Alabama-Basom Methodist Church, 1392 Lewiston Road, Alabama. Join us for worship at 10:30 a.m. on May 11, 2025.  This week our sermon title is "Come, .....and Be One", led by Rodney Stringham (CLM).  Scripture reading Psalm 23 and Gospel reading John 10:22-30.  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. Elizabeth Weber, Organist. Worship/Sunday School at 9:45 AM. Rev. Emily Enders-Odom will be filling in for Rev. Michael Fry today. Scripture Readings: Ruth 2:1-13 and John 13:31-35. Message: “No Strings Attached”. Happy Mother’s Day to all the women of our congregation and beyond. 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 11, our sermon title is "The Miracles Continue", led by Eric Phelps (CLM). Scripture readings will be from Acts 9:36-43; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30.  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 "Does He Have to Ask?". To view our services online please go to our website https://indianfallsgmc.com/ for a link for Live Streaming. Our Youth Group (grades 6-12) will meet on Sunday, May 18th from 6:30pm-8:00pm. We offer FREE Respite Care on Wednesday, April 21st from 10:00am-2:00pm, register your loved one by emailing redlady5343@earthlink.net.

Morganville United Church of Christ, 8466 Morganville Rd, Stafford. Honor your Mom by attending our “God is still speaking” church and hearing Reverend James Morasco’s sermon, “Moms” at 10 am Sunday. 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: “Proselytizing”.  Scripture: “Matthew 28:19-20” (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 11, 2025) we will celebrate The Fourth Sunday of Easter.  The Sermon Theme: “The Good Shepherd Cares for His Sheep.” By the preaching of His Gospel, Jesus calls His sheep, us, to Himself, and keeps them with Him forever. As they hear His voice and follow Him, “they will never perish” (John 10:28). Our Sunday service begins at 10:15am and can be viewed 'live' on Facebook.  **No Sunday School, Communion or Youth Group this week. Our Adult Bible Study and Children's Sunday School is every Sunday, 9:00am - 9:45am. Communion is part of every Sunday service. Our Youth Group meets every Sunday, 5-7pm. Our Men's Bible Study meets every first & third Wednesday at 6:30pm. Our Quilters group meets every Tuesday, 9 - 11am.

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

Wednesday was more than a typical hump day for about 15 volunteers measuring, cutting and assembling new galvanized steel beds, filling them with fresh soil, lifting out the old wood-framed beds, spreading mulch and installing new artwork at Batavia Community Garden.

It was more like getting over the hump of the past while moving onto more efficient and long-lasting solutions as resident gardeners prepare to get their own hands dirty this weekend.

“We’re doing a lot of weeding. We have to have the garden ready to plant this Saturday,” Cooperative Extension Executive Director Jocelyn Sikorski said at the garden property on MacArthur Drive. “We sold out at the end of March. We always sell out, but this is the first time it’s so early. It was phenomenal.”

What used to be a city-owned community garden operation transitioned to Cornell Cooperative Extension three years ago. Many dots connected since the nonprofit has a master gardeners program, enthusiastic volunteers, and a strong focus on agriculture.

RaeAnn Engler helped put together steel garden beds while other volunteers pulled weeds, raked soil, moved materials in a wheelbarrow and kept busy during the sunny day.

“We had these feed trough beds for ADA compliance, but they're really not that good because they dry out. So this year, we've gotten a three-foot deep, two-foot-by-eight-foot galvanized steel. I think that's going to work out really well,” Engler said. “It's a garden for everybody. We have flowers, vegetables, and fruit. People do melons, beans, tomatoes, eggplants.”

She has been chair of the garden committee since the idea took root in 2011 with help from Leadership Genesee. This is another dot connecting this effort to Cooperative Extension.

“They organized it, and the city was overseeing it at that point. And Jocelyn was working for the county and commissioned with the city at the Youth Bureau, so she’s been involved also from the start,” Engler said. “(Some members of the Class of 2011) started it, and then three years ago, I believe the city handed it over to Cooperative Extension to be the head agency. And that worked out well because Leadership Genesee is with Cooperative Extension, and master gardeners are with Cooperative Extension.

“Now that it is under that umbrella of Cooperative Extension, we accept membership from the county, any resident; it used to be limited to city residents, but no longer.”

Although membership has expanded to the county, people with a plot get first dibs on renting it the following year, she said, so “it does kind of limit it.”

“We have room for expansion. We’ve talked about that area,” she said, pointing to a parcel of grass nearby. “It’s a matter of having more people involved in helping to organize to be able to expand that much. We have some space available here, and we also have the additional panels, four-by-fours to make more beds if we get that option. 

"Whether we change that, I’m not sure, but this is the first year that we sold out before the garden opened," she said. "Something to really think more about going forward.”

Only once in its 26-year history has Plow Days had to be canceled because of rain.

Saturday morning, May 3, founders Louis Esten, his brother Chuck Esten, and Bob Newton watched and waited for the rain to stop.

Plow Days has taken place every year for the past 25 years, except for two years during Covid, on the farm of John Torrey, an avid tractor collector and farmer on Route 98, just south of Elba.

Esten said 25 years ago, he, his brother Chuck, the late Ron Komar, and Bob Newton (all of whom had an interest in antique tractors) got the idea for Plow Days and asked John Torrey if they could use his land. Louis said he and Newton had met at the Steam Show in Alexander, and during a conversation, the idea was born.

“We want people to understand what these old tractors are all about,” Louis said. “People actually used to plow with these.”

One of the antique tractor owners hoping to demonstrate plowing was Alexandria Smith of Attica. She brought her John Deere 630 with a three-bottom plow, which was built from 1958 to 1960, making it at least 65 years old.

Smith said her grandfather used to restore antique tractors, which piqued her interest, and she has been collecting them since she was 14.

She has a lot of respect for the old equipment and farming.

“Working on a farm is not like looking at a computer all day,” Smith said. “When you’re out on a farm, you put in a hard day’s work. You get tired, but it is a good tired.”

Plow Days is not just about plowing. Dozens of tractors from the 1930s to 1972 are on display. The giant barn is heated and has tables and chairs, a food counter, hot coffee, and vendors.

Photos by Virginia Kropf

Press Release:

To All Traffic Utilizing the Following Roadways:

• Stegman Road – Miller Road to Powers Road
• Barrett Road – Route 5 to END (Kistner Concrete)
• Access Road to Town Hall and Genesee County Bldg. 2 – From the turn off to the Animal Shelter to END (at Town Hall) and access to the Highway garage

Resurfacing operations will occur on the listed roads on Monday, May 12, 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 they may experience minor delays.

This work is weather dependent; if delayed for rain, the work will occur the next available day.

If you have any questions about this work, please contact the Town of Batavia's Highway Department at 585-343-1729 Extension 218.

Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

Batavia lost to Honeoye Falls/Lima in softball on Wednesday, 16-4.

With multiple rainouts recently, the Lady Devils have a daunting six-game schedule this week so 7th-grader Gabby Smith got her first varsity start. She fanned two HFL hitters.

Hannah Carney went 2-3 with a double and an RBI.

Libby Grazioplene, Adeline Dewitt and Kyleigh Kabel also had hits. 

Batavia's record is 3-9.

Blue Devils go on the road Friday at Canandaigua and Saturday at Honeoye Falls-Lima.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Notre Dame beat Byron-Bergen in tennis on Wednesday, 4-1.

• 1st singles Chance King(ND) over Riley Shellenberger(BB) 7-5,7-5
• 2nd singles Nate Mlyniec(ND) over Erron Kimble(BB) 6-4,6-3
• 3rd singles Riley Yunker(ND) over Levi McGrath(BB) 6-2,6-3
• 1st doubles Gabe Mileham/Lylii Miller(ND) over Sara Bishop/Addy Cummings(BB) 6-0,6-1
• 2nd doubles Noah Clare/Craig DiQuattro(BB) over Jordan Dwyer/Alex Wyder(ND) 6-3,6-1

Notre Dame is now 7-2, and Byron-Bergen is 2-6.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.

Mason Vigiano and Ryan Marsceill combined for a no-hitter after a two-hour ride to Jasper-Troupsburg for the game.

The Lancers beat the home team 6-1.

Vigiano went six innings and fanned 10 while walking one. Marsceill came on in the seventh to get the final three outs.

Offense:

• Mark Caparco,  3-3, 3 runs, walk, 2 stolen bases, double
• Fletcher Norton, 3-4, 3 RBIs, run, double
• Nicholas Scott, 3-3, home run, 2 RBIs, 2 stolen bases

"In a game that we had to travel two hours to play, I am proud of my team for getting off the bus, as the coaches say, and putting it on them early," said Coach Andrew Boyce. "Nicky had a moon shot in the top of the first, 350+ over the fence. Glad to see our boys having fun and getting us to 7-2. Mason gave us a start most coaches can’t dream up, working corners. His breaking ball had a great snap, and the fastball popped the glove. Keep stacking days, boys."

Submitted photos

Akron beat Oakfield-Alabama in baseball on Tuesday, 10-8.

Hunter Tobolski took the loss, going eight innings while surrendering 10 hits and four earned runs. He struck out six.

Offense: 

• Hunter Tobolski, 1-4, run
• Jack Cianfrini, 2-4, 2 stolen bases
• Avery Watterson, 1-5, run, 2 stolen bases
• Jackson Gilbert, 2-4, double, RBI
• Levi Kabel, 3-4, double, RBI, run

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski

Oakfield-Alexander got a game-shortening Mercy Rule win on Tuesday, beating Holley 21-1.

Emma Moeller picked all five innings for the victory, giving up one hit and no earned runs while striking out five batters.

Offense:

• Chloe Lamb, 4-4, 4 RBIs, double and triple
• Piper Hyde, 2-3, 3 RBIs. 3 runs scored
• Olivia Wescott, 2-2,  RBI
• Allie Williams, 1-2, HR, 2 RBIs
• Tori Davis, 2-2, 3 runs scored
• Alea Groff, 1-1, triple
• Raine Denny, Rylee Denny and Emma Moeller each had a hit and an RBI

"It was nice to get a game in after a long stretch," Coach Jeff Schlagenhauf said. "We have an incredibly busy schedule over the next two weeks with 10 games. It was great to get contributions from a bunch of players today. Emma was great on the mound. She had fantastic command of her pitches."

Byron-Bergen defeated Holley on Tuesday in tennis, 5-0.

• 1st singles Riley Shallenberger (BB) defeated Arthur Boggs (Holley) 6-1, 6-0
• 2nd singles Erron Kimble (BB) defeated Josmar Hernandez (Holley) 6-3, 6-3
• 3rd singles Levi McGrath (BB) defeated Adyn Felock (Holley) 6-3, 6-1
• 1st doubles Sara Bishop, Addy Cummings (BB) defeated Carissa Klossner, Kai Kennedy (Holley) 4-6, 6-3, 1-0 (10-7) 
• 2nd doubles Noah Clare, Craig DiQuattro (BB) defeated Broooke Waldron, Mariska VanLogten (Holley) 6-0, 6-0

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.

Press release:

Emily Pietrzykowski led the Trojans to a hard-fought 6-5 victory over the Fighting Irish on Tuesday, going 3-for-4 at the plate. The senior tripled in the second inning, singled in both the first and fifth innings, drove in three runs, scored twice, and added two stolen bases.

Ava Yax also had a strong showing for Alexander, collecting two hits in three at-bats, scoring two runs, and stealing four bases. Seniors Lilly Szymkowiak and Faith Goodenbury matched each other’s performance, each tallying a hit, a walk, and a run scored.

The game’s biggest hit came in the second inning when Pietrzykowski tripled to center field, driving in two runs and extending Alexander’s lead to 4-1.

Despite trailing by five runs, Notre Dame mounted a late comeback, scoring two runs in both the sixth and seventh innings to narrow the gap. However, Alexander’s defense held strong behind Pietrzykowski's pitching in the final inning to secure the win.

Pietrzykowski earned the win in the circle, pitching a complete game. She allowed four hits and five runs (four earned), striking out five and walking five.

Mia Treleaven took the loss for the Fighting Irish, striking out 11 and walking two over five innings while giving up six runs (four earned) on six hits.

Notre Dame’s offense was led by Amelia Sorochty, Sofia Falleti, Gianna Falleti, and Riley Hare, who each contributed a hit. Falleti finished 1-for-2 with two RBIs to pace the Irish.

"We really needed this win," said Coach John Goodenbury. "This game came down to the wire today, and Otis does a great job, so we knew it would be tough. We've faced some tough competition this spring and had stretches of sloppy play against other teams we have played that we felt we could have beaten, but tonight we did a better job focusing on the little things. With all the weather challenges, we’re just trying to stay consistent, survive the spring monsoon season, and get ourselves ready for sectionals. We’re heading in the right direction, but there’s still work to be done. One final note, hats off to Otis and the Notre Dame crew for busting their tails to get the field playable today."

Alexander returns to action Thursday at home against Byron-Bergen.

Photos by Makenna Boyce

Everyone is positive about the growth and direction of GLOW YMCA as a search to replace CEO Rob Walker nears completion, Board President Dean Bellack says.

Walker retired on Jan. 31, and a search committee was formed shortly after to sift through an initial 40 applicants from throughout the country, Bellack said this week. Those were carved down a couple of times for the three finalists.

“We did a very large search. We had a large number of initial applicants, which we whittled down to a smaller number of applicants. Then we whittled it down again in terms of the people that we wanted to do preliminary interviews with, and a lot of those happened this week,” he said to The Batavian Wednesday. “And then we've narrowed that down to, again, a very small group of applicants that we're going to be doing personal interviews with here in about a week and a half, and then we'll be making an announcement.”

Applicants were from New York State and other areas, including Virginia, Indiana and Florida, he said. Two of the finalists are local, and one is from out of state. YMCA national assisted with the process and advertising the position, and Bellack is “confident in the candidates that we have,” he said

Membership at the Genesee YMCA began at 1,100 and is now around 2,400 to 2,500.

“It’s significant growth, but we still have growth to do,” he said. We’re planning to be at 3,000. We have some ways to go, and we’re confident we’re going to be there. Typically in the summer season, the amount of people searching for new memberships at YMCAs tend to level off a little bit. We're not predicting any decline in terms of where we are. The growth could slow a little bit during the summertime, and then I'm sure we'll be at the numbers that we need to be at once we get back into the fall.”

He acknowledged that “obviously, Rob was CEO during that time” of fundraising and planning for the new downtown Batavia facility, which was completed for a New Year’s opening. He also credited the strength and dedication of “a lot of volunteers” who supported the cause.

John Riter and Paul Battaglia were integral project leaders, he said. There are also high levels of expertise on staff, including treasurer Mike Grover and Chief Financial Officer Greg Watson, who is serving as interim CEO, he said.

“It was a tremendous effort; they deserve tremendous congratulations,” Bellack said. “We’re very positive on the growth of the new facility and where we’re going to be with the association. We’re planning big things ahead.”

Walker declined to comment. An email announcing his retirement was sent out to members in the GLOW region at the time, Bellack said.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is accepting registrations for this year’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C. The trip will run from September 18 to 21 and is open to local veterans and their families and friends. Participants will get a tour of the nation’s capital and its numerous monuments and landmarks that honor those who served. 

This year’s trip will feature stops at several notable locations in the D.C. area, including the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War memorials and Arlington National Cemetery. There will also be the potential for a White House visit on the trip. Those who are interested in the potential tour will need to register no later than June 10 to secure a background check.

“This trip is an excellent opportunity to honor not only our local veterans but also those who served before them,” said Hawley. “I am incredibly excited to host this event for another year. We owe our veterans a deep level of gratitude for all they have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, so being able to take them to our nation’s capital to see these historic landmarks is truly an honor.”

Due to the many generous donations from the community, local businesses and organizations, we are expecting the cost to be $450-$500 per person with everything included. A noncommittal registration is required by June 10 for those interested in a potential White House tour for the purpose of a background check. To register, contact Hawley’s office at 585-589-5780 or email hawleys@nyassembly.gov for more details.

For those who wish to donate to support this event, please make your donation out to Patriot Trip and send it to PO Box 171, Albion.

Press Release:

The Leadership Development Programs at United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes are now accepting applications for the 2025 class year. These programs include the Latino Leadership Development Program, African American Leadership Development Program, Emerging Leaders Development Program, and the PRIDE Leadership Development Program. The application deadline is May 31.

United Way’s Leadership Development Programs empower individuals to become impactful leaders who drive positive change in their communities. Participants engage in transformative experiences that enhance their professional capabilities, foster meaningful connections, and develop the confidence to lead teams, influence policy, and contribute to community success. Graduates will be able to drive innovation, inspire collaboration, and make lasting contributions to local organizations and communities. 

“For over 30 years, our Leadership Development Programs have empowered leaders through intentional skill-building, real-world application, and community-driven impact,” said LaCerius Cross, Manager Leadership Development Academy at United Way. “These programs are designed to prepare individuals to lead with confidence, purpose, and lasting influence.”

The Leadership Development Programs are just one of a suite of leadership training offerings offered by United Way’s Leadership Development Academy. Other Leadership Development Academy programming and partnerships, such as the Union Community Assistance Network and Development of Indo-American Leaders Program, provide additional ways for leaders to make a real-world impact on our communities.

For more information, or to apply to United Way’s Leadership Development Programs, visit unitedwayrocflx.org/get-involved/leadership-development. Contact leadership@unitedwayrocflx.org with any questions.

Press Release:

On April 29, Byron-Bergen senior James “JC” Starowitz committed to continuing his formal education after graduation at Alfred State as a member of the wrestling program. The official signing was witnessed by Byron-Bergen Athletic Director Rich Hannan, JV Wrestling Coach Josh Brabon, coaching staff member Brian Tatar, and Starowitz’s parents and siblings.

“It has been an absolute pleasure coaching JC over the years,” said Hannan. “I have had very few athletes join in seventh grade and wrestle varsity for six years. He loves the sport, and it shows through his hard work and dedication. I will always remember JC for being hard working, talented, and dedicated, but most importantly for his impact on his team. He is a great leader on and off the mat. JC is a great wrestler and even better person. He will be a great addition to the Alfred team, and I am so proud that he has decided to take his talents to the next level and wrestle in college. We wish him nothing but the best in the next step of his journey!” 

While on the wrestling team, Starowitz earned over 100 career wins and was named an All-Star four times. In addition to wrestling, Starowitz participated in varsity football, track, and golf. He is also Senior Class Vice-President. Outside of school, he volunteers with the Bergen Fire Department.

Starowitz plans to major in Agribusiness Management. In this next step in his academic career, he would like to thank his coaches and family for all their support throughout his athletic career. 

Nort

Mother’s Day weekend is almost here, and we’ve got something special planned just for you! Join us on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, as we celebrate all the amazing moms in our church family with a refreshing Iced Coffee Barin the lobby and a Photo Booth to capture the moment. We’re also launching a brand-new message series, “THIS IS US”, focused on navigating life’s most important relationships—starting with our first topic: Being a Mom. Bring someone special with you, and let’s make it a meaningful weekend together!
Location: 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020

On Tuesday, for the fourth time in 2025, the Tonawanda Creek overflowed and flooded areas throughout the town of Alexander, including Peaviner Road.

This is an inconvenience to motorists, damages roads, takes farm fields out of production, and costs taxpayers money.

Brian Farnsworth, Alexander's highway superintendent, says the problem would be solved with an annual cleanup of the creek further upstream, where trees fall into the creek, creating a natural dam that eventually overflows, sending a rush of water north that causes flooding.

"If we could get in there somehow or another and clean all the trees that are down, I think it would open it up where this water would run," Farnsworth said. "We wouldn't have, like down here on Peaviner, water that runs off from the creek. We wouldn't have that. It would slow the overflow."

Farnsworth said he's hoping to secure grants for the creek cleanup. Clearly, the log jams probably need to occur on an annual basis, he said, because erosion keeps knocking big trees into the creek.

"It puts a burden on the taxpayers in Alexander because we have to keep going back to Old Creek Road and Cookson Road, and we have to keep going back and fixing the roads," Farnsworth said. "They're all dirt roads, but it just washes them out, and then we've got the material and the labor to take care of it, plus it's a major inconvenience, because a lot of people go down this road."

There is also a danger to motorists and first responders because some people do, in fact, try to drive through the floodwaters.

"If somebody comes down here and they do get stuck, it puts a burden on the sheriff's department and our first responders," Farnsworth said."They have to go in there and rescue them."

As for the farmers, he said, they get wiped out, he said. 

"The various fields, they get wiped out. They can't plant. They can't do anything because of the water runoff."

Peaviner Road is now (on Wednesday) clear, and Cookson Road should clear by early afternoon.

For the ninth year in a row, Genesee County management recommended funding of $12,825 Monday toward the operations of Mercy Flight as it has worked to rebound from a tragic accident and loss of a beloved pilot and costly vehicle three years ago.

Director of Medical Operations Michael Gugliuzza reviewed the nonprofit's annual report during this week’s Human Services meeting with Genesee County legislators and County Manager Matt Landers.

“We are still kind of rebuilding from the loss of our two aircrafts. We’ve made great strides,” Gugliuzza said. “We have all our aircraft back in service last year, this year, so that’s been going very well, and things are definitely progressing in the right direction, both from the aircraft perspective and our staffing perspective on the flight and the ground side as well.”

From July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, Mercy Flight received 161 requests for helicopter ambulance service from within Genesee County, which was down from 187 the previous year, resulting in 64 transports, which was one less than 65 that prior year, he said.

Of those 161 requests, nine were serviced by the company’s flight crew in a Specialty Care Transport-equipped ground ambulance when bad weather prevented staff’s ability to fly, he said. 

Of those requests, 46, or 29% were subsequently canceled as “not needed,” and 40, or 25%, were canceled due to inclement weather conditions. Two times out of those same 161 requests, air ambulance resources were unavailable due to already being on another call.

“So even though the requests were down our transfer, our transports, were still close to the same for last year, and within that, we only had, I believe, two two times that there was a request that we couldn't fulfill because all of our aircraft were out,” he said. “So again, that's been a big advantage for us, since getting all four back in service, gives us a little bit more leeway, and being able to make sure that we can cover as many of these calls as we possibly can.

“One of the things we're working towards right now, our program flies on what they call VFR, meaning you have to have visual flight rules. You have to be able to see everything you're doing and where every place you're going. And there's some type parameters we are approved in our training and shifting towards being able to fly instruments as well,” he said. “So that will actually broaden our ability to take some of these flights when the weather conditions currently don't allow that. There are still parameters, but it's a much bigger window for us to be able to take these flights, to be able to fly instruments in order to do that.”

That training would allow pilots to have IFR, instrument flight rules, most of their pilots are IFR trained, just not through Mercy Flight’s program, he said, “so they have to go through the training anyways.”

Mercy Flight EMS, the ground ambulance service, received 10,883 requests, up from 10,803, resulting in 8,250 instances of patient contact, which was down from 8,269 the previous year, he said.

“There was a lot of demand” for the ground ambulance to assist with special events, and had requests for 40 fire/police standbys throughout the year, he said. 

Staff provided First Aid and EMS services to the Live Nation concerts at Darien Lake, WROTB’s harness racing and summer concert series at Batavia Downs, the Wings Over Batavia Air Show, and Batavia Notre Dame High School football games.

Although ground ambulance numbers are included in the report, there is a separate contract with the county. The county and nonprofit struck a deal that runs from Jan. 1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2026, for $452,460 per year. 

Training continues to be an ongoing effort, “working closely with Genesee County Office of Emergency Management Director Tim Yaeger” and the county’s many volunteer fire departments to perform ground crew safety training classes — providing for more than 120 first responders across the county, he said.

“We do ground schools for the fire departments to help ensure the safety and setting up landing zones to ensure that it’s the right size, right spot, right place,” he said. “Communication, so people understand how to operate around the aircraft when it lands. We look to do that every year.”

Other appearances included landing the helicopter at Genesee County Fair, and participating in DWI “Prom Promise”drills at area high schools, including Pavilion, Byron-Bergen, Le Roy, Elba, Oakfield-Alabama and Batavia.

Overall, the company continues to “kind of keep pushing the bar forward in Genesee County,” he said, “to continue to provide the best service possible, both ground and air.”

“Looking forward, the support that we've gained from the county, both in our air and our ground operations, continues to be directly reinvested back into our operation. It goes right back into personnel, payroll, benefits, equipment. We are constantly investing back into our staff and our crews,” he said. “Equipment wise this past year, we made a substantial investment for both flight and ground in all brand new cardiac state-of-the-art cardiac monitors. It was a large investment. We purchased 32 of the new striker life pack, 35 monitors, which offer us great capability to take care of these patients, to be able to do live streaming of events with our doctors so that they can view what's going on. It really raises the bar on the patient care side. We’re very grateful for you standing with us.”

Legislator John Deleo, who works in security at Batavia Downs, said he had an opportunity to see first responders use a LUCAS Device on site, and how it was “really impressive.” 

This device does mechanized chest compressions, which frees up staff to perform other medical treatments or gives them a break to avoid fatigue during an emergency call. They cost $19,000 each.

“We’ve got them on about 17 or 18 ambulances, plus all four helicopters. It’s a great tool,” Gugliuzza said, answering Deleo about if they buy them on sale. “I wish.”

Landers recommended the funding, and a vote will go on to the full Legislature May 14.