All motorists please be aware the following streets listed in the predicted order (subject to change) will experience traffic delays from Monday through Wednesday between the hours of 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. for resurfacing operations:
Monday, June 2nd Grandview Terrace
Tuesday, June 3rd Elm Street Ellsworth Avenue
Wednesday, June 4th Ellsworth Avenue
While work is being performed in these areas, local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.
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.
These same streets are scheduled for paving operations on Monday, June 16th, Tuesday, June 17th, and Wednesday, June 18th if weather cooperates. This is weather dependent work and will continue on the next business day if necessary.
Contact the Bureau of Maintenance at 585-345-6400, Option 1 if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your cooperation.
The Batavia Boys won the Class B Track and Field Sectional Championship on Friday night.
They scored 226.5 points, with HFL finishing 2nd with 102 points.
"This was an incredible performance by our Blue Devils team, earning their 9th sectional title, and this is Batavia track's 48th sectional championship, boys and girls for Indoor and Outdoor track," said Coach Nicholas Burk.
Oakfield-Alabama’s softball season ended Friday with a 5-0 loss to Bolivar-Richburg in the Section V Class C final.
Bolivar-Richburg scored single runs in the second and third innings, then added three in the fifth. Oakfield-Alabama managed four hits but could not push a run across.
Chloe Lamb led Oakfield-Alabama at the plate, going 2-for-3. Piper Hyde finished 1-for-3, and Allison Williams added a hit and a walk.
Savannah Durham pitched all seven innings for Oakfield-Alabama, allowing nine hits, two walks, and one earned run while striking out eight.
Coach Jeff Schlagenhauf said, “Tough day for us, especially defensively, but I can’t say enough about my team and the season they had. 16-3, GR Co-Champions and a sectional final. A great season for sure. This one will sting for a while, but hats off to BR. Their pitcher, Whiting, kept us off balance all day. We say goodbye and good luck to our four seniors, but with eight starters who are 9th or 10th graders, we will be back for sure. I am incredibly proud of this group.”
The Batavia Muckdogs (1-1) defeated the Elmira Pioneers 13-1 in their 2025 home opener Saturday night at Dwyer Stadium.
Batavia took the lead with two runs in the second inning and added two more in the third. The Muckdogs broke the game open with a seven-run fourth, then tacked on two in the fifth and one in the sixth. Elmira scored its only run in the top of the fourth.
Sean Mindas tripled and drove in two runs for Batavia. Tyler Castrataro finished with three RBIs. Justin Espinal and Jackson Inman each drove in two runs. Brian Fry, Braedon Reina, Blake Ewing, and Caleb Walker added RBIs. The Muckdogs collected 14 hits, stole three bases, and turned a double play.
Gavin Chandler started and earned the win, pitching 5.1 innings and allowing one run on seven hits. Jay Creighton and Garrett Beaver combined for 1.2 scoreless innings in relief.
A crowd of 2,681 attended the home opener. Fireworks followed the game, marking the first of four fireworks nights this season at Dwyer Stadium.
Batavia continues its homestand Sunday at Dwyer Stadium.
Café Manager Wendy Heideman and owner Bonnie Ognibene. Submitted photo.
Zoom Café, nestled on Main Street in Oakfield, has officially opened its doors to customers following weeks of mounting anticipation and progress updates on social media.
The charming local shop, decked out in a green, white, and black motif, offers the community a comfortable space to socialize and enjoy a wide assortment of menu items, including freshly brewed coffee, matcha, hot chocolate, and refreshers, as well as specialty baked goods and sandwiches.
“I’ve been wanting to put a café here for a long time,” said owner and operator Bonnie Ognibene. “I just think Oakfield needed a neat little place to sit down for a while and enjoy coffee or brunch.”
By its first Saturday morning, the shop was bustling with the chatter of eager patrons and humming of shiny, new espresso machines and blenders. The rich aroma of hazelnut and vanilla greeted visitors at the doorway, gratifying the senses and stirring a strong craving for freshly brewed coffee, perhaps accompanied by a bagel.
Ognibene added that the café is also expecting to receive some more gluten-free options in the near future.
Upon entering, customers can expect to be greeted by friendly staff, free cookie samples, and a welcoming ambience that encourages relaxed conversation.
Formerly a hair salon, the interior of Zoom Café features a walk-in retail area where patrons can browse and purchase goods, seamlessly complemented by a comfortable sitting room furnished with a plush couch, a window-side console table, and an arrangement of chairs and tables.
The Café has received largely positive feedback from the Oakfield community, especially from those who have long awaited the installation of a new sit-down establishment in the downtown sector.
“I’m not a big coffee drinker,” local business owner Chip Zegrossi said, “but I’m happy for them and I’m glad any time I see a new business opening in Oakfield.”
Ognibene is assisted by the cafe manager, Wendy Heideman, and a small crew of trained baristas; although she is open to hiring some extra part-time help, she said. The café provides a range of service options for customer convenience, including dine-in, curbside pickup, and takeout.
Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
There were checks to be distributed to local organizations, supporters to thank, and a ribbon to be cut on a sunny Friday morning at the recently refurbished Crosby's Convenience Store in Byron.
“(The store) really hadn't had any loving care to it in a while,” said Lenny Smith, vice president at the Reid Group, owners of the Crosby’s chain. “To be able to come in, refresh it, and give back to the community (a store) that they’re proud of – whether they’re getting fuel or getting food.”
As a thank you to the community for its support, the company handed out donations to the Byron Volunteer Fire Department, the Byron-Bergen Central School District, and the Byron Historical Society.
With checks made out to local entities, including the volunteer fire department, Byron-Bergen Central School District, and the Byron Historical Society
At the crossroads of Route 237 and Route 262, the hamlet of Byron, Crosby's has served residents and travelers for decades. Offering people a place where they can fill up their tanks, grab a slice, and catch up with their neighbors.
“At this site right here, it’s been a part of history,” Smith said. “In 2017, the Petroleum family brought it into the Crosby’s brand. Today, in 2025, we mark the next chapter.”
To Crosby, that next chapter includes more than just some fresh paint and a bigger menu. The remodel is a part of a larger effort to rebrand and reinvest in all of their stores. According to Smith, 2025 will bring a rebrand of all of their nearly 90 locations.
The store now offers Crosby’s full pizza and sub menu, something Smith called “critical” as the company aims to grow further.
“So we’re able to bring in the full menu, which is, you know, critical as we continue to grow,” he said.
Marketing Generalist Serene Lazaro agreed that the remodel was for more than just appearances.
“This was a great opportunity for us to reinvest in Byron,” Lazaro said. “Our brand had changed about two years ago. So, we’re going little by little to get us to our rebranding.”
The reinvesting isn’t only about looks and infrastructure – it’s about people, said Dave George, regional operations manager. To that end, he presented a $500 check to Dwayne Wetheral, chief of Byron’s Volunteer Fire Department, in appreciation of their efforts to keep the community safe.
He then passed a $100 check to Don Yaxley.
“We’re fortunate enough to partner with the Byron Historical Society to locate and post historic photos throughout the store,” he said.
Dan Neeson, the company’s general manager of operations, took an opportunity to thank supporters who came to celebrate their long-awaited reopening.
“We have folks here from Balkan Beverage, John Mills and Tony Falzone from John Mills Distributing Company,” he said.
After the ribbon cutting, Smith emphasized Crosby's commitment to being part of the community.
“We could have the best fuel, we could have the best pizza, we could have the best everything,” Smith said after the ribbon-cutting. “But really, the value that we bring to the community is that we are here every day for you, and our associates are here to take care of you.”
Lazaro summed it up with the message to Genesee County with a smile, “Just come down and get your pizza here – so you have pizza.”
File Photo of Gov. Kathy Hochul at Adam Miller Toys & Bicycles during a Shop Local event in downtown Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens
Genesee County, and more specifically its eligible youth, are expected to receive $140,702 of the $3.8 million designated for the Finger Lakes region out of a total $56.5 million pot being distributed to New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office says.
The funding is part of a New York State Summer Youth Employment program announced by Hochul this week as part of the 2026 state budget. This program is to connect thousands of young people from low-income homes to jobs this summer.
The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is distributing the funding to all 57 of the state counties and New York City to implement the seasonal program to introduce at-risk youth to New York’s workforce -- where “they will gain professional training and develop useful skills that will help them improve educational performance and explore possible career paths,” Hochul said.
“Investing in our young people’s future and providing them with the resources and tools they need to succeed is a top priority of my administration,” Hochul said in a news release. “The Summer Youth Employment Program helps young New Yorkers across the state find good summer jobs that provide valuable experiences and skills that will help them pursue their educational and career goals and prepare them for success in the workforce as adults.”
The Summer Youth Employment Program is to support businesses and communities across the state in providing summer jobs for youth from low-income families, she said.
Participants will work in entry-level jobs at places such as parks, summer camps, child care organizations, cultural centers, educational facilities, and community-based organizations, among others.
To be eligible for the program, youth must be between the ages of 14 and 20 and have a household income below 200% of the federal poverty level, which varies by household size. As an example, that would be $53,300 for a family of three.
The FY 2026 state budget included an increase of $1.5 million for the program from last year to address minimum wage increases, and the program served more than 21,000 young people last summer, the release stated.
“The Summer Youth Employment Program provides young people from lower-income households good summer jobs in a range of occupations that provide participants a paycheck and the important opportunity to gain valuable work experience that will support their future success in school and in the job market,” state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said.
State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon added that summer jobs are “a gateway to the world of work for young New Yorkers.”
“The skills and experience they will gain through Summer Youth Employment Program will continue to serve them long into their chosen career fields,” she said. “This initiative is a win-win-win for young New Yorkers in underserved populations, their communities, and the New York State economy.”
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
Tenants have been given 30 days to move out of 56 Harvester Ave. in Batavia as part of a "redevelopment" plan by the management team. 2022 File Photo by Howard Owens
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.
There may not have been much mud at the John Kennedy Mud Run, but the kids had a blast running and playing in the dirt with their friends and family. Photo by Kara Richenberg
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Chase, with his dad Justin, shows the ribbons he earned during the inaugural Special Olympics Thursday at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia. Photo by Joanne Beck
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).”
The softball throw. Photo by Joanne Beck
Being presented with a ribbon. Photo by Joanne Beck
Another ribbon being handed out with plenty of sideline support. Photo by Joanne Beck
A very busy Van Detta field Thursday in Batavia. Photo by Joanne Beck
Town of Batavia - Lower 1 bedroom apartment for rent with all appliances and parking. Sun room with gas fireplace and patio. $1100/ Month; plus electric, includes heat and water. No pets and no smoking. Security and references required. Available June 15th. Call 585-344-3141 for appointment.
