There’s a richly iconic salon in New York City known for being luxurious in nature and set apart by its vivid red door, a symbol of Elizabeth Arden Spas and perfumes.

By no means was the red door being wrangled over Tuesday evening by property owner Ken Mistler and members of the Planning and Development Committee as luxurious in nature, but it will be the signature — of the entrepreneur’s latest venture into the world of entertainment.

This heavy-duty red door will lead the way to The Bowery.

“That’s the oldest street in Manhattan. It’s light industrial, New York City when the shanties were all downtown, in the mid-1800s,” Mistler said after the meeting.

His vision for this gritty, edgy shanty town climate will serve up a host of eclectic live musical artists and comedy acts in the movie theater-turned-Bowery,.

Mistler, and his engineer, Andy Schmieder, landed before the committee due to their request for a handicap-accessible ramp leading up to what are now double doors to be converted into one large, wide entry/exit doorway on Alva Place.

Members David Beatty, Ed Flynn and Duane Preston were less than impressed with the thick steel fire door being the main entrance to a business.

“My only criticism is that it’s a rather mundane entry for a dining/pizza shop. Is there going to be any other entrance?” Beatty said.

Flynn added that it looks like a utility room.

“There will be a marquee over it,” Mistler said, answering Flynn’s question about it not having a window. “There’s a door without a window now.”

Beatty wanted to confirm if the space would eventually be a functional theater. 

No.

“It will eventually be a comedy club and music venue,” Mistler said.

They circled back to the door. Is it to be the final and permanent door to the establishment? Yes. With no windows? That’s right.

Beatty joked that it was going to be a speakeasy, some clandestine spot that served illicit liquor back in the days of prohibition.

“We have a problem with the look of the door,” he said.

Code Enforcement Officer Doug Randall asked if Mistler would consider some type of artwork on the door, and Mistler said sure, he was open to suggestions.

The three members approved the request for a ramp, and encouraged Mistler to return with another door design when he begins his future facade work.

As for the dining/pizza shop, there won’t be any actual indoor dining, Mistler said. The pizza shop will have two purposes: one will be for a one-size pizza take-out service from a walk-up window, and the food will also be used at The Bowery for patrons. He has no intentions of competing with local restaurateurs.

“You want fancy-style pizza, go to Roman’s. I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes in the food business because that’s not what I want to do. I love to work with the restaurants in Batavia so that we could do dinner and a show again, like I did with the movie theater,” he said. “My first idea was to cater to seniors, there’s not a lot of things for seniors to do in the day, let’s give it to the seniors … a three-piece brass band, a motivational speaker, a pianist, we’ll have a piano there.”

He has connections with promoters at both ends of Batavia — in Buffalo and Rochester -- and plans to bring in comedic and musical acts from in and out of state. There will be a dance floor in front of the stage, a full bar and some edibles, per State Liquor Authority, which “requires us to have a substantial menu.”

“For once, I want to do a business that’s fun,” he said. “I’ve got contractors ready to go. Inside is completely empty. Okay, so I don't have any demolition to deal with, demolition is already done. All I have to do is put it back together, and it's a lot easier to put them together than to take it apart. Yeah. A lot easier. So I want to get it open within six months.”

He will be meeting with Randall to go over the interior design and obtain a building permit. The city has been “really easy to work with,” he said, and although people see the bad stuff, Batavia is becoming more business-friendly, he said, “which is great.”

Here are the results currently available from school districts in Genesee County for their 2023 school budget, propositions, and board elections.  This post will be updated with additional results as they become available.

Alexander Central School District

PROPOSITION #1 - BASIC BUDGET Shall the Board of Education of the Alexander Central School District be authorized to expend the sum set forth in the budget for 2023-2024 in the total amount of $20,847,885, and to assess and levy upon the taxable property of the District the necessary tax therefore?

Yes 173 No 57

PROPOSITION #2 – BUS PURCHASES - Resolved that the Board of Education of the Alexander Central School District is hereby authorized to acquire (2) 64-passenger school buses and (1) small school bus, at an estimated maximum aggregate cost of $376,125, and such to be funded from the Bus Reserve, as permitted by law.

Yes 174 No 57

PROPOSITION #3 - EQUIPMENT CAPITAL RESERVE FUND - Resolved, that the Board of Education of the Alexander Central School District is hereby authorized to expend $140,619 from the existing 2018 & 2021 Equipment Capital Reserve Fund for the acquisition of (2) two wide view printers with estimated cost of $8,900, (1) Ventrac Mower with an estimated cost of $63,800, and (1) plow dump truck with plow with an estimated cost of $67,919 as permitted by law.

Yes 184 No 46

PROPOSITION #4 - ESTABLISH CAPITAL RESERVE FUND

Resolved that the Board of Education of the Alexander Central School District is hereby authorized to establish a Capital Reserve Fund pursuant to section 3651 of the Education Law (to be known as the “2023 Capital Reserve Fund”), with the purpose of such fund being to finance construction, reconstruction, improvement and equipping of school buildings and facilities; such capital costs being of a type that would be eligible for financing under the local finance law, and costs incidental thereto, the ultimate amount of such fund to be $975,000, plus earnings thereon, the probable term of such fund to be ten (10) years, but such fund shall continue in existence until liquidated in accordance with the Education Law or until the funds are exhausted, and the sources from which the funds shall be obtained for such Reserve, with an initial minimum deposit of $50,000 from current fund balance at year end.

Yes 178 No 51

PROPOSITION #5 - SCHOOL BUS RESERVE FUND - Resolved that the Board of Education of the Alexander Central School District is hereby authorized to establish a School Bus Reserve Fund pursuant to section 3651 of the Education law (to be known as the “2023 School Bus Reserve Fund”), with the purpose of such fund being to finance the purchase of school buses, vehicles and equipment that would be eligible for financing under the local finance law, and costs incidental thereto, the ultimate amount of such fund to be $500,000, plus earning thereon, the probable term of such fund to be ten (10) years, but such fund shall continue in existence until liquidated in accordance with the Education Law or until the funds are exhausted, and the sources from which the funds shall be obtained for such Reserve with an initial minimum deposit of $50,000, and (ii) amounts from budgetary appropriations from time to time, and (iii) unappropriated fund balance made available by the Board of Education from time to time, and (iv) New York State Aid received and made available by the Board of Education from time to time, all as permitted by law.

Yes 173 No 56

ELECTION OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBER-ONE POSITION FOR A TERM OF FIVE (5) YEARS - VOTE FOR ONE (1).

• Jadriene Balduf 68
• Natalie Loranty 61
• Sara Fernaays 97 - Winner

Write-in Candidate:

• David Newton – 1
• Don Smith - 1

Batavia City School District

• Budget Yes – 263 No – 65
• #2 Student Ex-Officio Yes – 293 No – 37
• #3 Establish Capital Improvements Reserve Fund, 2023 Yes – 260 No – 66

Board Member Election 

Two (2) Positions (7/1/23-6/30/26) to be filled as follows:

• Alice Ann Benedict - Votes 290
• Barbara Bowman - Votes 277

Byron-Bergen Central School District

• Proposition 1, school budget: YES 380  NO 108
• Proposition 2, school bus purchase: YES 386  NO 105
• Proposition 3, capital reserve fund: YES 372  NO 116
• Proposition 4, Technology equipment reserve: YES 368  NO 121

School board election:

• Lisa Forsyth, 331
• Amy Phillips, 270
• Lynn Smith, 283
• Cindy Matthews, 300

Elba Central School District

• Proposition #1 – Authorize the Board of Education of the Elba Central School District No. 1, Towns of Elba, Byron, Stafford, Batavia and Oakfield, County of Genesee, State of New York to expend $11,708,369 as set forth in the proposed 2023-24 budget and further authorize the necessary tax levy to support this budget: Yes –   110   No – 11
• Proposition #2 – Authorize the Board of Education of the Elba Central School District to request additional state aid for energy savings contract improvements under an energy performance contract separately authorized by the board of education; which energy savings contract requires additional voter approval to be eligible for additional enhanced state building aid: Yes – 114  No – 6
• Proposition #3 – Authorize the Board of Education of the Elba Central School District to purchase one (1) 65 passenger school bus, at an estimated aggregate cost not to exceed $168,883 and to appropriate and expend from the existing Capital Bus and Vehicle Replacement Reserve Fund for such costs: Yes – 111  No – 9

One Board Member elected for a five-year term commencing on July 1, 2023 and expiring on June 30, 2028: 

• Dean Norton, Incumbent – 111  votes

Total Votes: 121

Le Roy Central School District

• Proposition 1: School budget, YES 388  NO 114
• Proposition 2: Library budget, YES 413  NO 90

School Board Election, two three-year terms

• Denise Duthe, 391
• Jacalyn Whiting, 690

Woodward Memorial Library Trustee, elect one

• Lynda Lowe, 254
• Laura Williams, 172

Oakfield-Alabama Central School District

• Proposition #1: 2023-2024 Budget $24,094,600 Yes: 432 No: 95
• Proposition #2: Haxton Public Library Yes: 442 No: 89

Board of Education Members:

• Jackie Yunker-Davis - 450
• Pete Zeliff - 353
• Natalie Emerson - 351

*Elected to three-year terms commencing July 1, 2023

Library Trustees:

• Carol D'Alba - 424
• Lynette Crawford - 421
• Denise DiMatteo - 409
• Jessica Baker - 407
• Janet Klotzbach - 47

*Elected to five-year terms commencing June 1, 2023

Pavilion Central School

• Proposition 1: Annual Budget Referendum 2023 - 2024 The Board of Education has approved, for your consideration, a budget for the 2023-2024 school year in the amount of $18,869,393. Overall, this reflects a year-to-year spending increase of $582,042 or 3.18 percent. The tax levy will increase by $85,396 or 1.5 percent to $5,778,383. YES -- 192   NO -- 26
• Proposition 2: School Board Member Election. 

Five-year term:

• Chris Jeffres, 115
• Lana Flint, 34
• Roxanne Holthaus, 61

Proposition 3: Hollwedel Memorial Public Library Trustees. 

• Kelley Harris, 162
• Joan Gray, 166

Pembroke Central School District

• Proposition 1 - School Budget:  277 Yes, 98 No

Jane (Haggett) Paladino, longtime music influencer as Batavia High School's music teacher and department chairperson, delivers her final swan song as conductor during a band concert Tuesday evening at the high school's Frank E. Owens Auditorium. 

Paladino is retiring from the district and looking forward to new adventures ahead -- albeit with staff, students and parents enriched by her lessons and saddened by her departure. 

Photo by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

The West Division Champion Batavia Muckdogs are happy to welcome the newest members of the team for the upcoming 2023 season! Among the many newcomers joining the reigning champs are Outfielder Anthony Calabro, and First Baseman/Outfielder Henry Daniels, both coming from the University of West Georgia. 

Calabro, a 6’0 185 pound junior, comes from St. John’s, Florida. A Division II player of the year candidate, Calabro had an excellent season batting .418 and mashing 14 home runs on his way to a 1.225 OPS while also swiping 17 stolen bases along the way.

Daniels, a 6’5 220-pound junior, is from Norman Park, Georgia. Daniels, the first base/outfield hybrid, mashed 15 home runs with a .634 slugging percentage.

Along with these new assets, many familiar faces are returning for another year of Muckdogs’ baseball. Among these include Alex Hale, Trey Bacon, Julian Pichardo, Josh Leadem, Caleb Rodriguez, Brice Mortillaro, Ryan Kinney, and Tyler Henshaw.

Standing at 5’11 and weighing 180 pounds, Alex Hale is a junior pitcher from Niagara County Community College. Hale, who throws an 86-mile-per-hour fastball, has been limited this season, striking out three in three innings with no runs allowed.

Standing at 5’11 and weighing 160 pounds, Trey Bacon is a junior utility player and pitcher from Saint Pete College. Bacon recently averaged eight strikeouts per nine innings at Santa Fe Community College. Last summer for Batavia, Trey performed at a high level with a 1.59 ERA. 

Standing at 6’5 and weighing 225 pounds, Julian Pichardo is a senior pitcher from the University of Fort Lauderdale. Pichardo will be returning for his third stint with the Muckdogs. His first year with Batavia saw him clock in with a 2.45 ERA in 55 innings pitched, along with 42 strikeouts. Last year Pichardo pitched a 3.20 ERA while striking out 17 batters in 19 innings.
Julian also won a championship playoff game last year for the Muckdogs.

Standing at 6’2 and weighing 190 pounds, Josh Leadem is a senior outfielder from the University of Rochester. Leadem is making his return to the team after playing this year for the University of Rochester, where across three seasons there, he’s accumulated a career .334 average and 61 stolen bases. Leadem hit a walk-off grand slam in this year's liberty league tournament against RIT.

Standing at 5’10 and weighing 170 pounds, Caleb Rodriguez is a senior middle infielder from Kean University. Rodriguez will be making his return to Batavia after bumping up his batting average from .252 his sophomore season to .331 his junior season at Kean University. This year he also finished with a .434 on-base percentage and 23 RBIs.

Standing at 6’0 and weighing 187 pounds, Brice Mortillaro is a sophomore catcher from Georgia Southwestern University. After a year off from the Muckdogs, Mortillaro will be returning to the team. Brice, in his 2022 campaign at Georgia Southwestern University, posted a .432 on-base percentage and .745 OPS, and in his entire collegiate career, has never made an error.

Standing at 6’5 and weighing 190 pounds, Ryan Kinney is a senior pitcher from Xavier University of Louisiana. Kinney will make his way back to Batavia this year. This past season saw Ryan continue to perform well, pitching in 19 innings along with 24 strikeouts.

Standing at 5’9 and weighing 165, Tyler Henshaw is a sophomore pitcher from Potomac State. Henshaw has been dominant this season with Potomac State, averaging 10.15 strikeouts per game while holding opponents to only a .242 batting average while he’s on the bump.

The entire Batavia team will begin their quest to repeat as West Division champions with their home opener at Dwyer Stadium against the Elmira Pioneers on Saturday, June 3rd. Following the opener will be a fireworks display for all to enjoy. For both individual and season tickets, as well
as keeping up with future games and promotional nights, please check out our website https://www.canusamuckdogs.com/ or call 585-524-2260!

Submitted photos

4

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Strong winds, no fire hydrants, and the ongoing shortage of volunteer firefighters made today's barn fire in Darien a bit more challenging to fight, said Tim Yaeger, emergency management coordinator for Genesee County.

The fire was reported at about 8:30 a.m. at 2044 Sumner Road, Darien, a 9.4-acre residential parcel owned by David Keller that contained multiple barns and other out structures, all mostly built in the 1950s and 1960s.

Yaeger said an investigation found that the source of the fire was a fire started by the homeowners to the southwest of the barn that caught fire.  Yaeger said the wind changed direction, and embers flew into the barn causing combustible items in the barn to catch fire.

The barn was in disrepair, Yaeger said, and damage to the west side of the barn exposed the interior to the flying embers.

The fire spread and expanded quickly because of the wind, Yaeger said.

There were no injuries, either to residents or firefighters, Yaeger said.  There were no livestock or domestic animals involved in the fire.

Darien Fire was initially dispatched to the fire (follow the link for more photos).

Multiple tankers for surrounding departments, including Corfu, East Pembroke, and Alexander, were dispatched.  The tankers were necessary, Yaeger said, because that part of Darien does not have public water, and there are no fire hydrants in the area.

The need for tankers increases the need for volunteer firefighters, and those are in short supply at the start of a weekday workday, so getting enough manpower to the scene today was an issue, Yaeger said.

Darien Fire, in particular, has been dealing recently with a lack of volunteers.

The lack of volunteers, he said, again illustrates the crisis situation for local fire companies.

"It's still a real concern of mine," Yaeger said. "I applaud the City of Batavia Fire Department for being a real partner with us.  We've got to do something to increase the number of volunteers."

He said a lot of volunteers are aging out, and many who are showing up have been volunteers for 30, 40, or even 50 years, and they do what they can.

"They're still proud of their service to their communities, but we need a new message to bring out younger volunteers to join their ranks," Yaeger said.

Still, even with the challenges, the fire departments on scene were able to have half of a secondary structure that caught fire, as well as the rest of the structures on the property, including the house.

"The house wasn't damaged at all," Yaeger said.

Vincent S. Kovach is indicted on five counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony, and two counts unlawful purchase of body armor, a Class A misdemeanor. Kovach is accused of possessing an AR-15 pistol, serial number 21004302, on April 21 in the Town of Le Roy that was semiautomatic with the ability to accept a detachable magazine and the capacity to accept ammunition magazines that attach to the pistol outside the pistol grip. The pistol also allegedly had the capability to accept a barrel extender, flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer, and a shroud that would allow a person to hold the barrel of the gun without being burned, that had a manufactured weight of fifty or more ounces while unloaded, and of being a version of an automatic rifle. He is accused of possessing two pieces of body armor, one from May 2022 to April and the other from January to April.

Andrew W. Taylor is indicted on counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, a Class E felony, and petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. Taylor is accused of filing a false business document at Pawn King in Batavia on Nov. 21.  He was allegedly attempting to pawn a an item he stole, an Oral B Pro 500 and WaterPik water flosser.

Press Release:

The area Episcopal churches are holding a Cookie and Pierogi event in support of the Ukrainian people this Friday, May 19. Join us at St. James Church, 405 East Main St., Batavia between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (or until sold out) for pierogi by Halnyna and cookies by St. James bakers and
friends, cash only.

St. James has joined with St. Peter's Eggertsville to assist a Ukrainian family's transition to the U.S. The mother of the family is helping to support her family by making pierogi and will be present at the sale. Proceeds will be shared with the family and Episcopal Relief and Development designated for Ukrainian humanitarian relief.

Our previous cookie and pierogi events sold out quickly, so come early for best selection. Community support would be most welcome and appreciated.

A two-car motor vehicle accident is reported at Richmond and Oak, Batavia.

Minor injuries reported.

A deputy on scene reports a patient with chest pain and "shook up."  A dump truck may be involved.

City Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Michael E. Loveless, 59, of Imperial Drive, Webster, is charged with grand larceny 4th and unauthorized use of a vehicle 3rd.  Loveless is accused of stealing a gar that was stopped at a gas station in the City of Batavia on May 10 while the owner of the vehicle was inside the store. The vehicle was tracked using a GPS system and located in Lockport. Loveless was allegedly occupying the vehicle when it was located. He was taken into custody by Lockport PD and turned over to Batavia PD.  He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held until his next court appearance. 

Jessica L. Holtz, 39, of Austin Street, Rochester, was arrested on two  City Court bench warrants. The first bench warrant stems from a petit larceny charge at a local convenience store on Nov. 18, 2021.  Holtz was originally arrested on Nov. 27, 2021.  She was issued an appearance ticket.  She was arrested again on Feb 2, 2022, after she allegedly failed to appear in court as ordered. She was arraigned and released. She was arrested gain on May 1, 2022.  She was arraigned and released. She was arrested on Jan. 29.  She was arrested on March 11.  She was then arrested again on May 2 by Officer Megan Crosset and arraigned in City Court. On the second warrant, Holtz was arrested on Nov. 27, 2021, on a petit larceny charge for an alleged theft from a local church. She was arrested again on May 1, and again on Jan. 29, again on March 11, and on May 2.  She was arraigned in City Court. She was ordered to pay 79 cents in restitution and jailed for two months.

Josia G. J. Culver, 18, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Culver is accused of damaging an ATM screen at a bank location on Bank Street, Batavia, on May 5. He was arraigned and ordered held without bail pending his next court appearance. 

Alisha A Soule, 26, of Route 237, Stafford, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Soule turned herself in to Batavia PD after being accused of contacting a person through a third party in violation of an order of protection. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Ashley Davis, 34, of Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. While in custody, Davis allegedly kicked a police officer. Davis was issued an appearance ticket.

Corey A Brown, 37, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Brown is accused of hitting another person in the face at a residence on Ellicott Street on May 10. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

William H Smith Jr., 45, of Bank Street, Batavia, was arrested on a City Court bench warrant. Smith was originally arrested for DWI and other charges on Feb. 7, 2021, and released with traffic tickets.  Smith is accused of failure to appear on the charges and was warranted on a warrant on Nov. 14, 2021.  He was released and ordered to reappear at a later date. He allegedly failed to show up for court, and another warrant was issued. He was arrested on that warrant on May 10 by Officer Kevin Defelice. Smith was arraigned in  City Court and released under supervision.

Krista S. Kiblin, 32, of Mason Avenue, Rochester, was arrested on a City Court bench warrant. Kiblin was originally arrested on Jan. 27 on a charge of petit larceny after she allegedly stole merchandise from a business on East Main Street.  Kiblin was issued an appearance ticket.  After she allegedly failed to appear as ordered, a warrant was issued, and she was arrested on that warrant on May 3 by Officer Richard Messmer. Kiblin was arraigned. Her release status is unknown.

Brayden Smith pitched a complete-game, five-inning shutout on Monday to help lead Oakfield -Alabama over Pembroke 10-0.

Pembroke managed only three hits.

Smith struck out 10 hitters and walked two.

Bodie Hyde was 2-2 with five RBIs.  Cole Kornow had two hits, scored twice, and drove in a pair of runs. Seth Gibson walked three times and scored three runs.

Photo by Kristin Smith.

The annual spring ban on controlled burns and open fires ends today, but the National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement warning of an elevated fire risk for the region.

Statement: 

A combination of dry conditions and wind today will create an elevated risk of wildfire spread across western and north central New York. Relative humidity values will drop to as low as 15 to 25 percent, with winds gusting up to 35 mph at times. Despite the recent green-up, these conditions may allow for rapid spread of fires if ignition occurs.

A barn fire is reported at 2044 Sumner Road, Darien.

Darien Fire, Corfu Fire, and Alexander Fire, along with Mercy EMS dispatched.

A second alarm has been sounded for East Pembroke, Town of Batavia and City Fire's FAST Team.

UPDATE 10:20 a.m.: When The Batavian left the scene 20 minutes ago, firefighters were still battling with hot spots, and officials at the fire were not yet ready to release information.  The cause of the fire has not been confirmed yet. 

If you don’t think there’s fun to be had in Batavia, then look no further than the name of a company being considered for DeWitt Recreation Area on Cedar Street.

Genesee County legislators that make up the Public Service Committee reviewed a move Monday to obtain Rent.Fun LLC to set up a self-service kayak rental kiosk at DeWitt. Kayaking was identified in the county’s comprehensive recreation plan as a “need to be made available to the community.”

Genesee County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens and the deputy superintendent recommended that the committee approve the proposal for the county to enter into an agreement with Rent.Fun, LLC, located in Ann Arbor, Mich.

“There would be four (kayaks) available to rent from spring to fall,” Hens said to The Batavian. “The financial model is that the county would pay itself back on the investment, but we are looking at this as an opportunity to provide a recreational service to the community that also generates residual income and requires no county maintenance.”

The agreement would be for a period of five years, at a total cost of $16,000 for the installation and activation of smart lockers, fully equipped with kayaks/lifejackets and locker signage. Kayak users would then pay a rental fee through use of the kiosk that would go back to the county.

This park amenity expense will come out of the Capital Project DeWitt Improvements Phase IV, with $6,000 of this cost offset by a donation from the Association for the Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces (ACORNS), for a total cost of $10,000 to the county.

A final vote will go before the county Legislature in the next couple of weeks.

“If approved, the kayaks will be in place by mid-June,” Hens said.

In 2020-21, the county’s Chamber of Commerce Batavia Rotary Club and Youth Bureau worked together to put a $6,000 grant toward a new kayak launch at DeWitt and purchase kayaks for the Youth Bureau.

Press release:

According to the 2023 County Health Rankings, released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI), Genesee and Orleans Counties rank 42nd and 55th, respectively in overall Health Outcomes. The Rankings are available at www.countyhealthrankings.org.

“Each year, we look at the County Health Rankings to get an overview of our health and factors that influence our health,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments(GO Health). “The county with the lowest score (best health) gets a rank of #1 for that state, and the county with the highest score (worst health) is assigned a rank corresponding to the number of total counties ranked in each state. New York State has 62 counties.”

According to the Rankings, the five healthiest counties in New York State starting with the most healthy are Putnam, followed by Saratoga, Nassau, Rockland and Tompkins. The five counties with the poorest health, starting with the least healthy are Bronx, Cattaraugus, Sullivan, Chemung, and Montgomery. The rankings are broken into two main categories, Health Outcomes, which include length of life and quality of life, and Health Factors, which include health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors and physical environment. The 2023 County Health Rankings findings for Genesee and Orleans Counties are: 

Genesee County

• Ranked 42/62 in Health Outcomes compared to 38/62 counties in 2022
• Ranked 22/62 in Health Factors compared to 16/62 counties in 2022

Orleans County 

• Ranked 55/62 in Health Outcomes compared to 54/62 counties in 2022
• Ranked 57/62 in Health Factors compared to 55/62 counties in 2022

“As Chief Health Strategists, we collaborate with our partners and community members to provide quality training, education and referrals as well as develop coalitions to explore the best way to help our county residents thrive and improve health factors,” stated Pettit. 

As referenced below, both Genesee and Orleans Counties have health factors that could be improved, specifically with local access to physicians, mental health providers and dentists, along with excessive drinking, adult obesity, and adult smoking. Access to care significantly impacts and drives the rankings for both counties. Additionally, it is a substantial barrier for residents and, ultimately, has an impact on not only an individual’s physical, social and mental health, but their overall quality of life.

Genesee County/Orleans County/New York State

Primary Care Physicians to Patient Ratio

• 3,350:1/13,330:1/1,170:1

Mental Health Providers 

• 570:1/1,610:1/300:1

Dentists 

• 2,750:1/4,470:1/1,220:1

Excessive Drinking 

• 23%/21%/18%

Adult Obesity 

• 29%/34%/27%

Adult Smoking 

• 18%/21%/12%

This year, the focus area of the Rankings was the connection between civic health and the health of the community. The factors that were added included Voter Turnout (Genesee at 64.3%; Orleans at 56.9%) and Census Participation (Genesee at 64.3%; Orleans at 54.0%). Voting and participating in the U.S. census are both examples of civic participation, which can help influence residents’ quality of life and help improve the health of our community. 

The Rankings have become an important tool for communities that want to improve health for all. Working collaboratively with community partners in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties (GOW), Genesee and Orleans counties have completed the GOW 2022-2024 Community Health Assessment and are working on the chosen priorities in the Community Health Improvement Plan over the next three years. We analyze the Rankings along with New York State data and community input from the Community Health Assessment survey and Community Conversations to determine these priorities. 

For the 2022-2024 Community Health Improvement Plan, preventing chronic disease, promoting well-being, and preventing mental and substance use disorders were selected as the priority areas that will be the focus moving forward.

For more information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or
call your respective health department at:

• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
• Orleans County: 585-589-3278

Press Release: 

Byron-Bergen Central School District proudly announces that on Tuesday, May 9, senior Kendall Phillips signed a letter of intent to attend SUNY Brockport as a member of its softball team. At SUNY Brockport, Phillips plans to study Childhood Inclusive Education. Her commitment to SUNY Brockport was witnessed by her parents and brother. 

Phillips is a six-year Varsity Softball player, a three-time Genesee Region All-Star, and was named 5th team Class C All-State. In 2022, she was entered into the NYSPHSAA and Section V record book for 20 strikeouts in one game. 

In the 2022 season, Phillips had a .583 batting average and pitched 84 innings with 159 strikeouts. She also did not give up a walk in the first 67 batters faced. So far in the 2023 season, she holds a .410 batting average and has pitched 61 innings with 124 strikeouts. 

“I am extremely happy for Kendall Phillips and her prospects for the future,” said Byron-Bergen Athletic Director Rich Hannan. “She is a fantastic example of what a student athlete should be. She is a great softball player and an even better person. She works extremely hard for her academic and athletic success. I know she will do great things at SUNY Brockport both in the classroom and on the softball field. We are all proud of Kendall and wish her the best of luck in the future!”

In addition to softball, Philipps is Student Council Senior Class President, a member of National Honor Society, Scholastic Bowl, Varsity Club, Yearbook Club, and is Steppin’ Up Club President. She volunteers at the Elementary School in kindergarten daily. She participates in soccer, basketball, and softball where she earned all-star status in basketball for 1 year and softball for 3 years. She has also been a captain of each sport for multiple years. The travel softball teams she participates on include Edge and Smash It Sports.

“I would like to thank my parents for always supporting me and pushing me to be my best as well as all of my coaches who have helped me become the player and person I am today,” said Phillips. “Without their encouragement and support, I couldn't have earned valedictorian honors and furthered my academic and athletic career at SUNY Brockport.”

Photo submitted by Gretchen Spittler.

The Genesee County Office for the Aging is encouraging people to attend this week’s Open House, especially those who:
  • recently turned 60 years of age;
  • are seeking volunteer opportunities and are 55 and older;
  • are caregivers of older adults;
  • are under 60 and with living with disabilities.
 
Office for the Aging (OFA) offers a wide variety of activities, programs and services which together keep older adults active, engaged and supported in our community.  Staff is looking forward to meeting you and sharing all we have to offer!
 
This program is made possible through funds from the NYS Office for the Aging, NY Connects, Administration for Community Living, AmeriCorps Seniors and the Genesee County Legislature.  Requests for reasonable accommodations can be made by calling (585) 343-1611.