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The Genesee County Women’s Republican Club (GCWRC) is excited to announce the 2016 Spring Breakfast. It will take place on Saturday April 9^th at the Dibble Family Center located at 4110 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. The breakfast begins at 9 a.m. and registration is requested by April 4.

“Supporting women and Republican candidates in politics and government is important and I encourage anyone that wants to be involved in our community decision making process to attend this event,” said Rachael Tabelski, president of the Women’s Republican Club.

“For too long members of our community have missed opportunities to participate in civic engagement, and the GCWRC is looking to change this."

Not only will participants enjoy a hearty breakfast, but will learn about new initiatives that the GCWRC is undertaking and have the opportunity to network with local, state and federal representatives and their staff.

Participants will also hear from Donna Saskowski, executive director of the Genesee ARC who is the guest speaker of this year’s event. The Genesee ARC is the Club’s Caring for America 2016 charity.

The cost of breakfast is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Checks can be made out to GCWRC, mailed to Treasurer Michele Smith at 20 Canterbury Lane, Bergen, NY 14416.

If you have a question or want to learn more about the GCWRC, contact Rachael Tabelski, 558-409-4008 or at rachael.tabelski@yahoo.com

Information provided by the VA Public Affairs Office:

Today at 2 p.m. at the VA Medical Center, 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia, there will be a Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration. It will take place in the auditorium of Building #4.

The guest speaker will be Mr. Vincent Schollard, who served two tours of duty in Vietnam (1966-68) as a Navy Corpsman. Vietnam Veterans and their families are encouraged to attend to share camaraderie. Refreshments will be served afterward.

VA Western New York Healthcare System is a Federal commemorative partner for The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. One of the main objectives of these events is to give a long overdue thanks to honor Vietnam Veterans and their families, including personnel who were held prisoners of war or listed as missing in action.

The Commemoration will pay tribute to their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. Additionally, it will mark advances in technology, science and medicine related to the military research conducted during the Vietnam War. Lastly, the often overlooked contributions and sacrifices made by our allies will be recognized.

To fulfill President’s Lincoln’s mission to our Veterans and their families "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan,” after each commemoration several VA representatives will be on hand and ready to provide information and answers to questions about VA health care enrollment and other Veterans benefits to include disability claims, employment and educational opportunities, and National Cemetery internment. Many Veterans are still unaware of VA benefits they have earned or may be in need of updated information to qualify and use these benefits.  

Here's the lineup of the event in Batavia:

Invocation -- Father Ivan Trujillo, VA Western NY Healtchcare System

Presentation of Colors -- Joint Veterans Honor Guard of Genesee County

"Star-spangled Banner" -- St. Joe's Brass Ensemble of Batavia

Pledge of Allegiance 

Welcome -- Brian Stiller, Medical Director, VA Western NY Healtchcare System

Keynote Address -- Vincent Schollard, former Navy Corpsman

Musical Tribute -- St. Joe's Brass Ensemble of Batavia

Vietnam Veterans Pin Presentation 

Echo Taps -- Frank Panepento & Tom Cecere

Benediction -- Father Ivan Trujillo

For additional information please contact the VA Public Affairs Office at (716) 862-8753/8754.

It’s been a long cold winter and now it’s time to “think spring.” And there’s no way better way to beat those long winter blues than by attending the second annual Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Home Show. The Home Show will be held at Falleti Ice Arena in Batavia Friday through Sunday, April 1st - April 3rd.
 
Here’s your chance to talk face to face with more than 60 area businesses attending this year’s Home Show for help with your home ideas and projects. And while you’re there, make sure you register for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate from the Home Show vendor business of your choice. The winner will be drawn at the conclusion of the Home Show and you do not need to be present to win.
 
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Home Show will be open Friday, April 1 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. And if you’re hungry, the concessions are being run by Alex’s Place, so you know the food will be excellent!
 
Admission is only $3 per person and children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is free at the Falleti Ice Arena. Coupons good for $1 off all admissions are available at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce office, 210 E. Main St., Batavia, or at any of the participating businesses. For a complete list of participating businesses go to www.geneseeny.com/homeshow. For more information, call the Chamber office at 343-7440.

Below are the results of the March 12 city property auction, according to City Manager Jason Molino.

At tonight's 7 o'clock City Council Conference Meeting, the councilmembers will vote on a resolution to authorize the council president to sign agreements for the sale of property sold at the auction.

They are all parcels of vacant land.

• 26-28 and 30 Hutchins Place -- Sold to Christopher Hallifax, of Gasport, for $1,000. There were no back taxes as the property was City owned.
• Bank Street -- A parcel adjacent to 375 Bank St. sold for $300 to Betty Russo. Back taxes amounted to $263.02 and she was the only bidder. Her property is next to this land (Parcel No. 71.020-1-12).
• Evergreen Drive, rear -- Sold to Donald Childs of 12 Evergreen Drive for $1,100. Back taxes were $166.22. His property is next to this property (Parcel No. 71.020-1-81).
• 28 Franklin St., rear -- Sold to Donna Howard of 28 Franklin St. for $650. Back taxes were $424.43. Her property is next to this land.

Total proceeds were $3,050. Total back taxes were $853.67. Net proceeds: $2,196.33.

Rae C. Cook, 27, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with illegal disposal of items. Cook was arrested following an investigation into an illegal dumping complaint. At 1 p.m. on March 17, Cook was observed by a neighbor allegedly depositing refuse onto the neighbor's private property. Cook was issued an appearance ticket and is due in city court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Damien A. Boyd, 32, of Meadville Road, Batavia is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. The charges on March 23 stem from a warrant that was issued as a result of an incident on Aug. 25 wherein Boyd was allegedly found to be in possession of heroin, needles and several small plastic bags for packaging narcotics. He was jailed in lieu of $2,000 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards.

J'shon K. Naegely, 19, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Naegely was arrested March 26 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court. It is alleged Naegely failed to appear in court on a charge on Jan. 15 of criminal possession of stolen property. Naegely was jailed on $1,000 bail and is due back in court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Tina R. Ayala, 48, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested for allegedly shoplifting at Dollar General at 12:45 p.m. on March 24. Ayala received an appearance ticket and is to be in city court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

A little friendly competition among law enforcement officers for a good cause is planned starting April 1st at Batavia Cross Training, 34 Swan St., Batavia.

New owner Jessica Pratt is opening the doors to all Batavia City Police officers, Le Roy Police officers and Genesee County Sheriff's deputies. No need to sign up! This is for two months of unlimited classes. Donations are accepted and will benefit the family of late local hero Frank Bordonaro, a Sheriff's deputy who died in service to the citizens of Genesee County.

The competition workout will be the "Memorial Day Murph." It will be held at the end of May for everyone to compete against one another.

"Please take full advantage of this event!" says Pratt.

For more information, call Pratt at 813-2369.

Tre'Shaun Diamond Perry, 20, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. The subject was arrested today after an incident at 10:10 p.m. on March 24 at College Village. It is alleged Perry pushed a safety officer while in a building at College Village. Perry was released on an appearance ticket to appear in Town of Batavia Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings.

Brandon Thomas Beard, 21, of Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, driving while ability impaired by drugs and driver's view obstructed. On March 26, at 8:41 p.m., the defendant was stopped following the observation of a vehicle and traffic violation on Clinton Street Road, Town of Bergen. He was arrested after allegedly possessing marijuana and driving while his ability to do so was allegedly impaired by drugs. He was released on appearance tickets and is to return to Town of Bergen Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Three white males in a white Jeep are reportedly on the railroad tracks, west of Wilkinson Road. The location is about a mile and a half west of Wilkinson in the Town of Batavia. Sheriff's deputies are responding.

UPDATE 10:16 a.m.: When the call came in, they were "stationary, possibly taking photos."

UPDATE 10:22 a.m.: Deputies have not found the men or the vehicle. The call came in from CSX. There's a private property crossing in that area.

Adam D. Smart is indicted for the crime of first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 6 in the City of Batavia, the defendant violated an Order of Protection which required him to stay away from the person on whose behalf the order was issued. In count two, he is accused of first-degree criminal contempt for allegedly violating an Order of Protection on Nov. 6, which required him to stay away from another person in the City of Batavia who also had a protective order against him.

Gayno S. Standsblack is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class D felony. Standsblack is accused of driving a 2000 Dodge on Meadville Road in the Town of Alabama on Jan. 16 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for driving on that date allegedly under the influence of alcohol or a drug while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended or revoked. In count three, he is accused of the crime of using a vehicle that did not have an ignition interlock device, a Class A misdemeanor.

John R. Benton is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On Oct. 1, in the Town of Darien, it is alleged that he drove a 2006 Toyota on Tinkham Road while intoxicated. In count two, Benton is accused of aggravated DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 percent or more at the time.

Alfonso G. Mayfield is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On Nov. 8, in the Town of Pembroke, it is alleged that he drove a 2007 Jeep on I-90 while intoxicated.

This morning at 9 o'clock sharp a couple hundred children set off to find 4,000 Easter eggs in Batavia's Centennial Park.

The Easter Bunny took time out from his busiest time of year to attend.

Mixed in with the thousands of eggs where three special Golden Prize eggs for each age group. Those get the winner a chocolate bunny from Oliver's Candies.

(Photos by Jim Burns.)

An accident with injuries was reported near McDonald's restaurant about 10 minutes ago. The address is 4129 W. Main Street Road. Town of Batavia fire and Mercy medics responded and now a third ambulance is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 12:27 p.m.: Two patients are being transported to UMMC. They had no loss of consciousness and both got out of the vehicle(s) on their own.

Press release:

Mostert, Manzanero & Scott, LLP, presented a summary of the audit process undertaken, the scope of their engagement and audit results to the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC) Board at the March 24 meeting.    

The GGLDC Board engaged the certified public accounting firm to perform an independent audit of 2015 financial statements. The independent audit was designed to issue an opinion on the financial statements of the GGLDC for the year ending Dec. 31; a management letter to the Board of Directors management; and, a report about internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Government Auditing Standards.  

Included in the management letter is a statement from Mostert, Manzanero & Scott, LLP, affirming that no material deficiencies in internal controls were identified during the audit. The firm also affirmed that, in their opinion, the audited financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the GGLDC as of Dec. 31,  in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

“I am pleased with the continued positive audit results, and it speaks to the professionalism and transparency of the organization,” said Thomas Felton, president and chairman of the GGLDC.  

In 2015, the GGLDC, including Genesee Agri-Business, LLC (GABLLC) activity, received $1.2 million in grant revenues.

These grants included a NYS Homes and Community Renewal grant that supported infrastructure development at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park (GVAB) and the LeRoy/ Bergen America’s Best Communities grant, as well as an Empire State Development grant to support the development and marketing of the Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP).  

The GGLDC also recognized grant revenue from National Grid, which supported Buffalo East Technology Park (BTEP) infrastructure, an annual Community Benefit Agreement payment with CNL Income (Darien Lake) to support infrastructure in Western Genesee County, and an annual PILOT Increment Financing payment from Genesee County that supports a bond payment for infrastructure at the GVAB Park.

Currently, there is $6.9 million of land held for sale and development under the agencies control including 57 acres at the Gateway II Corporate Park, 67 acres at the BETP, 250 acres at the GVAB Park, 34 acres at Med Tech Park, and the Upstate MedTech Centre Building including an Innovation Zone for entrepreneurial businesses.

(Photos by Steve Ognibene.) (Above, 6-year-old Lilian Gary paints a clay mushroom.)

During the school Spring Break, some families go out of town and some stay local to enjoy with friends and family from out of town. Parents are still working during the day and looking for an opportunity for learning something new.

This week GO ART! offered its first Creative Arts Camp in the Seymour Place buildingin Downtown Batavia and hopes many others will follow.

The camp sold out. All this week, 28 students in grades two to six participated in many different activities like: drumming, Colombian dance, steel drums, photography class, drawing and theater.

Director Jennifer Gray said they wanted to give kids a small snippet of a little bit of everything in the creative world and include different tastes of performing arts, music, dance and visual arts as part of it. If parents are not aware coming from an arts background, this camp offers what they might not get in school and pique some future interests for the students.

(Above, Director Jennifer Gray giving a drawing lesson to 11-year-old Hunter Kelsey on a graphic abstract.)

GO ART! also plans to offer one-day drop-in camps during the summer and they are looking to offer a younger camp for toddler, pre-K to second-grade kids, and perhaps one for middle school students.

They want to thank generous sponsors for this event: Applied Business Systems -- ABS, T-Shirts Etc., Art Ah La Carte, Design by the Hour, and Glass Roots.

For more details on this event go to: http://www.goart.org/

Also Facebook page: GO ART!

Above, 10-year-old John Riley participating in a Performance Theater segment taught by Assisant Director Gregory Hallock.

Above, Director Gray teaching painting on model clay to elementary students.

18 Ellicott Place, Batavia. Don't let this one slip by! Everything done in this 4-bedroom home -- roof, windows, siding, central air, concrete driveway... And inside is open and super spacious! Hardwood floors and new carpeting throughout is the bonus, besides the open floor plan that you will fall in love with. The back yard is fully fenced with large forever deck and cute shed for all your extras! Super easy to see! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today 585-344-HOME or click here to view the complete listing!

Christopher Brian King, 24, of Pearl Street Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested March 23 on an outstanding bench warrant issued by Town of Batavia Court on March 8. He was jailed in lieu of $500 bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Robin Lynn Holman, 53, of Buffalo Road, Bergen, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested on March 11 after allegedly stealing property on Buffalo Road in the Town of Bergen. She was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Town of Bergen Court on April 6. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion.

Glendon Stephen Alexander, 19, of East 95th Street, Brooklyn, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at 8:23 p.m. on March 23 following an investigation of a complaint at College Village that the defendant allegedly unlawfully possessed marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket for April 21 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.CorfCorfu

32 Buell Street, Batavia, NY. Super cute and solid city home in move in condition! This home has a ton of updates! All windows within last 10 years, roof and gutters in 2003, huge deck in 2005, all new flooring throughout, a fully gutted and remodeled bath in 2003 and remodeled kitchen with lots of pretty cabinetry! The outside has nice curb appeal and backyard is fully fenced and backs up to great park!  BUT especially nice for extra storage or a place to escape is the man cave in the garage! A lot of bang for the buck especially great for a starter! Easy to see anytime! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today - 585-344-4663!

Ashley A. Goodenow, 25, of Bank St., Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 4:30 p.m. on March 22 after it was alleged that she struck another person during an argument on Bank Street. She is to be in city court on March 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Michael J. Antonucci, 33, of Alexander Road, Attica, is charged with two counts of second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 12:15 a.m. on March 3 for two separate counts of second-degree criminal contempt after it was alleged that he violated a stay-away order of protection when he communicated with a protected person by text messages on two different occasions. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to be in Batavia City Court on April 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Robert Dean Cook, 36, of Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. It is alleged that on March 22 Cook called a party who has a complete a stay away order of protection and Cook is prohibited from contacting. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to be in city court on March 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards.

Kenyon H. Barnes, 31, no permanent residence, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court at 5:35 p.m. on March 22. Barnes was jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail and is to be in city court today. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

A 17-year-old Batavia resident was arrested on a bench warrant at 4:01 p.m.on March 21, which was issued because the youth allegedly failed to complete community service as part of a sentence for a conviction on a trespass charge. The trespass incident occurred on Sept. 19. The youth was released and is due back in Batavia City Court on May 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.