By James Fink

For one morning, racers at the Batavia Downs' starting gate and finishing line will have two legs, not four.

Batavia Downs is hosting the second annual Jackpot 5K run - set for 9 a.m., Sunday, June 16 (Father’s Day) - where the runners will start and finish along the one-half mile track.

“It is designed to be a fun, fast, flat, and unique course,” said Dan Horan, race director and a retired Buffalo Police Department officer.

Runners (and walkers, too) will start on the Batavia Downs harness track and then make their way through various Batavia streets and the Batavia VA Medical Center grounds before returning to the track and the finish line.

“Actually, I think running through the VA hospital grounds is one of the more picturesque parts of the course,” Horan said.

The race’s genesis came from a happenstance meeting between Horan and Henry Wojtaszek, Batavia Downs president and CEO. Wojtaszek was looking for new events to bring to Batavia Downs, and the 5K (3.1 mile) race fit the bill.

“Things just worked out,” Horan said.

In its inaugural run, the race attracted 165 runners last year. More than 140 people, as of June 4, have pre-registered.

“It is gaining some traction, especially because of the course and being on the track,” Horan said. “But, our intent is to see this grow."

Entry fees are $40 and are available through the Batavia Downs website. A portion of proceeds benefit WNY Heroes Inc.

Participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt, $25 in free play at Batavia Downs, a post-race party on the track with pizza and beverages.

Sponsors include NUTRL, Michelob Ultra, Aqua Fina, Pepsi, Tops Friendly Markets, Pizza 151, Vivify, and Red Bull.

James Fink writes on behalf of Batavia Downs.  Sponsored Post paid for by Batavia Downs.

Press Release:

All motorists please be aware Redfield Parkway will experience traffic delays on Thursday, June 13 and Friday, June 14 between the hours of 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. for paving operations. 

Paving on River Street will occur on Monday, June 17 and Tuesday, June 18, followed by Jackson Street on June 19 and 20.

While work is being performed in this area, local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays. This work is weather-dependent. 

All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the operation. All motorists that regularly use these streets are asked to seek alternate routes while the delays are in place.

Contact the Bureau of Maintenance at 585-345-6400 opt. 1 if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your cooperation.

Click here for  1 Carolwood Drive, Batavia.
Click here for 3220 Broadway Road, Alexander.

Press Release:

Join us for an unforgettable evening of creativity and community in Jackson Square in Batavia on Friday, July 5, from 6 - 10 p.m. Presented by Jo David Arts and Iburi Photography, this special event promises a rich blend of live performances, visual arts, and an electrifying DJ set to close the night.

Kicking off the evening at 5:30 PM, performers can sign up for the Open Mic session, which runs from 6 - 9 p.m. Musicians and performers are encouraged to take the stage at Jackson Square and share their talents. Kevin Lewis-Iburi will host the open Mic, with Scotty DiMartino of Esdee Entertainment closing the night with an epic DJ set and light show.

GO ART! will be bringing their First Friday Open Art Session to the Square. Artists of all media are invited to bring their latest pieces or start new ones. While tables will be set up for convenience, artists are welcome to bring their easels and create in the open air.

"We're excited to bring this event to Jackson Square," said Mary Jo Whitman of Jo David Arts. "This is a great opportunity for local performers and artists to showcase their work and connect with the community in a fun and supportive environment."

Akari Lewis-Iburi of Iburi Photography added, "It's been humbling to witness the talent, musicianship, and comradery of Batavia light up our open mics at the studio this year. We are so thrilled to collaborate with Jo David Arts and GO ART!'s First Friday Open Art Session to bring our open mic performers on stage for a unique immersive art experience!"

This free event is open to the public, making it a perfect outing for anyone looking to experience the vibrant art scene in Batavia. Mark your calendars for Friday, July 5, and join us at Jackson Square for a night of artistic expression and entertainment you won't want to miss!

For more information on Open Mic contact: Iburi Photography at info@iburiphotography.com.

For more information on Open Art Sessions contact: Mary Jo at mjwhitman@goart.org. 

Press Release:

“While New Yorkers are feeling the heat of increased unaffordability and an ongoing public safety crisis, the Majority simply swept these issues under the rug during their final days in Albany,” said Hawley. 

“They instead took the opportunity to push through as many radical policies as they could, thinking people wouldn’t notice. The Majority needs to realize that New Yorkers don’t want more useless mandates and regulations. They want results. We need to lower the cost of living, institute stronger penalties to deter crime, and more support for our law enforcement officers. Until they can deliver on that, they’re wasting everyone’s time.”

Submitted photos by Jason Smith.

More than a dozen distillers were on hand at the annual Bourbon and Whiskey Fest at Batavia Downs to share their various bourbon, whiskey, and rye libations.

The event was held Saturday in conjunction with the running of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Springs.

Photos by Howard Owens.

A motor vehicle accident is reported in front of Darien Lake Theme Park, 9993 Alleghany Road, Darien.

A possible neck injury is reported.

Darien Fire and ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 1:44 p.m.: Two vehicles blocking.

Bergen hosted its annual Park Festival on Saturday. The event featured a parade, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, fun and games, and live music.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.

With a cheerful wave and greeting of "Happy Pride," participants in Batavia's annual Pride Parade celebrated LGBTQ identity and acceptance Saturday in a stroll that took them along a route from Batavia First Presbyterian Church down Summit Street, to Washington Avenue, Bank Street to Main Street.

The parade was part of an hours-long Pride Month celebration in Downtown Batavia, organized by GLOW Out, centered around a festival in Jackson Square and on Center Street.

Photos by Howard Owens.

A structural fire is reported at 2910 West Main Street Road, Batavia.

A second alarm has been called.

East Pembroke Fire dispatched with mutual aid from Town of Batavia, Darien, Alexander, and City Fire's FAST Team.

UPDATE 2:16 a.m.: A deputy spotted a wire connected to the house arcing and sparking, which caused some smoke damage to the exterior of the structure. East Pembroke Chief Don Newton said there was a small interior fire involving fan.  He said they didn't know yet if there had been a power surge in the area but a neighboring residence did have brown-out conditions.

Press Release:

Notre Dame senior Kaitlyn Landers signed her letter of intent to continue her softball career at Keuka College today at Notre Dame High School. 

Joining her for this signing were her parents, Matt and Melissa Landers; brother, Benjamin Landers; head softball coach, Otis Thomas; assistant coach, Mikey Rapone; and Notre Dame Athletic Director Mike Rapone.

Landers was a varsity call-up in her 7th-grade season and has been a mainstay with the team ever since.

Career highlights while playing for the Lady Irish include: 

• Genesee Region All-Star – 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 
• NYS Class D All-State 2nd Team – 2021
• NYS Class D All-State 3rd Team - 2023
• Section V Class D1 Sectional All-Tournament Team – 2019 (as a 7th grader) 
• Member of Section V Class D1 Sectional Championship Team – 2023
• Team Co-Captain – 2024
• Genesee Region Exceptional Senior All-Star

Lander's favorite memory of playing softball at Notre Dame was winning a sectional championship in 2023.

Along with playing for the Lady Irish, Kaitlyn has played 8 years of travel softball, where she currently plays for Coach Mruczek’s 18u Edge team, and has played the last 11 summers for her local Batavia Stingers team. 

In addition to playing softball, Kaitlyn was a member of the Varsity Volleyball, Varsity Indoor Track, and Varsity Outdoor Track teams at Notre Dame. Kaitlyn plans to major either in Social Work, Psychology, or Education at Keuka College. 

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors advanced an initial resolution for GE Bergen Owner, LLC’s proposed 196,000 square-foot facility at Apple Tree Acres in the town of Bergen at its board meeting on Thursday, June 6.

The proposed facility would be leased to an end user and would create 60 new full-time jobs and generate $38 million in wages and benefits as well as revenues for local governments over ten years.

The project is pending, subject to receiving incentives from the Empire State Development Corporation.

GE Bergen Owner LLC is requesting sales tax exemptions estimated at approximately $1.75 million, a property tax abatement of approximately $2.15 million a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT), and a mortgage tax exemption of $366,000.

The project would generate a $13 fiscal impact for every $1 of proposed incentives. A public hearing for the proposed project agreements will be scheduled in the town of Bergen. 

Press Release:

“Another session has concluded and with it, the hope that this would be the year when those in power would finally tackle the problems New Yorkers care about most.

If my Democratic colleagues read the same public surveys that I do, then they’ve seen that approximately 60 percent of New Yorkers believe the state is on the wrong track and that their top concerns are the cost of living in New York State, the migrant influx and crime. However, judging by the bills and priorities they pushed again this year, it is clear that Albany Democrats aren’t letting New Yorkers’ top concerns influence their agenda.

Here is a yardstick of their ‘progress’:

• Due to New York’s sanctuary policies, over 200,000 migrants have flooded into the state in the past two years, creating enormous logistical strains, a $4.3 billion burden on taxpayers, and increased pressure on city services. One city official this week reported that they have more migrants in their DHS system than New Yorkers. My Republican colleagues and I have urged state leaders to rescind sanctuary policies to stop the influx. We’ve also pushed for Laken’s Law to allow law enforcement to cooperate with ICE on migrants who’ve committed crimes. The response to both proposals has been silence and inaction.
• Five years into their failed experiment, the toll of Democrats’ disastrous bail reform and other criminal justice changes continues to mount. In just a six-week period earlier this year, four police officers were killed and two others gravely wounded by suspects they apprehended. The National Guard was called in to patrol the dangerous subways, and NYC assault rates are at record levels. Robberies, shoplifting, and DWI offenses have surged to decades-high levels. The governor’s tough talk on retail theft amounted to a meager measure to create a low-level penalty for assaulting a retail worker. Numerous Republican proposals to reverse bail reform, combat antisemitism, and increase penalties for shoplifting, gun crimes, and DWI were ignored.
• Unaffordability and our highest-in-the-nation taxes continue to make New York State the number one state for outmigration. The fuel for higher taxes is excessive spending and that trend continued. The $237 billion state budget spends $8 billion more than last year, is twice the size of Florida’s budget and represents the second highest per capita spending plan in the nation. While Texas and Florida post double-digit budget surpluses and tax cuts through prudent spending and strong economic growth, New York State’s debt continues to rise, and its productive, taxpaying residents and businesses continue to leave.
• Efforts to meet the reckless goals of the state’s Climate Agenda are driving us toward less reliable and more expensive energy sources. Thanks to our vocal opposition, the HEAT ACT was removed from consideration this year, preserving our natural gas access, keeping energy costs down and saving jobs. However, the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Act is another extreme mandate that would impose costly and unworkable burdens on manufacturers without making any measurable impact on the environment. The mandated packaging reduction will result in manufacturers pulling their popular products out of stores in New York, leaving consumers without the option to purchase many of their favorite brands and grocery store staples. Other manufacturers will be forced to pass their added costs onto already inflation-strapped consumers. Either way, consumers lose, a fact that has become the defining feature of all of the left’s climate proposals. The truth is that banning things like cool whip containers won’t save the planet, it will only appease the radical left. BUT, it hasn’t yet passed the Assembly, so I urge them to protect New Yorkers from this terrible bill and let it die. 

Ultimately, the session concluded without the legislature’s majorities taking any steps towards addressing New York’s most serious problems and making it a place where people want to live rather than leave. Democrats will have to answer for that when they return home.

They will have to explain to their constituents why crime in the streets and subways isn’t improving and why their pharmacies are still locking up toothpaste and soap but allowing criminals to remain free.

They will have to explain why their tax bill and energy costs are three or four times higher than those of their friends and family members who live in other states.

They will have to answer for why our state continues to invite those who have violated our nation’s immigration laws to come to New York to access taxpayer-provided housing, food, healthcare, education, and legal services and why we shield them from federal authorities, even when they have committed crimes.

I remain hopeful that the concerns and common sense of my Democratic colleagues’ constituents will finally prevail over the demands of the progressive activists who have run Albany’s agenda for the past six years. In the meantime, my advocacy for the hardworking, law-abiding people in our region will continue.”

President Vicki Wolak, along with committee members, awarded 13 scholarships to Genesee County students from various high schools. Peggy Johnson presented the candidates with an award certificate, and each received a thousand-dollar scholarship. They are:

• Abrianna Gabriel, Batavia/GVB
• Aleeza Idrees, Batavia/GVB
• Anna Varland, Batavia, GVB
• Julia Preston, Batavia
• Ryan Fazio, Batavia
• Lindsey Steffenilla, LeRoy
• Maia Rose Zerillo, Notre Dame
• Nina Bartz, Notre Dame
• Sayda Bush, Oakfield/GVB
• Evertt Hartz, Pembroke
• Matthew Doeringer, Batavia
• Anna Long, LeRoy
• Brittany Johnson, Alexander/GVB
• Sarah Forness, Pembroke/GVB

Ed Spence presented Sarah Forness, Pembroke GVB, with the Jill Spence Memorial Scholarship Fund award. 

Donna West, committee chair, presented service awards to the following non-profit organizations in Genesee County. Each received a check for $400.

• Batavia City Schools, Heart of Kindness
• Bethany Volunteer Fire Department
• Byron Bergen FFA
• Genesee Cancer Assistance
• Warrior House of WNY

Bobbi Norton received the 2023 Woman of the Year award, which the club presented at the May meeting and also recognized at this meeting.  

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Press Release:

Youth basketball players will have the opportunity to build their skills at the upcoming Building Champions basketball camp, set to take place from August 5 - 8 at Elba Central School gymnasium.

Registration for the camp will kick off at Elba High School on Saturday, June 8, from 10 - 11 a.m.

The camp will be divided into two sessions for different age groups. Students in grades 1 to 3 will have sessions from 9 to 11 a.m., while those in grades 4 to 6 will have theirs from 1 to 3 p.m.

Building Champions will focus on essential basketball skills including handling, passing, shooting, and defense. Both boys and girls in grades 1 to 6 are encouraged to participate and hone their abilities on the court.

Campers can expect a range of amenities throughout the camp, including access to a daily hydration station, healthy snacks, a pizza party, a commemorative t-shirt, and the exciting opportunity to compete for the "MVP" of the week trophy.

The cost of enrollment stands at $100 per camper. For those unable to attend the registration event, inquiries and registrations can be made by contacting Coach Zambito at 585-813-8592 or via email at ciaci4zambito@gmail.com.

For young athletes seeking to elevate their basketball skills in a supportive and engaging environment, Building Champions promises a rewarding experience.

Submitted photos.

NEW LISTING!!  1 Carolwood Drive, Batavia. Why build when you can buy the builders home? Solid and gracious, this 4 bedroom brick contemporary has a lot to offer with possibility of adding so much more! Location is fantastic and the .55 acre lawn is parklike - when you step inside you will immediately feel welcomed with the inviting pretty foyer! The home has amazing space, is nicely designed, and laid out with cozy front library and formal dining room leading to beautiful open custom kitchen with walk in pantry and cozy family room w/ brick fireplace. There is an oversized bright and beautiful living room with cathedral ceilings and striking wood beams, built ins and a large first floor primary bedroom suite with a fabulous bath, AS WELL as a custom office and exercise room and handy oversized laundry room!! Three large bedrooms and full bath upstairs with 2 additional unfinished bonus rooms ready for you to add more space if you could possibly need it! Functionality is no issue with a whole house generator, multi-zoned furnace, central air, PLUS an outside drilled well for irrigation system to keep up with all landscaping wants! Definitely worth the price of admission-come see for yourself!!

3220 Broadway Road, Alexander Fantastic solid country ranch ready to go! This well taken care of home was completely gutted and remodeled 10 years ago so has little to nothing for the new owner to do but move in. Home has great curb appeal with double wide drive and open front porch and attached garage. When entering you are welcomed into oversized tiled mud room with first floor laundry, large pantry closet and half bath! From there you step into BEAUTIFUL open kitchen with gorgeous hickory cupboards and granite counter tops and oversized kitchen island for meal prep and entertaining! Bright and open large living/dining area with pretty hardwood floors throughout which leads you to screened enclosed back porch overlooking very pretty back yard and patio area! This home is located in Alexander School District and is perfect for starters or downsizers and is conveniently located for quick and easy commute to Buffalo or Batavia and with all the rural charm and peacefulness that you are looking for!

The message came through clearly at the end of a DWI drill staged for Oakfield-Alabama seniors on Friday -- nobody wants to be at a scene like this one -- one where a drunken driver has been involved in an accident, taking the life of a young person.

Firefighter Chad Hilchey said they affect everybody. He's come home crying from responding to fatal accidents.  

O-A Superintendent John Fisgus told the seniors on the morning of their prom night that he wants them to have fun at their prom but he also wants them to make it home safely. He said all of the people involved in the drill -- Oakfield Fire, Alabama Fire, Mercy Flight, the Sheriff's Office, and the coroner -- were there because they cared about the students. Fisgus called them his family and said while he wanted them to have fun tonight, it was a night he didn't look forward to.  None of the teachers and administrators do. It's a night they know they won't sleep, worried about getting a call they don't want to get.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

The Town & Country Garden Club of Le Roy is pleased to announce that the recipient of the club's 2024 Scholarship is Rachel Smith, LeRoy Junior Senior High School Class of 2024. The Club’s Scholarship Committee selected Rachel to receive the scholarship based on her scholastic achievements and volunteer service relating to preserving the environment.

“The committee was impressed by Rachel’s involvement in roadside cleanup, cemetery restoration, and recycling projects that started while she was still in grade school,” said Lucy MacKenzie, Scholarship Committee Chair.

Rachel’s interest in the environment was fostered by family outings to nearby gardens and state parks. Rachel gives credit to family friend and Garden Club member Lana Bradbury who, with her late husband Jack, shared appreciation for nature through wildflower study and bird watching. Rachel will attend R.I.T. to study in the field of Bio-Med Sciences and plans to
participate in environmental activities sponsored by the school.

The Town and Country Garden Club of Le Roy is a community service organization that plants and maintains several gardens and displays throughout town. For more information about the Garden Club, visit https://linktr.ee/leroynygardenclub or see our Facebook page @GardenClubLeRoyNY.