Press Release:

Have you changed the batteries in your smoke detectors? Do you know how old your fire extinguisher is? Have you tested your home for radon gas? Does someone in your home have asthma?

The Genesee County Health Department’s Healthy Neighborhoods Program (HNP) may be able to help. This program is for people who live in the City and Town of Batavia. 

HNP has four main goals:

1. Help people with asthma - This program gives tips and supplies to help manage asthma and avoid trips to the hospital. Participants are encouraged to talk with their healthcare provider to create a written plan to follow during an attack. If you qualify, we can give you asthma-safe cleaning products.
2. Prevent lead poisoning in children - We partner with our Lead Poisoning Prevention Program to check your home for lead paint and teach you how to keep your family safe from lead.
3. Make the air in your home cleaner - We provide education on carbon monoxide poisoning, radon gas, smoking cessation, and pest management. Eligible participants may receive a carbon monoxide detector or radon test kit.
4. Prevent fires and accidents at the home - During visits, staff test smoke detectors and encourage participants to practice fire escape routes. Free smoke detectors, small fire extinguishers, and replacement batteries are available to eligible participants.

Staff will be going door to door in the City of Batavia to tell people about this program. If no one is home, we leave a door hanger with contact information. Information on what streets we are visiting each week is posted on the Health Department’s Facebook and Instagram accounts @GOHealthNY.

For more information on the program, call the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555 or visit www.GOHealthNY.org.

Press Release:

Registration has opened for volunteers to help guide 1,200 students from Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties through an impactful day of hands-on career exploration at the Sept. 30 GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing event.

The annual fall manufacturing event and spring healthcare event have reached over 5,000 students since 2019. It’s an accomplishment GLOW With Your Hands organizers credit to the volunteers who take on opportunities before, during, and after the events

“Our students, our businesses, and our communities all benefit from the efforts of our local volunteers,” said Karyn Winters, GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair. “Volunteers truly give students the best hands-on experience in dozens of modern careers available in the GLOW Region’s manufacturing, agricultural, skilled trades, and food manufacturing businesses.”

Registration is available at glowwithyourhands.com/manufacturingvolunteers.

Opportunities for volunteers include assembly of student hard hats in the weeks leading up to the event, event set-up and clean-up the week of the event, and event-day roles at the Genesee County Fairgrounds as tour guides for school groups. Registration has also opened for sponsors and exhibitors.

“There are so many ways to contribute to GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing,” Winters said. “We are excited to work with you to help make this our biggest and most successful GLOW With Your Hands.”

For more information, visit glowwithyourhands.com

Press Release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is hosting a group for women (18-24 years old) to discuss mental health and self-care options. Meetings will take place every Friday in June from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at 319 W. Main Street, Batavia, at the Independent Living Center. (Look for the left rear door with the green awning, in the Crickler Executive Business Center.)

This is a peer-led group, and discussion topics will include emotional awareness, mental health basics, boundaries, filling your cup with self-care, confidence, connection, and growth. Each participant will receive items for mental health, well-being, and self-care.

Pre-Registration is required, and space is limited. Please contact Emma Pratt, Youth Specialist at 585-815-8501, Ext. 404 or epratt@wnyil.org. Assistance with transportation may be available. This program is available to residents of Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties, thanks to the generous support from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies, offering an expanding array of services to aid people with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

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A long Memorial Day weekend was abruptly ended by news that every tenant of Harvester Center would soon have to find a new space.

Each tenant was sent a letter from The Harvester Team “to inform you that your existing lease will instead focus onnot be renewed and will be terminated as of June 30, 2025.”

Eric and Sarah Jones had recently made the difficult decision to halt their plans to continue working on a future Game of Throws site at Batavia City Centre and make a go of it at their existing site at 56 Harvester Ave.

Then they received the emailed letter on Tuesday night.

“It is devastating,” Sarah Jones said Thursday evening. “We moved everything out of the mall over a month ago. We told our league people last night, and it is so sad. We are sad and freaking out all at the same time. I don’t even know where to put the stuff that is in the Game of Throws building; we have so much to move out and nowhere to put it.”

Over the course of the last several months, a plan has been formulated to reposition that Harvester building as part of a “larger redevelopment project,” the letter stated.

“To achieve the ultimate repositioning and marketing plan, it is best to facilitate this project without tenants in the building, given the challenges of the project,” it stated. “Management is going to provide transition leasing opportunities into other buildings that are on the Harvester campus. Should you wish to receive more information, please email AP@havesterbatavia.com. Should you require support moving out, there will be services available provided by Harvester at an hourly rate, and including load out services requiring forklift. Inquiries should be directed to AP@havesterbatavia.com.”

Sarah Jones said that “a lot of businesses are moving across the parking lot into the red brick building,” and the coupl, e decided that wouldn’t work for their space needs “as we are too big.” An owner assistant also tried another site.

“They showed us a building that they may try to move us to,” she said. “However, it needs so much work, I don’t know if they are going to do it.”

Penguin Multimedia owners weren’t available to share any definite plans since getting the letter, but they had been in the process of relocating since new property management took over, a spokesperson said.  

The Batavian reached out to the email provided in the letter, and that bounced back as an error. The address seems to misspell harvester, so we have tried again, in addition to leaving a message for John F. Wachter Jr., one of the co-owners of the property through Amerinac Holding Corp.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski initially referred The Batavian’s questions to the city attorney, and when pressed about the NY Restore grant and redevelopment plans, she recommended talking to the owners.

Renovation plans have not been a secret, and the site has received code violations on six buildings, according to city management. In December, City Council agreed to apply for a $1 million NY Restore grant to assist demolition and renovation of the expansive 29-acre property with several dilapidated brick buildings. 

The wall of one buildings collapsed a few weeks ago, giving even more pause to the site’s condition in certain spots.

When she presented a recommendation for council to apply for the grant, Tabelski highlighted the possibilities of another Larkinville, a collection of businesses, new apartment buildings and public spaces along Seneca Street in the southeast section of downtown Buffalo. This area has been promoted as “one of the city’s most impressive transformations.”

“The Harvester Campus project qualifies for Restore NY funding for an extensive demolition project. The owners of the Harvester Campus are looking to strategically demolish six buildings at the campus and commit to redeveloping the remaining buildings into a multi-use campus similar to Larkinville in Buffalo,” she had said. “Some of the buildings slated for demolition have been cited by the city as unsafe, and in need of demolition. Removal of these buildings will offer additional parking, lighting and green space to support the remaining buildings, businesses and future redevelopment on the campus.”

The owners are under court order to submit an action plan for addressing the code violations, and the city’s plan, developed in cooperation with Amerinac Holding Corp., proposes demolishing the severely deteriorated buildings to open space for parking, lighting, and green areas, while supporting redevelopment of the remaining structures.

The main goals are to improve the east side's business and residential climate, revitalize properties in need of rehabilitation, and increase the city’s tax base, Tabelski had said. 

Amerinac Holding Corp., a company based in Ohio led by John F. Wachter III and John F. Wachter Jr., purchased the Harvester property in 2021.

Photos by Kara Richenberg.

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Le Roy rallied from an early two-run deficit and walked off with a 3-2 win over Wayland-Cohocton in eight innings on Thursday in the Class B semifinal.

Wayland-Cohocton jumped ahead in the second inning. Matt Clark led off with a single, Owen Wolfanger drew a walk, and after a sacrifice bunt by Tony Schrimer, Hayden Wolfanger singled in a run. Orion Walker followed with an RBI single to make it 2-0.

Le Roy answered in the bottom of the frame. Peter Clark walked, advanced on a Holden Sullivan bunt, and scored on a sacrifice fly by freshman Jude Christ after a Luke Lathan single.

The Knights tied it in the seventh. Jake Higgins singled, advanced on an error, and scored after a Sullivan single and a Luke Lathan fielder’s choice.
In the bottom of the eighth, Jagger Smith singled and Alex Spezzano doubled down the right field line. With one out and runners on second and third, sophomore Brady McClurg delivered the game-winning RBI single.

Luke Lathan started for Le Roy and pitched into the fifth inning. Peter Clark came on in relief, retiring the next three batters and finishing with three scoreless, hitless innings to earn the win. Matt Clark pitched well for Wayland-Cohocton in the loss.

Coach Antonio Koukides credited both teams for their effort. 

“This was a tremendous baseball game all around, with both teams playing their hearts out and fighting all the way to the end," he said. "Steve always has his boys prepared, and their pitcher did a tremendous job tonight keeping us off balance. I have a lot of respect for their program and knew this would be a really close game.”

Oakfield-Alabama advanced to the Class C2 softball championship with a 9-0 win over Genesee Valley/Belfast. 

The Hornets broke through with five runs in the third inning and added three more in the fourth to take control of the game.

Piper Hyde led the offense with three hits in four at-bats. Allison Williams went 2-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs, and Raine Denny was 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Chloe Lamb drove in a run, while Savannah Durham and Rylee Denny each collected a hit.

Savannah Durham pitched a complete game, allowing four hits and no earned runs while striking out 15.

“Just a great win for our team," said coach Jeff Schlagenhauf. "We got contributions up and down the line and once again. We were able to get our runners home once they got into scoring position. Allie and Raine had huge RBI hits for us in the 3rd and 4th innings that allowed us to extend our lead. ,Savannah was outstanding on the mound once again and we were solid defensively behind her. We are looking forward to the opportunity to play for a Sectional championship on Saturday.”

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski

Kendall edged Oakfield-Alabama 3-2 in eight innings on Wednesday. 

Kendall collected 10 hits and did not commit an error, while Oakfield-Alabama had eight hits and two errors.

Oakfield-Alabama scored first with a run in the second inning. Kendall answered in the bottom half. Oakfield-Alabama added another in the fourth, but Kendall tied it in the sixth. The game remained tied going into the seventh. Kendall walked it off in the bottom of the inning.

Jack Cianfrini and Avery Watterson each had two hits for Oakfield-Alabama. David Schnaufer pitched 6.2 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on 10 hits, with two strikeouts and three walks.

Nic Cole got the complete-game win for Kendall, giving up two runs on eight hits with two strikeouts and no walks. 

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski

If you're a musical act playing a show in Genesee County, or a Genesee County music venue, send your press releases about your shows to Logan Music at jlogan6505@gmail.com or use the "+ Add your event" button above.

Press Release:

United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes is investing $45,500 to support two summer programs in Genesee County.

United Way is the second-largest funder for summer programming and is supporting more programs and youth than 2024. United Way is one of nine funders contributing to summer programs. For ease of applicants and to enhance funder collaboration, applicants were able to complete a common application with the nine funders.  

“When our youth have the opportunities to thrive, we thrive as a community,” said Robert De Leon, director of community impact at United Way. “We are deeply committed to ensuring youth have access to safe, enriching, and inclusive programming during the summer months. These programs are crucial for youth development, fostering social and emotional growth and combatting summer learning loss.”  

Programs were selected based on their demonstrated excellence in academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, arts and recreation, trauma-informed care, inclusivity, safety protocols, and outcomes-based evaluation.  

United Way’s Community Impact Fund, which supports a broad portfolio of nonprofit services and resources that strengthen our region year-round, funds these summer programs.  

2025 United Way Genesee County Summer Program Grant Recipients  

• Gillam Grant Community Center- Summer Day Camp
• Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council- Explore Art! for Kids

United Way’s annual campaign makes the work of the Community Impact Fund and these grant opportunities possible. To learn more and donate, visit unitedwayrocflx.org.  
 

Cameron, a student from Greece attending the New York State School for the Blind, was happy to be exercising early Thursday morning — an activity he’s actually been preparing for twice a week the last several months, he says.

“Every Monday and Wednesday at the gym we’ve been practicing,” the young athlete said during this area’s inaugural Special Olympics at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia. “This Olympics is so much fun, probably just watching everyone do these special events. Next I’m in the running long jump.”

He was eager to point out his mom, Cristina Vergne, and 8-year-old brother Killian watching from the stadium seats. It could have been better weather, mom said, as the sun was just beginning to peek out from heavy clouds a few hours into the event, but she enjoyed watching the action.

After all, the Special Olympics have been on Cameron’s mind for quite some time now, she said.

“We’ve been talking about it for months. He’s very excited,” she said. “I think it’s awesome. I think seeing all the kids be here and able to participate is a great thing.”

Fellow School for the Blind student Susanna, from Franklinville, had cheerleaders in the audience as well, she said.

“My mom and dad are over there,” she said, pointing to the group of spectators. “I had a 100-meter dash and a relay race. I would like to do it again.”

The School for the Blind, Genesee Valley BOCES and Batavia City School District joined forces to put on this first-time event.

“We currently have about 100 athletes that are participating today in various field events from our school. So we have parents in the stands, and we have all our staff here ready to provide support where needed,” School for the Blind Superintendent Jackie Simpson said. “We also have the Batavia City School District National Honor Society students who are here helping with awards and helping with many of the events, they helped us set up this morning, and we will see health careers academy class, we called our hike team, so they're here to cheer kids out, and they're also participating in some of the races with the students. 

"It is the first time that the School for the Blind has participated in these Special Olympics since the mid 80s. So it was about 40 years in coming. I started with the school district about four years ago, in July 2021 and said, I think we need to have a Special Olympics team here."

Why was it important to you to see this come to fruition?
mid-80s"It's funny, a staff member who used to work for the school actually reminded me this morning, when I met him four years ago, that one of the things I said to him is that if it's something kids can do, we're going to make sure they do it," she said. "And it just seemed important to me and for our school to have students experience something that is just so out of the norm of their typical day, to have that feeling of competition and being cheered on for and really working and practicing. 

"They've been doing time trials since January, February, and practicing the events to get ready for this day," she said. "So we just felt it was a great opportunity, not only for our school, but to bring the community together, to have everyone here on this day.”

From a city police escort in the morning and a Special Olympics Planning Committee comprising staff from all three schools, to food service, maintenance, and nurses with a tent set up just in case there’s a need, “it just ended up being all hands on deck through our different departments,” she said. Organizers plan to include more schools in future years.

Not only did Batavia Middle School sixth-grader Logan run his own events — the 100-meter dash, relay race and long jump — he also helped cheer on a friend with his 50-meter run from the sidelines, he said.

Logan’s favorite part of the day so far was the relay, he said, explaining why.

“I handed the purple thing to my friend Chase, and running,” he said.

He liked being able to work as a team, he said, which seemed to be a theme for students and staff alike. This event was a “huge collaborative effort” between the School for the Blind, BOCES and city schools, Director of Special Education Kellie Marciano said.

“We had regular meetings throughout the year to really prep and prepare for it. The Special Olympics has been a huge part of helping us. Unfortunately, they're not here today, because we have another one happening in the southern region, which is fine, but the kids have been so hyped up for the last couple of months,” Marciano said. “For it, the teachers have been prepping them, getting them ready to practice. And then, I mean, today's going amazing. The kids are doing really, really well for our first time. I think it's really going well for everybody.”

Chase, a Batavia middle school seventh-grader, experienced the thrill of perseverance, albeit a bit of embarrassment at first, he admitted, followed by victory in the 100-meter dash.

“I was trying to see, because my shoe slipped off before I started. So it was when I was running, I had my shoe missing, I was like, that’s strange. And then I finished over there, over here. I finished everywhere,” he said, sharing how he felt afterward. “Good. Yeah, definitely I do (want to do it again).”

Alabama-Basom Methodist Church, 1392 Lewiston Road, Alabama. Join us for worship at 10:30 a.m. on June 1. This week, our sermon title is "Love and Unity" By Celinda McQuistion CLM Scripture reading Acts 16:16-35 and Gospel reading John 17: 20-26. Come join us for Worship and fellowship after the service!

Ascension Parish - Roman Catholic Church, 135 Swan St., Batavia. We are open for Mass in the Church on Sundays at noon. We hope to see you there! 

Assemblies of God-New Covenant Chapel, 6690 Oak Orchard Rd., Elba.14058. We welcome all seeking a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ through His finished work on The Cross with The Power of The Holy Spirit. John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” If you want a small, close-knit church family and a place to make a difference, please join us. Worship Service is Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Bible Study Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact us at (585)-757-6651 (585)-969-1528 or visit us on Youtube.

Batavia Assembly of God, 24 North Spruce St, Batavia. Join us for coffee in our café before our Sunday morning service that begins at 10:30 a.m. We offer "Movement Kids" (age 4 - grade 5) at 10:30 a.m. and "MVMT YTH" (grades 6-12) meet on Sunday nights at 7 p.m.

Batavia First Baptist Church, 306 E. Main St., Pastor David Weidman, where "Christ the Center, Love for All" is very evident to all who enter. We invite you to our Full Gospel Sunday services at 10 a.m.; The Thrift Shoppe is open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., come and browse in our beautifully renovated space. Donations are accepted during business hours. You can also enjoy a light lunch at Lydia's Kitchen while you shop. Questions? Email: firstbaptist2002@yahoo.com. Call us at (585)343-9002.

Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia, invites you to join us for in-person worship on Sundays at 9 a.m. (Arise-relaxed with band music) or 10:45 a.m. (Sanctuary -liturgical and organ) or on Livestream via Facebook Live for both times at: https://fpcbatavia.org/  or https://www.facebook.com/fpcbatavia/videos/.

Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia. Our mission & vision statement:  “To be disciples, we must listen, learn, lead, and love our way to God.” Reverend Wayne Mort leads our worship service every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. in the church sanctuary. Childcare is offered for children birth-3 years old and Sunday school is offered for children ages 4-14 years old. You can also find the service on Facebook. We invite you to learn more about Batavia First UMC by visiting our website at www.BataviaFirstumc.com.

Byron Presbyterian Church, 6293 W. Main St., Byron. Pastor: Rev. Michael Fry. Musical Director: Laurence Tallman.
Worship/Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. We will participate in the first Presbytery Pulpit Exchange Sunday! Rev. Martha Mitchell, pastor for Lyndonville Presbyterian Church will lead us in worship, while Rev. Mike heads to York Presbyterian. Scripture Readings: John 17:20-26 and Revelation 22:1-5, 12-17 and 20-21. Message: “The new New York, the new Atlanta and the new Los Angeles ”. All are welcome!   

Calvary Baptist Church of Le Roy, 8703 Lake Street Road, Le Roy.  If you do not already have a church that you attend regularly, we would like to invite you to give Calvary Baptist Church a try.  It would be a pleasure to have you join us for worship and fellowship on a Sunday morning or at one of our other mid-week events. As a multi-generational congregation that enjoys our time together, our Sunday worship service typically includes singing a mix of both traditional and contemporary songs and hymns, a children’s message, and a sermon from the Word of God. Our Sunday worship service begins at 10:15 a.m.

City Church, 210 E. Main St., Batavia, invites you for our Sunday morning services at 8:30 and 10 a.m. with Kids ministry at 10 a.m. and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m.  Everyone is welcome to join us for worship and a message. We believe in doing life together and would love to do life with YOU!  You can also connect with us online at www.thecitychurch.com, through our Facebook page, The City Church, or our YouTube channel.  We do life together.

Corfu United Presbyterian Church 63 Alleghany Road, Corfu. Corfu United Presbyterian Church (CUPC) welcomes all visitors to come worship with us on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. in person or via our Facebook live stream led by our pastor, the Rev. Evan Wildhack. Our mission at CUPC is to connect with Christ, connect with others, and connect others with Christ. We offer children's Sunday School at 9:15am on Sunday mornings and youth group for 7-12th graders on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month from 6-8 p.m. The church also hosts the Corfu Food Pantry which is open on the third Saturday of the month from 9 - 10 a.m. For Lent this year, we are hosting a Lenten lunch on Wednesday, March 26 at 12 p.m. During Holy Week, we will be holding a special Holy Week service at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 17. Easter worship will be at our regular worship time of 10:30am with a breakfast preceding at 9:30am. For more information about the church, feel free to contact the church office by phone at (585) 599-6414 or via email at office@corfuchurch.org. You can also visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/corfuchurch. CUPC is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 

Cornerstone Church of East Pembroke, part of American Baptist Churches USA, 2583 Main Road, East Pembroke. Our Sunday service is at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Glenn Bloom preaching. Bible Study is every Wednesday at 10 a.m. We are a small church and welcome new members. (585) 762-8721

Darien Disciples Church, 1951 Broadway (Route 20), Our worship service begins at 9 a.m. Prayer requests to Jerry at: jeromedmorrison@yahoo.com. This week, June 1, our sermon title is “The Love Prayer” led by Rodney Stringham. (CLM). The Gospel Reading will be from John 17:20-26. Come join us!

Discovery Chapel, 315 West Main Street, Batavia. Pastor Ingrim Green's services are on Sundays at 10 a.m. "Let's Talk Real Talk the Gospel For Real Life." Visit our website letstalkrealtalk.org for more information.

East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany. Our Sunday morning worship service is held at 10:30 a.m. and is led by Rev. Dr. Shiela McCullough. Visitors are always welcome. You can find out more information on our Facebook page or by emailing us at ebpresbyterian@gmail.com.

Elba First Baptist Church, 31 S. Main St., Elba, is open for the main service in person at 10:45 a.m. on Sundays. For more information about our church go to www.fbcelba.net. The pastor is Michael Davis. Email: office@fbcelba.net / Phone (585) 757-2722

Emmanuel Baptist Church, 190 Oak St., Batavia. Join us for our Sunday service at 11 am or come earlier for bible study at 9:45 am.  Free coffee and fellowship!  Pastor Tom is continuing his preaching through the book of Acts.  Debbie Prosser is leading the choir in lifting up a joyful noise to the Lord every Sunday with practice on Thursdays.  We would love to hear your voice as well!  Particularly we need ladies who love to sing to join the choir!  Can't wait to meet you!

EverPresent Church, 4 Batavia City Centre, Batavia(off of Bank Street). Pastor Jason and Pastor Michelle Norton Welcome you! Our hours are Wednesdays 6 p.m. midweek service. Sundays 10:30 a.m. doors open 9:45 a.m. Children's church starts directly following worship. Children's church ages are 5 to 11. Counseling and other appointments are scheduled through the church via Office Scheduling. You can view some of our messages through Facebook or YouTube -EverPresent Church. Our phone number is 585-297-3155. Visit our Website for more information for up and upcoming events. Our beliefs, our vision and mission. www.everpresentchurch.com

Grace Baptist Church, 238 Vine St., Batavia. We offer two Sunday Morning Worship Services. Both services are live-streamed on our Facebook page, Grace Baptist or view it on the web at: www.gracebatavia.org. The first service is at 8:45 a.m. (children's classes available for Nursery - 1st grade). The second service is at 10:30 a.m. (children's classes available Nursery - 5th grade). KidZone for ages 4-5th grade and Grace Student Ministries (Grades 6-12) meet on Sunday Evenings at 6 - 7:30 p.m. 

Indian Falls Methodist Church, 7908 Alleghany Road, Corfu. We have our worship service at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings, led by Rev. Karen L. McCaffery.  This week's message is "Spirits, Ghosts, & Paracletes...Oh My!". To view our services online please go to our website https://indianfallsgmc.com/ for a link for Live Streaming. Join us for our 81st Annual Strawberry Social on Wednesday, June 25 starting at 3:30 p.m. with our Bake Sale, 4 p.m. Chicken BBQ, and ending with our Auction at 6 p.m.

Morganville United Church of Christ, 8466 Morganville Rd, Stafford. Your invited to join with us this Sunday at 10 a.m. as Reverend James Morasco shares his sermon, “Are You Happy Now?” The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be observed. Please bring non-perishable food for a donation to the Le Roy Food Pantry. Our God is still speaking church. Friend us on Facebook! or better yet, visit us Sunday.

North Darien Bible Church, 9768 Simonds Road, Corfu. We are open! Sunday worship service begins at 10 a.m. Children's Church classes are available for children ages birth through sixth grade, including a classroom for children with special needs. For more information, visit our website. You can also watch LIVE on our Facebook or YouTube channel. Join us from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of every month for our free community closet, full of clothing, coats, and shoes for all. (585) 547-9646.

Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road (North Campus), Batavia. Life is made up of relationships — with our families, our friends, our spouses, and our kids. And while those connections can bring incredible joy, they can also come with challenges, heartaches, and questions we don’t always know how to answer. In our new series “This Is Us", we’re leaning in together to talk about navigating life’s most critical relationships — with honesty, grace, and a whole lot of love. Because God cares deeply about the people in our lives, and He offers wisdom and hope for every relationship we’re in. So wherever you are, whatever you’re walking through — this is us, and we’re in this together.

Oakfield-Alabama Baptist Church, 2210 Judge Road., Oakfield. Join us for Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 a.m., followed by our worship service at 11 a.m. every Sunday! Visit our website (www.oabchurch.com) for additional information about our church, our beliefs, upcoming activities, and past messages. Men’s and Ladies’ Bible studies also meet on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. on the church grounds. We look forward to worshiping and fellowshipping with you! Questions? Email Pastor Matt Ervin at mervin@tyndale.edu.

Oakfield Community Bible Church, 82 North Main St. Oakfield. This Weeks “Oakfield Community Bible Church”, Weekend Worship Service is at 10:30 a.m. With Praise & Worship Music by Keith Burroughs. The morning message by Pastor, Timothy Young; entitled: “Be Still, I Am God”.  Scripture: “Psalms 46:8-11” (NKJV). Our Adult Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m., along with “Sunday School through Age-16”. There will be a Time of “Fellowship” following our Worship Service! ALL ARE WELCOME!

Our Lady of Mercy (44 Lake St. LeRoy) & St. Brigid (18 Gibson St. Bergen) parishes; Parish Office - 44 Lake Street, Le Roy. Our Lady of Mercy Mass times: Daily Mass, Monday -Friday at 7:30am, Saturday 9:00am. Weekend Masses: Saturday Vigil Mass 4:30pm, Sunday, 7:30am, 9:30am and 5:30pm. St. Brigid Mass times- Daily Mass Thursday at 8:30am & Saturday Vigil, 5:00pm. View on YouTube and Facebook. Please visit the parish website (https://www.ourladyofmercyleroy.org/).

Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph church in Batavia). St. Joseph's Church masses are on Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Daily Mass, Monday - Friday at 8 a.m. Confessions are held at St. Joe's on Saturdays from 3 - 3:30 p.m. Vigil & Holy Days to be announced. Holy Name of Mary Site (East Pembroke) 8656 Church St., East Pembroke. Mass on Sundays 11 a.m. and Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. St. Cecilia Site (Oakfield) 56 Maple Ave., Oakfield Mass is celebrated on Sundays at 9 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia. Join us on Sundays at 9 a.m. on zoom, 10 a.m. in the church building, and on Facebook Live. Links and the bulletin can be found on our website: https://www.sjecbataviany.org/

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main St., Le Roy, is open for in-person services at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. Communion will be offered to people in their seats and will only include bread. We welcome you to join us -- either in person or online. For more information, visit our website.

St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6188 Main Road, Stafford. In-person service, including Holy Communion, is at 9 a.m. Sunday mornings. All  Are Welcome. 

St. Paul Lutheran Church, Batavia, 31 Washington Ave, Batavia. This coming Sunday (June 1) we will celebrate The Ascension of Our Lord(Observed) The Sermon Theme: “Christ Ascended Is with You Always: Jesus comes among us today by His Word and Spirit, whom He pours out upon “the church, which is his body” (Eph. 1:22–23). In His Church, He blesses us with forgiveness, lifts us up in His hands and seats us with Himself “in the heavenly places” (Eph. 1:20). Our Sunday service begins at 10:15 a.m. and can be viewed 'live' on Facebook. Communion is part of every Sunday service. Men's Bible Study meets every first & third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. VBS will run July 14-18, 1:00 - 3:00pm. Ages PreK - 6th grade are all welcome. This is a free event.

The Church In Alexander, 10540 Main St., Alexander. Join us for Sunday Worship at 10 a.m. weekly. For more information please visit our website at www.thechurchinalexander.com. We offer a Free Food Pantry for people in our community, please call ahead if you need items from our pantry. For more information on Programs and services please contact us at (585)591-1765 or by email at thechurchinalexander@gmail.com. Church office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:15 - 11:15 a.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 Main St. in Attica, worships together at 10:45 a.m. on Sundays. All are welcome! Contact Frank White at uncleferter@msn.com for a ZOOM link or for prayer requests.

West Middlebury Baptist Church, 4950 West Middlebury Rd. East Bethany, Sunday service is at 9 a.m. Kids Club meets on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Youth Group (grades 7-12) meets on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit us online at westmiddlebury.org.

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"Spiritual Connections" -- The Batavian will post updates to connect people with their places of worship, religious services, fellowship opportunities, and/or spiritual advisors, etc. There is no charge for this service.

If you have information to announce, please email: news@thebatavian.com

Press Release:

The Holland Land Office is proud to announce the next presenter in its Guest Speaker Series on Wednesday, June 11, at 7 p.m. Hofstra Law Professor Stefan Krieger shares the story of his great-grandfather's murder in Batavia in 1915. Yomtov (Jacob) Schoenberg was viciously murdered in his sleep while at home at 138 Liberty Street by an intruder who bludgeoned his head with a piece of scrap iron. Mr. Krieger decided to delve deeper into the case and has written a piece about it. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for our monthly Trivia Night on Thursday, June 12, at 7 p.m. Get your disco balls ready and leisure suits on and test your knowledge of the 1970s. We promise it is more than just disco. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next act in our Concert Series on Friday, June 20, at 7 p.m. Don Dwyer will be returning to play his compilation of songs in honor of the bicentennial of the Erie Canal. Come and listen as Don plays and tells "The Songs and Stories of the Erie Canal." Admission is $5/$4 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next presentation in our Java with Joe E. series on Thursday, June 26 at 9 a.m. Local author and former Air Force Sentry Dog Handler, Russ Benzin, will be sharing his recently published book, "The Amazing Skipper." Russ details his life through the dogs he called best friends throughout his life, including with his veterinarian wife Dr. Mary. The main focus though is his time with Skipper, who was his partner during Vietnam while he served as a dog handler in the Air Force. Admission is free with coffee and donuts. Thank you to Tim Horton's of Batavia for sponsoring Java with Joe E. for 2025.

Batavia’s flag football season ended Wednesday night with a 7-0 loss to CG Finney in the Section V Class C championship game. 

The Lady Devils gave up an early touchdown but stayed in contention thanks to a strong defensive effort.

Senior defensive end Kylee Brennan led the way with 14 flag pulls, including seven for a loss. Senior linebacker Alyssa Turner recorded five flag pulls, and senior DE Nicole Doeringer added four, three of them for a loss. Junior free safety Libby Grazioplene intercepted two passes, returning one from inside the 5-yard line for 33 yards. Senior LB and quarterback Jaimin Macdonald also picked off a pass and returned it deep into Finney territory late in the second half, giving Batavia a final chance to tie the game.

On offense, Macdonald led Batavia with 51 rushing yards on eight carries. Brennan added 20 yards on four carries, and Doeringer ran three times for 24 yards.

Batavia finishes the season with a 9-4-1 record. Coach Matt McCracken thanked the community for its support and for highlighting the team’s accomplishments throughout the year.

Moana, a "very friendly" and sweet dog went missing from Main Road on Tuesday and ran toward Angling Road in Corfu. She was last seen at 9 p.m. Wednesday crossing Route 5 near Crosby's.

If you see her, please contact her owner, Katie, at 716-548-0559. She may be skittish.

UPDATE 7:30 p.m. Thursday: Moana is actively running around East Pembroke, between Indian Falls-Slusher roads and Route 5. She was being chased and ran into a treeline.

Photos by Kara Richenberg

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating Catherine Chudoba (white female, age 35, approximately 5' 5" and 140 lbs), a missing vulnerable adult who may be in need of medical attention. 

Catherine was last seen wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans in the area of South Jackson Street in the City of Batavia. 

If anyone sees or has information as to her whereabouts they are asked to contact 911 or the City of Batavia Police Department non-emergency number 585-345-6350.

UPDATED 7 p.m.: Catherine Chudoba was located. Batavia Police thanks the public for its assistance in this effort.

Press Release:

Pavilion Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held Friday, May 30, in the Pavilion Jr/Sr High School Auditorium from 9:30 to 11 a.m., and the public is welcome to join us.

This year's recipients are Terry Donegan Sanchez - Class of 1985, Marirose Torcello Ethington - Class of 1982, and Linda J. (Linn) Tytler- Class of 1965.

Terri Donegan Sanchez was a 5 sport athlete while at Pavilion, earning State Honors in Volleyball and Track. She attended GCC and Brockport State to earn her Bachelor Degree in Administration and a minor in Finance. After graduation, she began her career in Banking, which led her to a teaching career. She is currently a dual certified Business/Marketing teacher and Clinical Educator.

Terri is married to Roberto Sanchez and is the proud mother of Aaron and Alyssa Peoples.

Marirose Torcello Ethington, while spending her time at PCS participated in many clubs, Band, Chorus, AFS, Tower, and Press Club. She was also a member of the Student Council and recipient of DAR Good Citizenship Award. She attended SUNY Geneseo receiving her Bachelors and Masters degree. Following graduation she taught the Sciences at Camden High School, and coaching JV and Varsity Field Hockey and class advisor. In 1991 Marirose joined Genesee Community College teaching in multiple Sciences, showing her versatility as an instructor. She has also participated in many community activities, while raising her family, Marcella and Jared with her husband Gordon.

Linda J Tytler graduated in 1965 from PCS and went to Southern Seminary in Buena Vista, VA and earned an Associates Degree in Business. Earning her Masters Degree form the University of New Mexico. She has worked for Xerox Corp. in Rochester and Arlington VA. Her professional steps led to the US House of Representatives and US Senate, she joined the Gerald Ford presidential campaign coordinating scheduling with the US Secret Service. This led Tytler to taking a turn at politics, earning a seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives. This has led to many more honors and recognition for Linn’s career.

Submitted photos.