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Closures and cancellations intended to reduce novel coronavirus exposure risk

By Billie Owens

Closures and cancellations announced March 12 as precautionary measures to prevent the risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19):

  • This weekend's Batavia Indoor Soccer Tournament, March 14th and 15th, is cancelled according to Jim Dillon.
  • The New York State Public High School Athletic Assocation winter regional and state championships will be postponed indefinitely.

  • Takeout only for Lenten Fish Fries on Fridays at St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia -- no dining in for remainder of Lenten season (through April 3).

  • Le Roy Village Green takes the threat of COVID-19 very seriously and has been taking proactive measures to ensure the health and safety of our residents and staff. We are following the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and Centers of Medicaid and Medicare and our Local Health Department and have implemented visitor restrictions and screens for staff and essential visitors. It is essential that anyone who potentially carries the virus does not enter our facility. Our commitment is to protect our residents and employees to keep them safe and healthy.
  • Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation has banned visiting through 3-25-2020.
  • Genesee Community College cancelled today's Tech Wars; Classes will not be held on March 16th, 17th, or 18th; Classes will resume via remote delivery on Thursday, March 19th, and continue through the end of the semester.
  • Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. has suspended all inmate visitation at the Genesee County Jail, effective Friday, March 13, until further notice.
  • The Alabama-Oakfield Senior Lunch Group – "We’ve Only Just Begun" – has canceled monthly meetings until further notice. The scheduled April 27th bus trip to Orleans County is also cancelled.

NOTE: If your group or agency is canceling or postponing an event, email howard@thebatavian.com. We'll compile a list, post it, and keep it updated.

Lenten Fish Fry dinner -- TAKEOUTS ONLY -- at St. James Episcopal Church, Batavia

By Billie Owens

Lenten Fish Fry Dinner at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia. Final dinner -- Friday, April 3. Takeouts only starting at 4 p.m.

Dinner $11, St. James Famous Desserts $4, Beverages $1, Mac and Cheese $5.

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Lenten Fish Fry dinner -- TAKEOUTS ONLY -- at St. James Episcopal Church, Batavia

By Billie Owens

Lenten Fish Fry Dinner at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia. Every Friday from now through April 3. Takeouts only starting at 4 p.m.

Dinner $11, St. James Famous Desserts $4, Beverages $1, Mac and Cheese $5.

Event Date and Time

Lenten Fish Fry dinner -- TAKEOUTS ONLY -- at St. James Episcopal Church, Batavia

By Billie Owens

Lenten Fish Fry Dinner at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia. Every Friday from now through April 3. Takeouts only starting at 4 p.m.

Dinner $11, St. James Famous Desserts $4, Beverages $1, Mac and Cheese $5.

Event Date and Time

Lenten Fish Fry dinner -- TAKEOUTS ONLY -- at St. James Episcopal Church, Batavia

By Billie Owens

Lenten Fish Fry Dinner at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia. Every Friday from now through April 3. Takeouts only starting at 4 p.m.

Dinner $11, St. James Famous Desserts $4, Beverages $1, Mac and Cheese $5.

Event Date and Time

Richmond library adds technology, waives fees in preparation for 2020 Census

By Billie Owens

By Samantha Stryker, Adult & Community Services librarian, Richmond Memorial Library.

April 1 is Census Day, and Richmond Memorial Library is taking steps to make it easier for the community to participate. 

For the first time, the U.S. Census Bureau is offering and encouraging the option to complete the Census online. Beginning in mid-March, most households will receive a postcard with a code to complete the Census online, with options to complete the Census by phone or to request a paper form.

Any library user with a valid library card can use a computer at the library to securely complete the Census.

To obtain a library card, bring photo ID with proof of current address to the library. Lost your card? No problem! The library will waive the $1 replacement card fee during the months of March and April to increase access to computers.  

The library will have a dedicated phone and computer terminal for use by anyone wishing to complete the Census. Librarians can offer assistance in locating the online portal and will help patrons contact the Census Bureau by phone to complete the Census or request a paper form. 

The paper form will be available in English and Spanish.

In addition to English, Census questionnaire assistance will be available in 12 languages: Arabic, Chinese [Simplified], French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. The Census Bureau is also providing language guides in 59 non-English languages.

When you participate in the Census, you are contributing toward a more complete count for the Genesee County region.

A complete count helps the appropriate amount of federal funds to be dispersed, which includes everything from money for infrastructure to agriculture to health care to education. Congressional representation in Washington, D.C., is also determined by Census data.

“Every missed count equates to $30,000 lost in regional funding per person,” said Genesee County Complete Count Chair and County Legislator Shelley Stein. “We appreciate the initiatives by Richmond Memorial Library and other community partners to help ensure a complete count.”

Complete Count Committees have been established all over the country to help encourage full participation, and Genesee County is no exception.

"We were invited to participate in Genesee County's Complete Count Committee when it formed," said library Director Bob Conrad. "Many agencies agreed to help just by spreading the word to their users that the Census is safe, secure, and mandatory to take.

"But libraries play a dual role, actually offering the technology and assistance that some people may need to participate. When these other agencies refer people to us, we want them to be able to take the Census, and to discover what else the library has to offer, whether it's the first time they've ever set foot in one, or the first time since losing their card."

For more information about the Census, visit census.gov or stop by the library! For information about the library, visit batavialibrary.org. 

Richmond Memorial Library continually provides access to physical and virtual resources and services that meet the educational, informational and recreational needs of its diverse community in a safe and comfortable environment.

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Submitted photo: Library Director Bob Conrad, right, shows Genesee County Legislator and Complete Count Chair Shelley Stein the "Census station" at Richmond Memorial Library. The library has a phone and computer terminal dedicated solely for use by those wishing to complete the Census.

Le Roy drama students delve 'Into the Woods' -- a musical journey about life and choices

By Billie Owens

Photos by Howard Owens.

Information from Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School:

Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School will present the Stephen Sondheim musical "Into the Woods" at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12, and POSTPONED -- Friday and Saturday -- March 13 and 14 -- in the auditorium.

Tickets are $10 presale; $12 at the door. The school is located at 9300 South Street Road in Le Roy.

Based on the book by James Lapine, "Into the Woods" at first appears to be a familar story based on Grimm’s fairy tales that most of us grew up with. But there's frustration afoot as the audience delves into questioning what brings true happiness.

The story is a metaphor for life's journeys. What directions we choose to take in life and the discoveries we make along the way in regards to love, loss, values, choices, and responsibilities. The story also shows the lightness and darkness which we all encounter in life and focuses on how the choices we make in our lives truly do affect those who are around us and the journeys they take, says the production's Artistic Director Jacqueline McLean.

While this show poses a lot of serious questions and thoughts, it also has a delightful score full of beautiful and entertaining music, as well as several comedic characters and moments, and characters we all know who take us through the ups and downs of the journey called life.

Le Roy students have proven up to the extreme challenge of the difficult score as well as developing the deep characters.

"We spent an extensive amount of time developing our characters this year so that we would find ease forming the correct relationships on stage, thus hoping to make it believable," McLean says. "Through the process, students asked themselves questions and did a bit of self discovery as well. 

"There is not a person in the world that can’t relate to or see someone they know in the characters of 'Into the Woods'. While the students portray these characters, it is an exaggerated version of real-life stereotypes and personalities."

The cast includes:

  • Erik Schwab (Narrator)
  • Hailey Grasso -- Cinderella
  • Brady Fix -- Cinderella's Prince
  • Wade Dzedzic -- Rapunzel's Prince
  • Sean Czyrca -- Wolf
  • Evan Williams -- The Baker
  • Alexis Pfendler -- The Baker's Wife
  • Marlena Pencille -- The Witch
  • Emily Overacker -- Jack's Mother
  • Ashlyn Puccio -- Little Red Ridinghood
  • Nathan Yauchzee -- Jack
  • Jackson Cain -- Mysterious Man
  • Maureen Klaiber -- Rapunzel
  • Allison Primatera -- Cinderella's Stepmother
  • Jillian Curtis -- Florinda
  • Kylee Wright -- Lucinda 
  • Amalia Morris -- Cinderella's Mother
  • Catie Long -- Giant
  • Jonathan Napper -- Cinderella's Father
  • Cooper Terry -- Granny
  • Ethan Riggs -- Steward
  • Allyson Austin -- Snow White
  • Anna Long --Sleeping Beauty
  • Maria Calhoun -- Milky White

In addition to Artistic Director Jacqueline McLean, the production crew includes:

  • Assistant Director -- Joseph Kusmierczak
  • Vocal Director -- Jeffrey Fischer
  • Choreographer -- Jessica Pcionek
  • Pit Orchestra Director -- Nastassia Dotts
  • Costumes -- Mary Platek, Heidi Austin
  • Dance Captain -- Allison Primatera
  • Assistant Dance Captian -- Aubrey Puccio

"Into the Woods" is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

New Health Studies Degree program offered at GCC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Careers in healthcare have always ranked among the most rewarding in terms of salaries, job security, career advancement and overall employee satisfaction. Coupled with the continued shortage in qualified, credentialed healthcare workers in Western and Central New York, this is a great time to consider a career in compassion.

Genesee Community College has officially opened enrollment for its newest program, the Health Studies Associate in Science. Requiring a total of 62 credit hours, this program is designed to be completed in as little as two years and offers flexibility with up to 50 percent of its coursework available through online learning.

"The Health Studies associate degree was meticulously designed to meet the demands of our region," said Rafael Alicea-Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of Math, Science and Career Education. "Students who graduate from this program are fully prepared to transfer to a four-year institution under SUNY's Health Education Transfer Path for a bachelor's degree that leads to a variety of career options."

GCC Health Studies degree students fulfill their General Education requirements and focus on industry-specific information such as medical terminology, nutrition and the many issues revolving around health insurance.

This combination saves GCC students thousands of dollars in tuition, offers small classes with plenty of hands-on learning and one-to-one instruction. It also provides valuable exposure to the many different career paths in healthcare and the coursework includes all of the pre-requisite courses for GCC's other healthcare programs.

Upon graduation, GCC students are uniquely positioned to transfer and earn bachelor's degrees that can lead to high-demand and lucrative health-related employment opportunities.

Additionally, GCC also offers a Health Studies Certificate option where credit hours can be fully applied toward the associate degree and five additional healthcare degree programs including; Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Polysomnographic Technology, Respiratory Care and Veterinary Technology.

Details on all programs can be found here

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Marirose Ethington, GCC's director of Science at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6389, or email: mtethington@genesee.edu or Deborah Erion, student success coach dedicated to the Health Studies program at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6423, or email: daerion@genesee.edu.

Law and Order: Caledonia woman accused of driving while impaired by drugs with two children in car

By Billie Owens

Samantha Gail Reff, 30, of Middle Road, Caledonia, is charged with: Leandra's Law -- driving while ability impaired by drugs with two child passengers less than 16 years of age; driving while ability impaired by drugs; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; two counts of endangering the welfare of a child; and speeding. Reff was arrested March 10 after an investigation of a traffic stop which occurred at 10:38 p.m. on Dec. 3 on Kelsey Road in Batavia. Reff was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia Town Court on April 2. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.

Ann Marie Boyce, 43, of Woodrow Road, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI. On March 5, Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Boyce at 1:32 p.m. on Jackson Street in Batavia. She is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on March 25. Post was assisted by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Luis J. Santiago, 31, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. At 5:02 p.m. on March 8, Santiago was arrested after he allegedly violated an order of protection at an apartment on Edward Street in Batavia. He was processed, issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on March 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Julio Vazquez, 19, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal tampering. On March 5, Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Vazquez after a road-rage incident on Pearl Street in Batavia at 9:59 a.m. He is due in Batavia City Court on March 17. Post was assisted by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Oxbo's new high-clearance sprayer got some limelight at NY Farm Show in Syracuse

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Byron -- Oxbo International Corporation (“Oxbo”) was pleased to exhibit several products at this year’s New York Farm Show in Syracuse, held Feb. 27-29.

The Oxbo 7550 front boom (high-clearance) sprayer (in top photo) and its 77 inches of crop clearance was highlighted by Farm Progress’ Northeast Editor Chris Torres after the show.

“Each year Oxbo brings equipment to exhibit at the New York Farm Show because this show draws a broad group of agricultural customers from across the Northeast,” said Jim Welch, a Genesee County based Technical Services representative for Oxbo.

“This gives us a great opportunity to talk to our customer base and listen to suggestions to keep up with their changing needs. For 2020, we were able to exhibit our 2114 and 2334 forage mergers and our 7550 high clearance sprayer in the booth. Oxbo is the global leader in forage merger technology; forage merging is critical to feed quality for dairies in the Northeast.

"The 7550 is a new product for us, but we have supported high clearance sprayer customers for over twenty years; this product builds on our experiences in this industry and delivers a unique factory-direct sales and service model to our customer base. Both models are built locally in our Byron, New York facility,” added Welch.

Oxbo International Corporation is a leading supplier of specialized harvesters and other equipment for niche market agriculture. With manufacturing operations in Byron, Clear Lake, Wis., and Lynden, Wash., Oxbo markets its equipment to agribusiness and producers worldwide.

Photo courtesy of Chris Torres.

Registration extended until March 13 for Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball (BGFS) has extended registration by one week, until midnight on March 13!

We still have a few openings on our 10u and 12u teams and want to make sure girls don't miss out on this chance to be a Batavia Stinger!

Beginner and experienced players are welcome, there are no cuts.

Come check out the fun your daughter can have as a Batavia Stinger and see what our organization has done in just three short years of existence.

Our home field has a brand-new electronic scoreboard and a brand new infield installed last fall. The community has stepped up big time to support these young ladies and we are so excited to be able to take this generosity and provide a fun and healthy experience for all of our Stingers!

Registration with BGFS covers: a full uniform; full season of league play; season ending tournament;Memorial Day Tournament for 12u; two month extended optional summer session full of practices and scrimmages; and a bunch of great memories that will last a lifetime!

Registration is all online at www.glowacademyny.com.

Girls from outside of Batavia can register if they are from a surrounding town that does not have a fastpitch softball program within their town!

Check out all of the great pictures and posts about our Stingers on the Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball Facebook Page. Please don't hesitate to message us on Facebook or email Matt Landers with any questions at lmlanders@yahoo.com.

Public open house on countywide Resiliency Plan held at GO ART!

By Billie Owens

What makes a County resilient? What does a Resiliency Plan for a County look like? New York Green is holding a Public Informational Open House on Thursday, March 12, to discuss the development of a Countywide Resiliency Plan for Genesee County.

The Public Open House will be held on Thursday, March 12, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) on 201 E. Main Street in Batavia.

Event Date and Time
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Public open house on countywide Resiliency Plan is tomorrow at GO ART!

By Billie Owens

Press release:

What makes a County resilient? What does a Resiliency Plan for a County look like? New York Green is holding a Public Informational Open House on Thursday, March 12, to discuss the development of a Countywide Resiliency Plan for Genesee County.

The Public Open House will be held on Thursday, March 12, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) on 201 E. Main Street in Batavia.

The Resiliency Plan will evaluate how to keep Genesee County communities strong and able to withstand challenges such as aging infrastructure, water shortages, unemployment, floods, disease outbreaks, and other types of shocks and stressors.

The Resiliency Plan is being developed in partnership between New York Green and Genesee County, with funding from the NYS Department of State.

Information about the Resiliency Plan, topics to be evaluated in the Plan, and opportunities for public participation will be provided at the Public Open House. The Plan is in the early stages of development, and your input can shape the direction of the Plan.

It will be an open house format, and people are encouraged to stop by at any time, for any duration, to provide input on the Resiliency Plan. Please share your comments, questions, and concerns. Light refreshments will be served. We hope to see you there!

For more information, contact Sheila Hess at CC Environment & Planning, at (518) 219-4030 or visit here.

Peter Guy Buckel

By Billie Owens

ELBA -- Peter Guy Buckel passed away peacefully February 15th, 2020 at his home in Elba. 

Peter was born in Batavia, NY March 3, 1961. He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Leona (Stroh) Buckel, and a brother, David S. Buckel.

Peter enjoyed gardening, landscaping projects, horseback riding, woodworking and nature, campfires, and the ocean, playing and singing music, playing cards, cooking and barbecuing. He also enjoyed horseshoes, traveling, target shooting and he always found time to help others. Peter was a good conversationalist and had a kind heart.

He was employed at UMMC in Batavia, NY as Facility Mechanic/Maintenance worker; he also held the position of Emergency Preparedness Coordinator since 2015. He trained new drivers for the ambulance and volunteered as an Instructor of Emergency Medical Services training and education; he was also involved in the education and activities of children by teaching them safety procedures. He volunteered as Representative and Chairman of City, County and NY State EMT Programs. 

He is survived by: his daughter, Kristi Buckel Hebert, of Louisiana; three brothers -- James (Carol) Buckel, of Nunda, Ken (Sharon) Buckel, of Florida, and Robert (Alice) Buckel, of Batavia; and two very close friends, Ray Bolster and Michele Freeman, of Elba, and several nieces and nephews.

Private family services were held. 

Please share with the family your memories of Peter and any photos you may have at:   MemoryofPeter@gmail.com

Jane E. Bossart Campbell

By Billie Owens

Jane E. Bossart Campbell, 81, formerly from Stafford, NY, went to be with the Lord on March 2, 2020, at home surrounded by family.

She was born April 18, 1938, in Batavia, NY, the daughter of Helen and Mark Bossart. She was the youngest of 7 siblings.

On August 16, 1958 she married James W. Campbell, who survives. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Laura Campbell, of Irving, Texas; grandchildren Audra and Layden; daughter and son-in-law, Yvonne and Donald Smith, of Zephyrhills, Fla.; grandchild Caleb; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and David Jasper, of Riverview, Fla.; and grandchildren Naomi, Nasya, Nehemiah and Nahum.

She is also survived by two siblings, Ruth Bossart Belling and Jean Bossart Stenshorn.

She was a lifetime member of the Stafford Fireman’s Ladies Auxiliary, an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and a Girl Scout Leader.

A memorial service will be held this spring at the Stafford Cemetery.

Old-style all-you-can-eat breakfast at Bethany Community Center March 29 to benefit Bethany Volunteer Fire Department

By Billie Owens

The old-style breakfast is back!

The Bethany Volunteer Fire Department will host an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, March 29 at the Bethany Community Center.

Cost is $9 for adults;$5 for children 7 to 12; and kids 6 and under eat free.

Enjoy scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, pancakes, sausage gravy and biscuits, and home fries!

All proceeds benefit the Bethany Volunteer Fire Company.

Bethany Community Center is located at 10510 Bethany Center Road in East Bethany.

CANCELLED: Old-style all-you-can-eat breakfast at Bethany Community Center to benefit Bethany Volunteer Fire Department

By Billie Owens

CANCELLED: The old-style breakfast is back!

The Bethany Volunteer Fire Department will host an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, March 29 at the Bethany Community Center.

Cost is $9 for adults;$5 for children 7 to 12; and kids 6 and under eat free.

Enjoy scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, pancakes, sausage gravy and biscuits, and home fries!

All proceeds benefit the Bethany Volunteer Fire Company.

Bethany Community Center is located at 10510 Bethany Center Road in East Bethany.

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CANCELLED: Second public reception for GCC Fine Arts Student Exhibit 'Express It'

By Billie Owens

CANCELLED: Genesee Community College is proud to announce the opening of one of its favorite annual exhibits -- the Fine Arts Student Exhibit - comprised entirely by GCC student creativity and talent!

This special display, themed "Express It" by the contributors, showcases the finest multimedia artwork recently produced by students enrolled in fine arts courses at Genesee Community College.

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CANCELLED: First public reception for GCC Fine Arts Student Exhibit 'Express It'

By Billie Owens

CANCELLED: Genesee Community College is proud to announce the opening of one of its favorite annual exhibits -- the Fine Arts Student Exhibit - comprised entirely by GCC student creativity and talent!

This special display, themed "Express It" by the contributors, showcases the finest multimedia artwork recently produced by students enrolled in fine arts courses at Genesee Community College.

Event Date and Time

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