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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.

New Today: Red Osier

By Howard B. Owens

New Today, Red Osier, Route 5, Stafford, NY: Truly, one of the landmark restaurants of the area. Red Osier features prime rib carved table side. We have $25 gift certificates 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.

The Daily Grind, 85 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: For Batavia's finest coffee, smoothies, as well as fast and convenient breakfasts and lunches, stop into The Daily Grind. We have a $10 gift card for $5.

O'Lacy's Irish Pub, 5 School St. Batavia, NY: In Irish pubs, it doesn't get more authentic than O'Lacy's. Be sure to try the homemade chips. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY. Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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).

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.

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.

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

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 $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

T.F. Brown's, at 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." 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

Gas station owner accused of fraudulently using credit cards

By Howard B. Owens

Following a joint investigation by Batavia Police detectives and the U.S. Secret Service, a Batavia businessman has been charged with fraud.

Nicholas Salvador, 46, of 20 Park Ave., Batavia, owner of East Main Sunoco, is being charged with two federal crimes related credit-card fraud.

The investigation is related to the arrest in March of Dustin Hurlburt, 32, of 21 Elm St., Warsaw, who was accused of operating a complicated scheme to buy building materials at Armor Building Supply using credit-card numbers obtained at the gas station where he worked and reselling the material.

Salvador is accused of using credit-card information of more than one person, and on more than one occasion, to purchase building materials at Armor Building Supply on several dates in 2009.

Det. Kevin Czora headed the investigation in Batavia.

One run is all ValleyCats need to put end to Batavia's season

By Howard B. Owens

Starting pitcher Andrew Moss did all he could, from charging check-swing grounders to diving for infield bloopers and pitching nine complete innings of four-hit ball, but in the end it wasn't enough.

The Batavia Muckdogs lost 1-0, dropping its playoff series with the Tri-City ValleyCats 2-1.

Attendance for what may be the last professional baseball game in Batavia was 601.

But it was a rowdy 601 fans, never giving up until the final called strike -- with a runner on first -- to Nick Longmire.

The WildCats plated their lone run in the 4th when Adam Bailey doubled to right field with a runner on first base. Tyler Burnett reached on a squib infield single that both Moss and second baseman Joey Bergman made heroic efforts to field.

The Muckdogs managed only three hits.

Once the reality of the loss sunk in, only some fans started to leave. Many stayed a few minutes longer and gave a final cheer and yelled thank you to the players as they left the field.

More pictures after the jump:

Fire reported on Tracy Avenue in City of Batavia

By Billie Owens

Kids in a backyard at 112 Tracy Ave., north of North Street in Batavia, are believed to be responsible for a fire there. It is now out.

Still, city fire is responding.

A medic walked over from the United Memorial Medical Center to see what was causing the smoke and flames. An irate neighbor also complained about the fire, which is apparently a "controlled burn" of sorts.

At first, it was thought to be a house on fire, then something outside burning. Firefighters are investigating the incident.

Batavia Police Department officers are also on scene.

UPDATE (7:49 p.m.): Firefighters are returning to quarters after informing the homeowners that controlled burns are not allowed within city limits.

Police Beat: Reported fight leads to arrest of Oakfield man on warrants

By Howard B. Owens

Robert P. Leiser, 41, of Lockport Road, Oakfield, is charged with trespass, criminal possession of marijuana, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. State Police and Sheriff's deputies came into contact with Leiser on Lockport Road, Oakfield, when responding to a report of a fight at 10:54 a.m. There was reportedly a warrant for his arrest on a trespass charge as well as a warrant out of Monroe County on the marijuana charges. No charged were filed in connection with the fight call.

Donna Marie Kowsky, 35, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and following too closely. Kowsky was charged after reportedly being involved in a motor-vehicle accident at 7:58 p.m., Tuesday, in the area of 6112 Byron-Holly Road, Byron. Kowsky was allegedly tailgating.

Gregory Allen Jones, 31, of Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal contempt. Jones is accused of contacting a person he was barred from contacting by court order.

Brandon M. Weig, 22, of Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child. State Police responded to an unspecified incident at 3:34 p.m., Monday, and arrested Weig. No further details were released.

Four-car collision on West Main Street in Batavia

By Billie Owens

A four-car motor-vehicle accident is reported on West Main Street near Tops Market. Town of Batavia fire is responding along with Mercy EMS to the Payless Shoe Source parking lot.

There are neck and back injuries reported. At least one of the vehicles was rear-ended.

Batavia woman accused of letting drug dealers operate from her home

By Howard B. Owens

A 34-year-old Batavia woman is being accused of letting drug dealers operate from her home at 3 Vine St.

The woman and three other people were arrested Wednesday following a raid by the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force at the residence.

The four arrests make it a total of five people accused of drug dealing at that address.

Sara H. Butler was charged with criminal nuisance, 1st, which is a class E felony in New York.

Butler and the other people taken into custody at 5:30 p.m. were charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, and loitering.

The three others arrested were Quinton L. Spinks, 26, of Terrance Park, Rochester, Steven J. Hirsch, 23, of Raymond Avenue, Batavia, Cheetara M. O'Neal, 24, of Sawyer Street, Rochester.

On Aug. 26, 40-year-old William J. Butler was taken into custody at the same address. Butler is suspected of trafficking in crack cocaine and was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and promoting prison contraband, 1st.

The four arrested yesterday are accused of dealing cocaine and crack cocaine. Investigators executed a search warrant on the residence and allegedly found both drugs in the house. Their combined reported street value is $2,000. Investigators also say they found more than $600 in cash.

Butler, Spinks and O'Neal were taken into custody at the residence. Hirsch was reportedly seen leaving the residence just before the raid and taken into custody on East Avenue.

Batavia police officers assisted in the raid.

All four suspects were arraigned and jailed without bail.

Photos, from top: Sara Butler, O'Neal, Hirsch, Spinks.

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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