As she ends her high school career and prepares again for the opportunity every theater student dreams of, Aubrey Puccio is fairly confident with equal parts of modest and sensible rolled in.

The 18-year-old Le Roy senior has been chosen as one of the Top 40 to compete in Stars of Tomorrow NYC Bound next week in Rochester. Her goal is to make the eventual cut to one of two finalists and represent the Rochester area during a trip to the Big Apple and a whirlwind of professional theater experiences as part of the Jimmy Awards.

“I didn’t start great, definitely not Top 40 material,” Puccio said to The Batavian when asked if she was always a singer. “I was more screamy than singy. My sister helped; she had the most beautiful voice I have ever heard. Then, when ‘Frozen’ came out, I sang ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman’, I don’t know how many times. Then I took dance, then performance, in middle school and high school.”

And, as they say, a star was born. She has earned the privilege of being named a Top 40 three times so far, making the cut down to 20 last year. Being pragmatic and not overly optimistic, she has given it some thought as to how to proceed no matter what. Her plans seem solid about going to Ithaca College to major in television, photography and digital media, while also mulling the “what-if” she keeps making it onward through eliminations.

“I have been keeping the idea in the back of my mind, ‘if this were to happen, these are the songs I would perform,’” she said. “I’ve been singing bits and pieces over the year, and now I’m cleaning them up.”

First up for her preliminary tune is “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” That wouldn’t surprise anyone who saw her in Le Roy’s “Wizard of Oz” musical as Dorothy. Unlike her strong and amusing characters in other shows, such as “Chicago,” Puccio approached this from the get-go as a purposeful mission to be Dorothy in no unmistakable fashion.

“For me, I felt like this was such a big role that people know, we were in a city, and it was not just a lion, it was a washed-up rock star, and the tin man was a construction worker. It was things like that which I was so excited about. But when I was taking on this part, I’m like, I need this part to be different, this is Aubrey Puccio playing Dorothy, and with that, I need to make sure that I am different from every other person that has ever played her,” she said. “I also had the idea in my head as well, this is my senior year, this is the last time I’m going to be on this stage with my musical family, and there is nothing left to do but leave it all out there. 

"You have two choices: you can either dwell in that moment of sadness, of this closing chapter of your life, or you can really embrace it," she said. "And I feel like what I did with that is I took that emotion and I put it into the character.”

It was that role and performance that got her chosen for Stars of Tomorrow, hosted by Rochester Broadway Theatre League. Turns out, her earliest critics—a dance teacher and family members—were right when they watched and listened to her. They would say to her mom, “She’s got something.”

“I always wanted to perform as an aspect in my life,” she said. “When I’m on stage, I don’t feel nervous; off stage, I’m shaking. Being on stage, it’s almost like a second home. It’s comforting to be on stage.”

Le Roy’s Musical Director Jackie McLean agrees that this student has got something. She was chosen out of “close to 300 students that were eligible for the Top 40 this year, which is a huge number,” said McLean, who will serve as her vocal coach for this NYC Bound process.

“I think Aubrey brings experience. I mean, honestly, she's been performing since she was very little as a dancer, she then segued to singing and put all of her talents together. She is one of the most dedicated students to art, and she is dedicated to this incredible process. She also grew up watching the older kids here, and I think that inspired her to want to strive to make New York City Bound,” McLean said. “It's really incredible to see her make it again, because she's one of not very many students who get to attend three times. She was very lucky to attend this competition piece as a sophomore, when she was Madame Thenardier in ‘Les Miserables,’ and then again last year, when she was Velma Kelly in ‘Chicago.’ 

"And then this year, and I think Aubrey would tell you, this role was a challenge for her, because playing Dorothy in 'The Wizard of Oz' is a very different performance. The other two are very kind of funny characters, and she really had to find the nuances of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. I think she did a phenomenal job," McLean said. "And  she's a standout performer, and I think that's why she's in that top 40.”

Puccio has rehearsals on Saturday and her first event will be the closed session premium round on Monday in Rochester, which includes an audience and adjudication by Broadway professional and Le Roy native John Bolton (Anastasia, A Christmas Story: The Musical, Spamalot), and Rochester-based actor, director and private acting coach J. Simmons.

This will be different than the first time Bolton watched Puccio perform: she played a tree with no lines. She has appreciated his input in the past and looks forward to seeing him again, she said. If Puccio goes onto New York City, her vocal coach will attend not in a professional capacity but as a “cheerleader,” McLean said.

“We’re obviously so excited and so honored. Small schools, we work really hard to put on the caliber shows that we are able to put on. We are very lucky in Le Roy to have enormous community support, and that allows us to put on the shows that we put on. And it's just really nice to see students from our schools be recognized. I mean, the reality is, it doesn't matter how small the school is. It just matters the dedication of the students and their desire to learn and better themselves, and that can happen in a small school or a large school,” she said. “We are very proud of our students and how they push themselves. And Aubrey is; she has been pushing herself since freshman year. We always joke that in seventh grade, she was in ‘Into the Woods,’ and she played the part of a tree, and now she's playing these leads in some very large productions. And it's just inspiring to watch.”

On Thursday, the performers moving on will be announced, and a panel of judges will adjudicate the final two rounds of the competition, ultimately choosing two performers to send to the 2025 Jimmy Awards. 

This year’s judges will be SUNY Geneseo Coordinator of Musical Theatre, Don Kot, Broadway professional and Dance Captain/Background Vocalist for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Kamilah Marshall (The Lion King, Rent, Hairspray) and Broadway professional and former Jimmy Awards Vocal Coach, Eden Espinosa (Wicked, Rent, Lempicka).

Beginning Monday, you may go to rochesterfirst.com to vote for your favorite local performer.

At the National High School Musical Theater Awards competition, students will undergo 10 days of musical theater rehearsals, master classes, private coaching and interviews with theater professionals. Based on their skill level and professional goals, students are eligible for college scholarships, professional internships, career coaching and audition opportunities. 

At the end of these 10 days, the students will perform a talent showcase at the Jimmy Awards, held at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City on June 23. Judges will then select two grand prize winners for the Best Performance by an Actor and Best Performance by an Actress awards.

Batavia defeated Williamson/Sodus/Marion 25-6 Thursday night in the Section V Class C Flag Football pre-quarterfinals, jumping out to a 25-0 halftime lead and controlling the game from start to finish.

“We wanted to set the tone early,” senior linebacker Jaimin Macdonald said. “Everyone was locked in from the first snap.”

Batavia’s defense consistently set up the offense with short fields. Macdonald grabbed two interceptions and finished with five flag pulls. Junior free safety Libby Grazioplene added another interception. Senior defensive ends Kylee Brennan and Nicole Doeringer each recorded seven flag pulls, with Brennan making two tackles for loss and Doeringer three.

Doeringer opened the scoring with a 3-yard touchdown run. Macdonald went 7-for-12 passing for 54 yards and three touchdowns, all to sophomore wide receiver Leilah Manuel, who finished with four catches for 28 yards.

Macdonald also rushed for 29 yards on four carries. Grazioplene led the team with 31 rushing yards on three carries.

Batavia advanced to the Class C quarterfinals and will play the winner of Gananda vs. Rochester Prep on Monday, May 19. Game time and location are to be announced.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

More than 350 volunteers spread throughout Genesee County on a sunshine-drenched Thursday morning to help repair, clean up, or landscape properties of non-profit agencies.

Thursday was United Way's Annual Day of Caring.

The Batavian visited four of 32 sites -- the Historic Batavia Cemetery, St. Joe's, 400 Towers, and St. James.

Photos by Howard Owens.

A brick wall of a long-dilapidated building at the Harvester Center complex in Batavia collapsed Thursday night as GO ART! staff loaded a U-Haul with stored property, capping a long day of moving as part of United Way’s Day of Caring.

“It sounded like thunder,” said Courtney Henderson, GO ART!’s special events and social media director. “I said, ‘Nope, this is the start.’ The whole top part was caving in slowly, and then it was just a cloud of smoke. It was wild. I’m glad I could get out.”

The GO ART! U-Haul was parked in a courtyard-like area about 100 yards from where the wall collapsed, blocking the tunnel beneath two stories of the building that hasn’t been occupied for decades. The roof collapsed long ago, and the third floor fell onto the second floor.

No injuries were reported.

The group, which included volunteers earlier in the day, had been moving items stored in the Harvester Center in preparation for basement renovations at GO ART! The plan was to transfer everything to the former J.C. Penney building downtown.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski confirmed the city has an active code case on the Harvester Center.

“Unfortunately, that’s what happened,” Tabelski said. “It looks like a portion of this building has collapsed. Thank goodness no one got hurt, and code and fire will assess what to do with the scene.”

Code Enforcement Officer Doug Randall said the building owner will bring in heavy equipment to demolish the unstable section and clear debris, allowing the U-Haul and another rental vehicle to be safely removed.

The city applied five months ago for a Restore NY grant to help demolish parts of the Harvester Center and the old Melton Building. If awarded, the grant would provide up to $1 million for demolition and site redevelopment, with the goal of transforming the area into a mixed-use campus with new businesses, apartments, and public spaces.

“My number one question is, how does Gregory get his truck out?” Henderson said, referring to GO ART! Executive Director Gregory Hallock. “U-Haul is going to have to be super nice to Gregory Hallock because of this incident.”

It appears U-Haul will be accommodating. Hallock told Tabelski that he had already spoken with a representative from U-Haul, who told him not to worry.

Henderson also has a rental vehicle trapped on the other side of the pile of rubble.

Previously: Apparent building collapse reported at Harvester Center

Photos by Howard Owens.

An apparent building collapse has been reported in the Harvester Center Complex, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia.

The reader who submitted the picture said she doesn't believe anybody was hurt in the collapse but two vehicles are now trapped, with the driveway now a dead end because of debris.

City Fire is on scene.

A new solar energy project is moving through the planning process in the town of Batavia. 

At a recent Batavia Town Planning Board meeting, engineers unveiled plans for a 5-megawatt solar array on Lewiston Road. 

The project, they said, promises clean power, smart land use, and a design that aims to blend into the community rather than disrupt it.
A Greener Vision for Batavia

The Batavia Solar project, proposed by Advanced Solar Power Holdings, Inc. and designed by Metzger Civil Engineering, would transform 35 acres of farmland into a solar farm. 

The plan is a scaled-back version of an earlier proposal, now focused on a single array on the northern portion of the property at 8220 Lewiston Road.

Developers emphasized that the project isn’t just about generating electricity, but it is also about doing so responsibly. 

The design keeps the solar panels well away from neighbors, preserves existing trees, and adds new plantings to screen the site from view. The number of utility poles has been trimmed, and the facility will use pollinator-friendly ground cover to support local ecosystems.

Developers said the proposal also reserves space for a future public road in a nod to Batavia's long-term needs, a move that could improve local traffic flow and connect with nearby developments. While the solar company won’t build the road, the town is actively exploring funding and design options as part of its master plan.

Proponents said the project is designed to fit seamlessly into the community: no variances are being requested, and all town setback requirements are met.

A minor subdivision will create a residential lot and leave additional land available for future development.

Developers said transparency is a top priority. They presented a detailed visual impact study showing how the array would look from homes and roads nearby. 

The planning board has launched a coordinated environmental review and scheduled a public hearing for June 3. Local residents, county agencies, and the school district will all have a chance to weigh in before any final decisions are made.

A draft Host Community Agreement and decommissioning bond are in the works. 

Press Release:

The Le Roy American Legion Auxiliary Unit 576, is pleased to announce Briar Eadie has been selected as the Poppy Girl for 2025.

Briar is the daughter of Benjamin and Andi (DeBellis) Eadie of Le Roy and the granddaughter of Ben and Maureen (Beany Zimmerman) Eadie of Le Roy and Ronald (Togo) and Cathy (Sipos) DeBellis of Lyndonville. Brair is 9 years old and a 2nd grader at Wolcott Street School in Le Roy.

Additionally, the Auxiliary is also excited to introduce, for the first time, the Poppy Ambassadors, Noah Ford and Elijah Ford. Noah is 9 years old and a 3rd grader at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in Cheektowaga. Elijah is 12 years old and is in the 7th grade at John F Kennedy High School in Cheektowaga. Noah and Elijah are the sons of Rebecca (Feneran) Ford and grandsons of the late Richard (Dick) and Deborah Feneran of Le Roy.

Notably, Deborah previously served as Chairperson of the Auxiliary Annual Poppy program for years, and Dick was a proud Vietnam Veteran.

History of the Poppy

After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed by those who fought and those who continue to fight for our country following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.” The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front line in World War I, to honor soldiers killed in battle.

Proceeds from the Poppy sales can only be used to benefit the mission to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs. 

In Flanders Fields By John McCrae

In Flanders’ Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders’ Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders’ Fields.

Members of the Auxiliary will have Poppies available Memorial Day Weekend at Tops and Save-A-Lot, and at the Memorial Day Parade or stop by the Legion at 53 West Main Street, Le Roy on Wednesdays or Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m. Stop by and pick up a Poppy and if you can give a donation. If you would like to donate, please mail to American Legion Auxiliary, 53 West Main St, Le Roy.

Congratulations, Brair, Noah and Elijah!

Press Release:

As a responsible driver, it's essential to know how to react when pulled over by the police. Following these simple steps can help ensure a safe and respectful interaction for both you and the officer. 

Stay Calm and Cooperative 

• Remain calm and composed: Avoid sudden movements, and keep your hands visible on the steering wheel or in plain sight.
• Cooperate with the officer's instructions: Follow their directions and answer their questions clearly and honestly. 

Safety Precautions 

• Pull over to a safe location: Move your vehicle to a well-lit, safe area, away from traffic, if possible. If at nighttime turn on the interior lights of your vehicle.
• Turn off your engine and keep your seatbelt on: This helps prevent any accidental movements and ensures your safety. Be sure to roll down your window to converse with the officer.
• Keep your hands visible and avoid sudden movements: This helps the officer feel more at ease and reduces the risk of misunderstandings.
• Report any firearms or weapons immediately: Do not attempt to retrieve a weapon or hand any weapon to an officer, follow the instructions given by the officer to ensure a safe interaction. 

Be Prepared and Respectful 

• Have your license, registration, and proof of insurance ready: Keep these documents easily accessible to avoid delays.
• Be respectful and courteous: Address the officer politely and avoid arguing or becoming confrontational.
• Do not argue with the officer: If you disagree with the reason for being stopped simply advise the officer of this and remain calm. If issued a traffic ticket you will granted an opportunity in court to dispute the allegations of a traffic violation. 

Remember Your Rights 

• You have the right to remain silent: If you're unsure about answering a question, you can politely decline to respond.
• You have the right to ask for a supervisor: If you feel uncomfortable or have concerns, you can request a supervisor's presence. 

By following these simple steps, you can help ensure a safe and respectful interaction when pulled over by the police. Remember to stay calm, cooperative, and respectful, and always prioritize your safety and the safety of others.

Press Release:

The Batavia City School District is proud to acknowledge the Batavia High School Production Club’s recent success at the Rochester Broadway Theater League’s (RBTL) Stars of Tomorrow Competition held on Friday, May 9, at the West Herr Auditorium Theater in Rochester.

BHS was recognized for its March 2025 production of Disney’s Newsies.

48 local schools were adjudicated and recognized for their achievements this high school musical season, and Batavia High School’s production of Disney’s Newsies received the following recognition from the RBTL:

• Excellence in Dance Ensemble
• Excellence in Production Design
• Excellence in Production Crew
• Excellence in Student Orchestra
• Excellence in a Leading Role: Gavynn Trippany as "Jack Kelly" & Gus Crawford as "Davey"

At the event, Batavia performed excerpts from the songs “King of NY,” and “Once and For All” from Disney’s Newsies.

The complete list of winners at this year’s RBTL’s Stars of Tomorrow competition can be found here.

Press Release:

The Batavia Muckdogs are excited to announce their next five signings of the 2025 season.

Batavia will welcome back a fan favorite as well as some new faces. 2024 Returner and Batavia Native RHP/OF – Bryceton Berry, RHP – Erwins Branche, RHP/INF – Cameron Copple, RHP – Samuel Gil, and OF – Travis Hammond join the Dogs this summer at Dwyer Stadium.

Bryceton Berry is a 6’1 outfielder and pitcher from Batavia, and a sophomore at Flagler College. Returning for his second season with the Muckdogs, Bryceton brings two-way value to the roster. Last season, he appeared in 13 games, posting a .227 batting average while scoring 10 runs on five hits and collecting five RBIs.

Erwins Branche is a 6’3 right-handed pitcher from the Bronx, and a sophomore at Saint Xavier University. A transfer with experience at both Herkimer College and Jacksonville State University, Erwins brings a strong frame and competitive edge to the mound. During his time at Herkimer, he pitched 22.2 innings and posted a 4.76 ERA.

Cameron Copple is a 5’11 right-handed pitcher and infielder from Tampa, Florida, and a freshman at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. A true two-way player, Cameron has made his presence felt on the mound and at the plate this season. He’s pitched 25.1 innings, posting an impressive 2.13 ERA. Offensively, he’s appeared in 53 at-bats, scoring 6 runs with five RBIs, one triple, and eight doubles. 

Samuel Gil is a 6’4 right-handed pitcher from the Bronx, and a junior at Mercy College and a transfer from St. Bonaventure University. This season, he has logged 14.1 innings on the mound. With a powerful frame and raw potential, he continues to develop his command and effectiveness at the collegiate level.

Travis Hammond is a 6’ outfielder from Stone Mountain, GA, and a graduate student at Saint Xavier University. A consistent presence in the lineup, Travis has started all 46 games this season. Over 138 at-bats, he’s batting .290 with 40 hits, 35 runs scored, seven doubles, three triples, and a home run.

Opening Day is Saturday May 31 at 6:30 p.m. vs the Elmira Pioneers with free post-game fireworks. If you are someone you know has interest in sponsoring the Muckdogs, season ticket information, hosting a group event or picnic please contact General Manager Marc Witt (mwitt.canusa@gmail.com). The Muckdogs full schedule is available online at www.canusamuckdogs.com.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

On Friday, May 9, the Pembroke Teachers' Federation hosted its third annual Sprinkles Night at Sprinkles Creamery in Corfu!

Members of the Pembroke Teachers' Federation took orders, scooped ice cream, created delicious sundaes, and made milkshakes all for a great cause. Sprinkles Creamery generously donated a portion of the night's sales and tips to the Scholarship Fund of the Pembroke Teachers' Federation.

"Our little community never ceases to amaze me," said Arron K. Brown, president of the PTF. "Amanda and the entire crew at Sprinkles are amazing, and I am so thankful for their partnership." 

At the end of a very busy night, $773 was raised to help graduating seniors at Pembroke High School.

Submitted photos.

Next time you’re out at a public event, look around and remember that 70 new people visit Genesee County’s Mental Health Department for services each year.

Given that about one in every five people has experienced some type of mental health issue in New York State, that number may seem small, though admitting a struggle with one’s mental health can still make it difficult to seek help, Mental Health Director Lynda Battaglia says.

With a range of problems to choose from nowadays — from rising prices and making a paycheck last longer to physical ailments, raising a family and a divisive political landscape — why is it important for people to stop and think about their mental health?

“It's a good question, and I think it's important for people to pay attention to and think about their mental health because it is a significant part of their overall health, right?” Battaglia said during an interview with The Batavian. “Your overall health is physical as much as it is mental; they kind of work off each other. So people need to be aware of how they feel. 

"If you physically don't feel good, and you have some symptoms, and those symptoms are kind of lingering for quite some time, you would probably go to a doctor to say, ‘I’m not feeling good physically,'" she said.  "With mental health, if you're having some feelings or thoughts that are depressive, or you're just kind of in a negative headspace, or you're just anxious, and you can't put your finger on why, why not go to a therapist to try to figure out why?”

May happens to be Mental Health Awareness Month, and there is an “ending the stigma event” to provide information, community resources, wellness activities, stories to inspire hope and change from people with lived experiences to show what self-care is, pizza, beverages, and a drawing for a self-care basket.

Sponsored by Genesee ACE Employment and Genesee Orleans Wyoming CARES Alliance, this event is free and includes one ticket for the basket drawing. There is a bonus ticket for those who wear green to support mental health awareness.

The event will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with Battaglia's opening remarks at noon on May 28 at First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia.

What’s the harm in shrugging off one’s feelings of sadness or anxiety, with hope that it will someday go away?
"I think people do that one because they don't know what it is. They don't recognize it, maybe as like, maybe I might need to go talk to somebody or process something," she said. "I think sometimes when people push it off, it's because they don't have time or don't want to deal with it, or they think I should be able to handle this. I feel like, if I go ask for help, I'm going to be viewed as weak when I'm a strong person, and I don't need help."

And for the person who has pretty dire thoughts and is afraid of getting locked up somewhere for speaking up about he really feels, what do you advise?
"That's a real fear, and that's what people think sometimes, the mental health system is and how it operates. But really, our goal is to keep people in the community, to keep them healthy, to wrap services around them. Sometimes people might need to have an admission for stabilization, if it's acute. But if somebody's having dire thoughts of, let's say, they're thinking about suicide, as therapists, as clinicians, we have to have those conversations," she said. "It's okay for us to have those conversations. We have to address them. We have to get to the root of why we are having these thoughts. What do you think is going on? And we can have those conversations, and it might not automatically end in admission. It might just need to be a conversation in a safe place with a person who was going to help you process the thoughts and get to the root of the thought ... millions and millions of people have those thoughts, and we have to be able to talk about it."

What's the best thing people can do if they have a loved one or a friend they're concerned about? How can they help, and can they get advice during this event?
Battaglia suggested the following things to consider and/or ask the person to try:

• They can certainly talk to their friend or their loved one, saying, ‘I’m expressing concerns, I'm worried about you. Can I take you to the mental health clinic where they have open access, where you can just walk in and see somebody?”
• Call 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline, and maybe talk it out a little bit.
• Go to an event like the one that the CARES Alliance is hosting and learn more about mental health and how we can support ourselves and our loved ones.
• “So people can go to this event, learn about it and see with their own eyes that they are not alone. That one in five New Yorkers has experienced some type of mental illness,” she said. “So you are not alone, that anxiety that you're feeling, that depression that you're going through, other people go through that, right, but that stigma kind of forbids us to reaching out and saying, I think I might need some help.”
• If those same people were experiencing a physical issue, there would likely be no doubt about suggesting a visit to the doctor or hospital for treatment, for help. But for some reason, it doesn’t come as easily when it’s the mental aspects of a person, she said, and “we have a long way to go. We're making progress.”

The CARES Alliance planning committee wants to introduce service providers—including Genesee ACE Employment, which works with job seekers and employers dealing with mental health challenges—and potentially connect them with future clients seeking assistance, member Sue Gagne said. She said the stigma still in place about mental health may serve as a stumbling block for actually pursuing answers.

“I think there are a lot of resources, people just don’t know about them,” she said. “And then the second part to that stigma is they don’t want to talk about them. So I think that’s maybe the goal. We all have physical health, but when we say mental health, it’s a negative.”

Members agreed that the main focus of this event is to provide an opportunity for people to be around others with similar stories so they don’t feel quite so alone. That’s how the stigma can begin to end: “by coming together as a whole.”

If it’s a nice day, the plan is to hang outside in the sunshine. And remember, there’s nothing weak about reaching out for help, committee members and Battaglia said.

“We all need help, in all parts of our lives, we all need help. So why not get some help for that, when down the road that continues to build, right? You just push it, you stuff it down, and it surfaces maybe a little stronger. You push it down more, and it's going to resurface until it is right at the top there,” Battaglia said. “And now you really need some help. So if you work through it at those moments when it's ‘I’m not feeling in a great head space, or I am just anxious or nervous, I don't even know what's going on, maybe I need to go talk to somebody,’ well, you might be a little ahead of the curve.”

To donate a basket for the drawing, drop it off at Genesee ACE Employment, 220 E. Main St., Batavia, by May 23.

OLV Human Services marked the expansion of mental health services in Genesee County with a ribbon cutting and open house Wednesday at its new facility on Main Road in Stafford.

“This is a really exciting day for us to be able to expand our mental health services out to Genesee County,” said Cindy Lee, CEO of OLV Human Services. “One of the things that we discovered in our research about underserved areas was that Genesee County is definitely an area where there’s long wait lists for people to be able to get in for mental health supports. So we were able to locate this facility with very minimal renovations needed, and it was the perfect fit for us.”

Lee said the organization will also open an evaluation and treatment center at the site in July. The center will serve families of young children suspected of having developmental delays and provide diagnostic and treatment services for children currently on long wait lists at area hospitals.

“We think we’re bringing a very necessary service to the area,” Lee said.

Dr. Ted Andrews, a pediatric psychologist, pediatrician and specialist in developmental and behavioral pediatrics, said the new center will focus on autism evaluation and treatment. He noted that wait times for similar services at major hospitals in Buffalo and Rochester can be 12 to 24 months.

“We’re trying to put ourselves in between those bigger hospital systems to be able to provide the same coverage,” Andrews said.

The new facility is located at 6917 Main Road in Stafford. OLV Human Services provides counseling, treatment, and support services for children and families across Western New York.

Previously: Stafford facility a 'perfect setup' for counseling and treatment services site

Have you ever seen a tree wrapped in a cozy, crochet sweater? 

If not, head to Downtown Batavia and stop by GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., because a circle of crocheters who meet monthly at GO ART! have completed their first tree sweater outside of Seymour Place.

“We meet every second Thursday of the month,” Melissa Lee explained, as she and her fellow crafters worked to attach the final pieces to the tree. “Gregory (Hallock), who’s in charge at GO ART!, thought it would be a good idea. He came to us about doing tree sweaters. He talked us into maybe applying for a grant. We got the grant, and we’ve been working together to create these motifs to put on the tree.”

The project, which Lee describes as “just a fun project,” is more than just a whimsical art installation. It’s a statement about the versatility of crochet and the power of collaboration. 

“We want to get it out there and let people know, crocheting can be more than just blankets, and old ladies and crocheting,” Lee said.

The group, including Lee’s mother, Debbie Urban, Ashley McClellan, Tim Lee (wearing crocheted pants in photos), and Lee’s father, Don Urban, has poured nearly 80 hours into the project. 

“It’s been a collaborative work for quite a few of us,” Lee said. “We started at 2:30 today and did a lot of work yesterday, pretty much all day, trying to finish it so that we’d have one big kind of blanket-looking piece, so that we could wrap it around the tree. And then we’ve been taking small pieces and just attaching them.”

The finished result is a mosaic of color and texture, accented by the individual expressions of each crocheter. 

“We all had the same pattern that we started with, and then everybody picked their own colors, so they all had their own little spin on it. So it’ll be fun when the ladies come out and they’re like, ‘Oh, that was mine,’ and they can come and look at the tree and pick out their pieces,” Lee said.

The project has become a family affair, with Lee’s mother and husband joining in the fun. 

“My mother is working on the tree out there too, and she was the one who made the pants,” Lee added, referring to crocheted pants worn by Tim Lee.

And this is just the beginning. The group plans to yarn bomb another tree on the side street later this summer, with a new theme featuring crocheted characters, butterflies, animals, and flowers. 

“This one is granny circles. The other one will be little characters, butterflies, animals and stuff and then flowers around. That should be fun,” Lee said.

Oakfield-Alabama built an early lead and defeated Elba, 9-1, in softball on Wednesday. 

The Hornets improved to 12-1 on the season.

Oakfield-Alabama scored four runs in the first inning and added to their lead in the second, third, fourth, and sixth. 

Allison Harkness earned the win, pitching seven innings, allowing four hits, and striking out eight.

Hornets offense:

• Piper Hyde: 3-for-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBI
• Raine Denny: 3-for-4
• Allison Harkness: 2-for-4, 2 RBI
• Chloe Lamb: 1-for-1, triple, 3 RBI
• Allie Williams: 1-for-3, RBI
• Jess Sosnowski: 1-for-3, RBI

“It was our eighth game in a nine-day stretch," said Coach Jeff Schlagenhauf. "I am very proud of how our girls have battled and have been able to maintain their focus. It has been a long stretch. It will be good to get some practice work in tomorrow.” 

Photos by Kristin Smith

Byron-Bergen beat Pembroke 3-2 in tennis on Wednesday.

• First singles, Riley Shallenberger (BB) defeated D.J. Hale (Pem) 6-3, 4-6, 6-0
• Second singles, Angel Neureutor (Pem) defeated Erron Kimble (BB) 7-5, 6-3
• Third singles, Levi McGrath (BB) defeated Camden Schneider (Pem) 6-4, 6-2
• First doubles, Tyler Kuepf/Logan Manna (Pem) defeated Sara Bishop/Justin Gabehart (BB) 6-2, 4-6, 6-4
• Second doubles, Noah Clare/Craig DiQuattro (BB) defeated Danielle Mast/Paul Tebur (Pem) 6-7(5-7), 7-6(7-5), 6-4

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.

Mark Caparco delivered a walk-off double in the bottom of the eighth inning as Elba rallied to defeat Byron-Bergen in extra innings on Wednesday night.

Nicholas Scott earned the win for Elba with 7 1/3 innings of three-hit ball. After surrendering a bloop single in the first, Scott settled in and allowed just one more hit the rest of the way, finishing with 10 strikeouts.

Mason Vigiano came on to record the final two outs and notch the save.

Caparco finished 2-for-4 with an RBI, including his game-winning gapper. Scott also helped his own cause at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double and a triple. Bing Zuber contributed, going 1-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI, while Vigiano added an RBI single.

After falling behind early, Elba responded by tying the game and ultimately prevailing in extras.

“We’ve talked a lot about how our energy and toughness directly impact winning baseball,” said Coach Andrew Boyce. “Tonight, the boys battled back after taking a haymaker in the first. That’s the kind of game we’ll remember come sectionals when we need to dig deep. Elba baseball is a tough out for anyone.”

Elba will look to build on this momentum as the postseason approaches.

Photos by Kristin Smith

Arianna Almekinder delivered a stellar performance on Tuesday afternoon, striking out 13 batters and tossing her first varsity perfect game as Batavia cruised to a 19-0 victory over East High.

Almekinder reached a major milestone early, recording her 100th strikeout of the season in the second inning. She was dominant throughout, not allowing a single hit or walk in the shutout win.

Offensive leaders were Violet Lopez, Hannah Carney, Almekinder herself, and Libby Grazioplene..

The win marks Batavia’s third straight victory. 

Press release:

Batavia Boys competed against Greece Olympia/Odyssey on Tuesday and came away with a 110-31 victory.  Winners for Batavia were:

• Jamere Reeves -110 Hurdles (17.3)
• Grant Gahagan - 400m (54.0)
• Cameron Garofalo - 1600m (4:35.6), 3200m (10:56)
• Sheldon Siverling - Shot Put (58-11), Discus (155-10)
• Justin Smith - Triple Jump (39-6.75), High Jump (5-10)
• Da'Von Gallo Williams - 400 Hurdles (1:03.9)
• Cooper Banser - 800m (2:18.0)
• Keagan Calmes - 200m (23.7)
• Cooper Konieczny - Pole Vault (10-6)
• 4x400 Relay - Jamari Irvin, Brandon Currier, Da'Von Gallo Williams, Isaac Varland
• 4x800 Relay - Mason Bellamy, Gabe Flanagan, Noah Richmond, Grady Moore

We also celebrated and recognized our seniors prior to this meet and we have 23 Seniors who have competed with us this year! 

Photos by Kristin Smith. 

Alexander beat Attica on the day of the Trojans' Senior Game on Tuesday, 10-5.

The Trojans answered a late rally by Attica, scoring four runs and tying the game, with six runs in the sixth inning.

Emily Pietrzykowski tripled, scoring two runs, Melanie Bump laid down a sacrifice bunt, scoring one run, and Felski tripled, scoring three runs. Sophomore Ella Felski led the Trojans at the plate and provided clutch hitting that put the game out of reach for Attica.

Pietrzykowski earned the win for Alexander. The righty surrendered five hits and four runs over seven innings, striking out eight and walking six.

Sophomore Haley Mills took the loss for Attica. The starter went six innings, giving up 10 runs (six earned) on 10 hits, striking out three and walking four. Piorun led Attica with two runs batted in. The outfielder went 3-for-4 on the day.

Alexander piled up 10 hits in the game. Melissa Sawyer, Yax, and Pietrzykowski each collected multiple hits for Alexander.
 

Hitting:

• Ella Felski went 3-for-4 with a triple, 4 RBIs, 2 runs, stolen base
• Melissa Sawyer went 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs, run, walk
• Ava Yax went 2-for-3 with an RBI, 2 runs, walk, stolen base
• Emili Pietrzykowski went 2-for-4 with a Triple, 2 RBIs, and a run scored

Pitching:

• Emily Pietrzykowski – Win, 7 Innings, 5 hits allowed, 4 earned runs allowed, 6 walks issued and 8 punch outs.

"This was senior night for our girls, and the way it played out felt like a movie script," said Coach John Goodenbury. "After giving up four runs in the top of the sixth, I told them in the dugout, 'This is your script to write, go out and write it.' They went out there, fought for it, and made it happen. It was a great moment for their families to see them respond that way on an emotional senior night. We needed this win to stay in contention to win the GR (Division 1). 

"I also want to give credit to Attica’s pitcher Haley Mills; she’s a developing pitcher and is going to be a force for Attica over the next couple of years. She’s poised, she battles, and I had the pleasure of having her fill in with our travel team last summer. I know she’s only going to keep rising to the top, and she won’t be easy next year."

Photo by Makenna Boyce.