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Richard Bannister's gallery exhibition opens September 14

By Press Release
richardbannister.jpg
Photo of Egyptian Fish God, Slave Girl, and Angry King (carved black marble) by Richard Bannister courtesy of genesee.edu.

Press Release:

The Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery is kicking off its 2023-2024 exhibition season with a solo show by local sculpture artist, Richard Bannister. Richard's sculptures are one-of-a-kind, unique works of art. He is a master of sculpting in wood, metal, and stone. He completes all the work on his art, by himself, in his studio.

Opening receptions for "Man's Struggle with the Gods: Sculptures by Richard Bannister" will be on September 14 from 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m. with an artist presentation at 12:30 p.m. in the Roz Steiner Gallery.

About his artistic process, Richard says: "I now consider that the ability to create my works of art is a gift from God. However, I didn't always believe this. For years in my early studio in San Miguel, I believed that man could only destroy. I believed anyone could do what I did. All they had to do was take the time and carve a sculpture from a block of wood or marble or make an armature and apply clay for the beginnings of a bronze sculpture. I do not sketch before starting a sculpture, I simply grab a tool and begin the work. During the process of seeing a piece of art come into existence, I receive fulfillment. Because of my various procedures, materials and tools I am usually working on ten or so pieces at once. I can flow from piece to piece and pick up hours, days, or months later exactly where I left off. This is a rare blessing indeed."

Richard Bannister has had a long and storied career that has made him the artist he is today. He managed a farm with his identical twin brother at the age of 14, fought in the Vietnam War, studied at many different colleges, and gained his BFA & MFA. He also taught and headed the sculpture department at San Miguel de Allende, traveled the world lived in foreign countries, and exhibited his artwork internationally. Bannister has raised a family, written manuscripts, explored different entrepreneurial avenues, and holds a Bachelor of Theology from RBI in Tampa, Florida. His dream is to set up an art park on his 16 acres of land. His proudest achievements are his 3 children.

Richard's exhibition at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery will focus on his marble carvings, wood sculpture, and cast bronze. As an instructor in higher education, Richard developed courses discussing man's experiences with gods, demons, spirits, and other folkloric elements. Many of the pieces in his current show are a result of that line of thought. He aims to spark discussion of the things we cannot see; some of his artwork takes inspiration from Biblical tales like his sculpture Eve and the Tempterwho tempted who? (made of walnut), and Angel with the Gods (carved of black marble). Richard pulls insight from the religion of ancient Egypt and Buddhism, such as Baby Buddha (made of red oak and walnut), Egyptian Fish God, Slave Girl, and Angry King (carved black marble), which is the sculpture we are using to promote the exhibition.

Mr. Bannister has written eight manuscripts throughout his career, which form the series "My struggle with the Gods." The written saga is titled from the marble carving series that he is presently working on, "Man's struggle with the Gods". At his artist talk, Richard Bannister will discuss the inspiration behind his sculptures, and his creative process, and pull from his college courses to prompt discussion.

Roz Steiner gallery hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 3 - 5 p.m. The gallery is also open on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Any changes to the gallery hours will be posted on the gallery's social media pages

More photos of Wings Over Batavia

By Howard B. Owens
...

Our photographers, Jim Burns, Philip Casper, and Steve Ognibene, took so many tremendous photos over Wings Over Batavia, that we decided to recap their coverage with this slideshow, which contains many previously unpublished photos.

For out complete coverage over Wings Over Batavia, click here.

The Batavian brought you the region's most complete and comprehensive coverage of Wings Over Batavia. If you appreciate our coverage, you can show your support by joining Early Access Pass.

Undertaker, I Got The Looks tops on Labor Day at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski
i-got-the-looks.jpg
Photo of I Got The Looks courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery

A trifecta of $10,000 mid-level conditioned events topped the bill at Batavia Downs on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 4) as the summer heat returned to Genesee County. 

The initial two features were trots and the fastest of those was won by I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) who sat fourth to the half before coming first-over in turn three to draw near the leading Muskingum (Joe Chindano Jr.) at three-quarters. I Got The Looks made his way to the top at the head of the stretch and won, pulling away by 1-½ lengths in 1:58.3. 

I Got The Looks ($12.20) got his second win of the year for owner Tronolone Racing and trainer Frank Mays. 

The second trot was won by Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) who sat in the pocket while Photo Bomber (Dave McNeight III) and Create My Heart (Denny Bucerri) trotted side by side from the half to the top of the stretch. It was there that McNeight tipped Lunar Credit three-wide and looped them both on his way to a 1:59.2 victory. 

Lunar Credit ($3.40) is owned by his driver and is trained by Jim McNeight.

Then came the pace, which was won by Undertaker (Joe Chindano Jr.) who similarly sat third behind the battling Friskie All Night (Ray Fisher Jr.) and Barry Hanover (Jim McNeight Jr.) until three-quarters when Chindano went three-wide around them both and bolted home by three lengths in 1:56.3. 

It was the 54th lifetime win for Undertaker ($12.80) who is owned by Melvin Fink and trained by Chris Petrelli. 

For the second day in a row, Dave McNeight III was the leading driver with a hat trick on his card.  

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 6) at 6:00 p.m. 

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

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Photo of Lunar Credit courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery
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Photo of Undertaker courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery

'Triple Sticks' sweeps Saturday features at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Tiger Baron courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Dave McNeight III, aka Triple Sticks, had a big night at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 2) as he scored a driving hat trick that included wins in both feature races. 

The first came with Tiger Baron, who on the heels of an impressive victory last week at Batavia, moved up to the top class and scored again, winning the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace in a personal season’s best clocking. 

Tiger Baron got away fourth as Casimir Richie P (Drew Monti) and Nox Vegas Bluechip (Jim Morrill Jr.) traded leads before the :27 quarter. Shortly after at the three-eighths, McNeight brought Tiger Baron first-over and started the long grind up the rim heading onto the second circuit. As they passed the five-eighths, Casimir Richie P was gapping behind Nox Vega Bluechip which allowed Tiger Baron to drop into the garden spot at three-quarters and draft behind the leader around the final bend. At the top of the stretch, Tiger Baron pulled again and paced past Nox Vegas Bluechip on his way to a three-quarter length win in 1:52.2.

It was the second straight win and third of the year for Tiger Baron ($4.40) and owner Courtney McNeight. Amanda Arrigenna trains the winner. 

McNeight also won the secondary featured $12,500 upper-level conditioned pace with Gunslinger Hill, who got away second early and remained in the pocket third, as the frontrunning Shazam Blue Chip (Joe Chindano Jr.) battled the first-over Speedy Dominic A (Ray Fisher Jr.) from the half to the seven-eighths. It was there that Speedy Dominic A faded, giving a clear path for Gunslinger Hill to come off the pylons into the middle of the track and outpace Shazam Blue Chip to the wire by 2-¾ lengths in 1:53.4, matching his season’s best effort. 

Gunslinger Hill ($23.20) got his seventh win of the year for owner Ron Viele and trainer Jennifer Giuliani.

The driver/trainer combinations of Drew Monti and Russell Bratt and Jim McNeight Jr. and Jim McNeight each scored two wins apiece. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Sept. 4) at 1:15 p.m. as the track will hold a special matinee card on Labor Day. 

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

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Photo of Gunslinger Hill courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Photos: Sunday at Wings Over Batavia

By Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Wings Over Batavia's second and final day brought out another big crowd to the Genesee County Airport.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Readers Photos: Wings Over Batavia

By Howard B. Owens
wings over Batavia Cheryl Netter
By Cheryl Netter.

Photos submitted today (Sunday) by readers of Wings Over Batavia.

wings over batavia by Kara Richenberg
By Kara Richenberg
by Kara Richenberg
By Kara Richenberg
By Mark Boylan
By Mark Boylan
By Mark Boylan
By Christine Crocker
By Christine Crocker

Fire chief orders Area 51 races shut down after multiple injuries reported

By Howard B. Owens

The chief of East Pembroke Fire has ordered Area 51 to shut down its motocross races.

When a first responder informed the chief, a person at the races said, "There's no way that's going to happen," the chief responded, "Tell him if he doesn't shut it down, I'm going to have him arrested."

There have been multiple calls to the dirt track today for injuries and the latest call is requiring a Mercy Flight dispatch.  There are reportedly more than a couple of people currently in need of treatment for injuries.

Mercy EMS is tied up on multiple calls so Alexander's ambulance has been dispatched to the scene.  Darien is being asked to staff its ambulance because of the current ambulance shortage.

Area 51 is located at 3323 Harloff Road, Batavia.

UPDATE 4:46 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

 

'I'm gobsmocked!' Wings Over Batavia delights spectators, showcases operational efficiency

By Mike Pettinella
Tom and Nancy Lamb
Tom and Nancy Lamb at Wings Over Batavia air show on Saturday. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Wings Over Batavia made a triumphant return on a cool and breezy Saturday night as more than a dozen highly skilled aerobatic and military pilots thrilled an estimated crowd of 7,000 at the Genesee County Airport.

Spectators were treated to what air show organizers repeatedly said was “the best of the best” on the air show circuit -- looking up in amazement as the performers maneuvered their planes through a series of rolls, loops, spins, twists and turns.

“This is my first show, and I’m gobsmacked!,” said Nancy Lamb, using a word defined as utterly astonished. “I can’t believe how they can do these things. It’s wild.”

Lamb and her husband, Tom, traveled from their Reading, Pa., home for the air show and also for a family wedding in Oakfield. Both retired, they said they’re having a blast and enjoying their 18-month-old twin grandchildren.

From the traffic control getting to the airport on Saile Drive to the hundreds of friendly volunteers at their posts to the layout of the various viewing areas, the four-hour show went off without a hitch (with just a few sprinkles of rain around the 5 p.m. starting time).

Skydiver Luke Aikins made a grand entrance to kick things off, floating safely to earth, American flag in hand, as the national anthem was sung. And it was Nathan Hammond – the Skywriter – who closed out the event by releasing fireworks from his Super Chipmunk as he buzzed through and around a dazzling show-ending pyrotechnics' display.

“We’re looking forward to the fireworks,” said James Turchiarelli of Depew, who was at the show with his fiancée Alexis Jefferds and 6-year-old Willa. “I haven’t been to one of these shows in years, and it’s pretty great.”

Midway through the show, American pride took center stage as the U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II (“Warthog”) piloted by Capt. Lindsay “MAD” Johnson and P-51 Mustang steered by Lee Lauderback linked up for a Heritage tribute with the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor that flew into Genesee County airspace.

The powerful sound of the supersonic stealth fighter Raptor and the precise formation of the trio of planes had the audience spellbound.

Wings Over Batavia, the first such event in Genesee County in 25 years, concludes tonight with the show starting at 5 p.m. For more information, go to www.wingsoverbatavia.com.

Some news and notes from the ground:

SHOW HAS SPECIAL MEANING TO COUPLE

Mona and Steve Doyon
Mona and Steve Doyon met at the air show in 1996. In the background, is where Steve jumped to as a Navy SEAL.

Wings Over Batavia has a special place in the lives of Batavian Steve and Mona Doyon. It was 27 years ago when Steve, as a member of the Navy SEAL parachute team, performed at the Genesee County Airport and, later that Saturday evening, met Doyon, his future wife.

“Five of us came up and did a static line jump, and another five did a high altitude jump, freefall jump. After that, we packed up and stayed for the day, and then I met Mona over at The Sheraton, where they had a big gathering,” Steve said during yesterday’s show. “We met at the gathering, stayed in touch and did a long-distance relationship thing for a while. Then, she moved down with me to Virginia Beach, we got married, and she stayed with me through my military career.”

In 2004, Steve left the Navy and took a job with the New York State Police. They moved back to Batavia, Mona’s hometown, and have lived here ever since.

Mona, who works for All Babies Cherished in Batavia, recalled that she was at the show in 1996 with her mother and father and her three small children, watching the Navy SEAL skydivers.

“He (Steve) fell from the sky. God knew what I needed, and he fell from the sky,” she said.

Steve has been with the State Police Special Operations team for the past 16 years and also is a chaplain with the Air National Guard.

AIR SHOW MOM ‘LEARNING EVERY DAY'

Williams family
Catherine Williams and Rob Williams, right, with their son, Cole, who's affectionally known as Mr. Chill.

Growing up in California, Catherine “Cat” Williams never imagined being part of the air show circuit. But today, she’s relishing her role as “air show mom.”

“This was definitely strange to me, but I am learning every day,” she said, noting that she and her husband, Rob, have helped out at Batavian Pete Zeliff’s WNY Aviation Adventure Camp for children for the past 10 years. “I’m amazed at what these pilots do. They are just phenomenal.”

She and Rob, who is from Rochester and lived in Barre Center for a while, own four vintage airplanes.

“Rob is teaching me how to fly,” she said. “He is so patient in teaching me the importance of how to get the plane down if needed, so we do a lot of touch-and-go."

Cat said she came to New York about seven years ago after her daughter enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park.

Rob supports the pilots on the ground.

“I’m the ramp rat,” he said. “Whatever needs to be done. Like last night, I was bringing all the heavy planes in. If we need to run and fix the smoke oil, whatever they need.”

BILL FORAKER: JACK OF ALL TRADES

Bill Foraker
Bill Foraker is the "go-to guy" when it comes to air operations.

When it comes to cross-training, Bill Foraker of Green Valley, Ariz., is an expert.

“I work air shows around the country. I've worked on air ops and ground ops. I think I've done every job involved in air shows over the years. I used to fly in air shows, I’ve air bossed, I’ve announced, I’ve done all kinds of stuff,” said Foraker, 72, dressed in bright orange with his Air Operations badge.

Foraker’s job for the Batavia show started several weeks ago as he made hotel and rental car arrangements for the performers. His varied duties continued yesterday.

“During the show, I'll be on the radio with the air boss, doing pretty much anything the air boss needs,” he said. “And when the American flag comes down, I'm going to take a group of kids out there that are volunteers, and we’re going to go out and gather up the flag after hits the ground.”

The threat of rain had Foraker monitoring the weather pattern on his phone.

“Right now, I'm watching the weather because we've got rain about 45 minutes west of here headed this way. But it looks like it's coming apart as it hits the ground. But I'm watching that, and I'll keep the air boss and everybody informed if there's any convective activity on rain,” he said.

Foraker said he helps out at five or six shows a year. In two weeks, he’ll be at a show in Sacramento, Calif.

“I'm actually directing ground operations because we have a bunch of static displays --100 airplanes on static for people to walk around and look at. So I get there early. We park all of them and then work with the air boss for the air show. And then after the air show, we get them all out.”

Erin, Sadbirdstillsing score in NYSS action at Batavia

By Tim Bojarski
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Photo of Erin courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery

The New York Sire Stakes 2-year-old trotting fillies took center stage in split sets at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 1) for a total of $103,000 in what was the final visit for the top state-bred series for the year. 

The first $51,500 division was won by Erin (E L Titan-Blurred) in a romp. 

In a field that was scratch-shortened to only four horses, Jim Morrill Jr. pointed Erin down the road and dominated from start to finish. After quarters of :30.1, 1:00 and 1:29, Erin had opened up a nine-length lead heading into the last turn. At the top of the stretch, Morrill sat chilly as Erin was wrapped up and cruising unabated to the line to win in 2:00.3.

It was the first NYSS and lifetime win for Erin ($2.90) who is owned by Ann-Mari Daley, Donald Brenner, and Jared Daley. Dan Daley was the winning trainer of Erin, who was bred by Glengate Farms. 

The second $51,500 division saw quite an upset as Sadbirdstillsing (Chapter Seven-Fade Into You) caught the previously undefeated Sister Mary Maude at the line to notch her second consecutive NYSS victory. 

Jeannie’s Action (Dave McNeight III) took the early lead before Sadbirdstillsing (Tyler Buter) overtook her at the :30 flat quarter. As they spiraled out of turn two, Sister Mary Maude (Jordan Stratton) pulled first over from third and brought Seven Year Itch (Kevin Cummings) on her back. Sister Mary Maude cleared as Seven Year Itch drew alongside, leaving Sadbirdstillsing tucked away neatly in the pocket. Positions remained the same until the top of the stretch where Sadbirdstillsing found the passing lane and overtook Sister Mary Maude in deep stretch to win by 1-¼ lengths in 1:59.3. 

Sadbirdstillsing ($9.40) is owned by Crawford Farms Racing and Pryde Stables and is trained by Tony Alagna. Crawford Farms was the winning breeder. 

There were also two $20,000 NYSS Excelsior races on the card. The first was won by Barn CJ (Crazy Wow-Fractured Dream) in 1:59.1 and the second went to Barn Dreamer (Devious Man-HB All Our Dreams) in 2:01.1. Both horses were driven by Kevin Cummings, trained by Steve Pratt and owned by Steve and Nancy Pratt, Purple Haze Stable and Out In The Country Stable. 

Kevin Cummings finished the night with a four-bagger in the sulky. 

The Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta was hit in the 12th race on Friday and paid out a substantial mutuel. The combination of 5-1-2-9-3 returned $12,568,80 for the 20-cent wager. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 2) at 6 p.m. Also please note that Batavia Downs will hold a special matinee card on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 4) with post time set at 1:15. 

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

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Photo of Sadbirdstillsing courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery

Batavia PD seeking public's help in locating wanted suspect

By Howard B. Owens
Nathan Royse
Nathan Royse

Press release:

The City of Batavia Police Department is currently looking for information leading to the arrest of Nathan L. Royse, 31, of Batavia, who is wanted on a violation of parole warrant as well a City of Batavia warrant for Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree.

Anyone with information is asked to contact our dispatch center at 585-345-6350 or submit a tip by clicking here.

Skywriting: More photos from readers

By Howard B. Owens
photo by Jon Dayton
Photo by Jon Dayton
photo by Jon Dayton
Photo by Jon Dayton
Photo by Marge Alwardt
Photo by Marge Alwardt
Photo by Marcello Harris
Photo by Marcello Harris
Photo by Marcello Harris
Photo by Marcello Harris
Photo by Laurie Pocock
Photo by Laurie Pocock

Three people arrested in connection with raid on East Avenue home

By Howard B. Owens
15 east avenue raide
Investigators examine what appears to be a surveillance camera mounted outside the entrance 15 East Ave., Batavia.
Photo by Howard Owens
alterique day
Alterique Day

Three people were arrested during a traffic stop on Clinton Street Road as well as a raid on a residence on East Avenue on Thursday night in connection with a narcotics investigation by the Local Drug Task Force.

Two people are accused of selling narcotics.

The arrest and raid were the result of a warrant issued as a result of the investigation.

The Sheriff's Office did not disclose the types of drugs potentially recovered at either scene, nor the amount of drugs recovered.

joanna larnder
Joanna Day

All three suspects also face weapons charges but details on the weapons recovered was not released.

Charges:

Alterique Day, 51, of Saint Casmir Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony, and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony. Day was arraigned in City Court and ordered held without bail.

Joanna F. Larnder, 30, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony, and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and tampering with physical evidence, a Class A misdemeanor.  Larnder was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Patricia McDonald, 37, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

The Sheriff's Office did not specify the alleged actions leading to the tampering with evidence charge.  The release also did not specify which suspects were taken into custody at the traffic stop and which were taken into custody at the residence.

A drug possession charge in the third degree means investigators believe the suspect was selling drugs.

The Emergency Response Team, led by Batavia PD, assisted in the raid of 15 East Ave.

The District Attorney's Office assisted in the investigation.

UPDATE: Batavia PD also issued a statement:

The City of Batavia Emergency Response Team (ERT), made up of members of the City of Batavia Police Department and Genesee County Sheriff's Office, assisted the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force, also comprised of members from both agencies, with the execution of two search warrants in the City of Batavia in relation to a narcotics trafficking investigation. 

We encourage anyone with information about ongoing criminal investigations or drug dealing in their neighborhood to contact us by submitting a tip on our confidential tip page.

Previously: Residence on East Avenue raided, neighbors report loud bangs

raid on 15 east avenue
Deputy Erik Andre with a dog that was removed from one of the apartments.
Photo by Jim Burns.
raid on 15 east avenue
Sign on what appears to be the doorway on the Columbia Avenue side of the residence.
Photo by Jim Burns.

No new information on shots fired incident on Oak Street on Monday, public assistance sought

By Howard B. Owens
shots fired
The scene on Oak Street on Monday night where investigators marked possible evidence locations on the roadway.
Photo by Howard Owens.

An incident involving apparent gunshots on Oak Street in the City of Batavia on Monday night is still under investigation, said Chief Shawn Heubusch, Batavia PD.

Heubusch did not release any information on possible suspects or whether suspects have been identified. He did not release any information related specifically to the incident.

In response to an inquiry from The Batavian, Heubusch said, "We are still investigating the incident of shots fired on Oak Street and are asking the public, if they have any information, to contact the detective bureau at 585-345-6350."

The confidential tip line number is 585-345-6370. Confidential tips can also be submitted using this online form. The form offers an option for remaining anonymous.

Apparent construction office for Savarino Companies removed from Ellicott Station site

By Howard B. Owens
savarino ellicott station
A worker for A-Verdi Storage Containers loads what was apparently the on-site construction office for Savarino Companies at Ellicott Station onto a flatbed before removing it from the site at 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Photo by Howard Owens. 

Just before 5 p.m. on Thursday, a worker with A-Verdi Storage Containers removed an apparent mobile unit that seemed to have served as the on-site office of Savarino Companies at the Ellicott Station construction site.

The Savarino sign that had been on the unit was removed, and a metal desk and storage cabinet sat on the ground outside of it.

The driver confirmed he was removing the unit from the site and was later seen hauling it west on Ellicott Street.

More than a week ago, Developer Sam Savarino announced he was shutting down his company, citing massive losses from a dispute over a dormitory project at Alfred State College.

While at times it has appeared that work has continued this past week on the $22 million Ellicott Station apartment complex, the project is supposedly without a general contractor with the closure of Savarino Companies.  Sam Savarino has said his management company is still in business, still running the project, and will seek a new general contractor.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski has said there has been no communication from Savarino regarding the status of the project, which is subject to multiple financial agreements involving the city, the state and GCEDC. 

Reached on Thursday evening, Tabelski told The Batavian that there have still been no updates from Savarino. She said she has heard that other general contractors and developers are contacting Savarino, expressing interest in the project.

"The city and GCEDC have been talking with potential developers who have initial interest in taking over the project, but there will be a lot of financials to unwind, if this is in-fact possible to reassign grants and pay off lenders, etc."

She said there is nothing concrete to report at this time, and there is a meeting with NYS Housing and Community Renewal, a major government funder of the project and has expressed a commitment to The Batavian in seeing the project completed.

HCR initially awarded Savarino $1.2 million per year of low-income housing tax credits for 10 years based on his ability to secure investors and more recently awarded Savarino $5.7 million in low-income housing tax credits for the downtown apartment project.

"HCR has been actively monitoring the progress of the construction of Ellicott Station and will continue to do so as we work to ensure completion of this critical project and deliver 55 affordable homes to Batavia,” a spokesperson for HCR told The Batavian a week ago. 

For all of The Batavian's previous coverage on Ellicott Station, click here.

savarino ellicott station
Photo by Howard Owens

Friends of the Rink scrap metal drive Sept. 30

By Joanne Beck

The Friends of the Rink organization will be sponsoring a Community Scrap Metal Drive fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena (rear parking lot), 22 Evans St., Batavia. 

All proceeds will be used to fund needed ice rink improvement projects.

Unacceptable items include refrigerators, vehicle wheel rims with tires attached, items containing mercury, items with fluids inside or out, gas, oil, hydraulic fluids, tar, etc.

This event is held in cooperation with Ed Arnold Scrap Processors, in Corfu.

For more information, contact Bob Gray at 585-344-2248 or Sqftbob1@rochester.rr.com

Residence on East Avenue raided, neighbors report loud bangs

By Howard B. Owens
15 east avenue raide
Investigators examine what appears to be a surveillance camera mounted outside the entrance 15 East Ave., Batavia.
Photo by Howard Owens

The Emergency Response Team, along with uniformed members of Batavia PD and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, along with detectives from both agencies, conducted an apparent raid on 15 East Ave., Batavia, sometime after 9 p.m. Thursday.

Area residents reported hearing a loud bang and shouts of "Come out with your hands up."

Some neighboring residents seemed to think the order applied to them and so complied, residents told The Batavian.

Two neighbors told The Batavian they've long suspected drug activity at the dwelling.

One neighbor said there is often a lot of activity and loud music coming from the house in the early morning hours, such as 3 a.m.

"It's about time they did something," he said, "but they should have come later at night. They would have found more people."

There was no authority on scene authorized to speak to the press, and authorities say there will be a press release "soon" about the police activity at the residence.

CORRECTION: Initially, this report stated this was at least a two-unit complex. A person familiar with the residence states that is not the case.  Our statements were based on observations at the scene and coverage of a prior incident many years ago at the residence.  The story has been correct to remove references to apartments.

raid on 15 east avenue
Deputy Erik Andre with a dog that was removed from one of the apartments.
Photo by Jim Burns.
raid on 15 east avenue
Photo by Jim Burns
15 east avenue raide
Photo by Howard Owens
15 east avenue raide
Photo by Howard Owens
15 east avenue raide
Photo by Howard Owens
raid on 15 east avenue
Photo by Jim Burns
raid on 15 east avenue
Sign on what appears to be the doorway on the Columbia Avenue side of the residence.
Photo by Jim Burns.

Driver flees after striking parked car on South Jackson, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens
chevy suburban accident south jackson
The suspect vehicle.
Photo by Howard Owens.

The driver of a tan Chevy Suburban fled the scene, according to a witness, after the vehicle struck a parked car on South Jackson Street in Batavia.

Batavia PD is investigating the accident.

There were no injuries reported.

The witness described the driver as a woman, 28 to 30, with her hair in a bun, wearing black shorts and a tan tank top. She had a tattoo consisting of letters on her right shoulder.

The witness said the woman started walking west toward Jackson Street, and when he said, "You can't leave the scene," she said, "I'm not leaving. I'm making a phone call." When he called 9-1-1, she ran east on South Jackson, and he tried to follow.  She cut into some residential yards.

Remote video URL
chevy suburban accident south jackson
Photo shows the point of impact, where the SUV struck the parked sedan and pushing it forward about 8 to 10 feet.
Photo by Howard Owens

Photos: Readers spot skywriting promoting Wings over Batavia

By Howard B. Owens
Tom Maier skywriting airshow
Photo taken in Rochester by Tom Maier.

Readers are spotting the skywriting taking place on this clear-blue day in WNY and sending in photos.  The skywriting is in advance of this weekend's Wings Over Batavia air show.

We received a couple of photos we can't publish because they were too small.  You can email photos to howard@thebatavian.com. Please ensure they are at least 800 pixels wide.  If you don't know the size, send the largest file size you can.

For previous Wings Over Batavia coverage, click here.

Allison Luckenbach airshow
Photo by Allison Luckenbach.
frank capuano airshow
andre miller skywriting
Photo by Andre Miller
batavia air show arrivals aug 29 2023
Nathan K. Hammond arrived in Batavia on Tuesday in his Chipmunk skywriting plane.
Photo by Howard Owens.

HP Hood in Batavia planning expansion

By Howard B. Owens
HP Hood Ag Park
The HP Hood facility in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in May 2023
Photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that dairy product manufacturer HP Hood will grow its operations in Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park. The project will include the addition of new processing systems, along with other upgrades, which will allow the company to increase capacity for the production of additional extended-shelf-life (ESL) beverages at the Batavia facility. As a result, the company has committed to creating up to 48 new jobs at the manufacturing facility. To date, the company has created more than 400 jobs at the site and currently employs close to 1200 statewide. Hood purchased the on-site, 363,000-square-foot plant in 2018 from the Dairy Farmers of America for $60 million and soon after expanded the facility by another 100,000 square feet. HP Hood is the agri-business park’s largest landowner.

“This continued commitment from one of the nation's most prominent dairy companies will create top-quality jobs and spur new investment in the Finger Lakes," said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. "Agriculture and food processing are key pillars of the region’s economic development efforts, and HP Hood’s latest investment shows that our multi-pronged growth strategy is working." 

ESD is assisting the forward-thinking project with up to $1 million through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for job creation commitments. The total project cost has been placed at $120 million. Genesee County is also considering providing incentives for the project. Greater Rochester Enterprise also assisted with the expansion effort. Construction on the planned updates is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.

Headquartered in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, HP Hood has five New York State production facilities in Batavia, Vernon, Oneida, Arkport and Lafargeville. Founded in 1846, today, Hood is one of the largest branded dairy operators in the United States. The company’s portfolio of national and super-regional brands and franchise products includes Hood, Crowley Foods, Planet Oat, Heluva Good!, LACTAID®, and Blue Diamond Almond Breeze®. The company’s annual sales are more than $3 billion. 

Gary Kaneb, President and CEO of HP Hood LLC, said, “Our investment in the Batavia facility is being driven by the continued growth of ESL dairy and non-dairy beverage categories. We are grateful for the support of Empire State Development as Batavia continues to be a strategic site for the expansion of our ESL manufacturing capabilities.”

The Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park is located at the heart of the Buffalo-Rochester Tech Corridor. For additional information about the park, visit: http://gcedc.com/agpark.

New York State has a robust, thriving agricultural industry and is home to almost 3,500 dairy farms and 620,000 cows. New York’s dairy industry is also the State’s largest agricultural sector. The majority of farms are family-run operations, supporting the framework of the State’s agricultural economy.

NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “HP Hood’s expansion in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park is good news for New York’s agricultural industry. Not only will this effort create new jobs and support hundreds of existing jobs in the Finger Lakes region, but it will also ensure that consumers, far and wide, can continue to enjoy the delicious, local, award-winning products that HP Hood is known for. I thank our partners at Empire State Development and Finger Lakes Forward for helping to ensure that this project can come to fruition.” 

State Senator George Borrello said, “HP Hood’s investment in its Ag Park operations is a strategic recognition of the quality dairy and agricultural suppliers that surround them, the availability of a skilled workforce and the supportive partners in government committed to their success. This effort is another exciting addition to our region’s dairy industry projects pipeline, which just keeps growing. We are truly witnessing a transformation. Many thanks to Empire State Development, Genesee County officials and HP Hood’s leadership team for the vision and commitment that made this achievement possible.”

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said, "I'm happy to see Empire State Development's announcement that HP Hood is expanding its operations in our region. Businesses like HP Hood play an important role in our state's agriculture and specifically the dairy industry. Their commitment to add nearly 50 new full-time employees and retention of over 450 employees will provide more support for our local economy. This announcement is great news for our district and will have a positive impact on our community and Western New York as a whole."

Genesee County Legislature Chairwoman Chair Rochelle M. Stein said, “We congratulate the family-owned dairy farms of this region for providing high quality and local milk for HP Hood's growing ESL dairy beverages. This investment by HP Hood adds to the agricultural business foundation of our county and strengthens our regional agribusiness economic synergies from farm to consumer.”

Batavia Town Supervisor Greg Post said, “The Town of Batavia is proud to be home of one of the most recognizable dairy brands in the United States. HP Hood’s growth will result in continued economic benefits to our town and even more career opportunities for our residents.”

Steve Hyde, Genesee County Economic Development Center President & CEO, said, “HP Hood's growth has already exceeded expectations at the Ag Park, and this project adds to the success of the agricultural and food and beverage manufacturing sectors, which continues to be leading employment sectors of our economy. This expansion is another endorsement of Batavia and the Ag Park's role as the leading dairy hub of the Northeastern United States and our local workforce’s talent and readiness for food and beverage manufacturing.”

Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Co-Chair Bob Duffy, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, said, "This expansion not only strengthens our region’s position as a hub for food and beverage manufacturing but also bolsters job creation and investment. We're proud to see this growth in Genesee County, demonstrating that our efforts to revitalize communities and drive economic prosperity are yielding tangible results. We extend our sincere gratitude to Empire State Development for their commitment to our region's economic growth and look forward to actively supporting HP Hood as they continue to expand and thrive."

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