The Genesee County Health Department is seeking information about the location of a cat and its owner following a cat bite incident on Thursday, May 8 around 6 p.m. The incident occurred in the Batavia Cemetery (65 Harvester Avenue in Batavia) directly across the street from The Harvester Center.
The cat involved in the incident was running free in the cemetery. It was described as a grey tiger cat of average size with medium-length hair, wearing a collar with two tags-one blue and one black.
The health department would like to locate the cat as soon as possible to confirm that it is healthy. This would indicate that the rabies virus would not have been transmitted at the time of the bite.
If you have information about the location of the cat and its owner, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555.
This Blue Heeler has been missing since Saturday from Griswold Road in Bergen area. He is 4 years old and needs seizure medication, as the seizures can disorient him. Do not chase or call out to him, but please call or text any sightings of him to 585-630-8262.
On Wednesday, May 14, beginning at 8:30 a.m., the Genesee County Jail’s main phone number, 585-343-0838, will be unable to receive incoming calls for approximately 30 minutes. However, outgoing calls and in-house county extensions will not be affected. We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
2 Hilltop Drive, Leroy, NY.Fantastic village 3 bedroom 1.5 baths ranch. Spacious eat-in kitchen, ceramic floors, ample counter space & cupboards (some with glass doors). Sliding glass doors lead to an attractive heated sunroom overlooking a totally fenced rear yard. Extra Large Living room with fireplace, built in bookcases also has room for additional dining space. First floor laundry. Home has central air. Numerous recent updates. portable generator. Open front porch. Two tier deck is great for summer entertaining and enjoyment. attached garage. Near playgrounds, tennis courts, schools and shopping areas. Move in ready. Call Nancy Crocker at Empire Realty today - call 585-314-7982.
Due to delays on other projects, Stegman Road and Barrett Drive are now scheduled for resurfacing on Tuesday, May 13, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Traffic should expect delays and short-term closures while resurfacing operations occur. EMERGENCY SERVICE PERMITTED THROUGH. All through traffic should seek alternative routes.
Residents and Businesses on the listed roads will be permitted access to their property, but may experience minor delays.
This work is weather dependent; if delayed for rain, the work will occur the next available day.
If there are any questions concerning this work, please contact The Town of Batavia – Highway Department at 585-343-1729 Extension 218. Thank you for your cooperation in advance.
Ask Dan Schmidt about his boys and he will act like any proud father and fill the next several minutes with their accolades.
That may be partly because Gavin and Garrett were just 3 and 5 when Dan and his wife Shannon moved to Batavia and the city school district. Their boys went from pre-kindergarten all the way through high school graduation, with plenty of opportunities to be positively impacted by coaches and teachers along the way, Dan says.
And now he wants to take a turn by running for a seat on the school’s Board of Education.
“My heart is to invest in students, to empower teachers and to strengthen the community,” Schmidt said to The Batavian Monday afternoon. “It’s a community endeavor. I’m only one voice out of seven. We all come with a perspective; everybody has a voice that matters to ensure a healthy school district. I’ve got a heart to encourage. I’m going to raise the morale in the room.”
The lead pastor at the Assembly of God Church in Batavia, Schmidt has served on several related boards — “first and foremost” at his church as president of what he feels is a very unified board where “we have a real sense of community and health,” much of which he attributes to the board.
He also served as the western section presbyter for the Assemblies of God, one of 13 in New York State.
“I’ve had the opportunity to oversee about 34 churches with about 100 ministers in the western section for the Assemblies of God,” he said. “And with that, I sit on different boards. And so, if there’s a smaller church, or any church that may be without a pastor, I’ll go in with my leadership team and we sit as the board members and with the heart to just keep stability, to breathe life into the leadership that’s presently there.”
On a related note, that’s how he feels about the school district and how particular teachers and coaches did that sort of thing for his boys: “It just all points back to the investment that Batavia made into (Gavin) and Garrett,” he said.
“A mother and a father in any community can only do so much without others, and we feel like God has brought some really great people around our boys to kind of shape them and mold them into who they are,” he said. “Kind of the back story with it is I started refereeing wrestling three years ago, and just loved the idea in the heart behind investing my life into the community as a referee. And about eight months ago, I talked to President John Marucci. He's a friend of mine, and just said, ‘Hey, what does it take to be a board member, because I'm kind of considering running.’ And he said, ’ Oh, Dan, that would be great.’ And so it was about eight months ago that I started thinking about it, and (putting) my whole heart behind it.
“I think a lot of people come with an agenda. I really don't have one other than I want to invest my life where it counts. And I think serving on a the Board of Education is a place where I can make an investment that counts, because it's reaching from the youngest generation in a community. And so if I can speak life into that, then I'm all in.”
His church underwent a series of renovations and remodels and is not in debt due to successful capital campaigns, so he feels that perhaps his varied experiences can bring a degree of "wisdom to the table."
"But one thing that I found out is, when it comes to being like no one is wiser than everyone in the room," he said.
Marucci is not running for reelection this year. Both his and incumbent Chezeray Rolle’s terms are up in June.
During the board’s budget hearing Monday evening, Rolle said that he believes he adds value by being on the board and would like to continue serving if possible.
Schmidt further elaborated on those teachers, coaches and special people who helped to bring the best out of his children, such as when Gavin was having an issue with reading. He received specialized attention for that and, after a few years, “he was exceeding the reading level that he was supposed to be at,” Schmidt said.
“And so when it comes to why I’m standing here, it really comes down to investment the community has poured into, or, excuse me, has partnered with Shannon and I for almost 20 years, and I feel like now it’s my time to give back,” he said.
And those two young boys? Gavin, 23, did so well in auto body class at Genesee Valley BOCES, winning a related Skills USA competition twice. He has a great job “making more money than I do,” his dad cracked. Twenty-year-old Garrett is the vice president of his fraternity at Grove City College in Pennsylvania.
BCSD by the numbers As for the budget part of the hearing, nothing changed from the last few board meetings. Batavia City School District residents will have a $63.3 million budget before them for a vote on May 20. This 2025-26 budget calls for a $3 million budget increase and a 2.22% tax levy increase.
The proposed plan would replace six teachers, one secretarial and one administrative position, and move two social workers over from a grant to the general fund.
The estimated property tax rate would be $16.05 per $1,000 assessed value, subject to change once assessment rolls and equalization rates are finalized, he said. That would be approximately 35 cents (.349) more per $1,000 than the current rate, or about a $70 annual increase on a home assessed at $200,000, provided there have been no assessment changes.
The total proposed school tax levy is $20,790,870, an increase of $451,534 from this year. The levy falls within the allowable levy cap of $452,506, school officials said.
There will be two propositions on the ballot:
Proposition #1 General Fund Budget, which asks voters "Shall the proposed budget submitted by the Board of Education of the City School District of the City of Batavia for the 2025-26 school year totaling $63,310,108 be approved and shall taxes be levied upon the taxable property of the School District to meet the requirements of said Budget?”
A second proposition asks residents to vote for two vacancies on the Board of Education to each fill a three-year term, effective July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028. The terms of incumbents John Marucci and Chezeray Rolle are up this year. Rolle is running again and newcomer Dan Schmidt is running for a seat.
Voting is from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 20. District 1 residents (north of Main Street/Route 5) vote at Robert Morris School, 80 Union St., and District 2 (south of Main Street/Route 5) vote at BHS, 260 State St.
Maxine Fearrington of Attica, third from left, reads a portion of the script for the GLOW Nurses Honor Guard ceremony Monday at UMMC in Batavia. Photo by Joanne Beck
Being part of a nurses honor guard serves double duty for a Navy veteran still active as a registered nurse after 18 years, Maxine Fearrington says.
Not only is she able to honor any nurses who have died, but participating in the traditional ceremony connects Fearrington to her military experience—she proudly gave 20 years in areas of supply and finance.
“So being at an honor guard is especially important to me because I’m able to pay tribute to those who have done what I’ve done, walked in my shoes,” she said Monday outside of United Memorial Medical Center. “And, being in the military, what do you lean on? For a couple of years, when I was stationed in Wilmington, I was on the honor guard there. We represented the whole state of Delaware. So when a service member in Delaware passed away, we went and did a military funeral for them.”
Whether in Delaware or New York, Fearrington has pursued her ideals of providing service and comfort to fellow nurses as part of the GLOW Nurses Honor Guard, a local chapter of the New York State Nurses Association.
The group conducted its first ceremony in front of UMMC as a symbolic memorial for all those nurses who have given aid, a smile, and a gentle touch and have since passed on.
On Monday, the group of Honor Guard members, dressed in traditional white uniforms and deep blue capes lined in red satin, formed a semicircle around the flagpole in front of the North Street hospital. With little fanfare and no marching band, they read a script of poetry, instructions and words for thought.
“We honor you this day and give you a white rose to symbolize your devotion to your profession, and to show honor and appreciation for being our nursing colleague,” they said in unison.
A small audience attended the event and was invited to answer the first half of “they were there.”
They were there:
When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed.
In the excitement and miracle of birth, the mystery and loss of life.
When a siren glance could uplift a patient, family member or friend.
At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained.
When the situation demanded a swift foot and a sharp mind.
To embrace the words of the world, willingly, and offer hope.
To witness humanity, its beauty, in good times and bad, without judgment.
Michelle Moag of Pavilion has been a registered nurse for 11 years. She and Fearrington have been with the Honor Guard since it began in 2022.
As for becoming a nurse, “I just love helping people,” Moag said. “It’s like the foundation of it, helping people get through their darkest times, and I just love that.”
Following in her mother’s white-shoed footsteps, Moag remembers seeing her mom in action.
“I remember going to work with her when I was like, probably eight or nine, and be like, ‘I want to do that.’ So that’s what I did,” she said, sharing the Honor Guard’s ceremony schedule. “We had a few right off the bat, and then we didn’t have any for many months, and then we’ll have a few. And just now we’ve been getting more publicity with it, I guess people are realizing that this is a service that we offer, and now we’re getting more and more, and the people are telling their friends, and this is the first time we’ve done this ceremony. So hopefully this will be an annual thing.”
The ceremony was brief and solemn.
“I would like to invite any nurses present to stand as we do a final roll call,” a nurse said.
“Nurses, report for duty,” was said three times, with a triangle chime struck once after each sentence. “Nurses, we officially release you from your nursing duties. Your work on earth is done. You may now go home in peace.”
A candle, representing the Nightingale lamp that honors nurses from their nursing colleagues, was lit, then extinguished to represent a farewell.
Dan Ireland, who maintains his registered nursing license, celebrated his new title and place amongst the nurses as chief nursing executive and patient care officer while appreciating the moment before him.
“I think it's an honor to be able to recognize those who have come before us and who have left us. And so the ceremony today was just a wonderful chance for us to globally say to all the nurses who have passed and for all their years of dedication, a thank you and recognize their work and the work that they have done to shape the nursing profession,” Ireland said. “And so being asked to be a part of it was a huge honor for me. And these are a group of dedicated nurses who really want to make sure that even though there are people who aren't at the bedside, who eventually retire from nursing and eventually pass away, that they get recognized. Because once you're a nurse, you're always a nurse. And we never forget our nurses.”
Being in the role of nurse is humbling for Ireland, he said. It’s about serving at someone’s bedside and caring for a person “at their time of need, to give parts of yourself and helping them work through whatever life dilemma they’re going through.”
“It's just personally very fulfilling for me, and it's something that I'm humbled each time I have the opportunity to interact with the patient, and then away from the bedside, utilizing my nursing knowledge skills and the connections I've made with our staff helped me to really make decisions that will impact our patients better,” he said. “And when I think of it from a nurse's perspective, I'm able to really put that patient at the forefront of it and make sure that we're doing the very best we can for all our patients.”
Nurse’s Prayer
May I be a nurse, Lord, with gentle healing hands, who always speaks with kindness, who cares and understands.
And while I’m serving others, as you would have me do, please help me to remember that I’m truly serving you. Amen.
A golden-colored Yorkie, nearly 16 years old, went missing from his home at the upper end of Ross Street in Batavia. Named Zach, this frail guy cannot hear and does not see very well. If anyone sees him, please call his owner at 585-409-4870.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has collected critical funds in the community since 1954 – one dollar at a time – as part of the Fill the Boot program for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). The Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 896 will continue this long-standing tradition as its members kick off the annual program, raising funds to support MDA’s vision to accelerate research, advance care, and advocate for the support of MDA families.
Dedicated firefighters from Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 896 will hit the streets with boots in hand, asking pedestrians, motorists, customers, and other passersby to donate to the MDA on June 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Main and Court Street and Ellicott and Court Street in the City of Batavia.
The partnership between MDA and IAFF began in 1954, when the IAFF signed a proclamation designating MDA its charity of choice and vowing to continue raising awareness and funds until cures are found. To date, the nearly seven-decade partnership has raised more than $679 million, with involvement from over 300,000 firefighters nationwide.
These funds have led in part to over a dozen FDA-approved drugs in as many years for those with neuromuscular disease. Those treatments were created from MDA’s vision to open a new field of medicine and push the boundaries of the medical frontier we call genetic medicine.
“What the IAFF has done for MDA over the past 68 years is unprecedented,” said Donald S. Wood, Ph.D., President and CEO of MDA. “With the support from our partners at the IAFF, MDA is doing the impossible in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for people living with neuromuscular disease. We have a mission to empower the people we serve to life longer, more independent lives and we will fulfill this mission together, with the IAFF.”
The 2024-2025 Ascension and Resurrection Faith Formation Program recently participated in the Western New York Catholic Charities "Competing for the Cup Challenge." The program won first place against other Faith Formation groups throughout the Diocese of Buffalo, raising over $1100. When the program resumes later this fall, the group will enjoy a pizza party and treats for all their efforts.
The Faith Formation Group sponsored a Soup Supper, basket raffle, and bowl-a-thon during Lent in support of this challenge. As part of their service projects this year, they also supported the Annual All Babies Cherished Basket Raffle.
Thank you to all our families and volunteers who participated in this year's program, which will officially conclude with Confirmation at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Buffalo on Pentecost on June 8.
We know that moms are nurturing by nature, and that’s why it is imperative that children get guidance from both parents in building a foundation for success, especially when it comes to choosing a career.
Two out of three students develop their career plans from their parents, which is why I am here to emphasize the importance of parents being up to date on what employers are seeking in future job candidates and how you can mold your child’s career path and future plans.
Approximately 60% of all new jobs will need no more than a two-year degree; in STEM and the skilled trades, it’s almost 100%. Individuals who explore expedited pathways such as two-year degrees and apprenticeships will have ample career opportunities.
Starting your child in career exploration at a young age, much like in sports, provides them with valuable opportunities to discover their interests and strengths early on.
Waiting for your senior year in high school is too late and tends to be too costly when making career decisions. Acquiring skills and discovering the many career opportunities available throughout your academic journey will pay off in the long run.
If your child decides to take the four-year college route, figure out what your return on investment will be. Too often, I have seen students come out of school with debt and no career pathway.
That is why I suggest considering working and learning with your hands, especially if your child struggles academically. The best part is that these pathways are not permanent if your child decides to take a different route, but the skillsets they gain will be valued across many paths!
I want to thank parents like Brooke Pontillo, who connected me with her son Ben to discuss post-graduation opportunities. We met up for ‘coaching session’ and it worked!
I’m pleased to say Ben is now on a great career path at Liberty Pumps.
If you are interested to learn how you can spark career interest and exploration for your child, visit www.gcedc.com/careerchecklist to access our free career checklist, featuring eight essential steps to jumpstart a professional journey.
If you are a student, parent, teacher, or guidance counselor, contact me at csuozzi@gcedc.com to learn how to get involved today!
Go Bills!
Chris “Coach SwazZ” Suozzi is the Executive Vice President of Business & Workforce Development at the Genesee County Economic Development Center.
Spring has arrived, and with it comes Genesee County’s Farm Bureau’s annual event Kinderfarmin’! We are ecstatic to be able to bring this wonderful tradition to our kindergarten students and families! Kinderfarmin’ is being held on Wednesday, June 4, at Post Dairy Farms, LLC in Oakfield. This event, in one form or another, has been happening for over 40 years in Genesee County and has become a staple for classrooms.
Kinderfarmin’ has been recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation as an “Event of Excellence”.
This day attracts over 600 kindergarten students from ten school districts. Including teachers, chaperones, and the hundred volunteers, the host farm will have over 1000 visitors in a single day. For this one day, this local dairy farm will continue to be a dairy and be transformed into a classroom with hands-on learning stations and guided tours.
Genesee County Farm Bureau partners with roughly 20 local businesses and organizations to provide a unique, fun and educational experience for all ages. We aim to highlight all the effort that goes into making our favorite dairy products like milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and of course ice cream!
Our field trip is FREE for every student and would not be possible without the generosity of our many sponsors and local farmers.
A bowling ball rolls down the wooden lane, striking into the pins and clattering them to the floor.
A whoop and a cheer are let out as the next bowler takes center stage; all this is possible thanks largely to a $5,000 grant from the M&T Charitable Foundation. The grant was awarded to enhance Arc GLOW’s recreation and respite programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Genesee, Livingston, and Wyoming counties. Thanks to this generous support, the people served by Arc GLOW are participating in a wide array of inclusive and enriching activities. From bowling nights and movie outings to dining experiences, museum and theater visits, and local festivals.
“Our goal is to create opportunities for joy, connection, and community involvement,” said Jill Pegelow, vice president of Self-Direction and Community Services at Arc GLOW. “M&T Bank’s support plays a huge part in helping us bring these experiences to life.”
Arc GLOW has several events on tap in 2025, including the Self-Advocate All Stars Annual Talent Show fundraiser on April 26; Johnathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper Self-Advocacy Day on May 31; Arc Night at the Ballpark on June 12; Genesee County fair activities; nature walks at Swallow Hollow Trail; outdoor sports; and many other community activities.
“Arc GLOW’s recreation and respite programs provide meaningful experiences to individuals and their families. We appreciate the support of the M&T Charitable Foundation for making a difference,” Pegelow said.
Arc GLOW’s recreation and respite program provides temporary relief to families from the demands of caregiving, which can help reduce overall family stress. This allows families to better meet the needs of their loved ones with a developmental disability. Respite can be provided in or out of the home, during the day, evenings or nights.
To learn more about Arc GLOW and the recreation and respite program, visit ArcGLOW.org.
The Batavia Muckdogs have officially released their 2025 promotional night schedule. This season the Muckdogs will have four fireworks shows- May 31, June 14, July 3, and 26, $1 Hotdog & $2 Beer Night return, various giveaways, and some new in-game promotions as well!
This season, fireworks shows will be sponsored by Graham Corporation and Turnbull Heating & Air (Saturday, May 30), O-AT-KA Milk Products and Tompkins Bank (Saturday, June 14), Batavia Downs and Rochester Regional Health (Thursday, July 3), and HP Hood and Oak Orchard Health (Saturday, July 26).
The Helicopter Candy Drop (sponsored by Pete Zeliff) will make a return on Saturday, June 7 vs Geneva. Bark in the Park (bring your dogs to the game!) and No Farms No Food Night (a night highlighting agriculture in our community presented by Alleghany Farm Services) makes their return to Dwyer Stadium.
The Muckdogs have also teamed up with local community leaders as well as this season will feature a YMCA Night (Genesee County), Military Appreciation Night (Presented by Geico – Local Batavia Office), Strike out Cancer Night (in partnership with Wilmot Cancer Institute), Stop DWI Night, and the regular season ends with a pet food drive on Saturday July 27 vs Jamestown. The full schedule is available at www.canusamuckdogs.com.
This season will also feature some new in game promotions as well. Making a return is the Tully’s hitman of the game as fans will earn a coupon to Tully’s if the player selected gets a hit. Dewey the dog will have a new “home” this season as Perry Veterinary Clinic sponsor the Muckdogs Mascot. Also, brand new this season if the Muckdogs win you win (a free hamburger) courtesy of the Burger King. For full list of fan experiences & promotions visit www.canusamuckdogs.com.
The Muckdogs opening weekend is set for Saturday May 31 at 6:30 p.m. vs the Elmira Pioneers with post-game fireworks and then back Sunday June 1 at 4:05 p.m. vs the Jamestown Tarp Skunks with meet the team night. Season tickets are on sale starting at just $99. 585-524-2260 or visit www.canusamuckdogs.com for special promotions, season tickets, or group information. See you at Dwyer Stadium this summer.
NOW HIRING seasonal agribusiness positions. CDL A & B Drivers to deliver bulk crop nutrients. Potential long-term opportunities. Great for retirees! GENERAL LABOR positions. Daily variety of indoor/outdoor responsibilities. Loader experience a plus. SIGN-ON BONUS and plenty of OT during spring/summer months. Apply in person at: 8610 Route 237, Stafford, NY www.cecrocker.com
