Oakfield

Elaine Forti was honored to be Grand Marshal of the Oakfield Labor Days Parade. She was surprised when current and former students started singing the Oakfield-Alabama spirit song, "Nothing Is Going to Stop Us Now." Forti wrote the lyrics for the song in 1988.

Each year, the Oakfield parade seems to grow a little bigger and it's always well attended.

Here are some shots -- including one you've probably never seen before: A City of Batavia Fire Department truck in a parade outside the city. 

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

NOTE: It turns out, not all of the pictures have finished uploading yet ... in progress ...

For the past five years, the Williams family of Oakfield has been setting up a lemonade stand at Oakfield Labor Days to help raise money for cancer research.

This year Alex's Lemonade Stand, named after their son, could surpass the $10,000 it's raised so far. At least that's the goal. All proceeds go to pediatric cancer research.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand is a national charity named after Alexandra Scott who lost her battle with neuroblastoma in 2004.  She had a vision for kids all over the world to hold lemonade stands to raise money to find a cure.

Brady Williams, age 6, was diagnosed in 2009 with neuroblastoma.

For the past several years, Megen Williams and Christina Sosnowski have talked about having a float in the annual Labor Days Parade, but once again this year, circumstances weren't going to make that possible.

So Sosnowski decided to do what she thought might be the next best thing: Get her minivan decked out with Alex's Lemonade Stand signs.

The van was shown to Megan yesterday evening for the first time.

"I was in shock (when I saw it)," Williams said. "I think I screamed then I kind of cried. I was blown away. It's really cool."

The work was completed by Joe Bradt of Vinyl Sticks in Batavia.

For more about the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, click here.

A severe thunderstorm warning for Genesee County and other parts of Western New York is in effect until 3 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, Doplar Radar shows a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing quarter-size hail and damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. These storms were located along a line extending from five miles north of Youngstown to 20 miles west of Lewiston, moving east at 50 mph.

In Genesee County, Oakfield is mentioned in particular.

For the remainder of the day, the weather service predicts a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 78. West wind around 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a 10th of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight, it looks like showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a chance of showers. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Patchy fog after 3 a.m. Low around 68. West wind 7 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Information and photo provided by Tony Ray.

Team DirecTV is the champs of the Monday Night Oakfield Softball League. DirecTV beat Larry's Steakhouse in the playoff 13-1 and beat Oakfield Hotel for the championship, 30-7.

First row from left to right: Jason Pratt, Chuck Gugel, Ryan Gugel, Ron Klienback. Back row: Evan Nenni, Andre Kinder, Tony Ray, Matt Dimartino, Otis Thomas, Drew Crofts and Rich Baird.

A fully involved car fire is reported in the area of 3137 Batavia Oakfield Town Line Road. Oakfield Fire Department is responding. It's between two houses, but "well away from the structures."

UPDATE 3:13 p.m.: Oakfield Fire Police are asked to shut down traffic at Town Line Road, west of South Pearl Road. Alabama Fire Police are asked to shut down traffic at Town Line and Macomber roads.

UPDATE 3:19 p.m.: Fire police are also going to stop traffic at Town Line and Hutton roads. A tanker is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: The car fire is knocked down.

UPDATE 3:27 p.m.: Oakfield command says the road closures will remain in place until further notice.

UPDATE 4:06 p.m.: All units back in service. Road reopened.

Joseph Andrew Hernick, 64, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Hernick is accused of being verbally abusive and attempting to be physically intimidating toward a neighbor.

James A. Hancock, 44, of 318 E. Main St., Apt. 6, Batavia, is charged with aggravated criminal contempt. Hancock allegedly violated an order of protection while having a prior criminal contempt conviction within five years.

Patrick O. Spikes, 32, of 16 Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. Spikes is accused of damaging property of another person valued at more than $250 during an alleged incident on Holland Avenue at 2:30 a.m., Saturday.

Keluan B. Williams, 24, of 109 Summit St., Apt. 2, Batavia, is charged with acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years old. The alleged incident was reported at 3:30 p.m., Saturday. No further details released.

Danny D. Williams, 24, of 18 East Ave., upper, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle on a public highway. Williams was allegedly found driving at 6:54 p.m. Saturday on Hutchins Place by Officer Chad Richards. At the time of the traffic stop, Williams allegedly had an open can of Natural Light beer in the driver's side cup holder.

Brandi A. Watts, 32, of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, is was arrested on a warrant yesterday following a court appearance on an unrelated matter. Watts is accused of failure to pay a fine on an overnight parking ticket in the City of Batavia.

Eric Alexander Ion, 40, of Brant Road, Brant, was arrested on bench warrants related to charges of criminal contempt, 1st, and assault, 3rd. Ion is accused of failing to appear on these charges. Ion is currently being held on bail in the Genesee County Jail on matters in Family Court.

Faith Brenda Obeirne, 45, of Mt. Read Boulevard, Rochester, was arrested on warrants for alleged petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Obeirne was arrested by Rochester PD and turned over to the Sheriff's Office. Obeirne was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Conor Patrick Wilkes, 25, of Lewiston Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Wilkes was stopped at 1:31 a.m. Saturday on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Justin Joseph Caryl, 26, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Caryl is accused of stealing $25.94 in merchandise from Walmart.

Jake Philip Myers, 23, of Maple Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, failure to keep right and no or inadequate headlights. Myers was stopped at 1:48 a.m. Saturday on Edgerton Road, Elba, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Evelio Rodriguez-Santiago, 46, of Bergen, is charged with petit larceny. Rodriguez-Santiago is accused of stealing an item of value at a location on Church Street, Bergen, at 6:15 p.m., Saturday. Rodriguez-Santiago was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Timothy J. Poblocki, 24, of East Bethany, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Poblocki was stopped at 1:45 p.m. Sunday on Route 20, Alexander, by State Police.

Jennifer N. Bujnowski, 39, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Bujnowski is accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

Active duty service members Kyle A. Shrum and Nicole L. Woodard were married Saturday in Oakfield's Memorial Park.

Nicole's grandmother Bonnie Gendron said it's the first wedding held in the park.

The couple met at the Army's Fort Gordon in Augusta, Ga., and Kyle, 19, is from VanBuren, Ark., and Nicole, 19, is from Oakfield.

UPDATE: Melissa Baker says that there was at least one more wedding in Memorial Park before this one.  That was the wedding of her sister, Tiffany Reynolds and Koree McAlister. McAllister is an active Marine and both are from Oakfield. They were married last summer in Memorial Park.

Wedding photo by Heartmade Photography. Photos and information submitted by Bonnie Gendron.

Workers are continuing to make progress on Oakfield's new 165-foot water tower.

Press release:

No one wants to think that summer is almost over, however, the Oakfield Betterment Committee has been busy planning the Annual Oakfield Labor Days in the Park Celebration scheduled for Sunday, September 1st and Monday, September 2nd at Elroy D. Parking Park on Drake Street.

Many things have stayed the same, such as Great Food, Entertainment, Craft Show, Car Cruise, Labor Day Parade & Fireworks.  We’ve also added some new features, such as a 5K Run, Kids Games and Minute to Win It Challenges, Cow-Chip Bingo and our Raffle this is for a chance to win a John Deere XUV 550 Gator Utility Vehicle.

In years past, the Betterment Committee would mail raffle tickets to all local residence, however, this year, only 2500 tickets are being sold for the Gator Utility Vehicle, so tickets were not mailed.  Tickets are $10 each.  There are 4 chances to win $500 and a chance to win the Gator.  Anyone that is interested in purchasing tickets, please go to www.oakfieldbetterment.com or stop by several local businesses: Millennium Computers, The Bed Room Store, Amy Nichols Salon, West Main Wine & Spirits, Oakfield Town Hall, Scopano’s Oakfield Hotel, Caryville Inn, Ken’s Shooting Supply,Oakfield Family Pharmacy and Alli’s Cones & Dogs, or contact any Betterment Member.  Tickets are still available.  The Raffle will be drawn on Monday, September 2nd at 6pm.

The Betterment Committee is also looking for Crafters/Vendors for the Craft Show and Entrants for the Labor Day Parade.  The cost for a booth is $50 for both days.  If interested, please contact Kim Staniszewski  at kim@oakfieldbetterment.com.

The Oakfield Labor Day Parade is scheduled for Monday, September 2nd beginning at 10 am.  The Parade theme this year is “Musical Memories”.

The Genesee Valley Judging Association will be judging:

• Veteran’s Color Guard (1st Prize:  $50, 2nd Prize: $25)

• Best Appearing Fire Department (1st Prize: 150, 2nd Prize: $75, 3rd Prize: $25)

• Trophies for Best Appearing Aerial, Best Appearing Pumper, Best Appearing Tanker, Best Appearing Utility & Rescue Best Appearing Antique Hand Drawn Fire Apparatus and Best Appearing Antique Motorized Fire Equipment

• Best Appearing Marching Band (1st Prize:  $50, 2nd Prize: $75, 3rd Prize: $25)

Oakfield’s local Triplet’s, Erik, Dylan & Trevor Maier, Makena, Brooke & Josie Reding, and Brady, Eli & Cara Williams will be judging the Best Novelty Band, Act or Float (1st Prize: $150, 2nd Prize: $75, 3rd Prize: $25).  There is a $500 Grand Prize for the Best Overall Entrant.  Registration is required to be eligible for a prize category.  If interested in entering your Marching Band, Boy/Girl Scout Troop, Cheering Group, Performance Group, Float, Fire Department, Trucks, Equipment, Automobiles, Organization, or Your Own Creative Group, contact Michelle Johnson at michelle@oakfieldbetterment.com or 585.409.9299.

The Oakfield Betterment Committee invites everyone to come out to a Fun, Family-Friendly end of summer celebration….Oakfield Labor Days in the Park.

For more information, go to www.oakfieldbetterment.com.

A small black dog is reportedly locked inside a red station wagon outside of the Caryville Inn in Oakfield. That's at 25 Main St. across from the post office. An animal control officer is responding.

UPDATE 2:35 p.m.: The officer says the dog is now out of the vehicle and taking a walk with its owner.

Oakfield Fitness and Cross-Training Center has expanded to include a fully appointed cross-training room with dumbbells, squat racks, wall balls, ropes, step-up boxes and other training devices.

There is an experienced cross-trainer providing assistance and training Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 6 to 8 a.m.

The gym is fully equipped with a weight room including dumbbells, free weights and universal machines and a cardio area with treadmills, bikes and rowing machines.

The monthly fee for the weight room and cardio area is $30. To use the cross-training room is an additional $30 a month (total, $60 a month).

There's no sign-up fee.

The gym is open to members 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information and to inquire about a membership, visit OakfieldFitness.com, or call (585) 948-8000.

A 10-year-old Oakfield boy with dire medical needs and his family will be the beneficiaries of a benefit next Saturday at Elroy D. Parkins Memorial Town Park. The public is encouraged to attend. The park is located at 37 Drake St. in Oakfield.

"Reach Out for Robbie" will feature entertainment, face painting, food, games, a yard sale, theme basket raffle and a raffle of others items, including gift certificates for goods and services. It runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 10.

Robbie Burdick suffers from severe scoliolis -- curvature of the spine -- as well as Larsen Syndrome. He uses a ventilator with trach and a feeding tube. His scoliosis has worsened this year, increasing the painful pressure on his chest wall.

Money raised at the event will help pay for medical equipment not covered by Medicaid, the family's travel expenses to and from the hospital, including parking fees and meals.

Themed gift basket donations would be greatly appreciated, along with items to raffle, gift certificates and gently used items for the yard sale.

For more information and/or to arrange for pick up of donations, contact:

• Heidi -- 815-3947 -- for Financial Contributions
• Teri -- 813-4669 -- for Raffle Items/Baskets
• Pam -- 356-6505 -- Yard Sale Donations

To mail a donation, send to:

Robert J. Burdick

Supplemental Needs Trust

c/o Heidi Burdick

56 N. Pearl St.

Oakfield, NY 14125

Like most of us, Tom King works hard to make ends meet.

So an $1,800 loss following a hit-and-run accident in Oakfield is hard to take.

He's hoping readers of The Batavian will help solve the crime.

His wife's car was struck by a dark-colored pickup truck at about 11:30 p.m., July 6 on Sunrise Parkway. The truck, driven by a male driver, then fled the scene at a high rate of speed. The truck likely suffered front-end damage.

State Police are handling the investigation but have been unable to locate the truck or the driver.

King's wife and daughter were in the car and suffered minor injuries. King was standing on the front porch of his home, he said, and witnessed the accident.

The car is a total loss. The rear was smashed and the frame cracked.

"All I'm asking for is a little help," King said. "We work hard for the little that we have, but an $1,800 loss for the car is too much."

Anybody with information that may help solve the case can contact State Police at (585) 344-6200.

Construction is well under way for the new $1.65-million water tower in Oakfield and if all goes to plan, it could be in use by this fall.

Every day there are from five to seven welders on the job constructing the 165-foot, 10-inch tower. The sections are pre-fab and then welded together on site. It took one day to raise the center column, two weeks to build the bottom half of the tank top.

The tower now acts as it's own crane to haul workers and material to the top.

Workers will begin installing the next sections of the top of the tower on Monday.

Clark Patterson Lee out of Rochester handled the design and engineering. Caldwell Industrial out of Louisville, Ky., is the construction contractor.

The pedisphere-design tank will hold 500,000 gallons of water once completed.

There's a change in leadership in the Village of Oakfield.

At a special meeting Monday, Richard Pastecki resigned as mayor and Trustee Jeremy Yasses was appointed mayor.

Pastecki resigned to become the new zoning enforcement officer.

In his new position, Pastecki will be able to use his experience as mayor and knowledge of village plans to help the village move forward, Yasses said.

"Our village is doing great," Yasses said. "(For example, there's) construction of the new water tower and Rick Pastecki was instrumental in the whole process. We have many new projects that will be enhancing our village and we will be gearing up for spin-off developments from STAMP. With Rick as the new zoning enforcement officer, he will help those come to fruition."

Photo and story submitted by Roy Watson.

It was a year ago almost to the day that the same team met on the same mound for the championship game. Last year had a different ending. The Batavia Yankees came up short, losing in the 8th inning by one run.

Monday, was sweet revenge for Coach Roy Watson Jr. and Cornelius Cook. Yankees were up 4-0 in the top of the first inning. Oakfield came back and began to pound the ball. 

Trevor Sherwood was the starting pitcher, but soon after that coach had to pull him and enter Peter Maddafri. It was 8-4 in the bottom of the 2nd inning. 

The Yankees were fielding with a man on second and a walk to first. With a wild pitch, the runner was heading home. Catcher Evan Bender threw out the runner. That made it one out. Next play, Oakfield’s player is caught in a hot box between 2nd and 3rd base and the Yanks' got him out; third out came with the next batter striking out. This is what the Yankees' needed. There was no stopping their momentum. 

Coach Watson entered pitcher Tyler Prospero during the sixth inning. He had five strikeouts, with no man left on base. Tyler shut out Oakfield completely with his lethal curve ball and his 75-mph fast ball.

Tyler Prospero went 2-2 with game changing double and two walks, Dwayne Fonda 1-3, Peter Maddafri went 2-4, with two RBIs, Jarret Lasik 3-4, with two RBIs, Trevor Sherwood 3-4 with game-tying double and two RBIs, Peter Diversa went 1-3, with two RBIs and with a single to put the Yankees ahead in the 8th inning. Evan Bender went 1-4, Sam Marble went 2-4, Peter Kozol 1-3, Phil Kozil 1 RBI, Tony Diversa 0-1, with a walk.

The final score was Yankees 9, Oakfield Alabama 8. It was sweet revenge for the team that came up short a year ago.

A car struck a pole then careened into a field at 3684 Lockport Road, near Fisher Road. Injuries are reported. Oakfield fire is responding, along with medics and a Sheriff's deputy.

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: An 18-year-old male is being transported to UMMC and complains of right hand pain.

A caller reports to dispatch that the neighbor's dog is running loose on Maple Avenue in Oakfield and the owners have moved out of their apartment, possibly leaving the dog behind. It is described as a "police dog and somewhat aggressive."

UPDATE 9:27 p.m.: Two Sheriff's deputies are scouting for the dog, which was last seen "by the mulch pile."

UPDATE 9:33 a.m.: They were unable to locate the dog. They are back in service.

UPDATE 11:25 a.m.: A Sheriff's deputy has spotted the dog. It's in the area of Ledge Road and Route 77. It's a white German shephard with a blue collar. And its owner contacted authorities and told them the dog was missing. It will reunited with the owner shortly.

UPDATE: This afternoon it was determined that the white German shephard is owned by a member of law enforcement who lives in Batavia and who reported the dog missing very early this morning. So, apparently it's not the dog said to be running loose from a reportedly vacant apartment in Oakfield.

A two-car motor vehicle accident is reported in the area of 40 Sunrise Parkway, Oakfield, with injuries.

A victim is reportedly lying in the driveway of the Town Highway Department.

The accident may be a hit-and-run.

Witnesses reported seeing a black pickup truck flee the scene and head south on Route 63. The truck may have front-end damage.

May be unrelated, but there have been recent calls for apparent fighting at Sunrise Parkway, including today.

UPDATE 11:33 p.m.: Two patients, both are ambulatory. They just want to go in for evalutation, a chief reports.

UPDATE 11:40 p.m.: A trooper on scene says the pickup most likely continued northwest from the village.

UPDATE 11:48 p.m.: Oakfield assignment back in service.

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