Abby Bestine, Lily Wagner, and Quinn Woeller. Submitted photo.
Story by Coach Matt Holman:
It was windy and snowy for the first race of the 2024 ski season on Wheels Run.
The warm daytime temperatures left the race course softer than ideal conditions would provide. After the modified field had completed its first run, the course had been worn with ruts and large snow piles for the racers to navigate.
The Batavia Alpine Ski team fared well, with a third-place finish for the boy's team and a 4th place finish for the girl's team.
Leading the way for the team was a ninth-place finish for senior Ben Stone. Ethan Bradley (12th grade) was 15th, Gunnar Pietrzykowski (9th Grade) was 18th. Freshman Nolan Radly had a first run time good enough for 16th place but was unable to finish his second run.
Lily Wagner (12th grade) finished 11th for the girls. Quinn Woeller (12th grade) and Abby Bestine (11th grade) had good first runs (15th and 17th, respectively) but were unable to finish their 2nd.
"This first race sets the stage for a good season," Holman said. "The young skiers have learned some things tonight that you can't outside of an actual ski race, and I believe these teams will only get better as the season goes on."
Ethan Bradley, Nolan Radley, and Ben Stone. Submitted photo.
In a move that would surely come as no surprise to many folks in Genesee County, the United States Department of Agriculture has declared the county as a drought disaster area, qualifying farm operations for emergency loans to recover from any drought-related losses.
The natural disaster designation allows the USDA’s Farm Service Agency to extend “much-needed emergency credit” to agricultural producers. Loans can be used to meet various needs, including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of the farming operation or refinancing certain debts, a USDA press release stated late Thursday.
Farmers have until Sept. 9 to apply for a loan. Eligible counties also include Wyoming, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Erie, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara and Orleans.
Residents in pockets of Genesee County have been hit hardest by drought and resulting dry wells since summer 2023, including in Pembroke, Pavilion, and especially in the town of Bethany -- which has declared a State of Emergency -- with at least 100 households, and several businesses and a handful of farms with little to no water on their properties.
As Bethany Town Supervisor Carl Hyde Jr. has said, it’s hard enough to have no access to water, but then to have to spend the time and money to drive — for some farms on a daily basis — several miles roundtrip to fill containers with up to 60,000 gallons of water and haul it back, it takes a big toll financially.
“That’s not sustainable for a farm,” Hyde has said in a prior interview with The Batavian. “And if they were to sell off the dairy herd, they’ve got 100 employees. What are you gonna do, kick them to the curb? And it’s not just like one dairy farm.”
Bethany has about five of them, all battling the elements of no rain and dry wells, he said.
The town is in progress with paperwork for Water District 5 and a public hearing since the project had to be budgeted for increased costs, which will be covered with grants for $16.5 million and an infrastructure improvement grant for $5 million, which was just awarded at the end of 2023.
Hyde will be formally announcing that public hearing, which has been set for 7 p.m. Feb. 7 at Bethany Town Hall. 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 the town will pursue District 6 next, he said.
The Town of Le Roy also received a $5 million water infrastructure grant for its Water District 12, and Genesee County was given a $30 million bond for its Phase 3 water project to ensure a strong water system throughout the county.
As for Pembroke’s water shortage, Town Supervisor Tom Schneider said that there were a dozen residents having issues with dry wells that the town was aware of in mid-December. The town offered them an option to fill water totes at the town hall.
“We have been (getting) one or two people every other day coming to fill water totes,” Schneider said. “We always will seek funding for any new water districts. Grants and low-interest loans are the only way to make water districts work in low-density areas.”
Water District 4, which covers most of the roads north of the Thruway, has been approved by the state Comptroller, and the town is in progress with putting it out for bid. Water District 5, covering Pratt, Kilian and Slusser roads south of the Thruway, is awaiting the Comptroller’s approval “due to the proposed debt service being a few dollars higher than the Comptroller’s automatic approval threshold,” he said.
“We have very preliminarily looked at the cost of water districts to the parts of the town, but do not have any concrete plans for any new districts,” he said. “We’re hearing some residents have drilled their existing wells deeper with success.”
Developer David Mazur presents plans for MedTech Landing, an 80-unit apartment complex, to the GCEDC board of directors on Thursday. Photo by Howard Owens.
Grand Island-based developer David Mazur isn't just 100 percent sure his proposed 80-unit apartment complex across the street from Genesee Community College will consist only of market-rate apartments. He's "1,000 percent" sure.
He's not going to turn to state or federal agencies to help fund his project, as Sam Savarino did with Ellicott Station, he told The Batavian during an interview on Thursday after he presented his plans to the Genesee County Economic Development Center board of directors.
He told The Batavian the same thing he told the GCEDC board a few minutes earlier. In 18 years of building apartment complexes, he's only built and leased out market-rate units. That's his business model. That's what he knows how to do.
The proposed complex, now called MedTech Landing, on Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive, will cost $15 million to build. It will be 100,000 square feet with 80 apartments and 60 parking garages.
When completed, there will be 24 three-bedroom apartments, 42 two-bedroom, and 14 one-bedroom, with rents ranging from more than $1,300 a month to more than $2,000 a month.
Tenants will be required to have a job with a monthly income of 3.5 times the monthly rental price, which, Steve Hyde calculated, would mean at least $55,000 in annual salary for a one-bedroom apartment and more than $82,000 for three bedrooms.
Hyde said he wants people to hear that the complex is going to be market rate because, "you know, of the challenging situation we had downtown with an affordable complex that is now stuck. I wanted to demonstrate how different this is from that and that this really what this agency's focus is trying to bring up."
In an earlier press release about the project from GCECD, a point Hyde also emphasized on Thursday, a 2018 housing study for Genesee County indicated a strong need for market-rate houses and apartments in Genesee County. There needs to be more than 4,000 new units built in the county over the next 20 years, according to the study.
Mazur said, based on his 18 years of experience, about half of his tenants will be retirees, and about half will be professionals.
The retirees like the first-floor apartments, he said.
"Some people have never lived in anything brand new," Mazur said. "They don't want to deal with their house anymore. A husband or wife has passed. They want to have a sense of a little bit of community, but not too much of a community where they can have a couple of neighbors, it's okay. But they don't want to take care of the lawn, the ice, the snow, the plowing, all that stuff. For them, it's clean, it's fresh."
He recalled one tenant he had in one of his complexes who was excited to live in a place with brand-new plumbing and fixtures for the first time.
"She's 70-something years old, lived her whole life, you know, and now she has the opportunity to live in something that's brand new and fresh and modern," he said.
Not all professionals, for various personal reasons, are ready to commit to homeownership, and apartments are a better fit for their lifestyles.
Mazur said after a previous story by The Batavian about his plans, an attorney with one of the local government agencies contacted him.
"He said, 'Hey, when are you going to have these ready? I'd love it. I want to move in,'" Mazur said. "It's just one of those little things that I think, as soon as the word gets out, people start seeing and hearing about it, they want to get in."
Even though the complex will be across the street from a community college, Mazur doesn't anticipate any college student tenants. The typical college student can't afford market-rate rents, he said, and all tenants must meet the income requirements, and he doesn't allow tenants to have co-signers.
These will be nice apartments, Mazur said. Quality fixtures, hardware and fittings with granite countertops.
The nearly 10-acre lot Mazur plans to build on is adjacent to the MedTech Center, which contains GCEDC's main office. It's west of the building. Mazur has an approved sale agreement with Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation, an adjunct to GCEDC, for $200,000.
MedTech Landing LLC is seeking a sales tax exemption estimated at $720,000, a property tax abatement of approximately $3,031,048, and a mortgage tax exemption of $120,000.
The board approved a resolution on Thursday to accept the application and direct the staff to schedule a public hearing. The date for the hearing has not yet been announced.
Mazur expects to finalize financing for the $15 million project with a local bank today (Friday). Once that's in place, he indicated, there will be no need to turn to NYS Homes and Community Renewal, as Savarino did, to close the financing gap.
Pending that final financing letter, and some loose ends to tie up with the Town of Batavia on project approval, he will sign contracts with a bevy of subcontractors, which are already committed through letters of intent, he told the board.
The disruption to construction material prices caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is waning, he said, though finding trade workers is still a challenge.
Weather permitting, he expects the first shovel in the ground in March, with the first units available for tenants by December.
While he said there aren't really "phases" to the construction plan, he does intend to have units available for new tenants before all 80 units are completed.
Even though the complex is outside the City of Batavia and away from its primary commercial center, he expects local businesses to benefit from the new complex, he said.
He said people who want a little more spaciousness, more of a country feel, will be attracted to his units.
"I'm never going to compete against somebody that wants to be downtown and live in downtown," Mazur said. "(But) the benefit to the city, is absolutely, you're gonna have 80 units. Maybe it ends up being two people per unit, there's one bedroom or three bedrooms, but an average of two (per unit). It's 160 people. They still gotta shop. They gotta eat. They're gonna visit the local bars and the eateries downtown. So, yes, I think there's gonna be an economic value to the city itself."
Complex design drawing previously submitted by David Mazur.
Complex design drawing previously submitted by David Mazur.
File photo of the proposed apartment complex site. Photo by Howard Owens.
It seems that winter is finally coming around to settle in for a little visit in Genesee County. It was a grey, snowy afternoon on the campus of Genesee Community College (as seen from the parking lot of the Medtech Center). Photo by Howard Owens.
GO ART! is seeking submissions for an upcoming exhibit, This Art is Garbage which provides artists an opportunity to explore the possibilities of garbage and waste as a medium for creativity. Artists are asked to redirect items that would normally be thrown away, into works of art.
Open to artists of all skill levels, we are actively seeking submissions from students, emerging artists, and professionals. Garbage is a theme that connects us all and we hope to showcase a wide variety of skill levels and perspectives.
Location:
Oliver’s Gallery, GO ART! Seymour Place, 201 E Main Street, Batavia.
Dates:
Work Drop Off: Feb 7 - 10, 2024, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
On View: Feb 14 - Mar 30, 2024
Artist Reception: Feb 15, 2024, 5 - 8 p.m.
Theme:
This Art is Garbage
Eligibility:
Open to all levels of artists: students, emerging, and professionals
Guidelines:
Works of art may include a component of garbage in the finished piece, garbage may be used in the art making process (for example, creating texture and pattern), or garbage as the subject of the piece (for example, creative photography of discarded objects). “Upcycled” items, such as painted furniture, are not accepted.
Work must not exceed 36”x 36”
Artwork must be wired and ready to hang (GO ART! reserves the right to turn away any submitted work that is not properly wired and ready to hang.)
Entry:
There is no entry fee
Each artist may submit up to two works.
Exhibit applications can be found here: https://forms.gle/QSzPYNLg2xe3h2fC6
For more information visit goart.org/galleries.
This exhibition is organized by Leigh LeFevre and Rebecca LeFevre. Feel free to reach out with any questions or follow us on Instagram for updates. Contact Leigh at leighlefevre@icloud.com or @takeastepback_podcast. Contact Rebecca at lefevre.studio@gmail.com or @rebeccalefevre.art.
Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners for their monthly Garden Talk programs starting Feb. 1, at Noon. Master Gardener Denise K. will be our presenter for “Gardening in a Warming World.” Denise will discuss the whole landscape approach to gardening. You will learn techniques on how to better prepare and help your garden flourish. We'll also cover some Integrated Pest Management (IPM) information.
March 7 - Let’s “Travel to the Canary Islands” with Master Gardener Kathie W. Ever wonder what it would be like to garden in a place where there is no level ground? Or on a volcano? Take an armchair trip with us as we travel to Funchal, a volcanic island off Portugal, and Tenerife, part of the Canary Islands. Learn about gardening on volcanic islands. Explore someplace new!
April 4 - “Bluebirds!” with Master Gardener Chee L. Everybody loves bluebirds, that’s why they’re the official bird of New York State. If you are new to bluebirding, this program will cover everything you need to know to attract them to your property. If you’re an old pro this will help refresh your memory of why you love them!
May 2 - “Hardscape in the Garden” with Master Gardener Roberta T. Not every part of a garden has to have plants. Hardscape is any of the non-living elements in your landscape design. We’ll give you some ideas on how you can easily add stone elements to your landscape.
June 6 - Master Gardener Maud C. will do a demonstration on “How to Create a Terrarium.” Always popular, they are sometimes referred to as “gardens under glass.” Whether you would like to create a theme-based garden or just a plant jungle, the principles are the same. Maud will walk you through the steps so you can build your own and also give you tips to keep your terrarium looking spectacular.
Garden Talk programs start at Noon and can be 30 to 60 minutes long, depending on the topic. This free series is open to all, but registration is required. You can attend in person at the CCE office (420 East Main Street, Batavia) or via Zoom.
To register for a Zoom link, visit our Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events. A Zoom link will be sent to your email with your personal link to the event.
To attend in person please contact Laura at 585-343-3040 x101 or leg224@cornell.edu. Upcoming Master Gardener events will also be posted on the CCE Genesee County website. Garden Talk programs are recorded and posted to our CCE Genesee YouTube page at www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXK_W80PkoUBj-HBm8OFMA/videos.
The Town of Byron Republican Committee is seeking registered party members who are interested in becoming endorsed Republican candidates for the following Town of Byron open positions:
2 - Town Justices (Town Clerk / Tax Collector, Deputy Town Clerk) 3 - Planning Board members
Those interested send a letter of interest or call:
Steve Hohn Chairman - gatorgang19@aol.com or 585-703-5528
Jim Northup Vice Chairman - jimmynorthup@yahoo.com or 585-409-4327.
The Town of Byron Town Board and Supervisor will also be conducting a search for interested candidates for open positions from any registered political parties.
Up to seven inches of lake-effect snow is possible this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
A winter storm watch is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning.
Wind gusts could reach 65 mph.
The weather service states, "Travel could be very difficult to impossible during the weekend. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The strongest winds will occur Saturday, which could cause tree damage and power outages."
Elba walked away with the win against Kendall in Girls Basketball on Wednesday.
The final: 56-11.
Sydney Reilly scored 14 points, grabbed nine rebounds, six assists and four steals. Brea Smith had 13 rebounds to go with five points. Ava Buczek and Maddie had nine points each.
Notre Dame squeaked by Byron-Bergen in Girls Basketball in overtime on Wednesday, 37-36.
The game was tied at the end of the fourth quarter at 32-32. The Irish were down by one with 4.9 seconds left when Sofia Falleti drove to the lane, missed the layup and Emma Sisson came in with a put-back at the buzzer for the win.
Falleti posted a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Sisson added eight points and 10 rebounds.
The Genesee Society of Model Engineers announces that their Spring 2024 edition of the Great Batavia Train Show will be held at the Richard C. Call Arena in Batavia.
The large venue on the campus of Genesee Community College offers unmatched convenience for attendees and vendors. The show is scheduled for Sunday, April 14, 2024. Details follow:
Date: Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Richard C. Call Arena at Genesee Community College, Batavia
Admission: $6 for adults, $3 under 18, free for children under 13.
The train show will feature model train vendors, free parking, and a snack bar.
For 50 years the Great Batavia Train Show has been one of the premier hobby events in Western New York. The Richard C. Call arena at Genesee Community College is a perfect train show venue providing excellent lighting in a comfortable, state-of-the-art facility. All forms of model railroad and train-related merchandise will be available. Over 100 vendors will be offering all scales of model trains and historic railroad items.
Modeling demonstrations, and a limited number of portable layouts, will be part of the fun. Free parking, on-site concession stand, and plenty of seating add to the experience.
For more information please contact the Train Show Chairman Mike Pyszczek. He can be reached at 585-768-4579, bataviatrainshow@gmail.com, or GSME, P.O. Box 75, Oakfield.
The Town of Alabama Republican Committee is seeking interested candidates to fill an open position for Town of Alabama Justice. The Town of Alabama Republican Committee will recommend to the Town of Alabama Board for the open position.
Please send a letter of intent to Town of Alabama Republican Chairman, Earl LaGrou. 7420 Macomber Rd. Oakfield or via email, earl@lwemail.com. If you have any questions please call Earl LaGrou at 716-912-8195. All letters need to be in no later than January 31.
2023 File Photo of a construction trailer being removed from the premises of Ellicott Station on Ellicott Street, Batavia as it sits uncompleted and in limbo. Several contractors have filed mechanics liens against businessman Samuel Savarino for nonpayment of goods and/or services. Photo by Howard Owens.
A recent peek at legal filings in Genesee County shows that five contractors have filed mechanics liens against Ellicott Station Commercial LLC, owned by Samuel Savarino, for labor and materials totaling more than $243,000 as of early September of 2023.
Ellicott Station, the four-story, 55-apartment complex at 56 Ellicott St. in downtown Batavia, has been left idling since Savarino shut down his Savarino Companies this past summer. Tenants were chosen, tax credits were promised, and paperwork was signed, yet he walked away from the deal, leaving the unfinished property in limbo.
One of those liens, filed by Carter Lumber Co. of Pennsylvania for $49,015.79, was later discharged or dropped. The lien was filed for several supplies, including framing lumber, Tyvek house wrap, anchor bolts, Simpson Hangers, and other framing materials that were installed beginning in September 2022, according to lien documents.
As of Sept. 13, the lienor, Carter Lumber Co., “does hereby consent that any notice of pendency/Lis Pendens filed against the private improvement be discharged of record,” a document states.
Available documents indicate there is a remaining $194,094.10 unpaid to the other contractors, including:
Truax & Hovey, Limited, of Liverpool,which filed a lien for $63,000. The unpaid sum was for labor performed on Gypsum Cement underlayment.
AmBuild Supply, LLC, of Fairport, for $89,746.30. The company provided materials valued at $235,974.89, of which $146,228.59 was paid for, documents state.
The remaining unpaid amount was for “labor and materials were performed and furnished for and used, and that the professional services rendered in the improvement of the real property hereinbefore described.” The date when the first time of material was supplied was Aug. 4, 2022, up to the last item being supplied on May 19, 2023, documents state.
Triton Mechanical, Inc., of Rochester, for $39,118.40. The company provided its first labor or materials on Sept. 20, 2022, up to Aug. 8, 2023, it states in related documents.
The contract was for HVAC installation with Savarino Companies LLC, and the lien is against Ellicott Station LLC.
DV Brown & Associates, Inc. of Tonawanda, for $2,229.40. The company supplied materials that were installed in the building on July 20, 2023, for linen chutes and carts, according to documents.
Documents also include a signed and notarized copy of Samuel Savarino’s agreement as grantor, to “hold the right to receive such consideration as a trust fund to be applied first for the purpose of paying the costs of the improvement and will apply the same first to the payment of the cost of improvements before using any part of the total of the same for any other purpose.”
That agreement was signed on April 25, 2018. Savarino was grantor of the merged properties of 40 and 56-70 Ellicott St., which he completed with a quitclaim process for a dollar.
“The intent of this deed is to combine the described parcels into one tax map parcel,” which merged the former utility and Della Penna properties under Savarino’s ownership for what was originally described to be a microbrewery, restaurant, office/retail and market-rate-turned-affordable apartment project on the two commercial lots.
Due to wide gaps of delay before the project began, Savarino said his intended tenant from Buffalo for the brewery backed out. Savarino Companies would either find a replacement vendor or do it themselves, he said. That did not materialize, along with the anticipated completion of Ellicott Station by the summer and then the end of 2023.
Since the stalled apartment construction, officials from Genesee County Economic Development Center and the city have hinted that there are developers interested in picking up where Savarino left off, and Steve Hyde, CEO of the EDC, has promised that a good ending is possible.
“And you know, what I could say about Ellicott Station is I've been in the middle of discussions with the developer, general partner, the investors, and state housing. That's all in the sorting-out phase. But what I can say to you is it's likely we'll see a different general partner coming in at some point,” he said during a county meeting in September. “And I think what we'll end up with is a project that will be better than what we currently had or what was previously designed.
"I think there's some additional willingness by the housing HCR to work with us and be a little more flexible. It may not be perfect, but we'll end up with a better situation than we had," he said. "I can’t say any more than that right now. But at least it's in the sorting out phase, and there's quite a bit of interest.”
Toward the end of November, EDC officials severed their ties with Savarino Companies and asked for more than $1 million of tax benefits back.
The lien documents were obtained by The Batavian through December 2023.
Genesee Community College proudly announces the swearing-in of Daniel Coffey as the new Director of Campus Safety. The official ceremony took place on Monday, Jan. 8, marking the commencement of Coffey's tenure in this crucial leadership role.
Dan brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in law enforcement and emergency services to Genesee Community College. Serving with the Batavia Police Department since 2003, Coffey has consistently demonstrated excellence and leadership in various capacities. Notably, he was promoted to Sergeant in 2012. His exceptional contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Kiwanis Criminal Justice Award in 2018 and the Meritorious Service Award in 2016, further highlighting his commitment to public safety and community service.
In addition to his commendable service with the Batavia Police Department, Coffey has been an active member of the Town of Batavia Fire Department, Inc. since 2001. His dedication to the community is evident through his five years of service as Fire Chief, where he also held roles as Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief Captain and Lieutenant. In 2004, Coffey received the Chief's Award, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the fire department.
Genesee Community College is confident that Coffey's extensive background in law enforcement, emergency services, and leadership roles will greatly enhance the safety and security measures on our campus. We look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly bring to our college community.
Upon his swearing-in, Coffey shared his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, "I am honored and excited to join the Genesee Community College team as the Director of Campus Safety. My experience in law enforcement and emergency services has prepared me well for this position, and I am eager to contribute to the safety and well-being of the college community."
Please join us in welcoming Daniel Coffey to Genesee Community College. We are confident that his leadership will further strengthen our commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty and staff.
For more information contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
The nation's defense secretary's treatment for prostate cancer has put the disease in the public spotlight again, and officials at Rochester Regional Health/United Memorial Medical Center had a specialist talk with reporters on Wednesday to help people better understand detection and treatment.
Lloyd Austin's struggle with prostate cancer and subsequent post-surgery infection led him to seek treatment without alerting the White House.
That, in itself, became a controversy, but as USAToday reports, many men are reluctant to discuss a prostate cancer diagnosis.
"I find that it's something that a lot of men don't talk about," Dr. Samuel Haywood, a urologist specializing in prostate cancer, says. "Men can be very stoic, and they don't like to talk about their health issues."
But facing up to prostate cancer can help men save their own lives, suggested Dr. Jacob Gantz, a urologist with RRH.
"It's crucial to be screened because by the time the disease, prostate cancer, would develop and cause symptoms, symptoms that the patient would be able to detect, it likely would be a very advanced disease and much more difficult to treat," Gantz said. "Catching prostate cancer early in its disease course makes the treatments much more effective. And it makes the treatments much more manageable and easier to do for the patient."
Screening consists of an annual PSA test (part of blood tests for an annual physical) and a digital rectal exam. Generally, men between 55 and 75 should be screened annually, but that can vary with family history. A man whose father, or a grandfather, uncle, or brother had prostate cancer is at greater risk of developing the disease. Black men are also at elevated risk for prostate cancer.
"Prostate cancer in its early stages doesn't cause any outward symptoms that a patient would be able to pick up on," Gantz said.
Treatment has evolved and improved over the years, and outcomes are often favorable, Gantz said.
"Treatment of prostate cancer is not one size fits all," Gantz said. "It depends on the patient's age, the stage of the cancer, potentially the degree of spread of the cancer. In some cases (standards of treatment include), watching the cancer, evaluating it over time with biopsies, as well as MRIs and other adjunctive tests to monitor the progression of cancer."
The cancer can sometimes be spot-treated in the prostate instead of treating the whole gland, Gantz said. That can help reduce the potential side effects of treatment.
Radiation treatment is also an option, he said.
If necessary, the prostate can be removed, called a radical prostatectomy. This is where advances in technology really make a difference, Gantz explained.
"Robotic-assisted removal of the prostate has kind of revolutionized the treatment of prostate cancer," Gantz said. "Before (robotics), the surgery was much longer. There was much higher blood loss, much more invasive, and it required a hospital stay for at least several days. Since the introduction of the robotic platform, the surgery has become minimally invasive. It usually requires only one night in the hospital and a catheter for a few days, and the recovery is much faster with good cancer outcomes as well. Long-term complications have also improved with the radical prostatectomy being done robotically, such as sexual side effects as well as incontinence due to leaking of urine, has improved as well. But that being said, despite it being minimally invasive, it is still a major surgery."
As with any major surgery, complications are rare, but also an ever-present risk. It was complications, reportedly an infection, that sent Austin back to the hospital on Jan. 1.
Gantz said he is, of course, not Austin's doctor, so has no specific information on his treatment or complications, but complications can include, he said, leaking urine (possibly the complication Austin struggled with, according to news reports), which can cause a bowel infection and for the bowels to not function properly.
"All of these complications, fortunately, as far as I can tell, from what I've read, are reversible and pretty easily reversible with no long-term damage," Gantz said.
Gantz emphasized that while prostate cancer is treatable, it takes a man to regularly see a primary care doctor to ensure it's detected early. Once discovered, the treatment strategy becomes a discussion for the patient and a urologist.
"Prostate cancer treatment really depends on the patient, the goals of the patient, their age, as well as their health status," Gantz said. "It's very important when deciding what treatments are right for a patient to have a dialogue with their urologist to weigh the pros and cons of each treatment and then, therefore, come to a conclusion about what's right for that patient."
As baby boomers, the Mancuso and Dipson theaters were essential to our childhoods.
A Saturday afternoon in the 50s and 60s would be spent at one of these theaters. If we took our pop bottles to your corner store and redeemed two cents for every bottle, you could save enough money to afford the .50 needed for admission to a movie.
We first had to check the Legion of Decency, a list of films nailed to the back door of our Catholic Church stating what movies were appropriate for our ages. Disney movies were at the top of the list of acceptable movies.
In the 70s, I remember exactly where I sat when I saw "Jaws." I can still remember the fear I felt when the great white shark opened its jaws and the screams I heard in the theater, including mine.
Theaters in Batavia have a very early history. Imagine, in 1874, an Opera House on Main Street. It had seating for 1,000 with a stage that could be converted into a dance hall. A balcony and seating boxes on either side of the stage were reserved for courting couples. John Dellinger built the Dellinger Opera House, the center of local entertainment for over 50 years. Most people saw their first live performance on the stage at the Dellinger. Road companies stopped in Batavia regularly in the 1880s and 1890s. Amateur shows could be performed on this stage one day, and the next day, you could watch professional acting companies take the stage.
In 1900, a store on Jackson Street was the site for the first showing of motion pictures. Later, silent pictures were shown in Ellicott Hall on Court Street. To make the silent picture more exciting, sound effects such as train whistles, blank gunshots, and the noise of crashing cars were added.
Batavia’s first theater was called the Lyric Theatre, located at 49 Main St. It had 36 seats fastened to the inclining floor. Other theaters, such as the Dreamland on Court Street and the Orpheum Theater at 122 Main St., were places to see “moving pictures.”
Two new moving picture theaters opened in 1913, the Grand at 72 Main St. and the Family Theatre on Jackson Street. The Grand could seat 584 patrons, and the Family Theatre could seat 600. A pianist or violinist could be heard while showing a moving picture, adding excitement to the movie.
A group of local businessmen financed the Family Theatre. It was considered to be one of the prettiest theaters in this area. The furnishings were from New York City and consisted of seats made of oak, 12 chandeliers, and a stage curtain that could be opened to show a stationary picture screen made of plaster.
Nikitas Dipson came to this country from Greece in 1909. He was interested in movie theaters, which began in 1913 when he lived in Jeanette, Pennsylvania, where he managed a small motion picture theater. He later moved to Batavia and managed The Family Theatre.
In 1914, he temporarily bought the theater on Jackson Street until he could build a new modern theater on Main Street. He purchased two buildings at 36 and 38 Main St. They were not big enough for his new theater, so he closed the Family Theatre and moved the films, screen, and pianist to the Grand Theatre.
The New Family Theatre could seat 700 people and reopened in 1923 with a high domed ceiling lighted with radiant light and a 21-foot-deep and 43-foot wide stage. The orchestra seats were sitting from the other seats by a walnut rail. A console organ was in the pit, and a fireproof curtain could be lifted mechanically to the roof. The sides of the auditorium were decorated on either side with mural paintings.
The Lafayette Theatre, built just to show films, stood facing the Family Theatre for over 40 years. In 1947, the Lafayette Theatre, the property of Nikitas Dipson, closed.
Nikitas Dipson finally could build his theater on 36 and 38 Main St. The theatre opened on April 17, 1947. The inner lobby was decorated with mural paintings depicting scenes from Genesee County’s early history. Floral designs covered the walls. After the house lights went out, the floral lights would glow softly for a few moments. This air-conditioned theater could seat 1,400. This theater would alternate with the Mancuso Theatre, housing the graduation exercises from Batavia High School and later Notre Dame High School. Dipson’s beautiful theater eventually fell victim to Urban Renewal in 1973.
Mancuso brothers decided to build a theater at 212 East Main St. It opened on June 4, 1948. The theater was as large as Dipson’s and advertised as modern as any theater in the country with “power enough to light a city.” It had excellent acoustics because of the construction of the walls and ceiling. The side walls were decorated with flat sculptured figures. It was considered at that time to be one of the most satisfactory little theaters outside New York City. On opening night, 1,600 people filled every seat for the showing of "The Emperor’s Waltz." Today, that theater saved from the wrecking ball is currently the home of City Church.
Nikitas Dipson dominated the motion picture business for 40 years, owning or operating all the motion picture theaters in the county at one time or another, including the two drive-in theaters on East Main Street Road and Clinton Street. Under an arrangement with the Mancuso Brothers, he ran the Mancuso Theatre, the Dipson Theatre, and the Family Theatre. Eventually, the two main theaters were ultimately divided into Cinema I and II.
In mid-1979, William Dipson and Mancuso Brothers asked the McWethy Construction Company to build two mini theaters on the northwest corner of the mall. The theaters opened in 1980 as Mall I and Mall II. After 33 years, the theater closed.
Over the years, Batavia has lost many buildings and businesses. In June 2013, Ken Mistler, a local businessman who owned several downtown businesses, purchased Mall I and Mall II Movie Theater. He remodeled the Batavia Show Time Theater and showed first-run movies for many years. He's currently renovating the theaters into a new entertainment venue.
It seems sad that all we have left from these beautiful historical buildings are memories and pictures from old postcards and newspaper clippings.
Photos courtesy Genesee County History Department.
On Thursday, Dec. 14, dancers arrived in their holiday garb and Santa hats to join in the celebration at the Christmas Dance for Genesee County’s Adults with Developmental Disabilities at the Byron Fire Hall.
The hall was decorated and the DJ alternated dance tunes with Christmas music as dancers moved around the floor. Snacks were prepared and pizza was served up by many members of the Byron Ladies Auxiliary as well as some volunteers.
Around 7:30 p.m. dance coordinator, Morgan Leaton grabbed the mic and got the group’s attention by announcing that Santa had arrived. Folks cheered as Santa, waving to everyone, walked across the dance floor, and was seated in his special chair next to the Christmas tree.
One by one folks came up and sat next to Santa. They each had some time to talk to Santa and pose for a photo. Santa gave everyone a Christmas gift. After everyone had their time with Santa, he waved goodbye and “Merry Christmas” as he walked out of the building and out of sight.
Toward the end of the evening, Morgan Leaton rounded up everyone for a group photo and reminded them that next month’s dance, the New Year’s Dance will be held on Thursday, Jan. 18. She promised the crowd a fun-filled evening to celebrate the new year!
The dances are open to anyone with developmental disabilities aged 13 and up residing in Genesee County. Proper staffing is required. If you want more information or wish to volunteer, please contact Morgan Leaton at 585-815-3157 or morganrleaton@gmail.com.
The Batavia Housing Authority is seeking a positive, hardworking teammate to perform a variety of outdoor landscaping tasks, primarily mowing, with some trimming and cleanup work. The Groundskeeper is independently responsible for outdoor landscaping tasks on a weekly basis with some flexibility. This job may require some weekend hours when necessary. Part-time position Pay Range: $19.00/hr - $22.00/hr Anticipated start date: May 2024 Application deadline: April 29, 2024 See full job description at: https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/Groundskeeper.pdf Complete Civil Service Application at: https://cms1files.revize.com/geneseecountynew/CivilServiceApplication2022Revision-09.22.22.pdf Contact Information Nathan Varland Executive Director Batavia Housing Authority 400 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 344-1888 nvarland@bataviahousing.org Location: Batavia
