The Batavia Muckdogs at Dwyer Stadium is one of five Minor League Baseball teams statewide offering New York food and beverages this season, Gov. Cuomo's office announced this week. This is the second year that the Muckdogs have partnered with the Taste NY branding and sales initiative began by Cuomo in 2013.

Taste NY is overseen by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and was launched to create opportunities for our food producers to showcase their goods at large public events like the Great New York State Fair and other places crowds gather, like Minor League Baseball games.

The expanding program has also opened stores at Thruway rest stops along the state’s highways and in transportation hubs, enabling travelers to buy New York State’s homegrown and homemade products. Approximately 1,100 local companies have participated in these opportunities, thereby expanding New York's food and beverage markets, according to a press release from the governor's office.

For the 2016 season, four craft beer companies in the Empire State have products for sale at Dwyer:

• Brooklyn Brewery
• Ellicottville Brewery
• Genesee Brewing Company
• Rohrbach Brewing Company

Plus, there are hot dogs and sausages from Zweigle's, breads and rolls from Di Paolo Baking Company, both of Rochester, and Akron-based Perry's Ice Cream.

"The Muckdogs are proud to be a part of the Taste NY program," said Muckdogs' General Manager Travis Sick. "We believe strongly in supporting as many local vendors as possible and look forward to featuring all of their great and, more importantly, delicious products at Dwyer Stadium this season."

The other participating teams and stadiums are:

• Tri-City ValleyCats at Joe Bruno Stadium
• Auburn Doubledays at Falcon Park
• Staten Island Yankees at Richmond County Bank Ballpark
• Rochester Red Wings at Frontier Field

Together, these stadiums see approximately 820,000 seasonal visitors and those fans will be treated to the same great ballpark staples, such has hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice-cold beer -- now sourced from some of New York State’s best agricultural producers. Taste NY has helped vendors triple their gross annual sales from 2014 to 2015, and with this increased promotion, they are on track to doubling those sales in 2016, according to the governor's office.

“New York grown and made food and beverages are second to none and building upon the great success of the Taste NY program, we are partnering with local baseball stadiums to expose even more New Yorkers to these great Empire State products,” said Governor Cuomo in a press release.

“When New Yorkers buy New York products from New York businesses, the home team wins every time.” 

For more information about Taste NY, click here.

The YNGodess Shop would like to thank our servicemen and women, both past and present, for their service. God bless them and their families!
Pictured above, lower right, is our cousin Marci, serving in Afghanistan. The flag belongs to my stepfather, Dean, who had 1,000 jumps in the Korean War.

The 2016 summer season of concerts in Jackson Square kicked off Friday night with performances by St. Joe's of Batavia Brass Ensemble (its 85th Reunion) and the Mighty St. Joe's Alumni Corps (with an interlude covering the history of the bugle, featuring members of the ensemble).

A car has reportedly hit a tree in the area of 7292 Byron Road, between School Road and Fotch Road, Stafford.

Unknown injuries.

Stafford fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:37 p.m.: Occupant is out of the vehicle and being evaluated by EMS. Damage to front end of the vehicle.

Solid and cute three bedroom, country property located in the Batavia School System! This charmer has been totally upgraded and is basically move in ready-perfect for that next step up from renting-why rent when you can own for less? This home features a great walk in mud room and first floor laundry area that opens to pretty and upgraded eat-in oak kitchen, first floor bedroom and bath and all major upgrades within last ten years. Located in the Town of Batavia, this home is the best of all worlds, close to everything but just country enough to enjoy the large deep private and quiet yard! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today at 585-344-4663 or click here to view the full listing.

The 38^th annual GO ART! Picnic in the Park will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Centennial Park, located at Richmond and Ellicott avenues in the city.

Arts, culture, heritage and community meld in celebration of Independence Day.

The Kiddie Parade kicks things off at 11:30 a.m. Children are encouraged to ride their bikes to the park by 11 a.m., decorate them with patriotic embellishments that will be provided, and open the festivities with a bicycle parade down Ellicott Avenue.

On the Main Stage, the lineup of featured performers is:

• Noon – The Batavia Concert Band
• 1:15 p.m. – The Buffalo Touch, Grammy-nominated polka band
• 2:30 p.m. Kelly’s Old Timers, performing square dancing & standards since 1950
• 4 p.m.: Conjunto Classico with Johnny Vega, Puerto Rican/Latin folkloric & dance music

New this year is “Airigami” – the fine art of molding air! Airigami is an incredible Rochester-based artist duo, Larry and Kelly, who, together with their skilled staff, create larger-than-life balloon sculptures that inspire awe in audiences worldwide.

They will set up in the park and create a one-of-a-kind balloon sculpture during the picnic. YOU will get to participate by helping blow up balloons and also sculpting them along with the artists.

Expect plenty of food and lots of fun. There will be artists, crafters and many vendors.

The main sponsor of this year’s event is the renowned Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford.

A truck driver was exposed to hazardous material at 127 W. Main St. in Le Roy. The county Hazmat Team and Le Roy fire are responding.

UPDATE 11:35 a.m.: The driver of a fuel tanker was exposed to pesticides.

UPDATE 12:21 p.m.: First responders were dispatched to a call for a person with trouble breathing, who had been exposed to some sort of hazardous material. It was later determined that the driver was unwittingly indirectly exposed to an herbicide known as "Razor Pearl" at a company's "Pearl Creek yard" in Pavilion. He subsequently was driving on West Main Street in Le Roy, stopped at Dunkin' Donuts and became ill and had trouble breathing, according to Le Roy First Assistant Fire Chief Tom Woods. The man then went into a nearby medical clinic thinking it was an urgent care facility. The staff provided immediate first aid to treat his symptoms, decontaminate him, and prevent exposure to others. "These people reacted to it," said Jerry Diskin, a coordinator with Genesee County Emergency Services. "They really are not set up for all this, but they did find a place to have his clothes removed, get him decontaminated -- soap and water." Diskin added "There's nothing they wouldn't do" to help and within minutes of being asked, were able to provide responders with a Material Safety Data Sheet about the herbicide. Dr. Kellyrose Nichols recommended that the victim be evaluated and he was transported via ambulance to UMMC. There he will be more thoroughly decontaminated. 

Patrick Burk, right, will continue to serve as school board president during the 2016-17 year, and Jessica Maguire-Tomidy will serve as VP. Madison Moore, left, is the student, ex-officio member for the year.

The district board held its annual meeting this morning at the district office. The meeting included approving the board calendar, appointment of committees and appointment of key district staff. Chris Dailey was reappointed as district superintendent.

A house fire is reported at 54 Hutchins St. Everybody is out of the house, according to a dispatcher. City firefighters are responding.

UPDATE 7:35 a.m.: Fire under control; checking for extensions.

Photos submitted by Frank Capuano.

Genesee County is officially in a moderate drought condition and it's having an impact on our local farmers. The Batavian's news partner, 13WHAM produced this story.

The map below of the Northeastern United States shows where it's considered "unusually dry" (in yellow) and where moderate drought conditions (tan) exist.

We got less than an inch of rain in June, two inches below average and the fourth lowest rainfall total for June since the 1940s.

Are you ready to play some golf? If you have not signed up, you still can for the ninth Annual Chapin's Charity Golf Tournament Saturday Aug. 13th, at Terry Hills Golf Course, 5122 Clinton Street Road in Batavia.  This year’s beneficiary is the Disabled Veterans Local Chapter 166 of Batavia.  Our goal is to raise $12,000, everyone will walk away with prizes, said tournament chair Norm Hubbard.

The four-person shotgun scramble starts at 1 p.m., registration is at 11 a.m., including lunch and chances to win a set of clubs, also a chair from Max Pies Furniture store and much more!  

Skins and Mulligans are available at registration along with a putting contest before the tournament starts. The $70 ticket price includes lunch, dinner, 18 holes of golf with a cart, a sleeve of balls, gift bag, an American flag and chances to win many prizes.  

Chapin's encourages ladies' teams to participate and there will be prizes for everyone.

Pictured above is Norm Hubbard, tournament chair, with Doug Titus and members from the Disabled Veterans Chapter 166. Girl Scout Lily Gaylord along with leaders Lorelei Roll, Troop 42003, Laura Ranalli, Troop 42001 and GSWNY membership manager Jenni Malcomb.

To register your team, sponsor or donate go to: www.chapincharitygolf.com

Pictured above is 12-year-old Lily Gaylord from Girl Scout, Troop 42003, preparing gift bags. Lily is also pictured with her grandpa, Paul Gaylord, Disabled Veterans Chapter 166 commander holding the United States' flag. 

Click here to view our full sales flier. Crocker's Ace Hardware is located at 8457 North Street Road in Le Roy. Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with current sales & store specials.

Press release:

Calling all eighth- through 11^th-graders, the Genesee County Youth Court is recruiting new members!

Youth Court is a voluntary alternative for young people who face disciplinary action through school or law enforcement. Youth who are referred admit to the charge and appear before a court of their peers. Three youth judges listen to both sides of the issue and determine an appropriate disposition. The goal of youth court is to improve youth citizenship skills and decrease problematic behavior.  

Youth Court members learn about the judicial process & law enforcement; develop group decision making, leadership and public speaking skills; participate in all roles of the courtroom: judge, prosecution, defense, and bailiff.  

Genesee County eighth- through 11^th-graders who are interested can go online to download an application from the website www.co.genesee.ny.us , where you will find a link on the Youth Bureau page. Applications are due by Aug. 19. Interviews of potential candidates will take place during late summer/early fall with the training to begin in October.  

For more information on the Genesee County Youth Court, please contact Chelsea Elliott at the Genesee County Youth Bureau, 344-3960.

Marlek E. Holmes, 42, of Niagara Street, Buffalo, is charged with: intimidating a victim or witness by instilling fear of physical injury; second-degree criminal contempt; and second-degree harassment -- threatening physical contact. Holmes was arrested at 10:10 a.m. on June 23 following a disruption during a court proceding in Genesee County Family Court wherein he allegedly threatened his ex-wife with physical harm. He was jailed and was to appear in Batavia City Court June 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Chad N. Gibson, 26, of East Lee Road, Albion, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI per se -- a BAC of .18 percent or more; moving from lane unsafely; leaving the scene of a personal injury accident; and driving left of pavement markings. Gibson allegedly struck another vehicle while operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated at 12:27 a.m. on June 25. He then allegedly left the scene. He was subsequently arrested and jailed on $1,000 bail and was due in City Court June 27. The case was handled by Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Thomas T. Bennett, 51, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment. At 6:12 p.m. on June 27, Bennett was arrested after an incident in which he allegedly grabbed a female's arm, took a phone out of her hand and then broke it in half. He was jailed on $1,000 bail and was due in City Court on June 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Katelynn M. Higgins, 30, of Grandview Terrace, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested on June 27 following an investigation of an incident that occurred at 11:50 p.m. on June 11 on Grandview Terrace in Batavia wherein Higgins allegedly struck a person with a shoe. She was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on July 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Joshua W. Eccleston, 32, of Winters Avenue, Mt. Morris, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested June 27 following an investigation into an incident that occurred at 11:30 p.m. on June 11 on Grandview Terrace in Batavia wherein Eccleston allegedly damaged a cell phone. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on July 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Donald J. Egan, 25, of Boardman Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. At 12:08 p.m. on June 28, Egan's vehicle was disabled at 26 W. Main St. in Batavia. While attempting to assist Egan, Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze observed a wooden billy club in between the driver door and the driver seat. Egan was arrested and issued a computer-issued appearance ticket for City Court on July 12.

Press release:

In celebration of its 200th anniversary next year, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main St., Le Roy, is sponsoring a Photo Contest open to all ages.

Considered the most photographed building in Genesee County, St. Mark’s has a beautiful natural setting above Oatka Creek with architecture in the English Gothic style.

The sanctuary of St. Mark’s Church will be open to photographers for interior photos from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and again from 3 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, during Le Roy’s Oatka Festival.

The sanctuary will again be open to photographers from 1 to 3 p.m. on on Saturday, Dec. 17, when the church will be decorated for Christmas.

Photographers may enter up to two photos of the interior or exterior of the church. Photos may be black and white or color, may be digitally enhanced and must be received in an 11 x 14” frame, ready to hang. The photographer’s name must only appear on the back of the frame.

Photo entries will be received at 58 on Main, Le Roy, from Jan. 2 through Jan. 7.

A wine and cheese reception will open the show of photographs at 58 on Main at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31. Photographs will be on display at 58 on Main until Saturday, Feb. 4, and then will move to the Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy from Feb. 6^th through March 31^st. At both locations, people will have a chance to vote on their favorite photograph.

The show of photographs will be on display in St. Mark’s during the month of April.

Prizes will be awarded in two categories. The Judges’ Prize will be selected by a panel of three judges, and a winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Rowe Photo and a 16 x 20” custom print by 58 on Main. The Peoples’ Choice Award will be chosen by ballots available at 58 on Main and the Woodward Memorial Library, and the winning photo will be used on commemorative ornaments to be sold by St. Mark’s during the anniversary year. The winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to D&R Depot restaurant along with three ornaments.

Complete contest rules will be posted on St. Mark’s website at www.stmarks-leroy.org

Information and complete details about the contest will be available at www.stmarks-leroy.org, at the Oatka Festival, and in the church.

Press release:

Batavia’s premier consumer-run human service and advocacy agency for people with disabilities, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will hold an ADA Picnic to celebrate the 26^th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Open to the general public, and offering FREE food, fun, and games, the event will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, at Kiwanis Park, 3808 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

To ensure that we have enough, if you plan to attend, please R.S.V.P. to Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411.  

At the time the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed in 1990, a patchwork of laws existed to protect the civil rights of citizens with disabilities only in certain situations, such as access to airports, fairness in housing, and non-discrimination by federally funded institutions.

The ADA broadly bars disability-based discrimination in employment, telecommunications, by state and local governments, in places of public accommodation such as stores, restaurants, banks, theaters, hotels, and stadia, among other protections. This has made it the single most important body of law for a particular population, the disability community, since the protections for racial and ethnic minorities and women of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which inspired some of the ADA’s provisions.

City officials expected the governor's office to announce today the winners of the statewide contest for grants to assist in downtown economic development, but City Manager Jason Molino said this afternoon that he's received word not to expect the announcement today.

The city is competing with other municipalities in the Finger Lakes Economic Development region for a $10 million prize.

With a flourish of patriotic favorites and classic pops pieces, the Batavia Concert Band opened its summer season at Centennial Park on Wednesday evening with Josh Pacino conducting.

In a ceremony at the Richmond Memorial Library yesterday, two original works by Roy Mason were dedicated to the memory of Ted and Rosemary Surowka, who both dedicated many years of service to the library and the NIOGA library system.

Director Bob Conrad said library officials have been looking for a way to honor the Surowkas after Rosemary's death a year ago and when they realized one of the Mason paintings at the library had hung in Ted's school district office for 30 years, before Rosemary had it moved to the library after his retirement, it seemed natural to rededicate the paintings in their honor.

Plaques will be affixed to the wall next to the paintings.

Ted, who died in 2001, was the business administrator for Batavia City Schools for 36 years and served on the NIOGA Board of Trustees. Rosemary was a trustee of the library from 1995 to 2011 and board president from 1997 to 2011.

Mason is a significant American artist who worked mainly in watercolor. He moved to Batavia as a child when his father took over a family label-making business. After pursuing a career as an artist for a time, he returned to Batavia to work in his father's business. He retired in 1959 and moved to La Jolla, Calif., (San Diego County) and lived there until his death in 1972.

Martha Spinigan, director of the library for 28 years, said both Ted and Rosemary were steadfast in their work for the community and support of the library. Ted was a force behind moving the library expansion forward and getting it completed in the 1970s.

Beth Stich, current board president, read two resolutions dedicating the paintings.

Join us at Centennial Park at 9 a.m. this Monday, July 4, for the Kiwanis Independence Day 5K. To register, click here.