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Family quilt project among highlights Friday and Saturday in Alexander

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Article by Lori Ivison

Visitors to the Museum Quilt Guild’s upcoming quilt show may not notice it, but there will be one very special quilt on display in the Youth category. Made by member Christine Kuehl and her three granddaughters, this quilt was a summer vacation project. But it was much more than that!

Chris has two granddaughters who live in Batavia, Cassidy and Lilly Mileham, ages 12 and 13. Her youngest granddaughter, Addie Lacey, 9 years old, lives in Ohio. After a short family visit, Chris said, “We decided to have the grandkids stay with us and we would take them back to Ohio the following weekend. It’s not easy for the cousins to all be together, except for holidays, and they love being together.”

All of her grandchildren have shown an interest in her quilting hobby. Lilly even has her own sewing machine. Chris had spoken to the girls about making a quilt for the show that was to have been held in 2020. So, when this opportunity arose, she again asked the girls if they’d like to make a quilt for the show.  They eagerly said yes! Chris suggested they make one in patriotic colors and donate it for use by one of the veterans at the VA Medical Center, where the Guild holds its monthly meetings.

A simple “Disappearing Nine-Patch” design was chosen. Chris did the cutting and the girls did all the piecing of the blocks.  There were 2 sewing machines and 2 workstations. The girls took turns piecing and helping each other. According to Chris, “The pattern we chose is quite forgiving and made it easy not having to match seams perfectly”.  But she also said the girls learned to use a seam ripper when things weren’t quit right. They accomplished a lot while they were all together. When it was time for Addie to go home to Ohio, Chris brought her sewing machine and the rest of the blocks along. Over the weekend, Addie got more sewing done. She has asked for a sewing machine for Christmas so she can sew with her grandmother using Facetime!

After all the blocks were assembled, Chris put the 3 layers of the quilt together and finished the edge using the “quick turn” method. Cassidy and Lilly did the quilting using lines Chris had drawn on the quilt for them to follow.

It was a great experience for the girls and Grandma, allowing them to have some quality time together.

The quilt show, Stitches in Time 2022, is being held October 14 and 15 at the Alexander Fireman’s Recreation Hall. Hours are 10 am – 5 pm both days. The show will feature over 150 quilts, a member boutique, a silent auction of handmade items to benefit the residents at the VA in Batavia and vendors with quilt related goods to sell.

The guild meets the third Saturday of each month (second Saturday in December) at 9:30 am in the auditorium of Building 4 of the VA Medical Center. Meetings feature a variety of speakers, instructors and trunk shows as well as group sewing days. Guests are welcome to attend 2 meetings for free. For more information, visit their website: www.themuseumquiltguild.com

Submitted photos. Top photo, Christine Kuehl with Lilly (13), and Cassidy (12). Inset photo: Lacey.

Benefit at Alabama Hotel will assist Oakfield woman diagnosed with rare cancer

By Virginia Kropf

A benefit Oct. 19 at Alabama Hotel will benefit an Oakfield woman who has recently been diagnosed with a very rare form of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and has masses on both lungs and her liver.

The family of Carrie Gilbert Desjardins, 46, is hoping all their friends and relatives in the area will come out and support a benefit in her honor.

“Carrie would never ask for anything,” said Judy Gilbert of Oakfield, who is planning the benefit. “But she will have extensive treatments moving forward and that means medical bills. Sadly, she has had to resign her job.”

Judy describes Carrie as “a wife, daughter, sister, a very proud aunt, a special niece and a friend to all.”

The benefit, from 4 to 8 p.m., will feature a basket raffle, a bake sale run by Bonnie, side raffles and 50/50 drawings.

The family, which includes a cousin, Denise Gilbert Bull of Wheatville, is also selling Oliver’s candy bars.

Judy said doctors have told Carrie the chemo is working and the cancer is not spreading. The family are firm believers in prayer and while they hope everyone will come and support the benefit, they ask those who cannot come to say a prayer for Carrie.

Photo: Submitted photo. Carrie Gilbert Desjardins of Oakfield, shown here with one of her favorite nieces, is battling a rare form of cancer. A benefit in her honor is scheduled Oct. 19 at Alabama Hotel.

GSME returns to Call Arena on Sunday for 101st model train show

By Press Release

Press release:

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers will host the 101st “Great Batavia Train Show” on Sunday, October 16th, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at the Richard C. Call Arena, Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia.

Admission: $6 (Adults), $3 (under 18 yrs.), Free (under 13 yrs.)

The train show typically attracts 1,200 to 1,500 model railroad enthusiasts and railfans from across Western and Central NY, Northwestern Pennsylvania, and Southern Ontario. There are over 100 vendors occupying 250 tables offering merchandise ranging from antique railroad artifacts to the most modern digitally controlled model trains.

The GSME began hosting Train Shows in the early 70s at the Holland Land Office Museum. From those humble beginnings the “Great Batavia Train Show” has progressively moved from the HLOM to the Alexander Fire Hall, Holiday/Sheraton Inn, Batavia Downs, and to its present home at GCC. Each move has allowed the show to continually grow in both size and popularity making it one of the premiere events of its kind in Western New York.

 The train club hosts two shows each year, a spring show in April and a Fall show in October. A free Open House is held, typically, on the first Saturday of December at the Club’s facilities in Oakfield where club members maintain operating layouts in O Gauge (Lionel), HO & N scale.

 The Genesee Society of Model Engineers is located at 50 Main Street (Rte. 63), Oakfield, N.Y. (above the M&T Bank) and is open Tuesdays from 7 to  9 p.m. Business meetings are held the last Tuesday of each month. Visit www.gsme.org. Like us on Facebook. Visitors welcomed. (Stair access only.)

Photos: File photos by Howard Owens from the 100th GSME show.

Law and Order: Two people charged in fire started at newly opened smoke shop on reservation

By Howard B. Owens

Brandi L. Reuben, 26, and Garrett S. Porter (no residences provided), are charged with arson 3rd, criminal mischief, and conspiracy 5th. Reuben and Porter are accused of starting a fire at a newly opened location of a smoke shop at 368 Martin Road, Alabama on Sept. 29 at 10:38 p.m. The pair was arrested following an investigation by Deputy David Moore.  Reuben and Porter were arraigned in Town of Alabama Court and are scheduled to appear again on Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. (Previously: Judge gives Tonawanda resident a chance to put his past behind him)

Gerald Kenneth Freeman, 70, of South Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny of a motor vehicle. Freeman is accused of stealing a Ford water truck from the Genesee County Fairgrounds on Oct. 4 at 7:43 p.m. Freeman was released on an appearance ticket.

Rufus Garrett Johnson, 29, of Park Way, Chili, is charged with burglary 3rd and petit larceny.  Johnson is accused of going to Walmart in Batavia after previously being banned from the property with the intention to shoplift and of stealing merchandise on Oct. 8 at 10:07 a.m. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and ordered to return on Oct. 26.

Matthew Jacob Zon, 41 of East Main Street, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt 1st.  Zon is accused of violating a full stay-away order of protection on Oct. 9 at 6:18 p.m. at a location on East Main Street, Byron.

Christina M. Sanchez-Anderson, 34, of Bergen, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration 2nd. Sanchez-Anderson is accused of leading police officers on a brief foot pursuit after being stopped on warrants on Oct. 4 at 3:36 p.m. on Main Street, Batavia. Sanchez-Anderson was released on an appearance ticket and held at the Genesee County Jail on her warrants.

Tammy L. Cicatello, 52, of Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and uninspected motor vehicle. Cicatello was arrested on Oct. 1. She was stopped by a Batavia city patrol officer on July 30 at 5:34 p.m. on Mix Place, Batavia. She allegedly failed a field sobriety test. She was released on appearance tickets.

Marcia R. Goodenbery, 70, of Batavia, is accused of DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Goodenbery was stopped on Sept. 28 at 7:57 p.m. on Court Street, Batavia, by a Batavia city patrol officer. She was allegedly observed appearing intoxicated at a local business and returning to her vehicle. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Katy Stone Memorial Blood Drive in Le Roy on Oct. 20

By Press Release

Press release:

Katy Stone Annual Memorial Blood Drive
LeRoy American Legion, 53 West Main St., LeRoy  
Thursday, October 20 from noon to 7 p.m.

Please remember Mrs. Stone by contributing at the annual Red Cross blood drive in her memory. A lifetime LeRoyan who was devoted to her community, Katy attended St. Peter’s School and then LeRoy Central Schools.  She then worked for many years as a deputy clerk/treasurer for the Village of LeRoy. She served on many advisory boards which included LeRoy Little League, LeRoy youth football, CYFL football, American Red Cross, Genesee County United Way, Triad, and Marshall Fund. 

She also served in various capacities with the Botts Forito American Legion Post 1956, Girls State, Genesee County American Legion Auxiliary, Genesee County Red Cross, LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home, Office of the Aging, LeRoy-Stafford Senior Citizens and volunteered many hours at the V.A. Hospital in Batavia. 

She was selected as LeRoyan of the Year in 1975, Genesee County Woman of the Year in 1984 and received the St. Jerome Health and Humanitarian Award in 1993.

Red Cross announces Blood Drive locations and times

By Press Release

Press release:

Upcoming Batavia area Red Cross Blood Drives:

Tuesday, October 11
Robert Morris

Batavia City School District
80 Union St.
12:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday, October 18
NYS School for the Blind

2A Richmond Ave
10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday, November 4
Social Services Building

5130 E Main St Rd
09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday, November 12
Stafford Fire Department

6153 Main Rd. Route 5
08:30 AM - 02:00 PM

Tuesday, November 15, 2022
First United Methodist Church

8221 Lewiston Rd
02:00 PM - 07:00 PM

CAN YOU PLEASE HELP?
Disasters like Hurricane Ian are exactly why the Red Cross is so crucial. Hundreds of trained Red Cross volunteers and critical relief supplies are on the ground across the state of Florida – including volunteers from the WNY region. These aid workers have been serving at nearly 300 shelters, assessing damage and distributing supplies- including blood products to hospitals. These selfless individuals will help to provide comfort, care and hope to all those impacted by Hurricane Ian.

What can YOU do? 
Please GIVE BLOOD and help keep the Red Cross supply stable, especially for those in the path of this storm.

If you are unable to donate, or have already signed up, please take a moment to share this message with anyone and everyone you know that might be willing to help. Walk-Ins and appointments are welcome. Call 1800-RED-CROSS or schedule at redcrossblood.org

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our area contact, catherine.orr@redcross.org.

Thank you for doing whatever you can!
Please click here for one-minute video - Myths About Giving Blood

Batavia native works 'the facts' into film and acting career

By Joanne Beck
james_dilullo_2022-6.jpg

James Di Lullo is a facts man, which may answer why he did so well in Scholastic Bowl before graduating from Batavia High School in 2007.

As for his more recent ventures with film-making and acting, facts have also come into play. With some experience, schooling, research and tenacity, plus assistance from family members and his girlfriend, the 33-year-old Western New York native cobbled together a production to be premiered in Buffalo this weekend.

“Goldenrod” is a short film conceived and produced at DiLullo’s family farm in Cattaraugus County. As the name implies, scenery is lush with mustard-colored goldenrod and foliage, with a glass-like lake nearby the circa 1852 homestead.

“So I was sitting on the deck of a big beautiful, plantation-style, almost farmhouse, looking out over the lake in September, and beautiful fields, and determined that this was the perfect place for me to write about, for me to create a story that could be completely produced and shot on that location,” he said during an interview Wednesday with The Batavian. “And involve local history and entertainment to combine all the three things you need for a great film, which was story, place and time.”

He had the place. And with research and garnering those facts about the geography, DiLullo wrote a story about a modest farming family and how it was affected during the Civil War. His original draft was twice as long and larger, which was cut down to just over 18 minutes and seven characters.

Given the era of the film, fashions are simple — think “Little House on the Prairie” — which features 7-year-old lead character Clara Payne in a simple white dressing gown and bare feet that seem to enjoy running through long blades of grass. The image fits her on-screen personality, that of a kid who isn’t interested in the seriousness of life when there are flowers to pick and water for dipping her toes in.

Clara eventually discovers the answer to the movie’s question “how do you love?” after suffering a family loss and filling in the void with mature compassion. Trust is also a key component in the message, DiLullo said.

“It teaches how we can learn to trust each other, who do you trust and why?” he said. “What I learned the most was how I could trust other people, that was a big step.”

Backing up to high school, the versatile DiLullo took a hiatus to play professional soccer in Finland for one day shy of a year before eventually graduating, he said. He went to Brockport State College for international business and economics, with an intent to pursue the supply chain field. He landed at Microsoft in the marketing department and “I really saw the power of marketing,” he said, in connection with product endorsements on movie sets. Think that can of Coca-Cola is there by mistake? Of course not, he said.

After repeatedly being asked if he was an actor, he got an offer and accepted to try it out. He especially appreciates the movie business and how a set contains every skill, from the creativity of writers and actors to the administrative skill of accountants, and other needs for plumbers, electricians, daycare, and even psychology fields, he said.

He portrayed a character on a website production and took a 20-week writer's boot camp course to hone his skills before “Goldenrod” flashed into his mind in September 2018. Knowing the questions to ask himself, DiLullo pondered the compelling aspects of rural New York. That took him to the Underground Railroad, which pulls the story, place and time together.

Family members Cecelia “Chee” Lullo was the wardrobe designer; Michal K. Lullo served as production assistant, and Joseph Lullo was transportation supervisor.

James was born a Lullo but took the family name DiLullo that was used in the family until 1952, he said.

Others involved with the production include Dr. Mary Reid Gaudio, producer and music producer, composer and performer;  Richard Jacobs, producer.

DiLullo reached out to his hometown roots for assistance and inspiration. “Goldenrod” is in memoriam of former Genesee Community College music professor and composer Ann Reid, and was also influenced by retired teacher, historian, and author Anne Marie Starowitz of Batavia, DiLullo said. Select costumes were provided by Main Street 56 Theater and T-Shirts Etc. was involved as a vendor.

Directed by Marjorie DeHey, the film features a cast and crew from across the nation and New York State, he said. It is “considered a favorite for awards and recognition, and will focus on being official selections at NYS-based film festivals including Buffalo, Syracuse, and Cortland.

Top photo by Howard Owens.

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James DiLullo and the cast and crew of Goldenrod. Submitted photo.

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Production photo from Goldenrod. Submitted photo.

 

GCEDC board supports assistance for renovation of hotel and waterpark on Park Road

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board has accepted an initial resolution for a proposed $12 million investment by 8250 Park Road, LLC for extensive renovations to the Quality Inn & Suites and Palm Island Indoor Water Park in the town of Batavia at its board meeting on Thursday, October 6, 2022.

8250 Park Road, LLC will renovate the four-season tourism and hospitality facility’s hotel rooms, lobby, event spaces, water park, and restaurant.  The re-development proposes to create 38 new full-time jobs. The project is estimated to generate $32 of economic activity for every $1 of local public benefits.

“This investment will have a major impact on our tourism and hospitality sectors. These types of facilities will attract residents throughout the Western New York Region,” said Steve Hyde, Genesee County Economic Development Center president and CEO. “The facility is in a premier location in Genesee County centrally located to attractions such as Darien Lake, and the facility’s water park is a four-season attraction as well.”

8250 Park Road, LLC is requesting sales tax exemptions estimated at $458,400, a property tax abatement of approximately $659,521, and a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $80,000.

A public hearing for the initial application will be scheduled in the town of Batavia.

Health Department hosting final anti-rabies clinic of the year on Oct. 13

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting their last FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinic of 2022. The clinic will be held on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 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 2022 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.

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 on Health Department services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call 585-344-2580 ext.5555.

Batavia Rotary donates $150K to upgrade and expand UMMC ER, challenges community to match

By Press Release

Press release:

The dedicated staff members in the United Memorial Medical Center Intensive Care Unit have always provided the highest quality care to patients who are often the sickest, most vulnerable and most in need at UMMC.  Many staff members are local, taking care of their neighbors and friends.  And they’re giving patients that committed care right where they want it- in their own communities, close to loved ones.  Now, it’s our time to say thank you and give back.

“Our motto is having care close to home. We want to continue to provide the top notch quality care here- which there's no doubt that we have the physicians and the nurses that provide that. Now we need the new state-of-the-art equipment to do that,” said Jessica Patnode, UMMC Director of Nursing.

The Batavia Rotary Club is donating $150,000 to help UMMC create an expanded, state-of-the-art ICU.  It’s challenging the community to match that so that the hospital will received $300,000 towards its new plans.  Those who donate $250 or more will see their names added to a donor wall.

“We have many projects that come to us throughout the year,” said Marlin Salmon, Batavia Rotary Past President.  “The requests are brought to our board and the board reviews them, discusses the merits and we act upon them.  We felt that this was a very, very worthwhile project.”

The ICU renovation will include:

  • Expanded ICU will more than triple in size from current space
  • Ten private patient rooms with bathrooms    
  • One bed dedicated to pediatric patients
  • Central nurses station, with work stations outside each room
  • Cutting edge technology in each room including integrated telemedicine and enhanced monitoring capabilities, and additional lift and transfer equipment in the rooms  
  • New ICU waiting room

We hope to begin construction on the new ICU in early 2024, and be done with the renovations by the end of the year.

To donate you can go here: Support United Memorial Medical Center | Rochester Regional Health Foundations (rrhgive.org) 

Notice to Readers: The Batavian newsroom on the road

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavian newsroom will be out of town today through Wednesday for personal time.

We will travel with laptops, of course, and post the news we can remotely.  There will naturally be things we can't cover in person during that time but will strive to get assistance on those stories where we can.

Oxbo to offer tours Friday in Byron

By Press Release

Press Release

Oxbo is celebrating MFG Day! As a global manufacturer of specialty harvesting and controlled application equipment, Oxbo has three manufacturing facilities in the United States: Byron, NY; Clear Lake, WI; and Lynden, WA. Oxbo also manufactures equipment Roosendaal, Netherlands, Fakenham, United Kingdom and Bournezeau, France. Oxbo products are used in more than 40 countries globally.

Oxbo provides diverse manufacturing career opportunities and employs welders, fabricators, machinists, material handlers, and assemblers. Oxbo provides on-the-job training and the unique opportunity to serve several essential agricultural businesses.

“We are proud to manufacture agricultural equipment in our US factories and to provide career opportunities in our local communities,” said Joe Perzia, Oxbo’s Chief Operating Officer. “We support the goals of MFG Day and are excited to showcase what modern manufacturing looks like at our facilities.”

As part of MFG Day, Oxbo is hosting facility tours in Byron, New York and Lynden, Washington on October 7, 2022, between 9am and noon. Students, career applicants, and community members are invited to see the full process in two of Oxbo’s US factories to better understand the role manufacturing plays in agriculture and the local community. Schedule a tour by visiting the MFG Day website or get a feel for Oxbo’s business by watching our segment on the show "Manufacturing Marvels."

Pembroke grad, USAF veteran, volunteer firefighter named new city fire chief

By Press Release

Press release:

The City of Batavia announces the appointment of Joshua Graham to the position of Fire Chief for the City of Batavia.  Graham was selected following an extensive search for candidates and active recruitment campaign.  The new Chief will assume his role on Monday, October 31st, 2022.

A Western New York native, Graham holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire and Emergency Management from Purdue Global University, an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, and an Associate’s Degree in Strategic Operation Management from the Community College of the Air Force. He has completed numerous trainings and certifications related to fire safety, management, and leadership.  He is currently serving as Captain in the Fire Department with the Department of Defense at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

Graham has worked as a professional paid fire fighter and volunteer fire fighter throughout his career.  Graham has served on Active-Duty Air Force, New York Air National Guard and he recently retired from the United State Air Force Reserves as a Senior Master Sergeant, where he filled the role of Deputy Fire Chief. He has volunteer experience with the Darien Fire Department and the Arcade Fire Department.  He also serves as a New York State Fire Instructor with the Office of Fire Prevention and Control. 

“I am excited for Josh to take on the leadership role of Chief of the Fire Department.  His record, dedication, and leadership ability made him the right fit for this position in the City.  Josh highlighted his preference to work in a team atmosphere and that made him the best candidate for this position,” said Rachael Tabelski, City Manager. 

“I am very excited to start in the position of Fire Chief for the City of Batavia. The Fire Department has done a fantastic job of upholding a high level of standard and professionalism for the community they serve, and I look forward to continuing that level of service for many years to come”, said Josh.

Josh, a graduate of Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School, lives with his wife Carrie and son Jaxon in Arcade. He will be relocating for the position.

Law and Order: Former Alexander resident accused of sexual abuse, extradited from Kansas

By Howard B. Owens
Daniel Goodell

Daniel Lee Goodell, 41, of South Volutia Street, Wichita, Kan., is charged with sex abuse 1st. Goodell was arrested by the Sherriff's Office on a warrant in Kansas and returned to New York. He is accused of sexually abusing children less than 11 years old in 2009 and 2010 in Alexander.  He was arraigned in Town of Alexander Court and ordered held without bail. Goodell was also arrested by State Police and charged with 12 counts of Sexual Abuse 1st, 12 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of sexual conduct with a child. The State Police alleged that between 2019 and 2021, Goodell abused children less than 14 years old on multiple occasions. Goodell moved from New York before the criminal investigation was opened, according to State Police. Goodell was extradited from Kansas on Sept. 30.  On the State Police charges, he was arraigned in Town of Alexander Court and ordered held on $30,000 bail or $60,000 bond.

Delonta R. Curry, 21, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds and criminal possession of a weapon. Curry is accused of possessing a weapon on school grounds on Feb. 13 at 8:26 p.m. on Washington Avenue. He was arrested on a warrant on Sept. 24, arraigned in City Court, and ordered held on bail.

Shawn R. Wisniewski, 33, of Medina, is charged with petit larceny. Wisniewski is accused of stealing from a business on Jackson Street on Sept. 20 at 10:36 a.m. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Chazmar T. Walters, 29, of Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant on Aug. 15. The nature of the warrant was not released. Walters was released and ordered to appear in City Court at a later date.

Daniel T. Henning, 42, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th. Henning is accused of possessing stolen property while on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, on March 28 at 2:55 p.m. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance.

Jolene Y. Stevens, 33, no permanent address, is charged with failure to appear. Stevens was arrested on multiple warrants. She was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $500 bail, $1,000 bond, or $5,000 partially secured bond.

Phillip P. Heale, 44, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd. Heale is accused of being on property he was previously banned from being on. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Evan F. Maynard, 21, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. Maynard is accused of being involved in a disturbance on Sept. 24 at 8:24 p.m. at a location on East Main Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Justin T. Calmes, 44, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Calmes is accused of violating an order of protection on Aug. 29 at midnight. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jennifer L. Cudney, 41, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. Cudney was stopped on Sept. 18 at 7:31 p.m. on Bank Street by a Batavia patrol officer. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Jason H. Freeman, 41, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Freeman is accused of stealing beer from a business on Jackson Street on Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jeffrey A. Hewitt, 43 of Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, failure to properly signal, driver's view obstructed, unlicensed driver, and aggravated unlicensed operation 1st. Hewitt was stopped by a Batavia patrol office on Sept. 25 at 10:37 a.m. on Summit Street. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Laura B. Beatty, 44, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child 1st. Beatty is accused of providing alcohol to a juvenile at her residence on Oak Street on Sept. 24 at 10:05 p.m. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Brian M. Raphael, 34, of Batavia, and Michelle L. Misiak, 57, of Batavia are charged with petit larceny. Raphael and Misiak are accused of stealing groceries on Sept. 27 from a store on East Main Street, Batavia. Both were issued appearance tickets.

Karrie A. Morrow, 39, of Batavia, was arrested on two bench warrants. The nature of the warrants was not released. She was released under supervision. Morrow was also arrested by State Police on a petit larceny charge. Morrow is accused of stealing merchandise valued at $17.98 from 48 Express Deli on Park Road on Sept. 29. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Renee Lynn Coughlin, 32, of Park Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with falsely reporting an incident 3rd.  Coughlin is accused of falling reporting an incident to police on Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. on Park Avenue in Oakfield. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jamie Lee Broadbent, 39, of Federal Drive, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Broadbent is accused of entering an unsecured storage room and a vacant room at a hotel at 4371 Federal Drive, Batavia, and stealing items belonging to the hotel. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Hunter Joseph Stetz, 19, of Zimmerman Road, Hamburg, is charged with possession of a forged instrument. Stetz is accused of being in possession of a forged NYS driver's license on Aug. 25 at 8:15 p.m. while at Darien Lake. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Dale W. Gress, 54, of Elba, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Gress was stopped by State Police on Oct. 5 at 12:13 a.m. in the Town of Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Air show committee propelling closer to approval

By Joanne Beck

A best-case scenario for the resurrected Wings Over Batavia air show is that a profit would be made, but Tim Hens will settle for a bit less.

“I would like it to be a break even,” the county highway superintendent and air show committee liaison said to county legislators Wednesday.

As promised last month, Hens returned to the hot seat and reported an estimated county expense for the event.

“Our best guess is around $12,705,” he said.

That total would be for county Sheriff’s Office deputies and Emergency Management Services staff to provide security, traffic and crowd control. The breakdown was estimated to be $5,400 for offsite traffic control; $2,055 for EMS presence; and $5,250 for pre-show preparations by highway and facilities maintenance staff.

Aside from whatever the show itself may take in from the admission price, Hens and the committee are hopeful that all of that traffic will eventually leave the airport on Saile Drive and go shopping, eating and/or taking in some local entertainment.

The county will also see increased sales tax because of the air show and related Wing Ding event held within the City of Batavia,” Hens said.

An estimated increase in sales tax proceeds during the three-day event would be from $20,000 to $40,000, he said.

“There actually would be no increased costs on our insurance policy, which was surprising to me,” he said. “We asked them to look at the airshow, there was a skydiving event as part of the history. And pyrotechnic fireworks are part of the event. There was no actual added costs, which was good news to hear.”

Ways & Means legislative members generally agreed to move forward with the event request, however, the approval of legislators Gary Maha and Chairwoman Shelley Stein included a caveat.

"So I would move this for approval in a second," Stein said. "At the same time, I don't want this to cost the county over that $40,000, you know, I would very much like it to break even with our sales tax because I think it's going to be a great opportunity to bring this back to Batavia.

“But I think, as Gary said, we just don't want to sign a blank check," she said. "I absolutely want to be supportive of this.”

Legislators emphasized that the county was not sponsoring this event, but lending its support via a resolution and the potential costs of labor mentioned above. Wings Over Batavia LLC is forming a non-profit entity and will be the group responsible for the air show.

The request will move on to the whole Genesee County Legislature for a vote later this month.

If given final approval, the air show is tentatively scheduled for mid-September 2023. 

To view a prior Wings Over Batavia air show, check out this Youtube.com video made in 1997 by EFP Network. This was one year before the last air show took place.

Top Photo of Tim Hens from social media. 2022 File Photo of Genesee County Legislature Chairwoman Shelley Stein. Photo by Joanne Beck.

Museum Quilt Guild to host annual show in Alexander on Oct. 14 and 15

By Press Release

Press release:

The Museum Quilt Guild of Batavia will present their biennial show, “Stitches in Time”, on Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be more than 150 quilts displayed at the Alexander Fireman’s Recreation Hall, 10708 Alexander Road (Rt 98), Alexander.

In addition, there will be vendors, demonstrations, a silent auction, a boutique and a basket raffle.

Admission is $5; children under 10 are free.

For more information, contact Elaine (585) 880-0456 or visit our website at www.themuseumquiltguild.com

Photo: Submitted photo. Best of show quilt from 2018

BSA to host art demo by award-winning papermaker from Le Roy

By Press Release

Press release:

The Batavia Society of Artists is hosting artist Julie Lambert on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at Go-Art/Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia. Julie will take us through how she makes handmade paper and how she uses it in her artwork. Non-Members are welcome for a $5.00 fee. The 2.o.1. Tavern will be open during the demonstration for cash purchases.

Julie A. Lambert is an award-winning papermaking artist who lives in Le Roy.  While pursuing her BFA in Printmaking and Painting at SUNY Oswego, the artist learned how to make paper. Instantly intrigued by the art form, Julie found her medium.

The artist’s works reflect her deep connection to nature and her surroundings. Through handmade paper, Julie explores both natural forms and humankind’s impact on the landscape.  Many of her pieces are based on her love of exploration. Sometimes inspired by brooding skies, a twist of a tree or a decaying structure, nature speaks to her and she recreates these scenes in her art.

Julie is also creating a series called “Discern”.  Words' meanings are often interpreted based on influences in social media and life experiences.  The artist’s works are created to challenge her own perceptions and encourage questioning and conversation.

Recently retired, Julie has been pursuing her art full time, winning 3 awards, and participating in 10 exhibitions, including a solo show, in the past 2 years.  Julie has also taught several workshops at local venues including the Rochester Brainery.  Julie is excited to present to the Niagara Art Guild and the Batavia Society of Artists.  The artist is currently showing at the MVA Gallery in Easton Pa. and Go-Art.

Julie is a member of The Batavia Society of Artists and The Rochester Contemporary Art Center.

Sheriff's Office welcomes new deputy to department

By Press Release

Press release:

Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jacob A. Kipler recently graduated from the 78th Basic Course for Police Officers at the Niagara County Law Enforcement Training Academy held at Niagara County Community College. 

Deputy Kipler is a 2013 graduate of Maryvale High School, Cheektowaga, NY.  Following high school, Deputy Kipler enlisted in the United States Marine Corps from 2013 to 2018 and was awarded several medals, badges and citations.  He was an aviation mechanic and achieved the rank of Sergeant.  After the Marines, Deputy Kipler pursued a college education at the Community College of Vermont and Erie Community College where he earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a 3.6 GPA.   

Sheriff Sheron stated, “Deputy Kipler was hired on March 7, 2022, and is currently participating in our 14-week field training program.  He is performing well, and we look forward to his addition to our road patrol.”

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