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Multiple cars sideswiped in Elba

By Billie Owens

Multiple vehicles are reportedly involved in an accident in Elba on North Main Street, north of Mechanic Street. A Sheriff's deputy is on scene and Elba firefighters are responding. A female driver allegedly sideswiped a number of vehicles after her car's brakes failed.

Six local students graduate from RIT

By Billie Owens

The following local residents graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in winter 2011–2012 quarter:

•     Jamie Braswell, of Le Roy, earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from RIT's College of Science.

•     Andrew Darling, of Stafford, earned a master of science degree in Bioinformatics from RIT's College of Science.

•     Kathryn Shaver, of Corfu, earned a bachelor of science degree in ASL-English Interpretation from RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

•     Christine Snell, of Le Roy, earned an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Project Management from RIT's Center for Multidisciplinary Studies.

•     Kyle Stacy, of Elba, earned a bachelor of science degree in Computer Engineering Technology from RIT's College of Applied Science and Technology.

•     Benjamin Stauber, of Le Roy, earned a bachelor of science degree in Biotechnology from RIT's College of Science.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in computing, engineering, imaging science, sustainability, and fine and applied arts, in addition to unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Elba student earns master's degree from University of Vermont

By Billie Owens

Nicole Shufelt, of Elba, received a master of science degree in Geology within the Graduate College during May commencement ceremonies at the University of Vermont.

Chartered in 1791, UVM was the first college or university in the United States that did not give preference to a religious sect in its charter and the first to allow women to join Phi Beta Kappa. As a small, comprehensive university, it blends the academic heritage of a private university with services missions in the land-grant tradition.

Norton Road resident prizes 103-year-old postcard showing her house

By Howard B. Owens

There's an old shack stuck far back in the woods off Norton Road in Elba. I've photographed it before, but wasn't entirely pleased with the results.

As I drove down Norton this evening, I saw the shack, but the field that last year was full of wildflowers was plowed. The shack was still in a wooded area, surrounded by flowers. I then noticed a woman watering some plants in her front yard, so I stopped to ask if I could go on her property (to get the right vantage point) to make a photograph.

I introduced myself and, yes, Charline Shultz reads The Batavian.

We chatted a second and Charlene told me she had an old postcard of Norton Road. It shows her house, which was built in 1812. Charlene said a friend happened across the postcard on Ebay and bought it for her.

The back of the card reads: "The view as we see it from our home looking south.  The church in the distance is where Mr. Kellogg preached when we knew him.  With best wishes and warm regards, Mary Norton, Elba, N.Y., Dec. 25, 1908."

It was apparently contained in a letter sent by Mary Norton to a friend in California, and now it's back in New York more then 100 years later on the road where it started.

Photos: A drive through Elba

By Howard B. Owens

Really, without a plan, I found myself in Elba late this afternoon, and then my drive back to Batavia took a few twists and turns. Here are some pictures from the drive.

Above, a red barn on Ford Road.

My intention was to take a picture of the tree to the left. The cows either thought I had food or are eager to get on camera and they came running over toward Route 262.

The McCoys on Norton Road gave me permission to walk into their back yard and take a picture of this old barn, which turns out to be just over the property line and actually on Torrey Farms' property.

There's a couple of old shacks on Norton Road that always draw my attention. The flowers in this case provided some added visual interest.

Anybody care to identify this plant? This was actually taken off Bank Street Road, Batavia, but I saw the plant two or three times while driving through Elba.

Photos: To honor LaVerne Bridge, pallbearers adopt his favorite clothing style

By Howard B. Owens

LaVerne "Vern" M. Bridge was a man known to enjoy working in his yard and being seen around town in work boots, blue jeans, suspenders and a baseball cap.

Today, at the Maple Avenue Cemetery in Elba, Bridge was laid to rest in his favorite attire while his pallbearers and some friends wore similar clothing in his honor.

The 84-year-old Oakfield resident was working in his yard at 6624 Fisher Road last week, apparently cutting down a tree, when the tree fell on him.

Pallbearers in the top photo are, from left, Joe Seweryniak, John Latko, Rob Warboys, Scott Mabon, Andrew Fowler and Roy Scroger.

For the full obituary of Bridge, click here.

Landmark Society picks three winners in annual drawing competition

By Howard B. Owens

We're a bit tardy in publishing this, but last week the Landmark Society of Genesee County gave out its annual awards in drawing contest, which is open to fourth-graders from throughout the county.

The first-place winner was Esmeralda O'Campo, center, from Elba Central School for her relief artwork of 4899 Ford Road, Elba. She receive $50, a framed certificate and a copy of the book "The Architectural Heritage of Genesee County."

The second-place winner was Isabella Riner, left, from Elba Central School for her mixed media artwork of 39 S. Main St., Elba.

The third-place winner was Gabrielle Root from St. Joseph School for her mixed media artwork of the E.N. Rowell House in Batavia.

Second- and third-place winners received $25, a framed certificate, and a copy of "The Architectural Heritage of Genesee County."

Honorable mentions were Trinity Aponte, Lauryn Engle, Morgan Harrington, Trevor Matthison, Adryona Miller, and Harmony Parker.

The guest judges this year were Sharon and Don Burkel, of Batavia. Sharon Burkel is an architectural historian and currently serves on the City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission. Don Burkel is the Executive Director of the Batavia Business Improvement District (BID). Both are members of the Landmark Society. 

Law and Order: Three DWI arrests over the weekend

By Howard B. Owens

Kelly A. Lucas, 41, of 62 Summit St., Le Roy, is charged with DWI. Lucas was reportedly involved in an ATV accident Friday night at a location just off Lake Street. Lucas reportedly lost control of the ATV and rolled it. She was arrested following an investigation by Le Roy PD. (Initial Report)

Joshua Andrew Robert Anstett, 18, of Caledonia, Ontario, Canada, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and possession or consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Anstett was charged following an investigation into an accident in the employee parking lot of Darien Lake Theme Park at 9:55 p.m., Saturday. Anstett is accused of driving over nine fence posts, striking three different chainlink fences and a set of wood stairs before he was stopped by Darien Lake security officers.

Christina Catherine Fiscus, 33, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Fiscus was stopped at 2:11 a.m., Sunday, on Route 262, Elba, by Sgt. Brian Frieday.

Four local students graduate from Alfred University

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The following students received degrees during Alfred University Commencemen on May 12:

Brittany Best, of Corfu, received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Inamori School of Engineering. Best, is the daughter of John and Genia Best and a graduate of Pembroke Central School.

Alicia Schuler, of Elba, received a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood/Childhood Educationation from the College Liberal Arts/Sciences. Schuler, is the daughter of Kelly and Susan Schuler and a graduate of Elba Central School.

Vincent Gravanda III, of Stafford, received a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Biology from the College Liberal Arts/Sciences. Gravanda, is the son of Vincent Gravanda and Judi Anderson-Tooze and a graduate of Le Roy J.r-Sr. High School.

James Bonacquisti Jr., of Le Roy, received a Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude in Biology from the College Liberal Arts/Sciences. Bonacquisti is the son of James and Michele Bonacquisti and a graduate of Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School.

The graduates were among 13 doctoral, 104 masters, and 423 bachelor's degree recipients who heard David J. Miller, AU Class of '66, tell them that Alfred University prepares its graduates to take risks in pursuing their passions.

Miller, a member of the AU Board of Trustees, said he owes his success as a noted lawyer and jazz musician, "in no small part to the experiences I had at Alfred University. It's the same for you," he said, noting it was on campus he learned "the importance of listening, reflecting, and respecting others' points of view.

"You need to take risks to perform on the stage of life," Miller told the Class of 2012. Then "you too can reap a life of fulfillment."

Alfred University, founded in 1836, became the first coeducational institution in New York State and the second in the nation. The university encourages students to undertake community service projects as an important part of their education. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks AU among the top 20 regional universities in the North.

Two-car accident at Transit and Bridge roads, Elba

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident, believed to be with injuries, is reported at Transit and Bridge roads. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:30 a.m.: A responder on scene reports injuries are minor.

UPDATE 11:36 a.m.: A second ambulance is requested to the scene, non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 11:51 a.m.: A third ambulance is called in, also in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 11:54 a.m.: The address is determined be "right at the intersection" -- 6050 Transit Road.

UPDATE 12:07 p.m.: All Elba units are back in service. The northbound lane will reopen after a tow and third ambulance leave the scene. So far, two patients are being transported to UMMC.

UPDATE 12:12 p.m.: The roadway is reopened. One patient is a 16-year-old female driver who was ambulatory at the scene and is being taken to the hospital for evaluation. The driver of the other car is a 38-year-old woman, who, along with a 4-year-old boy passenger, are being taken to the hospital with minor aches and pains.

Landmark Society announces preservation and restoration awards for 2012

By Howard B. Owens

This post has been updated with the write-up for the Griffen home.

Press release:

The Landmark Society of Genesee County will hold its annual Preservation Awards Dinner on May 19 at the St. James Episcopal Church ((405 E. Main St., Batavia). The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and the awards presentation will follow (at approximately 7 p.m.).

Six buildings in Genesee County will be recognized this year. Each year the awards committee tries to choose a group of structures that is varied in styles of architecture, geographic location, building materials, and type of building such as residences, churches, commercial, and public facilities.

“Historic preservation does not mean that everything must stay the same.  Rather, it focuses on the character and quality of construction,” explained Landmark Society President Laurie Oltramarie.

“Preservation comes in many forms --renovation, restoration, adaptive re-use, rehabilitation, and even reproduction. In a neighborhood, the ultimate goal of preservation is to maintain the character of a place and activity within it. And we think this year’s honorees accomplish that beautifully.”

The Landmark Society of Genesee County is a nonprofit, volunteer operated organization. Since 1965, The Landmark Society has encouraged local communities and individuals to work together to preserve our architectural heritage. Preservation, protection, and improvement of the landmarks located throughout Genesee County are the objectives of this organization.

Above, the home of Dave Howe on Alexander Road, Alexander. Here's more info on the house:

David Howe purchased this circa 1888 Shingle Style home in 1986. This handsome home features multiple gables and the original porte cochere.  Mr. Howe recently had the cedar shingles and clapboards restored and repainted. The interior features leaded and stained glass windows, inlaid hardwood floors, three original fireplaces with elaborate oak trim and ceramic tiles, original sliding window shutters, and natural oak trim.  Leaded glass windows in the dining room are bowed to produce a rainbow effect throughout the room. The matching shingled carriage house still stands and was recently re-roofed.

Here's a slide show of pictures of each the winners. If you have trouble viewing the slide show, click here. After the jump (click on the headline), pictures and write-ups of each of the other winners.

 

Roy and Frances Griffen

11137 Buckman Road

Pavilion, NY 14525

The proud owners of 11137 Buckman Road are Roy and Frances Griffen. This home, recognized by the Landmark Society for their tender, loving care, has been in Mr. Griffen’s family for almost 100 years. Mr and Mrs. Griffen have owned the home since 1980 and began living in it around 1984.

The current home is not the first one on this property. Prior to the construction of the existing home in 1916, there was another home on the property that burned. Mr. Griffen’s grandfather, Wakefield Burks and his wife Magdalena, built the home that stands today. Originally from England, Wakefield Burks was a farmer. All the lumber to build the home came by train to Linden and was brought by horse to the property, according to Mr. Griffen. One year after the home was built, one of the barns was built in 1917. Mr. Griffen still possesses the original plans for the house. It should be noted that the year 1874, that is located near the top of the front of the house is not the year that the home was built, rather it is the year that Mr. Griffen’s grandfather came here from England.

Upon the death of Mr. Griffen’s grandfather, the side door located in the front of the home was never used again after Mr. Burks’s casket was brought through it. Mrs. Burks and her son, Glover, along with a helper, Richard, continued to live in the home and kept the farm going. Mr. Griffen recalls sheep being on the farm and remembers his Uncle Glover delivering cream, milk and eggs to Batavia. Mr. Griffen spent a lot of time during the summer while young on the farm.

Mr. Griffen’s uncle never married and thus left the home and land to Mr. Griffen. At the time, Mr. and Mrs Griffen lived in Warsaw and decided to move to Buckman Road so that Mr. Griffen would be closer to where he worked in Batavia. Since the Griffens have owned the property, they added the garage onto the home. A previous garage was a distance from the home, making it difficult to bring in groceries and other items. The Griffens also have had the home painted every 10 years. Prior to their ownership, the home was painted all white. Their painter suggested a colored trim and the Griffens agreed, allowing the painter to add a light blue to the house.

Mr. Griffen recalls many events in this home, but feels that the best memory he has is that his whole family has lived in the house that he and his wife call home. Today, it is rare that one family resides in a town for 100 years, yet alone a home, making the Griffen’s story even more special. Mr. Griffen has no plans to even sell the home and foresees it staying in the family, for others to provide the same tender, loving care that he and his wife have given during their ownership.

Kistner Concrete Products, Inc.
10 Ellicott St.
Batavia, NY 14020
Renovation

By Larry D. Barnes

The story of the former St. James Rectory building really begins in 1812 when missionary bishops of the Episcopal Church started to visit the Batavia area.  Occasional services were held in the part of Ellicott Hall known as Hickock’s Inn.  Kneeling cushions for these services were stored at the home of Robert Smith and had to be carried to the Inn for each service.

In June of 1815, those who had been attending the Episcopalian services gathered for a business session to choose a committee to arrange for incorporation. The Holland Land Company gave the incorporated congregation a lot on Ellicott Street (then called Big Tree Street) and ground was broken in April of 1816 for a church building.

Building the church turned out to be a slow process with financing of the project a major obstacle. It took six years to complete the construction. Finally, in 1822, the congregation had a habitable brick building on a gray stone foundation standing about where the recent Ponderosa Restaurant used to be and where the Mexican restaurant Rancho Viejo currently stands.

Apparently the structural quality of this brick building left something to be desired and, in 1836, the Episcopalians tore it down. On the same foundation as the first church, they then erected a stone building that stood until 1975. (Incidentally, that building had problems, too, and the roof structure had to be torn off and rebuilt not too many years after the building’s erection. Observing the work now taking place on the tower of the current East Main church where stones have been falling from the building, it would seem that the Batavia Episcopalians have been unusually cursed with structural problems in their houses of worship.)

When the first church building was taken down in 1836, the bricks were saved for re-use. That “re-use” was the construction of a rectory next door at 10 Ellicott St.  This handsome building served as a rectory until 1909 when the congregation moved into its current church building at 405 E. Main St. The rectory building then entered into a series of new uses.

Starting in 1909, 10 Ellicott St. was owned by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 550. However, by 1912, the lodge had grown to 275 members, too many to meet comfortably in the former rectory. So, the Elks sold the building and moved to 213 E. Main St. where the organization remained for the rest of its existence. (Recall that the Main Street Elks building was torn down this past year.)

In the 1920s, the former rectory building became the property of the E. N. Rowell Co. The Rowell Company manufactured cosmetic boxes. One of its two main buildings was located where the new Genesee County Courthouse is situated.  The Rowell Co. used 10 Ellicott St. to print box labels and to store paper and cardboard. By the 1970s, it was in pretty sad shape. Many expected that it would be demolished, along with the other Rowell buildings, during Batavia’s urban renewal deconstruction phase.

In 1979, the Landmark Society of Genesee County purchased the old rectory building to save it from demolition. The Society restored the exterior and rebuilt the interior. (At one point, Catherine Roth and her husband, Dr. Laurence Roth, gave a $25,000 loan to fund the work.) Following restoration and renovation of the building, the Landmark Society sold the building in 1981 to Stephen B. Hughes, a local attorney. For a number of years, the structure was then used for law offices.

In 2007, 10 Ellicott St. was purchased by Kistner Concrete Products, Inc., a family owned business. William M. Kistner is the current head of the operation.  During the last five years, Tom Hume, construction and maintenance supervisor for the company, has been engaging in further restoration work on the building.  Mr. Hume has commonly been assisted by up to two employees working full-time on the project.

Time has not been kind to the old rectory. By the time Kistner Concrete purchased the building, it again needed major work. Most notably, a wall at the rear of the building was leaning severely and in danger of collapse. Stabilizing and repairing this wall was a major undertaking complicated in part by a need to replace about half of the brick work. The challenge of locating brick from the proper era was solved by salvaging brick from the former Masonic Lodge that was being torn down in Le Roy.

Brick work in other areas of the exterior wall required replacement of between 750 and 1,000 bricks. This was in addition to repointing the brick work, a significant undertaking in its own right.

Four second-floor windows have been replaced with custom-made units designed to replicate the original windows. The part of these windows exposed to the elements is made of painted aluminum. The interior parts are made of wood.  Four cellar windows have also been replaced. Ultimately, all the windows in the building will be replaced. It should be noted that this work has been undertaken in cooperation and under the supervision of the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. In fact, the Commission has recognized the work on the property with a plaque mounted on the exterior.

Additional exterior work has involved efforts to protect the foundation from water infiltration. A trench was dug down 6 feet around most of the building’s perimeter, the foundation surface was cleaned, re-mortared and parged, a tar coat was applied below grade, and a drainage system was constructed.

Extensive work has also occurred in the basement which had a dirt floor. In order to provide more ceiling clearance, 250 cubic yards of dirt were carried out in 5-gallon pails. Then a concrete floor was poured. An interesting feature of the basement is a fireplace located in the rear. A replacement mantle and hearth have been cast from concrete in a manner designed to create the appearance of stone. (Incidentally, when excavation occurred near the fireplace, large numbers of chicken bones were discovered, indicating that food preparation must have taken place there in the basement.) The walls of the basement were also cleaned and re-mortared. The space is now being used, among other things, for storage of records.

Work on the basement led to the discovery that the building is sitting over a bed of water-soaked sand. It’s one more support for the claim that Batavia is built on a swamp.

Other interior work on the first and second floors has involved removal of partitions to open up work areas. Trim has been installed which is historically appropriate, when the original couldn’t be retained. One particularly nice touch is the installation of floor registers made of cast iron and made in a style typical of the early 1900s.

Floors have been sanded, repaired as necessary, and stained. In some areas, the ink stains from the period when the Rowell Co. used the building have been deliberately left in view, a feature which evokes a part of the structure’s history.

Restoration and renovation of the building is an ongoing process with much left to be done. An example of such future work will be the resetting of the front steps which have settled considerably over the years. In another area, where blackened walls signal a past fire of some magnitude, the ceiling will be raised along with the roof above. How much longer will it take to finish this extensive undertaking? When pressed on the matter, Mr. Hume indicates that he hopes to be finished by his targeted date of retirement seven years from now.

Coffee Culture
6 Court St.

Batavia, NY 14020

Adaptive Re-use

By Laurie Oltramari

Preservation comes in many forms -- pure preservation, renovation, restoration, adaptive reuse, rehabilitation, and even reproduction. In our urban setting of Downtown Batavia, the ultimate goal of preservation is to maintain the character of a place and activity within it.

This corner of Court and Ellicott streets has had a lot of activity over the years including a hotel that predates the Park Hotel, which was built around 1880. In 1919, the hotel became the Lafayette Hotel. And in later years, the hotel was reported to serve as an overflow annex for the Hotel Richmond. In later years the building was sold to the Continental Motor Corporation. By mid-century it housed Trailways offices and terminal. The building was ultimately razed in 1965.

Its replacement was a one-story corner building within the downtown. Express Opticians occupied the space until 2009 when Coffee Culture offered to buy the building to house its Canadian-based coffee business. Although the building was not actually for sale, the price was right and thus, a form of rehabilitation took place.

A corner site is a prime location in terms of urban design and promotes the business mantra, "location, location, location." Its high visibility is good for business, but maintaining the corner anchors the downtown and its success can affect the overall block. Rehabilitation plays a huge role in the preservation of a downtown because it can make spaces functional once again.

Historic preservation does not mean that everything must stay the same. Rather, it focuses on the character and quality of construction. Coffee Culture has successfully taken the building and turned it into an inviting space. It has captured the essence of a cozy coffee shop with warm color tones, lighting, wood grains, and a reproduction tin ceiling. Its seating, both indoor and outside, are welcoming. Currently, Coffee Culture rents the space next door for meetings.

Brenda Richardson is the current manager of Coffee Culture and has brought tremendous energy to the downtown. Although Coffee Culture is located at the corner of Court and Ellicott streets, you will see Coffee Culture participate in all the downtown events -- the Downtown Batavia Public Market, Cinema in the Square, the Wine Walk, and the Taste of the Holidays, to name just a few. Community begins with communication and commitment, and Coffee Culture is most welcome in our community of Batavia.

The Landmark Society of Genesee County would like to present Coffee Culture with a Preservation Award for its role in the adaptive re-use of 6 Court St. in Batavia.

Matt and Laura Luft
4747 Oak Orchard Road

Elba, NY 14058
Restoration

By Loren Pflaumer

Nestled on just under two acres and surrounded on three sides by farmland, sits this quaint circa 1880 national style farmhouse. Matt and Laura Luft have spent the last five years painstakingly restoring and repairing their home. The house, which in the 1930s was known to travellers on Route 98 as the Happy Acres Tea House, was purchased at auction in 1996 by Torrey Farms. The Lufts attended the auction and were lucky enough to move into the home as renters. After living at the house for a few years, the Lufts purchased the property in 2005 and have been busy restoring it ever since.

The inside of the house is almost completely restored. The original wood floors have been sanded and refinished and saved wherever possible. Many of the rooms were suffocating under layers of wallpaper (12 layers were removed in one room!). The paper was removed, the walls painted, and all the trim and door hardware were cleaned up and re-used. An original light fixture was re-wired and salvaged. The brick fireplace was cleaned, touched up and a mantle was added. The stairs were stripped and refinished. The kitchen boasts built in cabinetry which Matt stripped and repainted and a swinging door leftover from the Happy Acre Tea House days. When a new exterior door was needed, the original was saved and repurposed. Matt and Laura have gone to great lengths to keep the house as true to its original style and layout as possible.

The work that the owners have done on the exterior is what gets this house noticed. Lifetime Elba resident Don Gavenda moved into this house as a child and lived here for many years. As far back as he can remember, the house was always painted white with green shutters. Matt and Laura were certain they were going to be the first to add more color to the place. Yellow and green were both considered, but when the new Bank of Castile building on West Main Street was built, the combination of brown and beige caught their eye. Having inquired at Sherwin Williams as to this color combination, they were told that the paint on the bank building could be matched exactly, as it had been mixed and bought at their store. So with the final color scheme in hand, Matt painted the entire place with no more than a coffee can and a paint brush. The contrasting colors really show off one of the homes best features, the arched porch supports.

The circa 1910 barn was also given a face lift. Originally built to house farm animals, the barn was later converted into a cold storage for onions. Former owner Maureen Marshall remembers buying fresh muck-grown produce from the owners when she was a child. Produce that she remembers as being the best and freshest around. The barn has had the faux brick siding removed, and the original underlying wood repainted. A new metal roof was added and a large entry door was moved from the side to the front. The smaller entry door is the door that was salvaged when the kitchen was redone. The finishing touch to their outdoor renovations was the addition of the split rail fence, which is always blooming and seasonally decorated.

It is such an honor to give the Lufts our Restoration Award this year. They have so much passion and love for their home that you sense it when they talk about it. They are not yet finished with all they plan to do and we look forward to watching the continuing transformation.

Tim and Lisette Stoddard
20 Ellicott Ave.
Batavia, NY 14020
Renovation

By Lucine Kauffman

The first thing you notice about this painted lady is the large circular front porch.  Upon closer inspection, you find an architectural surprise in every nook and cranny of this circa 1890 Queen Anne style home. Many of the ornamentation designs are drawn from the Colonial and New-Classical styles. In particular the oval window and wooden molding in the porch gable of an urn form reflect turn of the century design. There is also a small ornate “sleeping” porch on the second floor; and a recessed window with a balustrade in the top-most pediment suggesting another porch.

Each gable has its own unique decorative trim with variations of sunburst and foliated motifs.

Shingles, clapboards, and wooden panels cover the exterior.

Maria Kibbe purchased the residence in 1928 and it stayed in the Kibbe family until 1968. Real Estate Broker Harry Smith Kibbe, son of Chauncey Kibbe, lived here.

When the Stoddards bought this elegant home in 2006, they bought a “diamond in the rough.” The house had been divided into three apartments and the front porch was dangerously rotted. When they embarked on their long journey, they lived in one of the small upstairs apartments…with their four young children.  Their first priority was to create a functional kitchen and bathroom to accommodate their family. The house had other plans, though. The front porch collapsed, thus diverting their interior plans to the exterior. They put down a new mahogany floor, replicated the balustrade, and painstakingly bent wood boards to conform to the porch’s curve. Only the original top spindles were savable.

Back inside, the Stoddards set out to uncover the original floor plan. Doorways had been moved, walls built up and others torn out, and windows had been boarded over. The clue that guided them throughout the process were the intact narrow strips of mahogany wood that framed each room’s floor perimeter. 

Where able, they restored the existing original gumwood trim around the windows and doors. The living room fireplace mantle had several coats of white paint.  Lisa used knitting needles and a lot of patience to strip the paint from the crevices of the intricate design, and refinish the wood. They are currently in the process of restoring the main stairway. 

Where the Stoddards had to rebuild doorways, they recreated the trim style using poplar stained to replicate mahogany.  These doors were purchased in Pennsylvania years ago in anticipation that some day they would find a good home. 

The original stained glass foyer window provided inspiration for the kitchen window they had custom built. They also had a new stained glass window built for the dining room to replace the board that had been covering the opening.  Another original stained glass window brightens the living room. A curved glass bay window also graces the living room. Notice the narrow wooden strips border curved in concert with the windows.

Lisa diligently researched period appropriate interior decoration such as hardware, wall treatments, window treatments, furnishings, and light fixtures.  She scoured Ebay and estate sales to find items from the period. Of special note are the plaster medallions Lisa handcrafted to frame each ceiling light fixture.  Some have been given a “mod podge” treatment.

Building the kitchen was the first interior project the Stoddards took on. With Lisa’s skillful direction, Tim’s carpenters were able to create a room that blends with the rest of the house while incorporating all modern conveniences. The glass cupboard doors surrounding the range were custom built to match the kitchen window. Lisa sewed a curtain out of antique flour bags for her broom closet.  Again, period appropriate hardware accents were employed. On the kitchen walls wainscoting was installed topped with a plate rail.

The downstairs bathroom was also meticulously appointed with antique and reproduction fixtures. The hardwood floor had to be replaced because a bathroom pipe burst and ruined the original floor. 

The Stoddards believe that Tim’s office is the same room that Harry Kibbe used for his office. They stripped and refinished the original cupboards. Lisa antiqued the walls using a rag rolling painting technique. She then painted narrow frames on the wall to simulate panels. 

The Stoddards picked a five-color scheme for the exterior.

The carriage barn remains intact.

The Landmark Society is pleased to present Tim and Lisa Stoddard a Preservation Award for the excellent work they have done on their home, a stunning example of Queen Anne Style architecture inside and out.

Student artwork on display, regional arts council announces winners

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is delighted to host the Ninth Annual Genesee-Orleans Student Art Show, featuring works by more than 68 students from eight different Genesee and Orleans county schools distributed among three GO ART! galleries.

Accomplished artists from both counties volunteered their time as judges for the Student Art Show again this year, and these are the winners from Genesee County:

Genesee County

  • 1st Place: Tayler Mitchell (“Like a Boss”) -- 10th grade, Batavia High School
  • 2nd Place: Tessa Lynn (“Wolf”) - 8th grade -- Batavia Middle School
  • 3rd Place: Brendan O’Shea (“Hope”) -- 11th grade, Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School

Honorable Mention: Megan Jacques (“Car Crash”) -- 12th grade, Batavia High School
Honorable Mention: Joe Babcock (“Locked Up”) -- 11th grade, Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School
Honorable Mention: Payton Conley (“Altered Book”) -- 12th grade, Batavia High School

Exhibits of all students' artwork are on display now through Friday, June 1. Gallery hours vary, per the listings below.

Genesee County students with work on display are:
 
GO ART! Bank of Castile Main Gallery, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia – Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and by appointment.
 
Amanda Norway, grade 10, Elba Central School, “Self Portrait,” collage
Kelsey Bezon, grade 10, Elba Central School, “Still Life,” pencil
Clare Fraser, grade 7, Byron-Bergen Middle School, “John Lennon,” colored pencil
Mandy Morrow, grade 12, Elba Central School, “Still Life,” pencil
Victoria Snyder, grade 11, Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School, “Self Portrait,” acrylic
Tyra Smith, grade 10, Elba Central School, “Fish,” colored pencil/ink
Kayla Casper, grade 10, Elba Central School, “Junk Food Lunch,” colored pencil
Olivia Audsley, grade 7, Byron-Bergen Middle School, “Taylor Swift,” colored pencil
Jacob Chapman, grade 10, Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School, “Untitled,” white charcoal pencil on black charcoal paper
Cassandra Swanson, grade 12, Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School, “Drum Set,” pencil and colored pencil on white paper
Cassie Williams, grade 11, Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School, “Wicked,” graphite and colored pencil on white paper
Megan Amico, grade 12, Byron-Bergen High School, “The Final Frontier,” acrylic
Meghan Kogut, grade 7, Elba Central School, “Horse,” scratchboard
Michaela Kenward, grade 9, Byron-Bergen High School, “Untitled,” watercolor
Brandon Burke, grade 7, Byron-Bergen Middle School, “Steve Jobs,” colored pencil
Brittney Okoniewski, grade 12, Byron-Bergen High School, “Untitled,” oil pastel and mirrors on board
Samantha Sobszak, grade 12, Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School, “Masked,” acrylic paint on stretched canvas
Magen Peters, grade 11, Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School, “Dylan,” color pinhole photo taken with handmade camera
Kayla Wormuth, grade 9, Elba Central School, “Warhol Print,” linoleum block
Kassandra Shaver, grade 12, Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School, “Ice Cream,” colored pencil on illustration board
Amanda Castaneda, age 7, Elba Central School, “Perspective Spheres,” colored pencil
Cydney Teeter, age 7, Elba Central School, “Portrait Value Study,” tempera
Sydney Gallup, grade 12, Elba Central School, “Pepper Study,” pen and ink
Enrique Coleman, grade 11, Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School, “Untitled,” white charcoal pencil on black charcoal paper
Haley Brown, grade 9, Elba Central School, “Self Portrait,” collage
Brendan O’Shea (3rd Place), grade 11, Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School, “Hope,” Digital print
Joe Babcock (Hon. Mention), grade 11, Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School, “Locked Up,” mixed media
Kristen Bailey, grade 10, Byron-Bergen High School, “Life,” mixed media
Amanda Norway, grade 10, Elba Central School, “Pointillist Seascape,” acrylic
Sherena Majors, grade 12, Batavia High School, “Contradiction,” cardboard, mirror, paint, paper
Payton Conley (Hon. Mention), grade 12, Batavia High School, “Altered Book,” mixed media
Austin Blaszak, grade 10, Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School, “Untitled,” glazed porcelain and wood
Carley Sformo, grade 9, Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School, “Untitled,” glazed porcelain and wire
 
GO ART! Batavia Satellite Gallery, Genesee County Senior Center, 2 Bank St., Batavia – Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
 
Brittney Okoniewski, grade 12, Batavia High School, “Still Life on Altered Surface,” mixed media
Jamie Legg, grade 11, Batavia High School, “Still Life of Bottles on Altered Surface,” mixed media
Missy Fite, grade 12, Batavia High School, “Hand Drawing,” pencil
Katie Clark, grade 12, Batavia High School, “Mozart,” Collage, paint, pen
Megan Jacques (Hon. Mention), grade 12, Batavia High School, “Car Crash,” charcoal
Breanna Clark, grade 10, Batavia High School, “Alone (Japanese writing in sky),” acrylic paint
Tessa Lynn (2nd Place), age 8, Batavia Middle School, “Wolf,” colored pencil
Tayler Mitchell (1st Place), grade 10, Batavia High School, “Like a Boss,” printmaking/colored pencil
Garrett Bluhm, grade 10, Batavia High School, “Symbolic Self-Portrait,” pencil, colored pencil
Nate Ernst, grade 10, Batavia High School, “Still Life on Altered Surface,” cardboard/paint/charcoal
Desiree Janiga, grade 12, Batavia High School, “Symbolic Self-portrait,” colored pencil
Megan Jacques, grade 12, Batavia High School, “Nev,” colored pencil, charcoal, ebony, ink
 
Congratulations to all who participated, and thank you to our volunteer judges: Cheryl McCampbell and Kevin Hammon in Genesee County, and Howard (Tony) Barry and Connie Mosher in Orleans County.

GO ART! exhibits are made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State agency. For more information, contact GO ART! at 343-Grade 9313, info@GOart.org or visit www.GOart.org <http://www.GOart.org

Minor injury accident in the Village of Elba

By Billie Owens

A two-car, minor-injury accident is reported at 14 N. Main St. in the Village of Elba. It is not blocking traffic. One person has an arm injury.

UPDATE 5:14 p.m.: Elba is back in service. Law enforcement is on scene to manage traffic flow. Tow trucks are called in.

Local students achieve academic excellence at Buffalo State

By Billie Owens

The following students were recognized for outstanding academic achievement at Buffalo State's 55th annual Honors Convocation:

  • Abigail Copenhaver, a dietetics major from Corfu

 

  • Jillian Hunt, a career and technical education major from Corfu

 

  • Cara Robinson, a early childhood and childhood education major from Elba

 

  • Jessica Stabell, a anthropology major from Darien Center

To qualify, students must earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher and have accumulated a minimum of 45 credit hours. Buffalo State's Honors Convocation is held each spring to celebrate students who have achieved this level of academic excellence.

Founded in 1871, Buffalo State offers 166 undergraduate programs with 11 honors options and 65 graduate programs, including 19 postbaccalaureate teacher certification programs.

Ten students honored at NYS health occupations leadership conference

By Billie Owens

Ten local students representing Genesee Valley Educational Partnership were honored at the New York State Health Occupations Students of America Leadership Conference held last month in East Syracuse.

These exceptional students earned six medals, three achievement awards, two service project awards, one Barbara James Gold Community Service Award, one Presidential Gold Community Service Award, one “Outstanding New York State HOSA Officer Award" and one HOSA Chapter Poster Award.

Ten members of the HOSA chapters from the Batavia campus participated in competitive events and leadership activities.

Members from Charter #17115: Heather Hicks (Batavia High School); Feyza Osmancikli (Oakfield-Alabama Central School); and Courtney Zufall (Attica).

Charter # 17125: Mechelle Bradley (Caledonia- Mumford); Kelly Cook (Elba); Jeffery Elleman (Alexander Central School); Jessica Fuller (Byron-Bergen High School); Brianna Hofert (Elba); Jenna Pangrazio (Elba); and Keri Ramsey (Alexander Central School).

Charter #17115 earned the HOSA Chapter Poster Award, and Feyza Osmancikli earned First Place in Job Seeking Skills.

Charter # 17125: Mechelle Bradley earned Third Place in Medical Photography; Kelly Cook earned First Place in Interviewing Skills and Third Place in Personal Care; Jeffery Elleman earned First Place in Medical Photography; Jessica Fuller earned Second Place in Interviewing Skills.

Brianna Hofert earned a Barbara James Gold Community Service Award; a Presidential Gold Community Service Award -- and the most prestigious award -- New York State Outstanding HOSA Officer for 2012. Brianna is required to attend the National HOSA Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla., where she will be honored for all three of these awards. (Brianna participated in the National HOSA Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C., September 2011.)

Kelly Cook was elected to serve as a New York State HOSA State Officer for the 2012-2013 School year. Kelly will serve in the role of NYS secretary and Region E vice-president. Kelly is required to attend Officer Training Camp June 25-28 in Albany.

Heather Hicks, Feyza Osmancikli; Courtney Zufall; Jenna Pangrazio, Mechelle Bradley, Kelly Cook, Jeffery Elleman, Jessica Fuller and Keri Ramsey participated as volunteers in the New York State HOSA Courtesy Corp. Keri Ramsey also volunteered her time as a patient in two competitive events, “EMT” and “First Aid and Rescue Breathing."

Susan Mills (NY State HOSA chaperone, and Attendance Officer for GVEP), Jenna Pangrazio, Kelly Cook and Jessica Fuller earned the NY State HOSA Achievement Award.

All students who have received a first-, second- or third-place honor, per the HOSA National Charter, have earned the right to attend the National HOSA Leadership Conference in Orlando.

Karen Emerson attended the event as a chaperone. Richard Queal provided transportation for the group. Don Shucknect was the male chaperone, Mary Beswick was a bus chaperone, and Sue Mills was the extraordinary overnight chaperone and HOSA supporter. Bonny Shelby is the HOSA advisor and Health Dimensions instructor for the students named above. Shelby is also a registered nurse at the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership -- Batavia campus.

Help us reach our fund-raising goal to send these students to Nationals by joining us for a pancake breakfast at Applebee's Restaurant in Batavia from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 12. Tickets are $5.

Accident on Norton Road and Route 262, Elba

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at Norton Road and Route 262. One person is complaining of a facial injury. It is partially blocking the roadway. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 2:23: A second ambulance is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 2:41 p.m.: A Mercy rig is transporting two patients to UMMC after their vehicle "broadsided" another vehicle, causing "moderate front-end damage" to the vehicle occupied by the patients. The driver is a 70-year-old man who has lacerations on his upper and lower lips and seat-belt marks and bruising. The passenger is a 30-year-old woman with bruising from her seat belt. CORRECTION: A family member informs us the patients were 17 and 13.

UPDATE 2:48 p.m.: The driver of the other vehicle is also being taken to UMMC by Mercy. The 33-year-old man is complaining of shoulder pain.

UPDATE 2:53 p.m.: Elba is back in service.

Interim principal to finish out school year at Elba Central School

By Howard B. Owens

The Elba Elementary Central School will operate under the supervision of an interim principal for the remainder of the school year, according to District Superintendent Jerry Piwko.

Last month, the school board was unable to reach a consensus on who to hire permanently for the position and two weeks ago, Tom Cox, a retired administrator from Lyndonville, was placed into the job temporarily.

A new recruitment and interview process won't start until the school year closes, Piwko said, adding that he hopes a new principal can be hired by August, if not sooner.

"The sooner the better, and we'll go from there," Piwko said.

The position has been vacant since early December, when former principal Jason Smith resigned to accept a superintendent's job in Lyndonville.

"Jason is a great person and a great administrator and he was offered a great opportunity," Piwko said.

The process used to try and find a replacement for Smith involved a faculty search committee, a second interview community, parental involvement and the final two candidates interviewed with Piwko.

However, at their April meeting, the board was unable to come to an agreement on hiring a candidate.

Piwko said the process will be reviewed and he anticipates using a similar process this summer.

Elba man promoted in the N.Y. Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Christopher Green, of Elba, is among the members of New York Army National Guard who have been promoted in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

The announcement was made by Major General Patrick A. Murphy, the Adjutant General for the State of New York.

Green is serving with the Company E, 3-126th Aviation and is promoted to the rank of Private First Class.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber citizen soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Christopher-Green-Receives-New-Rank-New-Responsibility/3812436.

Water back on in Elba, Route 98 still closed

By Howard B. Owens

The broken water main in Elba has been repaired and water service restored.

Route 98 will remain closed for a couple of more hours while crews patch the roadway.

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