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Sponsored Post: New listing! Welcome home; 5361 Horseshoe Lake Road

By Lisa Ace

Welcome home to 5361 Horseshoe Lake Road, walking distance to Horseshoe Lake. This rustic ranch has 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and is situated in the Byron Bergen school district. Recent updates include durable, waterproof LifeProof flooring throughout, updated interior and exterior doors, and new gutters. Enjoy privacy and outdoor activities in the spacious, fenced-in backyard complete with an 8x8 pressure-treated deck, perfect for the summer and fall months ahead. Additionally the home offers a new 50-year metal roof, public water, and a concrete floor one-car garage. Check out the convenient mud room/first-floor laundry room complete with a new window. The kitchen showcases a delightful blend of functionality and warmth, complete with a granite countertop. Embrace this opportunity to make this charming home your own, harmonizing comfort, style, and a coveted location.

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LOCATED: Police looking for missing Batavia girl

By Press Release
erica gibbs

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is seeking public assistance in locating a 16-year-old girl. 

Erica Gibbs was last seen on June 15 in Batavia. 

She was last seen wearing a black sweatpants and a hoodie. Erica is about 5'03" and 120 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. 

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350 or the NYS Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3543. 

UPDATE: Erica Gibbs has been located and is safe.

Child uninjured after fall from first-floor roof on Jackson Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens
jackson street child fall 2023
A child fell from a first-floor roof at 104 Jackson St., Batavia, on Wednesday. THe child was not hurt. The dwelling is the yellow structure on the left. The window the child used to access the first-level roof is on the north side and not pictured.
Photo by Howard Owens.

A two-year-old child was uninjured after apparently crawling through a second-floor window onto a first-floor roof and then falling to the ground at 104 Jackson St., Batavia.

According to a witness, the child stood up quickly after the fall and started walking.

The window and roof section were on the north side of the dwelling.

Batavia PD, City Fire, and Mercy EMS all responded to the call at around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Sgt. Dan Coffey, Batavia PD, said officers are still investigating the incident and didn't have further information available.  If warranted, there will be a press release later about the incident.

UPDATE 2:05 p.m.: The investigation reveals the incident is an "unfortunate accident," Coffey said.

Water main will be shut off today on Center Street

By Press Release

Press Release:

Today, June 21, the City of Batavia Water Department will be shutting down the water main on Center Street for water main repairs. The shutoff will be approximately from East Main Street (Route 5) to School Street.

The length of time the water will be off is unknown.

As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear. We apologize for any inconvenience and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.

Out of options, Bethany Town Board seeking bids for demolition of old town hall

By Howard B. Owens
old bethany town hall
The Old Bethany Town Hall, built in 1832, is fated for demolition.
Photo by Howard Owens

Even many of Bethany's oldest residents, said Town Supervisor Carl Hyde, have come to accept the unpleasant but unavoidable and undeniable reality of the situation. The old Town Hall, built in 1832, must come down.

The town is currently accepting bids from demolition contractors.

But there is a plan in place to preserve a bit of history and provide residents with a new park where the town hall currently stands.

"It's a hard decision that we had to come to, but the reality is, I can't raise taxes. I can't double everybody's taxes to come up with $2 million to save the building," said Town Supervisor Carl Hyde during an exclusive tour of the structure with The Bataivan. "It's a hard spot as a town supervisor to be in when you have to deal with something like this."

There are several factors that have the town in a seemingly unsolvable dilemma.  

  • The town has been trying to sell the building for many years with no takers, even offering to sell it for $1 if the buyer will ensure it is usefully occupied;
  • One reason there are no buyers, and why the town can't use the building, is to make use of the second floor for any public purpose, is an elevator needs to be installed, as well as make other ADA-compliant upgrades;
  • The building isn't connected to water and can't be connected to water unless a new water district is approved for the hamlet, and there's no guarantee that will happen;
  • Under current state law and regulations, the building needs plumbing connected to a septic system.

The septic system issue is its own set of complications, Hyde explained.

"For this building to be used for anything, somebody's going to have to put in a septic system," Hyde said. "So the property line goes to 15 feet off the back of the property. On the north side, the property line is the edge of the building. And then you have what little bit of property there is out front. So there's no property to put a septic system in."

If the town wanted to install a septic system, it would have to tear down the highway department building behind the structure, and then that building would need to be replaced by a new structure at another location.

That's another "astronomical" expense, Hyde said.

So the price tag to save the building is at least $2 million, and then there's no guarantee the building can get public water.

"We've reached out to Genesee Valley Museum in Caledonia-Mumford, a place on Long Island and a place in New Hampshire, to donate the building to have them come to take it apart, relocate it, and they're not interested because of the cost factors," Hyde said.

It's a beautiful building inside and out, but state officials have said emphatically that it has no historical value. No famous historical figure ever visited it. Nothing of historic significance ever happened inside the building. There is no barrier to tearing it down, and Hyde said the town board feels it's left with no other option.

"So we've got some structural issues plus the ADA issues plus the no septic issues plus the no water issue," Hyde said "We can't use it for anything. What we're going to do is take the building down before it falls down, and we're going to turn the property into a green space."

A green space that preserves the history of the old town hall.

"The cupola is going to stay on the property, the yoke is going to stay on the property, and the bell is going to stay on the property," Hyde said. "That's going to be the centerpiece of a display in the middle of the green space. So the town board has put a lot of work and effort and thought into doing the best we can with what we have to do."

Hyde plans to be on hand during the demolition, especially when work crews get down to the foundation.  Nobody knows if there is a cornerstone with a lockbox of 1832 history in it.  Hyde wants to make sure the structure is thoroughly searched for such a historical artifact. 

As many artifacts as possible from the building are going to be stored by the county for safekeeping.

The request for proposals process from contractors closes on June 27.  Hyde said the town has set a budget for demolition but doesn't want to release that figure so it doesn't influence bids by contractors.

Hyde said he's already spoken with some contractors about trying to preserve as much history as possible from the old building.

"We've told them as they're tearing the walls down and stuff, they're gonna be looking for oddities; what's between the walls? We don't know what's between the walls."

It's not easy to be the town supervisor responsible for overseeing the destruction of one of the town's most recognizable landmarks, but Hyde sees no way out.

"I grew up here in Bethany," Hyde said. "The town court was here, the town clerk was here, the town supervisor, the office, this was the town hall. But unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, such as water, septic, this whole ADA thing -- unless somebody wants to write a check for $2 million and guarantee water, we can't figure anything out."

old bethany town hall
On the second floor, a stage and a floating hardwood dance floor.
Photo by Howard Owens.
old bethany town hall
Photo by Howard Owens.
old bethany town hall
One of the artifacts still in the building that will be saved.
Photo by Howard Owens.
old bethany town hall
A rendering of the proposed green space with the cupola, yoke and bell preserved and on display.
Photo by Howard Owens.
old bethany town hall
The first floor, former meeting space and courtroom.
Photo by Howard Owens.
old bethany town hall
Many of the old chairs in the building were sold to local residents. Some are still left.
Photo by Howard Owens.
old bethany town hall
The Navel Reserve travel case of the late William P. Walker will be returned to the Walker family.
Photo by Howard Owens. 
old bethany town hall
Display cases and artifacts that will be stored by the county.
Photo by Howard Owens.
old bethany town hall
The handpainted stage backdrop with advertisements for businesses in Genesee County.  There were people who wanted to buy it, Carl Hyde said, but they were going to cut it up and the town board didn't want to see it destroyed, so it will be stored by the county.,
Photo by Howard Owens.

Wilmot Cancer Institute's Survivors Night June 24

By Press Release

Press Release:

Join Wilmot Cancer Institute at our Survivors Night to celebrate cancer survivorship on Saturday, June 24, at 6:35 p.m. (game time) at Dwyer Stadium, 299 Bank St., Batavia.

The event will feature the Batavia Muckdogs playing against Elmira Pioneers, fireworks and a ceremony honoring cancer survivors.

Survivors receive 1 free game ticket (each additional ticket $10).

Call the Muckdogs Box Office to purchase at 585-524-2260. Must be purchased prior to game day.

*Cancer survivors are invited to arrive by 6 p.m. to join in the on-field celebration.

Pedestrian accident reported at Jackson and Ellicott, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A pedestrian has reportedly been struck by a vehicle at Jackson and Ellicott in Batavia.

Unknown injuries.

City Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 5:50 p.m.: A bicyclist ran into a car. No injuries. The scene is clear.

Area musicians keep Father's Day tradition alive with jamboree in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens
Father's Day Jamboree
Musicians from throughout the region and a few hundred music fans gathered in Oakfield on Father's Day for the annual Retro Jam and Musicians Reunion.
Photo by Howard Owens.

An audience and a chance to play is usually a pretty good reason for local musicians to show up at a venue on a sunny afternoon, and add in a chance to see the guys and gals they are too busy to see on gig nights, and a few dozen are likely to make the scene.

And though the venue had changed since its inception, that's been what has kept the Father's Day Retro Jam and Musicians Reunion going since 1978.

"Most of the musicians playing the jamboree are working musicians," said organizer Bill Pitcher. "They've been in different bands together, but while they're working, they don't see each other much because when they've got gigs, they're playing in different places.  This is a chance for musicians to get together to mix and chat and have some fun."

The first jamboree was part of the Stafford Firemen's Carnival and grew bigger each year until the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department discontinued the carnival because of changes in state law forced them to end the annual Corvette Raffle.

Soon, area musicians were calling Pitcher with one question: "Where are we going to jam?"

Scott Graff and his wife Val had a solution, Pitcher said.  The Oakfield Rod and Gun Club. There's a pavilion with electricity, plenty of grass for lawn chairs and canopies and parking.

"It's a great venue," Pitcher said. 

The Rod and Gun Club sells hotdogs, there are public restrooms available and everything is friendly and laid back.

A 50/50 raffle raised $1,000 for the Center for H.O.P.E. at the VA Hospital in Batavia.

"This is the second year at the Rod and Gun Club," Pitcher said. "They've been very cooperative and friendly, very supportive."

The lineup of bands is a mixture of the old guard and some young musicians, so there's a next-generation ready to move forward with the event in the coming years.

This year's lineup included the Ghost Riders, the Double Image Band, Front Porch Pickers, Rock-A-Bully’s, Prospect, Sounds Good, and Bad Sign.

"We have a waiting list of bands that want to come and play," Pitcher said. "Most of the bands have been playing for years and years but we're getting a couple of younger bands involved."

Father's Day Jamboree
Photo by Howard Owens.
bill pitcher
Bill Pitcher
Photo by Howard Owens.
Father's Day Jamboree
Greg Houseknecht
Photo by Howard Owens
Father's Day Jamboree
Keith Worthington
Photo by Howard Owens.
Father's Day Jamboree
Nino Speranza
Photo by Howard Owens.
Father's Day Jamboree
Photo by Howard Owens.
Father's Day Jamboree
Photo by Howard Owens.

For family and health reasons, Fazio stepping down as BHS softball coach after championship season

By Howard B. Owens
jim fazio at dwyer
Jim Fazio at Dwyer Stadium on Monday evening.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Health issues and a desire to see his son play more baseball in his final season with the Batavia Blue Devils have led Jim Fazio to step down as head coach of the Batavia High School softball team.

He leaves after achieving an important personal goal: Helping the girl's team win a sectional title.

"The team means the world to me," Fazio told The Batavian at Dwyer Stadium during the Batavia Muckdogs game on Monday evening. "Ever since I started coaching, it was a dream to win a sectional title. To finally get it this year, it's just something that, you know, you just dream about."

Fazio has been coaching since 2000 and became varsity softball coach in 2018.

Under the circumstances, coaching in 2024 isn't possible, he said. He's been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease and is on two waiting lists for a kidney transplant.

"That's the main reason why I'm stepping down," Fazio said. "I think I should be able to coach tennis, but things right now are up in the air."

His son is also entering his senior year, and in the spring, Fazio wants to take the time to see more of his son's baseball games.

"I miss a lot of his games because their schedule almost mimics ours," Fazio said.

jim and nikki fazio
Jim and Nikki Fazio enjoying the moment after Batavia won a Girls Softball Section V title on May 27.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Police looking for person of interest in thefts at Dwyer Stadium, other locations in county

By Howard B. Owens
person of interest in thefts

During Monday's baseball game at Dwyer Stadium, two fans had wallets stolen from their cars after the windows of the cars were smashed open.

Credit cards from the stolen wallets were later used at local businesses. This has led Batavia police investigators to identify a person of interest in the case.

The public is being asked to help identify the person.

The crime may be linked to similar thefts under investigation by the Sheriff's Office. 

To assist in identifying the subject in the photos, contact Officer Austin Davis at 585-345-6350, the Batavia Police Department's confidential tip line at (585)345-6370.

person of interest in thefts
person of interest in thefts

Boy Scout troop 6650 ends year with a canoe convoy

By Press Release
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Troop 6650 paddling on Glenwood Lake, Medina

Press Release:

Boy Scout Troop 6650 trailered canoes and kayaks to Glenwood Lake in Medina on June 11. Boy Scout leader Jeremy Green, a certified canoe expedition guide, led the group after discussing water safety & first aid, canoe handling, and confirming that strict BSA guidelines were met for all equipment and PFD's.

Fourteen Scouts and leaders paddled their way from the lake's boat launch to the falls and back again. It was the perfect day to wrap up another year of Scouting.

Troop 6650 begins the new Scout season this Fall at the Alexander Fireman's Rec Hall on Route 98 at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 12. Anyone wanting more information about the Scouting program can contact the Western NY Scout Council at (716) 891-4073.

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Byron-Bergen HS teacher receives recognition from BEA

By Press Release

Press Release:

jaywolcott_award-edit3.jpg
2023 Allan Davis Memorial Apple award recipient Jay Wolcott

Byron-Bergen Teacher Jay Wolcott received the 2023 Allan Davis Memorial Apple Award On Friday, May 5 at the Terry Hills Country Club. Award recipients are chosen by the Genesee County Business Education Alliance Board of Directors.

“Mr. Wolcott’s years of hard work and dedication to promoting technology and industry with students and involvement in the GV BOCES Tech Teacher Cohort Group and GLOW Tech Wars makes him the perfect recipient of this honor,” said Genesee County Business/Education Alliance Director Karyn Winters.

Wolcott has taught Technology at Byron-Bergen for 21 years. In addition to teaching technology, he is the Steppin' Up Club and Technology Club advisor.

“Jay is an incredible educator and role model for our students,” said Byron-Bergen Superintendent Pat McGee. “He is also a valuable mentor for other teachers, and it is my privilege to call him a friend and colleague. Congratulations, Jay.”

“I was very honored to be recognized for the work I do for my students and for fellow Technology teachers in the region,” said Wolcott. “I feel it is so important that students see the many opportunities for careers in our area. Karyn Winters at BEA is a great asset for any teacher to help gain access to local companies. Best of all, my wife, daughter, son, and grandson were present at the ceremony to hear the humble introduction speech by Karyn.”

Photo submitted by Gretchen Spittler

Batavia Muckdogs erase early deficit to pick up eighth win

By Howard B. Owens
Batavia Muckdogs June 19 2023
Catcher Zach Kasperowicz carries the Muckdog's mascot Dewey on his shoulders to greet members of the home team as they walk to the dugout before Monday's game while batboy Kegan Fisher snaps a photo..
Photo by Howard Owens.

The Batavia Muckdogs battled back on Monday from a three-run first-inning deficit to beat Newark at Dwyer Stadium 6-5 behind the 3-3, four RBI performance of catcher Adam Agresti.

Garrett Beaver worked a scoreless eight to pick up the win, and Trey Bacon retired all three batters he faced in the ninth, fanning Pilots to pick up his fifth save.

Starter Tyler Henshaw surrendered four runs over three innings, giving up six hits and two walks. He struck out three.

Ryan Kinney pitched four innings, walked one and collected seven strikeouts.

At 8-5, the Muckdogs are in third place in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League's Western Division, a half-game behind Niagara and Elmira.

Reported attendance: 1,432

The next home game is June 22 against Jamestown. 

Photos by Howard Owens. For more and to purchase prints, click here.

Batavia Muckdogs June 19 2023
Newark's Frankie DiMartino was caught in a run-down involving third baseman Giuseppe Arcuri for the third out of the first inning.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Muckdogs June 19 2023
Left fielder Rashad Robinson
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Muckdogs June 19 2023
Giuseppe Arcuri squares to bunt before taking the pitch.
Photo by Howard Owens. 
Batavia Muckdogs June 19 2023
Members of the KMS Dance Team.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Muckdogs June 19 2023
Starter Tyler Henshaw
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Muckdogs June 19 2023
James Aselta
Photo by Howard Owens
Batavia Muckdogs June 19 2023
Giuseppe Arcuri with a base hit in the third.base hit
Photo by Howard Owens. 
Batavia Muckdogs June 19 2023
Henry Daniels with a groundout in the fourth.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia Muckdogs June 19 2023
Giuseppe Arcuri scores the Giuseppe Arcuri run in the fifth after a base loaded double Adam Agresti doubled to drive in three runs and give the Muckdogs the lead, 5-4.
Photo by Howard Owens
Batavia Muckdogs June 19 2023
Before the bottom of the fifth, children 12-and-under attending the game run around the infield.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Anti-Rabies immunization clinics for Genesee County

By Press Release

Press Release:

Genesee county health has scheduled its anti-rabies clinics. 

There is no charge for the vaccine, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal at all times. Limit 4 pets per car. Anti-rabies immunization clinics are as follows:

Genesee County Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia):

  • Thursday, August 10th, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 12th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information on GO Health’s programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org. You can also contact the health department at 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@co.genesee.ny.us

Batavia Concert Band announces 99th season of music

By Press Release
batavia concert band 2021
Batavia Concert Band opening 2021
File photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

The Batavia Concert Band will be returning for its 99th season of public concerts in Batavia’s Centennial Park (the rain venue is the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College).

Concerts will be held on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19, July 26, Aug. 2, and Aug. 9. Light refreshments will be available for purchase, including freshly popped popcorn–an audience favorite!

The Batavia Concert Band’s repertoire has something for everyone: marches, Big Band and swing numbers, popular songs from musicals and movies, rock favorites, classical adaptations, and everything in between.

The Band consists of 45-55 brass, woodwind, and percussion players ranging from talented high school students to 60-year veterans. Many have professional experience, and others are advanced amateur musicians, but one thing is for sure -- all love to play!

Returning for his tenth season as conductor is John Bailey, Instrumental Music teacher at Pembroke Central School District and the organization is under the leadership of General Manager Jason Smith, along with a talented group of officers and a dedicated Board, led by Board President Dan Fischer The July 12 concert will be conducted by Batavia native and resident Joshua Pacino, current band director at Batavia’s Notre Dame High School. The Albion High School band director, Mike Thaine, will conduct the July 26th concert.

Founded in the early 1920s, the Batavia Concert Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except during World War II and in 2020 during COVID.

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!

Concerts are also currently supported and funded in part by Platinum Sponsors Genesee Community College, Brighton Securities, Farm Credit East, and WBTA, as well as local businesses, program advertisers, service organizations, and individual patrons. Individuals or businesses interested in supporting the Band should contact a band member at any concert.

The Batavia Concert Band is also excited to announce the return of radio station WBTA (AM 1490 / FM 100.1) as the Official Media Sponsor for our 2023 summer concert series! Be on the lookout for appearances by band members on WBTA’s “Main & Center” program, where we will go into some depth about the band’s makeup and its history. Also, be listening for weekly radio ads promoting the musical selections for the upcoming concerts and announcing our weekly sponsors.

For information, please visit our Facebook page and www.bataviaconcertband.net to learn more about the Band and our sponsors, and “we will see you in the park!”

Batavia slave 'free at last' and honored during Juneteenth service

By Joanne Beck
addy memorial service juneteenth 2023
Next to the headstone marker of Adeline “Addy” Barbara in the Historic Batavia Cemetery Monday morning, Annette Daniels Taylor sings while accompanied by Ted Caning on steel drum, both part of the GLOW Creatives through GO ART!, with Rev. Shiela Campbell McCullough, pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Performing artist Annette Daniels Taylor had planned to review the life that Adeline “Addy” Barbara most likely endured for her 46 years in captivity as a slave in Batavia, but that wasn’t the focus of Monday morning's Juneteenth memorial service, so she turned to a poem titled “Dreaming.”

The piece journeyed back into memories of tall trees, running barefoot, glistening cocoa-brown skin under the hot sun, smiling teeth, beautiful souls, and dancing with one another.

“We danced to drums of waterfalls, drums of hoofbeats, drums of heartbeats, drums of rain storms, drums of drought, drums of baby's breath, drums of aching souls, drums of flying feet, drums of running legs,” Taylor said at the Historic Batavia Cemetery. “Drums without shame, drums without whips, drums without cuffs, drums without ropes, drums without branding irons, I still hear them beating, but only in my dreams, dreams of freedom.”

Addy’s last name was Barbara, though she belonged to the Rev. Lucius Smith, an Episcopal priest who owned her as a member of his family. She was a slave from the tender age of four until she died in 1857 at age 50. The memorial service was to honor and dignify her life for those 46 years in between.

The Rev. Shiela Campbell McCullough performed a memorial service and dramatic reading, proclaiming Addy “free at last.” Way down yonder, in the graveyard walk, I’m gonna meet with my God, and we’re gonna have a talk, she said. “I’m free at last, I’m free at last.”

“Thank God almighty, I’m free at last. And in the words of Harriet Tubman, I’d rather be dead and in the grave than be a slave,” McCullough boldly said in Addy’s spirit. “I’m free at last.”

“Her marker reads Addy for 46 years, the faithful colored servant of the Reverend Lucius Smith and family, died Jan. 28, 1857 … This means that Addy began her burden for the Smith family at the age of four; this is Lucius Smith's marker, very symbolic, as you can see, even in death — even in death — her slave master overlooks her,” McCullough said. “The word servant and this X on her marker, connotes the idea that Addy had a choice. The word servant is an exchange of a kind or pleasant word that is being substituted for an explicit or offensive word. In this context, the use of the word servant camouflages the truth that Addy was indeed a slave. She was the slave of the Episcopal priest, Reverend Lucius Smith. And she was burdened with the lifelong responsibility of sacrificing her own humanity for the benefit of another person.

“The word servant downplays the psychological burden of surrendering one's humanity. So today, as a community, we gather, acknowledging the truth of Addy’s condition. Addy was not a servant, she was a slave,” McCullough said. “We join hands and hearts today to remove the veneer and allow the truth to take its rightful place. Addy was a slave.”

Batavia’s St. James Episcopal and First Presbyterian churches had established plots in the cemetery since 1823, which is why Lucius Smith and his family were buried there. The Rev. Deacon Diana Leiker spoke on behalf of St. James to assure folks that the Episcopal Church is righting those wrongs of the past.

“The church as a whole is working very, very hard with our black brothers and sisters to learn more, to be open to what we did, to help people to heal. We are recognizing all of the despicable, tragic things that were done on behalf of the church or with the church being complicit in letting things happen,” Leiker said. “So we just want you to know that this is wonderful. We had no idea that Lucius Smith owned someone. So we're really thankful that this was being brought to light. And we just want you to know we are doing a lot of hard work nationally.”

Rev. Roula Alkhouri, of Batavia First Presbyterian Church, was one of the organizers of the special Juneteenth event. It came about from McCullough’s pain that bubbled up after learning about Addy. It raised questions of how to move on yet not ignore an important piece of the past.

“What do we do with this pain? What do we do with this history? And so we've been talking and praying and thinking, and so that's kind of like, okay, Juneteenth is coming up, can we celebrate her humanity? Can we look at the story and reclaim it in a different way? And so that's what brought it together for us,” Alkhouri said. “And then we talked, we connected with (Batavia Cemetery Association President) Sharon Burkel, and said, Can we do this? And she said, Absolutely.

“I feel like always, whenever we bring up the hard parts of our lives or our history, it brings healing. You know, it's like, people don't want to talk about the painful stuff. But if you don't, you'd never heal," Alkhouri said. "And if you don't honor the lives of people who suffered, then it gets repeated in different forms. But it does, always, I mean, you see it in families the same way, not just the nation. So we're hoping to be part of that healing for the nation.”

A monetary gift will be used to add another inscription on Addy’s headstone. This will help to tell “a different side of the story and reclaim her humanity and her being created in the image of God,” Alkhouri said.

addy memorial service juneteenth 2023
 Rev. Shiela Campbell McCullough, pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church.
Photo by Howard Owens.
addy memorial service juneteenth 2023
Rev. William Wilkinson
Photo by Howard Owens.
addy memorial service juneteenth 2023
In the foreground, the gravestone of Episcopal priest Rev. Lucius Smith, which towers over the grave marker of his former slave, Adeline “Addy” Barbara.
Photo by Howard Owens.
addy memorial service juneteenth 2023
Rev. Roula Alkhouri, Batavia First Presbyterian Church
Photo by Howard Owens.
addy memorial service juneteenth 2023
Sheila Holley.
Photo by Howard Owens.
addy memorial service juneteenth 2023
addy memorial service juneteenth 2023
Diana Leiker and Diane Cox, deacons at St. James Episcopal Church.
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Mike Stuart.
Photo by Howard Owens.
addy memorial service juneteenth 2023
After the ceremony, Linda Conway studies the headstone of Adeline “Addy” Barbara.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Photos: Luke Bryan headlines lineup at Darien Lake

By Steve Ognibene
Luke Bryan 1
Luke Bryan headlined Darien Lake on Friday. 
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Luke Bryan headlined Darien Lake on Friday, joined by supporting acts, in front of 20,000 fans.

The pop-country music superstar played for nearly two hours, running through hits such as,  "Kick the Dust Up," "Country On," and "Country Girl (Shake It on Me)."

Virginian Alana Springsteen led off the night, warming up the crowd with a 20-minute set.  She is no relation to Bruce Springsteen, although her dad and brother are also in the music industry.

Chayce Beckham performed second, featuring his popular songs "Tell Me Twice" and "Keeping Me Up All Night."

Southern Alabama native Tyler Braden rounded out the openers with his tracks "What Do They Know," "Neon Grave," and "Ways to Miss You."

Photos by Steve Ognibene

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Tyler Brayden
Tyler Braden  at Darien lake, third opener. Photo by Steve Ognibene
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Chayce Beckham
Chayce Beckham,  Darien lake, second opener.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Alana Sprinsteen
Alana Springsteen, Darien Lake's first opener.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Top Items on Batavia's List

Tourism Marketing Assistant Position The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, serving as the official tourism promotion agency for Genesee County, NY is seeking an experienced marketing professional to assist in the overall Chamber tourism and marketing initiatives for Genesee County. https://visitgeneseeny.com/about/join-our-team
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Town of Batavia Court Department is seeking a part time as needed Court Officer. Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order in the court room and court facility during proceedings. Please send resume to Town of Batavia, Attention Hiedi Librock, 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Complete job description is available on the Town web site or at the Town Hall Application deadline is April 15, 2024.
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