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Professional education and skills training offered for drug and alcohol abuse recovery coaches and advocates

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse (GCASA) has teamed with Meaningful Trainings to offer the first, single-source professional education and skills development course of study for Recovery Coaches and Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPA) in New York State.

Registrations for fall are now being accepted.

GCASA is a leader in community resource building for addiction education, prevention, treatment and recovery services throughout Western New York. The GCASA Recovery Learning Campus offers more than 95 NY Certification Board (NYCB), NY Certification Association (NYCA) and OASAS-approved education hours for the following credentialing requirements:

Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC) – initial & renewal

Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) – initial & renewal

CASAC -- renewal

CPP/CPS -- initial & renewal

“As the landscape shifts nationally, GCASA is committed to being a leader and Advocate throughout Western New York and the Eastern United States, for the elevation and utilization of recovery, recovery coaching and Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC), says John Bennett, executive director.

“This initiative addresses the need for an easily-accessible, consistent, self-paced, durable resource for organizations and individuals dedicated to the preservation of proven peer principles and practices, who seek to support pathways of recovery and wellness for those they serve.

“We have also finalized dates for the launch of our Recovery Leadership Collaborative, a unique opportunity for organizational leaders to develop much-needed infrastructure (supervisory, HR, etc.) and capacity (skills/tactics) to support peer Recovery Coaches/CRPAs, employees and volunteers. We’ve invited a variety of recovery thought leaders from around the country to come to Batavia share their experiences and practical advice in terms of ROSC development.

"At the same time, we’ll host Meaningful Trainings’ Effective Supervision for Recovery Coaches/CRPAs workshop, a three-day experiential learning opportunity. Our state leaders, rightly so, dedicate much time and energy to facilitating economic growth, yet as the number one health challenge facing each and every community across New York State, substance use and addiction work in direct opposition to these economic development efforts.

"Communities will only realize the opportunities of economic development if they are healthy. Therefore, it is GCASA’s goal to offer resources to any community seeking to nurture a recovery mindset and/or to create a fully functional Recovery Oriented System of Care.”

Beginning Aug. 4-5, and continuing throughout the year, the GCASA Recovery Learning Campus will offer the nationally recognized Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) suite of workshops – Recovery Coach Academy, Spirituality, Ethical Considerations –  along with Meaningful Trainings Recovery Professional Series – MAT/MSR, Self-Care, Recovery Capital, Effective Communications & A(a)dvocacy – for Recovery Coaches & CRPAs.

Information on course listings, dates, times and fees can be found here.

Information on The Recovery Leadership Collaborative: Practical Perspectives - A National Discussion Supporting Recovery Coach/Peer Supervision can be found here.

Trio of teens arrested after shotgun fired in direction of alleged reckless driver

By Billie Owens

Three young men were arrested late last night after Sheriff's deputies investigated a traffic offense complaint in which a person allegedly fired a 20-gauge shotgun in the direction of a vehicle that was following the vehicle that the alleged shooter was riding in. The incident occurred at 11:35 p.m. July 11 at an unspecified location in the Town of Stafford.

Michael T. Leubner, 18, of Linwood Avenue, Pavilion, is accused of firing the shotgun and he is charged with first degree reckless endangerment. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond. Leubner is due in Town of Stafford Court at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 14.

Austin J. Yockel, 19, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with reckless driving, a misdemeanor. Yockel was issued a traffic summons for allegedly driving a motor vehicle which unreasonably endangered users of the public highway while following the vehicle occupied by Leubner and others. Yockel is due in Town of Stafford Court at a later date to answer the charge.

Jason A. Armstrong Jr., 19, of Sweetland Road, Stafford, who was also a passenger in the vehicle Leubner was riding in, was allegedly found in possession of marijuana (a violation). He was issued an appearance ticket for City of Batavia Court at a later date. 

The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young, assisted by: Investigator Joseph Graff, Sgt. John Baiocco, Deputy Eric Meyer, Batavia PD and NYS Police.

Bicycle safety program offered at city parks on Wednesdays this summer

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia Police along with the Batavia Fire Department and the Batavia Lions Club are presenting a bicycle safety program to the City of Batavia Parks programs.

Each Wednesday during the summer the police and fire departments will be visiting a park in the City of Batavia where the Batavia Youth Bureau hosts children recreation programs. Remaining dates are: July 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 3.

Officers will instruct the children on the proper rules of the road for riding a bike and then supervise them through a simulated road course. The fire department inspects bikes and advises the children on the proper care of their bikes.

Along with training, helmets are offered to children who register their bikes or are in need of a helmet. The bike helmets are provided by a grant from the Batavia Lions Club as well as a NYS Grant received by the Batavia Fire Department. The Helmets were purchased by Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, of Batavia, at a reduced rate. Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle has also donated its time to help fit children’s helmets for this program.

To find out times and specific parks and dates call the Batavia Youth Bureau at 345-6421.

REMINDER: Basketball Camp at BHS July 18-22 for boys & girls in grades 3-8

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A 2016 Summer Basketball Camp will be held July 18-22 in the Batavia High School Auxiliary Gym. 

It will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday.

The camp is open to boys and girls entering grades 3-8 in the fall. Cost of the camp is $65 and includes a camp T-shirt. Participants are asked to bring their own basketball every day and have their name on it.

The camp will feature Coach Jim Fazio, Batavia Jr. Blue Devil Youth Director, coaching intern Antwain Richardson, youth coaches, and current and former Blue Devil players.

Camp benefits: The camp will focus on the offensive fundamentals of the game including shooting, passing, dribbling, and ball handling, with a major emphasis on shooting. Sportsmanship, fair play, and safety will be emphasized all week. There will be daily contests with full and half court games.

Batavia City Schools are not responsible for injury that may happen during camp. Please enter and exit the high school in the front circle.

Contact info: jfazio@gvboces.org    585-356-0901

Make checks payable to: Batavia Boys Basketball Boosters.

Mail to: Jim Fazio 5190 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

Also, provide this information:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Town
  • Age
  • Grade entering in Fall
  • School
  • Phone #
  • Medical concerns
  • T-shirt size (Youth S-XL; Adult S-XL)
  • Parent/Guardian signature

Pringle Avenue will be closed Tuesday for paving

By Billie Owens

City Bureau of Maintenance press release:

Pringle Avenue will be closed on Tuesday, July 12, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for paving operations. Residents and businesses are not to park on the roadway during paving operations. Please park on neighboring side streets until work is completed.

This street will be closed to all through traffic. Residents and businesses of this street will have limited access to their properties and should expect delays when paving operations are ongoing. If work is postponed by weather, work will be rescheduled for the next calendar work day.

All other traffic is asked to avoid this area and seek alternative routes.

DeWitt Recreation Area main gates closed today and Tuesday due to construction project

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry will be closing the DeWitt Recreation Area (DeWitt Park) Main Gate all day on Monday, July 11, 2016 and Tuesday, July 12, due to major construction within the park. Pavilion reservations will not be taken for either of the two days.

The main roadway inside the park will not be accessible due to sewer and waterline installations on those days. The walking track in the center of the lawn area will not be available either. Construction vehicles will only be allowed access through the main gate.

The South Entrance parking lot will be available for vehicles to park. Pedestrian access from the South parking lot will be limited to various areas within the park throughout the week due to the construction. The playground will still be accessible throughout the entire construction period.

Construction is anticipated to last the entire week.

For further information, please contact the Parks office at (585) 344-8508 or the Parks Supervisor at posborn@co.genesee.ny.us

Barn fire reported on Prole Road Extension, Stafford

By Billie Owens

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Photo By Jim Burns.

A barn fire is reported in Stafford at 8225 Prole Road Extension. Stafford Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 5:18 p.m.: This was a garage fire next to a barn. Le Roy is requested to send one engine to stand by in Stafford's fire hall.

UPDATE 7:44 p.m.: The address is actually  8219 Prole Road Extension. Stafford firefighters are called to respond to a rekindle of this fire.

Law and Order: Trio arrested after Summit Street scuffle, man allegedly flashes knife during kerfuffle on Thorpe

By Billie Owens

Roger J. Grazioplene, 41, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested on July 5 following an investigation into an incident which occurred at 4:29 p.m. on June 24 on Summit Street wherein he allegedly flicked a cigarette at another person and the cigarette struck the person in the neck during an argument. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on July 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Martha I. Grazioplene, 40, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested on July 5 following an investigation into an incident which occurred at 4:29 p.m. on June 24 on Summit Street wherein Grazioplene allegedly subjected another person to unwanted physical contact by grabbing and pulling on the person's arm during an argument. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on July 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Samuel R. Giglia, 25, of Ledge Lane, Williamsville, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested on July 5 following an investigation into an incident which occurred at 4:29 p.m. on June 24 on Summit Street wherein Giglia allegedly pushed a female during an argument with the female and her husband. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on July 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Steven James Scott, 25, of Thorpe Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree menacing. He was arrested on Watson Street following an investigation into a reported disturbance on Thorpe Street at 11:38 p.m. on July 8. It is alleged that Scott displayed a knife during the incident. He was jailed in lieu of an unspecified amount of bail and is due in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Matthew Lutey.

Jose Gomez-Chavez, 43, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with: second-degree burglary -- illegal entry into dwelling; first-degree criminal contempt -- violation of order of protection; and fourth-degree criminal mischief -- intent to damage property. At 12:10 a.m. on July 10, Gomez-Chavez allegedly broke into the residence of a person for whom there was an order of protection. During the course of breaking into the residence, a window was allegedly damaged. Gomez-Chavez was put in jail and bail was set at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond. He is due in Town of Elba Court on July 13. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy James Diehl, assisted by Deputy Chad Cummings. UPDATE (by Howard Owens): We have a little more information on this case. Deputy Chris Erion was just clearing a concert detail at Darien Lake at 1 a.m. when this call came in. He responded with his K-9 "Destro." Destro picked up the track and began to follow it for about a half-mile into several fields, a large storage building, across a road and into a thick, brushy hedgerow and a bed of poison ivy.  Destro located the subject. In the midst of the search, Erion lost his cell phone. Destro located that, too, the next day, in the middle of a field.

Alex P. Wells, 27, of Pembroke, was arrested on July 8 on Route on 33 in the Town of Pembroke after being stopped for speeding -- going 70 in a 55-mph zone. SP Batavia Trooper Eric Daigler stopped Wells at about 11:45 p.m. and the vehicle Wells was driving struck a mailbox as it was pulling over. Wells was allegedly found to be intoxicated, with a BAC of .23 percent. He was issued tickets for aggravated DWI and speeding and is to appear in Town of Pembroke Court at a later date to answer the charges.

Dylan Nathan Willett, 22, of Murphy Road, Gainesville, is charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated for allegedly having a BAC of .18 percent or more at the time. Willett was arrested following a traffic stop on Sumner Road in the Town of Darien at 11:49 p.m. on July 8. He was allegedly found to have a BAC more than two tines the legal limit and was arrested. He is due in Town of Darien Court on July 19. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Reeves, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Lindsay Patricia Kenyon, 21, of Christ Road, Warsaw, is charged with second-degree obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. She was arrested at 11:51 a.m. on July 8 following an incident on Sumner Road in Darien wherein she allegedly became verbally and physically offensive toward a deputy while a friend was being investigated for a possible DWI violation. Kenyon allegedly refused to cooperate and physically obstructed the deputy during her friend's subsequent arrest, thus she was also arrested. Kenyon allegedly continued to be verbally abusive and physically resisted arrest and had to be subdued to avoid injuries. She is due in Darien Town Court on July 19. The case was handled by Deputy Patrick Reeves, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Martha L. Munson, 63, of River Street, Batavia, is charged with moving from lane unsafely and driving while intoxicated. Munson was westbound on West Main Street in Batavia at 4:11 p.m. on July 2 when she was allegedly observed swerving into the passing lane twice, both times without a signal or other indication she was about to make a lane change. She subsequently submitted to a blood draw to determine her BAC and those results are pending. Additional charges may be forthcoming. She was released on an appearance ticket and in due in City Court on July 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Martin Fitzgerald Jones Sr., 45, of Mill Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 8:57 p.m. on July 9 after allegedly stealing a bicycle out of a yard on Pringle Avenue in the city. He was jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail or $20,000 bond. He is due in City Court today to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins. Following his arrest on the petit larceny charge, Jones was charged with promoting prison contraband in the second degree. Jones allegedly introduced contraband into the Genesee County Jail at 10:35 p.m. on July 9. He is due in City Court on July 27 to answer that charge. The contraband case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Robert Henning, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.

Lenard Tyshon Jones, 23, of Lux Street, Rochester, is charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana; second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation; unlicensed operator; speeding over 55 mph; and driver's view obstructed. Jones was stopped at 6:54 p.m. on July 2 on Route 77 in Pembroke for allegedly speeding. An investigation revealed that the defendant was allegedly unlicensed to drive, was driving on a suspended license and in possession of marijuana. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Sergio A. Forte Jr., 44, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, was arrested on July 3 by the LeRoy Police Department and charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle in the second degree, a Class E felony. Forte allegedly operated a motor vehicle not belonging to him, knowing that he did not have consent from the owner to operate such vehicle. Forte was charged accordingly due to a prior conviction of unauthorized use of a vehicle within the preceding 10 years. Forte was arraigned and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or $2,500 bond. Forte is to return to the Town of Le Roy Court on Sept. 6.

Maranda L. Isabell, 19, of South Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with speeding and unlawful possession of marijuana. Isabell was arrested at 4:02 p.m. on July 6 following a traffic stop on South Main Street in the city for speeding. At that time, she was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in City Court July 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Sgt. Christopher Camp.

Thomas D. Demmer, 19, of Walden Estates, Batavia, is charged with trespass. He was arrested at 10:25 p.m. on July 8 on South Lyon Street in Batavia after he was allegedly observed inside another person's vehicle. He led police on a brief foot chase before being taken into custody. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on July 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Heather Elaine Schramm, 36, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. At 6:02 p.m. on July 2, Batavia PD responded to an address on Ellsworth Avenue for the report of a custody issue. After an investigation, Schramm was arrested after she allegedly refused to obey a lawful court mandate. She is due in City Court on July 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Andrew James Aaron Morris, 19, of Main Street, Attica, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested on July 8 following the investigation of a larceny at Walmart at 6:51 p.m. on June 27. Morris allegedly stole alcoholic beverages from the store. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on July 25. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Christopher James Parker, 27, of Morse Place, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Parker was arrested at 2:21 a.m. on July 9 on Clinton Street Road in Byron after vehicle and traffic violations were allegedly observed and the vehicle was searched. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Byron Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Jessi M. Heale, 23, of Buffalo Road, Bergen, was arrested on July 3 by the Le Roy Police Department and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation. Heale was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by the Le Roy Police Department and was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. Heale was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Le Roy Town Court on July 25 to answer to the charge.

A 16-year-old who lives on Hall Street in Batavia is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The teen matched the description of a subject who was entering vehicles around DeWitt Recreation Area. The teen was stopped on Harvester Avenue and allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. The defendant is due in Batavia City Court on July 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Accident with injuries reported at East Main and Liberty in the city

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at East Main and Liberty streets. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 10:18 a.m.: A first responder says two cars were involved and two patients may have minor injuries and are being evaluated.

UPDATE 10:24 a.m.: The two drivers are signs-offs. Accident site cleanup underway.

Independent Living teams up with arts group to offer opportunities to artists with disabilities

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia’s premier consumer-run human service and advocacy agency for people with disabilities, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), is “art partnering for the disabled” with the University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), a group of artists in North Buffalo with a commitment to community that places art in businesses and nonprofits through an established Art Partnering program.

Having the stated purpose of showing that “art is for everyone irrespective of disability”, the groups’ “ARTiculations Ability Exhibitions promote the inclusion of artists and audiences with disabilities into the rich network of exhibitions offered throughout Western New York."

The program provides opportunities for artists with disabilities living in Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties to enter works for jurying (judging), which meet criteria such as medium, framing, size, wall-hanging hardware, etc. Those accepted will be displayed in ILGR’s office at 113 Main St., Suite 5, in Batavia, in quarterly solo and group exhibitions.

If they wish, artists can offer the works for sale at the end of the exhibition, and retain all proceeds, but they are not required to sell their works to participate. Neither of the sponsoring organizations will be charging the artists to enter.

Artists must email photographs of at least three different artworks to fineart@uhartsgroup.com to be considered; dates and times will be arranged for the accepted works to be dropped off, and then retrieved after the exhibition closes.

Artists will be welcome to participate in an annual reception at ILGR for all the ARTiculations Ability Exhibitions that have taken place that year. For more information, or to request a prospectus with the criteria and an entry form, call Donna at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411.

City's Washington Avenue sewer project moving along

By Billie Owens

Press release from the city's Department of Public Works:

The Washington Avenue sewer project will be moving operations beginning next week. The area between Bank Street and Ross Street has been installed and the contractor will be mobilizing to Jefferson Avenue next week.

Work will then progress north on Jefferson Avenue and easterly on Washington Avenue toward Bank Street.

Traffic will be restricted/closed at the north end of Jefferson Avenue and, eventually, on Washington Avenue between Jefferson Avenue and State Street. Motorists are advised to use other routes. 

Law and Order: Scottsburg woman charged with providing investigators a false written statement about alleged sexual assault

By Billie Owens

Mary Frances Cronin, 20, of Sheppard Road, Scottsburg, is charged with false written statement. She was arrested for making a punishment false written statement at 4:30 p.m. on July 2. At that time, she provided a signed supporting deposition at the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on Park Road in Batavia, which allegedly contained several "non-truths" in relation to an investigation into an alleged sexual assault. Cronin was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Batavia Town Court on July 25. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto.

STOP-DWI Night at the Ballpark is July 15, with fireworks, chance to win a bike, and more

By Billie Owens

From left, Bill Sheron, Genesee County undersheriff; Matt Landers, STOP-DWI coordinator; Jocelyn Sikorski, STOP-DWI board chair; and John Roche, owner of Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle.

(Submitted photo and press release.)

Come on down to the Batavia Muckdogs game and enjoy a safe summer night with us! STOP-DWI Night at the Ballpark is happening on Friday, July 15, gates opening at 6 p.m. The Batavia Muckdogs will play the Aberdeen Ironbirds.

NYS STOP-DWI, Genesee County STOP-DWI and the Genesee County Youth Bureau are sponsoring this evening. There are giveaways for the first 500 who enter the gate, and several interactive booths for families and children to visit including: Sheriff’s K-9 Officer, City Police, Le Roy Police, Probation and the STOP-DWI display.

A grand prize giveaway, a youth bike, sponsored by Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, will be on display and a winning ticket drawn that evening. So join us for a great night at the ballpark and the Friday night fireworks!

St. Joe's held annual prayer service, awarded 14 scholarships

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

St. Joseph Catholic School finished the school year with their annual prayer service at Resurrection Parish followed by an awards ceremony recognizing students for their accomplishments throughout the year.

In addition to the many awards handed out that morning, scholarships were presented to the following students as well:

  • The Michael Napoleone Scholarship -- Michael Cianfrini and Connor Dwyer;
  • The Good Shepherd Scholarship -- Veronica Bochicchio and Nathanael Brew;
  • The Msgr. Kirby Knights of Columbus Council 325 Scholarship -- Kaiden Campopiano, Teresa Compton, Matthew Compton, Jekora Anderson, Randall Laska, Maria Prattico and Justice Yourkowski;
  • The Msgr. Zupa Scholarship -- Hope Miceli;
  • The Patrick Suozzi Memorial Scholarship -- Sarah Lumberg;
  • The Mercedes Mahoney Mancuso Scholarship -- Kaylie Kratz.

Thank you to these generous donors for their continued support!

Independent Living helps Batavia couple with disabilities to replace bad section of roof with grant from Home Depot

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is delighted to have played a role in replacing a portion of a residential roof whose leaks had caused heavy damage to the home’s kitchen, its furnishings, floor and electrical system, and created a mold problem.

The potential ultimate consequence could have been the collapse of that part of the home. Wishing to remain anonymous, both the husband, a military veteran, and his wife, who volunteers at ILGR, have disabilities that prevent their working, and left them without means to repair it themselves.

The couple had sought assistance from various programs, without being able to qualify for them. But ILGR staff connected them to the Community Impact Grant Program (CIGP) of the Home Depot Foundation, which helps improve existing homes or buildings, with the involvement of an IRS-registered tax-exempt public service organization, and with the actual work to be done by volunteers from the community.

Once they were approved in December, the Foundation provided a $2,000 gift card, which purchased materials for the highest priority repair, the roof, to stop the leaks and ongoing damage, and also some electrical wiring. The “sweat equity” was provided by relatives and friends of the family who had some skills in home building, and recently completed the roof work.

The family is looking into used cabinets and kitchen furnishings, and is saving up their limited funds for work on the next priorities, repairing the damaged floor and electrical system, and remediation of the mold. They are very grateful for the kindness of the Home Depot Foundation, the support of friends, and the initiative of the staff at ILGR, which enabled them to have a home that is becoming increasingly livable.

LOCATION CHANGE: 12th Annual Taste of Stafford is Thursday, July 14, will feature famous Red Osier beef sandwiches

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
The Stafford Historical Society will be holding its 12th Annual Taste of Stafford event from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 14th, at Ilette Park, located at the corner of routes 5 and 237. 
 
THE LOCATION IS CHANGED TO STAFFORD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT'S HALL ON ROUTE 5.
 
This fundraiser benefits the Stafford Museum of History and the Stafford Historical Society.
 
Featured will be: the famous Red Osier roast beef sandwiches; pizza from Shell's Post; sundaes from Dave's Ice Cream; beverages, pies & desserts from organizations and churches.
 
Included will be the Dairy Princess Court and a Theme Basket Auction. Music will be supplied by Mark Time Marchers: A Brass Marching Band.
 
The Society is featuring the New Veterans Monument Project "For All Who Served." It is their desire to errect a monument in Ilette Park, honoring veterans from World War II to present. The museum will be open and we will have a display regarding the "Wars of the 20th Century."
 
Bring your own comfortable chairs. Parking is free.

Batavia Downs to offer new earning incentive for horsemen

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs:

The 2016 Batavia Downs season will feature a new earning incentive for horsemen when the Claiming Championship Series will make its debut in July.

The point-based competition will be broken down by gait and claiming price and the accrual of points will be on a monthly basis. There is no nomination or entry fee to participate and the event will be conducted under the rules and regulations of the New York State Gaming Commission, the USTA and Batavia Downs.

Divisions will include $4,000, $5,000-$6,000 and $8,000-$10,000 claimers on the pace and $4,000-$5,000 and $7,500-$10,000 claimers on the trot. Points will be awarded to the top-five finishers of each race.

The top eight horses from each class category making the final will be comprised of the top three pointe earners in August, (July 25 – Aug. 31) and September, (Sept. 1- 30) and the top two point earners in October, (Oct. 1- 31). They will advance to the Claiming Championship Finals on Nov. 12.

Once a new month starts, all the points earned will revert back to zero (with the exception of July, which will carry over into August).  

The $4,000 and $4,000-$5,000 categories will compete for $15,000 in the final and all other categories will vie for $20,000.

As is the case with all horses racing at Batavia Downs, horses entered in these races must have a current negative Coggins test, current proof of a rabies vaccination and a current health certificate. All owners, trainers and drivers must also have a current membership with the USTA.

Click here (http://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/live-racing/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/LRW-ClaimChampSeries-Fullpg-16-0778.pdf) for complete rules or log onto www.bataviadownsgaming.com and click the "Live Racing" tab and then the “Horsemen” tab.

Local tourism boost: Two prominent car clubs to visit here starting Sunday

By Billie Owens

Press release from the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce:

Two prominent automobile clubs will be visiting the Batavia-area beginning Sunday, July 10th.

The 1965-66 Full-Size Chevrolet Club will use Batavia as a base of operations for five days. The Early Ford V-8 Club of America will embark on a five-day driving tour that will begin and end in Batavia. In total, more than 200 people will be coming to the area.

The 2016 International Meet for the 1965-66 Full-Size Chevrolet Club will take place at the Quality Inn in Batavia on from Sunday, July 10 to Friday, July 15. The group is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1966 Impala.

While here, the group will tour Oliver’s Candies in the City of Batavia (afternoon of July 11) and Kutter's Cheese Factory in Corfu (morning of July 15) and the JELL-O Museum in Le Roy (morning of July 11). The club will also have a show day at Ken Barrett Chevrolet on West Main Street, Batavia, on the morning of July 13.

The Chevrolet club will also be cruising to Letchworth State Park in Wyoming County, touring the Chevy plant in Tonawanda, visiting the Carousel Museum, getting an exclusive tour of the Pierce Arrow Museum, and visiting the Erie Basin & Waterfront Naval Park.

The club was founded in 1983 and has more than 100 members. Members have been successfully working with manufacturers to make hard-to-find parts available again and assist in restoration of the vehicles.

From July 10 to July 15, the Western New York Regional Group #3 of the Early Ford V-8 Club of America will celebrate its 50th anniversary on a five-day National Driving Tour around the Finger Lakes.

On Sunday, July 10, the group will be hosting an opening party at the Quality Inn in Batavia. The following morning they will depart for a tour of Olean, Corning, Binghamton and Liverpool. The group will return to Batavia on Friday, July 15, for a farewell dinner.

The Western Regional Group of the Early Ford V-8 Club of America is centered in Rochester. It features all Ford products produced from 1932-1953 and are the second-oldest active regional group in the world. They have 85 active members.

Grand Jury indictments: Man allegedly busts out front-door window on Kingsbury Avenue, and sex offender allegedly fails to register new Buell Street address

By Billie Owens

Patrick D. Neaverth is indicted for the crime of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony. On March 13, he allegedly knowlingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling on Kingsbury Avenue in the City of Batavia with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of third degree criminal mischief, a Class E felony, for intending to damage the property of another person and without having any right to do so allegedly damaged property, in this case a glass window to the front door of a residence, and the amount of damage exceeds $250. In count three, the defendant is accused of first degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony, for allegedly violating a duly served order of protection by intentionally or recklessly damaging the property of a protected person in an amount exceeding $250.

Triton A. Drock is indicted for the crime of failure to report a change of address within 10 days as required of a registered sex offender, a Class E felony. The convicted sex offender moved to 20 Buell St. in the City of Batavia then allegedly failed to register his new address with the state Dvision of Criminal Justice within the required 10 calendar days.

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