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Press release:

The City of Batavia Republican Committee is sponsoring a Meet with Your Republican Ward Councilpersons for our City residents.

The meeting will take place at the Richmond Memorial Library in the downstairs Wilbur Room from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24^th.

All City residents are invited to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to listen to and discuss your concerns and comments. 

Attendees will include Councilperson Paul Viele (Ward 1), Councilperson Patti Pacino (Ward 2), Councilperson John Canale (Ward 3), Councilperson Al McGinnis (Ward 4), and Councilperson Kathy Briggs (Ward 5).

Please take advantage of this opportunity to meet and have a conversation with your local representatives.

Sources say the legislation necessary to implement a new 40-year sales tax sharing agreement between Genesee County and the City of Batavia has been delivered to the desk of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

He now has 10 days to sign it or veto it or let the deadline pass (known as a pocket veto).

The bill incrementally shifts sales tax revenue previously shared with towns and villages with that revenue targeted to pay off bonds for a proposed $60 to $65 million jail and for water infrastructure projects.

As The Batavian reported exclusively two days ago, with the bill lingering in Albany, unsigned, the county was in danger of going without a sales tax agreement in 2020 and that County legislators felt it necessary to suspend the planning process for the new jail.

If the bill is signed, there will be a sales tax sharing agreement in 2020 and jail funding can be secured.

The state's Corrections Commission is requiring Genesee County to replace its substandard jail.

Previously: Plans for new $65 million jail put on hold while governor dawdles on sales tax legislation

From the city's Bureau of Maintenance:

Citywide leaf collection begins Oct. 21 and continues until Nov. 22.

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 streets), Pearl Street, South Main Street (between Oak and Walnut streets), Walnut Street, Richmond Avenue (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. 14. Beginning Nov. 4, 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. 28, 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 potting’s, branches, pumpkins cannot be picked up. Residents may bring those items to the Yard Waste Station on Law Street (which will be open through Dec. 14);
• 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.

Submitted photos and press release:

Medal of Honor recipient David G. Bellavia appeared at the NYS Veterans Home on Thursday, Oct. 10, as part of a wish-granting experience created by the local nonprofit, Senior Wishes.

Bellavia, an Army Staff Sergeant and the first living Iraq War Veteran to receive a U.S. Medal of Honor, spoke to residents, staff and guests, including members of the Combat Vets Association.

His speech was followed by a reception organized by Senior Wishes which included refreshments, and the opportunity for guests to meet with Bellavia, who graciously shared his Medal of Honor, posed for pictures and signed copies of his book.   

The event was planned as part of an introduction of Senior Wishes to the Batavia community, as the program has just expanded from Erie and Niagara counties to also serve residents of Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties.

Established in 2013 by the United Church Home Society (UCHS), Senior Wishes’ mission is to honor and recognize the lifelong contributions of our oldest citizens by granting meaningful wishes that will enhance seniors’ lives.  

According to Wendy Miller Backman, Senior Wishes executive director, “Senior Wishes was created to recognize that our aging seniors still have things they want to do, places they want to go, or people they want to see. We transform those dreams into a reality.”

The program has granted more than 250 wishes in Erie and Niagara counties, and strives to grant more wishes to seniors by expanding into more counties. 

Wish requests may be big or small. Previous wishes have included air travel to visit long-missed family, cheering on a favorite team in person, and revisiting an abandoned hobby.  

Wish recipients must be 65+ and a resident of Western New York with an annual income under $38,000 for a household of one or under $44,000 for a household of two. Permanent residents of care facilities are exempt from the income qualification. Vacations, medical items, household repairs, bill payments and travel outside of the continental United States are excluded.

To learn how to apply for a wish, visit www.seniorwishes.org or call Wendy at 716-508-2121.

Press release:

The New York State DanceForce, in partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts, announces the third cycle of the Western New York Choreographers’ Initiative (WNYCI).

The program provides professional development for choreographers living in New York’s seventeen westernmost counties: Chautauqua, Niagara, Erie, Cattaraugus, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Allegany, Monroe, Livingston, Wayne, Ontario, Yates, Steuben, Chemung, Schuyler, and Seneca.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. (EST) Dec. 4.

The WNY Choreographers’ Initiative is designed to help WNY resident choreographers develop their choreographic skills by providing them with appropriate resources that are generally unavailable or unaffordable.

These resources include 24 hours of creative studio time, professional dancers, the guidance of a professional mentor chosen by the artist, and a $2,500 stipend. Two choreographers will be selected for the award in spring 2020. 

“This initiative is open to choreographers working in all dance genres," said WNYCI Coordinator Lois Welk. "Each project is basically a mini-residency, designed to fit the specific needs of each artist.

"Some artists have split the time between their home community and New York City. Others have done their entire project in WNY. The only requirement is that at least half of the activity happens in the WNY community.” 

The New York State DanceForce is a statewide consortium of 19 dance activists committed to increasing the quantity and quality of dance activity throughout New York State. Each member receives an annual allocation to create projects that bring dance artists to Upstate NY communities in customized residencies.

Since its founding in 1994, the DanceForce, through the work of its members, has funded more than 400 projects, raising more than $3 million in support of these endeavors.

Complete guidelines and the application form can be found at www.danceforce.org. For more information, contact WNYCI Coordinator Lois Welk at loisapril9@gmail.com.

  Marvelous Williams Chance Barnwell-McClary     Raquel Chin

A routine traffic stop on Route 33 in Byron on Thursday morning led deputies to the discovery of 47 bags of fentanyl inside the vehicle, according to the Sheriff's Office, and the arrest of three people from Monroe County on drug-dealing charges.

Taken into custody were:

• Marvelous C. Williams, 32, of White Swan Drive, Greece, charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd;
• Chance J. Barnwell-McClary, 23, of Stunz Street, Rochester, charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd; and,
• Raquel Chin, 30, of East Main Street, Rochester, charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd.

Deputies Ryan DeLong and Jared Swimline also reported finding a large quantity of drug packaging materials.

All three suspects were arraigned in Town of Byron Court. Williams was ordered held on $20,000 bail or $40,000 bond. Barnwell-McClary on $15,000 cash or $20,000 bond. Chin on $10,000 cash, $20,000 bond.

The deputies were assisted by the Local Drug Task Force, Trooper Sean Gourdine and his K-9 "Ash" and the District Attorney's Office.

A car vs. motorcycle accident is reported in front of Settler's restaurant at 353 W. Main St. in Batavia. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:55 a.m.: It appears a minivan exiting the Settler's parking lot failed to yield the right of way to an eastbound motorcyclist on Main Street, according to a first responder. The minivan struck the motorcycle and the rider was injured. Medics are treating his injuries roadside for now.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department and Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has received an armored rescue vehicle from the U.S. Government’s 1033 program.

The program allows for departments across the nation to receive surplus military vehicles, for free, to use in special operations.

The vehicle received is called an MRAP, which stands for Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected. The vehicle was designed to withstand improvised explosive devices and ambush attacks. Due to its larger size, heavyweight, and big tires, it is also a perfect vehicle to use during flood situations and natural disasters.

The departments will take possession of the vehicle today and will begin retrofitting it with the necessary equipment to include paint, decals, lights/sirens, seating, and communications to make it suitable for law enforcement use.

The departments plan to use the vehicle for a multitude of duties to include, rescue operations during floods or natural disasters and high-risk law enforcement activities such as active threats/warrant executions, throughout the county.

This new addition will allow the departments to provide better protection to citizens in natural disaster situations and also protect officers who are involved in higher-risk law enforcement activities.

The Batavia Police Department and Genesee County Sheriff’s Office are proud to have this vehicle which better prepares the City of Batavia and Genesee County for any threat, both natural and man-made.

Previously:

• Chief says armored military vehicle would improve police rescue capabilities at low cost
• City moving forward, perhaps with county help, on request for MRAP from military

The Genesee County Planning Board tonight voted in favor of a special use permit for a family-owned propane business that is branching out to the Town of Le Roy.

The board unanimously approved the permit for Wendt’s Propane & Oil to install an above-ground propane distribution center at OATKA Hills 1 Commerce Park on North and Lake Roads in Le Roy, agreeing that the project should pose no significant county-wide or inter-community impact.

It was recommended, however, that Town of Le Roy officials alert the fire district of the plan and that the applicant submit documentation pertaining to 9-1-1 address verification requirements and to meet Enhanced 9-1-1 standards.

Company President Paul Wendt and his son, Trevor, sales manager, attended the meeting along with David Ciurzynski, of Ciurzynski Consulting LLC, in Attica.

“Our office is in Sanborn but we have been delivering more and more this way,” said Paul Wendt, noting that the Le Roy facility will be their first venture away from Niagara County. “We found a nice piece of property in Genesee County and we thought that it would be good to expand.”

Wendt said three employees initially will work at the Le Roy site, which (mirroring its home base) will provide propane and oil service for commercial, residential and agricultural customers.

According to documents filed with the planning board, the plan is to develop around six acres of the parcel for the above-ground storage tanks and 9,600-square-foot warehouse and truck garage building. The rest of the 11.9-acre tract will remain undeveloped, with an eye on creating walking paths and green space.

Ciurzynski said they hope to have the tanks installed in November and have the building up by next spring. First, they have to get the Town of Le Roy's approval of the special use permit and then apply for the necessary building permits.

The Wendts’ project is set up in two phases – the first to get the site ready for the installation of a pair of 30,000-gallon storage tanks, with four additional locations for future expansion, and the second to put up the warehouse and truck garage.

In other action, planners recommended:

-- Approval of a special sign permit for a third sign at Metro Mattress at 4187 Veterans Memorial Drive in the Town of Batavia. While the maximum number of signs normally is two, the board felt the extra sign would not cause any problems.

Documentation submitted by Craig Tesler of Premier Sign Systems showed three freestanding lighted signs would be affixed to the building – at dimensions of approximately 4 x 10 feet, 3 ½ by 24 feet, and 3 ½ by 7 ½ feet.

-- Approval of an ice cream stand to be operated by Amanda Smith, of Darien, on property owned by John Mroz at 9114 Alleghany Road (Route 77) in the Town of Pembroke.

-- Approval of a site plan review for relocation of a doctor’s office to a building owned by Nancy Crocker at 7133 W. Main Road (Route 5) in the Town of Le Roy. The 4,460-square-foot structure sits on 3.1 acres and meets medical code requirements, the owner said.

-- Approval of the final subdivision to transfer a roadway at the WNY Science &Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park from routes 77 and 63 to Crosby Road (STAMP Drive) in the Town of Alabama from the Genesee County Economic Development Center to the Genesee County Highway Department.

From Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer:

Taxpayer Funded Elections

Your Tax Dollars Could Be Used to Support Political Campaigns

The New York State Public Campaign Financing Commission has started to meet and is required to issue its final recommendations by Dec. 1st. The commission was created as part of the disastrous 2019 Budget and one of its major objectives is to determine the future of publicly financing elections in New York State.

The budget also allocated $100 million for the potential public financing system across New York State. I strongly opposed this spending and voted No.

There is a money problem in politics but spending nearly $100 million of taxpayer money on elections will do nothing to fix it. It is comical to think that spending $100 million of taxpayer money on elections will “take the money out of politics.”

Supporters say that spending taxpayer money on elections will help fight corruption. However, New York City already has a public financing system in place and it has done little to curb corruption or build public trust.

If New York State wants to get serious about reducing the money in politics, it needs real solutions that actually address the problem. That is why I am advancing legislation that will actually reduce corruption and the influence of money in politics.

Instead of spending $100 million of taxpayer money to support candidate mailings and phone calls, we should lower contribution limits, require greater disclosure of political advertising by third parties and ban donations from politically appointed individuals. My proposals will do just that.

Please review and share your comments with me on my reform bills. The Commission is due to make its recommendations on Dec. 1st and it is not too late to have your voice heard. To tell the commission that you do not support spending $100 million on political campaigns, please visit my website and sign my petition.

Bill Number Purpose S1932 Restricts government partcipant contributions S1933 Restricts certain corporations from participating or intervening in any political campiagn on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office S1934, S1936 Relates to contribution limits for parties appointed to public positions S1935, S1987 Restricts government participant contribution periods S2350 Expands media disclosure requirements and lowers political contribution limits
 

Submitted photo and press release:

The Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force has been selected as the Outstanding Rural Health Program of the Year by the New York State Association for Rural Health.

The award was announced at the organization’s conference from Sept. 25-27 in Niagara Falls.

Nominated by Julie Gutowski, vice president of Clinical Operations and Services for Spectrum Health & Human Services, the task force was recognized for its efforts in developing an emergency department screening process used at local hospitals. It helps to identify people using opioids, then connects patients with a Peer Advocate or Recovery Coach in addition to a referral for treatment.

The NYSARH also mentioned the task force’s tri-county crisis line, which has resulted in a measurable decrease in drug overdose visits to local hospitals as well as opioid related deaths between 2017 and 2018.

“It is truly a great honor for the GOW Opioid Task Force to be recognized as the Outstanding Rural Health Program from the New York State Association for Rural Health,” said Allison Parry-Gurak, task force coordinator. “I am humbled every day by the amount of passion and dedication our tri-county region has shown to ending the opioid crisis for our communities.”

Parry-Gurak said the task force has “embraced a tri-county approach to our mission,” realizing that rural communities thrive when there is grassroots support.

“The task force is a wonderful example of the strength and impact rural communities can have when they collaborate to address public health concerns,” she added. “While we have had great success thus far, our work is not finished yet.

"We accept this award on behalf of our members and our community partners, but also on behalf of our community members that we have lost to the opioid crisis, those who are still fighting, and the family members and loved ones who have been impacted.”

The goal of the Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force is to address the growing opioid crisis in the tri-county area. Formed in 2017, it currently has more than 350 members from across the tri-county region.

Members represent various sectors of the community, including: public health; mental health; human services; local government; substance use disorder treatment and recovery agencies; law enforcement; EMS; faith-based groups; health systems and medical practitioners; education; businesses; and concerned individuals, families and individuals in recovery.

There are six active work groups that meet regularly to address the needs of the community.

John Bennett, executive director of Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, expressed his gratitude to the task force, which includes several GCASA staff members.

“Congratulations to Allison Parry-Gurak for her great work coordinating the task force and for Shannon Ford’s guidance in assisting her,” Bennett said. “And also to the many staff who sit on or chair a subcommittee of the task force.”

The mission of the New York State Association of Rural Health is to improve the health and well-being of rural New Yorkers and their communities. Functioning as a “voice for rural health,” the NYSARH is a statewide organization that advocates at the national and state levels on behalf of its membership.

Photo at top: The Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force was honored recently by the New York State Association for Rural Health as the Outstanding Rural Health Program of the Year. From left are Matthew A. Kuhlenbeck, president & CEO of Greater Rochester Health Foundation; Paul Pettit, director Genesee & Orleans Health Departments; Charlotte Crawford, Lake Plains Community Care Network; Nicole Anderson, GCASA; John Bennett, GCASA; Allison Parry-Gurak, GCASA; Shannon Ford, GCASA; Holli Gass, Spectrum Health & Human Services; Rosalie Mangino-Crandall, GCASA.​

Disclosure: Mike Pettinella is a GCASA publicist.

Construction has begun on the new Western New York National Cemetary in Pembroke though the initial plan for Phase I construction has been cut back because of budget constraints, Veterans Affairs officials told a gathering of veterans Wednesday in Corfu.

The 132-acre cemetery will accommodate the remains of 96,000 veterans over the next 70 years but veterans at Wednesday's meeting were most concerned about the here-and-now: delays in construction; the need to scale back Phase I; and either budget shortfalls or mistakes by the VA in estimating construction costs.

Congress originally appropriated $36 million for the cemetery but the VA is now asking for an additional $10 million to complete construction.

One of the key legislative supporters of the cemetery has been Sen. Charles Schumer and his regional director, Chris Zelmann told veterans Wednesday that the senator continues to support the project and will fight for more funding once the VA validates the need for the additional $10 million in funding.

"It's paramount to the senator to make sure the VA moves heaven and earth to make good on its commitment to honoring our heroes in Western New York to ensure they can use the benefits they've earned and deserve," Zelmann said.

The vast majority of men and women who served in the U.S. military and received any discharge other than dishonorable are eligible for free interment at a national cemetery. 

Burials at the cemetery are expected to begin as late next year but for veterans who wish to have their remains cremated, their families will have to wait until Phase I-B is completed, perhaps not until 2022.

That phase will contain a columbarium, an arc-shaped area with rows of columns that will hold boxes for cremated remains. 

One woman at Wednesday's town hall said she's been storing her husband's cremated remains for four years.

One reason for the delay in construction said James Metcalfe, the new director of the WNY National Cemetery (top photo), in his experience working with two different contractors -- each phase has different construction contractors -- simultaneously can make it difficult to accommodate funerals. The goal is to get one section open for burials as soon as possible, then finish that construction before the second contractor begins work.

"We want internment and ceremonies taking place while there isn't so much underway at the same time both to maintain safety and a level of decorum," Metcalfe said.

One veteran expressed concern about the plan to use, temporarily, a trailer to house members of the honor guard. He said being an honor guard is physically and emotionally taxing and on days when they are performing services for multiple funerals, the members need a place to rest, relax, eat, and "hang their hat." He expressed concern that a trailer wouldn't be adequate.

Metcalfe said that while he can't provide the exact specifications of the trailer, he assured veterans that it would be appropriate and comfortable for members of the honor guard.

Eventually, the honor guard will have a permanent structure appropriate to their needs.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley, while acknowledging the bipartisan support for the veterans cemetery, said it's important for veterans and their families to keep the pressure on federal elected officials to ensure the project is appropriately funded. He said veterans should keep emailing and writing letters in support of funding.

"These are the people who served their country and they deserve a place to be buried with honor and dignity," Hawley said. "I'm not blaming any of you (motioning toward the VA officials). Even though some of us come from different political parties, it doesn't matter when it comes to taking care of our veterans.

"Today, I emailed Senator Schumer and my contact in the Trump Administration. If it's the money, it shouldn't matter when it comes to taking care of our veterans."

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Nathan Falsone, 35, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief and unlawful imprisonment. Falsone was arrested at 4:34 a.m. on Oct. 9 on East Main Street in Batavia following an investigation into a domestic incident. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due in city court on Oct. 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Jennifer J. Hogan, 28, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with: criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree; and open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle on a highway. Hogan was arrested at 8:19 p.m. on Oct. 8 on North Spruce Street in Batavia after a traffic stop investigation. She was allegedly found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, marijuana and an open container of Corona beer. She was jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. Hogan was due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

David Vega, 54, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with: first-degree aggravated unlicensed operator of a motor vehicle -- with more than 10 suspensions on 10 different dates; and having an unsecured front license plate. Vega was stopped at 8:19 on Oct. 8 on North Spruce Street in Batavia for a traffic violation. It was subsequently found that Vega had a suspended and revoked NYS driver's license. Vegas had 33 suspensions and revocations, of which 30 were on 20 separate dates. He was arrested and put in jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. He was due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Press release:

Make a Difference Day for all Batavia High School seniors will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

They will participate in the annual Make a Difference Day community service project in various nonprofit agencies throughout the community. 

Participating agencies include: All Babies Cherished, Arc of Genesee Orleans Rainbow Preschool, Batavia Agri-Business Child Development, Batavia Housing Authority, Batavia Peace Garden, City of Batavia Youth Bureau, Crossroads House, Genesee County Parks, Genesee County Youth Bureau, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, Habitat for Humanity, Holland Land Office Museum, NYS Veterans’ Home, Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, United Memorial Medical Center, VA WNY Healthcare System of Batavia, YMCA, YWCA Children’s Center, and YWCA of Genesee County.

Batavia City Schools is dedicated to helping their over 140 seniors learn and develop the importance of giving back to their own community while helping to foster civic responsibility. This is an integral part of their Batavia High School academic curriculum, and is a component of their graduation requirements.

 Photo of "check presentation," from left, UMMC League Charter members Geri Carmichael, Marie Call, Patti Rowbottom and Mary Pat Hancock.

Submitted photos and press release:

The United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) League, a group comprised of volunteers who raise money to support patient care at UMMC, celebrated their 50^th anniversary with a brunch at the hospital on Sept. 28.

At the brunch, they announced their latest gift – $100,000 to start an endowed fund that will support ongoing investments in patient care at UMMC for years to come. UMMC also announced a second $100,000 gift from an anonymous donor that will double the size of this new fund.

“I am so grateful for the UMMC League’s 50 years of generosity and service,” said UMMC President Dan Ireland. “From running our hospital’s snack shop and gift shop with a staff of volunteers, to holding craft fairs and social events to raise critical funds, the work they have done is extraordinary and it’s always been driven by the purest kind of motivation – to help others.”

To present the check where four charter members of the UMMC League. Marie Call, Mary Pat Hancock, Gerry Carmichael and Patti Rowbottom helped start the UMMC League in 1969 and remain part of its core today. 

Over their 50-year history, the UMMC League has raised more than $1.2 million for the hospital, supporting everything from ambulances, hospital beds and radiology equipment to baby-warming units and teddy bears.

Below, UMMC League members pose with the new plaque commemorating 50 years of support of United Memorial Medical Center.

Below, members of the UMMC League gathered for their 50^th anniversary.

Oakfield-Alabama High School will perform a fundraising concert for its Music Department this evening -- Thursday, Oct. 10 -- at 7 o'clock in the middle/high school auditorium.

The "O-A Broadway Cabaret" immediately follows this afternoon's Open House.

It will feature high school ensemble and soloists.

A dessert reception follows.

Suggested donation to attend is $5 for adults and $1 for students.

The school is located at 7001 Lewiston Road, Oakfield.

For questions, contact Danielle Mileham at:   dmileham@oahornets.org or phone (585) 948-5211, ext. 4004.

Press release:

Nate McMurray, running for Congress in NY-27, is calling for Chris Collins, who recently resigned in disgrace after pleading guilty to insider trading and lying to the FBI, to return the Congressional salary he has collected since his indictment in August 2018.

McMurray sent a letter to Judge Vernon S. Broderick asking the judge to consider ordering Collins to return his salary and forfeit his pension as a part of sentencing.

While calling Collins’ case “inherently tragic” and expressing sympathy for Collins’ family and victims, McMurray also pointed out that Collins had profited from his deception of voters in his district and deserved to lose his salary as a result.

“Following his guilty plea last week, Mr. Collins has admitted that his actions were in fact illegal; that he knew they were illegal; and that his claims of innocence were false. With his reelection predicated on an admittedly false claim of innocence, I urge that in sentencing, you recognize this fraud on the taxpayers of this nation and the people of New York’s 27^th Congressional District and require him, in addition to whatever other penalties you deem appropriate, to repay his salary from the date of his indictment until his resignation and forfeit his taxpayer-funded pension,” McMurray wrote.

After months of proclaiming his innocence, Collins changed his plea to “guilty” last week and admitted in court that he knew what he was doing was illegal.

A copy of McMurray's letter can be seen below:

Honorable Judge Broderick,

I am writing to you to express my thoughts regarding the sentencing of Chris Collins. 

Last year, I ran and lost a race to replace Mr. Collins in the United States House of Representatives. I am proud of that campaign and our opposition to Mr. Collins. I say this to fully disclose any perceived bias or subjectivity. I share my comments with full sincerity and an understanding of the possible consequences of my words. 

First, I want to acknowledge that much about this case is inherently tragic. A district has been denied its due representation in Congress; an individual of great promise, a fellow Eagle Scout no less, betrayed his constituents and will forever have his name tainted; a son followed his father’s request and now stands on the verge of incarceration and a lifetime defined by a criminal act not of his own creation. I have true sympathy for everyone caught up in Mr. Collins’ web of illegal activity and look forward to our district moving on.

Nevertheless, justice must be served, and Mr. Collins’ actions and character must be examined. Following the indictment in August of 2018, Mr. Collins continually lied to voters by proclaiming his innocence and ultimately won re-election. As a member of Congress, Mr. Collins said he worked for his donors—not the people of Batavia, Hamburg, Canandaigua, Warsaw, or the countless other small towns and communities within New York’s 27^th District. Following his guilty plea last week, Mr. Collins has admitted that his actions were in fact illegal; that he knew they were illegal; and that his claims of innocence were false. He knowingly abused the trust of the people of Western New York.

I stand with many who are angered by Mr. Collins’ actions, but I find some discomfort celebrating anyone’s demise, even his. However, with his re-election predicated on an admittedly false claim of innocence, I urge that in sentencing, you recognize this fraud on the taxpayers of this nation and the people of New York’s 27^th Congressional District and require him, in addition to whatever other penalties you deem appropriate, to repay his salary from the date of his indictment until his resignation and forfeit his taxpayer-funded pension.

Sincerely, 

Nathan D. McMurray

Seeing their teenage son graduate from Rush-Henrietta High School in June was exciting enough for Jakob Bathrick’s family, but three months later they had to say goodbye when he enlisted in the Marine Corps. 

Bathrick, 18, is a son of Rory Bathrick, who lives in Batavia, and Jessica Baltz, of Henrietta, formerly of Pavilion. 

“The day he left was my 39^th birthday, and I celebrated by giving my firstborn to the Marine Corps,” Baltz said. “Seeing him off was the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do. I’ve always been close to my three kids and we always support each other."

Although his mother has cried and cried since he left, she knows this is something he wanted to do.

She said Bathrick made the decision to join the military a year ago, while he was on vacation with his grandparents in Washington, D.C. A recruiter had gotten his name through his high school and kept calling him.

“He initially was going to join the Army, but the Marine recruiter convinced him to join the Marines,” Baltz said. “After all, the Marines are ‘the few and the proud.’ ”

The recruits left Batavia’s recruiting substation and were bused to Niagara Falls, where they spent the night in a hotel, after preliminary briefing and time with their families.

The next day, families began arriving at 9 a.m. at the Air Force Base, and after security clearance, were directed to the building where the ceremonies would take place.

Bathrick’s family who came to see him off included his parents; aunt, Ami Quigley, of Pavilion; siblings Cecelia and Andrew Bathrick; grandparents Tom Bathrick, of Varysburg, and Nancy Baltz, of Pavilion; aunt, Jo Page, of Warsaw; family friend, Andy Caven and his grandparents, Bruce and Brenda Serena, of Akron. Brenda Serena is a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army and was allowed to perform the swearing-in ceremony for her grandson.

“That was pretty cool,” Jakob’s mother said. “Brenda was my mother-in-law and she’s just been Brenda to me. To see all those military saluting her was really impressive.”

The military is very diligent about seeing parents are wellbinformed about what lays in store for the recruit.

For the first several hours in the morning, while the recruits underwent final procedures, their families gathered in the cafeteria, listening to a representative from the American Red Cross and receiving instructions on what to expect during the next weeks of basic training. 

They learned the only way to communicate with their recruit in time of emergency is through the Red Cross. They were also informed about financial assistance available to the military, their families and retired veterans.

Perhaps the hardest thing for families was learning there would be no communication of any kind with the recruit, especially those joining the Marines, until after they were settled in to basic training.

Marines are the only branch of the military which does not allow recruits to have their cell phone during basic training, and before the recruits boarded a bus for Buffalo International Airport that morning, they handed their cell phones and any other personal belongings over to their family. 

Another hour or so was spent listening to Army Ret. Col. Nancy E. Bird, of Rochester, a volunteer at the Military Entrance Processing Station who does about 35 presentations a year at the base. She mingled with family and friends and briefed them on what their part should be in the coming months.

One thing she particularly stressed was the importance of writing – every day. She urged families to give the recruit’s address to everyone they know and ask them to write a letter.

Shortly after noon, the recruits were ushered out into the driveway, where their bus awaited. Each recruit received a brown envelope with his final instructions.

Jakob’s family was among those who followed the bus to Buffalo International Airport to wait and see him on the plane. They arrived at the airport around 3 o'clock, but the recruits’ plane wasn’t scheduled to leave until 5:30. However, they soon learned the plane had been delayed almost an hour. They were scheduled to land in Charlotte, N.C., then transfer to another plane for the final leg of the trip to Savannah, Ga., where a bus would take them on the two-hour drive to Parris Island, S.C.

Families had been told after arriving in Parris Island, recruits could make a formatted call of about 10 seconds, to let their parents know they had arrived. There would be no other personal conversation. However, because it was 1:30 or 2 in the morning by the time they arrived, Jakob’s family never got the call.

His mother was frantic and was able to call the Marine recruiter and learn Jakob had arrived safely.

“I am still crying,” Baltz said. “I cry because I’m so proud and I cry because I don’t think I can do this. Jakob has enlisted for eight years.”

During the ninth week of basic training, Jakob will be able to send home information from the battalion commander with information about graduation, which will be in the middle of December.

Part of Col. Bird’s briefing was what to expect for the families who plan to attend graduation. The ceremony is outside, and there is no parking close by, she said. She stressed the importance of proper dress.

At the conclusion of graduation, Marines are free to depart Parris Island and begin 10 days of leave – something Jakob’s family can’t wait for. 

His mother is hopeful because their 10-day leave takes them to Christmas Eve, that the Marines will extend the leave to have Christmas at home. 

Top photo: Jakob Bathrick gets congratulations from his grandmother, Ret. Lt. Col. Brenda Serena, of Akron, formerly of Attica, after she swore him into the Marines during ceremonies at Niagara Falls Air Force Base. 

Below: Jakob Bathrick’s entire family drove to Niagara Falls Air Force Base to see him sworn into the Marines in September. From left are: his grandfathers Tom Bathrick, of Varysburg, and Bruce Serena, of Akron; aunt Ami Quigley, of Pavilion; grandmother Brenda Serena, of Akron, a retired lieutenant colonel who swore Jakob in; Jakob’s siblings, Andrew and Cecelia Bathrick; father Rory Bathrick, of Batavia; Jakob; mother Jessica Baltz, of Henrietta, formerly of Pavilion; Andy Caven, family friend; aunt Jo Page, of Warsaw; and grandmother Nancy Baltz, of Pavilion. Grandfather John Baltz, who owns Baltz Concrete Construction in Pavilion, was unable to make the trip.

Photos by Virginia Kropf.

Many months of effort by Genesee County to replace its aging, legally out-of-compliance jail came to a standstill Wednesday night when the County Legislature, by consent, agreed to hold off on new jail plans until Gov. Andrew Cuomo signs sales tax agreement legislation that is necessary for the county to fund the jail.

The jail could cost as much as $65 million, which is money the county must borrow (through bonds) and the county won't be able to get those bonds without the 40-year sales tax agreement that will generate the revenue to pay back the loans.

The county and the city hammered out the agreement over the course of months of negotiations about how to divide the local portion of sales tax collected in the county and both elected bodies approved the agreement. The necessary legislation then went to the Assembly and Senate and was approved.

The bill now sits on the Senate president's desk awaiting a request by Gov. Cuomo to see it.  

He hasn't requested it and nobody knows why. It might be that there are 500 other bills on the Senate president's desk awaiting Cuomo's request, but nobody is sure if that's really the issue. Attempts by local officials to get an answer from any source, including the governor's office, have gone unanswered.

Meanwhile, the city and county don't have a sales tax agreement in place for 2020 and if they're going to have an agreement, absent the governor signing the 40-year-agreement bill, they must act fast.

The two municipalities could agree to extend the current agreement by a year or even extend it for 10 years. Either option could be approved on the State Comptroller's signature, without new legislation, but either option would also delay building a new jail by either length of time.

Once the governor requests the bill, he has 10 days to sign it or veto it, or he could do nothing, which is called a pocket veto. He could also let it sit on the Senate president's desk until Dec. 31, which is also a pocket veto.

If the bill isn't approved before Dec. 31, the whole process of approving a sales tax agreement would need to start from the beginning next year.

Neither the county, of course, nor the city, can wait until Dec. 31 to see if the governor will sign the bill. They need to approve a new sales tax agreement, if this one isn't approved, within weeks so there is time to get it approved by the comptroller's office and have it in place for 2020.

If there's no sales tax agreement, the county and city will not be able to fund normal government operations typically covered by sales tax revenue.

Chairman Robert Bausch is drafting a letter to the corrections commissioners informing them of the bind the county is in and asking if they can intervene with the governor's office.

County Manager Jay Gsell said the commission has been patient with the county over its current substandard jail on the premise that the county has been working toward building a new facility. 

Sheriff William Sheron said that a letter from the county might help extend that patience and at least put the commissioners on notice of the issue the county is facing.

Wednesday's meeting was initially called for the entire legislature to discuss jail plans and decide what would be included in the jail -- such as how many beds and pods construction contractors would be asked to bid on.

Some of that discussion took place, with an apparent agreement being reached on a four-pod jail with 184 beds. That would give jail staff the most flexibility in maintaining order and keeping different types of jail inmates, based on mental health issues and other factors, in appropriate housing.

After that discussion, Bausch brought up the sales tax issue and said he didn't see how the county could authorize the architect to start designing the facility because once the design is done, without a sales tax agreement, the county wouldn't be able to put the project out to bid because it couldn't get the project bonded.

"That would be pretty embarrassing for the county," he said.