Batavia First Presbyterian Church is one of the churches in Genesee County that canceled in-person Sunday services today. This morning, Pastor Roula Alkhouri used Facebook Live to conduct an online service for the church community. Last night, she recorded the video message above and invited us to share it.
Press release:
St. Paul Lutheran Church of Batavia is closed for church services and all events until further notice. The Leadership Team will expect to meet as planned on Monday.
St. Paul school has also canceled classes.
Press release:
“Over the past week, COVID-19 has evolved rapidly. While Genesee County has no confirmed cases, there are confirmed cases in neighboring counties and increased local testing. I believe it is inevitable we will see cases here in Genesee County,” said Rochelle Stein, chair of the Genesee County Legislature.
“With this in mind and after discussion with Paul Pettit, director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, I am declaring a state of emergency for Genesee County. This declaration allows us to procure goods and services as well as required and available assistance to municipalities and school districts. I am recommending that all schools in Genesee County close to students effective immediately for an undetermined amount of time.”
“We want to remind people the risk in our community still remains relatively low and these decisions are based on the need to slow transmission in our communities,” Pettit said. “Through ongoing discussions with all 10 school districts and county administration, this unified decision is based on the increased activity in our county and has led to these preventive measures.”
A statement from Kevin MacDonald, district superintendent of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership: “In collaboration with the New York State and local Departments of Health, the component districts of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership will be closed to students effective Monday, March 16, 2020 until further notice. Component districts will be sharing messages to their respective communities regarding details of their closures. We ask all our community members to take care of each other as we navigate this public health matter.”
Batavia Downs, like other public facilities across the state in the wake of COVID-19, is complying with new state directives on reduced capacity and social distancing, Western OTB CEO Henry Wojtaszek said this evening.
The Batavian contacted Wojtaszek in part because several people over the past day have expressed concern to us that Batavia Downs was exempt from the new rules.
The directive from the NYS Department of Health requires bars and restaurants to restrict occupancy to 50 percent of normal capacity (PDF).
The directive specifically mentions gaming facilities and Wojtaszek said Western OTB has also received guidance from the state's gaming commission.
"We're operating in accordance with state guidance," Wojtaszek said. "We're trying to create a safe environment, keep a safe social distance between customers, and keep everybody as safe as possible."
Each room of the facility will maintain an occupancy rate of no more than 50 percent of capacity, with security guards at the entrance of each, maintaining a count, Wojtaszek said. That applies to each restaurant inside Batavia Downs as well as each bar and the gaming rooms.
Batavia Downs will also be limited to no more than 500 customers inside the entire facility at any one time, he said, though occupants of the hotel will not count against that number.
Chairs have been removed between every other VTL (slot) machine to provide extra distance between customers.
The new state rules requiring facilities to operate at 50 percent of capacity also prohibits gatherings of 500 people or more and planned gatherings of fewer people, organizers must reduce the size of the crowd.
The new directive applies to:
Businesses and facilities that can maintain safe social distancing can apply for an exemption to the 50-percent capacity rule.
Signs must also be posted directing anybody who is sick or becomes sick to either not enter or leave. Staff must be alerted and trained to spot people displaying symptoms of coronavirus.
"Like everybody else, we're concerned with public safety and we think it's a fair assessment to follow the guidance given to us by the state and the gaming commission," Wojtaszek said. "Certainly, we'll have fewer people at our facility but in the scheme of things, it's the right thing to do for public health and we're happy to comply."
Photo: File photo.
Press release:
In an effort to keep New Yorkers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed an executive order temporarily modifying election procedures to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The executive order suspends the candidate petitioning process — effective 5 p.m. on Tuesday — for the June primaries for Congressional, State Senate, State Assembly, and Judicial races.
The executive order also modifies the signature requirements for ballot access; candidates will only need to collect 30 percent of the statutory threshold. For Congress, candidates would need 375 signatures rather than 1,250. For State Senate, candidates would need 300 signatures rather than 1,000. For Assembly, candidates would only need 150 signatures rather than 500.
The executive order also modifies deadlines and procedures to better allow New Yorkers to vote absentee for the Queens Borough President special election on March 24. It extends the current deadline to register to vote absentee to March 23, the day before the special election. Absentee votes must be postmarked or delivered in person up until the day of the election on March 24.
"Public health experts have been clear that one of the most common ways to communicate COVID-19 is through direct person-to-person contact, and we are doing everything in our immediate power to reduce unnecessary interactions," Governor Cuomo said. "This executive order modifies the election process in a way that both protects public health and ensures the democratic process remains healthy and strong regardless of the ongoing pandemic."
Batavia Middle School hosted a Health and Wellness Day for students at the school yesterday. The event was the brainchild of Assistant Principal Brian Sutton.
Sheriff William Sheron introduced the department's new police dog, "Rayzor," and his handler, Deputy James Stack, at the Genesee County Jail yesterday.
Stack and Rayzor begin training on Monday and should be ready for road patrol in June.
Rayzor is named after Ray Thompson, a corrections officer who died while on duty in 2002. He is the brother of retired deputy, and former K-9 handler, Brian Thompson.
Press release:
With the continued spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Batavia First Presbyterian Church is suspending in-person worship and gatherings in the church building till March 26. Our desire is to follow the way of Christ by caring for the most vulnerable in our society and doing our part to stop the spread of the virus.
We will limit access to the church building to essential personnel. If you need access to the church building, please contact us at 585-343-0505 for an appointment.
We will continue to offer pastoral care and other support. We want to journey with you during this difficult time. Please contact Pastor Roula Alkhouri at roulaalkhouri@outlook.com or 585-343-0505 with your prayer or pastoral needs.
We will continue to monitor the situation to pay attention to how God will use us to be the healing and caring hands and feet of Christ in our community during this crisis.
To access our devotional and recorded worship, go to our website www.fpcbatavia.org or our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/fpcbatavia/
A lot of local residents had the same idea today -- stocking up for supplies at BJ's Wholesale Club in Batavia.
At about 5 p.m., the parking lot was full and lines at the registers were 10 or 12 people deep. Most shopping carts were full. There were empty shelves in the water and paper-products aisles.
We spoke to several customers and most declined to be interviewed on camera. At least six of them with shopping carts brimming with household essentials said they were just doing their regular shopping. Some said they were stocking up but didn't want to be interviewed.
The video includes: customer Brian Odachowski who was stocking up; Legislator Gregg Torrey, who was more concerned about making sure the household supplies are ready because he and his wife are expecting a baby soon, and he spoke mainly about the county's response; and Jack Kershner who said he thinks CORVID-19 concerns are overblown.
Press release:
To our Genesee County friends and family -- our country continues to navigate this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. While we have all seen numerous events and schools canceled or postponed, our team of funeral professionals are committed to providing dignified and meaningful services to our communities with the same level of excellence that you have come to know.
The most important part of any remembrance event has been and always will be the people who gather, remember, and provide support. We ask that if you visit with families and guests please use caution and practice safe hygiene.
All our currently scheduled public services will proceed unless Federal, State, County, or Municipal ordinances deem it unsafe. As difficult of a decision as it may be, we will promptly advise our communities if we must suspend and delay services or restrict guests to family only.
If you are uncomfortable or unable to attend a remembrance event, please know we have the technology to record and stream the service.
We as funeral professionals are prepared to be there for you in life's most difficult situations. Just as the many funeral professionals before us that have been on battlefields, accidents, bedsides, and hospital beds, we will be there when you call, ready to serve you, and honor your loved one.
Yours in Service,
Justin, Josh, Randy, Steve, and Jim
H.E Turner & Co., Inc. ~ Bohm-Calarco-Smith. ~ Burdett & Sanford Funeral Homes
Press release:
The City of Batavia is taking all reasonable precautions to keep City employees and residents safe from contracting and spreading the flu and coronavirus. The City will continue to clean all facilities and wipe down all “high-touch” surfaces during the day to keep residents and staff healthy and safe.
- The City has issued a ban on all nonessential training travel for personnel, however personnel are encouraged to participate in online training when available.
- All City meeting facilities and conference rooms will be closed for external bookings and meetings at this time until further notice.
- City staff is directed to attend meetings via conference call when able and reduce contact with colleagues and professional service vendors.
- The City Management will be attending daily internal briefings to assess readiness and stay up to date on the latest developments.
- The City and the County Manager and emergency personnel and other public organizations continue to coordinate with each other to keep information flowing.
For residents and customers of the City, we encourage you to continue to use common sense, and when possible conduct your business via phone and email especially if you have flu-like symptoms.
The City has multiple options for you to pay your bills and is happy to speak to you via phone (585) 345-6300 and press 5. Also, you may email by going to the City website under the contact us link if you have any questions.
Residents who need to pay utility bills, taxes, parking tickets, and other miscellaneous bills are encouraged to use the dropbox outside of City Hall, pay through personal online banking, call with a credit card number (fee will apply), or mail your payment.
If you need a dog license, hunting/fishing license, birth, death or marriage certificate/license we encourage you to plan ahead. We may be able to process your application via email or fax.
You can also obtain information from the Frequently Asked Questions section on the City Clerk’s Page. You can prepare your documents in advance of your trip to the Clerk’s Office so you only need to come in once.
Visit the City Clerk’s webpage for application instructions for the following documents:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Death certificate
A visit to the City Clerk’s is still required for the following:
- Marriage license
- Dog license
- Hunting/Fishing license
All official updates on Coronavirus will continue to come from the Genesee County Health Department and you can stay up to date by visiting the County’s website.
Press release:
In collaboration with the Monroe County Health Department, all Monroe County hospitals, including Rochester General and Unity Hospital are implementing enhanced visitor restrictions and visitor screenings beginning Friday, March 13 at 12 p.m.
Rochester Regional Health is extending the enhanced visitor restrictions and visitor screenings to all RRH facilities, including all RRH hospitals and long-term care facilities within and outside of Monroe County.
Access to RRH facilities will be limited to designated entrances only and they will be staffed to screen visitors at arrival.
Visitor Restrictions and Visitor Screening Details:
- Visitors will be asked upon arrival if they are experiencing a cough, fever or shortness of breath.
- Patients with a previously scheduled hospital appointment who exhibit symptoms will be provided a mask and asked to notify the department their appointment is with prior to entering.
- Visitors with symptoms will be asked to leave the hospital/facility and advised to call their primary care provider.
- Visitors with symptoms who are requesting to see end-of-life patients will be provided a mask and allowed to see their family member/friend.
- SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES: No visitors will be permitted to visit our skilled nursing facilities until further notice.
- VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS: All RRH volunteer programs are placed on hold until further notice.
For more information about COVID-19, click here.
A 23-year-old man who went on a crime spree in Batavia in January while awaiting sentencing on a prior conviction was in Genesee County Court today to plead guilty to attempted robbery and three other charges.
He was originally scheduled to be sentenced today on his Dec. 5 guilty plea to a charge of criminal possession of stolen property.
Today, Daniel Jon Lewis, who has been a resident of Lima, admitted to using a knife to try and rob a person on Bank Street in Batavia on Jan. 1.
He also admitted: to stealing a 2015 Chevy Silverado from a location on Clinton Street Road on Jan. 2; to stealing a 2008 Dodge Caliber from a location on Creek Road on Jan. 3; to stealing a credit card and debit card. He admitted to three counts of grand larceny.
The admission could satisfy all of Lewis's other pending charges, including charges of theft and possession of stolen property in the City of Batavia, Town of Batavia, and Town of Stafford. Among those charges is an accusation that Lewis stole a Spectrum work truck on Jan. 25 and led police on a chase that resulted in property damage to fences and other vehicles on property along Oak Street.
As part of the plea, Lewis agreed to waive his right to appeal on most issues, although he could potentially appeal related to his conviction and sentence. If he doesn't file an appeal within 45 days of his sentence, the other pending charges will be dismissed.
Lewis is being held in the Genesee County Jail without bail on the robbery charge. He appeared in court today with his hands cuffed, in an orange jumpsuit and his long hair in a bun.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on his prior conviction as well as his conviction today on April 9 at 10:15 a.m. He faces up to 15 years in prison.
Plush Kevin Dozier, 23, charged with arson and attempted murder, has a new attorney, so his trial, scheduled to start next week, has been delayed.
Fred Rarick, who has taken over Dozier's case from Tom Burns, said new information has come to light as well that indicates Dozier may have an alibi for June 15, when he is accused of starting a fire at an occupied residence on Maple Street in Batavia.
The earliest date for the delayed trial to start -- when both the court is available and Rarick doesn't have a scheduling conflict -- is July 13.
Dozier is being held on $100,000 bail.
Rarick informed Judge Charles Zambito that an investigator has been assigned to Dozier's case to determine if Dozier's possible alibi can be substantiated. If it can, Rarick will file an alibi motion.
There was no discussion in court about why Rarick replaced Burns as Dozier's attorney.
While there is no current plea offer, Zambito set a plea cutoff date of May 15.
Dozier is also charged with criminal mischief in the second degree and criminal mischief in the third degree for alleged incidents while he has been in custody. District Attorney Lawrence Friedman intends to try those charges separately and they will be dealt with after the arson/attempted murder trial.
Press release:
Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. announced this morning that he is suspending all inmate visitation at the Genesee County Jail. This will take effect tomorrow morning, Friday, March 13, until further notice.
This is a precautionary measure to prevent the risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to employees, inmates and families.
NOTE: If your group or agency is canceling or postponing an event, email howard@thebatavian.com. We'll compile a list, post it, and keep it updated.
Press release:
“In response to Monroe County releasing a travel-related positive case of COVID-19, we want to assure Genesee and Orleans county residents that our health departments are continuing efforts to be prepared and ready for action when COVID-19 is diagnosed in one of our residents,” said Paul Pettit, director, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
“It has been determined there is no indication of community transmission in the Monroe County case. We currently have one person under precautionary quarantine and (that person) is not displaying signs of illness. Our responsibility in this outbreak is fourfold: 1. To prepare and be ready. 2. Detect, protect and treat. 3. Reduce transmission and, 4. Innovate and learn.”
“Our departments have been preparing for events such as this, Pettit said. "We are diligently in conversation with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for updated guidance.
"As we move forward with this outbreak we will be working with those returning from travel from Level 3 and Level 2 Travel Health Notice Countries as well as those who may have contact with someone who traveled and are displaying symptoms.
"We encourage residents to remain calm; be prepared by making sure you have supplies on hand, including a thermometer, fever-reducing over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen; and listen to factual reports from the CDC, NYSDOH, and Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments."
You can also call the NYS toll-free Novel Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 or visit this Genesee County website.
It is important for everyone to be aware of how they can reduce transmission, not just for COVID- 19, but other respiratory-related illnesses, such as the flu.
For the majority of individuals infected with COVID-19, they will have mild symptoms, however for those at risk, such as older people or those with underlying health issues such as heart, lung, diabetes, etc. they are at a higher risk of potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Limiting exposure to large group events and staying home when unwell are important steps. Organizations should start planning how they will meet the needs of their constituents if there is community transmission in our counties.
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses, including the flu (influenza), which is currently widespread:
- If you need to go to your primary care provider, a health center or the emergency room, call ahead to let them know your symptoms, travel and contact history.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60-percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you are sick. If you have a fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea you should stay home at least 24 hours after the last incident without fever-reducing / anti-diarrhea medications.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue cover your mouth with your elbow.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
It wasn't easy but Elba prevailed over Pavilion in the Class D consolidation game Tuesday night at Mount Morris 50-47.
Leah Bezon scored 14 points, Taylor Augello, 12, Brynn Walczak, and Maddie Muehlig 10. Muehlig hit a trio of three-point shots. Bezon had 11 rebounds.
For Pavilion, Lauren Kingsley scored 22 points and Karlee Zinkievich scored 14. Kingsley also had 12 rebounds.
Elba takes a shot at a regional championship at Rush Henrietta on Saturday. Game time is 1 p.m.
Photos by Steve Ognibene.
To view or purchase prints, click here.
Genesee Community College issued the following announcement this evening:
In accordance with SUNY, CDC and New York Health Department guidelines, GCC is taking the following actions:
- Classes will not be held on March 16th, 17th, or 18th;
- Classes will resume via remote delivery on Thursday, March 19th, and continue through the end of the semester;
- Campus buildings will remain open during regular hours of operation unless further notice is provided;
- All employees are expected to report to work consistent with their normal schedules;
- College Village housing will also remain open;
- College leaders will continue to communicate regarding other on-campus activities and events as information becomes available;
- Tech Wars on March 12th has been canceled.
Without Kekari Moss on the court, Serene Calderon stepped up to carry the offensive load for Pembroke on Tuesday in the Class C consolidation game against Keshequa.
Calderon scored 27 points and had 11 rebounds along with three steals to lead the Dragons to a 48-43 victory.
Isabel Breeden and Emily Peters each scored eight points. Casey Wurtz had nine rebounds.
Pembroke will try and snag the Far West Championship -- a prerequisite to moving onto the state tournament -- at 3 p.m. Saturday at Rush-Henrietta High School.
In Tuesday's other big game, Elba beat Pavilion 50-47 in the Class D consolidation game. We'll have a story and video in a separate post later (hopefully) today.
Photos by Philip Casper.
Paige McKerrow (11) driving for the basket, scoring six points for Keshequa in the first quarter.
Emily Weaver (12) looking to pass as Emily Peters (32) blocks the way.
Casey Wurtz (13), left, Serene Calderon (2), right, eliminate any passing lanes for Faith Wood (32).
Allie Schwerthoffer (11 Pembroke) driving past Paige McKerrow (11 Keshequa).
Casey Wurtz (13) going for a layup
MacKenna Johnson shooting a free throw late in the game.
Everybody needs a mentor, a trusted adult, to talk with about life's difficulties, Tom Thalen, an anti-bullying expert from Michigan told a group of sixth-graders at a youth conference at Genesee Community College on Tuesday.
True, most bullying takes place in middle school, but even 15 percent of 12th-graders report being bullied on a regular basis (meaning, at least three times a month).
And nearly 15 percent of adults report being bullied at their jobs.
"Your whole life, you're going to have to deal with people who are dealing with their own hurt, who are messed up, and are going to bully you," Thelen said.
That means, we all need to learn how to control our response, remain calm, don't react in anger or hurt, don't lash out, and find a trusted adult to talk to about it. For schoolchildren, that often means reporting it to a teacher or administrator so an adult can deal with the issue.
Thelen said he was bullied as a child and was angry and sullen until he met Mrs. Burdick, a teacher who helped him learn to not let others control his thinking and his actions.
By the time he was in high school, he recognized bullying for what it is -- it's not teasing, it's not a joke, it's something meant to humiliate another person that attacks their identity -- and he learned to control his response.
He also learned to help protect other students from bullying.
He recalled an incident in high school when he was standing in line at lunch in the cafeteria and two boys started making comments to a girl who was new to the school about the food she was putting on her plate.
"Take an extra dessert," they said.
They made similar comments about the types and amount of food on her plate. You know what they were getting at.
Thelen did nothing that day but he said it bothered him.
Then it happened the next day. And still, he did nothing.
That night, he looked at himself in the mirror, angry at himself, and became determined not to let it happen again.
When it happened again, he gently but firmly said, "Hey, guys, cut it out."
Years later, he got a note on Facebook from that girl praising him for being an inspiration and good example to his classmates. He was confused at first. He didn't immediately think of that incident. Then when he realized who she was -- the new girl, the girl who didn't know the old Tom, the Tom who was angry and sullen, only the Tom who was going through the process of being a better human being -- only then did he understand who it was she remembered.
She remembered the guy who stood up for her. And, he understood, it made a difference.
"I can’t change the rest of the world," Thelen told the sixth-graders. "I can't change what people do. But I can change what I do. You deserve to live an emotionally intelligent life."
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