If I'm out in the county driving around on a beautiful spring day, as I was to hit some of the spots on the GO ART! trail, then you know I'm going to make some photos.

Above, dandelions off Jericho Road, Bethany.

This GMC truck is always parked off Route 20 in Alexander, across the street at Ivy Lane Pottery.

At Ivy Lane Pottery.

In the field next to Sticks and Stones on Broadway, Darien Center.

I've published a photo of this barn on Route 20, Darien, before, but from the other side.

Barn at Route 20 and Smithley Road, Darien.

Spring trees off Walker Road, Darien.

Yellow magnolia in front of the Doty Mansion, Jackson Street, Batavia.

This afternoon, I made the rounds on a portion of GO ART! 2013 Artists Road Show.

Above, Bernice Yunker and Marilynn Palotti at the studio of artist Terry Weber, 5769 Ellicott Street Road, Bethany (the former East Bethany General Store).

Below, Heather Burroughs, of Alexander, gives a pottery demonstration at Ivy Lane Pottery, 3384 Broadway Road, Alexander. Burroughs is a student of Jean Grinnell and started pottery lessons a year ago when she received the lessons as a birthday present from her parents. Grinnell said Heather has picked up the craft quickly.

Bottom photo, Anita Haefner at Sticks and Stones, 2339 Broadway, Darien Center. Our photos of Michael Haefner, unfortunately, did not turn out. He makes rock sculptures.

A diner at the Log Cabin Restaurant has reported three youths in the Indian Falls gorge.

Also, calls in the past 20 minutes we haven't quite kept up with: Youths were throwing rocks from a train bridge in Le Roy. A woman reports her windshield was damaged. In another location, two white males placed something on a train track, which was struck by a train, and the youths fled in a white pickup truck.

An ATV accident as been reported on the old railroad bed near Transit Road, Elba.

The closest street address is 6920 Transit Road. That is between Byron Elba Road and Bridge Road.

A person is injured.

Elba fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 4:56 p.m.: A chief on scene reports a possible head injury and shoulder injury. Mercy Flight is going on in-air standby.

UPDATE 5 p.m.: Mercy Flight requested to the scene. Fire police requested to close the road.

UPDATE 5:09 p.m.: Byron fire responding mutual aid. Mercy Flight on the ground.

UPDATE 5:23 p.m.: Mercy Flight airborne, in route to Strong.

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Supporters of the Child Advocacy Center gathered at Terry Hills on Friday for the agency's annual fundraiser, the Ugly Tie and Ugly Purse Luncheon.

The ugly tie winner was Brian Paris, top photo on the right with Bob Knipe.

The winner of the ugly purse contest was June Ferry, below. Ann Marie Gsell, bottom photo, also was a finalist in the ugly tie contest.

The keynote speaker was Mary Travers Murphy, executive director of the Family Justice Center in Erie County. She spoke about the center's effort to assist victims of domestic abuse, which she said is an equal problem for all segments of society, regardless of race or religion or level of wealth or degree of poverty. The statistics remain equal in all categories.

Ay Caramba!

"The fajitas activated the smoke alarm" at Salsa & Curry says a dispatcher, who called for city fire to respond.

"Smoke from fajitas confirmed," says a firefighter, putting the assignment back in service.

The entree --  a spicy combo of onions, peppers and meat -- is popular, brought to your table on a sizzling hot plate with fresh tortillas.

So this is a not an uncommon occurance at the location, as was the case when it was Margarita's restaurant.

And tommorrow is Cinco de Mayo...

Press release:

The Wellness Center at Genesee Community College is pleased to partner with the Mental Health Association in Genesee County for a presentation by David Kaczynski, brother of Ted Kaczynski, the man known as the Unabomber. David Kaczynski, 63, will share the story, both fascinating and heartwarming, of the impact his older brother’s mental illness had on their family. His presentation is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7 in the Stuart Steiner Theatre on GCC’s Batavia campus.

David Kaczynski’s talk at GCC is being held in conjunction with an exhibit in the lobby of the College’s Genesee Center for the Arts. “Nothing to Hide: Mental Illness in the Family” is a museum-quality photo-text traveling exhibit featuring photographs and interviews with families whose lives are affected by mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

The community is invited to view the exhibit at a pre-talk reception at 6 p.m. Space is limited. Pre-registration is requested by calling the Mental Health Association at (585) 344-2611. A suggested donation of $10 is appreciated.

The Kaczynskis grew up in Chicago. Ted, who turns 71 on May 22, was a mathematics prodigy who entered Harvard on a scholarship at age 16. He went on to earn a doctoral degree from the University of Michigan in 1967 and then moved west to teach at the University of California Berkeley.

He resigned just two years later, and moved to Montana where he took up a survivalist life in isolation, developing anti-government and anti-technology philosophies. He made his first bomb in 1978, sending it to a professor at Northwestern University. He then sent two bombs to the president of American Airlines. The FBI dubbed the case UNABOM, for University and Airline Bombing, and the suspect was termed the Unabomber. Over a 17-year period, Kaczynski’s explosive packages killed three people and injured 22 others.

David Kaczynski, who lives in Woodstock, helped authorities capture his brother in 1996 after reading the so-called Unabomber Manifesto, a 35,000-word essay Ted wrote about the problems of modern society. Though he was estranged from Ted, David and his wife, Linda, recognized the writing style and some of the ideas expressed as Ted’s.

Ted Kaczynski eventually pleaded guilty and has been serving four life sentences for the bombings at a Federal Correctional Facility in Colorado. David has said he writes to him without response.

David became an advocate for violence prevention and spent a dozen years as executive director of New Yorkers for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. He recently became director of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery and retreat center in Woodstock.

The “Nothing to Hide” exhibit will remain on display throughout the month of May, which is Mental Health Month. It’s made possible with funds from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

The exhibit's compelling accounts demonstrate strength, courage, integrity, and accomplishment in the face of the adversity and stigma of mental illness. By bringing visibility to these individuals and families, “Nothing to Hide” dispels harmful stereotypes, myths, and misconceptions about mental illness.

For more information, contact GCC Wellness Director Roberta Noto at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6293, or by e-mail RMNoto@genesee.edu. or Sue Gagne, assistant executive director of the Mental Health Association in Genesee County at (585) 344-2611.

The call went out to City of Batavia Fire Department for a trash can fire at the car wash on Pearl Street. I was in the neighborhood, so I got there right after Engine 11. 

The fire was actually a smoldering cigarette in a small trash container in the vacuum area.

Not much to it, but I was there, so here's a picture.

Batavia and Le Roy Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and the American Heritage Girls Troop NY0146 in Le Roy participated this morning in a flag raising at the International Peace Garden.

Officers Jamie Givens and Kevin DeFelice set up an impromptu check point on Law Street just east of the curve this morning. DeFelice said with all the accidents on that stretch of Law it seemed like a good place set up and hopefully remind people to slow down. The officers were checking for compliance with registration, inspection and seat belts.

Top photo taken on Perry Road, Pavilion, while I was out at the accident earlier. Bottom photo on Creek Road, Bethany.

Two people have been cited following an investigation into alleged illegal taxi cab operation in Genesee County.

Julious Murphy, 60, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, was issued citations for alleged improper plates and operating without proper for-hire insurance.

Jennifer L. Cudney, 32, of Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, was cited for alleged operating while on a mobile phone, improper plates, operating out of class and operating without proper for-hire insurance.

Murphy and Cudney were cited by the Sheriff's Office following an investigation that began with complaints about alleged illegal taxi cabs operating in Genesee County.

Taxi cabs in New York must register with the proper for-hire class. The operator must possess a Class E driver's license and the vehicle must have insurance covering the for-hire usage.

Assisting in the investigation were Batavia PD, the DMV and the District Attorney's Office.

The investigation was handled by Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello, Sgt. Brian Frieday, Sgt. Dan Coffey, Officer Darryle Streeter and members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Route 20 and Perry Road, Pavilion. Mercy medics and Pavilion Fire Department are responding. Mercy Flight #5 out of Batavia is available, based on the dispatcher's inquiry.

The accident is blocking traffic. Fire police are requested at Route 20 "at the top of the hill" and at Asbury Road to slow traffic.

UPDATE 7:09 p.m.: A second and third ambulance are requested. Fire police are also called to control traffic at Route 20 and South Street.

UPDATE 7:12 p.m.: Mercy Flight will not be required.

UPDATE 7:22 p.m.: No word on how many people are involved, but four of them will be sign-offs.

UPDATE 8:01 p.m.: The Pavilion assignment is back in service and the road is reopened. One person was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 8:14 p.m.: Three other patients were transported to Rochester General Hospital.

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!)  opens the 2013 Artist Road Show in Genesee County this Saturday, May 4th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is free for all attendees.

Previously called the Open Studio Tour, this sixth annual event features an Art Trail with 12 artists — from photographers to painters, sculptors to glasswork artists — at 6 studios and galleries in Genesee County, all open for guests experience art and meet the artists in person.

The Artist Road Show is envisioned to provide an exciting opportunity to see artists at work, view or purchase art, raise awareness of art and culture and contribute to tourism in Genesee County. A map of all sites and artists may be picked up at GO ART!, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main Street in Batavia and at participating sites as well as online at <http://www.GOart.org>.
 
Sites and Artists featured in Genesee County include:
 
At Terry Weber Studio: Bernice Yunker & Marilynn Palotti
5769 Ellicott St. Road. (Former E. Bethany General Store), East Bethany
 
Bernice Yunker,
Bernice Yunker, owner of Farmer’s Wife Studio in Elba, paints in a variety of media. Her favorite subject is TREES. She has a B.A. from Empire State College and also studied at R.I.T.
 
Marilynn Palotti
Marilynn Palotti is a retired Pavilion elementary art teacher who believes art is a means of exploring and translating through the senses. Her favorite definition of art comes from her former students who think art is "magic." Marilynn wants to "make magic" in her paintings and continue to learn and grow in her craft.
 
At Ivy Lane Pottery: Jean Grinnell
3384 Broadway Road (Rt. 20), Alexander
 
Jean Grinnell
I am as self-taught studio potter. I believe that art should be touched, used and enjoyed.
 
At Sticks and Stones: Michael and Anita Haefner
2339 Broadway, Darien Center
 
Michael and Anita Haefner
Our artwork is inspired by the beauty of nature. We use all natural materials. This year we have also added vintage reuse items to make some very unique home décor items.
 
At Locally Made Shop: Jan Revier & Colleen O’Connor
58 Main St., Le Roy
 
Jan Revier
I do what your grandmother did – traditional rug hooking. I hook primitive designs using recycled wool and my pieces can be used as rugs, wall hangings or table mats.
 
Colleen O’Connor
I specialize in hand-weaving, using mostly wool and cotton. I create household items such and scarves and rag rugs using recycled materials.
 
At Barn Hollow Gifts: Lori Ann Johnson, Shelly Gillman, & Denise Desmond
7451 S. Lake Road, Bergen
 
Lori Ann Johnson
Nature’s beauty captured in 5x7 matted prints.
 
Shelly Gillman
Beautifully handcrafted beaded jewelry at reasonable prices.
 
Denise Desmond
Denise makes pottery that is decorated in her own unique style.
 
At Oatka School of Glass: Amanda and Lance Taylor
2nd Floor, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia
 
Amanda and Lance Taylor
Oatka School of Glass is a 14,000 square-foot teaching facility and private studio for Lance and Amanda Taylor. Glass classes are taught year-round and open to the public. We also create and sell our own work at the studio.
 
At Kimbriel and Company Woodworking: James Kimbriel
4th Floor, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia, NY
 
James Kimbriel
Using domestic and exotic wood and veneer I create everything from night lights to furniture pieces. I will be on hand to demonstrate my techniques and answer questions about working with wood.
 
At Sharon Jahnke Long Portraits: Sharon Long
56 Harvester Ave, #20-01-01, Batavia
 
Sharon Long
One woman asked me at a recent art show, “What got me into doing this?” I quietly replied, “I stare at people a lot, and this is a good excuse for it.” Seriously, I’ve always loved to paint and draw the human face.
 
(The Orleans County edition of the GO ART! Artist Road Show will be taking place on Saturday, May 18th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is made possible with the generous support of The Bank of Castile and the New York State Council on the Arts.)

Press release:

Hundreds of walkers from the Batavia area will hit the pavement on Sunday May 5 hoping the payoff is a cure for multiple sclerosis. Nearly 350 walkers are expected to turn out for Walk MS Batavia, with a goal of raising $36,000 for the National MS Society Upstate New York Chapter.

The chapter is holding Walk MS in 19 communities this spring, with an overall goal of more than 11,000 participants and $1.4 million. Funds raised will support direct services for the more than 12,800 people with MS and their families in Upstate New York and research to find a cure for this chronic disease of the central nervous system.

The rate of diagnosis in Upstate New York is about double the national average. In Genesee County alone, there are more than 110 people living with MS. The disease affects more than 2.1 million people worldwide. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed.

Walk MS Batavia begins at Dwyer Stadium with registration at 9 a.m. and a kick-off ceremony at 9:45 a.m.

People can participate in Walk MS Batavia individually or as a team, and can choose from route lengths of one, two and four miles. Folks can register for Walk MS in advance online, or on site the day of the event.

What: Walk MS Batavia

Where: Dwyer Stadium, 299 Bank St.

When: Sunday, May 5; registration 9 a.m.; walk starts 10 a.m.

How: Participants can register on site the day of the event or online at walkMSupstateny.org

City firefighters are responding to a reported barbeque grill on fire in the back yard at 52 Ellicott Ave.

UPDATE 5:34 p.m.: The problem was a wire that shorted out on a gas grill. Fire is out. City fire is back in quarters.

There never was a Bushville Fire Department, so there was certainly never a Bushville Fire Chief, but this Ford Fairlane 500 sure looks like the real deal.

Jay Nichols, owner of two used car dealerships in Batavia -- on Route 5 near Wortendyke and next to Jerry Arena's on Lewiston Road -- acquired this car about three weeks ago from a friend.

It's for sale, but Nichols doesn't really want to sell it, so, he said, the price would have to be right.

There's an old Motorola radio on the dash and the dome light works.

"It's a period car, a parade car, a show car," Nichols said. "It's a cruise-the-town-at-night car."

Press release:

The American Legion Auxiliary Botts Fiorito Unit 576 named Sydney Chester, of Le Roy, to attend American Legion Auxiliary Girls State. Sydney will study local, county and state government processes in this nonpartisan political learning experience.

Every spring, the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Program provides approximately 25,000 young women with a hands-on educational opportunity designed to instruct tomorrow’s leaders in the privileges and duties of responsible citizenship.

Delegates receive special instruction in parliamentary procedure and organize themselves into two mythical political parties. They then campaign, hold rallies, debate and ultimately vote to elect city, county and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and preform their prescribed duties. Citizens not elected to office are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoint as citizens.

Sydney aspires to be a corporate law defense lawyer, and is very excited to take part in the Girl’s State conference. She enjoys getting up in front of people and speaking about what she is passionate about. Ms. Chester also feels Girls State will be a terrific experience for her and can’t wait to attend.

Sydney is the daughter of John and Glenna Chester from Le Roy.

Press release:

Imagination Station Child Care & Preschool will be opening its third location in Batavia on June 3. The newest center will be located at the Robert Morris Elementary School, in the heart of Batavia. The center is centrally located and easy to access from Main Street or Route 98 (Oak Street).    

This family owned and operated child care center opened in Alden, where owners Erik and Kelly Kronbeck reside and are a part of the community. Since opening the Alden location in January, 2011, they have opened a second location in Le Roy, and are excited to be adding a third location to service the needs within the surrounding communities.  

Imagination Station contributes its success to their high standards.

Owner and operator Kelly Kronbeck said “Our program encompasses everything that we wanted as parents, a safe and nurturing environment, one that’s high quality and is professionally run. Of course the teacher in me also wanted one that was academically based and stimulating for our children.” 

Prior to opening her first center, Kelly Kronbeck worked for one of the leading child care centers in Buffalo and taught second grade in Glens Falls, which is where her passion for teaching and importance of early childhood education blossomed.                   

Imagination Station provides care for families with children 6 weeks to 12-years-old. Full-time, part-time, and flexible schedules are welcomed, along with public assistance. 

Imagination Station is offering its new families the first week free when they enroll for the Batavia center prior to June 3rd! Tours are offered daily during operating hours and in the evenings by appointment at one of their other locations. Visit www.istationccp.com for more information or call 585-768-8025 to set up a tour today!

The Batavia City School District is doing everything it can to hold down costs, but federal and state mandates make that more difficult every year, Superintendent Chris Dailey told members of the Batavia Kiwanis Club during their weekly lunch Thursday at Genesee ARC's Community Center.

Besides the long-standing mandates out of Albany, the new national education initiative called Common Core is adding new expenses for the district, Dailey said.

Even so, the district spends $18,207 per pupil annually compared to $20,410 per pupil on a statewide average.

"We're trying everything we can to keep it as lean as possible and keep it as far away from the students as possible," Dailey said.

Over the past three years, the district has cut 26 teacher positions, three administrative positions, three custodial positions and 10 clerical/teacher aide positions.

Voters in the district will be asked to approve a new budget May 21 that increases the district's share of the property tax levy by 2 percent.

Under terms of the state's property tax cap law, the district could have taken the levy up 5.5 percent.

The district is proposing $41,981,241 in spending, which is an increase over last year of 4.7 percent.

A homeowner with an $80,000 piece of property would be asked to pay $36.87 more in taxes annually under the proposed budget plan.

Non-mandated spending that is protected with the proposed budget is kindergarten (the state does not mandate kindergarten and in fact some school districts are eliminating the program), art classes, music in K-5, school plays, athletics, extracurricular clubs and advanced placement courses.

The district also does not see the need right now to increase class sizes.

Last year's school consolidation helped the district save money and keep the tax increase to a minimum, Dailey said.

There are school districts nearby that aren't faring as well, Daily said, and City Schools officials anticipate that in two or three years, some of those districts will become insolvent and the Batavia district will be asked to take on those students, which is part of the reason the district has maintained ownership of the Robert Morris property. The district may need the classroom space if required to absorb students from another district.

As part of the ballot later this month, the district is asking voters to approve a $3.8 million capital investment project that makes ADA-compliant upgrades to Van Detta Stadium and undertakes a number of maintenance and upgrade projects at the high school, Jackson School, John Kennedy School and Robert Morris.

There is also $1.5 million set aside for restoration work at the Richmond Memorial Library, including a new roof.

"We've done everything possible to try and save that roof," Dailey said "There's bubble gum up there holding it together if you really want look. We really need to replace that roof. The library is a gem for the community and it needs to be taken care of and it needs to be done the right way."

Last year, voters shot down a capital investment project that included upgrades to Van Detta that some found excessive.

This time around, the district is merely seeking to improve the handicapped accessibility of the stands and bathrooms.

The district is also looking to fund upgrades at the girls softball field, where conditions recently prompted a lawsuit by a pair of district parents.

Polls will be open May 21 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at John Kennedy School, 166 Vine St., Batavia, and Batavia High School, 260 State St., Batavia.

A public presentation on the budget will be made by Dailey at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, in the high school's library.