Press release:

• Genesee County received 18 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield)
    • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford)
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
    • Seventeen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
    • Four of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
    • Eleven of the new positive individuals are inmates at the Buffalo Federal Detention Center.

​

Orleans County received six new positive cases of COVID-19.

• The positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
  • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
  • East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
• One of the newly positive individuals was under mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been removed from the isolation list.
• Two of the current positive individuals is hospitalized.

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Beginning March 10th, all New Yorkers 60 years and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Public facing essential workers from governmental and nonprofit organizations will be eligible beginning March 17th. This expansion includes public-facing essential building services workers.

Providers will be able to vaccinate any eligible New Yorkers, with the exception of Pharmacies who will focus on individuals over the age of 60 and teachers, in line with federal policy beginning March 10th. This is all subject to the availability of the vaccine to the providers. This new addition of new eligible residents still far exceeds the supply of vaccine received in our counties. Individuals who are eligible must have an appointment in order to get a vaccine.  

To check for vaccination clinics in Genesee and Orleans Counties please go to: http://bit.ly/GOHealthVaccine  

For more information about the vaccine and access for those who are 60 and older who do NOT have internet access, please contact your respective Office for the Aging (OFA). For Genesee OFA please call (585) 813-2457 for COVID-19 Vaccine assistance between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and leave a message if you get voicemail and someone will return the call.

For Orleans OFA please call (585) 589-3191 between 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and leave a message if you get voicemail and someone will return the call. The OFA offices can only assist with the clinic links as they are available. The system may experience slowdowns and crashes due to high volume. Please be patient and try again later.   

To see who is currently included in the 1A and 1B priority groups to check eligibility, click here.

The local vaccine availability is limited and determined by the state. For more information on when it will be available for the general public keep checking our website or the NYS Department of Health website.

Restaurants: As of March 19th, New York State is increasing restaurant capacity from 50 percent to 75 percent for counties outside of New York City. Further guidance is expected.

Travel Guidance Update: According to the Governor’s announcement today, those who travel domestically will no longer be required to quarantine or test-out within 90 days of full vaccination. International Travelers will continue to follow CDC quarantine guidance. Check for the updated guidance here.

Gathering Size: Beginning March 22 for residential gatherings 10 people indoors, 25 people outdoors. For social gatherings up to 100 people indoors, 200 people outdoors.Check for the updated guidance here.

Beginning April 2: Event, Arts, and Entertainment Venues- reopening at 33 percent capacity, up to 100 people indoors, 200 people outdoors. With attendee testing, capacity increases to 150 people indoors, 500 people outdoors. The rapid test is valid for 6 hours; PCR test is valid for 72 hours. Social distancing and face coverings are required by all attendees. Check for the updated guidance here.

Starting March 15, the Governor is allowing weddings at up to 50 percent of the venue capacity or up to 150 people (whichever is smaller) at weddings/catered events. See section D (In-person and Catered Events) of the Interim Guidance for Food Services During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency updated Feb. 24.

There are strict guidelines to be followed and Responsible Parties are to notify the local health department if they plan to host in-person and catered events above the State’s maximum social gathering limit, which is 50 people as of Feb. 24. Those who ignore the guidance can be fined and/or lose their license to operate.

There continues to be a maximum of 10 people indoors and outdoors for residential gatherings.  

Social distancing, wearing cloth masks/face coverings over the mouth and nose, and handwashing, cleaning and disinfection protocol requirements are to be continued to limit the spread of COVID-19.  

Pharmacies participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination CDC: The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination is a collaboration between the federal government, states and territories, and 21 national pharmacy partners and independent pharmacy networks to increase access to COVID-19 vaccination across the United States. To learn more use this following link.  

CV19 CheckUp: Learn about what your risk is to get COVID-19 and how to limit your risk. CV19 CheckUp is free, confidential, and easy to use. It is designed to help you be safer and healthier during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Vaccine Information: To see how the COVID-19 vaccine is administered throughout the state go to the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker. This now includes the county breakdown.

Percent Positive 7/14 -- day average click here.

To review the raw positive data for each of the counties click this link.

Click here to view the Genesee and Orleans counties' online map of confirmed cases.

The Genesee County Highway Department has created a website to help the public informed during the reconstruction of the South Lyon Street Bridge.

To visit the website, click here. 

This is a $3 million project with 80 percent covered by federal grants.

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2022.

Considering the importance of this bridge to the traveling public in our community, a website was created to keep residents and businesses apprised of the project's progress," said Laura Wadhams, assistant county engineer. "Please check the website for updates as the design process continues, and through construction for progress photos."

Notre Dame handily beat Alfred on Tuesday, 52-24, to advance to the semifinals of the Class D1 Section V tournament.

McCulley scored 22 points, hitting two three-point shots, and McGinnis scored 18, hitting a trio of three-pointers. She also had seven rebounds.

The Fighting Irish (10-2) will play C.G. Finney (11-2) at home, 7 p.m., tomorrow.

Tonight's schedule:

Girls: 

• Bolivar at Pavilion, 7 p.m.
• Alexander at East Rochester, 6 p.m.

Boys: 

• Pal-Mac at Batavia, 6 p.m.
• Notre Dame at Belfast, 7 p.m.

A grass fire has reportedly spread to a porch at the back of 30 Vine St., Batavia.

The upstairs apartment may be occupied.

City fire responding.

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: A quick response by City fire appears to have gotten the fire knocked down before there was any serious structural damage. All occupants exited the apartments safely and no pets were hurt or lost. The fire is under investigation and more information will be released later.

UPDATE 3 p.m.: City fire is back in service.

Oakfield-Alabama zoomed past Dundee on Tuesday night to win the Section V Class C2 quarterfinal by a score of 72-40.

Travis Wiedrich and Kaden Cusmano each scored 11 points. Ty Mott scored eight.

The Hornets (9-2, #3) will face Harley-Allendale-Columbia (10-1, #2) in a semifinal game at HAC at 6 p.m., Thursday.

Also on Tuesday, Pembroke lost to Avon, 58-53.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

Elba had no trouble with Romulus in the Lady Lancers' first-round Class D2 sectional game at home on Tuesday night, winning 70-15.

Brynn Walczak scored 19 points, hitting two of three three-point attempts. Leah Bezon just missed a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Taylor Augello scored 10 points. She also had seven assists.

The Lancers, at 12-0, face Northern Christian, the #4 seed at 7-2, at 7 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at home.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are out of the Section V Class A Hockey Tournament as a result of a 5-3 defeat Tuesday night against Pittsford at the Batavia Ice Arena, but for Coach Marc Staley, the team’s successful shortened season is just a harbinger of better things to come.

“That was as good as any team we’ve played all season. We battled right to the end, we didn’t quit and I’m proud of them,” said Staley, who is in his 14^th year as the ND hockey coach.

Unlike its previous two games where they trailed 2-0, the Irish – although outshot by a 13-8 margin – led after the first period when freshman Joe DiRisio cashed in the rebound after a shot from the point by his cousin, junior Vin DiRisio, at the 12:43 mark. Sophomore Cooper Hamilton also picked up an assist.

“I thought we played a very solid and smart first period,” Staley said. “We did exactly what we wanted to. We had the line changes that we wanted, we had the matchups that we wanted and had a lot of whistles because we wanted to slow the pace of the game down.”

Notre Dame took a 2-0 lead at 1:34 of the second period as sophomore Ronin Hofmaster poked the puck past senior goaltender Ryan Graney with an assist from senior Alonso Storey and junior Gavin Schrader.

Just when it seemed like the Irish were in control, Pittsford struck back just 18 seconds later when Aiden McGrain redirected a shot by Brandon Penrose past freshman goaltender Frank Falleti Jr. to cut the lead in half.

The goal energized the visiting Panthers, who displayed speed and precision en route to scoring twice more in the period – a wrister by Brian Judge, unassisted, at 6:53 and a goal by eighth-grader Mathew Judge at 11:49, assisted by Colin Norton and Henok Hankinson.

Pittsford outshot the Irish 19-5 in the second period.

Staley said Pittsford capitalized on long stretches without stoppage of play.

“The second period was more wide open, and we had stretches of two and a half, three minutes without a whistle and that hurts us with our depth,” he said.

With Graney coming up big on a couple Notre Dame rushes midway in the third period, Pittsford upped its lead to 4-2 at the 11:21 mark when Brian Judge scooped up an errant pass in the ND zone and flipped it past Falleti on his glove side.

The Irish bounced back, however, pulling within a goal with 1:58 to play when Storey tallied after a couple of nifty passes by Hofmaster and Cooper Hamilton.

Notre Dame, with Falleti on the bench in favor of an extra attacker, had a golden opportunity to knot the score but Graney made a spectacular save on Joe DiRisio’s shot at point-blank range with 25 seconds remaining.

Seconds later, Will Masaschi fired the puck the length of the ice into the empty net to make it 5-3.

“After the goal that made it 4-2, we came right back and scored,” Staley said. “We pulled the goalie and had two really good chances to tie that game. We could still be playing right now; still be in overtime.”

Falleti ended up with 36 saves (the last goal was into an empty net) as Pittsford outshot the home team, 41-23.

Still, Staley said he’s not discouraged but excited about what lies ahead.

“We have a lot to look forward to. We’re returning all 10 of our top scorers and our goalie situation is only going to get better. It’s going to be a fun ride,” he said.

He did bring up whether the Little Irish belong in Class A, competing against much larger schools. The Pittsford squad, for example, is comprised of the best players from Pittsford Mendon and Pittsford Sutherland – schools with combined enrollment of about 2,000 students, Staley said.

“The question can be thrown at this point; did we belong in A? Was this a fair thing to do to our program? I don’t think it was but, again, as a coach I can’t control that. All I can do is prepare my team and get them ready and I think we earned a lot of respect tonight from these teams,” he said.

Staley said the alignment in this unusual season, shortened by COVID-19, was a bit “crazy.”

“I’ve been screaming about this for a long time. We regularly – (changing his thought) -- and we’ve won championships at that level. I think we created a culture (he has coached ND to two sectional titles and three league championships) and that has attracted some kids to Notre Dame. We’ve shown that we’re not afraid to play anybody and we’re going to find a way.”

This season, the team was bolstered by the transfer of a trio of key players from the Batavia City School District to the parochial school.

Staley said that he thinks Pittsford will beat Gates-Chili on Thursday to reach the finals against Victor (his prediction).

He said Pittsford’s 5-7-1 record is deceiving because they compete in the top division of the Class A clubs and have to face strong teams such as Victor, Penfield and Churchville-Chili twice.

Even though Notre Dame was the No. 1 seed, Staley felt his team was the underdog against the more experienced Panthers.

“I’m happy with the progress that we made this year, and the progress with some of the young kids, specifically Frankie in net, Noah Hudson the way he has developed his game on defense, the way that Ronin Hofmaster has continued to develop his game, the way that Cooper Hamilton has improved throughout the season,” Staley said.

“Seeing how freshman like Noah Whitcombe had come in and improved, and Vincent DiRisio (17 goals, 13 assists), very proud of him, yes he’s a fiery kid – his penalties this year were more hockey specific, so he’s growing up. And Gavin Schrader, look how this kid has developed this year. He barely took any penalties and he led the league is scoring (17 goals, 17 assists).

Staley said he believes Notre Dame will be moved back to Class B next season and “I think we will be a really hard team for everyone to handle next year.”

While the Section V Tournament is over, Staley said he is working on lining up a couple more home games – tentatively at 6 p.m. Thursday against McQuaid and 7 p.m. Saturday against Brighton.

Photos by Jim Burns.

The Batavia Lady Blue Devils advanced to the semifinals of the Section V Class B1 girls’ basketball tournament tonight with a 55-36 victory over visiting Greece Olympia.

It was the fourth time the two teams have met this season with Batavia, 9-4, winning the previous three by 20 points each time.

Senior guards Mackenzie Reigle and Bryn Wormley, who both have reached the 1,000-point plateau for their varsity careers, led the way with 26 and 17 points, respectively.

As has been the norm, Reigle filled up the stat sheet with six assists, seven rebounds and 14 steals, while Wormley added seven steals as Batavia pulled away after a bit of a slow start.

Reigle scored 14 of her points in the second quarter, hitting a pair of three-point attempts, as the Lady Devils went on a 15-4 run to take a 31-19 lead at intermission.

In the third quarter, Wormley led the way with 11 points, including two three-pointers as Batavia stretched its lead to 45-28.

Taylor Jung paced Olympia, 3-8, with 18 points.

The third-seeded Lady Devils advance to take on No. 2 Midlakes on Thursday at 7 p.m. at a site to be determined. Midlakes rolled past Wayne, 64-40.

In the other semifinal bracket on Thursday, it will be No. 1 Pal-Mac against No. 5 Livonia.

Pal-Mac crushed Newark, 56-24, while Livonia upset No. 4 Hornell, 60-39.

The championship game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday.  

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

Mackenzie Reigle begins a drive to the hoop.

Tess Barone shoots over Greece Olympia's Tenilya Murray.

Haylee Thornley moves past an Olympia defender.

Mack Harmon battles for a loose ball.

Kennedy Kolb makes a move as Olympia's Elaja Miller defends.

The entire Batavia team gathers for the home fans in celebration of Bryn Wormley reaching 1,000 points in its previous game at Greece Odyssey.

A 50- to 60-gallon fuel spill is reported in the northwest corner of the Flying-J parking lot.

Pembroke fire and Indian Falls fire dispatched.

City of Batavia Fast Team and Mercy EMS dispatched.

City Engine 11 responding on a "slow roll" since there's no fire.

UPDATE 9:41 p.m.: Engine 11 back in service.

UPDATE 10:37 p.m.: Pembroke and Indian Falls are back in service.

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the lineup for their fourth Rockin’ the Downs concert series, which will take place outside on the racetrack, with eight Friday dates, starting in June and running into August.

Kicking off the series on Friday, June 25th is former Journey frontman Steve Augeri. Steve returns after playing one of the most enjoyable concerts from 2019’s series. The lead vocalist for the rock group from 1998-2006, Steve headlined an eight-year tenure that included three albums, and will perform hits such as "Don’t Stop Believin’," "Separate Ways," "Wheel in the Sky," "Faithfully," and "Anyway You Want It."

Next up, on Friday, July 2nd, Batavia Downs welcomes Southern Rock legends Molly Hatchet. Originating in Jacksonville, Fla., in 1978, the band has gone on to release 14 studio albums. They’ll be performing hits such as "Flirtin’ with Disaster," "Dreams I’ll Never See" and "Whiskey Man" among others.

Friday, July 9th will see Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles, perform at the Downs. As a renowned former lead guitarist of The Eagles, one of the most popular and influential rock groups of our time, Don has helped write and perform many iconic classics. His 2008 memoir was a New York Times bestseller. Don will perform solo and Eagles’ hits during his set including " Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride)," "Hotel California," "Life in the Fast Lane," "The Long Run" and "Tequila Sunrise."

Performing on Friday, July 16th is Tommy James and the Shondells. Hailing from Niles, Mich., Tommy rose to stardom after his song "Hanky Panky" went to #1 in Pittsburgh. Other hits in his catalog include "I Think We’re Alone Now," "Mony Mony," "Crimson and Clover," "Sweet Cherry Wine" and "Crystal Blue Persuasion."

Rocking the stage on Friday, July 23rd is Heavy Metal Rockers Skid Row. After forming in New Jersey in 1986, the band has performed all over the world with hard guitars and a unique songwriting style. They’ll be performing their hits "In a Darkened Room," "We Are the Damned," "Youth Gone Wild," "18 And Life," and many more.

Legendary Rock Band The Sweet performs on Friday, July 30th. Hailing from London, the band has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide since forming in 1968. Original member Andy Scott handles lead vocals on such hits as "Little Willy," "Ballroom Blitz," "Fox On The Run" and "Love Is Like Oxygen."

America’s top Pink Floyd Show, The Machine hits the stage on Friday, Aug. 6^th. Over 30 years they have extended the legacy of Pink Floyd while creating another legacy all their own. Over the years, The Machine has touched the hearts and souls of many with its stellar musicianship, dramatic lighting, and video performances.

Closing out the series on Friday, Aug. 13th is rock band Queensrÿche. With more than 30 million albums sold worldwide, Queensrÿche continues to tour the globe to sold-out audiences. The band has earned multiple Grammy Award nominations and won the MTV “viewer’s choice” award for the #1 chart-topping hit "Silent Lucidity." Even with 11 gold and platinum plaques and several Top 10 hard rock anthems under their belt, Queensrÿche consistently delivers high-octane live shows combining the hungry fire of a new band with the tempered experience of master showmen. 

Tickets for all eight concerts will be available at www.BataviaConcerts.com beginning sometime in late March or April. Tickets will also be available for purchase at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop located in the lobby. 

“Preliminarily we’ll be looking to have a “POD” setup, which has been utilized in many other locations. It allows patrons to be with those in their circle and socially distanced from other concertgoers," said Henry Wojtaszek, president and CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.

“If restrictions are lifted, then we will adapt as necessary with our concert setup. Tickets will go on sale once we have more guidance from the state about how we can safely conduct these events.”

Debuting this year will be a chair rental option. There will be 500 chairs available for rental for $5 each. All net proceeds for chair rental will benefit Make-A-Wish Western New York. Volunteers from Make-A-Wish will also be distributing foam drink holders in return for a donation.

“We are eager to welcome music lovers back to the facility,” said Ryan Hasenauer, director of Marketing for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “We’re looking forward to bringing musical icons back to Batavia Downs for all to enjoy.

"After not having shows last summer, we’re excited to finally launch our partnership with Make-A-Wish Western New York to help raise funds to help them transform lives.”

Other concerts will also be announced outside of the Fridays mentioned above. Ticket prices will vary based on concert and capacity. Each concert ticket is also redeemable once at Player’s Club in the three days following the concert for $10 Free Play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s 800+ gaming machines.

Concerts are held rain or shine. Additional information may be found at www.BataviaDownsGaming.com.

Data Update – 

• Genesee County received 14 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke)
    • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) 
    • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. 
• Ten of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Four of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• We are very sad to report the COVID-related death of one of our county residents. The individual was over the age of 65. We do not provide any further information to protect the privacy of the individual and their family. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends during this very difficult time.

​

Orleans County received two new positive cases of COVID-19.  

• The positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
• The individuals are in their 20s.
• Both of the newly positive individuals were under mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Five of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• One of the current positive individuals is hospitalized.

**********************************************************

Beginning March 10^th, all New Yorkers 60 years and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

Public-facing essential workers from governmental and nonprofit organizations will be eligible beginning March 17^th. This expansion includes public-facing essential building services workers.

Providers will be able to vaccinate any eligible New Yorkers, with the exception of pharmacies who will focus on individuals over the age of 60 and teachers, in line with federal policy beginning March 10^th.

This is all subject to the availability of the vaccine to the providers. This new addition of more eligible residents still far exceeds the supply of vaccine received in our counties. Individuals who are eligible still must have an appointment in order to get a vaccine.  

To check for vaccination clinics in Genesee and Orleans counties please go to:  http://bit.ly/GOHealthVaccine 

For more information about the vaccine and access for those who are 60 and older who do NOT have internet access, please contact your respective Office for the Aging (OFA). For Genesee OFA please call (585) 813-2457 for COVID-19 vaccine assistance between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and leave a message if you get voicemail and someone will return the call.

For Orleans OFA please call (585) 589-3191 between 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and leave a message if you get voicemail and someone will return the call.

The OFA offices can only assist with the clinic links as they are available. The system may experience slowdowns and crashing due to high volume. Please be patient and try again later.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) introduced legislation that would make the dairy industry eligible for H-2A temporary agricultural visas.

“As I have traveled throughout NY-27 and met with farmers, one thing that has become clear is the need for dairy producers to have access to a steady and legal workforce," Jacobs said. "Currently, dairy workers are not eligible for H-2A status because of the way the current law is interpreted by federal agencies. This simple legislation would fix an urgent need while Congress works on broader reforms to the H-2A program.”

The Dairy H-2A Eligibility Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to include “dairy workers” as eligible candidates for H-2A temporary agricultural worker visa status. Employers are currently only eligible for H-2A nonimmigrant classification if they offer a temporary or seasonal position. Though H-2A workers are themselves temporary, dairy production has been interpreted to not qualify for these visas because it occurs year-round.

“Dairy’s workforce crisis is especially severe because dairy farms, which operate year-round, can’t use the H-2A program, which is seasonal," said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation. "NMPF has fought for decades for H-2A access for dairy. "We thank Congressman Jacobs for stepping up and making ag labor reform a priority issue, and we look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Jacobs to address the workforce needs of dairy farmers in New York and across the country.” 

David Fisher, New York Farm Bureau president, said: "Agricultural labor reform has long been a New York Farm Bureau priority. We must address the seasonal and long-term needs of agriculture, including for the state's dairy farms that currently do not have access to a year-round federal guest worker program. We thank Rep. Jacobs for his efforts to fix a broken system and moving the conversation forward for the betterment of our farms and food system."

“The bottom line is that we need a migrant worker program that respects and enforces our immigration laws while providing farmers with the workforce that they need,” Jacobs said.

It seems as though the City of Batavia is playing somewhat “shorthanded” when it comes to the financial arrangements surrounding the operation of the Batavia Ice Arena on Evans Street.

On Monday night, City Council voted in favor of an extension and modification of its lease agreement with Firland Management, the firm that has managed the rink for more than a decade.

Negotiated changes call for the Virginia-based company to hold off on its lease payment of $25,000 to the city until Jan. 1, 2022, instead of the original due date of March 1 of this year, and also for the reduction of Firland’s contribution to the rink’s capital fund for 2020-21 from $32,958.30 to $5,000.

Additionally, the contract will be extended for two years through March 2023; Firland’s lease payments will be $20,000 annually for 2021-22 and 2022-23; and its capital fund contribution will be $5,000 annually for the next two fiscal years.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski said concessions were made because the rink was closed for several months last year, adversely affecting Firland’s bottom line. With the changes, the city has escaped (at least in the near future) the possibility of Firland walking away.

When the resolution came up for a vote toward the end of Council’s Business Meeting, Council Member Rose Mary Christian requested that it be amended to a one-year lease instead of two in order for the city to explore opportunities to find private ownership of the facility.

Her request, however, did not receive a “second” so the original resolution stayed on the table.

Council Member Robert Bialkowski said he understood what Christian was attempting to do, but pointed out that a one-year lease could come back to haunt the city.

“If we have a one-year lease and they have not paid the bulk of the money that was supposed to be paid the second year, we would really come up short on that,” he said. “I think this is the best we can do. We have to support it and that’s it.”

Council Member Paul Viele, a longtime youth hockey enthusiast, said he has observed that “Firland is doing a lot better job than they have in the past.”

“With people like Mr. (Robert) Gray (of the Friends of the Rink organization) helping out and volunteering – good things are coming,” Viele said.

Bialkowski said the only ice rinks making money are the ones backed by wealthy sponsors, and then brought up the naming rights to the rink (formerly known as the Falleti Ice Arena).

“I don’t think $500 should put your name up there for five years. That’s like giving that away,” he said.

Viele said the rink would make money “if you have more than one sheet, and that’s expensive to get another sheet.”

Earlier, during the public comments portion of the session, Gray encouraged Council to vote yes to the amended operating agreement.

The Stafford resident said that under the current lease, Firland had the option to extend the lease for another five years.

“Due to extenuating circumstances caused mainly by the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that the rink was closed from March 17 to September of the last year, both parties agreed to the two-year lease,” he said. “A new section was also added for the first time that dealt with the sale of the facility -- in the event that the city sells the facility or transfers ownership of the facility.”

Gray said that the new lease isn’t perfect, but "it does give requested consideration to Firland for the late payment to someone who has operated the ice rink for the last 14 years. It will allow the rink to be operated for another two years instead of sitting vacant.”

“City Council recently approved the new lease for Dwyer Stadium that was agreeable to both parties. Why wouldn’t you do the same for the Batavia Ice Arena? I think the proposed lease serves both Firland’s interest and the interest of the City of Batavia. The Batavia Ice Arena is a productive community asset.”

He cited a 2018 Creek Park feasibility study that indicated the estimated annual use hours at 1,600, estimated annual attendance at 68,500 and estimated economic output at $2.3 million.

Gray then took a veiled jab at Christian, who previously said the rink (for hockey) was used only by the “elite.”

“These elite people are your neighbors, coworkers and friends, and are found in every ward in the city and almost every village in the county,” Gray said. "Many people also believe that GAHA youth hockey is the only user of the ice rink. This is not true. The Batavia Men’s Hockey League, both high schools, public open skate, figure-skating lessons and pickup hockey all pay to use the ice at the rink. GAHA currently pays $200 for a 50-minute session – that’s four dollars a minute.”

He then commended Council for hiring Tabelski as manager, saying he has met with her twice to implement a program for his organization that would allow volunteers to identify and complete rink improvements at no or low cost to the city.

Pavilion advanced in the Class C2 Section V tournament Monday with a convincing win over Red Creek, 68-44.

Lauren Kingsley scored 16 points, Karlee Zinkievich, 14, Shea Amberger, 13, Emily Kingsley, 12, Paige Landers, 8, and Kodi Beehler, five. Lauren Kingsley completed a double-double with 10 rebounds and Zinkievich notched one with 13 assists. Kingsley also had five blocks. Zinkievich had four steals.

Or Red Creek, Isabella Wilbur scored 14 points and Mady Sanzotta scored 12.

Tomorrow at 7 p.m., Pavilion plays Bolivar-Richburg in the semifinal game at home. Pavilion is the #1 seed in the bracket at 11-0 and Boliver is the #4 seed at 8-2.

In other girls games:

• Alexander beat Marcus Whitman 40-35 (coverage)
• Oakfield-Alabama lost to York 52-47 (coverage)

Tonight's games:

• Romulus at Elba, 5:30 p.m.
• Alfred at Notre Dame, 7 p.m.
• Olympia at Batavia, 6 p.m.

In boys basketball:

Notre Dame beat Jasper 43-39

• Batavia beat NE Douglas 56-38 (coverage)
• WOIS beat Le Roy 60-56

Tonight's games:

• Pembroke is at HAC, 6 p.m.
• Dundee is at Oakfield-Alabama, 6 p.m.

Press release:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the nationwide extension of several waivers that allow all children to continue to receive nutritious meals this summer when schools are out of session. These flexibilities are now available through Sept. 30.

USDA is extending these waivers to provide local program operators with clarity and certainty for the summer months ahead, when many children cannot access the school meals they depend on during the academic year. The waivers were previously extended only through June 30.

“We will do everything we can to make sure children get access to healthy, nutritious meals regardless of their families’ financial circumstances,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Our child nutrition professionals are doing a heroic job ensuring kids across the country have proper nutrition throughout this public health emergency, often times with limited resources.

"USDA is committed to providing local operators with the flexibilities and resources they need to continue offering the best meal service possible to their children, given their day-to-day realities.”

The waivers extended today allow for safe meal distribution sites that serve all children for free, regardless of income. In addition, the waivers:

• Allow meals served through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) – collectively known as “summer meal programs” – to be made available in all areas at no cost;
• Allow meals to be served outside of the normally required group settings and meal times; and
• Allow parents and guardians to pick-up meals for their children, including bulk pick-up to cover multiple days of feeding children.

Right now, up to 12 million children are living in households where they may not always have enough to eat. These critically needed summer meals will provide relief to many children in families who have been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and are fighting daily to put food on the table.

Summer meal sites are places where children and youth age 18 and under can receive meals at no cost in a safe environment. The meals are also available to persons over age 18 with mental or physical disabilities. Sites may be located in a variety of settings including schools, parks, community centers, libraries, churches and more.

USDA is issuing this guidance as early as possible to empower communities to establish as many meal sites as they can effectively manage this summer. To learn more about how the program works and the role of sponsors and meal sites, visit www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/how-become-sponsor.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Pembroke Corfu Darien Kiwanis Club's 14th Annual Car Cruise and Fall Festival will be held on Sunday, Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pembroke Town Park (next to Pembroke High School, Route 77). Cars/trucks/motorcycles are all welcome.

Preregistration is $10 per vehicle prior to Sept. 12 or $15 the day of the event. Our goal is to have the majority of the vehicles preregistered.

An advantage of preregistering are that you are guaranteed one of our unique dash plaques for the first 100 cars registered.

There are trophy classes, goody bags and great music, food and raffles.

There will be a HUGE basket raffle for Crossroads House, and free train rides on the Trackless Train.

There will be the third annual Free Kids Car Cruise from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for kids 8 years old and younger.

Connect Life will be also conduct a blood drive. It's not too early to preregister for the blood drive at connectlife.org.

Craft, business and food vendors are welcome. Fee is $25 for 10' x 10' space and $100 for food vendors.

For registrations and applications, please go to www.pcdkiwanis.com

For car questions, please contact John at (716) 937-9918.

Vendors, please contact Penny at (585) 356-3413.

Questions, please email pcdkiwanis@gmail.com.

This event takes place rain or shine. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. Activities subject to change.

Submitted photos and press release:

United Memorial Medical Center continues its commitment to modeling a safe sleep environment for newborns and providing sleep education for parents with its newest SleepSack Swaddles.

Every newborn at UMMC will receive a Halo SleepSack Swaddle after their first bath, providing parents with a tool that gives their child a safe night’s sleep.

The UMMC League donated enough swaddles for a year’s supply, so that no baby leaves the hospital empty-handed. 

“This donation gives us the ability to send parents home with a gift that allows their baby to have a safer night’s sleep,” said Olivia Barren, Nurse manager of Maternity at UMMC. “These blankets are not only simple to use, adjustable and allow for growth of the baby, but they eliminate the risk of loose blankets.”

According to Cribs for Kids, 2,500 infant deaths occur every year due to accidental suffocation, asphyxia, or undetermined causes during sleep. Providing parents with Halo SleepSack Swaddles is another way that UMMC continues to honor its commitment as a Silver Certified Safe Sleep Leader, reducing infant sleep-related deaths by promoting best safe sleep practices and education on infant sleep safety.

One of the first babies to receive a Halo SleepSack Swaddle is Ivan Takach, son of UMMC nurse, Jennifer Takach.

"Out of the four babies I have delivered here, this was the best and most useful gift we have received from the hospital,” Takach said. “I have never had one of these blankets and I like how it can be used in five different ways."

To learn more about childbirth and maternity at Rochester Regional Health, visit RochesterRegional.org

Top photo: UMMC nurse Jennifer Takach with her newborn son, Ivan Takach.

Below: UMMC staff, from left: Donna Meyers, RN; Kelly Flores, operations assistant; Tiffany Foreman, RN; Courtney Burdick, LPN; and Olivia Barren, Nurse manager of Maternity.

Submitted photo and press release:

It was a record-setting night at Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School as the community came out to support the Pembroke Girls Basketball Team’s 10th annual "Shooting For A Cure!" game.

On Friday night, by game’s end, "Shooting For A Cure!" had raised more than $38,000. From open donations and apparel sales, to the Food Truck Rally and raffle tickets, the Pembroke community shattered the previous record of $33,050.20.

Throughout the evening and over the weekend, more donations continued to come in bringing this year’s total to $41,105.21, leaving them shy of their $48,000 event and $200,000 overall contributions goal.

The team remains focused on eclipsing the $200,000 mark by April 1^st and is accepting online donations in support of "Shooting For A Cure!" at.

Since 2011, when the team decided to use their passion for playing basketball as a platform from which to host a fundraiser for breast cancer research at Roswell Park in support of community member, Toni Funke, the team has raised more than $192,500 in contributions for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center through "Shooting For A Cure!"

In addition to raising funds, the team wanted to show their support for Mrs. Funke as she battled cancer. The tradition of supporting, honoring, and remembering those impacted by cancer also continues.

Between the JV and Varsity games, the team held a ceremony to memorialize eight community members who have lost their battles with cancer as well as to honor 28 cancer survivors. Each varsity player lined up at center court and took turns sharing the names of a loved one, teacher, friend, or community member whose life has been touched by cancer. After each person was recognized by name, a rose was added to a vase at center court in his or her honor.  

“The halftime ceremony was emotional for me this year for many reasons,” said Ron Funke, Pembroke Girls Basketball coach. “It was so well done; it was simple, yet elegant and very moving. It also marked a decade since Toni’s initial diagnosis.

"As I continue to reflect on this game and its growth, I am overwhelmed by the love and support this community shows these players every season. The players and the event organizers have so much passion for this cause and Pembroke continues to rally around it more and more each year.

"It’s unbelievable to think what our small town is able to do. I mean, think about it, we’re closing in on $200,000 raised for cancer research in 10 years. That figure is just astounding to me.”

Senior Serene Calderón said "I can’t even explain in words all of the emotions that I felt on Friday. I am so grateful to have had a chance to be a part of something so amazing. This year was chaotic and challenging for me and my teammates, but what our community was able to accomplish made it all worth it.

"I was able to spend my last night as a player in that gym, playing for something so much bigger than just me. To think that Pembroke came together to raise over $40,000 is just incredible. I had set a goal early in this season to try to become the leading scorer in Pembroke history. To accomplish that during the Pink Game, with Breanna Johnson there, who held the scoring record and started 'Shooting For A Cure!,' was so overwhelming for me; it all just came full circle for me in that moment.

"I cried all weekend. Accomplishing that personal goal was a great feeling, but it’s an even better feeling when I reflect on what we’ve been able to raise for cancer research this season. I still can’t believe that we’ve raised over $40,000, it’s just amazing.” 

According to Allie Schwerthoffer, “ 'Shooting For A Cure!' gives you a sense of purpose.”

She added that there are so many ways to get involved and that any contribution, no matter how big or small, means the world to the team and to those at Roswell.

“Throughout my years of being involved in this game," Allie said. "I have been able to take a step back and recognize what is really important in life. Showing support for others in a time of need gives me a sense of gratitude that cannot be replicated. I have been blessed to be a part of such an incredible community that has each other’s backs no matter what.

"This game is an opportunity that I don’t take for granted. I have the power to make a change. This year we raised over $40,000 and it’s amazing what such a small family-like community can accomplish when we come together to help one another.”

Arron K. Brown, sixth-grade teacher, worked tirelessly all evening running around the parking lot, braving the freezing cold temperatures. Because of pandemic restrictions and protocols, he reimagined his "Snack Shack" as a food truck rally. Five trucks showed up for the event.

“The Pembroke community always comes out in support of this event every year. It was important to me to uphold this proud tradition we share. I’m extremely thankful that Macarollin’, Center Street, Pub Hub, Cheesy Chick, and Lloyd’s came out in support of our inaugural Food Truck Rally,” Brown said. “There was a steady stream of people from 4 to 8 p.m., waiting in the freezing cold, for dinner, all in support of this cause.

"The wind was whipping through the parking lot, the temps were definitely below freezing, yet the Pembroke faithful all came out to grab dinner and show their support for 'Shooting For A Cure!,'. Mr. Bailey and Miss Komosinski had the drumline going early on which added to the atmosphere! I’d also like to thank Mrs. Fenik, Mr. Kinal, Mr. Strzelec, and Mrs. Wilson for all of their help outside with directing traffic, parking cars, selling raffle tickets, and keeping the evening safe for all of our supporters. It was a complete team effort all around.” 

There are still opportunities to help. In addition to a direct donation through our donation page, local State Farm Insurance agent Mark Lewis has pledged $10 per insurance quote to "Shooting For A Cure!" for every new customer auto quote completed from March 1 through March 31. Please call (585) 343-4959 to request your “Quotes for Good” auto quote today (limit one per household). Please be sure to say you're calling on behalf of "Shooting For A Cure!"