifically with one purpose in mind: Set up a concert to help raise money for Crossroads House.

Well thousands of hours in rehearsal time by hundreds of musicians, thousands of miles/hours have been clocked in by those musicians over the years. There has never been one red cent charged by any of the musicians over that period of time. They even paid for their own ticket to sit and watch the show. They had to perform in other shows to pay back the groups that came and performed at the Crossroads show for free.

These performers choose to rearrange their lives to help an organization that they believed in -- CROSSROADS HOUSE -- VOLUNTEERISM at a different level!

"I promised my friends, God willing, I would do any and everything I could to pack City Church while ushering in a new era for St. Joe’s Brass Ensemble," Panepento said.

Performing Saturday are:

• Parkside Brass
• Rochester Hitmen
• Hamburg Kingsmen
• Batavia Jazz Ensemble
• Silver Leaves -- from Canada
• St. Joseph’s Alumni Drum Corps
• St. Joe’s Reunion Brass Ensemble, featuring famed bugler Kenny "Ace" Peterson

Come on out for what promises to be a fantastic show!" Penepinto said. "Bring your family. Bring your friends. Help make this a night for the musicians and all of (us) to remember."

Tickets are $5 general admission; $10 reserved.

Tickets are available at Crossroads House, Roxy's Music Store, Valle Jewelers, The Prospector Restaurant (Attica).

 If you need information or tickets call 343-3892 or 409-4364, or go online to:   crossroadshouse.com

Press release:

Batavia Varsity Basketball Coach Buddy Brasky will hold a Basketball Mini-Camp at the Batavia High School gym this fall. This Mini-Camp is for boys in grades 9-12.

The camp will start Wednesday, Oct. 3rd, and run from 7 to 9 p.m. on the following dates:

• Oct. 3
• Oct. 11
• Oct. 15
• Oct. 22
• Oct. 25
• Oct. 29
• Nov. 1

This program is for the experienced and serious player only! The program will emphasize offensive skill development. The cost is $95.

For more information call Buddy Brasky at 356-4050 or email mbrasky@bataviacsd.org

** PLAYER MUST BRING THEIR OWN BASKETBALL

The Batavia Police Department found a black cat being cared for by a concerned citizen Sunday morning and took it to the shelter.

The distinctly collared, yellow-green-eyed male had quite the trip yesterday.

According to police:

"This guy had one amazing adventure as he took a walk with a stranger and got to ride in the back of two different police cars. He has taken quite the liking to Officer (Jason) Ivison, but we are sure he is missing his owner! He has a very distinct collar. If anyone knows who owns him or you happen to be the one missing him, please contact the Genesee County Animal Shelter."

The shelter is located at 3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. Phone is 343-6410.

Today, the organization provided more information about her many deeds which garnered the distinction for which she will be feted Thursday in Buffalo.

Press release:

Girl Scouts of Western New York will recognize eight honorees at the 2018 Women of Distinction Dinner & Awards Ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Buffalo.

Andrew Michael Pridmore, 34, of Mechanic Street, Elba, is charged with grand larceny with a credit card, petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property -- a credit card. Pridmore was arrested at 11:48 a.m. on July 26 on Cedar Street in Batavia. He allegedly stole a credit card belonging to his employer and withdrew money from numerous ATMs throughout Genesee County on two different days. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court on Sept. 12 and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due in City Court again on Sept. 26. Additional charges are pending in the towns of Le Roy and Pavilion. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Joseph Loftus.

Patrick O. Spikes, 37, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault -- with intent to cause physical harm, and criminal obstruction of breathing. He was arrested, arraigned and jailed on Sept. 9 following a domestic incident which occurred at 3 p.m. on Sept. 2 at an apartment on Hutchins Street in Batavia. He is due in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Erica Bomberry, 38, of 18 Crittenden Way in the City of Rochester, is charged with one count of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. She was arrested Sept. 10 by Le Roy Police Department following a four-month investigation. She is allegedly a member of a Rochester-based larceny ring. The investigation started on May 14 when a business on West Main Street in the Village reported a larceny in progress. The suspect vehicle was located by patrols; the alleged thieves fled, creating a short-lived police chase which was called off because of the dangers it posed. A follow-up investigation tracked the alleged thieves showing numerous similar cases both in the City of Rochester and in different towns in Monroe County. Eventually there was allegedly enough evidence to charge one member of the ring and an arrest warrant was issued. The investigation is ongoing. Bomberry was transported to the Le Roy Court from the Monroe County Correctional Facility for arraignment and put in Genesee County Jail. Bail was set at $1,000.

Christopher J. Parker, 29, of Morse Place, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. On Sept. 10, Parker was arrested for allegedly damaging property at another person's residence. The incident took place shortly after midnight on Sept. 8 on Thorpe Street in Batavia. He was jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail and is due in City Court on Sept. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Paulette M. Conley, 42, of Mill Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI -- common law, no headlights, and DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or greater. She was arrested at 2:27 a.m. on Sept. 9 on Main Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. She was arrested, processed and is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Matthew Lutey.

Sasha M. McDuffie, 26, of 14th Street, Buffalo, was arrested at 7:14 p.m. on Sept. 11 on East Main Street in Batavia for speeding and driving with a suspended driver's license. Following a traffic stop, an investigation found McDuffie's license was suspended. She was arrested, processed, then posted bail and was released. She is due in City Court on Sept. 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Tyrone L. Richardson, 43, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on Sept. 10 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. He posted bail and was due in City Court on Sept. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

James E. Murray Jr., 29, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, was arrested on Sept. 8 on an arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court. He allegedly failed to appear in court after being issued an appearance ticket to be there on Aug. 28. He was due back in City Court on Sept. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Justin T. Gladney, 29, or North Spruce Street, Batavia, was located and arrested on East Main Street in Batavia after police were called to the area for an unrelated matter. He was found to have an active bench warrant out of Batavia City Court and was arrested on Aug. 10. He was due back in City Court on Sept. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Matthew Lutey.