Press Release:

The Leadership Development Programs at United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes are now accepting applications for the 2025 class year. These programs include the Latino Leadership Development Program, African American Leadership Development Program, Emerging Leaders Development Program, and the PRIDE Leadership Development Program. The application deadline is May 31.

United Way’s Leadership Development Programs empower individuals to become impactful leaders who drive positive change in their communities. Participants engage in transformative experiences that enhance their professional capabilities, foster meaningful connections, and develop the confidence to lead teams, influence policy, and contribute to community success. Graduates will be able to drive innovation, inspire collaboration, and make lasting contributions to local organizations and communities. 

“For over 30 years, our Leadership Development Programs have empowered leaders through intentional skill-building, real-world application, and community-driven impact,” said LaCerius Cross, Manager Leadership Development Academy at United Way. “These programs are designed to prepare individuals to lead with confidence, purpose, and lasting influence.”

The Leadership Development Programs are just one of a suite of leadership training offerings offered by United Way’s Leadership Development Academy. Other Leadership Development Academy programming and partnerships, such as the Union Community Assistance Network and Development of Indo-American Leaders Program, provide additional ways for leaders to make a real-world impact on our communities.

For more information, or to apply to United Way’s Leadership Development Programs, visit unitedwayrocflx.org/get-involved/leadership-development. Contact leadership@unitedwayrocflx.org with any questions.

Press Release:

On April 29, Byron-Bergen senior James “JC” Starowitz committed to continuing his formal education after graduation at Alfred State as a member of the wrestling program. The official signing was witnessed by Byron-Bergen Athletic Director Rich Hannan, JV Wrestling Coach Josh Brabon, coaching staff member Brian Tatar, and Starowitz’s parents and siblings.

“It has been an absolute pleasure coaching JC over the years,” said Hannan. “I have had very few athletes join in seventh grade and wrestle varsity for six years. He loves the sport, and it shows through his hard work and dedication. I will always remember JC for being hard working, talented, and dedicated, but most importantly for his impact on his team. He is a great leader on and off the mat. JC is a great wrestler and even better person. He will be a great addition to the Alfred team, and I am so proud that he has decided to take his talents to the next level and wrestle in college. We wish him nothing but the best in the next step of his journey!” 

While on the wrestling team, Starowitz earned over 100 career wins and was named an All-Star four times. In addition to wrestling, Starowitz participated in varsity football, track, and golf. He is also Senior Class Vice-President. Outside of school, he volunteers with the Bergen Fire Department.

Starowitz plans to major in Agribusiness Management. In this next step in his academic career, he would like to thank his coaches and family for all their support throughout his athletic career. 

Nort

Mother’s Day weekend is almost here, and we’ve got something special planned just for you! Join us on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, as we celebrate all the amazing moms in our church family with a refreshing Iced Coffee Barin the lobby and a Photo Booth to capture the moment. We’re also launching a brand-new message series, “THIS IS US”, focused on navigating life’s most important relationships—starting with our first topic: Being a Mom. Bring someone special with you, and let’s make it a meaningful weekend together!
Location: 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020

On Tuesday, for the fourth time in 2025, the Tonawanda Creek overflowed and flooded areas throughout the town of Alexander, including Peaviner Road.

This is an inconvenience to motorists, damages roads, takes farm fields out of production, and costs taxpayers money.

NOTE: Members of Early Access Pass get first crack (four hours earlier access than non-members) at making Deals of the Day purchases. Join Early Access Pass today to ensure you don't miss any valuable deals.

Reminders of how the Deal of the Day program works:

• To make purchases, you must be registered. Deal of the Day uses a registration system that is not connected to the registration for commenting on The Batavian (the main user login in the upper left of the homepage).
• Once registered you must sign in using the "sign-in" link in this box.
• You click on the orange button, which appears if the item is not sold out, and it takes you to a PayPal button. This allows you to pay either with your PayPal account or with a credit card/debit card. The login for PayPal is completely separate from our accounts.
• The first person to successfully complete the PayPal transaction wins the gift certificate.
• You are eligible to buy the same item only once in a four-month period. We use the registration system to track this for you so you don't have to.
• Only one gift certificate from the same business PER HOUSEHOLD is allowed in each four-month period. We do not have a way to automatically track duplicate purchases within a household; however, if we notice such a purchase, we reserve the right to cancel the purchase and refund the purchase money. Each individual buyer must use his or her own PayPal account for purchases. It's important that participating businesses not be asked to redeem multiple gift certificates from the same person/family at the same time.
• You will receive your physical gift certificate through postal mail. If you have questions about the receipt of your gift certificate before opening a dispute with PayPal, please use the contact email address below.
• Gift certificates should be used within 30 days of receipt.
• Sign-in issues? First, make sure you are registered for Day using the link at the top of this post; Second, if you know you're registered, use the "sign-in" link in this post; do not use the "login" box on the left side of the page.
• Problems, questions, concerns about the Deal of the Day? Email Kara Richenberg:   kara@thebatavian.com

For the ninth year in a row, Genesee County management recommended funding of $12,825 Monday toward the operations of Mercy Flight as it has worked to rebound from a tragic accident and loss of a beloved pilot and costly vehicle three years ago.

Director of Medical Operations Michael Gugliuzza reviewed the nonprofit's annual report during this week’s Human Services meeting with Genesee County legislators and County Manager Matt Landers.

“We are still kind of rebuilding from the loss of our two aircrafts. We’ve made great strides,” Gugliuzza said. “We have all our aircraft back in service last year, this year, so that’s been going very well, and things are definitely progressing in the right direction, both from the aircraft perspective and our staffing perspective on the flight and the ground side as well.”

From July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, Mercy Flight received 161 requests for helicopter ambulance service from within Genesee County, which was down from 187 the previous year, resulting in 64 transports, which was one less than 65 that prior year, he said.

Of those 161 requests, nine were serviced by the company’s flight crew in a Specialty Care Transport-equipped ground ambulance when bad weather prevented staff’s ability to fly, he said. 

Of those requests, 46, or 29% were subsequently canceled as “not needed,” and 40, or 25%, were canceled due to inclement weather conditions. Two times out of those same 161 requests, air ambulance resources were unavailable due to already being on another call.

“So even though the requests were down our transfer, our transports, were still close to the same for last year, and within that, we only had, I believe, two two times that there was a request that we couldn't fulfill because all of our aircraft were out,” he said. “So again, that's been a big advantage for us, since getting all four back in service, gives us a little bit more leeway, and being able to make sure that we can cover as many of these calls as we possibly can.

“One of the things we're working towards right now, our program flies on what they call VFR, meaning you have to have visual flight rules. You have to be able to see everything you're doing and where every place you're going. And there's some type parameters we are approved in our training and shifting towards being able to fly instruments as well,” he said. “So that will actually broaden our ability to take some of these flights when the weather conditions currently don't allow that. There are still parameters, but it's a much bigger window for us to be able to take these flights, to be able to fly instruments in order to do that.”

That training would allow pilots to have IFR, instrument flight rules, most of their pilots are IFR trained, just not through Mercy Flight’s program, he said, “so they have to go through the training anyways.”

Mercy Flight EMS, the ground ambulance service, received 10,883 requests, up from 10,803, resulting in 8,250 instances of patient contact, which was down from 8,269 the previous year, he said.

“There was a lot of demand” for the ground ambulance to assist with special events, and had requests for 40 fire/police standbys throughout the year, he said. 

Staff provided First Aid and EMS services to the Live Nation concerts at Darien Lake, WROTB’s harness racing and summer concert series at Batavia Downs, the Wings Over Batavia Air Show, and Batavia Notre Dame High School football games.

Although ground ambulance numbers are included in the report, there is a separate contract with the county. The county and nonprofit struck a deal that runs from Jan. 1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2026, for $452,460 per year. 

Training continues to be an ongoing effort, “working closely with Genesee County Office of Emergency Management Director Tim Yaeger” and the county’s many volunteer fire departments to perform ground crew safety training classes — providing for more than 120 first responders across the county, he said.

“We do ground schools for the fire departments to help ensure the safety and setting up landing zones to ensure that it’s the right size, right spot, right place,” he said. “Communication, so people understand how to operate around the aircraft when it lands. We look to do that every year.”

Other appearances included landing the helicopter at Genesee County Fair, and participating in DWI “Prom Promise”drills at area high schools, including Pavilion, Byron-Bergen, Le Roy, Elba, Oakfield-Alabama and Batavia.

Overall, the company continues to “kind of keep pushing the bar forward in Genesee County,” he said, “to continue to provide the best service possible, both ground and air.”

“Looking forward, the support that we've gained from the county, both in our air and our ground operations, continues to be directly reinvested back into our operation. It goes right back into personnel, payroll, benefits, equipment. We are constantly investing back into our staff and our crews,” he said. “Equipment wise this past year, we made a substantial investment for both flight and ground in all brand new cardiac state-of-the-art cardiac monitors. It was a large investment. We purchased 32 of the new striker life pack, 35 monitors, which offer us great capability to take care of these patients, to be able to do live streaming of events with our doctors so that they can view what's going on. It really raises the bar on the patient care side. We’re very grateful for you standing with us.”

Legislator John Deleo, who works in security at Batavia Downs, said he had an opportunity to see first responders use a LUCAS Device on site, and how it was “really impressive.” 

This device does mechanized chest compressions, which frees up staff to perform other medical treatments or gives them a break to avoid fatigue during an emergency call. They cost $19,000 each.

“We’ve got them on about 17 or 18 ambulances, plus all four helicopters. It’s a great tool,” Gugliuzza said, answering Deleo about if they buy them on sale. “I wish.”

Landers recommended the funding, and a vote will go on to the full Legislature May 14.

Press Release:

Due to a printing error, the 2025-2026 City/County tax payments cannot be processed at the Binghamton address listed on the tax bill.

If paying by mail, please mail your tax payments to:

City Clerk’s Office
One Batavia City Centre
Batavia, NY, 14020

Payments can also be put in the Drop Box located on the outside of City Hall or can be made in-person in the City Clerk’s Office.

If you have already sent your bill to Binghamton, it is fine as they will forward all payments on to us for processing.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Oakfield-Alabama beat Alexander 5-0 in tennis on Monday.

• First singles, Carson Warner beat Kendrick Ochoa 6-2, 6-1
• Second singles, Trevor Enes beat Simon Fuller 6-0, 6-1
• Third singles, Cara Williams beat Chase Reichart 6-7(4-7), 6-0, 7-6(7-3)
• First doubles, Corbin DeMare/David Schichler beat Ella Bodnarskyj 6-0, 6-1
• Second doubles, Logan Clark/Alex Fuller beat Merrick Eisele/Mae Grimes 6-3, 6-3

OA is now 6-0

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski

Oakfield-Alabama dealt the Elba Lancers the team's first defeat of the season on Monday behind the complete-game pitching of David Schnaufer.

The Hornets won 5-1, even though Elba outhit O-A 10 hits to eight. 

Elba, now 6-1, committed four errors. O-A is 4-3.

Schnaufer gave up one earned run, two walks, and fanned eight.

Hornets offense:

• David Schnaufer, 1-4, double 1 RBI
• Jack Cianfrini, 3-4, 2 two walks, 2 runs scored
• Avery Watterson, 2-3, double, walk, stolen base
• Jake Gehlert, 1-2, RBI, sac fly
• Levi Kabel, 1-3, run scored, stolen base
• Dom West, 0-2, run, walk, stolen base

Lancer offense:

• Nicholas Scott, 2-3, double 
• Bing Zuber, 3-4, double
• Mark Caparco, 1-4, run
• Fletcher Norton, 1-4, double
• Brayden Jachimowicz, 1-3 RBI
• Alex Roscoe, 2-3
• Brendan Porey, 0-2, walk
• Brady Werth, 0-1, walk, sac bunt

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) voted against an initiative that would place additional burdens on police officers while they are conducting arrests. The measure would require the New York State Police and local law enforcement to adopt child-sensitive arrest policies and procedures in situations where an individual being arrested is responsible for a child as a parent, guardian, or legal caregiver. 

The bill would require law enforcement officers to take measures to minimize the impact a child experiences under these situations. Despite this, there is no mention of how departments should fund the implementation of these policies and procedures. While well-intentioned, Hawley believes this law will only create more problems by imposing further responsibilities on police officers and necessitating more spending for local departments that are already underfunded.

“While I believe this policy is well-intentioned, it provides a one-size-fits-all solution for an issue that varies so much with each case,” said Hawley. “From day one in the academy, our law enforcement officers are extensively trained to handle arrests of all kinds, including situations where families are involved. Adding extra training and more procedures will only make it harder and more expensive for our police officers to do their jobs.”

Press Release:

On April 11, the community once again came together to honor the life and legacy of Madison Grace Masters through the annual celebration known as GRACE Day. Created in memory of Madison, a Le Roy Central School District student who passed away unexpectedly in 2020 at the age of 17, GRACE Day has become a heartfelt tradition centered on spreading kindness and giving back. The day is named not only for Madison’s middle name, Grace, but also as an acronym—Giving, Remembering, and Celebrating Everyone. What began as a small tribute has grown into a movement that touches lives each year through intentional acts of generosity.

This year’s GRACE Day efforts were dedicated to supporting the next generation of automotive professionals by raising funds for students enrolled in the Genesee Valley BOCES Auto Technology programs at both the Batavia and Mount Morris campuses. The fundraiser exceeded expectations, bringing in $2,115 thanks to the incredible generosity of family, friends, and supporters who were inspired by Madison’s story. The funds were used to purchase gift cards that were then donated directly to students in the Auto Tech programs to help them begin building their own sets of tools—an essential and often costly investment for those entering the field.

These donations did more than provide financial assistance—they delivered a powerful message of encouragement. Each student received a gift card accompanied by a “Kindness for Maddie” card, as well as a laminated copy of the classic motivational poem “Don’t Quit” by Edgar A. Guest. The poem, a longtime fixture in the shop of George Pursel, a close family friend of Madison’s family, was included as a personal symbol of resilience and perseverance. These thoughtful additions made each gift meaningful, not only as practical help but as a reminder that someone believes in their potential and future.

GRACE Day has become a way to transform grief into purpose, offering the community a way to honor Madison’s memory while making a real difference in the lives of others. Each year, the cause changes—past efforts have included food drives, random acts of kindness, and community outreach—but the heart behind the day remains the same. It’s a celebration not just of who Madison was, but of the compassion and generosity she inspired in others.

By helping GV BOCES Auto Tech students this year, GRACE Day has supported young people pursuing skilled trades—many of whom may not otherwise have the means to purchase their own tools. These students now move forward not only with practical resources in hand but with the encouragement of an entire community standing behind them. In lifting up others through kindness, GRACE Day continues to honor Madison’s spirit in the most meaningful way possible: by creating opportunities, fostering hope, and reminding us all that love, when shared, leaves a lasting mark.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

The “We’ve Only Just Begun” Senior Luncheon returns on Tuesday, May 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the South Alabama Firehall, located at 2230 Judge Road (Route 63) in Oakfield.

Lunch will be served promptly at 11:45 a.m., followed by a lively and interactive program led by guest speaker Dan Lyon from Lifespan of Rochester. Lyon, a returning favorite, will present “Name that Spam,” an engaging session designed to help attendees sharpen their skills in identifying email and digital scams.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to pass, or alternatively, a donation can be made at the door. The event promises a hearty lunch and an afternoon of learning and laughter with both old and new friends.

For more information, contact LaNora Thompson at 630-888-8966.

Press Release:

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Batavia Police Department is committed to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and the resources available in our community. Mental health affects us all, either directly or indirectly, and it's essential to prioritize our well-being and seek help when needed. 

Did you know that one in five adults in the United States experiences mental illness each year? Mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. However, with the right support and resources, individuals can recover and lead fulfilling lives. 

In Genesee County, we are fortunate to have a range of resources available to support mental health. The Genesee County Mental Health Department provides a comprehensive range of services, including: 

• Crisis intervention and stabilization
• Outpatient counseling and therapy
• Case management and support
• Peer support and advocacy 

In addition to these services, our community offers a variety of support groups, hotlines, and online resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there is help available. 

Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health. Let's work together to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage those who need support to seek it out. 

For more information on mental health resources in Genesee County, visit the Genesee County Mental Health Department website or call 585-344-2550. Let's prioritize our mental health and well-being this May and throughout the year. Together, we can make a difference in our community. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, please call 988.

A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia)

Press Release:

“Every spring, we come to Albany with one goal in mind: pass a state budget. The Majority, however, seems completely unable to complete this one simple task,” said Hawley. “This is the epitome of failed leadership. Working families across this state know that if you don’t pay your bills or do your job, you’re not going to get very far. The fact that the Majority won’t hold themselves to the same standard is disrespectful to hard-working New Yorkers all across our state. It’s time for Gov. Hochul and the Majority to work with both sides of the aisle to pass a budget that will bring costs down and protect our communities.”

Press Release:

Genesee County Sheriff Joseph M. Graff announces the recent graduations of several Correction Officers from the Basic Course for Correction Officers Academy: Correction Officers Christa I. Oliveri, Autumn J. Mathisen and Rocco J. Auricchio from Niagara County on May 2, and Correction Officers Laurie J. Schwab, Ryan J. Peck and Mariah A. Blahowicz from Livingston County on April 29. 

“These officers completed training in effective communications, essential services, NYS Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Inmate Transportation, Firearms, Incident Prevention, Pepper Spray, Defensive Tactics, among other topics,” stated Sheriff Graff. “These are all vital trainings for the position of Correction Officer.”

In addition to celebrating these recent graduations, May 4 – May 10 is National Correctional Officers’ Week, a week that President Ronald Reagan proclaimed would be observed in recognition of the important role Correction Officers play in our criminal justice system. 

The position of Correction Officer, once considered merely that of a “guard,” has become increasingly more complex and demanding, involving simultaneously custodial, supervisory, rehabilitation, and counseling roles, and that complexity continues to grow. This week acknowledges the difficult and challenging job Correction Officers perform, locked within a facility for a large part of their day where they must securely, safely, and humanely keep those committed to the jail, respecting the rights and dignity of all the inmates, including those who have been found guilty and those only awaiting adjudication.

“On behalf of our entire Sheriff’s Office and the community we serve, we thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your steadfast commitment to justice and safety,” stated Sheriff Graff. “If you know a Correction Officer, please join me in thanking these men and women for their exceptional service. This responsibility is immense, and their work deserves our deepest respect and appreciation.” 

The lights on the Old County Courthouse cupola will be changed to red, white and blue to acknowledge this week.

Submitted photos.

Serving as a perfect metaphor for what’s happening at Cornerstone Church, seeds of an idea have been planted and are being nurtured by members and leaders for a future organic, self-sustaining farm on several acres adjacent to the Bank Street Road site, Pastor Paul Doyle says.

Growing right out of the book of Genesis, where it says, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it,” Doyle said, he believes that this project is a type of divine intervention that has drawn people and their farm-related talents to participate in an effort that will help feed those in need.

“He thought of everything. He put the nutrients in, and certainly, the movie that we saw, that inspired us, contrasted with what we see happening to food. And I don’t know what they’re putting in it, I don’t know how it’s been manipulated. It’s scary to me, and we don’t always know what we’re putting in our bodies. God already thought of all this, and so we just kind of connected the dots and said, you know what? We’ve got the land, we’ve always wondered we’re like this church out in the cornfield, and we’re surrounded by land, and then the land became available and we just began to get into prayers and we really felt strongly.”

What served as inspiration
That movie was “The Biggest Little Farm,” a documentary film that follows an eight-year journey of John and Molly Chester as they depart urban life in Los Angeles and embark on a farming quest to create a sustainable, biodiverse 234-acre farm named Apricot Lane Farms. 

Their efforts to work with nature encounter drought, pests, predators, and soil depletion as they tirelessly learn how to establish a balanced system of vegetation and animals.

Divine intervention, human efforts
Alan Goodfellow, a church elder, stepped forward to lead Cornerstone’s project, not because of his most recent experience from Kodak and as a financial advisor as much as from growing up on a farm in central Pennsylvania and an agricultural heritage stemming from Montana.

“Because of his background, his heart, when he retired, was to do some farming. He’s already done a lot of research, and when we announced it, all of a sudden, people came out of the woodwork in our church and go, I have background in compost, I have background, and so it just felt like things were coming together,” Doyle said. “So some of it’s logical, and some of it feels like it’s divine intervention. But the Bible says that the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. He did it for years without man’s manipulation.”

They plan to work the ground, just not fill it with chemicals and pesticides and deplete it of natural nutrients, he and Goodfellow said. The church plans to use 18 acres that it owns, with a potential opportunity to purchase more property in the near future. 

"We don't believe it's happenstance. We believe it was in the mind of God to bring this into being, where everything works together. It's an experiment where we want to try it, and we don't grow it. God grows it. We just made a decision and we have a conviction, I think, because we saw somebody else kind of be the forerunners,” Doyle said, referring to the Chester couple. “They showed it can happen. Why not? Why not here in Batavia, with rich soil? We have plenty of precipitation. You know, we have a beautiful winter that fertilizes the ground, and there's certainly a need.”

Goodfellow seems to know his stuff, rattling off a system of fixing nitrogen in the ground and grouping crops, such as corn, beans and squash so that the beans have something tall to grow against — the corn stalks — and squash leaves provide natural ground cover to discourage weeds and protect the soil.

He keenly understands that plowing the earth year after year only takes away from Mother Nature, which is why chemical fertilizers have to be used to boost the soil back up for the next go round of planting. But by not disturbing the soil as much with aggressive tilling, and using a drill to plant seeds for crops, which uses the elements already provided by nature, he said.

“They’re throwing up dust, right?” he said, nodding to a tractor plowing out in a field along Bank Street Road. “So one of the primary principles that we’re going to have is that we’re not going to till the ground. There’s going to be cover on the ground at all times. So there is such a thing as no-till planting, where you have what they'll call a drill.

“It's not really a drill in the sense you think of … it opens the ground enough to create a trench, and then you drop the seeds in the trench,” he said. “But you do that even with the covering on top of the ground.”

And what's the advantage of that?
“You're not losing soil, and the soil is really a living mechanism, so all the root structure, enzymes, bacteria, earthworms, and other kinds of bugs live under the soil. And when you're doing this, what we call monoculture, single crop, you have to spray to control weeds,” Goodfellow said. “You have to put chemical fertilizers into replenish what's been taken out of the soil before. And instead, what we're going to do is replenish by using cover crops constantly.”

There will be a cover crop, such as low-lying cold grasses, flowers or squash, planted on top of those.

“So you’re always building up your soil to keep the organic material down in the soil,” he said. “So if you have dry spells, having all that organic matter below that moisture is going to feed the growth. And there’s all kinds of things that take place, where the root system that develops underneath the ground, amongst all those different types of cover crops, is going to help bring the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium levels in the soil up so you don’t require chemical fertilizers. That’s why they have to use fertilizer, because there’s nothing regenerating the soil.

“That’s our whole plan to regenerate the soil, put more back into the soil, and the cycle then will come down to adding animals to it as well,” he said. “Because the animals will forage on the cover crop, then leave the manure on the field, and that will be dissipated through other techniques that will spread, get down into the soil system, and move all around so it’s shared into large sections.”

Completing the plan
They’re thinking of adding chickens, cows and pigs to the system as the primary three additions. Following a farmer from North Dakota who has hardy stock that can weather most climates, Goodfellow believes these animals can thrive outdoors without a barn if they are the appropriate breeds for the Western New York climate.

Everything seems to fall in line with this system, as the cows and pigs eat the cover crops and deposit manure, the chickens scratch at the manure for the larvae left by flies, and the manure breaks down into fertilizer for the soil, Goodfellow said.

Harvested crops may be sold to those who can afford them, or distributed through the church’s food pantry. Remainders that can be kept, such as winter squash, beets, onions, or potatoes, will be stored in an adjacent 50-by-50 warehouse on the premises along with FoodLink supplies and massive toy collections for Christmas giveaways.

They recognize the need for “lots of equipment” for this objective, so another 30-by-50 maintenance room will be handy for upkeep and repairs.

Goodfellow has organized teams of about 30 volunteers so far, intending to have a garden by the end of this summer. He said hives of bees should also contribute to the pollination effort. For everything he learned from his elders, he now must take a different path.

“My grandfather, my mother, myself, we were all raised on the monoculture, industrial type farming, even if it was a truck farmer, he planted in rows, he planted on bare ground. He tilled the ground with plows and discs, etc.,” he said. “And so I'm in the process of unlearning everything I knew about agriculture and relearning new ways, new techniques, new reasons why. That's really where we are right now at the present time. And now we’re going to try out some of the stuff we’ve learned.”

He said people who farm this way end up with higher yields for their crops than the average in their area versus the traditional crop. The more he learns, the more “it makes so much sense” and is consistent with “God's thinking.”

“That you would be replenishing, regenerating all the time, instead of just getting rid of the weeds,” he said.

Follow The Batavian for periodic updates on this project.

The food pantry is open 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Sundays at the church, 8020 Bank Street Road.

After two months of training with retiring director Diana Fox, Jessica Riley has now taken her official seat to lead Genesee County’s Office for the Aging as of May 1.

Riley presented a line-up of requests to the Human Services Committee on Monday for caregiver support, a security contract renewal, meal preparation services, marketing, and funding grants. She said one of her top initiatives is keeping up with an ever-changing world.

“Technology is changing a lot of things that we all interact with on a daily basis, so adapting and adopting new technology practices for our office — something as simple as an online registration form or getting electronic newsletter — and also some of those services that can be provided through technology to guard against social isolation, are some of the new things we'd like to look at,” Riley said to The Batavian.

Is this something the senior community is comfortable with and finds user-friendly?
“It’s actually our community members who are looking for those types of resources. We certainly will continue to provide traditional hands-on resources that we have always provided,” she said. “But if you go to a restaurant and look at a menu, sometimes you have to use a QR code now to actually get it, and there's no other way to get a hard copy menu. So we want to make sure that we're educating and we're helping, and we're driving some of the resources to make those available to individuals as they so choose to utilize them.”

I realize you only just began your position, but there has been a lot of talk about federal cuts especially hurting Meals on Wheels. Has this OFA been affected yet?
“No. So we have not received any notification of any direct loss, as mentioned in Human Services. If you look at the Office of Management and Budget, pass back budget, there is a proposed reduction, but the federal impact from us is, is really not going to make an impact,” she said. “We're really, really happy about that.”

Riley has been with the OFA for about three years. She previously served as the program coordinator for New Kirk Connect central intake, where she supervised the recreation, and as a certified health insurance counselor for the Medicare program.

County officials said she has “contributed across a range of programs — from internal systems and operations to coordinating services for older adults and their families.”

“With a leadership style grounded in both empathy and practical experience, Riley is well-prepared to guide the department as it adapts to the growing and evolving needs of Genesee County’s senior population,” officials said.

While technology is certainly one area of focus, Riley said another main target is “just continuing to provide services as our population grows.”

“We’re going to have the same dollars to serve more people. So that's really what our main goal is, maintain quality services to scale as the population grows, and then also meet the needs of consumers in creative ways,” she said, agreeing that a shortage of home health care aides is an ongoing issue. “They certainly have. As we have more and more people in need of those services, absolutely, and it's a concern in New York state and across the country.”

An interview committee selected and interviewed three "highly qualified individuals" for this position and unanimously recommended Riley. The county Legislature approved her base salary of $77,756, effective March 3.

During the meeting, committee members approved a contract renewal with Arc GLOW for meal preparation services for OFA congregate and home delivery for a total cost of $403,812.15 effective July 1 to June 30, 2026. This will go onto the Ways & Means and full Legislature for final vote.

The Batavian will publish a more thorough interview after Riley has settled into her new role.