Sub-freezing temps, a slight breeze, and a dusting of snow seemed to somehow add to the live racing ambience at Batavia Downs as the track opened on Monday for its third consecutive winter racing season.

Winter racing has its disadvantages and advantages, Don Hoover, director of live racing at Batavia Downs, told The Batavian prior to Monday's first post time at 3 p.m.

The obvious disadvantage is adverse weather.

"It has its own challenges because from time to time, you're on edge, whether you're going to have to cancel the races or not, depending on weather, and that's something that you need to do in a timely manner to avert having many of the people ship in and be caught in bad weather," Hoover said.

On the plus side, racing fans around the country have few other options if they want to play the ponies remotely.

"We have lost much less competition in the simulcast area," Hoover said. "Today, for example, only three or four tracks are racing nationwide, and that will afford us, hopefully, a very, very substantial handle. Last year, we went over half a million dollars three times, which was unheard of in the era since OTB has owned the racetrack."

While the winter racing crowd is small at the track — and cozy in the warm clubhouse with food and beverages available — winter racing, Hoover said, has helped lift the profile of Batavia Downs for race fans across the country. 

Hoover said there is also an advantage to winter racing for the horsemen. 

"Because it's a Western New York circuit where typically they race in Buffalo and Batavia, but with Buffalo being much closer to the lake than we are, Buffalo opted not to race in January and February a couple of years back," Hoover said. "In an agreement with the horsemen, we were able to pick up those dates. It keeps them where there's one month off out of 12. It keeps them from shipping to continue to ply their trade."

This year marks the 85th year since harness racing started at Batavia Downs, but since some seasons were missed over the decades, Hoover estimates its actually the 79th year of live racing at the track.

"As everyone's well aware, there have been many, many changes in the landscape of racing over the last 50 years," Hoover said. "We don't get as many on-track customers as we used to because of the availability of wagering from the comfort of your home, your phone, and even your car. There's also been a proliferation of casino gambling in the state, so the picture is different. But the good thing about it is that we still have racing purses that are such that people can make a good living."

There is still clearly an interest in live racing, which the total handle live racing generates proves, Hoover said.

"The one thing that we would like to see happen, and we hope it can happen, is to raise the on-track handle and the on-track attendance here at Batavia Downs," Hoover said. "They (the Western Regional OTB board) put money into racing. They renovated the clubhouse recently. Many tracks in the state don't even have an open clubhouse. So we try to draw people here, and that's one of our goals."

UPDATE: Don Hoover reports that the opening day of the 15-day winter meet was a success. He states,  "As compared to last year’s opening day we showed an increase in both live and total handle. The live handle was $7,330 yesterday as compared to $6,803 last year ( a 7.7% increase), and the total handle was $465,558 as compared to $390,922 ( a 19% increase) and was the 4th highest handle since WROTB acquired Batavia Downs."

Photos by Howard Owens

Considering that Eleanor Davis was celebrating her 38,690th day of life on Monday, she was taking it rather casually.

When asked how it felt to turn 106, she dryly responded, "The same as 105, just a different day,” during her birthday party at Premier Genesee in Batavia. “I had nothing to do with it.”

Actually, according to a family member and therapist, that may not be quite true. The Long Island native who grew up and lived in the same house for 75 years, eventually moving to Manor House in Batavia when she was 100, had a daily regimen that seemed to work for her.

“A couple of cocktails, dry martinis,” daughter Patricia Davis of Albion said. “Her sister is 15 years younger and is in worse shape than she’s in.”

Teressa Monroe, who has asked Eleanor her secret for longevity while working with her as speech therapist, said there has been a definite answer.

“Chocolate, vodka, and thinking young,” Monroe said, giving the sweet stuff its due. “My grandma ate a pound a week, so I buy into the chocolate.”

Fellow Premier residents gathered together for a round of “Happy Birthday” and a piece of cake to help Eleanor celebrate her big day. There are “quite a few in the upper 90s,” and staff just threw a party for another resident who turned 104 a couple of weeks ago, Hawley said. 

As for her steadfastness, Eleanor has not subscribed to the traditional physical recommendations of regular walking, her daughter said, and she does miss the salt water of her homeland so she wasn’t as much a landlubber.

Eleanor does have hearing and vision issues, but, as Activity Director Julie Hawley put it, “she’s still full of it.” Eleanor was honored as Resident of the Month at Premier when she was all of 105, which meant being recognized in the monthly newsletter. 

She provided tidbits of information, including her favorite foods of tiramisu and chocolate ice cream; her favorite animal of a cat; the best day of her life was getting married; giving advice to the next generation to “go with the flow;” and three words to describe her: easygoing, smart and compassionate. 

When asked at the party about her secret for long life, she spiced up her usual answer.

“A Bloody Mary every night,” she said. 

Here are The Batavian's Top 10 most viewed stories for 2024

• New owner to take over, transform site of former Artemis spa in downtown Batavia, by Joanne Beck
• Batavia pastor denies allegations of sexual abuse as his name disappears from church website, by Joanne Beck
• At Darien Lake, 'Tommy had it under control', by Howard Owens
• 'Sad loss for downtown,' The Spa at Artemis apparently closed, by Joanne Beck
• O'Lacy's Irish Pub to continue with new owner, by Joanne Beck
• Sheriff's Office sergeant dies in the line of duty while trying to make arrest at Batavia Downs, by Howard Owens
• News surfaces that suggests Plug Power pulling out of WNY STAMP, by Howard Owens
• The biggest change coming for The Family Diner in West Batavia -- it's closing, by Howard Owens
• Expanding longtime Batavia chiropractic business adds on to 'slow down a bit', by Joanne Beck
• Court documents say Elmore used (necklace) to beat officer, placed him in a chokehold, by Howard Owens

260 Ross Street Batavia-City.  Super solid and well taken care of 3 bedroom ranch home ready for your immediate occupancy!! This home is clean, freshly painted thru out and has been well maintained and upgraded thru out the years!! This adorable home has a lot to offer and will surprise you with all that you can’t see by driving by! The home is well laid out starting with large living room with pretty hardwood floors, oversized eat in kitchen and awesome huge pantry! There are three large bedrooms with hardwoods as well as plenty of closet space. One currently has laundry hookups should ups should you need/want first floor laundry capabilities! Downstairs is HUGE and provides a lot of additional living space! Partially finished with full bath it makes a fabulous recreation area. There is also tons of storage space and a place to have small workshop area as well. Not only is this home located in great quiet neighborhood but is located on half acre plus lot-the backyard will surprise you as it is fully fenced and private with large deck that overlooks a beautiful wooded lot not visible from the road! Check this one out for yourself! Call Reliant Real Estate today 585-344-HOME (4663)

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) was sworn in as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be elected to serve the constituents of the newly formed New York District 24. I will continue to be a transparent and aggressive advocate on behalf of all of my constituents. Our team is deeply committed to delivering outstanding results for NY-24, by implementing innovative and common-sense solutions to the issues facing our communities. Our team will continue to provide top-tier constituent services. House Republicans are eager to begin implementing President Trump’s agenda by making America secure and prosperous again. We are eager to hear from you and ensure that your views are represented in Washington. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I am committed to upholding our Constitutional principles and delivering meaningful results for our nation and especially New York," said Congresswoman Tenney.

Redistricting in 2024 has eliminated parts of Cayuga and Ontario Counties and added parts of Steuben and Schuyler Counties to NY-24. As a result, Rep. Tenney’s district office in Victor is no longer within NY-24. To better serve the Finger Lakes Region, Rep. Tenney is opening a new district office in Ontario County. For more information about who will represent you in Congress starting January 3, visit  www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.

Rep Tenney’s Office Locations for the 119th Congress:

Washington, DC Office

• 2230 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington DC 20515
• Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Phone: 202-225-3665

Canandaigua District Office

• Address: 2375 Rochester Road, Suite 250, Canandaigua, NY 14424
• Opening Soon
• Phone: 585-869-2060

Oswego District Office

• Address: 46 E Bridge St, Oswego, NY 13126
• Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Phone: 315-236-7088

Lockport District Office

• Address:169 Niagara Street Lockport, NY 14094
• Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Phone: 716-514-5130

Watertown Satellite Office

• Address: 317 Washington Street, Suite 418, Watertown, NY 13601
• Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Saturday, members of the Alexander Volunteer Fire Department honored its own and installed its 2024 officers at the department's annual dinner, held this year at Attica's 10th Hole.

Photos by Philip Casper.

Notre Dame improved to 5-2 Saturday afternoon in Girls Basketball with a 63-22 win over Wheatland Chili at home. 

Every Irish player contributed for a balanced win. 

Leading ND were the Falleti sisters, Sofia and Gianna, with 12 points each. Also contributing were Lucia Fiorentin with 11 points, Emma Fitch, 7, Riley Yunker, 7, Shirley Thompson, 6, Clairissa Milliman, 4, and Penny Jo Thompson, 4.

“Back-to-back games are very difficult, and I was happy that the girls could come out and have everyone contribute both on offense and defense,” said Coach Vinny Falleti.

Photos by Pete Welker.

Kendall squeaked past Byron-Bergen on Friday 46-45 in Boys Basketball.

Cole DiQuattro scored 15 points for the Bees. Cody Carlson added 10.

For Kendall, Vincent D'Agostino scored 20 points.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro

Press Release:

The Town of Batavia GOP Committee has set an Endorsement meeting on Jan. 29 for the following positions:

Supervisor (1)
Council Member (2)
Town Justice (1)
Highway Superintendent (1) 
Town Clerk (1)

 Any town resident who has an interest can submit a letter of interest and resume to Steve Hawley at: PO Box 1733, Batavia, NY, 14021 by Jan. 24. 
 

Matt Hlushak is not afraid of career diversity, and has always tried to use what he learned in both his personal and professional experience, he says. 

A native of Pennsylvania, he worked for many years as a cook, some in retail, and eventually made his way to Batavia, where he has lived for about six and a half years, working for most of that as a document specialist. Then came the time to leave.

“I quit my job to do this because of my family’s needs. My daughter is involved in dance; she has four dance classes a week, and my son has special needs. So this was a business I thought I could set up to probably sustain a family, using the skills that I have already and based on the needs that I do have. It absolutely gives me more flexibility,” he said of his new business at The Harvester Center. “This business was more about my experience as a customer, by buying the smoking accessories and buying toys and playing with the toys after I've used the accessories. And I was just thinking, since the cannabis industry is a relatively new thing here in New York, how can I get involved in it without having money for licensures, and I’m not predisposed to a criminal record to get ahead of the list or anything? So this is how I figured I could be part of it.”

CleanHit Services will open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday at 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia. It’s Unit 103 on the first floor and can be accessed from the outside. Hlushak plans to give away samples of Stacey’s Pies for opening day.

As it may sound, CleanHit cleans cannabis accessories of tar residues left behind from using glass and metal paraphernalia and also cleans jewelry. Hlushak was surprised to learn that many people would just toss out their stuff and buy new ones instead of cleaning or having them cleaned, he said. He brings his personal experience to the table, as well as his prior work in a hospital using ultrasonic equipment for a central sterilization unit, he said.  

He took that resume bullet item and put it to good use with his own equipment and mission statement to help others save some money, reuse their goods instead of throwing them out and buying new, and preserve what might be sentimental from having been a gift. He doesn’t sell any actual cannabis, CBD or THC products. 

“It’s just a cleaning service with a relaxing place to wait while we clean your stuff, a place to shop if you’d like to look around,” he said. “A lot of smoking accessories are made out of glass. They're not all glass, they actually make them out of silicone and stuff. And I can clean those as well. But there's a lot of other small parts that are glass or metal. And with the ultrasonic cleaning and then doing it by hand as well, I can really get into some spaces and clean it up so that you can get a clean hit the next time around.”

He opted for the east side’s Harvester complex for various reasons.

“As far as setting up for somebody who’s brand new to setting up a business, I think it’s fantastic. The business incubator thing, I think, is a great idea for repurposing this old factory instead of tearing it down or doing some other unthinkable thing with it. I think it’s a fantastic use of the property, and I think it’s great that it allowed an opportunity for me personally that I appreciate,” he said. “And it was really simple to get in; it’s low rent and a smooth, easygoing process. All of these furnishings I got locally. I’m trying to find local craftspeople and artisans … I’m still looking for people. If they have crafts, I’d give them a shelf, they can consign, or I can buy at a discount and sell them.”

He has a table and two chairs set up for a game of checkers or chess, and a ring and hook game available to customers, along with a small couch and upholstered chairs, what he calls “a little light display,” which was showing a space backdrop and will switch scenes so as not to get stale, he said. 

Toys include “fidgety, sensory type of things,” such as bendable spacemen, aliens, astronauts, a wooden puzzle or a block to unravel into a snake, and then one can turn it into different shapes. There are also squishy items and slimes and more traditional paraphernalia, though he’s not in this to compete with anyone, he said.

“I’m not trying to compete with any of the head shops in town or Adam Miller with their toys. The toys I’m selling are things they don’t generally have for sale,” he said. “I’m not trying to undercut anybody or say, shop with me instead. But I have a couple of things that were harder for me to find that I really liked and I think other people would like to use. So once I got my tax ID and I was able to buy in bulk, then I had access to the things that I can’t always find myself.”

Explain your process for cleaning these items.

“There’s some hand cleaning involved and there’s ultrasonic cleaning machines that I have. So you would put it in water, and you can treat it with an ultrasonic cleanser, and it could get sort of like the tiny bits of dirt and debris that you get in your rings and takes away the luster from your gems and your bracelets,” he said. “That ultrasonic machine with a bit of cleanser can loosen that up, free it up, and make it look practically like new. And I also have polishing cloths, so I can dry and polish them just like you would if you went back to your jewelry store where you got your original pieces. 

“The paraphernalia is more of a hand cleaning, but sometimes they get neglected, and the tar just gets built up, and the ultrasonic portion of that will help free it up and really renew your glass pieces and your metal pieces,” he said. “I would always clean mine because I didn’t always want to spend anywhere from $5 to $40 every time I needed a new one, so I would clean it out myself, and I realized that I really did a pretty decent job. And then I thought that this is a really dirty job that a lot of people probably don’t want to do, so I can offer, I will gladly do it.”

He offers walk-in service, and wait time is about 15 to 20 minutes, he said, depending on how much a customer brings in to clean.  Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

For more information, call 585-813-6202.

Notre Dame, now 4-2, beat the previously undefeated Lyons in Girls Basketball on Friday 69-63.

The Irish were led by sophomore Sofia Falleti, who scored a career-high 33 points and grabbed nine rebounds. She hit five three-pointers.

Gianna Falleti also contributed 11 points and three steals. 

Shirley Thompson, eighth grade, added 10 points and six rebounds.

For Lyons, Carmella Parker scored 19 points, Janiyah Bell 17, and Jayla Bell 16.\

“Our team played a phenomenal game against a talented and undefeated Class B school on our home court," said Coach Vinny Falleti. "This was a tremendous effort from our whole team tonight to take this win.”

Elba beat Lyndonville on Friday in Girls Basketball 57 to 37.

Sydney Reily scored 19 points for the Lancers. Lydia Ross scored 15 points.

For Lyndonville, Addison Dillenbeck scored 21 points.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Alexander hit nine three-point shots on the way to a 61-51 win over Pembroke in Boys Basketball on Friday.

Trojans stats:

Dragons stats:

• Josh vonKramer, 16 points
• Jayden Bridge, 14 points
• Nolan Peterson, 11 points
• Caleb Felski, seven assists

Click here to view 260 Ross Street, Batavia.
Click here to view 7487 Fisher Road, Oakfield.
Click here to view 2995 West Main Street Road, Batavia.

Press Release:

January is National Radon Action Month, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of radon exposure and encourage homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their families. 

“Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that naturally forms from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among non-smokers,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

Radon can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, walls, or floors. Prolonged exposure to high radon levels can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer. 

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly one in every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have elevated radon levels. 

Fortunately, radon exposure is preventable through simple actions that homeowners can take. 

Take Action to Protect Your Family: 

1. Test Your Home for Radon
   • The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is by testing. Residents of Genesee County can receive a radon test kit at no cost to them, while supplies last, by contacting the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555. Residents in other counties can purchase a radon test kit at a hardware store, or at the NYS Department of Health (DOH) website https://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-2247.pdf . The EPA recommends testing every two years, or after major home renovations.
2. Mitigate High Radon Levels to lessen severity and reduce harm 
   • If radon levels are found to be elevated (above 4 pCi/L), it is essential to take corrective action. Radon mitigation includes installing a ventilation system that reduces radon levels in the home. A certified radon professional can evaluate your home and recommend the best mitigation strategy.
3. Educate Your Friends and Family 
   • Spread the word about the importance of radon testing and mitigation. Share resources and encourage neighbors to test their homes. 
4. Health & Safety First
   • Radon exposure is preventable, and by testing and mitigating radon in your home, you can significantly reduce the threat of lung cancer caused by this invisible danger.

Radon Facts:

• Radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.S.
• Radon exposure is particularly dangerous for children and non-smokers.
• Testing and mitigation are effective in reducing radon exposure and protecting health.

Resources:

• For more information on radon testing and mitigation services, visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/ or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at https://www.epa.gov/radon.
• The National Radon Hotline, 1-800-SOS-RADON (767-7236), is available for guidance on radon testing, mitigation, and professional services in your area.

Press Release:

Elba Central School is proud to announce its recognition as a recipient of the prestigious USDA Healthy Meals Initiative "Innovation in Food Nutrition" Award for the 2024-2025 school year. 

This national honor highlights Elba's commitment to providing students with nutritious, innovative, and delicious meals that support their overall well-being and academic success.

The "Innovation in Food Nutrition" Award celebrates schools that demonstrate outstanding efforts to improve school meal programs, integrate locally sourced ingredients, and engage students in nutrition education. Elba Central School earned this recognition by implementing creative strategies, including:

Locally Sourced Ingredients: Partnering with local farmers to bring fresh, seasonal produce and dairy products directly to the cafeteria.

Student-Centered Menu Design: Collaborating with students to design menus that reflect their preferences while ensuring meals meet USDA nutrition standards.

Nutrition Education Programs: Offering hands-on learning opportunities, such as cooking classes and school garden initiatives, to empower students with lifelong healthy eating habits.

“This award reflects the hard work and dedication of our food services team, educators, and community partners,” said Gretchen Rosales, Superintendent of Elba Central School. “At Elba, we believe that healthy meals are a cornerstone of student success, and we are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts to prioritize their well-being.”

Elba Central School has also taken a groundbreaking step by constructing a new greenhouse on campus to grow fresh vegetables for the school’s salad bar. This hands-on initiative allows students to learn about sustainable agriculture while contributing to their own nutritious meals. 

Additionally, the school runs a summer-long farmers market, managed by students, where produce from local farms is sold to the community. The market provides practical business experience for students and also strengthens the bond between the school and local families, promoting a culture of health and sustainability. Not only do students sell fruit and vegetables, but also honey, maple syrup, and flowers. 

This past summer, Elba families also had the opportunity to participate in a community garden experience; this allowed residents to maintain a produce garden on the school grounds to grow vegetables and herbs. Recipes were shared at Open House in the fall of items such as pesto, pasta with zucchini, and salsa - made with ingredients straight from the gardens.

Kim Walczak, Food Service Director at Elba Central School, added, “Our team has worked tirelessly to create meals that students love while ensuring they meet the highest nutritional standards. This award inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and serving as a model for schools nationwide.” 

The USDA Healthy Meals Initiative is part of the federal government’s broader effort to promote health and reduce hunger among school-age children. Elba Central School has received a grant to further expand its innovative programs and share its best practices with schools across the nation.

Elba Central School is dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive, especially when provided with delicious and nutritious meals. With a focus on academic excellence, community involvement, and student wellness, Elba Central School is committed to preparing students for a bright and healthy future.

Submitted photos.

As predicted later last year by city officials and a property realtor, the former JC Penney’s site will be put on the auction block later this month for default of money owed by California owner Yong Guang Ye.

The site that served as anchor to Genesee Country Mall-turned Batavia City Centre for decades closed its doors in fall of 2020, and was purchased for $500,000 by Ye in February 2021. It will go up for sale — via public auction — at 10 a.m. Jan. 16  in the second floor waiting area of the Genesee County Courts Facility, 1 W. Main St., Batavia.

Batavia Development Corporation Executive Director Tammy Hathaway has fingers crossed that this time an owner will take hold of the possibilities and future for the building.

“I’m hopeful that someone viable will bid on it, but my optimism is slightly plagued, as I don’t know how well broadcasted the auction public notice was,” Hathaway said Thursday. “So I’ve been sharing it personally with business owners and developers that I’ve had conversations with about the building.”

During a tour of updates at City Centre with The Batavian in early December, City Manager Rachael Tabelski said she thought the property owner was about one year behind in paying his taxes, and the lender was planning to put the 38,524-square-foot site up for mortgage foreclosure auction. A judgment of foreclosure was filed on property owner Yong Guang Ye on Nov. 8 for the amount of $179,141.46 plus interest and costs. 

City officials, including Tabelski and Hathaway, also had an open house with renderings of ideas for the Penney’s site and adjacent parking lot, and the south Creek Side Park area along the Tonawanda.Both sides of the city focused largely on housing concepts. 

According to online records, the Penney’s property is assessed at $400,000. The property is sold subject to the terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Premises are identified as Tax Account No. 84.049-1-9.