Accident reported at Walnut and Law streets the city
A minor-injury accident is reported at Walnut and Law streets in the city. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.
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City of Batavia Republican Committee seeks to fill three vacancies
Press release:
The City of Batavia Republican Committee currently has three vacancies that represent the south side of the City and are seeking City residents who would be interested in serving.
The requirements include being a registered Republican and residing in the City of Batavia.
If you are interested in getting involved in making the City of Batavia a better place to live and work we want to hear from you!
Anyone who is interested can e-mail City Republican Chairman David Saleh at salehdavej@gmail.com.
GC Republican Women's Club to hold 'Lucky Numbers' event at T.F. Brown's on Aug. 21, RSVP by Aug. 11
The Genesee County Women's Republican Club will host a "Lucky Numbers" event at T.F. Brown's Restaurant beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21. Keynote speaker is Brian Kolb, NYS Assembly Republican leader.
Cost is $30 per person and includes hearty hors d' oeuvres.
Attendees are asked to please bring an item for Eagle Star Housing. Needed items include: board games, playing cards, movies, books, toiletries, toothpaste, toothbrushes, first aid supplies, bath products and nonperishable foods.
The event will be held on T.F. Brown's patio, located at 412 Main St., Batavia. RSVP by Aug. 11.
Pay by credit card or check, payable to GCWRC c/o Michele Smith, 20 Canterbury Lane, Bergen, NY 14416.
To donate in advance or to donate a basket, contact Melissa Haacke at (585) 314-4501 or email her at: mhaacke5@gmail.com
Thermory USA welcomes two new hires
Press release:
A recent classified ad Thermory USA placed in the local news was pretty specific and called the attention to exactly who the company was looking for. The heading read: One Amazing Human Being.
Thermory USA is the American subsidiary of a European manufacturer. The company specializes in thermal modification of hard and softwoods for any application, but ideally decking and cladding. Thermal modification is an all-natural, chemical free process that produces an environmentally responsible hardwood product with unrivaled luxury, which out-preforms the finest tropical woods. The raw material is harvested from sustainable hardwood forests in Canada, United States and Europe.
The Batavia-based company, run by Principal Kevin DeMars, is located in Jackson Square with a partner branch, run by Principal Mark Challinor in Wilmette, Ill. It has been steadily growing since its inception in 2012. With growth in sales, came the need for growth in staffing. Joining the company are two Genesee County residents, Amber Reese, of Oakfield, and Lauren Humphrey, of Le Roy.
“Amber and Lauren would both agree that our interview style was…unconventional," DeMars said. "Well, we do not look for conventional people. We want people that thrive when given the opportunity to make decisions, contribute immediately to the direction of our company and not be afraid of making mistakes. It’s amazing what great people can do when given the latitude to get outside the fence of mundane corporate protocol."
Some may say that Reese, Thermory USA’s newest senior service specialist, has lived a nomadic life, having resided in seven different states over the last 30 years. She graduated from high school in Ohio, earned her bachelor’s degree in Tennessee, and cultivated her employment experiences at jobs from Florida to Massachusetts.
When life shifted and offered new and interesting adventures, she was open to the opportunity. This ability to embrace change really came into play when Thermory USA entered the scene.
“When I read the description for the position with Thermory, I knew this wasn’t your typical run-of-the-mill company. I was intrigued, to say the least! It has been incredibly energizing to be a part of a growing team where my opinions, ideas and concerns truly do matter,” Reese said.
Coming most recently from a seven year banking career as an assistant branch manager, Thermory USA could have been perceived as quite a change in paths; however, it couldn’t be a more perfect fit. Reese has always had a passion for helping others, whether it be teaching elementary kids and coaching sports or managing a bank branch of tellers and customer service representatives.
That passion has a place to grow with Thermory USA by being part of providing excellent relationship service and knowledge to customers who are interested in a phenomenal product.
Humphrey, a graduate of the Le Roy Central Schools, attended the education program at Genesee Community College. During this time she was employed full time as a teaching assistant. It wasn’t until her bachelor's program at SUNY Geneseo that she decided teaching wasn’t the proper path for her.
Purchasing a home and settling down with a husband and three young children were good reasons to take a brief career pause and be a stay-at-home mom. Volunteerism had always been a major part of her life so it was no surprise that she decided to “plug-in” and become even more involved in her community during this time.
Through the volunteer work she realized a knack for marketing which likely stemmed from her younger years – watching her father run a small business on his own. She began freelance marketing for several local organizations and businesses while still being able to stay home with her young children.
After several years as a stay-at-home mom, community volunteer, and small business owner, Humphrey decided it was a good time to re-enter the workforce. Earning the position as tourism marketing assistant at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, she was able to further develop her skills. After 15 months at the Chamber of Commerce, Humphrey was approached about a marketing position at Thermory USA and knew it was a perfect fit.
“I’m energized by the team atmosphere and excited about the opportunity to work for a company that is making waves in an industry,” Humphrey said.
As a wife, mother of three, member of the Rotary Club of Le Roy, chairperson of Le Roy’s Annual Oatka Festival as well as a class member in Leadership Genesee 2017 Lauren is a busy individual, but as they say: “If you want the job done, give it to the busiest person.”
In five years the company has managed to create a specific market segment for modified wood products in the building industry.
“We did this by creating an environment where creativity, mistakes, fun, hard work are all rewarded when every one of us in our team plays a part in the process. Changing an industry is fun and to be included in that process - every part of that process, brings out the best traits in amazing people that care about their work.” says DeMars.
“In just the first few weeks, Lauren and Amber are making a difference -- they probably don’t realize it yet, but they are. Creative, kind, intuitive, fun loving, hardworking…amazing human beings can do great things -- just let ‘em.“
To learn more about Thermory USA and their team, visit ThermoryUSA.com or find them on social media.
Hawley: Seats still open for Patriots Trip to Washington, D.C.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) poses with veterans and their family members in front of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., during a previous year’s Patriot Trip.
Submitted photo and press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) would like to remind veterans of his upcoming 10thAnnual Patriot Trip to Washington D.C., which will take place from Sept. 21 -24. In 2016, more than 100 veterans and their family members attended the trip.
The Patriot Trip provides these heroes with a great opportunity to connect with fellow veterans and honor the memory of their fallen brothers and sisters.
All veterans, even those who have attended the trip previously or live outside of the 139thAssembly District, can still sign up. The approximate cost of the trip is $375, which includes meals, transportation and admission to the memorials.
“Having the opportunity to meet and spend time with so many local veterans truly is a blessing and I can honestly say I look forward to this trip every year,” Hawley said.
“There is still plenty of room for veterans to sign up, even those who have been on a previous year’s trip, and I encourage all veterans and their family members who are interested to look into joining us on this spectacular journey.”
Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:
- Gettysburg
- World War II Memorial
- Korean Memorial
- Lincoln Memorial
- Vietnam Memorial
- Naval Academy at Annapolis
- Arlington National Cemetery with wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns
Dinner at the Spates Community Club on Fort Meyer
**Staying at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, Md.**
*Early registrants will be visiting the White House, others will visit an Embassy and/or the U.S. Capitol*
If you or a veteran you know want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip X, please call 585-589-5780 or email carneyj@nyassembly.gov. To view photos from previous years, use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.
Batavia Downs hosts $117,600 NYSS for 3-year-old pacing fillies Sunday
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Two competitive fields of 3-year-old pacing fillies will be on hand at Batavia Downs to compete for $58,800 per division in the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 6) and the track record of 1:52.4 may be challenged.
Clear Idea (American Ideal-Glass Maker) ships in to Batavia on the strength of a five-race winning streak and looks to be the one to beat in her division. She has won seven out of her last nine starts including four NYSS events. She took a lifetime mark of 1:50.4 in an overnight at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Friday (July 7) and has banked $152,333 for her efforts this year.
Trainer Blake Macintosh has assigned Jodi Jamieson to drive and he will leave from post one as the early favorite at 6-5.
Tequila Monday (American Ideal-Margarita) finished third in a hard-fought Fan Hanover stake at Mohawk back in June that went in 1:49.4 and then came right back in another Grand Circuit event, the Lynch at Mohegan Sun Pocono Downs. There she chased fast fractions from the outside and still finished only seven-lengths off. With two NYSS wins under her belt, she comes in with a total of five victories this year and $201,711 in earnings.
Former Western New York trainer Chris Oakes has called on Matt Kakaley to steer and they have drawn post five, listed at 2-1.
Roaring To Go (Art Major-Lionness Hanover) is coming off a season’s best effort of 1:52.4 in a gate to wire romp in a NYSS event at Yonkers Raceway on Friday (July 28). It was her first win of the year and certainly an eye-opener. She also raced in the Fan Hanover and Lynch, where she finished second in the consolation of the latter. The filly is versatile and seldom misses the board.
Dan Rawlings will drive for trainer Kevin Lare and is the 3-1 third choice leaving from post six.
In the other $58,800 split, Candlelight Dinner (American Ideal-Time N Again) comes into the event very sharp off a barn change to trainer Tracy Brainard. After a solid qualifier in June, the filly did not perform well in her first three starts. However last week at Yonkers, she tracked a moderate half and then flew home in :56, last quarter in :27.2 to finish third in 1:53.1 by less than a length in a NYSS event. With a good draw and a short field, this is a good spot to get across for the first time this year.
Brainard has tapped local favorite and perennial NYSS leading driver Jim Morrill Jr. to drive and they are listed as the 9-5 morning line favorites from post two.
Marquesa Seelster (Rock N Roll Heaven-Mistreos) has won three of her last six starts, but none of them came in NYSS races. It seems her best game is on the lead and having post one in a short field here may give her the opportunity to attempt that strategy.
Trainer Jennifer Davis has put the Downs defending dash winner Drew Monti up to drive and they are listed at 2-1 morning line.
The NYSS events are races three and four. There are also three $15,000 divisions of the Excelsior A series on Sunday carded as races six, seven and eight. Post time for the first race in 1:15 p.m.
BZ Glide, Striker Ace take top trots at Batavia Downs
(BZ Glide with driver Mike Caprio.)
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Heavy storms blew through Western New York and provided less than desirable conditions, but an off-track and six foes couldn’t keep BZ Glide from getting to the winner's circle in the $10,500 Open handicap trot at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Aug. 4).
Noble Legend (Ray Fisher Jr.) left with the gate and dropped in second behind Lutetium (Ron Beback Jr.) who was not about to give up the front. The race then proceeded from there in single-file order in :28.3 and :59.1. Pulling first-over at that point was Jim Dandy (Jim McNeight Jr.) who brought BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) in tow fourth.
The outer flow was dull and Jim Dandy had trouble getting to the leader up the backside, but he finally drew alongside around the final bend. At the top of the stretch Lutetium and Jim Dandy were joined by three –across by Noble Legend who ducked in the passing lane. But the final blow came when BZ Glide, who had drafted second-over, tipped four-deep around Jim Dandy and out-trotted everyone down the lane, pulling away to an easy length victory in 2:00.1.
BZ Glide ($4.00) registered his third win of the year and 33rd win of his career. The 8-year-old gelded son of Yankee Glide is owned by the Caprio Stable LLC and is trained by Alana Caprio.
(Striker Ace with driver Ray Fisher Jr.)
In the $8,000 Open II trot, Striker Ace (Ray Fisher Jr.) pulled first-over from fourth at the three-eighths and advanced to the lead by the three-quarters before opening up a three-length lead and trotting home handily to win by four in 1:58.3. Striker Ace ($25.60), who is now two for two at Batavia Downs, is owned by Finish Line Investors and John Mungillo, who also trains the winner.
“Drivin” Drew Monti had a grand slam Friday winning with Doing Some Damage (1:57.1, $27.40), Tenor Duharas (2:01.1, $5.00), Button Fly (1:56.2, $33.20) and Rollovin (1:57.4, $6.40).
Kevin Cummings also had a driving triple and Larry Stalbaum registered a double. Conditioner Rose Russo sent two sent two trainees to the winner’s circle for photographs.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on tonight (Aug. 5) with a guaranteed pool of $6,000 for the early Pick-5 which goes in races one through five. The carry-over pool for that wager is $3,281. Post time for the first race is 6 p.m.
Pile-up reported on westbound Thruway, Le Roy responding
A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 384.5. Four or five vehicles are involved. Le Roy fire and ambulance service are responding.
UPDATE 12:49 p.m.: Mercy medics are also called to the scene.
Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Northwestern Genesee County
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 6:15 p.m. for Northwestern Genesee County.
At 5:29 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Lockport, moving north at 15 mph.
Hazard: 60-mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail. Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage to trees and power lines.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
Kruella records lifetime best in Open win at Batavia Downs
Kruella with driver Kevin Cummings. Photo courtesy of Paul White.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Despite winning the distaff feature at Batavia Downs last week, Kruella was overlooked this week in lieu of two ship-in entries from Vernon Downs. But after a furious stretch drive late, Kruella sent the interlopers packing as she won the $9,500 fillies and mares Open pace at Batavia on Wednesday night (Aug. 2).
The heavily favored Vernon invader Little Santamonica (Shawn McDonough) out-left Vernon cohort All Charged Up (Larry Stalbaum) off the gate and went right for the lead, rushing the girls to a :27.3 quarter. With the field standing pat behind her, McDonough backed the half off to :57.1 and it looked like everything was going their way.
As the race went up the backstretch, All Charged Up pulled from second and was followed by Susie’s Delight (Ray Fisher Jr.) and Kruella (Kevin Cummings). The outer flow continued to advance around the turn and drew even with the front-runner at the top of the stretch. At that point Cummings tipped Kruella three-deep but was still three-lengths off the leader. With five horses spread across the track and all the drivers applying heavy urging, Kruella closed like a jet on the grandstand side and proved to be the best, winning by a length in 1:54.2.
It was the third win in a row and of the year for Kruella ($14.60) who registered a new lifetime mark with the 1:54.2 clocking. The 5-year-old daughter of American Ideal and Villa Hanover is owned by Two Gals Stable LLC and is trained by Jineen Simone.
(Above, Jolt Of Jo with driver Dave McNeight III.)
In the $8,500 fillies and mares Open II, Jolt Of Jo (Dave McNeight III) got a perfect two-hole trip behind Voltina (John Cummings Jr.) before popping the pocket at the top of the lane and pacing away to a length victory in 1:54.4, which was a new lifetime mark for the winner.
Jolt Of Jo ($26.60) is owned by R. Lewis Hauber and trained by Jim Graham.
Larry Stalbaum had a driving triple as Shawn McDonough won the last two races on the card. Trainer Kim Asher also had three wins on the night.
With a silent auction, patron contributions and horsemen donating their win percentages from the night, the fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester was able to raise in excess of $9,500.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 4) with post time set at 6 p.m.
Schumer urges nominee to push Canada to reverse 'protectionist, restrictive' dairy trade policies
Press release:
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer yesterday (Aug. 2) called Canadian Ambassador Nominee Kelly Knight-Craft and strongly urged her to work with Canadian officials to persuade them to reverse the protectionist and restrictive trade policies that are currently harming the Upstate New York milk industry and farmers.
Schumer explained that the Province of Ontario and Canada’s federal government have adopted restrictive measures on the importation of milk products. These measures will cost tens of millions in U.S. dairy contracts. Producers like O-AT-KA Milk in Genesee County, Cayuga Milk Ingredients in Cayuga County and Ideal Dairy Farm in Washington County have all been harmed, he says.
Schumer said these policies are blatant violations of existing fair trade agreements with Canada. Schumer said this is an affront to current U.S.-Canadian trade agreements, and therefore urged Ms. Craft to push Canada reverse these unfair policies and work with the United States to keep current dairy trade agreements strong.
“Canada’s restrictive dairy trade and pricing policies are blatantly violating our trade agreements signed by the U.S. and Canada, and they are hurting New York’s dairy producers who simply want to deal fairly with our Canadian partners," Schumer said. "That’s why I called the Canadian Ambassador Nominee and I urged her to push Canada to end these unfair policies and work with the U.S. to keep both of our dairy industries strong.
"These kinds of policies put our dairy farmers in grave jeopardy. Our New York dairy producers work hard every day to provide for their families and export quality products to the world – and they deserve to know that everyone’s competing on a level playing field.”
Schumer has long fought to protect the Upstate NY dairy industry and milk producers across the state. In September, Schumer urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Secretary Vilsack and the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Bruce Heyman, to continue to pressure Canada to end these unfair policies.
The senator said it is critical that the federal government protects the Upstate NY dairy industry, and that these protectionist trade policies should not be allowed to continually impair the value of fair trade provisions the U.S. previously secured under our prior trade agreements.
In the Spring of 2016, Schumer visited O-AT-KA Milk, Cayuga Milk Ingredients and Ideal Farm as he urged the USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Michael Froman, to protect Upstate New York’s dairy sector from the then-proposed barriers to trade. Following that push, Schumer again urged these two federal agencies to ramp up all available resources to investigate new Canadian dairy trade policies that could hurt dairy farmers in Upstate NY.
The Canadian province of Ontario has already imposed limitations on American imports and recently Canada’s national government put out a proposal to expand these restrictions nationwide.
Schumer said that the Province of Ontario and Canada’s federal pricing policies, are designed to crowd out New York’s dairy sales and discourage Canadian cheesemakers from using imported ultra-filtered milk from the United States in their products. These new pricing policies essentially set the price of Canada’s products below that of New York’s ultra-filtered milk imports, which hurts O-AT-KA and Cayuga’s more efficiently produced ultra-filtered milk.
Schumer explained that Canada’s National Ingredients Strategy for dairy takes a similar approach to Ontario’s new Class VI pricing policy by incentivizing Canadian processors to shift away from using dairy imports from the U.S. Upstate New York producers have invested millions in order to be able to export to Canada because they have long enjoyed duty-free access for this specific product under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Schumer said these Canadian trade barriers have already started to hinder development and growth of the Upstate NY dairy industry. Companies like O-AT-KA and Cayuga Milk Ingredients, along with Ideal Dairy Farm, rely on trade with Canada for a significant percentage – millions of dollars – of their revenue.
As the country’s third largest milk producing state, a significant impact on New York’s ability to tap into key foreign markets could also impact farmers in surrounding states. Therefore, Schumer said, any reductions in export sales could impact NY dairy manufacturers and their supplying farms, which are already struggling with depressed milk prices.
Camp Hard Hat teaches employable skills without all the college debt
Photos and story by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.
Boardwalks and bridges in the Genesee County Park. If you visit the park during any season you have used one or both.
“There are people from all over the world that come to the this little park and say how neat, clean and nice this park is,” says Jared Radesi, Camp Hard Hat director and Building Trades teacher.
“Attribute some of that to the kids that get together every summer for one week here to build a new bridge and help keep the park alive.
The BEA(Business Education Alliance) has partnered with the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership to offer Camp Hard Hat at the Genesee County Park.
“It’s an educational learning experience for the kids and everything is to code,” says Paul Osborn, Genesee County Parks supervisor.
This is the fourth year for the Camp Hard Hat Program and it has been growing. This year there are 20 kids involved, seventh- through ninth-graders, from area schools.
Osborn says this year there are two projects being worked on.
A 100-foot boardwalk with a 24-foot bridge and a 16-foot bridge near Area D on the Conservation trail.
For the last three years the program has been using recycled guard rail systems and trusses from the Batavia Downs roof system that was dismantled. The lumber was purchased through a grant.
“We want to show them that there are options out there other than a college education,” says Radesi.
“Apprenticeships are something this country was built on and they are a free way to get an education.”
Radesi said there is a skills gap right now and the whole industry is hurting for employees and leaders.
“There is high demand for skilled laborers and this group of kids can make a lot of money in the next 10 years.”
On Wednesday, the Hard Hat crew was working on the boardwalk.
Isabela Braun, of Le Roy, and Emma Osborn, of Oakfield, are both freshman and in their second year of being involved with the weeklong camp.
“I get new skills that I will be able to use for the rest of my life and I will be able to get a job without having to go to college and get all that debt,” says Braun.
“I feel proud cause you will see it there for a long time.”
Emma Osborn says having the experience from last year helps the new kids involved in the project this year.
“They know we know what we are doing and we can help build the mindset of others,” says Emma Osborn.
“It feels like you are bringing something else here that needs to be done.”
At the end of the project, a sign will be erected that lists all the kid’s names who were involved in the project along with the major sponsor’s names.
“They will be able to bring their parents, their grandparents, then as they get older, their kids to see their work.”
Park Supervisor Paul Osborn says he is not sure what next year’s project will be, but it may include some plumbing and electrical work and a mock wall.
“This is a great program for the park and it allows us to connect with the community and with the kids, a lot of these kids would never come out here,” says Paul Osborn.
To check out the camps offered for next year visit http://beagenesee.com/
Global breastfeeding event Friday, plus baby clothes swap, car seat safety checks
Press release:
United Memorial Medical Center and Oak Orchard Health will host a regional event that’s part of the international Global Big Latch On, a synchronized breastfeeding event that will include thousands of breastfeeding women and their babies/children across the world.
Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and their babies are invited to gather on Friday, Aug. 4 in Batavia, at 213 E. Main St.
This event is part of a global effort to raise awareness about the important health benefits of breastfeeding.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the countdown to the Big Latch On starts at 10:30 a.m.
The event will also feature a gently used clothing swap (newborn to 24 months), where mothers can donate clothes and/or find clothes they need for their babies.
The City of Batavia Fire Department will conduct a free car seat safety check and the Genesee County Health Department will be onsite with information on lead poisoning prevention and vaccinations.
The Global Big Latch On was organized by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action as part of World Breastfeeding Week to raise awareness of the important health benefits of breastfeeding. As a worldwide peer support and community development event, it aims to strengthen national and global support for breastfeeding and to improve the health of children and women around the world.
Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed, as long as they have accurate information, and the support of their family, the health care system and society at large. World Breastfeeding Week takes place Aug. 1-7.
Batavia Downs post time today -- Wednesday, Aug. 2 -- is 5 p.m., also Breast Cancer Coalition auction
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
When Batavia Downs opened last week Wednesday (July 26) post time was at 6 p.m. That post time was only for opening day. Starting this week (Aug. 2) post time switches to 5 p.m. today, Aug. 2, and will stay 5 p.m. on Wednesdays for the remainder of the year.
The current live schedule for the meet is Sunday afternoon at 1:15 p.m., Wednesday at 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday evenings at 6 p.m. Monday will replace Sunday in September and go at 5 p.m.
Please log onto www.bataviadownsgaming.com and click the “Live Racing” tab for complete paddock and Lasix schedules for each day.
Also on Wednesday this week, Batavia Downs will conduct its annual Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester fundraiser. The auction runs from 5 p.m. until the last race in the Paddock room.
Some of the silent auction items up for bids include two suite tickets to the Bills-Raiders game on Sunday (Oct. 29), four suite tickets to the Sabres-Capitals game on Tuesday (Nov. 7), a Batavia Downs Hotel racing package, a recliner courtesy of Max Pies Furniture of Batavia, and other Sabres and Bills merchandise.
Darien Town Justice Gary A. Graber thanked for teaching about Commercial Vehicle Law at National DAs conference
Gary A. Graber, town justice in Darien and Darien Center, attended the National District Attorneys Association's Commerical Driver License/Commerical Motor Vehicle Conference in Cincinatti, Ohio, this summer.
He spoke, from a judicial perspective, on Commerical Vehicle Law.
In a July 6 letter thanking him for his contribution to the conference, National Traffic Law Center Director Thomas Kimball wrote:
"Dear Judge Graber:
"On behalf of the National Traffic Law Center and all the participants in our class, let me extend out deepest gratitude for your valued contribution to traff safety at NDAA's CDL/CMV Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, was June 15-16, 2017.
"Your judicial perspective on Commercial Motor Vehicle Law was extremely informative and very well received. Many participants commented on how helpful your discussions were, especially as it relates to the topic of Masking.
"We recognize the substantial time and energy you put into your teaching segments and arranging your visit.
"Thank you again for your contribution and your consistent partnership with the National Traffic Law Center."
Annual Children's Carnival at Austin Park is set for Aug. 18, volunteers needed
Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is hosting its fourth annual Children’s Carnival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18th at Austin Park in the City of Batavia.
Several agencies and businesses will be hosting game and activity booths for children and families. Local police and the city fire department will be present. Care-A-Van Ministries will again be cooking hot dogs FREE for all. Game tickets are 10 for $1.
Please bring your children and enjoy a safe, affordable, FUN day at the park with many crafts, games and prizes!
Volunteers are needed! Please call 343-7798 for information.
Event is sponsored by MVP Healthcare.
37th annual Stefani-Costa family reunion held July 30 at Wildwood Park, Le Roy
(Photo above: Dorothy (Stefani) Bater, of Le Roy, and sisters Dolores (Stefani) Lathan, of Le Roy, and Ruth (Stefani) Tracy, of Rochester, were the oldest in attendance at this year's Stefani-Costa family reunion.)
Submitted photos and press release:
The families of the late Baptist and Christina (Costa) Stefani, and Dominic and Johanna (Rigoni) Costa gathered for their 37th consecutive annual family reunion at Le Roy’s Wildwood Park on Sunday, July 30, 2017. Wildwood Park is located on Munson Street Extension near the Le Roy Community Swimming Pool. Both founding families made their homes in Lime Rock (New York).
Linda (Orlando) Totten, of Elba, Carol (Orlando) Panepento, of Pavilion, Gloria (Orlando) Oliver, of Le Roy, and Amy Panepento, of Le Roy, hosted the event.
After a potluck buffet and cookout, followed by selections from a sweets table, the family held a short business meeting. A review of family news since last year included the following:
- Dorothy (Stefani) Bater, of Le Roy, was the oldest person in attendance at age 90, followed closely by Dolores (Stefani) Lathan of Le Roy, who is one day younger.
- The youngest family member to attend was 14-month-old Ryder Christopher Barclay, of Byron. He is the son of Samantha Blake and Joe Barclay. Ryder’s proud parents are expecting another addition to their family in April.
- The only new member of the family is Abby Grace Aradine, born on on Oct. 17, 2016. She is the daughter of Jeffrey and Bethany (Pocock) Aradine, of Bergen. Her older sister, Kate, was last year’s youngest reunion participant.
- Michelle Goldstin and Tim Sisson, of Piffard, have recently become engaged to be married.
- Rena C. Wagner, 90, of Batavia, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2017. She was born Dec. 17, 1926 in Asiago, Italy, and was a daughter of the late Peter and Battastina Dalle Ave Costa. She is survived by her brother, Victor (Jean) Costa, of Le Roy, and her sister, Mary Regone, of Virginia.
Next year’s event chairs are Marilyn (Costa) Pocock, of Bergen, Darlyn (Costa) Hawkins, of Le Roy, and Richard Costa, of Stafford.
(Photo below: Jennifer (Slane) Blake, of Elba, enjoyed the reunion's beautiful weather with grandson Ryder Barclay.)
Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction results
Press release:
The Genesee County 4-H Program would like to thank all of the businesses, families and friends who supported the 47th Annual Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction.
The auction was held Thursday, July 20th at the Genesee County Fair. Market goats, lambs, steers and hogs that were raised by local 4-H members were auctioned by William Kent Inc. The results of the auction are as follows:
(Melissa Keller with her Champion market goat.)
Champion Market Goat
Exhibited by Melissa Keller
Purchased by Pumpkin Hill Veterinary Clinic, Byron
Reserve Champion Market Goat
Exhibited by Cody Ehrmentraut
Purchased by Crossen’s Christmas Tree Farm, Basom
(Madelynn Pimm with her Champion market lamb.)
Champion Market Lamb
Exhibited by Madelynn Pimm
Purchased by Reisdorf Oil & Propane, Batavia
Reserve Champion Market Lamb
Exhibited by Melissa Keller
Purchased by Crossen’s Christmas Tree Farm, Basom
(Morgan Hofheins with her Champion market steer.)
Champion Market Steer
Exhibited by Morgan Hofheins
Purchased by Paul Marshall Produce, Elba
Reserve Champion Market Steer
Exhibited by Shianne Foss
Purchased by Alden State Bank, Alden
(Hudson Weber with his Champion market hog.)
Champion Market Hog
Exhibited by Hudson Weber
Purchased by The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, Stafford
Reserve Champion Market Hog
Exhibited by Raegan Weber
Purchased by Kreher’s Farm Fresh Eggs, Clarence
The Genesee County 4-H Program would also like to extend a special thank you to the following businesses and friends for their donations to the 4-H livestock program this year: Baskin Livestock, Cedar Street Sales & Rentals, HTI Recycling LLC, Nutreco USA Inc., Purina Animal Nutrition, Scott Adams Trucking, Stephen Hawley & Assoc. LLC, The Nesbitt Family, Tompkins Bank of Castile and William Kent Inc.
Grand Jury: Two people indicted for first-degree gang assault
J.W. Hardy III and Anthony J. Spencer Jr. are indicted for the crime of first-degree gang assault, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on July 18 in the City of Batavia that the two defendants, with intent to cause serious physical injury to another person, and when aided by two or more other persons actually present, caused serious physical injury to a third person. In count two, they are both accused of first-degree assault, also a Class B violent felony. it is alleged in count two that on the same day in the city, with intent to cause serious physical injury to another person, they caused such injury to a person or a third person by means of a dangerous instrument.
Finishing touches being put on city's sundial at no cost to taxpayers
Artist's rendering of City of Batavia's sundial, September 2015.
From our news partner WBTA:
Rumors were beginning to stir about construction being done to the fixture that sits at the entrance of City Hall on Main Street.
According to City Manager Jason Molino the work is not costing the community.
Molino said “The work that's being done to the sundial is work that was yet to be completed from its original installation and it is all funded through the sponsors of the centennial celebration, and this is just some finishing-up work -- putting the directional signs, north, south, east, west and then also creating a flower bed around it.”
The sundial was gifted to the city as part of the centennial celebration.
