Press Release:

The Batavia City School District is proud to acknowledge the Batavia High School Production Club’s recent success at the Rochester Broadway Theater League’s (RBTL) Stars of Tomorrow Competition held on Friday, May 9, at the West Herr Auditorium Theater in Rochester.

BHS was recognized for its March 2025 production of Disney’s Newsies.

48 local schools were adjudicated and recognized for their achievements this high school musical season, and Batavia High School’s production of Disney’s Newsies received the following recognition from the RBTL:

• Excellence in Dance Ensemble
• Excellence in Production Design
• Excellence in Production Crew
• Excellence in Student Orchestra
• Excellence in a Leading Role: Gavynn Trippany as "Jack Kelly" & Gus Crawford as "Davey"

At the event, Batavia performed excerpts from the songs “King of NY,” and “Once and For All” from Disney’s Newsies.

The complete list of winners at this year’s RBTL’s Stars of Tomorrow competition can be found here.

Press Release:

The Batavia Muckdogs are excited to announce their next five signings of the 2025 season.

Batavia will welcome back a fan favorite as well as some new faces. 2024 Returner and Batavia Native RHP/OF – Bryceton Berry, RHP – Erwins Branche, RHP/INF – Cameron Copple, RHP – Samuel Gil, and OF – Travis Hammond join the Dogs this summer at Dwyer Stadium.

Bryceton Berry is a 6’1 outfielder and pitcher from Batavia, and a sophomore at Flagler College. Returning for his second season with the Muckdogs, Bryceton brings two-way value to the roster. Last season, he appeared in 13 games, posting a .227 batting average while scoring 10 runs on five hits and collecting five RBIs.

Erwins Branche is a 6’3 right-handed pitcher from the Bronx, and a sophomore at Saint Xavier University. A transfer with experience at both Herkimer College and Jacksonville State University, Erwins brings a strong frame and competitive edge to the mound. During his time at Herkimer, he pitched 22.2 innings and posted a 4.76 ERA.

Cameron Copple is a 5’11 right-handed pitcher and infielder from Tampa, Florida, and a freshman at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. A true two-way player, Cameron has made his presence felt on the mound and at the plate this season. He’s pitched 25.1 innings, posting an impressive 2.13 ERA. Offensively, he’s appeared in 53 at-bats, scoring 6 runs with five RBIs, one triple, and eight doubles. 

Samuel Gil is a 6’4 right-handed pitcher from the Bronx, and a junior at Mercy College and a transfer from St. Bonaventure University. This season, he has logged 14.1 innings on the mound. With a powerful frame and raw potential, he continues to develop his command and effectiveness at the collegiate level.

Travis Hammond is a 6’ outfielder from Stone Mountain, GA, and a graduate student at Saint Xavier University. A consistent presence in the lineup, Travis has started all 46 games this season. Over 138 at-bats, he’s batting .290 with 40 hits, 35 runs scored, seven doubles, three triples, and a home run.

Opening Day is Saturday May 31 at 6:30 p.m. vs the Elmira Pioneers with free post-game fireworks. If you are someone you know has interest in sponsoring the Muckdogs, season ticket information, hosting a group event or picnic please contact General Manager Marc Witt (mwitt.canusa@gmail.com). The Muckdogs full schedule is available online at www.canusamuckdogs.com.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

On Friday, May 9, the Pembroke Teachers' Federation hosted its third annual Sprinkles Night at Sprinkles Creamery in Corfu!

Members of the Pembroke Teachers' Federation took orders, scooped ice cream, created delicious sundaes, and made milkshakes all for a great cause. Sprinkles Creamery generously donated a portion of the night's sales and tips to the Scholarship Fund of the Pembroke Teachers' Federation.

"Our little community never ceases to amaze me," said Arron K. Brown, president of the PTF. "Amanda and the entire crew at Sprinkles are amazing, and I am so thankful for their partnership." 

At the end of a very busy night, $773 was raised to help graduating seniors at Pembroke High School.

Submitted photos.

Alabama-Basom Methodist Church, 1392 Lewiston Road, Alabama. Join us for worship at 10:30 a.m. on May 18. This week, our sermon title is "How Will They Know?" and it is led by Rodney Stringham (CLM). Scripture reading Psalm 148 and Gospel reading John 13:31-35. 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. Communion this Sunday. Scripture Readings: John 13:34-35 and Acts 11:1-18. Message: “Free for All”.  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. This week, Sunday May 18, our sermon title is "Love One Another", led by Eric Phelps (CLM).  Scripture readings will be from Acts 14:4-18; Revelation 21:1-6; John 13:31-35. Come join us for worship! All are welcome to attend.

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 "To God Be the Glory". To view our services online please go to our website https://indianfallsgmc.com/ for a link for Live Streaming. Our Youth Group (grades 6-12) will meet on Sunday, May 18 from 6:30-8 pm. We offer FREE Respite Care on Wednesday, May 21 from 10 am - 2 pm, register your loved one by emailing redlady5343@earthlink.net. We offer a FREE Community Dinner on Thursday, May 22 at 6 pm.

Morganville United Church of Christ, 8466 Morganville Rd, Stafford. Pastor James Morasco will share his sermon, “Together” this Sunday at 10:00 am. All are welcome to attend our “God is Still Speaking” church.  Coffee hour and fellowship will follow the service. We’d love to meet you. 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: “Giving God What Is His”.  Scripture: “Proverbs 3:9-10” (GWT). 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 (May 18) we will celebrate The Fifth Sunday of Easter. The Sermon Theme: “On earth, “You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy” (John 16:20). Already, the Spirit grants you peace and joy through the forgiveness of your sins. Our Sunday service begins at 10:15am and can be viewed 'live' on Facebook. Our Adult Bible Study and Children's Sunday School is every Sunday, 9 - 9:45am. Communion is part of every Sunday service. Our Youth Group meets every Sunday, 5-7pm,  Men's Bible Study meets every first & third Wednesday at 6:30 pm. & our Quilters group meets every Tuesday, 9 - 11am. *The last quilter meeting before summer will be May 20.

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.

*******************************************************

"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

Next time you’re out at a public event, look around and remember that 70 new people visit Genesee County’s Mental Health Department for services each year.

Given that about one in every five people has experienced some type of mental health issue in New York State, that number may seem small, though admitting a struggle with one’s mental health can still make it difficult to seek help, Mental Health Director Lynda Battaglia says.

With a range of problems to choose from nowadays — from rising prices and making a paycheck last longer to physical ailments, raising a family and a divisive political landscape — why is it important for people to stop and think about their mental health?

“It's a good question, and I think it's important for people to pay attention to and think about their mental health because it is a significant part of their overall health, right?” Battaglia said during an interview with The Batavian. “Your overall health is physical as much as it is mental; they kind of work off each other. So people need to be aware of how they feel. 

"If you physically don't feel good, and you have some symptoms, and those symptoms are kind of lingering for quite some time, you would probably go to a doctor to say, ‘I’m not feeling good physically,'" she said.  "With mental health, if you're having some feelings or thoughts that are depressive, or you're just kind of in a negative headspace, or you're just anxious, and you can't put your finger on why, why not go to a therapist to try to figure out why?”

May happens to be Mental Health Awareness Month, and there is an “ending the stigma event” to provide information, community resources, wellness activities, stories to inspire hope and change from people with lived experiences to show what self-care is, pizza, beverages, and a drawing for a self-care basket.

Sponsored by Genesee ACE Employment and Genesee Orleans Wyoming CARES Alliance, this event is free and includes one ticket for the basket drawing. There is a bonus ticket for those who wear green to support mental health awareness.

The event will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with Battaglia's opening remarks at noon on May 28 at First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia.

What’s the harm in shrugging off one’s feelings of sadness or anxiety, with hope that it will someday go away?
"I think people do that one because they don't know what it is. They don't recognize it, maybe as like, maybe I might need to go talk to somebody or process something," she said. "I think sometimes when people push it off, it's because they don't have time or don't want to deal with it, or they think I should be able to handle this. I feel like, if I go ask for help, I'm going to be viewed as weak when I'm a strong person, and I don't need help."

And for the person who has pretty dire thoughts and is afraid of getting locked up somewhere for speaking up about he really feels, what do you advise?
"That's a real fear, and that's what people think sometimes, the mental health system is and how it operates. But really, our goal is to keep people in the community, to keep them healthy, to wrap services around them. Sometimes people might need to have an admission for stabilization, if it's acute. But if somebody's having dire thoughts of, let's say, they're thinking about suicide, as therapists, as clinicians, we have to have those conversations," she said. "It's okay for us to have those conversations. We have to address them. We have to get to the root of why we are having these thoughts. What do you think is going on? And we can have those conversations, and it might not automatically end in admission. It might just need to be a conversation in a safe place with a person who was going to help you process the thoughts and get to the root of the thought ... millions and millions of people have those thoughts, and we have to be able to talk about it."

What's the best thing people can do if they have a loved one or a friend they're concerned about? How can they help, and can they get advice during this event?
Battaglia suggested the following things to consider and/or ask the person to try:

• They can certainly talk to their friend or their loved one, saying, ‘I’m expressing concerns, I'm worried about you. Can I take you to the mental health clinic where they have open access, where you can just walk in and see somebody?”
• Call 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline, and maybe talk it out a little bit.
• Go to an event like the one that the CARES Alliance is hosting and learn more about mental health and how we can support ourselves and our loved ones.
• “So people can go to this event, learn about it and see with their own eyes that they are not alone. That one in five New Yorkers has experienced some type of mental illness,” she said. “So you are not alone, that anxiety that you're feeling, that depression that you're going through, other people go through that, right, but that stigma kind of forbids us to reaching out and saying, I think I might need some help.”
• If those same people were experiencing a physical issue, there would likely be no doubt about suggesting a visit to the doctor or hospital for treatment, for help. But for some reason, it doesn’t come as easily when it’s the mental aspects of a person, she said, and “we have a long way to go. We're making progress.”

The CARES Alliance planning committee wants to introduce service providers—including Genesee ACE Employment, which works with job seekers and employers dealing with mental health challenges—and potentially connect them with future clients seeking assistance, member Sue Gagne said. She said the stigma still in place about mental health may serve as a stumbling block for actually pursuing answers.

“I think there are a lot of resources, people just don’t know about them,” she said. “And then the second part to that stigma is they don’t want to talk about them. So I think that’s maybe the goal. We all have physical health, but when we say mental health, it’s a negative.”

Members agreed that the main focus of this event is to provide an opportunity for people to be around others with similar stories so they don’t feel quite so alone. That’s how the stigma can begin to end: “by coming together as a whole.”

If it’s a nice day, the plan is to hang outside in the sunshine. And remember, there’s nothing weak about reaching out for help, committee members and Battaglia said.

“We all need help, in all parts of our lives, we all need help. So why not get some help for that, when down the road that continues to build, right? You just push it, you stuff it down, and it surfaces maybe a little stronger. You push it down more, and it's going to resurface until it is right at the top there,” Battaglia said. “And now you really need some help. So if you work through it at those moments when it's ‘I’m not feeling in a great head space, or I am just anxious or nervous, I don't even know what's going on, maybe I need to go talk to somebody,’ well, you might be a little ahead of the curve.”

To donate a basket for the drawing, drop it off at Genesee ACE Employment, 220 E. Main St., Batavia, by May 23.

OLV Human Services marked the expansion of mental health services in Genesee County with a ribbon cutting and open house Wednesday at its new facility on Main Road in Stafford.

“This is a really exciting day for us to be able to expand our mental health services out to Genesee County,” said Cindy Lee, CEO of OLV Human Services. “One of the things that we discovered in our research about underserved areas was that Genesee County is definitely an area where there’s long wait lists for people to be able to get in for mental health supports. So we were able to locate this facility with very minimal renovations needed, and it was the perfect fit for us.”

Lee said the organization will also open an evaluation and treatment center at the site in July. The center will serve families of young children suspected of having developmental delays and provide diagnostic and treatment services for children currently on long wait lists at area hospitals.

“We think we’re bringing a very necessary service to the area,” Lee said.

Dr. Ted Andrews, a pediatric psychologist, pediatrician and specialist in developmental and behavioral pediatrics, said the new center will focus on autism evaluation and treatment. He noted that wait times for similar services at major hospitals in Buffalo and Rochester can be 12 to 24 months.

“We’re trying to put ourselves in between those bigger hospital systems to be able to provide the same coverage,” Andrews said.

The new facility is located at 6917 Main Road in Stafford. OLV Human Services provides counseling, treatment, and support services for children and families across Western New York.

Previously: Stafford facility a 'perfect setup' for counseling and treatment services site

Have you ever seen a tree wrapped in a cozy, crochet sweater? 

If not, head to Downtown Batavia and stop by GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., because a circle of crocheters who meet monthly at GO ART! have completed their first tree sweater outside of Seymour Place.

“We meet every second Thursday of the month,” Melissa Lee explained, as she and her fellow crafters worked to attach the final pieces to the tree. “Gregory (Hallock), who’s in charge at GO ART!, thought it would be a good idea. He came to us about doing tree sweaters. He talked us into maybe applying for a grant. We got the grant, and we’ve been working together to create these motifs to put on the tree.”

The project, which Lee describes as “just a fun project,” is more than just a whimsical art installation. It’s a statement about the versatility of crochet and the power of collaboration. 

“We want to get it out there and let people know, crocheting can be more than just blankets, and old ladies and crocheting,” Lee said.

The group, including Lee’s mother, Debbie Urban, Ashley McClellan, Tim Lee (wearing crocheted pants in photos), and Lee’s father, Don Urban, has poured nearly 80 hours into the project. 

“It’s been a collaborative work for quite a few of us,” Lee said. “We started at 2:30 today and did a lot of work yesterday, pretty much all day, trying to finish it so that we’d have one big kind of blanket-looking piece, so that we could wrap it around the tree. And then we’ve been taking small pieces and just attaching them.”

The finished result is a mosaic of color and texture, accented by the individual expressions of each crocheter. 

“We all had the same pattern that we started with, and then everybody picked their own colors, so they all had their own little spin on it. So it’ll be fun when the ladies come out and they’re like, ‘Oh, that was mine,’ and they can come and look at the tree and pick out their pieces,” Lee said.

The project has become a family affair, with Lee’s mother and husband joining in the fun. 

“My mother is working on the tree out there too, and she was the one who made the pants,” Lee added, referring to crocheted pants worn by Tim Lee.

And this is just the beginning. The group plans to yarn bomb another tree on the side street later this summer, with a new theme featuring crocheted characters, butterflies, animals, and flowers. 

“This one is granny circles. The other one will be little characters, butterflies, animals and stuff and then flowers around. That should be fun,” Lee said.

Oakfield-Alabama built an early lead and defeated Elba, 9-1, in softball on Wednesday. 

The Hornets improved to 12-1 on the season.

Oakfield-Alabama scored four runs in the first inning and added to their lead in the second, third, fourth, and sixth. 

Allison Harkness earned the win, pitching seven innings, allowing four hits, and striking out eight.

Hornets offense:

• Piper Hyde: 3-for-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBI
• Raine Denny: 3-for-4
• Allison Harkness: 2-for-4, 2 RBI
• Chloe Lamb: 1-for-1, triple, 3 RBI
• Allie Williams: 1-for-3, RBI
• Jess Sosnowski: 1-for-3, RBI

“It was our eighth game in a nine-day stretch," said Coach Jeff Schlagenhauf. "I am very proud of how our girls have battled and have been able to maintain their focus. It has been a long stretch. It will be good to get some practice work in tomorrow.” 

Photos by Kristin Smith

Byron-Bergen beat Pembroke 3-2 in tennis on Wednesday.

• First singles, Riley Shallenberger (BB) defeated D.J. Hale (Pem) 6-3, 4-6, 6-0
• Second singles, Angel Neureutor (Pem) defeated Erron Kimble (BB) 7-5, 6-3
• Third singles, Levi McGrath (BB) defeated Camden Schneider (Pem) 6-4, 6-2
• First doubles, Tyler Kuepf/Logan Manna (Pem) defeated Sara Bishop/Justin Gabehart (BB) 6-2, 4-6, 6-4
• Second doubles, Noah Clare/Craig DiQuattro (BB) defeated Danielle Mast/Paul Tebur (Pem) 6-7(5-7), 7-6(7-5), 6-4

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.

Mark Caparco delivered a walk-off double in the bottom of the eighth inning as Elba rallied to defeat Byron-Bergen in extra innings on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Scott earned the win for Elba with 7 1/3 innings of three-hit ball. After surrendering a bloop single in the first, Scott settled in and allowed just one more hit the rest of the way, finishing with 10 strikeouts.

Mason Vigiano came on to record the final two outs and notch the save.

Caparco finished 2-for-4 with an RBI, including his game-winning gapper. Scott also helped his own cause at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double and a triple. Bing Zuber contributed, going 1-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI, while Vigiano added an RBI single.

After falling behind early, Elba responded by tying the game and ultimately prevailing in extras.

“We’ve talked a lot about how our energy and toughness directly impact winning baseball,” said Coach Andrew Boyce. “Tonight, the boys battled back after taking a haymaker in the first. That’s the kind of game we’ll remember come sectionals when we need to dig deep. Elba baseball is a tough out for anyone.”

Elba will look to build on this momentum as the postseason approaches.

Photos by Kristin Smith

Arianna Almekinder delivered a stellar performance on Tuesday afternoon, striking out 13 batters and tossing her first varsity perfect game as Batavia cruised to a 19-0 victory over East High.

Almekinder reached a major milestone early, recording her 100th strikeout of the season in the second inning. She was dominant throughout, not allowing a single hit or walk in the shutout win.

Offensive leaders were Violet Lopez, Hannah Carney, Almekinder herself, and Libby Grazioplene..

The win marks Batavia’s third straight victory. 

Press release:

Batavia Boys competed against Greece Olympia/Odyssey on Tuesday and came away with a 110-31 victory.  Winners for Batavia were:

• Jamere Reeves -110 Hurdles (17.3)
• Grant Gahagan - 400m (54.0)
• Cameron Garofalo - 1600m (4:35.6), 3200m (10:56)
• Sheldon Siverling - Shot Put (58-11), Discus (155-10)
• Justin Smith - Triple Jump (39-6.75), High Jump (5-10)
• Da'Von Gallo Williams - 400 Hurdles (1:03.9)
• Cooper Banser - 800m (2:18.0)
• Keagan Calmes - 200m (23.7)
• Cooper Konieczny - Pole Vault (10-6)
• 4x400 Relay - Jamari Irvin, Brandon Currier, Da'Von Gallo Williams, Isaac Varland
• 4x800 Relay - Mason Bellamy, Gabe Flanagan, Noah Richmond, Grady Moore

We also celebrated and recognized our seniors prior to this meet and we have 23 Seniors who have competed with us this year! 

Photos by Kristin Smith. 

Alexander beat Attica on the day of the Trojans' Senior Game on Tuesday, 10-5.

The Trojans answered a late rally by Attica, scoring four runs and tying the game, with six runs in the sixth inning.

Emily Pietrzykowski tripled, scoring two runs, Melanie Bump laid down a sacrifice bunt, scoring one run, and Felski tripled, scoring three runs. Sophomore Ella Felski led the Trojans at the plate and provided clutch hitting that put the game out of reach for Attica.

Pietrzykowski earned the win for Alexander. The righty surrendered five hits and four runs over seven innings, striking out eight and walking six.

Sophomore Haley Mills took the loss for Attica. The starter went six innings, giving up 10 runs (six earned) on 10 hits, striking out three and walking four. Piorun led Attica with two runs batted in. The outfielder went 3-for-4 on the day.

Alexander piled up 10 hits in the game. Melissa Sawyer, Yax, and Pietrzykowski each collected multiple hits for Alexander.
 

Hitting:

• Ella Felski went 3-for-4 with a triple, 4 RBIs, 2 runs, stolen base
• Melissa Sawyer went 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs, run, walk
• Ava Yax went 2-for-3 with an RBI, 2 runs, walk, stolen base
• Emili Pietrzykowski went 2-for-4 with a Triple, 2 RBIs, and a run scored

Pitching:

• Emily Pietrzykowski – Win, 7 Innings, 5 hits allowed, 4 earned runs allowed, 6 walks issued and 8 punch outs.

"This was senior night for our girls, and the way it played out felt like a movie script," said Coach John Goodenbury. "After giving up four runs in the top of the sixth, I told them in the dugout, 'This is your script to write, go out and write it.' They went out there, fought for it, and made it happen. It was a great moment for their families to see them respond that way on an emotional senior night. We needed this win to stay in contention to win the GR (Division 1). 

"I also want to give credit to Attica’s pitcher Haley Mills; she’s a developing pitcher and is going to be a force for Attica over the next couple of years. She’s poised, she battles, and I had the pleasure of having her fill in with our travel team last summer. I know she’s only going to keep rising to the top, and she won’t be easy next year."

Photo by Makenna Boyce.

Experience the power and intensity of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary rock opera as Main St. 56 Theater presents Jesus Christ Superstar! This groundbreaking musical brings the final days of Jesus to life with electrifying music, raw emotion, and an unforgettable cast. Purchase tickets here.

Press Release:

On Wednesday, May 14, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., a special event will be held at the Oatka Family Practice, located at 5762 E. Main Street, Suite 6, in Stafford. The event will begin with prepared remarks and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

OLV Human Services (OLVHS) – one of the region’s largest mental and behavioral health organizations - is celebrating the grand opening of their Genesee County location, which will serve the mental and behavioral health of the community. Located in suite 6 of the Oatka Family Practice building, OLVHS will serve residents’ needs through their Evaluation and Treatment Center and Outpatient Clinic services.

The event will feature prepared remarks and a ribbon cutting. The individuals noted below will also be available for interviews.

The Evaluation and Treatment Program offers multi-disciplinary assessments and evaluations for children suspected of having a developmental disability, including autism spectrum disorder. If the results of the assessment indicate the need for treatment, the team will provide individualized behavioral programming, occupational therapy, speech therapy and medical management including developmental pharmacology. 

The Outpatient Clinic provides care and counseling for children, adolescents, and adults with behavioral, emotional and psychiatric difficulties of varying levels of severity. Licensed therapists work with the support of a board-certified psychiatrist to provide person-centered services for children and adults. Treatment plans are custom-tailored and may include individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy, as well as medication management.

Attendees will include Cindy Lee, CEO of OLV Human Services; Lynda Battaglia, Director of Mental Health and Community Services for Genesee County; Sheila Hunt, Chief Program Officer at OLV Human Services; Dr. Ted Andrews, a pediatric psychologist and pediatrician at OLV’s Evaluation and Treatment Center; Katie Cowley, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at OLV Human Services; and Heather Bell, Mental Health Counselor at OLV Human Services.

Contractors with Soil-King were on Jackson Street in Batavia on Wednesday afternoon, laying down a new layer of soil and grass seed as work nears completion on a $1.3 million project to lay new water lines and replace the sidewalk on the east side of the street.

Batavia received a $1 million CDBG grant to improve the aging waterlines on Jackson Street. The city committed an additional $351,908 of local funds. 

Photos by Howard Owens.

Less than five years in, and Batavia Fire Chief Josh Graham’s vehicle — used for emergency response and transportation — went “ka-put,” City Manager Rachael Tabelski says.

The 2020 Ford Explorer had many mechanical issues, including the transmission, which rendered it out of commission for several weeks. There is no estimated time of return. 

“We thought it was under warranty, we then found out that it wasn’t, and it’s still in the shop for repair,” Tabelski said during this week’s City Council conference meeting. “We also found out that the same make and model will have a full engine replacement that will be needed at any time here, and for an extended period of time, there won’t be a chief’s vehicle.”

All that is to say the city is on the hook for another vehicle, at a cost of up to $50,000.

Graham has been driving the city manager’s vehicle, which does not have the appropriate lights and sirens required by New York State, as well as necessary safety measures for emergency vehicles, he said. 

At least one red light must be displayed and visible under normal "atmospheric conditions" from 500 feet away from an authorized emergency vehicle in any direction.

He even tried to use the red and white light from his dash, but that “didn’t really work,” he said.

“So we did make an emergency vehicle purchase from the town of Shelby, which is like a new condition for $30,000, and this resolution would be to memorialize the use of reserves for that vehicle,” Tabelski said.

Graham estimated that a new truck, after being upfitted, would cost between $75,000 and $85,000.

Councilman Bob Bialkowski had done some research on the Ford Explorer brand and found that “over 90,000 trucks” had problems with burning and breaking the valves. “So it’s a major problem,” he said.

Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. added that they’re talking about a piece of equipment and “not just a vehicle … driving you to the scene.” Once there, that vehicle becomes a “mini command post” with emergency equipment, a radio, “your necessary stuff,” he said.

Graham chose a 2015 Chevy Tahoe, “but it was not used as a chase vehicle, so it wasn’t a daily driver,” he said. “It was in the station, used as an EMS vehicle, and I have not seen a vehicle that has only 16,000 miles on it, and I have not seen a vehicle that is this well taken care of as could be.”

A search by The Batavian found on bannerchevy.com’s used Tahoe buying guide that the 2015 Tahoe has had issues with the A/C system, flashing interior lights, and dashboard cracks.

Tabelski approved it as an “emergency purchase” and asked the City Council to vote on a resolution to transfer $50,000 from appropriated reserves to the fire department equipment reserves.

During a business meeting that followed, council members unanimously approved the transfer of funds not to exceed $50,000. The fire department equipment reserve has a balance of $867,092.

The Le Roy Central School District is bracing for difficult financial decisions as it asks voters to approve a $32,035,588 budget for the 2025-26 school year.

Spending is projected to increase 3.18%, or $986,768. 

Superintendent Merritt Holly, speaking Tuesday night at a public hearing on the proposed budget in the Wolcott School auditorium, outlined a budget shaped by rising costs, staff reductions, and heavy reliance on state funding.

The district’s proposed tax levy is $10,800,650, an increase of 1.25%, keeping Le Roy under the state’s tax cap. However, the district is feeling the squeeze from inflation, escalating health insurance premiums, and contractual obligations, including a new teacher contract and higher special education expenses.

Holly noted, as he did in the district's budget newsletter, the district has no say in or control over property tax assessments.

The estimated tax rates for the municipalities that overlap with the district:

• Bergen and Pavilion, $15.76
• Caledonia, $16.77
• Le Roy, $16.95
• Stafford, $17.51

One of the most significant impacts: staffing. Six retirements are expected, but only two positions will be replaced. This is a shift from previous years, when Le Roy was able to add staff while neighboring districts made cuts. 

“The impact is being felt most at Wolcott Street School, where we're not replacing four of six retirees," Holly said. "It will directly affect students and staff.”

Enrollment is currently 1,103 students, down 114 students since 2016. Enrollment affects the district's share of state aid.

"When you look at the Jr./Sr. high school, we have one of our smaller senior classes that we've had in a while, at least in my time," Holly said.

There are 81 seniors.

The district is reliant on state aid. Holly said 63% of Le Roy’s budget comes from Albany, far more than in wealthier suburban districts. 

“We’re not like the Monroe County schools that can tap into their tax base to close gaps,” Holly said. “We rely heavily on state aid, and any changes at the state or federal level could have a big impact here.”

Holly noted, as he did with The Batavian in March, that there are 152 unfunded state mandates, including the looming requirement for electric school buses and costly special education placements, as well as ongoing budget pressures. Inflation has also hit utility costs and other essentials. 

“We’re all competing for the same teachers, and we’re all feeling the pinch from rising costs,” he said.

The superintendent also warned of federal uncertainty, noting that political debates in Washington could threaten funding streams like Title 1, which supports students from low-income families. 

“We can’t sit and worry about politics, but we have to plan and prepare for whatever comes,” Holly said.

Despite these fiscal challenges, the district has historically enjoyed strong community backing for its budgets, the superintendent noted. This year’s ballot also includes a $379,000 proposition for the Woodward Memorial Library and the uncontested re-election of two Board of Education members.

Edna Gruber, Batavia's notorious madam who operated a brothel at 101 Jackson St., Batavia, in the middle of the 20th century, is finally the subject of a book about her life.

With a dab of local scandal and a dash of historical intrigue, David Kinney’s new book, "Batavia’s Disorderly House," shines a fresh light on Gruber. 

On Tuesday, Kinney, a Washington, D.C. resident, was at Eli Fish Brewing Company for a book signing.

Kinney recounted how a story about Gruber getting roughed up at Horseshoe Lake first piqued his curiosity, setting him on a year-long journey to untangle the real story behind Batavia’s so-called “most famous madam.”

Kinney, whose previous work explored the history of Horseshoe Lake, explained that much of what was known about Gruber came from a 1996 "Genesee Country Magazine" article. That account, he said, he found riddled with errors and gaps, especially regarding Gruber’s early years and family background. 

“Many of the things in that article were incorrect,” Kinney said, noting that even Gruber’s granddaughter had been shielded from the true nature of Edna’s business, and family lore was often just plain wrong.

Born Edna Geyer in Buffalo in 1882, Gruber’s early life was marked by hardship. By 13, she was scrubbing floors in barrooms, and she married twice -- first to Joseph Gruber at just 15. 

How she transitioned from these humble beginnings to become the proprietor of Batavia’s most infamous brothel was, until now, a mystery even to her descendants. 

Kinney’s research, however, has resolved the question of how Edna entered the business and uncovered a significant family secret. 

“Most of even the family didn’t know she had a brother, and her brother played a significant role (in her entering the business),” he said.

Gruber’s establishment, regularly raided during Prohibition, was notorious for its clientele and Edna’s ability to retain top legal counsel and pay handsomely for it. Despite her reputation, she was also known for acts of local charity, complicating her legacy in the community.

Kinney said his book will provide new insights into a woman who defied the conventions -- and the censure -- of her time.

Previously: Edna's 'house of ill-repute' funded madam's charity to the community, by Anne Marie Starowitz

For motorcyclists, a swath of grass clippings on a roadway is summer's version of black ice.

It appears unexpectedly and causes the bike to lose traction, which can result in serious crashes—bikes flipping onto their sides, veering off the roadway, and striking other vehicles.

Trooper Lynnea Crane with New York State Police told RochesterFirst in 2023 that crashes caused by grass clippings can be deadly.

“A lot of police officers will contact homeowners or the person blowing grass into the roadway and just let them know they need to remove it,” she said.

Batavia resident and motorcycle enthusiast Gordo Montgomery asked The Batavian to remind residents of the dangers of grass clippings. 

Under Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1219(b), it is illegal to drop or permit any material, including grass clippings, that interferes with the safe use of a highway. Anyone responsible must remove it immediately. Section 1220(a) further prohibits dumping or placing any refuse, trash, or litter on highways

The danger is rising as the number of motorcyclists on New York roads has doubled since 2002. Environmental factors, including debris like grass clippings, account for roughly a quarter of motorcycle and car crashes. There are more than 750,000 licensed motorcyclists in the state.

The solution is straightforward, according to experts -- never blow or leave grass clippings in the street. Point mower chutes away from the road, sweep up any stray clippings, and consider composting or mulching them on your property, where they can benefit your lawn.