Press release:

The Empire State Development (ESD) Board of Directors today approved a total of $46 million in grant funds for infrastructure construction and development at the Western New York Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP).

The site, located in Alabama, Genesee County, is currently being prepared for anchor tenant 1366 Technologies to build its first large-scale commercial Direct Wafer™ production plant and significantly grow its workforce. The company, which develops and manufactures high performance silicon wafers for the solar energy industry, will create at least 600 new, full-time jobs and several hundred million dollars of private investment in the Finger Lakes region.

The development of the STAMP site has been a priority project for the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council (FLREDC) for the past five years and is a major component of advancing “Finger Lakes Forward.”

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said: “Today's board approval reinforces New York State’s commitment to fostering the clean energy technologies of the future to create jobs and economic opportunities for New Yorkers. These funds ensure infrastructure work continues, bringing us another step closer to STAMP hosting 1366 Technologies, and the hundreds of new high-tech jobs they’re going to generate.”

The funding approved today for the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) enables infrastructure work at the STAMP site to continue, in preparation for the construction of 1366 Technologies’ production plant. The project, announced by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo last October, will progress in phases, with 1366 Technologies initially building a 250MW facility that will ultimately be a 3GW wafer facility. Over the course of the multiphase project, 1366 will invest approximately $700 million, including a $100 million initial investment, becoming the largest economic development project in the history of Genesee County.

Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center, said: “The approval of these funds by Empire State Development demonstrates the commitment by Governor Cuomo to keep the development of the STAMP site moving forward. With this approval, the GCEDC will be begin construction of the infrastructure required on site, including the necessary infrastructure for the new solar wafer manufacturing facility, 1366 Technologies.”

The GCEDC will use a grant of up to $18 million for facility and infrastructure construction related to the 130,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and related infrastructure for 1366 Technologies, Inc. – the first anchor tenant at STAMP. These funds are part of the $56.3 million in total state incentives that were critical in securing 1366 Technologies commitment to build its factory in Upstate New York. The additional funds approved today, $28 million, are the remaining balance of a $33 million budget appropriation and are primarily for infrastructure construction at STAMP. In November 2015, the ESD Directors approved $5 million for remaining land acquisition and engineering for roadway, electrical, water, sewer and wastewater systems. A portion of the remaining land parcels have been acquired and the engineering phase of the project is approximately 40-percent complete. The remaining funds needed to await completion of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process, which has been completed and with today’s action by the ESD Directors the balance of the project can move forward.

1366 Technologies develops and manufactures high performance silicon wafers, the building block of solar cells and the most expensive component of a solar panel. The company’s revolutionary Direct Wafer™ technology transforms how the wafers are made and replaces a decades-old, expensive and wasteful manufacturing process with one elegant step. The result slashes the cost of a wafer by 50 percent. As a “drop-in” replacement for conventional wafers, 1366 Technologies makes it easy for cell and module manufacturers to strip out costs without adding complexity.

In September 2011, 1366 was also issued a $150 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to build a commercial-scale manufacturing facility.

The Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) site is part of New York’s High Tech Corridor and is the state’s second shovel-ready mega site (1,250 acres) designed to attract large companies including semiconductor, display/ imaging, photovoltaics, optics/ photonics, and bio-manufacturing firms. The site is located within the New York Power Authority’s low-cost hydropower zone and is serviced by redundant, highly reliable power. Located just five miles north of the New York State Thruway on exit 48A, the site has access to a bi-region population of 2.1 million people. The STAMP site has been validated as a regional priority project by the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council and is supported by regional business and labor organizations, as well as regional colleges and universities.

Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward

Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $3.4 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in.

Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here. -- https://www.ny.gov/programs/upstate-revitalization-initiative

Press release:

The Jerome Foundation and United Memorial Medical Center Foundation are jointly seeking nominations for the 32^nd annual Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County. Nominations should be submitted on or before Sept. 6.

The award recognizes outstanding men and women whose volunteer efforts have improved the physical, emotional or spiritual well-being of the greater Genesee County area.

“We are fortunate to have many caring and committed volunteers devoted to the sick or to those in need, and helping to build a stronger, healthier community for all of us,” said Justin Calarco-Smith, president of The Jerome Foundation.

He noted the accomplishments of John Dwyer, the 2015 Health and Humanitarian Award winner. For more than 60 years Mr. Dwyer has given his support and leadership to numerous organizations involved in health care, job creation, education and charitable causes.

Nomination forms are available from UMMC Foundation Office at 127 North St., or by calling 585-344-5301, or online at www.ummc.org.

Organizations or individuals may nominate candidates. Consideration will be given to actual accomplishments achieved through volunteer service and subsequent improvements to quality of life. 

The 2016 award winner will be honored at a luncheon on Friday, Nov. 4, at Terry Hills Restaurant.

Press release:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced $250,000 in state funding to assist with the construction of the Ellicott Trail, the first pedestrian and bicycle trail within Genesee County.

The proposed 4.6-mile multi-modal pedestrian and bicyclist trail will provide a new route through the City and Town of Batavia, including off-road sections, to offer more efficient and safer options for travelers.

“I am pleased to have been able to secure funding for the Town and City of Batavia to construct the Ellicott Trail. The trail will connect major activity centers and commerce, while offering a new, safer way for residents to get around in the community,” Ranzenhofer said.

New off-road trail sections will improve the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists as they will not need to compete with vehicular traffic. In addition, the on-road sections will be signed and striped for bicyclists to alert motorists; crosswalks at key intersections will also be signed, and in some instances enhanced, to emphasize pedestrian crossings along the route.

"I’m extremely pleased with the efforts of the City and Town collaborators with the Senator’s office to help make this project a reality. This will be a first of its kind in Genesee County, and just the beginning of what will hopefully be a County-wide trail," said Town Supervisor Greg Post.

“This has been a collaborative effort from the beginning, and we are extremely pleased to have an asset like the Ellicott Trail come through the center of our City. The Ellicott Trail, once constructed, will be a permanent fixture that will bring commerce and recreational users to our County for years to come,” said City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr.

Ranzenhofer secured the funding through the State and Municipal Facilities Grant Program. Construction of the new trail is expected to start early next year and be completed by the end of 2017. The total cost of the project is $1.36 million.

In 2014, the Town of Batavia, in partnership with the City, received $1 million in federal funding, through the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP), to complete a 4.6-mile multi-modal pedestrian and bicyclist trail. The TEP program required a $341,500 local match to complete the project. Senator Ranzenhofer’s grant will be used to offset the local match.

The Local Drug Task Force has announced the arrest of four Batavia residents on charges stemming from four separate investigations into the suspected criminal sale of narcotics.

Katelynn M. Higgs, 31, of Grandview Terrace, Batavia, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Higgins is accused of selling a quantity of oxycodone to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force. She was jailed without bail.

Amber L. Jacznski, 24, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Jacznski is accused of selling a quantity of fentanyl to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force. She was jailed without bail.

Katherine M. Shannon, 55, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Shannon is suspected of selling a quantity of oxycodone to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force. She was jailed without bail.

Michelle L. Preston, 50, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. Preston is accused of selling a quantity of crack cocaine to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force and was allegedly found in possession of marijuana at the time of her arrest. She was jailed without bail.

The 9^th Annual Chapin Charity Golf Tournament was played on Aug. 13^th at Terry Hills Golf Course in support of this year's charity: The Disabled American Veterans-Transportation Network. All the proceeds raised were donated to the charity.

Although for the first time in the history of the event the weather conditions were less than perfect, the tournament was very enjoyable.

The tournament started off with a military honor guard accompanying bugler, Frankie Panepinto, playing the “National Anthem" in honor of our veterans. 

A record number of 204 golfers participated in the outing, which is quite an increase from the first event with 44 golfers! Each golfer received a gift bag full of snacks and items to start off the tournament, donated by Chapin. The Disabled American Veterans-Transportation Network donated a pound of coffee to each participant and mugs, while helping pass out all the goodies. 

Everyone, including volunteers, received lunch tickets before the tournament. Players were encouraged to enter the putting contest at the practice green. For the last three years, Max Pies Furniture has donated a lounge chair for the winner of this contest. Local resident Derek Ellis won the chair.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner at the awards banquet catered by Terry Hills following the tournament. Assemblyman Steve Hawley began the awards banquet with a presentation on the 9^th annual Patriots Trip to Washington, D.C. Chapin followed up with a contribution to assist the veterans' fund for the trip.

The event recognized four categories this year as winners: The Chapin Division, the Business Division, Mixed Division and Female Division. Each player received a nice prize package. The Chapin Division winners’ names will be placed on a “Stanley Cup” style trophy and all other winners received commemorative plaques. Every player received a prize with a $25 value. Along with the prizes Chapin presented each player with a Made in USA, 3X5 American flag. No one walks away unhappy or empty handed.

Unfortunately there were no winners for the HOLE-IN-ONES offered on hole #7 by Toyota of Batavia (Corolla), hole #12 by Ken Barrett Chevrolet/Cadillac (Cruze), and hole #25 by Castilone Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep (Jeep Renegade). A very special thanks goes out to the dealerships for their continued support for the tournament.

The big winner was the Disabled American Veterans-Transportation Network and this year’s funds raised reached a new record. More than $10,300 was raised to benefit the DAV. The Disabled American Veterans-Transportation Network still needs support. 

Please contact Doug Titus, coordinator at the DAV. Doug.Titus@va.gov. Phone: (585) 297-1170.

Chapin International is very proud to host this event each year. Next year it will be held on Aug. 12. Mark the calendar! Due to the continued growth, space will be limited.  Contact Norm Hubbard, Golf Tournament director, to become a sponsor or answer any questions, nhubbard@chapinmfg.com or 585-343-3140, ext. 3018.

Check out the pictures of this year’s event. Go to www.chapincharitygolf.com. Special thanks to the volunteers and photographers Mike Freeman, Scott Gimbrone and Lori Kramer.

Submission by Norm Hubbard -- Tournament chair, and photos by Michael Freeman.

When he was a 16-year-old dishwasher at a local restaurant, the chef he worked under got too busy to handle all the orders and enlisted his help. That moment was to become a defining turning point in Dave Hamer's career in the food industry.

After he graduated high school, he continued on at the restaurant. About a year after that, he enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in New Haven, Conn. – what he likes to affectionately refer to as akin to “becoming a chef at Yale.”

Not only did the institute expand to a location in New York – High Park – after stints in the states of Alaska, Florida, Tennessee and a few others, Hamer and his wife, Carolyn, returned to their home state of New York. More specifically, they returned to Wyoming County to plant their roots in a new business located at 1961 Church Road, Darien Center.

River Spring Lodge, a premier boutique hotel, nestled on 20 tranquil acres overlooking a private pond, provides luxurious guest rooms that include a three-course breakfast. The inn offers five beautifully appointed king (bed) rooms and two queen rooms that are smart, modern, comfortable and luxurious.

“As a New York native and a former resident of Wyoming County, opening a lodge here is like coming home again,” Hamer said. “My wife, Carolyn, and I are excited to be in Western New York (WNY). We love the quiet, secluded location that is only 30 miles from Buffalo and an hour from Rochester.” 

The couple owns the country estate. They are two of the most highly regarded professionals in the boutique lodging industry and have served discriminating clients from all over the world at Orvis-endorsed hospitality businesses, a company which is touted to be the “purveyor of the Distinctive Country Lifestyle,” as stated on its website. 

The Hamers have worked at some really nice places, such as the Monhegan Island Inn, in Monhegan, Maine. The Inn, 10 miles off the coast of Maine, sits atop a bluff looking west over Monhegan Harbor toward the Atlantic Ocean; Kennicott Glacier Lodge, Kennicott, Alaska. Built in 1987, the Kennicott Glacier Lodge is a replica of one of the historic mining buildings from the copper mining boom town days. The Timbers at Chama, in Chama, N.M., is a 400-acre ranch originally built as an executive retreat and it's constructed from century-old bridge timbers. Elk hunting is the main attraction. And Pheasant Crest Lodge, Kimball, S.D., is part of a family-owned farm and ranch, the hunting lodge is set upon one of the ranch’s highest hills.

In addition to his employment at hunting lodges, Dave has also worked at a few "high-end” country clubs in Florida and Tennessee and performs ministry work through speaking engagements and travel.

“We started looking for a place in New York about three years ago,” he said. “We lived in Attica years ago and wanted to return here. We returned last winter as the caretaker of the place while getting it ready.”

Dave said he has been “in food” all his life, describing himself as a “career culinary person.” Tutored in classical European cuisine, the chef creates food that is beautiful, generous and exceptional.

There are two dining options at River Spring Lodge. Each Friday and Saturday the Chef's Table serves a remarkable five-course dining experience, with or without chef chosen wine pairings. The Bistro at River Spring Lodge will serve a four-course, country gourmet dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The Bistro serves hearty cuisine that includes walleye, beef, chicken, venison and pheasant. The menu also includes gluten free, vegan, dairy free and vegetarian options. 

The Chef’s Table not only offers a truly memorable five-course dinner, but also panoramic wooded and water views, a beautiful chandelier, a flickering fire, and lovely table linens. The sophisticated china and crystal stemware add ambiance to an authentic fine-dining experience. Chef chosen wine pairings are offered nightly. Bottles of wine can also be chosen from the River Spring Lodge cellar.

The Bistro at River Spring Lodge offers gourmet country dining at private tables in a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Tables are limited and reservations are required.

This upscale inn is a full-service hotel and corporate retreat hidden on 20 quiet, wooded acres. It is located just 30 minutes from BUF Buffalo/Niagara International Airport and less than one hour from ROC Greater Rochester International Airport. The bedrooms are beautifully appointed, each with a private bathroom with heated ceramic floors, double vessel sinks, bathtubs and large European shower rooms. This boutique hotel -- not far from Niagara Falls, and close to Letchworth State Park -- is in an ideal location to explore the natural wonders of the county and all of WNY.

A fully equipped conference room is available for meetings and conferences. A variety of beverage package options are available for private events. A lobby with a baby grand piano and comfortable leather furniture provides the perfect place to host a wine tasting or cocktail reception or to mingle with other guests, read a book or to just relax while enjoying a glass of wine before dinner.

While the Hamers' goal at the lodge is for it to become a premiere destination for couples and corporate gatherings, the couple is also involved in ministerial work.

“From time to time we’d like to host meetings and leadership training and spend time in fellowship with pastors and their spouses. But our primary business is creating a destination for couple to escape to, and companies to see us as a corporate retreat.”

Not only is the setting central to larger cities, it’s far enough away to be an “escape” from the daily grind, but close enough to be affordable.

“We will be expanding in March by building state-of-the-art conference and corporate rooms that will be fully equipped to be able to accommodate daytime business meetings and the like for those who can do without extended travel. Our lodge complements the other retreats in the area and we look forward to working together with others.

“The friendliness of the people in the county, not just the business folks, has been wonderful. When working on establishing the business, the county folks were nothing but helpful, friendly, warm... I kind of forgotten how friendly the people in Western New York are.”

And in keeping with the hometown feel, the company’s motto is: We’re everything exceptional.

At a recent ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of the facility, Wyoming County Chamber President Scott Gardner said, “We are thrilled to welcome River Spring Lodge and Dave and Carolyn Hamer to Wyoming County. They’ve made a tremendous investment in the property and offer a premier location for guests and corporate retreats. River Spring Lodge is a beautiful facility offering unique amenities and high quality accommodations.”

To reserve your place at The Chef’s Table or a table at The Bistro at River Spring Lodge go online at www.riverspringlodge.com or call (585) 708-4212. Local guests are always welcome for dinner when seats are available. Be sure to take advantage of the Grand Opening room discounts before they expire.

Project organizers see the START-UP Genesee seminar series as a necessary starting point for prospective entrepreneurs to navigate what could become a complicated road to success.

But, ultimately, it is the funding component of this partnership among local and state agencies that will generate the fuel to enable new businesses to survive and thrive.

As reported on Tuesday in The Batavian, START-UP Genesee has been formed to assist all types of businesses from early stage planning to site selection, access to capital and product development or diversification.

The initiative will kick off with an open house at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Harvester Center, 22 Masse Place, Batavia, and continue with six programs for entrepreneurs every other month starting in November.

The Batavia Development Corp. and the Genesee County Economic Development Center are two of the eight agencies that have come together to set START-UP Genesee in motion.

BDC Coordinator Julie Pacatte and GCEDC Marketing Director Rachael Tabelski believe the effort will produce results largely due to the current funding streams available to entrepreneurs.

“At the BDC, we primarily work with microenterprise – start-ups with five or fewer employees -- and we have had a lot of success with the 'Get Underway' grant program,” Pacatte said, noting that numerous start-ups have taken advantage of City of Batavia microenterprise grants.

Pacatte added that BDC directors are exploring programs that provide more programming, including mentorship and ongoing improvement strategies.

Tabelski touts the GCEDC’s commitment to entrepreneurship, calling it one of her employer’s three pillars of economic development, and she dismisses suggestions that the agency only doles out tax breaks to businesses.

“We administer loan funds, and can point someone in the direction of the Batavia Development Corporation or the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce for smaller ‘micro’ loans,” she said.

Both Pacatte and Tabelski have high praise for the START-UP NY program offered through Genesee Community College.

“As far as tax incentives, START-UP NY is basically a feeder program that helps (entrepreneurs) move in the right direction,” Pacatte said. “It’s a key component in Genesee County, thanks to the efforts of William Emm, (executive vice president of planning and institutional effectiveness), who is the architect of the GCC START-UP NY plan.”

Tabelski said that “entrepreneurship is the key to employing more people and a way to get tax incentives through START-UP NY at GCC.”

“The idea of START-UP Genesee is to find out if someone has an idea that could turn into a viable business plan and be eligible for space."

START-UP NY offers new and expanding businesses the opportunity to operate tax-free for 10 years on or near eligible university or college campuses in New York State.  GCC has designated 50.6 acres of vacant land at the Batavia campus as well as 19,678 square feet of vacant space at the Dansville campus.

The college targets businesses in agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, technology, energy development (bio-digesters and advanced energy management systems) and agricultural research. For further information on the qualifications for the START-UP NY program and the application process, go to: http://startup-ny.com/

Additional grant funding is available through New York State’s Consolidated Funding Application and Empire State Development, and through programs such as 43 North in Buffalo and Hi-Tech Rochester’s Venture Challenge.

Tabelski said that Batavian Georgeann Carrubba, who came up with an invention to help those with ostomy bags, was “shepherded” by the GCEDC’s Innovation Zone, which provides access to “venture capital folks and enables businesses to scale up more quickly.”

In related developments:

Pacatte said that her agency has submitted grant requests to ESD for Ellicott Station remedial work, and received CFA funding last year to study the feasibility of subdividing the 20-acre core Harvester Park, encompassing parts of Harvester Avenue, Masse Place and Swan Street.

She said that Samuel Savarino, developer of Ellicott Station, is closing in on a couple of tenants – one to operate an entertainment/retail destination and the other two to lease office space. 

The Harvester Park plan will be revealed in the next 30 days, she said, adding that owners of the land on Swan Street that has been considered as a possible site for a new City of Batavia police headquarters, had been talking about developing the parcel “before the police conversation came up.”

Ever since he opened Main St. Pizza Company on East Main Street 11 and a half years ago, Vic Marchese has wanted to serve pasta dishes featuring his mom's sauce and meatball recipes, but the small kitchen in the busy and crowded pizza shop just didn't give him room to grow his business that way.

Two months ago, at the end of a three-year planning and building process, Marchese was finally able to expand his restaurant, building a bigger kitchen and adding a new, large (75 seats) and attractive dining area.

And since then, the customers have been pouring in.

"I always knew we would do well because people always liked my mother’s sauce," Marchese said. "She just passed away four years ago. I wish she was here. She would really enjoy this. She would be out here, talking to everybody, and she would be involved here in the kitchen, I know she would."

The expansion helped Marchese fulfill a few dreams -- serving his mom's recipes, bringing Italian dining back to Batavia, double the number of diners his restaurant can serve at one time and providing a more upscale dining experience.

He designed the new dining room himself, with help from his wife and an interior designer who suggested the tabletops and upholstery on the long booth that sits under the custom-made Main Street sign on an interior wall, framed by two racks of wine. The wood and brick ambiance gives the restaurant a classic, urban feel.

"I wanted to build something that was over the top," Marchese said. "I wanted it to be the best restaurant Batavia could have, as good as anything in any big city."

Customers have told him, he said, that they feel like they're in a restaurant in Boston or Montreal when they're in his new dining room, or with the big meals, friendly atmosphere and good food, they feel like they're home. Both compliments apply.

"The best compliment anyone has ever said, people just thanked me for building this for them," Marchese said. "That says a lot right there. Food aside, pizza aside, spaghetti aside, people say the building is for them."

The homespun atmosphere is accentuated by a wall of photographs of local scenes, alongside shots of the family dog, Winston, and a couple of the restaurant's dishes. The local photographs are the work of Batavia residents Mark Gutman and Howard Owens.

Marchese is particularly proud of the 16-foot front window that opens easily when the weather is good, giving diners not just a view of downtown life on the sidewalk, but an open-air cafe feel, much like any big city bistro.  

Main St. now takes reservations, and that's not a bad idea on most nights, and tables by the window are the most requested by those callers making reservations.

While mom's sauce and meatballs anchor the new dining room's menu, much of the culinary creativity comes from Main St.'s new executive chef, Jason Ball, a native of Batavia who got his culinary degree from Erie County Community College and has been a sous chef and executive chef at several restaurants and hotels in the region. He was most recently sous chef at Orazio's in Clarence, where he was part of a team that won four Taste of Buffalo awards. He spent about 10 years at Orazio's with a break in the middle to be executive chef at Byrncliff in Varysburg.

Ball started hearing talk more than a year ago that Marchese wanted to meet with him and discuss an executive chef position and Ball's first reaction, he said, was "executive chef in a pizza shop? No way," but then once he sat down Marchese and understood his vision, he said he was sold on the idea.

"This is something special right here," Ball said. "I've long wanted to come back to my hometown and do something special and this is it. This is great. We said it would be great and we're doing it."

In preparing for the job, Ball took a family vacation in New York City and visited the bistros of Little Italy. He said he absorbed ideas and atmosphere, and during their planning, Marchese took Ball to Tony B's in Rochester and Marchese had a steak there and told Ball he'd like to include a steak on the menu for the new dining room.

Ball found a cut of Angus filet mignon that costs $20 per cut, which means it's $38 on the Main St. menu, but Ball described it as an amazing cut of meat, and since customers keep ordering at that price, it must be pretty good. Ball said the goal was to offer the best cut of steak in Batavia.

Marchese and Ball want everything to be first-rate, he said, so they only get the best ingredients, including cheese from Yancey's Fancy (for dessert, homemade ice cream from Oliver's Candies, to continue that local theme). 

Ball has the freedom to offer unique and creative specials every night, including some really special specials on weekends, such as this past weekend when the menu included an ahi tuna steak with vegetables and a jasmine rice.

The appetizers include the Winstonator (named after the Marchese family pet), which is comprised of two 10-ounce meatballs in mom's sauce with cheese, and Ball introduced his own take on Arancini, a Sicilian rice ball with asparagus, ricotta, various cheeses and a roasted tomato sauce and chive oil. 

It's quickly become one of the most popular items on the menu, Ball said.

"We want customers to have a great experience," Ball said. "I believe sitting down and enjoying a meal is an experience. Anybody at home can cook spaghetti and meatballs, but here we want it to be an experience. We want to it to be a top-notch-level service, an amazing atmosphere and great food like this town has never seen before. We’ve set our standards very high."

Marchese said he hopes people feel like they've had a real Italian dining experience after a meal at Main St., and not just because they had a pasta dish or a meatball.

"When you go to an Italian family’s house, you always eat well and you never leave hungry," Marchese said. "That’s what I want to emulate here. Our portions are always huge. I don’t want anybody to go away hungry. So far, it’s been good. People are leaving with doggie bags and I like that."

Jason Ball

Plans for a new 62-room hotel in the Gateway I Corporate Park off Route 98, north of the Thruway, continue to move through the approval process without a hitch.

Last night, the Town of Batavia Planning Board approved an environmental review assessment and the previous evening the Zoning Board of Appeals approved variances for the height of the building and signage. 

The proposed Fairfield Inn will be the second hotel built in the Gateway development within the past five years. In 2011, local hotel owners objected to the planned Holiday Inn Express in the park, but it was approved and built.

The Fairfield Inn will be owned by the Patel family from Erie, Pa., a family that already owns hotels in Batavia.

An attorney for Oakfield Hospitality, LLC, said the owners have marketing studies that show there is still a growing need for hotel rooms in the Batavia market.

The hotel needed a height variance because it will be four stories tall instead of three stories. There is also a plan for a free-standing sign of 147 square feet.

The project must still undergo a site plan review before final approval. The developers are also waiting for the DOT to approve a traffic study.

If there are no delays in the approval process, construction could begin within two months.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department will be making a repair on a broken water line on Tracy Avenue between Washington Avenue and North Street starting at 9 a.m. today. Tracy Avenue will be closed from Washington Avenue to North Street for all traffic. Please avoid Tracy Avenue until repairs are made. Water service may be interrupted on Tracy to make the repair.

Some of the collaborators that helped create the Batavia Pathways to Prosperity investment fund and other strategies to foster economic development in Genesee County are joining forces to launch a new project -- the START-UP Genesee "Think & Drink" Entrepreneurial Series.

Eight local and state agencies have teamed with Genesee County village business districts to offer the series, which kicks off on Wednesday, Aug. 31, with a networking event celebrating the Harvester Center's 57th anniversary.

The event will run from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Harvester Center, 22 Masse Place, Batavia. Those with hopes of starting their own businesses and others from the public are invited to attend the session, which will feature local food and beverage entrepreneurs.

Sponsors include Canandaigua National Corp., NYS Small Business Development Center, Mancuso Business Development Group, Batavia Development Corp., Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee County Economic Development Center and Genesee Community College and Batavia Improvement District.

According to a press release issued by the GCEDC, the START-UP Genesee network can assist all types of businesses from early stage planning to site selection, access to capital and product development or diversification.

Business programs in the "Think & Drink" series will be held every few months following the launch event.

The schedule of tours, all free of charge, is as follows:

-- November, Innovation Zone, Technology-based Start-Ups;
-- February 2017, FreshLAB, Food & Beverage Start-Ups;
-- April 2017, GCC, Mastering Your Business Plan;
-- June 2017, Village of Bergen, Main Street Businesses;
-- August 2017, The Harvester Center, Maker Spaces;
-- October  2017, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Start-Ups.

For more information call Rachael Tabelski at 585-343-4866 or by email rtabelski@gcedc.com.

A child who was riding a bike has suffered a minor head injury after a reported car vs. bicycle accident in the municipal parking lot at 13 Main St. in Oakfield. The vehicle and driver have left the scene. Oakfield fire and Mercy medics are responding.

Shade Zajac makes his official debut Sunday as the full-time conductor of the Genesee Symphony Orchestra in a special performance being sponsored by the United Way at Mercy Grove in Le Roy.

Zajac previously conducted the orchestra last season as part of an audition process for the musical director's position with the GSO and was appointed by the GSO board earlier this year.

Mercy Grove is Genesee County's newest event facility and will be a beautiful setting for this special performance.

Tickets are $75 per person and proceeds benefit the United Way and the Genesee Symphony Orchestra.

Party attire is suggested. The event starts at 3:30 p.m. There will be hors d'oeuvres, grazing stations and a cash bar. The GSO performance, "Summer Serenade," begins at 4:45.  

Tickets are available through GSO's website, or at Bank of Castile in Batavia and Le Roy, Roxy's Music, the United Way and GO ART!

Photos are from Monday's rehearsal.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that the Village of Elba has been awarded more than $2 million to fund a drinking water improvement project that will help bolster the area’s clean water supply, fix and replace old pipes, sewer lines, treatment plants and assist with design and construction costs.

The grants are being distributed to various municipalities throughout the state as part of New York’s Water Infrastructure Improvement Act.

“Ensuring a clean and bountiful water supply for our citizens is one of the fundamental responsibilities of our state and local governments,” Hawley said. “Unfortunately, many pipes, sewer lines and treatment facilities were installed decades ago and were not made with the same durable materials we use today.

"As a result, New York’s infrastructure is failing, which places an extraordinary financial burden on local governments that are already handcuffed due to state mandates. I am pleased to see that the state has stepped up and is providing over two-thirds of the estimated cost of this project, which is vital for the health and well-being of our residents.”

Press release: 

Due to rain and wet field conditions during three separate road games, the Muckdogs will now be making those games up at Dwyer Stadium. 

The game in Mahoning Valley on Thursday, Aug. 11^th, was postponed due to rain. This game will be made up as part of a double header on Wednesday, Aug. 17th. The teams will play two seven-inning games, with the first game starting at 5:05 p.m. Gates will open at 4 p.m.

The second makeup game will occur versus the Auburn Doubledays on Sunday, Sept. 4^th, starting at 2:05 p.m. Gates will open at 1 p.m. The first game will be the conclusion of a suspended game that began Saturday, Aug. 13^th, in Auburn. The game will begin in the bottom of the third inning with the score tied at zero, as it was when the game was postponed. The game is scheduled to be a nine inning game and will be followed by Sunday’s regularly scheduled contest, which will be seven innings. 

The final makeup game will take place versus Auburn on Monday, Sept. 5^th. This is to make up the game that was postponed due to wet field conditions in Auburn on Sunday, Aug. 14^th. Once again, the teams will play two seven-inning games, with the first game starting at 1:05 p.m. Gates will open at noon.

Anthony Antinore, of Churchville, has been arrested and charged with disseminating indecent material to a minor, a Class E felony.

It is alleged that the 51-year-old Antinore, while employed by the City of Batavia School District as a middle school teacher, had the victim send sexually explicit photographs of himself to Antinore.

This allegedly occurred between 2011-14.

Antinore was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

He is due back in court for further proceedings on Sept. 20.

The case was investigated by Batavia Police Det. Thad Mart.

UPDATE: Statement from Batavia City Schools:

On Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, the District was informed of the impending arrest of Anthony Antinore following an investigation by the Batavia Police Department into allegations of inappropriate interactions with a Batavia student who has since graduated.

Superintendent of Schools Christopher Dailey said, “Parents expect their children to be safe in school. While we cannot control the conduct of every teacher in every situation, we expect and require our employees to be held to a high standard of character. The conduct alleged in these charges represents a serious breach of trust, responsibility, and the law. Therefore, after review of the available information, the District immediately sought Mr. Antinore’s resignation which he submitted.”

Given the ongoing criminal proceedings, the District will not have further comment on this case.

A motor-vehicle accident with unknown injuries is reported at Route 19 and Parmalee Road in Le Roy. Unknown injuries. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 12:14 p.m.: An elderly female driver in a sedan was southbound on Route 19 when she slowed to make a left turn onto Parmalee. Behind her was a Chevy Suburban with four teenagers in it and the driver was following the sedan too closely and failed to notice the sedan slowing to turn, resulting in a rear-end collision, according to the officer at the scene. No one was apparently injured, however. A family member drove to the scene and took the elderly female home after she was evaluated by medics.

It's August, and Batavia High School Coach Brennan Briggs couldn't be happier. He's got his team right where he wants them, preparing for another football season.

“We’re enthused to be playing football again," said the Blue Devil's head coach. “We back on the gridiron and we love it. We’re excited to be out on the practice field at Van Detta."

Typically, this time of year, Briggs is taciturn about his team's chances in the upcoming season. This August, he isn't mincing words. He's raising expectations for his young players, many of whom are replacing starters that helped Batavia win consecutive Section V championships.

"We need to stay the course, keep the expectations high," Briggs said. "Even though we're young, it doesn't mean we can't go out there and compete for our third title in a row. They need to set the bar high. They have the ability to win a section championship. We've just got to make sure we enjoy the journey and make sure we're getting better every week."

The heart of any offense is the quarterback and with Greg Mruczek's graduation, that opens the position for the 2016 season. Senior Jerry Reinhart has the inside track, but he's got some competition for the slot. Junior Chandler Baker has a chance to win the job.

"Baker is a fantastic athlete and he's pushing Jerry," Briggs said. "He's done a great job. It makes for a great, healthy competition for both guys to compete for the spot. Regardless of who gets the spot, both would make fantastic QBs and both are fantastic receivers. Their athleticism will have an impact, one that is notable on Friday nights."

Both have good arms and can run, Briggs said. Reinhart has a little more experience after backing up Mruczek last season.  

The offensive line is young and several guys are competing for starting positions, but it will be anchored by the experience of Anthony "Butchy" Ray.

On defense, Briggs said the Blue Devils will have bulk on the line and athleticism on the outside, led by Eric Davis and Sam Marble. 

"They're athletic on the ends, so we might be able to get creative with those guys out there," Briggs said. "We might be able to unleash them a bit, which is good if they make sure they know what their number one responsibility is and buy totally into the system. It will give us a different look."

Last year's team was notable for the tight-knit, family-like culture of the team. The young guys aren't quite there yet, but Briggs thinks with time they will get there. It will help with the resilience they'll need to call upon on Friday nights.

"We have a positive group of kids and I'm excited about what they can do," Briggs said.

A multi-vehicle accident with unknown injuries is reported in the area of 6571 Main Road, Stafford.

Stafford Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 11:05 a.m.: A diesel leak is reported. Fire police requested for traffic control. The westbound lane is blocked.

UPDATE 11:09 a.m.: Le Roy requested to the scene.

UPDATE 11:53 a.m.: A woman was taken by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital with chest and left leg pain after the maroon sedan she was driving struck a pickup/dumpster truck that was parked just off the roadway, "over the fog line," on Main Road. The driver of the pickup was outside of his vehicle at the time, possibly picking up roadside trash, according to Deputy Joe Loftus. The sedan's front right section struck the truck's back left section and the impact spun the sedan around and it ended up facing in the opposite direction, Loftus said. The female was westbound and "the next thing she knows, she heard a bang ... I don't know if she blacked out or what." The driver of the pickup was not injured.