A power line is down and arcing in the roadway on Lewiston Road in the area of Bliss Road in Oakfield. It is partially blocking traffic, too.
Oakfield Fire Department is responding.
UPDATE 6:04 p.m.: National Grid is on scene. Oakfield fire is back in service.
A grease fire was reported about 10 minutes ago at a residence on Tracy Avenue (in the area of 15 or 16). It was called in by a neighbor.
The first started in the upper apartment kitchen, at the rear of the building. Electrical power is arcing at the back of the stove and National Grid is called. The power is now shut off in the basement but lights are still on on the second floor.
The fire is knocked out by City of Batavia Fire Department and the building is being ventilated. An off-duty crew is called to standby in the fire station.
UPDATE 3:10 p.m.: A fire chief says "no school transportation is acceptable" along that portion of Tracy Avenue. National Grid is expected on scene at any moment now.
As promised last week (see Friday's article, "Mancuso's hosts Holy Family School, of Le Roy, for Catholic Schools Week"), here are some photos of staff and students from Holy Family and St. Joseph schools celebrating Catholic Schools Week.
Our site has been experiencing some technical difficulties, otherwise they would have been posted sooner.
Holy Family at Mancuso Bowling Center:
The kids have just finished Mass at Notre Dame and are ready to hit the lanes!
Principal Kevin Robertson (aka "Mr. Rob") with Sister Bridget.
Amy Drakes, physical education teacher and chief organizer of this event.
"Representatives" from across the grade span. They are, left to right in the back, Ariba (fifth grade), Chris (eighth grade), Drakes and Collin (fifth grade); left to right in the front, Annarose (kindergarten), Sam (third grade) and Nathaniel (first grade).
St. Joe's kids at the YMCA -- games and workouts:
Pictured fifth-grade teacher Todd Bowman, who did push-ups with some of his students.
Here's what happened at Monday night's city council meeting.
There were two public hearings -- one on the proposed budget with its $1.59 per-thousand property tax increase and another on the water and sewer rate increase (adding about $12 per year to the average homeowner's bill) -- and no members of the public showed up.
A pair of local residents raised their concerns about a neighbor dispute they would like the police department to take action on.
And Elijah Monroe, above, presented a framed certificate to the Batavia City Council commemorating Batavia for being the Niagara Frontier chapter headquarters for the The Society of the Second War with Great Britain In the State of New York.
The society is affiliated with the General Society of the War of 1812, which is an organization for the male descendants of anyone who served in the War of 1812.
Press Release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) recently announced that he will not seek election in the 26th Congressional District. Hawley instead will continue his duties as an assemblyman in the 139th District.
“I have been truly inspired by the outpouring of support I have received from constituents, friends and colleagues regarding a potential run for the United States House of Representatives in the 26th Congressional District,” Hawley said. “Furthermore, the parallels and comparisons I have received to former Rep. Barber Conable Jr. from members of the community have been nothing short of humbling.
"However, after careful consideration, I have decided to forgo a run for Congress and remain in the New York State Assembly, representing my home -- the 139th Assembly District. There may be another day and another time for me to seek such office, but today is not that day and now is not that time.”
“Throughout my time in the Assembly, I have held myself to a core set of principles that continue to propel me through my life of public service,” Hawley said. “From lowering property taxes, attracting and retaining business in Western New York, and supporting and honoring our proud veterans to protecting the viability of New York’s number one industry, agriculture, I have fought day in and day out to meet the needs of my district.
"However, there is still much work left to be done in order to right New York’s ship. That is why I feel it is important for me to continue my role in the state Assembly. There is simply so much more to accomplish right here in our own community.”
On withdrawing his name from the running, Hawley announced his support for Assemblywoman Jane Corwin (R, C, I – Clarence), who represents the 142nd District. Hawley and Corwin have been colleagues in the Assembly minority since 2008.
“It is without hesitation that I endorse Assemblywoman Jane Corwin for the 26th Congressional District,” Hawley said. “Assemblywoman Corwin has shown tireless dedication in representing her constituents and shares many of the same common-sense, pro-business principles that I have made a priority in the state Assembly.
"Assemblywoman Corwin and I were the only two representatives to earn perfect scores on Unshackle Upstate’s 2009-10 Legislative Scorecards, which rate the voting records of all 212 state legislators regarding bills that would support the health and growth of New York’s economy. I take great pride in endorsing my friend and colleague as our next representative in the U.S. House of Representatives.”
A car as hit a tree on Lake Road, near Sackett Road, in Bergen.
The elderly driver is reportedly disoriented.
Bergen Fire and Mercy EMS responding.
UPDATE 9:15 p.m.: Lake Road is not being closed, but Fire Police are trying to slow down traffic.
UPDATE 9:20 p.m.: Mercy's response canceled. No injuries.
Here's a sweet deal. You can get a professional portrait of your pet done at Carlson's Studio Photography in Batavia for $20 and the money goes to benefit the spay and neutering program of the Volunteers for Animals.
Enjoy a studio photo session and get a 5-by-7-inch portrait on Saturday, March 5 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. The window of opportunity is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you make an appointment by Feb. 16, you can a free keychain, too!
Call the studio at 343-2823.
This story is based on information provided by Pavilion-based Syntec Optics.
Syntec Optics is hard at work on a project that could revolutionize the way we interact with computers. It's the nation's largest independent manufacturer of custom plastic lenses whose motto is “Precision Plastic Optics for Tomorrow’s Technologies."
The Pavilion-based company is working on the Eye-Com EC7T™ eye-tracking system -- designed and developed by Eye-Com Corp. This advanced eye-tracking platform uses frame-mounted microcameras to not only record eyelid and pupil activity, but also to track head movement. The integrated, wearable system is a versatile device with all video, lighting, and electronic components encased within the uniquely designed, unobtrusive eye frames.
Even in a universe of lighting-quick technological changes, this stuff is mindboggling. (Perhaps a bit "Borg-like" -- but in a good way.)
Entertainment, transportation and disability-assistance industries are among those expected to be significantly impacted by advancements in eye-tracking and biometric technologies such as this.
In the rapidly emerging "augmented-reality" industry, people are presented with information about their surrounding environment through various visual displays, including computers, TV screens, smart phones, or even through a pair of eye-tracking glasses with a heads-up display.
In the foreseeable future, a user wearing an eye-tracking device could look at a building such as a movie theater and be presented with information like show times or even watch movie trailers.
Imagine driving a car that has eye tracking, augmented reality, biometrics and oculometrics all integrated -- where the system is able to determine if you are in a traffic jam or cruising down the highway -- and selectively allowing phone calls to go through based on your level of fatigue, stress or the amount of attention needed to be devoted to the road.
“In the near term, the EC7T will enable many disabled individuals greater use of computers with a device that can be used in place of a traditional mouse and allows them to use their eyes to select objects on the screen," says Eye-Com Founder William C. Torch, Ph.D.
Syntec Optics has been working with Eye-Com for more than a year and is currently manufacturing and assembling the set of plastic optics used in the EC7T.
Since the device is worn by the user, the optics need to be light in weight. Using plastic as opposed to glass made sense. Syntec was able to produce a set of prototype lens from Zeonex E48R™.
One of the challenges was the size of the lens, which is roughly 3 millimeters in diameter according to Syntec Optics’ VP and General Manager Rick Arndt.
“We have significant experience manufacturing and assembling small optics but as technology progresses, we see parts getting smaller and smaller,” Arndt said.
As for the technology itself, Eye-Com CEO Ky Good says “Eye-Com’s eye-tracking technology has established a new level of biometric performance with both advanced hardware and innovative software, which offers a platform for the future.”
The EC7T provides a mechanism and platform for enhancing applications that have yet to be imagined. Good believes that the device will eventually integrate optical, audio and neural sensors that will drive many applications in the next 10, 20 to 50 years.
“Our intention,” he explains, “is to leverage and collaborate with many companies, ideally bringing those pieces together to provide a cost effective, usable product for a multitude of end-users.”
("Make it so," said the captain.)
To find out more visit <http://www.eyecomworld.com> or <http://www.syntecoptics.com>.
Kenyada R. Peterkin, 29, of Saxton Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operation and unlawful possession of marijuana. Peterkin was arrested following a traffic stop by members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force. He was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine and marijuana. Peterkin was jailed on $1,500 bail.
A 17-year-old from Asbury Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. The youth allegedly violated a court order by hitting another person during an argument.
Matthew Joseph Dahl, 19, Tinkham Road, Darien, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone and inadequate headlights. Dahl was stopped at 2:06 a.m., Saturday, on Tinkham Road, Darien, by Deputy Jason Saile.
Stephen Daniel Golembiewski, 32, of Main Road, East Pembroke, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of center pavement markings and obstructed rear plate. Golembiewski was stopped at 1:13 a.m., Sunday, on Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.
Jenna Alexandra Kavanagh, 18, of Guaymar Circle, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Kavanagh was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a traffic stop on Thursday by Deputy James Diehl.
Brandy Rose Douglas, 31, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation and driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone. Douglas was stopped at 12:17 a.m., Friday, on Chapel Road, Byron, by Deputy Jason Saile.
None of the seven people involved in a two-car accident in Le Roy on Saturday afternoon were injured.
The driver of one car, Cody A. Busch, 19, of Batavia, said he was trying to brake for another car when he lost control of the 1989 Pontiac he was driving and the car spun into oncoming traffic.
The Pontiac struck a 2002 Kia driven by Angelo J. Rampino, 38, of Tonawanda.
No citations were issued following the 5:33 p.m. accident on Route 19 in the area of 8623 Lake Road.
In Busch's car were James K. Goodenow, 39, and Kristine M. Reynolds, 21. In Rampino's car were Heather C. Rampino, 37, Angelo J. Rampino II, 4, and Deborah A. Gillmor, 57.
The accident was investigated by Deputy Joseph Graff.
One person suffered a minor injury and three others were unhurt in a rollover accident on Route 63 on Saturday that was blamed on excessive speed for conditions.
The driver, Laura F. Schimpf, 18, of Bishop Street, Watertown, received a citation.
Her passenger, Lauren S. Aulet, 18, reportedly had minor cuts and glass in her eye.
Uninjured were Stephanie Kingsbury, 19, and Allison J. Cropsey, 18.
Schimpf was reportedly driving north on Ellicott Street Road near Route 20 in Pavilion when her car went off the east shoulder. The 2007 Hyundai sedan struck a snowbank and over turned, coming to rest on its roof.
The accident was investigated by Deputy Chris Parker.
The residents at 5645 Ebb Road, Byron, found something creative to do with the piles of snow plowed and piled up next to their driveway -- they built a snow dragon.
For the second time this year, hockey fans filled the Falleti Ice Arena for the cross-town matchup between the Ice Devils and the Fighting Irish. The Devils were out for revenge after losing the first matchup and succeeded, upsetting the Irish 4-2.
"It felt great to beat a really good team going into sectional play," said Batavia senior captain Tim Finnell. "Now we have momentum to build off of."
The Irish got on the board first as Tyler Kessler set up Brett Perfitt in front of the net, where he put the puck past Batavia goaltender Adam Kurek.
Freshman Rich Francis then put Batavia on the board to even the game at 1-1. Joe Saraceni was credited with the assist.
Conor Holvey beat ND goalie Tom Dehr for his first of two goals to give Batavia the lead off an assist from Trevor Powers.
Zach Blew and Dylan Versage set up Josh Johnson to tie the game for the second time at two goals each to end the 2nd period.
Heading into the 3rd period tied 2-2 was a familiar scenario for both teams. Last time the two teams faced off it was the same situation, and Notre Dame made the most of the 3rd period by scoring 4 goals to win 6-2.
"Last game we got too hyped up going into the 3rd and we came out flat. When a couple bounces went their way we started to hang our heads because things weren't going our way," says Batavia forward Josh Marr. "This time we stayed calm and knew what had to be done in order to win this game...we had no room to take any shifts off."
Finnell led Batavia into the final period as Holvey and Trevor Schimley set him up to beat Dehr right side.
Holvey sealed the win for the Ice Devils, netting an empty net goal as the buzzer sounded to end the score 4-2.
Both Kurek and Dehr made 17 saves for their respective teams.
A car fire has been reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 387 in the westbound lane.
Town of Batavia Fire being dispatched.
UPDATE 7:20 p.m.: There's been only one call reporting the fire. Mile maker 387 is about 2/10ths of a mile east of the Byron Road underpass.
UPDATE 7:31 p.m.: A chief on scene reports no flames showing. Engine 21 is returning to quarters.
UPDATE 7:32 p.m.: Engines 23 and 24 arriving on scene. The fire appears to be out.
UPDATE 7:38 p.m.: Mechanical problems. Town of Batavia Fire back in service. The actual mile marker was 387.9.
Linda Tyczka never expected Minty Wellness to receive the kind of praise it has from meat eaters in Genesee County and beyond.
Among locals, "they're probably our biggest client base," Tyczka said.
Why wouldn't meat eaters embrace the gourmet restaurant inside the upscale hotel and spa in Darien Center?
Well, there's no meat served at Minty Wellness. It's an entirely vegan and raw food establishment.
Since opening last May, more and more local residents have been discovering Minty Wellness and telling their friends about the food.
"There are so many local people coming," Tyczka said. "We have a group reservation from a local bank. None of them are vegan. They just heard it’s a nice place and the food is good. We’ve taken the vegan menu past granola and beans. We try to do a little gourmet and it’s working well.”
The story of Minty Wellness begins more than three years ago at a raw food seminar in Maine. There, Tyczka met Mary Minihane, who makes her home in Ireland. The two women struck up a friendship and Mary suggested opening a vegan and raw food resort.
Her initial idea was to open it in Costa Rica, but after the women travelled there they couldn't find a suitable location, so Minihane started looking in California and Arizona. Then she sent Tyczka information on property in the Poconos.
At that point, Tyczka said, "Hey, what about my place."
Tyczka and her husband David own 100 wooded acres in Darien. Minihane researched the market, liked its proximity to Buffalo, Rochester and Toronto, and agreed to back the construction of the facility.
The entire hotel, spa and restaurant are brand-new from the ground up. The eight hotel rooms are each unique, though the entire decor of the hotel is sleek contemporary with a touch of retro modern. The spare, uncluttered environment inside is immediately relaxing, which Tyczka said was the goal all along.
"I'm all about environment," Tyczka said. "It doesn't matter where I go, I want to be in a nice environment. We didn't just want to have a vegan hotel and just plain rooms. We wanted that experience to carry up into the rooms so people would be like, 'I can't wait to get to my room.'"
Some of what the spa offers includes Swedish massage, hot stone massage, soothing soak, Vichy massage and colon hydrotherapy. Laura Koepp is also on staff to offer Naturopathic therapy.
For those looking for an overnight or longer retreat, besides relaxing in the hotel, there are four golf courses within 15 minutes, plus nearby Darien Lake, as well as the wood areas for hikes or snowshoeing.
Overnight stays include a vegan breakfast.
As for the lunch and dinner menu, it features such delectable-sounding dishes Cajun Mayo Avocado, Linguini Alfredo, Tomato Dill Nori Roll and a vegan taco dubbed the "best taco ever."
"It's awesome to be acknowledged by the locals," Tyczka said. "It's one thing to pull people from Rochester, Buffalo and Toronto, but to be recognized by local people is just a really gratifying thing."
For the past seven months, the staff at Gillam-Grant Community Center on West Bergen Road, Bergen, has been hosting members of the community -- a dozen at a time -- for a tour and information session about the 30-year-old center.
The "Growing Gillam-Grant" programs provide insight into what Gillam-Grant is about through the stories of the seniors, adults and children who have benefited from and contributed to Gillam-Grant.
"We share the stories so people understand what we do," said Peggy Swapceinski, executive director.
It's also a chance for members of the community to provide feedback on programs and services so Gillam-Grant can evolve, Swapceinski said, and continue meeting the community's needs.
Gillam-Grant provides programs that vary from adult education and senior meals, to children's day camps and crafts. The current newsletter also promotes an upcoming theater performance, bus trips and fitness classes.
Growing Gillam-Grant sessions are by invitation, but open to anyone who is interested in learning more about the center. To request an invitation to a future event, call (585) 494-1621.
Photos: Above, Loren Penman explains some of Gillam-Grant's programs, and below, Shirley Wade tells the story of a Gillam-Grant patron.
Regional GOP leaders expect to name a candidate to run in a special election for Chris Lee's former seat within eight or nine days, said Nick Langworthy, Erie County GOP chairman following a two-hour meeting of county chairs at Batavia's South Beach Restaurant.
"We need to nominate somebody in short order because we believe the election will be held some time in the next six to eight weeks," Langworthy said.
Added Monroe County Chairman Bill Reilich, "Governor Cuomo is not Governor Paterson. He knows we need representation in Washington."
Last year, residents of the 29th Congressional District went eight months without representation because Gov. Paterson refused to call a special election. In that case, Democrats feared losing the seat to Republicans. In this case, some Democrats think they have a fighting chance to take the 26th District.
The GOP county chairs said candidates for the Republican nomination will be interviewed in one week by 21 GOP leaders from throughout the region.
Any candidate who wants to be considered, Langworthy said, should contact his or her county chair and provide a letter of intent and resume.
"All candidates will be considered," Langworthy said.
Also attending today's meeting were: Mike Norris, Niagara County; Ed Morgan, Orleans County; Gordon Brown, Wyoming County; and Don Read, representing Genesee County while chairman Dick Seibert is on medical leave.
The Batavia Players present:
...an original play, written and directed by Patrick D. Burk.
Starring:
Nikki Lanich as the Young Girl
Nick Russo as the Southern Preacher
Brittaney Lang as the Emily Bronte Girl
E. Jane Burk as Mrs. Davenport
Shellene Bailey as the Jane Austen Girl
Norm Argulsky as Mr. Fisher
Caryn Burk as Honourine
Tiffany Widrick as Nancy Reagan
Ben Liebrand as the Young Boy
Matthew Mayne as Russell
Amanda Taylor as the Dance Hall Girl
Burk as the Older Man
Jeffrey Fischer as the Movie Man and Pianist
and David Porter as Robert
See Gretel Kauffman's article, "A romantic debut for the Harvester Theater," for background.
This first Batavia Players performance at the new Harvester 56 Theater kicked off Valentine's Day weekend with a series of monologues on a variety of experiences with love and infatuation.
With memorable dialogue and well-developed characters, "Love Lines" takes a look at ideas about and experiences with love and lust across time -- from Shakespeare to Jane Austen, Emily Bronte, love letters from the 1940s and modern day text-messaging.
It also spans the age spectrum, from a teenage boy and girl -- who attend an all boys' and all girls' school, respectively, of course -- meeting on a bus to an old man whose marriage is "not the same anymore...but what the heck? It's still love."
As the play opens, all of the characters gather on the set, each taking a seat. As the show progresses, relationships among the characters are revealed, attesting to Burk's talent as an imaginative playwright.
The actors did a superb job, especially considering the short time they had to memorize lines and rehearse.
Just a couple caveats:
All in all, "Love Lines" was a pretty impressive freshmen effort on the part of the Players as they settle into their new home.
Copyright © 2008-2022 The Batavian. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
