ARTiculations Ability Exhibition® -- a forum for artists with disabilities in Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties to display their work publicly -- will open at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) in Batavia on July 12.

Titled "Declarations from the Heart," it features the poerty of Jacqueline Fields. Her poetry is being displayed with graphic art provided by the UHAA.

A product of a partnership between ILGR and the University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), the Exhibit will be on display through Sept. 30th. The Opening Reception is Friday, July 12th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at ILGR’s office 319 W. Main St. in Batavia, at the Crickler Executive Business Center (former Pepsi distribution building).

Fields will be present to share information about her work at the reception.

From the artist: "I have been writing poetry for about 41 years which started from simple rhymes I included in letters and cards to friends and family. The gift of expression, especially in the form of poetry, is one of the greatest gifts from God, because I feel that it’s the doorway to the heart and mind."

Other artists with disabilities residing in the area of Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties are encouraged to submit their work to this juried competition, as there will be additional ARTiculations® planned quarterly exhibits in the future.

Independent Living has been “art partnering” for people with disabilities with the UHAA, a group of artists in North Buffalo with a commitment to community that places art in businesses and nonprofits through an established ARTpartnering program.

The organizers are pleased to note that the ARTiculations Ability Exhibitions® have “mapped” into UHAA’s system by placing a plaque with a Quick Response (QR) code scatter bar graph that can bring up information about it when scanned by your smart phone.

For questions on the event, please call Cathy DeMare at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

To remain in first place in the New York-Penn League, the Batavia Muckdogs pitching needed a little help.

The offense provided it with a two-out rally and a balk call in the fourth inning as the Muckdogs downed the State College Spikes, 3-2 on Sunday.

The Muckdogs trailed, 2-1 when Jack Strunc walked with two outs, then Andrew Turner blasted a double to the gap and Strung scored all the way from first.

That's when the luck came through as well. Dustin Skelton struck out, but when the ball got away from the catcher, he made it to first and Turner went to third. Still with two outs, a balk was called and Turner scored the eventual winning run.

From there, the pitching continued to be tremendous for Batavia.

Jeremy Galindez improved to 2-0 with the win, as he threw two perfect innings in relief of Remey Reed. Reed, who is 3-0 on the season, struck out five in four innings and lowered his ERA to 1.73.

Josh Simpson, a 2019 draft pick of the Miami Marlins, got his second hold of the season, throwing 1.2 scoreless innings with a strikeout.

Evan Brabrand, who has developed into a closer for Batavia manager Tom Lawless, picked up his fourth save of the season. Brabrand, a ninth-round draft pick this year, finished the eighth and ninth without allowing a hit or run.

Batavia improved to 14-8 with the win, 1.5 games ahead of State College (13-10) and two games ahead of Mahoning Valley and West Virginia.

The other Batavia run came in the first when Milton Smith II singled and scored on a hit by Troy Johnston, who had two hits on the day.

State College answered in the bottom of the inning when Andrew Warner hit a two-run single.

Albert Guaimaro and Skelton had hits, while Turner had two hits.

The Muckdogs are at State College tonight and Tuesday, both games at 7:05 p.m.

The Muckdogs return home to play Lowell on Wednesday, July 10 as part of a three-game homestand (July 10, 11 and 12). Hot dogs are just $1 on Wednesday and all Labatt's products are $2. Friday is Crafty Hour, all craft beers are $3. All three games start at 7:05 p.m. and tickets are available at the Dwyer Stadium box office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, online at muckdogs.com or call 585-483-3647.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.75, up 3 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.86. The New York State average is $2.87 – no change from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.02. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.84 (up 2 cents since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.86 (no change since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.81 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.85 (no change since last week)
• Rome -- $2.83 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.78 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.80 (no change since last week)

Nearly 11 years ago to the day, on July 9, 2008, New Yorkers were paying the highest recorded gas prices on record at $4.31 per gallon. That makes today’s New York State average, which has held steady over the holiday week at $2.87, seem bearable.

Demand was high over the past week as travelers enjoyed Independence Day getaways and celebrations, which has led to a decrease in gasoline stocks. As gas stocks continue to dwindle, the busy summer driving season is now underway so elevated demand is expected to continue.

Philadelphia Energy Solutions announced recently that they will permanently close the South Philadelphia refinery this month, which is the oldest and largest refinery on the East Coast. The announcement came following a June fire and explosion at the refinery, which produces 335,000 barrels of crude per day (42 U.S. gallons per barrel). While gasoline stocks from Canada, neighboring refineries, and the Colonial Pipeline will help backfill supply, retailers will likely face increased transportation costs which could drive up prices in the Northeast and surrounding regions.

A man jumped off the bridge on River Street in the city after a domestic incident. He threatened to do so and was walking there when law enforcement was called to respond. City fire is also en route along with Mercy medics.

He was said to be wearing gray shorts.

UPDATE 6:09 p.m.: The man was just brought out of the water off the creek bank and put on a stretcher; he appears to be conscious and moving.

UPDATE 6:15 p.m.: The man didn't actually jump into the water; he jumped from the River Street bridge and landed on the creek bank -- not a far drop. He is being taken to the hospital for evaluation.

The rain could only delay the 2019 Ramble & Arts Festival. It couldn't keep it from rockin'.

Bonus track: DriVen performs The Who's Baba O'Riley.

A two-car accident is reported at Broadway Road (Route 20) and East Road, Bethany.

One caller reports one serious injury and everybody else is just shaken up.

Bethany fire, with the Bethany ambulance, along with Mercy EMS responding.

The road is blocked and Pavilion is requested to Texaco Town to shutdown traffic.

A big brown horse is in the intersection on Clipnock Road, heading east on Clipknock.

A deputy is dispatched.

UPDATE 1:11 p.m.: The deputy can disregard. The owner has retrieved the horse.

A caller reports that in the area of the 6900 block of Knowlesville Road in Alabama, a bunch of kids are riding up and down the street on dirt bikes -- at least three or four -- and that they are unlicensed. Sheriff's deputies are responding.

A large tree toppled and downed power lines and a transformer at 11084 Starr Road, Pavilion. Wires are arcing by the side of the road. Four utility poles are damaged as well. Pavilion Fire Department is responding and National Grid is notified. A portion of the roadway is closed. The location is between Tufts and River roads.

A one-vehicle accident happened about five hours ago on Little Falls Road and the driver is still in or with the vehicle, according to a caller to dispatch. The location is 1341 Little Falls Road, north of Fuller Road. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy medics just arrived on scene.

Little Falls Road is shut down.

UPDATE 7:49 a.m.: The patient -- the driver -- is being transported to ECMC.

UPDATE 7:59 a.m.: The road is reopended. The assignment is back in service.

I stopped by the Upton Monument earlier this evening to get a picture of the 100-year-old landmark lit by the new LED system.

Distracted driving is the suspected cause of a fatal accident at 12:15 this afternoon after a tan 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis sedan slammed into the side of a trailer being hauled by a semi-truck at Route 63 and Route 19 in Pavilion.

The 81-year-old driver of the sedan, Robert G. Daniels, of Warsaw, who deputies believe ran a red light, was pronounced dead at the scene by GC Coroner Tom Douglas.

The driver of the semi-truck, 69-year-old Michael D. Dunn, who had the right-of-way, was uninjured. He is from Prescott, Ontario, Canada, and was driving a 2019 International semi with an empty 2019 Manac trailer northbound on Route 63.

According to a Genesee County Sheriff's Office press release, the investigation continues as to the reason why Daniels failed to stop at the red traffic signal while he was traveling on southbound on Route 19. He struck the passenger side of the trailer.

The accident was investigated by GC Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth. Assisting at the scene were Sgt. Andrew Hale, Deputy Chris Erion, Investigator James Diehl, the GC Sheriff's Office Crash Management Team members Sgt. Jason Saile and Deputy Richard Schildwaster, Trooper Matt Luft with the NYSP Commerical Vehicle Enforcement Unit, amd members of the Town of Pavilion Fire Department.

Press release:

My name is Kevin Muckle and in 2011 I started an annual golf tournament on behalf of my daughter Madison Marie Muckle. Madison was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia cancer just after her 3rd birthday in 2010.  She fought through two and a half years of constant treatment until April of 2013 when she received her last chemotherapy treatment.

In 2018 Madison celebrated her five-year anniversary and is now considered a survivor. Madison is now a healthy, cancer free, 11 year old who wants to help others suffering from this horrible disease.

WE CALL IT MADISONATION!

Madisonation was created to raise awareness and funds for other children and families fighting their battle against cancer. Madisonation has raised more $42,000 over the last eight years for families and organizations.

This year we will be donating ALL proceeds to the Michael Napoleone Foundation. The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation was established in 2007 in memory of Michael C. Napoleone who died from Burkitts lymphoma/leukemia at the age of 6. This not-for-profit foundation was created to give back to those who are in need due to their battle against childhood cancer.

They also support research efforts in finding a cure for childhood cancer. The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is 100 percent staffed by volunteers with NO paid positions. I know of several families that they have helped throughout the years and now Madisonation wants to help them this year, so they can continue to do all the great things in fighting childhood cancer.

Please come and join us in our fight against childhood cancer and help raise funds for such a worthy cause. Please help us on Aug. 25 for our ninth annual Madisonation "Never Give Up" Golf Tournament. The event will be held at Hickory Ridge Golf course in Holley.

It will be a four-man best ball tournament for $380 per team, which includes, 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, dinner, raffles, silent auction, hole contests and lots of fun, not to mention supporting a great cause.

Please contact Kevin Muckle at 585-300-7499 or Jen Moore at 585-300-8440 for more information or to register. Any donations can be mailed to Madisonation, P.O. Box 1810, Batavia, NY 14021.

City fire is called to 7 Trumbull Parkway for a fence on fire behind a residence. It is 20 feet from a garage with flammables inside.

UPDATE 12:33 p.m.: The fence fire is actually on Elm.

Two vehicles and a tractor-trailer collided at Big Tree Road and South Lake Road (routes 63 and 19). One of the vehicles is lodged under the tractor-trailer. There are serious injuries and the roadway is blocked. Pavilion Fire Department is on scene along with mutual aid from Bethany. Mercy medics responding.

Law enforcement is shutting down multiple roadways: the intersection at Texaco Town; route 63 at GC county road 36, route 20 and route 19.

The State Police Commercial Vehicle Inspection Unit is called to the scene.

UPDATE 12:43 p.m.: Due to demands on manpower following the accident, a Sheriff's supervisor is requesting at least two deputies scheduled to work the next shift to come in early.

UPDATE 2:21 p.m.: This is a fatal accident. Although the initial dispatch was for a tractor-trailer and two passenger vehicles involved, only one sedan was involved in the collision with the big rig, which is operated by Kriska Transportation Co. Roads are still closed in the vicinity.

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: According to Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Saile, the tractor-trailer was northbound on Route 63 when a light-colored Mercury Grand Marquis was traveling southbound on Route 19 and failed to stop at a solid red light. The sedan plowed into, and under, the big rig and the male driver, the sole occupant, was deceased by the time first responders arrived. The trucker was not injured. Saile said there is no physical evidence of the sedan ever braking. The impact knocked the trailer into the southbound lane. It was empty. Parise's Auto & Towing was called in to lift the trailer off the car so the victim could be removed. Saile said distracted driving is suspected.

Video T/K.

UPDATE 3:27 p.m.: Just announced roadways are reopened and all responders are back in service.

The annual Ramble Music and Arts Festival is delayed by rain but the show will go on, said organizer Paul Draper.

As the weather clears, bands will perform at their previously scheduled slots.  

The current storm passing through the region is expected to last two hours with rain in the forecast off and on throughout the day until 6 p.m. The Ramble will continue until 10 p.m. 

A house at 682 Sumner Road, Darien, has reportedly been struck by lightning and there is an odor of smoke in the residence.

Darien fire dispatched.

UPDATE 11:25 a.m.: A chief reports the lightning struck near the house, a few breakers tripped, the smoke appears to be coming from a TV, and the house will be checked with a thermal imaging camera. 

UPDATE 11:39 a.m.: Darien back in service.

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs showed some power to go along with the season-long outstanding pitching to remain in first place with a 4-1 win over the Auburn Doubledays Friday night.

Batavia (13-7) is in first place in the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division.

Edison Suriel picked up in the win in relief of Edgar Martinez (four innings, three strikeouts, two hits one run) by throwing a scoreless fifth with a strikeout. Dakota Bennett had an unconventional save, throwing the final four innings of shutout ball, striking out two and giving up just two hits and no walks.

At the plate, Troy Johnston (double, RBI, run) and Harrison Dinicola (double, RBI) each had two hits while Milton Smith II (run), Nic Ready (RBI double), Andrew Turner and Jack Strunc (RBI double) all had hits. Albert Guaimaro blasted a triple for the Muckdogs and scored.

Batavia trailed 1-0 in the third when Johnston doubled with two outs and scored on Ready's double.

In the fourth, Strunc scored the go-ahead run on a passed ball. The Muckdogs tacked on insurance with single runs in the seventh and eighth.

The Muckdogs continue to get support from the draft and Miami Marlins signings: as Bennett was an 11th round pick of Miami in 2017; Johnston a 17th round this year; Dinicola went in the 27th round in 2018; Ready was picked in the 23rd round this year; Strunc 25th round this year; Smith II was a 22nd round pick in 2018; and Andrew Turner went in the 39th round in 2018.

The Muckdogs have won four-of-five and the last two on the road.

The two teams will play a doubleheader Saturday starting at 4 p.m. as the Muckdogs have five more road games over the next four days before returning home to play Lowell on Wednesday, July 10 as part of a three-game home stand (July 10, 11 and 12).

Hot dogs are just $1 on Wednesday and all Labatt's products are $2. Friday is Crafty Hour, all craft beers are $3.

All three games start at 7:05 p.m. and tickets are available at the Dwyer Stadium box office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, online at muckdogs.com or call 585-483-3647.

Veteran Canadian rockers Kim Mitchell (top photo) and Carl Dixon performed before a large and enthusiastic crowd tonight at Batavia Downs Gaming. The latest installment of the Downs' summer concert series also featured WNY bands Missing Star and Steelhorse. Photos by Mike Pettinella.