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Second annual 'Fight WITH Ike' Euchre Tourney & Raffle is Sept. 14 -- raffle baskets, gift cards wanted

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Family, friends and the local community are bonding together again for the Second Annual “Fight WITH Ike” Euchre Tournament & Raffle on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co. in Le Roy. The benefit is being held in honor of Batavia local Ike Styer.

Ike is battling stage 4 brain cancer known as glioblastoma and has been unable to work while undergoing several treatments to fight this aggressive disease.

While he has the everlasting support of his loving wife, Jen and young children, Chastin and Hailey, it’s time to show Ike he also has the support of this great community. You can help by donating or attending this fun, family event.

Donations in the form of themed baskets, gift cards and other prizes are graciously being accepted on or before Sept. 10.

They can be dropped off at Grace Baptist Church - 238 Vine St., Batavia. Or call for pick up: Linda Styer (585) 813-3351.

All are welcome to attend and show support by joining in the euchre fun, or just taking part in the rest of the festivities.

To name a few, there will be music, a video gaming truck, good eats, and raffles including 50/50, gift cards and hotel stays, and many themed baskets. There will be something for everyone!

  • Saturday, Sept. 14 @ 3 p.m.
  • Excelsior Hook & Ladder Co.  -- 10 Lent Ave., Le Roy
  • Cost is $30 for Euchre, T-shirt, food & festivities OR $20 minimum donation for food & festivities.

Euchre spots are limited so call or text: Peggy Paladino (704) 254-4663.

To follow more about Ike’s journey, visit the “Fight WITH Ike” Facebook page.

The American Legion post in Le Roy hosted Membership Workshop on Saturday

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion in LeRoy hosted the 7th and 8th District “Membership Workshop” on Saturday, Aug. 17.

More than 40 representatives from 11 counties attended this event.

In observance of the 100th year Anniversary, the American Legion is aggressively seeking new members as a result of the “LEGION Act” -- Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act.

In a significant legislative victory for The American Legion, President Trump signed a bill July 30 that declares the United States has been in a state of war since Dec. 7, 1941.

The American Legion sought the declaration as a way to honor approximately 1,600 U.S. servicemembers who were killed or wounded during previously undeclared periods of war.

The LEGION Act also opens the door for approximately 6 million veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.

More than 100 children attended Northgate church's Base Camp last week

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Northgate Free Methodist Church hosted its second annual Base Camp this past week. Pastor Daniel Calkins created and implemented a tremendous program for more than 100 children who were enrolled in this year's camp.

Throughout the week, they enjoyed visits from the City of Batavia Fire Department, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Seneca Park Zoomobile and the Le Roy-based ART of Mandy.

The camp consisted of a half-day program for 4- and 5-year-olds, and a full-day program for children ages 6 to 14.

The children took part in worship, morning and afternoon chapel, and focused on a sport of their choice, in which they not only learned skills of that sport, but focused on developing team building and positive attitudes while working with other peers.

Pastor Calkins is the Next Generation Pastor at Northgate. Beginning in September, he will be reinstating a Middle School Base program on Wednesday nights, and a High School Base program on Sunday nights.

He also hosts a weekly Sunday night group for college-age and young adults called “Ember,” from 8 to 9:45.

All of these groups take place at Northgate Free Methodist Church’s South Campus, located at 350 Bank St., Batavia. For more information, please email Pastor Calkins daniel@northgatefmc.com or visit this website.

Schumer announces national veterans cemetery in Pembroke to begin construction

By Billie Owens

From Senator Charles Schumer:

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced Saturday that the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has awarded a $23,337,281 contract to a company in Victor to begin construction on Phase 1A of the Western New York National Veterans Cemetery in Pembroke.

The nation's newest veterans cemetery will be located at 1232 Indian Falls Road in the Town of Pembroke. The cemetery site was originally 132 acres, then they purchased adjoining 60-acre and 77-acre parcels, closing on those early last year. Phase 1A construction encompasses 65 acres of the cemetery's total 269 acres.

“The awarding of this $23 million contract to Ontario County-based Global Urban Enterprise clears the way for the construction of the long-sought and sorely needed Western New York National Veterans Cemetery to, at long last, get underway," Senator Schumer said.

"Making this cemetery come to reality has been and remains one of my top priorities, and I won’t stop fighting until it comes to fruition."

Phase 1A of construction will create 4,000 gravesites, including roughly 2,500 gravesites for casket interments, and 1,500 in-ground sites for cremated remains.

When it is time to complete the project, Global Urban Enterprise in Victor will partner with Syracuse-based Hueber-Breuer Construction, along with other subcontractors to do the work.

Schumer said the establishment of the Genesee County cemetery is a well-deserved opportunity to honor the more than 96,000 veterans and family members in this region who will have a proper military burial at a site close to their homes, families, and communities they served and defended.

It will be the first and only of its kind in the Buffalo-Rochester area and will save thousands of military families from having to travel more than 100 miles in some cases to visit their loved ones at what is now the closest veterans' cemetery in Bath.

“This contract and the cemetery’s construction soon getting underway helps guarantee Western New York’s military veterans will have a proper burial, at a site close to the homes, families, and the very communities they dedicated their lives to defend and serve,” Schumer said.

According to guidance provided by the VA, the first burials are expected to occur at the cemetery by November/December 2020.

Veterans with a qualifying discharge, their spouses, and eligible dependent children may be buried in a VA national cemetery. Also eligible are military personnel who die on active duty, their spouses and eligible dependents.

Burial benefits available for all eligible veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery, include a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and a government headstone or marker.

Black Is Back wins Batavia Open; Gray wins five

By Billie Owens

Photo: Black Is Back with driver Driver Dave McNeight III.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Black Is Back took full advantage of post one in Saturday night’s (Aug.17) $12,500 Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs, going gate to wire in impressive fashion.

Driver Dave McNeight III flew off the wings to claim the point with Black Is Back in the first turn and then kept his foot on the gas to the quarter in :27 flat. The race was basically over at that point as the pair would just continue to extend their lead from there. 

After hitting the half in :56.2 on top by 1-½, Black Is Back paced away to a two length lead at three-quarters and four lengths by the top of the stretch. As he turned for home, McNeight sat statuesque as the wrapped-up Black Is Back continued to pull away and hit the beam on top by seven in 1:53.2. 

It was the second win in four Batavia Downs starts and seventh win of the year for Black Is Back ($3.70) who now has banked $50,110 this year for owners Curtis Edholm and Mihajlo Zdjelar Sr.. Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr. trains the winner. 

The $11,000 Open II Handicap also went to a coast to coast winner; Tullow N. 

John Cummings Jr. rousted Tullow N off the gate and to the front and never let anyone get close to them the whole mile. After clicking off fractions of  :27.4, :56.4 and 1:24.4 with a loose lead to boot, the field was scattered behind Tullow N except for Manceiver (Drew Monti) who sat the pocket the entire way and was close enough to be considered a contender. But Tullow N didn’t see it that way as he turned for home and pulled away to a 2-¾ length win in 1:53.1. 

With $55,135 in earnings on the strength of four wins in 2019, Tullow N ($8.10) is also two for four since coming to Batavia Downs. Blindswitch Racing owns the 8-year-old altered son of Mach Three-Tessa Bromac and Dave Russo does the training.

Shawn Gray was in from Saratoga to drive on Saturday and put on a clinic while he was here. Gray won half the card; five out of the 10 races including a natural Hat Trick in the final three races of the night. He had his picture taken with Best Ears (1:54, $9.20), Myell’s Rockstar (1:54.2, $6.30), Thisjetsabookin (1:54.2, $4.20), M G Home Run (1:56, $13.60) and P C Shockwave (1:56.4, $2.60). The five-bagger vaulted him from ninth to fourth in the local driver standings in one night. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on this afternoon (Aug. 18) at 1:15 p.m. Sunday will feature a $3,000 guaranteed pool on the early Pick-5 wager that runs from race one to race five. It is part of the United States Trotting Association’s (USTA) Strategic Wagering program and as such, free program pages are available for those races on the USTA website or by clicking here for a direct download. (http://bit.ly/2Nc7pwj)

Big rig breaks tree branch in Le Roy, which smashes through car's windshield

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer traveling on North Road in Le Roy struck a tree branch, which broke off and crashed into the windshield of the vehicle behind it. There are children in the vehicle. The address is 8549 North Road.

Le Roy fire and ambulance are called to respond.

UPDATE 1:03 p.m.: Caledonia's ambulance is responding in lieu of Le Roy's. Traffic control is needed at the top of the hill.

Accident reported on eastbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 384.8. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 12:05 p.m.: Bergen's ambulance is responding instead, as mutual aid for Le Roy's call.

UPDATE 12:19 p.m.: A second ambulance was also en route to the accident, but command just cancelled both. No injuries reported; no transport required.

UPDATE 12:27 p.m.: The Le Roy assignment is back in service.

Preregister for 'Watching Monarchs' Sept. 7 at GC Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Press release:

East Bethany – Capture the last few days of summer with a visit to the butterfly meadow and a journey into their world with the "Watching Monarchs" program at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center.

It will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7th.

See how butterflies are tagged and released as part of a nationwide Monarch Butterfly Conservation Project.

This program is recommended for ages 4 and up. Kids explore the meadow with nets and bug catchers!

Cost is $5/person, $10/family. Preregistration is required, call 585-344-1122 to reserve your spot.

For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Kayla Edmunds at park.americorps@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Muckdogs fall 9-3 to West Virginia

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs lead in the New York-Penn Pickney Division is down to a half game after a 9-3 loss to West Virginia on Friday night.

Batavia is on the road for three games starting Saturday at Mahoning Valley then the all-star break before returning to Dwyer Stadium on Aug. 22 to host State College (Pa.).

Batavia's Sean Reynolds blasted his 12th home run of the season on Friday and the 34th of his short minor league career in the fifth-inning in the loss.

J.D. Orr had two doubles and scored a run increasing his league-leading average to .379.

Harrison Dinicola hit his sixth double of the season while Dalvy Rosario had a RBI, and Andrew Turner singled in a run. Milton Smith II had the other Muckdog hit.

Julio Frias took the loss and is 4-3 on the season. He struck out three in four innings. Edison Suriel had six strikeouts in three innings of work giving up one run while Joey Steele struck out two in one inning and Evan Rebrand had two strikeouts without giving up a run in the ninth.

Batavia is 34-26 and West Virginia is 33-26.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Photo: Julio Frias records one of his three strikeouts Friday night against West Virginia.

Wheels A Turning rolls in Batavia Open trot

By Billie Owens

Above, Wheels A Turning with driver Dave McNeight III.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

After heavy late afternoon rains degraded the track to sloppy, a very game Wheels A Turning overcame the weather, a slow start and a breaking horse to score a decisive victory in the $12,500 Open Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday evening (Aug. 16). 

Off the gate, Dragin The Wagon (Shawn McDonough) went for the lead and in doing so, got parked three-deep around the first turn before clearing at the quarter in :27.3. Once on top, McDonough backed off the half to :57 trying to save some for later. Going past the stands before they hit the third turn, Rose Run Speedster (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Wheels A Turning (Dave McNeight III) pulled and got an outer flow going to try and take advantage of the early speed. 

As they trotted past the five-eighths, Keystone Apache (Billy Davis Jr.) pulled from second and immediately made a break in front of Rose Run Speedster. That cleared the way for Rose Run Speedster to draw alongside Dragin The Wagon and Wheels A Turning, who was on his back, to go three-deep at three-quarters in 1:26.3. Dragin The Wagon said goodnight at the top of the stretch leaving Rose Run Speedster and Wheels A Turning engaged in a match race to the wire. After trotting in unison for almost the last eighth of a mile, Wheels A Turning finally nudged ahead before the wire and won by a length in 1:56.4. 

The eighth win of the season for Wheels A Turning ($5.60) was also a seasonal best effort and the winner’s share of the purse boosted his earnings to $61,810 for owners Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi. James Clouser Jr. trains the winner. 

In the $11,000 Open II trot, Lucky Guess (Ray Fisher Jr.) was on a mission when the gate released the field, taking control from post one like a shot. After being unchallenged to the half in a tepid :59.2, Noble Legend (Billy Davis Jr.) pulled from third at the half with Southern Palms (Jim Morrill Jr.) behind him and they both started to push the issue.

Motoring up the backstretch, Lucky Guess and Noble Legend went stride for stride to the three-quarters when Noble Legend started to fade and Southern Palms tipped three-deep and advanced. When the race moved off the turn, Lucky Guess had opened up a two-length lead and down the lane, Fisher raised the lines over his head to let his horse trot home on her own and win in 1:58.2. 

The time was a new lifetime mark for the 6-year-old daughter of Lucky Chucky-Athenea. 

It was the second win in three Batavia Downs starts for Lucky Guess ($14.20) and her owner Dennis Beaver. Kirk Desmond trains Lucky Guess. 

Ray Fisher Jr. was the hot driver for the night, scoring a Grand Slam on the card. Jim Morrill Jr. got the Hat Trick and Dave McNeight III and Billy Davis Jr. each had driving doubles. 

In a true oddity of racing, there were two dead heats for win recorded at Batavia Downs on Friday with Jim Morrill Jr. and trainer JD Perrin involved in both of them.  

Batavia Downs hosted a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) on Friday night. Donations by many owners, trainers and drivers along with donations from fans attending live racing combined with proceeds from the silent auction to earn a total of more than $13,500, which exceeds last year’s best-ever record. That money will go directly to the BCCR. 

Batavia Downs would like to thank everyone who participated in this great fundraiser for such a worthy cause.  

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs tonight (Aug. 17) with post time at 6 p.m. This Saturday’s card features a chance for one lucky fan to win a $3,500 diamond bracelet courtesy of TAG Jewelers.

Hazardous weather outlook -- thunderstorms, damaging winds and hail, high afternoon temperatures

By Billie Owens

A hazardous weather outlook for Genesee County and portions of Western New York was issued this morning.

Thunderstorms are likely today. The storms could become quite strong during the midday and early afternoon with the greatest threat from the storms being localized damaging winds and hail.

Strong to severe thunderstorms will again be possible on Sunday with the risk for another round of localized damaging winds and hail.

Afternoon apparent temperatures Sunday through Tuesday may reach the lower 90s or higher. Keep in mind that heat advisories are issued when apparent temperatures reach at least 95 for two consecutive hours.

Strong thunderstorm with possible 40-mph winds could cause local flooding, frequent lighting expected

By Billie Owens

At 4:41 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement for Southwestern Genesee County and other portions of Western New York.

A strong thunderstorm was located a short time ago over Darien Lakes State Park, moving northeast at 25 mph. Winds in excess of 40 mph are possible with this storm.

Locations impacted include: Batavia, Darien Lakes State Park, Le Roy, Pembroke, Pavilion, Byron and Oakfield.

This includes the following highways: Interstate 390 near exit 10; Interstate 90 between exits 48A and 47.

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

Mark Your Calendar: HLOM offers three Friday night Ghost Walks on the Westside in October

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Back and expanded by popular demand, please join the Holland Land Office Museum for a Westside Ghost Walk on three Fridays in October.

The walks led by Connie Boyd will take place at 7 p.m. on Oct. 11th, 18th, and 25th.

Take a walk on the Westside and hear tales of murders, hangings, grave robbing, ghosts and other eerie happenings from Batavia's past. Hear stories of Joseph Ellicott, E. N. Rowell and other famous and infamous Batavians.

Admission is $10 and reservations are required with purchase.

Tours are limited to 25 people each.

The tour begins and ends at the museum and will last approximately one-and-a-half to two hours in length.

For more spooky fun from Batavia’s past, please visit the Batavia Cemetery’s Ghost Walk on Saturday, Oct. 26th.

For tickets or more information, please call (585) 343-4727, email at hollandlandoffice@gmail.com, or stop by at 131 W. Main St. Batavia.

Law and Order: FBI says Corfu man with protection order tried to buy gun using false info

By Billie Owens

Robert James Barnes, 29, of West Main Street, Corfu, is due in Corfu Village Court at 1 p.m. on Sept. 10 on charges of: falsifying business records in the first degree, a Class E felony; and attempted criminal contempt in the second degree, a Class B misdemeanor. On Aug. 6, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office was notified by the FBI that the defendant allegedly tried to purchase a firearm on West Main Street in the Village of Corfu at 4:47 p.m. on Aug. 2 while there was an active order of protection against him. Further investigation revealed that the defendant allegedly put false information on the background form that was submitted to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Alan R. Price, 24, of Chili Avenue, Chili, is charged with: second-degree strangulation; first-degree criminal contempt; and endangering the welfare of a child. Price was arrested on the felony and misdemeanor charges and arraigned in Bergen Town Court on Aug. 14. The charges stem from a domestic dispute that occurred at 8 a.m. on April 11 on the eastbound Route 490 at mile marker 3.3 in Bergen. Price is accused of strangling the driver of the vehicle while it was being driven on Route 490. There was a 1-year-old in the back seat and the time and an active order of protection in place. Following arraignment, he was released under supervision of Genesee Justice. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Office Investigator Howard Carlson, assisted by Batavia Police Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Wesley Thigpen, 38, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested after a domestic incident at 7:18 p.m. Aug. 13 on Hall Street in Batavia when there was an order of protection against him. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail; bail status not provided. He is due back in city court on Aug. 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Batavia Muckdogs land seven all-stars for New York-Penn League All-Star game

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The 2019 season for the first-place Batavia Muckdogs has been a special one at Dwyer Stadium. Now, add the all-star game to the memories.

The New York-Penn League has announced seven players will represent Batavia in the all-star game on Wednesday, Aug. 21 in Staten Island.

Nick Ready (third base), J.D. Orr (left field) and Troy Johnston (right field) were named starters. Milton Smith II (center field) and pitchers Julio Frias, Brock Love and Josh Simpson were also named to the team.

The all-star game is at 7 p.m. hosted by the Staten Island Yankees with gates opening at 3 p.m. There will be a home run competition between the New York City Fire Department and NYPD. 

During the pre-game, the 2019 NYPL Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place with Batavia's Gene Baker going in the hall with Bernie Williams, Jane Rogers and Josiah Viera. 

Baker, who died in 1999, became the first African-American manager in organized baseball, when the Pittsburgh Pirates named him skipper of the Batavia club in 1961. 

In 1963, he became the second black coach in the major leagues following Buck O’Neill by a half season. He can also be credited with being the first black manager in Major League Baseball when he took over for ejected Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh on Sept. 21, 1963. He was also the first African-American player to ever make the Chicago Cubs roster in 1953. 

Here is a look at the 2019 Batavia all-stars:

Nic Ready

It has been a wild year for Nic Ready. The son of former Major Leaguer Randy Ready, Nic won the 2019 NCAA Home Run Derby in Omaha, Neb., then was drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 23rd round out of the Air Force Academy.

Ready, a 6-foot-3 righthander who plays third and first, has shown tremendous power this season with seven home runs and 34 RBI’s with 26 doubles and a triple. He is hitting .280 with a .525 slugging percentage.

Ready is currently active duty with the Air Force, but a new law will allow him to play professional baseball and fulfill his military commitments the next two years.

In the all-star game, Ready will start at third.

J.D. Orr

It is no surprise J.D. Orr will start in the outfield in the all-star game. The 5-foot-10 Orr was drafted this year in the 10th round of the draft by the Miami Marlins out of Wright State in Dayton, Ohio, where he led the nation in stolen bases.

In Batavia, he not only leads the team with 24 stolen bases, but he leads the entire New York-Penn League with a .373 average and has 59 hits. He has hit three doubles, two triples and scored 46 runs.

Troy Johnston

Another starter in the outfield for the Muckdogs will be Troy Johnston, a 17th-round pick of the Marlins out of Gonzaga University (Spokane, Wash.) this year.

Johnston, a 5-foot-11 lefty is hitting .295 with 46 hits, 11 doubles, a triple and two home runs. He has driven in 26 runs and scored 23. At Gonzaga, he was leading the nation in doubles furing the 2019 season and led his team in average.

Milton Smith II

During the 2019 season, Milton Smith II spent time as the top hitter in the New York-Penn League, and is still hitting .319 with 52 hits, a triple and 17 stolen bases, as he was caught just four times. Smith II is also an outstanding centerfielder for the Muckdogs.

Smith, a 5-foot-10 lefty, was drafted in the 22nd round by the Marlins out of Meridian Community College in Meridian, Miss., in 2018.

Brock Love

Love is a 6-foot-1 right-hander who has made a big impact on the Muckdogs this season coming out of the bullpen. He has thrown 14.1 innings with 18 strikeouts and just four walks, giving up just four runs for a ERA of 2.51 and a WHIP of 0.77.

He was picked by the Miami Marlins as the fourth pick of the 2019 draft in the 34th round out of the University of Alabama.

In college, Love was injured in 2017 but in 2018 he was 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA, something he did in his first seven performances with Batavia. In 2019 he led Alabama in strikeouts with 66 in 60 innings while starting 13 games. Love showed right away as a freshman his command of the strike zone, walking just three batters his first year while strikeout 21 with a 2.81 ERA.

Josh Simpson

The 2019 season has been frustrating for batters opposing Josh Simpson as the 6-foot-2 lefty has a 0.55 ERA in 11 games and has struck out 21 batters in 16.1 innings with just two walks. He has given up just one run all season for the Muckdogs.

Simpson was a 32nd-round draft pick out of Columbia University by the Miami Marlins this year. He was an all-Ivy League selection and struck out 56 batters. He threw a nine-inning complete game shut out against Cornell as a senior.

Julio Frias

Frias turned 21 as the season started, and the 6-foot-2 lefty out of Boca Chica, Dominican Republic, has enjoyed a great season as a top starting pitcher. Frias has 11 starts and has gone 4-2 with a 2.54 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 56.2 innings with just 21 hits allowed.

In his short career, Frias has tossed 182 innings with 174 strikeouts. His last start was on Aug. 11, a win over Mahoning Valley. Frias signed in 2014 as an international free agent with the Marlins at age 16.

Photo: Batavia has seven all-stars on the New York-Penn League All-Star team, including outfielders Milton Smith II, left, and Troy Johnston.

HLOM to host Murder Mystery Dinner Theater fundraiser at Red Osier Sept. 28

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to present its first Murder Mystery Dinner Theater fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 28. An original mystery written for HLOM, it is based on the 19th century local crime of the century, the disappearance of William Morgan.

Will you outsmart the suspects and determine what happened to him and "who dun it"?

The mystery is a live performance at Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford, with considerable interaction between the suspects and the audience with an extensive comedic touch put on by WNY Improv Inc.

WNY Improv Inc. is a group of eclectic and talented performers from throughout Western New York with extensive experience in acting and improvisation. WNY Improv has performed on stage, in films, on cruise ships, at festivals and many other venues in New York, the City of Toronto in Ontario Province, Canada, and Pennsylvania.

Doors opening at 5:30 p.m., performance beginning at 6, and dinner served by 6:30.

Each ticket will get you a choice of four different entrees for your meal: prime rib, chicken French, blackened salmon, or veggie lasagna, all include sides, salad, and dessert. Cash bar will also be available.

Tickets are $50 per person. They can be purchased by contacting the museum at 585-343-4727, hollandlandoffice@gmail.com, or stopping by 131 W. Main St. Batavia. Please have entree choice ready when buying tickets.

Batavia Downs steps up to fight breast cancer

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Tonight (Aug. 16) at Batavia Downs is noteworthy for two reasons. One, it’s the first live card of harness racing held on a Friday this meet at the Downs as the track previously hosted their now completed concert series on Friday.  

Second, it’s the night of the Batavia Down’s annual “Races to Benefit the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester” (www.bccr.org) fundraiser that will be held at the track to raise both awareness and dollars to fight this deadly disease. 

This annual event is one of the larger fundraisers held by this organization and Batavia Downs has been proud to put on the event with them and be a part of this very worthy cause. It will be held in the clubhouse and runs from 5 until 9 p.m.

“We have partnered with BCCR for several years now and each year this event gets bigger and better,” said Todd Haight, director/general manager of Live Racing. “It’s an opportunity for us to help raise money to defeat the scourge of breast cancer in our lifetime.

"The generosity of our horsemen and patrons always shines through and I’m sure we will see that again tonight.”

There will be a silent auction held adjacent to the clubhouse with a list of prizes that will please anyone’s taste. They include:

  • Two suite tickets to the Buffalo Bills versus Philadelphia Eagles at New Era Field on Sunday, Oct. 27;
  • Four suite tickets to the Buffalo Sabres versus the St. Louis Blues at Key Bank Center on Tuesday, Dec. 10;
  • Two suite tickets for the Carrie Underwood concert at Key Bank Arena on Sunday, Oct. 13;
  • One Batavia Downs Hotel night and racing package;
  • Two Batavia Downs clubhouse racing packages;
  • A recliner from Max Pies Furniture in Batavia;
  • And a host of other items too numerous to mention.

Dozens of local owners, trainers and drivers have already committed to donating some or all of their winnings realized tonight with more coming on board every day.

The track will also be taking cash donations from anyone willing to help that will be forwarded directly to the BCCR.

“Last year we were able to raise in excess of $13,000 and this year we aim to break that record," Haight said. "The clubhouse has been sold out for weeks so we’ll have many caring people here that night.

"And we will also have runners in both the paddock and grandstand area taking bids for the silent auction and also collecting any donations people may wish to make."

Post time for the first race is at 6 p.m.

Batavia Bulldawgs open regular football season tomorrow at Lions Park

By Billie Owens
The Batavia Bulldawgs our their regular season of football Saturday, Aug. 17, at Lions Park in Batavia against Barker/RoyHart.
 
The park is located at 11 Wallace St.
 
Game times are as follows:
  • Beginners (ages 6/7) at 10 a.m.
  • Mini (ages 8/9) at 12 p.m.
  • Junior Varsity (ages 10/11) at 2 p.m.
  • Varsity (ages 12/13) at 4 p.m.

For questions or comments, email:  bataviabulldawgsfootball@gmail.com

Got shots? It's National Immunization Awareness Month

By Billie Owens

From the Genesee County Health Department:

August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month. Today’s vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including polio, measles, whooping cough, and chickenpox.

Because of advances in medical science, your children and family can be protected against more diseases than ever before.

Paul Pettit, Public Health director of Genesee and Orleans counties, has continually supported vaccination and vaccine education in our communities and believes vaccines are the best defense against preventable diseases.

“Vaccination is safe and effective," Pettit said. "All vaccines undergo long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and the federal government to make sure they are safe."

Immunizations are important for a variety of reasons. When you get vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but you also help protect the people around you who might be too young or too sick to get vaccinated themselves. This is called “community immunity” or “herd immunity.”

If enough people stop getting vaccinated, more outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, will occur.

On June 13, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation removing nonmedical exemptions from school vaccination requirements for children.

Public Health Law §2164(1)(a) defines “school” to include any public, private or parochial child caring center, day nursery, day care agency, nursery school, kindergarten, elementary, intermediate or secondary school.

This means that if your child does not have a medical exemption, your child must receive vaccines in order to attend school. This new law will help protect against vaccine-preventable diseases within our communities.

For more information on the law, please click here.

From infants to senior citizens, getting vaccines on time is one of the most important way to protect yourself and your family from serious diseases and infections.

During NIAM, the Genesee and Orleans County health departments encourage you to talk to your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional to ensure that you and your family are up to date on recommended vaccines.

We also encourage you to visit CDC’s Interactive Vaccine Guide, which provides information on the vaccines recommended during pregnancy and throughoutyour child’s life. Adults can use the CDC’s adult vaccine assessment tool to see which vaccines might be right for you.

For information about this article or health department services contact the Genesee County Health Department at: 344-2580, ext. 5555, or visit their website here.

Local licensed NYS notary is 'paying it forward' with free deal for residents of Batavia, Oakfield and Elba

By Billie Owens
If you need a licensed NYS Notary, Oakfield resident Trish M. Johnson announced a special deal on Thursday.
 
"I’m offering FREE Notarial services for next 30 days to people of Batavia, Oakfield and Elba," Johnson wrote in an email. "Celebrating my business. Paying it forward."
 
Find information about her services here.
 
On her Facebook page, she writes:
 
"After 26 years of working in retail, it was time to go after things I felt passionate about. So, finding a job that I can make a good living and also really enjoy at the same time, I became certified as a Certified Loan Signing Agent.
 
"This is an Independent contractor hired to ensure that real estate loan documents are executed by the borrower, notarized (by me), and returned for processing on time all at the customers convenience.
 
"This is in addition to the Notary Services and Officiating services I offer. As a licensed NYS Notary, I can also do your typical Notarial legal documents." 
 
Documents may include:
  • Advanced directives
  • Executorships
  • Custody and guardianship agreements
  • Power of attorney
  • Court documents
  • Memorandum of understanding documents
  • Vendor contracts
  • Commercial leases
  • Employment contracts
  • Construction and loan agreements
  • Real Estate Closings (I do not though do reverse mortgages )

(By the way, she is also available for officiating weddings, unions, vow renewals, commitment ceremonies, special events, celebration of life funerals for all ("HLGBTQIA"). Prices for officiating are based on services needed, travel distance and time of day.)

Contact information for Johnson:

Phone: (585) 469-0284
Email:  obrianmiller74@gmail.com
Travelingtrishnotary&weddingservice

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