Matthew Kyle Johnson, 21, of 2509 E. Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with petit larceny. Johnson is accused of stealing a mobile phone while employed at Darien Lake Theme Park.

Kenneth R. MacGreagor, 23, of Cheektowaga, is charged with false personation and having no motor vehicle license. MacGreagor was stopped at 1:30 p.m. Thursday by State Police on Stephen Hawley Drive in the Town of Batavia.

It's been a good year for the Anglican Community Church in Batavia. Several months ago, the congregation was accepted as a member of the Convocation of Anglicans of North America (CANA), and to top it off, this month the church is hosting a VIP.

That would be Bishop David Bena.

The local Anglican church was established in 2004 and since then, its goal has been to become a member of CANA. And so sanctioned, it now has oversight by bishops, much to the Anglicans' delight.

"After being in sort of limbo, to become members of CANA, it is a great joy to have Bishop Bena come so far to meet us," said parishioner Onolee Grower. "It is a strong visible sign of our inclusion into a wonderful church. Knowing there is a real person --  not just a name at some distant place -- to turn to for guidance and help is a real comfort."

Parishioner Terrey Lee agrees that Bena's visit marks a milestone.

"It is a great pleasure as well as a great honor to have his presence known in our church," Lee said. "This visit marks, for us, an inclusion into a large family of Anglicans across North America.

"We all believe in one Lord, his Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. We are now part of a great Communion of believers. This single accomplishment has been of the utmost importance to our church and each of its members."

Even as the parishioners look forward to Bishop Bena’s visit on Sunday, Oct. 25, they cannot forget their struggle to become a part of CANA. It took a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance to realize their dream. They credit church leaders and also "the grace, love and blessings of our Lord" with the success.

Reverend George Quibell, an Anglican priest from Canada, has led the church.

Canon Simon Howson is also scheduled to attend the special service and luncheon for Bishop Bena. Before the inception of Batavia's Community Anglican Church, its parishioners attended St. James Episcopal Church on Main Street, which was led by Howson.

(Parishioners say he was removed by a Bishop on false charges and exonerated last year. Canon Howson remains a priest in good standing in another diocese, having settled his lawsuit against the Bishop and the Diocese of Western New York for an undisclosed sum and a full letter of apology and exoneration, a copy of which is on file at the Anglican Church.)

About Bishop Bena:

The Rt. Rev'd David J. Bena, Suffragan Bishop of Albany, was consecrated as a bishop for Albany in 2000. For seven years, he served under Albany's senior bishop, the Rt. Rev'd Daniel Herzog, to help make Albany one of the largest and most active dioceses in the nation.

Bena retired from his post in Albany and in March 2007 joined CANA, which is an orthodox Anglican church body offering Americans an authentic connection to Anglican Communion.

Since the Albany diocese is a staunch supporter of the Anglican Communion and traditional theology, Bishop Bena's move to CANA came naturally. He now serves as CANA's Suffragan Bishop, assisting CANA's Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns with leading the growing number of CANA congregations and clergy. 

"I have sensed God's call to minister to disenfranchised Anglicans around America who are in need of episcopal oversight." says Bena. "I feel extremely privileged to have been asked to take on this ministry."

Bishop Minns is also glad to have Bishop Bena on the CANA team.

"The growing CANA family will be tremendously blessed by the presence of Bishop Bena," says Minns. "He brings years of experience and lots of high-energy leadership to CANA. I count David as a personal friend, and am very happy that he's here."

Bena served as a Marine officer in the Vietnam War. He did his undergraduate work at Stetson University, and completed his training at Virginia Theological Seminary (in Alexandria). He served as both an Air Force chaplain and a parish priest for over two decades. 

Bena has earned a doctorate from the Graduate Theological Foundation, which is an interreligious institution based in South Bend, Ind.. He also holds an honorary doctorate from The Episcopal Church's Virginia Theological Seminary.

Bena and his wife, Mary Ellen, have been married 40 years. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.

About the Anglican Community Church:

Parishioner Lee said: "The Anglican Community Church is made up of members who are not only part of a congregation that worships together; we are a church family with a true commitment to our church and to each other.

"Since planting the church, we have experienced deaths, weddings, births, baptisms, and confirmations. All of these were dealt with as a church family, with care and great love for one another being shown to all members. Such life changes as these have brought us closer to one another as well as closer to God."

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 $9.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Belladessa's Pizzeria/Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Here's a deal -- half off on a Family Meal Deal from Belladessa's, which is a large 1 topping pizza, 24 wings and 2-liter bottle of soda. It's a $25 value for $12.50.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $15 gift card for $7.50.

SOLD OUT

Yesterday’s poll showed that most people approve of the School’s plan to fix up their fields at North Street Extension.  A similar poll conducted less than a month ago seemed to indicate that the majority did not favor the improvement plan.  As I considered the drastic change in public opinion regarding the use of those fields, I couldn’t help but wonder what was different now compared to a few weeks ago.  Could it be that the information previously provided by City Council members (Bill Cox and Rose Mary Christian) failed to reflect the facts as presented on 10/6/09 by the School Board?

Many people have expressed the desire for a developer to build more houses in the City in order to increase the tax base and help relieve the burden on the rest of us.  That, of course, would require additional home owners to come to Batavia.  Right now, developers have the opportunity to extend streets in the First Ward such as Carolwood, Garden, Harold Square and North Street yet they have not.  One reason may be the high cost of the infrastructure which makes a new building lot so expensive.  Of course, basic economics tells us that when the customer wants the product bad enough, he will pay more.  The prospective homeowner would have to want to come to Batavia.

So you have to ask yourself, what’s wrong with Batavia?  It’s a 30 minute commute to most of Rochester and some of Buffalo.  Crime is low, the schools are good, shopping is plentiful, restaurants are nice and Main Street actually looks good.  We have programs for adults and kids interested in sports and theater.  Could it be a lack of parks for our kids?  Hmmmm. 

The City published a report several years ago that said there were not enough parks in Batavia.  Since then, Dewitt Park was developed in the Sixth Ward and it serves the community well as a partial remedy to the shortage.  The First Ward lacks a City park but does have John Kennedy School on the Western border.  The Eastern side of the Ward is ripe for development but lacks a park.  I have heard that the City’s master plan calls for a park on the Eastern side of the First Ward to serve residents in the area.

If we ever expect to attract homeowners to Batavia, we need to provide the services they want.  We should follow the City’s existing plan and extend the streets (North and Garden), create the park (that the School District has planned) and enable our current developers to more affordably build those new houses that will increase our tax base.

I submit that one of the few things wrong with Batavia is a hesitancy to look forward and make decisions that will grow the community.

In a year in which New York has seen growth in lottery revenue, Batavia Downs is among the most successful video gaming facilities in the state, reports the Ithica Journal:

The largest was a 10 percent revenue increase at Batavia Downs Race Track, which is owned by Western Regional Off-Track Betting. Western OTB was criticized when it bought the track in the late 1990s, but the success of the terminals has offset losses on the racing side, allowing Western OTB in recent years to return profits to the counties it serves.

Western OTB has had about $250,000 in losses at its betting branches this year, but has had a profit of about $1.5 million at the video-lottery facility, which has 605 machines, officials said.

Overall in New York, video lottery terminal sales grew 3.3 percent in the first half of the fiscal year. Mega Millions sales were up 37 percent.

The trend across most of the rest of the nation for state-run lotteries has been downward.

Good afternoon, prospective pet owners. My name is Maxine, a Labrador-retriever mix.

In the world of greeting cards and cartoon characters, there's also a Maxine. She's famous for being an old lady who wears funny clothes and hats and has a wry sense of humor.

I am not like this rather eccentric human, of course, but I am a funny adult female with a nice sense of humor. People say I'm friendly and playful, too.

Besides that, I'm already spayed. I'd love to have a real home and someone to rumpus with. 

I'm a real cool cat named Smoothie. You can sorta tell by my unflappable gaze and black goatee. Even though I'm female, I'm still a feline and this two-tone look, especially the goatee, makes me the bees' knees among my peers. (I got burned out on "cat's pajamas" and the decidedly overused "bad.")

It's an old, old country song. In this case, an adult female searching for love in all the wrong places, "hopin' for another heart lookin' for love." At this point, I'd settle for lasting friendship, some kibble and a box. Howza 'bout it?

The Genesee Country Farmer’s Market is celebrating fall on October 9 with a visit from the Volunteers for Animals adoption van and Upstate Niagara Milk. Visitors to the market can stop by the VFA booth from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for information about adopting a pet.

Applications will be available for pet adoptions. If anyone is interested in adopting a pet, “they can complete the application and then follow up at the shelter,” according to Volunteers for Animals’ Wendy Castleman.

Weather will be a deciding factor in what type of animals will be at the market. “If the weather is bad or too cold, cats will not be crazy about an outdoor event,” Castleman said.

Since the number of pets changes daily, Castleman hopes to bring several kittens and a few dogs. Photos of all shelter animals will be posted so visitors can see every pet that is available for adoption. Additionally, raffle tickets to the Volunteers for Animals annual Fur Ball will be for sale as well as VFA t-shirts.  

The Upstate Farms events truck will be handing out free samples of their newest flavor,  Buffalo Bills Birthday Cake, in celebration of the Bills' 50th Season. Dubbed “cake in a bottle”, there is a limited supply of this specialty milk.

Other samples that will be available at the market include their popular line of “Intense” milks in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. The Intense chocolate variety is made with imported cocoas, real sugar, and fresh milk. Vanilla and Strawberry use “the finest vanilla and strawberry flavors to provide a delicious and nutritious beverage with an intense taste,” according to Upstate Farms representatives. Samples will be available from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

As always, visitors to the market can stop by the Niagara Wine Trail for free samples of local wine. MarJim Manor and Niagara Landing Winery will have offer taste-tests of their popular labels.

According to farmer’s market manager, Patty Hawley, “Now is the perfect time to stock up for holiday celebrations or gift-giving by picking up a few bottles of local wine.” Other vendors at the market include Christ Farms (produce), Renko Meats (handmade sausage/jerky), Flower Fields (fresh & dried flowers), Perl’s Maple Farms (Maple Syrup products), Schwab’s Bakery (baked goods), S & T Christ Farms, (produce), Fenton Farms (produce), Schwab Farms (produce), Librock Meats (all-natural beef), Partyka Farms (produce), Sanger Farms (produce), Genesee Valley Coffee (specialty coffe & tea), and Halat Farms (produce).

The Genesee Country Farmer’s Market is open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays until October 30. For more information contact Paul Fenton at 585.356.2358 or Patty Hawley at 585.343.3329.

A lot of times, people think of life-science workers as some nerds in white lab coats enthralled with Petri dishes and gaseous vials of God-knows-what simmering on Bunsen burners.

Of course, that's a stereotype and one that regional educators, employers and professionals are actively working to erase. They have a plan as to how to accomplish this and to enlightened people about the plethora of job opportunities available in life sciences.

The cornerstone was announced Tuesday by the Genesee County Economic Development Center. It's dubbed "iSciWNY," a collaborative effort out of the University of New York at Buffalo.

Touted as a "comprehensive life-sciences workforce development program," it's designed to prepare Western New Yorkers -- not just scientists -- for new positions in the region’s growing life-sciences industry.

Its funded in part by the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) through a workforce development grant by the NYS Department of Labor (DOL).

iSciWNY uses its Web site, workshops, training programs and popular Career Pathways kit to demystify the life-sciences industry for Western New Yorkers and prepare them for jobs, whether they’re high school students looking for their first job or established professionals looking for a new challenge.

Through the DOL grant, the GCEDC was able to provide funding for Web site development as well as money to train nearly 50 teachers in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming, Monroe and Steuben counties. Funding and support was also provided to Genesee Community College (GCC) for two summer programs that trained 80 regional students in life sciences. Those students also earned seven college credits upon completion.

iSciWNY is available at no charge to Western New York organizations and individuals. According to Marnie LaVigne, Ph.D. -- director of business development at UB’s Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, and co-developer of iSciWNY -- many regional residents are unaware of the extraordinary diversity of the life-sciences industry here.

This includes companies that develop and test everything from powerful, new drugs and innovative medical devices to computational tools and new research and development methods.

“The iSciWNY slogan, ‘Stay here, go far,’ means that thanks to our growing life-sciences industry, Western New Yorkers can stay here and find successful careers in many more fields than the typical laboratory position people picture,” she said.

“It is incredibly rewarding to be involved in a career with great opportunities at all levels, in technical and nontechnical jobs that offer professional advancement, while helping people live better, healthier lives through innovative products and services.”

GCEDC’s President and CEO Steven G Hyde explained how iSciWNY has been launched and piloted in the GLOW region.

“We have had great collaboration with our local partners including GCC, the Business Education Alliance and Genesee Valley BOCES, along with the 22 school districts it serves. With our grant dollars, we were able to hire John Jakubowski, a well-known local educator, to implement iSciWNY materials into our schools and he’s done an excellent job.”

According to its developers at the UB Center of Excellence and the Educational Opportunity Center, iSciWNY is a unique program nationally because of the way it addresses workforce development needs.

“iSciWNY creates a pipeline approach,” says LaVigne. “It links all the organizations that need to be involved to develop a skilled workforce – whether through advising, educating training or employment – with the community-at-large.”

She added that other regions statewide and across the nation have expressed interest in using isciWNY as a model.

For more information, please visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.isciwny.com" http://www.isciwny.com

This information stems from a GCEDC press release.

The odor of something burning in a structure at LeRoy High School has been reported and a Pavilion pumper truck and a ladder truck have been requested. It's at 9300 S. Street Road.

A three-man crew is now at the scene. A LeRoy ladder truck is in route. Wyoming County is also ready to respond.

UPDATE: heard on scanner: "They can get to (the smoke) from inside -- they don't need a ladder. Response: "I don't want them inside now."

Ladder truck now on scene.

UPDATE: Smoke is definately coming from the building, which has been evacuated.

UPDATE (12:07 p.m.): Bergen's fire truck is being returned to service. Pavilion is staying on standby. Students are being let back into the school. Things are under control.

UPDATE: (12:18 p.m.): All units are back in service.

A Food 4 Less delivery truck apparently became stuck in Batavia's Oak Street roundabout this morning.

The police officer who responded reported back to dispatch about 20 minutes later, "Clear CAD. No report. If they drive over the stamped portion of the concrete, they should be OK."

Timothy K. Bump, 39, of 3207 Pratt Road, Lot #23, Batavia, is charged with a felony count of DWI, aggravated DWI with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to reduce speed for hazard. Bump was allegedly driving on Slusser Road in Pembroke yesterday at 5:10 p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle and hit a guard rail. No injuries were reported in the accident and no other vehicles were apparently involved. Deputy Patrick Reeves investigated the incident.

Michael Baldwin, 41, of 15 Maple St., Batavia, is charged with assault. Baldwin was arrested for an alleged incident Monday at 5:50 a.m. in which Baldwin is accused of throwing items from a shelf and recklessly causing injury to another person. That person was initially treated at UMMC and then transferred to Strong Memorial Hospital. Baldwin was jailed without bail. Officer E.E. Bolles investigated the alleged incident.

Lindsey Goins, 53, of 131 State St., Batavia, is charged with menacing, endangering the welfare of a child and disorderly conduct. Goins is accused of causing a disturbance on State Street at 3:40 p.m. on Tuesda. Goins allegedly shouted obscene language in the presence of children and threatened others with a pocketknife. Goins was jailed without bail. The alleged incident was investigated by Officer Matthew Baldwin.

Chad D. Crawford, 31, of 3 Cedar St., Batavia, is charged with menacing and harassment. Crawford allegedly had physical contact with another person and threatened that person with a knife. Crawford was jailed on $1,500 bail. The alleged incident was investigated by Officer K.M. DeFelice.

Jenna Marie Hattaway, 22, 113 Jackson St., Apt. 2, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt and harassment. Hattaway is accused of throwing a radio antenna at another person. The court had previously issued an order of protection instructing Hattaway to have no offensive conduct toward that person. Hattaway was jailed on $500 bail. Deputy James Diehl investigated the incident.

Here are the players that played for the Batavia Muckdogs or Clippers:

TWINS

NICK PUNTO-1998 BATAVIA

PHILLIES

ANDREW CARPENTER-2006 BATAVIA

J. A. HAPP-2004 BATAVIA

RYAN HOWARD-2001 BATAVIA

KYLE KENDRICK-2004-2005 BATAVIA

RYAN MADSON-1999 BATAVIA

LOU MARSON-2005 BATAVIA

CHASE UTLEY-2000 BATAVIA

DODGERS
 

RANDY WOLF-1997 BATAVIA

CARDINALS

JESS TODD-2007 BATAVIA

This fall let’s remember how lucky we are to have players who started here playing at the highest level of professional sports.  Season tickets make great Christmas gifts, so get your tickets and see the stars of the future.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Ribs, brisket, steak, prime rib -- Center Street is a meat lover's paradise. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

O'Lacy's Irish Pub, 5 School St., Batavia, NY: In Irish pubs, it doesn't get more authentic than O'Lacy's. Be sure to try the homemade chips. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $50 gift certificate for $25.

Picasso's Pizza, 419 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: A great variety of pizza, subs and salads -- and try the wings, too. We have three $5 booklets of $1 gift certificates ($15 value) for $7.50. The gift certificates can be used collectively or individually.

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

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

SOLD OUT

This just came across came across the wire:

St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguer Alan Ahmady has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for an amphetamine. The 21-year-old Ahmady played this season in Class A Batavia, N.Y.

Ahmady was one of my favorite players this past season. He's also the one who hit a home run over The Batavian sign in right field in the fifth inning, winning one lucky fan $250.

A tree limb has fallen and knocked down a poll and transformer in the area of 4 Jackson Ave., Batavia. There is a report of a potential fire.

At the same time, there was a report of wires are down in the area of 18 Evans St., Batavia, but Ladder 15 responded and reports the street is clear.

Engine 12 has responded to Jackson Avenue and reports "sparks are flying."

UPDATE: Jackson and Kibbe avenues are being blocked. The fire captain on scene has asked that Jackson School prevent kids from coming down Jackson Avenue.

View Larger Map

Wilkinson and Upton roads at the CRX train crossings are closed because of repairs to the track until Friday.  

Genesee County Dispatch notified Pembroke Fire of the closure.

Continuing a tradition started by Hillary Clinton, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is hosting New York Farm Day in Washington, D.C. today.

Dairy and produce from throughout the state will be available to more than the 1,000 people expected to attend.

“I’m proud to continue the Farm Day tradition in Washington, DC, where we will highlight the fantastic produce and foods from across New York State,” said Sen. Gillibrand in a press release. “New York’s farmers are a critical part of our economy and we must ensure their success. Strengthening our agricultural sector and promoting good nutrition for New Yorkers are essential to our long-term health and economic growth.”

Unfortunately, Western New York is rather under represented in the event, but if you read the press release below, there is an impressive amount of agriculture in New York (and this is just the part represented).  I'm sure most people in the country don't think of New York as an agriculture state. 

Full press release after the jump:

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced today that she will host the eighth annual “New York Farm Day” on Wednesday, October 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM in the Senate Kennedy Caucus Room in the Russell Building in Washington D.C. Senator Gillibrand has invited producers of New York’s award-winning wines, farm-fresh products and fresh seafood, as well as leading restaurateurs to travel to Washington to showcase the quality and diversity of New York’s agriculture, and its importance to the state’s economy. Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton hosted New York Farm Day during her time as New York’s junior senator, and Senator Gillibrand is continuing the tradition.
 
“I’m proud to continue the Farm Day tradition in Washington, DC, where we will highlight the fantastic produce and foods from across New York State,” Senator Gillibrand said. “As a member of the Agriculture Committee, I am focused on improving the health and well-being of our families. From rising childhood obesity and outdated nutritional standards to the crisis facing our dairy farmers and the opportunities with specialty crops, agriculture issues in Washington affect families in every corner of New York. New York’s farmers are a critical part of our economy and we must ensure their success. Strengthening our agricultural sector and promoting good nutrition for New Yorkers are essential to our long-term health and economic growth.”
 
Over the years, New York Farm Day has become one of the most popular events at our nation’s Capitol.  Nearly 1,000 people are expected to attend.  With approximately one-quarter of New York made up of farmland and an agriculture sector contributing nearly $4 billion to the state’s economy each year, Farm Day offers an ideal opportunity to showcase the importance and quality of New York’s agricultural industry.
 
Farm Day is organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation in conjunction with numerous other organizations and individuals who have contributed their time, products and services for the good of New York, including: CoBank, Constellation Brands, Farm Credit of Western New York, First Pioneer Farm Credit, MasterCraft Glassware, New York Farm Bureau, the New York State Restaurant Association, the New York State Maple Producers Association, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, Pride of New York (New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets), and Yankee Farm Credit.
 
A complete list of all the participants in this year’s Farm Day can be found at the bottom of the release.
 
Senator Gillibrand is the first New York Senator in nearly 40 years to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Domestic and Foreign Marketing, Inspection, and Plant & Animal Health, Senator Gillibrand plans to hold hearings on food safety modernization, marketing healthy food to children and dairy pricing.
 
DAIRY:
Senator Gillibrand is working to support New York’s dairy farmers during these difficult economic times. In June, Senator Gillibrand introduced legislation that would double the amount of money farmers get from the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program retroactive to the low point of the crisis in March. She also introduced legislation that would index the MILC rate of $16.94 to inflation. The MILC program payments were originally designed to help dairy farmers in their time of need, but have remained stagnant. The price floor of $16.94 per hundredweight has not changed since the 1990’s, yet the cost of production has increased exponentially.
 
In July, after meeting with Senator Gillibrand, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced immediate action to support struggling dairy farmers by increasing the amount paid for dairy products through the Dairy Product Support Program (DPPSP). The increase went into effect in August and will continue through the end of October.  The increase is expected to generate an additional $243 million in revenue for dairy farmers.


In August, Senator Gillibrand held a field hearing in Batavia, New York that focused on identifying major problems with the current dairy pricing system and determining effective solutions moving forward. This was the first of a series of hearings she plans to hold both in Washington, D.C. and New York State that will focus on needed reforms for the daily pricing system. Senator Gillibrand is working with stakeholders and economists to develop a proposal before the next Farm Bill is written in 2012. 
 
Just last week, Senator Gillibrand announced $350 million for the USDA to help New York farmers struggling during the dairy crisis in the final Agriculture Appropriations Bill. The agreement includes $60 million in cheese and dairy product purchases for food banks and other nutrition and feeding programs, and $290 million in direct support to dairy farmers using guidelines to be determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. Senator Gillibrand said the direct payments will be important to help keep dairy farmers solvent during this current crisis. 
 
SPECIALTY CROPS:
In July, Senator Gillibrand introduced legislation that would allow New York fruit growers to take full advantage of federal recovery tax breaks. As a way of encouraging businesses to make more capital investments in the short term, the Recovery Act allowed companies to depreciate capital investment property “placed in service” in 2009 at a faster rate.  However, under current law, fruit and nut trees are not considered “placed in service” until the taxable year in which they actually produce fruit that can be sold, which often takes years. Senator Gillibrand’s legislation would change – only for the purpose of bonus depreciation – the “placed in service” date for permanent crops to the date on which the crop is planted, putting fruit growers on par with other farmers eligible for bonus depreciation for capital expenditures made this year.

 

Senator Gillibrand has been a strong advocate for programs that develop fresh, local food for New York’s families and supports programs providing technical assistance, training, and equipment for the procurement of local foods in our schools. This summer, Senator Gillibrand secured a commitment from the USDA to create a task force to promote and develop sustainable local and regional food systems.

 

And just last month, after leading the fight on behalf of New York farmers, Senator Gillibrand secured a commitment from the USDA to allow New York farmers to process fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for children to snack on in New York schools.  In February, Senator Gillibrand sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting that he change an administrative rule barring local farmers from delivering pre-cut and packaged fruit and vegetables to schoolchildren.

 
SAVING FARMS FROM FORECLOSURE:
New York has been hit hard by the economic crisis, and Senator Gillibrand is working to help families keep their farms. In a March letter, Senator Gillibrand and 17 of her Senate colleagues called on the USDA and Treasury Department to consider a foreclosure mitigation program that includes loan restructuring for farmers, as they have already done for home loans.  In response to Senator Gillibrand’s efforts, a report by the Congressional Oversight Panel (COP) for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) was released outlining different methods that could be used to help farmers and ranchers restructure their loans as an alternative to foreclosure either through a mandatory program or a voluntary program that could be opened up to more than just TARP recipients.
 
AGRICULTURE DISASTERS:
From the devastating freeze in Northern New York early this spring to the excessive rainfall and flooding this summer, Senator Gillibrand has pushed the USDA for prompt responses to the natural disasters faced by New York’s farmers. A disaster declaration clears the way for affected farmers to apply for emergency loans, which can often mean the difference between staying in business and closing the farm.
 
With much of federal agricultural aid going to farmers outside of New York, Senator Gillibrand is committed to ensuring that New York’s farmers receive the federal help they deserve. She will continue to fight to ensure that farmers in need receive the disaster aid they deserve.
 
The USDA has issued disaster declarations for 16 New York Counties: Albany, Broome, Chautauqua, Columbia, Clinton, Dutchess, Erie, Greene, Oneida, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan and Ulster.
 
COMBATING CHILD OBESITY, PROMOTING CHILD NUTRITION:
In her time in the Senate, Senator Gillibrand has established herself as a leader in efforts to combat childhood obesity and promote healthy nutrition for children and families.  She has launched a comprehensive strategy to improve the quality of school lunches, eliminate junk food from our schools, and provide more physical exercise opportunities.
 
The current federal reimbursement rate for school lunches has not kept pace with inflation or the increased costs of providing quality meals. Senator Gillibrand proposes increasing the current reimbursement rate by 70 cents in the upcoming Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill – from $2.57 per meal to $3.27 per meal. In today’s typical school lunch, a child may have chicken nuggets, chips, canned peas and canned fruit cocktail. Under this new plan, a student could have grilled chicken breast on a seven-grain roll, steamed broccoli and a fresh fruit cup.
 
Senator Gillibrand is also working to provide targeted relief to high cost areas like New York City and other communities around the state, including Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Ulster, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Dutchess Counties.  Her legislation entitled the LUNCHES Act would provide targeted relief to high cost areas.
 
Senator Gillibrand also authored legislation that would ban trans-fats in public schools. Any school that receives federal reimbursements would be required to remove food containing trans fat from the school.  Schools would have a five year window to implement the policy.
 
Senator Gillibrand is working on legislation that would expand USDA authority to regulate all food served in schools, including vending machines. This would force all food served on school grounds during school hours to meet federal nutritional standards. This legislation will enable the USDA to eliminate sugary sodas and candy from school during school hours, so that children are more likely to eat the fruits, vegetables and other nutritious food served in cafeterias.
 
Senator Gillibrand is also pushing the Student Breakfast and Education Improvement Act, which would provide $2 million in competitive grants to schools with creative breakfast programming including serving breakfast during the school day, incorporating local foods into breakfasts and providing nutritional education to students.
 
 
FARM DAY PARTICIPANTS
              
LONG ISLAND:
 
Cool Fish Restaurant— Cool Fish Restaurant of Long Island will be serving roasted Satur Farms Butternut Squash Salad with Smoked Jurgielewicz Farms Duck Breast, apple, Catapano Farm Feta and Arugula, finished with a Cider-Honey Vinaigrette and Pumpkin Shooters.
 
Long Island Farm Bureau— The Long Island Farm Bureau will be providing Schmitt’s fresh Mixed Greens and Catapano Goat Cheese topped with a Vinaigrette Dressing, North Fork Potato Chips, Fresh Oysters and Hard Clams farmed by F.M. Flower & Son and Noank Aquaculture Cooperative, and smoked duck from Crescent Duck Farm.
 
Long Island Wines – For over a quarter century, the Long Island wine industry has grown from one small vineyard to over 3,000 acres of vines and over thirty wineries producing world-class wines. These quality wines, including Bedell Cellars, Martha Clara Vineyards, and Wölffer Estate, will be on full display at Farm Day.
 
HUDSON VALLEY:
 
Culinary Institute of America – The world’s premier culinary college, the Culinary Institute has a campus in Hyde Park, New York that operates five award-winning, student-staffed public restaurants.  They will be providing hand-made candies, Quigley Farm Raspberry Jelly, Glorie Farm Peach Jelly, and Russel Farm Maple Fudge at Farm Day.
 
Hudson Valley Wines – One of America’s oldest wine making and grape-growing regions, the Hudson Valley has more than 20 operating wineries producing premier wine products. Wines on hand this year will be from Brotherhood, America’s Oldest Winery, Benmarl Winery, Clinton Vineyards, and Millbrook Vineyards & Winery.
 
Tuthilltown Spirits – New York’s first whiskey distillery since Prohibition, distilling some of America’s most prized spirits in the Hudson Valley. Their handmade spirits, which start at farm distilleries as raw grain and fruit, are genuine Hudson brand whiskeys that include Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey, Hudson Single Malt Whiskey, Hudson Baby Bourbon, Hudson Four Grain Bourbon, Hudson New York Corn Whiskey, Heart of the Hudson Vodka, and Spirit of the Hudson Vodka, all of which will available at this year’s event.
 
CENTRAL NEW YORK:
 
New York Farm Viability Institute - Located in Syracuse, New York, the New York Farm Viability Institute is a farmer-led nonprofit group that works with farms to foster a vibrant agriculture business sector in New York State. They will be on hand with information on how they can support applied research, outreach education, information transfer, adoption of technology, business planning and market analysis, all of which can help our farmers expand their businesses.
 
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry - Dr. Thomas Buchholz from the SUNY College of Environmental Science in Syracuse, New York will be distributing shrub willow cuttings with directions for planting as well as additional information highlighting willow as an alternative agricultural crop that is a financially rewarding source of bioenergy and bioproducts. 
 
ROCHESTER/FINGER LAKES:
 
Cornell University College of Agriculture & Life Sciences— As one of New York’s premier schools of agriculture, Cornell will be presenting three unique flavors of ice cream, including Slammin’ Yam, Beehive Crunch, and Sticky Buns.
 
Finger Lakes Culinary Bounty – The Culinary Bounty links the farms and wineries of the Finger Lakes region to small-scale food processors to provide area residents and tourists with fresh, locally produced creative cuisine.  This year, they will be featuring Knapp Farms Jam, Finger Lakes Farmstead Cheese, Crackerman of Etna Crackers, Golden Oaks Foods Nunda Mustard, Hill ‘n Hollow Fruit Chutney, Finger Lakes Honey, Geneva Crabapple Sauce, Chef Lerman BBQ sauce and salad dressings, Java Gourmet Chocolate Bark, Allens Hill Farm Apple Cider Molasses cookies, Hill’n Holloe & Cherry Knoll Vinegars.
 
Finger Lakes Wines – Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York now boasts over 80 wineries, making it the largest wine producing region east of California. Wines available at Farm Day will come from Anthony Road Wine Company, Arbor Hill Grapery, Dr. Konstantin Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellars, McGregor Vineyard Winery, Ravines Wine Cellars, Hosmer Winery, King Ferry Winery (Treleaven), Red Newt Cellars, Sheldrake Point, Casa Larga Vineyards, Chateau LaFayette Reneau, Imagine Moore Winery, Lakewood Vineyards and Wagner Vineyards.
 
Finger Lakes Wine Alliance with Food by Simply Red Bistro – The Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, an organization with the mission to increase the visibility and reputation of the wineries of the Finger Lakes Region, will be displaying a flavorful combination of food from Simply Red Bistro of Sheldrake Point, New York, including flatbread made from fingerling potatoes, shitake mushrooms and truffle oil.
 
Fox Run Vineyards & Café— Situated on Torrey Ridge overlooking Seneca Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes Region, Fox Run will be presenting Lively Run Goat Farms Goat Cheese and Sage Scones with Fox Run Vineyards Blackberry Port Jam.
 
Freshwise Farms – A hydroponic greenhouse, Freshwise Farms provides the highest quality, pesticide-free greens year-round, fighting hunger as a social enterprise through its affiliation with the Foodlink Foundation.  They will be displaying Spring Roll stuffed with Freshwise Farm’s own fresh Wasabi Greens, Peppers, Leeks and Carrots, Sautéed in Sesame Oil.
 
New York Wine & Culinary Center – The Wine & Culinary Center is designed to engage, excite and inspire the people of New York State and the world in a celebration of New York wine and food. The Center is an educational and experiential gateway to New York State’s incredible wine, food and culinary industries. They will be handing out tasty truffles at Farm Day.
 
Red Newt Cellars & Bistro – The Red Newt Bistro represents the finest in fresh regional cuisine of the Finger Lakes, with every menu built with the diner and the farmer in mind.  They will be displaying Apple Black Bean Salsa, featuring Honey Crisp apples from Thyme Stands Still Produce, black beans from Cayuga Pure Organics, Remembrance Farms Onions, Finger Lakes Food Company verjuice, and Red Newt’s own herbs.
 
The Source – The Source is a premier dining restaurant in the nation’s capital headlined by Exective Chef, Scott Drewno, who is a native of the Finger Lakes Region, and will be providing Organic Chicken with Buckwheat Dumplings.
 
 
 
WESTERN NEW YORK:
 
Alfred State College – As one of SUNY’s premier colleges of technology, Alfred State will be presenting Aioli, featuring Pioneer Farm garlic.
 
Lake Erie, Chautauqua & Niagara Wines – In addition to French-American and European winegrape varieties, Western New York is home to a large bounty of Concord grapes used for grape juice, making New York the largest grape juice producing state in the country. Wines on hand come from Johnson Estate Winery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars, Merritt Estate Winery, Niagara Landing Wine Cellars, The Winery at Marjim Manor.
 
National Grape Cooperative/Welch’s— For well over a century, the National Grape Cooperative based in Westfield, which owns Welch’s, has been a leading supplier of Concord grape juice, and will be displaying Sparkling Red & White Grape Juice and 100% Black Cherry Concord Grape Juice.
 
CAPITAL REGION:
 
State University of New York (SUNY) Cobleskill – The State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill will be featuring Maple Iced Oatmeal Applesauce Cookie featuring Sharon Orchards apples, Singer Farms dried cherries, Cayuga Pure Organics flour, Maple Hill maple syrup, and Cooper’s Ark Farm eggs.
 
NORTH COUNTRY:
 
Ice Wines of New York—Ice wines are a highly specialized dessert wine made from grapes that are left hanging on the vine, becoming very sweet, until they are actually frozen and then harvested. The luscious ice wines at Farm Day will be from Hunt Country Vineyards and Sheldrake Point Vineyards in the Finger Lakes region, and Johnson Estate Winery in the Lake Erie region.
 
McCadam Cheese— Established in Heuvelton, New York in 1876, McCadam Cheese produces up to 20 different cheeses and will be displaying McCadam Extra Sharp Cheddar (2007 New York State Fair Grand Champion & 2007 U.S. Cheese Competition best in the U.S.), McCadam Pepper Jack (2006 2nd Place Scovie Awards Winner), McCadam Muenster, and McCadam Horseradish Cheddar.
 
Mercer’s Ice Cream— Mercer’s Ice Cream of New York’s North Country will have on hand its famous wine ice cream, featuring A La Port, Royal White Riesling, Cherry Merlot, Red Raspberry Chardonnay, and Chocolate Cabernet Wine Ice Cream, and Organic Vanilla Ice Cream.
 
New York Maple Producers Association— The New York State Maple Producers Association supports the maple products industry in New York State, with over 500 maple producers as members. They will be providing maple mustard, maple coated cashews, and maple cream on wheat crackers
 
North Country Specialties—North Country Specialties will be providing Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spinach & Artichoke and Sun-dried Tomato and Basil on crackers, Adirondack Beef Company All Natural Beef Jerky, Well Dressed Food Adirondack Crunchy Maple-Walnut and Apple-Crumble Granola, Gunnison Orchard’s Honey Crisp Apples, Whitestone Farm North Country Lamb Sticks, Dogwood Bread Company French Baguette, Asgaard Farm & Dairy Barkeater Buche Goat Cheese.
 
NEW YORK CITY:
 
East New York Farms!/United Community Centers – As a collaborative effort to organize youth and adult residents to address food issues in New York City, East New York Farms!/United Community Centers will be providing fresh fruits and vegetables grown right in the heart of New York City using innovative urban gardening techniques.  At this year’s Farm Day, they will have New Visions Garden Bittermelon, long beans and peppers from UCC Youth Farm, Hands and Heart Farms collard greens, and honey and herbs from East New York’s own gardens.
 
Rosa Mexicano – A popular Manhattan restaurant that has a Washington presence and features traditional Mexican cuisine, Rosa Mexicano will be displaying Guacamole en Molcajete featuring New York Onions, Tomatoes, and Cilantro.
 
Also featured as exhibitors at this year’s Farm Day will be the New York Wine & Grape Foundation and Pride of New York (New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets).