batavia

Mary Lichtenstein struggled and suffered most of her life with depression, and did so in silence, coming from a family at a time when one didn’t “air the dirty laundry,” and masking repercussions of having been in a car accident as a teenager by being “a walking pharmacy,” she says.

Yet despite the prescription drugs, there were the side effects, migraines from a head injury, and not much relief, rendering her feeling as if “I didn’t want to be here,” she said. It was her husband Mark that found out about Donna Eden, founder of the Eden Method, a way to use one’s body energy to live a “long, healthy and joyful life,” according to her website.  

“It was the best gift he ever gave me, besides my daughter, Danielle. I stopped playing the movie in my head that I’m not good enough, I’m not pretty enough, I’m not thin enough,” Lichtenstein said during an interview with The Batavian from her home in Mexico, New York. “I teach people now. I no longer have foggy brain, that movie didn’t play over in my head any more. I gained healthy boundaries, I learned we surrender our power. Before, I was notorious for being a doormat.”

Lichtenstein owns Integrative Healing Solutions, LLC and is an advanced practitioner of Eden Energy Medicine, an integrated approach to healing by learning how to build neuroplasticity, detox your brain, open new neural pathways and calm the nervous system. 

She’s bringing a class, Calm Within: Energy Medicine for Stress & Anxiety Relief, here from 1 to 3:30 p.m. June 5 at Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St.

Serving as her own living validation that the Eden method of recovery and living actually works, Lichtenstein has gone on to teach it to others, watching remarkable transformations, she said.

“What I love about Donna Eden's work is that it's one of the quickest, most effective ways I've discovered in my 63 years of struggling myself. I mean, not so much in the last 15 years, but prior to that, it gives you tools that you can use for yourself to give you back and empower you and make you more resilient," she said. "I would dare say that every single health crisis has a stress component to deal with it, and not being able to deal with it or know how to deal with it, and this gives you those simple tools to deal with it, so that you don't get sick. 

"And I'm walking proof of it. And most people that have become practitioners in energy medicine is because they are very sick themselves, and it saved my life, basically, learning how to do this," she said. "And I want it for everybody else, because, we deserve to have a full, beautiful life and enjoy every day to its fullest, because we don't know what's going to happen.”

She provides tools for people to use to calm themselves, she said. It’s a really soothing, simple yet powerful energy to restore one’s balance, whether it’s the breath, presence or intention, there is most definitely a noticeable before and after, she said.

A registered respiratory therapist for several years, she didn’t feel as though she was making much of an impact on her patients’ health. It was as if she was “taking this blazing fire and we were taking this little squirt gun, and going, ‘I’m wondering why they weren’t getting better,’” she said. So she eventually left that field and went on to work in schools.

Then in 2010, she began to study this new method, and saw “amazing results” with students while as a teen health educator for two school districts.

“Holy moly, what a difference. I had one girl who’d just as soon punch the vice principal as talk to him, and in her senior year, she didn’t get in any trouble, and now I’m so proud of her. She’s going to school to be a teacher, and it was just teaching her simple tools, which I’m going to teach in this class. It changed this girl’s life, and she got out of a toxic relationship and she’s doing fantastic.”

Participants in this class will receive a booklet of information and exercises to perform — not calisthenics that depend on one’s physical condition but those tools, Lichtenstein said — to enable anyone to do them and understand “how our energies affect” not only ourselves but others in the room, she said.

There will be “just enough” science to explain why and how this method works, but not too much to be overwhelming, she said. One key aspect is neuroplasticity.

What is neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout life. It refers to the brain forming new neural connections and reorganizing itself in response to experiences, emotions, behaviors, and even energy-based practices.

“When you're stressed or anxious, your brain often strengthens neural pathways associated with fear, worry, and survival. However, with intentional practices — like those in Eden Energy Medicine — you can begin to rewire your brain toward calm, balance, and resilience,” Lichtenstein said. “Each exercise students will learn in this class, Calm Within: Energy Medicine for Stress & Anxiety Relief, supports rewiring the brain by helping the nervous system shift out of survival mode and into balance, calm, and healing.”

Fee is $25, and scholarships are available for those that may not otherwise be able to attend. Lichtenstein said that once participants connect with her, she is there for you afterward if needed.

“My goal is to put myself out of business, because people are stressed.," she said. "I have had personal stress, and I wouldn’t have been able to get through it without energy medicine, and now I want to share it with as many people as I can.”

For more information or to register, go HERE. 

I have written many articles about Batavia's history using the Genesee County History Department, Ruth M. McEvoy's book, The History of the City of Batavia, the Holland Land Office Museum, and the Richmond Memorial Library. I have also enjoyed sharing my memories growing up in Batavia. I am always looking for topics to write about.

I recalled watching the 60s, two popular TV shows, Dr. Kildare and Ben Casey. I also remember the nun at St. Joseph's Elementary School slamming the top of my desk as I looked at a picture of Ben Casey, not paying attention to her lesson. I had taped his picture to the inside of my desktop.

I loved the clothing from the '60s and '70s. There was a unique store called Metamorphous, located on Ellicott Street Road. It sold the most incredible bell-bottoms in a brushed corduroy. 

I remember when sneakers finally came in colors other than white. You couldn't express your style by wearing a school uniform daily since you had to wear white socks. I remember wearing penny loafers, and I put dimes where the penny was supposed to go. 

There was also a phase of wearing a Liz Taylor blouse. It had ruffles on the front and was a welcome change to wear when not in School.

The dance moves included the Twist, the Mashed Potato, the Swim, and the Freddie. We enjoyed simple summers, swimming in the New Pool, participating in the City Parks Program, and attending the Tennis Court Dances at night.

When we were young, there wasn't a Saturday Mass available for parishioners at the various Catholic churches.   We attended the 9:15 a.m. children's Sunday Mass and were usually late getting our family of eight ready for church. Girls always had to wear a hat or some covering on their heads. Of course, if you didn't have the chaplet cap of mantilla for Mass, you'd get a bobby pin and pin a Kleenex to your hair. I wore many a Kleenex pinned to my hair as a St. Joseph's School student. 

The children from the New York State School for the Blind attended the children's Mass. They sat on the left side of the church and walked to the altar for communion with a small group of students and one student leader holding a teacher's hand.  

When Beatlemania hit the United States from England, our music changed. Many other groups followed the Beatles, the Fab Four. We now had music from many English groups, such as The Dave Clark Five, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Who, and The Yardbirds, to name a few of the many popular groups from England. Clothing from that era was halter tops, cutoff jeans, wide bell-bottoms, and mini dresses. The hairstyles for boys and girls were long hair. Gone was the traditional boys' haircut. 

A favorite memory of mine was when I gathered up my five siblings to have a portrait taken of the six of us. I made an appointment at Lawing Studio, and we all showed up in what we thought were appropriate clothes. We still have that once-in-a-lifetime sibling photo taken for mom. We had it framed and presented it to her on her birthday.   

As we were waiting to hear her express her pleasure for this memorable portrait of her children, our soft-spoken mom, who never really raised her voice in our lifetime, was not a fan of her son's long hair, to put it mildly. She didn't like their pork chop sideburns either. We were shocked! She was happy with us girls, who were wearing my clothes. 

We always laugh at the photo our mom hated that was never hung in the living room. We would drag it out on holidays and have a good laugh. At a reception at Terry Hill's Restaurant after our mother's funeral Mass, we took out the photo, sat in the exact order we sat in for the original photo back in the 70s, and retook the picture in memory of our beautiful mother.

At 75 years old, I repeat my memories; they are written a little scrambled, but that is how I recall them at my age. We share similar memories, so please feel free to share yours. I am not crazy about being 75, but my memories keep me young.

Submitted photos.

Batavia, the No. 10 seed, defeated No. 7 Geneva 18-0 in a Section V softball game Thursday night.

Senior pitcher Arianna Almekinder broke the Batavia High School single-season strikeout record, finishing the night with 167 strikeouts. The previous record was 162. Almekinder struck out 12, allowed only one hit, and issued no walks.

Batavia’s offense collected 13 hits. Gabby Smith went 3-for-4 with a triple and five RBI. Hannah Carney was 3-for-4 with a double and one RBI. Kyleigh Kabel finished 2-for-4 with three RBI. Drew Stevens added a triple, and Libby Grazioplene contributed a double.

Geneva’s Grayson Harris had the lone hit for her team, a double.

Batavia improves to 9-11 and advances in the sectional tournament. Geneva finishes the season at 10-8.

Batavia defeated East Rochester 6-0 Thursday night in the Section V Class C girls flag football semifinal, advancing to the championship game after a second straight shutout.

The teams were scoreless at halftime as rain made passing conditions difficult. Senior wide receiver Alyssa Turner broke the deadlock in the second half, hauling in a 9-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Jaimin Macdonald for the game’s only score. Macdonald finished 4-of-11 passing for 38 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. She also led Batavia on the ground with 76 yards on 14 carries. Junior running back Libby Grazioplene added 44 yards on six carries, and senior wide receiver Nicole Doeringer contributed 30 all-purpose yards—18 rushing and 12 receiving.

Batavia’s defense continued its dominant run, posting a second consecutive shutout and allowing just 12 points over the last six games. Senior defensive end Kylee Brennan led with 11 flag pulls, including three for a loss. Turner, playing linebacker, added seven flag pulls—one for a loss—and intercepted a pass in the second half. Doeringer recorded four flag pulls, three for a loss, and Macdonald chipped in with four flag pulls and three passes defended.

Batavia advances to face CG Finney in the Section V Class C final. The championship is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, at Monroe Community College.

Press Release:

The City of Batavia invites you and your organization to participate in the Memorial Day Parade on May 26. The parade lineup will be at the East Town Plaza starting at 8:30 a.m., with the parade commencing at 9:30 a.m. The parade should end at approximately 10:30 a.m. at Alva Place. We will have Marshals who will assign your unit a place in the parade.

When turning off Main Street onto Bank Street, all units are to be silent out of respect for a memorial service at the Veterans Monument on Bank Street.

Throwing of candy from vehicles is strictly prohibited.

Out of respect, there will be no political campaigning, such as signs or vote for are allowed. Our veterans served our country, not political affiliations.

"Honor, respect, and guard your freedom, for it comes from the blood of those who gave their life for it."

Your support of this event is greatly appreciated.

Please RSVP and return a certificate of Insurance and or the attached hold harmless to Bob Bialkowski at bbwski@yahoo.com or call 585-343-4471.

Batavia exploded for 10 runs in the second inning and never looked back, rolling to a 20-8 win over Aquinas in the Section V Class B baseball sectional playoffs Friday.

The Blue Devils sent 15 hitters to the plate in the second, drawing eight walks and collecting four hits to seize control early. Batavia finished with 13 hits on the day.

Bronx Buchholz earned the win, pitching five innings while allowing just one hit, no earned runs, and striking out six. Brady Mazur and Maggio Buchholz handled the final two innings in relief.

Lakoda Mruczek went 3-for-4 with three runs scored. Brady Mazur was 2-for-2, scoring four runs and driving in one. Nolan Ball reached base all five times, walking four times and scoring four runs. Jameson Motyka was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI. Maggio Buchholz added two hits and three runs. Brock Bigsby tripled, scored three runs, and drove in two. Brady Carney and Champ Buchholz each had an RBI.

“We’ve played really well the last couple times out, and we're hitting our stride at the right time,” Batavia coach Michael Sputore said. 

Batavia plays Pittsford Mendon on Tuesday in Mendon. 

"They’re the number one seed so that says a lot about them, and our boys will be up for the challenge,” Sputore said.

Press Release:

The Batavia Police Department is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for all residents. To achieve this goal, we need your help. If you have information about illegal drug activity in our community, we urge you to report it anonymously through the Submit a Tip link on our Crimewatch page. 

Drug abuse and trafficking can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and our community as a whole. By reporting suspicious activity, you can help us identify and disrupt illegal drug operations, making our streets safer for everyone. 

Our Tip Line is a secure and confidential way to share information about drug-related crimes. You can remain anonymous, and your tip will be investigated promptly by our dedicated team. Your contribution can make a significant difference in our efforts to combat drug abuse and keep our community safe. 

Here's how you can report drug activity anonymously: 

• Visit our Crimewatch page and click on the Submit a Tip link.
• Provide as much information as possible about the suspected drug activity, including location, time, and any other relevant details.
• Submit your tip, and our team will review and investigate it promptly. 

Remember, your tip can be the key to making a positive impact in our community. Let's work together to create a safer, healthier environment for everyone. Report drug activity anonymously today! If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, please seek help from a trusted healthcare provider or a reputable treatment center. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our community safe.

Daniel R. Yates, 55, of Batavia, is charged with attempted robbery, 3rd degree, and attempted criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd degree. Yates allegedly attempted to take a Batavia police officer’s gun out of the holster while police were attempting to take him into custody on May 2. He was arraigned in City Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Roman B. Warchol, 45, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Jennifer R. Warchol, 43, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree; operating a motor vehicle without insurance; operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration; and operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate. Roman and Jennifer Warchol were arrested May 21 following a traffic stop, during which both were allegedly found in possession of narcotics. They were processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on appearance tickets.

Supreme N. Ervin, 26, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with public lewdness. Ervin was arrested May 20 after allegedly exposing private parts of his body while in a store on Veterans Memorial Drive in the Town of Batavia. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Daquan J. Butler, 29, of Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn, is charged with possession of contraband. Butler is accused of possessing contraband inside the Genesee County Jail on May 16. He was issued an appearance ticket and will appear in Batavia Town Court on May 27.

Bernard L. Parnell, 35, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and obstructing governmental administration, 2nd degree. Parnell allegedly stole merchandise from Speedway and resisted police when they attempted to detain him. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. Earlier the same day, Parnell was arrested on Otis Street after he allegedly refused to leave a residence and allegedly punched another person. He was charged with criminal trespass, 2nd degree, and harassment, 2nd degree.

Anthony A. Bomasuto, 31, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd degree, and aggravated family offense. Bomasuto is accused of being involved in an altercation with a person who has an order of protection against him on April 10. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

Kara B. Baker, 52, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Baker is accused of stealing merchandise from Aldi on April 15. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Jerome W. Amesbury, 59, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Amesbury was arrested on April 10 following a traffic stop on Jan. 10, when he was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Anthony G. Cicoria, 56, of Caledonia, is charged with DWI. Cicoria was arrested on April 10 following a traffic stop on West Main Street. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Michael A. Fanizza, 31, of Batavia, is charged with burglary, 2nd degree, and criminal contempt, 2nd degree. Fanizza allegedly entered a residence illegally in violation of an order of protection. He was arraigned in CAP Court.

Donyel E. Walker, 26, of Batavia, is charged with burglary, 2nd degree, criminal contempt, 1st degree, and harassment, 2nd degree. Walker was arrested April 17 after allegedly violating an order of protection inside a residence on Hutchins Street. He was arraigned in CAP Court.

Thomas J. Preedom, 36, of Batavia, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender. Preedom is accused of failing to register his address as a level 2 sex offender. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail without bail.

Jacob W. Patterson, 29, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Patterson was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during an incident on State Street on April 15, 2024. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Christopher E. Tanner, 52, of Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd degree. Tanner allegedly struck another person during an altercation on State Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Kelly R. Seeler, 52, of Albion, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Seeler was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a traffic stop on Pearl Street on Jan. 17. She was arraigned and released.

Benjamin M. Klotzbach, 34, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful imprisonment, 2nd degree, and harassment, 2nd degree. Klotzbach allegedly headbutted another person and prevented them from leaving a residence during an altercation on Elmwood Avenue. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Johnny D. Vidal, 40, of Batavia, is charged with filing a false written statement. Vidal is accused of signing a written statement alleging that another person threatened him with a firearm. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Nathiel D. Wilson III, 19, of Batavia, and Ashton T. McWethy-Thornley, 18, of Batavia, are charged with criminal mischief, 3rd degree, and conspiracy, 5th degree. Wilson and McWethy-Thornley are accused of damaging a window on a house and a vehicle on State Street. Wilson was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. McWethy-Thornley was arraigned and released.

Karen B. Armstrong, 48, of Batavia, and Ashlee S. Thomas, 28, of Batavia, are charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Armstrong and Thomas were charged following an altercation on Denio Street, where Armstrong allegedly kicked a 13-year-old girl and Thomas allegedly slapped another person who was holding a young child. Thomas was additionally charged with harassment, 2nd degree. Both were issued appearance tickets and released.

Andrew R. Del Gandio, 31, of Rochester, is charged with DWI. Del Gandio was arrested April 27 following a traffic stop on East Main Street. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

James R. Briggs, 49, of Corning, was arrested April 30 on four warrants, including two bench warrants and two arrest warrants. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

Nankumar McLaulin, 32, of Hicksville, was arrested April 24 on a warrant. McLaulin allegedly failed to appear in court after being issued a misdemeanor traffic ticket in December 2023. He turned himself in, was arraigned in City Court, and released.

John W. Biaselli, 56, of Batavia, was arrested April 24 on a warrant. Biaselli was initially charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing merchandise from Dollar General on Feb. 28. The warrant was issued after he failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Shelby L. Fryer, 29, of Batavia, was arrested April 24 on a bench warrant. Fryer was initially charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree, following a traffic stop on Dec. 17, 2024. Fryer was arraigned in City Court and released.

Nicole Granger, 34, of Batavia, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing, grand larceny, 3rd degree, and three counts of forgery, 1st degree. Granger is accused of failing to report that the biological father of her child was residing in the home and earning wages, and of forging three documents related to her rental payments. As a result, she allegedly received $6,426 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. Granger was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Nicole Sprung, 39, of Le Roy, is charged with forgery, 1st degree, welfare fraud, 4th degree, and grand larceny, 4th degree. Sprung is accused of failing to report that the biological father of her child was living in the home and earning wages, and of forging a neighbor’s signature attesting that he was not in the home. She allegedly received $2,641 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. Sprung was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Cheryl Ditzel, 61, of Batavia, is charged with welfare fraud, 4th degree. Ditzel is accused of failing to report monies being deposited into a bank account she had access to, resulting in her allegedly receiving $2,435 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. She was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Jacqueline Sogunro-Pitan, 44, of Batavia, is charged with welfare fraud, 4th degree. She is accused of failing to report wages she was earning at Walmart and, as a result, receiving $2,304 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. She was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Erica E. Cullen, 34, of Bank Street Road, Elba, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing, 1st degree; welfare fraud, 3rd degree; and grand larceny, 3rd degree. Cullen is accused of receiving $3,138 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. She was arrested following an investigation by the Department of Social Services and arraigned in Batavia Town Court on May 22, where she was released on her own recognizance.

Brandon Gerald Starkweather, 33, no permanent address, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st degree. Starkweather is accused of striking another person who had an active stay-away order of protection against him. He was held for arraignment following his arrest on May 22.

Davon H. Patton, 39, of Buffalo, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 4th degree. Patton was allegedly found operating a stolen vehicle on Oak Street on May 7. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Brian M. Raphael, 37, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd degree. Raphael was allegedly found in possession of a bludgeon, specifically a club with barbed wire wrapped around it, on May 7. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Joseph M. Tornabene, 33, of Buffalo, is charged with aggravated family offense and criminal contempt, 2nd degree. Tornabene allegedly violated an order of protection by being at the residence of a protected party on April 30. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

Marissa A. McGill, 39, of Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and circumventing an interlock device. McGill allegedly had a child blow into her vehicle’s interlock device and left her children unattended for an extended period of time on May 9. She was issued appearance tickets and released.

Michael J. Cutitta, 40, of Batavia, is charged with menacing, 3rd degree. Cutitta allegedly threatened to kill another person on May 10. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.

Colleen M. Hutchinson, 50, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd degree. Hutchinson was allegedly found in possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop on Ellicott Avenue on Feb. 19. She was issued appearance tickets and released.

Justin T. Gladney, 36, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Gladney was allegedly found in possession of narcotics on West Main Street on Aug. 1, 2024. He was issued an appearance ticket at the Genesee County Jail, where he is currently incarcerated on a separate matter.

Kaila I. Tidd, 40, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd degree, and endangering the welfare of a child. Tidd allegedly allowed a sex offender to be at her residence around her children, in violation of an order of protection, on May 1. She was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.

Edward J. Ludwig, 62, of Alden, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Ludwig was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a traffic stop on Jan. 17. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.

Ricky A. Marsceill, 60, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Marsceill was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a traffic stop on May 20, 2024. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Bill A. Thomas, 65, of Batavia, was arrested on three bench warrants, all stemming from previous trespass charges where he failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in CAP Court.

Michelle L. May, 50, of Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd degree. May allegedly had physical contact with another person during an altercation on East Main Street on May 3. She was arraigned in CAP Court.

Press Release:

The Batavia Police Department is proud to announce its annual Flag Commemoration Ceremony, honoring the memory of those who have served our community and have passed away. This solemn event is a tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of our fallen heroes who have served our department and the community with distinction. 

The ceremony will take place on May 28 at 1 p.m. at Grandview Cemetery. The event will feature a brief ceremony, a moment of silence, and a reading of the names of those being honored. 

The Batavia Police Department invites the public to join us in paying respects to these brave individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

We hope you can join us for this meaningful ceremony as we come together to pay tribute to those who have given so much.  Let us take a moment to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who have served our community and have passed on. Their legacy lives on in our hearts and in the work we do every day to keep our community safe.

Press Release:

Lucine Kauffman, program coordinator for the Library Visits Program at the Richmond Memorial Library, was honored with the 2025 Outreach Award at the Nioga Library System's annual meeting on Wednesday evening at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. The award honors an individual in the library or community who has shown a commitment in providing/promoting library services to special populations such as the elderly, geographically isolated, or those who have a physical disability.

"Lucine has consistently gone above and beyond to serve marginalized and isolated groups in our community," shares RML Interim Director Samantha Stryker, who nominated Kauffman. “She recognizes the need to address the epidemic of loneliness we often see in our elderly population. The Library Visits program utilizes a small staff and a network of volunteers to deliver tremendous amounts of resources to those who need them most.”

Nioga Trustee and Genesee County representative Kristie Miller presented Kauffman with the award, sharing that she works diligently to provide as many services as possible to Library Visits patrons, whether it is library materials, help with technology, or a social connection with their dedicated volunteer. Through her initiative, the program is now able to serve caregivers in addition to those who are homebound or unable to visit the library.

Since 1997, The Library Visits Program has been serving residents of Genesee County through the Muriel H. Marshall Fund. In addition to serving 70-80 patrons directly, the program delivers group loans and resources to more than 15 residential and program facilities in Genesee County, serving over 1200 Genesee County residents. Thanks to recent funding, caregivers are also eligible to receive services through Library Visits.  

If you or a loved one are interested in the services provided by Library Visits, visit batavialibrary.org or call 585-343-9550 x6.

Now hiring! Wine & cocktail enthusiasts wanted at Bar Olo Wine Bar! Apply today! Click here to fill out an employment form. 

Press Release:

The City Department of Public Works TEAM will be continuing with essential and time-sensitive repairs to the sewer infrastructure along Dellinger Avenue, continuing on Thursday, May 22, with work anticipated to extend through Friday, May 23, at a minimum. Additional Water service restoration work will begin on Tuesday, May 27, with hopeful completion on that day as well, with the water line work.

The construction activities are scheduled to take place throughout the day on Thursday and are expected to continue into Friday until all identified and necessary repair tasks have been successfully completed. This work is to ensure the long-term reliability and functionality of the local sewer system. 

Please be advised that Dellinger Avenue will remain closed to all non-essential through traffic during this period. This closure is in place due to the ongoing nature of the work, which includes overnight pump operations and early morning activity that are required to maintain progress and ensure the project’s timely and safe completion. 

At this time, access is strictly limited to local traffic only, including residents, buses and service vehicles which may be required to enter from one end of the road or the other. 

We respectfully request that all residents and members of the public avoid traveling through the construction area on Dellinger Avenue while construction is actively underway. This will help prevent unnecessary congestion, reduce potential delays, and, most importantly, support the safety of both the construction crews and the public.

We greatly value and appreciate your continued patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work to complete these important infrastructure upgrades. Your support is instrumental in helping us deliver long-term improvements that benefit the entire community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Press Release:

Paolo Busti Foundation names Elizabeth Riter as Outstanding Italian-American. Elizabeth Riter is being honored as an Outstanding Italian-American by the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation of Genesee County for her countless hours of community service. 

Liz will receive her award at the Foundation Scholarship Dinner planned for 6:30 p.m. June 10 at Batavia Downs. Tickets may be purchased at Ben’s Appliances, 634 East Main St, or from any board member.

Liz relocated to Batavia in 1988 after completing her Master’s degree at Alfred University. A born leader, Liz became involved in the Batavia Area Jaycees, soon becoming Individual Development Vice President and Community Services Vice President. Community Involvement led to Liz’s commitment to make Batavia and Genesee County a better place. 

Liz began her career at GCASA, The Genesee Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, now UConnectCare. Her role as Prevention/Student Assistance Counselor at Notre Dame High School in Batavia led to her role as the Chief Compliance and Quality Assurance Director. 

Assuming roles of Secretary, Vice President and President of the Board of Directors of the Genesee County Mental Health Association were inevitable. Leading with her strength and her kindness, Liz volunteered for the Parent Teacher Organization at Robert Morris Elementary School, serving as Vice President and later President. 

Liz has continued to give and give, volunteering for Genesee Cancer Assistance and the Batavia Rotary Club. Liz and her husband John have chaired the YMCA Invest in Youth/Strong Communities campaign together several times and Liz has served on the United Memorial Medical Center Quality Committee Board for the last 3 years.

Liz attributes much of her Italian heritage to the importance of family and tradition. The values of respect, kindness, helping others, loyalty to family and friends, honesty and hard work shaped Liz’s future and were instilled in her children. Elizabeth Riter is the perfect person to be receiving the “Outstanding Italian-American of Genesee County” Award. Her Italian background and strong Italian values learned, which have influenced Liz’s commitment to serve, while fulfilling the demands of career, wife and mother, are to be admired and recognized. 

Liz’s maternal great-grandparents, Maria (Tomasso) and Joseph Basile, came from Campobasso, Italy. Liz’s grandmother Rita was the youngest of their six children. Liz’s maternal great-grandparents were Michael, who was originally from Modugno, Italy and Teresa Razzante. Her grandfather Eugene was the eldest of their nine children.

Batavia defeated Alexander 9-4 on Wednesday, improving to 8-11 on the season. Alexander dropped to 8-10.

Arianna Almekinder earned the win for Batavia, striking out 14 batters. Almekinder followed up Monday’s 20-strikeout performance against Brockport with another strong outing in the circle.

Kyleigh Kabel went 2-for-3 at the plate. Libby Grazeoplene hit a three-run home run. Hannah Carney delivered a two-RBI double. Drew Stevens and Gabby Smith each added RBI singles.

Batavia scored two runs in the first inning, five in the fourth, and two in the fifth. Alexander scored one run in the first, one in the fifth, and two in the seventh.
Batavia will play in the first round of sectionals on Friday.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Press Release:

The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation’s 41st Scholarship Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. at Batavia Downs. The Foundation is proud to celebrate its rich Italian heritage and invites the community to share in an evening filled with friendship, pride, and, of course, delicious Italian cuisine.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased from Board members or at Ben’s Appliances on East Main Street Road in Batavia. New members are always welcome to join the Foundation and be part of preserving and promoting our shared cultural legacy.

As part of this special evening, the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation is proud to recognize the following outstanding achievements of this year’s scholarship candidates.

Adam Charles Root, son of Joel and Roxanne Root of Hilton, and grandson of Diane Beradini Martino and Jerry Martino, will graduate in 2025 from Hilton High School and WEMOCO Career and Technical Education Center at BOCES.

After graduation, Adam plans to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, where he will study Culinary Science with a focus in Culinary Arts.

Throughout high school, Adam has been actively involved in Model UN, Student Council, the Announcement Club, Track and Field, and the School Band, where he plays the trombone. He is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, has been recognized as Student of the Month, and has received Academic Merit certificates.

Adam has also volunteered during Make a Difference Day and has cooked and served meals at St. Peter’s in Rochester.

His passion for the culinary arts has led him to create a variety of specialty dishes, particularly focused on unique sauces. Adam enjoys experimenting with homemade pizza dough, often using unexpected and creative toppings. His imagination and culinary talent are sure to pave the way for his future success.

Greyson Irving Fix, a graduating 2025 Batavia High School Senior, will also be graduating from Genesee Valley BOCES for Automotive Technology, where he earned his car lift certification. His parents are Aaron and Kristen Fix, maternal Italian Grandmother AnnaMarie Crescuola Wood. 

Greyson will be attending Alfred State College, pursuing the Building Trades program and playing football. Greyson participated in Varsity Football, Indoor Track and Field, Varsity Baseball, and Outdoor Track and Field for Batavia High School. He is the 2025 Recipient of the Danny Lullo Scholarship.

Volunteering is a part of who Greyson is.  He volunteered at the Ricky Palermo Golf Tournament, working the chicken barbecue and the closest to the pin challenge.  He is involved with Ascension Parish, volunteering for the Soup Suppers, Habitat for Humanity, where he measured and cut drywall, as well as Make a Difference Day, cleaning up the Cemetery, raking leaves, and picking up trash and sticks. 

Greyson stated that having an Italian-American upbringing has helped mold the person he is today, along with the hard work and commitment to himself and his family. He believes this is going to continue to ensure him a successful life, with his relationship to God, helping others, and being an honest and kind person.

Kaitlyn Kratz is a graduating senior at Notre Dame High School and the daughter of John and Jill Kratz. Her grandparents are Jean Peca and John Peca.

She has been a member of the National Honor Society from her sophomore year through to graduation. Kaitlyn plans to attend Genesee Community College, where she will major in Nursing.

Kaitlyn has participated in volleyball and tennis as her extracurricular activities. She has also volunteered at the Notre Dame Youth Volleyball Camp, All Babies Cherished Fundraising Events, St. Joseph’s Regional School Halloween Parties, the ND Meat Raffle and Golf Tournament, and the Live Like Levi Pantry. In addition, she has helped prepare meals for the Free Little Pantry.

Kaitlyn expressed great appreciation for her Italian heritage, shown through the customs, lessons, and love passed down by the DeFazio and Peca families. She believes the way she was brought up was not just a coincidence; her Italian heritage and family traditions played an important role in shaping who she is today.

Matthew Wittmeyer is a member of the Class of 2025 at Batavia Senior High School. He is the son of Jerry and Lisa Wittmeyer, and the grandson of Rocco and Debbie Pellegrino.

Matthew plans to attend the University of Indiana, where he will major in Economics and minor in Sales. Since his sophomore year, he has challenged himself academically through dual enrollment college courses.

He currently serves as Senior Class President and Co-Mayor of Student Government, while also leading the Varsity Soccer Team as captain, having played for four years. His involvement extends to the Key Club, Travel Club, and My Brother’s Keeper, where he has demonstrated strong commitment and leadership.

Matthew volunteers at Ascension Parish, reflecting his dedication to community service.

His many honors include being named Junior Year Homecoming Prince, a Batavia Daily News GLOW Region Teen of the Week, and a Finalist for GLOW Region Teen of the Year. He is also a 2025 Mr. Batavian contestant and a Genesee Youth Lead graduate.

Reflecting on his Italian heritage, Matt shared, “They have shown me invaluable morals, some of which have truly resonated with me. I’ve found clarity in the values they lived by: fierce loyalty to those we love, a scrappy sense of resourcefulness, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to keep going. Life can be wilder than a thunderstorm, but that’s exactly when you learn to dance in the rain.”

Rocco Sprague is a proud member of the 2025 graduating class of Notre Dame High School. He is the son of Lisa Sprague of Le Roy, the maternal grandson of Corrine Rapone Sprague, and the paternal grandson of Duane Pangrazio Sprague.

Rocco is a member of the National Honor Society, an active participant in the Scholastic Bowl Team, and a contributor to the Yearbook Club. He plans to attend SUNY Oneonta, where he will major in Communication Studies with a minor in History or Political Science.

Among his many academic and extracurricular achievements, Rocco has received the George Eastman Youth Leadership Award, and was recognized as a Scholar-Athlete on the baseball team for having the highest GPA. As a member of the Genesee Scholastic Bowl Team, he helped lead the team to a 3rd place finish. He also earned 2nd place with the Genesee Park Environment Team, and was honored with the Notre Dame Department Awards in both Math and Spanish, the Faculty and Staff Award, the Student of the Month honor, and consistently achieved placement on the High Honor Roll.

Rocco was selected by the Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332 to represent Batavia at New York Boys State, where he served on the Yearbook Team and was appointed Relations Officer for the city.

His extracurricular involvement includes JV Baseball, Varsity Tennis, playing trumpet in the ND band, and taking guitar lessons.

Rocco also demonstrates a strong commitment to his faith and community. He serves as an altar server at Our Lady of Mercy, has taught Summer Bible School, volunteered at Lenten Fish Dinners, and assisted at St. Joseph Regional School’s Halloween and Christmas Parties, the Baptist Church Christmas Dinner, the ND and St. Joe’s Meat Raffle, and at the Batavia Italian Festival, working at the Youth Game Station.

Rocco values his Italian heritage deeply, sharing that it is important to him to maintain the traditions of his ancestors, who brought with them a rich and vibrant language, history, and culture that has been lovingly passed down and proudly celebrated by his family.

Submitted photos.

Remembered in the hearts of those who knew them -- or know them, for those still living -- Batavia’s Hometown Heroes, the men and women who served in the U.S. military, are the subject of a new tribute.

Rows of nearly life-size banners now line Park Road and Redfield Parkway, each one honoring a service member. The banners went up ahead of Memorial Day, marking the launch of the City of Batavia’s Hometown Heroes Banner Program.

“Obviously, this is a great idea that the city of Batavia and the Batavia Fire Department had to honor Hometown Heroes,” said Byron Brown, president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, during an unveiling of the banners with the family members of the veterans whose faces grace the banners. “We’re thankful to all of the families for allowing the city of Batavia to honor your family member. I know that we’re honoring service members who have protected our nation in the past and in the present. And it’s always great to honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country.”

Jessica Best, secretary for the City of Batavia Fire Department, shared her gratitude for the community’s response. 

“I want to thank everybody. It’s been wonderful. Thank you. It’s been wonderful to get to meet so many fantastic families, and I feel like I know some of you personally now, and I really appreciate that everybody’s been wonderful,” Best said. “And I think we had a really good turnout for our first year, and very good feedback. And so I want to thank the families. I appreciate everybody, and I appreciate all the help we’ve gotten from the city and from the Downs. Like I said, I’ve met so many wonderful people, and I think this is a great opportunity for the city to show their support for our veterans, and I look forward to future years.”

The program began with encouragement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley and City Manager Rachael Tabelski and was coordinated by Best. In its first year, 52 banners are displayed—28 along Park Road and the rest on Redfield Parkway. Each banner measures 30 by 60 inches and is expected to last at least three years. The banners will remain up through Labor Day.

City and Batavia Downs crews assisted each other in attaching the banners to light poles. 

Best said, “For our first year, this year, we have 52 banners. So we, like he said, we have some here on Park Road, and the rest are over on Redfield Parkway, and they’re going to be up. We wanted them up by Memorial Day, and they’ll be up through Labor Day. And the goal is that each banner will last at least three years, and then every year, we’re just going to keep continuing to hang them until the integrity is no longer good, and at which time, then we can either purchase new ones, or if the family wants to discontinue it, then they can, but they’re going to be up every year, and then we’ll just continue to add on every year for the program, and hopefully we’ll have all of the city covered.”

As the program grows, Best said, the city will need to evaluate which city poles can support the larger, heavier banners. 

“Because of the size of the banners, they’re larger and heavier than we anticipated. So, not all of the city poles, even though everybody’s like, 'Oh, we have lots of city poles,' but not all the city poles will hold them," she said. "Obviously, given what they are, we want them to have integrity and to be able to hold the banners. So that’s something we’re going to have to look into before next year to see where exactly they can go.”

Best encouraged anyone interested in purchasing a banner for next year to contact the fire department to be added to a mailing list. 

“Anybody who wants to move forward and purchase for next year can call the fire department and talk to me, and I’ll just put them on a mailing list," she said. "That way, not only will it be advertised in September, but then I can send out mailings as well.”

Looking ahead, Best said, “I think this is a great opportunity for the city to show their support for our veterans, and I look forward to future years.”

Photos by Howard Owens

Press Release:

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County Board of Directors meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on May 27. The meeting will be held at the Association at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia and is open to the public.

For more information, please contact Yvonne Peck at ydp3@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040 x123.