A county advisory board with plenty of collaboration and housing of all types for all income levels should be on the horizon for Genesee County if municipal leaders want to get ahead of what’s coming in the next 20 years, consultants from Urban Partners say. 

That seemed to be the thrust of the summary recommendations from a housing study by Christopher Lankenau and Isaac Kwon presented this week as part of a five-phase needs assessment that included public surveys, current and future business developments, housing stock, occupancy rates, demographics and trends. 

Speaking of trends, renter-occupied homes in Genesee County have increased over the past decade. However, while the demand for rentals has increased, availability has become “very, very low,” Lankenau said, with a total of 6,497 rentals in Genesee County and 3,456 in the city of Batavia. 

While the study found a need for housing to accommodate people in all categories—from low-income to market-rate levels—Lankenau said he would recommend an apartment complex in the city of Batavia for very low—to low-income renters, but with a caveat. The Batavian asked him about it, considering Ellicott Station just happens to be sitting half-baked and idle on the city’s south side.

“I know there's often criticism concentrating low-income housing in certain areas, but it often happens for a reason, too, because of just the availability of amenities. Yes, so I think yes would be an answer. Still, it would be about a fair distribution of low-income housing to ensure that people in Le Roy or other more concentrated parts of the county also have that opportunity, and they don't have to move to Batavia, for example,” he said. “I don't know if that directly answers your question, but I think yes, Batavia could afford some more … and would be a good location for additional low-income housing on a smaller scale, not some of the more recent stuff that has been built, over 20 to 40 units, the days of the really large tax credit projects, so I think those kinds of smaller projects that could integrate pretty nicely into existing communities.”

Despite declining population here, the future planned development and expansion of STAMP is anticipated to be “a huge game-changer,” he said. STAMP is to generate a significant housing need for workers while a growing senior population will require its own supply of new housing stock, he said.

“What is the county going to need to provide?” he said. “STAMP is anticipated to generate a significant need for workers while a growing senior population is going to be a significant need.” 

How much do you need? Estimates put the number to 5,028 workers by 2035 and upwards of more than 7,200 workers created by STAMP — the 1,250-acre Science, Technology & Advanced Manufacturing Park —d as of 2040. The projected related household change is an additional 5,710 due to the STAMP employment surge alone, the consultants said.

The study found that the anticipated growth of new residents in the county translates to a need for 308 new units per year for the next 16 years. That totals 6,164 new supply — owner-occupied and rental housing — to accommodate a senior base of folks 65 years and older, as well as the effects of the STAMP development in the western part of the county.

Recommendations include increasing the housing variety in the county to offer more attainable options for those populations that will be seeking a place to call home, facilitating the expansion of new housing development in the county’s priority development areas to both stimulate and prepare for growth associate with STAMP and other economic development; expand housing options for the growing senior population; and stabilize and rehabilitate the county’s aging housing stock.

A suggested way to implement this is to secure community support for a diversified housing stock by:

• Creating a countywide housing working group.
• Sharing the housing study broadly throughout the county.
• Proving evidence-based information to elected officials, municipal leaders and planning/zoning boards.
• Support municipalities in partnership with the pro-housing community program.
• Continuing to encourage redevelopment and infill projects in the city and villages.
• Continuing to encourage new residential development in priority development areas.

“So diversifying the housing choices. The first strategy, we think, is basically getting support for a more diversifying housing stock. You know, most people are used to single-family detached homes. That's what they see them most on larger lots. People think density is not necessarily a great thing, but I think that's we think that’s what the county really needs,” Kwon said. “More people are looking for that type of thing, market over less maintenance. For less maintenance, less size, closer to amenity. That's what we mean by diversified housing stock. 

“We're suggesting several action steps for that, including a housing working group consisting of developers and a landlord basically, kind of around a basis, like putting our heads together and discussing what's missing. What are some challenges? How do we overcome those challenges?” he said. “I think it's a good place to start. Just start talking about this using the study.” 

Another way to diversify housing choices is to accommodate all life stages, the consultatnts said, by reducing barriers for first-time home buyers. This could be done by developing or expanding programs/incentives to assist potential homebuyers and examine the feasibility of establishing employer-assisted housing programs.

The consultants also suggested to retain and create new income-restricted rental housing. 

Key action steps toward this goal include to:

• Evaluate the feasibility of establishing a county housing trust fund and collaborate with private/nonprofit housing development organizations to preserve new income-restricted rental housing;
•  Collaborate with the same agencies to build new income-restricted rental housing targets to low- and very low-income residents. Coordinate with social service providers and housing development organizations to build and/or retain homes for low-to-moderate-income residents with special needs; and
• Work with regional partners to identify a fair and sensible distribution of income-restricted housing throughout the county.

Other steps they suggested are to create a countywide housing advisory board consisting of elected officials and/or representatives from each municipality to identify and address specific housing challenges, identify key housing initiatives and pursue housing opportunities, and coordinate with municipalities to identify grants for infrastructure improvements that will assist developers with financing new housing projects. 

They coined it a “housing czar” of sorts who would deal with approvals, landlords, and developers. Each municipality would also ensure that developments comply with the comprehensive plan, and these plans “fall in line with the zoning, emissions and goals of the town” to incorporate growth, Kwon said. 

“And they’re aware of it and complies with the plan, the zoning … where you offer them some concessions, whether it’s tax or density, that kind of thing, just exploring that stage before things get too crazy to decide,” he said. “And then, of course making sure the infrastructure can absorb this growth.”

Not that they want to discourage growth: “We need to build more houses,” he said. “It’s making sure that developers build more homes for the workforce that’s coming in, and that can be a variety of homes. The employees moving in who may want a large, higher-end home, but you’re probably going to have, for the most part, a pretty middle-class workforce that is going to afford to have it be built.”

They also want to incentivize developers and home builders to construct more market-rate for-sale housing, including smaller homes targeted to the workforce sector, and promote the development of mixed-use and multi-family apartments, townhomes, and condominiums in Priority Development Areas with existing infrastructure near transportation and services.

Because many seniors seem to want to stay in their own homes versus going to a nursing or assisted living home situation, action steps toward that end include initiating a senior home modification program that offers grants, low-interest loans, and/or volunteer labor to help mobility-challenged seniors live safely in their current homes, plus continued promotion of the county’s Handyman Program to assist low-income seniors with small household repairs, they said.

These action steps for seniors would help them to remain independent for longer time periods by making their current living situations safer with modifications such as ramps.

At the other end of the spectrum, they also recommended supporting general home renovations for older houses — including incentives for the demolition and replacement of distressed homes — and establishing a county land bank to address any problems of vacant, abandoned, derelict, contaminated or tax delinquent property and encourage the repair and rehab of vacant rental units and other vacant spaces to increase the supply of critically needed apartments for low-and moderate-income renters.

For the full slide presentation, go HERE.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau will be hosting its 21st annual Family Game Night! The event will take place on Friday, October 4 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Batavia City Centre, Batavia (Please use the entrance of City Hall). 

The night will consist of interactive booths with activities, games and prizes for families and youth serving organizations. This event is free and includes pizza and a beverage. Each family will take home one brand new board game after they visit the booths so they can start their own family game night!  

Just for attending you will be entered into a raffle to win one of several prizes from businesses all around Genesee County. Adults must be accompanied by a child to receive the board game. 

Please call the Youth Bureau for more information at 344-3960. The Genesee County Youth Bureau would also like to thank Alabama Hotel, Batavia Kiwanis, and Batavia’s Original Pizzeria for sponsoring the event & the Batavia City Centre for hosting the event.

Press Release:

Batavia Downs held its annual Employee Health Fair yesterday. Staff from Tobacco-Free Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties (TF-GOW) answered questions and provided educational materials about the dangers of vaping and tobacco use.

“Attending employee health fairs like this is the best way for us to reach community members and help improve their heath,” said Julie Calvert, community engagement coordinator for Tobacco-Free GOW. “We can address concerns people have about smoking, about their kids vaping and help them get the information, resources and support they need.” 

The health fair gave the TF-GOW team the opportunity to connect with their Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center colleagues from the Department of Indigenous Cancer Health. 

Indigenous communities face some of the greatest cancer health disparities, higher mortality rates and persistent challenges in health equity. Together, their goal is to reduce the impact of cancer.

The New York State Smokers' Quitline is a confidential service for all New York State residents who wish to overcome dependence on commercial tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

Free offerings include individualized coaching and assistance with quit-planning from highly trained tobacco treatment specialists, text and online chat support and free shipping of stop-smoking medications such as nicotine patches, nicotine lozenges or nicotine gum for those 18 and older.

Residents of all ages may contact the Quitline for support and educational materials. In addition, the Quitline encourages teens and young adults (ages 13-24) to text “DROPTHEVAPE” to 88709 to join “This Is Quitting,” a free texting support program for help with quitting vaping.

For more information, text QUITNOW to 333888 or call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) seven days a week, beginning at 9 a.m.

Click to view our listings!

The Batavia Lady Devils beat Honeyeo Falls/Lima on Thursday, 3-0.

Ella Shamp and Ady O'Donnell each scored in the first half of play and Kylee Brennan scored in the second half. 

The win improves the Batavia record to 5-4 on the season. 

Photos by Kristin Smith.

Parris and Holly, a Batavia-based folk/pop duo, headlined the second of a four-night residency at GO ART! on Thursday, with featured artist Alex Feig opening.

The residency continues on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. with Billy Lambert as the featured guest artist and on Oct. 24 with Chris Humel.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Dining and dancing highlighted Thursday evening's celebration of the Genesee County Office for the Aging at Batavia Downs.

The agency was celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Founded on June 1, 1974, the agency's mission is to promote the independence of seniors and improve their quality of life by offering services and providing information, support, and advocacy for those 60 and older.

Currently, the office employs 33 people and receives support from numerous volunteers.

The primary funding for the agency is a federal program authorized by the Older Americans Act.

Photos by Howard Owens

Press Release:

The LeRoy Police Department would like to commend Officer Smith and Matthew Nielson for their actions during a recent emergency call, which ultimately provided a critical window of time for a driver experiencing a medical emergency to spend precious final moments with his family.

On August 23 at approximately 10:40 a.m., Officer Terrez Smith and Matthew Nielson responded to a report of a car accident on State Route 19 near North Road in the Town of LeRoy. 

The scene revealed a vehicle that had gone off the road, and the driver, a 79-year-old male, was found unresponsive inside.

Quickly realizing that the situation was more than just an accident, Officer Smith and Nielson conducted a swift assessment and determined the driver was experiencing a severe medical event. 

Demonstrating exceptional training and composure, Officer Smith and Nielson administered first aid, performed CPR, and utilized their department-issued Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to stabilize the individual. These immediate actions successfully revived the driver, who regained a pulse and began to show signs of life.

The driver was then transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by LeRoy EMS for continued medical treatment. Sadly, despite the best efforts of the medical team and the immediate care provided by Officer Smith and Nielson, the driver passed away nearly a week later. Crucially, the life-saving measures taken at the scene afforded the driver the valuable opportunity to be with his family, who remained by his side during his final days.

The quick response exhibited by Officer Smith and Nielson exemplifies the highest standard of service and dedication. While the outcome is deeply saddening, we take comfort in knowing that his actions allowed the family to have a meaningful time together during these difficult days.

Our condolences go out to the driver's family and loved ones. Officer Smith and Nielson’s swift intervention underline the importance of the continuous training and preparedness of our first responders.

Press Release:

Georgia-Pacific, located at 4E-Treadeasy Avenue in Batavia, will be performing its annual water pump testing on Friday, September 27, at 11:30 a.m., as required by applicable fire protection codes. 

This test may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about 5 minutes or until it is clear."

Press Release:

The theme for this year’s annual downtown Wine Walk is "masquerade," and the Batavia Business Improvement Distric invites you to join us for an evening of fun and entertainment during the event from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 5 in Batavia.

Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU) will host registration from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m., and ticket holders can stroll, sip, and shop 23 participating downtown businesses during the four-hour walk.

Only 600 tickets are being sold and they are going fast, BID Director Shannon Maute says.

“Come downtown, taste great wine, meet new people, see old friends, and create memories while you shop small and support your local businesses,” she said. “You must be 21 years of age or older to attend, and please no children.”

Tickets are $35 and are available at Yngodess Shop, TVFCU, Adam Miller Toys & Bicycles and at Eventbrite. For more information, go to BID’s Facebook page for the link and details.

Press Release:

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers will host the 105th “Great Batavia Train Sale” on Sunday, October 13, 9:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m., at the Richard C. Call Arena, Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia. Admission is $6 for Adults, $3 for under 18 years, and Free for under 13 years.

The popular train show typically attracts 1,200 to 1,500 model railroad enthusiasts and railfans from across Western and Central NY, Northwestern Pennsylvania, and Southern Ontario. There are over 100 vendors occupying 250 tables offering merchandise ranging from antique railroad artifacts to the most modern digitally controlled model trains. This bi-annual show has steadily grown to become one of the premiere events of its kind in Western New York.

The train club hosts two shows each year, a Spring show, and a Fall show. A free Open House is held, typically, on the first Saturday of December at the Club’s facilities in Oakfield where club members maintain operating layouts in O Gauge (Lionel), HO & N scale.

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers is located at 50 Main Street (Rte. 63), Oakfield (above the M&T Bank), and is open Tuesdays from 7 - 9 p.m. Business meetings are held the last Tuesday of each month. Visit www.gsme.org. Like us on Facebook. Visitors welcomed. (Stair access only.)

Press Release:

The Museum Quilt Guild of Batavia will present their biennial “Stitches In Time” quilt show on Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day.

There will be more than 150 quilts displayed at the Alexander Fireman’s Recreation Hall at 10708 Alexander Rd (Rt 98) in Alexander. All of the quilts have been made by guild members.

In addition to our professionally judged quilt display, we will have vendors, demonstrations, a raffle quilt, silent auction, boutique, basket raffle, and a fabric pool. 

Admission is $6, children 10 and under are free. For more information, contact Elaine 585-880-0456, or visit our website @ www.Themuseumquiltguild.com.

7 Chase Park, Batavia. This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home has been owned for over 44 years. It features a remodeled kitchen with HomeCrest cabinetry and a convenient first-floor laundry. Hardwood floors and natural woodwork flow throughout, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Recent updates include energy-efficient windows that enhance comfort. A designated office space offers flexibility for work or study. The property is ideally located near shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Call Sunny today!

Elba beat Kendall in volleyball on Wednesday three sets to zero.

Scores:

• 25-21
• 25-19
• 25-16

Elba stats:

• Alexa Ocampo- 7 kills, 2 digs, 8 aces
• Jada Fite- 14 assists, 2 blocks, 2 digs
• Sydney Reilly- 9 digs, 2 aces

Photos by Kristin Smith.

To RSVP for the seminars, click here! Visit us on Facebook page and stay up to date on seminars and information

The Western Regional OTB Board of Directors on Thursday morning, by unanimous vote, approved a contract offer to Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown to become the next CEO and president of the OTB.

Brown will receive a salary of $295,000 in the first year, with the possibility of incentive bonuses. The contract will have an annual renewal clause, said Board President Dennis Bassett.

Bassett declined to release copies of the 18-page contract to the press until Brown signs it.

Brown is expected to announce his future plans next week, a spokesman for the mayor's office said.

"We have a unique situation here at Batavia Downs where we have harness racings, we have a casino, we have gaming, we have a number of different avenues in which we endeavor to make sure that we do well," Bassett said when asked to defend the size of the salary. "I'm not so sure that other areas that are in this business have as diverse and as complex an operation as we do here in Batavia Downs, so we think that for what we are asking our new president and CEO to do, that he is being paid comparable."

Henry Wojtaszek, the outgoing CEO and president, makes $264,898.

The 65-year-old Brown became Buffalo's mayor in 2006. He served in the state Senate from 2001 to 2005. He was a member of the Buffalo Common Council from 1996 to 2001. He has a dual bachelor of arts degree in political science and journalism from Buffalo State College.  He worked in sales for a year at Bristol-Myers before starting a legislative staff career. 

After Thursday's meeting, Bassett reiterated previous statements that Brown was hired primarily because of his extensive legislative background and productive relationship with key powerbrokers in Albany.

"We hope that Mayor Brown's influence and his knowledge of the individuals who work in that environment will help us open doors that we haven't been able to open before," Bassett said.

The OTB is interested into expanding operations into other ventures, such as sports betting and online betting.  Bassett has expressed concern that Wojtaszek, a Republican disliked, it seems, by at least some key Democrats, wouldn't be effective in lobbying on behalf of the OTB on those issues.

"The thing that is important for all thriving institutions is change," Bassett said. "Change is good, and change is inevitable, and the most important thing around change is how you manage to change, how you deal with the change. We think that we have done a thorough job to get where we are today, the success we had and what we need for tomorrow to continue our success. And I cannot say it enough that we are extremely fortunate to get an individual like Mayor Byron Brown to lead this organization after the job Henry Wojtaszek has done. I think we've just been extremely fortunate. And we look to continue to grow. We look to continue to venture into things that we have not ventured into before."

Batavia Downs is on pace for its third consecutive year of record revenue and record payouts to the 17 municipalities that are OTB's owners.

As for potential bonuses for Brown, Bassett indicated that the pending contract does not include specific language. The board will develop incentive criteria and the nature of the incentives.

Before Brown can sign the contract, the state's gaming commission must issue him a license to run a gaming operation. Wojtaszek's last day with the organization will be Dec. 31.  Bassett said he expects Brown to be able to start his new job before then and enter into a period of training by Wojtaszek.

When the board agreed over the summer to buy out Wojtaszek's contract, they also voted to buy out the contracts of CFO Jackie Leach and VP of Operations William White.

Bassett said Brown, who has spent nearly all of his professional career as a public servant, is ready to step in and run Batavia Downs like a business.  To that end, he expects whoever Brown hires to fill those vacancies to be based on business qualifications and not political affiliation.

"Brown expressed to us that he's taken over a position now that he's managing a corporate entity, and he's looking to make sure that we run this organization in a corporate way and not in a political way," Bassett said. "And that's a big 'a-ha,' because I've been on this board 14 years, and I can honestly say, as much as you (the press) may not believe me, the decisions that we've made in this room have never been political," Bassett said.

Bassett noted that for the majority of his tenure on the board, he's been a member of the minority party and only after voting rules were changed did he join the majority (weighted vote based on population). Bassett is a Democrat. Until the change in weighted voting, the large majority of the board were the Republican-run municipalities.

"I have never felt slighted. I have never felt disadvantaged. You know why? Because on this board, we make business decisions," Bassett said. "We make business decisions for 17 municipalities because they're interested in whether we are going to write them checks at the end of each month, and we continue to write them record-breaking checks each and every month, and that's what I'm most proud of."

Press Release:

Arc GLOW will be holding its second Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on October 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Batavia Downs. Rebecca Leclair, the President of Rebecca Leclair Communications, LLC and former anchor and reporter from WHEC-TV (Channel 10), will be the emcee.

Individuals will also be providing entertainment. For a month, Arc GLOW nominated staff, individuals and community members for a variety of different awards.

The award winners are the following:

Self-Advocate of the Year

To honor a person served by Arc GLOW who has grown and is meeting their personal outcomes. They also have positively influenced the lives of others.

Nathan Johnidas, Albion

Supported Employment Person of the Year

To honor a person supported by Arc GLOW who has demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication to their job, ability to learn new community employment skills and maintain successful employment.

Elizabeth Padilla, Walnut Street, Batavia 

Pre-Vocational Person of the Year

To honor a person supported by Arc GLOW with a dedication to learning about the world of work including new job skills, striving to complete quality work and showing attention to the task of learning.

Tammy Reimels, Hilltop

Residential Person of the Year

To honor a person supported by Arc GLOW who resides in residential services, grew in their independence and learned life skills.

Monica Mineo, Garfield IRA in Batavia

Day Habilitation Person of the Year

To honor a person supported by Arc GLOW who participates in day habilitation activities, strives to learn, and demonstrates effort and commitment to be included in their own communities.

James Gibbs, WOW Day Hab in Batavia

Community Services and Self Direction Person of the Year

To honor a person served by Arc GLOW who shows outstanding participation and contribution to their community. Shows the initiative in trying new activities and gain leadership potential through community involvement.

Brittany Murphy, Genesee County

KidStart Employee of the Year

To honor an employee who demonstrates exceptional support to children and families, and is committed to assist in all areas of their growth and education.

Maggie Putman

Direct Support Professional Person of the Year (DSP)

To honor a DSP who provides a variety of activities to adults with developmental disabilities within a home setting, day programs or recreational activities in the community. Provides excellence in support in living skills, personalized goals, arts and crafts, sensory activities, and facilitates our individuals to take their active role in the community.

Heather Taft, residential manager at Avon IRA in Avon

Employee of the Year

To recognize an employee of Arc GLOW who is committed to the mission and vision. They demonstrate the values of diversity, respect, integrity, visionary, equality, empowerment and excellence.

Heidi Wyant, transportation manager

Friend of the Year

Community friend and supporter of Arc GLOW’s mission and vision.

Hoffman Hanafin & Associates, LLC

Business Partner of the Year

A partner who supports our mission and vision through excellent customer service or providing work opportunities for employment.

Aunt Cookies in Geneseo

Volunteers of the Year

To honor a person who is committed to Arc GLOW, volunteering their time by serving the local community and supporting the Arc GLOWs mission and vision.

Kevin and Dawn Fisher

Reservations are open until Sept. 30. at ArcGLOW.org/event/awards-banquet-and-annual-meeting. For any questions, contact Tracey Jones at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1735 or TJones@ArcGLOW.org.

Kerry Dudek and Kim Folger are animal lovers no doubt, and advocates especially for pitbulls and Rottweilers, both which can experience breed bias and the serious health issue of cancer.

They founded Vanessa & Lola’s Legacy, Inc. more than a year ago in an effort to help out with financial support for the owners of those breeds when fighting cancer, in addition to collecting food for people with disabilities at the Independent Living of the Genesee Region in Batavia.

“People don’t really have the money, so our goal was to help people with pitbulls or Rottweilers help with their vet bills. And then I started volunteering at Independent Living, and a lot of Vanessa's supporters were homeless from Batavia, and they would actually come out to the rallies with their pitbulls, so I kind of wanted to honor her and them at the same time,” Dudek said. “So now we donate cat food and dog food to the homeless that Indedependent Living put up in their houses or apartments. We have about 13 animals through them.

“I’m a mental health therapist. So to me, it really helps people's mental health, especially when they're homeless, to keep their pets with them. A lot of people are having to give up their animals,” she said. “I have a pitbull now that has three legs. She goes to work with me, and they just love her. She’s a pet therapy dog.”

Vanessa was a pitbull in Ogden that had an encounter with a woman on the street, and Vanessa was accused of allegedly biting her, Dudek said. It spread across social media and turned into a huge battle to keep Vanessa alive. Justice for Vanessa has many followers, Dudek said.

Although Vanessa survived that scuffle, she ended up getting lymphoma and died three years ago, after very costly medical treatments and a tracheotomy, Dudek said. Vanessa garnered many supporters and drew much attention in the process, she said. 

Dudek works with people with disabilities and has experienced how much animals can minister to one’s emotional needs. Vanessa also served in that capacity to her own son, the Oakfield resident said. 

Lola was Folger’s Rottweiler who lost her battle to osteosarcoma two years ago. The emotional stress, coupled with the financial challenges, were enough to fuel their motivation to file for a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit to help others going through similar circumstances.

Support comes through online and in-person fundraising, including an event happening this weekend. There will be a basket raffle of nine themed baskets with Buffalo Bills, pet and other items (see some of the items below) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Tractor Supply Co., 4974 East Main St., Batavia. 

There will be a tent in the parking lot throughout the day, and a pizza basket that includes a Ficarella’s gift certificate and another one with a Monroe Muffler oil change certificate, plus other baskets with football-related items, she said.

One basket is dedicated to China, a pitbull with lymphoma, and includes tailgating stuff of Buffalo Bills themed items, such as wine, wine glasses and a football. There will also be harnesses and dog clothes for sale. Proceeds will go to offset vet bills for those with pitbulls and Rottweilers fighting cancer.

For more information, to help out with dog and/or cat food for ILGR clients, or to donate, go HERE.

Show tunes and more show tunes.

If you love Broadway, Batavia Players has just the show for you this weekend.

"Just One More Time & Something New" is a celebration of 100 years of the best musicals to grace the stages of 42nd Street in the heart of Manhattan, better known as Broadway.

The choral review covers the music of Tin Pan Alley to state-of-the-art contemporary Broadway.

You will certainly hear some familiar classics as well as a few tunes that might surprise you.

There are shows at Main Street 56 Theater on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $24 at the door or $22 for seniors and students.  There is a discount to buy in advance online. 

Photos by Howard Owens.