batavia

The planned move of the Youth Bureau to St. Anthony's on Liberty Street, Batavia, is on schedule and the new program should open in time for the school year this fall, said Jocelyn Sikorski in an interview last week.

Sikorski is the director of both the city's and the county's Youth Bureau and the combined program will move from its current location at 12 MacArthur Drive, Batavia, this summer.

The Youth Bureau will go from a 1,800-square-foot building to more than 11,000 square feet of available space, and from a location practically on the outskirts of the City to one near the center of the city and closer to the underserved youth population on the Southside.

St. Anthony's has already become an important youth activity spot thanks to its owner, City Church, and the work of Ryan Macdonald, who leads youth and community activities on Tuesday nights.

Teen City will offer after-school programs to youths age 9 to 16, including a classroom/tech room, recreation room, gaming room, cafeteria, kitchen and full gymnasium during program hours, which are set at 2:30 to 6 p.m. from Monday through Friday during the school year, and 1 to 6 p.m. during the summer.

"There are a lot of youth on the Southside who want those services, who are utilizing those services with Ryan on Tuesday nights, so we’re going to meet the needs of the community as they are and serve those kids who may not be coming to the youth center because of its current location," Sikorski.

The move is expected to be completed in August.

Teen City is a joint project of the Youth Bureau, St. Anthonys's/City Church, the YMCA, and United Way.

"It’s worked out well," Macdonald said. "We love the kids. We think the kids, for the most part, love us. We’re looking for the whole community to be involved.

"We can’t do it on our own and that’s the key takeaway," Macdonald added. "The YMCA is going to be involved the Youth Bureau, the City and the County, United Way is going to be involved. I think that’s an important takeaway because not one entity can do it all on their own. If we work together at it we can get a whole lot more done."

With 100 kids showing up every Tuesday at St. Anthony's, Sikorski said there is ample evidence there is demand for a program like Teen City that is easier for more kids in the city to reach.

With the help of the school district, transportation will be provided to kids who might find St. Anthony's too far away to walk or bike to.

"The other positive is we're modeling the school's behavior and rules with what we’re developing so there will be consistency for these kids," Sikorski "They will know what their expectations are. It’s not going to be any different.

"This will be supervised and structured and it will be a safe place for those kids to go," she added.

The former Youth Bureau building will be taken over by City Schools. Superintendent Chris Dailey said near-term plans are for the high school to use the front parking lot and the building for storage during the ongoing capital improvement project.

The community garden behind the Youth Bureau building will be able to expand into the basketball court area.

Macdonald said he sees this as a positive move for what City Church offers at St. Anthony's and the children of the community.  The Tuesday night programs themselves are expensive to run and only survive because of the generous support of sponsors. Now the children of the area will have more options and more support.

"We’ve all needed somebody to speak into our lives, to love us, to care for us at certain points, and not to say the parents aren’t doing that but we want to add to it," Macdonald said.

The Batavia Youth Bureau moved to the former community pool location in 1998 after the City sold the Bank Street location, which housed the youth bureau and senior services, to the County, which took over the Senior Center at that time. Now it's moving to St. Anthony's.

The Landmark Society of Genesee County presented its annual preservation awards Friday night at the First Presbyterian Church of Byron.

Photo: Matt Gray, partner, Eli Fish Brewing Co., Rev. James Renfrew, First Presbyterian Church, Jermey Liles, Oliver's Candies, and Bill and Lucine Kauffman.

Below, links to writeups and photos (or in the case of Eli Fish, a video) for each of the award winners:

• Landmark Society Preservation Award: Eli Fish Brewing Co.
• Landmark Society Awards, Oliver's Candies, Adaptive Re-use
• Landmark Society Awards, Kauffman residence, Elba, restoration
• Landmark Society Awards, First Presbyterian Church of Byron, tender loving care

Rev. Renfrew with the volunteers from the church who prepared and served Friday night's dinner at the church.

Matthew Liebler was awarded this year's Virginia Carr-Mumford Scholarship from the Batavia Society of Artists on Thursday at the BSA's annual spring show opening at the Richmond Memorial Library.

Liebler is from North Java and just completed his first year at Genesee Community College, where he's majoring in Digital Arts.

The spring show's first-place award went to Richard Ellingham for "Dusk Reflection."

David Burke received a second-place award for "The everchanging beauty of this body that I share with every living thing." He also received a third-place ribbon for "Still life with skull and mannequins."

Last evening, the Batavia Blue Devils advanced to the finals (following their close win to Oakfield-Alabama) between the Le Roy Oatkan Knights.  Alex Hale pitched the first five innings while Andrew Francis closed on the mound for the duo to have a complete game.

The first three innings showed no score from either team, until the bottom of the fourth as Batavia scored five runs. Sam Sallome, Trevor Zewan, Andrew Francis, Josh Weis, and Luke Grammatico each had a hit and RBI. Later on in the sixth, Luke Grammatico would score again with his second hit and RBI. Alex Hale and Jake Humes came to home plate as well.

Batavia was calm, cool, and collected throughout tonight and having continuous hits led to many runners on base, which turned into plenty of scoring opportunities. They were defensively sound. Batavia led Le Roy in hits 12-3 and one error to Le Roy’s three. Final score 8-0.

After the match, Sam Sallome was announced 2019 Rotary Tournament MVP.

Story submitted by Thomas Ognibene.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Batavia beat Oakfield-Alabama 5-4 with a bottom-of-the-seventh bunt in an opening round game of the annual Batavia Rotary Club Tournament.

Earlier today, Le Roy beat Notre Dame 8-2.  

Batavia and Le Roy face each other at 7 p.m. in the championship game.

Christian Arieras Wilson, 21, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband in the first degree, fifth-degree conspiracy and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Following an investigation into smuggling contraband into the Genesee County Jail, Wilson was arrested, released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on May 20. It is alleged that Wilson delivered a quantity of a controlled substance into the jail in a concealed manner at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 19. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Michael Shawn Wahl, 53, of Jordan Avenue, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree and possessing or transporting or offering for sale unstamped cigarettes. At 10:32 p.m. on May 10, following a traffic stop on Indian Falls Road in Pembroke, Wahl was arrested. Allegedly, he was driving a motor vehicle and his driver's license was revoked and he possessed unstamped cigarettes for sale. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Pembroke Court on May 28. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Jenna Ferrando.

Tammy Kay Zasowski, 51, of Clinton Street, Elma, is charged with petit larceny. Following an investigation of a larceny on Shanks Road on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, Zasowski was arrested. It is alleged that she stole cigarettes at noon on May 3. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Alabama Town Court on June 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Ira Leroy Mercer, 72, of Oakwood Road, Rochester, is charged with possession of unstamped cigarettes for sale. At 10:32 p.m. on May 10, Mercer was arrested on Indian Falls Road in Pembroke following a traffic stop. He allegedly possessed unstamped cigarettes that were for sale. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Pembroke Court on May 28. The case was handled by Genesee County Sherjiff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Jenna Ferrando.

Ramon S. Gilliam, 44, of Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, and having an uninspected motor vehicle. Gilliam was arrested following a traffic stop for uninspected vehicle at 9:04 a.m. on May 10 on East Main Street Road in Batavia. He is due in Batavia Town Court on May 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Joshua Dale Thomas Jr., 34, of Post Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana in the fourth degree. At 12:29 a.m. on May 11, Thomas was arrested on Route 490 in Le Roy. He was the passenger in a motor vehicle stopped for alleged vehicle and traffic violations. "During the stop criminal indicators were observed which led to a subsequent search of the vehicle and its occupants." Thomas was allegedly found in possession of more than two ounces of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Le Roy Court and is due there on June 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Thomas Sousa, 55, of 7th Avenue, St. Petersburg, Fla., is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 2:51 a.m. on May 10 on South Lake Road in Bergen, Sousa was arrested after a traffic stop for alleged vehicle and traffic violations, which included failure to keep right. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Bergen Town Court on June 19. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Today, the Le Roy Oatkan Knights took on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to kick off the 21st Annual Batavia Rotary Club High School Baseball Tournament at Dwyer Stadium.

Tim McMullen and Tommy Saunders held the mound for Le Roy, while David Russo and Spencer Misti pitched for Notre Dame.

Giavanni Caccamise, Reece Tresco, Tim McMullen, Kenny Saunders all recorded a hit and RBI, while Ryan Friend had two hits and RBIs to make it 6-1 Le Roy after two. Zachary Cocking had the lone RBI for ND in the first.

Later on in the fifth inning, Tommy Saunders and Austin Saeya came home safely and scored. It was 8-1 Le Roy after five.

Spencer Misti, David Russo, Andrew Moore, all collected hits while Alex Totton had a RBI and hit of his own in the final inning of the game.

Le Roy led ND in hits 9 to 8 and was defensively strong overall only allowing two errors. With Le Roy’s 8-2 win they will move on to the championship game at 7 o'clock tonight to face the winner of Oakfield-Alabama and Batavia.      

Story and photos by Thomas Ognibene.

To view or purchase photos click here.

Photo submitted by Dylan Brew.

A driver told Deputy Kevin Forsyth yesterday that the sudden appearance of a spider on his leg startled him and while trying to brush the spider away he lost control off his car, causing a rollover accident on Route 98 near Rose Road at 1:30 p.m.

The driver, Richard J. Amico Jr., 21, was uninjured in the accident.

He was driving a 1998 Buick sedan, which left the east shoulder of Alexander Road and struck an embankment causing it to become airborne. It rolled end-over-end and came to rest on its roof on the north side of the driveway at 9071 Alexander Road.

Amico was cited for an alleged unsafe lane change.

Town of Batavia fire responded to the accident.

One of Batavia's newest businesses held a ribbon cutting on Thursday with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce -- the  Rest & Revive Float Center at 596 E. Main St.

Partners Gary VanValkenburg and Brandon Buckle converted the former location of The Bed Room, where they sold beds, into a place where people can come and float in water field with epsom salts to help them relax and deal with any number of different health issues.

To find out more, watch the video.

Kelly J. Rhim is indicted for the crime of second-degree assault, a violent Class D felony. It is alleged that on April 13 in the City of Batavia that Rhim intentionally caused physical injury to a person by means of a dangerous weapon. In count two, Rhim is accused of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count two that Rhim possessed a box cutter with the intention of using it against another person. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Rhim is accused of having been convicted on Feb. 19, 2015, in Batavia City Court, of attempted petit larceny, a Class B misdemeanor, and the conviction forms the basis for count two of the current indictment.

Submitted photos and press release:

The BCSD Foundation lnc.'s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the recent recipients of the BCSD Foundation Apple Award.

The BCSD Foundation Apple Award is given by a member of the school and/or local community to a Batavia City School District employee or volunteer. In the opinion of those giving the honor of this distinction, the awardee has gone above and beyond in their role and is being recognized by one or more people for these accomplishments.

Two people received a Foundation Apple Award during the month of April.

Julie Wasilewski, above left, is a counselor at Jackson Primary School. Wasilewski was recognized anonymously as someone who goes above and beyond with everything she does. It is evident that the students in our District are her first priority, and therefore she goes to any length to assure that all their needs are met. She is a strong advocate for our students and staff.

Thankfully, through the breadth of her experiences, she is able to provide support to the families in our community in which she serves. Wasilewski can always be counted on to volunteer or participate at all events at Jackson Primary, as well as throughout the school community; and does so with the most welcoming smile.  Her joyful personality is second to none, and something that contributes to her approachability.

The BCSD is fortunate to have such a dedicated, caring and genuinely good-hearted individual working within its organization, as she continues to have a positive effect on so many lives.

Julia Rogers, above left, is the coordinator of Assessment and Instructional Services for Batavia City School District. Rogers was given this Foundation Apple from the BCSD Foundation Board of Directors. Rogers spent countless hours to ensure the successful establishment and development of this Foundation.

She has served as a leader in all areas of the Foundation since its inception and the members of the Foundation could not be more grateful.

As an administrator here in this district, Rogers has always gone above and beyond the call of duty. It is well known that Rogers gets things done effectively and always with a love for our District in the back of her mind. Behind many of the functions that take place is guidance and assistance from Rogers.

Behind her actions is always the best for BCSD. She exemplifies what it means to "Take Care of BCSD."

Nominations for a Foundation Apple Award

Local artist, Mark Jensen, will be making each individual resin apple -- none will be exactly the same. If you are interested in giving a Foundation Apple Award, please submit your nomination form and $75 (payable to the BCSD Foundation Inc., 260 State St., Batavia NY 14020, att: Allison Chua). Nomination forms may be found on our webpage (at www.bataviacsd.org under Quick Links).

Community members with questions are asked to email us at foundation@bataviacsd.org

Press release:

Genesee County will hold a Public Information Session regarding the Jail Construction Project at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, at the Old County Courthouse Chambers, 7 Main St., Batavia.

The session will last until approximately 8 p.m. and the public is encouraged to drop by at any time to chat with County and SMRT representatives.

The purpose of the informational session is to allow for citizen questions and inquiries early on in the jail design process, and to provide County justification and rationale for the steps taken to date and planned into the future.

We welcome any and all citizen views regarding any aspect of the project’s scope, purpose and implementation.

The County will provide project information including, but not limited to project timeline, bed need analysis, and possible jail site. County staff along with SMRT, the County’s Architect and Engineer consultants will be on hand to answer questions and receive feedback.

The County has also created a page on its website dedicated to the jail project that we encourage citizens to check on over time for updates on the progress of the Jail Construction Project.

Terry Ross, from the Genesee County maintenance department, works on a new lighting system at the base of the Upton Monument.

The LED system was donated by Batavia-based Lighting Design Innovations, which two years ago donated a new color-changing light system for the Old Courthouse cupola.

The new lights are on a 14-volt system and draw only 20 watts. They are replacing four 400-watt lights.  

Ross said lights are being installed to light the plaques of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and another light, which is what he's working on in the picture, will illuminate the statue of Gen. Emory Upton. Ross said the DOT has given permission for the county to install an LED light at the top of the stoplight poll next to the monument that will illuminate the eagle at the top, but first the county must figure out how to run the power up to the light on the outside of the pole.

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is 100 years old this year. It was dedicated in August 1919.

Thursday evening GO ART!, located at 201 E. Main St. in Batavia, the Livingston Arts Council is hosting a bartender challenge. 

Come see Deborah Bump and Gregory Hallock at GO ART!'s Tavern 2.o.1 from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 9.

Admission to the bar and galleries are free to all. If you would like to have a beer, some wine or mead, Gregory or Deborah will be more than happy to serve you and compete for your tips (donations).

Support them as they compete to be the ultimate celebrity bartender (fundraiser). All donations go toward GO ART!’s many programs offered to the public and cheating is ENCOURAGED here! Who will reign as the victor director in this intense battle?

Tell all your coworkers, friends and family to come and help support ART and CULTURE within our region.