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'Exceptional' mom care: UMMC earns five-star ratings for baby deliveries

By Press Release

Press release:

Rochester Regional Health is proud to announce five-star ratings for vaginal delivery at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, United Memorial Medical Center and Unity Hospital a five-star rating for C-sections at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital and United Memorial Medical Center as recognized by Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems.

UMMC has received a five-star rating for vaginal delivery for the last six years and Newark-Wayne and Unity have received it for two consecutive years.

The five-star rating indicates the hospitals’ clinical outcomes for vaginal delivery and C-sections are statistically significantly better than expected.

“The five-star ratings reflect our teams’ commitment to providing the highest quality of care to all patients during some of the most profound moments in their lives,” said Meghan Aldrich, VP of Operations for Women’s Health. “We appreciate the trust our community puts in us to take care of their families, and we are proud to relentlessly pursue ever more extraordinary care for our patients.”

“Hospital quality should be top of mind for consumers when they evaluate and compare hospital performance,” said Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Healthgrades. “Women who select a hospital with a five-star rating can feel confident in their choice knowing that these organizations are committed to providing exceptional women’s care to their patients.”

Healthgrades analyzed all-payer state data for 16 states for years 2016 through 2018. Healthgrades found that there is a significant variation in hospital quality between those that have received five-stars and those that have not. For example, from 2016 through 2018, women having a vaginal delivery in hospitals rated five-stars have, on average, a 43.6-percent lower risk of experiencing a complication while in the hospital than if they were treated by hospitals rated one-star.

View Healthgrades hospital quality awards and methodologies.

Learn more about how hospitals partner with Healthgrades.

McMurray defends postal service, mail-in voting

By Press Release

Press release:

The United States Postal Service, even before the current strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, has endured years of attacks by President Trump. These attacks have ramped up as more states expand access to vote-by-mail in response to the still-raging pandemic.

Democratic candidate for Congress Nate McMurray is calling for NY-27 to be a national bellwether, for absentee and vote-by-mail systems to be quickly safeguarded, and for Trump’s attacks on America’s favorite Federal agency to be rebuked.

In his attacks on the Postal Service, Trump has continued to baselessly claim "fraud" regarding mail-in votes, but in addition to this smear campaign has fractured its inner foundations: withholding funding; appointing unqualified Republican donor Louis DeJoy to be postmaster general; and slowing delivery times, delaying delivery of medications, Social Security checks, and soon millions of votes in the November elections.

“The Postal Service is a vital, publicly held resource," said McMurray, who has twice been endorsed by the National Association of Letter Carriers. "The connection it provides, especially in rural areas, is more important than ever because of the pandemic.

"Mail-in votes, which have been around since the Civil War, are necessary to keep our nation safe as we prepare for this November election. The USPS is an institution that binds our country together, rain or shine, one stamp at a time. It predates the nation’s independence and is recognized by the Constitution.” 

In the NY-27 June Special Election, nearly half of all votes cast were cast by mail. After an unprecedented resurgence in the absentee count — capturing nearly 70 percent of all mail-in ballots — McMurray closed his election night gap to just 5.2 percent.

This result was nationally recognized as a harbinger for November, when the results of many elections, including the Presidential Election, are unlikely to be known on election night.

After a landmark ruling handed down last week in New York State to protect votes previously removed from official counts in the NY-12 primary, the McMurray campaign estimates that several hundred additional ballots will be counted in NY-27.

The ruling, in this case, argued by Arthur Schwartz, counsel to the McMurray campaign, ordered the NYS Board of Elections to direct all local boards to count all ballots received by June 24th, regardless of postmark, and all ballots received by June 25th with a timely postmark. 

“I applaud this ruling and continue this campaign’s fight to count every single vote. Even as Jacobs votes to gut healthcare protections for pre-existing conditions and continues to stand by Trump in Washington, more votes against him by the people of NY-27 continue to be counted,” McMurray added.

McMurray has previously called for New York State to take direct action to bolster the absentee voting process in November, including a simplified application, clearer ballot instructions, for ballots to be sent sooner, and for the realities of rural postal service to be recognized in setting postmark deadlines.

McMurray is now joining leaders across the country in calling for the Inspector General to investigate the recent actions of the Trump administration and Postmaster DeJoy, full funding of the USPS, and a legislative review of Bush-era law that has detrimentally constrained Post Service finances, growth, and innovation. 

McMurray concluded: “We know that the President himself votes by mail. We know that his attacks on mail-in voting are a sham, just partisan lies while he attempts to destabilize the electoral process and put party over country. Does Chris Jacobs stand with Trump on this as he does with the President on every other issue?

Extreme Republicans like Jacobs and Trump know that if every American has the chance to vote, they will lose. I will continue to defend our democracy, demand that every vote be counted now and in November, and defy any politician that calls for anything less.”

Jacobs announces $1 million grant for GCASA

By Press Release

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is announcing a $1,000,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services has been awarded to the Genesee Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA).

“I am pleased to announce that this great local organization is receiving a grant to further combat alcohol and drug addiction, and the opioid crisis in our community," Jacobs said. "While our nation has focused on fighting another public health battle, substance abuse has continued to hurt our communities.

"That is why the work the Genesee Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse is critical to our region. I am proud to see this funding go to an organization working to make our communities safer for all members, and I am committed to continuing our efforts to end the substance abuse and opioid epidemic."

“This grant will allow GCASA to continue a multi-fold aim of removing barriers to recovery and improved quality of life for people suffering from alcohol and other drug problems," said GCASA Executive Director John Bennett. “Far too long, we have treated addiction only as an acute disease when, in fact, it is a chronic long-term health condition.

While treatment is a guiding force to assist individuals in establishing abstinence and getting them on the path to recovery, it does not address how to sustain individuals and families in recovery over long periods. Grants like this will help build the recovery supports and address the social determinants of health to overcome the long-term effects of addiction.

"It is designed to break down the barriers to long term recovery so people can manage their own conditions over time and build on the resources needed for sustained recovery.”

The grant was awarded through a $101 million grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services to combat substance abuse disorders (SUD) and opioid use disorders (OUD). This grant program supports 116 organizations in more than 42 states – the grant is intended to expand and enhance service delivery for SUD and OUD in rural communities.

Two other organizations in New York State received this $1 million grant -- The Reach Project Inc., Ithaca, and Rochester Institute of Technology Inc.

No new cases, three recoveries in Genesee County

By Press Release

Press release:

  • Genesee County received zero new positive cases of COVID-19.
    • Three of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Forty new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
    • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
       
  • Orleans County received two new positive cases of COVID-19.
    • The new positive cases reside in Carlton and Ridgeway.
    • One of the positive individuals is in their 40s and one of the positive individuals is in their 50s.
    • Four of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.

Schumer reiterates endorsement of McMurray

By Press Release

Press release:

Today, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer enthusiastically renewed his support for Nate McMurray in the Nov. 3rd election for Congress in NY-27. 

“I am eager to see Nate McMurray win this election so we can get to work on a shared agenda to expand access to affordable healthcare, strengthen the middle class, protect union rights, and preserve our farms," Senator Schumer said. "Nate is a fighter who will take on the damaging and dangerous Trump agenda and always champion the interests of the people of Western New York.” 

McMurray added: “I am proud to have Senator Schumer’s endorsement going into the most important election of our lifetimes. He and I are committed to defeating the Trump agenda and its supporters, like Chris Jacobs, in November. Not only has Chris Jacobs aligned himself with a failed President, but he has condemned Black Lives Matter, voted against a pay raise for our armed forces, and voted to kill the Affordable Care Act at the height of a pandemic that has killed 150,000 Americans.  

“Senator Schumer and I share many core values, like a Washington that delivers for working-class Americans, expanding healthcare, and protecting Social Security. I’m eager to get to work with him on behalf of NY-27 and all of Western New York.”

Jacobs applauds president's executive orders

By Press Release

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is releasing the following statement in response to President Trump signing four executive orders yesterday to provide targeted coronavirus relief to Americans.

“The negotiation process for a new stimulus package has been bogged down with partisan politics and far-left democratic wish lists that do not benefit the American people," Congressman Chris Jacobs said. "I applaud President Trump’s decisive action to make the health and financial well-being of Americans a priority and sign executive orders that will boost our economy, protect unemployed Americans, and aid Americans suffering from the effects of COVID-19.

"Conquering this enemy and rebuilding our economy is an effort we need to be united on, and the President is setting the example of what it means to put all Americans first.”

Yesterday President Trump signed four executive orders, which cover a range of issues including a $400 unemployment weekly insurance to replace the expired $600 bonus, protections against evictions for renters, extension of student loan relief, and a payroll tax holiday through the end of the year.

Demand for gas falls nationally, average price drops locally

By Press Release

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.18, the same for two weeks. One year ago, the price was $2.66. The New York State average is $2.26 – also the same for the last two weeks. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.85. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

  • Batavia -- $2.22 (down 2 cents since last week)
  • Buffalo -- $2.18 (down 2 cents since last week)
  • Ithaca -- $2.18 (no change since last week)
  • Rochester -- $2.22 (down 1 cent since last week)
  • Rome -- $2.30 (up 1 cent since last week)
  • Syracuse -- $2.18 (down 1 cent since last week)
  • Watertown -- $2.28 (no change since last week)

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their new weekly report and revealed that gas demand fell. This decreasing demand for gasoline has helped pump prices stabilize, and if demand continues to drop, pump prices could push cheaper in the coming week.

From GasBuddy:

"Gas prices have remained in very familiar territory for the sixth-straight week as gasoline demand fell slightly last week, keeping oil prices confined as forces prevent it from falling under $39 but also from breaching $42 per barrel," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"However, as summer begins to fade, demand recovery may be limited, and there's a possibility we may see more downside potential in the last quarter of the year. Traditionally, gasoline demand weakens into the autumn, and as the coronavirus situation keeps more kids home and more parents from work, we may see a drop in gas prices as we progress through fall.

"However, since no one can predict when we may rebound from the coronavirus situation, nothing long term is set in stone, but we are on track for a seventh-straight week of stable gas prices."

First-ever local drive-thru anti-rabies clinics to be held Aug. 13 and Sept. 17

By Press Release

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments will be hosting FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinics this month.

The Genesee County clinic will be on Thursday, Aug. 13th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia).

Paul Pettit, Public Health director, notes that this is the first time the departments will be offering a drive-thru clinic.

“The drive-thru style will allow for the health departments to provide a vaccination clinic to our communities while adhering to the health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic," Pettit said. "This will ensure social distance protocols can bemaintained in an organized manner.”

Upon arrival, staff will instruct you to stay in your vehicle and form a single lane to the clinic area. Public health workers will be screening the occupants in each vehicle for COVID-19 symptoms.

County workers will be directing traffic flow. At the veterinarian immunization station, pet owners will be instructed to exit their vehicle and bring their pet(s) out for the veterinarian to vaccinate.

Once directed to do so, animals must be secured on a leash or in separate carriers at the immunization station.

Face masks, cloth face coverings, or face shields are required when speaking to staff and when outside of their vehicle at the vaccination table. Please limit four animals per vehicle.

“Animal rabies continues to be a serious public health problem in Genesee and Orleans counties," Pettit said. "We encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date."

To assist with crowd control, the vaccination clinics are only for respective county residents. The Genesee clinic will only be for Genesee County residents.

You do not need an appointment but please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the end of the clinic. For Genesee, please arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.

Click here (PDF) to print out and fill out a rabies certificate for your pets. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you.

The next anti-rabies immunization clinic in Genesee County will be held on Sept. 17th. (The date is subject to change.)

For more information, please contact: Genesee County Health Department: (585) 344-2580, ext. 5555 / Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us

GC Democratic Committee wants people interested in helping elect Dems to get involved -- 'The time is now'

By Press Release

Press release:

Have you been thinking about how you can get involved in our community? What better way than helping to elect those who represent us. 

The time is now.

The Genesee County Democratic Committee has opportunities for you to help elect Democrats up and down the ballot on Nov. 3rd. We have opportunities for every level of interest and experience. We also have activities that you can do while practicing responsible social distancing from home. 

Check out our website geneseedemocrats.net and click on “Take Action 2020."

Oak Orchard Health celebrates National Health Center Week, made special because of three new GC locations

By Press Release

(Above, submitted photo of Dr. Nancy Ciavarri, chief medical officer, Oak Orchard Health, speaking with a patient.)

National Health Center Week (Aug. 9 – 15) is an annual celebration with the goal of raising awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers over the past five decades. This year is extra special for Oak Orchard Health as they recognize this special week for the first time with their three new locations that were formerly part of Pembroke Family Medicine.

The mission of Community Health Centers remains vital today because access to basic care remains a challenge in parts of the United States including our community. Many people live in remote and underserved communities where there is a shortage of providers and, in many cases, the nearest doctor or hospital can be as far as a 50-mile drive – if transportation is available.

While COVID-19 continues to impair social and medical inequities across the country, Community Health Centers have stretched themselves to reconfigure services for those in need. As unemployment rates rise and more people lose their employee-sponsored health insurance, Community Health Centers have remained open to provide care for all, regardless of insurance status. 

“Community Health Centers are here to support the community," said Mary Ann Pettibon, CEO, Oak Orchard Health. "Our presence is even more important as people face high unemployment and employer-based healthcare decreases. Oak Orchard Health is able to serve all who need medical, dental, vision, or behavioral health services."

This year’s mission for Health Center Week is to thank our providers and staff along with our patients. Given we’re practicing social distancing, we’ll be using social media to communicate with patients on staying healthy during this time. 

Oak Orchard Health
Originally founded in 1966, Oak Orchard has grown from a migrant health project into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone located in the communities we serve. Currently serving more than 30,000 patients at nine locations, Oak Orchard Health is a recognized patient-centered medical home and 501(c) nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) located in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Lyndonville, Hornell and Warsaw.

Hawley invites citizens to provide input for Aug. 10 public hearing on NY nursing home deaths due to COVID-19

By Press Release

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is inviting all interested individuals from Upstate New York to register for the opportunity to have their testimony heard before the Senate and Assembly committees on Health, Aging, and Investigations regarding a loved one’s death in relation to the state’s nursing home crisis.

Each citizen who signs up will be allotted five minutes of speaking time, and is reminded that the proceedings are video recorded.

“Many New Yorkers have lost loved ones to the COVID pandemic, with nursing homes being particularly mishandled by state government,” Hawley said. “My staff and I drafted several letters trying to call attention to this issue before more lives were lost.

"It’s important that every New Yorker who feels comfortable sharing their stories at this event do so. It will provide an opportunity for your testimony to be heard before the state government directly. It won’t bring back anyone we’ve lost, but it will bring hope to the future for those who were left behind.”

Those looking to sign up and have the opportunity to speak are asked to fill out the application form and email it to the following individuals: Assemblyman Gottfried at GottfriedR@nyassembly.gov, Assemblyman Bronson at Bronsonh@nyassembly.gov, Assemblyman McDonald at Mcdonaldj@nyassembly.gov and "CC" Assemblyman Byrne at ByrneK@Nyassembly.gov and Assemblyman Hawley at hawleys@nyassembly.gov.

For more information on the hearing or who to contact, please read the attached PDF file here.

Darien occupational therapy assistant marks fifth anniversary at Seneca Health Care Center

By Press Release

The McGuire Group’s Seneca Health Care Center in West Seneca is pleased to announce that Mackenna Fagan, of Darien, celebrated her five-year anniversary with the company. 

As a certified occupational therapy assistant -- COTA, Fagan provides direct care and therapy to assist patients in regaining their independence and helping them prepare to return home or to a different level of care.  

She is a graduate of Erie Community College with an associate degree in Applied Science.

She resides with her husband Joshua and son Declan. 

Seneca Health Care Center provides 24-hour skilled nursing care, subacute rehabilitation, Journeys palliative care and respite/short-term services.

The facility continuously receives outstanding five-star ratings from the federal government and finished in the first quintile of New York State’s quality metric for six out of six years.

For more information, visit www.mcguiregroup.comor www.medicare.gov.      

(Submitted photo)

Hawley denounces NYS Attorney General for 'callous, politically charged' lawsuit to try and dissolve NRA

By Press Release

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is denouncing the recently revealed efforts of New York State Attorney General Leticia James, who is seeking to dissolve the National Rifle Association (NRA) in a lawsuit that points fingers at the leadership for not following nonprofit guidelines. Hawley calls the move a “callous and politically charged attempt to sow dissent during an already tumultuous election year.” 

“The NRA has been a valuable ally for Americans wishing to have their Second Amendment rights preserved, and it’s why state leadership is so afraid of them and so desperate to have them gone,” Hawley said.

“The nature and timing of this lawsuit are so clearly politically motivated that I’m flabbergasted the Supreme Court would even take on such a case. This case doesn’t seek justice; it seeks to upend justice and further strangle Americans’ God-given rights and liberties.”

The suit currently claims to be looking at civil violations as opposed to a criminal case, but the attorney general is not ruling out that a criminal case may come about in the future.

Meanwhile, Hawley continues to fight for the rights and liberties of Americans in the Assembly, and he will be working to ensure that whatever the outcome, honest citizens are not restricted by excessive governmental oversight.

Genesee County has three new cases of COVID-19

By Press Release

New Cases – As of 2 p.m. 

  • Genesee County received three new positive cases of COVID-19.
    • The new positive cases reside in Batavia and Pembroke.
    • Two of the positive individuals are in their 20s and one is in their 40s.
    • The individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
    • Five of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Sixteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.
    • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
       
  • Orleans County received no new positive cases of COVID-19.
    • Sixteen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

Jacobs’ district offices open and prepared to help constituents

By Press Release

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is providing an update regarding constituent services and his district offices. Both district offices, in Clarence and Geneseo, are open and staffed with caseworkers to assist constituents with federal agencies. 

The addresses and contact information are as follows:

Clarence Office

8203 Main St., Suite 2

Williamsville, NY 14221

716.634.2324

 

Geneseo Office

128 Main St.

Geneseo, NY 14454

585.519.4002

 

For months, Western New Yorkers have been without representation and have been left without resources to help them with important issues. I am proud to be restoring that representation to our area, and I am proud to say that we are working to handle constituent services full time. This is a challenging time for thousands of members of our community, as we work to rebuild our economy and reopen our country, I am committed to helping constituents with any problems that I can, and I encourage them to reach out to any of my offices,” – Congressman Chris Jacobs

McMurray decries fourth delay in sending Chris Collins to prison

By Press Release

Press release:

Nate McMurray, congressional candidate in NY-27, released the following statement after former Congressman Chris Collins asked for a fourth delay in reporting to federal prison. 

After lying to the public, claiming that the charges were meritless, Collins pled guilty to insider trading in October of 2019. This unleashed a cascade of negative impacts on the people of WNY, especially the constituents of NY-27. Collins was set to report to prison on March 17th, which was delayed until April, and now Aug. 18th due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. Collins is requesting that his report date be delayed again to Oct. 13th.  

“We have been here before. Hundreds of us wrote letters to implore the judge in Collins’ case to administer a fair sentence. We watched his tearful pleas; the hammer of justice raised, but not brought down. Chris Collins now unapologetically claims the pandemic threatens this life and should prevent him from serving his prison sentence — it’s a twisted irony that he was the first supporter of President Trump in Congress, the man who so horribly mishandled the pandemic, which led to so many avoidable deaths across our country and especially in New York State.

“Trump and his ilk are also demanding that our schools open immediately, but that elections be delayed, and now that justice be delayed too. If our kids can go back to school, Chris Collins can pay his debt to society. He denied this region representation, and he lied to secure power and privilege. Politicians like Trump yell ‘law and order,’ but when it comes to their buddies, it’s a different story: Manafort, Stone, Flynn, and yes, Collins. 

“I have always believed that justice must be balanced with mercy, but Chris Collins has seen more mercy than most. Justice delayed is justice denied — he needs to go to jail now."

Candidate for Sheriff ads 'Pro 2nd Amendment' line to November ballot

By Press Release

Press release from David Krzemien:

It's Official: "Pro 2nd Amendment' is now a line (another choice for people to vote) on the November 3rd Ballot.

On Election Day you will see David Krzemien’s name on two lines on the ballot. We have officially gotten our second line “Pro 2nd Amendment.” This second line means so much to David as he’s said from the beginning of his campaign, if we can’t protect our families then we are left with nothing. Every law-abiding citizen should be able to exercise the right to keep and bear arms without intervention or monitoring by the government. This fundamental right, provided to us by the 2nd Amendment should not be diminished or altered by the State government.

I would like to thank all the people who carried petitions to give the people of Genesee County a choice.

On November 3, 2020, make sure you vote David Krzemien for Genesee County Sheriff!

Bicyclist stricken on Edgewood Drive, taken to ECMC by Mercy Flight

By Press Release

A Mercy Flight helicopter responded to Edgewood Drive in Batavia around 7 o'clock tonight after a man riding a bicycle suffered a medical condition.

A passerby saw the man and pulled him out of a ditch off the roadway and minutes later Mercy EMS and Genesee County sheriff's deputies were on the scene.

Mercy EMS personnel administered CPR to the man, who was transported to Erie County Medical Center. The Town of Batavia Fire Department also was on the scene. The initial call came in around 6:20 p.m.

Submitted photos.

Fright Fest at Six Flags Darien Lake debuts 'Corridors of Chaos' this year, Coffin Challenge returns

By Press Release

DARIEN CENTER – Six Flags Darien Lake, the Thrill Capital of New York State, is taking no prisoners as it prepares for one of the biggest Halloween events in the nation. Fright Fest is so scary it is definitely NOT recommended for children 13 and under after 6 p.m.

Fright Fest 2019 begins Friday, Sept. 27 and ends Oct. 27 and it promises more bone-chilling terror than ever before featuring an all-new maze, Corridors of Chaos. Enter a post-apocalyptic future where society has crumbled and there are no rules as killers and creeps lurk around every corner.

All four fog-filled mazes transform park walkways into endless, winding miles of sinister sights and eerie sounds. Scarier-than-life theming and innovative special effects combine to create movie-like haunted attractions brimming with the stuff of nightmares.

In addition, last year's viral sensation, the 30-Hour Coffin Challenge, is back for a second year with more gruesome challenges and more prize money on the line. Registration for the challenge begins today (Sept. 16) and closes Thursday, Sept. 26. To find out more and register, click here.

Six brave souls will try to last 30 hours in death-defying coffins while participating in frightful challenges and being visited by ghouls and monsters.

This year's challenge will be held Friday October 11 at 6 a.m. to Saturday October 12 at 12 p.m.

Those chosen for this peculiar and claustrophobic challenge will: try to dwell in one of six, deluxe, 2’ x 7’ "slightly used" (?) coffins; "enjoy" three meals; be grateful to get 10-minute phone and bathroom break every three hours; be subjected to random visits by our Fright Fest Freaks; and have a Six Flags representative present at all times.

Oh and by the way, coffin dwellers must also participate in timed challenges including, but not limited to, eating creepy foods, haunted-attraction scavenger hunts, and lying in a bed of live, wriggling worms.

“There is no better or scarier place to celebrate Halloween than Six Flags Darien Lake," said Park President Chris Thorpe proudly. "When Fright Fest begins we trade guests’ screams of delight for shrieks of terror." 

“Our gang of ghastly ghouls will be prowling the midways looking for prey and our fright-filled mazes and scare zones are creepier and freakier than ever.”

For Thrills by Day, families can enjoy a trick-or-treat trail and other kid-friendly activities.

But once the sun goes down, it’s Chills by Night as all hell breaks loose -- and there is nowhere to run and nowhere to hide -- as guests experience the fiendish terror of:

  • Blood-thirsty zombies roaming around every corner;
  • Four haunted mazes (including the brand-new Corridors of Chaos);
  • Free scare zones;
  • Halloween-themed food and beverages;
  • “Monstertainment” including the Laser Spooktacular and;
  • Thrilling rides and attractions like the all-new Six Flags SkyScreamer.

Admission tickets are available for as low as $39.99 visit the park’s website for more information.

Park hours during Fright Fest are:

Saturday, Sept. 21 --- 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 22 --- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 27 --- 6 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 28 --- 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 29 --- 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 4 --- 6 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 5 --- 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 6 --- 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 11 --- 6 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 12 --- 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 13 --- 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 14 --- 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 18 --- 6 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 19 --- 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 20 --- 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 25 --- 6 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 26 --- 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 27 --- 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Irish Night crowd of 1K enjoy Muckdogs' 5-4 victory

By Press Release

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs had lost four straight and were suddenly down 3-0 on Sunday to Williamsport with their first-place lead in danger.

That's when Muckdogs Manager Tom Lawless started pulling out the stops as he has all season. The team started bunting, double steals with a steal of home and then a big home run.

The Muckdogs then turned to the bullpen with the lead and held on to win, 5-4 before an Irish Night crowd of 1,021 at Dwyer Stadium, just a day after a near-record crowd of 2,779 filled Dwyer. That's a three-day total of 4,687 to see the 25-18 Muckdogs.

Down 3-0, in the fourth, Brayan Hernandez singled in Troy Johnston, advancing Andrew Turner to third. On the double steal, Hernandez swiped second then Turner stole home, cutting the lead to 3-2.

In the bottom of the fifth, Dalvy Rosario's RBI double scored Milton Smith II to tie the game then Nic Ready's sacrifice fly scored Rosario for the lead.

In the bottom of the sixth, Batavia catcher Michael Hernandez crushed an opposite-field home run to give Batavia a 5-3 lead they would not lose. it was the second home run of the season for Hernandez, who came to the Miami Marlins organization out of Nova Southeastern College.

J.D. Orr blasted a triple for Batavia and his average of .374 still leads the entire New York-Penn League.

Left starter Andrew Miller, a 2018 Marlins draft pick out of Kentucky, had the win to even his record at 3-3. He went five innings and struck out five walking just one.

Josh Simpson, another lefty and a 32nd-round pick this year out of Columbia University, earned his fifth hold of the season throwing a perfect sixth.

Bryan Hoeing, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound righty who was a seventh-round Marlins draft pick out of Louisville this year threw 2.2 innings for his second hold, striking out one and allowing one run.

Evan Brabrand, one of the best closers in the minor leagues, picked up his eighth save of the year, striking out the last batter of the game with runners on base. Brabrand was a ninth-round pick of the Marlins this year out of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.

Batavia at 25-18 holds a two-game lead over 22-19 West Virginia in the Pinckney Division and a three-game lead over State College in Pennsylvania and Mahoning Valley, both 22-21. Only Lowell with 26 wins has more wins in the entire NYPL than the Muckdogs.

Batavia is on the road for three games with the Tri-City ValleyCats (Houston farm club) before returning home to take on the Detroit Tigers Class A team, the Connecticut Tigers Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2, 3 and 4. There will be fireworks on Saturday and specials all three games.

Photos by Jim Burns.

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