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Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters to hold annual juried art show in Pittsford Jan. 3-31

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters will open its 15th Annual Art Show beginning Jan. 3rd at Pittsford Barnes & Noble’ Community Room. It is located at 3349 Monroe Ave.

This competitive, judged and juried show will display about 90 original paintings recently created throughout the Northeast. The plein air show runs through Friday, Jan. 31st.

An Artists’ Reception and Award Ceremony will be Saturday, Jan. 4, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Pittsford Barnes & Noble Community Room.

The art show is free to the public. Gallery hours are B&N store hours. For more information, visit www.gvpap.com or email  paint@gvpap.com.

"Plein air painting," meaning onsite painting in open air (natural light), is popular with artists and their patrons alike. Boats, rural barns, landscape vistas, gardens, cityscapes and waterscapes are all staple subjects in the plein air painter's repertoire. More than 85 percent of each painting in this show is produced on-site, "in the open air.” Painting mediums include oil, watercolor, soft pastel, acrylic and gouache.

The Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters Inc. is an association of outdoor artists that promotes and inspires quality plein air painting. It was established in September 2005. Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters Inc.

GVPAP currently boasts 55 artist members who live in the surrounding counties of Greater Rochester, the Finger Lakes, Western and Central New York, including residents of these communities: Pittsford, Fairport, Canandaigua, Batavia, Macedon, Ontario, Phelps, Kent, Livonia, Rush, Himrod, Caledonia, Dansville, and Rochester.

From Assemblyman Steve Hawley: 'Happy Holidays!'

By Billie Owens

A Statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia):

“At a time when our jobs are more demanding, our news cycles faster and our schedules more packed than ever, I’m encouraging you to do one thing this holiday season -- less. Unplug from your phone and connect with the people who mean the most to you. Relax. Remember old stories and make new memories. Keep family traditions alive.

“Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah!  I hope your upcoming year is filled with new opportunities and many blessings,” Hawley said.

USDA grants Nicholas Claus movement permit in the United States -- valid for 12 hours

By Billie Owens

A press release from the USDA Office of Communication:

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a movement permit on Monday to Mr. S. Nicholas Claus of the North Pole, a broker with Worldwide Gifts, Unlimited. The permit will allow reindeer to enter and exit the United States between the hours of 7 p.m. Dec. 24, 2019 and 7 a.m. Dec. 25, 2019, through or over any U.S. border port.

“With a growing world population, Mr. Claus will have his busiest Christmas yet. At USDA, we want to ensure we are not hindering Mr. Claus’ important work of spreading Christmas Cheer for all to hear,” said Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.

“Ease of access into the United States for Mr. Claus and his nine reindeer will ensure that children all over the country – including my own 14 grandchildren – will wake up on Christmas morning with joy and filled with the spirit of the season. USDA issued this permit in advance and waived all applicable fees to help ensure a smooth trip on Christmas Eve night.”

In addition to the normal disease testing requirements, flying reindeer must undergo additional tests to ensure they will be able to safely handle significant changes in altitude and temperature throughout their journey, and are fit for landing on rooftops.

On this year’s health certificate, the accredited veterinarian noted that one of the reindeer named Rudolph was positive for “red nose syndrome”; however, it was also explained that this is normal for him and not an animal health concern. The veterinarian also verified the reindeer have been vaccinated against any diseases they could encounter on their trip around the world.

At the request of the Clauses, APHIS also completed a courtesy welfare and humane treatment check of the reindeer facility. Nicholas Claus, his wife and his staff passed with flying colors.

The Claus team will arrive pulling a wooden sleigh with jingling bells attached, filled with brightly wrapped gifts. Port personnel will clean and disinfect the runners and underside of the sleigh at the time of entry, and will also conduct a short visual inspection of the reindeer.

Claus will also have his boots disinfected and will thoroughly wash his hands. These measures are intended to prevent the entry of any livestock diseases the team may encounter during deliveries to farms around the world prior to entering the United States.

“It would be a disaster for Worldwide Gifts, Unlimited, if my reindeer were to unintentionally bring in foot and mouth disease along with all the gifts,” explained Claus. “Why, something like that could put me out of business. That’s why we work all year to keep the reindeer healthy and take all possible precautions before and during our trip.”

Claus has also provided an advance list of what port personnel should expect upon their arrival. This includes a variety of food items, all of which come from approved locations and none of which pose a threat to U.S. animal or plant health.

House filled with smoke on Manhattan Avenue in the city

By Billie Owens

City firefighters are dispatched to 21 Manhatten Ave. for a report of smoking filling the residence. The building has been evacuated.

UPDATE 1:22 p.m.: Fire command reports there is no active fire. The second story is charged with smoke; investigating.

UPDATE 1:24 p.m.: A fire was found in a second-floor closet. Extinguishing.

UPDATE 1:29 p.m.: "Fire knocked down. Checking for extensions."

Person reportedly pulls knife on caller to dispatch following road rage incident

By Billie Owens

City police are responding to two vehicles parked roadside on Oak Street, just north of La Crosse Avenue.

"Apparently, some sort of road rage incident," the dispatcher says, adding that the caller reports "the suspect" pulled a knife on her. 

Then the caller reported that the person was following her down the roadway.

Police tell dispatch they are on scene just north of Tracy Avenue.

Gas prices stable heading into the holidays

By Howard B. Owens

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.55, no change since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.33. The New York State average is $2.69 – up 2 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.66. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

  • Batavia -- $2.65 (no change since last week)
  • Buffalo -- $2.60 (down 1 cent since last week)
  • Ithaca -- $2.66 (no change since last week)
  • Rochester -- $2.65 (no change since last week)
  • Rome -- $2.64 (up 3 cents since last week)
  • Syracuse -- $2.60 (up 2 cents since last week)
  • Watertown -- $2.68 (up 2 cents since last week)

Gas prices are relatively stable given the increase in demand for holiday travel this week. With so many motorists out and about for holiday shopping and for holiday road trips, demand is high.

Pump price savings, albeit it small, are expected to come to New York State by the end of the year and are likely to linger into next year.

AAA forecasts that motorists can expect gas prices to edge cheaper by about a dime in the coming weeks as regional refinery rates and gasoline stocks increase throughout the Northeast region.\

From GasBuddy:

"With motorists preparing to hit the road to celebrate Christmas with loved ones, the national average has seen its seventh weekly decline, falling to a fresh low since March, " said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"Closing out 2019 will likely see some additional downward momentum, but the next million-dollar question motorists are beginning to ask: what will the new decade bring to the pump? What's 2020 going to look like?

"GasBuddy is preparing to answer those questions just in time for the New Year, but for now, motorists need not worry, and should continue to enjoy affordable gasoline prices in nearly all states- and that's a terrific end to 2019 as well."

Law and Order: Jackson Street man accused of strangulation jailed without bail

By Billie Owens

Jeremy M. Fairbanks, 41, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree strangulation. Fairbanks was arrested following an investigation into a domestic dispute that occurred at 10:15 a.m. on Dec. 13 on Jackson Street in Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court at 3:03 p.m. on Dec. 18 and jailed without bail. He was due to return to court on Dec. 19. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

Edward G. Ruckdeschel, 57, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with: unauthorized use of a vehicle in the second degree; grand larceny in the fourth degree; and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree. Ruckdeschel was arrested following an investigation into a stolen vehicle complaint made at 4:47 a.m. on Dec. 7. It is alleged that the defendant stole a vehicle from a parking lot of a business in the city. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and jailed without bail. He will return to court at a later date (unspecified). The case was investigated by Batavia Police Sgt. Matthew Lutey, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

David Michael Martin, 59, of Scott Crescent Drive, Scottsville, is charged with third-degree grand larceny. At 4:10 p.m. on Dec. 22, Martin was arrested following an investigation into a larceny complaint (unspecified). Martin was arraigned in Batavia City Court at 7:30 p.m. the same day, then released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on Jan. 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jared Swimline.

Matthew Jacob Reid, 25, of Main Street, Warsaw, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; and unable to maintain lane. Reid was arrested following an investigation of a possible medical complaint reported at 12:27 a.m. on Oct. 12 on March Road in Bethany. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Bethany Town Court on Jan. 7. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.

Jamie Valerie Hart, 21, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree; unlawful possession of marijuana; and speed exceeding 55 mph. On Dec. 21 at 3:57 p.m. Hart was arrested on Clinton Street Road in Byron. The defendant was released on appearance tickets and is due in Byron Town Court on Jan. 13. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Days Inn evacuated in Batavia after water main break

By Billie Owens

A water main break at the Days Inn, located at 200 Oak St. in the city, has prompted the hotel's evacuation. The initial report was that the break caused four feet of water to flood the kitchen.

City firefighters are on scene. A code enforcement officer is expected there in about 15 minutes and National Grid has a 20-minute ETA.

UPDATE 2:04 p.m.: The scene commander says "All utilities have been secured. The facility is evacuated. All units back in service."

American Legion in Alabama delivers boxes of Christmas goodness to local families

By Howard B. Owens

Jessee Underwood, Wayne Whiteside, Fred Henry, and Myron Cramer are among the member of the American Legion Post #626 in Alabama that annually puts together holiday meal packages for economically struggling families in the western part of Genesee County.

The program has been going for nearly 20 years and this year Legion members prepared 39 boxes for families in the Pembroke School District and the Oakfield-Alabama School District and the Tonawanda Indian Reservation.

One box is going to a woman veteran in the Town of Shelby who works two jobs to try and make ends meet.

“She’s a vet and this a veterans' organization, we’re going to take care of her," Commander Fred Henry said.

The post holds hosts a meat raffle in the spring and a cash raffle in December to raise money for the program but many items in the care boxes are donated.

Piedmont Produce donates trimmings.

  • Kreher's Farm, eggs
  • Bonduelle, the turkeys
  • Star Growers, onions
  • Ronald Bruckner, stuffing
  • Roberts Farm Market, apples
  • Akron Family Dentistry, toothbrushes

Alabama Holly Farms also contributes.

We couldn't do this without the support of the community," Underwood said.

Democrat drops out of race for NY-27 seat

By Howard B. Owens

Press release from Melodie Baker:

“I am beyond grateful for all of the support and encouragement I have received from residents throughout New York’s 27th Congressional District and beyond," Baker said. "It has been an honor and a privilege to have met so many wonderful people through the process of exploring a run for Congress and I’m excited for the friendships that have been formed with Democratic leaders, community activists, and members of the Labor movement.  

"For me, this year will not be the time for a campaign for Congress and while I appreciate the encouragement to run for Senate District 61, I am planning to support another Democrat for that office. 

"My motivation to serve and make change on issues like education, health care, and economic opportunity has not changed and I’ll continue my work to improve policies as an advocate through the nonprofit organizations I’ve worked with for the past 14 years. 

"Thank you to everyone who supported me, encouraged me, and listened to me. And thank you to all who step up to run for office and serve. Our part of New York needs more voices to bring change.”

Photo: BMS students give back to those who support the school

By Howard B. Owens

More than two dozen Batavia Middle School students visited offices in and around Batavia today for the school's annual "Give Back Day," when students deliver class-made presents to the people and organizations that have supported the school during the school year.

Among the stops pictured above was the State Police Batavia Barracks on West Saile Drive.

Other locations the students visited today included the Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD, the Fire Department, WBTA, DSS, and Family Court. After Family Court, they went to City Court to see Durin Rogers sworn in as the new full-time City Court judge.

NextEra cuts big check to support Sheriff's K-9 program

By Howard B. Owens

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is $10,000 closer to its $50,000 fundraising goal for a second K-9 and handler to work alongside "Frankie" and Deputy Chris Erion after receiving a donation yesterday from NextEra Energy.

And the K-9 fund is getting pretty close to that $50,000 goal, said Sheriff William Sheron, thanks to generous community support.

NextEra is planning a 1,500- to 2,000-acre, 280-megawatt solar energy project in the Town of Byron.

Barbie Starowitz, Star Farms, one of the farms that will lease land to NextEra, helped arrange the donation.

Adding a new K-9 is expensive but the Sheriff's Office has long sought community donations to support the K-9 program rather than relying on taxpayer funds. Costs include purchasing the dog, training, and outfitting a car properly for a K-9 patrol.

“We strive to be a good community partner and are thrilled to have the opportunity to sponsor the county’s newest K-9,” said Keddy Chandran, project director for NextEra Energy Resources. “At NextEra Energy Resources, we believe in building strong partnerships and supporting the communities we serve with initiatives like this.

"We are honored to be part of the Genesee County community and look forward to continuing to work in partnership to develop the Excelsior Solar Energy Center which will bring significant economic benefits to the region, including good-paying jobs and increased revenue.”

Photo: Barbie Starowitz, Keddy Chandran, Deputy Chris Erion, "Frankie," Sheriff William Sheron, and Undersheriff Brad Mazur.

Photo: Deer out on a snowy night in the city

By Howard B. Owens

Melzie Case submitted this photo from last night of deer strolling through the grounds of the Wilmott Cancer Center, located at 262 Bank St., Batavia.

Introducing the Drooly Kids podcast from Macy Paradise and Nici Johnson

By Howard B. Owens

Elba residents Macy Paradise and Nici Johnson have created a new story-time podcast for children called Drooly Kids.

From the show's description:

Drooly Kids Podcast is a parent's best friend, we will read your child a story from beginning to end... A tale written for kids completely from scratch so fun and exciting, no others will match... Made for your kids, yet staying mindful of YOU! These stories are silly and educational too... so take a breath, sit back, relax and push play, we will entertain your kiddo.

Here are the first two episodes, with second of special interest to Bill's fans looking forward to the coming game against New England.

To subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, click here.

Ortt calls on McMurray, Democrats to distance themselves from Working Families Party

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Today, New York State Senator Rob Ortt, Army combat veteran, and candidate for New York’s 27th Congressional District criticized the New York State Working Families Party for calling on candidates to “stop defending taxpayers.” Ortt called on Nate McMurray and all Democrats running for office to publicly declare that they will not seek the Working Families Party line in an election, and to publicly denounce this ridiculous statement.

“New York’s 27th Congressional District is home to hundreds of thousands of ‘taxpayers’ who work hard every day to support their families,” Ortt said. “In fact, these taxpayers pay the highest taxes in the country and are forced to fund the radical proposals from groups like the Working Families Party including free college tuition and driver’s licenses for illegal aliens.

"Any politician who can’t speak out in opposition to these absurd comments from the Working Families Party does not deserve to represent the hardworking taxpayers in any elected position.”

The Working Families Party, backed by progressive donors, often aligns itself with candidates running as Democrats. In the party’s 2020 questionnaire, they state: 

Messages that frame "taxpayers" as an aggrieved or marginalized group promotes an anti-tax, anti-government worldview that is often used to justify disinvestment and austerity policies. "Taxpayer" has also become a racially coded term designed to appeal to white individuals and reinforce the misconception that they are paying taxes to support the needs of people (often implied to be non-white) who don’t pay taxes. Will you avoid messaging that centers "taxpayers" or "tax burdens" and instead talk about "public funding" and the public as a whole?

The New York State Working Families Party has already endorsed several candidates for 2020, including for U.S. President (Elizabeth Warren), U.S. Congress (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez), and Democratic candidates for the New York State Legislature. In 2018, Nate McMurray ran for Congress on the Working Families Party line. Ortt called on all candidates running for office to denounce the Working Families Party and refuse their support.

“This is an absolute insult to every overtaxed working family throughout New York,” Ortt said. “Anyone who seeks the Working Families Party support is clearly stating that they do not work for the men and women they are elected to represent, but rather a political party tasked with fulfilling the agenda of out-of-touch special interest groups and extreme regressive advocates.”

Law and Order: Washington Avenue women accused of violating an order of protection

By Billie Owens

Melody J. McMaster, 48, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. McMaster was arrested on Dec. 9 on Chestnut Street in Batavia after allegedly violating an order of protection by being inside the protected party's residence at 11:17 a.m. that day. She was issued an appearance ticket for Dec. 24 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Jose Fuentes, 39, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. On Dec. 17, Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Fuentes in connection with an incident that occurred at 9 p.m. Dec. 13 on Bank Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for Dec. 24 in Batavia City Court.

Kyle Schroeder, 23, of Telephone Road, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 9:09 a.m. on Dec. 8 on East Main Street in Batavia after he allegedly took an item out of the packaging while in a local business and then attempted to conceal the item. He is accused of placing the empty packaging on the shelf and continuing through the store. He was due in Batavia City Court on Dec. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Parent meeting on Jan. 7 about full-day Pre-K option in Batavia City School District

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Many of the Batavia City School District’s current prekindergarten students will have the option to switch to a full-day program beginning this January. The tentative starting date for the full-day option is Jan. 28. Like the current half-day program, there is no cost to families. 

The Batavia school district, along with only 25 others in New York State, was awarded State funding to expand the prekindergarten program. Prior to applying to be considered for the funding, Molly Corey, Ed.D., the District’s executive director of curriculum and instruction, surveyed parents of the current 112 prekindergarten students and found that interest in a full-day option was very high, but not unanimous.

With that parental directive in mind, she applied for the grant and secured funding for 72 full-time slots, or four full-time classes, while still allowing for the half-day option for remaining students.

Three of the full-day classes will be housed at Jackson Primary School, and one will be provided by a community-based organization that is yet to be determined. If more than 72 of the current preschool students apply for full time, a lottery system will be used to place them. No new prekindergarten students will be registered at this time.

An important meeting for parents of current students will be held at Jackson Primary right after the schools’ winter break, on Tuesday, Jan. 7, to provide more details about the expanding program and the changes that it will entail. Two meeting times have been set in an effort to reach all parents: 12 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. If a parent cannot make either meeting, they are encouraged to call Corey’s office for an alternate meeting time (343-2480, ext. 1003).

The meeting will include more information about locations and teachers; information about the overall transition, as well as accommodating new aspects of the school day such as lunch time, rest time, and play time; a sample schedule for the school day; and time for responding to parents’ questions.

Two Nursing Program Information Sessions scheduled at GCC next month

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Genesee Community College's Nursing Program accepted its very first class of students 50 years ago. Since then, applications, courses, curriculum and equipment have all changed following the significant evolution of healthcare overall.

The one thing that hasn't changed is the program's commitment to delivering qualified and capable nurses to the community.

Ensuring its continued progressive success, Genesee Community College's respected Nursing Program is hosting two information sessions specifically for individuals interested in entering the field. These sessions are the introductions to GCC's Traditional (non-LPNs) Nursing Associate in Applied Science degree and are being held in time to meet the program application deadline of Feb. 1.

Anyone interested in beginning a career as a nurse is encouraged to register today for one of the two information sessions. The two sessions take place in Room 214 on the second floor of the Antoinette Marchese Clancy School of Nursing in the MedTech Building, which is located across the street from GCC's Main Campus at One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

The two sessions, each providing the same information, are scheduled:

  • Tuesday, Jan. 7 from 9 to 11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 21 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

"The Nursing Program Information Sessions are not only a prerequisite for anyone entering the program, but are the best way for someone who is still undecided to get a taste of what the program offers," Laurel Sanger, GCC's Nursing Program Director said.

"In just two hours, we provide a brief introduction to the profession of nursing, describe the program requirements and cover everything one needs to know to get started on the process of applying."

There are also two new elements being introduced to GCC's Nursing Program this anniversary year:

  • Beginning late this spring, The Antoinette Marchese Clancy Scholarship Fund, will be available to support several second-year GCC nursing students who are academically in the upper third of their class and have illustrated excellence in their clinical performance. The new Scholarship was established through a generous gift from the Clancy Family to recognize Antoinette Marchese Clancy, who graduated in 1974 from GCC's Nursing Program.
  • In addition, the Antoinette Marchese Clancy Excellence Award will be presented to the nursing student who demonstrates top clinical performance at the Nursing Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 16. Find out more about the Antoinette Marchese Clancy School of Nursing here.

GCC's Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. To learn more about the program's admission requirements visit here.

'Just Socks, Ma' -- GC Health Department launches new campaign to raise awareness of hepatitis C

By Billie Owens

Above, Tammi Bale, who operates the “Just Socks, Ma” Campaign.

Submitted photo and press release:

There is currently no vaccine available to prevent hepatitis C, but early diagnosis of hepatitis C is important as it can prevent serious liver problems. Approximately 3.2 million people in the United States. have chronic hepatitis C, but most do not know that they are infected. This is exactly why testing is so important!

Hepatitis C is primarily spread through contact with blood from an infected person, even in amounts too small to see. People with hepatitis C often have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can be a sign of advanced liver disease (such as cirrhosis or scarring of the liver).

“Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer and the leading cause of liver transplants,” said Deputy Director Brenden Bedard of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. New treatments for hepatitis C are available and more are in development.

"Today, chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is usually curable with oral medications taken every day for two to six months. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, "The homeless population is disproportionately impacted by HCV infection, with an estimated prevalence of 22 to 53 percent (affected)."

Hepatitis C Testing is recommended if you:

  • Were born from 1945 through 1965;
  • Injected drugs
  • Received donated blood or organs before 1992
  • Have been exposed to blood on the job through a needle stick injury with a sharp object
  • Or have medical conditions, such as chronic liver disease or HIV/AIDS.

To increase awareness about Hepatitis C, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are donating socks to Tammi Bale, who operates the “Just Socks, Ma” Campaign, collecting socks to donate to those in need in memory of her son Robert Bale who passed away of a drug overdose in 2016.

“These socks read #NYCuresHepC and is a reminder to get tested and that a cure is available to those who need it," Bedard said. "It’s a small way to give back to the community this holiday season and increase a valuable message."

Referring to deaths caused by overdoses and hepatitis C, Bale said, “Not one more is needed. This is my third year collecting socks and donating them to the homeless in memory of Robert. I wasn’t able to help him because I didn’t know anything was wrong (substance use disorder). He had a good job, was working 50 hours a week and had just gotten a raise.

"No one knew his secret, not even his roommate. It’s good to try to find out what is happening in your child’s life so this doesn’t happen. This campaign makes me happy and hopefully make Robert proud.”

Bale is also giving back by operating a Facebook group named “Angel Mothers Unite” providing uplifting messages to those who need it.

For information about Health Department services contact the Genesee County Health Department at 344-2580, ext. 5555, or visit their website.

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