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Alexander

Invention contest nears final hours of voting

By Howard B. Owens

Tomorrow (Monday) is the final day of voting in the Dreamvention invention contest sponsored by FritoLay with a $250,000 grand prize.

Andrew Young Jr., a 14-year-old high school student from Alexander, is one of five finalists.

Click here to vote for his invention, the Toaster Shooter.

You can vote once each day (so today and tomorrow) from each of the devices you own -- computer, smartphone, tablet, etc. The contestant with the most votes wins.

Local volunteer firefighters train and hone their skills to save lives and help in dangerous situations

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Fifteen area firefighers successfully completed the Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) training program held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. Also, an eight-hour Trench Rescue Awareness course was recently conducted at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. Twenty-two members of the County’s volunteer fire service completed this program on Nov. 9.

BASIC EXTERIOR FIREFIGHTER OPERATIONS TRAINING PROGRAM

BEFO is an entry-level program requiring 79 hours of classroom instruction and skill development. This course is designed to prepare students to respond to emergencies as exterior firefighters. BEFO prepares new firefighters to operate under direct supervision in the exterior or IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) areas of the fire scene.

Students participated in training covering: firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE); self-contained breathing apparatus inspection and cylinder changing; fire department communications; building construction and fire behavior; modern fire control research; portable fire extinguishers; rope and knot tying; ground ladders; forcible entry; tactical ventilation theory; water supply; hose and fire streams; loss control; orientation to fire origin and cause determination; fire prevention and life safety initiatives; confined space awareness; overview of first aid and buddy care; and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations. 

Genesee County BEFO training participants included: 

Alexander Fire Department

  • Matthew F. Grimes                    
  • Adam F. Meier                 
  • Douglas G. Mess                 
  • Heidi L. Richmond                    

Bethany Volunteer Fire Department

  • Timothy J. McCabe                    

Darien Center Chemical Fire Company

  • Megan R. Brown                    

East Pembroke Fire Department

  • Lloyd J. Casselbury

Pavilion Fire Department

  • Amanda A. Goodwin                    
  • Sean P. Vogt Jr.                    
  • Timothy R. Zipfel Jr.                     

South Byron Fire Department

  • Aaron N. Belluscio                 
  • Theresa E. Hammer                 
  • Andew L. Konieczny                 
  • Vitorrio J. Muoio                    

Stafford Volunteer Fire Department

  • Samantha S. Call                  

TRENCH RESCUE AWARENESS COURSE

Problems that can and do occur in trench rescue incidents were discussed. Safety techniques, shoring techniques, proper procedures, team operations and hazard assessment were addressed.

Trench Rescue Awareness participants included:

Town of Batavia Fire Department

  • Joshua K. Boyle
  • Clayton A. Gorski                 

Bethany Volunteer Fire Department

  • Christopher M. Page
  • Kyle L. Rombaut

Corfu Rescue Hook & Ladder Co.

  • Mitchell D. Bates
  • Gregory S. Lang
  • Matthew P. Lenhard
  • Steven D. Rodland
  • Jeffrey D. Luker

Darien Center Chemical Fire Company inc.

  • Joe T. Marino
  • David W. McGreevy
  • Mark R. Starczewski Sr.
  • Paul C. Redden

Elba Fire Department

  • Nickolas J. Esten
  • John D. Mudrzynski
  • Jason R. Pallister
  • Michael J. Schad Jr.
  • George M. Underhill
  • Caitlin E. Zipfel                    

Pembroke Fire District

  • James Reinhardt
  • Tera L. Reinhardt

Stafford Volunteer Fire Department

  • Timothy E. Eckdahl

Photos: Protest in Batavia against 'burnt fingers'

By Howard B. Owens

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The protesters chanted "no more burnt fingers" and carried signs in support today of the invention of Andrew Young Jr., which is a toaster that shoots the toast onto a plate after it's perfectly browned.

Andrew came up with the invention after watching his grandma burn her fingers trying to get toast out of a toaster and entered his idea into a national contest sponsored by Frito-Lay that, if he wins, could lead to a $250,000 prize for the Alexander High School student.

"For far too long, people have suffered with burnt fingers from their toaster when the technology has been invented for us," said the young inventor's father, Andrew Young. "According to Andrew, we can make it happen."

The "protest" today was held to draw more attention to his invention and get people to vote for it in the contest.

To vote, go to AndrewsInvention.com and click on the Vote for Andrew button.

Batavia resident Tom Williams, Andrew's Invention supporter said, "I do agree that this protest is long overdue. For far too long, people, especially grandmas, have been suffering from toaster-burnt fingers when the technology to avoid it has been right in front of us. It took Andrew 'Thomas Edison' Young Jr. to bring us out of the Dark Ages."

The protesters want to remind you: You can vote daily and you can vote once each day from every device you own. You have six days left to vote.

Photos and information provided by our news partner, WBTA.

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Andrew's Invention featured on WGRZ

By Howard B. Owens

Andrew Young Jr., the Alexander High School student who came up with the idea of a toaster that shoots toast onto a plate, leading to a spot as one of five finalists in a nationwide contest with a $250,000 prize, was featured on WGRZ's morning news show today.

There are only 12 days left to vote. You can vote every day on every Internet-connected device you access. Visit AndrewsInvention.com for more information and a link to the voting page.

Trojans hang tough, but fall short to #1 ranked Clyde-Savannah

By Howard B. Owens

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The Alexander Trojans, in their bid to repeat as Class D Section V champions, ran into the state's #1 ranked Class D team and came up just a little short of victory.

The Trojans lost at Alfred University 17-13 to Clyde-Savannah.

Chris McClinic rushed for 102 yards on 20 carries, scoring twice. Dylan Busch was 6-9 passing for 44 yards. Job Smith and Erik Scharlau each had two catches for 16 and 15 yards each. Mitch Gordon had 1.5 tackles, Scharlau, 9.5, and Jake Jasen, 8, along with a sack.

Top photo: Chris McClinic on his way to the end zone on a seven-yard run in the third quarter to give the Trojans a 13-9 lead at that point in the game.

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Mitch Gordon picks up more yards after a reception.

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McClinic

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Job Smith with a tackle.

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McClinic saves a safety, getting the ball back over the goal line before hitting the ground on a run attempt.

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Job Smith with a run after a catch.

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Terrez Smith on defense to break up a potential TD pass.

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Smith on a 66-yard kickoff return in the third quarter.

To purchase prints, click here.

More Grand Jury: Man indicted for attempted murder in stabbing case

By Billie Owens

Jeffrey L. Barr is indicted for the crime of attempted murder in the second degree, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 13 while at 4140 Veterans Memorial Drive in the Town of Batavia that Barr intended to commit the crime of second-degree murder. Specifically, he allegedly intended to cause the death of another person by stabbing the intended murder victim multiple times with a knife. In count two, Barr is accused of first-degree assault, another Class B violent felony. It is alleged in count two that Barr intended to cause serious physical injury to another person and caused such injury by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument -- a knife.

Daniel L. Green is indicted for the crime of unlawful surveillance in the second degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on April 25 in the Town of Le Roy that Green -- for his own sexual arousal or gratification -- did intentionally use or install an imaging device to surreptitiously view, broadcast or record a person dressing or undressing or the sexual or other intimate parts of a person at a time when she had a reasonable expectation of privacy. He allegedly did so without the person's knowlege or consent.

Kevin L. White is accused of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on May 31 in the City of Batavia that White unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug with intent to sell it. In count two, he is accused of the crime of escape in the third degree, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly escaping from custody on May 31 in the city.

Marcos Cacho-Velaz is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 23 in the Town of Alexander that Cacho-Velaz drove a 2006 Chrysler north on Route 98 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 23, the defendant knew or had reason to know that his driving privilege was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities and he was allegedly driving under the influence for alcohol or a drug at the time. In count three, he is accused of refusing to submit to a breath test requested by Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Saile. In count four, he is accused of failure to dim headlights. He allegedly failed to dim his headlights when a vehicle with headlamps was approaching ahead from within 500 feet, so that dazzling light interfered with the driver of the approaching vehicle when no exception to dim the lights was applicable. In count five, Cacho-Velaz is accused of consuming or possessing alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Alexander advances in sectionals with 42-14 win

By Howard B. Owens

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Alexander used its crushing defense and elusive running backs Saturday to knock off Red Jacket in a Class D Section V semifinal game 42-14.

Both Indian touchdowns came in the fourth quarter after the Trojans already led 35-0.

Chris McClinic carried the ball 17 times for 255 yards and three TDs. He also had three receptions for 47 yards. Terrez Smith added another 42 yards and two touchdowns to the ground attack on 10 carries.

Dylan Busch was 10 for 18 passing for 158 yards and a TD.

Job Smith had two catches for 42 yards and Ty Woods, two catches for 29 yards and a TD.

Next up for the 9-0 Trojans in the Class D championship game is Clyde-Savannah. Alexander is seeking both its second sectional title in program history and second in a row. Clyde is the #1 ranked Class D team in the state. The game is at 6 p.m. at a location to be announced.

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To purchase prints of photos, click here.

Invention fair rallies support for Alexander's young inventor with a chance to win national contest

By Howard B. Owens

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Photo: Andrew Young Jr., center, tries out one of the challenges at an Inventor's Fair at Alexander High School on Friday night as part of a rally to support Andrew's entry into Frito-Lay Dreamvention contest.

Andrew, 14, is one of five finalists in the nationwide contest. His invention is a toaster that shoots out the toast onto a plate. The winner of the contest will receive $250,000.

The fair Friday night featured various activity stations for students to try out their skills at various challenges and included a rally to encourage everybody to vote in the contest and support Andrew's quest to have his invention recognized at the best of the bunch.

To learn more about Andrew's invention, visit AndrewsInvention.com. To vote, click here (you can vote every day).

(The Batavian has added a link to the voting page on the left side of our home page, just above the login box on the left side of the page. You can vote every day.)

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Mark Your Calendar: GV Wind Ensemble performs Nov. 19 in Alexander auditorium

By Billie Owens

Information provided by Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble.

The Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble will perform an Autumn Concert beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19, in the Alexander Central Auditorium. It is located at 3314 Buffalo St. in Alexander.

Philip J. Briatico is the conductor.

These are the works to be featured:

  • "Life Dances" -- William Himes -- featuring Guest ConductorJohn Maguda
  • "Moorside March" -- Holst -- featuring Member Conductor Katherine Robinson
  • Irish Tune from County Derry -- Percy Aldridge Grainger
  • "Joy" -- Frank Tichelli
  • "Emblem of Unity" -- J.J. Richards
  • Highlights from "Fiddler on the Roof"
  • A tribute to Stevie Wonder in concert
  • "Climb to Glory" -- William Palange (Veterans Day)
  • "March of the Trolls" -- Edvard Grieg, arr. Beck
  • "Chester" -- William Schuman

Admission prices are:

  • $10 -- Adult
  • $8 -- Senior (55+) & Veteran
  • $5 -- Student (with ID)
  • Free -- Children 5 years old & under
  • $25 -- Family Deal -- for immediate family and children as defined by mother and/or father and up to four (4) children.

The purpose of the GVWE is to serve and to provide the Greater Genesee Valley audience with new and familiar live music, to serve its membership with the opportunity to perform challenging wind ensemble literature and to create the opportunity for the conductor and musicians to grow their collective musical talents.

The Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble is based in Batavia.

This program is made possible, in part, by the Reach Grant program administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

Contact: geneseevalleywindensemble@gmail.com

UPDATE: Voting ongoing for Andrew's Invention

By Howard B. Owens

Fourteen-year-old Andrew Young Jr., from Alexander, is in the running for a $250,000 invention price for the device he dreamed up himself, a toaster that shoots the toast out onto a plate.

Andrew is one of five inventors from around the nation competing for the top prize with the winner picked solely on the votes of people who support their inventions.

A point to clarify: You are allowed to vote more than once. You can vote every day.  Voting ends Nov. 27. To help you cast your vote each day, we've added a link to the voting site to the left side of our homepage, above the login box.

Click here to vote.

Previously: Alexander resident invents 'toaster shooter,' becoming finalist in national competition

Alexander resident invents 'toaster shooter,' becoming finalist in national competition

By Maria Pericozzi

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After watching his grandma burn her fingers getting breakfast out of the toaster oven, Andrew Young Jr., thought of the idea to make a toaster oven that shoots the toast back onto the plate.  

Andrew submitted his toaster shooter idea to Dreamvention, and was chosen as one of five finalists, among thousands of submissions.

“I saw it and I didn’t really think I had a chance, but I thought I would try it,” Andrew said.

After not hearing back for a while, he got an email, and then a phone call, saying he would be traveling to Texas in the beginning of September.

“We shot commercials for the invention, and we did interviews,” Andrew said.

Andrew also got to use a prototype of his invention but did not get to take it home.

At 14 years old, Andrew enjoys science, math, and swimming. He plans on being an astronaut when he is older because he loves space.

“I’m really interested in science, space, and stars,” Andrew said.

The grand prize for the competition is $250,000. Andrew said he would like to go to Hawaii and save some money for college.

Andrew’s dad, Andrew Young Sr., said Andrew Jr. originally was going to buy a Lamborghini with the money.

“That was before he realized he might win,” Young Sr. said.

Andrew did not tell his parents about the competition until he received the email about his trip to Texas.

“We’re not necessarily surprised that he took the initiative to do it,” Young Sr. said. “I think now that is the coolest part, that he took the initiative, went and did it, and look what it's turned into, with him just having some initiative.”

After the competition, he said he might try to sell the toaster shooter if people like it.

Andrew’s mom, Denise, said she has people asking already, where they can buy a toaster shooter.

“We’re just really proud of him,” Young Sr. said.

Denise said just the process has been exciting for Andrew and the family.

“He’s learning, as well as we’re learning, a lot about it,” she said.

Voting for the five finalists started today here. It ends Nov. 27, with the winner being announced in December. You can vote once a day with the chance of instantly winning $1,000. Learn more about Andrew's invention, here.

Submitted photo.

Teenage inventor from Alexander finalist for $250K prize in national contest

By Howard B. Owens

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A teenager from Alexander is one of five national finalists in an invention contest with a top prize of $250,000.

Fourteen-year-old Andrew Young Jr. saw an announcement for the contest on TV and drew up his idea for a toaster that shoots out toast on a plate. The judges love the idea and selected it as one of the finalists. Now the people of America will be asked to vote and select their favorite invention.

The contest is sponsored by Frito-Lay.

Voting has not yet opened.

The Batavian will have a longer story about Andrew (son of County Legislator Andrew Young), his invention, and the contest later this afternoon.

Le Roy's defense preserves slender lead to help Knights advance in sectionals

By Howard B. Owens

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Le Roy brought their D-Game to Hartwood Park last night and it was a good thing on a night when the offense could only manage to score a single touchdown.

The Oatkan Knights shutout Letchworth/Warsaw 7-0 to advance in Class C sectional play.

Kyler LaCarte had 11 carries for 31 yards, Cineque Robinson 11 for 29, Jake Hill seven for 21, and Luke Stella four for15. At QB, Jake Hill was 12-24 for 97 yards and a TD. Cole Biggins had four catches for 39 yards and Reece Tresco grabbed three passes for 32 yards.

Tresco had five tackles. Gavin Luckey had five and an interception. With four tackles were Bob Locke, Bryce Bordonaro, Jake Hill, Anthony Leitten and Luke Stella. Bordonaro recovered a fumble and Leitten had a sack.

Also in sectional play Friday night:

  • Alexander 42, CG Finney 22. The Trojans gained 361 yards on the ground. Chris McClinic ran 24 times for 188 yards and four touchdowns. Terrez Smith had 13 carries for 141 yards and a TD. Kicker Grant Cox was 4-5 on point after attempts. Jake Jasen had 10 tackles, Mich Gordon, eight.
  • Pembroke 54, Canisteo-Greenwood 28 
  • Batavia 36, Wayne 28 (Game coverage)

Photos by Ed Henry. Top photo, Gavin Luckey with the reception for the lone TD of the game.

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Cole Biggins

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Ty Williams and Reece Tresco with a tackle.

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Jake Hill

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Cineque Robinson

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Kyler LaCarte

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Kyle LaCarte

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WNY Gas and Steam receives massive compressor pump from 1912

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

A piece of history is being saved -- a 1912 compressor pump manufactured under the name Snow has been donated to the Western New York Gas & Steam Engine Assoc. Inc. in Alexander. The company was the predecessor of Worthington Pumps of Buffalo. It was installed in the Heath Pumping Station of National Fuel Gas located in Segil, Pa.

The total weight of the engine is 192,600 lbs. with a 13-foot flywheel. While this was a donation to the WNY Gas & Steam Assoc. Inc. they need to raise an estimate of $35,000 to cover the first step in getting it here. That will cover the cost of removal and transportation to the Alexander grounds. During the week of Oct. 9th they started dismantling the engine and working on moving it to 10294 Gillate Road in Alexander.

The local organization could use your help preserving this 1912 engine. Donations are gratefully accepted. Make check payable to WNYG & SEA, mail to: P.O. Box 75, Alexander, NY 14005. Attn: Pat Peterson, Sec.

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'Git Fit' program in Alexander bringing families together for healthy activities

By Howard B. Owens

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Families in Alexander have been participating in a special fitness program sponsored by the YMCA, UMMC, County Health Department, and the school district.

The sessions are on Wednesday nights from 6:15 to 7:45 at the school. They started Sept. 27.

"The goal is to keep people moving is the best way to describe the program," said Rob Walker, CEO of the GLOW YMCA.

Photos submitted by the YMCA.

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Friday Night Football: Alexander remains undefeated

By Howard B. Owens

The Alexander Trojans are looking more and more like a threat to repeat as Section V champions as they moved to 5-0 Friday with a 36-12 win over previously undefeated Canisteo Greenwood.

Coach Tim Sawyer said the Trojans offensive line dominated as the team chewed up 440 total yards. 

Chris McClinic had another big game, going for 208 yards on 20 carries scoring four touchdowns. He now has 1,022 yards on the season on 90 carries with 16 TDs.

Freshman Terrez Smith ran for 97 yards on 12 carries, scoring on a five-yard run.

Dylan Busch was 7-9 passing for 83 yards. Tight end Erik Scharlau hauled in two of those passes for 32 yards and two TDs. 

On defense, Scharlau had six tackles and a sack for a safety. Danny Burns had seven tackles and a sack. Nick Young also had seven tackles.

Next up for the Trojans, Notre Dame at home.

Also on Friday night:

  • Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen beat Oakfield/Elba  34-0 
  • Holley beat York/Pavilion  34-22 

Person reportedly injured after tractor falls off trailer in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A tractor has reportedly fallen off the trailer resulting in an injury accident  in the area of Darien Alexander Townline Road and Attica Road, Alexander. 

Alexander fire and ambulance responding 

UPDATE 12:39 p.m.: It's now reported as a backhoe that fell off the trailer, no other vehicles involved.

UPDATE 12:30 p.m.: A chief on scene reports the vehicle off the road, no injuries.

Alexander volleyball teams will serve it up for Gateway Home in Attica, opens in 2018 for terminally ill

By Billie Owens

Alexander High School Volleyball players (junior varsity and varsity) are looking forward to an Oct. 5th fundraiser game to benefit Gateway Home of Attica.

Submitted photo and press release:

Gateway Home of Attica is the beneficiary of this year's charity fundraising volleyball game scheduled Oct. 5th at the Alexander Central School Gymnasium.

The Lady Trojans will face the Lady Blue Devils of Attica with the junior varsity game at 5 p.m., followed by varsity play at 6:30.

Event co-chairs Colette Yax and Laura Marzolf invite the community to come support the Alexander Volleyball Booster Club benefit.

“This is our sixth annual fundraiser and we are so excited funds raised will help an organization so close to home,” Yax
said.

Gateway Home is gearing up for a 2018 opening of its historic location at 91 Main St., Attica, as a comfort care home for individuals who are at the final stages of their lives.

Gateway volunteer Jeff Clark said the home is undergoing renovations including electrical and plumbing work and the structure is going to need a new roof.

“We’ve had extraordinary financial and volunteer support,” Clark said. “Community involvement and community support is the key to our success."

Marzolf said: “We are rallying Alexander, Attica and surrounding communities to help us make this our most successful benefit to date. All of Gateway Home’s funding is through donations and fundraisers. We have a friendly rivalry between Alexander and Attica schools and we are hoping this pays off for Gateway Home."

The Alexander Volleyball Booster Club fundraiser includes a basket auction, bake sale and a serving contest with a chance to win prizes from local merchants. Alexander Central School is located at 3314 Buffalo St. in Alexander.

Community members wishing to donate to the Alexander event may contact Colette Yax at 716-400-3628 or Laura Marzolf at 585-322-3748.

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