The fish weren't biting on the Tonawanda Creek today, but that didn't stop a group of Batavia residents from having fun during an annual fishing derby organized by John Lawrence.
The water was high and swift, which made it hard to even get a nibble, but the anglers, young and older, stuck with it.
Above, Brian Mruczek with is son Lakoda.
Giana Mruczek.
Nick Grasso puts on a show like he's really hooked something big.
The Medina War Veterans sponsored a Gun Raffle and Spaghetti Dinner today to benefit Operation Injured Soldiers. The event was held at the Sacred Heart Social Center.
Above, Chris Page, Peggy Johnson and Brittany Johnson contemplate which baskets to put their numbers in for the chance auction.
Veterans and guests at the VA Hospital were entertained this afternoon by The Manhatten Dolls, a group of singers from NYC who perform the great vocal harmonies and songs of the 1930s, '40s, '50s and '60s.
Ed Longhany points to the name Richard N. Longhany on the Genesee County War Memorial, which was dedicated today in an hour-long ceremony at St. Jerome's.
Richard Longhany was on a Navy vessal that was hit by two torpedeos from a German U-boat. Some of Longhany's shipmates were rescued, including one seaman who survived 17 days at sea in February weather. Richard Longhany was lost at sea.
There are dozens of such stories about the men and women from Genesee County who died in 20th Century wars, those whose names are on the War Memorial.
It was erected to replace the one that was formerly outside UMMC and it replicates the names and the wars that were on the original memorial.
The names are etched into a very special and rare kind of polished black granite that can only be found in one quarry in India. The granite has a polished black skin, but is white underneath the black, allowing a skinning process to make the names visible. It's the same kind of granite and the same process used on the Vietnam War Memorial.
The mirror-like black granite will give visitors the opportunity to reflect on the lives of loved ones lost in service to their country.
Anita Dziekan brought a news stories and pictures of her brothers, Rosario A. Mocciaro and Santo Mocciario Jr., who died days apart in World War II. Rosario drowned after the PT boat he was on was torpedoed by the Japanese. Days after the telegram came informing the family of Rosario's death, another telegram came with news of Santo's death, who died in the Battle of Leyte. A third brother was wounded in North Africa during the war.
To purchase prints of photos, click here.
Two dozen players turned out to the YMCA today for Batavia's first-ever Pickleball Tournament.
Pickleball was created in Seattle in 1967 and now is the fastest-growing sport for people 50 and older, according to local pickleball "ambassador" Timothy Pickering (a former resident of San Diego who has moved with his wife to Batavia).
Players use paddles to hit a plastic whiffleball-like ball over a net, something like tennis.
Pickering hosts regular games and clinics at the Y.
Chuck Northrup and John Bender won this first tournament.
Photos by Howard Owens.
Photo submitted by Timothy Pickering. Pictured, Ray Burke and Eric Robinson, third place; Chuck Northrup and John Bender, first place; Karen Spiotta and Jason Santere, second place. Pickering, tournament director, is kneeling.
All of the entrants in the tournament. Photo submitted by Timothy Pickering.
It was a perfect morning for a plant sale at the Cornell Cooperative Extension on East Main Street, Batavia, with local master gardeners hosting the annual spring gala.
Alan Bieber and Heather Tower wait for a hot dog from Carol Schroeder.
Lucy Oltramari checks out a plant while her mother Laurie looks on.
Kara Tress shops for new plants.
A garden shed fire is reported at 7979 Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Stafford.
Stafford and Town of Batavia fire dispatched.
UPDATE 5:51 p.m.: The caller reports that there is about 50 gallons of gas inside the shed.
UPDATE 5:53 p.m.: There's no immediate exposure problem. There are other structures on the property but nothing extremely close.
UPDATE 5:55 p.m.: A Town of Batavia responder reports smoke visable from Bank Street. Another responder reports, "I've got a visual. She's going pretty good." A tanker from Elba is requested.
UPDATE 6:02 p.m.: Elba can respond non-emergency.
UPDATE 6:36 p.m.: Photo submitted by Karnenko Overs Barlog. Also, Mercy EMS requested to the scene to evaluate a firefighter.
This tyke is a public relations specialist. Holding a sign that's as big as he is, he encourages passersby to take a chance on winning a swell ride. He's out in front of the Town of Batavia Fire Station #1. The 15th annual raffle will be held at the volunteer firefighters' wingding July 26. Grand Prize is a 2014 Harley Fat Boy, pictured behind their PR guy.
Photo submitted by Jessica Radam.
A one-car rollover accident is reported on Feeder Road, just west of Judge Road. The driver is claiming no injury although he did bump his head. The vehicle is being "restrained by trees from falling into the creek." Alabama Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics. The location is in the Tonawanda State Wildlife Management Area.
UPDATE 8:51 p.m.: The Alabama assignment is back in service.
Press release:
Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Spring Garden Gala on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.
There will be a plant sale featuring outdoor and indoor plants (many grown by Master Gardeners), geraniums and a Chance Basket Auction. Bring in a soil sample from your garden for free soil pH testing. Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions.
There will also be a terrarium demonstration at 11 a.m. and a container gardening demonstration at noon.
Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants and other interesting items for your garden. Sale starts promptly at 10 a.m. No early birds please. Chance Auction drawing at 12:30 p.m.
For more information contact Brandie Schultz at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 10; stop by the Extension office at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia; or visit our Web site at http://www.genesee.shutterfly.com
Press release:
The Batavia Muckdogs, Genesee County’s only professional sports franchise, have released their 2014 promotional schedule featuring fireworks, giveaways, special events, and daily promotions.
The 2014 season is the 75th anniversary of professional baseball in Batavia. This season will feature a couple promotions to help celebrate this momentous occasion. The first one occurs every Saturday home game, as well as Sunday, Aug. 31. At these seven games, one fan will win $75 worth of “Muck Bucks” courtesy of the Genesee County Baseball Club and the Muckdogs Booster Club. “Muck Bucks” can be used to purchase food and/or merchandise at Dwyer Stadium.
The second promotion will occur on Friday, Aug. 22nd. When baseball came to Batavia in 1939, 3,000 fans attended the first game, which is an attendance record that still stands to this day. The Muckdogs will attempt to break this attendance record on Aug. 22nd. If the record is broken that night, one fan could win $3,001!
The Muckdogs will again offer fans a daily menu of money-saving promotions available throughout the season.
The Daily News will continue to sponsor Muckdog Mondays. Every Monday home game, fans can purchase buy one get one free General Admission tickets with a coupon that runs in the Saturday edition of The Daily News.
Every Tuesday, New York’s 529 College Savings Program presents Kids’ Tuesday Night Tickets. Every Tuesday home game, the first 50 kids accompanied by an adult will receive a free General Admission ticket.
The Family Four Pack will take place on every Wednesday during the 2014 season and is presented by MVP Healthcare. Fans can purchase four general admission tickets, four hot dogs, four 12-oz. sodas and a 2014 program for only $30, a savings of $16.
On Thursday nights, Bob Evans Restaurant will sponsor our Kids Eat Free promotion. At every Thursday home game, the first 100 kids 12 & under will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda and snack item.
Fireworks will again light up the sky after every Friday night game at Dwyer Stadium, as well as on the annual Independence Day celebration on July 3rd. Every Saturday will feature a pre-game concert in the concourse. These “Rock the Ballpark” events are presented by Tim Horton’s of Batavia and New Buffalo Impact, with Papa and Mama Root, an oldies rock and roll tribute band, and original music recording artists. All performances begin at 6 p.m. and are weather permitting. Returning to the lineup this year is Dollar Draft Saturday presented by Eastown Beverage and Redemption Center. Every Saturday home game, 12-oz. Bug Light and Genny Light drafts will be just $1 from 6 to 7 p.m.
At Sunday home games, kids can run the bases with Homer after the game courtesy of Bob Evans Restaurant. Also on Sundays, the first 100 seniors will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda/coffee, and a snack item courtesy of The Williams Law Firm.
Other games of note on the 2014 promotional schedule include:
Opening Day/Magnet Schedule Giveaway
Saturday, June 14th
Personal First Aid Kit Giveaway
Friday, June 20th
Muckdogs Car Decal Giveaway
Saturday, June 21st
Independence Day Celebration Fireworks
Thursday, July 3rd
Post-Game Helicopter Candy Drop
Sunday, July 20th
Prostate Cancer Awareness
Friday, July 25th
Bark in the Park
Sunday, July 27th
Le Roy Community Night
Friday, Aug. 8th
Muckdogs Note Pad Giveaway
Saturday, Aug. 9th
Snapple Night
Friday, Aug. 22nd
Team Photo Giveaway
Saturday, Aug. 23rd
Fireworks Nights will be as follows: June 20th, June 27th, July 3rd, July 18th, July 25th, Aug. 8th and Aug. 22nd.
The Muckdogs open their 2014 home schedule on Saturday, June 14th vs. the Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 p.m. For a complete 2014 promotional schedule, go to www.muckdogs.com or call the Muckdogs office at (585) 343-5454. Muckdogs season tickets, coupon books, ticket packages and individual tickets are all on sale.
Press release:
In a letter to Monroe County Legislator Justin Wilcox, Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder Sr. announced that the Seneca Nation will no longer pursue the siting of a casino development project in Henrietta or Monroe County at this time. Subsequently, representatives of Western Region Off-Track Betting Corporation expressed appreciation to the people of the region for voicing their opposition to the proposal.
In the letter to Wilcox, Snyder stated, “We will not engage in the demanding and complex process required to get a casino approved pursuant to the laws and regulations governing Indian gaming without the support of the local community and New York State.”
To date, 17 towns and 11 counties, as well as the 19-member Inter-County Association of Western New York, have taken formal action opposing the expansion of casino gaming in Henrietta and Monroe County. In addition, 15 members of the State Legislature from across Western and Central New York have publicly expresses their opposition to the proposed expansion of casino gaming in the region. Governor Andrew Cuomo has stated that public support is critical when weighing the decision to expand casino gaming in the state.
“From businesses, church groups, civic organizations, and everyday people from across the region to state leaders and local municipalities, the opposition to a casino in Monroe County has been overwhelming,” said Michael P. Nolan, executive vice president/COO of WROTB. “Clearly the Seneca Nation has heard the will of the people and responded accordingly.”
While acknowledging the Seneca Nation’s cessation of its efforts to expand casino gaming in Monroe County at this time, Nolan understands that the Senecas could reinitiate their efforts at a later date.
“If in the future the Seneca Nation should move forward with a proposal to expand casino gaming in Monroe County, we will once again emphatically oppose such a plan,” Nolan said. “The people of Monroe County recognize the fact that a Seneca-owned casino would adversely impact the local community and give the Seneca Nation a competitive advantage that will be damaging to businesses, both large and small, across the region. That is something that the people of this community are unwilling to accept, and they resoundingly made that point.”
Owned and operated by 15 Western New York counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, Western Regional OTB is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia. WROTB owns and operates 29 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility. Since its inception, Western OTB has generated more than $215 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of those participating municipalities.
The top senior scholars, musicians and citizens from Batavia High School were honored Thursday by the Batavia Kiwanis Club. Here's information provided by the school on each award recepient.
Sydney Loria is the daughter of Nathan and Kathy Loria, of Batavia. Sydney will be attending Colgate University this fall, majoring in Chemistry with hopes of continuing on to medical school in the future. She is the executive teasurer of Student Government and a member of National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Z-Club. She is also the concertmaster of the Orchestra and has participated in JV and varsity volleyball for the past four years. Sydney enjoys volunteering and has spent the past two summers volunteering at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.
Alexis Kindig is the daughter of John and Diana Kindig, of Batavia. Alexis received the Presidential Scholarship and is enrolled in the Clinical Health Studies/Physical Therapy program at Ithaca College to obtain her doctorate and become a physical therapist. She is in National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society, as well as Link Crew. She also plays violin in the school orchestra and is a member of Strings Sensations. She was a three-season scholar athlete all four years on the varsity cross-country, indoor track, and track and field teams.
Haley Case is the daughter of Dexter and Brenda Case. In the fall, Haley will be attending Genesee Community College to play volleyball. She will be majoring in Communications Studies with a minor in Political Science. Afterward, Haley will transfer to a four-year school before pursuing a plan to move on to law school. In high school, Haley was treasurer of National Honor Society, a member of National Art Honor Society, a mentor for Link Crew, and a representative for Student Government, including organizing the Mr. Batavia Pageant. Third in the class, Haley was also an eight-time scholar athlete.
Mike DiBacco is the son of Michael and Mary Beth DiBacco. Mike is a recipient of the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship and will be attending Carnegie Mellon University in the fall to study Mechanical Engineering. He is an active member of National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Model UN, and is president of Batavia’s Scholastic Bowl team. Mike served as co-mayor of the student body his senior year, and has participated in Student Government for three years. Mike is captain of the varsity swim team and is a two-time state finalist and national qualifier.
Ashlee Yasses is the daughter of Tim and Jill Yasses, of Batavia. Ashlee received the Presidential Scholarship and will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology, majoring in Engineering. Ashlee is involved in Student Government and is the school’s Executive Council secretary. She was also very involved in this past year’s Mr. Batavia competition as a cohost for the event. Ashlee has played volleyball all four years of her high school career and was a co-captain for the past two years. Ashlee is also involved in National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Z-Club and Link Crew.
Taylor Sanders is the daughter of Gerald and Lynn Sanders, of Batavia. Taylor will be attending Niagara University on the Trustees Scholarship. She will be majoring in Biology with a pre-medical advisement, along with a Chemistry minor and a possible Dance minor. Taylor hopes to one day be a pediatric doctor. Taylor is the president of the Class of 2014 and is in National Honor Society. She is also the secretary of National Art Honor Society. Taylor is very involved with her dance studio Images in Dance and has been since she was young.
Courtney Jones is the daughter of Diana Miller and Carl Jones, of Batavia. Courtney received the Presidential Scholarship and the Fr. Dunne Scholarship, and will be attending Niagara University to major in Early Childhood/Childhood Education. She is a member of National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society, where she is public relations coordinator. Courtney is very active in the 4-H Horse Program, and competes in local shows as well as the county fair and state fair. She has volunteered for the Batavia Youth Football and Cheerleading Program and for the Holland Land Office Museum.
Courtney Smith is the daughter of Richard and Lisa Smith, of Batavia. Courtney received the Achievement Scholarship and will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology majoring in Political Science and Journalism. She attended the Washington Journalism and Media Conference, a weeklong event hosted by George Mason University in Washington, D.C., in July 2013. Courtney is a member of National Honor Society, volunteers at many community service events, participated in varsity soccer, and has worked at Sunny’s Restaurant for nearly three years.
James Fazio is the son of Jim and Nickie Fazio and resides in Batavia. He will be attending the University of Rochester in the fall and will be pursuing degrees in Computer Science and Computer Engineering. James is both a member of Batavia’s National Honor Society and Link Crew programs and has been a member of the BHS varsity baseball team for two years. He is also an active supporter of youth sports, as he contributes in the form of umpiring and refereeing youth baseball and basketball games.
Jessica Callisher is the daughter of Pamela and Arthur Callisher. Jess has received the Founder’s Scholarship from Syracuse University and will be attending there in the fall to major in Biology with the hopes to continue on to veterinary school. Jess is a scholar athlete for varsity soccer, and plays year-round. She is the secretary for National Honor Society, Student Government representative, treasurer for Stained Glass, volunteer for Mr. Batavia, and also an active member of the prom and dance committees.
Recipient for the 2014 Kiwanis Music Award Recipient for Band is Amanda Schelemanow. Amanda has participated in the concert band, jazz band, and marching band for the past four years. For the past two years, she has been lead trumpet for all ensembles. She also performs lead trumpet in our trumpet ensemble and is a member of our percussion ensemble. Amanda throughout her four years participated in the full orchestra. She is a member of our National Music Honor Society and BHS's National Honor Society. Next year she will be attending SUNY Fredonia where she is pursuing a career in Music Therapy and Psychology. Amanda will be dearly missed next year but I know she will excel next year at Fredonia.
Cassandra Warren is the daughter of Pamela Sivret and Scott DeSmit, of Batavia, and Eric Warren of Springfield, Mass. Cassandra will be attending Genesee Community College in the fall and will be majoring in Health Sciences with the hopes of continuing on to SUNY Brockport. Cassandra served as president of the Genesee Valley BOCES Chapter of the FFA in 2013-2014 school year, and has been active in Chorus since sixth grade. She has participated in Solo Fest all seven years, and was selected for All County Chorus this past March. Cassandra has also participated in both Drama Club and Production Club productions since the eighth grade, and has earned lead roles in her freshman, junior, and senior years. She has also participated in several productions for the Batavia Rotary Club, and Batavia Players. Cassandra also plays bass guitar and performs with area bands at various venues.She plans to join the Theater group at GCC.
Val Palmer won the Kiwanis Citizenship Award for outstanding community service. Valerie is graduating this year, in just three years, still ranking in the top 15 percent of her graduating class. She is a scholar-athlete on the swimming and volleyball teams and is a member of the National Art Honor Society. Val has volunteered in the community by providing daycare for parents to attend school events and painting murals throughout the city. Her greatest passion has been working for Soup Supper at Sacred Heart Church. It is Val's generous heart and passion for helping others that has been displayed here. Val is passionate about helping others and will continue to do this as she pursues a degree in Elementary and Special Education at Canisius College in the fall.
A 31-year-old Oakfield man died in a one-car motor vehicle accident in the Town of Shelby last night, according to the Orleans County Sheriff's Office.
Jeffrey E. Muntz apparently lost control of his sedan while on Podunk Road at about 9:45 p.m. and drove into a marsh becoming partially submerged.
A passerby spotted the car off the road and called 9-1-1. That person then pulled Muntz from the vehicle and attempted to perform life-saving mesasures prior to EMS personnel arriving on scene.
Muntz was transported to Medina Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 10:38 p.m.
The investigation into the accident is continuing, but the Orleans County Sheriff's Office reports that Muntz's car was westbound on Podunk Road. It crossed the center line and ran off the south side of the roadway and continued about 165 feet before coming to rest in about three feet of marshy water, some 50 feet off the roadway.
The incident scene is less than 1/4 mile from the Genesee County line.
The Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office will perform an autopsy as part of the investigation into the accident.
The on-scene investigation was conducted by Deputy T.N. Tooley, assisted by Deputy T.C. Marano, Deputy J.J. Cole, Sergeant G.T. Gunkler, and Chief Deputy T.L. Drennan. Deputies were also assisted by the East Shelby Fire Department and Lyon’s Collision Service.
Eric LeVan, pictured right, knows something about running a successful business. The Churchville native opened Mark’s Pizzeria in Batavia two years ago and he is also co-owner of one in Gates as well.
When he’s not making pizza, he’s engrossed in martial arts.
“When I was a kid I took martial arts classes, but it was eight years ago that I seriously got into it. I found that I loved doing it and I was passionate about it,” LeVan said.
LeVan, along with his good friend, neighbor and fellow martial artist, Russ Corey, decided to turn their love of martial arts into a business by opening a dojo (Japanese for martial arts school) at the old location of Grammy O’s Laundromat in Batavia’s Valu Plaza. After redoing the entire space, the new 2,200-square-foot facility now has new walls and carpet, fresh paint and authentic martial arts memorabilia on the walls.
“The only thing left from the original building is one wall. We added two bathrooms, two changing rooms, an office and the workout area,” LeVan said. “We were weekend warriors who came in and got it done, although most of the credit goes to our friend and fellow martial artist, Dick Shamp, who knows more about this stuff than Russ or I do.”
Bushido Martial Arts officially opened earlier this month. If you’re looking to learn how to do fancy jumps or mixed-martial-arts type of moves, this is not the place for you.
“Our school is very traditional. We teach centuries-old Japanese martial arts traditions,” LeVan said. “Our style of Goshin Jutsu Karate is a good mix of Karate, Judo and Jujitsu. It includes punches, blocks, strikes, stances and throws used for the sole purpose of self-defense.”
Bushido means “Way of the Warrior” in Japanese. There are seven virtues associated with the Samurai Code of Bushido which is stressed at the school: Gi -- Integrity, Yu -- Courage, Jin -- Compassion, Rei -- Respect, Makoto -- Honesty, Meiyo -- Honor, and Chugi -- Loyalty.
All classes are taught by Sensei Eric LeVan, Sensei Russ Corey or Sensei Dick Shamp, who are all black belts of varying degrees. They emphasize self-defense, help you gain mental and physical confidence, as well as provide a good workout. There are also women’s self-defense classes and anti-bullying classes available.
"I love martial arts and I’m passionate about teaching it and passing on the art,” LeVan said. “Our instructors are high energy, respectful martial artists that will work with each student one-on-one to reach their full potential, with over 30 years training and/or teaching experience.”
Bushido Martial Arts is located at 452 W. Main Street Road in Batavia at the Valu Plaza. You can visit their Web site at www.bushidomartialarts.org or call Eric LeVan 585-330-4616 or Russ Corey 585-303-7696 for more information.
Photo by Howard Owens.
The past couple of weeks have seen a significant amount of songbird activity out our way. Right on cue, orioles began showing up when the first apple blossoms began to open, no doubt attracted by the insects within.
While the petals are bright yellow, back in the day someone thought the mottled brown pattern on the green leaves of the Trout lily resembled the markings found on the back of wild brook trout....hence the name.
Rose-breasted grosbeaks have been showing up at our feeder each day for the past week or so.
A dog violet with morning dew on its petals.
An indigo bunting scans the surroundings from atop the feeder.
Lesser celandine grows in large clusters, abundant along boggy streams and damp woodlands. As the sun begins to set, the blooms close and remain so until the sun once again begins its ascent,
A pair of Northern flickers probing the ground for a meal.
Periwinkle, aka myrtle, sometimes used as groundcover in landscaping, is found in the wild as well.
A 17-year-old Lindwood Avenue resident arrested last week on a forcible rape charge has been indicted by a Genesee County Grand Jury on seven more criminal counts.
Joseph A. Saraceni, Jr., is charged with two counts of rape in the first degree, a Class B violent felony, as well as two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree, a Class D violent felony, and misdemeanor counts of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, aggravated harassment and menacing 2nd.
Saraceni is accused of forcing sexual intercourse with a person Nov. 11 and Nov. 12 in the City of Batavia. He accused of forcing sexual contact on those dates. On those dates, he allegedly applied pressure to the throat or neck of another person. In October and November, he's accused of threatening another person and communicating in a manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm.
The Grand Jury also indicted Leslie C. Jackson on two counts of grand larceny 4th, a Class D felony. Jackson is accused of stealing property from a Batavia couple valued at more than one thousand dollars. Jackson is also accused of promising to perform home improvements for that couple and receiving more than $1,000 based on the promise.
Press release:
"The internet has revolutionized the way we live and obtain information largely because it has been readily accessible and free from unnecessary government regulation. Today's ruling by the FCC paves the way for Internet 'fast lanes' which will create one Internet for the haves and one Internet for the have-nots. I am hopeful there will be enough public and Congressional backlash to block this proposal to help ensure that the Internet remains easily accessible and a tool to build economic opportunity."
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