A van crashed into a pole on West Main Street near Settler's Restaurant in Batavia. Driver is unconscious. Law enforcement is called in emergency mode. City fire and Mercy medics are responding. The address is 350 W. Main St.
UPDATE 5:15 a.m.: National Grid will be notified that the pole is damaged.
UPDATE 5:43 a.m.: One person was transported to UMMC. National Grid has a 10-15 minute ETA.
Press release:
A collection of artwork created during the Batavia Society of Artists' October demonstration will be sold and all proceeds donated to the Donald R. Carroll Toys for Kids Toy Drive.
The "art collaboration" pieces were made during a hands-on demonstration by artist and BSA Member Brian Kemp. He guided attendees through his art process, one that explores art "through creating as he goes, allowing the artwork and canvas to help direct the finished piece."
Attendees were given their canvas and directed to use their choice of a few mediums and color choices. Halfway through the demonstration, Kemp collected everyone's artwork and distributed the pieces to another artist to finish.
The results are being displayed for the first time at this year's Winter Art Show presented by the society. It is on display now through Dec. 27th in the Gallery Room at Richmond Memorial Library, located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.
The public is invited to the opening reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. tomorrow, Dec. 7. Take a look at the demo collaboration pieces and consider buying one to help the toy drive for local children.
To join the Batavia Society of Artists or for more information, contact Teresa Tamfer at 506-2465 or email BSA.BataviaSocietyofArtists@gmail.com
There will be a reception for the Members' Challenge Show "Juxtaposition" from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, at GO ART!
It is located at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia in the historic Seymour Place building at the corner of Main and Bank streets.
Press release:
On Jan. 1, Assistant District Attorney Melissa L. Cianfrini will be promoted to the reestablished position of First District Attorney, Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman announced this afternoon.
Cianfrini has been with the office for nearly eight years and has been a litigation attorney for 18 years.
Friedman said that he has been very pleased with the initiative, work ethic and legal skills demonstrated by Cianfrini; that their partners in the criminal justice community have given him nothing but positive feedback about her performance as a prosecuting attorney.
He is very confident, he said, that his office and the community will continue to be well served by First Assistant District Attorney Cianfrini.
The D.A. also expressed his gratitude to County Manager Jay Gsell for supporting the re-instatement of the First Assistant District Attorney position and to the Genesee County Legislature for understanding the need for the D.A.'s office to once again have someone in this role.
Press release:
Genesee Community College has begun its 2018 - 2023 Strategic Planning Process and welcomes input from the community!
While GCC is continuously evaluating itself against numerous measures, this planning process is a chance to realign the institutional priorities with the ever-changing environment of higher education and the complex economic demands of the communities it serves.
Written in 2013, the current 2013-2018 Strategic Plan focused on "Success Through Collaboration" and identified six priorities:
This new planning process is not only evaluating the progress made in these key areas, but helping to identity the next phase of GCC's strategic growth.
"We are very proud of the work we've accomplished in the last five years and are energized and excited to launch the strategic planning initiative to prepare for the next five," says College President James Sunser. "Our approach to the planning process is designed not only to allow our community members to evaluate the successes we've had under prior strategic plans, but to voice their hopes and directives for the future.
"Students seeking higher education face an array of challenges and through this collaborative process, we can build a plan to continue to help our students and community partners for years to come."
Professor and Program Director of Social Sciences Tim Tomczak, and Dean of Distributed Learning, Craig Lamb Ph.D., have been named co-chairs of the strategic planning efforts.
Under their leadership, the steering committee, which includes faculty, administrators, students, staff and community partners, will perform assessments of the progress made under prior plans and using the feedback collected, identify new strategic priorities for the next five years. The assessment process will include a formal S.W.O.T. analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) and several forums for feedback.
In an effort to ensure the next Strategic Plan addresses the primary needs of the communities GCC serves, the College has established a new webpage with an online forum to collect comments, suggestions and ideas from the general public.
Citizens, business leaders, alumni, students, supporters, stakeholders and the general public are invited to visit www.genesee.edu/strategicplan to complete the input form, and remain informed about the progress of the College's Strategic Planning process.
These information input forms can remain anonymous, and the data collected will be shared directly with the steering committee. Any questions regarding the Strategic Planning process can be directed to strategicplanning@genesee.edu.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
As a result of no winning ticket once again on Saturday (Dec. 2), Batavia Downs will offer a $2,500 guaranteed early Pick-5 pool when racing resumes on Wednesday afternoon (Dec. 6) at the oldest lighted harness track in America.
The Pick-5 is a 50-cent base wager that begins in race one and runs through race five. There is no consolation payoff, meaning if no one selects all five winners the entire pool (minus takeout) will be carried over to the next Pick-5 pool.
Wednesday’s guaranteed pool is part of the USTA’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages courtesy of Trackmaster are available on the USTA’s website.
This link will take you directly to those program pages.
Post time for the first race Wednesday is 5 p.m.
Press release:
As a company that serves the propane needs of hundreds of local homes, businesses, and farms, Ferrellgas knows a thing or two about keeping the members of this community warm.
This year, the company is once again asking local residents to partner with them to spread even more warmth throughout the area.
Now through Jan.12, Ferrellgas is collecting new and gently used coats, hats, scarves, and gloves and putting them in the hands of the less fortunate members of our community.
Donations can be given to Ferrellgas drivers or brought to the Ferrellgas office at 655 Ellicott St. At the end of the coat drive, Ferrellgas will donate items collected to one or more local charities.
“Dropping off that coat you’ve had in the back of your closet or a new pair of mittens may seem like a small thing to do, but it can have a big impact in the lives of our fellow community members," said Douglas Muha, Ferrellgas general manager. "For some families, a warm coat is a luxury that cannot be taken for granted, and we are grateful for all the donations that will be collected to meet this critical need."
Muha said his team has once again selected Community Action as the beneficiary of the local Ferrellgas’ office’s coat-collection efforts.
Local residents do NOT have to be Ferrellgas customers to participate in the donation drive.
For more information about this effort, please visit www.ferrellgas.com/share-the-warmth.
Lionel Anderson Jr., a 16-year-old resident of Oak Street in Batavia, is charged with second-degree assault, a felony.
He was arrested following a fight at 8:10 p.m. on Nov. 28 at 16 Highland Park, Batavia.
According to Det. Eric Hill, the youth is suspected of injuring a 13-year-old victim who was slammed to the ground, face first, then the victim was struck in the face, twice, with a metal belt buckle. No information about the victim is being released.
Lionel was arrested after the alleged attack and initially charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd. The upgraded charge comes after additional investigation. He was already in custody on the first charges when he was arraigned on the felony.
He was ordered held on $25,000 bail. He is due back in City Court at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7.
Press release:
Hodgins Engraving today (Dec. 4) announced Becky Almeter has been named President, effective immediately. As President, Almeter will have responsibility for all company operations and will report directly to outgoing President, Bob Hodgins.
“We are privileged to have Becky on board. Her energy, enthusiasm, and industry knowledge will help us take the company to the next level” former-President Bob Hodgins said. “I couldn’t be more proud to turn over the operations of the company I have nurtured for 34 years, to Becky.” Bob will remain with the company in an advisory capacity.
Almeter, 34, is an 11-year veteran of Hodgins Engraving and has served as General Manager since 2014.
Since coming to Hodgins Engraving in 2007, Almeter has held various positions including Production Manager and Customer Service Manager. She has also played a major role in overseeing the company’s efforts in restructuring their online presence.
In addition, Almeter has been instrumental in leading the company through a new production management and CRM software implementation. Under Almeter’s leadership, Hodgins Engraving has shown continuous improvement in their internal operations and customer service capabilities.
“I am excited and honored to continue my family’s tradition of entrepreneurship. I look forward to continuing to provide all of the excellent products and services that the Hodgins name has become associated with through the work of my father, Bob, and grandfather, John,” Almeter said. “I am privileged to work with a great team of people who make this job fun and fulfilling every day, and I am excited for our future.”
About Becky Almeter
Becky Almeter has been with Hodgins Engraving since 2007. She holds bachelor’s degrees in International Relations and Spanish from Eckerd College.
About Hodgins Engraving
Hodgins Engraving, located in Batavia (NY) is an industry-leading international producer of high-end, custom print products.
Website: http://www.hodginsengraving.com.
Children ages 4 to 13 are invited to learn cheerleading from Batavia's Section V champions.
The Batavia Youth Cheerleading Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 16, in the gymnasium at Batavia Middle School, located at 96 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.
Cost is $30. Participants will get a T-shirt.
Cheerleaders will be served pizza during a quick lunch break, too!
Cheerleaders will work on cheerleading skills including stunts, jumps, sidelines and tumbling. They will also learn a choreographed routine to perform for their families and friends at 11:45 a.m.
In addition, participants are invited to wear their camp T-shirt and join the Section V cheerleading champs at the varsity game half-time performance on Dec. 27 at Genesee Community College (located at One College Road, Batavia). Game starts at 8 p.m. and cheer campers will meet before the game at 7:15 p.m. in the GCC foyer for review of the skills learned.
Checks should be made payable to: Batavia Cheer Boosters. Please include the following information when mailing your payment:
Mail registration information and payment to:
Batavia High School
Attn: Cheerleading
260 State St.
Batavia, NY 14020
The good people of the Village of Bergen invite you to join them in singing Christmas carols starting at 6:15 this evening at Hickory Park. It is located at 61 S. Lake Road, Bergen.
Then join them afterward for the annual tree lighting ceremony at Ward Park, located at 21 Buffalo Road, Bergen.
Photo of Chumlee A with driver Larry Stalbaum.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
In a performance that could only be described as overwhelming, Chumlee A made a bold backside move after being parked out from the start to win by as many as he wanted in the $10,000 Open Handicap Pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Dec. 2).
Major Trick (Kevin Cummings), Lucky McTrucky (Drew Monti) and Chumlee A (Larry Stalbaum) all left the gate and wanted to cut the mile, but only one could do it. So Major Trick grabbed the pylons and parked out Lucky McTrucky while Chumlee A settled in second-over in the outer flow. The top two horses fought tooth, fang and claw through swift early fractions of :27.1 and :55.4 and neither one would relent.
With the same leading order headed around turn three, Stalbaum tired of following and tipped Chumlee A three-deep past the five-eighths pole as the group motored up the backside and by the three-quarters cleared, and the route was on. Chumlee A was in overdrive and opened up distance between himself and the rest of the field with every stride. Stalbaum sat chilly from the top of the lane home as Chumlee A continued to pour it on of his own volition, eventually ending the six-length route in 1:54.
It was the third straight win both in North America and at Batavia Downs for Chumlee A ($3.20) and it established a new lifetime mark for the Somebeachsomewhere progeny. Chumlee A is owned by Mark Jakubik and Kim Asher, who also does the training.
The $9,000 co-featured Open II Pace went to Heaven Rocks (Ron Beback Jr.) who toured the facility on the front end unfettered from start to finish, winning by a gapped five lengths in 1:53.3. Heaven Rocks ($5.70) sixth win of the season was also a new lifetime mark for the 5-year-old son of Rock N Roll Heaven that is owned by William Emmons and trained by James Clouser Jr.
Larry Stalbaum, Ray Fisher Jr. and Ron Beback Jr. all has two wins on the night.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Dec. 6) at 5 p.m. when the early Pick-5 wager will carry a guaranteed pool of $2,500. Please note that it will be the last Wednesday of the year as racing will only be held on Friday (Dec. 15) and Saturday (Dec. 16) the final week of the meet.
Press release:
The Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry has partnered with the Batavia Kiwanis Club to extend hours for ice skating on Fridays at the DeWitt Recreation Area! The hours will be extended till 7:30 p.m. beginning Dec. 29 until mid-March.
A true community effort continues to make it all happen with the City of Batavia Fire Department initially filling the rink with water, the Town of Oakfield Highway Department providing outdoor lighting, and Cedar Street Rentals assisting with keeping the ice surface clear of snow. Use of the rink is FREE and available at posted times.
DeWitt Recreation Area is located at 115 Cedar St. in Batavia. The outdoor rink is not monitored by staff during posted hours nor are skates provided. Skate at your own risk.
This beautiful community skating area is constructed and maintained by volunteers and staff, so we ask for your help in keeping it safe and clean for all to enjoy. Please stay off the ice on warm days and respect the “closed for maintenance” signs. Keeping off the ice when it is warm will ensure a quick reopening of the rink when the weather turns cold again!
See the parks website here for full rules and details.
Rink Hours:
Public Skate:
(Sticks and pucks are prohibited on the ice during public skate.)
Stick & Puck:
Tuesday, Thursday 2 to 4 p.m. (No figure skating during Stick & Puck time.)
For more information visit our website here, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.
GCC Foundation Encore 2017 co-chairs Jim and Patty Pacino.
Submitted photos and press release:
The Genesee Community College Foundation is excited to share the line-up for its 2017 Encore gala: Icicles and Pearls on Tuesday, Dec. 12. All are invited to support the College Foundation by reserving tickets and enjoying this beautiful and delicious evening!
Proceeds from Encore support the GCC Foundation Scholarship Fund, which awarded over $127,000 in scholarships last year helping to keep talented students in our communities and helping students overcome financial hardships. Under the leadership of co-chairs, Jim and Patti Pacino, an amazing gala is underway to ensure the scholarship fund continues to support our deserving students.
The reception will feature the exhibit, "Waterworks: Water Tables & Other Aquatic Accoutrements" by artist, Jennifer Hecker, on display at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery. Guests are invited to meet the artist and view these powerful water sculptures.
A formal dinner reception featuring seasonal favorites and culinary masterpieces by American Dining Creations will begin at 6 p.m. in the William W. Stuart Forum. During dinner, guests will enjoy a contemporary jazz ensemble by the Derek Reiss Group. A cash bar with beverage service will be provided by the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel LLC and the Dibble Family & Event Center on behalf of Michael and Valerie Tomaszewski.
After dinner, at 7:45 p.m., guests will be escorted to the Stuart Steiner Theatre for a special Holiday Pops Concert performed by the two-time Grammy Award winning, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra led by resident conductor, Stefan Sanders.
Since 2014, Sanders has led more than 200 performances with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also the newly appointed music director of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and the Round Rock Symphony in Central Texas.
This year, he will serve as the principal conductor for the 2018 Hot Springs Music Festival in Arkansas. Recent guest conducting appearances have taken him from Poland to Ecuador, as well as around the United States to Virginia, Naples, Syracuse, San Antonio, Austin and Corpus Christi. He studied at the University of Texas at Austin and was a fellow at the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the Juilliard School. This will be Sanders' final season with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
The BPO's performance at Encore will feature principal oboist Henry Ward. A Philadelphia area native, Ward previously served two seasons as acting associate principal oboe for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Ward's solo debut was in 2012 when he performed Mozart's Oboe Concerto in C Major with the Carnegie Mellon Chamber Orchestra.
The spectacular Encore evening concludes with an exquisite dessert reception at 9:30 p.m. held in the Wolcott J. Humphrey III Student Union.
"This year's Encore gala is sure to be a special evening for all. From the 'Waterworks' exhibit in the art gallery, to the delicious meal and the moving musical performances, Encore is truly an evening to celebrate all that the GCC Foundation brings to our communities," says Encore Chairperson Patti Pacino. "My husband, Jim, and I are thrilled and honored to be a part of it this year."
Once again this year, Five Star Bank led the support for Encore as the Benefactor Sponsor. However, sponsorship opportunities are still available at the following levels:
Conductor's Circle -- $1,000 entitles donor to six tickets to the gala and Prelude Reception
Golden Baton Society -- $600 entitles donor to four tickets to the gala and Prelude Reception
Inner Circle -- $300 entitles donor to two tickets to the gala and Prelude Reception
Patron -- to attend the gala, supporters can purchase tickets for $100 each
To become a 2017 Encore sponsor, please contact the Foundation Office at (585) 345-6809.
Questions regarding the Encore event can be directed to the GCC Foundation at (585) 345-6809 or via email foundation@genesee.edu
Below is principal oboist Henry Ward. Bottom photo is Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Resident Conductor Stefan Sanders.
Parents and children of all ages welcome for this free family event. Come in your pajamas and curl up by the fireplace to meet Santa for stories, songs and fun!
Don’t forget to bring your wish list and camera.
NO registration required.
Settler's Restaurant is hosting Santa Claus for breakfast from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Dec. 17. Come join the fun!
Settler's is located at 353 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
As the weather gets cold Voltina gets hot and she proved it by winning the $10,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday evening (Nov. 29), which was her third victory in her last five starts in the top class.
Voltina (Kevin Cummings) fired off the gate and took the lead with lightning speed. Squeeze This (Billy Davis Jr.) also left from post seven but took a quarter mile to clear. As soon as she did, Voltina came right back to grab the front and that was all she wrote.
As Voltina took the field to the half in :57.2 and three-quarters in 1:26, she scoffed at minor challenges from Hey Kobe (Shawn McDonough) and Who Says That (Ray Fisher Jr.) and kept to her task around the final turn. As they headed down the lane Cummings was flailing the lines and opened up a two-length advantage with Voltina looking lively. But one last test came from Mydelight Bluechip (Ben Mcniel) who shook loose in the passing lane and came with a rush. However Voltina was stout and hung on to win by a length in 1:55.2.
Having the best year of her life, Voltina ($8.20) scored her eighth victory of 2017 and bolstered her wallet to $69,456. The 7-year-old daughter of Allamerican Native is owned by CHS Racing LLC and is trained by Anthony Cummings.
In the co-featured $8,000 distaff Open II, Little Joke (Billy Davis Jr.) took back and followed quick early fractions before pulling second-over at the half behind America Ferrera (Kevin Cummings) and eventually overtook her at the top of the stretch and pulled away to a six length romp in a 1:55.
Now two for two since arriving at the Downs, Little Joke ($6.00) has eight wins and $51,435 on the year for owners Vogel & Wags Nags Stable and Jack Rice. Maria Rice trains the winner.
Driver Kevin Cummings who continues to be the hottest driver on the grounds at Batavia, scored four more wins on Wednesday night. Besides taking the feature with Voltina, he also won with Fie Fy Fo (1:57.1, $9.70), Our Last Photo (2:00.1, $3.20) and Goldstar Thumper (1:57.3, $53).
In the last 10 cards of racing at Batavia, Cummings has won 28 races and now has 102 wins for the meet. He currently sits in fourth place for dash wins behind Larry Stalbaum (117), Ray Fisher Jr. (114) and Drew Monti (110) and with seven nights of racing left, has a legitimate shot at the driving title.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Dec. 1) at 6 p.m.
The Indian Falls United Methodist Church will host Genesee County's only drive-thru opportunity to see a live Nativity Scene. It's at Pembroke Town Park from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 2.
You and your family are welcome to experience the story of Christmas with live actors and animals while staying within the comfort of your own vehicle. Enjoy provided refreshments while a narrator leads you through the story of Christmas!
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