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It's more than just ‘Rumours’ that Songbirds pay tribute to Fleetwood Mac

By Howard B. Owens
songbirds fleetwood mac tribute band
The Songbirds in their practice studio in Corfu: Christian Hehr, Julia Riley, Jeffrey Fischer, Dave Cocuzzi, and Maryssa Peirick. The Songbirds bring their live versions of Fleetwood Mac to Jackson Square on Friday.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Why would a few friends in and around their 20s with roots in and around Batavia come together to play the music of Fleetwood Mac, a band whose biggest-selling album, “Rumours,” came out when their parents were barely out of their teens themselves?

It's timeless music, they say. It's authentic. It's fun and challenging to play. And everybody knows and loves the songs, even their coworkers and friends.

The Songbirds is comprised of

  • Dave Cocuzzi - Drums 
  • Jeffrey Fischer - Bass/Keys/Vocals
  • Christian Hehr - Guitar/Vocals
  • Maryssa Peirick - Keys/Vocals 
  • Julia Riley - Vocals/Aux Percussion/Ukulele 

The one person who connected all musicians together was Jeffrey Fischer, who met Peirick (the Christine McVie of the band) during high school in a summer musical theater camp and met Riley (Stevie Nicks) at an all-state chorus event while in high school, and Fischer played in various bands with Cocuzzi and Hehr.

All along, they all had a common love for Fleetwood Mac, but things didn't get rolling until Hehr posted on Facebook that he dreamed of playing in a Lindsay Buckingham/Fleetwood Mac tribute band.

Hehr, Fischer, and Cocuzzi joked around about it.  The talk got serious when they learned Peirick and Riley were moving back to the Batavia area.

"I kind of got roped into this," Peirick said. "Batavia is home to me, and I moved back in 2020 and reconnected with Jeff. At the same time, Julia moved back from Portland, Oregon. They sort of pitched the idea to me. Jeff and Dave were like, 'Hey, do you want to be in a Fleetwood Mac tribute band? I said, 'I'll try anything once, right?' I've loved Fleetwood Mac for a long time, but I didn't think it would take off like this. I'm very glad that it did, but I definitely kind of got pressured into it, if you will."

The band played its first gig in Attica in December 2021. They're now playing six to eight gigs a month. A lot of them are private parties, which Riley said also gives the band a chance to stretch out and explore other bands from the same period, such as the Eagles.

"The parties are fun for us because we get to expand beyond Fleetwood and into other high-energy rock. We're Mac-heads through and through, but with the talent and interests across our group, it's always fun to explore other styles," Riley said.

On Friday, they will play what is arguably their biggest gig in Batavia yet -- a concert in Jackson Square.  It's not their local debut -- they played a block party on South Swan last summer -- but Jackson Square shows always draw a lot of local music fans.

Buckingham to Nicks and McVey
Hehr doesn't shy away from being called a Fleetwood Mac nerd.  He's the guy who tracks down every possible live recording, watches all of the documentaries, and reads the books and articles. He's just the guy a tribute band needs to bring some historical context to the act and also the musical knowledge to help the band get inside the heads of the artists they're emulating.

"I like studying the parts and finding the patterns in the songwriting -- so, like how Stevie writes versus how Lindsay writes, and identifying those elements in it," Hehr said. "So when we bring it into practice, if we're having trouble figuring out a certain part, I can contribute and say, 'well, knowing Stevie, her chord progressions are very simple and very back and forth, so chances are, it's this chord.'"

Hehr's love of Fleetwood Mac started with guitar. He started playing when he was 13, but it wasn't long before he abandoned picks. He preferred early on playing with his fingers, and this led to an appreciation of fingerstyle guitar, an area where Lindsey Buckingham is a master.

"I just had an affinity for Fleetwood Mac through Lindsey Buckingham's playing," Hehr said. "There was one song I always vowed to myself that if I could ever play it, I would consider that I've made it as a guitar player, and that was 'Never Going Back Again.'"

"He uses Travis picking often," Hehr explained. "'Never Going Back Again' is a good example of him using compound rhythms. He's playing quarter notes with his thumb, but he's doing triplets with his other fingers at the same time, and somehow it works out. It's just incredible.

"When I was finally able to play that song, I was like, I felt so good about myself. I felt very accomplished because that song is very intense and very complicated. I loved the challenge of it, and it was gratifying to finally get it."

Early Mac
While most of the band gravitates to the era of Fleetwood Mac that featured Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks, Jeffrey Fischer is more of a Peter Green-era Mac fan.

Peter Green was the original lead guitarist and a bit of a mythical figure among guitar aficionados because he accomplished so much in such a few years before apparently losing his mind to LSD.

"Peter Green, in my opinion, was the most progressive, in the weirdest experimental way, pushing the boundaries of what blues is, and it's just great to listen to. It's more psychedelic. It's breaking all the rules in the best ways," Fischer said.

And because the Songbirds are a group of top-notch musicians, they love including some of those early Mac tunes in their sets.

"It's really an opportunity for myself and the other instrumentalists to jam out and show off our chops," Fischer said.

But what he appreciates most about being in a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, he said, are the close harmonies.  Since he's the bass player, the John McVie of the band, and McVie isn't known for overly complicated bass parts, it gives Fischer a chance to sit back, in a manner of speaking, and enjoy the vocals.

"I've always wanted to be in a band that was able to sing very tight together," Fischer said. "I would say my chorus teacher in high school really instilled this love of harmony in me. The Beach Boys, Doobie Brothers, the Eagles, all of these bands that are able to sing so close, even the Beatles, he instilled in me how beautiful harmonies can be. And not only just in terms of music but in terms of like a life philosophy, how it is just great to harmonize with one another."

The Songbirds have been a chance for Peirick to get back to musical performance, something she studied for two years at SUNY Fredonia but took a break from for a few years to take on a nursing career.

"It definitely scratched that itch for me," Peirick said. "When they asked me to come back to do this, it had been approximately eight years since I'd touched a piano. And I guess they weren't lying when they said it's like riding a bike."

The live music experience
While some tribute bands put their own touches on classic songs, and others try to precisely reproduce what audiences are used to hearing from studio recordings, the Songbirds have studied Fleetwood Mac's live recordings and try to bring that energy and vitality to their performances.

"There are a lot of tribute bands that recreate the studio tracks," Hehr said. "That alone is super duper challenging. You're compensating for layers and layers of tracks (recorded in the studio). I think one of the areas we excel in is being able to listen to Fleetwood Mac and ask, 'How did they do it live? How would they have done it back in 1976? And what parts were they prioritizing?' And then that clues us into what they were thinking about -- what was the most important part of that song for them to do? Why is Lindsey not playing this part? Why is Stevie not singing this part? So, in that way, we are trying to recreate that live Fleetwood Mac feel."

Fischer likes trying to recreate the Fleetwood Mac experience as a live band because that is what it was like going to see the band in concert back in the 1970s. That discovery of something new is why people paid for a ticket in the first place.

"It carries on that torch," Fischer said. "It carries on that tradition, that live music is something you can't experience anywhere else. Every live show is different, and you're getting something unique at each show."

Peirick said the Songbirds, with their play-it-live ethos, bring something new to the tribute band concept.

And she isn't surprised to see people across generations going for it.

We all know the songs
Everybody, she said, loves the music.

"It was just the golden era of California music," Peirick said. "(Rumours) was the perfect summer album that people can just pick up at any point and say, 'Wow, this is really catchy and really good.' I think that it stood the test of time because of that. I think that a lot of people, regardless of age, find it really agreeable."

She recalled talking to a trainee at work recently. She mentioned she played in a Fleetwood Mac tribute band. 

"Fleetwood Mac? Who's that," the trainee asked.

So she played her three songs -- "Go Your Own Way," "Dreams," and "Everywhere." 

"And she said, 'Oh, these are all Fleetwood Mac. I definitely know Fleetwood Mac.' So I think that's part of the appeal, too, right? It's the music that we all know, that we're all familiar with. But we (the Songbirds) sort of bring new energy to it because we're doing the live versions of the way they perform the songs instead of the studio versions. So it's a fresh twist on an old favorite."

Fischer is pleased to see things working out so well for a young band that started out with a half-joke of "Let's start a Fleetwood Mac tribute band."

"We're receiving a lot more attention than I ever thought we would," Fischer said. "We're playing venues that bands who have been together for years and years have not had the opportunity to play. We're just really excited to see where it takes us."

Songbirds play this Friday, Aug. 11, in Jackson Square from 7 to 9 p.m. and from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 3 at Triangle Park in Oakfield. Admission is free.

songbirds fleetwood mac tribute band
Christian Hehr
Photo by Howard Owens
songbirds fleetwood mac tribute band
Maryssa Peirick
Photo by Howard Owens.
songbirds fleetwood mac tribute band
Jeffrey Fischer 
Photo by Howard Owens
songbirds fleetwood mac tribute band
Dave Cocuzzi
Photo by Howard Owens.
songbirds fleetwood mac tribute band
Christian Hehr, Julia Riley, and Jeffrey Fischer.
Photo by Howard Owens
songbirds fleetwood mac tribute band
Photo by Howard Owens

Graham Corp. announces strong first quarter, expanded production in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM) (“GHM” or the “Company”), a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission-critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy and process industries, today reported financial results for its first quarter ended June 30, 2023 (“first quarter fiscal 2024”).

Daniel J. Thoren, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We had a better-than-expected start to the year with strong first-quarter results. We had improved execution, utilized our expanded capacity and are timely delivering to customer requirements, even as schedules may shift. We also benefited in the quarter from an unusually better mix of business and the timing of projects flowing through production. Importantly, we continue to strengthen our relationships with our defense customers, advance opportunities in the space industry and are positioning the business to serve the new energy markets with cryogenic solutions. The investments we made to meet defense customers’ delivery requirements have proven to be effective and was validated by the $13.5 million strategic investment we received to expand our capabilities and be ready to support future opportunities, if selected. We have earned the position of being a key strategic supplier to support the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.”

Separately, the Company announced today that it had received a strategic investment by a customer to expand production capabilities at its Batavia, New York facility.

He added, “While we delivered in the quarter, there is still much work to do to get where we need to be as an organization. We are making investments in infrastructure, information systems and people. We are evolving the culture of the Company as well. I have been excited to see how our teams are questioning and challenging each other. Everyone is stepping up to own our future. While we have made measurable progress these last two years, we will continue to drive to advance our operations to deliver on our goals to exceed $200 million in revenue and achieve low to mid-teen adjusted EBITDA margins by fiscal 2027.”

First Quarter Fiscal 2024 Performance Review (All comparisons are with the same prior-year period unless noted otherwise.)

($ in millions except per share data)

*Graham believes that adjusted EBITDA (defined as consolidated net income before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, other acquisition related expenses (income), and other unusual/nonrecurring expenses), and adjusted EBITDA margin (adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales), which are non-GAAP measures, help in the understanding of its operating performance. Moreover, Graham’s credit facility also contains ratios based on adjusted EBITDA as defined in the lending agreement. Graham also believes that adjusted net income and adjusted diluted net income per share, which excludes intangible amortization, other costs related to the acquisition, and other unusual/nonrecurring (income) expenses, provides a better representation of the cash earnings of the Company. See the attached tables and other information on pages 10 and 11 for important disclosures regarding Graham’s use of adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share, as well as the reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted net income per share.

Net sales of $47.6 million increased 32%, or $11.5 million. Growth in the defense market, as well as improvements in the commercial aftermarket, more than offset softness in the refining industry and declines in the space market. Aftermarket sales to the refining and petrochemical markets were $9.2 million, up 49%. See supplemental data for a further breakdown of sales by market and region.

Compared with the prior year period, the 63% increase in gross profit and 440 basis point expansion of gross margin reflected higher margin projects, improved pricing, timing of material receipts and improving execution.

Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”), inclusive of amortization, in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 was $7.3 million, or 15% of sales, up $1.5 million over the prior-year period. Approximately $0.9 million of the increase was attributable to higher performance-based compensation expense, including $0.8 million related to the supplemental performance bonus payout to Barber Nichols employees in connection with the 2021 acquisition.

Net income nearly tripled to $2.6 million, or $0.25 per diluted share. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted net income* and net income per diluted share* were $3.6 million and $0.33, respectively, compared with $1.3 million and $0.12 during the same period a year ago.

Cash Management and Balance Sheet

Cash generated from operations in the first quarter was $8.6 million. Cash and cash equivalents on June 30, 2023, were $24.7 million up from $18.3 million on March 31, 2023. Capital expenditures for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 were $1.5 million.

Debt at quarter end was down $0.4 million to $11.3 million compared with March 31, 2023. As of June 30, 2023, the Company was in compliance with its lending agreement with a leverage ratio as calculated in accordance with the terms of the credit facility of 1.6x. At June 30, 2023, the amount available under the revolving credit facility was approximately $26 million to support organic growth initiatives.

Orders and Backlog 

Orders for the three-month period ended June 30, 2023, were up $27.6 million, or 69%, to $67.9 million compared with $40.3 million for the same period of fiscal 2023. Included in orders and backlog is the $13.5 million strategic investment from a major defense customer which the Company announced separately today. The purpose of the investment is to expand its Batavia production capabilities for complex defense components including delivering on $8.5 million follow on orders received from that customer.

Aftermarket orders for the refining and petrochemical markets were $7.9 million in the first quarter fiscal 2024, down from $10.1 million in the first quarter fiscal 2023 and lower than the $9.3 million in orders received in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.

Backlog for the quarter was $322.0 million, up 24% compared with the prior-year period and up 7% compared with the end of the trailing fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. Approximately 50% of orders currently in backlog are expected to be converted to sales in the next twelve months and another 25% to 30% is expected to convert to sales over the following year. The majority of orders expected to convert beyond twelve months are for the defense industry, specifically the U.S. Navy.

Christopher J. Thome, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, noted, “The strategic investment we received from our defense customer is recorded in backlog and represents pre-payment on current and potential future orders. The cash investment will be used to expand our capabilities and positions us to meet our customer’s requirements and support the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding schedule.”

Photos: Rainbows and sunset on Monday

By Howard B. Owens
rainbow
Rainbow on Sweetland Road in Stafford, submitted by Todd and Laura Englerth.

There were rainbows along with a pretty nice sunset in Genesee County for photographers to enjoy on Monday.

rainbow
Caitlin Napper sent in this photo of a rainbow in Le Roy.  If you look closely, you can see a bit of a double rainbow.
rainbow
Rainbow in Batavia, submitted by Tom Tharp.
Sunset
Sunset in Indian Falls, submitted by Joanne Meiser.

'You always left laughing' -- community remembers good times at Stumblin' Inn at community concert

By Howard B. Owens
stumblin inn show 2023
Savage Cabbage performs during a free, multi-band concert at the site of the former Stumblin' Inn in Elba on Saturday.
Photo by Howard Owens.

The Stumblin' Inn is gone but nowhere near forgotten. It's been five years since the hub of community life in Elba, and a favorite venue of area musicians was lost in a fire.

The community came together on Saturday to recall some of those memories, celebrate the good times, listen to -- and play -- some favorite music, and help raise some money for a charity that benefits young adults and adolescents dealing with cancer.

"This was about bringing the community together and paying tribute to my ad, Jim Goff, and my uncle, Stork, and the Stumblin' Inn, and it's nice to see everybody show up and support a good cause," said Jessica Goff. "It's good to get everybody together again. It's a great turnout."

Jessica was selling Stumblin' Inn memorability to benefit the Dear Jack Foundation.

The event was organized by the Elba Betterment Committee. 

There were three hours of music provided by Savage Cabbage, Dave Viterna, Mac, Front Porch Pickers, and Dylan Desmit.

"It does bring back memories," said Barbie Starowitz, whose brothers are members of Savage Cabbage. "We all grew up coming to the Stumblin' Inn. We were all working in the fields, and this is where we'd come. There are a of really good memories.  Our entire family always went to the Stumblin' Inn for a nice cold one and a good laugh. It was like Cheers.  You walked in, and it didn't matter what you were wearing or how you were doing or how you felt; you always left laughing and having a good time."

Photos by Howard Owens

stumblin inn show 2023
stumblin inn show 2023
stumblin inn show 2023
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stumblin inn show 2023
stumblin inn show 2023
stumblin inn show 2023
stumblin inn show 2023
stumblin inn show 2023
stumblin inn show 2023
stumblin inn show 2023
stumblin inn show 2023

Residential units in Bergen filled with smoke

By Howard B. Owens

A four-unit residential complex at 6163 North Lake Road, Bergen, is reportedly filled with smoke.

There is smoke in the basement.

The units have been evacuated except for one unit, which may not be occupied.

Bergen Fire dispatched.

UPDATE 2:42 p.m.: Possible hot water tank fire that is now out.

Photo: The Hardcore Happening in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens
hardcore happening 2023
Jesse Coots and his daughters get the show started with a burnout in Jesse's GMC pickup.
Photo by Philip Casper

The Coots family hosted its annual party for auto enthusiasts, the Hardcore Happening, in Pavilion on Saturday.

Photos by Philip Casper.

The Coots family hosted their annual party for auto enthusiasts, the Hardcore Happening, in Pavilion on Saturday.  Photos by Philip Casper.
The Coots family hosted their annual party for auto enthusiasts, the Hardcore Happening, in Pavilion on Saturday.  Photos by Philip Casper.
The Coots family hosted their annual party for auto enthusiasts, the Hardcore Happening, in Pavilion on Saturday.  Photos by Philip Casper.
The Coots family hosted their annual party for auto enthusiasts, the Hardcore Happening, in Pavilion on Saturday.  Photos by Philip Casper.
hardcore happening 2023
The Coots family hosted their annual party for auto enthusiasts, the Hardcore Happening, in Pavilion on Saturday.  Photos by Philip Casper.

 

hardcore happening 2023
The Coots family hosted their annual party for auto enthusiasts, the Hardcore Happening, in Pavilion on Saturday.  Photos by Philip Casper.
hardcore happening 2023

 

Photos: Don Felder at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens
don felder at Batavia Downs

Supporting acts for headliner Don Felder were the High Water Band and Yachut Fathers.

Photos by Nick Serrata.

don felder at Batavia Downs
don felder at Batavia Downs
don felder at Batavia Downs
don felder at Batavia Downs
don felder at Batavia Downs

Photos: Bontrager's Auction wins GLOW Corporate Cub

By Howard B. Owens
GLOW Cup 2023

For the third straight year, Kim Mills of Oakfield and representing Batavia City Schools, was the top women's runner in the GLOW Corporate Cup, finishing with a time of 20:25.

Zac Jantzi, running on the Bontrager Auction and Real Estate Team, finished first overall with a time of 17:16, beating his second-place time of 2022 of 17:24.

Bontrager's won the Corporate Cup, represented by Jantzi, John Bruggman (2nd overall at 17:59), and Abby Jantzi (2nd among women with a time of 21:20).

Genesee Valley BOCES was the second-place team. Their top three finishers were John Scnitter, Samantha Walker, and Lisa Nixon.

Third place went to Liberty Pumps (Jacob Cone, Nathan Balduf, and Bryson Tobolski).

There was a total of 605 people who completed the course either as runners or walkers.

For complete results, click here.

Photos by Philip Casper.

GLOW Cup 2023
GLOW Cup 2023
GLOW Cup 2023
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GLOW Cup 2023
GLOW Cup 2023

Edge Softball hosting tryouts starting Monday at BHS

By Howard B. Owens

The Edge Softball Travel Team is holding tryouts starting Aug. 7 at Batavia High School.

Tryout times are 6 to 6:30 p.m. for pitchers and catchers, 6:30 to 8 p.m. for all other positions.

Registration begins 15 minutes prior to tryout.

Teams:

  • Aug. 7, 16u and 18u
  • Aug. 8, 12u and 14u
  • Aug. 9, 16u and 18u
  • Aug. 10, 12u & 14u.

For pre-registration text or email Coach Brian Mruczek, brianmruczek@yahoo.com or 585-993*1170. Please include the player's name, date of birth, contact information, and position.

Sign ups open for seven-on-seven flag football tournament

By Howard B. Owens

Seven-on-seven flag football returns to Batavia on Aug. 27 for a cash-prize tournament for teams of seven to 13 players.

The tournament is being organized by Ray Williams, Thomas Ognibene, and Noah Talone.

Team sign-ups are being accepted up until the week of the tournament, and the cost is $650 per team.

The total cash prize for the winning team will be announced once organizers know how many teams are participating.  In the past, the first-place prize has been $2,500.

Participants receive a team shirt.

For more information, call Ray at 585-356-5956, Thomas at 585-297-9409, or Noah at 585-813-8733.

Thursday's GLOW Corporate Cup expected to push cumulative donations to more than $200K for YMCA

By Howard B. Owens
GLOW cup steve tufts
GLOW Corporate Cup organizer Steve Tufts last week with the Corporate Cup at the official Genesee County Fair's Media Center.
Photo by Howard Owens.

When the runners take the line today for the 10th GLOW Corporate Cup at Centennial Park Thursday evening, at least a dozen of the participants will share the rare distinction of being the only ones to take to the track every year of the event.

That will make them part of a fundraiser that will surpass this year's $200,000 in cumulative donations to the GLOW YMCA since 2014.

Close to 800 runners and walkers are expected to complete the 5K track, said race organizer Steve Tufts.

Tufts has organized the race since the first year, because Merrill Lynch office partner John Riter approached him about organizing a corporate challenge style 5K more than a decade ago.  Riter came to Tufts because Tufts had experience laying out courses and ensuring they obtain 5K certification.

"The thing that makes the GLOW Cup unique is we entertain people," Tufts said. "We bring live music. This year it's Groove, a local band, and it's always a local band, and most of the teams bring their own food, have it catered, or cook right on site. It's like a corporate picnic built right into Centennial Park."

A twist this year to the race is the "couples challenge," or as it's known at the Corporate Cup, the "CUPles Challenge." The three married couples with the lowest cumulative times will win prizes, with a random drawing prize that all couples, regardless of time, are eligible to win.

Tufts said some smaller companies now use the Corporate Cup as their company's annual picnic, saving the expense of doing a separate event. One local company used to set up their own horseshoe pits each year.

"It's different things to different people," Tufts told The Batavian last week while visiting the Media Center at the Genesee County Fair. "But I think the thing that makes it successful is it's the GLOW region, and people do enjoy a night where they're not heading all the way over to the Rochester or Buffalo areas. This is in our back yard. From a runner's perspective, people do like the course because it's super fast. It is accurate. It's a certified course, which means it's an accurate distance, but it's not eligible for World Records, I'm sorry to say, because it's got a little bit too much down elevation for the distance. That is because we start out by the Blind School, and it goes down the hill down to Northside Deli and then turns left, and then it's pretty flat after that. So, just a little bit too much down for USA Track and Field Conference."

The certification expires in 2024, so Tufts plans to alter the course to start closer to State Street and end the race further up Ellicott Avenue, which should solve the elevation problem, just in case anybody wants to try and set a world record for his or age bracket.

Merrill Lynch chose the GLOW YMCA because the Y, like the Batavia Merrill Lynch office, serves the entire GLOW region.

The bonus is, the Y comes with a built-in set of volunteers.

"Right now, I'd say I wouldn't want it any other way," Tufts said. "I'm not sure how long I would get 70 people out on my course keeping people safe (without the Y). So it's been a great partnership."

Corporate sponsors help cover event expenses, which ensures all of the $25 entry fees go to the Y, Tufts said. Because of corporate sponsors, the organizers have been able to maintain the $25 entry fee, so it remains affordable for small businesses and individuals.

In the first year of the race, Tufts said they were expecting about 350 participants. They had more than 400.  It went up every year until more than 800 in 2019, the last race before the pandemic. There was no race in 2020, and in 2021 numbers were down.  In 2021, there were more than 700 again, but Tufts doesn't expect to exceed 800 this year because race participation across the nation, he said, is down since the pandemic.

The event has drawn a lot of sponsor support this year, and with anticipated participation from runners and walkers, Tufts expects to raise more than $25,000 for the Y this year, stopping the 2019 record of $23,005.

Last year was the second-best year at $22,963.

Going into this year, the cumulative total was nearly $180,000 raised.

The race starts at 6 p.m. today (Thursday).

Truck and trailer rollover accident reported on the Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A truck and trailer rollover accident is reported in the eastbound lane of the Thruway in the area of mile marker 397.8.

No word on injuries.

East Pembroke Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 11:09 a.m.: No injuries. The Thruway is blocked by the truck and trailer.

GO ART! hosting dodgeball tournament at The McCarthy on Aug. 12

By Howard B. Owens
go art dodgeball 2023
GO ART!'s Angie Dickson with the toss and Justin Reynolds calls out Gregory Hallock in a promotional shot for GO ART!'s upcoming dodgeball tournament.
Photo by Howard Owens.,

On a search for a fun fundraising activity that might draw in members of the community who don't typically support the arts, GO ART! Executive Directory Gregory Hallock hit upon a fanciful idea -- a dodgeball tournament.

After looking around a bit, Hallock realized there doesn't seem to be any other dodgeball tournaments in the area, so the idea also had the advantage of being unique.

So, GO ART! is hosting its inaugural dodgeball tournament on Saturday, Aug. 12 at the David M. McCarthy Ice Arena at 5 p.m.

Teams of six to eight people cost $200, which includes a beverage. There will be prizes for best team uniforms and best team name.

For those who are of an artistic bent -- and Hallock stresses, this is not required -- there will be a rap battle/poetry slam.

That helps keep the arts connected to the event, he said.

The event is sponsored by the David M. McCarthy Ice Arena and Eli Fish Brewing Co.

You can sign up your team online by clicking here.

"When we thought of the idea, it also immediately made us think of the dodgeball movie, and we realized that was all about being funny and having fun, so this is about being funny and having fun. It's the comedy side of arts," Hallock said.

go art dodgeball 2023
Justin Reynolds, Angie Dickson, and Gregory Hallock.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Photo: Wet concrete outside Batavia's Fire Hall

By Howard B. Owens
city fire apron
New concrete outside of the Fire Hall on Evans Street in Batavia.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Batavia's Fire headquarters has a new apron, or driveway, as part of a construction project at the facility.

Previously, Chief Joshua Graham told The Batavian: "The construction that took place back then was not designed for the weight of today’s fire apparatus. Due to that fact, the concrete is cracking up and falling apart," he said to The Batavian Thursday. "The apron itself consists of tearing the only concrete out and pouring new slabs. We then have to wait until it has hardened enough to support the weight of our trucks."

Batavia man accused of assaulting medic on ambulance

By Howard B. Owens

A 50-year-old Batavia resident is charged with assault in the second degree after allegedly assaulting a emergency medic while riding in an ambulance early Saturday morning.

James Ronald Tillery, of Farwell Drive, was being transported to a hospital for medical treatment from Route 63 in Bethany when he allegedly attacked the medic.

It's alleged that he caused physical injury to the medic.

Tillery was taken into custody by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun and Sgt. Andrew Hale and transported to the Genesee County Jail and held pending arraignment.

Tillery has three prior arrests reported locally.  In April 2022, he was charged with criminal mischief for allegedly damaging property at a restaurant on East Main Street. In 2020, he was charged with criminal tampering for allegedly mowing a profane word into the grass of city property.  And in 2018, he was charged with harassment for allegedly striking another person.  The status of those cases is not known at this time.

Lockport man charged with trespass, resisting arrest in incident Sunday on Bank Street

By Howard B. Owens
arrest of akeem gibson batavia 2023
Akeem Rashaad Gibson in custody following an alleged high-speed chase and standoff at Northside Meadows Apartments on Bank Street in Batavia on Sunday. Onlookers line the fence from an adjacent property.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Charges have been filed against a 33-year-old man who allegedly failed to stop for a trooper in Byron and continued on at high speeds into the City of Batavia before barricading himself in an apartment on Bank Street.

Akeem Rashaad Gibson, of Washburn Road, Lockport, is charged with criminal trespass in the second degree, obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree, and resisting arrest.

At about 3:31 on Sunday, a state trooper attempted to stop a red Toyota sedan for alleged traffic violations but rather than yield to emergency lights, the Toyota reportedly sped up and led the trooper on a high-speed chase with speeds reportedly in the range of 90 mph.

As the vehicle passed GCC and approached the City of Batavia, Officer Sam Freeman, Batavia PD, deployed spike strips. 

The Toyota turned into a driveway at Northside Meadows, 335 Bank St., Batavia, and the vehicle struck a small boulder near an apartment building.

The driver fled, and officers initially believed he ran into the woods but a witness informed officers that he entered an upstairs apartment. 

Officers soon determined that the apartment was supposed to be vacant.  It's tenant is reportedly incarcerated, according to a trooper at the scene on Sunday, and witnesses. 

According to Batavia PD, officers could hear the subject barricading himself in the apartment. 

A standoff ensued and officers entered into negotiations with the subject for a peaceful resolution but the subject refused to cooperate, police said.

A person known to the rightful tenant of the apartment responded to the scene and provided the officers with a key to the front door but because of the barricade, officers needed to make a forceable entry. 

Offices forced them into the apartment at 5:48 p.m.

According to Sgt. Arick Perkins at the scene on Sunday and the subject was taken into custody without further incident.

While being led by officers to a patrol car, the subject made statements indicating he didn't understand why he was being arrested, why he was being taken to a State Police car when he was in the City of Batavia, and why police had reporters there taking his picture.

According to police, State Police cited Gibson for several traffic violations. A spokesman for the State Police said the case was turned over to Batavia PD.

Gibson was held following his arrest pending arraignment in Centralized Arraignment Court.

Previously: 

arrest of akeem gibson batavia 2023
Akeem Rashaad Gibson being led from an apartment where he reportedly barricaded himself following a high-speed chase from Byon into the City of Batavia.
Photo by Howard Owens.
arrest of akeem gibson batavia 2023
Photo by Howard Owens.
arrest of akeem gibson batavia 2023
Photo by Howard Owens.

Man with accordion, woman holding sign, asked to leave Batavia Towne Center

By Howard B. Owens

The property manager of Batavia Towne Center on Veterans Memorial Drive has called the police after asking two people to vacate the shopping center.

They were apparently asked to leave but have returned. One is playing an accordion by Michael's, and the other is holding a sign up near PetCo.

A deputy is responding. 

Law and Order: Batavia resident accused of owning six unlicensed, feces-covered dogs

By Howard B. Owens

Rulee A. Allyn, 60, of Batavia, is charged with six counts of owning an unlicensed dog and six counts of failure to provide sustenance to animals. On the morning of July 12, Officers were called to Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, for a report of numerous dogs running loose in the area. Officers located five dogs and were able to contain them. They were determined to belong to Allyn. A sixth dog was located in Allyn’s residence. All the dogs were allegedly covered in feces and were not being properly cared for. Allyn was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear.

Jason Eric Howard, 38, of Millison Crescent Street, Angus, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass and disorderly conduct.  Howard is accused of remaining on Six Flags Darien Lake Theme Park property after being told to leave by security staff. He is also accused of yelling obscenities and "causing a public inconvenience by making unreasonable noise." He was issued an appearance ticket.

Michael J. Torres, 39, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd and obstructing governmental administration. Police officers spotted Torres riding a bicycle at 5:30 p.m. on July 12 on Ellicott Street near Ellicott Place.  Officers were aware the Sheriff's Office was looking for Torres, who had a warrant out for his arrest. When officers attempted to stop him, Torres allegedly fled on his bike. Officers followed him onto Colorado Avenue, where he crashed his bicycle into a patrol vehicle. He then attempted to flee on foot, according to police, but was taken into custody a short distance away. Torres was allegedly found in possession of multiple bags of a narcotic and a large sum of cash. Torres was arraigned and released. He is due back in court at a later date. 

Juan Nieves, 31, of Parkside Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, driving a vehicle with a revoked registration, driving without insurance, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Nieves was apparently (it's not mentioned in the Sheriff's Office press release) in an accident at an undisclosed location on Main Street in Pembroke at 5:53 p.m. on July 9. Nieves was arrested by Deputy Alexander Hadsall. His release status was not disclosed. 

Cassandra L. Elmore, 31, of Batavia, was arrested on a pair of warrants issued by City Court. The first case is the result of a traffic stop on Aug. 30, 2022. Elmore was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon 4th, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd, operating without an inspection certificate, insufficient tail lamps, two counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd, failure to change address and depositing refuse on the highway. Elmore was issued appearance tickets and released. She allegedly failed to appear in court, and a warrant was issued on Sept. 8. She was arrested on that warrant on Sept. 10. During that arrest, Elmore allegedly fought with a police officer and was additionally charged with obstructing governmental administration. Warrants were issued in both cases on Jan. 23, after Elmore allegedly failed to appear in court. She was arrested on Feb. 2. Warrants were again issued on Feb. 21, after she failed to appear in court. On July 14, Elmore was located at a residence on River Street and arrested. She was additionally charged with two counts of bail jumping 3rd. She was arraigned and remanded to the custody of the Genesee County Jail. 

Phillip Ashley Ruffin, 50, of Main Street, Niagara Falls, is charged with felony DWI and parking on a highway. Ruffin was allegedly found in his vehicle at 1:57 a.m. on July 15, parked in the middle of the roadway on Redfield Parkway with his emergency flashers activated Sgt. Mathew Clor. Ruffin was held pending arraignment.

Jamonte O. Murrell, 19, of Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd. Murrell is accused of cutting another person during a disturbance on July 19 at a residence on Watson Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Ahdeosun R. Aiken, 25, of Attica, and Amanda J. Jackson, 22, of Batavia, are charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Aiken and Jackson are accused of engaging in sexual conduct in a vehicle on July 8 at a location not released by police while a one-year-old child was in the vehicle. They were both issued appearance tickets.

Richard A. Demmer, 30, of Batavia, was arrested on a City Court warrant on July 13. Demmer was originally arrested on May 29 and charged with Attempted Robbery 3rd. It’s alleged that he entered a local business and demanded money from the clerk. The warrant was issued on July 12 after Demmer allegedly failed to appear in court. He was located by Police on July 13 at the location of an unrelated incident. He was arraigned and ordered to reappear at a later date.

Richard Allen Demmer, Jr., 30, of South Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Demmer is accused of stealing merchandise from the East Pembroke Crosby's on Main Road, Pembroke at 8:20  a.m. on July 18. During his arrest by Chief Deputy Joseph Graff, he was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. Demmer was released on an appearance ticket. 

Benjamin G. Evans, 34, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Evans is accused of stealing a package from the porch of a residence on State Street On July 8. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jordan A. Baxter, no age nor address provided, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and criminal trespass 2nd. Baxter is accused of entering the residence of another person in violation of an order of protection on July 8. He was arraigned and ordered held on $1,000 bail, $2,000 bond, or a $5,000 partially secured bond.

Ronald W. Lewis, 35, of Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Lewis is accused of stealing from a local business on July 7. He was issued an appearance ticket. 

Crystal M. Boute. 34, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Boute is accused of damaging another person's mobile phone during an argument in the parking lot of a local business. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Brian M. Raphael, 35, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Raphael is accused of stealing from a business on West Main Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Lance D Beals, 53, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal mischief 4th. Beals is accused of stealing a mobile phone from another person and intentionally damaging it. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Karina M. Treleaven, 39, of Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, moving from lane unsafely, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Treleaven was reportedly involved in a one-vehicle accident at 11:30 p.m. on July 11 in the 300 block of Washington Avenue, Batavia. A vehicle allegedly driven by Treleaven struck a parked car.  The driver fled on foot, and officers located Treleaven nearby the accident a short time later and determined she was the driver of the vehicle and was allegedly drunk at the time of the accident. Treleaven was previously convicted of DWI on June 1. She was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Michelle L. Misiak, 58, of Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant issued by City Court. Misiak was initially charged with petit larceny on Sept. 27 for allegedly stealing from Aldi on East Main Street, Batavia. The warrant was issued on March 10 after she allegedly failed to appear in court. On July 12, Misiak was located by the Village of Leroy Police and turned over to Batavia Police. She was additionally charged with Bail Jumping 3rd and arraigned in  City Court. She was held on bail and remanded to the custody of the Genesee County Jail.

Mason Andrew Hogle, 19, of Lockport Road, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Hogle is accused of shoplifting from Walmart at 1 p.m. on July 6. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Maurice Richard McCoy, 70, of North Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. McCoy was stopped at 6:13 p.m. on July 2 on Veterans Memorial Drive by Deputy Alexander Hadsall. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Sara Marie Conrow, 34, of Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and an unregistered vehicle. Conrow was charged following an investigation by Deputy Austin Heberlein at the Speedway Truck Stop on Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke on July 13 at 2:35 a.m. Conrow was issued an appearance ticket.

Nathaniel Ashton Finta, 18, of North Main Street, Oakfield, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Finta was arrested in connection with an incident reported at 3:30 a.m. on July 11 at a location on North Main Street, Oakfield. The Sheriff's Office did not release information on the alleged incident. Finta was held pending arraignment.

Derek John Machala, 28, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Machala is accused of remaining unlawfully on a property at 8:39 p.m. on July 16. He was held pending arraignment.

Benjamin Gove Evans, 34, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Evans was arrested in connection with an incident reported at 9:45 p.m. on July 17. The Sheriff's Office did not release information about the alleged incident. The address of the location, somewhere on Veterans Memorial Drive, was redacted from the release. Evans was released on an appearance ticket.

Jada Lee Coursey, 32, of West Fifth Avenue, Warren, Pa., is charged with harassment 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Coursey is accused of striking another person in front of a child while at Darin Lake at 11:35 p.m. on July 17. Coursey was issued an appearance ticket.

Joshua Lee Jones, 41, of Auburn, is charged with disorderly conduct. Jones is accused of being involved in a disturbance at Six Flags Darien Lake Theme Park on July 19 at 9:46 p.m. He was released on an appearance ticket.

O'Neil Dejusus Cruz, 34, of Poplar Avenue, Mineral, Va., is charged with DWI drugs.  Following a driving complaint called into dispatchers at 8:21 p.m. on July 21, Cruz was allegedly found by Deputy David Moore on Alleghany Road, Pembroke, operating a semi-truck while his ability was impaired by drugs. Cruz was issued an appearance ticket.

Joseph Lowell Hampton, 26, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with harassment 2nd. Hampton allegedly pushed a former friend at 1 a.m. on July 19 at a location on Myrtle Street, Le Roy. Hampton was arraigned, and an order of protection was issued.

Joseph Thaddeus Martino, 31, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with attempted assault 3rd.  Martino was arrested at the Genesee County Jail. It's unclear from the Sheriff's Office press release if he was an inmate. The incident was reported at 5:05 p.m. on July 22. There were no other details about the alleged incident released. Martino was issued an appearance ticket.

Daniel Jay Torok, Jr., 36, of Liberty Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Torok was arrested by Deputy Ryan Mullen in connection with an incident reported at 11:40 p.m. on July 22 at the Genesee County Jail. The Sheriff's Office did not release information on what led to the arrest of Torok. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Kasondra Lynn Hubbard, 38, of Gilbert Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving drunk with a child in the vehicle, and endangering the welfare of a child. Hubbard was stopped at 10:16 p.m. on July 22 on Gilbert Street, Le Roy, by Deputy Mason Shultz. Hubbard was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Laurin Angeline Moro, 21, of Kalar Road, Niagara Falls, is charged with trespass. Moro was arrested at Darien Lake on July 15 at 8:30 p.m. The Sheriff's Office did not release information on events that led to her arrest. Moro was issued an appearance ticket.

Brian Michael Raphael, 35, of Fisher Park, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Raphael is accused of concealing merchandise while at Tractor Supply Co. on East Main Street Road, Batavia, and attempting to leave the store without paying for the merchandise. Raphael was arrested by Deputy Zachary Hoy and released on an appearance ticket. 

Thomas Anthony Salerno, 56, of Hall Road, Lancaster, is charged with DWI and insufficient tail lamps. Salerno was stopped at 9:39 pm. on July 29 on Route 20 in Darien by Deputy Jacob Kipler. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Adam Troy Shipwash, 42, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Shipwash was arrested in connection with an incident reported at 1:50 p.m. on July 30 at a location on Terry Street, Byron. The Sheriff's Office did not release information on events that led to the charge. Shipwash was released on an appearance ticket.

Motorcycle accident reported in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A motorcycle accident is reported in the area of 7898 Lake Street Road, Le Roy.

No word on injuries.

Le Roy Fire and Le Roy Ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 9:14 p.m.: Minor injuries reported.

UPDATE 9:15 p.m.: First responder reports, one person down with an injury. Traffic is not blocked. One motorcycle involved.

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