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Memorial Day

Community is invited to participate in city's annual Memorial Day Parade from Eastown Plaza to Alva Place

By Press Release

Press release

This is an invitation to all members of the community to participate in this year’s Batavia Memorial Day parade on Memorial Day -- Monday, May 31st.

The City of Batavia is sponsoring the parade and we are looking forward to a great turnout. The parade will kick off at 9:45 a.m. from the Eastown Plaza and end at the Alva Place parking lot.  

Any veterans wishing to participate in the parade can just show up at 9:15. Veterans needing a ride in the parade please contact me.

Any groups wishing to participate please let us know as all are welcome. Please keep the theme of respect to all our veterans and first responders.

We will be handing out small American flags to the children.

Let’s show our support to our veterans and first responders! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy our annual parade!

Thank you,

Bob Bialkowski

City of Batavia

Councilmember at Large

 (585) 409-3624

Uncle Sam takes a ride around Byron

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and information from Pat Iamon:

Joe Riggi, aka "Uncle Sam," decided the Town of Byron needed to commemorate Memorial Day despite having their yearly Memorial Day parade and festivities cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

So the Air Force veteran and Byron resident donned on his patriotic costume, plastered on white sideburns made of cotton and decorated his "float," which is no match for an overgrown lawn.

He hooked up his wireless speakers and computer and drove around with speakers blaring patriotic songs. His efforts were very much appreciated.

He was met with waves, smiles and many thumbs up!

Riggi is a member of the Byron Volunteer Fire Department, a proud denizen of Byron, and a spirit lifter for sure.

VIDEO: Memorial Day service at the War Memorial at St. Jerome's

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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In accordance with restrictions on social gatherings, area veterans conducted their annual Memorial Day Service at the War Memorial in Batavia, which included a reading of the names of Genesee County veterans who died during the previous 12 months.

Photos: Memorial Day service at the Upton Monument

By Howard B. Owens

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Photos from the Memorial Day service today at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (The Upton Monument) in Batavia.

We'll have video report posted tonight or tomorrow of the Memorial Day Service at the War Memorial at St. Jerome's.

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Candidate for Sheriff sends out Memorial Day message

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

The Committee to Elect David Krzemien for Genesee County Sheriff would like to wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day!

The last Monday in May has been deemed Memorial Day dating as far back as 1868. This day is set aside to remember and honor those military members who lost their lives serving our country. In today’s world with increased restrictions on our freedom, the ultimate sacrifice that so many made means so much more.

Men and women sacrificed their comfort, and ultimately their lives to protect and defend the rights and liberty we have in America today. It is our job to teach younger generations about the brave men and women who never made it home after defending our country.

The sacrifice made by those military men and women should be remembered and celebrated today and every day. God Bless America, we are strong and will make it through this together!

Pictures included were taken at the Our Lady of Good Counsel Cemetery. Special thanks to David Krzemien, Michelle Krzemien, Christopher Parker, Cooper Parker, Lonnie Nati, Julia Pettys, Trevor Krzemien and Emily Burow for taking the time to place flags on the graves of service members.

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GC Veterans Service Agency announces Memorial Day Schedule of Services for May 25, no public attendance please

By Billie Owens

Genesee County Veterans Service Agency
Memorial Day Schedule of Ceremonies for Monday, May 25, 2020

**THERE IS TO BE NO PUBLIC ATTENDANCE AT THE CEREMONIES DUE TO THE COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS**

All ceremonies will include full military honors: Wreath Laying, Rifle Salute & Taps.

7 a.m. – Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Genesee County Park & Forest, sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 193.

8 a.m. – Williams Park (Batavia) World War I Memorial. This memorial honors the 35 Batavians who gave their lives in World War 1.

8:30 a.m. -- Batavia VA Medical Center, at the main flagpole, sponsored by the WNY VA Medical Center.

8:45 a.m. (approx.) -- NYS Veterans Home, at the main flagpole, sponsored by the NYS Veterans Home.

9:30 a.m. – Veterans Plot on Harvester Avenue. This memorial honors all war dead of all wars in Elmwood and St. Joseph cemeteries.

10 a.m. -- Upton Monument. This monument honors the dead of the Civil War, and all wars since.

10:30 a.m. – UMMC Jerome Center. This is the site of the Genesee County War Memorial, honoring all war dead from Genesee County. The names of county veterans who have died since the previous Memorial Day will be read and a flag placed to honor each of them.

Memorial services will be carried out by: Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332; Hansen Brothers Marine Corps League Detachment #951; Veness-Strollo Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1602; Disabled American Veterans Chapter #166; and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #193.

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The Batavian -- https://www.thebatavian.com

WBTA -- www.WBTAi.com (recorded)

Video News Service -- videonewsservice.net (recorded) / facebook.com/VideoNewsService (recorded)

Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown runs May 22 to May 26 -- get the 'Have a Plan' app, be smart, stay safe

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI coordinator Matt Landers announced today that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving.

The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on May 22nd and will end on May 26th.

Memorial Day is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year and marks the official start of summer.

New York State Police, County Sheriffs and municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate across the state and will be out in force in this coordinated effort to reduce the number of impaired driving-related injuries and deaths.

Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer season.

Genesee County Sheriff’s Office D.W.I. enforcement patrols will be out in full force throughout the upcoming Memorial Day weekend in an effort to secure the safety of the community, said Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr.  

The STOP-DWI Memorial Day Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

The Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign also targets the  Fourth of July, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Holiday Season, Super Bowl weekend and St. Patrick’s Day.

Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

You can help to make a difference by "Having a Sober Plan"! Download our mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home.

Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning.

City announces hiring freeze, cancels summer recreation program and Memorial Day Parade

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia will freeze hiring on all open positions across the City of Batavia.

The City is facing an estimated shortfall in revenue of $2.5 million in the General Fund that will affect many aspects of the City’s operations, including the ability to hire staff and fill positions.

The City will examine potential cost savings through a variety of measures including reduced spending, deferred purchases, and program cuts. Seventy-two percent of the general fund spending is allocated to employee costs and various benefits related to employment. Communication and conversations with department heads and union leaders will continue as the City balances the revenue loss with delivery of critical services.

“I have directed City staff to make immediate spending reductions, freeze purchasing that can be deferred, and I have implemented a hiring freeze on all open positions in the City," said Martin Moore, Ph.D., City of Batavia manager.

"These measures are only the first phase of plans to reduce spending amid projected revenue shortfalls. As the year continues the City will need to be flexible and adjust the City’s operations to keep pace with revenue shortfalls,”

The current open positions that will not be filled include two part-time Yard Waste Attendants, a part-time Ordinance Enforcement Officer, a full-time Laborer position, two full time Fire Fighter positions, multiple part-time summer recreation positions, and a full-time Youth Services Program Assistant.

“The summer recreation program will not be able to operate this summer due to the hiring freeze and spending reductions,” said Eugene Jankowski, president of the Batavia City Council. “I know myself, and all of Council, are disappointed that this program cannot continue this summer, but understand the difficult position the COVID-19 pandemic has put upon our City.

"We also will not be able to hold the Memorial Day Parade this year because of social distancing guidelines, but will still honor our Veterans with flags and flowers on their gravestones.”

Other cuts to programming and service are likely to occur due to financial constraints and because of rules and regulations that must be followed to continue to keep residents safe.

The City will continue to take proactive precautions to keep City employees safe from contracting and spreading the flu and coronavirus.

Currently City Hall, and all other City buildings remain closed to residents. Facilities will reopen once a comprehensive reopening plan is in place and with guidance from New York State and the Genesee County Department of Health and Emergency Management Office.

The City will continue to clean all facilities and wipe down all “high-touch” surfaces during the day to keep staff healthy and safe. The fire department will continue to disinfect city vehicles on a regular rotation and all city employees that currently interact with the public will continue to wear masks and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The Department of Public works will be fitting protective paneling or “sneeze guard” shields to customer facing offices in the coming weeks.

Currently, the City has multiple options to contact employees, receive building permits, and pay bills. All departments are available via phone and email to assist you. As always in case of an emergency please call 9-1-1.

Residents who need to pay a bill are encouraged to use the drobox outside of City Hall, pay through personal online banking, call with a credit card, or mail a check.

If you need a dog license, hunting/fishing license, birth, death or marriage certificate/license please contact the City Clerk’s Office. You can also obtain information about Frequently Asked Questions on the City Clerks Page,https://www.batavianewyork.com/node/2060/faq

Questions on building permits can be directed to the Bureau of Inspection at (585) 345-6345.

American Legion Post 626 of Basom is postponing Memorial Day Meat Raffle Drawing until July 20

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The American Legion, Post 626 of Basom, New York will be postponing their Annual Memorial Day Meat Raffle Drawing until July 20th.

Due to recent events and the social changes, it has been challenging to safely sell those raffle tickets.

Tickets can still be purchased by contacting any Legion member or at the Alabama Holley Farms store in Alabama.

Video: Memorial Day Parade in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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Video: Memorial Day in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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Memorial Day ceremonies in Batavia.

Hawley commemorates Memorial Day

By Billie Owens

A statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

"Today, I join millions of Americans who honor the sacrifice paid by fallen soldiers and their families. Generation after generation, beginning with the American Revolution, soldiers have stood ready to defend their country, freedoms and civil liberties with their lives.

"As a result of that sacrifice, our nation has been free, prosperous and the envy of the world throughout its history.

“Americans owe a special debt of gratitude to our fallen soldiers and gold star families. I am especially grateful that my colleagues in the state Assembly finally joined an effort I have long championed to grant the dependants of fallen soldiers free college tuition.

"I am also proud to continue the tradition of Patriot trips to Washington, D.C., the annual trip I take with veterans and their families to visit the Capitol of our country, which they fought so hard to protect. 

“As the son of a World War II veteran and a veteran of the military myself, standing up for veterans is a duty I will never overlook. That is why I cherish my position on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee in the Assembly.

"In the coming weeks, I look forward to continuing my fight for legislation to exempt honorably discharged veterans from Thruway tolls, veterans over 85 years old from paying state income tax, and extending state benefits to promote veteran-owned businesses.

“Nevertheless, on this Memorial Day I want to extend a special salute to our fallen soldiers and all of our nation’s Gold Star families. As a nation, we must never forget their extraordinary service and patriotism.”

Memorial Day weekend DWI crackdown starts Friday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI coordinator Matt Landers announced today that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving.

The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on Friday, May 24th, and will end on May 28th. Memorial Day is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year and marks the official start of summer.

New York State Police, County Sheriffs and municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate across the state and will be out in force in this coordinated effort to reduce the number of impaired driving-related injuries and deaths.

Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer season. Genesee County Sheriff’s Office DWI enforcement patrols will be out in full force throughout the upcoming Memorial Day weekend in an effort to secure the safety of the community, said Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr.

The STOP-DWI Memorial Day Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

The Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign also targets the 4thof July, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Holiday Season, Super Bowl weekend and St. Patrick’s Day.

Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

You can help to make a difference by Having a Sober Plan!  Download our mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp

Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning.

GC Veterans Service Agency's schedule of local Memorial Day ceremonies and parades

By Billie Owens

From the Genesee County Veterans Service Agency:

Batavia Memorial Day Schedule of Ceremonies for May 27, 2019

All ceremonies will include at least full military honors: wreath laying, rifle salute & taps.

7 a.m.** -- See ** below.

8 a.m. – Williams Park at 101 Pearl St. -- World War I Memorial. This memorial honors the 35 Batavians who gave their lives in World War I.

8:30 a.m. -- Batavia VA Medical Center, at the main flagpole, sponsored by the VAMC.

8:45 a.m. (approx.) -- NYS Veterans Home, at the main flagpole, sponsored by the NYS Veterans Home.

9:30 a.m. -- Veterans Plot on Harvester Avenue. This memorial honors all war dead of all wars in Elmwood and St. Joseph cemeteries.

10:30 a.m. – UMMC Jerome Center. This is the site of the Genesee County War Memorial, honoring all war dead from Genesee County. The Batavia Concert Band will perform patriotic music starting at 10 o'clock, with ceremonies to follow. The names of county veterans who have died since the previous Memorial Day will be read and a flag placed to honor each of them. Memorial services will be carried out by: Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332; Hansen Brothers Marine Corps League Detachment #951; Veness-Strollo Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1602; Disabled American Veterans Chapter #166; Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #193; and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War -- Abraham Lincoln Chapter #6.

11:30 a.m. -- Glenn S. Loomis Grave -- Elmwood Cemetery -- American Legion Post #332

12 p.m. -- Hansen Bros. Grave -- Grandview Cemetery -- Marine Corps League Detachment #951

At 12:30 p.m., there will be a luncheon for veterans and their guests at VFW Post #1602 and AL Post # 332.

Genesee County 2019 Memorial Day Parades / Ceremonies

Alexander: Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Alexander High School and travels to the cemetery on Railroad Avenue with a ceremony to take place at the cemetery following the parade.

Batavia: Parade starting at 9:45 a.m. beginning at the Eastown Plaza traveling west along Main Street and ending at Alva Place.

Bergen: Parade at 9 a.m. beginning at the Bergen Fire Hall (Route 19 & Hunter Street), traveling south on Route 19 to Hickory Park with ceremony to take place at the park immediately following the parade.

Byron: Parade at 11 a.m. from Terry Street to Swamp Road with a ceremony immediately following at Byron Cemetery.

Corfu: Parade at 12 p.m. from Corfu Fire Hall on Route 33 to the Intermediate School on Route 77. Ceremony immediately following the parade.

**East Bethany: **Vietnam Veterans Memorial Service at 7 a.m. at Genesee County Park & Forest, sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #193.

Elba: Ceremony at 10 a.m. at Maple Lawn Cemetery. NO parade. The Elba Historical Society Museum will be open for tours after the ceremony.

Le Roy: Parade at 10:30 a.m. from the American Legion to Trigon Park with a ceremony at Trigon Park at 11 a.m. following the parade.

Oakfield: Parade at 11 a.m. from the Oakfield Fire Department to Triangle Park with ceremony to be held at Triangle Park.

NO parade or ceremonies for the following towns:

Alabama

Bethany

Darien

Pavilion

Pembroke

Stafford

Attention All: City wants YOU to show up and pay respects at Memorial Day Parade -- vets, groups welcome to be in it

By Billie Owens

An invitation from Bob Bialkowski, Batavia City councilman at large:

This is an invitation to all members of the community to participate in this year’s Batavia Memorial Day parade on Memorial Day Monday May 27th.

The City of Batavia is sponsoring the parade and we are looking forward to another great turnout.

The parade will kick off at 9:45 a.m from the Eastown Plaza on East Main Street and end at the Alva Place parking lot downtown. People can then attend the Veterans Memorial Service at the Memorial site across the street at the Jerome Center.

Any veterans wishing to participate in the parade can just show up at 9:15. Veterans needing a ride in the parade please contact me.

Any groups wishing to participate please let us know as all are welcome. Please keep the theme of respect to all our veteran and first responders.

Let’s show our support to our veterans and first responders! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy our annual parade.

Thank you,

Bob Bialkowski

585 409-3624

Meet Celeste, Poppy Girl 2019 selected by Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post 576

By Billie Owens

Le Roy Village Mayor Greg Rogers, Poppy Girl 2019 Celeste Vescovi, and Le Roy Town Supervisor Steve Barbeau.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post #576 has selected the 2019 Poppy Girl, who will be featured in the upcoming Memorial Day Parade in Le Roy on Monday, May 27.

Little Miss Celeste Vescovi will reign as this year's Poppy Girl. She is a kindergartener at Wolcott Street School in Le Roy.

Celeste is the daughter of Sara and John Vescovi and granddaughter of Barb and John Vescovi and Christa Coulon. Also she is the great-granddaughter of the late Don Vescovi (Clarky), past commander and adjutant of Botts-Fiorito Post 576.

Celeste enjoys dance, bowling and singing, especially karaoke; also reading is a favorite pastime.

You can meet Celeste in Le Roy on Memorial Day -- at the American Legion Post, and distributing traditional red crepe paper poppies at Tops Market (128 W. Main St.).

The symbolic flower is given out by the American Legion Auxiliary to raise money and to commemorate the sacrifice of so may men and women who have died fighting for their country. (To learn more about the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Program, click here.)

Le Roy's Memorial Day Parade will be held on May 27th, starting at the American Legion (53 W. Main St.) at 10:30 a.m., and ceremonies will follow at 11 o'clock in Trigon Park.

For previous coverage on 2019 Memorial Day plans in Le Roy, click here.

American Legion post in Le Roy announces Memorial Day plans

By Billie Owens

Notice of Memorial Day events in Le Roy from the Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post #576:

Remembering the War Dead:

Memorial Day services will be conducted on Monday, May 27, at two community cemeteries, starting at Machpelah on North Street at 8 a.m., followed by St. Francis, located on the south side of Exchange Street.

The Post Chaplain will conduct the respective services, followed at each location with a volley by the Firing Squad in recognition of the deceased veterans.

Parade Schedule:

  • Parade forms at 9:45 a.m. in the American Legion parking lot, 53 W. Main St.;
  • Parade “steps off” at 10:30 a.m. SHARPLY, proceeds to Trigon Park.

Ceremonies at Trigon Park:

  • Introduction and “Welcome” by the Post Commander, John Graney;
  • Invocation reading by the Post Chaplain, Gary Bassett;
  • Singing of the “National Anthem” by Mary Brady;
  • Introduction of the 2019 “Poppy Girl” -- Celeste Vescovi;
  • Memorial Day Guest Speaker: Town Supervisor Steve Barbeau;
  • Dedication of Korean War Veterans Bench -- Lynne Belluscio and John Graney;
  • Reading of names and placement of flags for veterans who have passed over the past year;
  • Placement of wreath on the Monument -- Commander Graney, Auxiliary President Marlene McCumiskey;
  • Musical selections by the Le Roy High School Band;
  • Closing with the playing of “Taps” and volley by the Firing Squad;
  • Benediction and closing by the Post Chaplain;
  • Singing of “God Bless America” led by Mary Brady.

As per tradition, all are cordially invited to the American Legion Post Home, 53 W. Main St. for free hot dogs and a soft drink immediately following the ceremonies.

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