Skip to main content

Stories from

Atta Boy Dan wins Kane at Batavia; Morrill Jr. wins 7

By Billie Owens

(Atta Boy with reinsman Jim Morrill Jr., courtesy Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

The marquee event at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 3) was the $50,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace. But history and outstanding performances in other races combined to provided a show that those in attendance won’t soon forget.

In the main event, Atta Boy Dan led at every post en route to a three-length victory in the 13th annual Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace.

Off the gate, Atta Boy Dan (Jim Morrill Jr.) rebuffed early challenges from Fireyourguns (Mike Caprio) and Doctor Butch (Jim Marohn Jr.) and seated them both past the eighth pole. Then after the field followed in single file to a :27.4 quarter, Morrill backed off the half to :56.3 and took full control of the race.

Royal Heart (Drew Monti) started an outer flow into the clubhouse turn and had Aslan (Sean McDonough) in tow, but no one got closer than two-lengths before they hit the head of the stretch. From there, Fireyourguns pulled the pocket for one last shot but Atta Boy Dan, pacing his last quarter in :27.4, was just too good and pulled away to an easy win in 1:52.1.

Fireyourguns hung on to be second and Aslan came up to be third.

“I had a smooth journey to the half and as soon as I called on him, he was on cruise right to the wire. That was a good horse (Fireyourguns) sitting on my back and I was a little worried about him, but mine felt pretty good too. I wish I could have a Burke horse off the rail every year in this race,” said winning driver Jim Morrill Jr.

It was the 16th victory of the year for Atta Boy Dan ($2.30) and the winner’s share boosted his earning to $222,757 in 2015 for owners Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi.

Atta Boy Dan was just part of the story for Jim Morrill Jr. on Saturday night as he won seven races out of the 11 he had on the card. Combine those with a second and third he also had and Morrill posted an amazing .717 UDR for the evening.

The all-time pacing track record of 1:51.1 was not broken in the race; however trotting history was made instead.

(Lutetium with reinsman John Cummings Jr., courtesy of Paul White.)

Lutetium got back to his front-running comfort zone and destroyed the field in the $12,500 Brian Schroeder Memorial Trot.

In a late driver change, John Cummings Jr. was tapped to steer Lutetium and wasted no time earning his keep. When prohibitive betting favorite, Tall Cotton made a break in the first turn, Cummings rushed Lutetium away and opened up a gap of as much as 15 lengths between himself and the rest of the field through fractions of :27.1, :55.4 and 1:25.1 before scooting home to a six-length victory in 1:55.2.

The winning time broke the existing track record of 1:56 for aged trotting geldings that was co-held by Lutetium and Second Hand News, both who set that mark in 2014.

“They said he hasn’t been leaving well lately, so I scored him down fast. Once he got the front in the race; the more I grabbed him, the more he went on. I was a passenger,” said Cummings Jr.

It was the ninth win of the year for Lutetium and it pushed his bank account to $68,886 for owner Colleen Girdlestone and trainer Mark Laidlaw. Overlooked at 10-1, Lutetium returned $22.60.

This was just one of three wins for John Cummings Jr., who scored the hat trick on the night.

There were also two, $50,000 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) consolation events on the card for 2-year-old colts and geldings and also fillies.

The boy’s division was won by Southern Palms (RC Royalty-Pacific Elegance) in 1:59.2. The post-time favorite went wire to wire and won by four-lengths. It was the first career win for Southern Palms ($4.40) who is trained by Erv Miller for owners Ronald Michelon and Anthony Lombardi.  

After the race, winning driver Jim Marohn Jr. said “Erv (Miller) tipped me off that he was a handful tonight; and he was!”

The distaff leg went to Royal Surprise (RC Royalty-Miss Conway), also in 1:59.2. After getting away fourth, the filly tipped three-deep at three-quarters and pulled away to a two-length win. It was also the first career win for Royal Surprise ($6.50) who is trained by Dan Daley for owners Ann-Mari Daley, James Crawford, Richard Lombardo and Michael White.

“She was good the whole mile and when I asked her, she just trotted away. She was good tonight,” said winning driver Jim Morrill Jr.

There was a huge crowd on hand Saturday night and the fans both in the stands and watching remotely, were putting some money through the windows. The total handle was up 15 percent this year, versus Kane night of 2014.

The Paddock Room and enclosed grandstand were very crowded and the clubhouse was sold out once again. There were so many people in line to receive their free Kane Pace T-shirt, it took over two races to distribute the goods.

Racing will reconvene at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Oct. 7) for a 12-race program that will commence at 6:35.

Two-car crash with minor injuries reported by Caryville Inn in Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with what are believed to be minor injuries is reported at 25 Main St. in Oakfield, by the Caryville Inn. Oakfield fire is responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 4:13 p.m.: A first responder reports the vehicles are blocking traffic.

Health Department says thanks for preparing the community for anthrax attack

By Billie Owens

“Anthrax in Autumn,” the practice exercise held last week at Genesee Community College had a great turnout. The exercise held by the Genesee and Orleans (GO) County Heath Departments simulated how antibiotics would be distributed if an anthrax attack occurred in the counties.

“The exercise was a success with 749 mock doses of the antibiotics doxycycline and ciproflaxin dispensed in two hours,” said Al Cheverie, GO Public Health Emergency Preparedness coordinator.

In the event of a public health emergency where residents are in need of medication or vaccination the Local Health Departments would provide this at no cost.

“Exercises like this one help our Public Health Professionals to not only practice serving the public masses but also to partner with agencies to share resources and manpower in the interest of protecting the public’s health in a timely and efficient manner,” said Paul Pettit, GO Public Health director.

Cheverie added, “Thank you to all who helped prepare our community by receiving ‘medication’ and to the hardworking volunteers that assisted in many important ways. A special thanks especially to Genesee Community College, Lake Plains Community Care Network, University at Buffalo, New York State Department of Health, Alleghany Health Department and Wyoming County Health Department.”

If you would like to serve your community in the event of a public health emergency, please contact your local Health Department for more information. Genesee 585-344-2580, ext. 5555, and Orleans 585-589-3279.

Car vs. pedestrian accident reported at East Main and Vine streets, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A car vs. pedestrian accident is reported at East Main and Vine streets in Batavia. The pedestrian is conscious and alert but still in the roadway. City fire is responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 2:34 p.m.: The victim is a 49-year-old female who suffered a small cut over her right eye. She was being treated for it in the ambulance when Howard took this photo. She is a "sign off" and will not be transported to the hospital. According to the officer who spoke with our news partner WBTA, the sedan was westbound on Route 5 (Main Street) and had a green light and the right of way, when the pedestrian stepped into the intersection and was struck. The pedestrian will be issued a citation.

Owner of Main Street Pizza chases down customers who allegedly fled without paying for food

By Billie Owens

"A couple of girls just ran out of Main Street Pizza without paying for their order," says a dispatcher. "The owner chased them down and now they're in front of Valle Jewelers on Jackson." City police are responding.

UPDATE 1:24 p.m.: This was a foursome of 14-year-old girls who allegedly "dined & dashed." At least one was taken away in a police cruiser. The cases will be referred to Family Court.

Batavia Downs horsemen raise $9,200 for the Hanners family

By Billie Owens

Picture, courtesy of Paul White, shows some of the horsemen who donated their training and driving percentages to the fundraiser.

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Batavia Downs race track held a fundraiser Wednesday night (Sept. 30) to help support the family of driver Brad Hanners.

The event was overseen by Jami Rae Chatt, whose enthusiasm and passion to help others definitely rubbed off on the owners, trainers, drivers and even the fans of the Downs, as they all pitched in together to raise $9,200 for the Hanners family.

Brad’s Aunt, Ann Coe, was on hand Wednesday and was truly moved by the outpouring of support that everyone at the races that night provided. She spoke with many on hand near the silent auction area and was greeted by all in a winner’s circle presentation after the tenth race.

“Batavia Downs would like to thank everyone for their generosity in making this fundraiser a huge success," said Todd Haight, director/general manager of Live Racing at Batavia Downs. "It was truly a touching and remarkable night. I would also like to thank Jami Rae Chatt for once again leading the way with this effort and making it a winner for Brad's family.”

Batavia Foot Care Center celebrates relocation into new office with open house on Oct. 14

By Billie Owens

Batavia Foot Care Center, offering podiatric medicine and surgery, is celebrating its relocation to 3922 W. Main Street Road with a free, public open house featuring hors d'oeuvres and refreshments.

It will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The new location is across the road from Toyota of Batavia.

The staff is excited about the expansion into a warm, spacious modern podiatry office with services including a diabetic show program, digital X-ryas and up-to-date treatments and products.

Also, the center announces the retirement of Dr. Gina Teresi. She founded Batavia Foot Care Center 30 years ago with the motto "Always Put the Patient First!"

They are pleased to introduce Dr. Zerah Ali as a new provider on their team beginning Oct. 12. He is a graduate of Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. He did his residency at the Staten Island University Hospital and most recently practiced podiatry in Syracuse. He is accepting new patients.

Questions? Contact 344-1677.

Visit at www.bataviafootcarecenter.com

Climate Hanover trips out for Batavia Open win

By Billie Owens

(Photo of Climate Hanover with reinsman Drew Monti, courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Taking full advantage of post and position in the race, Climate Hanover ($5.10) scored an impressive victory in the $8,500 Open mares pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Sept. 30).

Starting from the pylons, Climate Hanover (Drew Monti) yielded the lead to a hard charging Country Delight (Jack Flanigen) who left from post eight. With the field then following the leader in post-position order, Country Delight led the girls to a modest :58 half.

Past that station, Call Me Maybe (Shawn McDonough) was motoring on the outside and drew near-even with the leader at three quarters in 1:26.4. Those two then battled on top until the head of the stretch when the passing lane opened and left clear passage for the pocket-sitting Climate Hanover to shoot through and pull away to a two-length victory in 1:55.4.

It was the seventh win of the year for the 5-year-old Western Ideal mare and the winner’s share of the purse boosted her 2015 income to $57,284 for owner James Caradori. Climate Hanover is trained by Darrin Monti.

Climate Hanover’s triumph capped off a three-win night for driver Drew Monti, who also took post-race pictures with Maradona ($14.60) and Old Mcheath ($11.40). Drivers Dave McNeight III and Ray Fisher Jr. also had driving doubles.

Batavia Downs returns live on Friday night (Oct. 2) with a 12-race card that will begin at 6:35.

Self-inflicted fatal gunshot wound at public gun range in Bergen

By Billie Owens

Shortly before noon, Bergen fire and an ambulance were called to The Firing Pin for an accidental gunshot to the head. The incident is a fatality. Sheriff's investigators are on scene.

The Bergen facility is a public indoor shooting range, retail gun shop and firearms training center located at 8240 Buffalo Road, between Parkview Drive and Route 33.

UPDATE 12:40 p.m.: The Sheriff's Office has confirmed this is a suicide and there will be no additional information released.

'Everything Flows' exhibit at Roz Steiner Gallery opens Oct. 8

By Billie Owens

Nate Hodge's "Everything Flows" exhibit opens Oct. 8 at the Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery at Genesee Community College.

It will feature the mixed media work of Nate Hodge, a Brockport native. Two opening receptions are planned on Oct. 8: from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.; and again later that day from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Prior to the first reception, Hodge will be giving a lecture about his work in the Gallery at 12:30 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.

Hodge uses art to explore his observations through their temporality. Delicate forms develop and dissolve amidst the various layers of his work. Applying the same principle, the last moments of each painting set the parameters for the beginning of the next, creating a continuous flow among each exhibited work.

An accomplished, contemporary painter, Hodge is indirectly influenced by everything he has experienced in his 36 years, from food to family. Hodge took an interest in art at a young age and dreamed of a career as an artist.

"With my paintings I try to understand things through their temporality," Hodge writes of his works. "How I paint begins with what I observe happening around me, observations which can come from nearly anything."

His work has recently been displayed at Main Street Arts (Clifton Springs), the SUNY Global Center (New York City) The College at Brockport, The University of Buffalo, and several exhibitions in Buffalo and Rochester.

Hodge is the 2014 recipient of the Elliott Painting Award presented by The University at Buffalo, as well as the 2013 recipient of the Alumni Portfolio Award and the Maurice J. Moss Award presented by The College at Brockport.

"Everything Flows" will be displayed in the gallery through Nov. 25. The exhibit can be viewed during regular gallery hours, which are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information on all upcoming events at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery visit www.genesee.edu/gallery or www.facebook.com/gccgallery.

Local tattoo artist, small businessman needs your money and your prayers

By Billie Owens

The owner of High Voltage Tattoo is really sick and no longer able to work. He and his team of tattoo artists have held several charity events over the years to benefit worthy causes in our community. Now the table has turned, and Mark Fanara is the one in need.

The single father of two little boys has a rare lymphoma -- lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG). He is receiving chemotherapy and other medical care at the Wilmot Cancer Institute at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He has a wonderful team of doctors there and a great support system in and around Batavia.

Mark needs help from his friends and community to help with his increasing medical bills and daily living expenses.

You can make a donation to him online at gofundme. Search for Benefit for Mark Fanara.

Or you can make a personal check payable to Mark Fanara and put Benefit in the memo field.  

Checks can be mailed to:
High Voltage Tattoo
Benefit Mark Fanara
110 W. Main St.
Batavia, NY 14020

Musical Memories to benefit Crossroads House is Saturday at City Church

By Billie Owens

(Kenny Petterson)

Press release:

Kenny Petterson, pictured above, is one of several musicians to entertain at this year’s Musical Memories, the sixth annual event to benefit Crossroads House. It will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at City Church, 210 E. Main St., Batavia. Rochester's The Hit Men Brass Band, shown below, just came off winning their DCA World Ensemble championship and are going to be there to show us just what it took to win their fifth world title.

When it comes to tooting his own horn, Kenny Petterson is still at it. He picked up the trumpet in fifth grade and, at 83, regularly practices and performs with musical groups. A resident of Penn Yan visiting family in Florida, he plans to travel north this week to join St. Joseph’s Reunion Brass Ensemble. The Ensemble is part of Saturday's lineup.

“I have been in the drum corps all my life. Music to me is everything. I don’t know what I’d do without it,” Petterson said in a recent interview by phone from Florida. “When you have something like this, it’s important to do. Crossroads is something the people all volunteer to do, and that’s just fantastic.”

Petterson is actually not about tooting his own horn, at least figuratively speaking, organizer Frank Panepento said. Yet he has always been an admired professional as a teacher, performer and mentor.

“This is the guy we were listening to,” Panepento said. “(Kenny) is very unselfish, never condescending, he was always very positive. He’s a teacher you always wanted to have.”

Other featured musicians will be Dave Martin of Rochester’s The Hit Men Brass Band, Steve Cooley of The Hit Men, Jeff Gibbens and Prime Time Brass, the Wendall Brothers with Parkside Avenue Brass. Brad Dewaal, Tommy Cecere, Harold McJury are playing with the Reunion Brass Ensemble. Performers are coming from Pennsylvania, Rochester and Florida for the show.

(Rochester's The Hit Men Brass Band)

St. Joseph’s Ensemble has been rehearsing and is excited to show off some new tunes. “Moon Dance” is a new one for the show. It was arranged by Donny Allen. Listeners will also get his rendition of the “God Bless America” and “Auld Lang Syne,” “Army Medley,” "Never Walk Alone," "Send in the Clowns" among others during the two-hour show.

“It’s very special to have all these guys come from all over to do this,” Panepento said. “This is to raise money to keep Crossroads House operational.”

It costs more than $200,000 a year to run Crossroads House, a home for terminally ill people. The Liberty Street site depends on donations and volunteers to keep the doors open. Musical Memories is an event where the all the proceeds go toward keeping the house open.

Tickets are $5 general admission, $10 preferred seating, and include merchant coupons and a free drink at Center Street Smoke House during the post-event party. They may be purchased at Crossroads House, Roxy’s Music Store on West Main Street, and Valle Jewelers on Jackson Avenue.

Batavia Downs to hold Brad Hanners fundraiser Wednesday

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Racing Media Relations

The racing community has once again come together at Batavia Downs to help out the family of one of their own. Wednesday night (Sept. 30) is the “Helping the family of Brad Hanners Fundraiser” night.

There are many facets to this endeavor but one singular goal as horsemen are donating purses and donated items will generate revenue through a silent auction.

Drivers who will be donating their entire 5-percent income for the Wednesday night card include Drew Monti, Shawn McDonough, Dave McNeight III and Jack Rice. Trainers who have also agreed to donate their entire 5% are Dave McNeight Jr., Maria Rice, Mike Carrubba and Bob Gruber.

Drivers and trainers who will be making a general donation include, Ron Beback Jr., Russell Bratt, Denny Bucceri, Mike Caprio, Kevin Cummings, James Clouser Jr., Lee Dahn, Alex Giuliani, Brad Jackson, Lisa Lederhouse, Jim McNeight, Darrin Monti, Jim Mulcahy, John Mungillo, Angelo Nappo, Jerry Nugent Jr., Courtney Ohol, JD Perrin, Don Rothfuss, Rose Russo, Ron Van Wagoner and Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr.

Owners who have agreed to donation a portion of their Wednesday earnings include Steve Andzel, Dave Bratt, Louis Frascella, Mike Torcello and Howard Ouriel.

Organizations who will be donating funds include the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) and the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association.

Those attending the races live can also make cash donations or bid on any of the silent auction items that will be available. The auction will be held in the Paddock Room and bids will be accepted from 6:15 p.m. until five minutes after the 10th race.

Auction items include:

-- A set of bobbleheads consisting of Jim Marohn Jr., Wendy Ross, Tim Tetrick, Drew Monti and Jody Jamieson;

-- An autographed whip from William O’ Donnell, David Miller and Jody Jamieson and a Sweet Lou cup;

-- A Future Hall of Famer, Yannick Gingras, autographed jacket and driving gloves;

-- A Hall of Famer, Ron Pierce, autographed driving jacket;

-- An autographed full set of driving colors from Hall of Famer, Ron Pierce;

-- A Breyer Foiled Again horse signed by Yannick Gingras.

Jami Rae Chatt is the driving force behind the fundraiser and is well qualified to do it. Chatt also organized the Anthony Coletta fundraiser that raised $12,835 in 2013; an effort that garnered her the Unsung Hero Award from USHWA last year.

“Because we did so well for Anthony Coletta, we wanted to help the Hanners family any way we could. When everyone is on the racetrack, it’s all business. But other than that, we’re all one big family and I have seen how generous the Western New York racing community can be on many occasions. I’m just glad to be a part of it,” Chatt said.

Todd Haight, director/general manager of Live Racing said “Jami is an amazing young lady. When she came to me asking if the track would help put this on we were more than happy to help anyway we could. Jami is a very caring individual and her efforts for Anthony Coletta proved that. I only hope we can be as successful for this family as they go through this very bad time.”

Authentically Local