Genesee Community College has officially announced the first event in this year's Historical Horizons series! On Monday, October 18, 2021 at 7 p.m. at GCC Associate Professor of History, Derek D. Maxfield will present on his book "Hellmira: The Union's Most Infamous Civil War Prison Camp- Elmira NY" which explores this notorious time period in the history of Elmira, NY.
Press release:
For the second time this season, the management of Batavia Downs along with the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association has announced that starting Wednesday (Oct. 13) purses for all races held at the track will be increased by 10%. As was the case earlier this year, the increase is due to the continued success in business the VLT’s have seen on the gaming floor and the brisk action at the windows for the horses as per-race betting is up 18%.
“This is the kind of news we like to announce. Because of our loyal customer base at the track and the unbelievable support our gaming floor gets from all our guests, we are able to raise our purses again so our horsemen can continue to race for some of the best money available in the upstate region all year,” said Todd Haight, General Manager/Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs.
With the new increased structure in place, the bottom purse at the Downs will be raised from $4,200 to $4,600, a $10,000 claimer will go for $9,800 and the top purse will jump from $12,300 to $13,500.
Press release:
With Misty Memory N not entered this week, Protect Blue Chip regained her spot as morning line favorite in the $12,300 fillies and mares Open I Handicap pace and delivered as expected on that forecast after she won the weekly distaff feature at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Oct. 6).
Jim Morrill Jr. put Protect Blue Chip right on the engine and pretty much ran the show. Without any resistance for the first half that went in a respectable :56.2, a minor challenge came from Vicious Circle (Jim McNeight Jr.) on the backstretch to three-quarters that Protect Blue Chip easily turned away. Protect Blue Chip continued to pace sharply and in the stretch, held off a charge from the pocket-sitting Stay Beautiful (Kevin Cummings) as well as the late closing Gotta Love Cabot (Shawn McDonough) at the line to win by one length in 1:54.3.
It was win number nine for Protect Blue Chip ($4.60) and her owners Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock and it pushed her earnings to $64,517 on their behalf. Maria Rice trains the mare.
Protect Blue Chip was only one of three winners Morrill had during the proceedings on Wednesday.
One race earlier in the $11,000 Open II Handicap for female pacers, former Borscht Belt regular Don’t Chip Me shipped in from Monticello Raceway and turned a pretty rough trip into quite a victory.
Drew Monti took Don’t Chip Me off the gate and settled in seventh as a three-wide speed duel was raging in front between Peggy J (Jim Morrill Jr.), Wonderful World (Denny Bucceri), and Cinderella Delight (Kevin Cummings), who grabbed the lead at the quarter but then gave it back to Wonderful World at the half, who was still parked. Moving up the backside Peggy J went three-wide around both to take the lead and at this point, Don’t Chip Me was sixth and three-deep on the move. Monti continued to drive around the last turn and Don’t Chip Me picked up all the pieces down the lane to win by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:55.2.
Don’t Chip Me ($14.20) is now a 13-time winner in 2021 and has solid earnings of $64,087 as a result. The 4-year-old Hypnotic Blue Chip-Don’t Flash Me mare is owned by Rick Howles, Geoff Howles, and John Hallet, who also does the training.
Kevin Cummings and Drew Monti each scored two driving wins during the card.
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 8) there will be two carryovers available.
With no unique single winning ticket purchased in the Pick-5 on Wednesday night (Oct. 6), there is now a carryover of $5,963 for that bet in race nine and with the same situation occurring in the Jackpot Pick-6, another carryover of $1,216 will be in place for that wager in race four.
Free full past performance programs for the entire card -- that includes these races -- can be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab, where they are always found for every live night of racing at Batavia Downs.
Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.
Article and photos by Glenn Adams
The Honor Guard was established to provide Military Honors in funeral services for veterans from any of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Western New York National Cemetery Honor Guard for Genesee County is looking for volunteers to help with that important task.
The National Cemetery, located in Pembroke, has become the final resting place for over 600 veterans so far this year. Opened late last year, it provides a place where loved ones can say their final farewells, and thereafter, visit the grave as often as they desire.
They average about 3 funerals a day there, Monday through Friday, and occasionally have one on Saturday. An Honor Guard is there in the summer heat, wintery blasts, and everything in between, honoring those who have given at least a part of their lives for their country.
I witnessed my first funeral there last week. The Honor Guard was on hand to do their part in making a difficult time a little easier for family and friends. John Case was there then, an ex-Marine He was laid to rest his father, who had served in the Air Force. The ritual flag folding, gun salutes, taps, and expressions of gratitude for his father’s service from a grateful nation, lent an air of gravity to the proceedings.
The Genesee County detail, which takes the Monday services, is made up of 47 volunteers, although the numbers dwindle as snowbirds leave for the south each fall, and other commitments take volunteers away from week to week. Tuesday’s Honor Guard is from Orleans County, Wednesday, from Wyoming County, Thursday from Erie County, and Friday’s Honor Guard is made up of Vets from the various surrounding counties served by the Cemetery. Carl Hyde, a Navy Veteran and in charge of the Genesee County Guard, tells me that the last Monday of each month is a service for unclaimed Vets.
But they need help from Veterans in the area who can give a little time to help the families of their fellow soldiers. Who can help out? Anyone with an honorable discharge from the military is eligible. You don’t need to be a part of any Veteran’s organization. There is no requirement for attendance each week. Some vets are only available once or twice a month. Right now they’re stretched pretty thin on some days, for the south is calling some for the winter, and none are getting any younger.
For more information on how you can help, stop by the Batavia American Legion, 8969 Alexander Rd on Saturday, October 9th from 1-4 pm or call Carl Hyde at 585.356.2658. If you are from another county, he can put you in touch with a person from your county to contact.
Press release:
Roger K. Brinkman was arrested for the above-listed charges. In the year 2000, Brinkman allegedly forcibly raped a female who was (a young teenager) at the time of the alleged crime. Brinkman was arraigned before Judge Rogers at Batavia City Court and held on $50,000 A, $100,000 B, $300,000 partially secured bond.
Press release:
City of Batavia officials and community leaders were joined by leaders from National Grid to commemorate the installation of four new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The stations were made possible through National Grid’s Make-Ready Electric Vehicle program, which funds electricity infrastructure costs associated with new EV charging stations for its upstate electric business customers.
For the Batavia stations – two located at Mancuso Bowling Center, 214 East Main St. and two at The City Church, 210 E. Main St. – National Grid’s program covered more than 90 percent of the infrastructure costs to install the stations.
“The Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District Board of Directors was excited to pursue this project and are thrilled to see four EV charging locations within our downtown,” said Beth Kemp, executive director, Batavia Business Improvement District (BID). “We would not have been able to move forward with these progressive additions to our downtown without the assistance of National Grid, NYSERDA, Rick Mancuso, and Marty Macdonald. Thank you to all partners involved.”
“Electric vehicle adoption is on the rise in New York State, and EV charging stations are a great way to attract employees, and also a great way to attract and retain new customers,” said Paul Gister, customer and community engagement manager, National Grid, who added that the stations have become more popular among landlords seeking to attract and retain tenants, as well as helping New York State achieve its energy targets by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
National Grid’s EV charging program is available for businesses, multi-unit residential buildings and retail stores, as well as parks and vacation destinations. The company also offers a program for companies looking to electrify their fleets, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and meet the de-carbonization goals of the states where the utility operates.
“These programs include incentives for customers who have an eye on the future, who support clean energy initiatives, and are providing a necessity for the vehicles that will take us there,” Gister said. “Initiatives like these are at the heart of how we collaborate with customers and significantly impact our communities and community partners. These kinds of collaborations are central to our Project C initiative, which was created to inspire change and create a more equitable future for our customers and communities.”Added Rick Mancuso, owner of Mancuso Bowling Center and TF Brown’s Restaurant, “We were presented with an opportunity to provide EV charging stations through programs offered by National Grid and NYSERDA through the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District. We believe that with the increase of electric car sales there will be a need for stations and at the same time, these stations will drive traffic to the downtown area as well as the surrounding businesses. We’d like to thank Beth Kemp and the BID for their support of not only this project but also, all that the organization does for the Batavia Business Improvement District.”
“The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is proud to promote, support, and connect our local business and tourism communities. We believe passionately in collaborations that enhance our abilities to live, work and play in Genesee County,” said Erik Fix, president, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. “We are grateful for our partnership with National Grid and the BID and appreciate them working together to bring EV Car Charging Stations to downtown Batavia. Congratulations to both organizations and thank you to National Grid for continuing to invest in our community!”
Photos by Howard Owens
Marsha McWilson, the first black female inducted into the Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame, will be singing at the Casino in Batavia on October 14th at 7 pm. $10 tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marsha-mcwilson-tribute-performance-at-batavia-downs-gaming-hotel-tickets-170476676328 She'll be singing some of her originals, as well as hits from Aretha, Tina, Gladys, and other notable divas.
Press release:
This Friday, October 8th, the Batavia Football players, Boosters and Community Schools will join together in a Hygiene and Food Drive at VanDetta Stadium prior to the BHS football game. The Batavia Blue Devils play Honeoye-Falls Lima at 7 pm. Help support your community by bringing donations for the Family and Community Engagement Center’s Community Closet! Any non-perishable food or hygiene item donation enters you to win four season passes to Six Flags Darien Lake- good for the remainder of this season to enjoy Fright Fest and Magic of Lights: A festive holiday light extravaganza!
Then on Saturday, October 16, the Batavia Bulldawgs and Community Schools will be hosting another Hygiene and Food Drive at VanDetta during their games at 1, 3, 5 and 7 pm.
At both events, we will be collecting items at the main entrance to the stadium. All items collected will be distributed locally as needed.
Pictured with District Social Worker Julie Wasilewski are BHS Football players Abel Hammer, Aidan Anderson, and Carter Wasilewski
The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting the last FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinic of 2021 on Thursday, October 14th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia).
Press release:
The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting the last FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinic of 2021 on Thursday, October 14th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia).
“Rabies is a fatal, but preventable viral disease that can spread to people from pets if they are bitten and scratched by an infected animal with rabies,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “We encourage residents to take advantage of our last anti-rabies immunization clinic of 2021 and ensure their pets are protected against rabies.”
Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum.
Face coverings are recommended and please follow all social distancing requirements.
To save you time, please click here to fill out your registration form in advance. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you to the clinic.
For more information, please contact the Genesee County Health Department: 585-344-2580 x.5555 or Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us.
Press release:
Le Roy, NY resident, Ellie Dambra, has enrolled at James Madison University for the fall 2021 semester. Dambra selected major is political science.
Founded in 1908, James Madison University is a public university located in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. JMU is one of the nation's leading lights in higher education, where students enjoy engaging relationships with world-class faculty who drive education innovation and support advanced research. With state-of-the-art amenities and facilities, students have access to NCAA Division 1 athletics. JMU also has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges.
Press release:
Registration deadline for the General Election – 10/8/2021 is the last day to postmark an application to register to vote and to register in person. Registration forms are on our website https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/elections/index.php. Mail registration forms must be received at Board of Elections by 10/13/2021 to be eligible to vote. Registration forms can also be found at many public offices, or by calling 585 815-7804 and requesting a registration form be mailed.
Absentee for the General Election – 10/18/2021 is the last day to postmark, email, online portal https://absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov/ or fax application for a General Election ballot. 11/1/2021 is the last day to apply in person for a General Election ballot. 11/2/2021 is the last day to postmark the ballot and Board of Elections must receive it no later than 11/9/2021.
There will be an accessible Ballot Marking Device set up for the disabled at the County Board of Elections, 15 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 for anyone who wishes to vote absentee from our office. Please call 585 815-7804 to make an appointment.
Early Voting – Early Voting is available for every eligible voter in Genesee County. The Early Voting location is The ARC Community Center, 38 Woodrow Rd., Batavia, NY 14020.
Saturday, Oct. 23 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, Oct. 24 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Monday, Oct. 25 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday, Oct. 26 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday, Oct. 27 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Thursday, Oct. 28 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, Oct. 29 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, Oct. 30 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, Oct. 31 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Press release:
The OACS Alumni Hall of Fame Committee will be honoring the Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2021 during an Alumni Hall of Fame weekend.
This year's honorees are: Lawrence Bartholf ('59), Leanne Skelton (‘79), Mark Will ('85) and Gary Patnode (’95).
On the evening of Saturday, Oct. 16th, there will be a community dinner and ceremony to induct our newest members. The dinner will be held at the OACS High School cafeteria. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event begins at 6 o'clock.
Tickets are on sale only through Oct.9th and are available at the Oakfield-Alabama High School, Oakfield Family Pharmacy on Main Street in Oakfield, or by contacting committee member Lynette Crawford through email at nwcrawford@verizon.net. Tickets are $25 each for adults and children ages 11 and up, $12 each for children ages 4 to 10 and no charge for children 3 and under.
The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding OACS alumni who have achieved distinction in their lives and chosen field after high school through significant contributions to their career, community or through personal achievements.
We hope to see you there!
For bios of this year's honorees, click here.
Press release:
Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) cosponsored the Lawful Interstate Transportation of Firearms Act (H.R. 1680).
“American’s constitutional rights are not confined to state lines – this most definitely applies to Second Amendment rights and American’s rights to travel with their firearm,” Jacobs said. “This legislation implements and strengthens simple but needed protections for traveling gun owners to prevent the prosecution from states or municipalities seeking to erode the rights of law-abiding Americans."
The Lawful Interstate Transportation of Firearms Act (H.R. 1680) expands the Firearms Owners’ Protection Act (FOPA) transport definition. Under this legislation, the expanded definition would include staying in temporary lodging, stopping for food, fuel, vehicle maintenance, emergencies, medical treatment, and any other activity incidental to travel. In addition, H.R. 1680 clarifies that transporting a firearm includes ammunition and detachable magazines.
“Lawful gun owners should be able to make stops incidental to their travel, in the possession of a lawfully-stowed firearm, without concerns that they may face prosecution for making those necessary stops,” Jacobs said. “I am proud to stand for the Second Amendment and the Constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans, and I will keep fighting to uphold them in Congress.”
Press release:
The Genesee County 4-H Program celebrated the completion of the 2020-2021 4-H Program Year by announcing its 4-H Year-End Award Recipients. Year-End Awards recognize 4-H members who have excelled in a certain project area and show leadership during the 4-H program year.
Congratulations to all of the 4-H members and volunteers who received an award. Highlights include:
- Achievement Award: Alexandria Tarbell
- Leadership Award: Amelia Brewer, Morgan Harrington, Maggie Winspear, Tyler Jirovec, Ben Kron
- Outstanding 1st Year Member Award: Raegan Bessey, Alicia McCarthy
- 4-H Member of the Year: Eva Rhoads
- 4-H Spirit Award: Cody Carlson, Brooke Frega, Morgan Harrington, Madison Paddock, Brook Pagels, Kasey Pagels, Ty Reilly, Makayla Sugg, Bing Zuber
- Arts & Crafts: Layla Baker, Clare Mathes, Bing Zuber
- Beef Cattle: Kaden Cusmano, Kameron Cusmano
- Dairy Cattle: Amelia Brewer, Carolyn Sybertz, Tate Zuber
- Clothing & Textiles: Alexandria Tarbell
- Food & Nutrition: Alex Boldt, Emma Tanner
- Goat: Layla Baker, Lily Haacke, Riley Henning, Tyler Jirovec, Clare Mathes, Campbell Riley, John Riley, Gabe Winn
- Horticulture: June Dorman, Mae Grimes
- Livestock Master: Ben Kron
- Photography: Caroline Luft, Colton Tarbell, Alexandria Tarbell
- Poultry: Madison Harrington, Morgan Harrington, Hudson Luft, Clare Mathes, Teagan Mathes, Kasey Pagels
- Rabbit: Amelia Brewer, Madison Harrington, Morgan Harrington, Brook Pagels
- Sheep: Mya Grant, Chelsea Lippert, Colten Sugg
- Swine: Bentley Lowe, Emmalee Lehman, Tate Zuber
- Outstanding 4-H Volunteer Recognition: Cindy Bovier, Joy Brewer, Cole Carlson, Sue Johnson, Joanna Miller, Jamey Pagels, Taylor Schofield, Kathy Winspear
The Genesee County 4-H Program is a youth development program for youth ages 5-18. New 4-H youth members, adult volunteers, and clubs are always welcome. For information about how to join the Genesee County 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040 ext. 131. Enrollment information is available on our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development/how-to-join-4-h
Submitted photo: Genesee County 4-H Member of the Year Eva Rhoads.
Press release:
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Java with Joe E. morning guest presentation. Join us Thursday, October 28th at 9 am at the Holland Land Office Museum as we welcome local genealogist and researcher Jennifer Liber Raines. She will be discussing the burials recovered at the Erie County Poor Farm on the University at Buffalo's south campus, the research, and how the 19th and 20th century poor lived to exemplify the importance of the preservation of our shared history. The event is free to the public.
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its History Trivia Night @ the Museum. Join us Thursday, October 14th at 7 pm at the Holland Land Office Museum to test your knowledge of the World Series. Admission is $3 per person or $2 for museum members. If you would like to attend, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727. Trivia will also be available via Zoom. Please visit the museum's Facebook page or website, www.hollandlandoffice.com, for the Zoom link.
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce its first West Side Ghost Stories program on Friday, October 8th at 7 pm. Join us as Connie Boyd shares the spooky, sinister, and weird documented stories from the West Side of Batavia's past. Come and listen to tales of murder, ghosts, body snatching hangings, and abandoned cemeteries. This presentation is the same as our Ghost Walk, perfect for those who are not able to go on our guided Ghost Walks. Tickets are $3/$2 for museum members. The program will also be available via Zoom.
Navigating Solar Lease Agreements and the Solar Development Process:
A Program for NY Farmers and Rural Landowners
Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Time: 9:30am to 1:30 pm
Location: CCE Genesee – 420 E Main St., Batavia
Registration: Visit our website to register - genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events/2021
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