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Lancers dominate Alexander in 35-0 victory

By Howard B. Owens

Dylan Bordinaro was all over the field Saturday, making tackles, picking off passes and rushing for 85 yards.

The senior linebacker/running back scored two touchdowns and was a big part of Elba/Byron-Bergen's 35-0 victory over Alexander.

“This off-season, right at the end of the school year, he asked, 'What do I need to do to get better?'" said Head Coach Michael Cintorino. "We said, 'You’ve got the ability, you’ve just got to go hard every single play.'"

That's exactly what Bordinaro has done so far this season.

"He never wants to come out of the game," Cintorino said. "And it doesn’t matter if it’s practice, doesn’t matter if it's warm ups, doesn’t matter if it's agilities, doesn’t matter if it’s game day – he’s got one speed and that’s all he goes."

On the Trojan's side of the ball, injuries are making it a tough early fall in Alexander. After seeing at least two more players go down Saturday, Head Coach Dave Radley said it may be time to drop the JV program and bring those players into varsity to fill roster spots.

"It's back to the drawing board," Radley said.

For the Lancers (2-0), Eric Kowalik passed for 109 yards and completed five of 12 passes. Brandon Shucknecthad seven tackles and one sack.

Lucas Phillips ran for 57 yards  on 19 carries for Alexander (0-2).

Scores:

E-Dylan Bordinaro 42-yard interception
E-Bordinaro 29-yard run
E-Bordinaro 45-yard interception
E-Matt Ramsey 86-yard pass from Eric Kowalik
E-Bordinaro 9-yard run

Photos: Top, Elba/BB QB Eric Kowalik is leg tackled by Quinn Jared. Below, Matt Ramsey making the reception for his 86-yard TD catch.

More pictures after the jump:

Car takes down power lines in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A driver reportedly swerved to avoid a deer and hit a utility pole.

There are no injuries reported in the accident at 7 Day Road and County Line Road in Darien, but power lines are down.

Darien Fire is responding.

Volunteer departments on hand for 9/11 event in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

If you're fascinated by big fire trucks, Home Depot was the place to be on Saturday. Multiple volunteer fire departments from throughout the county, along with Mercy Flight, the Sheriff's Office and Genesee County Emergency Management Services were on hand to let the public tour their equipment and learn about local emergency services.

Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Yaeger said the Sept. 11 event was a way to remember the 343 firefighters and all of the civilians who lost their lives nine years ago and highlight emergency preparedness in Genesee County.

Yaeger also hoped the event would help with recruiting more volunteers, whether to the firefighting services, the Red Cross, Ameri Corps or other community organizations.

Within the firefighting services, there are numerous opportunities to volunteer Yaeger said. It's not all about rushing into burning buildings.

"You may feel that you’re not going to be a qualified interior firefighter, but you can be the driver of the apparatus," Yaeger said. "We need to get that truck there so we need those drivers there."

Volunteers are also needed to help prepare and get equipment ready and serve in management positions.

Possible car fire on East Main Street, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

An apparently abandoned car was found smoking at Hanson Aggregates, 7875 East Main Road, Le Roy. The car may be on fire.

Law enforcement and Le Roy Fire are being dispatched.

UPDATE 11:24 a.m.: Confirmed, working car fire; abandoned car.


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Today's Deals: Pudgie's, Present Tense, South Beach, Mane Attraction and more

By Howard B. Owens

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Get started on your spring gardening projects. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

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.

South Beach, 59 Main St., Batavia, NY: Only recently reopened, a fine/casual dining atmosphere, offering steaks and seafood and daily specials. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50 (must be used by Nov. 30, 2010).

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for seven weeks of yoga, a $70 value, for $35. Next session starts Sept. 27.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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.

Stafford Trading Post, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY: Lunch or dinner, Stafford Trading Post offers a variety of fresh, homemade meals, as well as snacks and drinks. Now in a new, expanded location. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Settler's Restaurant, 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.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

SOLD OUT

Accident reported at Route 19 and Route 33.

By Howard B. Owens

A motor vehicle accident has been reported at Clinton Street Road and South Lake Road, Bergen.

There is at least one injury.

The roadway is blocked.

Bergen Fire being dispatched, also Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 9:40 a.m.: The injury is now reported as an elderly woman shaken up.

Guy on porch with rifle prompts calls, police response

By Billie Owens

City of Batavia Police are responding to a number of calls about a male casually sitting on a porch with a rifle in hand.

The address is 133 South Swan St., north of Sumner Street.

At least 10 callers have voiced concerns about the situation.

Brush fire behind barn on Sumner Road

By Billie Owens

A brush fire is reported behind a barn at 516 Sumner Road, between Fargo and County Line roads.

Darien Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE (5:10 p.m.): A person on scene on Sumner Road reports heavy smoke is coming from down in Erie County. A firefighter says wind may have blown in the smoke reported by a passerby. They are investigating the area.

UPDATE (5:22 p.m.): Darien fire is back in service. It was found to be a bonfire at 526 Sumner Road. A person there was informed that it was illegal to burn some of the material being used to fuel the flames.

Downtown gets fall makeover with mums and cornstalks

By Howard B. Owens

Downtown business owners were on Main Street this morning decorating the sidewalks for fall, putting out hay bales and pumpkins, cornstalks and mums.

Above, Carrie Lawrence from Valle Jewelers delivers mums for planting in front of The Daily Grind.

The merchants will host a wine walk Oct. 2. For more information, click here.

Warsaw school van plows into pizzeria in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

A Warsaw Central School District van driver said his brakes failed yesterday causing the van he was driving to slam into a Pavilion pizzeria.

Nobody was injured in the 6:43 p.m. accident and no citations were issued.

The van was driven by Jeremy M. Donahue, 21, of Brooklyn Street, Warsaw.

The building struck was Paparoni Pizza, 11090 Route 19, Pavilion.

Witnesses said the van accelerated as it made a turn into the parking lot, and then braked. There were skid marks at the scene.

Chad B. Hanson, 24, was a passenger in the van.

(initial report)

Motocross rider suffers possible heart attack

By Billie Owens

A 40-year-old man is reported to be unconscious after he fell over for unknown reasons while riding his bike at Area 51.

East Pembroke and Darien fire and Mercy EMS are responding to the location at 3100 Harloff Road in the Town of Batavia. The availability of Mercy Flight is being determined.

It is believed he may have suffered a sudden heart attack while riding.

UPDATE (11:44 a.m.): A Darien ambulance is transporting the patient to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE (12:00 p.m.): Mercy Flight is leaving Home Depot in Batavia, where it was displayed as part of a 9/11 remembrance event, and is headed to Area 51 for the possible heart attack victim. Apparently, the transport previously referred to was for another victim.

Batavia girls tennis team looking to match last year's success in tougher division

By Howard B. Owens

Coming off a league championship, the Batavia High girls tennis team has been moved up to a tougher division this year, but coach Kevin Walkowski is OK with that.

"They’re recognize that we have a strong program," Walkowski said. "The only way you’re going to get better as a player and a team is to play against the best."

Yesterday, the ladies team beat Greece Arcadia/Olympia.

Walkowski likes the makeup of his team this year. It's filled with talented young women who love the game, he said.

The number one singles player is Amy Schmidt (Photo: inset, left), who beat Dana Starr 6-1, 6-2, Friday. Walkowski said Schmidt is an intense, competitive player.

"She’s got the big heart and refuses to give up," Walkowski said. "I remember when she first started out it was keep your feet moving, keep your feet moving and wear out your opponents. Now she’s talking strategy."

On the number two court is Michelle Richenburg (top photo). Walkowski said she is a "technically sound player." Richenburg beat Paige Olscamp 6-0, 6-0.

The team this year also features an exchange student from Germany, Lisa Farkinghoff (bottom photo before the jump). Farkinghoff beat Morgan Boyce 6-1, 6-4.

"She comes to us with a clay court game," said Walkowski. "She has all the cuts and slices, so we’re trying to get her to hit a little harder. If we get her to turn around she will make a difference for us in the sectionals."

Walkowski also praised Nicole Guilds, who transferred from Notre Dame two years ago. Guilds' strength is doubles, Walkowski said, but she also really enjoys singles. In singles Friday, Guilds beat Kim Hull 6-1, 6-0.

Batavia's fifth win Friday was a doubles match, with Maryssa Peirick and Robin Clemm over Lauran Caulkins and Kaylee Rizzari 6-2, 6-2.

More pictures after the jump:

 

Microwave oven reportedly on fire in Byron

By Howard B. Owens

A microwave oven is reportedly on fire in the kitchen of a home at 5161 Walkers Corners Road, Byron.

Byron and South Byron fire departments are being dispatched.

The homeowner has used a fire extinguisher, but it's unknown if the fire is out.

UPDATE 6:26 p.m.: Units told to respond non-emergency.

UPDATE 6:32 p.m.: Byron and South Byron back in service.


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Local priest puts faith into action - in Peru

By Daniel Crofts

Pictured above is a recent mission trip in which Catholics, Anglicans, Methodists and Non-Denominationalists helped out the residents of a small Peruvian village suffering from severe poverty.

This missionary group included Fr. Gus Calvo -- second from left in front -- the pastor of Batavia's Anglican Community Church (see January article on his first service).

Having recently returned from this trip, Calvo was happy to share the experience with The Batavian and extend information about the program to anyone in the area who might be interested in next year's trip.

Calvo has been going on these missionary trips -- most of which last about 12 to 14 days -- on an annual basis for the past seven years. It all started when he was working in Honduras under the supervision of another missionary leader.

"My friend and ministry colleague Jeff Miller and I met in Honduras," Calvo said. "Our leader later left that area, so we got together and decided to put together a team each year for mission trips."

They then contacted SAMS -- the Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders -- an organization that sponsors various projects in needful areas. All of the missions Calvo has been involved in these last seven years have been acquired through them.

Since getting started, Calvo and Miller have worked with participants from about 55 different churches, with an average of 15 to 18 people from each church. This past trip was a deeply ecumenical project that included people from the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Albany and Philadelphia, the Episcopalian Diocese of Albany and CANA (Anglican), as well as members of a Methodist Church and a Non-Denominational Church.

Destinations are usually South American countries, although last year's trip was to Texas for Hurricane Ike relief work. Calvo said that he and Miller are looking at a couple of South American locations as possibilities for next year.

The trip to Peru took the team to seven sites, including the village pictured above. This village was home to marginalized indigenous people who had been forced out of their homes in the Andes Mountains by a terrorist group.

"The government granted them a stretch of land to live on," Calvo said, "but it's basically a wasteland. On top of that, their circumstances force them to live in cardboard boxes -- literally. These homes are about 10-by-10, and some of them house multiple people."

Like all of these trips, this one was preceded by a year of careful planning, a key aspect of which was needs assessment.

"We always ask [the people in need of assistance], 'What are your needs?'" Calvo said. "That way they have some ownership. We respond by incorporating them into the project. We provide the materials, but then they put it together."

The whole approach is very different from the patronizing attitude that might come to mind when you think of missionaries -- namely, of being a major blessing to the "ignorant savages" they're visiting. Calvo and his fellow missionaries always go into the mission with the idea of mutual benefit.

"It's not just that we're a blessing to them. They're a blessing to us as well."

A major benefit that members of these trips experience is the opportunity to deepen their faith.

"One of the most common comments from religious leaders of all denominations is that American faith is six miles wide, but only about an inch deep," Calvo said. "These trips add depth to one's faith. After coming back from them, people are more invested and involved in their churches, and they know their faith in a more intimate way."

Throughout the course of each trip, every participant is asked to provide a five- to ten-minute reflection -- in the morning or in the evening -- on a given Bible passage or on an insight gained from working with the poor and needy.

Faith, according to Calvo, is the primary component of these missions, both in terms of personal and extra-personal benefits.

On the personal level, the Christian missionaries get to experience faith in action, discover what unites them with Christians of other denominations, and study passages of Scripture in a way that, in Calvo's words, "probes the many layers of Gospel passages, as opposed to superficial surface presentations."

The extra-personal benefits have to do with the sacramental nature of their faith.

"We follow Jesus' model of spreading the Gospel through word and sacrament," Calvo said. "We tell people about our faith and about the love of God, but we also show them what it looks like. Our work is also sacramental in the sense that there is something visible and tangible going on, but at the same time there are things connected to it that can only be perceived through hearts of faith."

Calvo welcomes anyone in Genesee County who thinks he/she might like to be a part of next year's mission, and he encourages people to form prayer groups in support of missionaries at their respective churches.

"That way the whole church walks together," he said. "It gives people the chance to be missionaries right at home."

But before someone goes off on a mission trip, there are some necessary steps to take.

"You want to discern the nature of the call," Calvo said. "Pray about it, consult your pastor, and then if you find that God really is calling you to work with us, contact me."

All applicants will need to go through a screening process and formation time. A mission trip of this sort requires a certain level of spiritual maturity and strength (pastoral endorsement will certainly improve people's chances of being chosen for the mission).

"A lot of people think of a mission as a sort of vacation with a purpose," Calvo said. "But you're really stepping out of your comfort zone and going to strange places."

In particular, he emphasized the suffering and poverty missionaries encounter in their travels.

"It's one thing to see suffering in movies or commercials, or even to learn about it through training programs. But when you actually see it up close, that brings out a whole new level of emotionality."

The aforementioned Peruvian village was a case in point.

The population suffered from high rates of tuberculosis, physical disabilities and HIV/AIDS. Social problems such as alcoholism, drug abuse, lack of education, and unemployment are prevalent.

Malnutrition is also a problem -- so much so that it's not uncommon to see 12-year-olds the size of 5-year-olds.

And that's not the worst of it. This area also sees a lot of child abduction, which is followed by trafficking in the slave market.

Needless to say, you've got to have pretty thick skin to get involved in something like this.

In the end, though, this is another means of deepening one's faith and Christian identity. Calvo sees the experience of suffering (as distinguished from the evils of it) as having the power to draw people closer to Christ and His suffering.

"We're able to find meaning in suffering," Calvo said, "because we're united in Christ's suffering. Personally, I find it helps me to redefine my humanity. [Suffering] can be a stumbling block for many people, but it can also be a stepping stone to a higher level of faith and a different way of thinking. And as Christians, we know that ultimately we will be released from pain and suffering."

Any person and/or church in the Batavia area interested in getting involved with Calvo in his SAMS missions should -- after a period of prayer, discernment and pastoral consultation -- contact him at 584-3694, or e-mail calvo_gus@yahoo.com.

Photos submitted by Gus Calvo

Wanted: Deborah Compton

By Howard B. Owens

The Sheriff's Office is looking for assistance in locating Deborah Compton. Compton is wanted on a warrant on charges of resisting arrest and promoting prison contraband. Compton has reportedly failed to appear for court appearances on the charges after posting bail.

UPDATE: Some additional info has come through. Compton is 53. Last known address, 6542 Swamp Road, Byron. In March, she was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation. She allegedly resisted arrest at that time. When she was booked into jail on those charges, she was allegedly found in possession of marijuana. She allegedly failed to appear for her next court appearance on those charges and was arrested in May. She has subsequently allegedly failed to make her next court appearance.

Ryan Gugel home for rehab, and eager to get back to baseball

By Howard B. Owens

Former Batavia High baseball standout Ryan Gugel still has a place in the Philadelphia Phillie's organization even though he missed most of 2010 with a shoulder injury.

Gugel is back home for a few months and helping out a little with his family's business -- Clor's Meat Market -- and continuing his rehabilitation.

The 23-year-old catcher was off to a good start in spring training -- hitting .450 with one home run -- when he was throwing at a scouting session and felt a stinging pain in his shoulder.

The initial diagnoses was tendinitis, but after three stints in rehab without improvement, the Phillies trainers sent him in for an MRI. Doctors found a 50-percent tear in his rotator cuff.

The Phillies gave him a choice -- more rehab, with the risk that the problem would return, or surgery. After giving it a couple of days thought and talking it over with his parents, Gugel opted for surgery.

That was in May and Gugel spent the next few months in Florida at the Phillies' training facility, going through rehab in the morning and just hanging out at the hotel in the afternoon.

"It was a tough period," Gugel said. "I'd get back to the hotel and there just wasn't much to do."

The rehab stint wasn't entirely boring, though. Gugel said as the season went on, more members of the Phillies organization joined him in Florida, including some of the MLB team's stars.

"It wasn’t bad when I got to rehab with Rollins, Happ, Madson, Durbin, Polanco and Utley," Gugel said. "It was a good time there talking with some of those guys."

Gugel's rehab continues in Batavia. He's glad to finally be back lifting weights and he trains with his uncle Dee Gugel. In October, he can start tossing a baseball again. The Phillies want him to report to Florida in January, where he'll get some work as Roy Halladay's bullpen catcher when the ace starter starts his pre-season workouts.

In an organization with some drafted catchers -- including this year's third-round pick Cameron Rupp -- Gugel, who was signed as a free agent in 2009,  knows he has his work cut out. But he feels encouraged that the Phillies are showing faith in him despite the injury.

"It’s really a bit tougher being one of the lower-ranked guys," Gugel said. "You’ve got to work your way to the top."

Police Beat: Oakfield resident accused of stealing mail

By Howard B. Owens

Paula J. Legg, 43, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny and endangering the welfare of a child. Legg is accused of stealing mail in the presence of a child.

Top Items on Batavia's List

Tourism Marketing Assistant Position The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, serving as the official tourism promotion agency for Genesee County, NY is seeking an experienced marketing professional to assist in the overall Chamber tourism and marketing initiatives for Genesee County. https://visitgeneseeny.com/about/join-our-team
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Town of Batavia Court Department is seeking a part time as needed Court Officer. Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order in the court room and court facility during proceedings. Please send resume to Town of Batavia, Attention Hiedi Librock, 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Complete job description is available on the Town web site or at the Town Hall Application deadline is April 15, 2024.
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