The Guardian: 'We play too much': Chicago Cubs' Anthony Rizzo calls for shorter season

Rain or shine, the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Spring Garden Gala on Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

This annual plant sale features a variety of perennials, many of which are from the gardens of Master Gardeners. There will also be a selection of house plants and locally grown geraniums. Plant sale starts promptly at 10 a.m. No early birds please.

Step inside and visit the Basket Auction for garden art, gift certificates and a variety of themed baskets. Gently used garden books will also be for sale. Basket Auction drawing starts at 12:30 p.m. A limited selection of handcrafted garden art will be available for purchase.

Bring in a soil sample from your garden or lawn for a free pH test. Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions. There will also be a demonstration at 11:30 a.m. on how to divide some common perennials.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants, garden art and other interesting items. Arrive at 10 a.m. for the best plant selection. Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

For more information contact Brandie Waite at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office in Batavia.

Resolutions to help advance three bridge projects scheduled for this summer were approved by the Public Service Committee of the County Legislature on Monday.

The project fund for replacement of the Searls Road Bridge over Spring Creek was increased by $16,500, with all but $825 of that coming from federal grant funds.

The money is necessary to acquire additional right-of-way on the roads leading up to the bridge.

The bridge will be widened from 22 feet to 30 feet -- the new federal standard -- but most of the additional right-of-way is needed during construction, County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens said.

Elba Farms has donated the land for the right of way on the west side of the road but the land on the east side is tied up in an estate and there is a Federal income tax lien on the property, so much of that additional $16,000 is going to a consult to help navigate the legal tangles.

The total cost of the Searls Road Bridge is $870,000, funded through federal grants.

The Pratt Road Bridge project over the Tonawanda Creek is also getting a budget bump of $13,300, all but $650 from federal grants, for right-of-way acquisition. Again, a consultant is needed to assist with the process. The total cost of the project is $2.082 million.

Three resolutions were passed in support of the project replacing the Stroh Road Bridge. Two of them accept a state grant of $100,000 in support of "multimodal" transportation (which means car, pedestrian, bike). The third resolution awards a $1.423 million construction contract to L.C. Whitford Co. Inc., of Wellsville.

The project is a complete replacement, including the stacked-stone abutments, put there in 1910.

A woman was found dead, apparently murdered, at 11:57 a.m. yesterday at the Sunset Model, 4056 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

A medical examiner has determined the cause of death was "sharp force trauma to the carotid artery."

Yesterday morning a deputy responded to a report of an unresponsive woman in a room at the motel. Responding deputies determined she was dead and Coroner Jeffrey McIntyre responded to confirm her death.

The case has been ruled a homicide by the medical examiner. 

The woman has been identified by authorities but her name has not yet been released pending notification of family.

The winsome feline in the photo at left is named "Feather" and she is a delicate soul in need of a quiet home.

This noisy, discombobulating world is wearisome; a warm lap and her purring in it could help soothe frayed nerves. She's a little shy at first, but newfound sincere friends can be that way initially. Understandable.

Her coat is described as pastel tortoise in color. Already spayed.

At right below is golden-eyed, amiable "Buddy," a real kick-back kinda guy. Solid gray, solid pal. Neutered and easy going. He is definately a people person. 

Secondly, two events coming up will help out the Volunteers for Animals and those they care for.

The first one is on Cinco de Mayo -- it's a Guest Bartending Fundraiser at the North Pole Restaurant & Party House, located at 243 S. Swan St. in Batavia. It will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 5.

Then, on the weekend of June 2-3 there will be a Scrap Metal Drive in the shelter parking lot at 3841 W. Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia. It runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

Volunteers will be accepting metal of any kind: railings, doors, garbage cans, file cabinets, bicycle frames, gutters, pipes, poles, fencing, window frames, lawn furniture, tools, shelving, washing machines, dryers, stoves, wheelbarrows, wagons, etc.

They CANNOT take propane tanks, A/C units, or refrigerators. Scrap service provided by Ed Arnold EAS Scrap Processors of Corfu.

Also, there is an unending, ongoing drive to turn your empties -- pop/beer/water cans and bottles -- into cash to help needy animals.

Bring your empties to the shelter and the Volunteers for Animals will return them for you OR you can take them in to one of three local recycling centers and tell them they are for Volunteers for Animals and they'll put the money "in the kitty" for the animals at the shelter.

Participating recycling centers are:

• Eastown Beverages in Eastown Plaza on East Main Street, Batavia
• ARC Recycling Center at 3785 W. Main St., Batavia
• Le Roy Redemption Center, 8 1/2 Lake St. (Route 19), Le Roy

There's also a Wish List of items needed for the shelter. You could either donate items directly at the shelter, or donate the funds to buy them.

Shelter Wish List

Kitten Food; preferred brand is Purina Kitten Chow

Canned Dog Food

Dry Cat and Dog Food (NO "Beneful" brand dog food, please)

Paper Towels

Small Washable Throw Rugs

Small Fleece Blankets or Throws (NO sheets, pillows, mattress pads or large comforters)

Non-clumping Cat Litter

Newspapers for the Cat Cages

Cat Litter Boxes (NO small boxes)

Dog Collars and Leashes

Kong Toys and Peanut Butter (NO rawhide please) and Large Nylabones

Plain Yogurt

Cat Toys of Any Kind

Rubbing Alcohol, Hydrogen Peroxide

Forever U.S. Postage Stamps

Reams of Letter-size Copy Paper

Gently Used Doghouses

Gift Cards for Walmart, Tractor Supply Store, or Petco

Dog Treats (NO rawhide)

PLEASE NO FOOD OR TREATS FROM CHINA -- TOO RISKY!

Anthony "Butchie" Ray, who starred in football and track and field over the past four years at Batavia High School, has accepted a scholarship offer from University at Buffalo.

UB is a Division 1 school so it's a chance to compete at the highest level in collegiate athletics.

"Getting a scholarship from a Division I school is amazing," Ray said. "I never dreamt of going to a Division I school." 

During his athletic career at BHS, Ray was a member of seven teams that won sectional titles and he won 10 individual sectional titles in track and field.

Six times he was named to a Greater All Rochester team in either football or track.

The Bulls recruited Ray to be part of the track team where he'll throw discus and shot put.

While Brockport isn't Division I, Ray could have played football there, so it was a tough decision, said Ray, who was part of three Section V title teams in football with the Blue Devils.

UB, he decided, was where he felt comfortable.

"I liked the school and the facilities," he said. "I liked the atmosphere. When I thought about it a second I thought, 'like, wow, a Division I school. That's crazy. I'll get to go where some of the greats go.' "

Photo: Track Coach Nick Burk, Ray, his father Tony Ray, in the front row. Back row, football Coach Brennan Briggs, Coach Dan Geiger, and Athletic Director Mike Bromley.

Press release and submitted photos:

Local artist and art instructor Mandy Humphrey will be opening an art studio in Le Roy next month. It is located at 20 Main St.

The studio, called The ART of Mandy, will be offering weekly classes for ages 2 through adult. Classes include: drawing, painting, photography, ceramics and more. Mandy also hosts on- and off-site paint parties, private and corporate events and birthday parties.

Please join us in celebrating the grand opening of this new studio on Saturday, May 5, at a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony (in cooperation with the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce) at 2 p.m., followed by an open house from 2:30 to 4:30. Guests will enjoy snacks, a FREE craft, gift basket raffles and more!

Humphrey, originally of Stafford, graduated from Le Roy High School and pursued her Fine Arts degree at SUNY Cortland. After her undergraduate work, she continued her education earning a master's degree in Art Education from the Rochester Institute of Technology. While also being an award-winning exhibiting artist, Humphrey has been teaching publicly and privately for the past five years with experience in several different mediums.

For more information visit: www.TheARTofMandy.com

Amanda E. Havens, 36, of Munson Street, Le Roy, and Thomas Williamee (no further info released) are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th. Havens and Williamee are accused of stealing gasoline from Top's Friendly Market.

Anthony Charles D'Ambrosia, 38, of Mosley Road, Rochester, is charged with bail jumping. D'Ambrosia allegedly failed to appear for a scheduled court date in City Count. He turned himself in within 30 days of his scheduled appearance. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Minnie Marie Henry, 30, of Central Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to meet sentencing requirements. He was arraigned and jailed.

Leroy Thornton III, 27, of Ashland Avenue, Niagara Falls, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Thornton allegedly threatened another person during a disturbance on Dellinger Avenue at 9:10 p.m. March 11.

John P. Henning, 56, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Henning was arrested by State Police on Monday. No further details released.

Alexander fire is on scene of a minor injury accident in the area of 10891 Alexander Road, Alexander.

One person is complaining of leg and hip pain.

UPDATE 11:21 a.m.: The first patient was transported to UMMC. A second ambulance from Attica requested for a sign-off patient.

UPDATE 11:47 a.m.: Alexander assignment back in service.

Buffalo News: Despite primary challenge, Hochul still won't run against Collins

A two-car accident with injuries is reported in the area of 7720 Lewiston Road, Batavia.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responding.

The vehicles are blocking.  

Oakfield Fire Police requested to close southbound traffic.

UPDATE 8:04 a.m.: Roadway is reopened.

A statement just issued from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“As the retrial of corrupt former Speaker Sheldon Silver hangs over the state, it is shocking that New York City politicians would consciously vote to block the most comprehensive ethics reform package in state history – the Public Officers Accountability Act.

“It is a grave disservice to taxpayers that Assembly leadership continues to vote down and bury legislation that may have prevented corrupt thieves like Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos from committing crimes.

“What we need is an end to Gov. Cuomo’s bid-rigging culture, term limits for legislative leaders, stronger income disclosure requirements and an end to lawmakers using campaign contributions as a golden parachute. Taxpayers deserve a more honest and faithful government.”

Assemblyman Hawley represents the 139^th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County.

CORRECTION: Updated to clarify the concert is at Elba Central School Auditorium.

You are invited to a special afternoon "Romantic Masterpieces" concert performed by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra at Elba Central School followed by fine dining at the Dibble Family Center on Sunday, May 6.

The concert is at 4 p.m. Cocktails are available at the cash bar along with hors d'oeuvres beginning at 6 o'clock at Dibble Center. Dinner will follow at 6 p.m.

Dinner choices are:

• Steak au poivre with grilled vegetable & potato;
• Chicken French -- egg/cheese battered chicken, sauteed in white wine and lemon, served over angel-hair pasta with escarole & artichoke hearts;
• Grilled salmon with grilled vegetable & potato.

All dinners include garden salad, fresh rolls, and butter, coffee, tea, and dessert.

Cost is $25 per person, $45 per couple.

Reservation deadline is May 3 to Roxie Choat at 356-9635.

The Dibble Family Center is located at 4120 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

While there may still be flurries in the air and icy sidewalks, the Alumni Affairs Office at Genesee Community College is thinking about golf!

Registration is now open for the third annual Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble scheduled for Monday, July 23, at the Stafford Country Club, 8873 Morganville Road (Route 237) in Stafford.

The Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble allows up to 36 foursomes for the 18-hole event at the esteemed Stafford Country Club. Sign-in starts 11:30 a.m. with lunch available, and golfers tee off in "shotgun" style at 12:30 p.m. 

Registration is $125 per golfer and includes 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, all beer and nonalcoholic beverages during play, lunch and dinner with a cash bar, and much more!

To join the event for dinner only is $25.

Most importantly, all proceeds go directly to GCC Student Scholarship Program, making higher education possible for deserving students in our community.

The golfer registration form is also available online here.

Additional opportunities to sponsor GCC scholarships are available at a number of levels ranging from $100 to $3,000.

Sponsorships for golf games, including a putting contest, longest drive, closest to the pin, and beat the pro and other in-kind support efforts are also being accepted.

A sponsorship sign-up form with all donation details is available here and should be sent to Jennifer Wakefield at jgwakefiled@genesee.edu to reserve a sponsorship level.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! You have a right to safe workplace. Federal laws state that your employer must provide a work area with no known health or safety hazards. You also have the right to: 

• Be protected from toxic chemicals;
• Request an OSHA inspection, and talk with the inspector;
• Be trained in a language you understand;
• Work on machines that meet safety regulations;
• See copies of the workplace injury and illness log;
• Get copies of test results done to find hazards in the workplace;
• Be provided required safety gear, including but not limited to: hardhat, gloves and harness;
• Report an injury or illness, and get copies of your medical records If you or someone you know has been injured or fallen ill due to unsafe work conditions. 

Call Dolce Panepinto at 716-852-1888 immediately. We understand how life altering a work injury can be, and we are here to help.

Photo from left, Joy Lyngar, NJC Provost, Hon. Gary Graber, Hon. Benes Z. Aldana (Ret.), president & CEO of National Judicial College, Reno, Nev.

Submitted photo and press release:

Hon. Gary A. Graber, Darien Town Justice, was recognized for 10 years of service as a faculty member at the National Judicial College, Reno, Nev., on April 12.

During that period, Judge Graber taught at 24 classes in eight states in addition to the National Judicial College location in Nevada. The remainder of the classes were either state specific or national Web courses, all of which focused on commercial driver’s license / commercial motor-vehicle topics.

Judges have a vital state enforcement role in the nation’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) safety program. Not only must they take into account the CDL regulations when adjudicating and sentencing drivers, they must know and require their courts to adhere to CDL reporting requirements.

These outreach sessions provided through federal grants minimize the lack of familiarity and education with regard to CDL/CMV regulations. Members of the judiciary at all levels must better understand their roles in the CDL program and the effect their decisions and actions have on state enforcement of highway safety.

James Benjamin Page, 38, of Edgeware Road, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny, aggravated unlicensed operation, driving without an ignition-interlock device. Page was allegedly found by Deputy Jeremy McClellan at 11:35 p.m. Saturday loading scrap metal from a local business into a vehicle without permission. He allegedly had possession of control of the vehicle at the time.

Mallard Akoma Newkirk, 25, of Lake Artesia Road, Faison, N.C., is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Newkirk was arrested after a report of the odor of marijuana coming from a hotel room at the Econo Lodge in Pembroke at midnight, Saturday.

Patricia Lynn Gertis, 57, of Mount View, Arcade, is charged petit larceny. Gertis is accused of shoplifting from Kohl's Department Store in Batavia.

Deborah Ann Scholonski, 48, of Griswold Road, Bergen, is charged with: DWI; driving with a BAC of .08 or greater; speeding; driving a vehicle without valid inspection; and insufficient tail lamps. Scholonski was stopped at 11:30 p.m. Friday on Route 33, Stafford, by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Andres A. Arteaga, 20, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Arteaga was stopped at 1:53 a.m. Sunday on Route 98 in the Town of Batavia by State Police.

If gun owners are going to preserve their right keep and bear arms, they're going to do more than just complain about the progressive agenda to confiscate all firearms. So said Second Amendment Attorney Jim Ostrowski at a grassroots meeting of gun rights advocates at the Days Inn in Batavia today.

They're going to need to find allies.

Potential allies include those, he said, who think recreational drug possession should be legal.

"Guns are drugs are the same issue, if you think about it," said Ostrowski, a resident and political activist in Buffalo. "They're both private property."

He said there was a time in this country when there was no thought of restricting either guns or drugs but progressives wanted the power to control other people's lives.

Another potential ally, the #metoo movement. Women should naturally want the right to the self-protection a gun provides, he said.

"What does the government monopoly want a woman do when assaulted?" he said. "Call 9-1-1 where a criminal historian can record the assault."

Native Americans, given the history of government atrocities against them, should also be natural allies of gun rights advocates, he said.

Those whose ancestors were slaves, he said, should also be natural allies of gun rights advocates. He noted that recently progressive historical revisionists have said the only reason early America had militias was to guard against potential slave revolts. He said those who spread that as historical fact ignore the fact that militias existed where there wasn't slavery and that one reason slavery could even survive was that slaves were prohibited from owning firearms. The ancestors of slaves should be among the strongest allies for gun rights advocates, he said.

Among the chief reason to preserve the Second Amendment, Ostrowski said, is because progressives want to take guns away from citizens, which would make it easier for tyranny to take hold in this country.  

While the left wants to disarm citizens, they love a government with guns, he said.

"They love guns so much, they want to be the only one with guns," Ostrowski said.

Among his recommendations for activists is convince schools to start teaching students once again about the Second Amendment, its history and its meaning.

"They don't teach the Second Amendment in school," Ostrowski said. "That's crazy. That's why students are out protesting."

People shouldn't think, he said, the United States is necessarily immune from the potential of tyranny.

"Every race we know about has committed mass atrocities," Ostrowski said. "The whole of history is filled with examples of mass murder by the state. The Framers were well aware of this history, that only armed citizens can protect against tyranny. The Second Amendment works against tyranny. That's why the left so desperately wants the entire civilian population disarmed."