Press release:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, located in Alabama and Shelby, will be accepting applications for the refuge’s reserved waterfowl hunt days beginning Aug.15.  Reservations are required for opening day of the New York State regular waterfowl season on Saturday, Oct. 22 and the following Saturday, Oct. 29. These dates are tentative pending approval of the recommended waterfowl hunting season.

Interested hunters must complete the Waterfowl Lottery Application Form and return it to the refuge office at 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013. Applications will be accepted no earlier than Aug. 15 and are due by the deadline of 4 p.m., Sept. 15.

Application forms can be requested by mail, by phone, in person, or by email at iroquois@fws.gov. A PDF version of the form may also be downloaded and printed by following a link on the refuge website http://www.fws.gov/refuge/iroquois/. Hunters will be selected by a lottery and notified by mail. The number of permits issued will be dependent on water levels in the hunt area. Reservations are non-transferable.

Those selected must be at the Waterfowl Permit Station, located on Route 77, between 4:30 and 5 a.m. on their appointed day to select their hunt stand and obtain their permit. Consult the refuge’s Waterfowl Hunting Fact Sheet for addition information.

Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact refuge staff at 585-948-5445 or through the Federal Relay No. 1-800-877-8339.

Iroquois NWR is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For further information contact: 

Iroquois NWR, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013, or call Madeline Prush at 585-948-5445.

Submitted artwork by thangka artist Joanna Angie as featured in new exhibit at GCC's Roz Steiner Gallery called "Meditation."

Press release:

The schedule is now in place for artists and exhibits that will be featured in the Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery this fall at Genesee Community College, and thangka (Tibetan buddhist painting) artist Joanna Angie will display her works from Aug. 22 – Sept. 24 to begin the season.

Evident in her artwork, Angie has a strong sense of connection to Tibetan spiritual practice. Through thangka, a traditional Tibetan form of religious art dating back to the 11th century, Joanna seeks to convey images of compassion, community and knowledge.

"What I found in the Tibetan spiritual practice and thangka paintings was a natural sense of connection," Angie said. "The images stand for qualities we can develop such as compassion, community and knowledge, knowing there was no good judging me, just cause and effect."

Angie is the daughter of an Italian immigrant who escaped Mussolini's wrath and was proud of his American citizenship. After her father's death when she was just 14 years old, faith slowly came to her and school teachers and college professors became new guides in her life. After graduating Bennett College, Angie opened a gourmet food business, but became very sick by the age of 28. Relocation to Massachusetts exposed her to a Tibetan healer and a hatha yoga teacher, giving her new opportunities to heal and figured immensely into her healing process.

As a community-engaged artist, Joanna has worked on numerous projects including the public art project to commemorate the Centennial of the Pan-American Exposition in 2001. She was an active member of the Community Outreach Committee for the 2006 visit to Buffalo by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and in 2005, 2007 and 2010; she was an active participant in Beyond/In WNY Exhibitions, collaboration between visual arts organizations in the Western New York Region. Her mural commissions include work at Carnegie Hall Towers and William Hurt's residence in New York City and at St. Paul's Cathedral and The Buffalo Club in Buffalo.

Founder of the Buffalo Arts Studio and acting director from 1991-2012, Angie has exhibited her work at galleries in Buffalo, including Anderson Gallery, Buffalo Arts Studio, CEPA, El Museo, Hallwalls, Contemporary Arts Center, Himalayan Institute of Buffalo, Insight Gallery; as well as the Kenan Center in Lockport, Olean Public Library Art Gallery and the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn.

In addition to its aesthetic beauty as a work of art, thangka serves as an object of devotion, an aid to spiritual practice, and a source of blessings to those who meditate upon it. Joanna's exhibition "Mediation" will be shown Aug. 22 – Sept. 24 and an opening reception is planned for Sept. 8 beginning at 1 p.m. The exhibition will close with a reception on Sept. 24 beginning at 1 p.m. during GCC's Homecoming festivities.

The Roz Steiner Art Gallery will continue to host natural and historical works through the fall with the following exhibits:

• Oct. 6 – 28 -- "On Watch": A curiosity in the process of knowledge formation drives the conceptual framework for Timothy Frerichs' artwork. Through his site-specific installations, he seeks to address and inform ways of responding to and observing the natural world. With the idea that "to categorize is to know," he explores how gathering objects for information and the creation of knowledge constitutes and develops into a reality, particularly in terms of how culturally accepted concepts evolve and become mainstream.

The Exhibition will begin with an opening lecture and reception at 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 6.

• Nov. 10 – Dec. 16: "A Celebration of Native American Heritage": A comprehensive survey of Native American Heritage spanning 150+ years, this exhibit features a diverse collection of regional artifacts on loan from the Rochester Museum and Science Center as well as artwork from contemporary Native American artist Carson Waterman. Waterman's art and public murals can be found in and around Western New York, as well as at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

Gallery hours are Monday-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

There will be an NRA Safety and Firearm Education Camp from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Alabama Hunt Club on Sunday, Aug. 14.

The hunt club, located at 1854 Lewiston Road in Alabama, is sponsoring the event. Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family. Lunch will be provided for all participants.

Registration and fee payment starts at 9, with a required Shooting Safety Course instruction beginning at 9:30.

That will be followed by:

• Archery shooting
• Paintball shooting
• Air rifle shooting
• .22-caliber rifle shooting
• Trap shooting
• And muzzleloading rifle shooting

To ask questions or for more information, call Dema at (716) 632-1264.

Hakeem Ellsha Cunningham, 20, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd. Cunningham allegedly grabbed the neck of a juvenile, causing her to have a hard time breathing, during an incident reported July 19.

Lance M. Mercado Sr., 26, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Mercardo is accused of shoplifting from Speedway. Surveillance cameras revealed Mercado allegedly placing merchandise in his pockets and leaving the store without paying for the items.

Anthony G. Milone, 52, of Transit Road, Depew, is charged with disorderly conduct. Milone allegedly stepped out in front of a vehicle on Summit Street, Batavia, blocking traffic, at 4:29 p.m., June 24.

Joseph M. Marsceill Sr., 46, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Marsceill allegedly failed to appear in court on a charge of aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. He was released on his own recognizance.

Deborah R. Blatt, 56, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Blatt allegedly struck a police officer while being escorted to an ambulance to be taken to an area hospital for evaluation.

Charles-Gus Thigpen Williams, 37, of Robinson Road, Lockport, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Williams allegedly tried to gain access to a residence on Liberty Street at 10:32 p.m., Aug. 2, where the person living there was protected by a complete stay away order. Williams was located and arrested Tuesday. He was jailed on $1,000 bail, or $2,000 bond.

Douglas S. Sprague, 49, of Bethany Center Road, East Bethany, is charged with obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. Sprague allegedly attempted to resist arrest following a disturbance on Hutchins Place, Batavia, at 10:27 p.m., Friday.

Benjamin L. Brade, 24, of Denio Street, Batavia, is was arrested on a warrant. Brade allegedly failed to show up to serve a weekend jail term. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Paul P. Cronan, 35, of Main Street, Williamsville, is charged with harassment, 2nd, disorderly conduct and coercion, 2nd. Cronan was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 12:21 p.m., Sunday, at Dunkin' Donuts, Batavia. He was released to NYSP Clarence on unrelated charges.

Christian Richard Austin, 32, of Parce Avenue, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to stop at stop sign and driver's view obstructed. Austin was stopped at 12:21 p.m. Saturday on Route 77, Alabama, by Deputy Michael Lute.

Press release:

The Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Program provides an opportunity for 4-year-old children, at no cost to their families, to be involved in developmentally appropriate educational classes that, following the school calendar, meet Monday through Friday during the regular school year.

In the Batavia City School District, the program is offered mornings and afternoons at Jackson Primary as well as mornings at two community satellite locations: the YMCA Preschool and Imagination Station Childcare and Preschool. Transportation is also available.

In addition, for a fee, the YMCA and Imagination Station offer “wrap around” child care programs for those who desire it. (Please note that the District will make every attempt to accommodate, but cannot guarantee, requests for placement in a specific location.)

Children who are residents of Batavia City School District and who are four (4) years of age on or before Dec. 1, 2016, are eligible.

Information/Registration packets, including the application, are available at the District Business Office in the administrative wing of Batavia High School (260 State St.), or by calling 343-2480, ext. 1002. They can also be downloaded from the District’s website (www.bataviacsd.org) by using the pull-down menu at the top of the page labeled “Parent,” or the Quick Link labeled “Parent Resources,” then clicking on the link for Universal Pre-K.

The application should be returned as soon as possible. 

Photos and info submitted by Jerry Diskin.

The American Legion post in Le Roy, Botts-Fiorito Post #576, conducted a flag disposal ceremony Sunday afternoon, burning flags that had been dropped off with the Legion and deemed no longer serviceable.

The ceremony was held at the Northwoods Sportsman Club on Gulf Road with the assistance of the Le Roy Volunteer Fire Department. 

There were approximately 335 flags disposed of in the ceremony, including the giant flag that was replaced on the Orcon Industries building on Lake Road.

The ceremony was conducted by Post Commander Don Schafer. 

The ceremony is based on Public Law 344, passed by the 94th Congress in 1978:

"When the flag is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should not be cast aside or used in any way that might be viewed as disrespectful to the national colors, but should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning or by some other method in harmony with the reverence and respect we owe to the emblem representing our country.”

These photos are from yesterday's Empire State Antique Truck Show in Stafford (the event is continuing today) were submitted by Rob Radley.

Being from California, raised by a family with deep roots in Southeastern Colorado, I always enjoy being around cowboys, so it's always fun to spend an afternoon at the Attica Rodeo.

For more rodeo coverage, visit the Wyoming County Free Press.

It's been a long time since there was a grain bin incident in Genesee County, which is one reason a training session for volunteer firefighters at the Fire Training Center on State Street Road was so important yesterday, said Jim Bouton, one of the county's emergency management coordinators.

"It's important to keep up your skills and learn what has been working and not working over the years," Bouton said. 

Saturday's training was conducted by Dan Neena, director of the National Education Center for Agriculture Safety. The training session was co-sponsored by the Genesee County Farm Bureau and some local farmers attended, as well.

A farm worker might enter a grain bin because the top has become encrusted or for other maintenance work, and if he or she falls into the grain, can easily become trapped.

A rescuer can't simply grab a person buried in grain and pull him or her out.

"Once you’re trapped in the grain, the deeper you are, the more pounds that have to be exerted to release the person," Bouton said. "If we were try to pull a farmer who was trapped up to his neck, it would take like 650 pounds of pressure to try and pull him straight out. Well, that’s not possible."

Neena showed rescuers how to use a modular tube that is fitted around the victim's body, sunk into the grain, and then grain can be removed with an auger to suck the grain out of the tube, allowing the person to climb out of the grain.

The other danger for firefighters and the victim is that a grain bin is a confined space, which means potentially lower oxgyn levels, so rescuers need to be aware when breathing aparatus is required.

Firefighters were also trained how to use an especially designed saw for the task, to cut vents in the side of the grain bin so that grain can be released from around the person.

To learn about becoming a volunteer firefighter in your community, visit ReadyGenesee.com.

No purchase necessary. For a coupon code for a free ad, email howard@thebatavian.com. Listings posted in jobs available, housing and autos are $5 each for 14 days. All others are free.

A three-car accident with minor injuries is reported at the intersection of Alleghany and Judge roads in Alabama. It is blocking traffic. Alabama fire and Mercy medic #2 are responding.

Vitsit D&D Cleaning for more information on services and products. Like us on Facebook to stay up to date on new products! We hope to see you this Saturday!

Super location for this solid and well maintained 4 bedroom, 2 full bath home! This is a home you must come into to see everything it has to offer - excellent layout and a space for everything, there is over 33ft. of closet space-storage galore! Also, an extra large garage! Many updates including tear off roof, windows and entry door. The home features a white Georgia marble fireplace with gas insert for cozy nights! Outside has awesome 12x16 deck overlooking peaceful park like backyard for fun summer nights! Great neighborhood and neighbors and awesome location makes this one a must visit! Call Lynn Bezon today at Reliant Real Estate 585-344-4663 to see this beauty or click here to view this listing.

Scott Thomas McCoy, 47, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and unlawful growing of cannabis. McCoy was allegedly found with marijuana plants growing on his property in Pembroke and hypodermic needles. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be pending.

Bonnie Marie Breissinger, 62, of County Line Road, Darien, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Breissinger allegedly subjected another person to physical contact in violation of a no offensive conduct order of protection.

Robert Arthur Shuttleworth III, of Scotland Road, Akron, is charged with theft of services. Shuttleworth was arrested in Depew on a warrant out of Town of Batavia Court. He was jailed on $500 bail.

The tourism division of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce wants to help local poke hunting to go well, so to assist trainers, the Chamber has established a special group on Facebook: Pokémon Go in Genesee County, NY.

Anybody can join and post their local pokemon hunting tips and suggestions, including any pokestops or gyms they think people should know about.

Submitted:

The families of the late Baptist and Christina (Costa) Stefani, and Dominic and Johanna (Rigoni) Costa gathered for their 36^th consecutive annual family reunion at  Mumford’s Freeman Park on Sunday, July 24, 2016.  Both founding families made their homes in Lime Rock.

Christopher and Ann (Tracy) Publow of Rochester were this year’s event chairs.

After a cook-out topped off with a buffet of cookies and ice cream novelties, there was a short business meeting.  A review of family news since last year included:

Andrea Stefani, the daughter of Richard and Melanie Stefani of Batavia, married Jacob Klos of Watertown on July 18, 2015.

Samantha Blake gave birth to our newest family member, Ryder Christopher Barclay of Byron on May 16, 2016.

Twenty-month old Kate Aradine was the youngest in attendance.  She is the daughter of Jeffrey and Bethany (Pocock) Aradine of Bergen.

Bethany’s parents, Merlin and Marilyn (Costa) Pocock of Bergen were the longest married couple in attendance, at 41 years of wedded bliss.

Dorothy (Stefani) Bater of Leroy was the oldest person in attendance, followed closely by Dolores (Stefani) Lathan of Caledonia, who is one day younger.

Following the meeting, the family took photos, made spin art paintings, pelted each other in a water balloon toss, and tossed Cheetoes onto the shaving-cream covered heads of partners in a messy game of laughter and endurance (followed by cleaning each other off!).

Next year’s event chairs are Linda (Orlando) Totten of Elba, Carol (Orlando) Panepento of Pavilion, Gloria (Orlando) Oliver of Leroy, and Amy Panepento of Leroy.

Top photo: Dorothy (Stefani) Bater of Leroy, Marilyn (Costa) and Merlin Pocock of Bergen, and their granddaughter, Kate Aradine of Bergen were the oldest, longest married and youngest in attendance in this year’s Stefani-Costa family reunion.

Linda (Orlando) Totten of Elba and Ray Stefani of Holley struck a pose while enjoying the reunion’s beautiful weather

Christine (Lathan) Rodwell of Rush and Michelle Goldstin of Piffard teamed up in the Cheetoes Toss.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that about 30 seats are still available for his Ninth Annual Patriot Trip to Washington D.C. The trip is open to local veterans and their family members with priority going to first time attendees. The trip will take place September 15-18 and will include a multitude of memorials and historic sites honoring veterans in the D.C. area.

“This is one of my favorite events of the entire year and I am honored to give back to the brave men and women and their families who have fought for our country’s freedom,” Hawley said. “This is an amazing opportunity for an affordable price and I encourage local veterans and their loved ones to join us on this amazing journey.”

Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year include:

• WWII Memorial
• Korean War Memorial
• Vietnam War Memorial
• Iwo Jima – The Marine Corps Memorial
• American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial
• Air Force Memorial
• 911 Memorial at the Pentagon
• Arlington National Cemetery, including the Changing of the Guard
• Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns – Vietnam Veterans

Only about 30 seats remain and are available on a first come, first served basis. If you or a veteran you know want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip IX, please call 585-589-5780 or email carneyj@assembly.state.ny.us.

Press release:

Empire Access has received a $3.4 million grant award from the New NY Broadband Program.  The New NY Broadband Program was developed to help fund the expansion of high-speed broadband Internet service in New York State, with an ultimate goal of ensuring that all New Yorkers have high-speed broadband access by the end of 2018.

Empire Access is a locally owned and operated fast-growing telecommunications company, offering high-speed Internet, digital television, phone and security services to homes and businesses – all enabled by Fiber Optic technology – to over 25 communities in Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania.

The New NY Broadband Program grant provides Empire Access with significant funding for the expansion of high-speed broadband services to more than 1900 homes and businesses in the Southern Tier region of New York, including Burdett, Lodi and Odessa. These specific areas were identified by the New York State Broadband Program Office as underserved or unserved in Phase I of a multi-phase grant process.

Empire will offer residents in the awarded areas super-fast Internet service with standard speeds of 100 Mbps download x 20 Mbps upload, along with an even faster 1 Gigabit per second option. High definition digital television, digital phone, security and smart home services will also be available. All services will utilize a state-of-the-art 100% Fiber Optic dedicated connection.                       

“Empire Access is excited to be part of the state’s broadband initiative to expand high-speed broadband services throughout New York,” said Jim Baase, Chief Operating Officer, Empire Access. “We’re looking forward to working with Governor Cuomo and the state of New York to accomplish this goal.”

The third annual Hometown Trail has kicked off and a variety of shops in Genesee County have joined together to offer shoppers a fun way to explore unique stores and win prizes along the way. The Hometown Trail 2016 shops include:

• Country Hill -- 11119 W. Park St., Pavilion. 584-3540. Tues-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-4.
• The Hobby Horse -- 54-56 Main St., Le Roy. 768-8130. Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-3.
• Walking in the Woods -- 3456 Galloway Road, Batavia. 344-2428. Fri-Sun 11-5.
• Torrey’s Farm Market -- 7142 Oak Orchard Road, Elba. 355-1005. Fri & Sat 10-5.
• The Mill -- 7061 Oak Orchard Rd., Elba. 746-1677. Thurs 12-5, Fri 10-5, Sat 10-4.
• Vintage Vogue -- 36 Main St., Le Roy. 502-5333. M-F 10-6, Sat 10-4.
• The Divine Tree -- 19 Main St., Le Roy. 502-5386. Mon. 10-6, Tues. 2-6, Wed. 10-6, Th-Fri. 10-7, Sat. 11-4.
• Buttercrumbs Bakery -- 13 E. Main St., Corfu. 599-4550. Mon-Fri 7am-2pm, Sat 7am-2pm, Sunday: CLOSED.
• The Farm -- 9079 Alleghany Road, Corfu. 409-1433. Open seven days 10am-5pm.
• Danielle’s Countryside Antiques -- 8966 Alleghany Road, Corfu. 599-3808. Thurs-Sun 11-5.
• Country Cottage -- 10448 Harper Road, Darien Center. 547-9591. Open 7 days 11-6.
• Berried Treasures -- 13219 Broadway, Alden. 356-9895. Tues-Fri 10-4, Sat 8-2.

Participate in the Hometown Trail this summer by shopping at these Genesee County shops. Get your card stamped at each shop by Aug. 31st to be entered in the grand prize drawings to be held on Sept. 12. Participants who collect all shop stamps will be entered in the Grand Prize Drawing for a $100 gift certificate that can be used at any of the participating shops.

Participants that collect all shop stamps PLUS participate in any of our bonus features on Facebook will be entered in our Ultimate Shopper Prize. The more you participate, the more chances you have to win! Winners will be notified and featured on our Facebook page. 
In addition to these great prizes, there will also be a trivia question giveaways on our Facebook page - The Hometown Trail - Click here.

Maps can be found at any of these shops. Trail-goers can explore along the way and get their map stamped at each store until the end of August when maps will be turned in for prize drawings. Find out more on The Hometown Trail Facebook Page.