In a brisk sub-30 wind, about 30 volunteers gathered in the St. Anthony’s parking lot Wednesday morning taking care of business as usual for those folks in need lined up ready and waiting along Liberty Street.

Despite the city’s request to find an alternate location for its twice-monthly food distribution, City Church instead cautiously continued on, but with more emphatic reminders for participants to be mindful of where they parked as the line slowly moved its way toward the distribution center in the parking lot. A city vehicle was spotted leaving the scene, and Pastor Ryan Macdonald confirmed that a city official had visited the lot. 

“I’m just thankful that they’re allowing us to continue,” he said. 

A week prior, City Manager Rachael Tabelski confirmed that the city requested that City Church find another location for its distribution due to neighborhood and school complaints about traffic issues as a result of participants that line up on the street for the distribution early in the morning. 

Macdonald objected to the request for reasons including Becca Albrecht and Mattie Cooper. The women have no vehicles and have walked to get their food rations ever since the distribution began during COVID, they said. Both agreed they don’t know what they would do without the extra help.

“Me and my husband are on disability and have nine grandkids that we help out. One nine-year-old stays with me,” she said. “I get juices and vegetables. And sometimes we have cleaning products that they gave out this weekend. And it's just a big help in the community. We’re seniors, and we don't get enough for Social Security, you know. Even though we have two incomes coming in, it's so hard, because with all the medication and all, so you figure this here is a big help from the grocery store because the price of groceries is just outrageous.

“And I just love this church, the stuff they do. So I rent from the church,” she said. “So it’s really nice, it would be a blessing if they leave this here. Oh, we need it. We walk here every week.”

Albrecht’s husband works 40 hours a week, and they can still use all the help they can get, she said, to offset rising food costs for their family, which includes two little ones. 

“Ryan, he’s great, he does so much for this community. And, you know, to take it away, it would be heartbreaking, because us families need it in this time, it’s everything. It definitely helps with the food costs,” she said. 

She could understand that for residents on the street, there may be some issues with traffic congestion, but added another viewpoint.

“I mean, I'm sure for some people that live on Liberty, it’s a hassle. But, you know, if you think about it, we need to help one another and just be kind to each other, especially those, you know, Ryan and Pastor Marty are trying to help the community to get through to the needy families that need it,” she said.

They each had a small child’s wagon to haul the food back to their apartments, as did others who walked to the pick-up. Megan Little doesn’t have a vehicle either, and she walks everywhere, including to her job at a nearby restaurant. 

“I’ve come to the food distribution twice, but I've been coming to City Church, the service at 10 o'clock down at City Church, for about a year now. And because my stepson’s grandma is big in the City Church, and works with Ryan and stuff, and I got sober last year, and so I’m just trying to do this new way of life,” she said. “This is amazing how many people they help every every week. Like hundreds, if not thousands. It means a lot because right now my husband is not with us right now. He's gonna be away for a year, and so this is gonna help me a lot, especially around the holidays, and you get all kinds of stuff. They have fresh fruit, canned stuff. It's amazing.”

Some 100 vehicles had lined up along Liberty Street by 9 a.m. Most of them appeared to be parked in between driveways as instructed.  A woman who was parked toward the front of the line couldn’t understand the city’s reaction to the distribution.

“I’m really shocked that they said that,” she said, asking that her name not be used. “I go to the church. I like it here, I don’t see why they would have to move; it seems like it’s organized to me.” 

A big part of the organization system can be attributed to the volunteers that show up to stack the food in a long row, bag the loose items and prepare everything so that people can simply drive up and get their allotment and go so as not to create a disruption in the flow. 

Volunteer Sandy Wojtasczyk walked the line to get names and mark how many adults and children were in each. 

“And reminding them not to be parked in driveways or crosswalks,” she said. “And I help to give food out.”

Some vehicles had two families, and some participants will also distribute the food to the Little Free Pantry at First Presbyterian Church and to other organizations and neighbors in need, she said. 

Fellow volunteer Jennifer Reed has been helping out for about a year and a half and has been attending the church for 18 years. 

“I’ve observed all types of things: I've seen people crying, I've seen people overjoyed that they're getting assistance, with help getting food. I mean, it's just been a blessing to me as well as the people that come through the line,” Reed said. “I’ve never seen an issue with traffic, I mean, I've done everything from walking the streets, taking people's names that are going through the line, just observing, that nobody has been blocking driveways or blocking streets.

“And with the rise of food costs, this has been a blessing to the community. I mean, I have friends myself that come from Le Roy, and Wyoming. I've had people come as far as Attica. So people are coming from all over the region to get help with food.”

Former City Councilwoman Rosemary Christian, who represented that neighborhood’s Ward Six, reached out to The Batavian to voice her dismay about the city’s request to move the distribution. She has suffered some health issues and could not attend a council meeting in person, but wanted to urge others to consider doing so.

“The city streets belong to everyone who pays taxes, and those people all pay taxes too. The problem is, they can’t give up two and a half hours to help give people food?” Christian said. “It’s ridiculous, and they ought to be ashamed of themselves. I hope people will be there to protest this council so people will be able to get food.”

The Batavian has contacted Tabelski for an update on the city’s request and will add that to this article once received. 

The food for the distribution is funded by “the City Church family, USDA, Foodlink and other financial partners,” Macdonald said.

Photos by Howard Owens

Byron-Bergen beat Barker in Boys Basketball on Monday, 71 to 59.

Braedyn Chambry scored 24 points, and Brody Baubie scored 19 points.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro

Elba beat Wheatland-Chili 88-20 on Monday.

Five players for the Lancers hit double-figures scoring.  Sydney Reily and Lydia Ross each scored 18 points. Mariah Ognibene and Maddie Hall each scored 12. Brea Smith scored 11. 

"The team is really playing hard for each other," said Coach Charlie Pangrazio. "Our team defense is improving and will get better every game."

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Students at John Kennedy Intermediate School had a big holiday-themed message for first responders on Tuesday morning: Thank you.

The students expressed their appreciation for the help and support the school gets from City Fire and Batavia PD at school events, notably the JK Polar Plunge, the Thanksgiving Food Drive, the Golisano Holiday Toy Drive, Careers and Candy, Fire Safety, and the Mud Run.

Tuesday afternoon was unexpectedly busy and gleeful for Bethany Town Supervisor Carl Hyde Jr.

And while still being embroiled in town residents’ plight of dry wells and being in need of daily water supplies, he found something to smile about, he says.

“We’re on the list,” he said about the town’s placement on the state’s Water Infrastructure Improvement Award approvals. “My phone’s been ringing off the hook. I heard from Steve Hawley and J.W. Cook from the governor’s office. He called to say congratulations, you got your grant. I’m very happy.”

Bethany was approved for a $5 million WIIA grant for its Water District 5. 

The town has been enduring dozens of dry wells for home, business and farm owners the last several weeks, with one large farm hauling 60,000 gallons of water a day and residents making weekly treks for water to sustain their household needs. A tanker from the state Office of Emergency Management and generous donations from private companies have helped fill the gap as the town anxiously waited for news about a second application for the grant.

The first application was denied, and town officials submitted a second one earlier this year, anticipating to hear back by the end of December. Water District 5 runs north to Route 20 and includes 440 residential properties. 

Two-thirds of town residents will have public water by the time the district is completed, and then District 6 will be next. That will require a survey to find out if those residents are in favor of a water district, he said, because at least 51 percent will need to be on board with a yes for it to proceed.

“I’ve got a lot of paperwork to do before it goes out to bid. And they’ve got to review the bids when they come back. So, with any luck, our word, according to the engineers, my discussion with the engineering firm is our goal is to start digging by August … for a completion 16 to 18 months after that.

He notified board members, who were “ecstatic,” and let some businesses and farmers know about the grant. 

“They understand it’s a long process, but at least it’s light at the end of the tunnel,” he said. 

The town has already received a low-interest (2 percent) USDA loan of $16.5 million to be paid back over 38 years by property owners, and the $5 million is a grant with no pay-back strings attached. There will have to be budget amendments due to the price adjustments of a previously lower-cost project before COVID came along and caused delays and price increases, he said. 

But that won’t undermine his momentary good spirits and the news that residents should celebrate, he said.

“It’s a good thing, it’s a bright spot in our dark time here in this drought,” he said. “But it’s not gonna save us at the moment.”

Residents are still showing up at the town hall for twice-weekly water fills, at the rate of 2,000 gallons every two hours. Hyde estimated that the 6,700-gallon tanker might be empty again by Thursday, which will be the second time so far. Genesee County has been transporting the tanker for refills. 

Two other Genesee County municipalities were also on the list for awards:

• The Town of Le Roy was on the list for a $5 million WIIA grant for Water District 12. Town Supervisor Jim Farnholz was not available for comment late Tuesday afternoon.
• Genesee County was also listed for a $30 million bond for its Phase 3 water project. County Manager Matt Landers was not available for comment late Tuesday afternoon.

Previously: 

• No Thanksgiving at community center, but water on the way, Bethany supervisor says
• Bethany residents will have opportunity to fill water totes Saturday
• Santa visits Bethany Friday morning, in the form of a water donation, as officials wait for word on district funding
• More donations roll into Bethany Town Hall Saturday, residents with dry wells are asked to get on distribution list
• Paper plates and plasticware: modern day life without running water
• Getting their fill: Few residents show to first-time call to fill water totes, more dates set
• Environmental professor weighs in on Genesee County's 'most intense' drought conditions

Click here for 43 Prospect Avenue, Batavia.
Click here for 5444 School Road, Byron.

Press Release:

On Thursday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m., Dance Images will be hosting a free show at Oakfield High School called “You Are Light”. They will be showcasing dancers with diverse abilities and talents, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and representation within our performances.

Dance Images believes in celebrating the unique abilities of individuals from various groups, fostering an environment that embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities for everyone to share their love for the art of dance. They pride themselves on giving all individuals the chance to share their love for dance with others.

"In this Christmas show, you will see a variety of dances such as individuals in wheelchairs, hip-hop, tap, ballet, ribbon dance, and lyrical" said Amy Pizzi, owner of Dance Images. "I had a studio in Lockport for 22 years and Oakfield has been open for 8 years. I have had so much support from my small town of Oakfield in getting my program off the ground."

"It means so much to have everyone’s support because I’ve grown up in the small town of Oakfield and have made many memories in the school where we will be performing. Many of my dancers who do not have any special needs love to volunteer to help with classes. We are a tight dance family. It has been my passion for years to showcase dancers of all abilities and demonstrate how inclusion can help not only the special needs but also other students who find a passion in helping others."  

For more info, please contact Amy Pizzi at 716-343-3162 or email her at Danceimages2002@gmail.com. 

Submitted photos by Amy Pizzi.

Local businessman Pete Zeliff confirmed Monday that although he has put his Saile Drive property up for sale, he plans to remain in the area and be involved with his Genesee County endeavors.

Zeliff’s home at 4559 W. Saile Drive in Batavia has been listed by Michelle Dills at Howard Hanna for $3.5 million. He and his wife Doreen married in July and have homes in five states between them, he said, “because we’ve got grandchildren in almost all those places.”

“We’re just going to consolidate a bit. I don’t need this great big house here, along with everything else,” he said. “So I’ve got other homes here, and I just figured if I put this one up for sale, I don’t have this big house to take care of. We can stay in another place that I have.”

They will continue to be part of the Wings Over Batavia Air Show in 2024, as Zeliff explained that much of his own personal financial investment was because “we brought that air show back here for the community.”

He also plans to remain involved in a longtime annual Western New York Aviation Adventure Camp for high school students that he developed, and will be working on new construction of apartments with partner Ken Mistler with the Carr’s Reborn project on Main Street in downtown Batavia next month, he said.

Zeilif is also chairman of the board of directors for the Genesee Economic Development Center, with a term that expires in 2028, and serves on the United Memorial Medical Center Board of Directors. He is a recipient of the 2022 Health and Humanitarian Award and has been a supporter of many community charitable organizations. He is also a former Oakfield-Alabama Central Schools board member.

The property listed for sale is just down the road from Zeliff’s airport hangar on Saile Drive and is situated on 5.8 acres of land. So far, it has reaped some chatter on social media sites, which Zeliff indicated he has seen.

By a vote of seven to one, City Council agreed to the second three-year contract for current City Manager Rachael Tabelski during Monday’s business meeting.

The contract, effective March 8, 2024, includes a starting salary of $123,290. That salary takes effect April 1.  Subsequent salaries will be equivalent of the percent of nonunion pay raises in 2025 and 2026 in accordance with the city’s normal payroll practices for other non-union employees of the city of Batavia.

During the Nov. 27 City Council meeting, member Bob Bialkowski raised the issue of tying Tabelski’s salary to other nonunion employees and suggested that her salary instead be a stand-alone salary, raise and benefits. Council President Eugene Jankowski said that he agreed with the contract as is, and the remaining council members agreed with him.

The vote came before the council Monday evening, and Councilman Bob Bialkowski again voiced his objection.

“I’ll restate what I’ve stated in the past, no reflection on the city manager, whatsoever, but it should be a totally stand-alone contact, it shouldn’t be tied in with other employees,” Bialkowski said just before the vote at City Hall. (Editor's Note: this statement has been revised because it was misinterpreted in the original version.)

Members John Canale, Rich Richmond, Eugene Jankowski, Paul Viele, David Twichell, Al McGinnis and Kathy Briggs voted yes to Bialkowski’s no. Councilwoman Tammy Schmidt was absent.

Tabelski was appointed as city manager in March 2021 after working as interim manager since June 2022. 

As per other non-union employees, the contract also includes retirement benefits, medical insurance from the employer that agrees to provide for health, hospitalization, surgical, vision, dental and comprehensive medical insurance for the employee, spouse and her dependent children;  paid time off of five weeks equal to 25 work days, in addition to accrued sick, personal and/or bereavement time, allowances of costs associated with a “suitable automobile for the business use only of employee,” that shall include commuting to and from work and not for personal use.

The employer shall also provide the employee with a cell phone, which may be used for business and personal use, or a $100 monthly stipend, and reimbursement of any travel and business expenses incurred on behalf of the city, life insurance benefits, deferred compensation access of 4 percent of the annual salary to be contributed to the deferred compensation of employee; professional development of dues, subscriptions, travel and expenses for the manager for professional participation and travel, meetings, and occasions necessary to continue her professional development.

The position includes a background check and understanding that suspension with full pay and benefits at the discretion of City Council and termination are options under Chapter Five of the Batavia City Charter and/or if the voters of the city substantially change the form of government of the city and the manager elects to treat that amendment or change as an act terminating her employment; plus a slew of other reasons, including that the manager dies or becomes disabled; admits to, is convicted of or pleads solo contendere to any crime which is injurious to the interests, business, operations or reputation of the city or which involves moral turpitude or which involves the misuse or misappropriation of public funds, engages in illegal drug use, misconduct in connection with the performance of her duties, misrepresentation to the city, fraud, misappropriation of city assets or property, embezzlement, breach of any fiduciary duty owed to the city or any violation of any law or regulations to which the city is subject, engages in any intentional or grossly negligent act, omission or conduct that is injurious to the interests, business, operations or reputation of the city, or materially breaches this agreement.

The manager may terminate the agreement at any time and for any reason as long as she provides the city with advance, written notice of at least 60 days before the termination of the agreement, unless the parties agree in writing otherwise.

In the first year of employment, the manager shall receive a verbal informal review from the city on a quarterly basis, and in the second year receive an annual review on or about March 8. City Council is to provide Tabelski with a written statement of the findings and provide an adequate opportunity for her to discuss the evaluation with council.

Press Release:

“No matter how Gov. Hochul and Attorney General James try to spin this decision, make no mistake, this is a victory for New York’s law-abiding gun owners and supporters of the Second Amendment.  

“The 2nd U.S. Court of Appeals rightly affirmed that New Yorkers licensed to carry handguns can be armed on private property open to the public including businesses.  

“New York’s misnamed Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA), which the Governor signed into law in 2022, is clearly an attack on the rights of law-abiding gun owners and an attempt to make it difficult or impossible for licensed, concealed-carry permit holders to carry firearms to defend themselves and their families.  

“I look forward to remaining provisions of this unconstitutional law being struck down in the near future.”

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced that she has nominated 13 local high school students from the 24th Congressional District to the United States Service Academies.

Each year, Tenney has the distinct privilege of nominating a limited number of people to four of the five service academies. These students were recommended to Tenney for nomination by a local committee made up of community leaders and veterans from across New York’s 24th Congressional District. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.

“As a mom of a US Naval Academy graduate, I am honored to nominate these outstanding individuals to attend our Nation’s Military Service Academies,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “One of my greatest privileges as a member of Congress is to nominate our next generation of leaders to these prestigious institutions, and each year, I am inspired by the exceptional applications submitted to our office and by their commitment to our country. Congratulations to all the nominees, and I wish you nothing but success in your future as you aim to serve our country!”

Listed below are the students who were nominated by Tenney:

United States Air Force Academy

• Frank Hersom, Genesee County
• Evan Moore, Cayuga County
• Ebon Brown, Cayuga County*
• Braedon Fonte, Livingston County*

United States Naval Academy

• Ian Cady, Oswego County
• Samuel Chanler, Livingston County
• Daniel Gagnier, Oswego County
• Ezekiel Krystaf, Niagara County
• Brendan Laity, Ontario County
• Ebon Brown, Cayuga County*
• Braedon Fonte, Livingston County*

United States Merchant Marine Academy

• Griffin Garnot, Ontario County
• Annalise Hobbs, Jefferson County
• United States Military Academy
• Casper Stewart, Genesee County
• Bradon Wolfe, Oswego County
• Braedon Fonte, Livingston County*

*student nominated to multiple academies

More information on the Service Academy nomination process can be found here.

Calling it “the most fun and entertaining series we’ve ever had,” Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. President Henry Wojtaszek (photo above) this morning unveiled a nine-week, 14-performer Rockin’ the Downs 2024 Summer Concert Series.

The Friday night series begins on June 21 with Smash Mouth, the California-based rock band that made a big splash in the 1990s and early 2000s with hits such as “Walkin' on the Sun,” “All-Star,” “Then the Morning Comes,” and a cover of The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.”

It concludes on Aug. 16 with a trio of acts featuring former members of the legendary Boston (Tommy DeCarlo), Chicago (Jason Scheff) and Dennis DeYoung of Styx (August Zadra).

In between, there will be six “tribute” bands showcasing the music of Heart, The Guess Who, The Doors, Jimmy Buffett, Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty, along with April Wine, country star Clay Walker, The Bacon Brothers (featuring Hollywood actor Kevin Bacon) and 38 Special.

Batavia Downs' press release indicated that the Bacon Brothers -- Kevin and Michael, an Emmy Award-winning composer), have spent the better part of three decades creating their own mix of folk, rock, soul, and country music, a diverse sound they call "forosoco."  The Landsharks Band (tribute to Jimmy Buffett) will open the show.

“When I say the most fun and entertaining, it’s because of the ‘sing-along’ nature of the music,” Wojtaszek said following a brief press conference at Batavia Downs Gaming on Park Road. “The audience is going to know most of the songs and surely will have a great time.”

The concert series lineup is as follows:

-- June 21, Smash Mouth.
-- June 28, Barracuda (Heart tribute).
-- July 5, April Wine and Carl Dixon (The Guess Who tribute).
-- July 12, Clay Walker.
-- July 19, Peace Frog (The Doors tribute).
-- July 26, The Bacon Brothers, Landsharks Band (Jimmy Buffett tribute).
-- Aug. 2, Rumours (Fleetwood Mac tribute), Practically Petty (Tom Petty tribute).
-- Aug. 9, 38 Special.
-- Aug. 16, Tommy DeCarlo (music of Boston), Jason Scheff (music of Chicago), August Zadra (music of Styx).

Tickets at four price points (General Admission, VIP, Premium and Front Row) can be purchased after 10 a.m. Tuesday by going to www.bataviaconcerts.com.

Tickets are $15 for General Admission, $30 for VIP, $60 for Premium and $75 for front row seats.  All tickets can be redeemed at Player’s Club at any time in the three days following the concert for $10 Free Play.

A season pass for general admission will be $100 (a savings of $20), and season passes for VIP tickets are $200 (a savings of $40). A Premium Season Pass is $400 (a savings of $80). Season passes may only be purchased online.

Until New Year’s Day, tickets purchased online or at the Lucky Treasures Gift shop for the General Admission section will be only $10.  Concertgoers will still receive $10 in Free Play on show day with this ticket.

Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Visit us online and stay up to date with specials post on our facebook page.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors advanced an initial resolution for Graham Corporation’s proposed new commercial production facility at the agency’s board meeting on Thursday, December 7th, 2023.

Graham Corporation is a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer, and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy, and process industries. The project will add to the company’s existing location in the city of Batavia where it has been headquartered since 1942.

The $13.9 million proposed investment includes the construction of an 18,900 sq. ft. expansion intended to reduce design and manufacturing costs and improve shipping capabilities for the organization’s US defense sector. The project will create 24 new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions while retaining 340 FTEs.

Graham Corporation is seeking sales tax exemptions estimated at $206,400 and a property tax abatement estimated at $197,826 based on an incremental increase in assessed value totaling the proposed financial agreements to approximately $404,226. For every $1 of public benefit, Graham is investing $68 into the local economy resulting in a local economic impact of $19.44 million in future wages and tax revenue.

A public hearing for the proposed project agreements will be scheduled in the city of Batavia.

Press Release:

Would you love to grow nutritious, great-tasting vegetables but don’t have space for a garden? The Batavia Community Garden can help! Come join our Batavia Community Garden in 2024 and enjoy the benefits of growing and eating your own fresh produce. Bed rentals also make the perfect Christmas gift for your favorite gardener. Join a community of gardeners.

Garden plots are offered in three sizes: 4’ x 4’ ($20), 4’ x 8’ ($30), and 2’ x 10’ ($25) trough plots for gardeners with limited range of motion. All plots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Plot rentals are available to anyone living in Genesee County. Currently managed by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, the garden is located next to 12 MacArthur Drive. The garden generally opens for planting in mid-May and closes in late October.

New gardeners (with little or no gardening experience) can rent one 4’ x 4’ plot. Gardeners with gardening experience can rent up to two 4’ x 4’ plots or one 4’ x 8’ plot. Elevated trough beds (for adaptive gardening needs) are limited to one bed per gardener if available. Potential gardeners should review the Batavia Community Garden Rules and Information before applying. 

Plot fees include access to a raised bed filled with a growing soil mix, access to water source with hose, watering wand, and watering cans; use of provided hand tools; use of compost bin, and other resources at the garden.

Plot requests are filled according to the order in which applications are received. A check or money order must be included with the application. Payments of cash can be made at the CCE Genesee office during business hours at 420 E Main St, Batavia. All fees are non-refundable. 

For more information please contact Laura G. at CCE Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 101, stop by the CCE office at 420 East Main Street in Batavia or visit the website https://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/gardening/the-batavia-community-garden.

While many churches typically put on the age-old classic that relives the beginnings of Jesus as acted out by youngsters on stage this time of year, First Presbyterian’s version is offering a twist to the plot with an underscored message.

“Everyone is welcome here,” 10-year-old actor Stella Raymond said after rehearsal Sunday at the Batavia church. 

“That Starry Night” tells the story of the birth of Jesus, and features Joseph and Mary, angels and shepherds.

However, this original children’s Christmas musical — which includes eight familiar holiday carols — also has three actors who are taken out of commission due to illness. As it happens, three young visitors come along, and, though they don’t quite feel as though they might belong in this new environment, they are welcomed with open arms, and appreciated for their timing.

Much of the play is narrated, and it is also complemented by piano accompanist Thomas Little.

A handful of adults have been working with the children during rehearsals these last six weeks, and co-directors Paul Daniszewski and Rhys Tanner were both baptized at Batavia First Presbyterian and are members of the church. They also have an interest in theater and agreed to work on this play together.

Daniszewski is a first-year theater arts student at Genesee Community College. His goal is simple.

“I wanna be an actor,” he said emphatically. “I was actually approached by Pastor Roula here. And she knew that I was an avid theatrical person. And she was like, Oh, we were wondering if you could direct, and that was like, wow, this is so flattering because I've never directed before. And this is my first project really. And it's a really eye-opening experience. Really. It's very fun.

“I have learned that it is very important to talk with the kids, treat them like people, don't be, you have to do this, be like, can you please do this? Just be kind to them, and also just be nice,” he said. “It’s also very fun to watch the kids progress throughout this whole experience. And it's just … they're doing so well. I'm so proud of them. I'm very proud of all the kids and how they've performed so far.”

Daniszewski believes he will be able to use the experience on his resume, and the 18-year-old will definitely take a page or two back to school for future directing roles, he said. He learned more than just to be nice and how to talk to youth.

“Take avid notes, which is something I kind of didn't really do. So I really need to get on that, but going forward, I'm definitely gonna learn to, okay, take notes, make sure to read the script beforehand, familiarize yourself with the whole process,” he said. “And I'm gonna get into it and go on strong.”

Tanner, a Notre Dame High School junior, has been involved in theater for nearly 10 years, he said, including a few cracks at directing. The Rev. Roula Alkhouri also asked him if he’d be interested in helping out, so he jumped on board. 

Why theater?

“It's just a good way to express yourself,” he said. “And people are always nice in theater, you never have someone bringing you down.”

This play seems to offer the classic story but also with a bit of a twist.

“It’s a good way to put it, it shows that church is inclusive, but it also tells the story of Jesus to some who might to know it, like these kids. Who knows how many actually knew the full story of Jesus before they are into this,” Tanner, 16, said. 

That’s why Grace Wieczorek thinks people may want to attend the play, she said.

“So you know more about the night when Jesus was born,” the eight-year-old said, repeating a line that she has in the play. “I learned that a lot about the true meaning of Christmas didn’t start at the North Pole.”

Tanner mirrored the same sentiments as his co-director about the play and the young cast.

“It’s a great story. And the kids are having a lot of fun with it. I think you can really feel the energy that they’re putting out. They really worked really hard on this," Tanner said. "And it’s a product that they’re very proud of. And it’s just a great show altogether with a lot of laughs and good songs that people can sing along to if they want to.”

The public is welcome to attend, and it goes on at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia. 

Photos by Joanne Beck

Two bowlers found perfection in league action at Genesee County bowling centers this week.

At Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, Shayne Herold of Batavia finished with a 300 game for a 718 series in the Mancuso Real Estate League on Monday night. It is the fourth United States Bowling Congress-certified perfect game for the 33-year-old right-hander.

At Le Roy Legion Lanes, Rob Panepento of Le Roy started with a 300 game en route to a 706 series in the American Legion Thursday Men's League. It is the second USBC-certified perfect game for the 48-year-old righty, his first coming in 2009 at Legion Lanes.

In other action, Adam Philp of Batavia rolled a 290 middle game in a 757 series in the County Line Stone Friday Trios League at Mancuso's; Jim Foss of Medina posted a 300 game in the Buffalo senior league at Airport Lanes and Shannon Parker of Medina registered a 774 series in the Thursday Firefighters League at Medina Lanes.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.