More than 350 volunteers spread throughout Genesee County on a sunshine-drenched Thursday morning to help repair, clean up, or landscape properties of non-profit agencies.
Thursday was United Way's Annual Day of Caring.
The Batavian visited four of 32 sites -- the Historic Batavia Cemetery, St. Joe's, 400 Towers, and St. James.
Photos by Howard Owens.
A brick wall of a long-dilapidated building at the Harvester Center complex in Batavia collapsed Thursday night as GO ART! staff loaded a U-Haul with stored property, capping a long day of moving as part of United Way’s Day of Caring.
“It sounded like thunder,” said Courtney Henderson, GO ART!’s special events and social media director. “I said, ‘Nope, this is the start.’ The whole top part was caving in slowly, and then it was just a cloud of smoke. It was wild. I’m glad I could get out.”
The GO ART! U-Haul was parked in a courtyard-like area about 100 yards from where the wall collapsed, blocking the tunnel beneath two stories of the building that hasn’t been occupied for decades. The roof collapsed long ago, and the third floor fell onto the second floor.
No injuries were reported.
The group, which included volunteers earlier in the day, had been moving items stored in the Harvester Center in preparation for basement renovations at GO ART! The plan was to transfer everything to the former J.C. Penney building downtown.
City Manager Rachael Tabelski confirmed the city has an active code case on the Harvester Center.
“Unfortunately, that’s what happened,” Tabelski said. “It looks like a portion of this building has collapsed. Thank goodness no one got hurt, and code and fire will assess what to do with the scene.”
Code Enforcement Officer Doug Randall said the building owner will bring in heavy equipment to demolish the unstable section and clear debris, allowing the U-Haul and another rental vehicle to be safely removed.
The city applied five months ago for a Restore NY grant to help demolish parts of the Harvester Center and the old Melton Building. If awarded, the grant would provide up to $1 million for demolition and site redevelopment, with the goal of transforming the area into a mixed-use campus with new businesses, apartments, and public spaces.
“My number one question is, how does Gregory get his truck out?” Henderson said, referring to GO ART! Executive Director Gregory Hallock. “U-Haul is going to have to be super nice to Gregory Hallock because of this incident.”
It appears U-Haul will be accommodating. Hallock told Tabelski that he had already spoken with a representative from U-Haul, who told him not to worry.
Henderson also has a rental vehicle trapped on the other side of the pile of rubble.
Previously: Apparent building collapse reported at Harvester Center
Photos by Howard Owens.
An apparent building collapse has been reported in the Harvester Center Complex, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia.
The reader who submitted the picture said she doesn't believe anybody was hurt in the collapse but two vehicles are now trapped, with the driveway now a dead end because of debris.
City Fire is on scene.
A new solar energy project is moving through the planning process in the town of Batavia.
At a recent Batavia Town Planning Board meeting, engineers unveiled plans for a 5-megawatt solar array on Lewiston Road.
The project, they said, promises clean power, smart land use, and a design that aims to blend into the community rather than disrupt it.
A Greener Vision for Batavia
The Batavia Solar project, proposed by Advanced Solar Power Holdings, Inc. and designed by Metzger Civil Engineering, would transform 35 acres of farmland into a solar farm.
The plan is a scaled-back version of an earlier proposal, now focused on a single array on the northern portion of the property at 8220 Lewiston Road.
Developers emphasized that the project isn’t just about generating electricity, but it is also about doing so responsibly.
The design keeps the solar panels well away from neighbors, preserves existing trees, and adds new plantings to screen the site from view. The number of utility poles has been trimmed, and the facility will use pollinator-friendly ground cover to support local ecosystems.
Developers said the proposal also reserves space for a future public road in a nod to Batavia's long-term needs, a move that could improve local traffic flow and connect with nearby developments. While the solar company won’t build the road, the town is actively exploring funding and design options as part of its master plan.
Proponents said the project is designed to fit seamlessly into the community: no variances are being requested, and all town setback requirements are met.
A minor subdivision will create a residential lot and leave additional land available for future development.
Developers said transparency is a top priority. They presented a detailed visual impact study showing how the array would look from homes and roads nearby.
The planning board has launched a coordinated environmental review and scheduled a public hearing for June 3. Local residents, county agencies, and the school district will all have a chance to weigh in before any final decisions are made.
A draft Host Community Agreement and decommissioning bond are in the works.
Press Release:
The Batavia Muckdogs are excited to announce their next five signings of the 2025 season.
Batavia will welcome back a fan favorite as well as some new faces. 2024 Returner and Batavia Native RHP/OF – Bryceton Berry, RHP – Erwins Branche, RHP/INF – Cameron Copple, RHP – Samuel Gil, and OF – Travis Hammond join the Dogs this summer at Dwyer Stadium.
Bryceton Berry is a 6’1 outfielder and pitcher from Batavia, and a sophomore at Flagler College. Returning for his second season with the Muckdogs, Bryceton brings two-way value to the roster. Last season, he appeared in 13 games, posting a .227 batting average while scoring 10 runs on five hits and collecting five RBIs.
Erwins Branche is a 6’3 right-handed pitcher from the Bronx, and a sophomore at Saint Xavier University. A transfer with experience at both Herkimer College and Jacksonville State University, Erwins brings a strong frame and competitive edge to the mound. During his time at Herkimer, he pitched 22.2 innings and posted a 4.76 ERA.
Cameron Copple is a 5’11 right-handed pitcher and infielder from Tampa, Florida, and a freshman at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. A true two-way player, Cameron has made his presence felt on the mound and at the plate this season. He’s pitched 25.1 innings, posting an impressive 2.13 ERA. Offensively, he’s appeared in 53 at-bats, scoring 6 runs with five RBIs, one triple, and eight doubles.
Samuel Gil is a 6’4 right-handed pitcher from the Bronx, and a junior at Mercy College and a transfer from St. Bonaventure University. This season, he has logged 14.1 innings on the mound. With a powerful frame and raw potential, he continues to develop his command and effectiveness at the collegiate level.
Travis Hammond is a 6’ outfielder from Stone Mountain, GA, and a graduate student at Saint Xavier University. A consistent presence in the lineup, Travis has started all 46 games this season. Over 138 at-bats, he’s batting .290 with 40 hits, 35 runs scored, seven doubles, three triples, and a home run.
Opening Day is Saturday May 31 at 6:30 p.m. vs the Elmira Pioneers with free post-game fireworks. If you are someone you know has interest in sponsoring the Muckdogs, season ticket information, hosting a group event or picnic please contact General Manager Marc Witt (mwitt.canusa@gmail.com). The Muckdogs full schedule is available online at www.canusamuckdogs.com.
Submitted photos.
Have you ever seen a tree wrapped in a cozy, crochet sweater?
If not, head to Downtown Batavia and stop by GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., because a circle of crocheters who meet monthly at GO ART! have completed their first tree sweater outside of Seymour Place.
“We meet every second Thursday of the month,” Melissa Lee explained, as she and her fellow crafters worked to attach the final pieces to the tree. “Gregory (Hallock), who’s in charge at GO ART!, thought it would be a good idea. He came to us about doing tree sweaters. He talked us into maybe applying for a grant. We got the grant, and we’ve been working together to create these motifs to put on the tree.”
The project, which Lee describes as “just a fun project,” is more than just a whimsical art installation. It’s a statement about the versatility of crochet and the power of collaboration.
“We want to get it out there and let people know, crocheting can be more than just blankets, and old ladies and crocheting,” Lee said.
The group, including Lee’s mother, Debbie Urban, Ashley McClellan, Tim Lee (wearing crocheted pants in photos), and Lee’s father, Don Urban, has poured nearly 80 hours into the project.
“It’s been a collaborative work for quite a few of us,” Lee said. “We started at 2:30 today and did a lot of work yesterday, pretty much all day, trying to finish it so that we’d have one big kind of blanket-looking piece, so that we could wrap it around the tree. And then we’ve been taking small pieces and just attaching them.”
The finished result is a mosaic of color and texture, accented by the individual expressions of each crocheter.
“We all had the same pattern that we started with, and then everybody picked their own colors, so they all had their own little spin on it. So it’ll be fun when the ladies come out and they’re like, ‘Oh, that was mine,’ and they can come and look at the tree and pick out their pieces,” Lee said.
The project has become a family affair, with Lee’s mother and husband joining in the fun.
“My mother is working on the tree out there too, and she was the one who made the pants,” Lee added, referring to crocheted pants worn by Tim Lee.
And this is just the beginning. The group plans to yarn bomb another tree on the side street later this summer, with a new theme featuring crocheted characters, butterflies, animals, and flowers.
“This one is granny circles. The other one will be little characters, butterflies, animals and stuff and then flowers around. That should be fun,” Lee said.
Brady Carney gave Batavia a strong start on the mound, but the Blue Devils fell to Honeoye Falls-Lima, 5-1, on Wednesday afternoon.
Batavia (8-8) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.
Carter Mullen led off with a single, stole second base and scored on a Maggio Buchholz RBI single. That would be the only run Batavia managed against HFL starter Weber, who went the distance, allowing five hits and striking out 10.
Carney took the loss, pitching six innings with seven strikeouts, seven hits and five runs allowed.
Batavia offensive:
Batavia finished 5-3 in league play and will host Attica at 5 p.m. Thursday.
Arianna Almekinder delivered a stellar performance on Tuesday afternoon, striking out 13 batters and tossing her first varsity perfect game as Batavia cruised to a 19-0 victory over East High.
Almekinder reached a major milestone early, recording her 100th strikeout of the season in the second inning. She was dominant throughout, not allowing a single hit or walk in the shutout win.
Offensive leaders were Violet Lopez, Hannah Carney, Almekinder herself, and Libby Grazioplene..
The win marks Batavia’s third straight victory.
Press release:
Batavia Boys competed against Greece Olympia/Odyssey on Tuesday and came away with a 110-31 victory. Winners for Batavia were:
- Jamere Reeves -110 Hurdles (17.3)
- Grant Gahagan - 400m (54.0)
- Cameron Garofalo - 1600m (4:35.6), 3200m (10:56)
- Sheldon Siverling - Shot Put (58-11), Discus (155-10)
- Justin Smith - Triple Jump (39-6.75), High Jump (5-10)
- Da'Von Gallo Williams - 400 Hurdles (1:03.9)
- Cooper Banser - 800m (2:18.0)
- Keagan Calmes - 200m (23.7)
- Cooper Konieczny - Pole Vault (10-6)
- 4x400 Relay - Jamari Irvin, Brandon Currier, Da'Von Gallo Williams, Isaac Varland
- 4x800 Relay - Mason Bellamy, Gabe Flanagan, Noah Richmond, Grady Moore
We also celebrated and recognized our seniors prior to this meet and we have 23 Seniors who have competed with us this year!
Photos by Kristin Smith.
Experience the power and intensity of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary rock opera as Main St. 56 Theater presents Jesus Christ Superstar! This groundbreaking musical brings the final days of Jesus to life with electrifying music, raw emotion, and an unforgettable cast. Purchase tickets here.
Contractors with Soil-King were on Jackson Street in Batavia on Wednesday afternoon, laying down a new layer of soil and grass seed as work nears completion on a $1.3 million project to lay new water lines and replace the sidewalk on the east side of the street.
Batavia received a $1 million CDBG grant to improve the aging waterlines on Jackson Street. The city committed an additional $351,908 of local funds.
Photos by Howard Owens.
Edna Gruber, Batavia's notorious madam who operated a brothel at 101 Jackson St., Batavia, in the middle of the 20th century, is finally the subject of a book about her life.
With a dab of local scandal and a dash of historical intrigue, David Kinney’s new book, "Batavia’s Disorderly House," shines a fresh light on Gruber.
On Tuesday, Kinney, a Washington, D.C. resident, was at Eli Fish Brewing Company for a book signing.
Kinney recounted how a story about Gruber getting roughed up at Horseshoe Lake first piqued his curiosity, setting him on a year-long journey to untangle the real story behind Batavia’s so-called “most famous madam.”
Kinney, whose previous work explored the history of Horseshoe Lake, explained that much of what was known about Gruber came from a 1996 "Genesee Country Magazine" article. That account, he said, he found riddled with errors and gaps, especially regarding Gruber’s early years and family background.
“Many of the things in that article were incorrect,” Kinney said, noting that even Gruber’s granddaughter had been shielded from the true nature of Edna’s business, and family lore was often just plain wrong.
Born Edna Geyer in Buffalo in 1882, Gruber’s early life was marked by hardship. By 13, she was scrubbing floors in barrooms, and she married twice -- first to Joseph Gruber at just 15.
How she transitioned from these humble beginnings to become the proprietor of Batavia’s most infamous brothel was, until now, a mystery even to her descendants.
Kinney’s research, however, has resolved the question of how Edna entered the business and uncovered a significant family secret.
“Most of even the family didn’t know she had a brother, and her brother played a significant role (in her entering the business),” he said.
Gruber’s establishment, regularly raided during Prohibition, was notorious for its clientele and Edna’s ability to retain top legal counsel and pay handsomely for it. Despite her reputation, she was also known for acts of local charity, complicating her legacy in the community.
Kinney said his book will provide new insights into a woman who defied the conventions -- and the censure -- of her time.
Previously: Edna's 'house of ill-repute' funded madam's charity to the community, by Anne Marie Starowitz
Press Release:
The Genesee County Health Department is seeking information about the location of a cat and its owner following a cat bite incident on Thursday, May 8 around 6 p.m. The incident occurred in the Batavia Cemetery (65 Harvester Avenue in Batavia) directly across the street from The Harvester Center.
The cat involved in the incident was running free in the cemetery. It was described as a grey tiger cat of average size with medium-length hair, wearing a collar with two tags-one blue and one black.
The health department would like to locate the cat as soon as possible to confirm that it is healthy. This would indicate that the rabies virus would not have been transmitted at the time of the bite.
If you have information about the location of the cat and its owner, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555.
Batavia played in Class B individual sectionals on Saturday.
Saturday's results:
Sunday team results:
Batavia lost to Victor 7-0 to drop to 7-7 on the season.
Team sectionals on Monday. The team's final regular season match is on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at home vs. Greece Athena/Odyssey.
To view or purchase photos, click here.
Press release:
Batavia defeated Churchville-Chili 26-0 on Monday night, avenging a road loss to Churchville two weeks ago.
Senior defensive end Kylee Brennan was everywhere, tallying 10 flag pulls (4 for loss), two pass deflections, and an interception returned for a TD in the second half.
Alyssa Turner (4 flag pulls) and Libby Grazioplene also snagged interceptions for the Lady Devils. Lily Rodriguez and Nicole Doeringer each registered four flag pulls to help secure the shutout.
Quarterback Jaimin Macdonald led the Batavia offense to 19 first-half points, completing 10-17 passes for 111 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Macdonald added 53 rushing yards on nine carries.
Sophomore wideout Leilah Manuel finished with three receptions for 32 yards and 2 TDs (10 and 18 yards). Kylee Brennan ran in a short pass from Macdonald from 9 yards out. Alyssa Turner led the team in receiving with 45 yards on four receptions.
Batavia is the #5 seed in Class C and will begin sectional play on Thursday.
--
Honeoye Falls/Lima beat Batavia 3-1 on Monday.
Bronx Buchholz took the loss, going seven innings, giving up six hits and striking out nine.
Offense:
"Bronx kept us in the game tonight," said Coach Michael Sputore."He was pretty effective the whole game. HFL put up an unearned run in the top of the 4th to get on the board, then two more in the top of the 7th with two outs.
"Batavia offensively left eight runners on base tonight. We just couldn't come through with big hit tonight. HFL pitching staff did a great job keeping our hitters off balance at the plate."
Batavia Now 8-7 overall and 5-2 in league play. The two teams meet again on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
Being part of a nurses honor guard serves double duty for a Navy veteran still active as a registered nurse after 18 years, Maxine Fearrington says.
Not only is she able to honor any nurses who have died, but participating in the traditional ceremony connects Fearrington to her military experience—she proudly gave 20 years in areas of supply and finance.
“So being at an honor guard is especially important to me because I’m able to pay tribute to those who have done what I’ve done, walked in my shoes,” she said Monday outside of United Memorial Medical Center. “And, being in the military, what do you lean on? For a couple of years, when I was stationed in Wilmington, I was on the honor guard there. We represented the whole state of Delaware. So when a service member in Delaware passed away, we went and did a military funeral for them.”
Whether in Delaware or New York, Fearrington has pursued her ideals of providing service and comfort to fellow nurses as part of the GLOW Nurses Honor Guard, a local chapter of the New York State Nurses Association.
The group conducted its first ceremony in front of UMMC as a symbolic memorial for all those nurses who have given aid, a smile, and a gentle touch and have since passed on.
On Monday, the group of Honor Guard members, dressed in traditional white uniforms and deep blue capes lined in red satin, formed a semicircle around the flagpole in front of the North Street hospital. With little fanfare and no marching band, they read a script of poetry, instructions and words for thought.
“We honor you this day and give you a white rose to symbolize your devotion to your profession, and to show honor and appreciation for being our nursing colleague,” they said in unison.
A small audience attended the event and was invited to answer the first half of “they were there.”
They were there:
Michelle Moag of Pavilion has been a registered nurse for 11 years. She and Fearrington have been with the Honor Guard since it began in 2022.
As for becoming a nurse, “I just love helping people,” Moag said. “It’s like the foundation of it, helping people get through their darkest times, and I just love that.”
Following in her mother’s white-shoed footsteps, Moag remembers seeing her mom in action.
“I remember going to work with her when I was like, probably eight or nine, and be like, ‘I want to do that.’ So that’s what I did,” she said, sharing the Honor Guard’s ceremony schedule. “We had a few right off the bat, and then we didn’t have any for many months, and then we’ll have a few. And just now we’ve been getting more publicity with it, I guess people are realizing that this is a service that we offer, and now we’re getting more and more, and the people are telling their friends, and this is the first time we’ve done this ceremony. So hopefully this will be an annual thing.”
The ceremony was brief and solemn.
“I would like to invite any nurses present to stand as we do a final roll call,” a nurse said.
“Nurses, report for duty,” was said three times, with a triangle chime struck once after each sentence. “Nurses, we officially release you from your nursing duties. Your work on earth is done. You may now go home in peace.”
A candle, representing the Nightingale lamp that honors nurses from their nursing colleagues, was lit, then extinguished to represent a farewell.
Dan Ireland, who maintains his registered nursing license, celebrated his new title and place amongst the nurses as chief nursing executive and patient care officer while appreciating the moment before him.
“I think it's an honor to be able to recognize those who have come before us and who have left us. And so the ceremony today was just a wonderful chance for us to globally say to all the nurses who have passed and for all their years of dedication, a thank you and recognize their work and the work that they have done to shape the nursing profession,” Ireland said. “And so being asked to be a part of it was a huge honor for me. And these are a group of dedicated nurses who really want to make sure that even though there are people who aren't at the bedside, who eventually retire from nursing and eventually pass away, that they get recognized. Because once you're a nurse, you're always a nurse. And we never forget our nurses.”
Being in the role of nurse is humbling for Ireland, he said. It’s about serving at someone’s bedside and caring for a person “at their time of need, to give parts of yourself and helping them work through whatever life dilemma they’re going through.”
“It's just personally very fulfilling for me, and it's something that I'm humbled each time I have the opportunity to interact with the patient, and then away from the bedside, utilizing my nursing knowledge skills and the connections I've made with our staff helped me to really make decisions that will impact our patients better,” he said. “And when I think of it from a nurse's perspective, I'm able to really put that patient at the forefront of it and make sure that we're doing the very best we can for all our patients.”
Nurse’s Prayer
May I be a nurse, Lord, with gentle healing hands, who always speaks with kindness, who cares and understands.
And while I’m serving others, as you would have me do, please help me to remember that I’m truly serving you. Amen.
For prior coverage, go HERE.
A golden-colored Yorkie, nearly 16 years old, went missing from his home at the upper end of Ross Street in Batavia. Named Zach, this frail guy cannot hear and does not see very well. If anyone sees him, please call his owner at 585-409-4870.
UPDATED 6:21 p.m.: Zach has been found.
Press Release:
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has collected critical funds in the community since 1954 – one dollar at a time – as part of the Fill the Boot program for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). The Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 896 will continue this long-standing tradition as its members kick off the annual program, raising funds to support MDA’s vision to accelerate research, advance care, and advocate for the support of MDA families.
Dedicated firefighters from Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 896 will hit the streets with boots in hand, asking pedestrians, motorists, customers, and other passersby to donate to the MDA on June 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Main and Court Street and Ellicott and Court Street in the City of Batavia.
The partnership between MDA and IAFF began in 1954, when the IAFF signed a proclamation designating MDA its charity of choice and vowing to continue raising awareness and funds until cures are found. To date, the nearly seven-decade partnership has raised more than $679 million, with involvement from over 300,000 firefighters nationwide.
These funds have led in part to over a dozen FDA-approved drugs in as many years for those with neuromuscular disease. Those treatments were created from MDA’s vision to open a new field of medicine and push the boundaries of the medical frontier we call genetic medicine.
“What the IAFF has done for MDA over the past 68 years is unprecedented,” said Donald S. Wood, Ph.D., President and CEO of MDA. “With the support from our partners at the IAFF, MDA is doing the impossible in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for people living with neuromuscular disease. We have a mission to empower the people we serve to life longer, more independent lives and we will fulfill this mission together, with the IAFF.”
Press Release:
The Richmond Memorial Library will welcome local author JG Benedict for an author visit on Saturday, May 17, at 11 a.m. in the Reading Room.
JG is a native of Batavia and the author of paranormal fiction. He will discuss his book The Nightroad (Anthology One), which was published in November 2024 by Media Hatchery. The Nightroad takes readers on a voyage through the paranormal.
JG will share a talk followed by a book signing. Copies of the book will be for sale in paperback ($20) or hardcover ($30). Payment can be accepted in cash or Venmo. Copies are also available to borrow through the library!
JG Benedict is a paranormal fiction author and general essayist. He is a native of Batavia and a current resident. JG graduated from Batavia High School before attending college at St. Bonaventure University and SUNY Potsdam. Over the past forty-some years, he has lived and traveled throughout the United States; he is something of a Renaissance Man when it comes to his experience and skill set.
More information can be found at jgbenedict.com. For more about the Richmond Memorial Library and other programs, visit batavialibrary.org. RML is located at 19 Ross St in the City of Batavia.
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