The first photo ever of the total solar eclipse was taken by Johann Julius Friedrich Berkowski in Russia on July 28, 1851.  Almost 200 years later, photographers throughout parts of the United States, including Western New York will have their own opportunity to capture their own picture of the rare astronomical event.

The rest of us will be content to slip on ISO 12312-2-rated sunglasses and take in the perhaps once-in-a-lifetime scene. (Be advised, your camera also needs a special filter to get photos of the eclipse, or you risk damaging the censor.)

One place eclipse gazers can go to enjoy the event is the Genesee County Park and Forest, which has prepared for many activities on Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  A partial eclipse starts at 2:06 p.m., with totality lasting from  3:19 to 3:23 p.m. The partial eclipse will then last until 4:30 p.m.

Claudia Nusstein, conservation education program coordinator, said memory lane will be one-way, and the public will have to enter off Bethany Center Road.

She suggested visitors start at the interpretive center, where some activities indoor and outdoor activities.

Pinhole viewers, a telescope to look through, slide shows, different clay and paper models to create, along with sundial, corona eclipse hat, bookmarks, and chalk art are to name some of the many activities throughout the day. 

As you follow the trail around, there are six stations between the center and end at the Raymond Road exit. The parking fee is cash only and is $10.00 per vehicle; however, solar eclipse glasses will be available for free. 

Areas Fleming, A, and B will also host events. There is a map and directions to follow at the gate, and staff will direct people.

Tommy DeCarlo, lead singer of the legendary rock band Boston, played Friday evening at Batavia Downs as part of its annual summer concert series.

DeCarlo has performed on every Boston tour since 2007 playing to sold-out audiences all over the world.

This show closes with a full set of Boston classic hits from the 1970s and 80s. Touring professionals in DeCarlo's backing band include August Zadra on lead guitar/vocals (Dennis DeYoung Band), Walter Ino (Survivor/The Babys), Mike Morales on drums (Dennis DeYoung Band), Tommy DeCarlo Jr. on guitar/vocals, and Payton Velligan on bass/vocals.

The two-set show started with Rudy Cardenas of American Idol and a full set of Journey classic hits including the hits from both the Steve Perry and Gregg Rolie eras.

Cardenas has had a long relationship with Journey music starting in 2007 when he debuted on season 6 of American Idol singing "Open Arms" on national TV.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

The Friday Night Jackson Square concert season opened last night and featured on the bill was up-and-coming local artist Deanna Spiotta.

The Batavia High School graduate has been singing for most of her life.  She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music from Nazareth College, lived in Nashville for a couple of years, and moved back home to WNY to continue her music and songwriting career.

She released her debut EP, “The In Between” last year, produced by 1809 Studios in Macedon.

Deanna is performing solos in the Rochester area and singing with Eric Carlin’s Half-Dead, a tribute to the Grateful Dead, and also performing in an acoustic duo called, Pushin’ Time with her fiancé, Eric Carlin.

Her music and tour can be found at deannaspiotta.com

Opening up for Deanna were local artists Crimson Crossroads, Dave Knaudt and Ross Chua, two Batavia natives that just recently connected to start performing together. They can be followed on Instagram @daveknaudtmusic and @ross.chua.music

The Old Hippies and the Ghost Riders also performed Friday.

For a list of upcoming shows, click here.

To view or purchase more photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Rachel Fisher, local unite@night walk chairperson explains why she organizes this event.  “My daughter Maire, who is 5 years old, was diagnosed with a Chiari malformation and syringomyelia in 2014 and hydrocephalus in 2017.  In December 2014 Maire underwent a 6-hour brain surgery to help reduce the effects of the Chiari malformation and syringomyelia.  Surgery is not a cure and she will have annual neurosurgical appointments for the rest of her life.  Each day brings a new challenge as these conditions affect how her body responds to things like the weather, noises, light, and physical activities. 

My daughter and our family would really appreciate your support as we strive to find answers for individuals living with these disorders.  The goal is to help them live better, more pain-free days while raising awareness throughout the medical and lay communities.”

This walk is one of many around the country that will provide awareness, support, and important funding for the education and research programs of the Chiari & Syringomyelia Foundation (CSF).  Chiari (kee-AR-ee) is a malformation in which the back compartment of the skull is too small, causing the lower part of the brain to hang down into the spinal canal, which prevents cerebrospinal fluid from flowing properly, causing a wide range of symptoms. Syringomyelia (sear-IN-go-my-EEL-ya) occurs when a cavity, or “syrinx”, is formed inside the spinal cord from fluid build-up. A syrinx may injure nerves, causing pain that is hard to manage medically.

Currently, the only treatment for Chiari and Syringomyelia is highly invasive and expensive surgery. There is no cure.

If you want more information or to register, visit: http://unitenight.kintera.org/Batavia  You can also contact Rachel directly at rachel.fisher1980@gmail.com or 585-300-3159.

Amazing tri-level home with amenities galore! 5 BD/3.5 BA, double lot, attached 2.5 car garage, deck, remodeled kitchen w/ granite, soft close, pull outs, and radiant heat under tile. Basement access from garage. Multizone heat, 2 a/c units, 2 water heaters, furnace and boiler. Whirlpool water filtration system, transferable home warranty through 2018, cedar closet, master suite, the list goes on and on. Schedule your showing today! Call Charles Flynn at 716-860-2222 or click here to view the full listing.

Batavia Jaycees held their 30^th annual 5K race this morning starting at MacArthur Park in Batavia. More than 50 people participated in the annual event. 

The winner was Eric Boyce pictured below with an unofficial time of 17:30. Kimberly Mills was the top female, who finished fourth in the field.

Top 10 finishers were:

1.  Eric Boyce

2. Zak Jantzi

3. Kevin Sheehan

4. Kimberly Mills

5. Mario Rosales

6. Jim Lane

7. John Bruggman

8. Frank Gioia

9. Thomas Ognibene

10. Paul Hackett

To view pictures and purchase prints click here.

Super location for this solid and well maintained 4 bedroom, 2 full bath home! This is a home you must come into to see everything it has to offer - excellent layout and a space for everything, there is over 33ft. of closet space-storage galore! Also, an extra large garage! Many updates including tear off roof, windows and entry door. The home features a white Georgia marble fireplace with gas insert for cozy nights! Outside has awesome 12x16 deck overlooking peaceful park like backyard for fun summer nights! Great neighborhood and neighbors and awesome location makes this one a must visit! Call Lynn Bezon today at Reliant Real Estate 585-344-4663 to see this beauty or click here to view this listing.