Public Health Director Paul Pettit has an unusual problem, given the perception of a spend-happy climate of many municipal entities these days.

He has only gone through about half of a $1.6 million COVID-19 grant issued to the department for purchases to prevent and deal with COVID-related illnesses. 

Pettit just received another in a line of grant amendments from New York State to be able to spend down the remaining funds on needed items, he said. The last extension was given until Dec. 31, 2023. 

“So this is the COVID funding. They basically have extended it through July 31 of this year from when it was supposed to expire on December 31. So, you know, currently, we're not spending much of it. Obviously, we are still purchasing some test kits, and we're getting requests for PPE, emergency preparedness supplies and wastewater supplies, which we've been spending the money on, but we believe this will be the last extension. We have about $800,000 left in the grant, I guess it's the last tranche,” Pettit said during Monday’s Human Services meeting. 

“I mean, they've kicked it a few times now to this point. Obviously, you know, the CDC changes recommendations were made, and I think the state will probably be adopting those here sometime this week. So you know, I think it's time to move on. I mean, it's helpful to purchase certain supplies with (the money) for sure. This kind of boom bust cycle we see a lot of times with emergency preparedness dollars, you get an event, you get a lot of money, you buy these things and they sit on a shelf and expire, unfortunately, before you need them again," he said. "So, you know, we're trying to balance, obviously, what we can buy that's not potentially going to expire, and expendables, so that we can be prepared for potentially what may come.”

New York State doled out various grants in the thick of the pandemic and beyond to enhance COVID-19 prevention and response measures, including this funding that went to GO Health for purchases of personal protective equipment, testing kits and other resources that, as Pettit said, do not have a short expiration date that would render the items useless in quick time. 

The federal government pulled $2.6 trillion from its wallet in response to COVID-19 and spent $1.6 trillion in fiscal year 2020. In July 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul freed up $387 million for COVID relief efforts statewide for everything from encouraging New Yorkers to test early and often, getting them vaccinated and boosted, and readying stockpiles of PPE and 20 million tests ready to deploy.

Legislator Brooks Hawley wanted to know how the county health department was spreading the word about such resources being available locally.

“How do you get this out to the community? I went to Rite Aid, and they’re still selling test kits for $30 at a time,” Hawley said.

Test kits are available in the front of County Building #2 on Route 5 in the town of Batavia, Pettit said. They do have expiration dates, so it doesn’t make a lot of sense to stockpile those types of supplies, he said. 

“We’ve done different press releases on them before that they're available. We'll get referrals and calls back, you know, people will call, we try to get out as best we can. The demand has started to drop off. Obviously, as we're getting into the spring, our case numbers are down as far as prevalence in the community. So I think it's kind of running its course,” Pettit said. “Unfortunately, a lot of those have expiration dates, so it's kind of a hard one, you don't want to stock up on a bunch of them, because they're gonna expire anyway. But, I mean, if people are looking for them, they're right up front at County Building 2 and at different locations throughout the winter for people to pick up.”

The remaining COVID-19 enhanced detection grant funds of $1,601,284 now have until July 31 to be spent. 

7914 N Pembroke Road Pembroke. JUST LISTED! Think Spring and lots of outside fun at this lovingly kept, long time family owned country home! Solid 3 bedroom country home surrounded by wide open spaces and situated on 2 acres of it's own!! This property is perfect for entertaining, gardening, summer days and nites out in the setback, screened pavilion with great stone fire area!! The home itself has ample space for starting out or downsizing with great opportunity to expand if desired! Downstairs features country eat in kitchen with nice size laundry/pantry room leading to first floor bath and small bedroom or office area. Good size living room leads to large upstairs with two more bedrooms and great extra lounge/play area-a lot of possibilities for this under utilized space!! Home was fully insulated approximately 2 years ago and there is a 200 amp electrical service with a wired connection should you have a generator. Not only is there a 2 car attached garage leading to work/storage area there is also a separate garage for all your lawn supplies or toys! Located in Oakfield School System but with quick access to Batavia, Pembroke and thruway! Delayed negotiations until Sunday March 10th. Call Reliant Real Estate today, call 585-344-HOME (4663).

Press Release:

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee has paired with M&T Bank to present free financial wellness workshops during March.

Representatives from M&Ts Financial Education Center will present a one-hour workshop on Budgeting on Wednesday, March 13, and Making Budgets Work on Wednesday, March 27. 

M&T can provide information on a variety of topics like budgeting, credit management, building wealth & retirement, and more. The one-hour sessions start at 1 p.m. at 5073 Clinton Street Rd, Batavia. 

To register, or for additional information, please contact David Dodge at (585)343-7798, ext. 114, or via email at ddodge@caoginc.org.

There is a report of five vehicles involved in an accident at Route 98 and Federal Drive, Town of Batavia.

No word on injuries.  It is blocking traffic.

Town of Batavia and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:08 a.m.: Possibly seven vehicles involved. Traffic is closed northbound, and a deputy is requested to close southbound traffic at Saile Drive. Apparently, any injuries are minor.

UPDATE 9:29 a.m.: All patients are believed to be sign-offs.

"Eleven in a row" was the order of the week in Genesee Region League bowling action at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

In chronological order:

-- Jason Quilliam of Batavia started with a spare and then strung 11 consecutive strikes for a 290 in the opening game of the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League.  He followed that with 264 before settling for a 723 series.

-- On Thursday night, Matt DiMartino of Batavia found the line in the second game for a 290 in a 620 series in the Toyota of Batavia 4-Man League.

-- And on Friday night, Batavian Scott Shields took a perfect game to the final ball, before leaving a 10-pin for 299 in a 756 series in the County Line Stone Friday Trios League.

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

ROCHESTER BOWLERS WIN RIGGI TOURNEY

The Rochester team of John Amico, Dan Robinson, Rob Gustke and Steve Meyer posted a 3,539 score for four games -- a 221 average per man per game -- to win the annual Ron Riggi Memorial Tournament at Le Roy Legion Lanes last week.

The victory was worth $800 for the team.

Genesee Region USBC bowlers Adam Philp, Matt Balduf, Aaron Philp and Scott Culp placed second with 3,518, winning $400.

The top five teams out of 21 entered cashed.

In the optional Singles Tournament, Meyer placed first with 992, good for $100. Local bowlers cashing were Aaron Philp, Mickey Hyde, Culp, Brian Green, Adam Philp, Josh Elliott and Mike Hackett. Culp had the tournament's high game -- 300.

People’s lives that changed the course of either a business, farm, nonprofit, museum or volunteer efforts all experienced the common and perhaps obvious but poignant theme of having a beginning early on in their journeys, Chamber of Commerce President Brian Cousins says.

He noted that during Saturday’s Chamber Awards ceremony. Each of the award recipients, no matter their passion and involvement or cause, were connected by the phrase “it started when,” Cousins said.

Alabama Hotel’s 15 minutes of national fame in December 2022 started when owner Bonnie Woodward and manager Joe Bradt opened their doors and hearts to 120 strangers during a blizzard that stranded out-of-town motorists and only further bolstered a decades-long track record of steadfast hard work, employee contributions and good business sense.

Offhaus Farms’ growth and sustainability started when family members joined the effort, and one by one, it strengthened the business as it mushroomed from 45 cows in 1959 to 1,400 cows and 27 dedicated workers today.

The journey of Volunteers For Animals started 40 years ago when people who were determined to care for the needs of those who couldn’t speak up for themselves gained strength in numbers and purpose to become true to their namesake by working tirelessly for four-legged friends.

Holland Land Office Museum stepped into the spotlight, not as a relic of ho-hum antiquity but as an exciting new chapter in Genesee County’s history, which started when Executive Director Ryan Duffy and Curator Tyler Angora viewed it through fresh eyes and perspectives with new exhibits, programs and speakers.

Michelle Gillard’s ability to effect real change in this community started when she herself saw the need was great and that she had the ability to help and to rally others into action as well, rather than depend on someone else to get the job done. 

In other words, while for each of these award recipients, there's a success story to be told, it all started with a need to be filled, and they filled it. 

“Supporting them and highlighting their journeys is what the Chamber of Commerce is all about,” Cousins said during the 52nd ceremony at Batavia Downs. “I’d like to challenge each of us to soak in each honoree’s story. Each is truly humbling; it’s what makes the backbone of our county.”

The recipients each offer a drive, passion and determination that has not only made their own endeavors successful but also created another stellar lineup of award honorees, he said. 

For anyone who hasn’t attended an awards ceremony, the pride and support of the audience were palpable. A packed room of more than 300 attendees participated in an evening of videos illustrating what each recipient has accomplished and how they all interact with the community, and watched humility unfold as recipients accepted their award. 

History flowed throughout the evening about the origins of each business and organization, with the oldest one cited as the Holland Land Office property, established by Joseph Ellicott in 1815. 

While many folks may enjoy the glitz and glam of the Oscars and Emmys, this event is a local Academy Award for people doing good in their own community’s backyard. The story of each one is listed below. All recipients thanked family, friends, community members, and/or those who nominated them, and there were challenges made as well.

In her closing remarks, Gillard quoted Mahatma Gandhi, who used nonviolent resistance to lead a successful campaign for India’s independence from British rule and asked each of the attendees to consider her appeal. 

“Gandhi once said ‘the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’ Prior to volunteering, I often felt something was missing from my life without really knowing what it was. Acts of service, kindness to others, it will fill your life and your soul in a way that you never imagined,” she said. “I challenge each of you to find a cause or an organization that speaks to you and dedicate your time there. While we're all busy giving, our time is one of the greatest gifts that we can offer. I assure you, it is also a gift you are giving to yourself. Imagine the positive impact we could create in our community if each person in this room spent an hour or two volunteering each month and encouraging others to do the same.”

Here are the award recipients' stories:

• Offhaus Farms
• Holland Land Office Museum
• Alabama Hotel
• Volunteers For Animals
• Michelle Gillard

To view or purchase photos, click here.

A pickup truck has hit the rear end of a semi-truck on the Thruway in the eastbound lane near mile marker 387.2.

A victim is trapped in the vehicle with possible serious injuries.  A landing zone is being set up for Mercy Flight.

Animal control has been dispatched to assist with two dogs in the pickup truck

Town of Batavia Fire, Le Roy Fire, and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 7:51 a.m.: A possible secondary accident, possibly a tractor-trailer rollover, is reported near the first accident.

UPDATE 8:08 a.m.: There are no dogs involved. Animal Control is back in service.

UPDATE 8:10 a.m.: The victim has been extricated.

UPDATE 8:17 a.m.: The secondary accident was jack-knifed truck. A chief at the first accident reports that was the location with the dogs.  A dispatcher asked if Animal Control was still needed, and the chief said, "I don't have that information at this point."  The location is 387.0, eastbound. 

UPDATE 8:21 a.m.: The jack-knifed truck is on its side. That is where the dogs are. A deputy is requested to go secure them. Animal Control is dispatched to Prole Road and Byron Road.

UPDATE 8:23 a.m.: Mercy EMS dispatched to Prole Road and Byron Road for a patient involved in the second accident.

UPDATE 8:29 a.m.: A Batavia patrol officer is requested to Oak Street and the Thruway interchange to assist with traffic.

UPDATE 8:33 a.m.: Animal control has secured the dogs and they are being transported to the Animal Shelter.

UPDATE 8:45 a.m.: One eastbound lane is being reopened.

Press Release:

United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes announces approximately $6 million in Community Impact Multi-Year Program Grant opportunities powered through the Community Impact Fund.

These investments support impact-driven multi-year community programs that engage one or several impact areas: youth opportunity, healthy community, financial security, and community resiliency.  

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Agencies within United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes’ six-county region - Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.

An agency has had an exemption from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)3 of the IRS Code since January 1, 2023.

Agencies that operate the same program in multiple counties should apply under one program application. Please do not submit multiple applications for the same program functioning across multiple counties.

GRANT PERIODS  

Agencies will have the option of selecting multi-year funding for 2 years, 3 years, or 5 years, with an understanding that 5-year program grants can re-apply for only a 2-year grant. Additional funding opportunities are also available.

INFORMATION SESSIONS  

Information sessions will be hosted to gain insight into the grant application and the process.

Find an information session today.  

GENERAL INQUIRES 

Nonprofit agencies looking to connect with United Way’s nonprofit resources, including multi-year grants, are encouraged to visit unitedwayrocflx.org/our-work/resources-for-nonprofits or contact the United Way’s Community Impact office directly at ciadmin@unitedwayrocflx.org.  

APPLY TODAY

Applications are due on April 1 no later than 5 p.m.

Apply today at unitwayrocflx.org.

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Police Department is currently seeking qualified applicants for crossing guard positions. The position is part-time during school arrivals and dismissals only. 

Crossing guards play an important role in ensuring the safety of children going to and from school each day. If you are interested in this part-time opportunity please contact the City of Batavia's Human Resource Department at 585-345-6340 to learn more.

Saturday's win at Blue Cross Arena by Byron-Bergen over Alexander was more than the Bees claiming the Class C2 title.

It was also history.

It was the school's first Section V championship in boys' basketball.  The last basketball title for the Bees came 40 years ago for the girls, and Roxanne Noeth, this year's boys coach, was a star on that girls team, so Noeth has the distinction of being the only person with a piece of both of Byron-Bergen's basketball titles.

And as far as any school official knows, any Section V official knows, and by consensus of all the media covering the game -- Noeth is also the first woman in Section V history to coach a boys' team to a championship title.

One Section V official said there have been other women coaches in Boys Basketball but he doesn't believe any of them ever won a championship.

Being the first woman coach to win a boys' title is "cool," Noeth said.

"But I'm just excited for my alma mater, Byron-Bergen, because I know a lot of great players have played here and they've never achieved this level of success. I just think it's really super cool."

About wining the first boys title, she added, "It's pretty incredible. Like, no doubt, pretty incredible. I don't know. Like I said, I graduated from there. I know a lot of great players that have played there, including Ricky Palermo sitting there and his brother Jimmy. It's just, it's just amazing. Like, it's surreal."

Palermo was excited to see his former team win its first championship, and led by his friend, Roxanne.

"This is just amazing," Palermo said. "There are a lot of years that we came within one point to getting this far, and now we made it. It's just incredible to be part of this. They worked hard all year, and it paid off. Roxanne does a great job."

A big part of the credit for the championship should also go to Braedyn Chambry, who dominated not just on Saturday, but throughout the season, and in the process, becoming the school's career scoring leader.

He was excited to be part of the historic moment.

"Just winning sectionals alone is really awesome because we're going to be remembered forever at the school as the first team ever to do it, but also, we have the first girl coach ever to do it. It means so much, especially with our team. We've been a family since third grade, working together as a family to get here. It means so much more to win with people you love."

Many of the players on the Bees are also the same athletes who carried Byron-Bergen to a shot at a state championship in soccer this fall, including Chambry.

Noeth said that success taught her players that they could persevere. 

"They've got that winning attitude," Noeth said. "They knew that if they got down throughout their soccer season, that there's just no quit in them. They were always gonna go as hard as they could. They were gonna play for each other. And they were just gonna do all the things if they had to, whatever it took to make sure they came out on top. So really proud of them in that respect."

Chambry said there is s a core group of athletes in Byron-Bergen who have been together since they were children, and they know they can count on each other.

"No matter what we do, we're doing it together, in sports or out of sports, our little group, we love each other, we take care of each other," Chambry said. "We work hard with each other. We sweat with each other, and we want to win together. It's all that matters to us."

Alexander Head Coach Jalen Smith
The other storyline of the game was the return of Jalen Smith to Blue Cross Arena. Smith led the Batavia Blue Devils in 2013 to a Section V title by scoring 25 points at Blue Cross, then was part of the team with Justin Washington and Jeff Redband, who was a first-year varsity player, that won a Far West Regional game on a Redband buzzer beater in the same venue, giving the Blue Devils a shot at a state title. Batavia lost to Watervliet, led by two D1 recruits at guard, in the state semifinal in Glens Falls, 60-53.

This year, Smith made his high school head coach debut with the Alexander Trojans, taking over a program that had been 6-14 last season and leading it to a 19-5 record and sectional title shot this season.

"It was something we honestly talked about in the summer and the hope that we can maybe get here," Smith said. "It was really just unbelievable to see this group get to Blue Cross. I've been talking to them all week about my experiences here. The wins and the losses that come with it, how hard you really have to play to win one of these games. I think they really answered the call. And I just think we came up short a little bit in some areas."

Smith said he was well aware of the Trojans' past struggles when he agreed to take the job, but he knew the talent on the team and thought he could win with the players already on the roster.

"When we took over this program, I knew what came with it," Smith said. "I knew some of the players from the summer and spring ball. And actually, we had these expectations early. We bring energy. We really try to bring the best out to each player. And we knew we had size. We knew we had athleticism and scoring, so we knew we really had a chance with this group."

Smith played for one of Section V's most legendary coaches, and as a JV coach was for a time part of Buddy Brasky's program at BHS as a coach, and he said Brasky has been a huge influence on him.

"Everything you see that I do is basically Buddy Brasky from the defense to my mannerisms, that passion," Smith said. "It's funny because I get the quote that I'm like a younger Brasky. I take everything from him. That's someone I've always looked up to and someone who I will continue to learn from."

Noeth praised Smith's success in turning around the Alexander program and said she knew going into the game, the two teams were mirror versions of each other.

"We both have a dominant big man," Noeth said. "We have good guard play. I knew their guards were a little more scoring-oriented than ours, but we just had to play one possession. We just got to beat them on one possession, and then we're all right. So, I mean, even when we give up a lead, and we go down, (the team) just never loses faith. And that's what you want."

Smith said he coaches Chambly in summer league and thought he had a good game plan to slow him down, but he's hard to beat.

"I we knew what he was going to bring," Smith said. "We had a good answer for him. It's just he won the matchup today. So, I give him credit."

Chambry scored 24 points for the Bees. Colin Martin scored 14 points. Brody Baubie and Brendan Pimm each scored six points.

For the Trojans, Kingston Woods scored 22 points, and Trenton Woods scored 12.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.

The third goal, the hat-trick for Jameson Motyka, was the game-winner in overtime for Batavia Notre Dame United in its regional state qualifier at RIT on Saturday.

United beat Kenmore 3-2 to advance to the state semifinal game on Saturday at Harbor Center in Buffalo. Game time is 2 p.m.

BND had a chance to jump to an early lead when Kenmore got into penalty trouble in the first period, at times, being down by two men, and while United managed 14 shots, none made it into the net.

The game was scoreless after the first period of play.

Kenmore took the lead midway into the second period and then with three minutes left, United tied it up on a pass from Noah Whitcomb to Sam Pies to Jameson Motyka.   

In the third, United took a penalty with eight minutes remaining in the game, and Kenmore scored shortly after to lead 2-1.  With 1:48 left, Motyka netted his second goal with assists to Whitcomb and Brady Johnson to send it into overtime.  

Motyka's game-winning goal came eight minutes into OT.

Coach Marc Staley praised his team for its second straight post-season OT effort.

"I can't be more proud of this team," Staley said. "These kids are the most resilient team I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. They believe in each other. They commit 100 percent to the systems and structure we have laid out. They play for each other. They love each other, and they just never get rattled.

"The support we have received from the community has been overwhelming," he added. "Truly overwhelming. Local businesses, our youth hockey program here in Batavia, the entire staff at the McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena, family, friends, alumni, you name it. There are so many people along for the ride with these kids right now. It's a 'feel good"' story for Batavia, and nobody wants it to end. One way or the other, it's going to end this weekend."

The win put United in rarified company in high school hockey, Staley noted.

"There are only four teams in New York State still playing hockey right now, and we are one of them," Staley said. "I feel in my heart that nobody deserves this more than these kids do. I do know one thing: whatever happens this weekend, we are coming to play. We are not afraid. We're going for it."

BND will play its semifinal game against Skaneateles. That team is the defending state champion and is 22-1 on the season. United, which won its first Section V title this season, is 22-2.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Pembroke couldn't overcome #1 seed Lyons in the Class C1 final at Blue Cross Arena on Saturday, falling 71-54.

Jayden Bridge led the Dragons in scoring with 15 points. Tyson Totten scored 14, Avery Ferreira scored 10, and Sam Pfeiffer scored nine.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Notre Dame beat Arkport-Canaseraga 70-51 in the Class C3 championship at Blue Cross Arena on Saturday.

No stats are available for the game.

Photos by Pete Welker.

Coming in as the #7 seed, the Elba Lancers lost to #1 seed Avoca-Prattsburg in the Class D championship game at Blue Cross Arena on Saturday.

The final score was 50-37.

Angelo Penna scored 15 points for the Lancers. Ashton Bezon scored eight. Both Penna and Bezon were named to the all-tournament team.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Elba captured another Girls Basketball title on Saturday, beating the #1 seed C.G. Finney 56-54.

The Lancers, the #2 seed in Class D, overcame a 10-point half-time deficient, outscoring Finney 16-12 in the third quarter and 20-12 in the fourth to secure the two-point margin of victory. 

Sydney Reily, who was named tournament MVP, scored 23 points. Lydia Ross scored 11 points and Mariah Ognibene and Brea Smith each scored seven. Ross and Smith were both named to the all-tournament team.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

So, you’ve got a pretty adorable, or goofy, or otherwise photogenic pooch, eh?

Well now is your chance to see where all of that cuteness can take you by entering your faithful companion in the 2024 Pooch Playoffs, “a competition for the ulti-mutt cutie.”

Ashley Bringenberg, owner of the photography studio of the same name, is hosting the competition as a fundraiser for Western New York Heroes, which offers eight different programs that serve veterans in 14 surrounding counties, including Genesee. 

Bringenberg’s focus is the Pawsitive for Heroes program, which assists veterans struggling with post traumatic stress, anxiety, MST, suicidal thoughts or hyper vigilance who may be eligible to enter this program for training of the veteran and his or her dog. In the event that the veteran needs a dog, one may be paired up with the veteran based on disposition.

“Last year, I photographed 16 dogs at a $99 entry fee and raised $1,584 for the program. This year, my goal is to photograph 32 dogs at the $125 entry fee.  That, combined with sponsorships from local individuals and business owners, is how I plan to reach my goal this year of $5,000,” she said. “Five thousand is the cost to fully fund the 18-month long training process for one dog and help change the life of a local veteran.”

She has been booking appointments for the competition and has some spots left. She will take the photo for a $125 entry fee, and your pooch then competes for exciting prizes, including to be top dog.

Portrait sessions will be at Ashley Bringenberg Photography at 56 Harvester Ave. in Batavia, where she moved into this January. Each round will match two dogs at a time for voting until that Ulti-Mutt Cutie is selected.

Winners of the final four will receive gifts from local pet-friendly businesses, Bringenberg said, and all entrants will receive an acrylic photo keychain and goodie bag of fun items. 

For more information or to book your appointment, go to Pooch Playoffs 2024.

A lot can change over four decades.

Eleanor Swimline remembers that when she and her husband, Harold "Red" Swimline, first started running The Family Diner on Pearl Street Road in West Batavia in 1980, eggs and toast cost 50 cents, coffee was a dime, and a hamburger or slice of pie was a quarter.

"Everything changes over the years," said Eleanor. "I've had a lot of things change over the years.  It's hard to describe all of the changes."

A big change came 17 years ago when her son Brian and his wife LeeAnn took over the business and leased the building from Eleanor. And things changed again when COVID-19 struck, and those changes have a lot to do with the decision by Brian and LeeAnn to close the diner.  The diner's last day of business is Sunday.

"It's just sad," Brian told The Batavian on Friday morning. "I wish I didn't have to do it. It was a tough decision to come to, but it's realistic."

Before COVID, The Family Diner was open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, even on Mondays.  Since the pandemic, it's been closed on Mondays and open only for breakfast and lunch, and the breakfast and lunch crowd is dwindling.

Brian said food costs are going up, the cost of help is going up, and people aren't seeking out sit-down meals like they used to.

"The main thing (as a result of COVID) in my opinion, is, people realized during those four months how much money you save when they're not eating out all the time," Brian said. "That is a big thing right there."

Eleanor also blames the rise of fast-food chains -- that competition for people's dining dollars started before the pandemic, but the pandemic seems to have only made matters worse.

"When I started, there weren't all the fast-food places like there are now," Eleanor said. "Families all came here. I mean, I had people who were here three times a day. When they came along with fast-food places, that changed a lot."

A story that appeared on Friday in Bloomberg News supports her theory.

"Fast food -- the most prevalent dining option across the US -- has seen profit margins improve compared with those at sit-down, non-chain eateries, despite its price increases outpacing those of table service," Bloomberg reported.

Brian said he hasn't yet started losing money on the restaurant. Still, the profit margin has become so slender it isn't worth the extra hours of work -- he also owns a dump truck business with his brother -- and the difficulties that go with running a food business.

Eleanor talked about the difficulty in finding help.  She remembers when teenagers used to line up for dishwasher jobs. Now, they don't come around looking for that kind of work. 

"After a while, you get burned out," said Eleanor, who still helps at the restaurant. "The finances. It's hard to get help. Everything is different since COVID. It really just destroyed things, and prices have gone up."

To stay in business, Brian said, he would need to charge $20 for a breakfast that now costs $10.  He doesn't see that kind of price for a breakfast meal as an option.

"Ever since the pandemic, we've seen a lot of it is people saving money," Brian said. "A lot of it is fast food, also, employees, inflation, with what you've got to pay people now, it's tough. It's just all bottling up. I'm frustrated. I don't want to do it (close), but for all the work you do, it's just not really worth it, you know?"

And Brian doesn't blame people for wanting to save a buck here and there.

"Personally, if I was looking at the same situation, I'd go, 'Look, I saved all this money. I do it. Wouldn't you?" Brian said.  "The times change. You see less and less of these places. That's what's sad. Now it's Applebees or it's this or that but you like to go to places where you know everybody, and basically strangers come in and by the time they leave they're your friends."

Brian started working in his parents' business when he was 10.  He washed dishes, and he remembers making doughnuts before catching the bus for school.  He's always loved the business, he said, especially the customers.

"I just like people," Brian said. "I like seeing how happy they are when they're here. The joking around, you know, the closeness, I like seeing other people talking with each other. This is just natural to me."

He said that he doesn't think the full weight of closing the business has really hit him yet.

"It's really gonna affect me next week," he said. "When it comes Tuesday, then it's gonna really mess with me. I know it, you know. You just gotta accept it for what it is, you know? I don't know. Regroup? See what happens, I guess."

Press Release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced details for their Eclipse Party, scheduled from 1 - 4 p.m. on Monday, April 8 during the Total Solar Eclipse happening that day.

Tickets are just $20 and attendees receive back $10 in Free Play. Attendees will receive ISO-certified Eclipse Viewing Glasses, Snacks, and Beverage Sampling courtesy of Tops Markets, Starry, Sunkist, Blue Moon, Heron Hill, and the Totality Black Lager from Rohrbach, Strangebird, and Three Heads Brewing.

There will be Live Music courtesy of Nerds Gone Wild, WNY’s Premier ’80s Party Band from 1 - 3 p.m. Attendees will have access to the track apron for Eclipse Viewing for the 3-minute, 43-second Eclipse.

The gaming floor will have promotions and giveaways prior to the party as well.

“We are excited to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event with the people of Western New York and beyond, “said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “We look forward to entertaining all those coming to the area and are keeping our fingers crossed for clear weather.”

Tickets are available now on bataviaconcerts.com.

Hotel Packages for this event for out-of-towners, or locals wishing to take a staycation, can be booked by calling Sara at (585) 344-6155. Hotel packages include 2 nights of accommodations (Sunday and Monday) alongside a free blanket and complimentary welcome dinner on Sunday night.

Other events scheduled on Eclipse weekend include the Experience Psychic Fair April 5 - 7.

Press Release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the lineup for events taking place onsite alongside the 3 Triple Crown Races this spring as well as newly announced vendor shows and fundraisers.

The Derby Gala returns on the first Saturday in May - May 4. Cost is $139 per person and includes Buffet Dinner, Open Bar, a $20 Wager on the Derby, Derby Glass, a Derby T-shirt, $60 in Free Play, and bourbon sampling from Woodford Reserve, the official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby.

A limited number of hotel specials are available on that day - The special is $449 and includes 2 entries to the party and a hotel room that evening.

On that same day, the Park Place Room will be host to the Superfecta Special - which includes a $25 Free Play, $5 Wager on the Derby, Derby Program, and a Lunch. The cost is $30 per person and attendees can pay at the door.

On Preakness Stakes Day - Saturday, May 18, the 3rd Annual Tacos and Tequila event takes place inside the Park Place Room. The cost is $35 and includes Tequila Sampling from multiple vendors, a Taco Bar, $20 in Free Play, a $5 wager on the Preakness Stakes, and a Taco Holder to take home. Early Bird Tickets will be available for $30.

The hotel special for this event is $229 and includes 2 entries to the event and a hotel room that evening.

The final jewel of the Triple Crown is the Belmont Stakes, this year in Saratoga, on Saturday, June 8. That same day inside Park Place is the Bourbon and Whiskey Fest. The cost is $35 and includes Bourbon and Whiskey Sampling, Grazing Stations, $20 in Free Play, and a $5 wager on the Belmont Stakes. Early Bird Tickets will be available for $30.

The hotel special for this event is $299 and includes 2 entries to the event and a hotel room that evening.

Tickets to the Derby Gala, Tacos & Tequila, and Bourbon and Whiskey Fest can all be purchased at BataviaConcerts.com.

Those wishing to book the hotel specials can find direct links to do so on the hotel deals page on the Batavia Downs website at https://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/hotel-deals/.

“Last year our Triple Crown events had record attendance,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “Our events calendar is more packed than ever to keep guests coming back for outstanding, unique experiences onsite.”

Prior to the Triple Crown, other Spring events announced by Batavia Downs and available on BataviaConcerts.com include:

The Batavia Downs Record Riot Vendor Show is Sunday, March 24 - attendees will be able to browse multiple vendor tables to discover a wide selection of vinyl records including rare finds, all while connecting with fellow music lovers.  Tickets and details are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/record-riots-17875655772.

The Batavia Downs Silent Disco returns on Saturday, March 30 - Tickets are $20 and include $10 in Free Play.  Attendees can listen to 3 different channels of music on headphones and dance the night away.

The 2nd Annual Fur Ball Gala Animal Fundraiser on April 13 - Tickets are at $75 and monies raised go to the Whispering River Animal Rescue & Begin Again Horse Rescue.

Nickel City Wrestling’s return to Batavia Downs is on Sunday, April 14 - tickets are available at https://ncwrestling.booktix.net/.

Tickets are also on sale on BataviaConcerts.com for Music of the Stars, Prince Tribute Show, and the entire Rockin’ The Downs Summer Concert Series.