The dedication of Robert and Mary Ellen Zickl to the children of Genesee County is a big reason the Batavia couple was honored on Friday at Terry Hills by The Jerome Foundation with the 38th Health and Humanitarian Award.

Besides taking children in need into their home for long and short stays, the Zickls have been advocates and supporters of Catholic education. Mary Ellen is also the founder of All Babies Cherished.

The couple has volunteered their time at both St. Joseph School and Notre Dame High School.  Bob currently serves on the ND Board of Directors and St. Joseph School Board. He volunteers on the sidelines coaching ND football, as well as organizing and supervising athletes in the weight room, promoting good fitness and healthy choices. 

Mary Ellen is also involved in the Rosary Society at Ascension Parish, chairing several committees.

Bob is an assistant district attorney for Genesee County. Mary Ellen is a retired Special Education Teacher. They have five children.

The Health and Humanitarian Award recognizes “ordinary people who reach far beyond themselves to the lives of those in need, bringing hope, care, and friendship, and helping build a stronger, healthier community.”

The Zickls were nominated by Karen Green, principal of St. Joseph’s School. 

In her nomination, Green noted that Bob and Mary Ellen have often given children a "loving, compassionate and safe home that provided lasting memories and effects on all those who are familiar with them. In two instances in particular, they opened their home to children who were not their own, but who were treated as members of their family, with much love and support during particularly challenging times. I know they will forever consider the Zickl home to be their own.”

Bob spoke on behalf of the couple in accepting the award and noted that the award's committee chair, retired City Court Judge Robert Balbick, came to Zickl's office in the County Courthouse personally to deliver the news, which caught Zickl by surprise.

"As soon as he left, I got on my phone to look up 'humanitarian,' Bob said. "Okay, a bit of a rough fit, but okay. Prosecutors don't usually get described in those terms. For a long time, I was afraid to look at the list of previous honorees. I did today. It was on the program. That is a very impressive list and to be included with people like that is, that's a great honor."

The Merry Mitemas Tournament is underway at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena in Batavia.

The inaugural tournament features 18 teams.  Four are from Batavia, with teams from as far away as Webster and Geneva, said Sharon Valyear-Gray, one of the tournament's organizers, along with her husband, Bob Gray, their daughter, Allyson Valyear, who is chair, and  Tim Sprague, Mite program team coordinator. 

"We wanted to give the little guys an experience that our older ones always get when they go to tournaments," Valyear-Gray said. "Several of the teams went to the Pittsburgh tournament on Veterans weekend. Most of them go to one or two (tournaments) in Rochester. We have three teams that are going to Lake Placid in March, which is really a neat experience for the kids. But the little ones just kind of get left behind."

Each team is guaranteed at least three games over the weekend.

The weekend will include a skate with Santa at noon on Sunday, followed by the championship game.

Photos by Howard Owens

Santa Claus arrived in Oakfield for a short visit on Friday night, carried into town by the Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department with mutual aid from Elba and Alabama.

The children who gathered for his arrival then gathered at Memorial Park for Christmas carols and a tour of the holiday-light-decorated park.

The Christmas spirit carries on in Oakfield today (Saturday).  For information on Saturday's activities, click here.

Photos by Howard Owens

Press release:

Governor Kathy Hochul and Seneca Nation of Indians President Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr. today met in Buffalo and signed an extension of the current gaming compact between New York State and the Seneca Nation of Indians, which expires December 9, 2023. The extension runs through March 31, 2024 and will automatically renew unless one of the parties decides not to renew it or a new gaming compact is agreed upon. The terms of the compact are unchanged from before, and both sides will be meeting again in the coming weeks to continue negotiations on a long-term compact. 

"Today, I returned to Buffalo to meet with President Armstrong and memorialize an extension of the current gaming compact to ensure the State and Seneca Nation can continue working towards a long-term resolution," Governor Hochul said. "With the signing of this agreement, there is important momentum for negotiations around the compact. I remain committed to working with President Armstrong and the Seneca Nation in finalizing an agreement that is fair to all parties, and I look forward to more conversations in the coming weeks and months as we continue to meet."

Seneca Nation of Indians President Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr. said, “Over the last several weeks, our discussions with New York State, including face-to-face meetings with Governor Hochul, have centered, in part, on the potential extension of our current Compact, especially as the December 9 expiration gets ever closer. As a result of those discussions between our governments, the Seneca Nation and New York State have agreed to a short-term extension of our current Compact. As important, we have agreed to continue negotiations on a new Compact. This short-term extension will provide additional time for our governments to complete Compact negotiations and to seek all necessary approvals in accordance with Seneca Nation, New York State, and federal law. Under the extension, our three gaming properties will continue to operate without interruption, alleviating any concerns about potential impacts on our thousands of casino employees, which was a priority for the Nation. In our discussions, Governor Hochul has expressed a desire to reset the relationship between our governments. No issue is of greater importance to the economies of Western New York and the Seneca Nation than a fair Compact. Tens of thousands of individuals, families and businesses across Western New York depend on an agreement that secures the significant jobs, business opportunities, and economic benefits the Seneca Nation delivers to the Western New York economy. The short-term extension of our Compact is an important step, but even more important work remains to be done. The Seneca Nation remains committed to negotiating honestly and directly with New York State on a Compact that provides a fair and equitable economic and competitive environment for our gaming operations and the many people who depend on them.” 

Press Release:

Due to the moderate drought conditions present throughout Genesee County, starting Monday Dec. 4, the Town of Pembroke will fill approved water containers for town residents by appointment between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Town Highway Garage, located at 1145 Main Road. 

If you’re a Town of Pembroke resident and in need of water, please call the Town Clerk at 585-599-4892, Ext. 102 or 103 and please leave your name and phone number to schedule an appointment.

Oakfield residents gathered in the Triangle Park in Oakfield on Thursday evening for the annual lighting of the remembrance Christmas trees.

This year, there are 94 decorated trees in the park.

For more on this weekend's events in Oakfield, click here.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Chiropractors Tom Mazurkiewicz and Nick Ryan are sponsoring their annual toy drive in support of City Church's efforts to spread Christmas cheer to local children. 

Donors who bring a new, unwrapped toy will receive a complimentary adjustment during their next scheduled visit. The offer is open to new patients. The office at 184 Washington Ave., Batavia, is accepting donations through Dec. 15. 

All donations benefit families in Genesee County who may not otherwise be able to receive a gift this holiday due to economic hardship. 

The toys will be distributed by City Church at St. Anthony's on Liberty Street on Dec. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.

As town officials and residents work through a water shortage brought on by drought, all of them have said it has been the worst they have ever seen since living in Bethany, many of them for decades. Fill dates are being scheduled week by week from a tanker that was provided by the state Office of Emergency Management.

Santa came early again for a visit Friday morning, in the form of a donation of four pallets of bottled water all ready to be distributed to residents, Supervisor Carl Hyde Jr. said. Operations Manager Eric Santos of Casella Waste Systems had heard about Bethany's plight and showed up with his crew and the much-welcomed donation of water at town hall, Hyde said.

"The town of Bethany will start distributing these cases to the residents on the list whose wells have gone dry on Tuesday morning during normal office hours during the week and on Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. during tote fill time and Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m.," Hyde said. 

Bethany residents in need who have not yet called the town hall for help are asked to call 585-343-1399, Ext. 202 to leave your name, phone number and address to be put on the list for the town supervisor.

At least 100 residents -- though some people have claimed it's far more than that through social media postings -- have been without water due to their wells being dry, and they have had to transport water from other areas up to the tanker being delivered this past week. 

Hyde said that more dates will be scheduled soon, as the plan is to continue to fill residents’ totes until the tanker is empty, get that refilled by the county, and then repeat for as long as the town has the tanker.

Genesee Region Girls Basketball opened the 2023-24 season on Thursday with a matchup between Elba and Lydonville.

The Lancers beat the Tigers 55-36.

Sydney Reilly scored 17 points. Lydia Ross added 15 and Mariah Ognibene 10.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Not only will the Elba community be hosting Rochester City Ballet for a seasonal treat of “The Nutcracker Suite” this weekend, but the students have already been able to nibble on portions of the professional troupe’s theatrics while preparing for its debut at Elba High School’s auditorium, Superintendent Gretchen Rosales says.

After GO Art! Executive Director Gregory Hallock found out that his other venue option was booked for the show earlier this year, he reached out to Elba because of its beautiful stage and venue at the school, Rosales said. When she was asked whether she’d consider hosting Rochester City Ballet, it was a most definite yes.

“The arts are a wonderful addition to any community, and I’m very proud of our school, and so, to be able to host them here was an easy decision. And it’s been so fun for our own kids to see how a big production like this takes place. So it’s been great, and it’s been super fun,” Rosales said. “They’ve been here all week (rehearsing) and been in and out the past month or so. Their technical director met with our technical director. (Dancers Shannon Rodriguez and Megan Kamler) did a presentation to our student body, they showed them snippets of the dance but also read the Nutcracker story to them. It was super, it was interactive and a lot of participation from the audience.”

For anyone unfamiliar with that story, it features Clara, a young girl who ventures from her bedroom into the wondrous realm of The Land of Sweets. In this magical wonderland, there are graceful waltzing flowers, twirling snowflakes, and a captivating transformation of enchanted toys.

The Nutcracker and Tchaikovsky’s hypnotic score go hand in hand for a timeless piece of choreography and a classic tale told through leaps and bounds in a mesmerizingly colorful, and graceful, yet athletic, performance.

There are no Elba Central students in the performance itself, but some of them will be supporting the tech people, and about a handful will be ushers during the shows, Rosales said.

“For me, it was important to be able to say yes, we would host them. We’re not charging for rehearsal space, we’re not charging them for the time in which they’ve been in the building, because this is a big opportunity for the community to be able to support in that way and just say yes, we have this ability," she said. "And they loved it. They said, you really have the most beautiful school, you have such a beautiful auditorium. And it's really breathtaking to see the backdrops that they've put up for their presentation and to see how our space was transformed for something of this professional capacity, so it's been great, a great experience.

“There’s been a lot of excitement for it. Students were able to see a part of the presentation ahead of time and said to their parents, get me tickets!" 

All students, from universal pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, were invited to participate in the presentation, and learn how props are brought in and managed, and how backdrops and sets are put up, she said. Other lessons have included make-up and costumes, which might just come in handy for Elba’s own upcoming spring show, “The Little Mermaid,” in March.

It has been a special opportunity for “those that have been bitten by the acting and performing bug,” to be watching in the wings, excited to see what a different kind of production looks like, she said. 

Elba students met students involved in ballet who are in the show, and they have talked to one another about the different elements involved in such a production and asked questions about how they got involved in dance, she said. 

“So it’s been a neat cultural experience,” she said. “It’s just been a great experience overall.”

This event was funded in part by the Oliver G. And Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts through the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, facilitated by GO Art!  Performances are at 6 p.m. Friday, 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the school auditorium, 57 S. Main St., Elba. 

Tickets are $10 to $20 and may be purchased HERE.

SayDah might have something to say, she is, after all, Siamese, and we know how Siamese kitties like to talk. She might not be the talk of the town, though, because she is a bit shy.

She wandered from her home on Walnut Street near South Main, and her human, Rick, is concerned that she hasn't returned in a few days.  He's offering a $100 reward for her return/recovery.

To reach Rick, call 585-813-6615.

In May, we launched a program that enables our readers to help support local journalism.

It's called Early Access Pass and enables members to read selected stories before non-members.  Currently, selected stories require a membership to read during the first four hours of publication.

In order to enhance the value of an Early Access Pass membership, starting Jan. 1, members will get the first crack at buying Deals of the Day coupons.

During the first four hours of a Deal of the Day post, only Early Access Pass members will be able to purchase Deal of the Day coupons.

To ensure you don't miss out on valuable discounts, sign up for Early Access Pass today by visiting 

https://my.thebatavian.com

Use the Discount Code DOD10OR15 for either 10 percent off on the first year of an annual membership or 15 percent off each month for six months of a monthly membership.

Le Roy Winterfest is set for noon to 5 p.m. Saturday with pop-up vendors, store specials, a visit from Santa Claus, plenty of children's activities, holiday decorations and oodles more, according to organizers' schedules.

Other activities include:

• Free zero gravity massage chair sessions and posture scanning at Genesee Country Chiropractic
• Tastings, raffle and specials at Mill Street Liquor, and a raffle, coupons and cookies and refreshments at Picture This Photography
• A thrift sale at First Baptist Church, and vendor blender and food for purchase at Le Roy First Presbyterian Church 
• An open house at Le Roy House and Jell-O Gallery, Town Hall trees, where Lynne Belluscio will be discussing the barn quilt trail
• Santa and a craft show at Le Roy Moose Family Center
• A scavenger hunt and free hot chocolate and cookies at Save-a-lot
• Free kids craft and face painting at The Art of Mandy
• Bounce house and kids activity at Le Roy Fire Hall
• Christmas story times at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. at The Hope Center of Le Roy
• Hot chocolate, doughnuts and pictures with your dog at VIP K9
• Buddy the Elf and Jovie and fill out a postcard to Santa at Farmers Creekside
• Face painting, balloon animals, crafts and kids games at Living Waters Church
• Sunshine Nursery School hosting selfies with Santa at BeyonDriven
• Kids crafts and take home cookie decorating kit at Woodward Memorial Library

For more details, go to Le Roy Winterfest. 

Click here for more information

Press Release:

The Genesee County 4-H Program is now accepting registrations for its 2024 4-H Youth Tractor Safety Program. The program is open to youth aged 14 and over and covers farm safety, tractor safety, tractor operation, and other related topics.

This program is a part of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program, which is a certification program that allows youth ages 14 and 15 to be certified to legally operate farm equipment for hire. After completing the training course, youth will need to pass a written knowledge test and driving test to receive the certification.

The program is scheduled to run Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., January through April at farm machinery dealerships throughout Genesee County. The fee for the program is $25 and youth must also be currently enrolled 4-H members. Registrations are due Jan. 27. To register for the program or receive more information, please contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040 ext. 101.  Registration forms are also available online at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/4htractorsafety.

Press Release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are alerting residents to rising cases of syphilis and congenital syphilis. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is most often spread through sexual contact. Congenital syphilis is a preventable disease that occurs when a mother with syphilis passes the infection on to the baby during pregnancy.

In 2020, there were 12.1 confirmed cases of syphilis per 100,000 population, and to date in 2023, there have been 33.3 cases per 100,000 population, which include confirmed cases and probable cases pending investigation. With a rise in cases, particularly among women, GO Health has also seen a rise in congenital syphilis cases.

Syphilis and congenital syphilis can lead to serious health complications, but they are preventable with screening, early detection, and treatment. “Syphilis is caused by a bacteria that enters the body during oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It can also enter through broken skin that is exposed to the syphilis bacteria”, stated Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for GO Health. “Newborns can get congenital syphilis before birth or during vaginal delivery if the mother has syphilis.”

Signs and symptoms of syphilis may or may not be noticeable. They may include a painless sore on the genitals, anus, or mouth; a rash on the body; tiredness; fever; sore throat; headaches; swollen glands; loss of appetite; weight loss; patchy hair loss; muscle aches, and fatigue. Oftentimes the signs of syphilis go away and the person does not have it checked out. 

If not treated for syphilis, an infected person even without symptoms can still infect others, including an unborn baby. Having syphilis once does not protect you from getting it again, even after successful treatment. A person can get it many times, so that is why people and their partner(s) must get tested and successfully treated. If your sex partner(s) does not get tested or treated, you may get syphilis again. The longer the person waits to be treated, the more damage the disease causes to the body.

Syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, neonatal death, blindness or deafness, bone abnormalities, skin lesions, developmental delays, and other serious health problems to a developing baby. The best way to protect babies from congenital syphilis is to get screened throughout the pregnancy and just prior to delivery.

Here are some ways to prevent the spread of syphilis: 

• Not having sex (abstinence) is the only sure way to avoid infection. 
• Limit sex partners, especially if pregnant. 
• Use latex or polyurethane condoms each time during oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
• If you or your partner have any sores on the genitalia, anus, or mouth, or unexplained rashes on the body, talk with your healthcare provider and get tested. Do not have sex until both partners are fully treated.
• Get tested often for sexually transmitted infections/diseases. 
• If you are pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about being tested to protect your baby.
• If you know someone who is pregnant, encourage them to get tested. 

For more information on Syphilis and other Sexually Transmitted Infections, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. 

For more information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at: 

• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
• Orleans County: 585-589-3278

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at GOHealthNY.

Batavia Police responded to a shots fired incident in the area of Oak and North Lyon Streets on Wednesday at approximately 5:25 p.m. in the city of Batavia. It was reported the shots came from a black SUV that was last seen heading north on Oak Street.

The incident appears to have been targeted, police said in a press release. There have been no reported injuries. No further details will be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation. 

Anyone with information about the case may contact Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk at 585-345-6357, or the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350, the confidential tip line at 585-345-6370 or online.

If you're a musical act playing a show in Genesee County, or a Genesee County music venue, send your press releases about your shows to news@thebatavian.com or use the "+ Add your event" button above.

Press release:

Join us in the holiday spirit at the annual Christmas in the City celebration on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 2 to 6 p.m. with the Downtown Holiday Parade starting at 6 p.m.

Christmas in the City activities include pictures with Santa, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, chili, hot cocoa, face painting, sleigh rides, family portraits and more! Several downtown businesses will be offering activities, crafts, and in-store specials. For a full listing of activities, go to www.bataviabid.com.

The parade begins promptly at 6 p.m. at Wendy's and makes its way down Main Street east toward Liberty/Summit Streets. 

Join us in our scavenger bunt bingo throughout Downtown, exploring and and supporting our small businesses. Bingo begins at Iburi Photography at 35 Jackson St. and ends at GO ART!, 201 East Main St. There are 22 business bingo stops. 

For more information on Christmas in the City, see The Batavian's previous story: Snow is here, December is coming, it must be time for Christmas in the City