Press Release:

The Batavia Police Department is proud to announce its annual Flag Commemoration Ceremony, honoring the memory of those who have served our community and have passed away. This solemn event is a tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of our fallen heroes who have served our department and the community with distinction. 

The ceremony will take place on May 28 at 1 p.m. at Grandview Cemetery. The event will feature a brief ceremony, a moment of silence, and a reading of the names of those being honored. 

The Batavia Police Department invites the public to join us in paying respects to these brave individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

We hope you can join us for this meaningful ceremony as we come together to pay tribute to those who have given so much.  Let us take a moment to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who have served our community and have passed on. Their legacy lives on in our hearts and in the work we do every day to keep our community safe.

Press Release:

Lucine Kauffman, program coordinator for the Library Visits Program at the Richmond Memorial Library, was honored with the 2025 Outreach Award at the Nioga Library System's annual meeting on Wednesday evening at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. The award honors an individual in the library or community who has shown a commitment in providing/promoting library services to special populations such as the elderly, geographically isolated, or those who have a physical disability.

"Lucine has consistently gone above and beyond to serve marginalized and isolated groups in our community," shares RML Interim Director Samantha Stryker, who nominated Kauffman. “She recognizes the need to address the epidemic of loneliness we often see in our elderly population. The Library Visits program utilizes a small staff and a network of volunteers to deliver tremendous amounts of resources to those who need them most.”

Nioga Trustee and Genesee County representative Kristie Miller presented Kauffman with the award, sharing that she works diligently to provide as many services as possible to Library Visits patrons, whether it is library materials, help with technology, or a social connection with their dedicated volunteer. Through her initiative, the program is now able to serve caregivers in addition to those who are homebound or unable to visit the library.

Since 1997, The Library Visits Program has been serving residents of Genesee County through the Muriel H. Marshall Fund. In addition to serving 70-80 patrons directly, the program delivers group loans and resources to more than 15 residential and program facilities in Genesee County, serving over 1200 Genesee County residents. Thanks to recent funding, caregivers are also eligible to receive services through Library Visits.  

If you or a loved one are interested in the services provided by Library Visits, visit batavialibrary.org or call 585-343-9550 x6.

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

Alabama-Basom Methodist Church, 1392 Lewiston Road, Alabama. Join us for worship at 10:30 a.m. on May 25.  This week, our sermon title is " The Promise of the Holy Spirit, " led by Rodney Stringham (CLM).  Scripture reading Psalm 67 and Gospel reading  John 14:23-29. 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. Scripture Readings: Psalm 67 and Acts 16:9-15. Message: “Responding (From Asia to Europe)”. 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 25, our sermon title is "Holy Spirit Come", led by Eric Phelps (CLM).  Scripture readings will be from Acts 16:9-15; Revelation 21:10,22-22:5; John 14:23-29.  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 "No Greater Love". 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) meets on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of the academic year from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Join us for our 81st Annual Strawberry Social on Wednesday, June 25 starting at 3:30 p.m. with our Bake Sale, 4 p.m. Chicken BBQ, and ending with our Auction at 6 p.m.

Morganville United Church of Christ, 8466 Morganville Rd, Stafford. 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: “The Lust Of The Flesh”.  Scripture: “Galatians 5:16-17” (NKJV). Our Adult Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m., along with “Sunday School through Age-16”.  There will be a Time of “Fellowship” following our Worship Service! ALL ARE WELCOME!

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

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

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

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

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

St. Paul Lutheran Church, Batavia, 31 Washington Ave, Batavia. This coming Sunday (May 25) we will celebrate The Sixth Sunday of Easter. The Sermon Theme: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33) Our Sunday service begins at 10:15 a.m. and can be viewed 'live' on Facebook. Communion is part of every Sunday service. Our Adult Bible Study meets this Sunday, 9:00 - 9:45 a.m., and then will be on break for the summer.  Our Youth Group & Children's Sunday School is on break for the summer. Men's Bible Study meets every first & third Wednesday at 6:30pm. & our Quilters group is on break for the summer.

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

Now hiring! Wine & cocktail enthusiasts wanted at Bar Olo Wine Bar! Apply today! Click here to fill out an employment form. 

Press Release:

The City Department of Public Works TEAM will be continuing with essential and time-sensitive repairs to the sewer infrastructure along Dellinger Avenue, continuing on Thursday, May 22, with work anticipated to extend through Friday, May 23, at a minimum. Additional Water service restoration work will begin on Tuesday, May 27, with hopeful completion on that day as well, with the water line work.

The construction activities are scheduled to take place throughout the day on Thursday and are expected to continue into Friday until all identified and necessary repair tasks have been successfully completed. This work is to ensure the long-term reliability and functionality of the local sewer system. 

Please be advised that Dellinger Avenue will remain closed to all non-essential through traffic during this period. This closure is in place due to the ongoing nature of the work, which includes overnight pump operations and early morning activity that are required to maintain progress and ensure the project’s timely and safe completion. 

At this time, access is strictly limited to local traffic only, including residents, buses and service vehicles which may be required to enter from one end of the road or the other. 

We respectfully request that all residents and members of the public avoid traveling through the construction area on Dellinger Avenue while construction is actively underway. This will help prevent unnecessary congestion, reduce potential delays, and, most importantly, support the safety of both the construction crews and the public.

We greatly value and appreciate your continued patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work to complete these important infrastructure upgrades. Your support is instrumental in helping us deliver long-term improvements that benefit the entire community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Press Release:

Paolo Busti Foundation names Elizabeth Riter as Outstanding Italian-American. Elizabeth Riter is being honored as an Outstanding Italian-American by the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation of Genesee County for her countless hours of community service. 

Liz will receive her award at the Foundation Scholarship Dinner planned for 6:30 p.m. June 10 at Batavia Downs. Tickets may be purchased at Ben’s Appliances, 634 East Main St, or from any board member.

Liz relocated to Batavia in 1988 after completing her Master’s degree at Alfred University. A born leader, Liz became involved in the Batavia Area Jaycees, soon becoming Individual Development Vice President and Community Services Vice President. Community Involvement led to Liz’s commitment to make Batavia and Genesee County a better place. 

Liz began her career at GCASA, The Genesee Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, now UConnectCare. Her role as Prevention/Student Assistance Counselor at Notre Dame High School in Batavia led to her role as the Chief Compliance and Quality Assurance Director. 

Assuming roles of Secretary, Vice President and President of the Board of Directors of the Genesee County Mental Health Association were inevitable. Leading with her strength and her kindness, Liz volunteered for the Parent Teacher Organization at Robert Morris Elementary School, serving as Vice President and later President. 

Liz has continued to give and give, volunteering for Genesee Cancer Assistance and the Batavia Rotary Club. Liz and her husband John have chaired the YMCA Invest in Youth/Strong Communities campaign together several times and Liz has served on the United Memorial Medical Center Quality Committee Board for the last 3 years.

Liz attributes much of her Italian heritage to the importance of family and tradition. The values of respect, kindness, helping others, loyalty to family and friends, honesty and hard work shaped Liz’s future and were instilled in her children. Elizabeth Riter is the perfect person to be receiving the “Outstanding Italian-American of Genesee County” Award. Her Italian background and strong Italian values learned, which have influenced Liz’s commitment to serve, while fulfilling the demands of career, wife and mother, are to be admired and recognized. 

Liz’s maternal great-grandparents, Maria (Tomasso) and Joseph Basile, came from Campobasso, Italy. Liz’s grandmother Rita was the youngest of their six children. Liz’s maternal great-grandparents were Michael, who was originally from Modugno, Italy and Teresa Razzante. Her grandfather Eugene was the eldest of their nine children.

Nearly 3,000 households in Genesee County receive SNAP benefits on behalf of 4,796 adults and children, for a total mandated expense of $835,256 a year that’s on the table for cuts, Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein says, as part of the promoted “big, beautiful bill” in the House.

For the sake of argument, she rounded that up to an even $1 million and made her point crystal clear.

“That’s what the county would have to pay,” Stein said after an online meeting with New York State executives about potential repercussions from a proposed $15 billion in annual cuts plus mandated costs that would heavily affect state Medicaid, healthcare and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

While some taxpayers may champion cost-cutting measures to reduce government spending, Stein said some of these measures are likely to fall on taxpayers' shoulders.

“We don’t have a choice to say no,” Stein said. “It’s like the two-headed llama of push and pull, and the push is coming from the federal government. We don’t know what the response is going to be from the state government, but it’s important for our budget folks at the county to understand what that budget impact could be and be really factual about it. So that’s a big job for our staff, because what we saw today was the first time we’ve seen numbers about any program.”

Genesee County officials believe their voices are important, she said, by sending messages to Congresswoman Claudia Tenney seeking her support and explaining that “if our levy is $30 million for Genesee County, any impact on that is going to cost our taxpayers,” Stein said.

“It will also impact on our ability to do roads and bridges. It'll impact our ability to invest in our machinery. We just … moved from leasing a piece of equipment to owning a piece of equipment, which was with the wheel loader. But because we didn't have access to resources, we still owned the county nursing home, we were really struggling with our budget, so we're coming out of that. We know that there will be an impact. We just don't know of the total impact of it yet,” she said. “So somewhere there is going to be a compromise down the road. There has to be, because the counties are the backbone of being program providers for both the federal and state governments. I just hope they don't get us to the last inch of the cliff before those two levels of government can hear us.”

What makes you feel that compromise is possible, given that the federal government has not seemed so inclined to bend lately?
“Those are the programs put into place by the state and the federal government, which are put into practice by counties. They need us, and if we cannot sustain ourselves, I don't want to go down that road,” she said. “I’m probably more practical right now than most people. But I'm raising the voice of Genesee County. I am raising the voice of our taxpayers to our congressional representative, which is the thing to do right now, right? And we have a relationship. She's been to our county. She knows who we are. She comes from a rural area. She has that understanding, and she comes from an agriculturally backed family, so she takes that with her.”

Stein is also counting on Sen. Chuck Schumer's support. He has been “an incredible supporter of our STAMP campus and the companies that are investing there.” He and others “know who we are,” which bodes well for this county, she said.

She also wanted to make the point that New York is different from other states when it comes to federal funding.

“So when the federal government makes cuts, it doesn't impact the state, it impacts counties directly,” she said. “I think that folks don't understand that, and that's important to understand.

“So, where other states -- every other state -- is going to feel the impacts of whatever federal cuts happen. They're going to feel it at the state level. We're going to feel it directly at the county level. So, of course, it's going to be different for us in New York,” she said. “Do we know exactly how much it's going to impact us? Today was the first time that I'd actually seen numbers for our county.”

Other financial items being considered in the bill include:

- $1.3 billion increase in uncompensated care costs for hospitals.
- $3 billion in Medicaid costs shifted to NYS every year.
- Over 1 million Medicaid enrollees (15% of the entire program) would lose coverage.
- Work requirements and other changes would increase administrative costs by more than 20%.

The bottom line message via meeting host, Executive Director and general counsel for the state Association of Counties Stephen Acquario was that, without immediate congressional action to prevent these cuts and resulting outcomes, New York and its counties “face an unsustainable $15 billion negative impact that will force choices between raising taxes or eliminating essential services for our most vulnerable residents.”

The report prompted Chautauqua County Executive Paul Wendel Jr. to pitch a scenario of a collision between federal and state entities. He asked if Hochul had information that would indicate any type of compromise.

“This is a dangerous game of chicken,” he said.

Jen Metzger disagreed with compromise as a solution.

“We don’t want our citizens here in New York State losing their health care, and we have to push, push, push at the federal level,” the Ulster County executive said. “Depriving people of healthcare is not the way we want to go.”

There was still no consensus about the bill as of Wednesday night, though some officials said they were getting closer, as House Speaker Mike Johnson and the president worked to secure enough votes for passage, according to a New York Times article. 

Press Release:

As part of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Department’s (GO Health) ongoing effort to promote healthier homes and raise awareness about hidden household dangers, they are encouraging all families to take action against radon. Radon is an invisible radioactive gas and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that enters your home through cracks in the foundation, walls and around pipes. You may also find it in well water and dirt floors. Any home can have radon whether it is new or old, has a basement, or sits on a concrete slab and the only way to know it is there, is to test your home. 

How to Protect Your Family.

Testing your home with a short-term radon test kit is a quick and easy way to determine if there are high levels of radon in your home.

• Genesee County residents can receive a short-term test kit free of charge from the Genesee County Health Department.
• Residents of other counties can purchase a test kit from their local hardware store.

“Every home should be tested for radon, regardless of age, location, or foundation type,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “The health risks are too significant to ignore.” 

What to do if Radon Levels are High.

If test results show radon levels at or above 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s action level, families should install a radon mitigation system. These systems can greatly reduce radon levels in your home and
protect your family’s health. 

If you live in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, or Wyoming Counties (GLOW region) and qualify, funding may be available through a local grant program. Contact the Genesee County Health Department for more information.

Simple Steps to Stay Safe:

• Test your home for radon every 2 years or after major renovations.
• Seal foundation cracks and improve basement ventilation.
• Do not allow smoking indoors. Radon exposure combined with smoking greatly increases cancer risks.
• Ask for radon test results when buying a home.

Radon Awareness Saves Lives

A simple test and a few preventive steps can help you keep your home safe and your family healthy.

For more information on radon or to find a certified radon professional in your area, visit The New York State Department of Health at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/mitigators.htm.

For more information on other GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving. 

The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign begins Friday, May 23 and will continue thru Monday, May 26. Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel holidays and marks the official start of summer. Law enforcement agencies and local STOP-DWI programs will be collaborating in force across the state in an effort to reduce the number of impaired driving related injuries and deaths.

• Before the first drink - plan a safe ride home.
• One is all it takes. Call a taxi, a ride service or a sober friend.
• If someone has been consuming drugs or alcohol, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a safe ride home.
• When hosting a picnic or a party, whether consuming drugs or alcohol, make sure everyone has a safe ride home.

STOP-DWI efforts across New York State have made great strides in reducing the number of alcohol and drug related fatalities, however everyday lives continue to be impacted by drunk or impaired driving. Make a positive impact - choose to drive sober. 

Press Release:

The concert by Bart Dentino at the Holland Land Office Museum, scheduled for Friday, May 23 at 7 p.m., has been postponed.

The concert will be rescheduled for a later date.

When a new date is confirmed, the information will be released. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 for more information. We apologize for any inconvience.

In the quarterfinals of the B3 sectionals on Tuesday, Oakfield-Alabama beat Alfred-Almond 5-0.

• 1st singles, Carson Warner beat Patrick Power 6-0, 6-2
• 2nd singles, Brady Williams beat Will Lawrence 6-1, 6-0
• 3rd singles, Trevor Enes beat Luca Regino 6-0, 6-0
• 1st doubles, Corbin DeMare/David Schichler beat Calob Diaz/Gabe Fioretto
• 2nd doubles, Alex Fuller/Logan Clark beat Jamison Snyder/Leon Beaudry 6-2, 6-0

OA is now 14-0 and will play HAC in the semifinals of Class B3.

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski

Oakfield-Alabama scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth to defeat Northstar 4-3 on Tuesday, improving to 10-8 on the season. 

Northstar fell to 10-10.

Travis Chaya earned the win for OA, pitching 6.1 innings and allowing seven hits, three runs (one earned), one walk, and striking out five. Chaya also went 1-for-3 at the plate with an RBI. David Schnaufer recorded the save, getting the final two outs in the seventh.

Jack Cianfrini led OA with two hits, including a double. Avery Watterson tripled and drove in a run. Ryan Schnaufer went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk. Levi Kabel scored a run and drew a walk. Jake Gehlert added a run and a walk.

Northstar’s Charlie Oakden went 3-for-4 with a double. Da’Vonn Stevens had two hits and two stolen bases. 

Tysen Deaton pitched six innings, allowing six hits, four runs (three earned), four walks, and striking out eight.

Trailing 3-2 in the sixth, OA tied the game when Levi Kabel scored on a passed ball. Chaya then singled home Ryan Schnaufer to give OA the lead. In the seventh, Northstar threatened with runners on second and third, but Schnaufer came in to record the final two outs and secure the win.

OA finished with six hits and four errors. Northstar collected seven hits and one error.

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski.

The Pembroke Varsity Dragons put on an offensive and defensive clinic Tuesday afternoon, steamrolling the Elba Varsity Lancers 13–3 in a commanding road victory.

Pembroke wasted no time getting on the board, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning. Anthony Abbatiello ignited the Dragons’ bats with a two-run triple, followed by a run-scoring double from Trey Newton to stake an early lead.

Elba briefly clawed back in the third, knotting the game at 3–3 on a Mark Caparco RBI single and a productive play. But the tie was short-lived.

Brayden Lang broke the deadlock in the fourth with an RBI double, and the Dragons never looked back. They piled on nine unanswered runs, fueled by timely hitting and aggressive base running.

Lang was just as dominant on the mound, tossing 4.1 innings of hitless relief. The right-hander struck out six without issuing a walk, slamming the door on any Lancers comeback hopes. Starter Hayden Williams gave up three runs (only one earned) across 2.2 innings, fanning four.

Pembroke’s offense was relentless, collecting 13 hits. Newton led the charge with three RBIs, going 2-for-3 at the plate. Lang and Jacob Johnson each tallied three hits, while Jayden Bridge added two of his own. Johnson and Landon Santini sparked the running game with multiple steals as the Dragons swiped five bags on the day.

Elba’s offense was limited to three hits—one each from Caparco, Nicholas Scott, and Brayden Jachimowicz. Caparco and Brady Werth drove in the Lancers’ only runs. Despite the loss, Elba showed life on the base paths with five stolen bases, including three from Jachimowicz.

Photos by Kristin Smith.

Sofia Falleti drove in five runs on three hits to lead Notre Dame Varsity Fighting Irish past Kendall 19-7 on Tuesday. Falleti hit a grand slam to center field in the sixth inning, scoring four runs, and singled in the fifth inning to drive in another.

Notre Dame trailed 7-0 in the fourth inning before rallying for the win. The comeback started in the bottom of the fourth when Clairissa Milliman hit a solo home run to right field. Anna Panepento drew a walk to bring in a run, and Riley Hare hit into a fielder’s choice that scored another.

Notre Dame took control in the fifth, scoring 12 runs on eight hits to lead 15-7. Hare delivered the biggest hit of the inning with a single that drove in two runs.
Falleti capped the scoring in the sixth with her grand slam.

Amelia Sorochty earned the win, allowing three hits and three runs over two innings, striking out two and walking two. Stangler took the loss for Kendall, giving up 13 runs on eight hits over four innings. Ferris started for Notre Dame, allowing three hits and four runs over three innings. Mia Treleaven pitched one inning in relief, striking out two and allowing no hits or runs.

Notre Dame finished its regular season 7-9.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Batavia defeated Alexander 9-4 on Wednesday, improving to 8-11 on the season. Alexander dropped to 8-10.

Arianna Almekinder earned the win for Batavia, striking out 14 batters. Almekinder followed up Monday’s 20-strikeout performance against Brockport with another strong outing in the circle.

Kyleigh Kabel went 2-for-3 at the plate. Libby Grazeoplene hit a three-run home run. Hannah Carney delivered a two-RBI double. Drew Stevens and Gabby Smith each added RBI singles.

Batavia scored two runs in the first inning, five in the fourth, and two in the fifth. Alexander scored one run in the first, one in the fifth, and two in the seventh.
Batavia will play in the first round of sectionals on Friday.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Batavia’s varsity tennis team ended its season with a 5-0 loss to Honeoye Falls-Lima in the sectional tournament on Tuesday, finishing the year with an 8-8 record.

Finn Halpin “battled the Class B1 Singles Champion in a well-played and competitive match,” said Head Coach Tom Redband.

Halpin advanced to individual State Qualifiers, scheduled for Friday, with the chance to advance to States at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

“We had a tough draw playing HFL, who had a very difficult team schedule due to their division in Monroe County and a lower seed, but the team fought hard against a formidable opponent, and I was proud of that,” Redband said.

“The most satisfying part of the season is seeing new players come out for the team and grow to love the game and hopefully continue to play as a lifelong sport,” Redband said. “I would encourage more kids to try the sport of tennis, no matter what school they attend. It’s a good environment, the vibe is positive, it’s an individual sport wrapped into a team sport, and there is usually a place for a range of abilities.”

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Byron-Bergen Jr/Sr High School hosted a busy night of events on Tuesday, with its annual Buzzin’ Bistro student concert, plus the annual budget vote, a district-wide art show and a chicken barbecue fundraiser hosted by the school’s wrestling team.

The art show displayed work from students at all levels of education, covering the walls in one hallway with bursts of color and creativity. Families viewed their children’s artwork and then watched them perform in the bistro.

Meanwhile, in the high school gymnasium, parents and community members participated in the annual budget vote, which was approved.

The smell of tangy barbecued chicken drew others to the cafeteria, where the Byron-Bergen wrestling team held a fundraiser using chicken from Chiavetta’s Barbecue to raise money for the team in the upcoming years.

The evening entertainment began with a performance from the fifth and sixth grade band, followed by the fifth and sixth grade choir. The Singing Silhouettes, Byron-Bergen’s more competitive high school choir, then joined the younger group onstage for a combined piece before
continuing to sing several songs on their own. A solo performance from senior Roman Smith -- a familiar face from many school musical productions over the years -- then dazzled the room. 

Performances this year, especially those of the Silhouettes, carried special meaning due to a sudden staffing change. Jr/Sr High School choir teacher Joseph Paris left the district earlier this spring, leaving the school’s vocal groups without a teacher just weeks before their performances. 

In response, elementary school band teacher Robert Lancia and Jr/Sr High School Vice Principal Katie Gratton, who previously taught music, stepped in to help them. Despite the challenges that they faced, the Silhouettes were able to deliver a full performance. 

The high school band closed the evening, rounding out a night of decision-making, art, music, and fundraising with a familiar favorite, "Mr. Brightside."

Photos by Camryn Brookhart

Press Release:

The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation’s 41st Scholarship Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. at Batavia Downs. The Foundation is proud to celebrate its rich Italian heritage and invites the community to share in an evening filled with friendship, pride, and, of course, delicious Italian cuisine.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased from Board members or at Ben’s Appliances on East Main Street Road in Batavia. New members are always welcome to join the Foundation and be part of preserving and promoting our shared cultural legacy.

As part of this special evening, the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation is proud to recognize the following outstanding achievements of this year’s scholarship candidates.

Adam Charles Root, son of Joel and Roxanne Root of Hilton, and grandson of Diane Beradini Martino and Jerry Martino, will graduate in 2025 from Hilton High School and WEMOCO Career and Technical Education Center at BOCES.

After graduation, Adam plans to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, where he will study Culinary Science with a focus in Culinary Arts.

Throughout high school, Adam has been actively involved in Model UN, Student Council, the Announcement Club, Track and Field, and the School Band, where he plays the trombone. He is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, has been recognized as Student of the Month, and has received Academic Merit certificates.

Adam has also volunteered during Make a Difference Day and has cooked and served meals at St. Peter’s in Rochester.

His passion for the culinary arts has led him to create a variety of specialty dishes, particularly focused on unique sauces. Adam enjoys experimenting with homemade pizza dough, often using unexpected and creative toppings. His imagination and culinary talent are sure to pave the way for his future success.

Greyson Irving Fix, a graduating 2025 Batavia High School Senior, will also be graduating from Genesee Valley BOCES for Automotive Technology, where he earned his car lift certification. His parents are Aaron and Kristen Fix, maternal Italian Grandmother AnnaMarie Crescuola Wood. 

Greyson will be attending Alfred State College, pursuing the Building Trades program and playing football. Greyson participated in Varsity Football, Indoor Track and Field, Varsity Baseball, and Outdoor Track and Field for Batavia High School. He is the 2025 Recipient of the Danny Lullo Scholarship.

Volunteering is a part of who Greyson is.  He volunteered at the Ricky Palermo Golf Tournament, working the chicken barbecue and the closest to the pin challenge.  He is involved with Ascension Parish, volunteering for the Soup Suppers, Habitat for Humanity, where he measured and cut drywall, as well as Make a Difference Day, cleaning up the Cemetery, raking leaves, and picking up trash and sticks. 

Greyson stated that having an Italian-American upbringing has helped mold the person he is today, along with the hard work and commitment to himself and his family. He believes this is going to continue to ensure him a successful life, with his relationship to God, helping others, and being an honest and kind person.

Kaitlyn Kratz is a graduating senior at Notre Dame High School and the daughter of John and Jill Kratz. Her grandparents are Jean Peca and John Peca.

She has been a member of the National Honor Society from her sophomore year through to graduation. Kaitlyn plans to attend Genesee Community College, where she will major in Nursing.

Kaitlyn has participated in volleyball and tennis as her extracurricular activities. She has also volunteered at the Notre Dame Youth Volleyball Camp, All Babies Cherished Fundraising Events, St. Joseph’s Regional School Halloween Parties, the ND Meat Raffle and Golf Tournament, and the Live Like Levi Pantry. In addition, she has helped prepare meals for the Free Little Pantry.

Kaitlyn expressed great appreciation for her Italian heritage, shown through the customs, lessons, and love passed down by the DeFazio and Peca families. She believes the way she was brought up was not just a coincidence; her Italian heritage and family traditions played an important role in shaping who she is today.

Matthew Wittmeyer is a member of the Class of 2025 at Batavia Senior High School. He is the son of Jerry and Lisa Wittmeyer, and the grandson of Rocco and Debbie Pellegrino.

Matthew plans to attend the University of Indiana, where he will major in Economics and minor in Sales. Since his sophomore year, he has challenged himself academically through dual enrollment college courses.

He currently serves as Senior Class President and Co-Mayor of Student Government, while also leading the Varsity Soccer Team as captain, having played for four years. His involvement extends to the Key Club, Travel Club, and My Brother’s Keeper, where he has demonstrated strong commitment and leadership.

Matthew volunteers at Ascension Parish, reflecting his dedication to community service.

His many honors include being named Junior Year Homecoming Prince, a Batavia Daily News GLOW Region Teen of the Week, and a Finalist for GLOW Region Teen of the Year. He is also a 2025 Mr. Batavian contestant and a Genesee Youth Lead graduate.

Reflecting on his Italian heritage, Matt shared, “They have shown me invaluable morals, some of which have truly resonated with me. I’ve found clarity in the values they lived by: fierce loyalty to those we love, a scrappy sense of resourcefulness, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to keep going. Life can be wilder than a thunderstorm, but that’s exactly when you learn to dance in the rain.”

Rocco Sprague is a proud member of the 2025 graduating class of Notre Dame High School. He is the son of Lisa Sprague of Le Roy, the maternal grandson of Corrine Rapone Sprague, and the paternal grandson of Duane Pangrazio Sprague.

Rocco is a member of the National Honor Society, an active participant in the Scholastic Bowl Team, and a contributor to the Yearbook Club. He plans to attend SUNY Oneonta, where he will major in Communication Studies with a minor in History or Political Science.

Among his many academic and extracurricular achievements, Rocco has received the George Eastman Youth Leadership Award, and was recognized as a Scholar-Athlete on the baseball team for having the highest GPA. As a member of the Genesee Scholastic Bowl Team, he helped lead the team to a 3rd place finish. He also earned 2nd place with the Genesee Park Environment Team, and was honored with the Notre Dame Department Awards in both Math and Spanish, the Faculty and Staff Award, the Student of the Month honor, and consistently achieved placement on the High Honor Roll.

Rocco was selected by the Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332 to represent Batavia at New York Boys State, where he served on the Yearbook Team and was appointed Relations Officer for the city.

His extracurricular involvement includes JV Baseball, Varsity Tennis, playing trumpet in the ND band, and taking guitar lessons.

Rocco also demonstrates a strong commitment to his faith and community. He serves as an altar server at Our Lady of Mercy, has taught Summer Bible School, volunteered at Lenten Fish Dinners, and assisted at St. Joseph Regional School’s Halloween and Christmas Parties, the Baptist Church Christmas Dinner, the ND and St. Joe’s Meat Raffle, and at the Batavia Italian Festival, working at the Youth Game Station.

Rocco values his Italian heritage deeply, sharing that it is important to him to maintain the traditions of his ancestors, who brought with them a rich and vibrant language, history, and culture that has been lovingly passed down and proudly celebrated by his family.

Submitted photos.

Misconceptions about economic development incentives persist in Genesee County, suggests Mark Masse, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center, but the results at Apple Tree Acres in Bergen show a different reality: more jobs, higher payroll, and a growing tax base.

Masse met with The Batavian on Tuesday to discuss a recent case study that the agency presented at its annual meeting two weeks ago.

“We wanted to take a look at this as a case study to dispel a lot of the myths that we hear constantly about IDAs and incentives—that after 10 years and the pilot expires, companies are going to leave, that they never meet their job creation goals, all of those types of things,” Masse said. 

The companies currently in Apple Tree Acres, collectively, initially pledged to create 119 jobs. The companies have created at least 419 jobs (companies no longer under a PILOT agreement do not report employment numbers annually, so the agency is including their numbers from the most recent annual report filed).

Combined, the companies maintain a payroll of at least $30 million. 

The PILOT payment (payments in lieu of taxes) and property taxes being paid to local taxing jurisdictions is $343,000 annually.

“That is 28 times what that would have been had it remained ag land and under an ag exemption," Masse said. "By the time all the PILOTs roll off, it’ll be a million dollars in property taxes.”

Apple Tree Acres, which began development around 1999, is now fully sold out following the decision by Oxbo International Corporation to move from Byron to a new plant at Apple Tree. Construction began in September and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. 

The park has attracted a mix of new and expanding local businesses. Liberty Pumps, the first tenant, has grown from 10 employees to more than 300. Masse noted that Oxbo, which considered building in Wisconsin, ultimately chose Bergen because the site fit their needs better.

Oxbo will open with 140 employees and expects to create 60 new jobs once fully operational.

Masse addressed the common misperception that incentives are simply cash handouts. 

“People think we’re handing out bags of cash to companies and we are not,” he said. “If they didn’t build, then there are no incentives.”

He also explained that corporate businesses draw significantly less in municipal services than residential properties, which means the taxes and PILOTs the companies pay help subsidize services for residents. 

“Any corporation with the taxes they’re paying is helping to subsidize the cost of municipal services for the residents,” Masse said. “So having businesses like this, even under PILOTs, helps to defer a lot of those municipal service costs that residents are paying for.”

Multiple companies at Apple Tree Acres have completed their PILOT agreements and remain in operation, exceeding their initial job projections. They didn't move away, as critics often suggest such companies do once the tax incentives expire.

“Ad Tech and Leonard Bus have been off of their PILOTs for about six years now, and they’re still going strong with no issues,” Masse said. “Most of the others are still kind of in the middle of their PILOT schedules.”

The park currently hosts eight businesses, including a store for the ubiquitous retail giant Dollar General, a recent addition, which Masse said chose the site for its location, the number of employees and businesses at the park, and the daily traffic from the park and nearby I-490.

The impact of Apple Tree Acres extends beyond direct employment and tax revenue. Masse pointed out that companies in the park hire local contractors, vendors, and service providers, creating additional economic benefits that are not captured in the employment numbers. 

“If they sub out, if they hire a local mowing company to mow, landscaping company, window cleaners, their suppliers that are paying their truck drivers to bring in product and take product out—those companies aren’t paying those salaries (in the calculation of annual salaries mentioned above), but those people do have jobs and are being paid because of this particular development,” Masse said.

The Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in Batavia offers another example of the long-term impact of economic development projects. 

Masse noted that H.P. Hood, which took over a facility originally built by Pepsi Mueller, has invested heavily in the site and now exceeds the original job creation projections. 

“Hood just recently won a national award for that facility as well. On the national food manufacturing scale, the Hood facility is known as one of the best in the country, if not the world,” Masse said. “Hood thinks so highly of Batavia, and we’re so glad they’re here that they bought some of the additional acreage there to plan for future expansions, because a lot of their other places are landlocked. So if they’re going to expand again, it’s going to be in Batavia.”

Upstate Niagara, which bought the former Alpina yogurt plant, has also exceeded job projections and uses local milk, supporting area farmers. 

The Ag Park still has 20 acres available, with CH4 Biogas holding a right of first refusal for a biodigester facility and J&L Ice planning a new facility.

Buffalo East in Pembroke has overcome significant site challenges, including extensive wetlands, to attract new investment. 

Yancey’s Fancy built a 112,000-square-foot facility in late 2015. The facility occupies 12 acres and represents a capital investment of $20.6 million. J&R Fancher Property Holdings completed a mixed-use development in 2022 and is currently working on approvals for two 10-unit townhouse complexes.

“That’s going to end up being a very beautiful park when it’s completed,” Masse said.

Gateway I, developed in the mid-1990s, and Gateway II, developed in the early 2000s, have both generated substantial economic activity. 

Infrastructure investments for the Gateway II have attracted companies like Milton CAT, LandPro, New York Bus Sales, and SCP Pools along East and West Saile drives. 

“You’ve seen a lot of other companies gobble up that acreage because of the available infrastructure that was funded to put in the park,” Masse said. “We’re going to take a look and see, from a case study perspective, what the park generates, and then what the spin-off outside of the park generates as well for an overall economic impact.”

Masse emphasized that the results at these business parks are not theoretical. 

“These projects are real. They’re here. You can go drive out and look at them, and as I said, you can see the cars in the parking lot of the people who are working there,” Masse said. “We have to be competitive on these incentives, on these abatements, because if we aren’t, these companies will build, but they won’t build here, and then we will lose not only the workforce and the people we have, you’ll lose the community efforts that a lot of these companies do.”

He explained that the benefits of these projects extend into the fabric of the community. 

“All of these employees have kids in the school system. They have kids in Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts. They’re always selling things. They’re fundraising for different causes. All of these things are happening inside of these facilities in our communities to benefit our communities," he said. "And if these companies weren’t here, I don’t know where that would come from, and that is a piece of economic impact that is never measured, that nobody ever wants to talk about, but it is vital to the survival of your kids’ T-ball team, your kids’ soccer team.”