Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is sponsoring a proposal in the state Assembly that would eliminate the registration fee for Gold Star mothers’ and Gold Star family members' distinctive license plates.
Hawley believes this initiative is a small way for New York to show its appreciation for the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
“As an Assemblyman and a veteran, one of my top priorities is finding ways to give back to the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Hawley. “Gold Star families have given so much for our country and this is just one small way for our state to show our gratitude for all they have done. I’m proud to sponsor this proposal and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to consider this initiative to show our thanks to our Gold Star families.”
YWCA of Genesee County is growing! Executive Director, Jamie Rada, announces several new board members carefully chosen to meet the needs of the agency.
“Our community has some incredible resources, agencies, and people. Our goal is not to reinvent the wheel but to work with community members to fill in gaps and assure that there is an intersectionality of services and support for the people we help. We have an amazing team of staff and an incredible, dedicated board," says Jamie Rada, Executive Director.
The Executive Board includes:
Board Chair - Georganne Mott-Lang, Community Integration Specialist for Lifetime Assistance, Inc.
Vice President - Emily Marling, Certified Financial Planner for Merrill Lynch
Treasurer - Shannon Ford, Service Director of Communications and Development for Uconnect Care
Board Members include:
Dr. Emily Fraser Branche, Pediatrician and Practice Owner for Three Little Birds Pediatrics
Cassandre DiPiazza, Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Veterans Health Administration
Chris Fix, retired
Laurie Pfaff, Senior Manager of Marketing Support for Liberty Pumps
Lisa Smith, Senior Employment and Training Counselor for Genesee County Job Development Bureau
Lauren Casey, Financial Assistant for the Genesee County Economic Development Center
Ashlee Reigle, Human Resources Manager for Liberty Pumps
Anita Strollo, Coordinator for Genesee County Business Education Alliance
“Each of these women brings an incredible and unique skillset to the table, allowing us to enter into a period of agency and program growth and development in order to expand our reach and support more people”, says Rada.
Photo from 2022 recycling event. Photo by Howard Owens.
Press Release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is once again partnering with Sunnking Sustainable Solutions to offer free electronic device collection and recycling for the community. Collection day will be Saturday, June 22 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the parking lot at 5130 E Main Street Rd. in Batavia. Pre-registration is requested of all attendees at the website https://form.jotform.com/Sunnking/eo-batavia---june-2024.
“Recycling is a small but impactful way we can help keep our communities clean and I’m grateful to the good people at Sunnking Sustainable Solutions for partnering with me for another year of work,” Hawley said. “Anything from cell phones to computers to TVs can be recycled, so please, register today and help keep our communities clean!”
Genesee County is pleased to announce the expansion of the Hiring Emergency Limited Placement (HELP) Program, approved by the New York State Department of Civil Service, to address staffing shortages for critical roles.
The HELP Program, initially implemented for the following key positions, has now been extended to include several additional titles.
Previously Approved HELP Program Titles:
Caseworkers
Emergency Services Dispatchers
Mental Health Clinical Therapists
Mental Health Clinical Social Workers
Social Welfare Examiners
Newly Approved Non-Competitive Positions:
Accounting Supervisors
Assistant Social Worker II
Case Manager II
Clerk Typist
Electronic Health Records Program Specialist
Financial Clerk Typist
Housing Coordinator
Intake Clerk
Legal Clerk Typist
Motor Vehicle Service Representative
Effective immediately until December 31, 2024, candidates hired for these positions will not be required to undergo Civil Service testing and will be hired in a non-competitive classification. This extension aims to enhance recruitment efforts, increase the pool of qualified candidates, and alleviate concerns about exam requirements.
The County's Human Resources Department will continue collaborating with various departments to ensure a smooth transition and effective recruitment for these roles.
Candidates must still meet the minimum qualifications for their respective positions. Genesee County remains committed to maintaining high standards and ensuring hired professionals are well-suited for their roles.
For further information or inquiries about the expanded HELP Program, please contact the Genesee County Human Resources Department at 585-815-7805 or civilservice@geneseeny.gov.
The Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden have commissioned five beautiful interpretive panels that are scheduled to be unveiled at the Batavia Peace Garden during a special ceremony on Thursday, June 6 at 1 p.m.
The public is invited to attend. A reception will follow with light refreshments at the Holland Land Office Museum.
The interpretive panels were designed by local graphic artist, Matt Steinberg.
These panels were made possible through the generous support of GoArt! and the NYS Community Regrant Program.
These beautiful panels complete phase one of the Batavia Peace Garden. Phase two is a work in progress located behind the Genesee County Court House.
We invite the public to visit the Batavia Peace Garden and enjoy the ongoing display of beautiful seasonal blooms and artistic displays. We have an amazing story to tell and now that the panels are installed, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about our fascinating history.
The Batavia Peace Garden is made possible and maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. Volunteers are always needed and welcome to assist in the many activities of maintaining this beautiful community garden.
Please visit our website at Bataviapeacegarden.com for more information.
While gophers may not be well known for their running ability, Pavilion Central School’s Gopher 5K Fun Run/Walk – named for the school’s mascot – asked its students, staff, and residents to do just that. Competitive racers, walkers, and families participated in the school’s first annual event, held on Saturday.
Divisional winners all took home awards, and a special prize was given to the “most spirited family” decked out in purple and gold, the school’s colors. “Excellus (the company behind the school’s health care plan) gave us promotional items for each family participating,” said Ashley Tallman, District Wellness Committee Coordinator and Health/Physical Education Department Chair.
This event fits in well with her department’s goals: “We really are just trying to get people to be more active and use our community resources in (the 5K), especially our Walking Trail,” said Tallman. “We just completed it with a grant from the New York State Department of Transportation through BOCES, and basically, we were able to utilize some of that funding to clear parts of our path and buy equipment like bicycles, lumber for bridges, map consoles, etc.”
The Walking Trail, partially funded by the state’s Creating Healthy Schools and Communities Initiative, is about 2.2 miles. “Our actual 5k course is modified from the Walking Trail a little, as it needs to be the correct distance for a 5k, " said Tallman. The trail spotlights some of PCS’s educational programs, such as the Outdoor Classroom, and fits the district’s goal to promote physical fitness for its students, families, and the Pavilion community. The physical education department hopes to increase the use of the trail through a new curriculum, cross-country meets, and more community events..
The 5K began at 10 AM, and more than 100 people registered, including 30 competitive runners and 80 who signed up to walk with their families. “We’re hoping to grow it every year,” Tallman said.
Proceeds from the school’s first annual event benefited the Wellness Committee and Walking Trail maintenance in addition to covering event costs.
Anthony Haitz as Shakespeare and Sarah Hill as Olivia. Photo by Howard Owens
“The Whirligig of Time,” the newest production from the Batavia Players at Main St. 56 Theater, melds the fantasy of time travel with the magic of William Shakespeare to captivate an audience's imagination.
Written by Rick Bingen, Whirligig (itself a reference to a line in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night), the play is the story of a woman who visits London on vacation and then returns to complete the journey he longed to take before they returned home. Her husband, a software engineer obsessed with Shakespeare, had planned a visit to a tavern known for its authentic recreation of a watering hole from the Bard's time. Alas, when they arrive on that last night, the tavern is closed.
The husband begs his wife, Olivia (another allusion to the Twelfth Night), to stay in London a few more days and catch another flight home. After all, he argues, you never know if their plane might roll off the runway or he might die of boredom in his job.
After he passes, Olivia returns to London and that tavern. After a brief visit to contemporary times, she is magically transported back four centuries and meets Shakespeare and his friends and associates, Richard Burbage, Will Kemp, Rebecca Heminges, and John Heminges.
Senior Kaitlyn Landers moves her tassel as the traditional conferring of her diploma. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Notre Dame High School graduated 36 students from the Class of 2024 Sunday afternoon at Resurrection Parish in Batavia.
Kalen Muehlig was the class valedictorian. He encouraged his classmates to be "relentless in everything you do."
Kate Ricupito was the salutatorian. She told her classmates, "Do what you love and see where it takes you. Nothing is permanent. Countless doors are open and waiting."
Interim principal Michael Rapone honored many students with awards in academics and athletics, as well as staff and parents who have embraced and helped make the school year memorable.
Jay Antinore, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jaden Sherwood were co-Man of the Year. Teresa Compton and Emma Sisson were co-Woman of the Year.
Assistant Principal Lindsay Warner presented the candidates, senior awards, and special recognition awards.
George Woodruff, class president, presented the senior gift to the school.
The top 10 students recognized were Kalen Muehlig, Kate Ricupito, Violet March, Emma Sisson, Joshua Kirsch, Owen Murray, Theresa Compton, Maria Dollas, Sophia Iovannisci, and Harold McWilliams.
Genesee Spartans’ halfback Jed Reese looks for running room during Saturday’s semipro game against the Lockport Wildcats at Pembroke Town Park. Photo by Lauren Donovan.
The Genesee County Spartans gave the Lockport Wildcats all they could handle on Saturday afternoon before falling, 16-6, in their Northeastern Football Alliance semipro opener at Pembroke Town Park.
The Spartans’ defense kept the Wildcats, who went 9-1 last season, in check for most of the game except for a 60-yard touchdown pass from strong-armed quarterback Willie Fair III to Jason Thurman on the opening drive and a four-yard TD run by Fair with 1:18 to play.
Lockport was able to run for both two-point conversions.
Genesee’s offense sputtered in the first half, losing the ball twice on botched snaps, but put together its only scoring drive to begin the third quarter.
Halfback Jed Reese (Notre Dame graduate) gained 12 yards on two plays up the middle before wide receiver Deyonci Farley picked up 10 yards on a sweep.
On third down, quarterback Alex Rood threw a deep ball intended for wide receiver Rayshawn Huitt, who drew a pass interference penalty – putting the ball at the Lockport 7-yard line.
The Wildcats stiffened on the next two running plays and a false start penalty on the Spartans moved the ball back to the 15. From there, Rood found Huitt in the end zone for a touchdown, pulling Genesee to within two at 8-6.
Another pass intended for Huitt for the two-point conversion fell incomplete, however.
Both teams punted three times until the Spartans took possession at their own 47 with 4:39 to play. Following a couple of short gains, Rood hit Farley for a first down but a fumble on the play and long return gave the ball back to Lockport at the Spartans’ 26, setting up the visitors’ final scoring drive.
Spartans Head Coach Harry Rascoe said he was proud of the way the defense shut down the 6-5, 250-pound Fair for most of the contest. LB Marley English had an interception for Genesee.
“This was the best QB in the league and one of the best teams,” he said. “We’re close and we’re going to get better.”
Fair credited the Spartans for their defensive game plan.
“I want to take my hat off to their defensive coordinator (Craig Tiberio),” he said. “His schemes and stuff were a little tricky and we didn’t make the right adjustments.”
Reese said he saw a lot of good things, mentioning the Spartans’ effort and togetherness.
“This is our second season, and we will improve. I really like the way that everyone is more positive (this season) and willing to work with each other,” he said. “We’re playing like a team, not a bunch of individuals.”
The Spartans next game is against the Rochester Chargers at 5 p.m. Saturday at Franklin High School in Rochester.
5158 E Main Street Road, Batavia-Town! Location, location, location-this property has very favorable commercial zoning with high visibility, great traffic counts and within 10 miles of three NYS Thruway exits plus every other main route-5,20,33,63,77,and 98!! Property shares boundary lines with the GCEDC Ag Park and a National Grid substation. There are two freestanding buildings on property which can be used or easily removed. There has been a clean Phase 1 recently completed as of July 2019. This property is priced below neighboring commercial lots-a lot of opportunity for the price! Call Reliant Real Estate today, call 585-344-HOME (4663)
The City of Batavia Fire Department will flush fire hydrants on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6, from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the general area North of E. Main St. and East of Bank St. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected.
These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.
This annual testing is essential to maintain the community Class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification and to assure that fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes. Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city's water system, identifies weak areas in the system, and removes material that settles in the water lines. Checking each hydrant improves fire department personnel's knowledge of the hydrant locations.
If you have any questions or should notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at 585-345-6375.
Photo of GCC Accelerated College Enrollment graduates, courtesy of Genesee Community College.
Press Release:
On May 18 Genesee Community College celebrated its 56th annual Commencement Ceremony with a group of 15 students from area high schools and homeschools deserving special mention. They completed their GCC degree requirements concurrently with their high school diplomas or New York State High School Equivalency. Nine of these graduates participated in the sixth annual cohort of the College's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Enrichment Program through GCC's Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Office.
These high-achieving individuals include the following: Jason Anstey (Albion), Finnegan McCue (Albion), Meganne Moore (Albion), Lucy Rivers (Albion), Jacqueline Santiago Garcia (Albion) and Isabella Thom (Holly).
The following graduates took part in the STEM Enrichment Program: Alexander Balaban (Medina), Cash Domes (Attica), Connor Domoy (Oakfield), Kaylynn Green (Oakfield), Nicholas Martinucci (Batavia), Zachary Narowski (Perry), Benjamin Stone (Batavia), Kara Tobolski (Oakfield) and Samantha Werner (Warsaw).
The STEM Enrichment program began in 2012 allowing the students to start their college studies as early as the seventh grade. In addition to their traditional schoolwork, they enrolled in college level coursework each year taking advantage of many academic opportunities and successfully completing all of the rigorous challenges of an associate degree.
"We are extremely proud of these 15 exceptional students who have not only earned their high school diplomas but also completed their GCC degree requirements. Their dedication and hard work demonstrate the power of early college enrollment and the opportunities it provides. They are truly an inspiration to future generations of students," said Ann Valento, director of Accelerated College Enrollment programs at Genesee Community College.
Kaitlyn Harloff, STEM/EXCEL program coordinator at Genesee Community College, added, "This program highlights the remarkable achievements of our students and their ability to excel in demanding academic environments. Their success is a testament to the effectiveness of the STEM Enrichment Program and the commitment of our faculty and staff to support and guide them."
Genesee Community College's 56th annual Commencement Ceremony was held at the Richard C. Call Arena and featured special guest Keynote Speaker Dr. James M. Sunser, President of Genesee Community College. To view the ceremony, please visit: https://www.genesee.edu/commencement/.
For more information contact Vice President, Development, Admissions and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
The Genesee County Highway Department is announcing the commencement of the first round of NOVA Chip Paving on Monday. This project will enhance road surfaces across several vital routes, improving driving conditions and extending the life of local roadways.
Schedule and Locations:
Perry Road (Pavilion/LeRoy):
June 3 - 4: Route 20 to Route 19
June 5 - 6: Route 20 to Route 63
Linden Road (Bethany):
June 10 - 11: Bethany Center/Linden intersection to Silver/Linden intersection
Brookville Road (Alexander):
June 12 - 13: Brookville/Creek intersection to Brookville/Route 20 intersection
June 17 - 20: Dodgeson/Halstead intersection to Sumner/Harper intersection
Weather permitting, the entire project is expected to be completed by June 20.
Road Closures and Access:
During work hours (Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.), the affected roads will be closed to through traffic. Emergency responders will be able to pass through the work zones as needed.
Local schools, including Le Roy School, Pavilion School, Alexander School, and Pembroke School, have been notified to ensure school buses can still pick up and drop off students without disruption. Adjustments will be made to accommodate school transportation needs.
Residents and commuters are advised to plan alternate routes during this period.
Le Roy Jr-Sr High School held its annual art show this past week, and on Friday morning, Principal David Russell invited The Batavian to meet with three senior art students, Savannah Harms, Abby Rose Root, and Paityn Cooper.
Savannah Harms Harms said she's been an artist "ever since I was a baby, practically.
"I mean, my mother has always loved art, so I was looking up to her since I was a child. She was drawing, she was tattooing, she was doing everything, so when I was looking up at her, I was watching her do her drawings, and I'd be in the back corner trying to draw exactly what she was. I've loved it ever since I could even learn to draw."
To her, art is a form of freedom.
"In every artistic piece that you look at around here, you can see the emotion, the feelings that are put into the piece," Harms said. "What was targeted behind that? So, for example, my Edward Scissorhands, what I think about I did this the time that Johnny Depp was going through all of the things he was going through (in his legal case) case. You could just see the emotional distraught. I did that piece, kind of just reflecting that this was a very vulnerable moment. In that movie, it was acting, but you can see just that vulnerable moment. So, I mean, I just love the emotion that can be put into pieces. And you can just see somebody's raw feelings when you look at their artwork."
As for artists she admires, it's no surprise her mom tops her list.
"A lot of people always pick very famous or popular artists, but it's always I always go to my mother," Harms said. "She's somebody who I could not see anybody surpassing her level."
After graduation, Harms will become a full-time tattoo artist.
"I love tattooing," Harms said. "It's a different type of art. I love creating something that I can put on somebody's body forever."
Abby Rose Root Photo by Howard Owens.
Abby Rose Root Root's mother is also an artist.
"I grew up with furniture all about me being painted by her, paintings of hers on the wall, and watching her do color pencils, oils, gouache and all different types of mediums," Root said. "She's definitely been a key component in keeping me motivated during my process because she always gives me reassurance when I need it and helps when I need it."
The work on display in the show displayed an interest in fantasy.
"I just like to draw it," she said. "I love this idea of a magical world where you can space whenever you like, and whatever you imagine can come true."
At the top of the artists who inspire her is Le Roy HS art teacher Antonio Ieon Koukides.
"He inspires me because I love the way he can teach all different people, and no matter where they come from, not matter their background, no matter what their skill level is, he's always able to help them improve," Root said.
After graduation, Root plans to attend Genesee Community College for two years for a fine arts degree. Then, she will see where she wants to go after that, whether to continue to pursue art or maybe get a degree in business.
"Then maybe I could become a teacher or own my own studio or maybe do both," Root said.
Paityn Cooper Photo by Howard Owens.
Paityn Cooper Cooper figures her art journey began when she was about nine years old, inspired by her dad, who is an artist.
She said she likes art because "it expresses things that I usually wouldn't be able to say in words."
She said she tried to make her paintings unique and not fit into any specific genre.
Cooper isn't planning a career in art.
"I want to use it as a hobby and to express what's going on through my life throughout my life," she said.
Additional photos of some of the art on display from the show below.
Post-game fireworks for the Batavia Muckdogs home opener on Saturday were set up in dramatic fashion in the bottom of the ninth inning when the home team erased a 3-2 deficit to win 4-1 on a squeeze bunt with the bases loaded.
The Elmira Pioneers had high school senior Bryce Mashanic making essentially his baseball debut at the collegiate level to start the ninth, after he entered the game with two outs in the eighth inning.
Mashanic faced adversity in the inning early after second baseman Tim Haftl made a bad throw on a routine grounder for an error, allowing Anthony Greco to reach base. Greco advanced on a wild pitch to Sean Mindas, who would get a free pass on the next pitch. Mindas then stole second, and Pioneers issued an intentional walk to Caleb Walker.
Greco scored on a sacrifice fly by Cooper Romich, tying the game.
That brought Travis Hammond to the plate with one out and Walker on third. Walker inched down the line as Mashanic went into his wind up, dashing toward the plate and scoring standing up after Hammond laid down a perfect bunt down the first base line.
The walk-off sacrifice improved Batavia's record on the young season to 2-1.
DH Trevor Dutra, a sophomore at Lafayette College and from Rye Brook, was 2-3 with a walk. He had the only multi-hit game on the night for the Muckdogs.
Josh Livengood, a senior attending Center College and from Lexigton, Ky., got the win in relief, going 3 1/3 innings giving up no hits or runs and fanning six Pioneers. It was his first appearance of the season.
Starter Gavin Chandler went four innings, giving up two runs on four hits and fanning three. Chandler is a sophomore at Marion Military Institute and is from Alabaster, Ala.
The Genesee County Spartans open their Northeastern Football Alliance semipro season this Saturday afternoon against the visiting Lockport Wildcats.
Kickoff for the “Iron Reps Gym Night” contest is scheduled for 5 o’clock at the Pembroke Town Park field on Route 77.
Head Coach Harry Rascoe said he feels good about the team’s chances this season. He bases his optimism on what he’s seen in practice and the squad’s 34-6 victory over Auburn in a scrimmage game a couple of weeks ago.
“We’re looking for big games from our quarterbacks, Alex Rood and Corey Turpin, and for the defense to put pressure on Lockport’s QB, Willie Fair,” Rascoe said. “Willie (who is listed at 6-foot-5, 260 pounds) is a great quarterback with a great arm. If we stay disciplined and win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, we’ll be OK.”
Steve and Christy Deleo, owners of Iron Reps Gym in Le Roy, will take part in the coin toss. The Deleo family has signed on as “silver” sponsors of the Spartans.
“Bronze” level sponsors this season are House of Bounce, Wescott Motors, T.F. Brown’s Restaurant and Get Sealed. Additional supporters are Extended Sound, TJ Henderson, Perfect Piece LLC, WBTA, Ri-Dans, and Go Art!
The team was supposed to have an eight-game schedule, but it has been cut to six due to the East Coast Blue Devils not playing in the league this season. Rascoe said the Spartans may pick up another match along the way and is also hoping that a playoff game is in the mix.
Tickets are $5 per person and free for kids 11 and under.
HUGE sale thousands of items something for everyone lots of new stuff games toys housewares clothes collectibles kitchen items ect ect ect and much more rain or shine everything covered every Saturday June 1st -October 26 9-5 3657 galloway rd batavia
