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Tom Tucker enjoys teaching area kids to learn and love golf at Batavia Country Club

By Howard B. Owens
tom tucker golf Batavia country club 2023

The best part of teaching golf to a bunch of kids is seeing how much fun they had, said local Pro Tom Tucker.

About a dozen years ago, Tucker founded the Batavia Country Club Junior Golf Camp.

"I like seeing the kids have fun, and every once in a while, we have somebody who really has some golf DNA in them, and it's fun watching them progress as golfers," Tucker said. "And I like being with the kids. It helps keep me young."

Tucker has been a United States Golf Teachers Federation certified instructor since 2005. He's been listed as a Top 100 teaching pro by the World Golf Teaching Federation since 2010.

The annual summer camp is broken into two groups.  This week the camp is filled to capacity -- 25 students -- with 7 to 10-year-olds.  Next week, the 12 to 15-year-old group arrives at Batavia Country Club.

Each group gets a week of instruction, practice and competition, with a tournament on Friday.

For the younger students, the focus is more on ensuring the kids learn to enjoy the game of golf while older students are given a bit more instruction.  Both groups compete in chipping, pitching, lag putting, accuracy putting, and drives. The winners of each competition receive a medal. 

"We've produced a lot of good golfers," Tucker said.  Some students have gone on to play for their high school teams, Tucker said.

Tucker, this year is assisted by Roxanne Noth and Dominic NiCastro.

For more information on the golf camp and photos from past years, visit TomTuckerGolf.com.

Photos by Howard Owens

tom tucker golf Batavia country club 2023
tom tucker golf Batavia country club 2023
tom tucker golf Batavia country club 2023
tom tucker golf Batavia country club 2023
tom tucker golf Batavia country club 2023
tom tucker golf Batavia country club 2023
tom tucker golf Batavia country club 2023

Ag students participate in trade skills competition at fair

By Howard B. Owens
faa 4-h at fair
 William Muoio, from Graham Corp., supervises Justin Deleo, a Byron-Bergen student, during the FFA/4-H welding competition at the Genesee County Fair on Wednesday.

Graham Manufacturing is currently looking for welders, and Justin Deleo might be a good candidate for one of those openings if he was just a little bit older.

The Byron-Bergen sophomore won a welding competition at the Genesee County Fair under the supervision of William Muoio from Graham.

Justin loves welding, but perhaps, unfortunately for Graham, he also loves farming.

He's thought about welding as a career, "but I really would just like to learn how to weld and then use that in running my own farm," Justin said.

He got his start welding by helping out his grandfather on his farm, Forest Lawn, at the bottom of the hill by Genesee Community College.

"I like building things," Justin said. "I have worked on my grandpa's farm, and I helped him weld hay wagons, and ever since then, I've been interested in welding."

For first prize, Justin had his choice between a set of torches and a mask or an auto shade helmet, and he picked the helmet, said Todd Hofheins, Future Farmers of America advisor.

Hofheins said the welding competition and a tractor skills competition are organized by FFA and 4-H and supported by sponsors who provided more than $3,000 in prize money and prizes.

In welding, second place went to Michael Jewart, a student at Pioneer, and third place went to Cooper Harkins, from Pavilion.

In the tractor competition for junior category:

  • Cooper Harkins
  • Evan Winspear
  • Justin Deleo

In the senior competition:

  • Carson Warner
  • Ian Keberle
  • Michael Jewart
  • Colton Yasses

Photos by Howard Owens

faa 4-h at fair
Tyler Brian backs a tractor with a wagon during the FFA/4-H tractor skills competition at the Genesee County Fair on Wednesday. Tyler said he wanted to take part in the competition because he thinks driving a tractor is fun.
Photo by Howard Owens.
faa 4-h at fair
faa 4-h at fair
faa 4-h at fair

Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello and enter our eagle-drawing contest in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society. 

If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverage by signing up today for Early Access Pass.

Photos: Small Fry Tractor Pull at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens
tiny tot tractor pull Genesee County Fair 2023

There was a lot of fun and excitement on Wednesday in the Exhibit Hall at the Genesee County Fair with the annual Small Fry Tractor Pull.

Photos by Howard Owens.

tiny tot tractor pull Genesee County Fair 2023
tiny tot tractor pull Genesee County Fair 2023
tiny tot tractor pull Genesee County Fair 2023
tiny tot tractor pull Genesee County Fair 2023
tiny tot tractor pull Genesee County Fair 2023
tiny tot tractor pull Genesee County Fair 2023
tiny tot tractor pull Genesee County Fair 2023

Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello and enter our eagle-drawing contest in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society. 

If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverage by signing up today for Early Access Pass.

Rain-shortened game counts as loss for Muckdogs, slipping team out of West lead

By Howard B. Owens

A rain-shorted game the Batavia Muckdogs thought they still had a chance to win cost the team possession of first place in the Western Division of the PGCBL.

The Muckdogs, at 25-25, trail the Elmira Pioneers, 26-15, by mere percentage points with three games left in the season.

Wednesday's game against Niagara Power ended in the fifth inning, with both teams expecting the game to continue at a later time but league officials ruled the game over, giving Power (21-17) a 3-2 win.

Michael Pedraza, who pitched all 4 1/3 innings of the game and gave up three runs and eight hits while striking out seven, took the loss.

Offensively for the Muckdogs:

  • Chad Falcon went 1-2
  • Levis Aguila Jr. went 1-2
  • Matt DeStefano went 1-2
  • Caleb Rodriguez went 1-2 with 1 Run

The Muckdogs, who have clinched a playoff spot, have three games left in the regular season. 

All three games are against the Newark Pilots, who are 12 games out of first and 12-26 on the season.  All three games will be played at Dwyer Stadium, with two today (Thursday) and one on Saturday. The first game tonight is at 5 p.m. and the second is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Muckdogs fall to Power but retain Western Division lead

By Howard B. Owens

Things did not go the Muckdogs way against Niagara Power on Tuesday, but Batavia managed to retain a slender lead in the Western Division of the PGCBL.

Batavia lost 9-2, giving up 16 hits and committing two errors.

Ty Woods was down 3-0 when he was lifted after three innings, having given up two earned runs on nine hits and two walks. 

Ben Weber was tagged for six runs and seven hits.

Thomas Blaydes stopped the bleeding with three hitless innings to close out the game.

The Muckdogs, with four games left in the season, are 25-14 with a half-game lead over Elmira (25-15).

Batavia has clinched a playoff spot for the post-season.

The Muckdogs travel to Niagara tonight. The team hosts Newark on Thursday at Dwyer Stadium at 5 p.m.

Photo: Turnbull provides cooling trailer at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens
turnbull cooling trailer
For those looking for a break from the heat during the Genesee County Fair, Turnbull Heating and Cooling has set up a cooling trailer on the north side of the Exhibit Hall on the fairgrounds. Turnbull employee Jon Chapman pictured.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello and enter our eagle-drawing contest in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society. 

If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverage by signing up today for Early Access Pass.

Photos: Tuesday's 4-H goat show at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens
genesee county fair 4-h goat show

Photos by Debra Reilly.

genesee county fair 4-h goat show
genesee county fair 4-h goat show
genesee county fair 4-h goat show

Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello and enter our eagle-drawing contest in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society. 

If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverage by signing up today for Early Access Pass.

Photo: 4-H livestock shows at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens
Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello and enter our eagle-drawing contest in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society.   If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverag

Photographer Laura Luft shared with us some shots of 4-H activities at the Genesee County Fair.

Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello and enter our eagle-drawing contest in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society.   If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverag
Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello and enter our eagle-drawing contest in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society.   If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverag
Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello and enter our eagle-drawing contest in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society.   If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverag
Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello and enter our eagle-drawing contest in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society.   If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverag
Genesee County Fair 4-h livestock
Genesee County Fair 4-h livestock
Genesee County Fair 4-h livestock
Genesee County Fair 4-h livestock

Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello and enter our eagle-drawing contest in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society. 

If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverage by signing up today for Early Access Pass.

Parolee from Rochester charged in Key Bank robbery

By Howard B. Owens
tracy moss robbery suspect
Stacy Moss

A 53-year-old Rochester resident on parole for a prior robbery conviction has been charged in Monday's Key Bank branch robbery in Batavia.

Stacy R. Moss is charged with robbery in the third degree and grand larceny in the fourth degree. 

Moss is accused of entering the Key Bank branch at 69 Main St. shortly before 9:36 a.m. and handed a teller a note demanding money.

Police said the suspect did not display a weapon or threaten use of a weapon.

The suspect then left on a bicycle with an unspecified amount of money. 

Officers from Batavia PD, along with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, checked the area and were initially unable to locate the suspect. 

Batavia PD detectives worked quickly to obtain an identification of the individual involved using the Monroe County Crime Analysis Center's facial recognition software. 

Batavia shared the suspect's photos from the robbery scene with local media, and officers checked the last known addresses of the person they believed was identified in the photos.

While gathering further information, investigators received information that the suspect was hiding inside a residence on South Spruce Street.

Moss was taken into custody without incident.

Investigators determined that the suspect acted alone

Moss was released on parole in January after serving seven years on a 2016 convict for three counts of robbery in the third degree, grand larceny.

He also has prior convictions for robbery in the first degree in 2004, robbery in the second degree in 1989, and burglary in the third degree in 1987.

Following his arrest, Moss was arraigned and ordered held pending his next court appearance.

You can support local news coverage and help The Batavian continue to bring you local news by signing up for Early Access Pass.

Photo: When you visit the fair, visit the fair's Media Center

By Howard B. Owens
The Batavian WBTA Genesee County Fair Media Center
WBTA's Nici Johnson and Rachel Berardini with The Batavian's Kara Richenberg at the Genesee County Fair Media Center in the Exhibition Hall on the fairgrounds on East Main Street, Batavia. When you stop by, please note that there are contests to enter. WBTA is doing a "Voice of Batavia" contest.  They'll record you doing a station tagline and you will have a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Senor Leon's Mexican Restaurant.  The Batavian's potential prizes are a guitar for those 17 and under, and for adults, a $100 Red Osier Landmark Restaurant gift certificate. 
Photo by Howard Owens.

Photos: A visit to the 4-H livestock barns

By Howard B. Owens
4-H Livestock Genesee County Fair
Lilia Buckenmeyer, from Elba, braids the tail of her cow, Becky, in preparation for showing the cow at the Genesee County Fair.
Photo by Howard Owens

Here are some photos today from a walk-through of the 4-H barns to see the livestock that members are showing during the Genesee County Fair.

If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverage by signing up today for Early Access Pass.

4-H Livestock Genesee County Fair
Photo by Howard Owens
4-H Livestock Genesee County Fair
Photo by Howard Owens
4-H Livestock Genesee County Fair
Brooke Wiater with her goat Tater.
Photo by Howard Owens
4-H Livestock Genesee County Fair
Photo by Howard Owens
4-H Livestock Genesee County Fair
Photo by Howard Owens
4-H Livestock Genesee County Fair
Photo by Howard Owens
4-H Livestock Genesee County Fair
Photo by Howard Owens
4-H Livestock Genesee County Fair
Photo by Howard Owens
4-H Livestock Genesee County Fair
Photo by Howard Owens
4-H Livestock Genesee County Fair
Photo by Howard Owens
4-H Livestock Genesee County Fair
Photo by Howard Owens
4-H Livestock Genesee County Fair
Batavia police officers Adam Tucker and Wesley Rissinger also visited the 4-H livestock while on duty at the Genesee County Fair. 
Photo by Howard Owens

Muckdogs sweep Sunday doubleheader against Geneva

By Howard B. Owens

With a doubleheader sweep of Geneva on Sunday, the Batavia Muckdogs are 25-13 on the season and a game up in the Western Division standings of the PGCBL.

In the first game, Batavia won 12-1.

Preston Prince, from Hilton, tossed all five innings of the first game, giving up only one hit while walking three and striking out nine.

Lucas Lopez went 3-4 and drove in seven runs. Josh Leadem was 1-2 with two walks and two RBIs.

In the second game, Batavia won 9-2. 

Ryan Kinney went the distance in the seven-inning game, improving to 4-0 on the season with a 0.84 ERA. He scattered three hits and gave up two unearned runs while striking out eight.

Giuseppe Arcuri went 1-4 and drove in two runs.

The next home game for the Muckdogs is Tuesday at 6:35 p.m. against Niagara Power.

Batavia PD looking for Key Bank robbery suspect

By Howard B. Owens
key bank robbery suspect

The Key Bank branch in Batavia was robbed at 9:35 a.m. on Monday and Batavia is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspect.

The suspect is descirbed as a balding black male wearing a black T-Shirt, gray shorts, black socks, and no shoes.  

According to police, the suspect passed a note to the teller demanding cash.  

He arrived and left on a black colored bicycle last seen heading West on Main Street.  

Police did not say how much or if any cash was stolen.

If anyone recognizes the suspect in the photos please contact Batavia Police Department Det. Jason Ivison at (585)345-6312.

UPDATE: The suspect has been apprehended.

Police-submittted photos.

key bank robbery suspect
key bank robbery suspect
key bank robbery suspect

Video: A J Affronti lead guitarist for Knight Patrol tries out Harley Benton BigTone

By Howard B. Owens
Remote video URL

A. J. Affronti, lead guitarist for Knight Patrol, tries out Harley Benton BigTone White Trem guitar at the Genesee County Fair.

The guitar is a featured contest prize from The Batavian at the Genesee County Fair. The guitar contest is open to kids 17 and under. Visit our booth in the Exhibit Hall on the fairgrounds, and while at the booth, draw an eagle on an entry form.  The winner will be randomly selected from among staff-favorite drawings.  The winner will need to be able to attend the Eaglez Tribute Band concert on Thursday evening.

The other big prize from The Batavian at the fair is a $100 gift certificate from Red Osier Landmark Restaurant.  Same rules apply, except you can arrange to pick up the gift certificate any time before the last day of the fair.

The best 20 drawings from the two age groups will be selected for a "people's choice" award, with voting at The Batavian's booth on Thursday and Friday. The prize is a harmonica.

Knight Patrol is playing at the fair tonight (Sunday) in the Entertainment Tent.

Photos: BB Dang at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens
bb dang genesee county fair

BB Dang kicked off the 2023 live music lineup of the Genesee County Fair on Saturday with a set heavy on hits and tight musicianship in front of a packed entertainment tent.

BB Dang is:

  • Isabella Barbagallo, vocals
  • Reid Burton, vocals and guitar
  • Alex Sherwood, guitar
  • Mike Valle, drums
  • Abby Johnson, keyboards and vocals

Cameron Carlson, a Byron-Bergen graduate, performed his last show with the band before heading off to college.

The rest of the week's lineup:

  • Sunday at 7 p.m., Knight Patrol
  • Thursday at 7 p.m., the Eaglez Tribute Band
  • Friday at 7:30 p.m., Audibull
  • Saturday at 7 p.m., BarnStorm

See previously: The Eaglez highlights GC Fair's five nights of live music that spans genres and eras

Photos by Howard Owens

bb dang genesee county fair
bb dang genesee county fair
bb dang genesee county fair
bb dang genesee county fair
bb dang genesee county fair
bb dang genesee county fair

Photos: The Bluesways Band fills Jackson Square for a Friday night concert

By Howard B. Owens
Remote video URL

It was a full house in Jackson Square for the Business Improvement District's weekly Friday night concert, this time featuring The Bluesway Band.

For one song, Guitarist Steve Kruppner played a Harley Benton BigTone White Trem that is a featured prize in a drawing contest at the Genesee County Fair this week sponsored by The Batavian (see video above).

The Bluesway Band is:

  • Chas DelPlato, keyboards, vocal 
  • Anthony DelPlato, guitar/vocals 
  • Brad Kujawski, bass/vocals 
  • Pete Metzler, drums/vocals 
  • Steve Kruppner, guitar/vocals
  • Special guest for Friday night: Frank Minuto, Congas/percussion

Photos by Howard Owens.

the bluesway band jackson square 2023
the bluesway band jackson square 2023
the bluesway band jackson square 2023
the bluesway band jackson square 2023
the bluesway band jackson square 2023
the bluesway band jackson square 2023

Baseball stars and famous furniture men, all eventually get their own bobblehead

By Howard B. Owens
phil pies bobblehead
Phil Pies inside Max Pies Furniture on South Jackson Street in Batavia with a bobblehead in his likeness, created as a fundraiser for Crossroads House.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Every celebrity, even local ones, deserves a bobblehead, and now Phil Pies, Batavia's "Furniture Man," has one.

The collectible was the idea of long-time Max Pies Furniture employee Peggy Cancelmi, who was looking for a way the 118-year-old retail store at 400 South Jackson St., Batavia, could support Crossroads House.

"I was also trying to think of a way I could torture Phil, so I worked with Tom Brown at AdStuff productions, and we came up with the bobblehead," Cancelmi said. "We went through three designs and settled on Phil in his famous khakis and his famous blue sweater, and I think it looks just like him."

The bobblehead wasn't a surprise to Phil. He knew what Peggy was working on but didn't really expect to ever see one.

"When they came, he couldn't believe it.  For the first time, he was speechless."

Now that the bobbleheads are in, Phil is clearly proud of them.

"I think it's wonderful. I think it's great," he said. "Why not? The money goes to Crossroads. That's the main thing. I never thought I'd see it (his face on a bobblehead), never in my whole life, but it's for a good cause."

Cancelmi ordered 200 Phil Pies bobbleheads, and they are for sale exclusively in Max Pies for $20 each, with proceeds benefitting Crossroads House.

phil pies bobblehead
The Phil Pies bobblehead with Peggy Cancelmi in the background.
Photo by Howard Owens.

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