Stories from

A driver may have suffered a seizure before plowing into a house at routes 63 and 19. Injuries are reported in the motor-vehicle accident. Pavilion fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 12:56 p.m.: The house's gas meter has been shut off. RG&E has been notified.

UPDATE 12:58 p.m.: Command requests a crew from Le Roy Fire Department to stand by in their own quarters.

UPDATE 1:17 p.m.: This could have been a major accident, instead no one -- including the driver -- was seriously hurt, according to a firefighter at the scene. After getting gas at Pavilion Farms gas station, a man in a white pickup truck had a seizure and his truck shot full-throttle out of the gas station, across Route 19, and was headed straight toward Paparoni's pizza parlor, which was crowded with lunchtime customers. There were students milling around in the parking lot, too. But the truck struck a Hanson Aggregates truck in its path and that impact careened the white pickup into the house next to the pizza parlor. A woman was home at the time and the truck missed her by only a couple of feet, said the firefighter. RG&E is on scene.

UPDATE 1:37 p.m.: Pavilion Fire Chief Chad Freeman at the scene said they received a call about 12:45 of a vehicle into a house and arrived to find a pickup truck partially inside the house. They believed the driver had a medical issue. He was northbound on Route 19 and came through the intersection of Route 63 and "ended up in the house." He drove through a busy parking lot. "It could have been a lot worse. Everybody got away with minor injuries." Asked if the Hanson truck diverted the pickup from striking the pizzeria and the packed parking lot, the chief said they are not "100-percent sure" if he would have continued down 19 a ways or not.

A two-car accident with injuries and possible entrapment is reported at R. Stephen Hawley Drive and 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia. Town of Batavia fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:56 p.m.: Stafford Fire Police requested to the scene for traffic control. They are going to shut down R. Stephen Hawley Drive at Batavia Stafford Townline Road.

UPDATE 5:05 p.m.: A responder on scene reports a patient who is trapped will probably not need to be extricated. Their efforts to free the victim seem to be working.

UPDATE 5:18 p.m.: This was a three-car collision. There are four patients and all are being transported to UMMC via ground ambulances. A female driver of a sedan told responders she fell asleep at the wheel while she was traveling uphill, then she swerved and hit two oncoming cars.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today criticized the Legislature for focusing its efforts on aid to New York City and disregarding the needs of Upstate New York.

Throughout his time in the Assembly, Hawley has been an outspoken proponent of “Two New Yorks” legislation, which would allow for a ballot referendum on the question, “Do you support the division of New York into two separate states?”

“The longer I serve the people of Western New York, the more apparent the growing divide between Upstate and Downstate becomes,” Hawley said. “Things like unfunded mandates and property taxes do not matter to many New York City residents, and they reflect those views through their votes and the bills they introduce and sponsor.

"I have introduced legislation, A.4167, with Sen. Joseph Robach (R,C,I-Rochester) to give New Yorkers a choice. It is well past time for the Legislature to put this measure up for a vote.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today invited his constituents to attend his annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C. Hawley, a veteran and son of a veteran, is hosting this trip for the eighth year as an opportunity to honor veterans and their family members and give them an opportunity to share stories and experience our country’s most famous war memorials. After this year’s trip, which will take place Sept. 17 - 20, more than 1,000 veterans and their family members will have participated in Hawley’s events.

“This is one of my favorite events each year,” Hawley said. “As a veteran and son of a veteran, I continually push for recognition and honoring of our country’s heroes and their family members. This is an opportunity for veterans of all backgrounds to reminisce and share experiences while visiting some of our country’s greatest monuments. I have also invited Congressman Chris Gibson to join us, as he earned the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army. His presence will make the experience even more special.”

Space is limited and sign up is first come, first served with priority given to the oldest veterans and first-time attendees. Immediate family members may accompany veterans. The approximate cost of the trip is $350, which includes a three-night stay, meals and admittance to memorials and historical sites.

For more information about this year's Patriot Trip VIII, please call 585-589-5780, 585-813-1608 or email carneyj@assembly.state.ny.us. View photos from previous years at http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/

Press release:

National Alliance on Mental Illness, Rochester chapter, is conducting a free Family-to-Family course in Batavia every Tuesday evening from Sept. 15th to Dec. 8th. (There is no class on Tuesday, Oct. 20th.)

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a 12-week course for families and caregivers of adults living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder.

Each class will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Genesee ARC Community Center, 38 Woodrow Road, Batavia.

It is taught by family members who have lived similar experiences. NAMI Family-to-Family provides insight, information, resources, and empowerment for families who have a loved one living with mental illness.

You do not need to be a Member of NAMI to take Family-to-Family, however we encourage you to become a NAMI Member and receive full membership benefits, including quarterly newsletters, mailings, and important updates from NAMI Rochester, NAMI NYS and NAMI National. The Annual Membership is $35, made payable to NAMI Rochester. For those with limited income a $3 credit card payment option is available online: http://namiroc.org/get-involved/membership/.
 
Beth Winslow-D'Amico
Program Assistant
NAMI Rochester
320 N. Goodman St.
Rochester, NY 14607
Telephone: 585-423-1593
Fax: 585-423-0572
beth.winslow-damico@namirochester.org
http://namiroc.org/

The 14th annual Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility.

Cost is $30 per person. Social hour begins at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6.

Tickets are available at the Athletic Director's Office at Batavia High School. For more information, call 343-2480, ext. 2003.

This event is sponsored by the Batavia Coaches Association.

The following individuals will be inducted into the Hall of Fame:

• Bobbie Gavel -- 1969-99
• Ed Anderson -- 1978-98
• Shirley Bacon Malek -- 1982
• Ted Lesh -- 1989
• Jennifer Bromsted Masse -- 1991
• Rob Hale -- 1992
• Chris Reigle -- 1992

The second annual Taste of Independence to benefit Independent Living of the Genesee Region will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at St. Joseph's School. The address is 2 Summit St. Cost is $25 per ticket or $40 per couple.

There will be a 50/50 auction and raffle items. Only a limited number of tickets are available so get yours now.

To RSVP and/or sponsor, call Donna Becker at 815-8501, ext. 411, or e-mail her at dbecker@wnyil.org

Funds raised will be used to help people with disabilities in emergency situations with employment or moving forward with life goals when there is no other financial resource available.

A house fire is reported at 31 East Ave. in the Village of Attica. Alexander Fire Department is called to provide mutual aid to Attica in fighting the blaze, along with Bethany for rehab. The location is between Prospect Street and Putnam Place.

UPDATE 5:08 a.m.: Fire out. Checking for extensions. Bethany can go back in service.

A car vs. pole accident with injuries is reported at 2172 Ledge Road, Basom, just west of Maple Road. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

A structure fire is reported in the basement of the Cargill facility in Alexander, located at 3540 Railroad Ave. There is heavy black smoke spewing from the building and it is being evacuated.

Alexander fire is responding along with Town of Batavia, Bethany, Darien, the city's Fast Team and East Pembroke.

UPDATE 12:17 p.m.: City fire's first platoon is requested to the headquarters on Evans Street. A crew from Darien is also asked to stand by in quarters.

UPDATE 12:35 p.m.: Fire is out. Ventilating.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that applications are now available for municipalities and not-for-profits seeking grant money for historical and art preservation projects through the Technical Assistance Grant Program.

Grants will not exceed $3,000 per project and are only available for short-term, stand-alone ventures that seek to preserve cultural and historical heritage.

“I am excited to announce that applications have been released for this grant program,” Hawley said. “New York is one of the most historically rich states in the nation with structures and stories dating back to our existence as one of the original thirteen colonies.

"As a supporter of history and arts in our schools, I am proud to promote this endeavor and thank the New York State Council on the Arts and Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor for their support. I encourage local historical groups and municipalities to take advantage of this opportunity and continue their tradition of preserving New York’s amazing history.”

The deadline for fall 2015 grant applications is Sept. 8th and interested applicants are required to call the Preservation League of New York State at 518-462-5658, ext. 10, to discuss potential projects. More information on the grant application process can be found at http://www.preservenys.org/tag-2015.html

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Office would like to thank all of the Genesee County 4-H members who participated in the 2015 Genesee County Fair. We would also like to thank all of our volunteers, judges, family and friends who came to support our youth; we could not do it without you!

Congratulations to the following Genesee County 4-H members who were selected to show at the New York State Fair, which will take place in Syracuse from Aug. 27 to Sept. 7. Genesee County 4-H non-animal exhibits selected for state fair will be on display in the Youth Building Aug. 31st through Sept. 7th. Animal exhibitors will show at their species scheduled show times, for more information visit: http://nysfair.org/

Non-Animal Exhibits

• Communications & Expressive Art: Melissa Keller
• Food & Nutrition: Ashley Ehrmentraut, Melissa Keller
• Fine Arts & Crafts: Rebekah Allen, Brianna Chesley
• Home Environment: Brianna Chesley
• Wearable Art: Maisy Ross
• Textiles & Clothing: Melissa Keller, Caroline Pelton, Eva Rhoads, Alexandria Tarbell, Colton Tarbell
• Visual Arts/Photography: Caris Carlson, Melissa Keller, Georgia Luft, Jenna Salim
• Horticulture: Amelia Brewer, Melissa Keller, Georgia Luft, Clare Mathes, Eva Rhoads, Alexandria Tarbell, Colton Tarbell, Margaret Winspear
• Cloverbud Exhibits for Display Only: Caroline Luft, Hudson Luft, Aubrianna Martinez, Anastasia Rindell, Evan Winspear

Animal Exhibitors

• Beef: Cole Carlson
• Horse: Emily Boldt, Lauren Hull, Madeline Roth
• Sheep: Melissa Keller, Becky Kron, Benjamin Kron, Brendan Pimm, Madelynn Pimm
• Dairy: Emily Mikel, Mary Sweeney, Kayla Wormuth
• Swine: Melissa Keller
• Horse Communications: Alexandria Tarbell
• Hippology: Alexandria Tarbell, Elizabeth Rindell, Gabriella Rindell, Emily Boldt
• Horse Bowl: Gabriella Rindell

Press release:

Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Fall Garden Gala on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

There will be a plant sale featuring hardy perennials, houseplants and locally grown mums. Fall is a good time to plant many perennials as the plant will have the fall months to grow a strong root system. There will also be a chance basket auction, free soil pH testing and plenty of gardening advice from local master gardeners.

Stop by for “Flower Arrangements from the Garden” demonstration at 11 a.m. Learn how to artfully arrange fresh flowers from your garden. A variety of fresh flower arrangements created by master gardeners will also be available for sale.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants for your garden! Plant sale starts promptly at 10 a.m. No early birds please. The chance auction drawing will begin at 12:30 p.m.

For more information contact Brandie Schultz at CCE of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 101, stop by the Extension office at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia, or visit our Web site http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/gardening or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.

A car vs. motorcycle accident with injuries is reported in Bergen at North Lake and Bissell roads. The motorcyclist is in the roadway, semiconscious, with a leg injury. Bergen fire and Mercy medics are responding.

(Photo submitted by Adam L. Palumbo, president, Firefighters Union Local 896.)

Firefighters Union Local 896 President Adam Palumbo says: "Captain Michel's memorial plaque was installed Saturday at headquarters (on Evans Street) by Derrick Monument Company. Local 896 would like to thank everyone who assisted in making the 50th anniversary memorial ceremony a success. Captain Michel will not just be a name on the wall, he will forever be remembered."

(Photo courtesy of Corfu Free Library. Pictured is Library Director Diana Reding.)

Press release:

The staff and Board of Trustees at the Corfu Free Library would like to have the community’s input about what they think about the library.

Community members are invited to share the types of library services they use, how often they use them, and rate the library on a variety of items.

“Now that the Corfu Free Library has so many electronic services, we would like to know what people prefer to use. We also want to know what people like about our library and what we may want to improve on,” says Diana Reding, Library director. “Over the next few weeks, we hope that as many community members as possible will share their opinions.”

The survey is available at the library, located at 7 Maple Ave. in Corfu, at the Village office, and on a Survey page on the library’s Web site at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org.

“There are also fliers up in various local stores with tear off tabs with the web address of the survey so that people can go online to share answers,” Reding said.

The survey is anonymous. Anyone who takes the survey can enter to win a $25 gas card. To enter, people can fill out a ticket at the Circulation Desk when they drop off a completed survey, or follow the directions on the online survey to enter.

The survey will be available from now until Sept. 15, and the winner of the $25 gas card will be announced at that time.

For a copy of the survey, stop by the Corfu Free Library circulation desk or call 795-3344. Residents can also vote online at www.CorfuFreeLibary.com.

(Reader submitted photo.)

Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice was all smiles Sunday when he stopped by the parking lot of Batavia's Original on East Main Street to show his support of the Notre Dame Girls Soccer Team. They held a car wash; their goal is to raise $1,000 for team warm-up clothes and bags.