While many people find the holidays to be joyful, they can be a difficult and stressful time for some. This is especially true for those who battle with mental health or substance use difficulties. During this season, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) and the Genesee and Orleans County Mental Health Departments want to encourage everyone to be proactive and to know where to get support.
“This can be a challenging time for many people,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We want people to look out for others and know where to go for support.”
Tips for Mental Health Well-Being during the Holiday Season:
Accept your feelings: It is okay to feel overwhelmed or sad. Allow yourself to process emotions without judgment. Help is available.
Stay connected: Reach out to friends, family or someone you trust.
Set boundaries: It is okay to say no to things you can’t take on.
Take breaks: Listen to music, take a walk, or do something you enjoy.
Maintain healthy habits: Avoid the use of drugs or alcohol. Instead, consider using healthy substitutes such as exercise or relaxation methods.
If you use drugs, never use them alone and always have someone with you.
Carry naloxone (Narcan), which can save a life during an opioid overdose. For free naloxone, text KIT to 877-535-2461.
“Help is always available and just a call away,” stated Danielle Figura, Director of Orleans County Mental Health. “Reaching out to someone you trust or calling the Care & Crisis Line (585-283-5200) can be the first step toward hope and healing.”
Understanding the risk factors and warning signs of someone experiencing a mental health crisis can promptly prevent a crisis from occurring.
“Warning signs are often missed, dismissed or overlooked until it’s too late, stated Lynda Battaglia, Director for Genesee County Mental Health. “It is vital to remain vigilant and engage in open conversations. Be proactive so that together we can ensure that no one feels alone or without hope.”
Know the Signs of a Mental Health Crisis:
Risk Factors Include:
A history of depression, anxiety, or trauma.
Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
Lack of social support or healthy relationships.
Access to dangerous items like firearms or medications.
Warning Signs Include:
Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless.
Making concerning statements about self-harm.
Sudden changes in behavior, such as mood swings, withdrawing from social activities, acting anxious, giving away possessions, or reckless behavior.
Trouble sleeping.
How to Help Others:
Ask questions: Check in with them and offer support.
Listen without judgement: Be a good listener and show compassion.
Reassure Them: Remind them that they are not alone and that help is available.
Secure Dangerous Items: Remove access to weapons or pills.
Carry naloxone (Narcan) to respond to an emergency.
The following are some mental health and substance use resources available:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline- Dial 988 or visit and chat at 988 Lifeline.
Veterans Crisis Line- Dial 988 (press 1) or text 741741.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline- 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - A confidential, free 24-hour helpline that can provide referrals to local treatment facilities and support groups. To find a local treatment facility, visit FindTreatment.gov. To find support for issues with mental health, drugs, or alcohol, visit Samhsa.gov/find-support.
The Intermediate School Student Council hosted their annual December Drive to help collect food donations for the Corfu Food Pantry.
Currently, the Pantry is helping 50 families in our Corfu/Pembroke communities. In total, the Intermediate School students and staff collected 1,889 items!
On December 20, students and staff braved the elements to deliver donations. It took the entire 6th grade, entire 5th grade, and two 4th grade classrooms to deliver all of the food!
The Intermediate School Student Council also held a friendly competition to see which classroom in each grade collected the most food. The winners are:
For decades -- there is no record we know of for when the games started -- local basketball aficiandos have met every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in the gym at the YMCA to play hoops.
It is almost certainly the longest-running, ongoing pick-up basketball game in Batavia.
Joe Perzia, the longest-tenured regular player, has been hitting the court at the Y since the early 1990s.
Mike Roth, in his 70s, is the oldest active member, but on any given morning, there can be players in their young 20s trying to block out or drive on guys twice or even three times their age, and the matchups aren't always as uneven as they might sound.
The games are always spirited and intense but always friendly.
Players start showing up on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6 a.m., with games usually starting by 6:30 a.m. In that time, they might fit in as many as three games before players start heading off to work.
On Monday, the current group of regulars played their last games at the old Y. On Jan. 2 (which is actually a Tuesday, in a slight break with tradition), they will play their first games at the new Healthy Living Center.
To commemorate the last games in the old gym, in the manner of a celebration after a big championship win, the players cut down the nets in the old gym.
Students from Batavia Middle School's My Brother's Keeper program entertain their nearby neighbors with some carols. Submitted Photo
This past week, just before the holiday break, 16 sixth- through eighth-grade students from Batavia Middle School’s My Brother’s Keeper program livened up the nearby neighborhoods with some caroling around the BMS neighborhood.
From 4:30 to 6 p.m., the students and Extended Day Director/My Brother’s Keeper Facilitator Kristen Gomez, moderators Tom Bringenberg and Daniel Rhodes, social worker Sheri Crossett, and BMS Principal Megan Crine stood in front of homes as their neighbors stepped outside to listen to holiday favorites.
Those involved said it brought out some holiday cheer, and the neighbors “absolutely loved it.”
The event was open to families, and some students brought along siblings and grandparents. Participants enjoyed pizza that was donated by Dominos, Pizza 151, and Main Street Pizza, and munchkins donated from Dunkin Donuts, plus hot cocoa and cookies.
Tia E. Schmieder, 33, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 1st, attempted assault 1st, criminal possession of weapon 3rd, criminal mischief 4th, and menacing 2nd. Schmieder allegedly forced her way into a person's residence on State Street and slashed that person with a knife. She was arraigned and released.
Tyquan D. Bethel, 34, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st, unlawful imprisonment 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, and harassment 2nd. Bethel was arrested on Nov. 20 following a report of a disturbance on Pearl Street, Batavia. He allegedly violated an order of protection by holding a person down and refusing to let the person leave. He is also accused of preventing the person to call 9-1-1 by taking away the person's phone. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed.
Quincy G. Styles, 26, of Batavia, is charged with robbery 3rd. Styles allegedly stole money from another person at the scene of a motor vehicle accident on Nov. 21 by threatening to punch the driver if he didn't give him money. Styles was arraigned in City Court and released.
Joshua Michel
Joshua D. Michel, 34, of Batavia, is charged with tampering with physical evidence, tampering with public records 2nd, falsely reporting an incident 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a disabled person. Michel was charged after an investigation into three separate incidents at the Developmental Disabilities Services Office on New York Place in Batavia, where he was employed.
John P. Wittkopp, 41, of Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd. Wittkopp is accused of fighting with another person on Nov. 7 on Spencer Court and causing serious injury. He was arraigned in City Court and held.
Thomas J. Mitchell, 35, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and grand larceny. Mitchell is accused of stealing tools from a vehicle on Oct. 9. He was arrested on Nov. 8, arraigned in City Court and released.
Nicholas C. Kingdollar, 29, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Kingdollar is accused of sending a letter to a person he was ordered not to contact while incarcerated at the Genesee County Jail. He was arrested on Nov. 24.
Sean M. Conway, no age or residence provided, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Conway was arrested on Nov. 22 on a warrant related to an incident reported on April 26 when he was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. He was arraigned and released.
Doreen M. Boop, 61, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Boop was arrested on Nov. 22 on a warrant related to an incident reported on April 26 when she was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. She was arraigned and released.
Meaghan A. Conti, 37, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Conti was arrested on Nov. 18. Conti was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a welfare check on East Main Street, Batavia. She was issued an appearance check.
Warren T. Cotton, 47, of Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal contempt 2nd. Cotton is accused of violating a stay-away order of protection. Cotton was arrested on Nov. 5 and on Nov. 18. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed.
Brandon M. Seppe, 40, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and trespass 2nd. Seppe is accused of entering a residence on Ellicott Street in violation of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket.
William T. Hughes, 68, of Batavia, is charged with forcible touching. He was arrested on Nov. 11 in connection to an incident on East Main Street reported on Nov. 9. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Jose A. Rivera, 38, of Bergen, is charged with harassment 2nd. Rivera was charged following a report of a fight on Sept. 26 at The Harvester on Harvester Avenue on Sept. 26. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Alicia M. Lyons, 45, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Lyons allegedly contact a person on Nov. 10 in violation of a stay-away order of protection. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Scott J. Hinze, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd, criminal contempt 2nd, criminal tampering 3rd, and petit larceny. Hinze was arrested on a warrant following an incident in July where he allegedly damaged and tampered with property belonging to another person in violation of an order of protection. He was arraigned and released.
Curtis McCall, 37, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. McCall is accused of stealing property from Family Dollar in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Myrin D. Lumpkin, 46, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 27 on a warrant. Lumpkin allegedly failed to appear in court on a disorderly conduct charge stemming from a fight on West Main Street, Batavia, in August. He was arraigned in City Court and released.
Zachary R Eichenberger, 40, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Eichenberger is accused of shoplifting from Aldi. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Lyndsay T. Young, 41, of Alexander, was arrested on a warrant on Nov. 26 charging her with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Her arrest stemmed from an investigation into an incident on July 26, where she was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine. She was arraigned and released.
Francis A. Coombs, 57, of Batavia, was arrested on Dec. 3 on a warrant. Coombs allegedly failed to appear in court on a criminal mischief 4th charge from August. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed.
Joseph C Jeffords, 33, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Jeffords was charged following a traffic stop on Nov. 26 on Kingsbury Avenue, Batavia, by a Batavia patrol officer.He was allegedly found in possession of drug paraphernalia and crack cocaine. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Sarah A. Malone, 42, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on Nov. 26 on charges of aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd and driving without an interlock device. The warrant stems from an incident on Aug. 30 in Batavia. Malone allegedly drove a vehicle on a suspended license and without an ignition interlock. She was arraigned and released.
Amanda S. Dombrowski, 41, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 26 on a warrant. She was charged with bail jumping after allegedly not appearing on prior charges. She was arrested on May 2, 2020, and charged with menacing 3rd and endangering the welfare of a child. She was arraigned in City Court and jailed.
Thomas E. Lowe, 65, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Lowe is accused of damaging the interior of a store on East Main Street, Batavia, on Nov. 25. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Nicholas M. Ricigliano, 40, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 30 on a warrant. Ricigliano is accused of failure to appear in court on a petit larceny charge from Aug. 21. He was arraigned and released.
Marissa B. Torres, 34, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Torres allegedly violated an order of protection on Nov. 12. She was arraigned and released.
Dontre R. Woods, 34, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 12 on a warrant. Woods allegedly failed to appear in court in August. Woods was arraigned and released.
Russell S. Neureuther, 26, of Byron, is charged with aggravated DWI. Neureuther was stopped on Nov. 2 by a Batavia patrol officer on Elm Street. He was issued traffic tickets and released.
Hillary D. Russell, 31, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Russell is accused of throwing an item at another person on Nov. 7 during a fight on Hutchins Street, Batavia. Russell was arraigned in City Court and released.
Ian J. Stothers, 22, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 2nd, reckless endangerment of property, and necessary noise. Stothers and two other people are accused of damaging a parking lot belonging to the city of Batavia on Nov. 9. Strothers was arraigned and released.
Angel R. Del Valle Castillo, 18, of Batavia, is charged with possession of a forged instrument 2nd and possession of a forged instrument 3rd. Castillo was charged following a traffic stop on Nov. 3. He is accused of driving a vehicle with a fictitious license plate and providing officers with a forged insurance card. He was arraigned and released.
Megan J. Courtney, 28, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th and petit larceny. Courtney is accused of allegedly stealing merchandise from Dollar General on Dec. 1. Police officers were initially unable to determine her identification, but she returned to the store the next day attempting to return the stolen items. Courtney was issued an appearance ticket.
Kody A Wenzel, 32, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on Dec. 8 and charged with criminal possession of controlled substance 7th. Wenzel was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine on Aug. 4, 2023. Wenzel was arraigned and released.
Robin F. Schmitt, 40, of Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Schmitt is accused of stealing merchandise from Dollar General on Dec. 3. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Lisa M. Fox, 53, of Albion, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, tampering with physical evidence, criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, and traffic violations. Fox was stopped on Dec. 5 on Richmond avenue and allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Dana L. Manes, 60, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Manes is accused of stealing merchandise from Tops on Dec. 10. Manes was issued an appearance ticket.
A residence at 8087 Parmelee Road in Le Roy was destroyed in an early morning fire, according to the Le Roy Fire Department.
Crews responded to the log cabin structure at 2:35 a.m. The first crews on scene reported heavy fire from the instruction.
The homeowner escaped the fire after being alerted by a smoke alarm inside the residence.
Le Roy reports that there was limited access to the structure, so the scene commander requested UTVs and 4X4 trucks from mutual aid departments.
The UTVs and 4x4s were used to shuttle manpower and equipment to the scene.
Bergen Fire reported that "Crews faced steep challenges, including heavy fire and an icy, inaccessible driveway that required the use of four-wheel-drive vehicles and UTVs to reach the scene. With temperatures hovering around 5 degrees, the extreme cold pushed our firefighters and equipment to their limits. Gear froze stiff, and maintaining the functionality of hoses, tools, and vehicles demanded extraordinary effort."
Bergen said all firefighters returned home safely.
"This incident highlights the incredible resilience and dedication of our firefighters in Bergen and the surrounding towns," Bergen said in a statement.
Responding departments included Bergen Fire, Pavilion Fire, Stafford Fire, Cit yof Batavia, Caledonia Fire, Town of Batavia Fire, Scottsville Fire, Mumford Fire, and Brockport Fire. Scene supported included the Le Roy Highway Department, Le Roy PD, Sheriff's Office, Le Roy Ambulance, Le Roy Fire Auxiliary, and emergency dispatchers.
Two city of Batavia PD police officers sustained minor injuries in an assault late Saturday morning at a location on Trumbull Parkway during what the police describe as a "mental health incident."
The name of the suspect was not released. Police say the suspect is being evaluated at Strong Memorial Hospital. Charges are likely upon the suspect's release from the hospital, police said.
Further details about the incident be released later, police said, saying the investigation is ongoing.
The two officers were treated at UMMC and released.
The police department was assisted at the scene by City Fire, Mercy EMS, the city of Batavia Code Enforcement Office and the city of Batavia Public Works Department.
"We appreciate the community's cooperation and understanding in this matter," police said.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 585-345-6350.
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes has finalized agreements with 89 nonprofits to receive multi-year funding grants. Funding distribution is set to begin in January and will total more than $6 million in 2025.
United Way’s award of two, three, and five-year program grants is part of its strategy to deliver impact at scale. The strategy combines United Way’s traditional multi-year grants with additional funding opportunities and nonprofit resources to address the diverse needs throughout the region.
“Our multi-year grants are one way we are helping to support the critical work of local nonprofits and drive impact in our region,” said Jaime Saunders, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. “Thank you to the generous donors who contributed to our 2024 annual campaign to make these grants possible. We are looking forward to closing gaps and opening opportunities alongside our inspiring partners.”
United Way also recently opened applications for two of their one-year and activity-based funding opportunities--summer program and synergy grants--with more to come in early 2025. Nonprofits are encouraged to learn more and apply to these funding opportunities at unitedwayrocflx.org/nonprofits.
United Way is committed to supporting impactful and essential initiatives so everyone in our region can thrive. Learn more about how you can make an impact by donating to United Way.
The following nonprofits will receive the first installment of multi-year grant funding from United Way in 2025:
Action for A Better Community
All Babies Cherished Pregnancy Assistance Center
American Red Cross, Greater Rochester Chapter
ANT Alliance
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester NY
Boy Scouts of America, Seneca Waterways Council
Boy Scouts of America, Western New York Scout Council
Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester
Cancer Action
CASA of Rochester-Monroe County
Catholic Charities Family & Community Services
Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes
Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston
Center for Employment Opportunities
Challenger Miracle Field of WNY
Chances and Changes
Charles Settlement House
Community Place of Greater Rochester
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Rochester, Inc.
Dansville Food Pantry
Deaf Refugee Advocacy
Family Counseling of the Finger Lakes
Family Promise of Greater Rochester
Family Promise of Ontario County
Flower City Noire Collective
Geneseo Groveland Emergency Food Pantry
Gillam Grant Community Center
Goodwill of the Finger Lakes
Harbor House of Rochester
Hillside Children's Center
Hope Center of Le Roy
Hope585
Ibero-American Action League
Keeping Our Promise
Legacy Makers
Legal Aid Society of Rochester NY
Legal Assistance of Western New York
Lifespan of Greater Rochester
Literacy Volunteers of Wayne County
Margaret Home
Medical Motor Service of Rochester and Monroe County
MHA Rochester/Monroe County
Mission Fulfilled 2030
Monroe Community College Foundation
Mt. Hope Family Center
Partnership for Ontario County
PathStone Corp
Person Centered Housing Options
Prosper Rochester
Providence Housing Development Corporation
Reach Advocacy
Reentry Association of WNY
Roc Royal
Roc the Peace
Rochester General Hospital
Rochester Museum and Science Center
Salvation Army, Canandaigua
Salvation Army, Geneva
Society for the Protection and Care of Children
Spot-Canandaigua
St. Vincent DePaul Society
The Center for Teen Empowerment
The Center for Youth Services
The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester
The Housing Council at PathStone
The Salvation Army (Rochester Area Services)
The Salvation Army- Batavia Corps
Trillium Health
United Youth Music and Arts
UR Medicine Home Care Certified Services
Urban League of Rochester New York
URMC Noyes Health - Home Safe Home Program
Venture Compassionate Ministries
Veterans Outreach Center
Victim Resource Center of the Finger Lakes
Volunteer Legal Services Project of Monroe County
Volunteers of America Upstate New York
W A V E Women
Warrior House Of WNY
Wayne County Action Program
Wayne Pre-Trial Services
Western New York Rural Area Health Education Center
The Alexander Trojans, behind 35 points for Dylan Pohl, dominated Byron-Bergen in Boys Basketball on Thursday for an 80-41 win.
Damien Hale added 10 points for the Trojans.
No Bees hit double-digits in scoring in the game. Noah Clare scored nine, and Cole DiQuattro scored eight.
Before the game, Pohl was recognized for achieving 1,000 career points in the TTrojans' previous game. He is the first basketball player at Alexander to reach this milestone.
Byron Brown, president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, announced the 2025 Rockin' the Downs concert season flanked by Ed Morgan, vice-chair of the OTB board, and Chairman Dennis Bassett. Photo by Howard Owens.
Press release:
Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown has announced the eighth Rockin’ the Downs concert series lineup. The shows, eight in all, will be held on Friday nights outside in the middle of the Batavia Downs horse racing track. Concerts will start in June and run into August of 2025.
Kicking off the series on Friday, June 20, will be Queensrÿche. With over 30 million albums sold worldwide, Queensrÿche continues to tour the globe to sold-out audiences. The band has earned multiple Grammy Award nominations and consistently delivers high-octane live shows, combining the hungry fire of a new band with the tempered experience of master showmen. Hear songs like the #1 chart-topping hit Silent Lucidity, Queen of the Reich and Eyes of a Stranger.
Making their Summer Concert Series debut on Friday, June 27, is the Allman Betts Band. Devon Allman and Duane Betts, the sons of Allman Brothers co-founders keyboardist Gregg Allman and guitarist Dickey Betts, have formed a supergroup anchored by sharp songwriting, fiery fretwork, and a historical legacy. Having toured all over the United States, they’ve created a new soundtrack for the American South, blurring the lines between genres. Come hear great original songs, along with some made famous by their fathers.
After a one-week break for Independence Day, the concert series continues when Almost Queen, a tribute to Queen, takes the stage on Friday, July 11th. Experience Queen's magic comes alive with stunning four-part harmonies and electrifying precision. Donning authentic costumes, they'll transport you back to Queen's glory days with every legendary hit. Don't miss this spectacular return to our concert series.
On Friday, July 18, Batavia Downs welcomes back America’s top Pink Floyd Show, The Machine. Over 30 years, they have extended the legacy of Pink Floyd while creating another legacy all their own. Over the years, The Machine has touched the hearts and souls of many with its stellar musicianship, dramatic lighting, lasers and video performances.
On Friday, July 25, Batavia Downs welcomes Little River Band. Formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1975, this blend of musicians achieved success with good songwriting, powerful vocals, and guitar harmonies. They immediately claimed their place as one of the great vocal bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Hear their hits like Take It Easy On Me, It’s a Long Way There, Help Is on Its Way, Happy Anniversary, Lonesome Loser, and more. The opening will be the American Rock Band Ambrosia, playing hits like How Much I Feel and Biggest Part of Me.
On August 1st, Batavia Downs proudly welcomes Rochester Native and 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Lou Gramm. The Grammy-nominated original voice of Foreigner has brought his amazing voice to the rock scene for more than 40 years. With Gramm at the helm, Foreigner's first eight singles cracked the Billboard Top 20, making them the first band since The Beatles to achieve this. Come hear the hits he made famous, like Hot Blooded, Feels Like the First Time, Cold as Ice, Double Vision, Head Games, Juke Box Hero and more.
Legendary Motown artists, The Commodores, roll into Batavia Downs on Friday, August 8th. With over 70 Million Albums sold, including 7 #1 hits, these Pop and Motown Icons will surely delight. One of the most successful vocal groups of all time, The Commodores continue to thrill audiences with their Greatest Hits Tour. Be sure to hear hits like Easy, Three Times a Lady, Sail On and Brick House among many others.
The legendary rock band Kansas will be closing out the concert series on Friday, Aug. 15. With a legendary career spanning five decades, KANSAS has firmly established itself as one of America’s iconic classic rock bands. This "garage band" from Topeka released their debut album in 1974 and have gone on to sell more than 30 million albums worldwide. Kansas has played to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan. Their iconic hits include Carry on Wayward Son, Point of Know Return, Dust in the Wind, and many more.
“I’m excited about the 2025 Summer Concert Series at Batavia Downs, especially with legendary bands like Kansas and the Commodores coming here for the very first time,” said Brown. “The Concert Series at Batavia Downs has quickly become a Western New York summertime destination. I want to thank the Board of Directors for approving the concert series and I look forward to seeing all our fans starting in June.”
“As Chairman of the Board, I’m thrilled with the eight concerts that will be coming to Batavia Downs this summer,” said Dennis Bassett, Chairman of the WROTB Board of Directors. “As a Rochester resident, I’m especially happy that Rochester native Lou Gramm will be returning to perform at Batavia Downs in August.”
“I want to thank the great staff here at Batavia Downs for creating such a great line up in 2025,” said Ed Morgan, Vice-Chairman of the WROTB Board of Directors. “I look forward to seeing record crowds this year.”
Tickets for all eight concerts will be available only at www.BataviaConcerts.com beginning on Friday, Dec. 20 at 1 p,m. All tickets can be redeemed at Player’s Club at any time in the three days following the concert for $10 Free Play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s 920+ gaming machines.
Season Tickets are also back and will also go on sale for General Admission and VIP Sections. A Season pass for General Admission will be $145 (a savings of $20) Season Passes for VIP tickets are $220 (a savings of $20). Season passes may ONLY be purchased online.
Ten goats died in a barn fire on Thursday night at 3602 Rose Road, Batavia.
Homeowners Shey and Gina Doane said they also had antiques stored in the barn along with some belongings of Shey's late father.
The fire was reported at 9:13 p.m.
Deputy Fire Coordinator Dan Coffey said the homeowner spotted smoke when he returned home and that the barn was fully involved a few minutes later when the first firefighters arrived on the scene. The barn was a total loss.
Shey said he had returned from taking his son's girlfriend home when he found the fire.
The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation, Coffey said.
Town of Batavia Fire responded with mutual aid from East Pembroke and Alexander. Oakfield and Stafford provided fill-ins for the responding departments.
There may have been one minor firefighter injury, a slip-and-fall, Coffey said, but he was not treated at the scene.
Crews cleared the scene at 1 a.m.
The Doanes said the goats were rescues rejected by their mothers, so they were raised inside the barn and bottle fed. Gina said the goats were like her kids.
Photos by Kara Richenberg. Kara Richenberg contributed to the story.
A man wanted by Batavia PD on a weapons charge since September 2023 is in custody after being located by U.S. Marshals.
Batavia PD has released little information on the case.
Royse, age and area of residence not disclosed, was wanted on a charge of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. The release about his arrest does not state what charges he is being held on or what incident the charges stem from.
A reward of $2,500 was offered for his capture. Batavia PD does not say whether the reward will be paid, but the release thanks the community for tips and Le Roy PD for assisting in the investigation.
There is no information on where Royse was located.
At the time the search for Royse was announced, he was on parole for a conviction on burglary in the second degree and had an active parole warrant out for his arrest.
A 59-year-old landlord in Elba was admitted to County Court on Thursday to menacing a tenant at a location on Ridge Road in August. The landlord will serve a year on interim probation.
Michael Joseph Schad, of Ridge Road, Elba, entered a guilty plea to a felony count of menacing.
When he was arrested at 9:05 a.m. on Aug. 24, he was charged with five counts of menacing in the second degree as a hate crime and one count of menacing in the second degree.
District Attorney Kevin Finnell said Schad was accused of using a derogatory racial term directed at his tenant. He said Schad was intoxicated and possessed what appeared to be a weapon during the confrontation with the tenant, which Finnell described as a "tenant dispute."
Schad has no prior criminal history, and Schad had no history of prior disputes between Schad and his tenant.
ADA Earl Voss prosecuted the case.
Schad agreed to the year of interim probation and to address his anger/substance issues. He will be sentenced in one year and will if successful on interim probation, will be sentenced to less than 364 days in jail. If unsuccessful, he faces up to four years in prison.
The tenant has apparently moved out of the property.
Healthy Living campus ribbon-cutting Thursday in Batavia: Rob Walker, chief executive officer, YMCA, Dan Ireland, President and Chief Operating Officer Finger Lakes Rural Hospitals, Chip Davis, chief executive officer of Rochester Regional Health, local businessman Pete Zeliff, consultant David Ciurzynski, and Vincent Esposito, Empire State Development. Photo by Howard Owens.
Thursday was carved out of the week to celebrate a partnership that literally has merged Rochester Regional Health United Memorial Medical Center and GLOW YMCA programs under one roof to provide a holistic approach to wellness through educational, physical and supportive offerings in one Downtown Batavia space.
Chip Davis, chief executive officer of RRH, spoke of pride in the movement to help reshape rural health care in the United States and closer to home in New York.
“Our organization has a purpose to uplift humanity through care for the community. As an organization, I would tell you, we try to live that way each and every day. And I believe that this facility and all the things that Dan and his team and our sponsors at the Y are doing really represent what we're trying to facilitate in Batavia and beyond,” he said during a ribbon-cutting of the new Healthy Living campus at Main and Wiard streets. “A lot has changed since 2014 when we first announced United Memorial Medical Center would merge into Rochester Regional Health. It has been quite a 10-year journey, as I understand it, and I do believe that both organizations have been firmly committed to truly some remarkable activities for the residents of Batavia and beyond."
Expanding telemedicine options and leveraging innovative approaches to help facilitate access to world-class quality care sets the ultimate goal “to help improve the quality of life of all the residents within the region,” he said.
“Our efforts are absolutely grounded in a spirit of collaboration and partnership. The Healthy Living campus here at Batavia is truly, I think, a testament to that collaboration overall ... we have tried to create a space that is not just for medical care but for our comprehensive wellness experience. And I will tell you that there are a few places around the country that have this type of model where you can go from your workout to your primary care," he said. "There's a number of innovative activities here, including an intergenerational center, group exercise room, and, of course, the preschool facility.
"So at Rochester Regional Health, we truly believe that treating illness is not just about medical care, it is about healthier outcomes for everyone," he said. "We believe that this is the future of healthcare. This is what it looks like. It's innovative, it's collaborative, and it's focused on the needs of each and every one of you.”
Dan Ireland, president and chief operating officer of Finger Lakes Rural Hospitals, thanked Davis for helping to fulfill the vision and “champion the idea of innovation and thinking differently.”
This new place is a location where one can feel the out-of-box thinking that came together for the group of people he worked with, Ireland said. That included Rob Walker, chief executive officer for GLOW YMCA.
“And I think, as Rob and I have talked over the years, this concept, this idea, came from our community voice from the day we came together to talk about a simple idea of what more could we do to the hundreds, and I mean hundreds of people in the Batavia and Genesee County community that came together to really bring forth what's important. What do we want to see, even down to where should it be?" Ireland said. "We really decided through a voice of this community and really helping us grow and develop along the way. I want to thank you, especially for our partnership. As I referenced Rob, we've been along this journey. We talk about the fact that as the date this will open, it will have been 10 years from that first conversation and such an important journey along the way, and I can't think of a better partner."
Healthy Living has moved several programs under the roof of this new $33.5 million building next to the old YMCA awaiting demolition this spring. Programs include diabetes education, prevention and support groups, nutrition and basic life support classes, a cancer services and MOMS program, childbirth and infant feeding class and Baby Cafe.
“From the early morning phone calls to the drive on the way home phone calls, we had to say, 'let's solve this hurdle. Who do we get involved there?' And you know, the nicest part about that is we've been able to lean on you, our partners in the community, to help us solve challenges that every project has along the way, and I’m so, so grateful for that,” Ireland said. “Our work here in Batavia, from a health system standpoint, is not just providing that medical care, but it's really providing an integrated health care model, and that's the vision this was built on."
He said they would integrate primary care medicine and healthy outreach, two of Rochester Regional's core services, to partner with the wellness community. They answered that the Teaching Kitchen helps teach people to cook better for healthier lifestyles so "they can live to be the very best that they can be."
"And that ripples out into our community, that ripples out into a healthier community that can really do wonderful things as we go down the road,” he said.
“This is just the shell of the future of how health and wellness come together,” he said. “But this shell will grow into something that we will do to make a difference in healthcare, make a difference to you, your friends, neighbors and our loved ones, and help us grow health and wellness in a rural community such as Batavia.”
The new GLOW YMCA has preschool and child care programs, a pool and splash pad, and boasts “state-of-the-art” weight and cardio equipment and an EGYM station, walking track, full court gym, dance and exercise studios, and men’s, women’s and family locker rooms.
This type of project was talked about for years — creating a space where people of all ages could come together and build lasting connections — Walker said.
“And now, thanks to your unwavering community support and the hard work of countless individuals, that dream has become a reality,” he said. “This Healthy Living campus will create a hub of activity, offering first-class programs and services for our youth, resources for our seniors and spaces for our families to create memories, from aquatics programming to youth sports to fitness programs and the medical services provided by Rochester Regional Health UMMC, these walls will echo with the sounds of laughter, learning and healthy living.
"But let's not forget the journey that brought us here," Walker said. "It took the vision of our community leaders, our donors, the city and community support and the state acquiring DRI funding and other grants, and the sweat and determination of our construction team.”
Vincent Esposito of Empire State Development said that it's been a long time coming and has taken a lot of work and a lot of vision to get here. Batavia received a Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant in 2017, nearly eight years ago, and this project was one of the main reasons this community was selected, he said, because of a winning application.
“And to see it come to fruition, and to see it be, honestly, bigger and more beautiful than I even expected it to be, is really gratifying,” he said. “I can only imagine how good it feels for those of you who’ve been involved in this project. I'd like to thank my colleagues in New York State government who helped work on this … It really is transformational for a lot of communities," he said. "I know it's helped to really spur a lot of great things in Batavia. You know, there’s well over $5 million from New York State just in this one project. It's pretty cool to see it happen. So congratulations. Best of luck to everyone who gets to utilize this facility. It's really spectacular.”
The Healthy Living campus is now open, and the new YMCA opens Jan. 2. The old YMCA is set to be demolished in the spring.
David Ciurzynski, construction consultant on the project, delivers opening and closing remarks. "So intentionality, vision, thoughtfulness and care are the terms that define the leaders that help us get here. And there's a bunch of leaders in here that I can't name everybody by name, because they're numerous. But you all have intention, vision, thoughtfulness and care for this community, and we thank you for your leadership, and we look forward to the future," Ciurzynski said. "Leaders are going to help this community grow and help this Healthy Living campus serve the people of Genesee County and city of Batavia." Photo by Howard Owens
Photo by Howard Owens.
Chip Davis, CEO of Rochester Regional Health. Photo by Howard Owens.
Vincent Esposito, VP, Regional Director, Finger Lakes Regional Office, Empire State Development. Photo by Howard Owens.
Rob Walker, executive director GLOW YMCA. Photo by Howard Owens.
Town Court Clerk Below are two lists: one details the myriad responsibilities that fall within the purview of the court clerk; the other summarizes the knowledge and abilities that court clerks possess or acquire through training. These lists are provided so that a judge and municipality can intelligently discuss the benefits that a court clerk can provide. The items below can also form the basis for a list of job duties should a municipality need to fill a vacancy in a court clerk position. Primary Responsibilities A. Maintain confidentiality of records and information when required to do so B. Prepare court calendar C. Collect monies, reconcile daily receipts, deposit receipts, prepare reports for monthly disbursements, reconcile bank accounts, and prepare administrative reports D. Enter convictions on drivers' licenses and prepare conviction reports electronically transmitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles E. Enter criminal conviction on NCIC reports and electronically send same to Division of Criminal Justice Services F. Respond to inquiries-in person, by phone, by e-mail and by mail-and provide assistance to lawyers, litigants, media, and members of the public G. Prepare monthly reports that are electronically sent to the Office of the State Comptroller H. Prepare orders, summonses, warrants and other court forms i. Communicate with outside agencies in order to coordinate the Court's activities and provide services to litigants. Such agencies include: ii. Law enforcement agencies, such as local police departments, New York State Police, Sheriffs office, FBI and CIA, US Armed Forces, and the Office of the District Attorney; I. Other courts, including superior courts and other local town and village courts; and i. Miscellaneous county agencies, such as Community Service, Community Dispute Resolution Center, Pre-trial Release, Probation, Stop DWI program, Victim Impact Panel, and Youth Court. ii. State agencies that require periodic reporting, including the New York State Unified Court System, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of the State Comptroller, the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the Office of Court Record Retention. J. Examine court documents to ensure their accuracy and completeness K. Receive and file summonses, traffic tickets and other documents for court proceedings i. Assist the Justice at the bench during all Court proceedings Knowledge of: 1. The functions and organization of the Unified Court System ii. Basic legal terminology, codes and abbreviations iii. Court forms, practices and procedures, including those set forth in the Uniform Justice Court Act and the Uniform Civil Rules for the Justice Courts (22 NYCRR Part 214) 2. Ability to: i. Prepare judicial orders and decisions ii. Effectively communicate information orally and in writing iii. File and retrieve materials, extract data from various sources for entry onto court form iv. Research and interpret laws outlined in court documents and litigants' motions and other papers v. Perform mathematical tasks in order to compile court activity reports, total receipts, accept payments, and verify bills vi. Refer to appropriate documents, statutes, citations or other sources in order to respond to specific questions from attorneys, litigants and members of the general public vii. Interpret policies, statutes, rules and regulations and apply them in specific contexts viii. Establish work priorities ix. Constructively manage conflict with court users Qualifications: Highschool diploma recognized by the NYS Dept of Education or appropriate equivalent. Along with 4 years of college, specialization in criminal justice, law, business administration or related field. -OR- 2 years college with specialization in Business Administration or related field. Please email your resume to abrownell@townofbatavia.com no later than 12/16/2024. Pay is based on experience.
