The Batavia Society of Artists sponsored a Sketch Out/Paint Out event in Jackson Square on Wednesday evening, featuring cast members from the Batavia Players upcoming presentation of "Guys and Dolls."
The event gave local artists a chance to paint or draw characters from the famous musical.
A lot of house for the money and priced below assessment. These owners are serious and priced it to sell! Must see inside to appreciate. Updated roof, siding and windows. Extra family room, gas stove in living room. Galley style kitchen. Laminate floors plus some with carpeting. Nice back yard, recently landscaped front yard with new porch-just a great Village home! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today at 585-344-4663 or click here to view the full listing.
Press release:
Genesee County CASA for Children will host a Royal Tea Party on Saturday Aug. 20th from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Genesee County Senior Center, 2 Bank St. in Batavia.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet, take pictures and receive autographs from Queen Elsa, Princess Belle and Princess Ariel. Tea and light refreshments will be served and guests will be able to decorate their very own crowns! A performance by Queen Elsa herself will take place at 2 o'clock.
Tickets cost $10 per person and can be purchased at the door or in advance by contacting Genesee County CASA for Children at 585-815-7809.
All proceeds benefit Genesee County CASA for Children, a nonprofit agency that works to advocate for the abused and neglected children in our community.
A three-car accident with minor injuries is reported at 200 Ellicott St., Batavia. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.
UPDATE 6:05 p.m.: One person is complaining of chest pain.
UPDATE 6:21 p.m.: Two people are being taken to UMMC -- one with chest pain, the other with neck and back pain after the vehicle(s) they were in were rear-ended.
Law enforcement is responding to two complaints of harassment against women at local stores.
One caller in the parking lot at K-Mart is waiting to speak with officers about a white male wearing a camouflage hat and black shirt who she says was verbally harassing women in the parking lot.
Another complaint was made at Target where a woman claims that, about a half hour ago, a white male carrying a backpack was staring at her and her children in the clothing department.
It is not yet known whether it's the same suspect.
Bowler is a white male, about 5'8" and weighing 173 pounds, with gray hair and blue eyes.
He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue plaid shirt and camouflage-colored crocs (footwear).
He may be operating a 2002 Jeep Liberty color red bearing NY Pass plate GFA7188.
Bowler is known to frequent the Batavia and Oakfield areas.
Anyone with information can contact Genesee County Dispatch at (585) 343-5000.
UPDATE: Mr. Bowler has been located. Mr. Bowler was identified by State Police during an investigation of a motor-vehicle accident in Oswego. He was transported to Upstate Hospital in Syracuse for treatment of minor injuries.
Press release:
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced that $2 million in funding is available to help low- and middle-income households get their heating equipment inspected and cleaned prior to the start of the heating season.
The program is federally funded through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
The Genesee County Department of Social Services is ready to accept applications for furnace or boiler tune-ups, which can help improve energy efficiency while helping New Yorkers save on heating costs this winter. The local DSS office has a list of vendors who will do the work. The applicant must be HEAP eligible and the owner of the home.
“Households that get their heating equipment cleaned now will benefit come wintertime when they save on heating costs due to the improved efficiency,” said Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts. “We also expect that fewer households that receive heating assistance through HEAP will face emergencies this winter, as a result of having a furnace or boiler operating at peak performance.”
Eligible households can receive up to $400, which includes cleaning of the primary heating equipment, but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper and efficient operation of the heating equipment.
To qualify, households must not exceed the program’s income guidelines, which vary by household size. For example, a family of four can earn up to $4,316 a month and still qualify. Additionally, the household must have heating equipment that is more than 12 months old, and the furnace, boiler or chimney must not have been cleaned within the past 12 months.
Applications will be accepted through Nov. 4, or until funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. New Yorkers can find contact information for their county Department of Social Services at http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/HEAP-contacts.pdf.
Press release:
Residents of the City of Batavia and surrounding region are invited to the Genesee County Fairgrounds for a meal and Christian concert, no charge!
Aug. 24th -26th, a dozen area churches along with 13 ministries and community organizations will be joining together to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of “Batavia’s Great Tabernacle Revival."
Wednesday, Aug. 24th the night will kick off with local worship band Salt Of Earth along with internationally known worship leader Robin Mark from Belfast Ireland. Doors will open at 4 p.m. and event will begin at 6 p.m. There will be short messages of hope throughout.
Thursday, Aug. 25th will follow suit opening at 4 p.m. and commencing at 6 p.m. with Jim Drew and band out of Rochester followed by singer/songwriter Jason Upton and team. Jason does his best to carry the heart of our Heavenly Father. His songs and his messages reflect a life fully lived in relationship with God, family and friends. Come out and enjoy a time with great artists and a meal on us!
Friday, Aug. 26th Join us for a concert night of worship and celebration with Elmwood Drive, Selah and All Sons & Daughters.
Doors will open at 4 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and 5 p.m. for General Admission. There will be 1,000 chairs available and then lawn seating. You can bring fold-up chairs, blankets and plastic bottled drinks, no glass or alcohol.
Concessions will be available for purchase all three nights.
You are welcome to bring friends and take part in worship, evangelism and Christian entertainment without denominational walls.
For more info call 585-297-3155 or 585-993-1888
Tickets for Friday available at www.effchurch.com or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/great-tabernacle-campaign-tickets-21233686528?ref=elink
Tickets also available at Roxy’s Music Store, located at 228 W. Main St., Batavia.
Press release:
The 2016 New York-Penn League All-Star roster will include two players from Batavia. They will send infielder J.J. Gould and pitcher Shane Sawczak to the game to be held Tuesday, Aug. 16th at Dutchess Stadium, home of the Hudson Valley Renegades.
Gould, a 24th round pick in the 2016 draft, has played in 39 games for the Muckdogs this year and has been among the team leaders in hitting all season. Gould has 11 doubles, which is tied for fourth in the NY-Penn League, to go along with a .252 batting average, three home runs and 15 RBIs. Gould has been dominant versus left-handed pitching with a .386 batting average and .636 slugging percentage.
Shane Sawczak was selected in the 19th round of the 2016 draft out of Palm Beach State University. Appearing out of the bullpen in 12 games, the left-hander has a record of 1-1 and has racked up 20 strikeouts in 21.1 innings pitched. On the year, Sawczak has compiled an ERA of 1.69 and a WHIP 1.27.
Batavia currently holds the sixth place spot in the Pinckney Division with a record of 12-38. The Muckdogs sent five players to the 2012 All-Star game, four in 2013, four in 2014, and six players in 2015.
Press release:
Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $184,871 in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration for the Genesee County Airport, located in Batavia. The grant will assist the Genesee County Airport in funding the full reconstruction and rehabilitation of 3,400 feet of existing runway.
“Utilizing grant funding to support our local governments is a smart investment and a responsible use of federal tax dollars,” said Congressman Collins. “Investing in infrastructure projects like the Genesee County Airport’s runway rehabilitation will significantly improve the quality, efficiency and safety of its daily operations. These efforts will allow the Genesee County Airport to continue to grow and positively impact our local economy for years to come.”
“This important federal funding will help ensure the future of the Genesee County Airport,” said Ray Cianfrini, chairman of the Genesee County Legislature. “The grant will fund the full depth reconstruction of 3,400 feet of the existing runway 10/28 pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. We look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Collins to improve local transportation infrastructure and support job growth throughout Genesee County.”
The Congressman’s office remains available to assist any local government pursuing a federal grant.
Hear the stories behind summer’s celestial constellations and watch for fireballs in the sky far away from city lights. On Friday, Aug. 12th, Genesee County Park & Forest will host an amazing program called “Meteor Shower in the Meadow” from 9:30 to 11 p.m.
Cost of the event is $5 for individuals and $10 for a family. Pre-registration is requested by calling (585) 344-1122.
Attendees will learn about astronomy inside the park’s Interpretive Nature Center and then walk out to a forest meadow where they will watch nature’s fireworks. Feel free to bring a blanker or folding chair to enjoy the show.
The Perseid Meteor Shower is an annual event that occurs in late July and early August – with Aug. 11-12th being the height of the showers. There is speculation that the 2016 Perseids could be a peak year, with more than 200 meteors spotted an hour. The characteristics of a Perseid meteor are that it is fast and bright, often leaving a trail behind it.
“Meteor Shower in the Meadow” is a great example of the types of programming offered at Genesee County Park & Forest. The family-friendly events combine elements of education and experience – making it a fantastic opportunity for everyone. From snowshoe hikes in the winter to wading in ponds looking for signs of life in the summer, Genesee County Park & Forest is a wonderful place to explore and learn. For more information, visit the Park’s website and Facebook page.
Hey Parents! YWCA of Genesee County is offering its Adventure Program to students attending the following schools:
Hours Are: 6 a.m. -- Start of school & dismissal at 6 p.m. Breakfast & snacks are provided. Lots of interactive & educational fun with great affordable rates. No commitment necessary!
For more information, contact Sarah Mclaughlin@ 585-343-5808, ext. 22, or email: smclaughlin@ywcagenesee.org.
The City of Batavia has an excellent chance to receive a trio of grants that deal with "zombie" properties, low- to low-moderate income housing rehabilitation and mixed-use redevelopment, City Manager Jason Molino said Monday night.
He outlined the three opportunities to City Council, which, in turn, is expected to allow his office to pursue the grants.
The grant programs are as follows:
-- A $13 million grant program with funds generated through a settlement by the state's Attorney General that is open to municipalities with at least 5,000 people and a minimum of 100 vacant homes.
Batavia was not on the original list, Molino said, but was added after the city manager reached out to program administrators. He said monies received will go to compile database informaton and to develop strategies to combat the problem of vacant homes.
-- A Community Development Block Grant to rehabilitate homes owned by those with low- to low-moderate incomes who occupy the home. Molino said grants are limited to $24,500 per house.
"We received $450,000 in 2011 and another $400,000 in 2014 through this program and have applied that money to more than 35 homes," Molino said. "Currently, we have another 30 to 40 in the queue."
Council is expected to act on this on Sept. 12 and set a public hearing for Sept. 19.
-- A Restore NY grant program that is providing up to $50 million for redevelopment projects in urban areas.
Molino said Batavia will seek $500,000 to be used at Ellicott Station, site of the former Santy's Tire Shop and Soccio & Della Penna construction on Ellicott Street that has been targeted for mixed-use redevelopment by Buffalo developer Samuel Savarino.
"(Ellicott Station) is a picture perfect property for this project. It is turn-key, and has all the right elements," Molino said, adding that the city has a "high probability" of getting funded.
As is the case with the CDBG grant, Council has been requested to consider this application on Sept. 12.
In other action, Council:
-- Approved a resolution to accept a supplemental agreement, called Marchiselli funding, that would reimburse the city for the cost of the design aspects of the Summit Street Reconstruction Project. This offers a 15 percent funding grant to the project through New York State, in addition to the 80 percent funding already approved through the Federal Highway program, Molino said.
-- Approved a resolution permitting the city firefighters' union to open a one-year window for entrance into a more lucrative state retirement benefit plan. Molino said the one-time past service cost will be $27,441 and the estimated annual cost for this fiscal year will be $5,485.
-- Moved to the Sept. 12 Business meeting a request from Public Works Director Matthew Worth to trade or auction off five utility vehicles, with an estimated total value of at least $9,500. The vehicles, and their estimated value, are: a 1998 John Deere Gator 6x4 utility vehicle ($2,000 in trade toward a replacement utility vehicle); 1996 Ford LS9000 dump truck and accessories (auction value $3,000); 1997 Dodge Ram van (auction value less than $500); 1993 Jacobsen HR-15 flail mower (auction value $1,000); and a 1996 Elgin Pelican P series street sweeper (auction value $3,000 to $15,000).
-- Tabled Local Law No. 3, which would amend the Business Improvement District Plan in order for both the City and the BID to continue talks to settle disagreements over the BID's budget management and compliance with General Municipal Law. Molino said he expects to report back to Council with a definitive strategy at the Sept. 12 meeting.
A pickup truck is in a ditch after an apparent rollover accident at Alleghany (Route 77) and Indian Falls roads. There is air bag deployment. Apparently, there are injuries. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy Medics are responding. Mercy Flight is called to 7908 Alleghany Road, to the parking lot of the Indian Falls Methodist Church.
UPDATE 12:57 a.m.: Didn't hear the destination of Mercy Flight or any word on injuries. The assignment is back in service.
The Batavia City Council is scrambling to explore other options after receiving word that the owner of a five-acre parcel of land at 35 Swan St., which has been identified as the most viable site for a new City of Batavia Police headquarters, may not be willing to sell it.
In a memo to City Council presented at the board's meeting tonight, City Manager Jason Molino reported that Mancuso Business Development Group, with offices at 56 Harvester Ave., is "continuing to explore and evaluate a variety of scenarios in an effort to devise a redevelopment plan for the entire Harvester Campus," including the Swan Street location.
"We'll just have to work through it," Molino said following the Conference portion of the meeting that began with a short Business session.
"We've been talking about it (land acquisition requirements and procedures) for the past few months, and I understand their position," he continued. "It's not that we've been told that we can't build it because they don't want it there. If they're looking at redevelopment (which would generate tax revenue), that is a great reason not to build it there."
Just six months ago, Council went with a recommendation by the Police Facility Task Force that it commissioned to focus on 35 Swan St. as the place to build an approximately 18,000-square-foot structure that would cost upwards of $10 million. However, City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. did say at that time, "If the site doesn't pan out, we will move in a different direction."
And now, that seems to be the case.
Molino outlined three alternatives -- (1) wait six months to a year for the property owner to complete its redevelopment review, after which the owner may be interested in subdividing the land; (2) consider the possibility of eminent domain or condemnation, which allows a municipality to take private property for a public use, understanding that the eminent domain process entails public hearings and could lead to legal wrangling, and (3) take another look at alternate locations -- sites that were part of a lengthy study by the Task Force.
He then added a fourth option: "Or you could do nothing."
The current situation certainly was not welcome news to Council members.
"I'm upset about the development over there (on Swan Street)," said Rose Mary Christian (Sixth Ward), who represents residents in the area that includes Swan Street. "Eminent domain could cost us a fortune. It's mind-boggling that we went through all of this, and a couple of people say they don't know if they want to sell it."
She changed her tune toward the property's owners after Jankowski said the Task Force did its study without taking into account the availability of the various parcels, but added that "I'm still (peeved) about the whole thing."
Molino advised Council to include police department and city manager's office staff in any additional study, and also to "engage architects and engineers" -- bringing up the possibility of a budget amendment to appropriate funding for another review before the next City Council meeting on Sept. 12.
Jankowski suggested reenlisting the Task Force so that "they don't think their work was for nothing" and to include the public as much as possible in the process.
"Citizens should be involved," Jankowski said. "It's their money that will be paying for this."
Mitchell Bryan started working for Shell Mouery when he was 14. Now, at 24, he owns what used to be known as the Stafford Trading Post, but has renamed it Shell's Post in honor of his former boss, who passed away in March.
He said he thought the name change an appropriate way to honor Mouery's memory.
The business passed to Mouery's son, John Macan, who now lives in Texas, and Bryan and Macan worked out an arrangement for Bryan to take over the location.
"It took me one night to think about it," Bryan said. "The next day, I just went for it."
Bryan hasn't changed much about the business, which is a community drink and snack store and deli and pizza parlor.
"It's a rewarding business," Bryan said. "The customers are great, loyal customers, and you're doing something different every day, I'm not stuck in a cubicle. It’s fun. I just enjoy it."
The 2016 History Heroes would like to thank the following sponsors & volunteers:
Sponsors:
Volunteers of the Program:
It's been more than an hour since a truck and trailer fire was reported on the Thruway in East Pembroke, but eastbound traffic is still backed up and moving at a crawl, according to a reader caught in the mess just west of Exit 48A.
The source is now much further east, but says it's still slow going.
A check of Thruway traffic cams show fairly clear lanes at exits 48A and 48.
The fire was originally reported to involve a truck hauling a horse trailer, but that was later changed to a travel trailer.
The fire may have spread to grass along the shoulder of the Thruway.
East Pembroke fire responded.
Press release:
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with the Lake Plains Waterfowl Association, will host its 43rd Annual Young Waterfowlers Program.
The program will include an orientation class at the refuge headquarters and a youth only hunt day on Saturday, Oct. 1. The Young Waterfowlers Program will be open to junior hunters between 12-15 years of age. There is no charge but space is limited with preference given to first time participants. Pre-registration does not guarantee participation. Those selected will be notified by mail.
To pre-register, complete the Waterfowl Lottery Application Form and return it to the refuge headquarters at 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013 by the deadline of 4 p.m., Sept. 8. Application forms can be requested by mail, by phone, in person, or email at iroquois@fws.gov. A PDF version of the form may also be downloaded and printed from the refuge website http://www.fws.gov/refuge/iroquois.
The orientation class date will be announced at a later date. The morning session of the orientation class will consist of a New York State sanctioned Waterfowl Identification Certification class from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. The afternoon session from 12:30 – 3 p.m. will cover decoys and calls, ballistics, clothing and equipment, hunter ethics and safety, an overview of the refuge waterfowl program as well as a retriever demo and trap shoot. The afternoon session is mandatory in order to participate in the hunt, except for those who have been through the program at least twice before.
All junior hunters will be required to have a guide with them on the day of the hunt. We strongly recommend each junior hunter secure their own guide prior to orientation in accordance with DEC Junior Hunting License Regulations. We have a limited number of guides who can volunteer; therefore we cannot guarantee a guide for each junior hunter.
For additional information about the program, please contact Madeline Prush at 585.948.5445. Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact refuge staff at 585.948.5445 or at the Federal Relay No. 1.800.877.8339.
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is located midway between Rochester and Buffalo, and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Press release:
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, located in Alabama and Shelby, will be accepting applications for the refuge’s reserved waterfowl hunt days beginning Aug.15. Reservations are required for opening day of the New York State regular waterfowl season on Saturday, Oct. 22 and the following Saturday, Oct. 29. These dates are tentative pending approval of the recommended waterfowl hunting season.
Interested hunters must complete the Waterfowl Lottery Application Form and return it to the refuge office at 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013. Applications will be accepted no earlier than Aug. 15 and are due by the deadline of 4 p.m., Sept. 15.
Application forms can be requested by mail, by phone, in person, or by email at iroquois@fws.gov. A PDF version of the form may also be downloaded and printed by following a link on the refuge website http://www.fws.gov/refuge/iroquois/. Hunters will be selected by a lottery and notified by mail. The number of permits issued will be dependent on water levels in the hunt area. Reservations are non-transferable.
Those selected must be at the Waterfowl Permit Station, located on Route 77, between 4:30 and 5 a.m. on their appointed day to select their hunt stand and obtain their permit. Consult the refuge’s Waterfowl Hunting Fact Sheet for addition information.
Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact refuge staff at 585-948-5445 or through the Federal Relay No. 1-800-877-8339.
Iroquois NWR is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For further information contact:
Iroquois NWR, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013, or call Madeline Prush at 585-948-5445.
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