Press Release:

What: GCC's Forum Players Present: The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa FastHorse.

Where: Performances in the Stuart Steiner Theatre

When: Nov. 16, 17, 18 @ 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 19 @ 2 p.m. The play is approximately 90 minutes long.

In Larissa FastHorse's hilariously funny satirical play, positive intentions collide with absurd assumptions. As a terminally "woke" teacher, Logan, a high school drama teacher/ actor, enlists the help of some interesting characters: Caden, an elementary school history teacher (frustrated, inspiring Playwright and Actor). Jaxton, a yoga practitioner/actor (politically correct to a fault), and Alicia, a simplistic actress (who has a knack for being painfully honest), scrambles to create a school pageant for children that somehow celebrates Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month, or do they? Find out when you join us on the journey that is The Thanksgiving Play.

Larissa FastHorse (Sicangu Lakota Nation) is a 2020 MacArthur Fellow, award-winning writer/choreographer, and co-founder of Indigenous Direction, the nation's leading consulting company for Indigenous arts and audiences. Her satirical comedy, The Thanksgiving Play (Playwrights Horizons/Geffen Playhouse), is one of America's top ten most produced plays. She is the first Native American playwright in American theater history on that list. The play recently had a short run on Broadway, being the "critics pick" in the New York Times.

The Thanksgiving Play is a relatively new piece, having first been performed in October 2018 off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons in NYC. This past spring, The Thanksgiving Play played on Broadway from April 20 through June 11. We are excited to have such a new and critical play being produced at GCC.

Jaime Arena is directing The Thanksgiving Play for her second time; last year she directed the play at SUNY Geneseo. Brodie McPherson is the production designer. Current GCC student Jeriko Suzette is Assistant Director, and Cass Dzielski is the Stage Manager for the production. The show features GCC students Lauren Ruch, Tony Haitz, Qasim Huzair and Isabella Wheeler as the four instructors longing to create a politically correct Thanksgiving Pageant.

Director Jaime Arena wanted to approach this play with compassion for the Native American tribes and their history. She didn't want to lose the satirical aspect, while wanting to give voice to those at the center of the story. Jaime enlisted Karlie Jones, who is Cayuga, to help. "Director Jaime Arena and I have been longtime friends since 2005, and she asked for my input/direction on this piece. Not much is needed to give - Larissa FastHorse hits all the right notes, showcasing a "woke" society wanting to help minority groups in the best way possible and navigating their way to the best answer. Giving space for us to be heard and proving appreciation without appropriation is possible. The conversation of our cultural stereotypes must be heard; this play gives us a chance to voice the current climate of our Indigenous struggles." -Karlie Jones, Cayuga Nation

"I took the same script and reimagined it by adding and subtracting what I did at Geneseo with the same sole purpose, which is to have the audience leave the Stuart Steiner stage after the performance able to understand; it is not our job to speak for any other culture but to stand beside them and have their back as they speak their truth. To me, that is the true definition of an ally." -Jaime Arena, director

Please be advised that the play includes moments depicting historical violence.

Tickets can be purchased on the Genesee Community College website under the 'Center for the Arts' tab: https://www.genesee.edu/campus-life/center-for-the-arts/ General admission is $10. Qualifying discounted tickets (GCC staff and faculty, seniors 55+, children under 16, non-GCC students) are $5. Admission is free for GCC students who present their ID at the box office. Please contact the Box Office with any questions. boxoffice@genesee.edu or call (585) 343-0055 x6490.

Press Release: 

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and Representatives Joe Morelle (NY-25), Brian Higgins (NY-26), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Marc Molinaro (NY-19), and Brandon Williams (NY-22) announced the approval of the New York Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology Innovation Corridor (NY SMART I-Corridor) application for the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) Program.

The SMART I-Corridor will leverage existing and new investments in semiconductor and sensing technology along with regional expertise in advanced manufacturing. The bipartisan group of New York members built on the strengths of their unique communities in a historic effort to bring transformative federal investments to reinvigorate regional economic growth for years to come. Following enormous community effort and collaboration from their universities, field experts, and local and federal advocates, the NY SMART I-Corridor coalition has delivered a promising future for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region.

"By officially designating the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse corridor as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub, we are set to witness a substantial increase in job opportunities while fortifying the nation's vital supply chains," said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. "By designating our region, which was the home of the Industrial Revolution, as a tech hub, we will again see our community be at the forefront of innovation and drive economic and technological progress for our country. I deeply appreciate the bipartisan support from my colleagues, and I am eager to see the opportunities, jobs, and innovative advancements that this Tech Hub designation will bring to our community, our nation, and the world!"

“This historic federal commitment will power our local innovation economy, create jobs, and fortify our position as a leader in the global tech landscape,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I am incredibly grateful for the bipartisan support of my colleagues from the New York delegation – together we are leveraging the unique economic strengths of our regions to pioneer the industries of tomorrow and secure our nation's technological future.”

“Western New York is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in semiconductor production and this award demonstrates confidence that the workforce, research, and manufacturing infrastructure in place is prepared to deliver on this opportunity,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “There is strength in collaboration. We are proud to support this project designed to bolster national security and deliver regional and national economic opportunities.”

“Western New York and the Southern Tier have a rich legacy of manufacturing innovation, and the approval of our Tech Hub application reflects our commitment to advancing technology, creating high-paying jobs, and securing our nation's economic and technological future,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “Our region's proximity to the world-renowned Micron facility in Upstate New York makes the NY SMART I-Corridor a natural choice for this transformative investment. Leveraging the expertise and resources of Micron, alongside our growing skilled workforce, reinforces our future as a premier destination for semiconductor research and production.”

"This is a significant investment into the future of Upstate New York. I am proud to be a part of the initiative that will transform our region into a prominent hub for innovation, job growth, and economic prosperity,” said Congressman Marc Molinaro. “Working alongside my fellow New York Members of Congress, we aim to continue developing advancements in technology and creating endless opportunities for Upstate."

“With a Tech Hub designation, we will welcome in a new era for New York—embracing a call to action and introducing transformational change, with our state becoming the semiconductor epicenter of the world,” said Congressman Brandon Williams. “Designating a Tech Hub for New York focused on the advancement of technologies, including the production of semiconductors domestically, will not only create jobs locally but will promote national security.”

For more information on the Tech Hubs Program Economic Development Initiative click here.

Press Release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will be holding their Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) Quarterly Meeting. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 4 - 5 p.m. at the Genesee County Health Department (3837 W. Main Street Road Batavia) or by zoom.

During the meeting, advocacy will be discussed and the election of officers will take place. Refreshments will be provided. 

The LEICC is a supportive group made up of county officials, Early Intervention providers, childcare providers, parents of children with disabilities, and other community members. The members of the council are encouraged to collaborate and voice their opinions to help raise concerns to better the program, and ultimately, help the children. 

The goal of the LEICC is to afford the opportunity for parents and other members to voice their thoughts and concerns on the strengths and weaknesses of the Genesee and Orleans County Early Intervention Program and to work together to improve the program. The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are encouraging parents to attend and to offer input as to how we can best meet the needs of all infants and toddlers.

For Zoom connection information or for more information on the meeting, please contact Sarah Kathryn McLaughlin, Early Intervention Service Coordinator for Genesee County, at 585-344-2580 ext. 5503 or 585-589-3147.

Press Release:

The Pembroke Teachers' Federation and Homeslice 33 Pizzeria in Corfu teamed up for a great cause on Oct. 18.

Members of the PTF volunteered at Homeslice to make pizzas, work behind the counter, and greeted community members as they entered the pizzeria! Members were quickly put to work as the community came out to support this cause! 

Homeslice 33 Pizzeria was generous to donate a portion of the night's proceeds to the PTF. In turn, the PTF will be making a donation to the Genesee County Mental Health services! 

The PTF and Homeslice want to thank all of the students, families, and community members who came out to support this great event!

Submitted photos of Pembroke Teachers' Federation at Homeslice 33 Pizzeria.

Press Release:

Genesee County law enforcement agencies, including the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department, and LeRoy Police Department will be participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving. 

The statewide STOP-DWI Impaired Driving High Visibility Engagement Campaign runs: Oct. 27 – 31.

Designate a driver. Don’t let alcohol take the wheel. When it comes to impaired driving Halloween can turn the roads into a horror fest. While families spend time with their children trick or treating and hosting parties with loved ones, law enforcement officers and STOP-DWI programs across New York State will participate in special efforts to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries, and save lives.

The STOP-DWI Halloween High Visibility Engagement Campaign is one of many statewide initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning.

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Police Department would like to remind everyone of the following safety tips to ensure a safe and Happy Halloween.

Walkers  

• Wear bright-colored costumes or attach something reflective to your costume or candy bag 
• Cross the street only at marked intersections 
• Follow traffic signals and use crosswalks 
• Look both ways before crossing the street 
• Put phones down and watch where you are going 
• Walk only on sidewalks (where provided, if none walk facing traffic) 
• Be on the lookout for cars at all times 

Drivers 

• Drive slowly and stay alert 
• Look for children at every intersection and take extra time 
• Back up slowly and check multiple times for pedestrians 
• Eliminate distractions (put down phones and keep radio volume at a low level) 
• Make complete stops at all intersections and allow pedestrians to cross the street 

The City of Batavia will observe Halloween Trick-or-Treating activities between the hours of 4- 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31 only.

Gananda didn't score a goal until the second minute of Tuesday's Section V Class C2 semifinal in Girls Soccer at Pittsford-Sutherland, which sort of felt like an accomplishment to Byron-Bergen Head Coach Wayne Hill.

"Last year, we played them (in postseason) and they scored in the first 10 seconds," Hill said after the Bees' 4-1 win. "We knew they're going to be pressing hard and fast early. I felt good that we didn't get scored out in the first minute. But they banged in one in the second minute."

Despite the quick strike, the Bees held their composure.

"We stayed level-headed," Hill said. "We stayed true to our game plan and weathered a little bit of a storm and then we played our game, and we took control of the game."

It didn't take long for Mia Gray, who already has more than 100 career points through her sophomore year, to even the tally with a high, long lob, followed by a goal by Grace Diquattro (who also got the assist on Gray's earlier goal).

"They (Gananda) score a lot of goals," Hill said. "They're used to winning. They're used to scoring a lot, and I think that variable gave us a little bit of an advantage when they got down."

A penalty kick by Megan Jarkiewicz that just tipped off the fingers of Gananda's keeper, Olivia Moskal, as it arched over her head, gave Byron-Bergen a 3-1 lead and two goals up can be huge in soccer.

It seemed the Bees had increasing control of the game as it went on, though Hill said he thought Gananda had about a 55 to 45 percent advantage in control.

"We capitalized better," Hill said. "I thought it was a nice even game. I'm happy to see that kind of game."

In the second half, Libby Starowitz knocked in a bullet from about 30 yards out to give the Bees the 4-1 lead, which proved decisive.

Two of Byron-Bergen's goals sailed high over Moskal, and that was by design, Hill indicated.

"We watched some game film and thought maybe we could hit something high," Hill said. "We switched up a couple of our free-kick takers. Megan Jarkiewicz hasn't taken a free kick all year and scored on one tonight. That makes me feel good that, you know, she was able to step up and do what she needed to do at the right time."

Mia Gray, one of the team's top scorers, stayed back more in a defensive formation against Gananda and that was by design, Hill said.

"Grenada has two very, very good center mids (midfielders)," Hill said. We had to play a little bit more defensively in the middle of the field so that they just didn't start steamrolling us. So yeah, Mia and Libby were both back a little bit more, and that left our strikers a little bit more alone. So we weren't so striker-driven like we normally are. And we just needed to help out our defense a little bit."

Even though Gananda came in as the #1 seed and Byron-Bergen the #4 seed, this win wasn't an upset, Hill said. He noted that some observes have called C2 "the bracket of death" because of its depth.

"There were so many teams at the start of this C2 bracket that all realistically had a chance," Hill said. "In the last game, we played a number five seed that had 14 wins. That's incredible. Usually, the number five is about a .500 team. So there's a lot of quality teams in this. I don't know if at any point, there's an upset just because each league is tough. Each league exposes people to different situations. We see that this month. We see that the schedule that we played has prepared us for this. So to say that there were any upsets? I don't think so. I think everybody's pretty fair."

Next up for Byron-Bergen, the Section C2 final against #3 Keshequa on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Gates-Chili.

For more photos and to purchase prints, click here.

Click here to see these listings! Call Reliant Real Estate today, call 585-344-HOME (4663)

 The Bergen Business and Civic Association will be hosing its annual All Hallows’ Eve and Historic Ghost Walk from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Hickory Park, 51 South Lake Ave., Bergen.

The evening kicks off with a costume parade that will lead to Hickory Park, where festivities are to include a Trunk or Treat, food trucks, music, games, scavenger hunt, bonfire, face painting and historic ghost tours at Mount Rest Cemetery.

The is a free event, except for the ghost tour, which is $5. All proceeds benefit The Imagination Library. 

There's been a change in restrictions to a section of Washington Avenue near Ross Street, that parents and guardians will want to take note of. That area has gone from no stopping to a more specific no parking zone for two different time periods on week days.

Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch made explained the change to City Council this week based on issues of lingering vehicles on the roadside.

"Before there was a no standing sign there, as well as on Ross Street right across from the middle school. We found that to be problematic from an enforcement perspective, because when people are dropping their kids off or picking their kids up from school, that's what happened, people stopped," Heubusch said during council's meeting Monday evening. "So it has been changed to a no parking rule from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on school days."

The zone is on the southeast side of Washington Avenue near Batavia Middle School, and is marked with no parking signs.

Press Release:

The St. Jerome Guild, Inc., annual "Noel Nook" will take place at the Jerome Center at 16 Bank Street, Batavia on Nov. 2, 3, and 6, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, and from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Guild operates a second gift shop at the UMMC Kiosk at 127 North Street Campus. 

Noel Nook at the Shoppe on North Street will be held on Nov. 9, 10, and 13 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. All customers will enjoy a 10% discount on the entire order (a few exclusions apply). We invite parents and their children to mail their Santa’s letters in the North Pole Post located outside each gift shop location.

‘Tis the season to wear customer favorites of stylish coats, ponchos, capes, and shawls, woven caplets, fur-trimmed and knit hats and gloves, tops, slacks, and gorgeous scarves, from K & K Interiors, Carmen & Coco, Mud Pie, Demdaco, Simply Noelle, and Gantz, to name a few. 

Our updated selection of Petite Ginger Snaps, which are interchangeable with bracelets, necklaces, and rings come in a variety of colors, shapes, and stones. We continue to carry our selection of stylish handbags. Our reasonably priced 'Jerome Jewelry Collection’ includes rings, bracelets, earrings, necklace sets, with semi-precious stones, and children’s jewelry. 

Popular items are cozy baby jackets in blue, pink, and leopard, tummy blankets, picture frames, milestone items, and a variety of children's toys, plush animals, clothes, and handmade baby blankets and hats.  Patrons love the all-natural goat milk, sulfate-free body products for men and women from Beekman 1802 of lotions, soaps, facial
cleansing wipes, and lip balms.

You will find bar and wine accessories, eclectic and wine caddies depicting doctors, golfers, nurses, firefighters, musicians, athletes, and gardeners. Enjoy the expressions of lighted wall art, holiday wreaths, kitchen towels, spatula sets, mugs, nutcrackers, Santas, snowmen, Snowbabies, crystal candle holders and warmers, glittered elegant trees and angels, and lighted country trees. Included are gorgeous lighted ornaments, cardinals, flags, throws, centerpieces, decorative lighting and night lights and Thanksgiving items. Gift cards may also be purchased.

The St. Jerome Guild, Inc., a not-for-profit volunteer organization has been serving the local healthcare community for decades and celebrated a 100-year Jubilee a few years ago and the group continues to be an active organization donating vital equipment to UMMC. The Guild’s Hometown Heroes Star Initiative honoring all UMMC employees for their humanitarian efforts during the height of the pandemic raised $3000. These funds contributed toward the Guild’s $7000 purchase of an urgently needed freezer to store the Covid vaccine.

In 2022, the Guild pledged $20,000 over five years toward the Intensive Care Unit Expansion at UMMC North Street, and donated $1000 over five years towards the Foundation Cornerstone initiative. The Guild’s Gift Shop is excited to be moving from Bank Street to UMMC’s new destination campus on Oak Orchard Road in winter of 2024.

For decades, the Guild offers to UMMC employees pursuing higher educational careers, our annual Health Professional Scholarships. Children who visit Urgent Care and Emergency Department are comforted with plush animals. Cancer patients have received care bags of personal items. The Guild has sponsored the Jerome Center Annual Employee Recognition Day to thank employees for their efforts in serving the community. 

Guild members donate thousands of volunteer hours working at both shops and on UMMC Foundation projects. Over the years the Guild has hosted many fundraisers including fashion show luncheons and hopes to sponsor another next summer. St. Jerome Gift Shop business hours vary Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

New members are welcome to join the Guild throughout the year and a membership tea is held in September. Members attend regular monthly meetings that include a program and guest speakers. The Guild manages a monthly lottery and the community is invited to participate. Please join our Facebook page to view our inventory at: St. Jerome Gift Shop.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors will consider a final resolution for Countryside Apartments LLC’s proposed $15 million development of four 24-unit market-rate apartment buildings at its board meeting on Thursday, Oct. 26.

Countryside Apartments LLC is proposing to construct the project in phases at 8900 Alleghany Road in Pembroke. Each building will have eight 1-bedroom and 16 2-bedroom units, totaling 96 market-rate units throughout the complex.

The project aligns with Genesee County’s recognized need for housing availability, and housing growth spurred by $1 billion of investment and over 600 careers announced by projects at the nearby Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park.

The project is requesting assistance from the GCEDC with a sales tax exemption estimated at $739,200, a property tax abatement estimated at $2,020,688 based on the incremental increase in assessed value via a fixed 60% 20-year PILOT (Housing PILOT for 20+ market-rate units), and a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $130,000.

The fiscal impacts on local benefits are estimated at over $10 million. For every $1 of public benefit, the company is investing $5 into the local economy.

A public hearing for the proposed project agreements is scheduled in the town of Pembroke at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at Pembroke Town Hall.

The Oct. 26 GCEDC board meeting will be held at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia. Meeting materials and links to a live stream/on-demand recording of the meeting are available at www.gcedc.com.

Batavia Police Department received a report of a larceny at approximately 1:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Tops Markets in Batavia, and has released a photo of a person of interest related to that investigation. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Tucker at (585) 345-6350, the Batavia Police Department's confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370, or by clicking the tip button.

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area of North of West Main Street and West of Bank Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area.  As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored.  If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about 5 minutes or until clear.

This annual testing is essential to maintain the communities class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification, and to assure that fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes. Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city's water system, identifies weak areas in the system, and removes material that settle in the water lines. Checking each hydrant improves fire department personnel knowledge of the hydrant locations.

If you have any questions, or should notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at 585-345-6375.

Press Release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) have identified a concerning trend of elevated cocaine use locally that is causing fatal fentanyl overdoses. Fortunately, these deaths are preventable, and resources are available locally to help. 

Since 2021, there have been 29 fatal fentanyl overdoses confirmed in Genesee County, and at least 72% of these deaths have also involved cocaine.

In some instances, bystanders reported that the person who died of a fentanyl overdose thought they were taking only powder cocaine or crack cocaine. In Orleans County, there were 10 fatal fentanyl overdoses during this same time period, of which 40% involved cocaine.

GO Health has also identified through wastewater analysis that cocaine consumption is very high in Batavia and Le Roy compared to other areas nationally. GO Health regularly analyzes wastewater samples from wastewater treatment plants throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties for high-risk substances to better understand local patterns in drug consumption and these trends are compared to upwards of 160 sites nationally by the wastewater epidemiology company Biobot Analytics. 

In August, the estimated cocaine consumption in Batavia was higher than 94% of other tested sites in the United States, and in Le Roy it was higher than 95% of other tested sites. Substance use is estimated in each sewershed by taking the amount of the metabolite found in the wastewater and dividing by the size of the population served by the wastewater treatment plant.

“For the last several years, Genesee County’s opioid overdose death rates have surpassed the state’s average, and been higher than neighboring counties too,” stated Paul Pettit, the Public Health Director for GO Health. “Unfortunately, what we are seeing here are indications of a relatively high amount of cocaine use locally, and when that cocaine is contaminated with fentanyl, it is causing preventable overdoses and deaths,” Pettit explained.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that can be prescribed by physicians to treat patients’ severe pain that is not responsive to other medications, such as in cases of advanced-stage cancer.

Because it is 50 times stronger than heroin, illegally-made fentanyl has largely replaced heroin and other opioids in the U.S. drug supply, and is commonly mixed with other drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Many people who use street drugs like cocaine or counterfeit pills are unaware that what they are taking may contain a lethal dose of fentanyl.

Individuals who are aware of the risks of fentanyl overdose when using cocaine are empowered to make safer choices that could save their life or the life of a loved one, and a number of resources are available:

• Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray can be used to reverse an opioid overdose, and should be administered to anyone who is showing signs of having difficulty breathing or who is not breathing at all, regardless of whether the person is known to have taken an opioid. Narcan is available for free from the Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force simply by texting “KIT” to 1-877-535-2461.
• Fentanyl test strips, which can be used to check for fentanyl in drugs, are available for free from the MATTERS Network at mattersnetwork.org/individual-request. 
• People who use cocaine or other drugs can reduce their risk by never using alone, taking turns when using drugs with others, or calling the Never Use Alone Hotline at 1-800-484-3731.
• Treatment for substance use disorders is available locally from Hope Haven at 585-922-9900, from Horizon Health Services at 585-815-0247, and from UConnectCare (formerly GCASA) at 585-343-1124 (Genesee County) or 585-589-0055 (Orleans County).
• Entry points to treatment are also available in person 24 hours a day at the City of Batavia Fire Department, the City of Batavia Police Department, the Genesee County Sheriff, and the Le Roy Police Department through the Public Safety Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI).

For information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:

• Genesee County Health Department: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
• Orleans County Health Department: 585-589-3278

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at GOHealthNY.

Press Release:

The Oakfield Alabama CSD today announced an amendment to its policy for serving meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the 2023-2024 school year, which would allow for all children at all schools/sites to be served meals at no charge. 

For additional information, please contact the following person:

Mary Della Penna, Food Service Director, Oakfield Alabama Central School District at 7001 Lewiston St. Road Oakfield, calling 585-948-5211 ext. 4234, or by email at MDellapenna@oahornets.org.

I’ve never been a fan of load management in basketball. I see the value in taking a breather mid-game, but taking yourself out of the competition or a great opportunity never made sense to me.

Challenging yourself in new ways is how you grow as an athlete, as a person, and as a professional. 

Did the 1,100 students who participated in GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing need a breather? Absolutely. There was so much for them to learn in one day – about themselves and all the skilled trades, manufacturing, food production, and agricultural careers in their backyard.

But meeting with 65 employers in the GLOW Region and testing out dozens of careers was energizing, not exhausting.

We once again saw how Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming county kids are ready for this unique challenge.

• They hammered with precision and power at Camp Hard Hat’s nail-driving competition.
• They jumped into the controls of construction vehicles and welding simulators.
• They scaled power poles, raced wheelbarrows weighted down by cinder blocks, and grasped the lessons taught through GV BOCES’ mechatronics lab equipment.

Through it all, our GLOW With Your Hands participants showed a passion that we need to continually embrace. That’s a big reason I am excited to have a new placement on the workforce development calendar for our next big event. It keeps the momentum going!

Cornell in High School takes the wide-scale career exposure concept from GLOW With Your Hands and focuses it on a group of career-focused students in the Class of 2024 from Nov. 7 - 9.

Over three days of Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences-led training at SUNY Genesee Community College, students get hands-on experiences in food production, plant safety, and the financial benefits of a career in the food industry.

Employers like Nortera in Oakfield and Bergen, Upstate Niagara Cooperative in Batavia, and Yancey’s Fancy in Pembroke have welcomed this opportunity. Our students are going to connect with them in the classroom and in facility tours.

Participating students will earn a Food Processing certificate from Cornell University’s Department of Food Science, giving them a free head-start for careers that offer great lives with no college debt – and they do this all while they are still in high school!

Know a student who would fit this program? Registration is at tinyurl.com/CornellBootcamp and I’m a call (585-409-1301) or an email (csuozzi@gcedc.com) away when it comes to connecting kids to careers.

I worked with Cornell to launch this program in 2022 because of the potential it had in Genesee County. Our strong base of food and beverage companies is the largest employer within our region. Continued investment in this industry results in ample and rewarding job opportunities.

There are great futures ahead for our students at Nortera, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Yancey’s Fancy, and across many food and beverage employers in our region.

I’m not taking a game off, or letting an opportunity pass by for our kids to succeed.

Looking ahead, there are matching days for this year’s Youth Apprenticeships in December, a Senior Job Fair, and the Youth Apprenticeship internships and co-ops early in 2024.

Chris "Coach Swazz" Suozzi is VP of Business Development for the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

Press Release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont, announced today that the company will once again offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11 percent discount off of their grocery bill this Veterans Day. 

This marks the 11th year Tops has been extending this discount to military personnel and their families. Since its inception, the Veteran’s Day discount has saved Veterans and their families over $781,000.

On Saturday, Nov. 11 Tops Markets will honor an 11 percent discount off of a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location. 

Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11 percent discount off of their total purchase that day.

“The respect and gratitude we have for the people who serve and have served in the military is immeasurable, and for that, we are forever grateful,” said Ron Ferri, president, of Tops Friendly Markets. “We wanted to support local military personnel by giving back to our associates and customers who have courageously defended our country and made many sacrifices through their military service.”

Tops is a longtime supporter of military associates and customers. The company’s support of military organizations includes, but is not limited to, support of the Wall that Heals, American Veterans Tribute Traveling Wall, Honor Flight Missions and golf tournaments, sending care packages for troops serving domestically and overseas, VA hospital visits, participation in veteran job fairs, parades and expo, and Tops Stars for Our Troops program by which stars from embroidered US Flags slated for retirement are presented to Veterans, active duty personnel, and first responders.

Press Release:

Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-24), alongside Rep. Dan Kildee (MI-8), introduced H.R. 6007, the Retirement Investment in Small Employers Act (RISE Act) to incentivize micro-businesses with fewer than 10 employees to adopt retirement plans, helping more workers save for retirement.

The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 enhanced the retirement plan startup tax credits for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees to create incentives to adopt new plans. SECURE 2.0 allows for 100 percent of retirement plan administrative and startup costs to be covered for new plans, up to $5,000 per year. However, the law did not amend the formula relied upon to determine the amount an employer may claim in retirement plan startup tax credits, leaving the smallest micro-businesses and their employees unable to take full advantage of the credit. The RISE Act rectifies this issue, ensuring that micro-businesses benefit in the same manner as larger businesses.

"Congress must empower and reaffirm our commitment to small businesses across the country by taking steps to grant them a competitive edge in our economy," said Congresswoman Tenney. "I introduced the Retirement Investment in Small Employers Act along with Congressman Kildee today to enable micro-businesses across NY-24 and the nation to offer their employees robust retirement plans and allow their employees to save for the future. I remain committed to advocating for tax policies that work in favor of our small businesses and hardworking families."

“In mid-Michigan, small businesses support thousands of good-paying jobs and fuel our local economy,” said Congressman Kildee. “I am proud to work introduce legislation with Congresswoman Tenney to help more employers set up retirement plans, ensuring more Michigan workers can save for retirement. This bipartisan bill is a win for small business owners and workers alike.”

“All businesses, regardless of size, deserve the same opportunity and access to tax credits to help offset the costs of offering a retirement plan to their employees,” said Michael Majors, Paychex vice president of HR Solutions. “Paychex is proud to endorse Rep. Claudia Tenney’s and Rep. Dan. Kildee’s legislation to expand tax credits for micro-sized businesses which give incentives to offer retirement plans to help their employees save for the future.”