Press Release:

H.E. Turner & Co., Bohm-Calarco-Smith, and Burdett & Sanford Funeral Homes proudly present their 29th Annual Service of Prayer & Remembrance at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, at the Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road in Batavia.

For those who wish to participate from home, we will live stream the service as well.

“We hear from families how the service helps them through their grief, especially during this time of year," said Joshua Smith, of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home. "For some of these families, it will be their first year participating in the service, which means it is their first Christmas without their loved one, and for others, they come back year after year.”

A candle in memory of your loved one will be lit prior to the start of the service and remain that way throughout.

One candle will be provided per deceased loved one and will be given to participants at the service. If you choose not to attend but would still like a candle to participate from home, please call our office to arrange a pick-up.

Call 585-344-4295 to reserve your candle by Sunday, December 1. There is no cost for a candle, and all who experienced the pain of loss are welcome to participate regardless of which funeral home arranged services for their loved one.

The ecumenical service will combine music, prayer, scripture reading, reading of the names of loved ones, the tolling of the bell in remembrance, and a message of hope by Reverend John Keller.

To register the name or names for your candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com or call H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home at 585-344-4295 by December 1.

With goals to improve the east side business climate, revitalize a deteriorating Harvester Center in need of rehab and renovation and increase the city’s tax base, City Manager Rachael Tabelski has recommended that City Council agree to submit a grant application for up to $1 million.

The Restore NY grant is available for communities with populations less than 40,000 and requires a public hearing, which has been set for 7 p.m. Monday in Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall.

“The Harvester Campus project qualifies for Restore NY funding for an extensive demolition project,” Tabelski said in a memo to council. “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.

“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.”

Larkinville is a collection of businesses, new apartment buildings and public spaces along Seneca Street in the southeast section of downtown Buffalo and has been promoted as “one of the city’s most impressive transformations.”

Where once sat empty warehouses and vacant parcels, the space now accommodates weekly concerts, food truck rodeos, beer gardens, breweries and distilleries.  

Harvester Center has struggled to hold onto certain businesses, losing three eateries, a coffee shop, and a children’s entertainment and adults’ fitness venue in the past year or so.

The Restore NY grant project meets several objectives, according to the resolution, including:

• Being consistent with the city of Batavia Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Strategic Investment Plan, and Brownfield Opportunity Area Plan.
• Facilitating effective and efficient use of existing and future public resources so as to promote both economic development and preservation of community resources.
• Developing and enhancing infrastructure and/or other facilities in a manner that will attract, create and sustain employment opportunities where applicable.

The hearing is part of a council conference session that also includes time for public comments and discussion about a $1.85 million Restore NY grant for the Carr’s Reborn project at 105 Main St.; taking out a bond for $2.5 million for water meters and installation; a sidewalk improvement project paid for with a $1.4 million grant; and a request from Tabelski to add a building maintenance worker to public works personnel.

Press Release:

The Lady Irish Basketball Program is hosting its 3rd Annual Golisano Toy Drive to benefit the children who are in the hospital and cannot be home for the holidays. 

The toy drive will conclude with the Notre Dame vs. Oakfield game at ND on December 12. At this game, there will be basket raffles, 50/50s as well as toy donations to contribute to the children in need. 

Anyone from the community who would like to donate can do so at the ND Main Office during regular school hours.

Press Release:

This past summer, Elba Central School’s Class of 2025 and Boys Baseball team helped clean up cans and bottles after each Rockin’ The Downs show. They earned $1,031.80 by returning the recyclables they gathered to McNickel’s Bottle and Can Redemption.

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel matched that and added $500 for also helping picking up trash and chairs throughout the concert season for a grand total of $2,563.60!

Press release:

UConnectCare is looking to make the holiday season – starting with two “Friendsgiving” activities in Batavia next week – a special one for the recovery community in Genesee and Orleans counties.

The Recovery Station at 5256 Clinton St. Rd. and the agency’s childcare center at 14 Harvester Ave. will be hosting events from 2  to 5 p.m. on November 27 to give adults and children the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving a day ahead of the actual holiday.

“Both of these events are designed to build a whole family of support by offering those in recovery the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends in a relaxed atmosphere,” said Melissa Vinyard, TRS coordinator. “Anyone who wants to attend is welcome.”

Vinyard said free food and refreshments will be available, with the menu featuring chicken wing dip, meatballs, taco dip, spinach dip, banana pudding, and an assortment of pies.

Jessica Budzinack, UConnectCare’s coordinator of Outreach and Family Support Program, said adults with children can drop off the kids at the childcare house on Harvester Avenue if they wish to attend the adult gathering at TRS.

“We’re calling it ‘Friendsgiving for Kiddos’ at the childcare center and it is open to all children of our clients in Genesee and Orleans, even if parents will not be attending at The Recovery Station,” she said.

Budzinack said children attending will make placemats for their Thanksgiving dinner, be treated to “candy salad and real food, too” and sing and dance along with singer/musician Bart Dentino, a UConnectCare employee.

“Each child will receive a school vacation care package containing snacks, drinks and a surprise to enjoy with their parents,” she added.

The childcare session will be supervised by Elizabeth Wilson, Parent & Family Relationship peer coach, along with staffers Kallie Totten and Tonya Arnold.

A NIGHT WITH SANTA & MRS. CLAUS

On December 4, TRS will be hosting “A Night with Santa & Mrs. Claus” from 5 to 8 p.m.

Attendees can choose to have their picture taken with the Christmas “royal couple” at no charge and will be offered the chance to craft a unique frame for the picture. Cookies and cocoa will be served and all children will receive a Christmas storybook as a gift.

Both the “Friendsgiving” at the childcare house and “A Night with Santa & Mrs. Claus” are partially funded by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, Budzinack said.

“We are grateful to the foundation for helping us to support parents and their children in recovery,” she said. “Throughout the year, we schedule different events where parents in recovery can get together with other parents in recovery and their children to do things that normally they wouldn’t be able to do on their own. This builds the recovery community for parents and the children.”

She said that UConnectCare staff helps participants build parenting skills and provides the resources that they need to parent effectively and to navigate through any legal issues.

“We also supply care packages to parents with food insecurities while their kids are in school and offer fun things they can do together as a family to strengthen family bonds,” she said.

The Holland Land Office Museum hosted its annual Wonderland of Trees Gala on Friday evening, giving guest an opportunity to view all the trees decorated by local businesses and organizations, as well as participate in a basket raffle, and enjoy the holiday backing track provided by the DSP Jazz Trio.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Throughout the 2024 summer concert season at Batavia Downs, members of Elba High School's Class of 2025 and the varsity baseball team helped clean up the venue after each Rockin' the Downs show.

The effort netted $1,031.80 for Elba Central Schools. Batavia Downs matched the redemption price and donated an additional $500 as a thank you for the help with post-concert cleanup behind picking up cans and bottles. 

On Friday, the school received a check for $2,563.60.

A salary study provided to Genesee County legislators has fueled raises of up to 5% for employees and management, which the county hopes will make it more competitive and help recruit and retain people.

Michael Misrahi of Evergreen Solutions, LLC of Florida, presented his findings during a Ways & Means meeting this week. He was asked about the shelf life of this study.

“So all this information has been collected in FY 24 essentially, and so, this is the recommendation (that the study is) intended for you to implement in the upcoming fiscal year. If you were unable to do so for whatever reason and delay it, you would really need to assume the market has moved in that time. So if you were to push this out a year and try to look at the recommendations there, you will essentially be passed by the market in that time frame. And there's no way of knowing exactly how much the market is going to move in this next year,” Misrahi said. “However, if you like a general figure, I would say somewhere between usually two and a half to three and a half percent is a safe bet. For your guys’ region right now, it seems to be about where the market has been each year. Obviously, it's hard to predict where the economy goes and tax revenue bases and all of that, but that's been about the average we've seen over the last few years.”

The study included a current compensation structure assessment, market comparison against peer organizations in other New York State counties, established competitive positioning and then gave recommendations to address what Misrahi believed to be existing market gaps. 

Genesee County’s cost of living index was at 104.4, which wasn’t the highest — Ontario was at 107.9 — and higher than six other counties in the comparison. Key findings were that:

• All employee groups lagged the market throughout most of the salary ranges. 
• AFSME and CSEA average actual salaries lagged by the market by just under 10%.
• Specific positions lagged the market by more than 10 to 15%, market position varied by role.

Misrahi recommended increases aligned with the cost of living index, giving AFSCME and CSEA 4% raises and management 3.5%. Evergreen also provided the county with a set of pay grade changes to close market gaps for roles more significantly off-market, which county administrators were to review and amend as appropriate to ensure internal and external equity was maintained.

The combination of the structural increases and new pay grades will close the county’s existing market gap and align it with the market average, the study stated.

Legislators reviewed the 2025 employee and management salary schedules after the presentation. 

“Looking at the salary schedule, I see where some of the people have quite a jump,” Legislator Gary Maha said.

HR Director Anita Cleveland said that some of those employees are moving up the steps implemented a few years ago. The Evergreen study was used for the percentage increase, and the management salary schedule was based on it.

“Retention and recruitment is really hard, but this gives us an idea of what we can do … and those folks that are in public service are appropriately compensated,” Legislative Chair Shelley Stein said. 

County Manager Matt Landers agreed, adding, "we are implementing the recommendations.” 

The Batavian asked if he had an idea of how many employees actually leave their jobs because of pay issues on a regular or annual basis and whether it’s across all departments or in particular departments.

“With a workforce of 550 people, we have regular turnover in numerous departments, along with long-term open vacancies,” he said. “We try to conduct exit interviews as often as possible, and although we don’t have any official stats, the most common reasons I hear of people leaving is for more money or a more flexible schedule that private sector employers can sometimes offer.” 

The new American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) contract is as follows:

Wages have a 4% increase for 2025, 3% for 2026 and 4% for 2027. 

There is the creation of a Step 7, with a 4% increase.  Members with approximately 7+ years of service will be moved to Step 7.

Beginning Jan. 1, longevity will increase from $.10/hour to $.20/hour for every five years of continuous service, to a maximum of 30 years. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, longevity will increase to $.25/hour for every five years of continuous service, to a maximum of 30 years.

Health Care:

2025 – employees hired prior to 1/1/15 will have a 13% cost share with a cap of 9% of earnings.

2026 – employees hired prior to 1/1/15 will have a 14% cost share with a cap of 9% of earnings.

2027 – employees hired prior to 1/1/15 will have a 15% cost share with a cap of 10% of earnings.

The Civil Service Employee Association (CSEA) is getting a 4% increase and management is getting a 3.5% increase.  CSEA grade adjustments will be negotiated with the union in the coming months.  Management and union members also receive annual step increases until they reach the top of their grade. 

In addition, specific management positions were recommended for an additional one grade adjustment based on the Evergreen study. One grade adjustment equals an approximately 5% increase. Those positions are listed below:

• Director of Emergency Communications
• Compliance Officer
• Deputy Director Real Property
• Assistant DA-1^st
• Director Children w/ Special Needs
• Environmental Health Director
• Clinical Services Director
• Director of Community Mental Health Services
• Deputy HR Director
• Systems Analyst I
• Clerk of the Legislature
• Director of OFA
• OFA Services Administrator
• Probation Director
• Public Defender
• Deputy County Manager
• Executive Assistant to County Manager
• Commissioner of Social Services
• Deputy DPW Commissioner
• Deputy Director Community Mental Health
• Human Resources Director
• IT Director
• Chief Deputy-Criminal
• Chief Deputy-Patrol
• Deputy County Attorney
• Sr Assistant Public Defender
• Jail Superintendent
• Undersheriff

The following are management salaries, including longevity pay, for 2025:

• Administrative Officer 77,067
• Administrative Officer 75,953
• Administrative Officer (Treas.) 89,193
• Adolescent Behavioral Coordinator 71,781
• Adolescent Behavioral Specialist I 47,930
• Adolescent Behavioral Specialist I Vacant -
• Adolescent Behavioral Specialist II 47,735
• Airport Supervisor 70,006
• Assistant County Attorney 88,790
• Assistant County Attorney 110,775
• Assistant County Attorney 104,669
• Assistant County Attorney 104,669
• Assistant County Engineer 108,137
• Assistant County Engineer - EIT 91,232
• Assistant District Attorney 88,790
• Assistant District Attorney 110,775
• Assistant District Attorney 88,620
• Assistant District Attorney 104,246
• Assistant District Attorney 90,011
• Assistant District Attorney 110,775
• Assistant District Attorney - 1st 104,079
• Assistant Public Defender 110,775
• Assistant Public Defender 110,775
• Assistant Public Defender 110,775
• Assistant Public Defender 98,561
• Assistant Public Defender 110,775
• Assistant Public Defender 111,975
• Assistant Public Defender 110,775
• Assistant Public Defender PT 47,441
• Assistant Public Defender 54,428 PT
• Assistant Public Defender PT 53,792
• Assistant Public Defender Vacant -
• Assistant Public Defender Vacant -
• Assistant Public Defender Vacant -
• Assistant Public Defender Vacant -
• Asst. Dir Of Emerg. Communications/Operations 76,282
• Chairperson 22,663
• Chief Deputy-Criminal Vacant -
• Chief Deputy-Road Patrol 113,175
• Clerk to the County Legislature 76,990
• Clerk/Machine Technician PT Hrly 21
• Clerk/Machine Technician PT Hrly 21
• Clerk/Machine Technician PT Hrly 21
• Clerk/Machine Technician PT Hrly 21
• Clerk/Machine Technician PT Hrly 21
• Clerk/Machine Technician PT Hrly 21
• Clinical Services Director 87,397
• Code Enforcement Officer I PT Hrly 25
• Commissioner of Public Works 137,048
• Commissioner of Social Services 119,689
• Compliance Officer 87,593
• Confidential Secretary-Co. Attorney 48,406
• Confidential Secretary - DSS 59,808
• Confidential Secretary-DA 67,357
• Confidential Secretary-MH 66,606
• Confidential Secretary-PD 67,706
• Confidential Secretary-Sheriff 67,357
• Conservation Education Program Coord. 65,057
• Coord. Of SPOA/CCSI 73,806
• Coroner (Paid Per Diem) 2,000
• Coroner (Paid Per Diem) 2,000
• Coroner (Paid Per Diem) 2,000
• Coroner (Paid Per Diem) 2,000
• County Attorney 144,830
• County Clerk 111,975
• County Historian/Archivist 65,521
• County Manager 149,279
• County Treasurer 110,219
• Deputy Commissioner of Public Works 106,876
• Deputy Commissioner of Public Works 89,090
• Deputy County Attorney 129,529
• Deputy County Clerk 95,736
• Deputy County Clerk 94,722
• Deputy County Manager 118,313
• Deputy County Treasurer Vacant 
• Deputy Director of Community MH Services 88,290
• Deputy Director, Office of Emergency Management 69,977
• Deputy Election Commissioner 65,857
• Deputy Election Commissioner 66,657
• Deputy Fire Coordinator PT 7,500
• Deputy Fire Coordinator PT 7,500
• Deputy Fire Coordinator PT 7,500
• Deputy Fire Coordinator Vacant -
• Deputy Human Resources Director 92,722
• Deputy Jail Superintendent Vacant -
• Dir.Of Vet.Ser.Agency 85,300
• Director Of Community M H Services 121,582
• Director Of Emergency Communications 97,038
• Director of Financial Services 78,666
• Director Of Fiscal Oprerations & Child Support 74,996
• Director of Health Promotion 76,922
• Director of Information Technology 118,089
• Director of Office for the Aging 89,107
• Director of Planning 107,500
• Director of RPTS 74,852
• Director of Social Services 95,934
• Director, Office of Emergency Management 88,793
• Director-Children With Special Needs 93,409
• District Attorney 220,970
• District Attorney Investigator 86,793
• Election Commissioner 62,817
• Election Commissioner 62,817
• Electronic Health Records Program Specialist (MH) 63,507
• Emer. Management Training Tech. 54,723
• Empl. & Training Director II 86,910
• Empl. & Training Manager(WIB) 91,524
• Environmental Health Director 90,564
• Epidemiologist 66,684
• Epidemiologist 60,924
• Epidemiology Coordinator 80,956
• Executive Asst.-Co. Manager 89,060
• Fleet Maintenance Supervisor 71,831
• Gen. Justice Program Coord. 71,724
• GIS Analyst 62,808
• Health and Safety Coordinator 74,635
• Human Resources Director 123,729
• Human Resources Specialist 76,453
• IT Network Administrator 69,109
• IT Operations Analyst I 64,307
• IT Operations Analyst I 56,759
• IT Operations Analyst I 56,759
• IT Operations Analyst I 57,509
• IT Operations Analyst I 60,558
• IT Operations Analyst II 86,125
• Jail Superintendent 113,175
• Justice for Children Program Coord. 68,079
• Lead Program Coordinator 71,420
• Legislator 16,504
• MH Financial Program Specialist 50,802
• OFA Services Administrator 79,592
• PH Emergency Preparedness Coord. 82,292
• Probation Director (Group A) 107,900
• Probation Supervisor 77,882
• Probation Supervisor 81,927
• Project Manager Vacant -
• Public Communications & Web Design Specialist 65,109
• Public Defender 130,235
• Public Health Educator 67,256
• Public Health Educator 55,260
• Public Safety Systems Manager 74,347
• Purchasing Agent 65,637
• Purchasing Director 91,134
• Recycling Administrator 59,758
• Sheriff 124,529
• Specialist (Outpatient Clinic) 82,038
• Sr. Assistant Public Defender 124,529
• Sr. Assistant Public Defender 123,329
• Staff Psychiatrist Vacant -
• Systems Analyst I 73,806
• Transportation Coordinator - Health Dept. 59,611
• Undersheriff 118,713

Press Release:

HomeCare & Hospice Foundation (HCHF) is calling on the community to help make dreams come true for hospice patients and their families through its Annual Appeal Campaign. This year’s appeal shines a light on the extraordinary moments made possible through compassionate care and the generosity of donors.

“Our mission is to provide patients and their families with dignity, support, and cherished memories during life’s most challenging moments,” said Melissa Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer, HomeCare & Hospice and Total Senior Care. “The Annual Appeal enables us to go beyond basic care and make heartfelt wishes a reality.”

One recent story perfectly captures the essence of this mission. A hospice patient staying at a comfort home had one final wish: to return to her hometown and bowl one last game at her local alley. It had been the longest stretch she’d gone without bowling, a beloved pastime filled with joy and camaraderie.

With support from hospice staff, transportation was arranged, oxygen supplied, and coordination ensured with a hospice team in her hometown. Surrounded by loved ones, she bowled her final game, creating a memory that will forever be cherished by all who were there. 

While insurance covers many aspects of hospice care, it does not account for costs associated with fulfilling these special wishes. Contributions to the Annual Appeal help bridge that gap, enabling patients to experience moments of joy, fulfillment, and connection. 

Supporters can donate by visiting bit.ly/hospiceappeal or by completing the form included in the appeal letter sent to past donors and friends of hospice.

“With the community’s help, we can continue making dreams come true and bringing comfort to those we serve,” Andrea Aldinger, HCHF Board President said. “Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of hospice patients and their families.” 

For more information or to make a gift, please visit bit.ly/hospiceappeal or call 716-372-2106. 

The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation exists to support the mission of HomeCare & Hospice, ensuring that patients and their families across Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee, and Wyoming counties receive the comfort and dignity they deserve during life’s final journey. Dedicated to honoring each patient’s wishes, HomeCare & Hospice provides compassionate care and support in patients’ homes or residences, upholding its mission since its inception.

Once voters approved the 2023 “Reimagined” project for the Batavia City School District, one of the plans was to carve out a separate principal for Robert Morris School, Superintendent Jason Smith says.

Smith said Maureen Notaro had been covering both Jackson Primary and Robert Morris, but that will change early next year. 

“With the plan to move kindergarten to Robert Morris beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, this was an opportune time to have a full-time principal to assist with the forthcoming transition and numerous details and scope associated with the capital project.  The BCSD Reimagined Project calls for Robert Morris to house Kindergarten, Universal Pre-K, and Pre-School,” he said to The Batavian. “In addition, Mrs. Notaro had been overseeing two buildings, and it was time to dedicate a full-time principal to Robert Morris, given the voter approval of the capital project and the required planning and preparation needs.”

Jessicas Korzelius, who has been the assistant principal at Robert Morris, was approved by the Board of Education this week to move into the principal role as of Jan. 6, 2025. Smith said that the assistant principal position would then be eliminated.

"I am delighted to welcome Jessica Korzelius as the new principal of Robert Morris," he said in a press release.  "Jessica has proven herself as a dedicated and highly effective leader, serving as assistant principal at both Robert Morris and Batavia High School. Her deep understanding of our district and commitment to student success make her the ideal fit for this role. As we prepare for our grade restructuring and our capital improvement project, Jessica’s leadership and expertise will be essential in ensuring a smooth transition and continued excellence at Robert Morris. We are excited to support her as she steps into this new role."

There are currently 103 students at Robert Morris, and “we expect to have around 250 to 300 students at Robert Morris upon completion of the capital project,” Smith said.

Prior to her administrative roles, Korzelius served as a classroom teacher at Batavia Middle School from 2014 to 2021, where she taught grades five and six. She also held teaching positions in Florida at Orange Ridge Bullock Elementary.

Korzelius holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from SUNY Brockport, a Master's degree in Literacy, and a Bachelor's degree in Childhood Education from the University at Buffalo. She maintains professional certifications as a school district leader, school building leader, literacy specialist (birth to 12), and childhood education teacher (grades one to six).

“I am truly honored to be named the new principal of Robert Morris. Having been part of this community as assistant principal, both here and at Batavia High School, I know how dedicated our students, staff, and families are," Korzelius said in the release. "I want to thank the BCSD Board of Education and our administrative team for their support throughout my career. I am excited to continue working alongside them during this pivotal time for our district. I look forward to supporting our youngest learners as they grow and achieve their full potential.”

The board approved a starting salary for the Robert Morris principal of $100,000.

Press Release:

This holiday season, Batavia Downs is celebrating with thrilling offers & exciting events: Bob’s Christmas Resource Day by the Little Free Pantry, a chance to see celebrity chef Anne Burrell, an opportunity to “Get Paid To Stay”, and fantastic Thanksgiving/Black Friday promotions.

An Afternoon with Anne Burrell – Sunday, November 24 

Batavia Downs is hosting "An Afternoon with Anne Burrell" at 3 p.m. inside of Park Place, featuring the Food Network star and chef extraordinaire, Anne Burrell. Guests will enjoy live cooking demonstrations, culinary tips, and stories from Anne’s celebrated career. 

Tickets for this exclusive event are available at www.BataviaConcerts.com. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now to watch one of the most beloved chefs in the country! A dinner option is also available for a complete culinary experience.

Bob’s Christmas Resource Day by the Little Free Pantry – November 26

Batavia Downs is thrilled to host a community resource event with the Little Free Pantry. Taking place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, inside the Park Place Event Center, this initiative ensures that local families in need can receive items at no cost and with no questions asked. Batavia Downs is committed to providing resources for support to the local community.

Thanksgiving/Black Friday Happenings – November 28 and 29

WROTB President & CEO Byron Brown & the Board of Directors invite you to come celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with dining specials, gaming promotions, and an unbeatable hotel offer!

Dining Specials: Stop by 34 Rush to enjoy the November specials, such as the Salted Caramel Apple Cider, or Cranberry Turkey Sandwich! More details are available here: https://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/club-bud-light/ No reservations are needed.

November 28 Promotion:

Enjoy Thanksgiving Hot Seats! Use your Player's Club card at any machine between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a chance to win $100 Free Play every hour!

November 29 Promotions:

Bring in any receipt from a Batavia area retailer between 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. today (dated November 29, 2024, valued at $5 or more) to receive $5 Free Play! *Visit Player's Club to redeem. Gas stations & markets do not count. Must earn 5 pts., one redemption per person, per promo period.

Stop by before or after you shop to enjoy Black Friday Hot Seats! Use your Player's Club card between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a chance to win $100 Free Play every hour!

For full promotion rules, visit https://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/gaming/promotions/. 

Stay the Night on Thanksgiving with the “Get Paid To Stay” hotel deal! For $129 plus tax, you will receive a hotel room, $60 Free Play per guest (based on double occupancy), a $20 gas card, your choice between Two Premium “On The Rocks” Premade Cocktails or 4 beers at Club Bud Light, and a complimentary breakfast buffet in the morning! Learn more & book at https://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/hotel-deals/.

For more information on these events or to learn about other activities at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, please visit our website or contact us directly.  

Press Release:

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers will host the club's 22nd Annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 7, at the club's facilities located at 50 Main Street (Rte. 63), Oakfield (above the M&T Bank). The "FREE" event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stairway access only.

The club's facilities feature operating layouts in O Gauge (Lionel), HO & N. Club members will be available to answer your model railroading questions. A great family-oriented event filled with photo-ops and fun for kids of all ages.

"The Christmas holidays seem to bring back those childhood memories of a model train and miniature village around the Christmas tree", says club President Mike Bakos. "Our members are busy keeping the tradition of trains and the holidays alive. We invite you to visit and enjoy one of Genesee County's best kept secrets."

This year's Open House will be one of the many events featured as part of Oakfield’s Christmas in the Village celebration along with many other family-oriented activities taking place in the village throughout the day.

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers is located at 50 Main Street (Rte. 63), Oakfield (above the M&T Bank) and is open Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. Business meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month. Visit www.gsme.org. Like us on Facebook.

High construction costs and high interest rates have temporarily shelved plans to expand the Hotel at Batavia Downs.

The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Board of Directors voted on Thursday to temporarily "pause" expansion plans on the recommendation of outgoing CEO/President Henry Wojtaszek.

Wojtaszek said the executive team sought construction estimates for the proposed expansion and the estimates -- not bids -- came in at $16 million and $16.5 million, which is about $4 million more than the original cost estimate.

"Because of the high cost of the estimate to build a hotel and the high cost of borrowing, we recommended to the board that they delay their decision and come back and review (the proposal) in six months to a year," Wojtaszek.

The Hotel at Batavia Downs is currently an 84-room luxury facility that opened in 2016. It was originally constructed and operated by ADK Hospitality, a Buffalo-based company. It costs ADK $5.4 million to build the hotel. The OTB purchased the hotel in 2021 for $8 million.

Officials were looking at an expansion that would essentially double the size of the hotel, with a new wing added to the north side of the current hotel.

Byron Brown, the new CEO and president, said pausing expansion given the current construction market makes sense.

"The construction companies that reviewed this felt that costs in the construction industry are extremely high right now and that interest rates are high right now, and we should delay seeing if construction costs come back down and if interest rates go down," Brown said. "And, you know, one example of this is if you even look at reporting on the Bills new stadium project, construction expenses have ballooned by over $560 million over original estimates."

Asked about the possibility of new import tariffs, as promised by the incoming White House administration, raising the cost of construction, thus making the project even more expensive to pursue, Brown said, "That's why we made the recommendation to delay moving forward with the hotel expansion, so that we would give the board the opportunity, with the management team to look at these things and to look at the costs, and if costs come back in line, then we would be able to move forward. And if costs don't come back in line, that would be something that the board would need to consider."

The board, Wojtaszek said, will likely look at a scaled-down expansion (fewer new rooms) at its December meeting to see if it could be financially feasible. 

The board may also be asked to authorize construction BIDs to see if maybe they come in lower than the estimates, Brown said.

As he stepped into his new role as president and CEO, Bryon Brown noted that the hotel has helped contribute to revenue growth at Batavia Downs and he said he supported expansion.

"(The hotel) has led to this corporation becoming a lot more profitable," Brown told The Batavian in October. "So purchasing the hotel in the first place was a very good decision. From my perspective, just being able to evaluate this during the week that I've been here, I think expanding would be a good decision as well. But again, I don't want to try to speak for the board."

Brown said delaying expansions is a disappointment for all concerned.

"The management team and the board are all disappointed. I'm disappointed," Brown said. "You know, we did not anticipate the numbers being this high with the increase in construction costs and interest rates, but we have to make a sound business decision, and that's what we're doing by recommending that the hotel expansion be delayed at this time."

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Walking down the Batavia High School hallway as the Drama Club prepares for dress rehearsal, it's notable how there’s a surprising number of males in a show about women.

That’s because there are also very important male roles, director Caryn Wood says.

“Teddy is a very excellent example of a very important male role. John Brooke, obviously, how he affects (the story), and you see how they all interact and what the effects of those relationships are. And so, yeah, there's a bunch of men in the show too," Wood said during rehearsal Monday at BHS. "And so, I just think it's a wonderful story, and I think that these kids are rising to a challenge. It's hard because it's such a classic, and they have their own expectations. Because the characters are. But then there's the movie that came out in the 90s from one Winona Ryder, which was part of my childhood, and there's so many different versions, and they can all kind of meld and become one, almost. 

“And so we're just trying to do a classic is not a crazy way, very intimate because it's a black box,” she said. “You're very close to the actors, and a story that is so much about the relationships. I think it's awesome to do it in such a close, intimate proximity, like a black box theater.”

“Little Women,” about the lives of four sisters — Jo, Amy, Beth and Meg March and their mother, Marmee — after dad goes off to the Civil War front, debuts at 7 p.m. Friday and continues at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at BHS, 260 State St., Batavia. 

For anyone unfamiliar with black box theater, it’s about as up close and personal as you can get in theater — on stage with the actors, action and sets. Jeremiah Childs, 17, who has the role of Teddy, aka Laurie, enjoys sharing the spotlight with an audience, he said. 

“It’s interesting, being that close to the audience,” he said. “You can hear everything and see everything. So if they laugh, you can see the laughter. If they do a face, you can see the face. I like it.”

His character is similar to his own personality, but there was a challenge he’s had to deal with, he said.

“Laurie is a lot like me: he’s funny, he's very out there, he likes doing what he does. He has some traditional values,” the 12th-grader said. “But with Jo, Jo tries to break him out of that, and he just can't. And they don't end up together, which is kind of sad. But if you watch the movie later on, they do end up together, but he's very fun, he's very charismatic. He's very loving, and he desperately wants to get into this March family.”

Jo March serves as the head of the family and works as a surrogate father in his absence. Kelsey Kirkwood wanted the role when she auditioned and was elated when she won the part, she said.

“I’ve just been in theater for a very, very long time, and I could tell that I’d been working my way up. And so when I got picked for her, I was really excited,” she said. “I’ve been in shows since, I think I was like eight, so probably third grade, and then I’ve been doing the shows here at the high school since ninth grade. I definitely want to keep going with it in college, but more so just for fun.”

So tell us about Jo., and are there more similarities or differences between you?

“Jo is very, very, I can’t think of that word for her. She's very not spiteful, but she knows her way. She's very set in her beliefs, and she just goes against the social norms, which I think is pretty cool, because that was a little difficult to do in her time,” 17-year-old Kirkwood said.  “I relate to her a lot because she kind of, I wouldn't say I'm defiant, but she's kind of defiant, and she knows her own way, and she definitely is passionate about what she believes in, and she fights for it, which I think is pretty cool.

“When father goes away, Jo kind of takes over for him and ends up being like the quote, unquote, man of the house,” she said. “And so she just kind of, she tries to keep everything in order, and she's not always great at it, but she tries.”

There are 22 students in the cast and five student crew members for a traditional and familiar adaptation of the story, Wood said. So if you have ever read the book or seen any of the movies, this will seem fairly customary, with one catch.

“One thing we're doing a little differently is that ... because it's supposed to be during the Civil War, but so many of the themes are so applicable of Little Women, obviously, there's some feminism, and women leaving home to find work, and the transition to working outside the home, Jo has a desire to make a living for herself, to support herself in the future, and she isn't sold on the idea of marriage, necessarily, and so many of those themes and ideas are still so relevant even today, more than 100 years later. So we're taking it out of any one time period, and we're kind of making it of any time period," she said. "You'll see costumes like modern clothing. So there's some modern clothing in there, and then many of the women are in clothing from various time periods. We've got some 60s, 50s, there's a 50s housewife kind of look on one person. There's almost a regency kind of look on another girl. There's almost a Victorian look on another, so we're just mixing up all the time periods because it is so timeless, it’s such a classic story that could almost fit in any time. 

"So instead of making it any one specific time, our costumes should reflect the character and the person more than necessarily the time period itself," she said. "And so that's something unique that we're doing.” 

The common thread is a familial bond in a "coming of age" classic, clothing style notwithstanding, as these little women deal with the ups and downs of life.

Sophomore Willow Rozell plays Meg, and despite her nervous demeanor backstage, the 15-year-old can more easily slip into character once the quiet on set cue is given. She described a varied experience for patrons. 

“Oh, I think it's going to be fun, but it's also going to be sad. We definitely have a mixture. It’s supposed to be serious but fun, too,” she said, adding what she thinks is the show’s message. “I think family, specifically sisterhood, is really important, and to unite with that is a really important thing in the show.” 

Tickets are $9 in advance and available at www.cur8.com (search BHS) or $10 at the door.

To view or purchase photos, click here. 

A gathering Wednesday evening was to remember those Americans who have died due to anti-transgender violence, but just as significantly, to celebrate the loved ones still coping and living as a transgender or nonbinary person subjected to potential bullying and violence, including Clyde Macioszek.

Macioszek has plenty of friends who are trans, and “I am trans myself,” admitting that it has been difficult at times because of how people have responded to the Batavia resident.

“I think it’s important to remember the ones we’ve lost and sort of make a community to bring them together, of other trans people or allies, to sort of make sure we don’t lose more, and to sort of know the importance of these people and the lives that they lived,” Macioszek said during the fourth annual local vigil of International Transgender Day of Remembrance. “It’s affected me very negatively, and I sort of try to hide it from a lot of people due to the negative view on trans people. I think it helps spread a little bit of awareness, and I think it really just helps build community.”

Organizers from GLOW-OUT! and Brockport Pride Association believed this was the largest gathering so far of an estimated 50 or so people. Macioszek and Nate Clarke carried flags with the transgender colors of blue, pink and white and candles were distributed for the ceremony.

Lauren Berger, the new secretary for GLOW-OUT! and a member of the Brockport group, reminded everyone that the reason they’re gathered is to support their trans friends and loved ones and remember those lost to transgender violence.

The day began as a memorial service for Rita Hester in November 1997, and a group of trans women in San Francisco began to commemorate those lost to anti-trans violence two years later, with the tradition continuing on and growing internationally ever since.

These same types of ceremonies were happening all over the country and in Puerto Rico, she said. A list of names of those killed, or whose bodies were found, from fall 2023 to November of this year was read aloud. 

“They had families, friends, and communities who loved them. They struggled with issues that affect millions of Americans — substance abuse, mental illness, homelessness, incarceration, domestic violence and bullying,” she said. “But unlike cisgender Americans, they also faced transphobia. We owe it to their memory and to our future to recognize the importance of supporting our transgender siblings, community members and friends. We must celebrate those still with us, and remember those lost.”

One by one, followed by reading each name, was the age, and most were startlingly young — from age 14 and several in their 20s up to a handful in their 50s. There were 69 people, and they were the ones reported and living in the United States, organizers’ data stated. There are more than 300 victims from around the world, according to tdor.translivesmatter.info. There was no one from Genesee County; however, the very first name was Allen O’Donnell, 20, of Brockport, who died on Oct. 1, 2023.

As the names were read, a glowing colored candle was placed on the courthouse steps. It was a demonstration of how quickly and tragically life had been taken as steps filled up with color. A message was shared through U.S. Senator Corey Booker’s quote: “hope is the active conviction that despair will never have the last word.”

“GLOW-OUT! really started doing the Trans Day of Remembrance vigil, because it's something that lots of groups are doing all over the world because of the remembrance event. But over the years, in our experience doing it, we've really tried to strike a balance of that phrase you might have heard or seen as not just mourn the dead, but fight for the living. That whole balance of coming together in remembrance, and there's a real solemnity to that,” Berger said. “And we're mourning, this is really sad. A lot of names on this list, they're very young, you know? It's just really tragic. And so there really can be … the sense of despair, or that it's really kind of just adding to feeling kind of deflated, or like, okay, this was really depressing, I just went to a funeral, now what? And so over the years, we've really aimed to strike more of a balance to give folks something that is the reason for hope, the reason for looking forward to tomorrow, the reason to be proud of the resilience and the survival of the people that are in our lives still and from there, it was really easy to shift in this mindset, content-wise, that we are here in remembrance and in mourning, but we also have the opportunity to love and support people while they're alive.”

GLOW-OUT! broadly defines “transgender” as anyone whose gender identity or expression is outside of societal norms. At the same time “nonbinary” means a person who does not identify with either male or female – or may experience fluidity in that regard. Some transgender or nonbinary people might take medications or have surgeries to affirm their gender; others might not. 

In the US, transgender and nonbinary people are bullied, homeless, incarcerated, and targets of violence at much higher rates than their cisgender (non-trans) peers, the nonprofit said. These experiences contribute to the additional truth that transgender and nonbinary people are more likely to consider, attempt, and complete suicide than cisgender people.

That’s another big reason for the vigil: to promote awareness and transgender advocacy of available resources, including GLOW mental health programs, crisis hotlines and a trans lifeline, and several other related support groups.

“All of these norms that are so violent and negative are what people have been told is what they should be feeling. And so when we are coming together in the spirit of who you are is valuable. Who you are matters. You are worthy of love and acceptance and joy exactly as you are. That's running counter to this narrative that some people might hear, directly or indirectly. And it also is this idea that we, again, are remembering the dead. However, we also are here for people who are still alive and people who aren't, who are not here yet, that we are going to fight for as a community with as much love as anybody else deserves,” Berger said. “So, to see more people than any other year just tells me that even though we're still dealing with this violence, we're still dealing with transphobia and sadness, we also are seeing more resilience and response and people saying that they're not going to tolerate that in their house, in their community, in their schools, in their towns. And that's stronger than ever, which is really encouraging.”

For more information, go to glowout.org.

Photos by Joanne Beck.