9 Norris Avenue Batavia!Look no further! Wonderful 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home in City of Batavia! Well maintained, character and charm abound in this class American Foursquare style home! You'll love the location and enjoy meeting your neighbors from the spacious front porch! Inside, you've got everything you need including a walk up attic, 1st floor full bath, and 1st floor laundry! Don't let this one pass you by - come see it!
The countdown is on! In just 12 days, the inaugural HomeCare & Hospice Golf Classic tees off at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia on Tuesday, June 24. Golfers from across the region will come together for a fun, meaningful day on the greens—all in support of compassionate end-of-life care in our communities.
With 16 foursomes already signed up and just a few team slots left to fill, now’s the time to join in. Registration is $100 per golfer or $400 per foursome and includes:
Greens fees & cart
Lunch out on the course
Dinner at the awards ceremony
Swag bag
Contests, surprises & prizes
This isn’t just a day of golf—it’s a chance to support critical hospice services in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, and Genesee Counties.
“We’re so excited to bring this tournament to Batavia and strengthen our support in the northern counties,” said Melissa Sullivan, CEO of HomeCare & Hospice. “It’s meaningful fun—with a mission behind every swing.”
Terry Hills, home to the Jim Kelly Celebrity Classic and ranked WNY’s #1 Public Golf Course, offers 27 pristine holes, a top-notch experience, and a beautiful setting for a day of giving back.
This year’s event includes popular challenges like longest drive, closest to the line, and mulligans, plus two unique features:
Putting Contest – $5 for one ball or $10 for three. Sink a hole-in-one for your shot at $500 in cash and prizes, courtesy of Both, Branch & Hendrix of Olean.
Air Cannon Shot – Launch your ball like never before—$10 per shot!
Sponsors are helping bring the day to life. Recent additions include:
Ontario Shore Federal Credit Union – Cocktail Hour Sponsor
Ellicott Development – Tee Box Sponsor
Turbo Machining & Howard Hanna Professionals – Hole Sponsors
They join ten other organizations already committed as sponsors, showing widespread community support for hospice care across all four counties.
While HomeCare & Hospice has hosted tournaments in the past, this year’s event is part of a new rotation that alternates fundraising locations between the north and south. Batavia is about a 90-minute drive from Olean and Wellsville—and golfers from the Southern Tier are encouraged to make the trip, tee off for a cause, and enjoy the fun.
“Hospice care touches every corner of our region,” said Sullivan. “This event reflects that—uniting people across county lines to make a difference.”
Spots are limited! The event committee is aiming for 20 total foursomes, with just four left to go. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, including lunch, hole, swag, and specialty signage.
To register or learn more, call 716-372-2106 or visit homecare-hospice.org.
Rochester Regional Health (RRH) teamed up with Batavia-area Girl Scouts to offer a Fun Patch educational event at United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC). Over a dozen Girl Scouts ages 6–12 earned the RRH Stroke Superstar patch by learning what to watch for when it comes to strokes and how to call for help.
The girls received a behind-the-scenes tour of UMMC, had an up-close look at state-of-the-art medical equipment and the inside of an ambulance, and met real-life healthcare heroes. The girls also donated blankets they made to the Lipson Cancer Center to be given to cancer patients and family members.
Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke. Since 1990, incidences of stroke in people aged 49 and under have steadily increased. Healthcare workers noted that children were often present when a caregiver experienced a stroke, making it essential for all ages to recognize the signs and know how to engage Emergency Medical Services quickly.
Rochester Regional Health remained committed to the well-being of the community. Educating the public on life-saving health knowledge, such as recognizing the signs of stroke, was one of many ways RRH partnered with the community to promote better health outcomes.
This fall, Genesee Community College's Business and Employee Skills Training (BEST) Center will offer hands-on training in two in-demand skilled trades: Welding and Plumbing. Evening classes begin on Sept. 2 and are designed to accommodate the schedules of working adults.
"Students will be awarded an industry-recognized credential upon completion of the training," according to Jennifer Wakefield, executive director of Workforce Development at The BEST Center. "We are proud to offer these short-term programs that open doors to long-term career opportunities."
Sal Bonafide Photo courtesy of GCC.
The Welding Fundamentals Program equips students with essential skills for immediate entry into the workforce. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of techniques, including basic gas and arc welding, gas metal arc welding (MIG), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW/stick), gas tungsten arc welding (TIG), and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). Students will also learn the principles of industrial safety, equipment setup and operation, as well as shop safety protocols.
Welding instruction will be led by Sal Bonafide, a GCC instructor with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Bonafide is eager to begin working with a new cohort of welding students: "Being able to work with students across different generations and disciplines is something I've always worked hard at; I can't wait to share my knowledge and experience with a new generation of welders."
Walter Szczesny Photo courtesy of GCC.
The Plumbing Certificate Program prepares students for entry-level employment in the residential plumbing trade. The training includes a strong foundation in plumbing theory and hands-on instruction in areas such as safety procedures, tool and material use, pipe fitting, fixture installation, and system maintenance. Students will also complete the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety training.
Instruction is provided by Walter Szczesny, a lifelong Batavia resident and Master Plumber who has owned and operated WTS Plumbing since 1993. Szczesny brings a lifetime of experience to share with his students: "I am excited to take my 45 years of knowledge and experience in the plumbing industry and pass it on to the next generation of plumbers with the skills needed to succeed in the field."
The BEST Center at Genesee Community College is the recognized regional leader in workforce development, offering targeted seminars, workshops, and training programs to strengthen both individuals and businesses throughout the GLOW region. To learn more about the BEST Center's offerings, please visit our Technical Programs page.
HomeCare & Hospice is proud to welcome four new team members serving the Batavia and Arcade areas: Jennifer Byroads, Daythin Hamilton, Samantha Schiavi, and Roberta LaDue. Each brings compassion, experience, and a unique personal touch to the organization’s mission of caring for individuals and families in their most vulnerable moments.
Jennifer Byroads
“We’re excited to welcome these talented individuals to our team,” said Melissa Sullivan, CEO of HomeCare & Hospice. “Their dedication and heart for service reflect the values we strive to bring to every patient and family. We know they will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Jennifer Byroads joins as an Administrative Assistant in Batavia. With more than 25 years of experience in medical offices spanning primary care, pediatrics, psychology, and community outreach, Jennifer says joining HomeCare & Hospice was “a natural fit.”
“I saw this as an opportunity to be part of a great team that helps patients and families through maybe their greatest time of need,” Jennifer said.
Jennifer lives in Batavia with her husband, and together they enjoy cheering on the Buffalo Bills, cooking, and spending time with their three adult daughters.
Daythin Hamilton
Daythin Hamilton, based in both Batavia and Arcade, also steps into an Administrative Assistant role. A Florida native now living in Attica, Daythin brings years of nonprofit and administrative experience from her work at Buffalo City Mission.
“I enjoy working with people and connecting them to needed services,” Daythin said. “Every day brings something new, and I’m glad to help individuals and families get the support they need.”
Outside of work, Daythin enjoys embroidery, crocheting, painting, and audiobooks.
Samantha Schiavi
Samantha Schiavi joins as an LPN Specialist based in Batavia. With her medical background and passion for nursing, Samantha will play a critical role in delivering compassionate care to patients and supporting their families.
Roberta LaDue, a new Home Health Aide in Batavia, brings a warm and nurturing spirit to her role. She lives in Batavia with her two daughters and boyfriend and says her caregiving comes from the heart.
“I have always loved taking care of friends and family,” Roberta shared. “I care for my patients like they’re my own.”
She enjoys family time, walking, baking, and is especially proud of her daughters, both of whom are honor roll students.
HomeCare & Hospice provides compassionate care for individuals with advanced illness and those facing end-of-life. Serving Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee, and Wyoming counties, HCH offers both home care and hospice services tailored to meet the needs of patients and families with dignity and comfort. For more information, please call 585-343-7596, visit homecare-hospice.org, or email snegron@homecare-hospice.org.
Go Art is thrilled to announce the opening of three captivating new exhibitions, featuring the diverse talents of the Genesee region BOCES Graphic Arts students, Matthew Fox, and one of GO Art’s staff members, Jodi Fisher. Join us at GO Art for the opening reception on June 19, from 6 to 8 p.m.
On display in our Oliver’s Gallery is the exhibit "Through a Lens,&" featuring the work of photographer and poet Jodi Fisher, a collection of nature photography showcasing some of her recent work.
Jodi invites the public to see her raw, unaltered photographs, which bring into focus how random things can be intensely interesting, especially when light, shadows, and angles come into play. Everyone who views this body of work will agree that Jodi successfully achieved her intention to transform the simple and sometimes mundane subject matter into an art piece.
Jodi says, “Each photograph captures not only what I see at any given moment, but it also tells a story about how simply looking at something from a different angle changes the whole feeling and mood of the piece”.
Contemporary painter Matthew Fox's collection offers the public a contemplative introspection in his exhibition, so aptly titled “Beyond Boundaries: Form and Fantasy.”
Matt says, “In my work, I explore the convergence of the visceral and the ethereal through bold color relationships and symbolic imagery. My paintings oscillate between representational and abstract forms, creating visual narratives that examine our relationship with both the microscopic world within us and the vast cosmos beyond."
Matt Fox (b. 1985) is a contemporary painter based in Batavia, New York. Working primarily in acrylics, Fox creates vibrant, symbolically rich compositions that bridge the gap between scientific understanding and emotional experience.
Featured in the Rotary Gallery are over 50 art pieces created by Genesee Valley BOCES Graphic Arts Students. Their work explores the impact of color use in art and its effect on our emotions. The public will see diverse interpretations of this subject through the eyes of our young graphic artists.
GO Art! invites the public to immerse themselves in these three new exhibitions and support our talented artists.
Both Matt and Jodi will give brief artists’ talks at 6:30 p.m. during the reception. Justin Reynolds will provide live music.
As always, all exhibition receptions are FREE to the public, but the experience is invaluable. For more information, please contact GO ART! at 585-343-9313.
The murder of Michael Poole, a 59-year-old Olcott resident, was calculated and driven by paranoia, District Attorney Kevin Finnell told jurors on Tuesday during opening statements in the trial of Edward A. "Eddie" Dunn, the man accused of killing Poole and leaving his body in bed of a pickup truck in the town of Alabama.
Dunn has denied the charges against him.
According to Finnell's account of events, Dunn shot Poole in the head after suspecting him of knowing too much about a string of burglaries allegedly committed by Dunn and his friend, Katherine “Kat” Henry.
Poole’s body was discovered on March 19, 2024, in Alabama in the bed of his own pickup truck, abandoned and buried under a pile of debris and towels.
“Michael deserved to die. Why? Because he was a man who knew too much,” Finnell said to the jury in his opening remarks.
He described the killing as an execution, saying Dunn, armed with a .22 caliber rifle, shot Poole multiple times before attempting to cover up the crime.
The prosecution highlighted the timeline of events leading to Poole’s death, claiming that Dunn and Henry had been staying with Norman "Bud" Dubois in Middleport while committing burglaries across the region.
On March 17, 2024, Henry allegedly called Poole for a ride for her and Dunn. They had known each other in the past. When they returned from scouting out a laundromat, the prosecution says, Dunn fatally shot Poole from the back seat of Poole’s truck.
Evidence recovered includes shell casings, the murder weapon found in a crawlspace at Dubois’ home, and a fingerprint linking Dunn to the rifle. The truck was located on March 18, and Poole’s body was later found inside.
The defense, led by attorney Casey Spencer, urged jurors to question the credibility of key witnesses, particularly Henry and Dubois, who she says are both unreliable due to their criminal histories and drug use.
“You will not find physical evidence to support the narrative that’s been presented,” Spencer said.
She stressed that Henry’s story changed only after she had been charged with second-degree murder. She also suggested that the evidence could have been tampered with in the three days that Henry and Dubois were alone in that house before a search warrant was issued.
The defense also cast doubt on the forensic value of the fingerprint that was found on the rifle, arguing that it cannot be said that was the last time that Dunn handled the weapon.
The case will resume Wednesday at 9:15 a.m., with further testimony from law enforcement, forensic experts, and key witnesses, including Henry and Dubois.
Rochester Regional Health (RRH) is proud to announce that The Wound Care Center at United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) has achieved clinical and operational recognition from Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services.
UMMC Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Center earned the most prestigious Healogics’ award, the President’s Circle Designation, and was the only center in New York State to achieve this esteemed honor.
The Center also earned designation as a Center of Excellence and Center of Distinction for 2024. These national awards recognize Wound Care Centers that consistently demonstrate high performance in several key areas including patient satisfaction, wound healing rates and overall clinical outcomes. This recognition verifies that the wound care team at UMMC achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate higher than 92 percent. This is the 9th year in a row UMMC has received the Center of Distinction recognition and the 2nd year as a Center of Excellence.
“We are incredibly proud of the team at United Memorial Medical Center Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine for once again being recognized by Healogics for their exceptional commitment to patient care,” said Daniel P. Ireland, EVP, Chief Nursing Executive and Patient Care Officer for Rochester Regional Health. “Earning these prestigious designations for nearly a decade reflects the unwavering dedication of our clinicians, nurses, and support staff to providing advanced, evidence-based wound care. Their work not only improves healing outcomes but truly transforms lives in our community.”
United Memorial Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine uses an interdisciplinary approach that includes specialized practitioners together with the latest advances in wound care management and technologies to assure quality outcomes. The team specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections, and other wounds that have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. Many patients who find relief at UMMC Wound Care have been suffering after months or years of other treatments have been unsuccessful.
As a hospital-based outpatient service, the center uses the most up-to-date approaches to wound healing including use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and remains current in the latest scientific advances in wound care.
Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation has notified the City of Batavia that they will be flushing their fire hydrants on Tuesday, June 10. This may cause flow disruptions and water discoloration in the north section of the City.
If you do experience a discoloration of your water, turn on a cold water tap and let it run for about 5 minutes or until clear. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the discoloration has dissipated.
We apologize for any inconvenience. Your patience is greatly appreciated.
Join us for a fun-filled evening of roller skating and community connection at the David McCarthy Ice Rink! The Batavia Police Department invites you to "Skate with a Cop," an exciting opportunity to get to know your local officers in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
On June 20, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., come lace up your skates and hit the rink with your friendly City of Batavia Police Officers. This event is designed to bring our community together, build relationships, and create a positive atmosphere for all ages.
Enjoy some quality time with your family and friends while getting to know the men and women who serve and protect our community. Our officers are excited to meet you and share in the joy of roller skating!
So mark your calendars and we'll see you at the David McCarthy Ice Rink! Don't miss out on this fantastic chance to build bridges and create lasting memories with your local law enforcement.
Two projects submitted to the Genesee County Economic Development Center are projected to generate $9 million in community benefits.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors advanced an initial resolution at its June 5 meeting for HP Hood LLC’s 7,722 sq. ft. facility expansion at the Genesee Valley Agri Business Park.
HP Hood LLC’s $25 million investment will include the construction of a two-bay, raw milk silo alcove and silo pads for four silos, Clean-in-Place (CIP) room for four CIP systems, remote truck testing lab and electrical room. The expansion will enable HP Hood to increase capacity and boost dairy product production.
HP Hood LLC is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $1.12 million and a property tax abatement estimated at approximately $84,097 based on the incremental increase in assessed value via a new traditional 10-year PILOT. The project is estimated to generate $6.3 million in financial benefits, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $10 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.
A public hearing on the proposed project agreements will be held in the town of Batavia.
The board of directors also approved a final resolution for Ivy Village Corp.’s proposed $3.5 million construction of 20 units of market-rate patio homes in the Village of LeRoy. The project will add 24,960 sq. ft as part of a planned three-phase, 60-unit development on 16 acres.
Ivy Village Corp. requested a sales tax exemption estimated at $168,000, a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $28,000, and a property tax abatement estimated at $669,440 based on the incremental increase in assessed value via a 20-year PILOT. The project is estimated to generate $2.7 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $4 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.
It's time to clear out that old tech and give back to our amazing community! Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is thrilled to announce his annual FREE electronic device collection and recycling event, once again teaming up with the fantastic folks at Sunnking. This is your chance to make a real difference and keep our neighborhoods clean!
Collection day will be Saturday, June 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the parking lot at 5130 E Main Street Road in Batavia. Attendees can access the required pre-registration form here.
“Recycling is a small but impactful way we can help keep our communities clean, and I’m grateful to the good people at Sunnking Sustainable Solutions for partnering with me for another year of work,” Hawley said. “Anything from cell phones to computers to TVs can be recycled, so please, register today and help keep our communities clean!”
At the Class B state qualifier meet hosted by Batavia at VanDetta Stadium on Friday, Section V presented the Devin Snyder Class B2 MVP awards based on last week’s sectional results.
The boys' track MVP was Cameron Garofalo, and the boys' field MVP was Sheldon Siverling. For the girls, the track MVP was Karizma Wescott, and the field MVP was Ella Shamp.
The Devin Snyder award is named in memory of Devin Snyder, an outstanding student-athlete from Wayland-Cohocton who excelled in track and field, as well as other sports, during her varsity career. The award is presented by Section V to recognize top track and field athletes in various classes, honoring Snyder’s legacy and contributions to the sport in the region.
Sebastian Eräkare featured the open mic night at Jackson Square Friday evening. hoto by Steve Ognibene
Friday, Iburi Photography hosted the second annual Jackson Square Open Mic, drawing performers and community members for a night of music and stand-up comedy.
On the first Friday of each month, Ibrui hosts an open mic at its study on Jackson Street in Batavia.
“We’re a very supportive group, and we really just genuinely enjoy spending time with everyone and uplifting people and just being a part of their creative outlet,” said sponsor Akari Lewis-Iburi. “It’s important to have that, to build community around that, and connect.”
From left, David Ciurzynski, Ed Smart, Janet and June Lee, Tracy Ford, Emmett and Antoinette Clancy (on the billboard), and Madison Wesolowski from Thompson Builds, partake in a ribbon-cutting Friday for a new deck at Crossroads House in Batavia. Photo by Joanne Beck
Although two important people were missing from the list of board and staff leaders, the architect and construction team, volunteers, friends and neighbors present for a celebratory ribbon-cutting of the newly completed back deck at Crossroads House Friday, they were well represented.
Emmett and Antoinette Clancy, 1970 Batavia Notre Dame High graduates who met in school and married at St. Joseph’s Church four years later, are the ones that got the ball rolling for the new deck even though they no longer live here.
Antoinette’s father, Sam Marchese, died in 2000 of cancer — spending his final days at Crossroads House. The care he received left that indelible embrace on the couple’s hearts and when they wanted to give back for their golden wedding anniversary, Crossroads became one of the beneficiaries.
“He was loved deeply by Antoinette, and therefore by me,” Emmett said during a phone interview from Lake Arrow, California. “Batavia is our beginning, no matter where we live. Crossroads provided him with hospice care in the last months of his life.”
When they decided to donate for their 50 years together, he called Crossroads and founder Kathy Panepento answered, and “I said we wanted to help them with the side deck in his memory,” Emmett said.
The total project was a $170,000 investment, which required additional fundraising. There is a new roof that covers the garage, the deck and connects to the house sunroom addition, Executive Director Tracy Ford said.
“So we had permits that we had to get from the city, there was some cost to having the drawings done, because there had to be specific schematics for the builders that needed to be done. And the project build itself, then the materials. So it was a very large addition, a really large project, because of the weight of this roof and the fact that it ties into three other structures,” Ford said. “There was a lot of work that was required, foundation wise, for this project to come to fruition. So we are just so grateful that everybody was so supportive of it.”
Staff and volunteers were limited by the previous deck with the ability to bring residents outside safely, she said.
“And by that, I mean quite often it was too windy back here. You can feel this breeze right now that we’re standing in. There’s no breeze up on that deck.We were limited on our abilities to bring people out on a windy day. We were limited on days when it might be a little too warm, but now we have shade, and we have a fan,” she said. “We just have this massive amount of shade and it’s just quieter up there. And it really does give you more space to be able to enjoy the gardens. So it’s just a grander, serene space.”
The Clancy couple reached out a year ago and offered to make a gift of $50,000 for the project. Ford contracted with Ciurzynski Consulting LLC, which donated all of its time, and owner David Ciurzynski brought in Thompson Builds and Ed Smart of SmartDesign Architecture for renderings and the construction. Total costs came in well beyond the donation, and the Clancy couple agreed that Ford could reach out for additional funding.
That’s when longtime volunteers and retired Batavia City School teachers Janet and June Lee stepped up and offered to help in yet another way. They provided financial assistance to support the project.
“We heard rumors that they were thinking of changing the porch, and the garage team eats our lunch on the porch, and we knew how bad it needed to be replaced. And then Tracy showed us pictures, and we fell in love with it, and we thought we could help out,” June said. “So we did. It's wonderful. We enjoyed watching it being built.”
Just prior to the big moment when June and Janet took a big pair of shears to cut the ribbon, Ford said it was a joyous occasion to unveil “our beautiful covered deck overlooking our memorial garden, a sacred space that will offer our residents and their families a place of reflection, comfort and connection, a place where nature and quiet moments can provide healing during some of life’s most tender times.”
“This space did not come to be on its own,” she said. “It was built board by board through the incredible generosity and hearts of a few very special people.”
She thanked Emmett and Antoinette, longtime supporters of Crossroads House “who have continually walked alongside us in our mission” with unwavering commitment that has made a lasting impact; June and Janet Lee, two extraordinary women who deserved her deepest sense of gratitude and admiration for their “steady, compassionate presence;” the consulting, architect and construction team, First Presbyterian Church and Rev. Roula Alkhouri, founder Kathy Panepento, and the dedicated volunteers working the garden, garage sale, in the house or other functions.
There was a large billboard with photos of the Clancy’s and a brief bio about them. It didn’t speak of their passion for a hometown that seemed to embrace them in a mutual fondness.
There’s a plaque on the back deck wall “in loving memory” of Antoinette’s dad, Samuel Marchese, who owned Marchese’s grocery store on the east end of Batavia many years ago.
Emmett, a native of Caledonia, recalled their wedding reception being at the former Moose Club on Main Street in downtown Batavia, as Antoinette added that it featured an Italian buffet.
“Batavia is our roots,” he said, reminiscing about the original Genesee Community College, where Antoinette attended.
“The beginning of life, the end of life, and the middle of life, they are all very special to us. The acceptance of Batavia and going there, and meeting my future wife, and Notre Dame, and GCC when it started. Our affection for our past and for all those who played a part there — their souls and the memories — God has blessed us and we had wanted to help Crossroads,” he said, describing the photos he has seen of the deck. "It looks wonderful. The residents, and the ability for them to converse and enjoy the sunrise or sunset and enjoy a lemonade with family, gives us great joy.”
Photos by Joanne Beck
Sisters and longtime Crossroads House volunteers Janet and June Lee talk about their time at the nonprofit, including when a librarian suggested that the books at the garage sale ought to be alphabetized. Photo by Joanne Beck
Genesee County Chamber of Commerce President Brian Cousins, second from left, presents a certificate to Crossroads House volunteers Janet and June Lee and Executive Director Tracy Ford during a ribbon-cutting for the Liberty Street site's new deck. Flanking them are David Ciurzynski, left, and Ed Smart and Madison Wesolowski on the right. Photo by Joanne Beck
"This space did not come to be on its own. It was built board by board through the incredible generosity and hearts of a few very special people," Crossroads Executive Director Tracy Ford said Friday during a ribbon-cutting celebration. Photo by Joanne Beck
The deck at Crossroads House on Liberty Street, before. Submitted Photo
