Skip to main content

Summer reading program at Byron-Bergen is a win-win for everyone

By Press Release
bb-literacy-clinic-2.jpg
Summer Reading Clinic participants
Submitted photo.

Press Release:

There are some new faces in the halls at Byron-Bergen Elementary School this summer. 20 graduate students from SUNY Geneseo are participating in the Summer Reading Clinic, part of SUNY Geneseo’s Reading and Literacy Graduate Program. The clinic pairs a graduate student, many of whom are working teachers, with a school-aged student. Together, they set literacy goals and develop strategies to achieve them.

Alexis Hamlin is a graduate student participant. She teaches 7th and 8th grade where she encounters many students who struggle with foundational literacy skills. “By the time they get to 7th and 8th grade, we don’t have time to work on basic skills,” said Hamlin “I’m in the literacy program specifically to get a better idea of how my students struggle and the basics of their skills. I want to incorporate other instruction that will target those skills and close that gap between their reading level and their grade level.” 

Participant Stephanie Wall believes in the value of one-on-one literacy work to give students the tools they will need for their next grade level. She started the clinic by doing assessments, looking at students’ past work, and talking with the student. She uses those components to set goals. “I think this program is helping kids,” said Wall. “It’s one on one, me and them for an hour and a half. There are no other distractions, so I think it has been very helpful for some of the students.”

Isabelle Selvek was eager to participate in the clinic because summer is the only time she has for fieldwork. She is a full-time second-grade teacher, but her future career aspirations rely on completing her master’s degree. The clinic is one of the last requirements she must complete for her degree. “My hope is to move into a literacy teacher role in the future, but this program also allows me to move into a high school setting.”

“It really is a win/win,” said Byron-Bergen Director of Instructional Services Betsy Brown. “The clinic allows educators to complete the hours needed for their degree programs and our students have access to high- quality one-on-one literacy instruction which not only helps prevent loss of skills due to summer slip, but also gives them the tools they will need to excel in the fall.”

The Byron-Bergen students are not the only ones benefiting from the Summer Literacy Clinic, though. These teachers will take the skills developed at Byron-Bergen back to their home districts and classrooms. 

“This program gives us time and opportunities to do fieldwork,” said Hamlin. “This real-world experience makes it more meaningful when we apply the skills we are learning in our own classrooms.”

Submitted photos.

bb-literacy-clinic-3.jpg
Summer Reading Clinic participants
bb-literacy-clinic-1.jpg
Summer Reading Clinic participants

Hawley denounces free health care for sex workers

By Press Release

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) bashed Gov. Hochul’s recent plan to provide tax-payer funded health care to sex workers across the state. This new initiative, known as the “Sex Worker Health Pilot Program,” will allow the state Department of Health to set aside approximately $1 million in public funds toward primary, behavioral, and gynecological care, as well as dental care for prostitutes. In a heavy-handed move, the governor’s office authorized this program without the approval of the Legislature. Hawley is frustrated that this administration is encouraging and promoting an industry that has done so much harm to the State of New York. 

“The majority in Albany is once again pushing the boundaries of what should be normal and acceptable in our society,” said Hawley. “Prostitution in our state has increased crime and violence in our communities and decreased the quality of life for residents across Western New York. The way in which this program is being forced onto New Yorkers is nothing short of undemocratic. This new initiative by the governor is wildly irresponsible and will only encourage more prostitution within our state.”

Budweiser clydesdale will visit Batavia Downs on Kane Memorial night

By Press Release

Press Release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that one of the famous and iconic Budweiser Clydesdales will be making an appearance at Batavia Downs on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. 

A night of live harness racing, including the Kane Memorial will begin at 6 p.m.

Admission and Parking are free for anyone who would like to come see one of these majestic horses as it is braided, brushed, and paraded right on the track.

A queue line will be available for those wishing to get a free picture with the Clydesdale. Anyone wishing to “skip” the line may purchase a fast pass ticket for $25 which will be donated to Folds of Honor, an organization dedicated to providing life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military. Additional donations to Folds of Honor by any attendees are appreciated. 

Tickets to skip the line will be available on Saturday, August 26 at the Lucky Treasures gift shop. Up to 10 people can get a picture with the Clydesdale at a time. The purchase of a skip-the-line pass will allow the purchaser to receive one $25 free play at the Player’s Club booth.

Beginning at 6 p.m., a night of New York Sire Stakes races will begin including the Kane Memorial Race, with a purse of $75,000. Free T-shirts will be given out that night. Details will be posted on Batavia Downs’ website and Facebook as the event draws closer.

“We are honored to have one of the Clydesdales on site,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “These horses are a sight to behold and we encourage everyone to come down to see them. We look forward to help raise money for Folds of Honor during this great event. We hope everyone stays for the Sire Stakes and Kane Memorial Races to help support live racing in the Western New York Community as well.”

Bargain strikes $106K NY Sire Stakes payday at Batavia Downs season opener

By Tim Bojarski
batavia downs opener 2023

A select group of six 2-year-old New York Sire Stake colts and gelding trotters were on hand at Batavia Downs on opening day Monday (July 26) in a single division vying for a $106,300 purse, and when the dust had settled, Bargain (Chapter Seven-Batoutahill) came away with the biggest check.

Titan Your Chip (Mark Macdonald) got the jump off the gate to grab the early lead. However, Bargain (James McDonald) also left and was motoring up the rim to the quarter and overtook the front just past that station. With horses in single file, Bargain trotted to the half in 1:00 when Chaplind (Trond Smedshammer) made a first-over move from third and was on the attack. 

Chaplind drew close to Bargain at three-quarters and was almost even at the top of the stretch, and that’s where his bid failed. But the passing lane opened for the pocket-sitting Titan Your Chip, and he came barreling down the lane towards the leader. Titan Your Chip was gaining ground all the way to the line, but Bargain stayed in control under minimal urging and trotted to victory in 1:59.3.

It was the third win in four lifetime starts for Bargain ($2.80), owned by Christinatakter&Anderberg, Nancy Takter and Jaf Racing, Joe Sbrocco and R A W Equine. Nancy Takter trains the winner, who was bred by Steve Stewart and Michael Andrew.    

There were also three $20,000 Excelsior series races on the card, and all three were won in gate-to-wire fashion. 

Woweress (Crazy Wow-Chaperess) scored a 7-¾ length victory in 1:58.2 to claim his first-lifetime win for driver Frank Affrunti. Woweress ($7.20) is trained by Geroge Ducharme for owner/breeder Purple Haze Stable. 

Then Tobern (Crazy Wow-Bertaux) simply jogged by an 18-length margin to match his lifetime mark in his fourth win of the year for driver/trainer/owner John Stark Jr. Tobern ($2.40), who remains unbeaten lifetime, was bred by Bernard White and Kristie Leigh Farm.

Finally, Voss Blue Chip (E L Titan-Angelita Hanover) led every step of the way en route to a three-quarter length win in 2:02, which was his initial career victory. Jim Morrill Jr. drove Voss Blue Chip ($4.60) for trainer Jared Bako, who co-owns the gelding with Lady I Racing and Blue Chip Bloodstock, who also bred the winner.  

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (July 29) at 6 p.m. 

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab, and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Photo by Nick Serrata for The Batavian.

batavia downs opener 2023
batavia downs opener 2023
batavia downs opener 2023
batavia downs opener 2023

Rain-shortened game counts as loss for Muckdogs, slipping team out of West lead

By Howard B. Owens

A rain-shorted game the Batavia Muckdogs thought they still had a chance to win cost the team possession of first place in the Western Division of the PGCBL.

The Muckdogs, at 25-25, trail the Elmira Pioneers, 26-15, by mere percentage points with three games left in the season.

Wednesday's game against Niagara Power ended in the fifth inning, with both teams expecting the game to continue at a later time but league officials ruled the game over, giving Power (21-17) a 3-2 win.

Michael Pedraza, who pitched all 4 1/3 innings of the game and gave up three runs and eight hits while striking out seven, took the loss.

Offensively for the Muckdogs:

  • Chad Falcon went 1-2
  • Levis Aguila Jr. went 1-2
  • Matt DeStefano went 1-2
  • Caleb Rodriguez went 1-2 with 1 Run

The Muckdogs, who have clinched a playoff spot, have three games left in the regular season. 

All three games are against the Newark Pilots, who are 12 games out of first and 12-26 on the season.  All three games will be played at Dwyer Stadium, with two today (Thursday) and one on Saturday. The first game tonight is at 5 p.m. and the second is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Sponsored Post: Thursday at The Genesee County Fair; HP HOOD DAY

By Lisa Ace
Fair header 800

Thursday, July 27th – HP HOOD DAY

  • 10 AM – Exhibition Halls & Buildings Open
  • 4 PM – 9 PM—MIDWAY OPEN
  • 6:30 PM – 4-H Market Animal Auction Sale Begins (Main Show Ring)
  • 7 PM – 10PM The Eaglez Tribute Band
  • 10 PM – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close

Daily at the Fair:

  • Air Sculpture (Balloon Display Build All Day Every Day and Balloon Demonstrations 12pm & 4:45pm) (All Day Every Day)
  • Pig Racing – Show Schedule (SAT 4pm, 6pm & 8pm; SUN 4pm, 6pm & 8pm; MON 4pm, 6pm & 8pm; TUES 4pm, 6pm & 8pm; WED 2pm, 4pm, 6pm & 8pm; THURS 4pm, 6pm & 8pm; FRI 2pm, 4pm, 6pm & 8pm; SAT 2pm, 4pm, 6pm & 8pm)
  • Niagara Down Under (All Day Every Day)
  • Wings on Wheels (All Day Every Day)
  • Pony Rides (All Day Every Day)
  • Chain Saw Carver (All Day Every Day)
  • Fame Racing – Radio Controlled Car Racing (SAT 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; SUN 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; MON 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; TUES 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; WED 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; THURS 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; FRI 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; SAT 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm)
  • CLICK HERE FOR 4-H Daily Schedule  

Events & times on the schedule and this website are subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with changes. Click here to see each day's schedule.

Alexander Steam Show hosts 37th Annual Empire State Antique Truck Show

By Press Release
antiquetruckshow.jpg
Photo from the 36th annual Western New York Antique Truck Show in 2022.
Photo by Howard Owens

Press Release:

The 37th Annual Western New York Antique Truck Show is August 5 and 6 at the Alexander Steam Show Grounds, 10294 Gillate Road, Alexander.  The grounds are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days. 

The show features over 150 trucks, tractors, construction equipment, and a flea market. Free Admission and Parking. Saturday events include an antique tractor pull at 10 a.m. and a slow truck race at 2 p.m.  There will be a truck parade Sunday at 1 p.m. 

Kids get a chance to win a wooden truck every hour. Proud sponsor of Camp Good Days.

Annual health professional scholarship recipients announced

By Press Release
image1.jpeg
 Annette LaBarbera congratulates and presents $300 check to Jennifer Kula

Press Release:

The St. Jerome Guild, Inc., selects the recipients of the annual St. Jerome Guild Health Career Professional Scholarship 2023.

Two UMMC/Rochester Regional Healthcare providers are this year’s recipients. This award is offered annually to outstanding employees who are continuing their education to support healthcare in our local community through UMMC/Rochester Regional Health.

Nicole Hopkins, RN, specializing in patient pain management is striving for a degree in Family Care Nurse Practitioner and currently attending Roberts Wesleyan. Jennifer Kula, is a patient care technician and is currently enrolled in the second year RN program at Genesee Community College.

Additional awards of $100 each were given to Mary Caprio and Vanessa Eason who are both pursuing degrees to enhance their careers at UMMC.

If you have any questions, please call me at the cell below or contact me at maredickinson@gmail.com.

image0.jpeg
Marilyn Dickinson congratulates and presents $300 check to Nicole Hopkins

 Submitted Photos

Genesee County granted change of venue for emergency orders lawsuit

By Joanne Beck

Genesee County has been granted a change of venue in a lawsuit filed by New York City in the Supreme Court of New York County.

In a decision filed Tuesday, “the Court finds that NYC has failed to establish any compelling circumstances as to warrant that venue remain in New York County” in violation of the applicable statutes that mandate the judicial proceeding or action against a county to be in the said county or in the “judicial district where the respondent made the determination complained of.”

Accordingly, it is hereby ordered that the petition is dismissed as against some of the counties involved. However, a motion for a change of venue and to sever has been granted for other counties, including Genesee and County Manager Matt Landers. 

"The ruling was on a change of venue, in which we were successful in moving the venue to Genesee County," Landers said Wednesday.

In early June, New York City filed a lawsuit against some 30 upstate municipalities, including Genesee County, seeking to invalidate their executive orders barring undocumented immigrants from entering their locales.

The lawsuit claimed that those emergency orders obstructed New York City’s efforts to relocate migrants in “a manner that is explicitly permitted by law and required by a statewide emergency.”

While this doesn’t dismiss the lawsuit, it will bring the proceedings closer to home. 

Plans for new Burger King location to return for review after adjustments

By Joanne Beck
City P&DC and Peter Mahoney and Peter Sorgi
Batavia's City Planning and Development Committee members, left, David Beatty, Ed Flynn, Duane Preston and John Ognibene, discuss plans for a new Burger King location with site engineers Patrick Mahoney and Peter Sorgi, and Code Enforcement Officer Doug Randall, not shown, Tuesday at City Hall.
Photo by Joanne Beck.

If all goes to plan, there could be a brand new Burger King restaurant with drive-through service, ample landscaping, and a corner lot set-up with an adjacent traffic light in place by the spring of 2024.

That is, of course, if real estate manager John FitzGerald and his site engineers meet the qualifications of the city’s Planning & Development Committee, which so far have included a request to reduce a 17-foot bypass lane, bump up the landscaping, and consider a traffic study.

It’s worth the short move from 230 West Main St., Batavia and special use permit to the corner of South Lyon and West Main Street, FitzGerald said. 

John FitzGerald, BK real estate manager
John FitzGerald, real estate manager for Carrols Corp., talks to the planning committee from the audience section during Tuesday's meeting.
Photo by Joanne Beck

“I’d always love an approval the first time, but, you know, the board brought up some legitimate items to discuss. And we'll review those with (site engineer Patrick Mahoney) Pat, and go through those. But I think that everything I heard pretty much made sense,” FitzGerald said after Tuesday’s planning committee meeting. “As far as I know, narrowing this 17-foot lane, we can take that down a little bit, you know, the right in right out (entrance/exit), I think makes sense. Some of the other ones were kind of spitballing. And they're very, very difficult to enact.

“As far as the traffic study … we’re basically moving across the street to a safer, easier, more accessible property. So I don't know, if the state requires it, we will do it.”

FitzGerald, who manages about 350 Burger Kings for Carrols Corp., has been leasing the current site, which will be up soon. His reasons for moving are more about the new location than the one he has been in for at least a few decades.

“There’s nothing wrong with the old one, this is just a better location,” he said. “Again, it's at the traffic light. So it's safer for getting people in and out. It gives you two access points: one on South Lyons and one on Main Street, versus the one we currently have, like a double lead in and out on one side of the store, and then it's got the drive-through exit on the other side. So there's potentially conflicting movements.”

Those conflicting movements happen when motorists attempt to make either a left or right turn out of the current location each simultaneously, he said. He likes having a traffic light at the corner of the new location and stressed the safety factor of the new design. He’s not aware of his current property playing host to accidents, he said, but wants to move on. 

The biggest reason is having a traffic light to help with the flow of traffic versus being in mid-block, he said. 

“So it’s an easier movement versus the existing store. Not that this was bad, but it’s both 90-degree stalls. So there’s people kind of coming and going in different directions,” FitzGerald said. “This forces everybody to go the same direction in and around the property. And, again, two access points versus one.”

His design team, Mahoney and Peter Sorgi, did all the talking during the meeting, at some points rather pointedly questioning committee member Ed Flynn’s critiques. Flynn latched onto the 17-foot lane as a major sticking point throughout the site plan review.

Peter Sorgi
Site engineer Peter Sorgi
Photo by Joanne Beck

“Why do you have a 17-foot escape lane?” Flynn said. Sorgi focused on the landscaping, stating that it was “more than was required” by code and the bypass lane was part of a safety measure. 

“Right now, I may be the only one talking about the 17-foot excessive lane over here, but I want more landscaping along Lyon Street. Seems like they start out with a lot to offer there. And then, of course, you make a descending (landscaping design) for some reason. The pavement lane is 17 feet, that seems like it can be reduced dramatically.”

Mahoney said that safety to the community is better served by a wider lane, and Sorgi homed in on the safety factor versus aesthetics. Flynn emphasized that his comments weren’t necessarily a consensus of the group. 

“That’s why we have more than one board member,” City Code Enforcement Officer Doug Randall said, to which Sorgi quickly replied, “thank you.”

“The design is where your talent comes in, we’re just here to express concerns of the public,” Randall said.  

Mahoney described the ideal “speckled shade” landscaping of crab apple and locust trees, greenery that could survive Western New York’s climate and Main Street’s winter road saltings. 

They discussed the parking lot size — committee member Derek Geib asked if four spaces similar to McDonald’s would suffice — the drive-through configuration, trash removal from the dumpster, and how things have changed in the way customers operate.

Mahoney said that no, four spaces would not work. As for the drive-through, there are two order points. There’s a double wide for ordering, and it filters into a single lane for the pickup at the store. 

“And then, if you look at the building, to the left of that will be the mobile order stalls. And as we were talking about that, that’s the wave of the future, people don’t want to even really park their car,” FitzGerald said after the meeting. “They just want to pull up and have somebody run out. 

"This is the way the industry is going, that's everywhere, surburban, rural, urban. People today, it's either drive-through or over their phone," he said. "We're trying to make it safer for people on the property. It's just the wave of the future." 

FitzGerald is to return with an updated site plan in September or October. His first meeting was in June, which introduced the project and plan to demolish two major current business buildings.

Photos: Parade night at the Genesee County Fair, and more

By Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Tuesday at the Genesee County Fair was another full day with the annual parade, the first day of the karaoke contest, and, of course, lots of activity in the Midway.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Photo by Steve Ognibene
Steve Hawley - Photo by Steve Ognibene
Steve Hawley
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Food Rodeo - Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Isabella Mateos, 2022 Elba Onion Queen - Photo by Steve Ognibene
Isabella Mateos, 2022 Elba Onion Queen
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Karaoke 17 U, Hannah B. who won last years division competing  - Photo by Steve Ognibene
Karaoke 17 U, Hannah B., who won last year's division
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Karaoke 18 and over, Nikki - Photo by Steve Ognibene
Karaoke 18 and over, Nikki
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Karaoke 17U, Faith - Photo by Steve Ognibene
Karaoke 17U, Faith
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Siblings enjoy a kids ride - Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Radio controlled cars are always a favorite at the fair - Photo by Steve Ognibene
Radio-controlled cars are a daily event at the fair.
Photo by Steve Ognibene.

Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello and enter our eagle-drawing contest in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society. 

If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverage by signing up today for Early Access Pass.

NY Sire Stakes at Batavia Downs for opening night Wednesday

By Tim Bojarski
bargain-photo-by-mike-lizzi.jpg
Photo of Bargain by Mike Lizzi

The New York Sire Stakes will be on hand at Batavia Downs for opening night of the 2023 summer/fall season on Wednesday (July 26) when seven 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings line up for a big payday of $106,300. With only a handful of starts among this relatively even group, it could be anyone’s race to win as these fast-developing freshmen can throw a big mile at any time from week to week.

The oddsmaker’s choice is the two-for-one entry of Bargain (Chapter Seven-Batoutahill) and Keep Asking (Chapter Seven-Sensibility).

Bargain has two wins and a second in three starts this year while showing versatility over three different-size tracks. One of those wins was a victory in the $77,300 NYSS at Yonkers in his first career outing in 1:59.1. The following week, he lowered his lifetime mark of 1:56.4 at the Meadowlands, closing in: 27.3 in the $20,000 event. His current earnings of $62,525 have him listed as the sixth richest 2-year-old male trotter in North America, and he is poised to add to that total in this race. Bargain likes the front end and, leaving from post four, should definitely be in charge of this group from the start.

James McDonald will steer Bargain for trainer Nancy Takter.

Keep Asking has yet to win in two starts but recovered nicely after an early break in his first start to finish second in the NYSS at Yonkers and then bounced back with a fourth place, 1:56 clocking at Tioga Downs where he was parked for the better part of the mile. Post-seven may be a tough task.

Jim Morrill Jr. will be in the bike behind Keep Asking for trainer George Ducharme.

A big threat will be looming from Situationship (Chapter Seven-Meegan Hall), who made a big three-wide move at three-quarters last week in the NYSS at Tioga, where he finished second in 1:55.1 off a: 28.4 final quarter. Situationship has displayed extreme closing speed in two 2-year-old non-betting events this year at Meadowlands and will be stalking the leader in the last stages of this race.

Trainer Ake Svanstedt will also be driving Situationship.

There are also three $20,000 Excelsior divisions in races two, four, and six.

Post time for the first race is 6 p.m. The races can be viewed free and live at the Batavia Downs Facebook page and free full past performance programs can always be downloaded for every live race card from the Batavia Downs website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the live racing tab.

Muckdogs fall to Power but retain Western Division lead

By Howard B. Owens

Things did not go the Muckdogs way against Niagara Power on Tuesday, but Batavia managed to retain a slender lead in the Western Division of the PGCBL.

Batavia lost 9-2, giving up 16 hits and committing two errors.

Ty Woods was down 3-0 when he was lifted after three innings, having given up two earned runs on nine hits and two walks. 

Ben Weber was tagged for six runs and seven hits.

Thomas Blaydes stopped the bleeding with three hitless innings to close out the game.

The Muckdogs, with four games left in the season, are 25-14 with a half-game lead over Elmira (25-15).

Batavia has clinched a playoff spot for the post-season.

The Muckdogs travel to Niagara tonight. The team hosts Newark on Thursday at Dwyer Stadium at 5 p.m.

New fundraiser looking for dog super models

By Press Release
screenshot_20230723_110941_linkedphone.jpg
Submitted photo

Press Release:

Le Roy Ambulance Service has announced its latest fundraiser. A search is underway looking for 12 dogs to be featured in a 2024 Dog Calendar. Owners may enter their dogs in the contest for a $5 entry fee. Entries will be accepted through noon on August 11.

There will be a live drawing on VIP K9 Facebook page at 6 p.m. on August 11 which will determine the 12 lucky winners. Winners will be asked to submit a photo of their dog or you can ask to have one taken. 

This idea presented to the ambulance board by Le Royan Nancy Crocker of the Empire Realty Group was enthusiastically approved. Nancy has partnered with Cindy Lee of VIP K9 to organize this unique fundraising event. Calendars will be available for purchase in September for a donation of $10. 

100% of the proceeds from contest entry fees and calendar sale proceeds will benefit the Le Roy Ambulance Service.

To enter provide:

  • Your dog name
  • Owner’s name
  • Phone number
  • $5 entry fee

You may enter by stopping at VIP K9 at 70-72 Main St. Le Roy, text 585-326-4112, email vipk9training@gmail.com, or contact Nancy Crocker at 585-314-7982 or Crocker@Rochester.rr.com.

Photos: 4-H beef show at the Genesee County Fair

By Staff Writer
Genesee County Fair 4-H beef show

The 4-H beef show at the Genesee County Fair was held on Tuesday.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Genesee County Fair 4-H beef show
Genesee County Fair 4-H beef show
Genesee County Fair 4-H beef show
Genesee County Fair 4-H beef show
Genesee County Fair 4-H beef show

Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello and enter our eagle-drawing contest in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society. 

If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverage by signing up today for Early Access Pass.

Multi-year management contract extensions granted by former WROTB board draw scrutiny

By Mike Pettinella

The former Genesee County director on the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. board today explained the reasoning behind the approval of multi-year contract extensions to 18 high-ranking employees just days before Gov. Kathy Hochul and the leaders of the state Senate and Assembly dismantled the board.

Contacted by phone this morning, Richard Siebert, who served on the board for 29 years, said that on April 27, during an executive session at Batavia Downs Gaming, neither he nor any of his colleagues were aware of what was going to happen in Albany.

Less than a week later, it was announced that all the directors were being fired and that the board’s voting system was being changed from one-county, one-vote to a weighted format based on population.

“At that point, no one seemed to be able to tell us what was in the legislation that was going to be passed when Hochul passed her budget,” said Siebert, who actually resigned his position when he found out about the changes. “We didn’t know what was in there – and I actually found out (through the media) that I was being removed as a director.”

When asked about the two- and three-year contracts, Siebert admitted that this “was different” from what was done in the past.

“We had consultants that told us that it was in the best interest of our board to have three-year contracts – with a lot of other stipulations like they couldn’t leave and compete against us with another vendor, whatever,” he said.

Siebert also said the board was worried about the status of President/Chief Executive Officer Henry Wojtaszek’s job.

“I think we were all concerned about the stuff we kept hearing about the fact that they were gunning for Henry, who we felt was doing a great job, as well as the other officers. So, it was a good way to be more efficient by having the contracts and, in my own mind, it was a way for us to protect people from being removed for political purposes,” he said.

“Now, if there was something in the employee’s merit that would warrant them being removed from their contract, so be it. But we felt it was in the best interest of our board to be more responsible with contracts and also to make sure people who are doing a great job had the opportunity to continue without political interference.”

Wojtaszek confirmed that the board was advised by attorney John Owens, who was recently hired as the board’s associate general counsel, to enter into the contract extensions. Also contacted this morning, Wojtaszek said he didn’t want to speak publicly about the contracts because they are personnel matters but did offer to provide the information to The Batavian.

“I’d be happy to send you these contracts,” he said. “There’s no secret about it.”

Actually, the specifics of the contracts were acquired by the Niagara Gazette through the state’s Freedom of Information Law earlier this month, and the newspaper did make those salaries public.

As expected, Wojtaszek tops the list at $272,000, which is about $7,000 more than what the board had approved for his 2023 salary. The other members of the leadership team are Chief Financial Officer Jacquelyne Leach ($222,000), Chief Operating Officer Scott Kiedrowski ($165,168), VP/Administration William White ($160,000) and VP/Operations Sean Schiano ($131,000).

All of their contracts now run through December 2026, and they are still eligible for annual raises, Wojtaszek said.

Employees granted two-year contract extensions are as follows:

Ryan Hasenauer, director of marketing, $108,638; Cindy DeCarlo, controller/Batavia Downs operations, $104,187; Steven Haigh, internal auditor, $101,129; Thomas P. Balk, director of building and grounds, $100,900; Jeffery Magee, IT director, $99,008.

Jake Rak, controller, OTB operations, $89,918; Andrew Fedele, director of surveillance/video gaming operations, $83,574; Daniel Wood, director of security, $83,137; Danielle Fleming, director of human resources, $80,017.

Dona Beane, director of food and beverages, $78,249; Dina Pane, general manager/OTB operations, $76,585; Barbara O'Rourke, sales manager, $75,358; Megan Glor, director of purchasing/real estate, $74,089.

The former board’s unanimous vote is being criticized by local politicians, with the Niagara Gazette reporting that Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick called the salaries “obscene” and state Assemblywoman Monica Wallace, D-Lancaster, terming the timing of the action as “highly suspect. Both are calling upon the new WROTB board to take a closer look at the contracts and the approval process.

Wojtaszek said the salaries are proper in light of industry standards.

“What I would say is that if you look at the industry – the numbers within the industry – it’s clearly an appropriate amount based on the gaming industry. I think it’s (the criticism) is very politically motivated,” he said.  “And when you look at the performance of the corporation, things are going extremely well here. And we're going to try to make sure that continues. We have great personnel, and we are delivering the customer service that’s necessary to bring people back.”

Genesee 'all in' on effort to challenge decision to restructure WROTB board; Vacco hired to lead lawsuit

By Mike Pettinella

Calling it “a significant overreach of our Home Rule,” Genesee County Legislator Chair Rochelle Stein said the legislature is fully invested in legal action to overturn a decision by New York State lawmakers to restructure the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. board of directors.

“In our minds, this is a significant overreach of our Home Rule, and we counties must protect our constitutional rights in New York State,” she said today. “We cannot allow for that to be overwritten by an action of the government.”

Stein confirmed that Dennis Vacco, former state attorney general and federal prosecutor, has been hired by Genesee County and other Republican-leaning counties in Western New York that benefit from WROTB, which is based in Batavia.

“This is definitely a joint effort,” she said, adding that the cost of litigation will be shared by the counties involved.

The Batavian reached out this morning to County Attorney James Wujcik and to Vacco’s office in an effort to determine which counties are participating in the lawsuit and to find out more details about the cost-sharing agreement.

In late June, the Genesee County Legislature passed a resolution supporting legal action and the desire to participate with other rural counties.

All 17 director positions, except Schuyler County, have been reappointed since action by Gov. Hochul and other lawmakers in Albany to dismantle the WROTB board.

The latest to join is James A. Wilmot, who will represent Monroe County. The board is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. Thursday at Batavia Downs Gaming on Park Road.

Second year's a charm as county legislators work together for Chuckwagon feast

By Joanne Beck
Genesee County legislature at Genesee County Fair
Genesee County Legislator Gary Maha, left works the grill Tuesday at the Chuckwagon as fellow legislators Brooks Hawley and Gregg Torrey assist during the Genesee County Fair.
Photo by Howard Owens.

For the second year in a row, Genesee County Legislator Chad Klotzbach apparently drew the short straw when volunteering to man the Chuckwagon at the county fair Tuesday. 

After all, he was positioned in the hottest spot in the house — at the fryer. While his colleagues took orders, served drinks, flipped burgers and hotdogs on the grill and handled the incoming cash at the front, Klotzbach dropped baskets of fries into hot steamy vats of oil.

“I have no idea what I’m doing,” he jokingly said. “If it’s still frozen, then it’s not cooked enough, and if it’s burnt, then it’s overcooked.”

The group of legislators participated in the fair parade and then marched off to their designated corners to hustle up food for hungry fair-goers. The lines never seemed to slow down during their shift from 7 to 10 p.m.

Every now and then, Legislature Chairwoman Shelley Stein would yell out “ding, ding, ding” when a patron stuffed a tip into their jar, which was full of dollar bills. 

County Clerk Lisa Casey was busy crushing Doritos and adding lettuce, tomatoes, meat and sauce. “I’m taco in a bag,” she said of her role, and “nachos.”

While the group was raking in the dough during the evening, it wasn’t going into their own pockets.

“We do this to support the fair and the organization that makes money for programs for Genesee County agriculture,” Legislator Marianne Clattenburg said, answering The Batavian’s question of who works the hardest out of their group.  “I have no idea who works the hardest. I think Chad has the hardest job. We're all one big well-oiled machine this year.”

With about 90 minutes down, and 90 more to go, she could attest to it being “busy and hot like it was last year.” It was more difficult to get a few words out of Legislator John Deleo, as every few moments, he received orders for drinks, mostly chilled Gatorades and a few Blue Lights.

In assembly line fashion, someone next to the cooler — an increasingly familiar face in Western New York — grabbed the drinks and handed them off to Deleo, who then delivered them to the front-end workers. This group just wanted to help out the fair, he said.

“It’s kind of our contribution to help out, to keep the pressure on, and if you notice every year it's getting better and better,” he said, interrupting his train of thought for more drinks, one being recommended that goes good with the fried dough.  “There's a lot of volunteers here, which really helped the community and everything. So if you notice, it used to be the churches they don't do that. So now this is the big community get-together. But it's good to see a lot of people here that you do know, and it's always good.”

Wait a minute, was that George Borrello (R, C) representing the 57th Senate District, slinging chuckwagon grub behind the counter and helping to serve cold drinks from the cooler? Yes. He came here for the parade, to see some 4-H kids, livestock and other fairgrounds action.

“And I thought I'd jump back and help out the county legislators here, and I'm a public servant. I can also serve french fries and hot dogs. Obviously, agriculture's there as well. First of all, not only am I the state senator, but I'm also the ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. So agriculture is the biggest industry in New York State,” he said. “And fairs like the Genesee County Fair help highlight agriculture and the importance it is to our economy. So, I think it's great to be here. There are a lot of people that come to the fair that may not have a chance to go to a farm or to understand what it's like to raise animals to care for animals. 

“You know, people don't know where their food comes from. So something like Genesee County Fair really teaches people a lot about the food chain and the important standard culture of our economy,” Borrello said.

All of the proceeds from the legislators’ work, including that fat stuffed tip jar, will go to the Genesee County Ag Society. There was one more important question for the evening, though. How’d they do? Did it pass the muster of hungry appetites?

Doug and Sharon Houseknecht are regulars at the fair — they’ve been going for nearly each of their 49 years of marriage, mostly to see the parade and animals; some friends have cows there, and “we come to support them,” Sharon said. 

They sat underneath the green and white food tent next to the Chuckwagon after just finishing their meal. There were fries left in Doug’s container, and he questioned that they were supposed to be a "small." So serving size? Generous. 

How about taste?

“We eat at the same spot every year,” Sharon said as Doug answered how their dinner was. “It was great.”

Genesee County legislature at Genesee County Fair
Genesee County Legislator Gary Maha at the grill.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Genesee County legislature at Genesee County Fair
Genesee County Legislator Chad Klotzbach works the hottest spot in the house at the fryer station Tuesday at the Chuckwagon during the Genesee County Fair.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Genesee County legislature at Genesee County Fair
Senator George Borrello lends a hand during food prep Tuesday at the Chuckwagon during the Genesee County Fair.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Genesee County legislature at Genesee County Fair
Genesee County Legislature Chairwoman Shelley Stein, left, Legislator Marianne Clattenburg, John Deleo, Chad Klotzbach and Gary Maha run like a "well-oiled machine" with fellow legislators Gregg Torrey and Brooks Hawley, and County Clerk Lisa Casey (not shown) during a volunteer stint at the Chuckwagon Tuesday at the fair.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Doug and Sharon Houseknecht
Doug and Sharon Houseknecht of Batavia enjoy a meal out at the Chuckwagon, manned by Genesee County legislators, Tuesday at Genesee County Fair.
Photo by Joanne Beck.

Editor's Note: The Batavian has a booth at the fair in partnership with WBTA as part of the official Genesee County Fair Media Center. Stop by to say hello and enter our eagle-drawing contest in the Exhibition Building. We are an exhibitor and are providing coverage of the fair all week long as a proud supporter of the county fair, 4-H and the dedicated volunteers of the Ag Society. 

If you appreciate our fair coverage, as well as all of our coverage of Genesee County, you can help us continue news coverage by signing up today for Early Access Pass.

Top Items on Batavia's List

City of Batavia, NY Position: School Crossing Guard (Salary: $15.00/hr.) The City of Batavia is accepting applications for part-time School Crossing Guards. Qualifications: Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma. Civil Service employment applications may be downloaded from the website https://www.batavianewyork.com/home/files/genesee-county-civil-service-application or picked up in the Human Resources Department, City Hall, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY 14020. Please submit completed applications to Human Resources or e-mail: tdean@batavianewyork.com. Background check and physical/drug testing are required. Candidate must become a resident of the County of Genesee or any adjacent town to the County of Genesee within 6 months of the date of conclusion of the probationary period for the City of Batavia. EEO
Tags: Jobs offered
AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC CITY OF BATAVIA SALARY $25.54-$30.08 DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Assignments in this Class require the exercise of specialized skills in tasks pertaining to the maintenance and repair of a wide variety of machinery and equipment used in public works activities, as well as to other vehicles owned or operated by the municipal employer. In smaller agencies, an Automotive Mechanic may exercise a degree of supervision over assistant mechanics or Equipment Operators performing minor maintenance and repair on equipment, with general supervision being received from a supervisor, superintendent, or other such official or designee. Does related work, as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Repairs motorized and non-motorized equipment, such as trucks, tractors, mowers, graders, loaders, sweepers, rollers, compressors, and automobiles; Adjusts, repairs, and rebuilds gasoline and diesel engines; Repairs and replaces components of equipment, such as suspension systems, drive assemblies, brake systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, and cooling systems, and makes necessary adjustments to same; Carries out sanding, sandblasting, filling, painting, and related body-work tasks; Makes minor welding repairs; Operates drills, grinders, and other metal-working machines related to automotive repair functions; Performs preventative maintenance tasks which may include vehicle inspections; Attaches and removes snow plows, blades, and other attachments for motorized equipment; Maintains records of tasks performed, and other pertinent records; Requisitions parts and materials, to ensure adequate supply to maintain workflow; Acts as Equipment Operator, or wingman, as directed; May drive buses, cars, or trucks; May deliver fuel to job sites; Keeps shop area neat and clean. The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITY AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of standard automotive repair and maintenance methods; thorough knowledge of automotive repair terminology and tools; working knowledge of welding techniques; ability to make difficult repairs to heavy automotive and other mechanical equipment; ability to work from plans and specifications, and to follow rough draft sketches and oral instructions; good motor and hand eye coordination; manual dexterity. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee constantly is required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: One year of full-time paid experience as a skilled automotive repairman. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  Some jurisdictions may require appointees to receive and maintain certification as a NYS Motor Vehicle Inspector, within six months of appointment. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT: 1.     Possession and maintenance of appropriate valid license(s), as required. 2.     In school districts where incumbent may operate a school bus, possession of a valid appropriate level New York State Driver's License is required. 3.     Drivers must be at least 21 years of age. NOTE:  In addition, candidates must satisfy the requirements for School Bus Driver set forth in the Rules and Regulations of the New York State Commissioner of Education. Non-Competitive Class Civil Service Applications are due to Human Resources no later than October 18, 2024.
Tags: Jobs offered

Authentically Local