There was a big turn out today at St. Joe's for Batavia's Irish Afternoon, featuring music by Penny Whisky and entertainment by the McMahon Irish Dancers (unfortunately, I missed the dancers).

If your thing is trains, Batavia Downs was the place to be Sunday.

Photo: Randy Tonner Jr., Maddos, 6, and Maddox's mother, Michele.

Randy Tonner Jr., hasn't worked since July 2.

That was the night he was brutally attacked on a street in Rochester that put him the acute brain injury unit at Strong Memorial Hospital for more than a month.

At the time, Tonner was a single parent raising his 6-year-old son, Maddox, living and working in Rochester. He was an independent contractor, installing flooring for Sherwin Williams.

With no employer-provided insurance, he's had no means to care for himself or his son and had to give up custody of Maddos and move back to Oakfield.

Today, the community rallied around Tonner with a fundraiser at the American Legion Hall in Alabama, which featured a chance auction and a beef on weck lunch.

"People have been great," Tonner said. "The show of support, not just for me, but for my family, has just been fantastic."

Tonner was living on Park Avenue the night he walked by 25 Park Ave. with friends at about 2 a.m.

There was a group of people having a party on the porch and some sort of scuffle ensured.

Tonner's father, Randy Tonner, said the detective described it as something relatively minor, like you might find on any college campus on a Friday or Saturday night.

Seconds after it broke up, a man sucker punched Randy Jr. from behind.

"The dectective said it was the sucker punch of all sucker punches," Randy Sr. said. "From the tape (there was a surveillance system installed at the house), you could see he was out before he hit the ground. His head hit the cement and then another man came up and kicked him in the head."

A woman rushed to Randy Jr.'s aid. When police arrived, they found him lying beside the road in a pool of his own blood.

Two men were arrested, Justin Cropo and Nicholas Vitale, and a grand jury indicted them on a count each of assault in the second degree. The men are awaiting trial on the charges. (In an interesting footnote on the case, another man at the scene who looks like Vitale, and actually came to Randy's aid, was arrested initially, but the charges were dropped).

Randy Jr. said as far as he can remember, he's never met either of the men before.

After being released from the hospital, Randy Jr., has been on anti-seizure medication and his father said his main issue is the lack of mental endurance to work a full day.

He should be able to work again some day, but doctors are unsure when. After his next doctor's visit, they hope he will be cleared for part-time work.

"If you ask me, from the second I got out of the coma I wanted to go back to work, but I don’t know, whatever the doctor says," Randy Jr. said.

The damage to Randy's brain has forced him to learn to read again and he also lost sight in one eye.

His father said today's fundraiser was really an emotional event for him and he was especially grateful to Ron Sessaman, who has a history of organizing fundraisers in the community and arranged this one.

"For him to take the time for these people to come out here, I get choked up," Randy Sr., said. "It just touches the heart more than you can know. It’s just so, so special.  I think this also great for Randy. This keeps his strength, because this is hard. This keeps his attitude up."

Individuals who wish to make a donation to Randy Tonner, which are aimed at just helping him meet basic living expenses until he can return to work, can call Sessaman at (585) 734-7998.

What started as an effort to organize and examine all of the old articles of clothing in the Holland Land Office Museum has turned into a new exhibit displaying the history of WNY wedding dresses.

More than 30 dresses -- most of them owned by HLOM, but some from local residents -- are on display and the show officially opens with a reception at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 31.

The collection includes Civil War era dresses up through more modern gowns, including a 1940 plain satin gown and train, a 1920s-era lace gown with bolero jacket, a flapper gown of the same era and a 1870s two-piece wedding suit.

Charles Men's Shop is supplying a modern tux for display and Stella's Wedding Boutique is displaying a new wedding dress.

Treats from Sweet Ecstasy Bakery in Stafford will be served at the opening reception Saturday, and there will also be door prizes.

A brush fire is reported just east of 6385 N. Byron Road. Bryon and South Byron fire departments are dispatched. The location is between Route 237 and Bird Road.

UPDATE 1:54 p.m.: All responding units are back in service. We believe this was a controlled burn that the firefighters extinguished. We heard that they had talked with the property owner, which we take to mean they informed the person about opening burn regulations.

More than 30 people got their heads shaved at Pembroke High School on Friday to help raise money to support the Roswell Cancer Institute in Buffalo.

The event raised more than $10,000, according to faculty member Melisa Dettbarn.

"Cancer affects our community profoundly," Dettbarn said. "A lot of kids have been affected. A lot of faculty has been affected."

Tyler Lang, a student involved with the Kiwanis Key Club, worked as one of the student organizers and he said he found the event very emotional and very rewarding.

"It's just a blessing to be doing this for Roswell," he said.

One of his classmates was recently diagnosed with cancer.

"We're supporting him and we're supporting everyone else at Roswell," Tyler said.

Two years ago, another "Bald for Bucks" event raised more than $7,000 for Roswell.

Pembroke HS has been involved in a few fundraisers for Roswell and other charities in recent years, including "Shoot for a Cure" in January and "Shades for AIDS" last year.

Dettbarn said these events just reflect the nature of Pembroke.

"We’re really a close community," Dettbarn said. "It’s unreal. We’re really tight knit.  Everybody pitches in. Even if we don’t all always get along, everybody is right there the minute you need them."

While walking by the Roz Steiner Art Gallery at GCC this afternoon, I noticed a new art show in place, so I stopped in to take a look.

It's a Fine Arts students' show that opened yesterday, and there are some very fine pieces among the sculptures, paintings and photographs.

There are two receptions for the show. The first is at 1 p.m., Thursday. The second is at 5 p.m., Friday.

The picture came a bit clearer today at the annual Genesee County Economic Development Center luncheon on how the agency landed a $206 million joint-venture Greek yogurt plant for Batavia.

Mark Koenig, director of engineering and technology at the PepsiCo Global Nutrition Group, said while there were a few reasons Pepsi and the Theo Muller Group picked the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park for Project Wave, a key was getting site-grading permits within 15 days.

Koenig, who heads up similar projects for Pepsi all over the world, lost a bet with Chris Suozzi, VP of Business Development for GCEDC.

"I bet him my house, my wife and my salary that he couldn't get us permitted in 15 days," Koenig said. "I've never seen a greenfield site get permitted in 15 days. I said, 'there's no way.'"

He added, "This team delivered."

The 15-day permitting process allowed Wave Holding LLC to fast-track its development plans, which Suozzi agreed after the meeting was absolutely critical in bringing the project to Batavia.

Without the 15-day permitting, Pepsi and Muller would have been looking at a 30-month process to get its new Greek yogurt products to market. The current timeline is 18 months, all because Town of Batavia officials were able to move the permitting process along quickly.

Earlier this week, GCEDC CEO Steve Hyde told county legislators that Souzzi was instrumental in getting Batavia from the B-list for the project to the final four possible sites.

Koenig also said of critical importance to Pepsi and Muller was the world-class dairy industry in Western New York.

"This is an ag area that is the best in class and that's why we're here," Koenig said. "You have a good milk supply and your milk is the best in its class."

It also helps that from Batavia, Wave Holding can easily reach a third of the potential market in the U.S. for its new Greek yogurt.

Pepsi partnered with Germany-based Muller, Koenig said, because Muller has proprietary recipes and world-class technology for producing yogurt.

The incentive package put together by NYS and GCEDC was also important, Koenig said, but Pepsi was also impressed by the warm welcome the company has received from the community.

"The community support has been fantastic," Koenig said. "All signs say this is going to be a success with the community for years to come and in future growth."

Top: Koenig; bottom, Hanno Lehmann, a senior project manager from the Muller Group.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently met with daredevil Nik Wallenda at the state Capitol. Wallenda is set to walk on a high wire across the Niagara Falls Gorge, beginning on the American side of the border and ending in Canada. Hawley, who voted in favor of legislation allowing Wallenda’s plan, spoke with the stuntman about preparing for the feat and the impact it will have on Western New York.

“The bright lights of international media will be shining on Western New York when Nik Wallenda walks on a high wire across Niagara Falls,” Hawley said. “The event will give the area an economic boost, and will put all our region has to offer in the spotlight. Nik has shown hard work and perseverance in both his training and his efforts to gain legislative approval for his stunt, and I, for one, can’t wait to see him dance across the falls.”

An early morning medical emergency brought Mercy Flight to Chandler Avenue in Batavia, but it wasn't just another life-saving mission for the crew of Mercy Flight 5.

It was the 20,000th mission flown by the Buffalo-based non-profit air ambulance corps.

“When I started Mercy Flight back in 1981, I never dreamed that we could help so many people,” said Douglas H. Baker, Mercy Flight’s founding president. “I’m extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the last 30 years as a not-for-profit organization.

"We never could have reached this milestone without the assistance and support of our local volunteer firefighters, hospital and law enforcement partners and the communities we serve.”

The dispatch came at 2 a.m., Friday, and the patient was transported from Batavia to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Mercy Flight operates from bases in Buffalo, Batavia and Olean.

Last year, Mercy Flight forgave more than $700,000 in care provided to uninsured or under-insured patients, according to a press release.

The average cost is $842 per flight.

Individuals and groups can "Sponsor A Mission" with a donation of $842. For more information, visit mercyflight.org or call (716) 626-4100.

Wilson Figueroa, 38, of Conkey Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Figueroa reportedly was under court order out of Rochester City Court from being with a certain person. During a traffic stop on Route 33, Stafford, at 4:01 p.m., Wednesday, the protected person was allegedly in Figueroa's vehicle.

Aicha Keita, 20, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Keita is accused of stealing $206.65 in merchandise from Walmart.

Back in the spring of 2003, an ambitious group of local thespians decided to take a risk by boldly staging in Genesee County what no local troupe had staged here before: Shakespeare. Nine years later, "Shakespeare in Springtime" is thriving. This weekend the group is celebrating its 10th springtime with a repeat production of its first show, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream."

“Shakespeare wrote so many plays, and we wanted to choose something familiar that we could do justice to,” Director E. Jane Burk says of the group’s original decision to perform the show nine years ago. “It was very well-received. It showed us that there really are some people out there who are willing to come see Shakespeare.”

The characters, comedy, and iambic pentameter may be the same as it was a decade ago, but make no mistake — this show is “entirely different” and definitely “not a repeat of last time.” Whereas the pioneer effort took place in a Midwestern 1950s carnival, this time around the show has a San Francisco setting circa the 1960s. The traditional fairy characters have been changed to hippies, demonstrating, Burk explains, “the difference between establishment and anti-establishment.”

Cast members agree that despite the large gap in time periods, the play translates easily from the intended Shakespearean setting to the more contemporary backdrop.

“The characters are universal,” says Malloryann Flanagan, who has the role of Puck. “A lot of the themes are still prevalent in society and are still relevant today.”

Flanagan and her sister, Caryn Burk, are the only two cast members who also appeared in the original production. But although the majority of the ensemble did not take part in the first “Shakespeare in Springtime” show, many of them have been seen in at least one other production put on by the group. One such actor is Paul Judkins, who has the part of Egeus.

“It’s always a challenge,” says Judkins, who cites his favorite previous Shakespearean role as the title character in "Julius Caesar." “You can’t use your natural language — you have to find the meaning behind the words. At first it was mystifying.”

Derrick Pechie, who has the role of Oberon, the fairy king, agrees that understanding the language gets easier with time:

“My first lead role in a Shakespeare play was in 'Richard III' two years ago. I did not know what I was saying. But now I can read the script and right away I know what it’s talking about.”

The difficult language and seemingly hidden meanings are exactly what makes Shakespeare so attractive to cast member Shellene Bailey, however.

“The language is sneaky,” she declares. “It’s very in-depth and very funny. There are lots of jokes and innuendos. It's very beautiful.” 

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. March 22-24 and at 2 p.m. March 25 at the Harvester 56 Theater (located at 56 Harvester Ave. in Batavia). There will also be a dinner theater performance at Terry Hills on the 31st.  

Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy stopped in Batavia today to draw attention to cost savings for Genesee County, and other local governments, from recently enacted pension reform.

The plan could save the county $186 million over 30 years, though most of that savings is deferred as employees hired before the new Tier 6 plan was passed either quit or retire.

Chamber President Lynn Freeman said pension reform is critical for a region long seen as burdened by taxes and regulation.

"I live in Le Roy and it's discouraging sometimes to watch the two-, three- and four-employee company leave our community," Freeman said. "One of the reasons they are leaving is driven by our taxation.

"What's happened to us with our mandates has caused those taxes to go up and up and up every year. What the governor and lieutenant governor were able to accomplish last week is truly remarkable."

Mary Pat Hancock, chairwoman of the Genesee County Legislature, said the reform is one big part of needed mandate relief for local government.

In Genesee County, in the past 10 years, the cost of government mandated pensions has gone from $400,000 a year to $4.4 million.

"I’m proud to have supported the governor and his effort to bring fiscal responsibility back to Albany and relieve localities of this out-of-control mandate," Hancock said.

The reform won't effect government employees with even one day on the job before the reform was passed, Duffy said.

"If this was done 10 years ago we wouldn’t be having this conversation," Duffy said. "If we did it back then, we wouldn’t be in the situation we’re in today."

Hancock, who is also president this year of NYS Association of Counties, said the biggest unfunded mandate weighing down on counties is skyrocketing Medicaid costs.

Duffy said a recently initiated plan by Cuomo will help control costs, but not totally eliminate the Medicaid burden for counties.

At the end of three years, all cost increases will become the responsibility of the state, Duffy said.

"I think you’re seeing big steps right now in trying to lower the costs for local governments," Duffy said.

Duffy, who said he has relatives who live in Batavia, said that Genesee County is on a roll in attracting new business, pointing to the recent successes, particularly, with the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.

"This is place is starting to move," Duffy said. "I think it points to the great potential this area has."

Currently, the Genesee County Economic Development Center is seeking legislative support to fund shovel ready development of the STAMP Project in Alabama.

Duffy said he isn't familiar with the project but said the governor's office will follow the recommendation of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council.

"The governor looks for any way to support anything that grows jobs and grows the economy," Duffy said. "As a lifelong Upstate New Yorker, I'm amazed at the level of attention that is now paid to Upstate.

"I haven't seen the project on paper yet. But I think, as with any project, it might not get a line item in the budget yet, but if it's plausible, you will see people line up to try and make it happen."

Top photo, Duffy; inset, Freeman.

Press release:

The Sprout Film Festival returns to Genesee County on Saturday, March 31, at the Genesee ARC Community Center, 38 Woodrow Road in Batavia. Sprout is a nonprofit that holds a yearly festival in New York City and opens its library of films from around the world so the "touring festival" can travel all over the country. Genesee ARC’s festival marks the second visit in as many years.

Two 90-minute showings are scheduled at 1 and 5 p.m., offering a unique lineup of different films, ranging from two-and-a-half minutes to 25 minutes in length. Introductory remarks will be offered by Anthony DiSalvo, Sprout executive director.

Both sessions are open to the public and there is no charge to attend. Doors open at noon and artwork by local residents with disabilities is also featured. Refreshments will be available for sale from noon to 1 p.m. and between shows.

By presenting films of artistry and intellect, the festival hopes to reinforce accurate portrayals of people with developmental disabilities and expose the general public to important issues facing this population. The goal is an enjoyable and enlightening experience that will help break down stereotypes, promoting a greater acceptance of differences and awareness of similarities.

“This is about raising awareness of people with disabilities,” said Genesee ARC Executive Director Donna Saskowski. “This is a terrific way to conclude March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!”

The Sprout Film Festival is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council and is being sponsored in part by WBTA Radio.

1 p.m.

"Rudely Interrupted"
"Close My Eyes – Rudely Interrupted"
"My Only Wish – Rudely Interrupted"
"Jack Blond"
"Dream Lover"
"Cared Witless"
"Up Syndrome"

5 p.m.

"My Classic Life as an Artist"
"The Third Parent"
"One Question"
"Distinctively"
"Deedah" 
"Breadmakers"
"Hold Me Down"

If you have questions about the festival please call Genesee ARC Director of Development Shelley Falitico at 343-1123, ext. 231.

Nearly two dozen students and faculty members are walking around Batavia High School today with quite a bit less hair.

They all participated in a fundraiser and show of support Wednesday evening for Brandon Johns, a Batavia Middle School student afflicted with cancer.

The event was organized by BHS National Honor Society and conducted in conjunction with BHS Spirit Week.

Head shaves were provided by stylists from Total Image Hair Salon and following the shaves, students and faculty participated in a volleyball game.

Photos and information submitted by Steve Ognibene.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY: Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Delavan's, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently so you can try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY: Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

Jagged Edges Salon, 4140 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, NY: Jagged Edges Salon is a walk-in and appointment salon for men, women and children. It is a fun, welcoming salon that offers all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, treatments, and facial waxing. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kravings offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Log Cabin Restaurant, 1227 Gilmore Rd, Corfu, NY: Overlooking the picturesque Indian Falls on the Tonawanda Creek, the Log Cabin is known for casual dining, beef on weck, burgers, steaks, prime rib and mouthwatering BBQ baby back ribs. The Log Cabin is located off Route 77, 1.7 miles north of Exit 48 on the Thruway. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

New York Subs and Deli, 234 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Offering the freshest ingredients daily with a wide variety of sandwiches, wraps, & daily specials. All tips collected go to an animal in need! We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Present Tense Books and Gifts, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY: Whether your taste runs to local authors, the finest in fiction or nonfiction or you're looking for a unique and special gift, this charming store in a cozy Victorian house on the edge of downtown is a great place to stop and shop. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Rancho Viejo, 12 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Traditional Mexican cuisine, from tacos and burritos to pollo norteno, Rancho Viejo brings a bit of "South of the Border" to Batavia's restaurant scene. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Salsa & Curry, 13 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: An authentic Mexican restaurant, offering all of your favorite dishes from enchiladas and burritos to tacos and fajitas, as well as daily Indian food specials. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Scooter's Family Restaurant, 3711 W. Main St. Road, Batavia NY: Nestled just outside of the Village of Batavia, Scooter's offers a homestyle menu, daily specials, kid's meals and homemade desserts! We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. Come try one of our many delicious burgers that we have to offer, as well as our HUGE Bomber Sandwich, homemade chicken fingers made to order, and the all-time favorite Dumpster Plate with many choices. We deliver. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

T.F. Brown's, 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." Stop in and check out our jumbo chicken wings, roast beef on weck and Friday night fish fry. The original family spaghetti sauce still adorns all of our Italian specialties. The other popular selections from our menu range from super salads, butcher cut strip loin and South of the Border items. We offer daily lunch and dinner specials as well as a full adult and children’s menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl, 21 Buffalo Road, Bergen, NY: Open for lunch Monday through Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner favorites are our succulent prime rib and Friday fish fries! We are always happy to help plan your special occasion -- wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner, stag party, graduation, company function, banquet, family or class reunion. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

SOLD OUT

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Executives from PepsiCo and the Muller Group will be keynote speakers March 23 at the Genesee County Economic Development Center's annual meeting at the college.

The two companies are behind Project Wave, the $206 million yogurt plant being built at Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.

Mark Koenig, director of engineering and technology at the PepsiCo Global Nutrition Group -- who was in town when grading started in November although Pepsi's involvement was still officially a secret -- will be joined for a keynote presentation by Hanno Lehmann, a senior project manager from the Mueller Group.

Wave Holding, LLC -- the official name of the joint venture -- is expected to employ nearly 200 people in the near term and perhaps as many as 600 people if the new line of Greek yogurt is as successful as Pepsi and Muller project.

The new joint venture is receiving more than $11 million in tax abatements to build the plant in Batavia, which was initially not even a top-tier choice in the site selection process.

Also speaking at the event will be Rep. Kathy Hochul, State Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer, Assemblyman Steve Hawley and County Legislature Chairwoman Mary Pat Hancock.

GCEDC CEO Steve Hyde will make a presentation on some of the agency's 2011 highlights.

The luncheon is from noon until 1:30 p.m., March 23, at Genesee Community College. Tickets are $15 or $20 at the door. For reservation and tickets in advance, call 343-4866.

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