batavia

The Owen Library, a redesigned room containing art books, a white baby grand piano, a fireplace, seating, and table games, was dedicated at GO Art! in Seymour Place in Batavia on Friday night.

The library honors the family of Jim Owen, himself not an artist but from a family of people who pursued the arts in various ways.

"It totally made sense to dedicate this library in memory of the Owen family," said Gregory Hallock, director of Genesee Orleans Arts Council.

Frank Owen, the family patriarch, was a musician, conductor, and music instructor at Batavia High School. His wife, Natalie Walker Owen, was president of the Richmond Memorial Library Board of Trustees.  Kathy Owen, daughter of Frank and Natalie and sister of Jim Owen, was a photographer, and Robert Owen, also a sibling, was an author and actor (as well as, like Jim, an athlete).

"My parents, my sister, and my brother say thank you from heaven and I thank you from earth," said Jim Owen during his remarks.

Gregory Hallock reads a letter from a former typing student of Jim Owen in Hamburg, Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Proclamations were presented by members of the City Council (Eugene Jankowski and Bob Bialkowski) above, as well as the County Legislature (Marianne Clattenburg, John Deleo, and Gary Maha (not pictured) and Assemblyman Steve Hawley (not pictured).

Press Release:

   The condition of buildings and land in the City of Batavia plays a vital role in the quality of life enjoyed by the City's residents, merchants and visitors. Enforcement of the Municipal Property and Zoning Codes ensures that each property meets required standards. The Municipal Property and Zoning Codes protect the health, safety and welfare of those who live, work and visit the City, and conserves the value of the property and neighboring properties. It also conserves the value of the property and neighboring properties.

   The City of Batavia has a total of 4,460 residential structures, 514 commercial structures, and 34 Industrial structures. The condition and maintenance of these existing structures as well as the safe and code compliant construction of new buildings plays a vital role in the success of our businesses and City.  In order to preserve these structure and enhance neighborhoods, the Bureau of Inspection conducts property and building code inspections and code enforcement activity.

  “It is important that residents understand the role inspections plays here in Batavia, “ said Jill Wiedrick, Assistant City Manager. “Residents in Batavia seek a high quality of life in an aesthetically pleasing environment and are affected by what they see when they open their door every day. The Bureau of Inspection’s mission is to ensure a City where all residents have a clean, safe environment to live, work and play.”

  The goal of the Bureau of Inspection is to achieve timely voluntary compliance of code violations. Code Enforcement Officers balance the goal of gaining voluntary compliance with ensuring the health and safety of our residents. They attempt to minimize the negative impact violations such as peeling paint, missing roof shingles, vehicles parked on lawns, trash, debris, and high grass have on neighborhoods.

Code Enforcement Officers follow a scripted process when inspecting structures and enforcing the Code.

Step One: Inspection:

An inspection is conducted by a Code Enforcement Officer on the basis of a complaint, neighborhood survey, or a referral.  The primary focus of these inspections are on health, safety and removal of blight.  If violations are present, a Notice and Order citation is issued to the owner requiring correction.

Step Two: Re-inspection:

The Code Enforcement Officer re-inspects a cited property.  If the owner does not comply with the Notice and Order citation, the case will be prepared for the court process.

Tarrence Yuron Williams, 22, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal obstruction of breathing and blood circulation, and menacing 3rd.  On Dec. 15, dispatchers received a report of a disturbance at the Quality Inn and Suites, 8250 Park Road, Batavia.  Williams is accused of choking another person at that location. He was taken into custody and allegedly found in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine.  Deputies obtained a search warrant for his room at the hotel and located an allegedly illegal firearm.  Williams was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and ordered held on bail of $5,000.  Batavia PD and the District Attorney's Office assisted in the investigation.

Sidney Carl Underhill, 72, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with disobeying a mandate.  Underhill allegedly violated an order of protection at 10:31 p.m., Dec. 8 at a location on Main Street, Batavia.

Dianna Lynn Sprague, 50, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Sprague is accused of shoplifting from Walmart in Batavia. 

Alexander Rian Toal, 18, of Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with menacing 2nd and acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years old. Toal is accused of placing a person in fear of his life by displaying what appeared to be a firearm and threatening that person while a child under age 17 was present.  He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on his own recognizance.

Stephen G. Ognibene, 64, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd.  Ognibene is accused of violating an order of protection by not surrendering his firearms.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Press release:

Students at Jackson Primary worked very diligently on ornaments for festive Christmas trees that were purchased by the Jackson Parent-Teacher group in every community.

Our teachers Jessica Kolb and Mallory Flanagan helped to create these beautiful decorations for the trees. The students based their ornaments on a themed book. Community 1 read “The Smiley Snowman”, Community 2 read “Santa Bruce”, and Community 3 read “The Library Gingerbread Man.” 

After the students completed the ornaments they were hung on the trees for everyone to see. Teachers participated in a hallway decorating contest with students to showcase their theme. The students created work that complimented their themes. There were pictures of snowflakes, running gingerbread men, and festive sweaters with students' faces on them.

Every staff member and community participated in this holiday wonderland.  Students strolled the halls to see the beautiful and creative scenery all throughout Jackson Primary. 

On December 14th, three community members; Michelle Humes (Batavia Board of Education Member Assigned to Jackson Primary), Firefighter Tedford (Batavia Fire Department), and School Resource Officer Miah Stevens, visited Jackson Primary to be the judges of the Hallway Decorating Contest. 

It was a very tough decision due to the creativity in every hallway, but they decided after a long deliberation that community 3 (Gingerbread Men) was the most creative community in the school. 

Teachers in Community 3 are: Mrs. Amerine, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Ellingsworth, Mr. Ferri, Mrs. Koukides, Ms. Mattice, Mrs. Peterson, Mrs. Reeves, Mrs. Restivo, Mrs. Wolff, Mrs. Richenberg, Mrs. Sprague, Mrs. Wohlers, Mrs. O’Campo, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Wolff, Mrs. DiMartino, Mrs. Conroy, and Mrs. Grasso. The students in that community won a Timbit party donated by Tim Hortons on East Main Street.  All teachers and staff won a pizza party from the administration for their camaraderie and team-building efforts as a Jackson Family.

Photos by Howard Owens. Top photo: Principal Maureen Notaro, left, and Nancy Okoniewski, far right, with students in a UP-K class.

Adjusting bullying protocols to better accommodate student needs is in the hands of Batavia City School board members, Rebecca Eldridge says. 

And she urges them and the district at large to work more diligently to improve the way district personnel responds to student accusations of verbal and physical attacks. 

“I stand here tonight on behalf of many students and families whose stories and voices have been dismissed,” she said to the Board of Education during its meeting Thursday at Batavia High School. “Two weeks ago my family became one as well. I implore you to take action for every single student that walks through these halls. Enforce policies for every student every day.”

The story she shared came in between her introduction and final urgings. Her son had been assaulted to the point of a swollen eye, bloody nose, bruised ribs and abrasions to his legs, she said. Yet he, too, was suspended along with the bully for defending himself. Perhaps even more upsetting was that she learned he was sent on to his next class after the attack, and did not receive medical attention until later, she said.

“That is neglect without question,” she said. “Staff failed to report to their superiors, which is school policy.”

Not once but three times her son suffered “intimidation, threats and physical harm” from this bully’s sibling, she said. That history plus this particular assault she highlighted resulted in her son being physically injured and emotionally scarred due to trauma, she said.

The day she learned about the assault, Eldridge received a letter notifying her that her son had been suspended for throwing a basketball at the bully, she said. The bully had been seriously taunting her son for four years, and “the school has done nothing.”

Meanwhile, he has missed out on school academics and sports, she said, as district officials reminded her to “be grateful for two — not five — days suspension.”

“Your son was not the aggressor, but we have to; it’s policy,” Eldridge said, repeating what district officials told her. 

She maintained that the district’s Information Technology and “higher administration” staff confirmed there was audio of the event with her son, and that she was subsequently lied to that there was none. The situation violates school policies, Code of Conduct and the Dignity For All Students Act, she said.

Her son’s record has been expunged, she said, “without conversation or an appeal.” Camera footage has disappeared as prior statements have been recanted, she said. 

Eldridge is looking for a shift in the system.

“Recently students and the community have desperately asked for their voices to be heard, changes to be made,” she said. “Change is in your hands tonight. Students including my son deserve nothing less than that from every one of you.” 

There was no board discussion about the issue after she spoke, however, she told The Batavian after the meeting that she was encouraged by what two board members privately expressed.

“They both thanked me for speaking,” she said. “One said ‘thank you for your courage,’ and the other said ‘I heard you, I heard you.’ I hope me speaking tonight has a positive impact, and brings change for our schools, for our children, and our community. As I said to them, it’s in your hands tonight.”

Parent Lidia Arteaga, who had previously spoken with The Batavian for a related article (Batavia City Schools’ parents speak out about bullying at the district), could not attend the meeting, but agreed with Eldridge’s main message. Arteaga’s daughter has experienced much verbal bullying, she said and deserves to be safe at school. Her daughter had created a pamphlet to raise awareness of the bullying episodes taking place without disciplinary action by the district. Her daughter was suspended for that act.

“Yes, change has to happen,” Arteaga said to The Batavian after the meeting. “Let me tell you that if anyone touches my daughter and they come back with those weak excuses, I will do anything I can to make them pay. I don’t know if change will happen, but I’m proud of my little girl for trying to make a difference. It’s at least opened the door for more communication.”

The Batavian asked Interim Superintendent Scott Bischoping for a response to Eldridge’s accusations, and he could not offer much comment, he said.

“I am unable to discuss a specific student discipline issue,” he said, offering to talk more about the situation in the future. 

Top photo: Parent Rebecca Eldridge urges Batavia City School Board of Education members to take action and ensure the safety of students from bullying during a board meeting Thursday at the high school library. Photo by Howard Owens

Rae C. Cook is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony, and assault in the second degree, a Class D violent felony. Cook is accused of using scissors to cause a physical injury to another person on Oct. 2 in the City of Batavia.

Joshua L. Webster is indicted on counts of aggravated criminal contempt, a Class D felony, assault in the third degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and criminal contempt in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor.  Webster is accused of violating an order of protection by intentionally or recklessly causing physical injury or serious physical injury to a person covered by an order of protection on Sept. 12 in the Town of Le Roy.

JoAnn Hayes was among the T.F. Brown customers to show up Thursday night in an "ugly sweater" with a new toy for a free drink as part of the establishment's annual Ugly Sweater Contest.

The toys will be given out by Santa on Christmas day to children in families who show up for the restaurant's annual free Christmas dinner.

Anybody in the community is welcome to attend with a reservation for either the noon or 1 p.m. meal, which includes a visit for children with Santa and a present.

For community members wishing to attend the dinner, reservations are required. Call Barb at 345-1000. She will need to know how many people are attending and the names and ages of the children who will be there.

Chris White, Dave Cecere, and Susie Ott.

Press Release:

The Chamber’s Annual Awards Committee has announced the “2021” Annual Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Batavia Dows Gaming, Park Road, Batavia. This is the County’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism.

Please note that a brief write up will qualify your nominee for consideration. Nominations are now being accepted for Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Business of the Year, Agricultural Business of the Year, Innovative Enterprise of the Year, Special Service Recognition & Geneseeans of the Year. Business Nominees must be a Chamber Member (If unsure of your nominee, call the Chamber to verify). Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Road, Batavia and can also be down loaded from the Chamber Website at www.geneseeny.com.
Nominations MUST BE RECEIVED BY December 31, 2021 to be eligible for consideration.

The Batavia Blue Devils overcame a first-half doldrums that left them trailing Greece Athena 34-21 to score 42 points in the second half, tying the score and sending the game into a double-overtime when Javin McFollins hit a three-pointer as the clock on regulation time expired.

McFollins finished the night with 18 points, hitting five three-pointers, including two in OT.

Carter McFollins also scored 18 points, Tanner Mountain scored 12, and Cam McClinic scored 10.

For Athena, Connor Osier scored 27 points. 

Press Release:

In this second pandemic year, members of the Museum Quilt Guild, Batavia, NY, have again donated holiday themed bags filled with gifts to the local Salvation Army. Using a list provided by the Salvation Army, bags are filled with items for children ranging from infants to 15 years. In 2020, the total was 65 filled bags and over 100 empty bags for their use. This year, there were 64 Bags filled, 32 empty gift bags for their use, and 18 stuffed bears. Captain Rachel Moore, who accepted the donations said the teddy bears would be perfect gifts for the infants.

Giving to the community has always been a big part of the Guild’s activities. Since March of 2020, it has been a great way for members to stay connected. The guild was unable to meet in person for 15 months due to the coronavirus pandemic. “At first, as so many of us did, we all figured once the ‘Pause’ in New York ended, we’d get right back to our regular meeting schedule,“ said guild president, Martha Lorshbaugh. But as a couple of weeks turned into months, they realized they would need to find a different way to maintain their connections. One of the members who is an elementary school teacher had become somewhat of an expert at running Zoom meetings, so she took on the role of host for the members to meet virtually. In addition to the monthly meeting, sessions were added for members just to chat, called “friendship meetings.” Many did handwork as they chatted, so work sessions to share the “Community Service” projects they were working on were added. The community service committee arranged for members to pick up kits and supplies for these projects, and then drop off completed items. Many organizations were not collecting donations in 2020, but having all these items ready allowed the guild to provide many items when restrictions were lifted. This year the guild has donated quilts to provide comfort to individuals being served by the following organizations: the VA Medical Center in Batavia (19), NYS Home for Veterans (5), WNY Foster Closet (10), Lipson Cancer Center (10) and All Babies Cherished (2).

In addition to quilts to be used by individuals, the guild offers quilts to be used for fundraising by local organizations. In 2021 this has included one donation each to the Caledonia Library; Gateway Hospice, Attica; Presbyterian Church, Batavia and The Genesee Orleans Arc. Members are happy to fill needs other than quilts. Twenty-nine patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer at Roswell were also gifted with heart pillows to aid in their comfort and recovery.

The guild resumed in-person meetings last summer, meeting outdoors for the summer months. At that first meeting, many quilts were presented to be donated. In October, the guild was finally allowed back to their regular meeting space at the VA Medical Center. At each meeting, at least one item is presented at “Show and Tell” that will be given to the community service committee. “Quilters like to keep busy and knowing our work will give comfort to someone in need is a very good feeling!” said Ms. Lorshbaugh. The guild holds regular Community Service work sessions each year at their monthly meetings for the purpose of working on projects for donation. The next one will be in March of 2022. Organizations may make requests to the guild via our website: www.themuseumquiltguild.com, or Museum Quilt Guild, PO Box 268, Batavia, NY 14020.

The Guild is also excited to be able to invite the public to view our exhibit of “challenge” quilts at the Richmond Memorial Library in February. This had been annual exhibit until last year, so members are looking forward to another step towards a more predictable event calendar. New members are always welcome in the guild! Meetings are held the third Saturday of every month (second Saturday in December) at the VA Medical Center, 222 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, NY (Bldg 4, 2nd floor- use the patio entrance). Meetings begin at 9:30 a.m. You are welcome to attend two (2) meetings as a guest. If you decide to join, dues are $20.00 per year.

Jacob Sponaugle, convicted at jury trial on Nov. 17 of attempted murder, assault in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, was sentenced to two 15-year sentences in state prison as well as a 2 1/3 to seven-year sentence.

All sentences, per state sentencing guidelines, will be served concurrently.

Sponaugle will be on parole for five years following his release.

Jenna Bauer, the newest member of the District Attorney's Office, who assisted retired DA Lawrence Friedman at Sponaugle's trial, argued for a maximum sentence before Judge Charles Zambito.

She argued that Sponaugle shot Jason Whitehead over nothing and that such assailants are "the most dangerous type of person." She said Sponaugle has shown no remorse and continues to proclaim his innocence despite that clear evidence that he shot Whitehead.

The trial -- Friedman's final criminal trial before his retirement -- was a rare two-defendant trial but Sponaugle's co-defendant, Devon Wright, entered a guilty plea to attempted possession of a weapon, along with charges from unrelated cases, near the start of the three-day trial.

Wright's attorney indicated Wright sought a deal that would allow him to be out of jail so he could be present at the birth of his first child.  Wright was released under supervision of Genesee Justice pending his sentencing. 

He's been missing and wanted by Batavia PD since Nov. 27.

A Batavia man with a prior sexual abuse conviction and facing 10 new felony counts involving rape and sexual abuse entered guilty plea felony counts that could lead up to eight years in prison and 15 years of parole.

Jon T. Magliocco, 44, who told Judge Charles Zambito that he had an 11th-grade education, entered guilty pleas to rape in the third degree, a Class E felony, a lesser included offense for criminal sexual act in the first degree, a Class B felony.  He also pled guilty to criminal sexual abuse in the third degree, a Class E felony.

Each count carries a possible sentence of two to four years and the terms could be served consecutively.

Magliocco admitted to having sex with a person without that person's legal consent and to engaging in either oral or anal intercourse without the victims' consent while at location on Mill Street, Batavia, in August 2021.

The possible sentence is the statutory limit available to Melissa Cianfrini, who will have assumed the County Court bench when Magliocco comes back for sentencing at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 20.

Zambito ordered Magliocco, who was already in jail, held without bail pending his sentencing.

After enduring a pandemic, severe building damage due to strong winds, a student’s death, and complaints of unresolved bullying At Batavia City School District, Scott Bischoping’s second time around as interim superintendent is coming to a close.

The district’s Board of Education is expected to vote this week on a reorganizational move to change superintendents effective Jan. 3 of next year.
Bischoping took over the interim role during the summer after former administrator Anibal Soler Jr. announced he was leaving in July. 

The board had recently agreed to hire Jason Smith as the new superintendent, which would make this December board meeting the last one for Bischoping. It’s set to begin at 6 p.m. Thursday in the high school’s library, 260 State St.

Other votes include contracts with Batavia Teachers’ Association, Batavia Agri-Business Child Development Program/ABCD Migrant Head Start, Elba Central School, Batavia Clerical Association, and the city school district’s executive director of Curriculum and Instruction.

BTA’s contract is up in July 2022 and a renewal would extend the agreement until June 30, 2026. The district’s contract with Batavia Agri-Business is for one year, from Feb. 1, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023, and an agreement with Molly Corey of the Curriculum and Instruction Department would go from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025.  Elba Central School’s agreement is for a 12:1:1 special needs program. 

The meeting includes time for the public to be heard before a slate of presentations and votes on consent items. 

Director Robert Conrad is to provide an update about Richmond Memorial Library; Kylie Tatarka, a student representative on the board, is to give the student ex-officio report; and Bischoping is to review an update as interim superintendent. 

Budget transfers, grant applications, appointments of new physical education, social studies and substitute teachers are also up for approval, as well as My Brother’s Keeper facilitator; six teacher aides; each of a high and middle school bus supervisor, and an agreement for professional services with Kimberly Gingrich MA/AC and the district for bilingual psycho-educational evaluations and additional social-emotional or adaptive assessments effective retroactive to Nov. 18, 2021.

The meeting will be live-streamed via YouTube.com

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming Vice President Scott Kiedrowski, along with General Manager of Gaming, Sean Schiano, Group Sales Manager Mary Bucceri and Director / General Manager of Live Racing, Todd Haight, presented representatives from the Rochester Veterans Court Mentors (RVCM) with a check for $710 to help support their efforts of assisting Veterans with within the court system.

On December 5th a Kris Kringle Craft and Vendor show was held at Batavia Downs and a portion of proceeds from the booth reservation fees were collected in support of the RVCM.  The organizer of the show, Ted Hanes, always chooses a group to benefit from the events he puts on.  The RVCM usually has a fundraising event held during the racing meet inside the Clubhouse but did not this year due to COVID.

“We are appreciative to Ted Hanes and to Mary Bucceri from Batavia Downs for thinking of us, “said Ray Melens, Lead Mentor for the Monroe County Veterans.  “The funds are so important for us to continue our work as we look to assist Veterans who find themselves within the court system.  We strive to identify and treat the underlying issues facing many Veterans to help them get back on the right path.”

About Batavia Downs/WROTB
Western Region Off-Track Betting Corporation is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia, NY. WROTB owns and operates 11 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility. Since its inception, Western Region OTB has generated over $232 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of participating municipalities.

About Veterans Treatment Court
The Veterans Treatment Court program is available to eligible Veterans with non-violent criminal charges who have either substance abuse or mental health diagnosis. The goal of VTC is to treat the underlying issues that are at the root of the criminal behavior. With intensive case management, the Veteran is given all the tools they need to return to being a productive member of society. This group of Veterans is further supported by the opportunity to attend a variety of peer groups on a voluntary basis while they are in treatment and after their discharge.

Photo by Howard Owens.  Pictured: General Manager of Gaming, Sean Schiano, Group Sales Manager Mary Bucceri, Ray Melens, Lead Mentor for the Monroe County Veterans, Vice President Scott Kiedrowski and Director / General Manager of Live Racing, Todd Haight

For the first time since 2015, City of Batavia Firefighters Local 896 handed out warm jackets to children in the community as part of Operation Warm.

This year, the program was backed by a generous $2,000 donation from Batavia Downs, along with $300 from the union and another $600 in community donations. 

There were 144 jackets handed out yesterday at Robert Morris, including a pink one to Sophia Bell, 8, with her father, Jon Bell, looking on.

Press release:

On Saturday, December 11, 2021, Batavia High School’s roof sustained damage due to severe weather that passed through Genesee County. 

On Sunday, December 12, the building was inspected, and it was determined that there was no structural damage and it was safe for students and staff to return.  

During the inspection, it was determined that the roof of the Batavia High School auditorium sustained damage, including the dampers that bring in outside air to that part of the building. Per regulations from the State Education Department, to be able to use the auditorium, we must be able to draw in outside air.

On Monday, December 13, all Batavia City Schools were open, and a roofing company began work to weatherproof the BHS roof and determine long-term repair requirements.

Therefore, the BHS auditorium will remain closed until we have determined what resources will be needed to restore the auditorium to code in order to be used by students, staff, and the community.

The rest of Batavia High School is operational for students and staff.  

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we will provide additional information as soon as it becomes available. 

Photos: Reader-submitted photos.