Le Roy advanced in the Class B sectionals with a commanding 19-3 win over Attica on Friday. 

Senior Luke Lathan set the tone on the mound, pitching five strong innings and allowing just two hits and one run to earn the victory. Freshman Jude Christ finished the job, tossing the final two innings and surrendering only two hits.

At the plate, the Knights’ offense was relentless. Alex Spezzano, Brady McClurg, and Jake Higgins each collected two hits, while Cam Wilson, Peter Clark, Jace Jedrewski, Jude Christ, and Jagger Smith all contributed with a hit apiece.

With the win, Le Roy moves on to face the winner of the Dansville-Haverling matchup on Tuesday.

Photos by Leslie Higgins

Batavia exploded for 10 runs in the second inning and never looked back, rolling to a 20-8 win over Aquinas in the Section V Class B baseball sectional playoffs Friday.

The Blue Devils sent 15 hitters to the plate in the second, drawing eight walks and collecting four hits to seize control early. Batavia finished with 13 hits on the day.

Bronx Buchholz earned the win, pitching five innings while allowing just one hit, no earned runs, and striking out six. Brady Mazur and Maggio Buchholz handled the final two innings in relief.

Lakoda Mruczek went 3-for-4 with three runs scored. Brady Mazur was 2-for-2, scoring four runs and driving in one. Nolan Ball reached base all five times, walking four times and scoring four runs. Jameson Motyka was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI. Maggio Buchholz added two hits and three runs. Brock Bigsby tripled, scored three runs, and drove in two. Brady Carney and Champ Buchholz each had an RBI.

“We’ve played really well the last couple times out, and we're hitting our stride at the right time,” Batavia coach Michael Sputore said. 

Batavia plays Pittsford Mendon on Tuesday in Mendon. 

"They’re the number one seed so that says a lot about them, and our boys will be up for the challenge,” Sputore said.

Pembroke secured a 2-1 walk-off win over Letchworth in the first round of the Section V Class C softball sectionals Friday evening at the Albion Turf Complex.

Letchworth struck first in the third inning when Grace Mitchell singled, driving in the game’s opening run. Pembroke held Letchworth to one run through the seventh inning.

In the bottom of the seventh, Reagan Schneider was hit by a pitch, Sophia Gorski singled, and Taylor Bischoff walked to load the bases. Camille Campbell then singled to the outfield, scoring two runs and clinching the victory for Pembroke.

Jayden Hootman earned the win for Pembroke, allowing just two hits and one run over seven innings. Hootman recorded eight strikeouts, two walks, and one hit batter.

Gorski, Bischoff, Schneider, and Juliana Cleveland each had one hit for Pembroke. Bischoff and Schneider both doubled.

Mitchell finished with two singles and one RBI for Letchworth.

Pembroke advances to face Bloomfield on Tuesday.

Press release:

In a thrilling Section V playoff shocker, the 12-seed Byron-Bergen Bees softball team toppled 5-seed Sodus with a dominant 23–8 victory. Down 8–5 in the fifth inning, the Bees unleashed an offensive explosion that flipped the script and secured a statement win.

The rally began with freshman Lillian Meier, who came off the bench and delivered a clutch, game-tying triple — the first extra-base hit of her varsity career. The very next batter, sophomore Taylor Lundfelt, stepped to the plate 0-for-24 on the season and broke through in the biggest moment, smashing a deep double to give the Bees a lead they never gave back.

On the mound, Lily Stalica came in to relieve Lauren Gartz in the fourth inning and shut the door on Sodus. Stalica tossed 2.2 innings of no-hit, shutout softball while striking out four to earn the win.

“This was the kind of game that shows what these girls are made of,” said Head Coach Steve Ball. “We’ve faced adversity all season, and today we saw what can happen when you keep fighting. Lillian and Taylor stepped up in huge moments — that’s what team softball is all about. I couldn’t be prouder of every single player on that field. This was a full team win, and we’re not done yet.”

Stats:

    •    J. Weaver: .500 batting average, three runs, two RBIs, two walks
    •    J. Amesbury: .667 batting average, two hits, three RBIs
    •    K. Chase: 1.000 batting average, two runs, two RBIs
    •    L. Meier: Game-tying triple, four RBIs
    •    T. Lundfelt: Go-ahead three-run double, three RBIs
    •    L. Gartz: 2-for-3, three runs, four RBIs
    •    L. Stalica: 2 2/3 innings pitched, no hits, no runs, four strikeouts (win)

Press Release:

Eight local students graduated on Wednesday, May 14, from the Genesee County Youth Bureau’s Youth Lead Program. This eight-month-long program focuses on developing leadership skills through hands-on experiences. 

Congratulations to the following Genesee County Youth for completing the program:

• Elle Bentley, a Freshman from Elba
• Preslee Blecha, a Freshman from Alexander
• Jenavieve Gang, a Freshman from Oakfield-Alabama
• Lyla Jones, a Freshman from Le Roy
• Kennedy Lear, a Freshman from Alexander
• Lucia Longoria, a Sophomore from Elba
• Zachary Thorne, a Freshman from Alexander
• Carolyn Wujcik, a Freshman from Le Roy

These eight students met monthly to learn more about their community, how to be leaders, and the needs and challenges found in Genesee County. 

Areas of topic this year included Leadership, Business, Community Service, Criminal Justice, Arts & Culture, and Health & Emergency Preparedness. A few highlights of this year included a tour of The Chamber of Commerce, creating holiday cards for the elderly in Genesee County, a tour of the new Genesee County Jail, a history of Jamaican Culture by Jackie Swaby at GOART!, and a fire extinguisher demonstration by Gary Patnode of Genesee County Office of Emergency Management. 

Congratulations to these future leaders!

Applications for Youth Lead are open for the 2025-2026 school year. Interested Genesee County high school students, grades 9-12, are encouraged to apply. Applications are due September 1, 2025. For additional information or to apply, visit https://shorturl.at/t6qPr.

Press Release:

The Batavia Police Department is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for all residents. To achieve this goal, we need your help. If you have information about illegal drug activity in our community, we urge you to report it anonymously through the Submit a Tip link on our Crimewatch page. 

Drug abuse and trafficking can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and our community as a whole. By reporting suspicious activity, you can help us identify and disrupt illegal drug operations, making our streets safer for everyone. 

Our Tip Line is a secure and confidential way to share information about drug-related crimes. You can remain anonymous, and your tip will be investigated promptly by our dedicated team. Your contribution can make a significant difference in our efforts to combat drug abuse and keep our community safe. 

Here's how you can report drug activity anonymously: 

• Visit our Crimewatch page and click on the Submit a Tip link.
• Provide as much information as possible about the suspected drug activity, including location, time, and any other relevant details.
• Submit your tip, and our team will review and investigate it promptly. 

Remember, your tip can be the key to making a positive impact in our community. Let's work together to create a safer, healthier environment for everyone. Report drug activity anonymously today! If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, please seek help from a trusted healthcare provider or a reputable treatment center. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our community safe.

8515 E Lake Road Stafford. Super opportunity to own waterfront property in Genesee County! This lovingly kept and well maintained ranch sits directly on waterfront edge of super peaceful Horseshoe Lake. Updated throughout the years this home is move in ready and will surprise you with how much space you have! Starting at road front this home has extra parking space across private road for all your guests as well as ample parking at house. As you walk in back door you are immediately in large enclosed porch in case you want a change of scenery and a perfect place for your extras and coats and shoes! Walk into pretty kitchen with plenty of cupboard space and work island and with easy viewing out through dining area to the lake-the scenery makes all cooking better! There is also an open office room or sitting room/hobby area off of kitchen! The formal dining area of course looks over "front" yard and lake and leads to large deck for outside entertaining as well as private dock for your water toys(Lake rules and regulations apply) The home has three good-sized bedrooms with plenty of closet space and then best of all there is large and brite family room with cathedral ceiling, wet bar and cozy gas fireplace! Furnace and hot water tank are 7/8 years old approximately, there is PUBLIC water and a BRAND NEW septic system install in 2021. Conveniently located to dining shopping college and thruway!! This year round waterfront property checks all the boxes! Any accepted offer is subject to approval by Horseshoe Lake Corporation.. Call Reliant Real Estate today - call 585-344-HOME (4663)

This morning, some members of the Batavia Business and Professional Women's Club, Inc., placed flags on the graves of Veterans to honor and remember their service and sacrifice this Memorial Day.

Flags were placed in several cemeteries in Bethany and East Bethany.

This is the fifth year this local service organization has carried on this tradition, which it proudly began in 2020.

Special thanks to the Town of Bethany, which purchased and supplied the flags that were placed at the gravesites.

Information provided by Batavia Business & Professional Women's Club 

Batavia Downs is betting on experience and an increased commitment to racing as it promotes longtime employee Nicolle Fortes to director of live racing and moves forward with track improvements.

“Nicolle Fortes, who has been with the Corporation for 31 years and is currently director of intertrack wagering, has been selected for the position of director of live racing,” said Byron Brown, president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp.

Fortes, a Batavia resident, replaces Don Hoover, who retired.

The Western OTB board approved Fortes’ promotion to grade seven pay level, which keeps her $102,000 annual salary consistent with the prior director's salary, who was part-time. Fortes will be on the job 12 months a year. 

There is a long-term trend, even at the national level, in live-race attendance and wagering, Brown said. He hopes Fortes can invigorate the experience at Batavia Downs.

 “As you know, racing, harness racing, and thoroughbred racing have been down nationally, and we want to place more focus on it strategically, to bring more people into enjoying racing,” Brown said.

Brown acknowledged that maintaining a racing operation is required for the casino’s license, even as the industry faces a decline in popularity. 

“We are required to have our casino operation. We’re required to continue our racing operation, which is one of the priorities of New York State -- to support the racing industry. So we are leaning into that. We’re going to provide more focus and resources to that element of our business, and we are hopeful that we will see increased patronage, more customers coming in and enjoying racing,” Brown said.

Brown described Fortes as “a very hard worker, very knowledgeable about racing, someone who is well respected by her colleagues in the corporation and very well respected by our customers, and we are pleased to offer her this promotion.”

The board also authorized hiring Gary Wolf, a consultant with more than 30 years of experience, to oversee racetrack maintenance and training, and awarded Keeler Construction a $44,396 contract to resurface the track. 

“Having optimal track conditions is important to the horsemen, to the drivers, and certainly to the safety of the horses,” Brown said.

The Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association will pay half Wolf's salary.

Brown said the changes are part of a broader strategy to boost interest in harness racing at Batavia Downs. 

Track resurfacing and consultant services are scheduled to begin before the new season and the Night of Champions event. 

Le Roy High School senior Aubrey Puccio demonstrated fan appeal during preliminary rounds of competition for  Stars of Tomorrow NYC Bound, a Rochester Broadway Theatre League press release states.

The 18-year-old performer was voted a Fan Favorite in event sponsor WROC News 8’s poll conducted in conjunction with the local competition, the release stated.

Puccio was one of 40 finalists chosen out of nearly 300 students to compete for the Rochester area this week, taking the stage at West Herr Auditorium Theatre Thursday as part of the National High School Musical Theater Awards local competition.

Tessa Meyers and Ian Royse, both from Greece Arcadia, were chosen to go on and compete among more than 100 other student performers from across the country. Perhaps better known as the Jimmy Awards, the national high school musical awards are to be presented June 23 at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City.

Daniel R. Yates, 55, of Batavia, is charged with attempted robbery, 3rd degree, and attempted criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd degree. Yates allegedly attempted to take a Batavia police officer’s gun out of the holster while police were attempting to take him into custody on May 2. He was arraigned in City Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Roman B. Warchol, 45, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Jennifer R. Warchol, 43, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree; operating a motor vehicle without insurance; operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration; and operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate. Roman and Jennifer Warchol were arrested May 21 following a traffic stop, during which both were allegedly found in possession of narcotics. They were processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on appearance tickets.

Supreme N. Ervin, 26, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with public lewdness. Ervin was arrested May 20 after allegedly exposing private parts of his body while in a store on Veterans Memorial Drive in the Town of Batavia. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Daquan J. Butler, 29, of Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn, is charged with possession of contraband. Butler is accused of possessing contraband inside the Genesee County Jail on May 16. He was issued an appearance ticket and will appear in Batavia Town Court on May 27.

Bernard L. Parnell, 35, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and obstructing governmental administration, 2nd degree. Parnell allegedly stole merchandise from Speedway and resisted police when they attempted to detain him. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. Earlier the same day, Parnell was arrested on Otis Street after he allegedly refused to leave a residence and allegedly punched another person. He was charged with criminal trespass, 2nd degree, and harassment, 2nd degree.

Anthony A. Bomasuto, 31, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd degree, and aggravated family offense. Bomasuto is accused of being involved in an altercation with a person who has an order of protection against him on April 10. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

Kara B. Baker, 52, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Baker is accused of stealing merchandise from Aldi on April 15. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Jerome W. Amesbury, 59, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Amesbury was arrested on April 10 following a traffic stop on Jan. 10, when he was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Anthony G. Cicoria, 56, of Caledonia, is charged with DWI. Cicoria was arrested on April 10 following a traffic stop on West Main Street. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Michael A. Fanizza, 31, of Batavia, is charged with burglary, 2nd degree, and criminal contempt, 2nd degree. Fanizza allegedly entered a residence illegally in violation of an order of protection. He was arraigned in CAP Court.

Donyel E. Walker, 26, of Batavia, is charged with burglary, 2nd degree, criminal contempt, 1st degree, and harassment, 2nd degree. Walker was arrested April 17 after allegedly violating an order of protection inside a residence on Hutchins Street. He was arraigned in CAP Court.

Thomas J. Preedom, 36, of Batavia, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender. Preedom is accused of failing to register his address as a level 2 sex offender. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail without bail.

Jacob W. Patterson, 29, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Patterson was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during an incident on State Street on April 15, 2024. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Christopher E. Tanner, 52, of Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd degree. Tanner allegedly struck another person during an altercation on State Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Kelly R. Seeler, 52, of Albion, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Seeler was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a traffic stop on Pearl Street on Jan. 17. She was arraigned and released.

Benjamin M. Klotzbach, 34, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful imprisonment, 2nd degree, and harassment, 2nd degree. Klotzbach allegedly headbutted another person and prevented them from leaving a residence during an altercation on Elmwood Avenue. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Johnny D. Vidal, 40, of Batavia, is charged with filing a false written statement. Vidal is accused of signing a written statement alleging that another person threatened him with a firearm. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Nathiel D. Wilson III, 19, of Batavia, and Ashton T. McWethy-Thornley, 18, of Batavia, are charged with criminal mischief, 3rd degree, and conspiracy, 5th degree. Wilson and McWethy-Thornley are accused of damaging a window on a house and a vehicle on State Street. Wilson was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. McWethy-Thornley was arraigned and released.

Karen B. Armstrong, 48, of Batavia, and Ashlee S. Thomas, 28, of Batavia, are charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Armstrong and Thomas were charged following an altercation on Denio Street, where Armstrong allegedly kicked a 13-year-old girl and Thomas allegedly slapped another person who was holding a young child. Thomas was additionally charged with harassment, 2nd degree. Both were issued appearance tickets and released.

Andrew R. Del Gandio, 31, of Rochester, is charged with DWI. Del Gandio was arrested April 27 following a traffic stop on East Main Street. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

James R. Briggs, 49, of Corning, was arrested April 30 on four warrants, including two bench warrants and two arrest warrants. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

Nankumar McLaulin, 32, of Hicksville, was arrested April 24 on a warrant. McLaulin allegedly failed to appear in court after being issued a misdemeanor traffic ticket in December 2023. He turned himself in, was arraigned in City Court, and released.

John W. Biaselli, 56, of Batavia, was arrested April 24 on a warrant. Biaselli was initially charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing merchandise from Dollar General on Feb. 28. The warrant was issued after he failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Shelby L. Fryer, 29, of Batavia, was arrested April 24 on a bench warrant. Fryer was initially charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree, following a traffic stop on Dec. 17, 2024. Fryer was arraigned in City Court and released.

Nicole Granger, 34, of Batavia, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing, grand larceny, 3rd degree, and three counts of forgery, 1st degree. Granger is accused of failing to report that the biological father of her child was residing in the home and earning wages, and of forging three documents related to her rental payments. As a result, she allegedly received $6,426 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. Granger was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Nicole Sprung, 39, of Le Roy, is charged with forgery, 1st degree, welfare fraud, 4th degree, and grand larceny, 4th degree. Sprung is accused of failing to report that the biological father of her child was living in the home and earning wages, and of forging a neighbor’s signature attesting that he was not in the home. She allegedly received $2,641 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. Sprung was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Cheryl Ditzel, 61, of Batavia, is charged with welfare fraud, 4th degree. Ditzel is accused of failing to report monies being deposited into a bank account she had access to, resulting in her allegedly receiving $2,435 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. She was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Jacqueline Sogunro-Pitan, 44, of Batavia, is charged with welfare fraud, 4th degree. She is accused of failing to report wages she was earning at Walmart and, as a result, receiving $2,304 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. She was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Erica E. Cullen, 34, of Bank Street Road, Elba, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing, 1st degree; welfare fraud, 3rd degree; and grand larceny, 3rd degree. Cullen is accused of receiving $3,138 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. She was arrested following an investigation by the Department of Social Services and arraigned in Batavia Town Court on May 22, where she was released on her own recognizance.

Brandon Gerald Starkweather, 33, no permanent address, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st degree. Starkweather is accused of striking another person who had an active stay-away order of protection against him. He was held for arraignment following his arrest on May 22.

Davon H. Patton, 39, of Buffalo, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 4th degree. Patton was allegedly found operating a stolen vehicle on Oak Street on May 7. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Brian M. Raphael, 37, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd degree. Raphael was allegedly found in possession of a bludgeon, specifically a club with barbed wire wrapped around it, on May 7. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Joseph M. Tornabene, 33, of Buffalo, is charged with aggravated family offense and criminal contempt, 2nd degree. Tornabene allegedly violated an order of protection by being at the residence of a protected party on April 30. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

Marissa A. McGill, 39, of Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and circumventing an interlock device. McGill allegedly had a child blow into her vehicle’s interlock device and left her children unattended for an extended period of time on May 9. She was issued appearance tickets and released.

Michael J. Cutitta, 40, of Batavia, is charged with menacing, 3rd degree. Cutitta allegedly threatened to kill another person on May 10. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.

Colleen M. Hutchinson, 50, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd degree. Hutchinson was allegedly found in possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop on Ellicott Avenue on Feb. 19. She was issued appearance tickets and released.

Justin T. Gladney, 36, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Gladney was allegedly found in possession of narcotics on West Main Street on Aug. 1, 2024. He was issued an appearance ticket at the Genesee County Jail, where he is currently incarcerated on a separate matter.

Kaila I. Tidd, 40, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd degree, and endangering the welfare of a child. Tidd allegedly allowed a sex offender to be at her residence around her children, in violation of an order of protection, on May 1. She was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.

Edward J. Ludwig, 62, of Alden, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Ludwig was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a traffic stop on Jan. 17. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.

Ricky A. Marsceill, 60, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Marsceill was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a traffic stop on May 20, 2024. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Bill A. Thomas, 65, of Batavia, was arrested on three bench warrants, all stemming from previous trespass charges where he failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in CAP Court.

Michelle L. May, 50, of Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd degree. May allegedly had physical contact with another person during an altercation on East Main Street on May 3. She was arraigned in CAP Court.

NOTE: Members of Early Access Pass get first crack (four hours earlier access than non-members) at making Deals of the Day purchases. Join Early Access Pass today to ensure you don't miss any valuable deals.

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• The first person to successfully complete the PayPal transaction wins the gift certificate.
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• Only one gift certificate from the same business PER HOUSEHOLD is allowed in each four-month period. We do not have a way to automatically track duplicate purchases within a household; however, if we notice such a purchase, we reserve the right to cancel the purchase and refund the purchase money. Each individual buyer must use his or her own PayPal account for purchases. It's important that participating businesses not be asked to redeem multiple gift certificates from the same person/family at the same time.
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• Problems, questions, concerns about the Deal of the Day? Email Kara Richenberg:   kara@thebatavian.com

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.

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

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

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.