The Pembroke Youth Association's (PYA) winter cheer program continues on a winning streak, taking a first-place finish at a competition this past weekend. This impressive performance took place at the Shout Cheer & Dance Lake Erie Championship held in Erie, PA on March 3.
The Dragon Sparks, comprised of talented young athletes ranging from 1st to 6th Grade, competed in the Level 1 category. They delivered a captivating routine, showcasing their athleticism, teamwork, and positive energy, earning high praise from the judges. The Pembroke Sparks took 1st Place, Level Champions, Grand Champions, Best Tumbling, and Best Choreography!
"I am incredibly proud of this dedicated group of young athletes," said Caryn Bosse, head coach of the PYA Dragon Sparks. "Their commitment, hard work, and positive attitude truly shine through in their performances. They consistently push themselves to improve, and their dedication is inspiring."
The Dragon Infernos, comprised of athletes ranging from 3rd to 8th Grade, competed in Level 2. They dazzled and stunted, secured a 1st Place Finish, Level Champ, and brought home Best Stunts!
The PYA winter cheer program is committed to providing young athletes with a positive and enriching environment to develop their athletic skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The program fosters a sense of community pride and offers valuable opportunities for personal growth.
The Winter Cheer Program is excited to take on another competition this weekend at Shout Cheer and Dance, Queen City National Championship Patty Shelly Memorial - Orchard Park, and for the first time introduces our Tiny Ember Team ranging from young athletes ranging from UPK - 1st Grade.
The Pembroke Youth Association Cheer program is excited to continue to grow and foster a love of the sport in our surrounding Genesee County. Spring Cheer Bootcamp is currently open for all young athletes in surrounding areas, camp begins April 27 and ends June 15. Camp is held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. For more information visit pyadragons.org.
GO Art! Executive Director Gregory Hallock shares the good news of receiving more grant money during the Human Services meeting this week, along with the caveat that some of the online community complains about taxpayer dollars being spent. "We're excited they're being spent here, as opposed to everywhere else in the state," he said. Photo by Joanne Beck
Genesee Orleans Regional Arts Council received the second largest funding in New York State, falling only behind Manhattan, of $336,000, which will be dispersed to artists in both counties, Executive Director Gregory Hallock says.
He considers that a pretty major deal, and rightly so. The money will go somewhere, and he figures it might as well go into the hands of local people for their creative projects.
“So we were pretty ecstatic about that. Hoping to continue to increase that. When I came in, we were about $47,000 that we were giving out, so we've jumped up dramatically. And last year was $210,000. So we did a big leap from last year to this year. We had nearly $400,000 in requests this year, so I would like to give credit to the community for jumping up to put on more stuff, but a big credit goes to our statewide community regrant coordinators at GO Art,” Hallock said while presenting his annual report to legislators this week. “We have two of them now that the state funds. We stressed that in our area, it's not just about putting an advertisement out there that people might not necessarily see, but even if they see that, grants scare people. They see grants, and they run. So our coordinators basically hold hands all the way through. They answer every question that anybody has, they basically help with anything but write the grants. But if you write the grant, they will review the grant afterward and give you suggestions and all that.”
He said the nonprofit’s goal is to continue asking for more money and “make more of that happen out here,” which has recently also meant a spate of responses online.
“We'll continue to get more of the negative comments on social media and everywhere else. And we're okay with that. It was a harsh year for that for us. But, people getting upset saying ‘our dollars being spent, our tax dollars being spent,’ but we're excited they're being spent here, as opposed to everywhere else in the state,” he said. “So we're gonna keep pushing for that to happen here. We really like to stress, I don't think most people know that if they're going to something that's arts related, that generally GO Art! is funding that. The $336,000 doesn't go a long way, but it goes quite the way out here, so we will continue to do that.”
He said the agency had more than 100 events this past year in Genesee and Orleans counties and is planning to do the same volume with new types of programs, such as a capital campaign that will draw more use out of the basement. The basement has an entrance and will include an emergency exit that will open up into the music garden portion of the building at 201 E. Main St., Batavia. That expansion will add about 4,000 square feet to GO Art!’s use, he said.
“We’ll be putting a whole bunch of studios and space down there. We just got a grant called black space. We’ll be working with the community and Black architects out of Brooklyn to bring in the Black community to help them help us design something that will be inviting to them to come into our space,” he said. “We’re putting in a dark room, pottery studio, wood shop, and a whole bunch of other studios to expand our happenings and our classes. Our classes have been doing really well; the last four that we’ve offered have all completely sold out. And we’ve had to add additional classes that have also sold out. So we’re really finally starting to get up there, and people know about us.
“We’re really excited about the expansion. It includes an elevator, somebody who can’t get up and down the stairs … I think that’s our major thing.”
He also mentioned The Harve, where artists MaryJo Whitman and Brian Kemp “took a space and artified it” to make use of an industrial building by painting and decorating walls directly or using them as backdrops for exhibits and live musical performances. “We’re going to keep doing cool things,” Hallock said.
It takes money to do those cool things, and the agency runs on a budget of nearly 62 percent public support, or $601,050; $200,661 in Foundation support; $107,334 from individual and corporate donations; and $64,272 from events and earned income. Expenses for the year were $225,800 for grants, $166,190 for programs and events, $16,773 toward fundraising efforts, and $324,744 for administration costs.
The Batavia building includes dance, podcast, film, and music studios, a library and cabaret theater, a darkroom, a pottery studio, a cultural culinary kitchen (used for demonstrations), a gallery with seven exhibition spaces (maintaining a collection of donated and permanent on loan works by highly esteemed local artists), and a bar area that is also used as a small gallery space.
GO Art! has hired a consultant to put out a request for proposal as part of a GLOW region cultural plan, he said. He submitted a grant application last year for $150,000 that was turned down for a larger scope of Western New York that he fine-tuned down to opening a new space in Medina, expanding in the space currently in Batavia, and adding a cultural garden. Hallock hopes to receive a more positive response to the request this year.
“This is possible by the relationships we have already forged and the ones we hope to build. Through ourarts education initiatives, workshops, events, and outreach, we continue to establish new and growing community relationships,” he said in his annual letter. “The accomplishments of the past year make our members, board of directors, and dedicated staff excited about the thriving and diverse arts in Genesee and Orleans Counties. Together we will continue to ‘Make Art Happen.’
"We already have everything ready to get that moving, so that we can put together our cultural plan and figure out how we're going to progress, and bringing tourism into the glow region for arts and culture, and continuing to expand upon what we have for our region,” he said.
County Manager Matt Landers, in his yearly allocations request for GO Art!, asked for $7,500 — the same amount as for 2023 and 2022. That total was increased by $1,000 from 2021, when it was $6,500 since 2018. Funding for the nonprofit was at all-time high in 1997 of $10,000, including a $4,000 matching funds state grant. Before that, county funding was $2,500 in 1993, but it took a big leap four years later and has hovered around the $6,500 to $9,000 mark.
Genesee County Legislature is to vote on the request during its meeting on March 13.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors will consider a final resolution for a proposed market-rate housing development on MedTech Drive in the town of Batavia at its board meeting on Thursday, March 7.
MedTech Landing LLC plans to invest $15 million to construct 100,000 sq. ft. of apartment buildings totaling 80 units. The project is comprised of six buildings with a dozen one-, two- and three-bedroom units, one 8-unit building, and 6 six-car garages.
The project aligns with GCEDC Housing Policy and the Genesee County Housing Needs Assessment, which identified a 4,800-unit housing demand over 20 years.
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. It is estimated that $12 of economic impact will be generated by the development for every one dollar of public sector investment.
The project would also generate up to $1 million over 20 years for the Batavia Home Fund (BHF). The BHF promotes and provides grants to support new home construction and rehabilitation of residential properties to enhance the area’s housing stock.
The GCEDC board will also consider an initial resolution from LeatherLeaf Solar LLC for a 5 MW community solar farm in the town of Byron. The $9 million project is anticipated to generate $4,000/megawatts (AC) annually + a 2% annual escalator of revenues to Genesee County and Byron-Bergen Central School District and a host agreement with the Town of Byron.
The March 7, 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 is available at www.gcedc.com.
Students show some of the items collected for the 100 Days, 100 Donations project Photo by Deb Slocum.
Press Release:
On Friday, February 16, Elementary School students and staff gifted tissues, dry-erase markers, glue sticks, composition notebooks, and other learning supplies to the Genesee County Youth Bureau.
Each year for the 100th Day of School, Byron-Bergen students in grades UPK through 5 challenge themselves to collect 100 items per grade level to donate to a local charitable or community service organization. 100 days of school,100 donations.
This year, all six grade levels met or surpassed their goal for a grand total of over 700 items.
“We would like to impress upon the children that each one of them can make a difference in our community,” said Kindergarten teacher and project organizer Ayn Gardner.
For this annual project, elementary school grade levels are assigned a different donation item with the goal of collecting 100 of each. In the weeks leading up to the 100th day of school, students bring their donation items to the front hallway where the bulletin board shows the tally for each grade level. Every item is carefully counted and added to the total.
“The annual community service project has dual purposes: to teach students what ‘100’ looks like and to show the importance of community service,” said Principal Kristin Loftus. “One person, one item, one donation can make a big difference if everyone works together.”
Student updates the 100 Days, 100 Donations tally Photo by Deb Slocum.
Donations arrive at the Genesee County Youth Bureau Photo courtesy of Genesee County Youth Bureau.
On Thursday, February 15, Genesee County’s Adults with Developmental Disabilities celebrated Valentine’s Day at the dance in Byron Fire Hall. Amongst red hearts, cupids, and lots of red, pink, and glittery balloons - a great time was had by all.
Snacks and drinks were prepared and pizza was served up by many members of the Byron Ladies Auxiliary as well as some volunteers.
DJ, Big Saxy, cued up plenty of tunes that kept the dance floor hopping throughout the evening. When the song, Locomotion, was played volunteers led a dancing parade that circled around the hall. Volunteer photographer, Bob Radley, clicked away taking lots of great photos.
Toward the end of the dance, Morgan Leaton announced the date for the next dance, the St. Patrick’s Day Dance, as Thursday, March 14. The DJ for that dance will be JT.
The dances are open to anyone with developmental disabilities aged 13 and up residing in Genesee County. Proper staffing is required. If you would like more information or wish to volunteer, please contact Morgan Leaton at 585-815-3157 or morganrleaton@gmail.com.
Submitted photo of Genesee County 4-H Horse Bowl Participants (left to right) Eva Rhoads, Coach; Alana Mlyniec; Lydia Page; Jomni Tarbell, Coach.
Press Release:
The Genesee County 4-H Horse Program was well-represented at the Finger Lakes Region 4-H Horse Extravaganza on Saturday, March 2 at Honeoye Falls Intermediate School.
4-H youth from across the Finger Lakes region competed in Horse Bowl and Hippology Contests at the event.
Horse Bowl is a Jeopardy-style competition that tests participants' knowledge of equine facts, including breeds, equipment, nutrition, and more.
Hippology is a hands-on test of identifying equipment, feeds, and other equine facts.
Top-placing participants will have the opportunity to represent the region at the state-level contests at Cornell University and the New York State Fair later this year.
Horse Bowl Results:
Alana Mlyniec – 2nd Senior, 1st Senior Team
Lydia Page – 4th Senior, 1st Senior Team
Hippology Results:
Lydia Page – 3rd Senior, 1st Senior Team
Alana Mlyniec – 5th Senior, 1st Senior Team
Congratulations to all of the 4-H members who competed in the contest and special thanks to coaches Eva Rhoads and Jomni Tarbell for all of their hard work and dedication to the 4-H Horse Bowl Club.
The Genesee County 4-H Program is a youth development program for youth ages 5-18. New 4-H youth members, adult volunteers, and clubs are always welcome to join. For information about how to join the Genesee County 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040 ext. 101. Enrollment information is also available on our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu.
Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School presents "Chicago," a teen edition of the musical, this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
All show times are 7 p.m. Performances are in the school auditorium.
Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens.
The music is by John Kander, book by Fred Ebb.
The cast includes Aubrey Puccio as Velma Kelly, Anna Long as Roxie Hart, Ethan LaBarbera as Fred Casely, Jameson Zitz as Sergeant Fogarty, Kira Ryan as Matron "Mama" Morton, Judge Biviano as Amos Hart.
The artistic director is Jacqueline McLean, Joe Kusmierczak is the co-director, and the choreographer is Jessica Pcioneck.
Avoid the rush and get your GeneSEEtheEclipse commemorative ISO certified-safe eclipse viewing glasses now! Stop into the Genesee County Visitor Center in Batavia today to purchase your glasses, order online at ShopGeneseeTheEclipse.comfor pick up at the Visitor Center, or to ship direct to you.
Online orders can be shipped through March 15th cut-off date. We have a limited supply, so don’t delay!
Assemblyman Steve Hawley with Bessie the Cow. Submitted photo.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C - Batavia) attended the New York Farm Bureau’s Taste of New York reception in Albany yesterday. The event was hosted in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center and attended by county Farm Bureau members and public officials. During this time, Hawley met with local farmers and members of the Farm Bureau about the importance of New York agriculture. New York is one of the leading states for agriculture, the fifth-largest dairy producer in the nation and has roughly seven million acres of farmland. The industry has also created nearly 200,000 jobs, with the vast majority of farms in the state being family-owned. Hawley is proud to have attended this event and hopes it will bring more awareness to one of the state’s largest industries.
“It was great to meet with so many New Yorkers yesterday who share a passion for local agriculture,” said Hawley. “As a farmer once myself, I have a special appreciation for this industry. From the grocery store to the food in your pantry, we all rely on local farms like the ones we have here in Western New York. Holding this event in Albany will shine a light on this vital industry and bring more attention to our family-owned farms.”
Richard Ball, commiseration with the Department of Agriculture and Markets, with Assemblyman Steve Hawley. Submitted photo.
H.P. Hood plant in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park, Batavia. FIle photo by Howard Owens.
Press release:
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider a final resolution for HP Hood’s $120 million proposed expansion project at its meeting on Thursday, March 7.
Announced by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul last fall, HP Hood plans to expand its footprint at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park. The project includes the construction of a 32,500 square foot expansion to accommodate its automatic storage and retrieval system (ASRS) refrigerated warehouse. The project will also include new batching and processing systems and other upgrades, allowing the company to increase capacity and begin a new production line.
“The agricultural sector is a backbone of our regional and state economy, as evidenced by the significant investment and jobs provided by companies such as HP Hood, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, and O-AT-KA Milk Products, among many others,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde. The sector's growth here is the result of the Genesee Agri-Business Park, which was constructed in 2011 and is now almost at full build-out.”
The expansion would create 48 new jobs while retaining 455 full-time positions as part of the company’s 1,200 employees throughout New York State. Investments at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park have resulted in a cluster with over 1.2 million sq. ft. of food and beverage facilities employing over 1,000 professionals in the food processing industry, the leading employment sector in Genesee County and GLOW region.
Byron-Bergen Boys Basketball Coach Roxanne Noeth with Assistant Coach Elliott Flint at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester on Saturday after the Bees won a sectional championship. Submitted Photo.
Press release:
On Saturday, March 2, Roxanne Noeth made Section V Athletics history by becoming the first woman to coach a boys varsity basketball team to a sectional championship in the 103-year history of the organization. The win marks the first sectional championship in Byron-Bergen boys basketball history. The only other Byron-Bergen basketball sectional championship was in 1984 when 9th grade Noeth was called up from JV to help the girls varsity basketball team to victory.
As a member of the championship 1984 team, Noeth carved out a place for herself in Byron- Bergen athletics’ history, setting the single-game scoring record in 1987, which was tied in 2022 by varsity boys’ basketball player Corden Zimmerman and broken by boys’ captain Braedyn Chambry this season. Noeth still holds the girls’ basketball single-game scoring record and was inducted into the Byron-Bergen Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.
After graduation, Noeth attended St. John Fisher, where she played Division III basketball and softball. She is also a member of the St. John Fisher Athletics Hall of Fame. She coached collegiate women’s basketball at RIT before stepping away to raise her children. She returned to Byron-Bergen basketball in 2009 when she began volunteering for her children’s basketball teams. In 2017, she was hired officially as head coach of the boys’ varsity basketball team.
“It was never on my radar to be a boys basketball coach specifically,” said Noeth, “but the opportunity arose, and I’ve always had great support from the administration and community.”
Noeth was hired by Athletic Director Rich Hannan and Superintendent Pat McGee, the High School Principal at the time.
“I couldn't be prouder of Coach Noeth and the job she has done with this program,” said Hannan. “I have watched her build the team for many years now. She is extremely knowledgeable and puts her heart and soul into giving her athletes the best opportunity possible to achieve their greatest potential. She leaves no stone unturned and is always prepared. Her passion rubs off on her team, and you can see it in her players.”
Outside of the Byron-Bergen community, Noeth noticed some raised eyebrows. Despite the abundance of men coaching girls’ teams, Noeth was often the only woman in the room for boys’ basketball. According to Noeth, the first three years as head coach were tough, but she soon made a name for herself and the team within the division. In 2023, she became the first woman to be named Section V, Class C3 Coach of the Year for Boys Basketball, a title she kept for the 2024 season in C2.
“Coach Noeth is an excellent role model for her players and all our future coaches,” said McGee. “The Sectionals win was huge for our community, but I also feel the enormous impact it has made on the future of Section V coaching.”
“Seeing Coach Noeth raise the Sectional trophy was a reminder of what is possible,” said Byron-Bergen Assistant Principal Katie Grattan. “The future coaches of Section V are watching.”
When asked about her legacy, Noeth states, “The impact of my coaching a boys’ team, the impact it is having on young girls and women, it’s definitely a positive side effect, but it’s not why I coach. I love this team. I love this sport. I’m just a coach.”
Byron-Bergen beat Notre Dame 67-60 on Monday to stay alive in the postseason as Section V consolidates its Class C champions.
The game matched up Class C2 vs. Class C3. The Bees will next play Class C1 champion Lyons in West Bloomfield at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. The winner of that game will represent Section V in Class C against the Class C champion of Section VI in the Far West Regional Championship game, with the winner moving on to a state championship semifinal game.
For the Bees, Colin Martin scored 22 points, and Braedyn Chambry scored 17. Broady Baubie scored 16, and Brendan Pimm scored 11.
For the Irish, Jaden Sherwood scored 23, Jay Antinore scored 16 points, and Chase Antinore scored 10.
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes is hosting its annual Day of Caring on May 23.
Day of Caring is the largest single day of volunteering in the region. Six counties, including Genesee, Ontario, Monroe, Livingston, Wayne, and Wyoming, will mobilize over 6,000 volunteers on May 23.
The dedicated committee of volunteers in Genesee County has helped to match agencies with volunteers for 15 years! Hundreds of volunteers in Genesee County will work together to meet the needs of dozens of local agencies and non-profits.
By participating in these engaging, hands-on projects, volunteers help create a brighter future for local communities and help those in need.
There are still volunteer spots available and agencies to support in Genesee County. Sign up as an individual or as a team with friends, family, or colleagues using the contact information below for a fun-filled day of giving back to the community.
Submitted photo of Joe Pantoliano – Actor (Sopranos, Matrix).
Press Release:
Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel had a record-setting week From February 18 to 24. With daily promotions, nicer weather, and the heavily anticipated Legends & Stars Sports Card Expo taking place in the week, more than $25 million in Credits Played went through the machines at the gaming facility, marking its highest week-long total of all time.
On Friday, Feb. 23, Batavia Downs reported its third-best, single-day record in credits played, with $5,173,626.
The week total for net win of $1,871,544 was the second-highest in Batavia Downs's history.
“We are so very appreciative that, in a region with so many entertainment options, people are choosing to visit Batavia Downs in record numbers," said Henry Wojtaszek, Batavia Downs President and CEO. “To commemorate the record-breaking weekend and to say "thank you" to our guests, I’ve asked our Marketing Team to do a special promotional drawing on Sunday.“
A special drawing, set for 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, will see one person win $2,000 in cash and a pair of suite-level tickets to the Zach Bryan March 10 concert at KeyBank Center.
Anyone who plays on March 3, using their Player's Card, is eligible for the contest.
Submitted photo of Lawrence Taylor - Giants Legend.
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colon cancer occurs when cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably.
Abnormal growths, known as polyps, can occasionally develop, and certain polyps may eventually develop into cancer. Polyps can be found by screening tests and be removed before they become cancerous. Colon cancer is preventable, with the proper screening and education.
Some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
Lifestyle factors that include overweight and obesity; not being physically active; certain types of diets such as a diet low in fruit and vegetables, a low-fiber and high-fat diet, and a diet high in processed meats; tobacco use; and alcohol use
Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms immediately, and some people have no symptoms. Some of the symptoms may include:
A change in bowel habits
Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
Discomfort in the stomach area, such as cramps, gas, or pain that does not go away
Unintended weight loss
Weakness and fatigue
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 90% of people whose colorectal cancers are found early, diagnosed, and treated appropriately are still alive five years later.
“Getting screened plays a big role in saving lives by preventing cancer and slowing its progression when found,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).
“In recent decades, screening rates among older adults have significantly increased, which is great news,” stated Laura Paolucci, Public Health Administrator for the Wyoming County Health Department. “However, current data indicates that individuals lacking health insurance or a primary care provider are undergoing screening procedures less frequently.”
For eligible men and women, the Cancer Services Program offers free screenings for breast, cervical, and colon cancer. To learn more, call 716-278-4898. If you live in New York State and need health insurance, you can contact the New York State of Health Official Health Plan Marketplace by phone at 1-855-355-5777 or online at https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/.
The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to get screened for colorectal cancer routinely, beginning at age 45. Residents are also encouraged to increase their physical activity, keep a healthy weight, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid tobacco. Although more research is needed to understand why, the incidence of colorectal cancer is growing among people younger than 50. If you have concerns about this, speak with your healthcare provider.
For more information on Health Department programs and services call Genesee County Health Department at 585-344- 2580 ext. 5555 or visit their website at GOHealthNY.org. Follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formally Twitter) at GOHealthNY.
Continuing two decades as a top micropolitan area for business success, Genesee County was recognized today by Site Selection Magazine for being in the top one percent of peer communities for attracting corporate investments over the past 20 years.
In 2023, projects placed the Batavia-Genesee County Micropolitan Area as 16th in the nation among micropolitan communities of 10,000 to 50,000 residents in the Site Selection’s Conway Projects Database.
Site Selection’s Annual Governor’s Cup rankings focus on new corporate facility projects resulting in significant economic impact, including headquarters, manufacturing plants, R&D operations, and logistics sites. Qualifying projects must either have a capital investment of over $1 million, create 20 or more new jobs, or add at least 20,000 square feet of new floor area.
“Site Selection’s annual rankings have shown the success of Genesee County’s development strategy and our focus on delivering industry-ready workforce, infrastructure, and sites,” said Steve Hyde, President and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center. “As we pursue a season of implementation to support business growth, this year’s honor highlights the unique benefits that micropolitan communities generate for economic development projects.”
The Batavia-Genesee County Micropolitan Area has been ranked as a Top 20 Micropolitan Area for 20 consecutive years, including 11 years with a top-five ranking. Genesee County has welcomed over $2 billion of committed investment over this period.
Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelley Stein cited the development of the STAMP Mega-Site, Genesee Valley Agribusiness Park, and robust business attraction expansions in the advanced manufacturing, food and beverage manufacturing, and semiconductor industries as major achievements of the past 20 years.
“With long-term GCEDC investments, focused on high-quality careers for our residents and families, Genesee County’s strategy is a winning formula, as proven by our consistent national rankings,” Stein said.
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of our Guest Speaker Series on Tuesday, March 12, at 7 p.m. We welcome Michael McBride, who will share his personal journey as he unravels his research into the fascinating story of his great uncle: internationally known Irish freedom fighter and Buffalo's forgotten human rights crusade, John Joseph "Exile" McBride. "Exile" McBride left Ireland, joining the Fenian Movement, but eventually came to dine with Presidents and Prime Ministers and was even present at the Holland Land Office dedication in 1894. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
"This project is a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!"
Join us at Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night at the Museum on Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m. In honor of Women's History Month, our topic is Famous Women of History. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to welcome back No Blarney for our St. Patrick's Day tradition, as they play all your favorite Irish music tunes from throughout the years. The concert will be Friday, March 15, from 7-9 p.m. Admission is $5 or $4 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com. Seating is limited to reserve your spot early.
"This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!"
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Guest Speaker Series on Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m. We welcome Buffalo author and historian Julianna Woite, who shares her most recent work, a historical novel, "Our Invisible String: a year-long journey through the stages of forbidden love," set in Buffalo in 1957. It follows the teenage love affair of 16-year-old Josie Johnson and her "test of character and her ability to find beauty between the lines." Copies of the book are available for sale for $15. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you want to attend.
"This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!"
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Java with Joe E. morning coffee series on Thursday, March 28 at 9 a.m. Our Curator, Tyler Angora, will be sharing the history of bridal fashion throughout the eras of the 19th century. The presentation will also feature examples from the museum collection. Admission is free with pastries and coffee. Reservations are required; please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com to reserve your spot. We want to thank Pub Coffee Hub for sponsoring Java with Joe E. for 2024.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced the recognizing Judea and Samaria Act to require all official United States documents and materials to use the term "Judea and Samaria" instead of the "West Bank."
Additional cosponsors of this legislation include Representatives Randy Weber (TX-14) and Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04).
The terms Judea and Samaria date back millennia to the ancient Kingdoms of Judah and Samaria. In 1967, after Israel’s Arab neighbors launched the Six-Day War, Israel reclaimed Judea and Samaria from Jordan. The term “West Bank” is used to delegitimize Israel’s historical claim to this land.
In November 2019, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the United States would formally recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and Judea and Samaria. Recently, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reversed this position, stating the Biden administration's disappointment in Israel's recent decision to expand its settlements in the region.
This condemnation comes even though under the Oslo Accords, a bilateral agreement between Israel and Palestinian representatives, Israel was granted full military and civilian control over the majority of Judea and Samaria.
"The Israeli people have an undeniable and indisputable historical and legal claim over Judea and Samaria, and at this critical moment in history, the United States must reaffirm this," said Congresswoman Tenney. "The misguided decision by the Biden administration to revoke the Pompeo Doctrine undermines our greatest ally in the Middle East. The recognizing Judea and Samaria Act requires all U.S. legal documents to use the rightful term "Judea and Samaria" to refer to this territory instead of the "West Bank." This bill reaffirms Israel's rightful claim to its territory. I remain committed to defending the integrity of the Jewish state and fully supporting Israel's sovereignty over Judea and Samaria."
Part-Time Children's Library Clerk Haxton Memorial Public Library is seeking a Part-Time Children's Clerk 19 Hours a week $15.00/hr. Interested applicants please go to www.co.genesee.ny.us for an application or come to the library at 3 North Pearl Street, Oakfield. Any questions, please call at (585) 948-9900
