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Troopers remind drivers it's deer collision season -- use caution at dawn and dusk, don't swerve

By Billie Owens

Every October and November, Troopers handle an increased number of vehicles collisions striking deer in Troop A-Western New York.

Operators should use caution around dusk and dawn.

If you are operating a vehicle and a deer enters the roadway do NOT swerve. When an operator swerves to avoid a deer, the vehicle is more likely to strike another vehicle or exit the roadway striking trees or utility poles.

If you strike a deer, remain at the scene and call 9-1-1. An accident report can be completed by Troopers if your vehicle has more than $1,000 in damage or if an involved person has been injured.

NYSP Troop A stats for car/deer collisions:

  • September       2017-- 83 collisions
  • October            2017-- 181 collisions
  • November        2017-- 314 collisions

2017 total collisions -- 1,412

  • September       2018 -- 103 collisions
  • October            2018 -- 187 collisions
  • November        2018 -- 270 collisions

2018 total collisions -- 1,523

89.1 The Point is collecting new and gently used donations for charity at Batavia Walmart Friday, Saturday

By Billie Owens

The on-campus radio station 89.1 The Point at SUNY Brockport is undertaking its Fall charity drive and this year the beneficiary is the Willow Domestic Violence Center in Rochester, which serves Genesee, Orleans and Monroe counties.

Students will be collecting various items for donation this Friday and Saturday at the Walmart in Batavia (and Brockport).

Batavia Walmart donations can be dropped off from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18; and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19.

The items wanted are new and gently used women's and children's clothing and shoes, personal care items, and pet care supplies.

For clothing and shoes -- Fall wear only please

  • Women’s casual clothing – tops and bottoms
  • Children’s clothing (sizes 12m -- 14/16)
  • Seasonal adult and children’s shoes (sneakers) 
  • New women’s underwear (sizes 5-14 only)
  • New children’s underwear and T-shirts (sizes 2T-XL)
  • Bras (sizes 44 and up only)
  • Bathrobes
  • Pants hangers

Personal care items

  • Softee-hair food with vitamin-E
  • Face cleanser
  • Lotion
  • Toothpaste
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Hair combs
  • Lip balm

Infant/toddler

  • New umbrella strollers
  • New baby bottles
  • Baby wash & lotion
  • Baby oil
  • Baby wipes
  • Diapers– sizes newborn, 1, 2 & 6

Pet Care Supplies

  • Canned dog food (chicken and rice preferred)
  • Flea and tick collars or medicine
  • Gift cards for pet food
  • Kong dog toys
  • Heavy duty outdoor toys
  • Puzzle feeders/enrichment toys for dogs and cats
  • Cat toys (catnip mice, balls, pom poms, etc.)

Please contact our Donations Expert with questions at (585) 232-5200, ext. 224, or email SondraG@WillowCenterNY.org

Due to sorting, storage, and redistribution costs, we cannot accept items that are not on our Wish List.

Local pastor and friend in Top 5 of fierce Facebook songwriting contest, ask for your vote

By Billie Owens

Justin DeMartino and his friend Joe Carrender are Christian musicians who perform and collaboratively write songs as Providence Bridge. They have a shot at a big-time opportunity in Music City, thanks to a competition underway on Facebook.

DeMartino, the 35-year-old Creative Arts pastor at Batavia Assembly of God church on North Spruce Street in Batavia, and Carrender, 40, entered a national singing competition through a company called Rixon Entertainment Group.

They spent three or four hours writing a song called "Break Me Free" and recorded the performance on Monday, Oct. 7.

On Tuesday it was entered in the Facebook contest, joining thousands of other video entries.

But unlike most, by Wednesday it had soared to the top five. It has garnered 15,000 views and nearly 1,200 likes.

Voting ends at 3 a.m. this Friday, Oct. 18.

Below is the link to their song. If you like what you hear, they ask for your vote of support to help them win.

In order to have your vote count, you must click on the link for the video and hit the LIKE button.

The songwriter(s) will be flown to Nashville and get to record with a multi-Dove-Award-winning, Grammy-nominated record producer and the professional result will be sent across all media platforms for international distribution. (Dove Awards honor outstanding achievements in Christian and Gospel music.)

"We would love to have your support and spread the news!" says DeMartino.

"Break Me Free" is a song that speaks to the zeitgeist of today's America as regards the opioid epidemic in particular. It was inspired by a drug-addicted friend, DeMartino said.

It uses the metaphor of an hourglass -- with sand (troubles, pressures, temptations, addictions) pouring in, and the light that shines through to you at the bottom barely seen. From that perspective, life can seem hopeless at times, DeMartino said, but the light of Christ is there to pull you out and up...onward.

Rear-end accident on Alexander Road sends two people to the hospital

By Howard B. Owens

A driver is suspected of following another car too closely on Route 98 in Alexander on Sunday at 7:02 p.m. when it struck another car that was also traveling northbound near Dodgeson Road.

Possible charges are pending following a blood analysis, according to the accident report filed by Deputy Brock Cummings.

James J. Moscicki, 39, of Geise Road, Attica, was reportedly driving a 1991 Ford sedan when the car struck a 2005 Pontiac sedan on Alexander Road. The Pontiac was driven by Laqueasha M. Taylor, 26, of Bank Street, Batavia.

After being struck, Taylor's vehicle began to spin, heading in a northwest direction and came to a rest on the west side of the road facing south.  Moscicki's vehicle continued traveling northwest and struck a fire hydrant. It then came to rest on the west shoulder facing north.

Both Moscicki and Taylor were transported by Mercy EMS to UMMC for evaluation of complaints of pain in their arms and shoulders.

Athena M. Short, 28, a passenger in Moscicki's vehicle, was not injured.

Illustration: Accident report drawing of the accident scene.

Senator Michael Ranzenhofer endorses Durin Rogers' bid to become full-time Batavia City Court judge

By Billie Owens

Above, part-time Batavia City Court Judge Durin Rogers, left, and Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer.

Submitted photo and press release:

New York State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer has given an enthusiastic boost to Judge Durin Rogers in his effort to succeed retiring Judge Robert Balbick as Batavia’s next full-time City Court Judge.

Senator Ranzenhofer has represented Batavia and Genesee County since 2008 and has been a practicing lawyer for more than 35 years.

“This coming November 5th you have an opportunity to elect a Batavia City Court Judge with proven judicial experience, integrity, judicial temperament and commitment to the community," Ranzenhofer said. "It is for these reasons that I proudly support Hon. Durin B. Rogers in his effort to become your next full-time Batavia City Court Judge.

"I have known Judge Rogers for many years now as an attorney and colleague practicing law throughout the GLOW region and most recently as (part-time) judge of the Batavia City Court…He is well respected on and off the bench and I have had the opportunity to appear in front of Judge Rogers on the bench and opposite him as deputy county attorney for Genesee County. I found Judge Rogers’ approach in both capacities to be professional, knowledgeable, reasonable and fair.”

Senator Ranzenhofer also stressed Rogers’ community service, saying: “In addition to his service as a public attorney, he has served the legal community and its members as a past president of the Genesee County Bar Association bringing the 'People’s Law Series,'…to provide low cost legal education and seminars to the residents of Genesee County.

"...Judge Rogers has and will continue to be a fair judge and listen to all sides before making well-reasoned decisions…Please join me in supporting Judge Durin B. Rogers as your next full-time Batavia City Court judge."

Responding to the Ranzenhofer endorsement, Rogers said: “I truly appreciate Senator Ranzenhofer’s comments and his support. Over the past many years, the Batavia City Court has become a well-respected part of our system of justice.

"I have worked with Judge Balbick over the past four years and we are always considering ways to improve the court’s ability to meet Batavia’s evolving needs. I am committed to carrying on those efforts in the years to come if elected as Batavia’s next full-time judge.”

Grand Jury: Woman accused of driving drunk with five children in the vehicle

By Billie Owens

Michele R. Williams is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle, which is a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 24 in the Town of Darien that Williams drove a 2013 Chevrolet on Route 77 while having a BAC of .08 percent or more and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, Williams is accused of aggravated DWI with a child as passenger, a Class E felony, also on May 24. In counts three and four, Williams is accused of the same crimes, respectively, for having a second child age 15 or less in the vehicle. In counts five and six, Williams is accused of the same crimes, respectively, for having a third child age 15 or less in the vehicle. In counts seven and eight, Williams is accused of the same crimes, respectively, for having a fourth child age 15 or less in the vehicle​. In counts nine and 10, Williams is accused of the same crimes, respectively, for having a fifth child age 15 or less in the vehicle​. In count 11, Williams is accused of following another vehicle too closely, a vehicle and traffic violation, without having due regard for the speed to the vehicle, the traffic or the condition of the roadway.

Taraleen T. Tundo is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 1 in the Town of Stafford that Tundo drove a 2004 Ford on Route 5 while her ability to do so was impaired by the conbined influence of drugs and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, Tundo is accused of driving left of pavement markings the same day, a vehicle and traffic violation. In count three, she is accused of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that Tundo knowingly possessed gelatin capsules, glassine envelopes, vials, capsules or other material suitable for packaging individual quantities or narcotic drugs.

Brian K. Dyer is indicted for the crime of first-degree assault, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on July 5 in the City of Batavia that Dyer intended to, and did, cause serious physical injury to another person by means of a dangerous instrument -- a concrete statue. In count two, Dyer is accused of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony, for possessing a dangerous instrument -- a concrete statue -- with the intent to use it unlawfully against another person.

Patrick J. Gonzales is indicted for the crime of third-degress burglary, a Class D felony. On March 16, 2017, Gonzales allegedly knowingly entered a building on Lake Street in the Town of Le Roy with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of third-degree grand larceny, also a Class D felony, for allegedly stealing property with a value in excess of $3,000 -- a safe and personal property valued at about $3,702.50 in U.S. currency.

Sybil D. Davis is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on April 3 in the Town of Le Roy that Davis drove a 2001 Dodge on Route 19 while her license was suspended or revoked by authorities and while she was under the influence of a drug or alcohol. In count two, she is accused of driving that day while her ability was impaired by the combined influence of drugs or alcohol, as a misdemeanor. In count three, Davis is accused of reckless driving, as a misdemeanor, for driving that day in a manner that unreasonably interfered with the free and proper use of the roadway or unreasonably endangered users of the roadway. In count three, Davis is accused of reckless driving for crossing the center line and driving into the path of an oncoming vehicle in the Town of Pavilion and/or Le Roy that was operating lawfully; the affected vehicle had to engage in evasive manuevers in order to avoid a collision. In count four, Davis is accused of reckless driving for crossing the center line and driving into the path of an oncoming vehicle in the Town of Le Roy that was operating lawfully; the affected vehicle had to engage in evasive manuevers in order to avoid a collision. In count five, Davis is accused of reckless driving for crossing the center line and driving into the path of an oncoming vehicle in the Village of Le Roy that was operating lawfully; the affected vehicle had to engage in evasive manuevers in order to avoid a collision. In count six, Davis is accused of attempted escape in the third degree, a Class B misdemeanor, for allegedly attempting to escape from custody on April 3 in the Town of Le Roy.

Joseph L. Ruise is indicted for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on June 21 in the City of Batavia that Ruise knowingly possessed cocaine with the intent to sell it. In count two, Ruise is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony. In count two, he is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing one or more preparations, compounds or mixtures containing the narcotic drug cocaine and these had an aggragate weight of one-eighth ounce or more. In count three, Ruise is indicted for the crime of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that on the same day, Ruise knowlingly possessed gelatin capsules, glassine envelopes, vials, capsules or other material suitable for packaging individual quantities of narcotic drugs.

Christopher A. Ridgeway is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on June 27 in the City of Batavia that Ridgeway knowingly and unlawfully possessed cocaine with the intent to sell it. In count two, he is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on the same day, Ridgeway knowingly and unlawfully possessed alprazolam.

Batavia man accused of violating protective order charged with criminal contempt

By Billie Owens

Nathan Falsone, 35, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Falsone was arrested at 11:11 a.m. on Oct. 9 p.m. on Maple Street in Batavia after he allegedly contacted a protected party of an order of protection. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of unspecified bail. He is due back in city court on Oct. 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Garrett Lloyd Strickland, 27, of Beach Drive, Medina, is charged with trespass and second-degree harassment. At 3:40 a.m. on Oct. 14, Strickland was arrested on Church Street in Pembroke. He allegedly continued to contact the victim several times after being advised to cease all contact with the victim. Garrett was also allegedly found on the victim's property after being told he was no longer allowed on the property. Garrett was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to be in Pembroke Town Court on Oct. 29. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Tessa L. Engel, 21, of Wade Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; refusal to submit to a roadside breath test; unreasonable speed at special hazards; and moving from lane unsafely. Engel was arrested at 12:12 a.m. on Oct. 12 on East Main Street in Batavia after a personal injury accident. She was issued computer-generated tickets and was released to family members. Engel is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, ssisted by Officer Peter Post.

Lemar J. Leach, 34, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated and DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or more. Leach was arrested at 3:31 a.m. on East Main Street in Batavia after an unspecified incident at McDonald's restaurant. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Megan Elaine Ranlett, 28, of Gibson Street, Oakfield, is charged with: second-degree forgery, offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree; and petit larceny. Ranlett was arrested, no date or time specified, after allegedly filing false information April 12 on an application for Social Service benefits, which she subsequently received based on that information. She is due in Batavia Town Court on Nov. 7. The case was handled by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Gas prices continue downward trend

By Howard B. Owens

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.64, down a penny since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.89. The New York State average is $2.70 – down 2 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

  • Batavia -- $2.68 (down 1 cent since last week)
  • Buffalo -- $2.67 (down 1 cent since last week)
  • Ithaca -- $2.66 (down 1 cent since last week)
  • Rochester -- $2.69 (down 2 cents since last week)
  • Rome -- $2.70 (down 1 cent since last week)
  • Syracuse -- $2.58 (down 3 cents since last week)
  • Watertown -- $2.66 (down 2 cents since last week)

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, WTI increased by $1.15 to settle at $54.70. Crude prices increased after more tensions in the Middle East that could lead to a disruption in global crude supply.

Crude prices also increased based on reports that OPEC and its partners could deepen production cuts next year in an effort to reduce supply, which would lead to higher oil prices. This was not reflected in pump prices, which are down slightly over the past week.

Batavia City School Board President endorses Ben Bonarigo for full time Batavia City Court judgeship

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Patrick Burk proudly endorsed Batavia City Court Judge candidate Ben Bonarigo earlier this week.

Burk stated, “I do not take this endorsement lightly. There is something to be said about community, why we live where we live, and how as citizens we serve in that special place. That is why I’m endorsing Ben Bonarigo for City Court Judge. What is needed in our City Court is a judge that has decades of caring and public service.

"Additionally, Ben has the legal expertise and knowledge that is required to make sound and fair judgments from the bench. There is no one who has more experience, more public service or more compassion for his community than Ben. Our community deserves the best and Ben is truly exemplary of the qualities needed for this position.”

Burk is currently serving his 13th year on the Board of Education for Batavia City Schools. He is school board president. He is also the executive director of 56 Harvester, the local nonprofit theater organization.

“I truly appreciate Mr. Burk’s endorsement” Bonarigo said. “He is well known and respected as a champion for the education of our children in this community, and deeply cares about their future. We all need to do the best we can to serve our children and families for the future of Batavia.”

Pig roast held by Le Roy Women of the Moose raises money for kids' winter wear

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Last month, the Le Roy Women of the Moose held a pig roast to raise money for new winter outer wear and accessories for Le Roy Wolcott Street School students in need.

Winter coats, hoodies, boots, gloves, hats and socks were purchased.

School counselors and the school nurse identify those with the greatest need. 

Events like these are a success due to the generosity of our community and our volunteers.

A pig roast is a big undertaking, but Dave Ehrhart Jr. and his crew, along with the WOTM, do a great job. Thank you Le Roy! It takes a village!

Photo, from left: Jamie Clark, assistant principal at Wolcott School, and Merritt Holley, superintendent of the Le Roy Central School District, along with Women of the Moose Laurie Cooper, Martha Bailey, Cathy Campbell and Judy Mills.

Point Breeze Yacht Club enjoyed a great autumn day together at Godfrey's Pond

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The Point Breeze Yacht Club held its Annual Members Meeting and Election of Officers on Saturday Oct. 12th in the Clubhouse at Godfrey’s Pond in Bergen.

During the business meeting upcoming events were discussed and an election of officers was held. The existing slate of officers was reelected to another term.

After the meeting, the members enjoyed a great fall dinner catered by Center Street Smokehouse.

The membership was treated to a beautiful walking tour of the grounds and a visit with the different species of wild pheasants, waterfowl, swans, quail, partridge and peacocks.

Anyone interested in becoming a member may contact the Commodore at commodore@pbycny.com

Photo, from left: Rear Commodore Emrys March, Commodore Bob Bialkowski, Treasurer Madeline Bialkowski, Port Captain William Elliott, Secretary Marietta Schuth, and Vice Commodore Erik Roth. 

City Republican Committee hosts meeting at Richmond library with GOP ward council members Oct. 24

By Billie Owens

Press release:

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

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

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

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

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

County's sales tax legislation reaches the governor's desk today

By Howard B. Owens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A peek at the dinner menu for the premier of Jeanne's Table at GO ART!

By Billie Owens
Here's a menu announcement for next Thursday's premier of Jeanne’s Table at GO ART!
 
This first eight-course Small Plates dinner will celebrate the local Fall Harvest and it promises to be a memorable experience! Cost is $60 per person and seating is limited to 20 people.
 
Here are some of the items that will be on the Oct. 17 menu:
  • Fresh rosemary, sea bass, bacon and ciabatta kebabs
  • Roasted Fall vegetables with chimichurri
  • Smoky peppered pork loin with apple slaw
  • Autumn herbed shrimp
  • Salted caramel-pear gallette with vanilla-scented cream
  • Lemon-thyme sorbet
Sign up today to reserve your seat and experience the rest of this delicious menu!
 
Craft beer and wine will be available at GO ART’s 2.0.1 Tavern, and there are multiple art exhibitions for you to view during your visit!  
 
Please click on this link to register for this or other future Jeanne's Table events.

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

By Billie Owens

From the city's Bureau of Maintenance:

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

Residents of the following streets can rake leaves to the parkway, but do not place in the street; these streets are Clinton Street, Oak Street, Main Street (including East and West Main streets), Pearl Street, South Main Street (between Oak and Walnut streets), Walnut Street, Richmond Avenue (between Oak Street and Prospect Avenue).

If your street has a route number (i.e. Route 5, Route 33, Route 63 and Route 98), then please keep leaves out of the roadway.

All other streets are asked to rake leaves close to the curb line, taking care not to block storm drainage structures/catch basins or not to block travel-way of streets.

Leaf operations typically have one crew on the Northside working from Grandview Terrace moving west, north of Main Street, and a second crew on the Southside beginning on River Street moving east in areas south of Main Street. A third crew will work using a vacuum along main roads and numbered routes. It takes about two weeks to go through the entire city.

Any resident with leaves can also bring them to the yard waste station until it closes for the season on Dec. 14. Beginning Nov. 4, the Yard Waste Station hours will be adjusted to 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Yard Waste Station is closed on Thursday, Nov. 28, for Thanksgiving.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAF COLLECTION:

  • Leaf piles must be clear of sticks and other debris;
  • Leaf piles must be clear of all animal waste – if animal waste is found in the piles, they will not be picked up;
  • Grass clippings, flower potting’s, branches, pumpkins cannot be picked up. Residents may bring those items to the Yard Waste Station on Law Street (which will be open through Dec. 14);
  • Leaves should not block traffic;
  • Leaves should not be piled near intersection corners. This causes sight issues for motorists/bicyclists/pedestrians;
  • Keep leaf piles clear of drainage ways and catch basins. Blocked drainage leads to localized flooding;
  • Leaves should not be piled around mailboxes, power poles, fences, fire hydrants or other obstacles;
  • Do not park on leaf piles. The heat from a vehicle exhaust system could start a fire;
  • Do not wait to get your leaves out. We will normally collect leaves twice within the month of leaf collection;
  • If it is snowing, we plow first. If it continues to snow, then leaf operations will be suspended;
  • There is no leaf pickup in the spring.

Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia visits NYS Veterans Home in Batavia

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NYS DanceForce announces third cycle of aid to help WNY choreographers develop skills

By Billie Owens

Press release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deputies report cache of fentanyl discovered during traffic stop

By Howard B. Owens
  Marvelous Williams Chance Barnwell-McClary     Raquel Chin

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

Taken into custody were:

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

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

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

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

Car vs. motorcycle accident reported on West Main Street, Batavia

By Billie Owens

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

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

City, County receive surplus MRAP from federal government

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Previously:

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