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Zero Tolerance, So Awesome win NYSS at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Zero Tolerance (Heston Blue Chip-Feelinglikeastar) and So Awesome (So Surreal-Teddy Ballgirl), who are the top two 3-year-old pacing fillies in the Empire State, came to compete in the $111,900 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) at Batavia Downs on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 28) and both added wins to their resumes. 

Zero Tolerance (David Miller) got away third while Hurrikane Norakane (Carl Garofalo) shot to the front and eased the group to a mild :58.1 half. The pace picked up from there as they motored by the five-eighths pole when Sulky Queen (Jim Morrill Jr.) pulled with Zero Tolerance on her back. 

Morrill got Sulky Queen to the front by the three quarters while Zero Tolerance remained on the outside in second around the last turn. Heading into the stretch Sulky Queen had a one-length lead but with the whip over his shoulder and the lines firmly in hand, Miller sat chilly while Zero Tolerance blew by to take the lead and win easily in 1:54.2. 

“She was comfortable going to the half and when Jimmy (Morrill) came out, she was ready to roll,” Miller said. “She finished strong down the lane; she was real good tonight.”

It was the fifth NYSS win of the year and sixth win overall for the heavily favored Zero Tolerance ($2.10) who now has $382,423 in earnings this year for owners Val D’ Or Farms and Ted Gewertz and Hall of Fame trainer Joe Holloway.

In the first division, So Awesome (Tyler Buter) was a gate to wire winner and put in an impressive mile in the process. Buter guided So Awesome through early quarters of :28.1 and :58 with the field in single file behind her. As they approached the three-quarters Matt Kakaley pulled Fool Me Again from third and made an aggressive brush toward the front. 

In the last turn the fillies were pacing wither to wither until the top of the lane where So Awesome got a slight advantage. But Fool Me Again was not done and charged back in deep stretch under heavy urging from Kakaley. However So Awesome simply refused to lose and hung on by a neck in 1:55..1. 

“We were lucky we won the draw in that race because Matt’s horse was strong and coming down the lane we were right together,” Buter said. “She raced real well and finished strong.”

It was the third win in the last four starts for So Awesome ($3.10) who is owned by William Hartt and trained by Scott Di Domenico. 

Both fillies will be back at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 14) for the $1.8 million NYSS Night of Champions.

There was one division of the $15,000 Excel “A” series contested on Wednesday that produced the following results. 

Topville Angelina (American Ideal-A Fiesty Affair)

Driver -- David Miller

Owner -- Erv Miller Stable, Michael Anderson and George Golemes

Trainer -- Erv Miller

Breeder -- Robert Hamather

Time -- 1:54

Mutuel -- $2.40

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 30) with post time for the first race at 6 p.m.

Top photo coustesy of Paul White.

Richmond Reads Author Event: Silas House, author of 'Southernmost,' will read and sign books

By Billie Owens

Richmond Reads Author Event: Silas House & 'Southernmost' -- Talk and Book Signing

Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Library

Author Silas House will join us for a reading from his newest novel "Southernmost" -- our selected book for Richmond Reads -- and the book will be available for sale. He will sign copies of it. All are welcome to attend this free event!

The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Event Date and Time

Reel Discussion at Richmond library: 'Hillbilly' examines the iconic image of hillbillies in media and culture (winner Best Documentary Feature at 2018 L.A. Film Festival)

By Billie Owens

Reel Discussion at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

On Thursday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m. watch the documentary "Hillbilly," which was produced and written by our Richmond Reads author Silas House. The author of our Richmond Reads novel "Southernmost" also appears in the film.

"Hillbilly" examines the iconic hillbilly image in media and culture and it won Best Documentary Feature at the L.A. Film Festival in 2018.

Event Date and Time

Byron-Bergen Board of Education president wins 2019 Albert W. Hawk Award

By Billie Owens

Press release and submitted photo:

Byron-Bergen School Board President Debra List is the 2019 recipient of the Albert W. Hawk Distinguished School Board Service Award.

The Genesee Valley School Boards Association presents this award annually to a current or former school board member who, in the judgment of the Distinguished Service Award Committee, should be recognized for outstanding contributions to public education and children in his or her own community.

The award is named for Albert W. Hawk, a longtime advocate for rural schools and member of both the Dansville Board of Education and the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership Board of Education. Hawk also chaired many state and national School Board committees.

List is the first Byron-Bergen Board Member to receive this award.

She has served on the Byron-Bergen Central School District’s Board of Education for more than two decades. She is committed to the promotion of rural school districts by advocating with local and state legislators, attending Rural Schools Advocator events, and serving as President of the Genesee Valley School Board Association.

“In my time as superintendent of this district, I have been inspired by Mrs. List’s unwavering commitment to this community,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Mickey Edwards.

“Whether it is packing the stands at a sporting event or packing the auditorium at the spring musical, the school district is a cornerstone of stability in this community and in the middle of it all, is Debi.”

List will be honored at a banquet to be held Friday, Sept. 27, at the Glen Iris Inn in Letchworth State Park.

GCC announces 2017-18 Annual Report is available online: 'Plant. Water. Harvest. Repeat.'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College has published its 2017-2018 Annual Report online highlighting another year full of student success. This year's report features a video welcome by President James M. Sunser, Ed.D., as well as graphics highlighting enrollment and course offerings, extensive photos of students in action, and much more.

The College's 2017-2018 digital Annual Report is available ***here, further supporting the College's sustainable business practices, as well as maximizing access to the report's information.

Last year, GCC's annual report borrowed an agricultural theme, "Plant. Water. Harvest. Repeat." from the College's many friends, supporters and neighbors. Visitors to the website will see how GCC has evolved under this theme, which also warranted repeating for this year's theme.

"GCC is planting seeds of knowledge and academic progress; cultivating minds by providing all of the necessary water and nutrients for growth and achievement; then harvesting the hard work of our students and faculty, and celebrating their efforts at graduation," Sunser said in the report's opening video. "And of course, we refine and repeat that process again each semester with a new crop of learners."

The 2017-2018 Annual Report goes beyond reporting statistics, facts and listing donors and supporters.

"Plant. Water. Harvest. Repeat." tells priceless stories of real students through photographs, videos, links to numerous Facebook albums and more. It celebrates all kinds of success, both efforts that were planned and driven by hard work, and some unexpected findings as the result of innovation and high-tech solutions.

It explores what it means for GCC to be an active part of the communities we serve, and how our efforts can help them grow and succeed. Equally important is acknowledging the generous support of the dedicated and passionate people and businesses that share the College's mission and are listed in the "Supporters" section of the report.

Everyone is encouraged to view the annual report (find link above) and join in the celebration of the accomplishments of the past year.

***Please note: Chrome internet browser is recommended for viewing.

Le Roy boy, 4, drowns in neighbor's pool this morning

By Billie Owens

From the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:

A 4-year-old boy is dead in what authorities are calling an apparent accidental drowning in the Town of Le Roy this morning.

The Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a call at about 7:55 a.m. Aug. 28 concerning a missing 4-year-old from a Le Roy residence.

Personnel from the GC Sheriff's Office, Le Roy Police Department and NYS Police responded to the area and initiated a search for the child.

The child was found at about 8:34 a.m. in a swimming pool in a nearby yard. morning.

Immediate medical assistance was rendered at the scene and the child was rushed via Le Roy Ambulance Service to UMMC where he was pronounced dead.

The preliminary investigation indicates an accidental drowning.

The case is being investigated by the Sheriff's Office.

The name of the boy and any additional details are not being released at this time.

Man seriously burned in Walden Estates fire Monday listed in satisfactory condition at Strong

By Billie Owens

A man who suffered serious burns Monday night after a kitchen fire broke out in Apartment #44 at Walden Estates on Bank Street in Batavia is now listed as being in satisfactory condition at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Batavia Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano has not officially released his name.

Firefighters were on scene in under four minutes from the time they were dispatched at 9:13 p.m. Aug. 26.

They encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions on the first and second floor of the apartment in the five-unit building. Crews were able to bring the fire under control within 20 minutes.

Two occupants inside of the apartment both escaped, but one was seriously burned and was taken via Mercy ambulance to Strong. 

Two cats perished in the blaze.

Residents of the two adjoining units were temporarily relocated due to light smoke conditions within their residence. A total of four persons were assisted by the American Red Cross with food and sheltering.

The city fire investigation continues but officials say it does not appear to be incendiary in nature.

For the fire department's press release about the fire, click here.

For the initial post, click here.

Photo courtesy of Frank Capuano.

Reel Discussion at Richmond library: 'Songcatcher' -- about female musicologist denied promotion who heads to Appalachia in 1907 to record songs and write

By Billie Owens

Reel Discussion

Place:  Richmond Memorial Library

Date & Time:  Thursday, Sept.12th at 6 p.m.

Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward. On Thursday, Sept. 12th at 6 p.m., we will be showing the movie is “Songcatcher.”

Event Date and Time

Law and Order: Pringle Avenue woman accused of knifing victim on Hutchins Street

By Billie Owens

Brittany Smith, 27, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia (inset photo, left) is charged with second-degree assault and second-degree menacing. She was arrested after an altercation at 4:30 p.m. on Hutchins Street Aug. 23. Smith is alleged to have cut a victim with a knife. Smith was jailed without bail and was due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Miah Davis.

Lizbet D. Cramer, 42, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested after an investigation found she was allegedly not providing adequate supervision for a child in her care who was on declared by Family Court as a "Person In Need of Supervision" -- PINS (a child under the age of 18 who does not attend school, or behaves in a way that is dangerous or out of control, or often disobeys his or her parents, guardians or other authorities). Cramer was arrested and issued an appearance ticket for Sept. 10 in Batavia City Court. The case was investigated by Det. Eric Hill.

Jennifer Reed, 45, of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. It is alleged that at 11:43 a.m. on Aug. 24 that she stole a bottle of Vitamin C from the Dollar General Store on East Main Street in Batavia. She is accused of concealing the item then exiting the store without paying for it. She was arrested and issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 27 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Miah Davis.

'Richmond Reads' events: Meet 'Southernmost' author, see film on hillbillies, listen to Joni Mitchell's music

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Richmond Reads Committee is pleased to announce the following events as part of “Richmond Reads,” the one book program designed for the Richmond Memorial Library community.

All programs are free to attend and participate in.

Community Book Discussions

Join us to discuss the novel "Southernmost," written by Silas House. Discussions will be led by Samantha Stryker, Community & Adult Services librarian, and members of the Richmond Reads Committee.

The only requirement to attend is that you’ve read the book!

Copies are available at the library in regular print, audio and large print.

Ebook and audio copies can be accessed via our Hoopla and OverDrive Apps at batavialibrary.org

(Editor's Note: For the Kirkus review / synopsis of "Southernmost," click here. For the interview of Silas House published in Kirkus about his newest book, click here.)

Book Discussion Dates:

  • Monday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 8 a.m. at Richmond Memorial Library
  • Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at GO ART! (featuring cash bar), 201 E. Main St., Batavia
  • Saturday, Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. at Moon Java Café, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia. Refreshments will be served at Moon Java.

Richmond Reads Reel Discussion

Thursday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Library

Watch the documentary "Hillbilly," which was produced and written by our Richmond Reads author Silas House. He also appears in the film. "Hillbilly" examines the iconic hillbilly image in media and culture. "Hillbilly" was the winner of the Best Documentary Feature at the L.A. Film Festival in 2018.

Concert: The Songs of Joni Mitchell by Leah Zicari

Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Library

Join musician Leah Zicari for a free concert dedicated to the music of Joni Mitchell. The impact of music in our lives plays a huge role in "Southernmost."

One character in particular -- Bell -- finds solace in the music of Joni Mitchell, such as the tune with the same title as Mitchell's debut concept album "Song to a Seagull." (This is reflected in the name of the complex of rental cottages owned by Bell.) "All I Want" is a number from Mitchell's fourth studio album released in 1971, "Blue," and House cites the song as central to Bell's character and the album itself as playing a pivotal role in his book.

(Editor's Note: Find the music playlist chosen by Silas House for "Southernmost" here.)

Review Contest -- Win a chance to meet the author one-on-one!

Submission deadline: Monday, Sept. 9.

Submit a review of "Southernmost" for a chance to attend an afternoon tea with Richmond Reads author Silas House before the main author event on Sept. 26! The review should be 200 words or less.

Four winners will be chosen anonymously by the Richmond Reads Committee. Summer reading contest winners will also be in attendance. Visit our website or the library for all rules, information and the entry form.

Author Event: Silas House & 'Southernmost'

Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Library

Author Silas House (inset photo right) will join us for a reading, talk and book signing. Copies of the book will be available for sale. All are welcome to attend this free event!

For more information, visit batavialibrary.org/Richmond-reads.

Richmond Memorial Library continually provides access to physical and virtual resources and services that meet the educational, informational and recreational needs of its diverse community in a safe and comfortable environment. Learn more at www.batavialibrary.org.

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Richmond Reads is sponsored by The Friends of Richmond Memorial Library and made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the NYS Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature and administered by GO ART!

Photo of Silas House courtesy of Tasha Thomas.

Car rear-ends semi on West Main Street by Upton Monument, minor injuries reported

By Billie Owens

A property damage accident is blocking the roadway in the city in front of 14 W. Main St. Minor injuries reported. A vehicle slammed into a tractor-trailer at the junction of Main and Ellicott streets. A first responder on scene says the passenger vehicle's tires are blown and it's "flat on the ground."

Dan's Tire is en route with a flatbed tow for the passenger vehicle.

The location is just east of Porter Avenue.

"Traffic is pretty bad," says a first responder.

City fire is on scene, along with law enforcement. Mercy medics are called to aid an elderly female who was a passenger in the car.

BHS Blue Devils Varsity Baseball Team -- 2019 Section V champs -- honored at Muckdogs' game, fireworks, raffles & more

By Billie Owens

On Saturday, Aug. 31, the Muckdogs franchise will honor the 2019 Boys Varsity Batavia Baseball Team on their Section V victory on the field before the start of the game.

The Muckdogs will play against Auburn on Saturday night; game time is 7:05.

The Blue Devils shut out Geneva June 1, winning 9-0 in the Class B1 title game. It was their first sectional title since 1998.

Everyone is encouraged to come out and show their support of the BHS varsity baseball team in recognition of their victory.

Event Date and Time

Neil L. Schildwaster

By Billie Owens

Neil L. Schildwaster, 89, formerly of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019 at his daughter’s home in DeBary, Fla., while under Hospice Care.

Neil was born in Batavia, NY on July 5, 1930, the son of the late Henry Jr. and Isabelle Henderson Schildwaster. He graduated from Oakfield Alabama Central School in 1949.

Neil worked as a miner at the Oakfield Plant of U.S. Gypsum until he was drafted into the Army in 1951. After two years in the service, Neil returned to work at USG where he held many positions through the years. In 1979, he became the Mine Safety and Health Administration Compliance Supervisor, a position that was created for him and one he held until his retirement in 1990.

Neil served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1951-1953 in Germany, for which he received an Occupation Medal. He was in the 91st Anti-Aircraft Artillery, Automatic Weapons Battalion, and achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class E-7.

Neil was a member of Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s site) before moving to Florida in December 2017. He enjoyed all things outdoors, including golf and gardening. Neil always enjoyed being busy with handyman and carpentry work, and built an addition to the family home himself. He loved spending time with family, coaching his sons in baseball, and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports.

Neil was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Rider Schildwaster, who passed away on Jan. 14, 2019; his son, David Schildwaster; his brother, Richard Schildwaster; and his sisters, Lois Catino and Marilyn Chirico.

Survivors include his son, Mark (Sandy) Schildwaster of Batavia, NY; daughter Dawn (Ted) Oglesby of DeBary, Fla.; daughter-in-law Mary Ellen Schildwaster of Middletown, Conn.; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 at Riverwalk Church of Sanford, 801 W. 22nd St., Sanford, Fla. A Committal Service will be held in the fall at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia, where he will be entombed.

Please visit www.baldaufffuneralhome.com to offer condolences. Memorial contributions may be made in Neil’s name to St. Joseph’s Regional School, 2 Summit St., Batavia, NY 14020, or to Vitas Hospice Care, 1105 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, Fla. 32763.

BHS Blue Devils Varsity Baseball Team -- 2019 Section V champs -- to be honored at Muckdogs' game Saturday

By Billie Owens

On Saturday, Aug. 31, the Muckdogs franchise will honor the 2019 Boys Varsity Batavia Baseball Team on their Section V victory on the field before the start of the game.

The Muckdogs will play against Auburn on Saturday night; game time is 7:05.

The Blue Devils shut out Geneva June 1, winning 9-0 in the Class B1 title game. It was their first sectional title since 1998.

Everyone is encouraged to come out and show their support of the BHS varsity baseball team in recognition of their victory.

The high school team's boosters will also be raising money for the 2020 baseball season by having a 50/50 and other raffles, selling Batavia Blue Devil apparel, and conducting a tennis ball toss into the ball field after the game.

Reminder: Jaycees host 32nd annual Labor Day 5K Run & Walk, at MacArthur Park in Batavia Monday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Area Jaycees are proud to announce their 32nd annual Labor Day 5K Run & Walk, to be held on Monday, Sept. 2nd, at MacArthur Park in Batavia.

Participants should check in from 8 to 8:50 a.m. Race time is 9 a.m. The registration fee for runners/walkers was $25 if preregistered by Aug. 18th, now it is $30, including the day of the event.  Runners/walkers 17 and younger was $20 if preregistered, now it's $25.

Awards will be presented to the top three finishers and first place in age group. 

You can register at runsignup.com or go to Batavia Area Jaycees Facebook page. Registration forms are available at runsignup.com and the day of race.

The Batavia Area Jaycees have been a part of the community and helping out for more than 65 years. Their goal is to provide young people with the opportunity to develop personal, professional and leadership skills through community involvement and specific trainings tailored to enhance their abilities for future endeavors.

Hawley cosponsors bill to protect consumers from NY license plate 'money grab'

By Billie Owens

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is joining fellow legislators in cosponsoring a bill that will protect New York state drivers from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed $25 mandated fee on new license plates.

The legislation, introduced last week by Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, would prohibit the state Department of Motor Vehicles from requiring a fee when the design of the state license plate is changed.

“This is yet another hidden ‘money grab’ coming from the governor’s office,” Hawley said. “Cuomo has no problem wasting taxpayer dollars on new signs for his father’s bridge and undocumented immigrants, but loves to shake down the taxpayers for every cent of their hard-earned paychecks.”

Last week, the governor announced that license plates older than 10 years old will be subjected to the new replacement requirement. The governor’s plan imposes a mandated $25 fee, which is the maximum allowed by law for new plates, on top of the already-burdensome registration renewal costs. Drivers who want to keep their license plate number will also be forced to pay an extra $20 under his proposal.

According to Cuomo's plan: beginning April 1, 2020, through the plate replacement program, as customers renew their vehicle registrations over the next two years, those with license plates that are 10 years old or older will be issued new plates. The current $25 license plate replacement fee will be added to the cost of the vehicle owner's registration renewal. Customers may also keep their current license plate number for an additional $20 fee. Plate issuance begins for both original issuance and renewals on April 1.

The plate replacement program is part of the governor's efforts to modernize New York's transportation system. There is also a vote being taken by the governor's office for the new winning design among five that are proposed. Voting is underway now through Sept. 2.

In addition to whichever new design is chosen, there are 200 custom designs offered by the NY DMV.

For more information about the plate replacement program, click here.

(Image provided by Steve Hawley's office.)

GVWE founder and conductor performed baritone sax in band that won national award Saturday

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

INDIANAPOLIS -- The American Legion 2019 National Concert Band Contest was held Saturday (Aug. 24) in Indianapolis, Ind., top honors went to the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas.

Bands from around the country competed in 2019, the 100th anniversary of the American Legion.

Of the 80 members in the Tonawanda-based band, 60 competed in Indianapolis, including one man from Batavia -- Philip Briatico. He is the founder and conductor of the Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble and he plays baratone saxophone in the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas.

The band had the top score -- 95.8.

Other top bands were: Second Place -- Joliet American Legion Band from Joliet, Ill., with 93.5 points; Third Place -- Oconomowoc American Legion Band from Oconomowoc, Wis., with 88.5 points; Fourth Place -- Kansas City American Legion Band from Kansas City, Mo., with 88.3 points; and Fifth Place -- American Legion Post #377 Band from Kenner, La., with 82.3 points.

Selections performed by the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas were:

TITLE                                                                                      COMPOSER

Esprit de Corps----------------------------------------------------------Robert Jager

The Gallant 7th March--------------------------------------------------John Philip Sousa

Ballet Sacra--------------------------------------------------------------David R. Holsinger

After an intense week of preparation, the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas performed in the Indianapolis Convention Center. Their 30-minute performance drew cheers, a rousing applause and a standing ovation from the audience.

The Band performed under Music Director Michael Shaw.

Now in its 90th year, the Band is celebrating its 22nd National Championship.

About the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas

It was formed in 1929 by World War I veterans and Post #264 members. The band (currently 80 members at full strength) draws its membership from a broad cross-section of Western New Yorkers. The members have diverse occupations and backgrounds including management, engineering, business, medicine, government, sales, and industry.

A large number are instrumental music educators, or graduates or students of university music programs. Membership is open to all musicians based upon placement evaluation and section vacancies. None of the musicians are compensated.

The Band has and always will stand ready to aid in any worthwhile community function and to uphold the great tradition of the American Legion.

Top photo, American Legion 2019 National Concert Band Contest First Place Award was presented by the American Legion National Commander, Brett Reistad, shown in the middle, and given to Conductor Michael Shaw, far left. American Legion Band of the Tonawandas President David Abrahamian is pictured right.

Driver for Alexander-based school bus company wins Heroism Award

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and information from Student Transportation of America:

ALEXANDER -- Bus driver Vikki Boyce Czechowicz, who works for Alexander-based Student Transportation of America, received the Heroism Award recently from the NYS Education Department.

She is at left in the photo above with her manager Tonya Phillips.

The Herosim Award is one of several honors Czechowicz has received since rescuing 17 children from a school bus that became engulfed in flames after its engine caught fire May 28 in Sheldon, Wyoming County.

According to the bus company, which provides transportation for Genesee County schools, Czechowicz, who lives in Wyoming County, was proceeding through her morning route for the Attica Central School District on Maxon Road in Sheldon when she noticed smoke coming from under her dash.

She radioed dispatch that she was evacuating the 17 students (K-12) who were on the bus. She was on her way to pick up two more students when the mishap occurred.

After the children had exited the bus, which she attributed to their prepardedness and ability to listen and obey instructions, Czechowicz went back inside to check for sleeping students. As she came to the front of the bus, she saw the flames coming from the engine area and within minutes the school bus was fully engulfed in flames and the front tires exploded. No one was injured.

“It was due to this driver’s quick thinking and school bus safety training that all the students were safely evacuated,” said Paul Overbaugh, director of Pupil Transportation, NYS Education Department.

Artist Shauna Blake gives hands-on demo of alcohol inks at GO ART!

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Society of Artists is hosting artist Shauna Blake from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10th at GO ART!, inside Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., in Downtown Batavia.

Blake will be doing a hands-on alcohol ink demonstration.

Non-members welcome with a $5 fee.

Event Date and Time
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Artist Shauna Blake to give hands-on demo of alcohol inks at GO ART! Sept. 10

By Billie Owens

Photos and information from Teresa Tamfer, Batavia Society of Artists:

The Batavia Society of Artists is hosting artist Shauna Blake (in top photo) from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10th at GO ART!, inside Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., in Downtown Batavia.

Blake will be doing a hands-on alcohol ink demonstration.

Non-members welcome with a $5 fee.

Below, Blake's "Teal Rust Reflect."

Bottom, Blake's "Purple Bloom."

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