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Walking down the Batavia High School hallway as the Drama Club prepares for dress rehearsal, it's notable how there’s a surprising number of males in a show about women.

That’s because there are also very important male roles, director Caryn Wood says.

“Teddy is a very excellent example of a very important male role. John Brooke, obviously, how he affects (the story), and you see how they all interact and what the effects of those relationships are. And so, yeah, there's a bunch of men in the show too," Wood said during rehearsal Monday at BHS. "And so, I just think it's a wonderful story, and I think that these kids are rising to a challenge. It's hard because it's such a classic, and they have their own expectations. Because the characters are. But then there's the movie that came out in the 90s from one Winona Ryder, which was part of my childhood, and there's so many different versions, and they can all kind of meld and become one, almost. 

“And so we're just trying to do a classic is not a crazy way, very intimate because it's a black box,” she said. “You're very close to the actors, and a story that is so much about the relationships. I think it's awesome to do it in such a close, intimate proximity, like a black box theater.”

“Little Women,” about the lives of four sisters — Jo, Amy, Beth and Meg March and their mother, Marmee — after dad goes off to the Civil War front, debuts at 7 p.m. Friday and continues at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at BHS, 260 State St., Batavia. 

For anyone unfamiliar with black box theater, it’s about as up close and personal as you can get in theater — on stage with the actors, action and sets. Jeremiah Childs, 17, who has the role of Teddy, aka Laurie, enjoys sharing the spotlight with an audience, he said. 

“It’s interesting, being that close to the audience,” he said. “You can hear everything and see everything. So if they laugh, you can see the laughter. If they do a face, you can see the face. I like it.”

His character is similar to his own personality, but there was a challenge he’s had to deal with, he said.

“Laurie is a lot like me: he’s funny, he's very out there, he likes doing what he does. He has some traditional values,” the 12th-grader said. “But with Jo, Jo tries to break him out of that, and he just can't. And they don't end up together, which is kind of sad. But if you watch the movie later on, they do end up together, but he's very fun, he's very charismatic. He's very loving, and he desperately wants to get into this March family.”

Jo March serves as the head of the family and works as a surrogate father in his absence. Kelsey Kirkwood wanted the role when she auditioned and was elated when she won the part, she said.

“I’ve just been in theater for a very, very long time, and I could tell that I’d been working my way up. And so when I got picked for her, I was really excited,” she said. “I’ve been in shows since, I think I was like eight, so probably third grade, and then I’ve been doing the shows here at the high school since ninth grade. I definitely want to keep going with it in college, but more so just for fun.”

So tell us about Jo., and are there more similarities or differences between you?

“Jo is very, very, I can’t think of that word for her. She's very not spiteful, but she knows her way. She's very set in her beliefs, and she just goes against the social norms, which I think is pretty cool, because that was a little difficult to do in her time,” 17-year-old Kirkwood said.  “I relate to her a lot because she kind of, I wouldn't say I'm defiant, but she's kind of defiant, and she knows her own way, and she definitely is passionate about what she believes in, and she fights for it, which I think is pretty cool.

“When father goes away, Jo kind of takes over for him and ends up being like the quote, unquote, man of the house,” she said. “And so she just kind of, she tries to keep everything in order, and she's not always great at it, but she tries.”

There are 22 students in the cast and five student crew members for a traditional and familiar adaptation of the story, Wood said. So if you have ever read the book or seen any of the movies, this will seem fairly customary, with one catch.

“One thing we're doing a little differently is that ... because it's supposed to be during the Civil War, but so many of the themes are so applicable of Little Women, obviously, there's some feminism, and women leaving home to find work, and the transition to working outside the home, Jo has a desire to make a living for herself, to support herself in the future, and she isn't sold on the idea of marriage, necessarily, and so many of those themes and ideas are still so relevant even today, more than 100 years later. So we're taking it out of any one time period, and we're kind of making it of any time period," she said. "You'll see costumes like modern clothing. So there's some modern clothing in there, and then many of the women are in clothing from various time periods. We've got some 60s, 50s, there's a 50s housewife kind of look on one person. There's almost a regency kind of look on another girl. There's almost a Victorian look on another, so we're just mixing up all the time periods because it is so timeless, it’s such a classic story that could almost fit in any time. 

"So instead of making it any one specific time, our costumes should reflect the character and the person more than necessarily the time period itself," she said. "And so that's something unique that we're doing.” 

The common thread is a familial bond in a "coming of age" classic, clothing style notwithstanding, as these little women deal with the ups and downs of life.

Sophomore Willow Rozell plays Meg, and despite her nervous demeanor backstage, the 15-year-old can more easily slip into character once the quiet on set cue is given. She described a varied experience for patrons. 

“Oh, I think it's going to be fun, but it's also going to be sad. We definitely have a mixture. It’s supposed to be serious but fun, too,” she said, adding what she thinks is the show’s message. “I think family, specifically sisterhood, is really important, and to unite with that is a really important thing in the show.” 

Tickets are $9 in advance and available at www.cur8.com (search BHS) or $10 at the door.

To view or purchase photos, click here. 

A gathering Wednesday evening was to remember those Americans who have died due to anti-transgender violence, but just as significantly, to celebrate the loved ones still coping and living as a transgender or nonbinary person subjected to potential bullying and violence, including Clyde Macioszek.

Macioszek has plenty of friends who are trans, and “I am trans myself,” admitting that it has been difficult at times because of how people have responded to the Batavia resident.

“I think it’s important to remember the ones we’ve lost and sort of make a community to bring them together, of other trans people or allies, to sort of make sure we don’t lose more, and to sort of know the importance of these people and the lives that they lived,” Macioszek said during the fourth annual local vigil of International Transgender Day of Remembrance. “It’s affected me very negatively, and I sort of try to hide it from a lot of people due to the negative view on trans people. I think it helps spread a little bit of awareness, and I think it really just helps build community.”

Organizers from GLOW-OUT! and Brockport Pride Association believed this was the largest gathering so far of an estimated 50 or so people. Macioszek and Nate Clarke carried flags with the transgender colors of blue, pink and white and candles were distributed for the ceremony.

Lauren Berger, the new secretary for GLOW-OUT! and a member of the Brockport group, reminded everyone that the reason they’re gathered is to support their trans friends and loved ones and remember those lost to transgender violence.

The day began as a memorial service for Rita Hester in November 1997, and a group of trans women in San Francisco began to commemorate those lost to anti-trans violence two years later, with the tradition continuing on and growing internationally ever since.

These same types of ceremonies were happening all over the country and in Puerto Rico, she said. A list of names of those killed, or whose bodies were found, from fall 2023 to November of this year was read aloud. 

“They had families, friends, and communities who loved them. They struggled with issues that affect millions of Americans — substance abuse, mental illness, homelessness, incarceration, domestic violence and bullying,” she said. “But unlike cisgender Americans, they also faced transphobia. We owe it to their memory and to our future to recognize the importance of supporting our transgender siblings, community members and friends. We must celebrate those still with us, and remember those lost.”

One by one, followed by reading each name, was the age, and most were startlingly young — from age 14 and several in their 20s up to a handful in their 50s. There were 69 people, and they were the ones reported and living in the United States, organizers’ data stated. There are more than 300 victims from around the world, according to tdor.translivesmatter.info. There was no one from Genesee County; however, the very first name was Allen O’Donnell, 20, of Brockport, who died on Oct. 1, 2023.

As the names were read, a glowing colored candle was placed on the courthouse steps. It was a demonstration of how quickly and tragically life had been taken as steps filled up with color. A message was shared through U.S. Senator Corey Booker’s quote: “hope is the active conviction that despair will never have the last word.”

“GLOW-OUT! really started doing the Trans Day of Remembrance vigil, because it's something that lots of groups are doing all over the world because of the remembrance event. But over the years, in our experience doing it, we've really tried to strike a balance of that phrase you might have heard or seen as not just mourn the dead, but fight for the living. That whole balance of coming together in remembrance, and there's a real solemnity to that,” Berger said. “And we're mourning, this is really sad. A lot of names on this list, they're very young, you know? It's just really tragic. And so there really can be … the sense of despair, or that it's really kind of just adding to feeling kind of deflated, or like, okay, this was really depressing, I just went to a funeral, now what? And so over the years, we've really aimed to strike more of a balance to give folks something that is the reason for hope, the reason for looking forward to tomorrow, the reason to be proud of the resilience and the survival of the people that are in our lives still and from there, it was really easy to shift in this mindset, content-wise, that we are here in remembrance and in mourning, but we also have the opportunity to love and support people while they're alive.”

GLOW-OUT! broadly defines “transgender” as anyone whose gender identity or expression is outside of societal norms. At the same time “nonbinary” means a person who does not identify with either male or female – or may experience fluidity in that regard. Some transgender or nonbinary people might take medications or have surgeries to affirm their gender; others might not. 

In the US, transgender and nonbinary people are bullied, homeless, incarcerated, and targets of violence at much higher rates than their cisgender (non-trans) peers, the nonprofit said. These experiences contribute to the additional truth that transgender and nonbinary people are more likely to consider, attempt, and complete suicide than cisgender people.

That’s another big reason for the vigil: to promote awareness and transgender advocacy of available resources, including GLOW mental health programs, crisis hotlines and a trans lifeline, and several other related support groups.

“All of these norms that are so violent and negative are what people have been told is what they should be feeling. And so when we are coming together in the spirit of who you are is valuable. Who you are matters. You are worthy of love and acceptance and joy exactly as you are. That's running counter to this narrative that some people might hear, directly or indirectly. And it also is this idea that we, again, are remembering the dead. However, we also are here for people who are still alive and people who aren't, who are not here yet, that we are going to fight for as a community with as much love as anybody else deserves,” Berger said. “So, to see more people than any other year just tells me that even though we're still dealing with this violence, we're still dealing with transphobia and sadness, we also are seeing more resilience and response and people saying that they're not going to tolerate that in their house, in their community, in their schools, in their towns. And that's stronger than ever, which is really encouraging.”

For more information, go to glowout.org.

Photos by Joanne Beck.

Design plans for the city school district’s $45 million capital project have been submitted and work is expected to begin in spring of 2025, says Brian Trott of CPL Architects.

Trott and his colleagues from Campus Construction Management gave an update on the project that was approved by voters in December 2023 during this week’s Board of Education meeting. The project is broken out into three phases. The first one was designed through spring 2024, with an estimated SED review to be done and bid awards completed this winter.

“The construction documents are completed. They've gone into the State Education Department, and we're waiting for approval on that phase. The state Education Department takes approximately eight months, unfortunately; six months for the review of the technical review of the architects and engineers, unfortunately, and about two months for the fiscal associate or project managers,” Trott said, answering board member Alice Benedict’s question of how long the review process takes. 

“Phase Two design development documents were completed," He said. "So we put most of the scope on documents … and in that process, we went through three rounds of user groups, updated the Facilities Committee, and we studied how able the project would be with our New York State agent. Phase Three, the majority of that project development will start next month, we’ll get to kick off with the district. So that's the big picture.”

Actual work is estimated to begin by spring of 2025 for Phase One, the fall of 2025 for Phase Two items and spring 2026 for Phase Three, with “substantial completion” to be done by spring 2026 and fall 2027, respectively, Campus Construction associate Allison Thompson said. 

Costs for each phase are estimated to be about $10 million for the first phase, $20 million for the second and $15 million for Phase Three, for a project budget of $45,060,486, still falling within the targeted and approved range, Trott said. 

Three of the district's schools are undergoing reconfigurations. Robert Morris will become an early childhood center and absorb UPK and kindergarten from Jackson Primary at the Union Street school. Jackson currently houses pre-kindergarten through first grade and will take on second grade as part of this new reconfiguration.  

John Kennedy will lose second grade and take back fifth grade from Batavia Middle School. So JK will house grades three through five and BMS will again be for grades six through eight. There are no planned grade changes at the high school.

Phase One work at Robert Morris is to include replacing the playground and fencing, and roof replacement at selected portions; a full building roof replacement at John Kennedy Intermediate, except for the new addition; and roof restoration at selected areas at the high school.

Phase Two at Robert Morris includes:

• Kindergarten/UPK toilet rooms
• Kindergarten new casework, sink and cubbies
• Meeting/evaluation room
• OT/PT room, resource rooms
• Gym renovations
• Masonry repairs on exterior brick
• Canopy bird repellency
• Fire alarm replacements
• Public address/clock replacement
• Blue light notification system replacement
• Retaining wall south end gym egress
•  Partial corridor flooring replacement
• IT infrastructure replacements

Phase Two at John Kennedy:

• Fire Alarm system replacement
• Public address/clock replacement
• Blue light notification system replacement
• IT infrastructure replacements

Phase Two at Jackson:

• Building mounted lighting (back/East busload and vestibule)
• Foundation wall repair (cafe exit door 12)
• Fire alarm system replacement
• Public address/clock replacement
• Blue light notification system replacement
• IT infrastructure replacements
• Replace fading retaining wall
• Pavement replacement around failing retaining wall

Phase Two at Batavia Middle School:

• Full building corridor floor replacement 
• Dumbwaiter abatement and convert to MEP chase 
• Gender neutral restroom and staff restrooms 
• Auditorium second floor glass safety railing and stage lighting. 
• Fire alarm replacement 
• Blue light notification system replacement 
• IT infrastructure improvements 
• Foundation repairs, and rebuild front entry stair 

Phase Two at BHS:

• Public address system replacement
• Blue light notification system replacement
• IT infrastructure replacements

Phase Two at Richmond Memorial Library:

• Storefront door and hardware replacement
• Miscellaneous minor improvements

Phase Three includes:

John Kennedy

• Gym Divider Removal – Replace with Curtain
• JV Softball Field minor upgrades
• Loading Dock Trench Drain Replacement
• Replace Collapsed Drain Tile Near Loading Dock

BMS

• Parking lot improvements and gym divider removal/replace with curtain

BHS

• Synthetic turf JV baseball and varsity softball fields 
• Auditorium renovation (does not include shell, pit, and catwalks) 
• Gender neutral restrooms (single use) 
• Moisture/structural repairs near gym 
• Gym a – backstop motors/hoist and painting 
• Boiler system replacement 

District residents approved the capital project by a vote of 315 to 97 during a special vote on Dec. 14, 2023.

Press Release:

Western Regional Off Track Betting (WROTB) President and CEO Byron Brown presented representatives from the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) with a check for $25,215.30 to help those who been affected by breast or gynecologic cancer.

On September 27, a dinner and night at the races fundraiser with raffles to benefit the BCCR was held inside the Batavia Downs Clubhouse. Businesses and donors located in Western NY sponsored several races that night. Some monies came from the local harness racing community as some owners, trainers and drivers donated all or a portion of their earnings from the night to the BCCR. Through the dinner, donations, raffles and auctions for items, the event raised $25,213.30.

“I'm honored, along with the Batavia Downs Board of Directors,  to present a check of over $25,000 to the Breast Cancer Coalition,” Brown said. “Breast Cancer Awareness Month just concluded in October but our focus should be year around with more than 360,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone. Early detection is critically important because - so the quicker you act the bigger the impact.”

"The Breast Cancer Coalition Community is profoundly grateful for the incredible support Batavia Downs provides year after year,” said Christina Thompson, President and Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Coalition. “While we appreciate every contribution to our organization, the unwavering dedication from Batavia Downs and its staff holds special meaning. Their support extends beyond October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month—they stay engaged with us throughout the year, referring friends and family to our programs. They also recognize how challenging it is for a community-based organization to secure the vital funding needed to deliver our exceptional programs and services to survivors across Central and Western New York. Thanks to Batavia Downs’ enduring partnership, we can continue serving our community with the care and resources they rely on.”

Press Release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation will welcome all guests to an evening of fine dining and holiday music at its annual Encore holiday gala on Saturday, December 14 at 5 p.m. This year's event theme, "Twelve Days of Christmas," celebrates the traditions of the holiday season and features a special holiday concert program choreographed by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra.

For over 30 years, Encore has provided crucial funding for student scholarships at Genesee Community College. The Foundation is pleased to announce the continued support of our Presenting Sponsor, Tompkins Financial Corporation, for Encore 2024. "Tompkins banking, insurance and wealth teams are proud to continue our partnership with GCC, in support of our friends, neighbors and all those we serve here in western New York," said David Boyce, President & CEO, Tompkins Insurance Agencies.

There are several opportunities remaining to sponsor the Encore event. These sponsorships are critically important to the scholarships GCC provides its students and are available at several levels this year:

• Conductor's Circle: $1,000
• Golden Baton Society: $600
• Inner Circle: $300
• Individual Platinum Patron Ticket: $100

Help make a difference and make your reservations today at www.gccfoundationinc.org/encore or contact the Foundation Office at 585-345-6809. Tickets are limited so reserve yours today!

For more information contact Justin Johnston, Vice President, Development, Admissions and External Affairs at 585-345-6809, or via email: foundation@genesee.edu.

Penny Sallome has a message for Bob Darch from the Grandview Cemetery board of directors: You're appreciated. 

Darch is past treasurer and the current VP, but also a tireless volunteer, Sallome said.

"He is a genuine giving guy," Sallome said.  "He spends countless hours picking up garbage, fixing plants that fall over, trimming, picking up sticks -- you name it, he does it.   His presence is seen almost daily by anyone who is in the cemetery."

Sallome said the board appreciates all that Darch does for the cemetery and how much he cares about the community's families who have loved ones interred there.

"He truly puts his whole heart and soul into taking care of them," Sallome said. "We could not do this without him."

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Press Release:

GO ART! is pleased to welcome the public to view the fine art collection of Ryan Gaebler at an exhibition reception on Thursday, November 21.

Ryan grew up in Pavilion and was influenced by his parent's love for antiquing. They would often explore auctions, yard sales, and thrift stores together in search of hidden treasures. 

One particular childhood memory that stands out for Ryan is when he was eight years old. He spent a night in a camper and woke up the next morning to set up his stand at a flea market, showcasing and selling baseball and football cards - a hobby he would continue for many years. 

In 2006, Ryan relocated to Batavia, and in 2011, another nostalgic memory of visiting flea markets with his parents in his youth was triggered by a visit to a small flea market at the Fairgrounds in Batavia, where he met Dave Thompson; an encounter that would significantly help to guide his path into the world of collecting, and played a pivotal role in his career as a fine arts collector.

Dave Thompson sold different kinds of art, antiques, and glassware. 

Ryan said “I bought a couple of nice paintings from him for $15-$20 apiece. I saw the beauty in them! I started going back week after week talking to Dave. He told me about some of the local artists to look for and I started going to Bontrager’s Auction and other types of sales looking for these artists. One of the first pieces I found was a RW Ware drawing at Bontrager’s.”

We could assume that Ryan's journey into the world of art collecting reached a significant milestone in 2013 when he participated in his first antique show and sold three RW Ware paintings to Jim Owen.

We invite you to see the impressive collection featuring artists such as Roy Mason, and RW Ware, meet Ryan during the reception, and hear more about the journey that got him to the place of a successful fine art collector this Thursday, November 21, starting at 5 p.m.(Ryan’s talk at 6 p.m). 

You will learn more about some of the individuals and opportunities that have influenced his development in this field and how dealing with art, antiques, and collectibles has brought him joy and changed his life.

This event is free, but the experience will be invaluable! We look forward to welcoming you to this event!

Press Release:

Western Region Off Track Betting (WROTB) and Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown was joined by staff from Make-A-Wish Western New York, as Batavia Downs Presented them with a check for  $9,310.  These proceeds were from this past summer’s Chair Rentals, Glow in the Dark Jewelry and Can Coolers sales at Batavia’s Rockin’ the Downs Outdoor Summer Concert Series.

“On behalf of the Batavia Downs Board of Directors, I want to recognize and thank the volunteers of Make of Wish Western New York for making this happen,” Brown said.  “Through their efforts over $9,300 was raised to help children with critical illnesses. Hopefully with the money raised another wish can come true.”

Throughout the 9 concerts of Batavia Downs’ Rockin’ The Downs Summer Concert Series, volunteers at the Make-A-Wish chair-rental booth rented out chairs and sold glow jewelry and Make  A Wish branded can coolers.  The chairs were adorned with the Make-A-Wish logo and the message:  The person sitting in this chair is helping to transform lives.

“Make-A-Wish is incredibly appreciative of our partnership with Batavia Downs for the “Rockin’ the Downs” Summer Concert Series to raise both awareness and crucial funds to help support children and families fighting critical illnesses, not only in the Batavia community but throughout this 17-county region,” said Ben Marchione, Regional Director, Make-A-Wish® Western New York.  “Thank you to all the concert goers who supported this year’s efforts and to Batavia Downs for making it possible. It is only through vitally important partnerships such as this that we are able to continue to serve our essential mission. We are very thankful for the opportunity.”

The 2025 Concert Series lineup is expected to announced before year’s end.

An issue of homelessness couldn’t have been made more obvious for the folks at Batavia First Presbyterian Church and Crossroads House after they discovered people sleeping in a donations shed in the parking lot.

“We had to put a lock on the shed and put cameras up,” the Rev. Roula Alkhouri said Monday evening during an initial meeting about opening a warming center in Genesee County. “Four people had been sleeping there and under trailers behind Crossroads House.”

It became a stark visual example of what being homeless can look like, though there are many other ways, according to a presentation by Chief Executive Officer Karen Kinter of Oak Orchard Health, including:

• Living in hotels.
• Temporary housing after a tragedy.
• Living with relatives and/or friends.
• Couch surfing.
• Living on the streets.

Kinter has been involved in other warming centers, including one in Albion, and has offered her experience to help get one going here. 

What is a warming center?
This center is to be set up as an evening and overnight safe space for people in need of shelter from the cold on days when the temperature falls below 32-degrees. Organizers also want to provide an opportunity for this space to be a place of connection with helpful resources.

The meeting was to gauge interest, and about 50 people from several organizations and nonprofits attended, including Community Action of Orleans Genesee, Genesee County Mental Health, Department of Social Services and Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police, Genesee ACE, St. James Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, Community Services Board, and Crossroads House.

Kinter’s presentation covered factors that contribute to becoming homeless, such as not having the housing necessary for people in need of a lower-income home and the risk of incarceration or losing custody of children.

It takes education, partnerships with other organizations, community buy-in and resources, plus funding to help solve the problem, she said. 

“I started with my team and a lot of other community partners to get that open. As a primary care office, we track homelessness, so we see homeless people in our office,” she said. “But we've had several community partners reach out. Once they heard about Orleans County, they're like, how can we get one? Because we actually get some from Genesee County, some individuals that try to come to the warming center in Orleans County.  We’re like, wait, let's find out, what can we do here if there is a need, what’s working and what might be able to be enhanced?

“Tonight was really about understanding what the community is looking for, what the interest is if we're on the same page, or what questions, how can we educate the community about the need? And your role going forward would be to partner with the community organizations to potentially open a warming center,” she said. “We don't have funding at this time for Genesee County, so we would have to work with other partners and organizations to get the funding to open up a warming center. The funding pays for staff. So we would not pay all of the staff. What we would do is hire them, onboard them, train them, and ensure that they're equipped with tools and resources to do the work that's needed during the hours of operation.”

How do you spread the word to a small population of  people that may not have Internet to read online postings about a warming center?
“A lot of it is through many of the community partners right in the room. So, just like somebody said, somebody was living in a (clothing shed), so when that church found that person, they have somebody to call. They know a resource in the community,” she said. “And so, really, most of the community partners are our biggest kind of social media for the resource.”

The need is out there, even though you might never see a person sleeping on the street. On average, the Department of Social Services has “maybe 10 to 12 individuals a night, and during off-Code Blue hours, it could be five, it could be less,” Social Services Commissioner Carla Mindler said.

What is Code Blue?
“Code blue is when it's 32 degrees or below. That's including wind chill. So, the feels-like temperature, we use the Ready Genesee app through emergency management. So if that says it feels like 32 or below, it’s Code Blue. We do have individuals who are homeless during that time. So we still, if someone were placing someone homeless, we still do the due diligence to ensure that they are homeless and that they don't have other resources to use for their housing. If they have somewhere else to stay, then they still need to stay there. If they have money of their own, they have to use that for their housing,” Mindler said. “The difference during Code Blue is that if they are sanctioned, meaning they are normally eligible for temporary housing assistance, however, they are sanctioned due to noncompliance, they are eligible for housing during Code Blue, and that's the main difference.”

Those 10 to 12 individuals are who DSS encounters during the Code Blue times, she said. That doesn’t mean there aren’t more than that, but “those are the individuals that DSS are housing and paying for on a potentially typical Code Blue night,” she said. 

What role can DSS play in a future warming center?
“Certainly, we can provide information; I’m happy to share what DSS is doing and what the county plan is for Code Blue. We don’t get an allocation for Code Blue that’s large enough for me to share, unfortunately, because I will use all of those funds in-house simply placing individuals at hotels because not everyone will be able to go to the warming center, and we can’t force individuals to go to the warming center either,” she said. “So we will inevitably still use all of that money on the hotels and motels. I’m also just willing to talk about what the need is in the county, I obviously want to be involved in the conversation so we know what’s being planned and we know what’s available, and can help maybe identify other resources as well so that we’re aware of simply because of the work we do.”

There may be individuals that would prefer going to a warming center versus signing up for a DSS paid hotel, which also includes compliance with regulations and requirements, she said. 

“And that’s fine. I’d love to have that as a resource to refer people to,” she said.

Reasons for homelessness do vary and include mental health issues and substance use, among a variety of other reasons, Mental Health Deputy Director Peter Mittiga said. 

“I don’t have definitive numbers, but it’s just exciting to have another resource out there to provide to folks, to have a potential warming center,” he said. “We link folks up at DSS if they’re homeless, but if they have another source that they can go to, it’s great.”

Meeting attendees were asked to provide contact information, and another meeting will be set up to better define details to move forward with a center, Alkhouri said. 

“I want you to go home and think about it. Are you willing to work with a couple of people and be a champion of this?” she said to the group. “I feel like there’s energy around this … and we could enhance what’s in existence.” 

A few women — Deacon Diana Leiker, Terry Maguire and Jo-Ann Bestine — representing St. James Episcopal Church were wholeheartedly on board with assisting the cause, even if they didn’t know quite yet how. 

“We would like to be a part of it; what that looks like, it’s too early to tell. We're very interested in it and want to be an integral part of it,” Bestine said. “We have to go back and talk to our congregation and see to what extent, whether it's space, money, in what way we would, but we definitely want to be a part of it.”

They know there’s a need for a warming center, she said, from watching their blessing box with free food in front of the East Main Street church quickly empty out continuously, and people in need use the church thrift store.

“So that we recognize there's definitely a need in this community,” she said. “Where we fit in, we'll have to talk about it and pray on it, but we want to be part of it.”  

Eric J. Merritt, 35, of Buffalo, is charged with felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation 1st, driving without an ignition interlock, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Merrit was charged following a motor vehicle accident reported on Oct. 29 on West Main Street, Batavia. He allegedly left the scene of the accident. Merritt reportedly has two prior DWI convictions in the past 10 years. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Danny D. Williams, 36, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Williams is accused of violating an order of protection on Nov. 5 by being with the protected person. He was arraigned and jailed.

Kyle N. Kendall, 20, of Batavia, and Aiyana J. Luke, 25, of Batavia, are both charged with criminal mischief, 2nd, reckless endangerment of property, and City Code violation for unnecessary noise. Kendall and Luke are accused of causing damage to city-owned parking lot on Liberty Street on Oct. 19. They were arrested on Nov. 2 They were arraigned and released.

Alicia M. Lyons, 45, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st, menacing 2nd, nd harassment 2nd. Lyons is accused of fighting with another person on Oct. 27 in violation of an order protection. She was arraigned and released.

Alexander C. Colon-Colon, 30, of Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing. Colon-Colon is accused of fighting with another person on Oct. 31, placing his hands around that person's next, and as a result, the person was unable to breathe. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Jerry N. Stephens, 42, of Rochester, was arrested Oct. 30 on a warrant. He was issued a misdemeanor traffic ticket on May 13. The warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Perrion T. Swan, 34, of Rochester, was arrested on Oct. 31 on a warrant. The warrant was issued for Swan when he allegedly failed to appear in court after being issued a misdemeanor traffic ticket on Aug 20. He was arraigned and released.

Brandon M. Weig, 37, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Weig is accused of possessing crack cocaine on July 26. Weig was arrested on Nov. 5 and issued an appearance ticket.

50 S Main Street,  Oakfield, New York 14125 Here’s your opportunity to move right in to a super solid and clean village home in great location! This 3 bedroom home has great layout and space-definitely appears much larger than sq footage indicates! First floor features welcoming back mudroom with laundry and leads into a bright and cherry kitchen with new laminate flooring tons of cupboards ,oversized island perfect for doing all your cooking prep or entertaining or work from home station! Formal dining room was fully gutted rewired and insulated and leads to oversized living-room. Main floor also has first floor bedroom and full bath. Upstairs has two good sized bedrooms and living space perfect for sitting area/toy room/office space. The home sits on a fantastic deep Village lot , fully landscaped with awesome large two tiered low maintenance deck. The rear yard is also fully fenced perfect for pets, kids or gardens! There is also a 20x28 garage and a 10x12 shed both with electric for all your outside storage needs or hobbies The yard adds so much opportunity for those who love hanging out and has one of the most unique gold fish ponds you will come across! The home is within walking distance of school, shopping and restaurants as well as being minutes from thruway entrance . This home has been well maintained and is ready to go now! Delayed negotiations until November 24 at 5:00

Press Release:

The Western New York National Cemetery will host its annual Wreaths Across America Day on December 14, beginning at 12 p.m. The event, which honors veterans by placing wreaths on their graves, is open to the public and aims to decorate over 2,000 headstones at the cemetery.

The ceremony will start at the Garrison Flag Pole at approximately noon, with the presentation of colors and wreaths laid by representatives of each military branch. The WNY National Cemetery Memorial Council will offer brief remarks, and the event will conclude with the playing of Taps.

Family and Community Wreath Laying

After the ceremony, family members of veterans laid to rest at the cemetery will have the opportunity from 12:20 to 12:25 p.m. to place wreaths on the graves of their loved ones. From 12:25 to 1:00 p.m., the community is invited to participate in the wreath-laying by placing one wreath at a time on the remaining 2,400 veteran headstones.

New Parking and Shuttle Service

This year, attendees will park at Pembroke High School, located at 8750 Alleghany Road, Corfu. Due to parking restrictions within the cemetery, buses will transport participants to and from the cemetery, which is about 2.3 miles away. Shuttle service will begin at 10:30 a.m. and continue until all attendees have returned to their vehicles. Two smaller buses will also provide transport within the cemetery for those who need assistance.

Handicap parking will be available inside the cemetery. However, parking will be prohibited along Indian Falls Road, Gabbey Road, and Route 77 on the day of the event.

Wreath Sales to Benefit Memorial Council

Wreaths can be purchased for $17 each, with $5 from each sale benefiting the WNY National Cemetery Memorial Council, which is responsible for maintaining the cemetery's Avenue of Flags and supporting the Honor Guard. Wreaths can be ordered online at wreathsacrossamerica.org/ny0368p or by mailing a check made payable to the Pembroke Veterans Outreach Club, PO Box 308, Corfu.

Event Details

The WNY National Cemetery Memorial Council, a nonprofit organization, coordinates the event and encourages community participation. Volunteers will assist in directing attendees to the appropriate sections and help place wreaths on the graves. For more information or to purchase a wreath, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/ny0368p.

Press Release:

St. James Episcopal Church is known for the wonderful desserts served for many years at Lenten Fish Fries. Those same bakers have been busy in the church kitchen making apple and pumpkin pies for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Pre-order 9” homemade pies for $14 or
take your chances and stop in on Friday or Saturday during the basket raffle.

A variety of gift baskets have been assembled, including homemade quilts, Bridgerton Spa basket, lottery tree, books, and more. Tickets will be on sale throughout the event and you need not be present to win.

Dorian Ely, one of the organizers, said, “We are no longer doing fish fries, but the bakers are still going strong having made even more pies this year. Events like these help us with our outreach efforts including the street-front Blessing Box which provides non-perishable food and personal care products to the community; school supplies, winter hats and gloves for area children; dresses for girls in Uganda; humanitarian aid to Ukraine; and other efforts. We hope to see many of our neighbors coming in to purchase raffle tickets and a pie or two.”

The sixth annual Pie Sale and Basket Raffle will be held at St. James Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia on Friday, November 22, from 4 - 6 p.m. and Saturday, November 23, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Admission is free. For information or to pre-order, call the church at 585-343-6802.

Michael J. Elmore ended an eight-month ordeal Monday that began with the tragic events that took the life of Sgt. Tom Sanfratello with a guilty plea to aggravated manslaughter in the first degree.

Elmore faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for “intending to cause serious physical injury to a police officer, and as a result, causing the death” of Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello on March 10, 2024, at Batavia Downs. 

Represented by attorneys Joseph Lobosco and Zack Baisley, a soft-spoken Elmore in his tan Monroe County Jail jumpsuit pleaded guilty to the Class B violent felony and to obstructing government administration in the second degree of “trying to intentionally prevent a police officer from performing his official duty by means of intimidation, physical force, or interference” before Judge Donald O’Geen in County Court. 

His plea deal includes a “no more than 20-year determinant sentence,” when he could have served a few more years, Genesee County District Attorney Kevin Finnell said. 

“Michael pled guilty to the top count in the indictment, and he pled guilty to a cap of 20 years, whereas the maximum, if there were a trial, would have been 25,” Finnell said. “I believe that's an appropriate plea for this case, based upon the facts and the indictment.” 

Elmore was indicted by the Grand Jury on counts of:

• Aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, a Class B felony. He is accused of intending to cause serious physical injury to a police officer and, as result, causing the death of a police officer;
• Aggravated criminally negligent homicide, a Class C violent felony. He is accused of causing the death of Sanfratello with criminal negligence;
• Assault in the first degree, a Class B violent felony. Elmore is accused of causing the death of Sanfratello while in the commission of another crime, burglary in the second degree;
• Burglary in the second degree, a Class C violent felony. He is accused of knowingly entering a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime in the building and threatening to use or did use a dangerous instrument.

The incident that led up to Sanfratello's death before midnight on March 9, a Saturday night following a pair of events at Batavia Downs, when Sanfratello and Batavia Downs security responded to the Rush 34 bar for a disturbance. There, Sanfratello confronted Lyndsey Wilcox, 39, of Batavia and ordered Wilcox to leave the building. While being escorted out, she allegedly became combative with Sanfratello. She is accused of hitting Sanfratello several times with the intent to injure him. 

As Wilcox was being arrested, Elmore became involved and was also ordered to leave. He reportedly walked out of the building and came back in with a chain in his hand (a chain he was apparently wearing that night).

During the struggle, which included assistance from Batavia Downs security, Sanfratello reportedly tried to deploy his taser in an attempt to subdue the person attacking him.

According to initial reports, Sanfratello suffered a medical emergency during the struggle, which continued into Sunday, and became unresponsive. There was extensive effort, according to witnesses, to revive him with CPR. He was later pronounced dead by a county coroner.

Wilcox also entered a guilty plea Monday to Count 6 of the indictment, assault in the second degree, a Class D violent felony. She pleaded to “causing physical injury to a police officer who was in the act of performing his official duties.” 

Elmore and Wilcox were both indicted on counts of:

• Burglary in the second degree, a Class C violent felony. Elmore and Wilcox are accused of remaining unlawfully in a building with the intent to commit a crime in the building and, while in the building, causing serious physical injury to another person;
• Assault in the second degree, a Class D violent felony. Elmore and Wilcox are accused of causing physical injury to a police officer who was in the act of performing his official duties;
• Obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. The pair is accused of trying to intentionally prevent a police officer from performing his official duty by means of intimidation, physical force, or interference.

Wilcox had also been separately charged with resisting arrest, a Class A Misdemeanor. She was accused of intentionally trying to prevent her legal arrest.

“The offer for Lyndsey included a maximum of six months incarceration, and she's done at least that at this time, so she couldn't get any more jail time. Initially, it's a revocable sentence promise, and it's a revocable, I guess, not a revocable plea, but it has conditions that she refrain from violating the law, cooperate with the probation department, and so forth. So that's why she was released,” Finnell said. “Her involvement was less than Mr. Elmore, and that's why her plea offer was to a D violent felony, and his was to a B violent felony. If Lyndsey had gone to trial and were convicted of the top count that she was charged with, I believe her sentence cap would have been 15 years on the top count.”

Her attorney, John LaDuca, with DuBois Law in Rochester, had asked that she be released on her own recognizance, however Finnell had requested that it be under supervision for her own benefit until sentencing. O’Geen agreed with Finnell, giving her a release under supervision with Genesee Justice.

“This is partially for your benefit,” he said. “If you slip up, the consequences are very large.”

Wilcox was ordered to appear to Genesee Justice after any court appearances and be accountable to that agency. O’Geen asked her attorney if she had any prospects of employment, and LaDuca said there were a couple of job opportunities “that are waiting for her.”

She cannot leave Genesee County without permission from the court or Genesee Justice and is subject to drug testing, and cannot operate a motor vehicle since she has no driver’s license. O’Geen also issued a curfew of 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., which “can be adjusted around work hours as necessary.”

Elmore was remanded to jail without bail. He is scheduled for sentencing at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 17. That may include letters and/or spoken testimony from the victim’s or defendant’s side, Finnell said. 

Wilcox will be sentenced at 10 a.m. Jan. 21.

“I was glad that we could resolve this matter for our client, in our indications likely favorably. So that's the disposition that she chose to go with, and I'm glad that we could resolve this, this was more appropriate at this point,” LaDuca said. “So she's looking forward to getting on to probation, being a good probationer, anyway, so that's a level of supervision in any effect. She would be sentenced to probation at sentencing, and then it's shock probation, but she's already served more than this six months time, so when she gets sentenced, then her time is already served.”

For complete prior coverage of the case and related articles, click here. 

Press Release:

The Board of Directors of The Jerome Foundation is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 39th Health and Humanitarian Award is Jay Gsell. 

This prestigious award recognizes volunteer men and women of Genesee County who have helped promote the emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of area residents.

In nominating Jay Gsell for the award, his neighbor James Patric notes “when we moved next door to Jay, he immediately came out of his house – introduced himself, welcomed us and said “how can I help?” So began a cherished friendship and our four children look forward to “Mr. Jay’s treats” left on the back steps. 

As a dedicated volunteer with Rotary, United Way, Salvation Army, GLOW with your hands, Premier Nursing Home, to name a few, Jay exemplifies the spirit of humanitarianism through his unwavering commitment to these causes. 

Chris Suozzi, GCEDC, adds “Jay is first to volunteer and assist us with GLOW with your hands and the Box Car Derby – events that support our community youth. He brings energy and enthusiasm which is unmatched”.

Fellow Rotarian Susie Ott states “Jay is someone who volunteers not for recognition but I think he deserves to be recognized for all that he does and the people he has helped during his living and working in our community.”

Mr. Gsell will be honored at a luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant on Friday, December 6, at noon. Tickets are $30 per person.

For reservations, please send check to: The Jerome Foundation, PO Box 249, Batavia by November 29. For more information contact Chris Fix, 585-356-3419.