batavia

Press Release:

H.E. Turner & Co., Bohm-Calarco-Smith, and Burdett & Sanford Funeral Homes proudly present their 25th Annual Service of Prayer & Remembrance at 7 pm on Wednesday, December 8 at the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia, 300 East Main Street.

For those who wish to participate from home, the service will live streamed as well via the funeral home's website.

“We hear from families how the service helps them through their grief, especially during this time of year," said Joshua Smith, of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home. "For some of these families it will be their first year participating in the service, which means it is their first Christmas without their loved one, and for others, they come back year after year.” 

A candle in memory of your loved one will be lit prior to the start of the service and remain that way throughout.

As always, one candle will be provided per deceased loved one and will be given to attendees at the service. Those that choose not to attend but would still like a candle to participate from home, please call the funeral home to arrange pick-up.

Call (585) 344-4295 to reserve your candle by Friday, December 3. There is no cost for a candle and all who experienced the pain of loss are welcome to participate regardless of who took care of your loved one and arranged their funeral service.

The ecumenical service will combine music, prayer, Scripture reading, reading of the names of your loved ones & tolling of the bell in remembrance, and a message of hope by Reverend Dr. Roula Alkhouri.

To register the name or names for your candle please call H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home at (585) 344-4295 or register online at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com by Dec. 3.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating a disturbance that occurred at Tops Markets this morning at approximately 10:55 a.m.

Batavia Police are attempting to locate and identify any witnesses to the disturbance that occurred inside of the store involving two or three adult males.

If you were inside and witnessed the altercation, please contact Officer Girvin at (585) 345-6350, or submit a tip through this site.

A 29-year-old resident of Batavia, and teacher in WNY, has been accused by Federal authorities of producing and distributing child pornography.

Derek Hagen faces from five to 30 years in Federal prison if convicted.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in September 2020, Snapchat sent a cyber tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding a user that had uploaded images of child pornography to a group chat. After tracing the user to Western New York, NCMEC alerted the New York State Police, who subsequently identified the defendant.

On July 20, investigators confiscated two computers and a cell phone from an apartment Hagen kept in Mount Morris.

A forensic analysis uncovered a pattern of child exploitation activity on the devices with the defendant actively producing and distributing child pornography in online chats.

During the chats, Hagen and the other individuals traded child pornography and discussed specific children that they had sexually abused or wanted to sexually abuse. To date, analysts have allegedly recovered approximately 50,000 images and videos of child pornography on Hagen’s devices.    

The complaint further states that the defendant worked in several teaching, substitute teaching, and child-care positions in the Western District of New York, including at the Brockport Childhood Development Center, the Batavia City School District, the Pembroke Central School District, and most recently with the Dansville Central School District.

Members of the public who have information related to this case are asked to contact Homeland Security Investigations at (716) 464-6070 or hsibuffalotips@ice.dhs.gov.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.           

Photos by Philip Casper.

Press release:

Join us Fridays at the Holland Land Office Museum during our 20th Annual Wonderland of Trees, sponsored in part by Tompkins Bank of Castile and WBTA, to be serenaded by groups of musicians from the Genesee Symphony Orchestra. On Friday, November 26th, December 10th, and December 17th from 6-8:30 various members of the GSO will bring the holiday spirit to the Holland Land Office Museum. November 26th will feature a brass quartet; December 10th a cello and French Horn duet; December 17th a flute quartet. Tickets to the concerts are $5 or $4 for museum members. Tickets are limited to 20 people due to space. Masks are required.

A two-car motor vehicle accident is reported in the area of 229 West Main St., Batavia.

Possible injuries. A pregnant female is reported as one of the occupants.  Medics requested to the scene for evaluations.

City Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 5:13 p.m.: One minor injury, requesting an evaluation.

UPDATE 5:20 p.m.: The vehicles have been moved into a parking lot.

Celina Andreanna Desinord, 19, of Ridge Road, Rochester, is charged with attempted criminal mischief 4th, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd, harassment 2nd, and unlicensed operation.  At 12:50 a.m., Nov. 21, Deputy Jacob Gauthier observed a vehicle running in the parking lot of the Crosby's at 5267 Clinton Street Road, Batavia, and the operator asleep in the driver's seat. Upon investigation, the driver was identified as Celina Desinord, who allegedly presented a suspended identification card when asked for a driver's license.  Desinord was placed in the back of a patrol vehicle and her vehicle was searched. A deputy reportedly found suspected narcotics. The substance is being sent to a lab for testing.  The deputy spoke with Desinord. She is accused of spitting on the deputy. While the deputy was completing an appearance ticket, Desinord allegedly kicked the rear passenger window as well as the divider between the front and back seat at least 71 times.  She also allegedly spit several times on the divider and the window.  She was issued an appearance ticket.

Justin L. Pyatt, 33, of Silver Springs, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 4th and petit larceny.  Pyatt is accused of using a stolen credit card to make purchases in the City of Batavia.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

James Carl Malone, 24, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with criminal mischief 4th.  Malone is accused of taking the mobile phone of another person in order to stop that person from calling 9-1-1 during a dispute in an incident reported at 2:19 p.m., Nov. 19.

After 30 years of service to the City of Batavia and its residents, Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian retired Monday with a reception in her honor before the regularly scheduled City Council meeting. 

At the start of the meeting, she was presented with proclamations recognizing her service.

Photos and captions by Mike Pettinella.

Council members Kathleen Briggs and Eugene Jankowski Jr. present a proclamation to Christian, signifying her as an "advocate who had the best interests of the City of Batavia at heart."

Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein is joined by legislators Marianne Clattenburg, John Deleo and Gary Maha as the county honored Rose Mary Christian for her dedicated service. Those in attendance, including two of Christian's daughters and a grandson, chuckled on a few occasions when Stein referred to her as Mary Rose while reading the proclamation. Rose Mary is seated at left with her daughter, Raelene, and Ron Gibble.

Assemblyman Steven Hawley, before reading a proclamation that highlighted Christian's "faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the City of Batavia," compared Christian to former legislator Florence Gioia as someone "who believes in folks" and wanted to do all she could to help her neighbors.

Press release:

Still looking for the perfect Christmas gift?  The Batavia Rotary Club is now selling its annual Chevrolet Corvette Raffle tickets. 

“We are pleased to bring back our popular Corvette Raffle,” said Marlin Salmon, this year’s Batavia Rotary Club president.  “Every dollar raised stays in our community and supports Rotary’s many charitable causes including high school scholarships, major contributions to local non-profits including our hospital, the YMCA and YWCA and many more worthy local charities.”

Tickets are $50 each or 3 for $100 with donations fully tax-deductible.  First prize is a new 2022 Chevrolet Corvette of $50,000 cash with ten additional prizes of $500 also being awarded.  Only 4,500 tickets will be sold.  The drawing will be held on February 26, 2022. 

Tickets can be purchased from any Batavia Rotarian or online at www.bataviarotaryraffle.com.

“The Corvette Raffle allows the Batavia Rotary Club to do with what we do best – support our community” Salmon said.

Santa Claus made his annual visit this weekend to Oliver's Candies in Batavia.  There will undoubtedly be many happy children come Christmas morning.

Photos submitted by Oliver's.

Top photo: Aurora Friesema & Lily Harder gave Santa a big hug.

Avery Nelson expressed her wishes to Santa.

Nate, Alana, and Kyle Mlyniec with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

First Santa visit for four-month-old Emmalynn Staub.

Oliver’s employees: Heather Cole, Renee Chapell, and Elizabeth Rindell.

Julie Heale with her granddaughter Rosalea Heale holding a bunny from WNY Tiny Petting Zoo.

Kennedy Pedraza, age 6, holding a bunny from WNY Tiny Petting Zoo.

Michael Robbins, 61, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Robbins was allegedly found with an unidentified substance on him during an interaction with police at an incident at 7:20 p.m., Aug. 28. The substance was tested and found to allegedly contain methamphetamine and fentanyl. Robbins was arrested at the Genesee County Jail, where he is being held on other charges, and issued an appearance ticket.

Matthew W. Kurtz, Sr., 52, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th, attempted assault 3rd, and harassment 2nd.  Kurtz is accused of shoving another person and throwing an object at that person during a disturbance reported at 7:10 p.m., Nov. 16, at a location on Liberty Street, Batavia.  He was arraigned in City Court and ordered released on his own recognizance. 

Jesslyn F. Bigelow, 24, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving without insurance, driving a vehicle with a suspended registration. Bigelow was stopped at 1:56 a.m., Nov. 13, on Jackson Street, Batavia by a Batavia patrol officer. Bigelow was issued traffic tickets.

Christine Caplis, no age or residence provided, is charged with theft of services. Caplis allegedly failed to pay for services provided by a local restaurant on Ellicott Street, Batavia, at 8 p.m., Nov. 4. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Ziyad Ziyad Alhojaji, 22, of Geraldine Parkway, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny.  Alhojaji is accused of shoplifting from Walmart in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Tonya Marie Weber, 37, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Weber is accused of shoplifting from Five Below on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. Weber was released on an appearance ticket.

Michael R. Mullen, 37, of Oakfield, is charged with 10 counts of sex abuse, 1st (contact with a person less than 11 years old), course of sexual conduct, 2nd, with a child less than 11 years old, and 10 counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Mullen was arrested by State Police on Saturday. He was ordered held in jail. No further information released.

Theresa A. Gillette, 44, of East Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Gillette is accused of stealing in Bergen in an incident reported at 10:51 p.m., Sept. 14.  She was arrested by State Police and ordered held in jail. No further information released.

Sean M. Harloff, 31, of Farmington, is accused of grand larceny 4th. Harloff was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 12:53 p.m., July 6. He was ordered held in jail.  No further information released.

Michaela R. Bohn, 22, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal mischief 4th. Bohn was arrested by State Police in relation to an incident reported at 11:51 p.m., Nov. 10, in the Town of Batavia. She was released to a third party. No further information released.

Nickie Fazio has no problem remembering when she joined the board of Genesee Cancer Assistance; it was in March 2017.

The year was to become an important one for Fazio, who had already lost her mother to ovarian cancer.

“I found out I had breast cancer the following month," she said Saturday evening during GCA’s 25th anniversary celebration. “This is something we had a need for in this area."

As a volunteer, former patient, board member and now current board president, Fazio encompasses nearly every facet of the organization that's integral to its success. Organization members celebrated those aspects throughout the evening at Batavia Downs Gaming with running slideshows; words of remembrance, recognition and hope; and relishing the nonprofit’s success to date. 

GCA’s humble beginnings were in 1995, founded as Genesee Cancer Care by Dorothy Schlaggel and Russ Romano. Both Schlaggel and Romano were unavailable to be at the event and shared some thoughts through letters sent to the board. Romano, a Batavia-based realtor, recalled a day in February 1995 when his friend Dorothy stopped in to see him. A cancer survivor herself, Schlaggel talked about her vision to establish a grassroots cancer organization after American Cancer Society closed its local doors here. 

At one point, Romano asked her “Why are you telling me this?” She explained that he knows a lot of people, and is organized, so she thought he’d be the perfect partner for this endeavor. He agreed, and they never looked back. 

Festival of Hope was the kick-off fundraiser, and it not only raised money but also awareness about the agency and what it was doing. Over the years that idea has been transformed into what the GCA has become today, he said.

Schlaggel wrote that two key events — Festival of Hope and GCA’s golf tournament — made that transformation possible. A gradual flow of contributions from other charitable organizations and "tremendous community support" allowed the effort to flourish, she said.

“I would like to say to all who give their time, effort and support to this worthy organization, thank you and God bless,” she said. 

Both Batavia residents had a shared desire to create an organization so that cancer patients living in Genesee County would have access to financial aid and a variety of support services. That first year brought in eight patients and gave them $945 for their out-of-pocket expenses. 11 years later there were 140 patients per year and financial assistance of more than $52,000. Now GCA serves nearly as many — 100 to 120 people — per month, and provides $600 a person and free admission to the Simply Beautiful program. 

More than two and a half decades have brought with them golf tournaments, spaghetti dinners, basket raffles, picnics, grants and other special projects. All totaled, those efforts have meant more than $1 million raised and dispersed to 2,000 patients. Financial assistance is provided to cancer patients to offset medical costs, trips to related medical facilities, prescriptions and Simply Beautiful, a program to assist cancer patients with the negative effects of cancer treatment on one’s hair and skin. 

Enter Joseph “Joe” Gerace, a city hair stylist who not only founded Simply Beautiful, but also became the face and heart of the program. He instructed cancer patients how to apply makeup and use and care for wigs as they dealt with cancer treatment’s physical effects. He also, apparently nudged people into getting involved before they knew what was happening.

“He’s special to a lot of people,” Master of Ceremonies Paul Figlow said. “Joe has a funny way of asking people … Joe doesn’t say would you mind being on the board of GCA? No. He said, Paul you’re on the board. He’s in our thoughts always.”

Gerace’s daughter, Karen Rowland, embraced her dad’s giving spirit as she shared how he would feel.

“He would be so proud of all of you, he would be so ecstatic,” she said to the crowd of 215 people. “Growing up I was raised knowing and hearing about Genesee Cancer Assistance. His involvement was in so many things, but especially Genesee Cancer Assistance and the Simply Beautiful program, which he created.”

Just for the occasion, she listed his attributes as they fit into the spelling of his name: J is for juggler, and “a heart so involved in so many organizations;” O is for having an open-door policy and being ready to talk and plan out the next new event; S for selfless, which was so evident by his presence at so many events; E for encourager; P for passionate; and H for helping others. And G as in Gerace, she said, "For get ‘er done." Her father "touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with," she said.

Event participants agreed. From Figlow and Fazio to volunteer Diane Martino, they all had Gerace to thank for bringing them on board with GCA.

“He’s one of the most wonderful, caring men I’ve ever met,” Fazio said. “He was so passionate about everything he did, and about the Simply Beautiful program. I know Joe would be so incredibly proud.”

She began to volunteer in 2015 before joining the board in 2017 and becoming president two years ago. Fazio was recruited to help Gerace, and readily admits that “wig care is not the same as hair care,” which makes the lessons so valuable to patients. When Gerace died in 2016, Fazio became even more involved with the program, she said.

"He motivated me to come and volunteer and help out," she said. 

Martino and her husband were friends with Gerace, and learned about the work he did at GCA.

“I just came and did stuff,” she said.  “It’s to help give back to the community.”

There’s a joke about her being a “poster child” for the agency, she said. It’s a literal term, since she has been seen so many times taping up event posters throughout town. Martino even brings along her own tape. She wants no specific recognition of herself, but of the group as a whole, she said.

Proclamations from Genesee County, New York State Assembly and Senate offices, and the City of Batavia took care of that. Each one recognized the efforts of GCA and its importance to the community. Genesee County Legislator Shelley Stein, who has battled cancer, added her own words to the proclamation's text.

“Those of us in this room will always remember the day of our diagnosis,” she said. “I’ve come to learn that hope lives in Genesee Cancer Assistance, and hope works through the people in this room. And our community is blessed.” 

Attendees at the 25th Genesee Cancer Assistance celebration Saturday enjoy dinner, take photos and listen to speakers Saturday at Batavia Down Gaming, including Genesee County Legislator Shelley Stein, in top photo presenting a proclamation to GCA Board President Nickie Fazio, GCA Executive Director Sue Underwood, Sue Underwood with volunteer Diane Martino, Karen Rowland, longtime GCA board member Dr. Roger Mudd and Master of Ceremonies Paul Figlow. Photos by Howard Owens

Holland Land Office Museum in Batavia: 20th Annual Wonderland of Trees Gala

Max Pies Furniture recently completed a facade renovation that both modernized the look of the building and kept the store's retro look.

"This is a special day for us here at  Max Pies Furniture today," said Steve Pies. "I personally grew up on the north side of town. This is the Southside of town where I spent a good portion of my adult life. I'm a big fan of the Southside going back to Pellegrino Bakery, the St. Anthony's lawn fete, and Kibbee Park. Huge thanks to VIele Construction, Ronnie and Paul Viele, for making this a reality today. We couldn't be happier with the new look and we kept the old-school sign flair."

After the official ribbon-cutting, retired County Manager Jay Gsell spotted a group of Jackson Primary students across the street and brought the giant Chamber scissors and some red ribbon over for the students to cut (photos below).

At 57 years old, it’s time to pay attention to some equipment at Batavia Middle School or risk the site’s future closure, Business Administrator Scott Rozanski says.

He presented the issue Thursday along with a recommendation to spend more than $57,500 for the repair of three pumps for the boiler at the Ross Street school. 

“When the boiler is working, condensation is working, and it captures that and reuses it throughout the system. It was installed in 1964 and started to show its age. The tank itself is leaking, along with return pumps,” Rozanski said during the board’s public hearing at the Batavia High School library. “If the tank and pumps were to fail, we wouldn’t be able to have school, and would have to shut down.”

Rozanski was asking for authorization to make the necessary repairs at a total cost of $57,583.52.

No one from the public showed up to the hearing. Rozanski explained that the price tag is part of a “piggyback bid” with the town of Greece. The pump problems were identified in a 2020 building conditions survey that’s to be performed every five years to assess facility needs and status. 

If the repairs are not made now, the issue could be a recurring expense, he said. A total of nearly $200,000 is currently in the Repair Reserve Fund, and this transfer of funds would leave $141,619.51, he said. 

“If there are funds at the end of the year, we will replenish the Repair Reserve for funds used,” he said. 

There was no discussion before a unanimous vote by Board President Alice Benedict and members Barbara Bowman, John Marucci, Jennifer Lendvay, and Chezeray Rolle to approve the use of funds. 

The board also voted to approve contracts or memorandums of agreement with:

— Firland Management/Batavia Ice Arena for use by Batavia Notre Dame United Hockey Team for practices and games.
— Notre Dame Board of Directors for interscholastic boys and girls swimming.
— Shared resources with the school districts of Pembroke and Byron-Bergen for Winterguard. 
— Attica Central School District for interscholastic wrestling. 
— Kimberly Gingrich for bilingual psycho-educational evaluations.
 

Updated 11/19/21: The Batavian reached out to Business Administrator Scott Rozanski for further clarification of the "piggyback bid" with Greece. The town of Greece had conducted a statewide bid for various New York State municipalities and schools. Bids were awarded by region to prime contractors for heating/ventilation/air conditioning, general contractor, electrical and plumbing work, Rozanski said.

“We were able to use this bid to secure a contractor instead of processing our own bid,” he said. “We did receive a quote initially to help assist with the initial planning of this project, which was approximately $18,000 higher.”

Photo above: Newly hired Superintendent Jason Smith reviews a board packet with District Clerk Brittany Witkop Thursday before the Batavia City Schools board meeting. Photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

Northgate Church invites the community to its annual Vintage Christmas event on Friday, December 3, and Friday, December 10, 2021.  This family-friendly event will be “come and go as you please,” from 6:00-8:00 p.m. each Friday evening.  Enjoy a guided tour of a live nativity through the community prayer walk, complete with carols, tractor rides and hot chocolate.  Come celebrate the season, enjoy a few classic Christmas movies on our outdoor movie screen, all while staying cozy around a campfire.  There will be a small devotional, presented at 7:00 p.m., to ready our hearts and minds for the Christmas season, accompanied by a magnificent tree lighting.  This is a free event, open to all ages.  Northgate Free Methodist Church is located at 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia, New York. For more information, contact the Northgate office at 585-343-4011 or visit northgatefmc.com

Press release:

St. Paul Lutheran School is proud to announce the Honor Roll and High Honor Roll for the 1st Marking Period of the 2021-2022 School Year.  The following students have earned the Honor Roll:

Isabella Battaglia, Benjamin Forsyth, Syvonne Holliday, Caleb, Janis, Tomas Schrader, Korina Hodges, Eli Janis, Helen Schofield, Lucy Warren, Lillian McClellan, and Lilah Guarino.

The following students have earned the High Honor Roll:

Emma Clark, Abigail Varland, Mathew Mosher, and Cooper Parker.