County health officials are still waiting on details from the federal government on a $1.3 million grant awarded to Genesee County and Orleans County for lead-hazard abatement and reduction in older homes.

At a meeting of the Human Services Committee last week, Paul Pettit, director of the health departments in both counties, said the first he learned that the counties had received the grant was by reading about it in The Batavian.

Since then, he's received a phone call confirming the grant but formal guidelines have not yet been delivered to his office.

"This is a significant amount of funding to come into Genesee County and to Orleans County and it would really help us to help those who don't have the means and the funds potentially to fix the problem," Pettit said in an interview last week.

Pettit's office applied for the grant over the summer.

The grant will enable the health departments to identify housing stock with potential lead hazards and make available grant money to the property owners to remediate the hazard.

"This funding is very important because what it does is, it allows, number one, a potential partnership with the homeowners or rental landlords to be able to fix a problem before a child gets poisoned and have funding available to remediate those homes prior to the poisoning occurring," Pettit said. "So when you look at it from a primary prevention standpoint, that's what we want to do. We want to try to prevent a child from getting poisoned in the first place."

The grants will be available to both homeowners and landlords of residences built prior to 1978 in three of the four census tracks in the City of Batavia and one census track in Albion.

Until the guidelines are in place, Pettit said it's not possible to provide details on how properties will be identified, inspected and what the criteria will be for providing assistance to property owners.

"We're gonna have to stand this program up fairly quickly when we get the formal announcement of the funding," Pettit said.

Health department staff has recently been through training for lead risk-assessment certification, Pettit told the Human Services Committee.

He also told the committee there is legislation pending in Albany that would require landlords with housing built prior to 1978 to receive annual lead-safe certification for their units, unless they made the property lead free, which would mean doing likes like removing trim, replacing windows, installing siding on the outside of the building.

"We do not want to see any child poisoned from lead exposure," Pettit said. "It can lead to developmental delays and other health impacts that could affect them over their entire lives. It's very important to identify and find these hazards early and then protect the children so they're not getting lead poisoning."

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Deptartment is on location of a water main break at the Intersection of Ellicott Street and Clifton Avenue.

Clifton Avenue will be closed to through traffic. Water may be interrupted on Clifton Avenue, and James, William and Ellicott streets between Otis Street and Clifton Avenue, and Harvester Avenue from Ellicott Place to Ellicott Street.

Please do not attempt to do laundry as water may be discolored due to work being done.

Press release:

What: Guitar Lessons with Pete Avery
Where: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main St., Le Roy
When: Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., starting Nov. 5th

Pete Avery, guitar teacher and certified choral director, is offering weekly guitar lessons for beginning to advanced players starting on Tuesday, Nov. 5th from 7-8:30 p.m.

These will be held each Tuesday at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main St., Le Roy. Lessons are offered at no charge, but a recommended weekly donation of $10 will be accepted to benefit local charities. No instrument is required to start.

Avery has taught guitar in most musical styles to people of all ages for the past 30 years. He started his musical training at age 6 and has played and sung with several groups for the past 55 years.

He is a certified Barbershop Harmony Society chorus director and is St. Mark’s current choir director. He sees his guitar playing gift as a blessing and has never charged for the 200+ students he has taught over the years.

Registration is required. Please email Avery at pgavery58@gmail.com. More information is available at www.stmarksleroy.org

The Blue Devils soccer team has historically faired poorly on artificial turf but Monday, they got a chance to start a new tradition -- one that is now necessary -- by winning their first home game in the new Van Detta Stadium.

Batavia beat Dansville 3-2 behind three goals by Garrick Havens. Two were on penalty kicks and the third was assisted by Andres Mateos.

Batavia took 16 shots on net and Dansville, 14.

Unique to the current roster are three pairs of brothers, all starters.

Watch the video to find out more and click this link to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Press release:

Le Roy – Traumatic events can directly impact a student’s ability to learn. The National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence found that more than 60 percent of children surveyed experienced some form of trauma, crime, or abuse in the prior year, with some experiencing multiple traumas. This exposure often prevents students from their ability to focus in class, study or can even impair their capability to do well on a test.

The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership has a new Trauma, Illness and Grief (TIG) Service to serve component school districts by delivering training and crisis support that links schools’ vision for trauma-responsive practices to processes for implementing sustainable change.

The service includes crisis training for teams in each school district, crisis response support in the event of a school tragedy, public relations/communications support and regional coordination of services to support students with mental health needs.

The TIG service brings together school districts and mental health providers to create a comprehensive support system in the Genesee Valley region.

The mission of TIG is to maintain and grow a community and school-based consortium of culturally sensitive and clinically appropriate training, support, and resource services to assist schools in responding to the emotional needs of children, teachers, and other school personnel, which arise from trauma, violence, illness, grief and loss.  

The TIG core curriculum prepares schools/districts to respond and intervene effectively during times of crisis and to support resiliency. This shared training assures that any responders are able to effectively and efficiently intervene to support their own district as well as dis­tricts throughout the network.

In the event of a district- or school-wide crisis, school districts can deploy and receive responders from both within and outside of the school in a coordinated and systematic manner through the Back Up Support Network.

Julie Donlon, assistant superintendent for the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, explains why this service was launched and how it supports component districts.

“Despite our best efforts in taking a proactive approach at protecting our students, staff and communities from trauma, illness, grief and loss, life events happen that impact people in different ways," Donlon said. "The TIG service is designed to create supportive networks that encompass trained professionals to respond effectively in times of crisis.

"GVEP has partnered with Monroe County TIG to serve schools in the Genesee Valley region to ensure our students, staff and community have access to comprehensive support networks during times of tragedy. Through a regional approach, we've partnered with districts and local agencies to build a stronger, more resilient community.

"The service revolves around proactive efforts in planning, preparation and response. Together, we are stronger.”

About GVEP

The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services providing shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York state.

I spotted this caterpillar inching over the asphalt of our driveway so I grabbed my macro lens to try and make a picture of him (or her).

Press release:

Six unlucky coffin dwellers will attempt to complete the 30-Hour Coffin Challenge that's part of Six Flags Darien Lake's Fright Fest starting this Friday.

Each contestant will be required to complete haunted challenges in between long periods stuck in their coffins to be crowned this year’s challenge winner.

This year's challenge includes: 
          - Contestants spend an hour covered in live worms;
          - Contestants eating dried-out bugs including scorpions and tarantulas;
          - Sleep deprivation provided by our Scare-Actors.

The challenge runs from 6 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, through midnight Saturday, Oct. 12.

The contestants for 2019 are:                                

• Megan Shores, of Grand Island – She is participating in the challenge in memory of her brother who passed away last year; 
• Robin Basalla, of Rochester – She is a skydiver with more than 400 jumps to her name and is also a certified scuba diver;
• Mike Tedesco, of North Tonawanda – His family owns several area funeral homes and is training to become a funeral director, so this should be right up his alley;
• Angela Christ, of Blasdell – She is a volunteer firefighter and mother, out to prove her bravery;
• Nathan Squiers, of Elmira – He is a best-selling horror author looking for inspiration for his next book;
• Karissa Belzer, of North Chili – She says she loves everything Halloween and plans to compete dressed as “Zombie Batman."

This friendly dog appears "to have broken free of his dog run," says Marianne Newmark, who found the pet this morning on Route 237 near the Stafford Country Club.

He was running soutbound at about 8 a.m., then turned over to the custody of an animal control officer around an hour later.

"He had to run errands with me!" Newmark wrote in an email, and by his looks, he appears to have been on board with the task. Seems he made friends in the process.

If this dog is your best friend, please call the Genesee County Animal Shelter at 343-6410. It is located at 3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

(Photo courtesy of Marianne Newmark.)

Lauren Yvette Smith, 20, of Strauss Road, Lockport, is charged with second-degree assault. At 6 p.m. on Oct. 6, Smith was arrested after an investigation of an assault complaint at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center during the Meek Mill and Future concert. She allegedly punched a female victim in the face and broke her jaw. Smith was arraigned in Darien Town Court then released on her own recognizance. She is due back in Darien Town Court on Oct. 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Deputy Chamoun Nicholas.

Zachary V.D. Seeley, 22, of Lyman Road, Bergen, is charged with: Aggravated criminal contempt; aggravated family offense; and endangering the welfare of a child. On Oct. 6 at 9:24 p.m., following an investigation, Seeley was arrested. He allegedly violated a stay away order of protection and has previously been convicted of first-degree criminal contempt. During the incident at a motel on West Main Street Road in Batavia, Seeley allegedly threw a 16 oz. Dr. Pepper soda pop bottle at a child. Seeley was apprehended at a separate location and arraigned in Town of Batavia Court. He was put in jail on $5,000 cash bail or bond. He is due in Town of Batavia Court on Oct. 21. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Pictured above from left. Top row: Alan Brewen, Don Grieger, Michael Killelea, Gil Jordan, Will Mancuso and David Huebsch. Seated; Kevin Feary, Jeff Watkins and Steve BonDurant.

The “All-Weather Gang” keeps a 40-year tradition alive with regional artwork and an exhibit at the Richmond Memorial Library Gallery. Monday's show opening features local scenes depicted in various painting disciplines and continues through October. 

Batavia High School held its annual Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner on Saturday night at Batavia Downs.

Inducted were:

• Elizabeth Varland, 2002, Soccer, Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field
• Ryan Gugel, 2005, Football, Wrestling, Ice Hockey, Baseball
• Stephanie Conway, 2003, Cross-country, Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field
• Amanda Page, 2006, Soccer, Basketball, Softball
• Sumiyya Hunter Roff, 2004, Cross Country, Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field
• Jennifer Gurrant, 2005, Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field
• Phillip Santiago, 2003, Basketball

In one way or another Alan Dennis has been serving his community in Oakfield for most of his adult life.

He's been a Little League coach, a member of the water committee and zoning board of appeals, elected at one time to the Town Board, then, after 22 years working at Graham Manufacturing, he went to work for the Highway Department (resigning his Town Board seat at the time).

Sixteen years ago, he became the town's highway superintendent, but all those years of service came to an end Thursday when Dennis retired.

He was given a big party in Town Hall, where he received several presents, including the handmade bench he's sitting on in the photo above.

"I’ve always been active in the community. I think it’s good place to live," Dennis said.

A few years ago he and his wife, Debbie, bought a recreational vehicle and they plan to travel a bit but retirement will be a whole new world, he said.

"I’ve worked every day of my life," Dennis said. "I’ve never had a day where I was off, so it’s going to be a schedule adjustment."

Debbie Dennis, Alan's wife of 45 years, signs a life-size cutout photo of Alan.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley presented Dennis with an Assembly resolution commemorating his years of service to the community.

From the Genesee County Board of Elections:

General Election Registration and Absentee Deadlines

Oct. 11 is the last day to register in person at the Genesee County Board of Elections, which is located on the third loor of County Building #1, 15 Main St., Batavia, for the Nov. 5 General Election.

If honorably discharged from the military or if you have become a naturalized citizen since Oct. 12, 2019, you may register in person at the Board of Elections up until Oct. 26, 2019.

Mail registration forms must be postmarked by Oct. 11,2019 and received at Board of Elections no later than Oct. 16, 2019

Applications for absentee ballots must be postmarked by Oct. 29, 2019.

Nov. 4, 2019 is the last day to apply in person at the Board of Elections for a General Election ballot.

Nov. 5, 2019 (Election Day) is the last day to deliver a local General Election ballot in person to the County Board of Elections, by close of polls (9 p.m.).

Press release:

The 21st Century Fund a fund and giving circle of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is now accepting applications from nonprofit organizations for its 2019-2020 grant cycle. Applications must be submitted online here and are due by 4 p.m. Dec. 6.

Organizations interested in learning more about the 2019-2020 grant process are encouraged to attend one of the two grant briefing sessions held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 10 and Oct. 15 at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. Information on how to confirm your attendance for the information sessions can be found on the website.

A group of selected applicants with high-impact projects will be invited to present at an event in early March, where 21st Century Fund members will learn about the projects and vote to narrow the pool down to a group of finalists. In April, the finalists will present live on stage, members will vote and a $100,000 grant will be awarded.

The 21st Century Fund is unique in that the members pay a one-time fee to join and every two years come together and vote to award a $100,000 grant for a specific project they feel is of strategic importance to Western New York.

Lifetime members can join as individuals, families, businesses, or organizations for $2,100, and membership pledges can be paid over five years. A special rate of $1,000 is available to individuals 35 years of age and younger, which can also be paid over five years. The Fund’s membership includes a diverse group of professionals, families, students and more.

Batavian Mike Johnson grabbed the spotlight in league bowling action last week by rolling a lofty 822 series in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday night league at Mancuso Bowling Center.

The 52-year-old left-hander put together games of 279-255-288 for the Eastown Beverage team for his fifth United States Bowling Congress-certified 800 series to go along with a handful of 300 games.

Johnson – an employee of MTM Property Management in Rochester – rolled 10 strikes in the opening game and eight more in game two before stringing 10 consecutive strikes in game three. His bid for a perfect game was thwarted by a stubborn 7 pin on the 11^th ball – but he had the 800 well in hand by that point.

He used a Radical Intel bowling ball, drilled by Brian Green of Striking Effects Pro Shop, for the first time.

Johnson said he plans on competing in the Genesee Region USBC’s first tournament of the season -- the Handicap Bracket Challenge singles event on Saturday, Oct. 26^th at Mancuso Bowling Center – and in the Genesee Region USBC Senior Masters Tournament on Sunday, Nov. 3^rd at Mount Morris Lanes.

For a list of high scores from area bowling centers, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the page. Mike Pettinella's next Pin Points column is scheduled to run this Thursday.

Press release:

Genesee County is set to welcome 150 members of Blue Knights New York IV, who will converge on Batavia over the Columbus Day weekend to attend the Blue Knights International Convention and the Tri-State Conference.

While in the area the group is working with area businesses to provide food, drink and entertainment to the attendees. They are returning to Batavia for the first time since 2014 and their event will leave an estimated $40,000 economic impact to the area.

Blue Knights New York IV was founded in 1986 by a small group of NYS Corrections officers from Groveland Correctional Facility in Sonyea in Livingston County. Since that time, NY IV has grown to become a vibrant part of the Blue Knights organization.  

The current members come from all facets of the law enforcement community consisting of active and retired members from city, town and village police, county sheriffs, New York State Police (including BCI), New York State Parole and State Corrections. These officers have ranks all the way from chief of oolice to entry level officer.  

With a general 50-mile radius of the original Groveland -- Sonyea Charter address, NY IV stretches along the Interstate 390 corridor from the shores of Lake Ontario to the Southern Tier. Their area covers Allegany, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Orleans, Ontario, Stueben, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.

Their activities and accomplishments equal that of much larger chapters. Throughout Blue Knights lifetime, New York IV has organized or participated in charity events for the American Cancer Society, United Cerebral Palsey, the Kali Poulton Research Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, the Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC), Strong Memorial Hospital's Children's Center, and for Lifetime Assistance Inc. 

NY IV was also a sponsoring chapter of the Attica -- 9/11 Memorial Ride conducted by NY 8 for five years, which memorializes those slain corrections officers from the 1971 Attica Prison riot and all those officers killed in the line of duty throughout the country and in particular at the Sept. 11th tragedy in NYC. 

Following the termination of the Attica Ride event, NY IV was then a sponsoring club for several years of Operation Patriot. This event honored all law enforcement, firefighters, EMS and military and was held on the 9/11 Weekend. In the past, they have supported the Genesee Valley Chapter of C.O.P.S. and a Christmas in July Toy Ride to benefit the Golisano Children's Center at Strong Memorial Hospital. This event brings hundreds of toys to the hospitalized children at a time of year when many are forgotten.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the uniform T-shirt of Batavia City Fire Department is adorned with pink ribbons on the front and back so that firefighters can show their support of those who have fought or are fighting the disease.

"We want people to understand that we appreciate the fact that firefighters are often given the term heroes, however people fighting breast cancer are really the true heroes," said Chief Stefano Napolitano. "We want to support those people that have lost the battle and those that are currently fighting and those who are going to be fighting in the future."

Napolitano's own mother was successfully treated for breast cancer (though she has since passed due to other health reasons) so this is a cause that is especially important to him, he said.

"I know several other ladies that are fighting or have fought and are survivors so this is just a small way that city fire can let them know that we're here supporting them," the chief said. "We enjoy the support of the community and it's an honor and it's humbling to be able to provide that support and return to those that are fighting their own fires."