Press release:

Randy Houser, a long-time friend of Tracy Lawrence, is picking up this date as a favor from one artist to another.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, Lawrence is unable to keep this date, so his buddy Randy Houser is bringing his full crew to put on the show of the summer.

Jam At The Ridge is your Family Concert and Recreation destination, according to their guests and concert fans.   With plenty of space to distance and a kid-friendly environment (children 17 and under are free when accompanied by a paying responsible adult).

Tickets are available through the http://www.jatrny.com website, by calling their store directly 585-768-4883, or directly at: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4542083

This afternoon’s approval of a new sales tax allocation agreement with the City of Batavia – a move that clears the way for the annual distribution of $10 million in sales tax revenue to Genesee County towns and villages – was a significant moment in the eyes of County Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein.

So significant, in fact, that she marked the occasion with a resounding swing of her gavel on its wooden block.

“I’m excited (by this),” she said after legislators unanimously passed the “Modified Amended and Restated Sales Tax Allocation Agreement Between the County of Genesee and the City of Batavia.”

Stein, no doubt, also was relieved that lawmakers passed this and a subsequent, connected resolution ratifying the Town of Darien’s willingness to enter into an “Amended and Restated Water Supply Agreement” with the county.

On the first resolution, the sales tax allocation agreement between the city and county doesn’t change, but it does add wording statilng that the city has no objections to the county’s plan to distribute $10 million in sales tax money collected on a yearly basis to the towns and villages for the next 38 years.

The second resolution was made possible when the Darien Town Board, on Wednesday night, voted to sign a new water supply agreement with Genesee County. Darien was the last municipality to opt in and, by doing so, enables the county to share the full $10 million in sales tax and not a combination of sales tax and other revenue.

The new water supply contract – it’s the same for all municipalities – gives the county the right to raise the surcharge on water usage beyond the 60-cents per 1,000 gallons level, but also requires the county to petition the Monroe County Water Authority in seven years to enact an equalized water rate throughout the county.

“Sharing the $10 million was the goal of this legislature,” Stein said, as she congratulated her colleagues on achieving that goal.

In other action, the legislature voted in favor of contracting with EFPR Group, CPAs, PLLC, of Williamsville, a consulting firm, for assistance in how to spend money received from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The contract is for up to $10,000 for the two years of the contract, which includes the option of three, one-year renewals. The cost will be paid from ARPA funds.

County Manager Matt Landers told legislators that the ARPA grant can be used to fund water and broadband projects, but there are “a lot of nuances” to the guidelines. He said EFRP has “extensive experience” in this area and is familiar with the process.

Landers also said he doesn’t think it will cost $10,000 in the first year, but probably closer to $5,000.

Previously: Darien opts in to water agreement after receiving assurances that county will pursue equalized rate

More than 400 people volunteered at Genesee and Orleans county testing clinics and mass vaccination sites since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and those individuals – and any others willing to help – could be called into service again depending upon the force of the virus’ Delta variant.

That was the message shared by Genesee/Orleans Public Health Director Paul Pettit during a noon luncheon today at Genesee Community College in honor of those who gave of their time to support health department staff.

“Bottom line, we’re still in an evolving process here; we’re still in the pandemic,” Pettit said, after reviewing the timeline of the pandemic and providing statistics on the number of COVID cases, testing and vaccination to approximately 200 in attendance. “We’re still taking steps to make sure our communities are protected and make them as safe as they can be.”

Pettit said that all told, Genesee County has had 5,508 cases, with 53 active, while Orleans County has had 3,245 cases, with 49 active.

As far as vaccinations, he said that 59.6 percent of Genesee residents age 12 and over have taken the shot(s) while 55 percent of Orleans residents have done likewise (although both are less than the state average).

He reported that 279 different individuals volunteered at testing clinics or mass vaccination sites in Genesee County and 117 did the same in Orleans County. Another 49 staff members who assisted raised the total to 445 “who have given of their time to help during this pandemic.”

In Genesee, volunteers conducted 6,695 tests in Genesee and another 3,465 in Orleans.

Pettit said volunteers helped with 16,176 doses (either first or second shots) in Genesee County and 10,736 doses in Orleans County.

He received a loud applause when he said that the local volunteers did all the work during the New York State-sponsored site at Genesee Community, and so he took the liberty of adding those 2,500 vaccinations to the Genesee/Orleans total.

“Over 35 percent of those vaccinated in both counties was done by this group (of volunteers),” he proclaimed.

Going forward, he said people in certain health categories will be eligible for a third dose, and booster shots likely will be available in late September.

“Apparently at this point, they’re noticing a decrease in efficacy of the vaccine, … so we will be providing booster shots to anybody who has been fully vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna vaccine (and is eight months out from their second shots).

Pettit said cases are climbing back up as the Delta variant takes hold in Genesee and Orleans counties and around the nation.

“We’re spending a lot of time on school re-openings …we’re prepared,” he said. “We have had a lot of opportunity to hone our craft, so to speak.”

Lisa Casey, confidential secretary for the City of Batavia since January 2015, has been hired as clerk of the legislature for Genesee County.

The announcement was made this afternoon at a meeting of the Genesee County Legislature at the Old County Courthouse.

"I consider it to be an advancement in my career," Casey said. "A great group of people that I'm leaving behind, but coming to. I'm just thrilled and excited to have this opportunity."

Casey will be replacing Pamela LaGrou, who has accepted the position as compliance officer for the county.

A Batavia resident, Casey was an executive administrator for Conifer Realty in Rochester for seven years and prior to that served as office manager for Vertice in Spencerport. She also has been an administrative, human resources and recruiting assistant.

"I was in government for the city and before that, I was in development and in banking," she said. "I've had quite a bit of experience in different areas."

When it was mentioned that the legislature held several committee meetings each month (in comparison to one or two City Council meetings), Casey said she was up to the challenge.

"I'm looking forward to it. I don't have any problems working hard and taking on what ever they have to give me," she said.

Her first day with the county is Sept. 7.

County Manager Matt Landers said he and the legislature "are thrilled to have both Lisa and Pam working for the county now."

He said that Assistant County Manager Tammi Ferringer was the compliance officer on a half-year basis, but the county's financial picture has brightened to the extent that it is able to employ a full-time compliance officer.

"So, we advertised for it and we're lucky that Pam interviewed for it, and we're glad to have her on board," he said. "She has a great knowledge of county government, so she should hit the ground running."

LaGrou, who has been the legislative clerk for almost six years, said she was ready for a different type of work. Her new role will focus on policy and procedures, compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act, corporate and privacy regulations.

Previously, she served as compliance officer at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, where she was communications and development director. She also is a Town of Alabama council member.

Photo: Lisa Casey, left, speaking with County Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein following today's meeting. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Oakfield’s landscape just got more colorful, thanks to a mural painted on the outside of The Goose Community Center at 33 South Main St.

Painted by artist David Burke and Oakfield-Alabama High School alumni Megan and Stephanie Gilman, the open-air agricultural scene is just half the story of the building, co-owner Susan Zeliff says. Inside houses a food pantry, local group meetings, seasonal clothing, stamping classes, and a vision for the future.

“Our big picture for our building is to have a community room available …  for private gatherings (birthday parties, wedding showers, etc.) as well as community meals, anything that will bring the community together,” Zeliff said to The Batavian this week.  “We are planning on having a commercial kitchen and have had people in the community already ask about being able to use it for their canning or baking.”

Other projects on the horizon include a farm market to provide people with easier access to fresh foods, she said, and space for the many bakers and artisans in the community.

“We would love to provide them with a place to sell their creations,” Zeliff said. “We really want our community center to be for the community and to have as many community hands touch it as possible.”

Ever heard of the Goose? It has been a best-kept secret that has more recently been the topic of attention since the mural’s green pasture, farmland, and friendly cows showed up later this summer. The pantry actually began three years ago in a small section of Oakfield-Alabama school. It was moved to the South Main Street site in November 2020. Formerly a Yellow Goose more than a decade ago, the defunct building was dubbed as an acronym for God’s On Our Side Every day. The GOOSE program was an addition to Warrior House of Western New York, a nonprofit founded in 2015 by Zeliff and her husband Peter Zeliff Jr. 

Godly Warriors

Warrior House began as a way for the Zeliff couple to bring veterans together a few weekends a year to hunt on some of the couple’s farmland. 

“When we became aware of the need for food in our community we decided to add this program to our already existing nonprofit,” Mrs. Zeliff said.  “Our mission for the Warrior House started with veterans, who will always hold a special place in our hearts, but the reality of life is that many people in our community are in need of the camaraderie that we offer to our veterans.

The hunting events not only brought veterans together, she said, but also volunteers to provide the meals and guides to lead the hunts. Central to it all has been a sense of camaraderie, empathy, and healing around food, whether it’s a quick breakfast or lingering dinner. 

Some people may not understand what it is like to not be able to put food on the table or struggle to provide basic needs for one’s family, Mrs. Zeliff said.  

Tending to Need

“This is where the food pantry plays out,” she said.  “If we were not dealing with Covid I would challenge everyone to spend time in their child’s school.  You will truly see the cracks in your community if you do.  Children will tell you stories that will bring you to your knees and leave you holding back tears and not being able to sleep at night.”

Just as she envisions the big picture for the Goose, Mrs. Zeliff, of Oakfield, opens her eyes wide for her community. This project is about more than treating a symptom. It catches the residual “trickle-down effect” as well, she said.

“When your straight-A school-loving student sits in class with a child who has problems at home and brings them to school, that is directly impacting your family,” she said. “This is not just an Oakfield thing; this is a life thing happening everywhere.”

The Zeliffs are honored to be able to do what they can, even when it seems to be the simplest of tasks:  providing children and families with food to alleviate their current circumstances of having a hungry child, she said. The husband and wife team once each owned a business in Oakfield and have enjoyed the area, she said. 

When the dreadful Covid pandemic hit, the couple made another investment after the school pantry had to be moved out. Purchasing the Goose building was “an opportunity to serve more families in the community with their food needs,” Mrs. Zeliff said, crediting fellow helpers Katie Zimmerman, Bridget Campbell, Kendra Lamb, Candace George, Melissa Domoy, and Elementary School Principal Lynn Gehlert for establishing the new pantry location. A community garden, developed on land provided by Bonduelle and run by Audra Delpriore and a garden committee, contributes fresh vegetables and fruits. Foodlink is the consistent supplier of food for the pantry and community members, churches and businesses have been steadfast donors to the cause.

Inside Out

It seemed only natural to bring some of that generous allegiance outdoors with a piece of artwork for public view. Through a conversation with Tammy Hathaway of United Way, Mrs. Zeliff was directed to GO ART! for assistance with the project. The organization referred her to artists, including David Burke. 

Burke has been painting since he was a youngster, and his mural works can be seen in Bergen, Tonawanda, and Batavia. His artwork is to be featured in a show of paintings at GO ART! in Batavia this September.

Fellow artists Stephanie Gilman, an Oakfield-Alabama 2016 graduate, and Megan Gilman, a 2019 graduate, assisted Burke with the creation. The Gilmans have also created art for the Oak Grill Car Show T-shirts, the Town flag, and a design for Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s Quiet Hours signage.

The list goes on with other pantry helpers Oakfield-Alabama National Honor Society, Student Council, and other high schoolers that have painted, planted flowers, and/or worked at the pantry. Some 20 volunteers assist with pantry chores, organize clothing donations or hand out books to families.

And the Zeliffs are grateful for each one of them.

“It truly takes a lot of hands to make it all run smoothly and we are very blessed to have these hands,” Mrs. Zeliff said.  “It is important to us that our youth see the importance of caring for others in the community you live in.  They may grow up and move on to bigger or maybe even smaller communities, and we hope that what we are doing with this building will make them want to be an active part of any community they live in.  We want them to be the branch of an Oak tree where ever they go.  They are our future.”

Since opening the doors at 6 p.m. on Veteran’s Day last year, the Goose has served more than 100 families. The building interior is not exactly beautiful, she said, but “we are doing beautiful things within its walls.”  There have been lessons along the way, from the beauty of how conversations can open up new opportunities to how everyone is born with some type of gift, she said, and many people have generously offered what they have. She also added timing to a lesson learned.

“God totally has the steering wheel on this whole thing we are doing,” she said. “I am not typically a patient person, and this whole project has been slow, but it has been very steady and I can take no credit to that. I believe it is all God and it is definitely happening on his timeline.”

The pantry is open from 9 to 10 a.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Clothing and footwear are collected and distributed on a seasonal basis, from spring and summer items and back-to-school wear to winter coats and boots. 

This project was made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!

Top photo by Arielle McVay. Photos below by Jim Burns.

Genesee and Orleans counties this afternoon thanked all the volunteers who spent "countless hours" to assist local officials in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year.

"The reason for this is (to recognize) all of the countless hours the volunteers in our communities in Genesee and Orleans gave to our community during the testing phase and also during the vaccine clinic phase," said Genesee County Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein at the appreciation luncheon at Genesee Community College.

"We had an unbelievable response when we said we needed help. These are the folks who came and helped without even a care for themselves."

Stein said certficates were made for the 250 or so people who contributed to the two counties' efforts.

She also thanked Bill Schutt of the county Emergency Management Services department for his role as "COVID czar," along with Public Health Director Paul Pettit and EMS Coordinator Tim Yaeger, adding that it wouldn't have been possible "without all hands on deck."

​Photos by Alecia Kaus. 

Press release from Genesee County Office for the Aging:

HEAT ADVISORY:  TODAY

With high temperatures, we want to be sure you understand possible dangers.  To protect oneself from heat-related stress and prevent heat-related problems, the CDC recommends the following tips:

• Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages (If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him/her how much you should drink when the weather is hot.)
•  Rest.
• Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.
• If possible, seek an air- conditioned environment.
• Wear lightweight clothing.
• If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day.
• Do not engage in strenuous activities.

Danger signs for Heat Exhaustion

Call the doctor if any of these symptoms arise:

Heavy sweating, tiredness, headache, skin cool & moist, paleness, muscle cramps, dizziness, weakness, nausea or vomiting, fainting, pulse rate fast & weak, breathing fast & shallow.

Danger signs for Heat Stroke

Needing immediate medical attention:

• extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F)
• red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
• rapid strong pulse
• throbbing headache
• dizziness and nausea

The Darien Town Board, in an “eleventh hour” meeting Tuesday night, unanimously passed an amended and restated water supply agreement with Genesee County that includes a stipulation that in seven years the county legislature will petition the Monroe County Water Authority to equalize water rates for all retail customers in the county.

Previously, the board had voted against opting in to the county’s revised water supply proposal, reasoning that the town (along with the Town of Pembroke and Village of Corfu) had been paying more for water than other municipalities all along and shouldn't have to face additional surcharges.

But, last night, after continued talks with County Manager Matt Landers – and receiving assurances that the county will move toward a unified water rate -- the board reconsidered, and joined the county’s other towns and villages by passing the resolution following a 35-minute discussion at the town hall.

The 5-0 vote came a day before the county’s deadline for municipalities to decide whether or not to opt in. The full legislature is expected to vote on the unified water supply agreement at a meeting this afternoon at the Old County Courthouse.

Darien Supervisor Steve Ferry Jr. said the agreement “is not pretty” and called it “a fix of something that we didn’t create.”

“They (legislature) created the problem and it seems like we’re the ones having to fix it,” he said.

Ferry and the town’s council members -- Michael Grant, David Krzemien, Timothy Benton and Michael Fix – said they didn’t agree with the county tying water supply agreements with sales tax distribution.

Several weeks ago, the county came up with an idea to share $10 million annually for 38 years in sales tax revenue with its towns and villages as long as all of the municipalities opted in to revised water supply agreements.

That looks as though that will happen now that Darien has opted in. The town stands to receive $970,942 annually for the 38 years in sales tax distribution.

Ferry said his board held out until it received something in writing that the county would take steps to ensure a unified, equalized water rate.

“It is not a strongly worded agreement, but it is an irrevocable resolution,” he said. “The other thing is that it kind of holds the legislature’s feet to the fire, although not as much as I wanted. But it does give us something to shoot for.”

He said the agreement is a good thing for the town, but for those in the five water districts, “they’re going to feel a 60-cent per thousand (gallons) hit.”

The Darien board was able to get the county to add a paragraph to the water supply agreement that states the following:

Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, at seven (7) years after the date of full execution of this Amended and Restated Agreement, the County Legislature shall adopt and submit to the Monroe County Water Authority an irrevocable resolution urging and recommending that the Authority equalize the water rates for all retail customers in Genesee County. Upon failure of the County to timely comply with this requirement, the surcharge rate shall automatically revert to the rate as per Paragraph 6 herein (60 cents) with no additional action needed by either party; provided further that this reversion to 60 cents for each one thousand gallons of water used shall not be applied retroactively.

Krzemien acknowledged that the revision was “a step in the right direction,” but wondered about the status of the town’s current agreement. Ferry said once they signed the new one, the other would be nullified.

Grant said he had problems with the word “timely” in the added paragraph.

“What does timely mean?” he asked. “Timely doesn’t mean (anything) to me. What is going to bind the legislature to follow through after seven years?”

Ferry said the county plans to shut down the City of Batavia water plant, which would pave the way for all municipalities to get their water from MCWA and allow the legislature to “take in the entire county and equalize the rate.”

“It’s not going to happen for six years; 2027 is the projected date of that happening,” he said, adding that equalization can’t happen unless the city and the Town of Batavia become retail customers like the other towns and villages.

Contacted this morning, Landers said the agreement with Darien is the same as every other contract, with the “minor change that will give better assurances to the Town of Darien that the county is going to follow through on what are plan ultimately is – an equalized retail MCWA rate throughout Genesee County.”

“That is something that we have long talked about what the future holds,” he said.

Landers said that in seven years, the county will request MCWA to create an equalized, countywide retail rate.

“Right now, there are different retail rates. Customers on the Western side of the county – Darien, Corfu, Pembroke – pay a higher retail rate because their water comes from Erie County. That’s the only difference there is in this agreement,” he explained.

He said he will be sending a letter out to the Towns of Darien and Pembroke and Village of Corfu.

“If the legislature passes this agreement, I am going to send out a letter, giving them 120 days’ notice as is required in the agreement,” he said. “We can’t raise the rate to $1.20 effective tomorrow. We have to give 120 days’ notification. The rate won’t take effect – that $1.20 – until after 120 days have passed.

“We did the same thing with the other agreements.  If we ever raise the rate above $1.20, we have to give 120 days’ notification for that as well.”

Landers said the county could act toward equalizing the water rate now, but it would be best to wait until city residents enter the retail customer pool.

“The shutting of the city plant and the addition of city retail customers into the pool make the overall rate go down, but it’s not a requirement. Technically speaking, we could go retail now without city customers included because they wouldn’t and they’re not retail customers of MCWA. You would just have the outer towns,” he said. “But it makes sense to equalize once you have more customers to bring the rate down. Once the city is a retail customer, that’s the bigger trigger -- whether the plant is closed or not.”

He said the plan is for that to happen within seven years as the county continues to bring in more water as part of Phase 3 of its Countywide Water Supply Project.

In the end, Landers said he appreciates the efforts of the municipalities on the West side of the county.

“I know that we didn’t always agree, but I appreciate the efforts that Steve and his board went through to consider this – along with the Town of Pembroke and Village of Corfu,” he said. “I’m glad we came to this resolution and, in the end, I think it’s better for everyone. I’m going to remain optimistic and positive.”

Photo: The Darien Town Board at its meeting last night, clockwise from left, Steve Ferry Jr., Deputy Clerk Gwen Yoder, David Krzemien, Timothy Benton, Michael Fix and Michael Grant. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Muntz was last seen in the Town of Byron on Aug. 24 in the early morning.

Muntz is not in any trouble. The Sheriff's Office is trying to locate her to make sure she is OK.

If you've seen her or know her whereabouts, call (585) 343-5000 or 911.

UPDATE 10 a.m.: Aug. 26: Muntz has been located and is safe.

An accident is reported on East Main Street, in front of the Depaul complex, Batavia.

Unknown injuries.

Traffic is blocked.

City Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 8:13 a.m.: Mercy EMS can respond non-emergency for evaluation of a knee injury.

In a new world of all things virtual — from business meetings and telemedicine to therapy sessions — it may be no surprise that piano teacher Laura Kauppi took to this new existence with the same passion she has for her craft. She has evolved from private individual lessons to group sessions online.

“I really like virtual camps,” Kauppi said during an interview with The Batavian. “They’re very parent-led. I’m just giving parents an opportunity to do things with their kids. It’s not fair that extracurriculars are only for people with money.”

Enter Zoom, the popular online meeting room for groups of people. Kauppi’s Zoom camps opened up creative opportunities for children and parents alike, and at a price that fits everyone’s music level: free.

The camps were an extension of Kauppi’s virtual piano lessons. In an effort to reach more children, the lessons were done in groups for kids 5 to 14. They learned the basics using both hands, she said. Kauppi, a resident of Corfu, drew attention through online posts and handing out flyers at special events and with candy at Halloween. More than 40 students from Batavia to Buffalo have reaped the benefits so far.

Kauppi’s hope is to instill some musical aptitude before kids get older and move on to college. Her latest endeavor is to begin even earlier with a toddler program for 1- to 5-year-olds. Those lessons involve fun activities such as dancing and clapping to music and playing rhythm games, she said. Kauppi instructs the parents so they in turn can assist their children during and in between sessions.

“So the parent can replicate the lessons ... putting music in their days,” she said.

As for the cheap price tag of the program — all free — Kauppi’s intent is sincere, she said. Going virtual incorporates music into the lives of kids who may not otherwise be able to participate. It also alleviates the need for transportation to her home, she said. 

“I just want to be able to offer kids this experience,” she said.  “I get a lot from teaching these kids. I've learned so much about hope, strength, tenacity and hard work from them. They make me remember why I love teaching.”

You may remember Kauppi when she first offered piano lessons to low-income children four years ago. It was formerly called Every Child Music School, which has been changed to The Arts Are For All. The veteran teacher of more than 15 years wants to continue the career she has loved while paying it forward.

“I want others to have the same opportunities I have had,” she said. 

The virtual music class for toddlers will run two Sundays a month beginning in September. Class for ages 1-3 is at 2:15 p.m. and for ages 3-5 at 2:30 p.m. For more information or to register, call Kauppi at 585-861-0153.

Yesterday, students at Jackson Elementary enjoyed Popsicles with the Principal (Maureen Notaro).

Photos submitted by Maureen Notaro.

Press release:

Due to Covid cases within the Genesee County Jail, Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. is suspending all inmate visitations effective immediately until further notice. This is a precautionary measure to prevent the risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to inmates’ families and employees.  

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) and Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) introduced the Reservists Opportunity Act to give more flexibility to members of the National Guard and Reserves.

“Making the decision to serve our country, especially on active duty, is an honorable and selfless one, so when members of our Reserves and National Guard decide to volunteer for active-duty assignments, they should not be met with red-tape, Rep.Chris Jacobs said. “This legislation removes an unnecessary barrier and allows these members to easily find opportunities from their own computers. Streamlining this service and increasing access will improve our military readiness and retention of qualified service members.”

“When our soldiers want to step up to serve full-time, the last thing that should stop them are technological barriers. This bill will ensure that these soldiers can access the opportunities available for active-duty service from their personal devices. Not only does this make sense, it improves readiness and retention. I look forward to its swift consideration in the House,” Rep. Tim Ryan said.

The Reservists Opportunity Act introduced by Jacobs and Ryan would allow for National Guard and Reserve members to access the Army’s Tour of Duty system, which serves as a military job board, from personal devices. Currently, this service is only accessible on devices connected to Department of Defense (DoD) networks limiting the ability for some members to easily find active-duty opportunities in a timely manner.
 

Press release:

City of Batavia Police Department members raised an impressive $1,500.00 among their ranks to support the Challenger Sports program run by the Batavia Y and supported by the Arc of Genesee Orleans.  

It was Police Sergeant Lawrence’s idea to target their fundraising proceeds to Challenger Baseball.  “I have a law enforcement colleague in another state that’s involved in Challenger,” the Sergeant said.  “We have a lot of new hires on the force.  This is a great cause to encourage them get involved in the community,” he stated.

Challenger sports benefits children with intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities and has offered them the opportunity to swim, bowl, dance, play baseball, soccer, basketball and tennis. 

Batavia Police department members that contributed to the Challenger fundraiser were: Officers Borchert, Cronmiller, Defelice, Flanagan, Freeman, Girvin, Gombos, Perkins, Rissinger, Chief Heubusch, Detective Hill, Sergeant Lawrence and Parking Enforcement Officer Sheflin. 

Y representatives shared the funds will be used for supplies such as adaptive equipment for future programs.

Update, 2 p.m. -- The school/county health department meeting set for today has been postponed, pending potential guidance from New York State.

-----------------

Notre Dame High School Principal Wade Bianco this morning said that students, faculty and staff will not be required to wear masks during the 2021-22 school year, but the proposed guidelines are subject to change depending upon New York State and/or local mandates.

“There’s a meeting today at 3 o’clock – a Zoom meeting with the county (health department) – and whatever we’ve decided, based on previous information, could be different at 4 o’clock,” Bianco said. “But, we wanted to get it out to the parents that we were going to give the least restrictive environment and a safe environment …”

The ND reopening plan, distributed to students’ families on Monday, recommends that students, staff and faculty wear masks while in classrooms during instruction and learning, and also in the hallways and in the cafeteria, but it stops short of requiring face coverings – regardless of vaccination status.

“We’re also going to keep the desks a minimum of 3 feet apart – we’re going to keep 6 feet when we can,” the principal said. “If we have a class with 16 kids in it, we’re not going to put the desks 3 feet apart. But if we have a class with 20, the desks might be 3 ½ or 4 feet apart.”

Bianco said that school leaders are hoping to do everything in their plan, but believed the best course was to give people a “personal choice” on wearing a mask. He said that he, although fully vaccinated, is inclined to wearing the mask when in the hallway.

“Everything is subject to change; we’ve got to flex according to the circumstances,” he said. “The number one priority is safety. Number two is safety in the least restrictive environment as possible.”

He said a school administrative meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday and "if we have to adjust, we'll adjust."

The school’s reopening plan is as follows:

• Students, staff and faculty are highly recommended to wear masks while in classrooms during instruction and learning, in the hallways and in the cafeteria, but it is not required, regardless of vaccination status.
• People will maintain 3-6 feet of social distance at all times, with some classrooms at 6 feet apart if possible. Seating charts and use of classroom cohorts will continue.
• Cafeteria seating will remain at 6 feet apart.
• Staggered bell schedules will continue and use of a backpack for changing classrooms will continue.
• Notre Dame will continue with sanitation and cleaning each day.
• The school will continue to ask parents to monitor their students at home in the mornings to check for any signs of illness and ask them to keep their child home if ill.
• If a student becomes ill during the school day, the parent will be called. If the student exhibits signs of COVID, the parent will be given the option of having a non-invasive COVID test done at the school or take his or her child to the child’s primary care provider.
• Per state Department of Health, CDC and GO Health guidelines, students that have been a close contact to a positive case of COVID will be quarantined.

Additionally, the guidelines define close contact as someone who was within 3 to 6 feet of an infected individual for a cumulative total of 15 minutes. Close contacts, along with the infected individual, will need to quarantine for 10 days. In the classroom setting, the close contact definition excludes students if both the infected individual and exposed student(s) were wearing a mask.

• Fully vaccinated students and teachers are not required to quarantine, however, they are recommended be tested three to five days after exposure, even if asymptomatic, and to wear a mask until their test result is negative. This also applies to those previously diagnosed with COVID with in the last 90 days.
• Masking protocols for busing will follow the students’ home district. At this time, all districts are requiring masks for the duration of the bus ride. Refer to your home districts’ transportation center for more information.

Press release:

Due to the rapid transmission of the Delta variant and increased positive COVID-19 cases, Rochester Regional Health will be re-implementing a stricter visitation policy effectiveWednesday, August 25 at 9 a.m. at the following locations:

• Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic
• Newark-Wayne Community Hospital
• Rochester General Hospital
• Unity Hospital
• United Memorial Medical Center
• Rochester Ambulatory Surgery Center
• Linden Oaks Ambulatory Surgery Center
• Westfall Ambulatory Surgery Center

New York State Department of Health continues to require masks inside healthcare facilities this includes visitors and patients. Visitors must have their temperature checked and be screened for symptoms when entering any of these facilities.

No visitation allowed 

• COVID-19 positive patients 
• Emergency department patients
• Cancer infusion center patients
• Only exceptions: pediatric patients, labor and delivery patients, patients with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and cognitive impairments including dementia and patients at the end-of-life (see below)

Hospital visitation policy

• Each COVID negative patient can have one visitor at a time at the bedside 
• Different visitors can visit the patient throughout the day as long as it is limited to one at a time
• Visitors must be 12 years of age or older
• Labor and Delivery (Obstetrics)
  • One visitor at a time
  • One support person (in addition to a visitor) is allowed at the beside at all times
• Pediatrics
  • Two supports persons and one visitor
  • One visitor in pediatric ED
  • If the patient is COVID positive, one support person and one visitor
• Patients undergoing ambulatory procedures or surgeries
  • One visitor only for pre-procedure (surgery) and post-procedure (surgery)
• Patients with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and cognitive impairments including dementia
  • One support person may be present on-site at a time in the emergency room or during hospitalization
  • An additional visitor may also be with the patient during hospital-designated visiting hours 
•  Behavioral Health inpatients
  • There is no change to the current visitation rules for Behavioral Health Inpatients
    • Two visitors during site-specific hours
• End of life patients (appropriate PPE will be required if the patient is COVID positive):

o   Up to two visitors at the bedside at a time 

o   One support person (in addition to visitors) is allowed at the bedside; clergy are not considered a visitor

o   Social distancing must be maintained

Hospital daily visitation hours 

• Rochester General Hospital: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Unity Hospital: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic:  12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Newark-Wayne Community Hospital: 12 p.m.  – 8 p.m.
• United Memorial Medical Center: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. 
• Behavioral Health Facilities – call specific site for hours

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) introduced a resolution expressing the need to safely evacuate American citizens and allies from Afghanistan.

“The President has failed the American people and left our citizens and our allies trapped behind enemy lines without any plan to rescue them and ensure they are safely evacuated,” Jacobs said.“This administration failed to plan, has failed to execute a cohesive strategy, and has weakened our nation's image on the global stage. The President has done immeasurable damage to our nation and national security, but before we can even begin to repair that we must safely evacuate every American and ally we have in Afghanistan.”

Jacobs’ resolution expresses the need for every American citizen and ally to be safely evacuated from Afghanistan and calls upon the President to provide a clear plan to ensure this happens. In addition, the resolution highlights the dire conditions on the ground in Afghanistan with reports of beatings, executions, and growing security concerns.

“The President, our Commander-in-Chief, has a sworn and solemn duty to protect American citizens both at home and abroad, so far he has failed to meet that obligation,” Jacobs said. “The United States does not leave Americans behind, and we do not abandon our allies. It is far past time for the President to stop shifting blame and dodging the hard questions. He must present and execute a clear plan to rescue and evacuate every American and Afghan ally in harm’s way.”