For a year-end project, I thought it would be cool to take some video and pictures of music- and arts-related activities -- respectively -- in the Genesee County schools.

The following video is 20 minutes long and divided into two parts (Youtube limits most users to about 10 minutes per video). It features concert footage from various schools in the county.

PART 1

PART 2

I have to make a quick apology for the poor video quality in a couple of instances. I had to be very careful to protect the identity of the kids (the ones photographed without parental approval), so I made sure none of the students' faces appeared too clearly on camera; plus, to be honest, the first camera I used turned out to be pretty awful when it came to taking video (even while taking decent pictures).

I also feel bad that I couldn't include every group I filmed in the video. My selections were based on a combination of different criteria, including:

•  making sure the best songs were included
•  making sure all of the schools I visited were included
•  arranging the selections in a way that flowed nicely

So there's the music part. Here are some pictures I was able to take of art work done by Elba and Leroy students:

ELBA ELEMENTARY ART

Kindergartener Cody Soules stands in front of his drawing of a tree branch (top right).

First-grader Taylor Augello stands with her rendition of Van Gogh's "The Starry Night" (right above her head).

ELBA HIGH SCHOOL ART

Both of the following pictures were submitted by Dan Carnevale. Sophomore Sydney Gallup (top photo) and two unidentified students stand with their drawings.

LEROY JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (art and artists)

Also, see the May 27 announcement on the winners of the Architectural Drawing contest for fourth-graders.

Congratulations all of the students for a job well done!

Nick Longmire's lead off home run at State College on Monday night might have provided a spark, but it wasn't enough to carry the Batavia Muckdogs to victory.

Batavia (2-2) dropped the game 8-7.

Longmire provided most of the offense, going 4-5 and driving in four runs. He also tripled and stole a base.

Shortstop Yunier Castillo added two hits and two RBIs.

Starter Nicholas McCully surrendered two runs on three hits in five innings. Houston Summers was charged with a blown save after giving up three runs in two innings, but because the Muckdogs regained the lead while he was still the pitcher of record, he could have picked up a win.

But reliever David Kington was also tagged with a blown save and a loss after giving up three runs on four hits in his one inning of work.

The victory was the first of the year for State College (1-3).

The Muckdogs have two more games at State College before moving on to Mahoning Valley.

After my last post John Roach asked is we could show the Hawaiian sling. That's me straddling the gunnel, eyeballing the breakers in the distance before slipping over the side. In my right hand is the sling, already loaded and showing the stainless steel shaft w/barbed tip. The handle and tubing loop are at bottom half of the spear. Those waves are crashing against Man 'O War Cay's outermost coral reef, nearly two miles offshore. Just beyond the reef the ocean bottom drops off sharply, sinking to abysmal depth. Once past the breakers its a long way to the next spit of dry land, the Canary Islands off the African coast.

Bahamian law prohibits the use of mechanized spears and scuba gear. Only free diving - mask, fins, snorkel - is allowed. And the choice of spears is limited to slings and pole spears. As I mentioned to John in a previous comment, the sling takes some getting used to, and, depending on your quarry, there's a certain degree of stealth involved. Lobsters, found in cracks, crevices, fissures on the bottom and hidden in the coral, are easier to approach than fish. I used to tell my son-in-law, Jeff, that when hunting lobsters you can pretty much swim right up on them and get off a shot or two before they retreat. Fish on the other hand are warier and react much quicker, particularly dog snappers and black grouper. My advice to Jeff when hunting fish with the sling was "act like a tourist," swim slowly, pretend you're not interested and then take your shot. It's worked well so far.   

John Kennedy School held its annual awards assembly this morning and presented its first ever "Volunteer Businessman of the Year Award" to Paul Berardini, co-owner of Pauly's Pizza. Berardini was recognized for his many contributions to the school.

Students were also recognized for achievements in academics, the arts and school involvement.

Three more pictures after the jump:

The following are arrests from Friday's Brad Paisley Concert at Darien Lake:

James P. Balcom, 34, of Schutt Court, Grand Island, is charged with disorderly conduct. Balcom is accused of fighting with security. He was jailed on $250 bail.

Matthew G. Costanzo, 27, of Fletcher Street, Tonawanda, is charged with disorderly conduct. Costanzo is accused of fighting with security. He was jailed on $150 bail.

Samuel M. Muscarella, 23, of Exchange Street, Alden, is charged with assault, 3rd. Muscarella is accused of punching another person in the face, causing a cut above his eye requiring stitches. Muscarella was jailed on $250 bail.

Dayna L. Maimone, 22, of Viking Circle, Webster, is charged with trespass. Maimone allegedly re-entered the concert venue after being ejected.

Kevin G. Manners, 39, of Crandal Ave., Kendal, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Manners allegedly hit a security guard will being ejected from the concert venue.

(Name Redacted), 20, of Patricia Lane, Cheektowaga, allegedly hit another person in the throat (charge not listed in release).

Casie Jo Clearwater, 20, of Patricia lane, Cheektowaga, charged with two counts of harassment, 2nd. Clearwater is accused of hitting two people while inside the concert venue.

Stephen P. Wagner, 19, of East River Road, Rush, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Plus 32 people were issued citations for allegedly consuming alcohol under age 21. Names listed after the jump:

Jonathan D. Gaillard, 19, of Clover St. Pittsford
A 17-year-old of Lake Rd. Seneca Falls
A 16-year-old of Auburn Rd. Seneca Falls
A 17-year-old of Benning Rd. West Falls
Jessica L. Miklos, 20, of Boland Dr. Lackawana
Ryan L. Hall, 19, of Foss Rd. Fenwick, Ontario
Stephen P. Wagner, 19, of E. River Rd. Rush
Austin P. White, 18, of Meadow Rd. Hemlock
Brandon J. Nieswiadomy, 20, of Delmar Ave. Tonawanda
Thomas W. Wilkins, 20, of Delmar Ave Tonawanda
Taylor L. Meckley, 18, of Warrick Terr. Hamburg
Shawn M. Corts, 20, of Lincoln Rd. Macedon
Tyler B. Wild, 19, of Willowend Dr. Penfield
David F. Reagan, 19, of Parkview Dr. Rochester
Bryan J. Gorlewski-Munro, 18, of Eagles Roost Ln. Macedon
Michael D. Pulito, 19, of Dogwood Glen Rochester
James H. Sergeant, 18, of Canterbury Ln. Fairport
Timothy J. Haack, 18, of Dublin Rd. Penfield
A 17-year-old of Melbourne Green Fairport
A 17-year-old of Butz Rd. Albion
Jared F. Reynolds, 20, of Woodward Ave. Springville
Tyler J. Aina, 18, of Waterport-Carlton Rd. Albion
Steven E. Beiersdorf, 20, of Mill Rd. Lyndonville
Alyssa A. Olles, 20, of Long Bridge Rd. Albion
Stosh E. Kajfasz, 18, of Cudaback Ave. Niagara Falls
A 17-year-old of Independence Ln. Niagara Falls
Alexandria L. Walter, 19, of 9mileline Pt Penfield
Kristine A. Allen, 19, of Braunston Dr. Fairport
Jerri E. Maloney, 18, of Lillis Ln. West Seneca
Patrick M. Nascal, 18, of Mineral Springs Rd West Seneca
Laura A. Tripi, 18, of Langer Rd. West Seneca
Alexander K. Roberts, 19, of Herrick Ave Sayre, Pa.
Samantha R. Peters, 20, of River Ferry Way Rochester
A 17-year-old of of S. Shore Pl Rochester
Wesley M. Rene, 20, of Hill Creek Ln. Rochester
Gary J. Haseley Jr., 20, of Lake Rd. Webster
Patrick T. Grogan, 18, of Brookview Rd. Rochester
Ryan J. Fitzsimmons, 18, of Belmont St. Rochester

This weekend was particularly rewarding.  I had the opportunity to meet voters in three counties, folks attending the Stafford Fireman's Parade, a group of voters in the Town of Murray and attendees at the St. John Lutheran Church hosted Hamlin Strawberry Festival.  Not only did I walk away with a fulfilled sense of voter sentiment, I purchased a delicious bowl of shortcake while at the Strawberry Festival.

As much as the 139th is diverse in its four-county membership and the unique communities that comprise the district, voters seem to share the same sense of urgency.  The state is in dire need of responsible leadership.  The most discerning question that was often repeated, "Are you the incumbent?"

Incumbency may be a focus, and "Throw the bums out," has been a rallying cry for some time; I do not intend to invest my time exploiting that single itch.  The voters deserve a comprehensive action plan for righting state government.  I do not intend to rely on slogans, generalities and gladhanding to engage district voters.  My approach to the campaign is my approach to the business of state: ideas, study, dialogue, study, alliances, concensus.  I don't mean to oversimplify the legislative process.  I have a long history conducting negotiations, and I know the dynamics well.  Please anticipate a detailed look at my policies.

I hope everyone had time to celebrate Father's Day.  I did so vicariously.  The weather was spot-on!  See you along the campaign trail...

Chris

A 20-year-old driver heading north on Route 98 in Elba on Friday says he was "daydreaming" and didn't see a car stopped ahead of him. The lapse of attention led to a rear-end accident that sent one person to the hospital.

The accident at 4:49 p.m. injured 65-year-old Charlene Worthington, a passenger in the stopped vehicle.

Cited for allegedly following too closely was Daniel J. Quatro, of 3709 Riches Corners Road, Albion.

The driver of the other car was June D. Boldt, 55, of Elba.

At about 2:30 a.m. Monday June 21, 2010 a truck coming from the Stafford Carnival lost the trailer it was towing on Rt. 33 about a mile east of the Griswold Rd.

The trailer filled with prizes and some sort of game that was at the carnival traveled about 300 to 400 yards on its own causing the trailer to hit a mail box, a parked pickup truck that was for sale and coming to rest at a telephone pole about 200 yards west of the Waterman Road breaking it almost in half about 10 feet high.

Stafford Fire Dept. responded with Engine 94 and set up a light tower. Stafford units were back in service at 3:30 a.m.

There were no injuries.

Lucinda Dawn Barber, 40, of 141 Tracy Ave., Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Barber is accused of stealing another person's wallet while in a check-out line at Walmart. Barber was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Robert J. Eppolito, 27, of 41 Maple St., Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harrassment, 2nd. Eppolito allegedly pushed a person while that person was holding an infant. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Gregory Robert Lyons, 21, of Dry Bridge Road, Alexander, is charged with trespass. Lyons was allegedly operating an all-terrain vehicle on the old railroad bridge over Creek Road.

Kevin J. Compton, 48, of 9791 Clipnock Road, East Bethany, is charged with DWI. Compton was stopped at 2:10 a.m., Sunday, on Lake Street for alleged failure to use a turn signal.

Adam M. Kreutz, 21, of Byron-Holley Road, Byron, is charged with a felony count of DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and felony unlicensed operation. Kreutz was stopped at 2:04 a.m., Saturday, by Sgt. Greg Walker on Route 237, Stafford.

Stacey Jean Donahue, 36, of Cook Road, Byron, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Donahue is accused of striking another person in the face.

Michael S. Miller, 24, of East Eden Road, Eden, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and moving from lane unsafely. Miller was stopped at 1:05 a.m., Saturday, by Deputy Chris Parker on Route 5, Pembroke.

Thomas M. Cromey, Jr., 33, of Chili-Riga Center Road, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Cromey was stopped at 12:07 a.m., Saturday, by Deputy Chris Parker, on Route 237, Stafford.

Ashleigh Lynn Daniels, 22, of Kent Road, Kent, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Daniels was stopped at 12:36 a.m., Saturday, by Deputy James Diehl on Route 33, Pembroke.

The Batavia Muckdogs (2-1) put 10 runs on the board in Auburn on Sunday to edge out the Doubledays (1-2), 10-8.

Victor Sanchez, Patrick Biserta, Matt Valaika each contributed a pair of RBIs while outfielder Jon Edwards smacked two doubles in a three-hit performance.

Anthony Ferrera (1-0) picked up the win in five innings of scoreless relief. Starter Matthew North lasted only one-and-a-third innings, yielding six runs.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10. A great Valentine's gift!

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Get started on your spring gardening projects. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Give yourself the gift of flowers, or give to a friend. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.50.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for four weeks of yoga (four sessions), a $40 value, for $20.

Herbly Wonderful, 3701 Pearl St., Batavia, NY: Unique specialties for your home and garden, from floral arrangements, to heirloom vegetables, herbs, teas and spices. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

SOLD OUT

A possible semi-truck vs. car accident has been reported in the area of 3336 Genesee St., Corfu.

There is possible entrapment.

Darien Fire is being dispatched.

UPDATE 10 p.m.: The only injury reported is a cut arm. There is a travel trailer involved. Route 33 is blocked.

UPDATE 10:04 p.m.: The entrapped driver may have numbness in the lower part of his body. Mercy Flight is being checked for availability.

UPDATE 10:09 p.m.: Mercy Flight is responding.

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This is a bloom from the John Kennedy Rose in my yard.

I've driven past the old Batavia Motel many, many times, and I never thought of it as a photo opportunity until today.

Competitors from throughout Western New York -- and even West Virginia -- were at Silver Shoe Farms on Pratt Road, Batavia, today for carriage driving races.

Nicole Cable said this is the third year Silver Shoe has hosted the event.

The races feature two- and four-wheel carriages, some of them antiques -- remnants of the pre-automobile era.

Cable, 29, started carriage racing when she was 9. She now teaches carriage driving at the farm.

Competitors were ages 9 and up and both men and woman. Horse sizes ranged from 32-inches tall to 16 hands.

More photos after the jump:

Pembroke Fire has been dispatched to an unknown type accident incident off the roadway in the area of 8755 South Lake Road, Corfu.

A chief is walking to the scene. He's requested a check on the availability of Mercy Flight and has requested a four-wheeler be dispatched to the scene.

UPDATE 4:49 p.m.: Emergency personnel are still trying to reach the victim. Mercy Flight is being dispatched to the Pembroke Fire Hall to stand by at that location.

UPDATE 4:54 p.m.: Four-wheelers are starting down the four-wheeler path, which is apparently the only route into the scene, which is well into the woods. The victim has been located.

UPDATE 4:56 p.m.: This is not a vehicle accident. A middle-aged man collapsed while climbing over a log. Mercy Flight will land at the Pembroke Hall. 

View Larger Map

The Batavia Rotary Club honored its Father Day's tradition by sponsoring its annual Fly-In Breakfast at the Genesee County Airport.

Once again, hundreds of people turned out, including a number of pilots with their planes.

More photos after the jump:

Genesee Community College alumni are hard at work planning the first-ever Homecoming celebration on Oct. 1-2.

A committee of 10 is excited about welcoming alumni back to campus. It is co-chaired by Patti Michalak (Mancuso, '70) and Pam Whitcombe (Allein, '69) and is seeking additional alumni to assist with planning and volunteering during Homecoming weekend.

"We would love to get many different graduating years represented on the committee," Michalak said. "It doesn't matter if you graduated two years ago, or 20 years ago, we want you to feel welcomed back to campus and enjoy a fun-filled weekend with old friends."

All graduating classes as well as family members, friends and the community are welcome to the Batavia Campus for Homecoming. There will be a variety of entertaining activities and sporting events, culminating with an All-Class Reunion/Mixer. There will be music, food and a cash bar.

The classes of 1969 and 1970 will be especially highlighted because the Homecoming theme is "Hippie '60s." Groovy!

Friday, Oct. 1, will feature men's and women's alumni soccer games played under the lights of the new, all-weather turf field.

Saturday, Oct. 2, will begin with various alumni-centered activities and celebrations across the campus including tours, reunions and  brunch. The men's and women's Cougar Soccer teams will play at noon and 2 p.m. versus North Country Community College.

Following the soccer games, the charter inductees will be welcomed into the new Athletic Hall of Fame with a ceremony and celebration, followed by the All-Class Reunion/Mixer.

In addition to Michalak and Whitcombe, the Homecoming Committee includes: Barbara (Palmer) Shine '70; Jim Tuttle '71; John Michalak '73; Sandra (Eashak) Maisano '73; Matt Locker '88; Laurie Smith '88; Kelli (Sperino) Pease '89; and Kate (Starkweather) Edwards '04.

Further details on locations, times and additional alumni activities are available at <http://www.genesee.edu/Alumni/Homecoming >.

To join the Homecoming Committee or to volunteer for the Homecoming weekend, please contact Alumni Affairs Coordinator Jackie Christenson at 585-343-0055,  ext. 6265 or at <http://jkchristenson@genesee.edu>.