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Hit-and-run accident reported on Kingsbury Avenue, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A caller reports a hit-and-run accident on Kingsbury Avenue, Batavia.

A dark-colored Chevrolet Traverse reportedly struck a parked car.

The plate comes back to another address on Kingsbury.

Batavia PD responding.

Tonight's emergency meeting of the GC Women's Republican Club will grapple with lack of support

By Billie Owens

When the Genesee County Women's Republican Club convenes its emergency meeting tonight to discuss its anemic body politic, Melissa Haacke will seek guidance and direction, input and feedback.

The chairwoman and other members of the board need to know what the 65 dues-paying members (at least on paper) want to see happen this year. Are there changes that ought to be made? What can be done to boost participation? Do you know what the club's purpose is?

It's aim is to encourage candidates to run for office; help them get endorsed; and support their candidacy for office.

But that is getting harder to do.

The notice sent out last week about the 6:30 meeting at Oakfield's Community & Government Center cited low attendance at last year's spring breakfast and the summer cancellation of the Lucky Numbers basket raffle fundraiser at T.F. Brown's because of lack of interest.

"It is becoming more and more difficult to continue this Club with little to no participation or support," the notice said.

Haacke knows that problem is not uncommon for volunteer groups, particularly with people's tight schedules, regardless of whether the groups are focused on partisan politics, civic or religious purposes, sports or hobbies.

"We've had the same five people, with one or two migrating in or out for the last 10 years," Haacke said, an untenable track.

The echo chamber and self-interest bubble perpetuated and fostered by social media is perhaps part of waning real-world participation in many groups, she acknowleged.

"People are at one end of the spectrum or the other," Haacke said.

And fewer young people are taught about the virtues of volunteerism, she said, and many equate volunteering with punishment: wrongdoers are often given community service in lieu of a harsher penalty.

The irony is that Genesee County is solidly red territory in a blue state, and the GC Women's Republican Party is having trouble pulling off a breakfast when Democrats and Progressives say it's "standing room only" at their events these days.

Asked if Trump's treatment of women or his language concerning them is causing Republican females to go missing in action, Haacke said unequivocally and 100-percent "No. Trump is not a factor."

Any awkwardness in his oratory is because he's "not a politician" but "he tells the truth."

"If we want to get to where we need to be as a Christian and God-loving people, we need to support Trump and the Republican candidates," Haacke said.

Naturally, Erica O'Donnell, chairwoman of the City of Batavia Democratic Committee, sees things differently, but she does sympathize.

"Political or not, all organizations struggle with participation at times, with the busy lives we lead," O'Donnell said. "But we decided to come out of the closet and do more community involvement -- be in parades, go to community events, be at Picnic in the Park (for the 4th of July).

"We are the party of inclusion and acceptance. We should have a big tent."

O'Donnell said that women's participation increased in Democratic and Progessive politics here and elsewhere after Bernie Sanders lost the primary and after the 2016 election.

And O'Donnell thinks Trump is not resonating with a growing number of Republican women, so they are sitting on the sidelines.

"The way he treats women, the way he talks about them," O'Donnell said. "I don't want my daughters exposed to that."

Town of Bethany Republican Committee seeks candidates to endorse for the November General Election

By Billie Owens

The Town of Bethany Republican Committee is seeking individuals that are interested in being selected as the endorsed Republican candidate for the following offices in the November General Election:

  • Town Board-- Two Seats 
  • Town Clerk
  • Town Highway Superintendent
  • Town Justice
  • Town Supervisor
  • County Legislator District #6 (Alexander, Bethany and Pavilion)

All the above offices are four-year terms.

Those interested please send letter of intent by Feb. 1st to: Thomas J. Douglas, 10515 East Road, Pavilion, NY 14525, or contact at  tdgoldenrod@yahoo.com or (585) 356-0824.

East Pembroke's renovated Crosby convenience store to reopen Feb. 7

By Billie Owens

Press release:

At 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, the Crosby’s location at 2594 Main Road in East Pembroke will reopen to the public.

Crosby’s will also provide the first 100 customers to arrive following the ribbon cutting with a free $5 gift card which they can apply toward any purchase inside the store, including the great new products and services added during the upgrade.

This renovated location will provide customers expanded food offerings with the addition of a new Sub Shoppe, offering fresh and delicious made-to-order subs available alongside pizzas, calzones and breakfast sandwiches. The store will also feature a new f’real milkshake and smoothie machine and fresh-baked cookies will be available daily. 

Crosby’s is also contributing to the community as part of the grand reopening festivities in East Pembroke and will offer a $500 donation to the Pembroke School District. 

The store in East Pembroke will offer Mobil gas, and will be open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Growing to Better Serve Customers

The latest updated store locations, which also includes stores in Kendall and Barker, are part of Crosby’s ongoing efforts to improve new and existing stores to provide a more comprehensive range of options and services for customers.

Visits from elected officials in local and state offices are also expected at each store to help Crosby’s celebrate the grand reopening of these renovated locations and the company’s donations to local school districts to help students succeed. 

“By renovating and updating these stores, we can provide more fresh options and expanded offerings to our neighbors and customers,” said Doug Galli, vice president and general manager of Reid Stores. “Crosby’s thrives in each of our communities by putting a focus on making customers our priority and being actively involved in the community beyond simply offering products and services.”

In addition to the new food, beverage and fuel services offered at these renovated Crosby’s locations, every store will also feature competitively priced grocery items, tobacco products and other amenities including an ATM, Crosby’s gift cards, fuel gift cards, money orders, propane exchange and a variety of New York State Lottery games. See each individual store location for further details.

— — —

Crosby’s, a division of the Reid Group, is headquartered in Lockport. The company operates 84 Crosby’s convenience stores throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania and Upstate New York.

The Reid Group, founded in 1922, is a full-service independent motor fuel marketer providing a comprehensive range of products and services for retail motor fuel outlets and convenience stores. The Lockport-based company serves retail and commercial customers. 

For more information, visit www.CrosbysStores.com

Freezing rain expected in the morning

By Howard B. Owens

The National Weather Service in Buffalo is warning local residents to expect freezing rain early Wednesday morning, which could affect the morning commute.

A winter weather advisory is in effect from 2 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Up to 1/10th of an inch of freezing rain could fall with wind gusts up to 40 mph.

Untreated roads could be slippery and there may be limited visibility at times making travel potentially hazardous.

Hospital and Blue Pearl Yoga team up to offer discounts on yoga classes for UMMC workers

By Billie Owens

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center and Blue Pearl Yoga have joined together to bring the benefits of yoga to their employees. This week is designated as UMMC week at Blue Pearl Yoga Studio, 200 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Employees who show their UMMC work badge will receive deep discounts for yoga classes, promoting the hospital’s overall intention to support their employees' health and personal wellness goals.

The health benefits of yoga are very real. Much more than a trend in America, this 5,000-year-old practice has withstood the test of time, and modern scientific studies has proven its effectiveness. Yoga can increase flexibility, build strength and improve balance.

There’s a vast and growing body of research on how yoga improves health concerns including: chronic pain, obesity, fatigue, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, and high blood pressure, to name a few.

Because of the mind-body connection in yoga, it is a wonderful practice for stress relief, relaxation and focus. It is essentially, self-care.

Burnout is common among healthcare workers, and the hospital has offered a variety of healthy activities and tips for team members this month. The focus is on recharging and caring for themselves as they care for patients and our community.

To find out about what is offered at Blue Pearl Yoga, click here.

Regional gas prices edge lower again

By Howard B. Owens

Press release for AAA of WNY:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.25, relatively stable since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.54. The New York State average is $2.52 – down 3 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.71. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

  • Batavia -- $2.56 (down 1 cent since last week)
  • Buffalo -- $2.57 (down 3 cents since last week)
  • Ithaca -- $2.40 (down 1 cent since last week)
  • Rochester -- $2.48 (down 4 cents since last week)
  • Rome -- $2.50 (down 3 cents since last week)
  • Syracuse -- $2.41 (down 2 cents since last week)
  • Watertown -- $2.50 (down 5 cents since last week)

Crude oil prices have increased by $5/bbl since the beginning of the year, but oversupply of crude in the market and low demand have helped to keep the national average relatively stable. Crude oil prices will be a dominant factor toward determining if motorists will see slightly cheaper or more expensive pump prices in coming weeks.

OPEC released a list of specific production cuts from its members and other members of its global pact to cut global production by 1.2 million b/d for the first six months of 2019. The list has helped to bolster market confidence in seeing the global glut of crude decline, which will ultimately help to increase crude prices.

Accident reported at Route 19 and Griswold

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Route 19 and Griswold Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched. 

UPDATE 8:10 a.m.: One vehicle off the road. One blocking. 

UPDATE 8:29 a.m.: One engine can go back in service. One to remain on scene. 

UPDATE 8:54 a.m.: Road is reopened. Le Roy back in service.

Sponsored Post: New Listing Alert: 25 Mechanic Street, Elba

By Lisa Ace


25 Mechainc Street, Elba.
 Don’t let this one slip by! Super solid and very cute Village home located on great Village lot! This home needs nothing! Very clean all updated and freshly painted thru out making it so easy to just move in and start living! Furnace, electrical , hot water tank and windows all updated. Great open front porch for relaxing and super solid with a large 2 car garage outbuilding, perfect for storage or a workshop. Ready to see at your convenience! Call Lynn Bezon anytime at 585-343-HOME or click here for more details.

Water main break reported on Union near Notre Dame

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

There is a water main break on Union Street near Notre Dame school. Crews are on site to begin repairs but water service will be interrupted in the area until repairs are complete.

Once repaired residents are cautioned to allow some time for water clarity to return and avoid laundry activities until full clarity has returned.

UPDATE 9:20 p.m.: From Matt Worth: "The water main has been repaired and service restored."

Weather service warns of potentially dangerous wind chill

By Howard B. Owens

A wind chill advisory is in effect until 7 a.m., with a "feels like" temperature of as low as 15 below zero possible.

Wind chill can cause frostbite to skin exposed for as little as 30 minutes.

The National Weather Service advises that if you must be outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin.

Rollover accident on Pocock near Swamp Road, Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported on Pocock Road just south of Swamp Road, Bergen.

A caller reports the driver is out of the truck and going by personal vehicle to an area hospital.

Bergen fire and ambulance responding.

UPDATE 12:59 p.m.: The vehicle involved is a town highway truck.

UPDATE 2:48 p.m.: The snowplow is now upright. Pocock is still closed.

Curtis Foss logs two more 800 series; Tackentien posts 300 in Portageville

By Mike Pettinella

When you're averaging 245 in one league and 238 in another, 700 series just don't cut it. For Medina's Curtis Foss, reaching the 800 mark for three games is where it's at.

Foss recently posted his sixth and seventh 800 series in the past 24 months -- 267-277-258--802 in the Friday Mixers League on Jan. 4 and 266-279-258--803 in the Sneezy's Monday Night League on Jan. 14, both at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

The high-revving 31-year-old right-hander also has seven 300 games over the past two years.

Speaking of perfect games, Nathan Tackentien of Arcade recorded his second 300 in as many weeks, the latest coming last Monday in league play at Letchworth Pines in Portageville.

For a list of high scores from leagues in the Genesee Region, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Mike Pettinella's next Pin Points column is scheduled for this Thursday.

Server response time

By Howard B. Owens

In an effort to improve the response time of the server that hosts thebatavian.com, the host company performed a software upgrade overnight.

Instead of improving the response time, it's made matters worse.

Technicians think they've identified the problem and are working on it.

If they are unable to fix the problem, they will rollback the software to the previous version. I've instructed them to do that at any point today they've reached the conclusion that is necessary, which would take the site offline for an hour or so.

I'll update this post as needed.

UPDATE 10:53 a.m.: That problem appears to be resolved. 

UPDATE 12:20 p.m.: According to our tests, the server response time is now twice as fast as it was in similar tests a couple of days ago.

Weather cancellations for Monday

By Howard B. Owens

Weather-related cancellations for today:

  • Alabama fire is canceling bingo tonight because of anticipated extreme cold.

Send weather cancellations to howard@thebatavian.com

St. Joe students write essays on legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Howard B. Owens

To celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr., the second-grade students of Anne Marie Starowitz at St. Joseph's School wrote essays about King. The essays were judged by Jennifer Corbelli, an English Language Arts teacher at Batavia High School.

First Place, Olivia  Bezon
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wanted peace and love for all people. When Martin Luther King was little everything was different. That white people did not want the black people near them.  Martin Luther wanted everybody to be happy but it never happened because white people bossed black people around. The white children got better things, the black people didn’t. White children had better schools. Black children had to go to black schools separate from the white children, this is called segregation.

Civil rights mean black people and white people have to learn to love each other. Protesting is when you have a sign with you and use your words to say what you want. That means protesting without fighting. Rosa Parks was asked to move to the back of the bus because a white person wanted her seat. She was arrested. Dr. King heard about this and he decided to protest and his sign said don’t ride the bus until the black people could sit where ever they wanted. After one year of not riding the bus the law was changed.

Martin Luther is also famous for his speech I Have a Dream. He gave his famous speech in Washington, D.C. He said he didn’t want it in 10 years, he wanted equality now. He didn’t want people to fight or to hurt anybody because Dr. King didn’t believe in fighting. Civil rights mean black and white people have the same rights.

Dr. King was shot and everyone was sad and everything got better because of him. Dr. King will be remembered for his speeches and his peaceful nonviolence protest.

Second Place, Matthew McCulley
Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights leader. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1929. He learned in his childhood to never fight. He believed in nonviolence. Nonviolence is marching to the principles of nonviolence. Dr. King had 10 Principles of Nonviolence. They are like our 10 Commandments because they are both about being good. He wanted equal rights for everyone. Nonviolence is not fighting. The Jim Crow laws are when Rosa Parks, had to move to the back of the bus. Protesting is when people hold signs if they are mad. When you dislike someone that is called prejudice.

Martin had to sit in the balcony of the movie theater. Martin Luther was sad he couldn’t play with his white friends. In the movie The Boy King, white people did not like black people. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech in Washington, D.C. It was called the I Have a Dream speech. His speech was about equal rights. Dr. King didn’t want white and black people to be separated. That is called segregation. If someone is fighting say don’t fight. If someone is bullying someone you can say stop.

In 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee Dr. King was shot. On January 15th we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s Jr. Birthday.

Third Place, Chelsea Fitch
Doctor Martin Luther King Junior was a civil rights leader. Martin Luther didn’t like prejudice and he didn’t like segregation. When Martin was a little boy, he couldn’t play with his white friends because white and black children could not play together. They could not use the same bathrooms or drinking fountains. When Martin was little he wanted everyone to be friends. Martin knew he liked books even before he could read. When he grew up he went to a dance and his grandma died. Martin was so sad because he promised his grandma he would be back.

Martin Luther King Jr. believed in nonviolence. Rosa Parks wasn’t going to give up her seat and Martin agreed with Rosa. Martin told all black people not to ride the bus, this was a peaceful protest and it was called a bus boycott.  The law was changed. He led many protests because he wanted the laws to change so it would be equal rights for the blacks. People would have signs and they would all walk together without fighting back. That is nonviolence. Nonviolence is also about when people don’t fight each other because of the color of their skin.

Martin gave many speeches. He died. He always believed do not fight back with violence, do not protest with violence. Do what is right and not wrong. Help people. Don’t say God’s name in vain. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Help people with kindness. People followed Dr. King’s coffin down the street. 

We celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. every January 15th. That was the day he was born. It is a national holiday, it means everyone in the United States celebrates his day.

Honorable Mention, Eddie Lankford
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. He wanted people with white skin and black skin to get along.

People with black skin had to sit in the balcony at a movie theater. Martin Luther King Jr. went to Washington and said white people and black people should be equal. He led marches carrying signs. Black people and white people could not go to the same school. The people with black skin had to drink from a different drinking fountain. People with black skin had to sit in the balcony in the movie theater. People with black skin had to sit in the back of the bus because people with white skin sat in the front, so Martin decided to have a boycott. Then the bus company lost money. That was a protest.

Martin Luther King Jr. went to Washington, D.C. so he could make his speech. His speech said people with black skin should have civil rights. One day a man shot Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. He died. January 15th is Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. We celebrate that day.

Bedroom fire reported on Bloomingdale Road

By Howard B. Owens

A bedroom fire is reported at 402 Bloomingdale Road, Basom.

Pembroke Fire, Indian Falls Fire, and Alabama fire dispatched.

The occupant was instructed to evacuate.

UPDATE 10:37 p.m.: A responding chief requests an engine from Akron.

UPDATE 10:46 p.m.: An Alabama chief reports the fire is out. Power is out to the house. Pembroke and Indian Falls can go back in service.

Photo: Clearing snow from a fire hydrant

By Howard B. Owens

Young residents of Ross Street clearing the snow away from a fire hydrant.

As a reminder, for your sake and your neighbors, make sure there's no snow around the fire hydrants on your street.

Photo submitted by Stephanie McQuillen Call.

Photos: Corfu Fire Department annual installation and awards dinner

By Howard B. Owens

Six probationary members of the Corfu Fire Department, all juniors and seniors at Pembroke High School, were recognized for their service to the fire department with the Service Person of the Year award. Collectively, they put in more than 800 hours of firefighter training in 2018.

The members are Casey Felski, Cyle Felski, Elizabeth Tebor, Megan Stiles, Ethan Librock, Jayden Eck and Dylan Lang.

In 2018, the department responded to 129 calls. Chief Brian Schollard said after the department fell just shy of 2,000 training hours in 2017 he set a goal of more than 2,000 training hours for the department in 2018. In 2018, collectively, members of the department reached almost 4,000 training hours.

To find out how you can join your local department, visit ReadyGenesee.com.

Installation of Officers

Installation of Fire Police

Jim Mallory was recognized by the department and Assemblyman Steve Hawley for 65 years of continuous volunteer service.

Jacob Stiles received an award for completing the most training hours.

Candle lighting in remembrance of members who have passed.

Ethan Librock, one of the probationary members from Pembroke HS, made this wooden flag for the department in his woodshop class.

Top Items on Batavia's List

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