National Grid conducted live wire training at the Fire Training Center in Batavia on Monday to better inform the public about the dangers posed by live electricity wires, including downed wires during summer weather events.
The demonstration provided real-life examples of the power generated during emergencies and examples of the risks associated with such circumstances during storms. These include what happens when a tree hits a wire, when a downed wire hits a fence, and when the ground/water is electrified. There will also be a demonstration on how to safely connect a generator.
All Babies Cherished Pregnancy Assistance Center would like to invite you to join us for a morning of fitness and support! We will be holding our ninth annual Run Baby Run 5K benefit event to raise money for the powerful and fulfilling work that we do, supporting young mothers, working hard to raise their precious babies during difficult financial times!
Lace up your sneakers and gather all of your friends to join you! Runners and walkers are All welcome!!! Prizes for top runners in 5 age categories, both male and female. Timing by Spirit Timing! Can’t wait to see you there!!
Canning jams and jellies is an easy, fast, and fun way to preserve fruit. During this workshop series, we’ll start with some of the basics of canning, including equipment and food safety, and then learn how to make jams and jellies. (A different one at each session.) Recipes and handouts will be provided.
Strawberry Jam on June 19, 6 - 8 p.m. In this hands-on class, students will prepare a sugar/pectin jam from fresh strawberries. Instructions and recipes will be given for frozen strawberry jam and low/no-sugar jams. Registration & payment close June 13 for the Strawberry Jam class.
Fruit Jelly on July 17, 6 - 8 p.m. First, learn the process of preparing fruit into the juice needed to make jelly, then the steps of adding sugar, pectin, and any spices to process it into jelly. This class will include a few special tastings of unusual flavors of jelly. Recipes will be provided. Registration & payment close July 11 for the Fruit Jelly class.
Hot Pepper Jam on September 11, 6 - 8 p.m. Learn how easy it is to process peppers into a special appetizer for your next event. Hot pepper jam over cream cheese, Yum! Wearing protective gloves is a must in this class. You will learn how to cut a variety of hot peppers and process it into a mouthwatering jam. Registration & payment close September 5 for the Hot Pepper Jam class.
Participants will have the opportunity to practice skills with hands-on demonstrations and will be able to take home some of the items they make.
Due to the hands-on nature of this topic, it will only be offered in person, and attendance will be limited to 12 adults in each session.
The instructor for this series is Catherine Johnston, a Master Food Preserver Volunteer at Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension. She completed her Cornell Master Food Preserver training in 2019. She was also a Family and Consumer Science Educator for 38 years at the Pavilion Central School. Catherine has many years of experience teaching all ages about food and canning practices.
The classes will be held at the Stafford Methodist Church, 6134 Main St., Stafford, from 6 to 8 p.m. Pre-registration is required as class size is limited to 12. No walk-in participants. The cost for each class is $25 per person. Sign up for all three at once for $65. Registration and payment are due prior to each class. Contact Elizabeth at 585-343-3040, ext. 101 or stop by our office to register and pay by cash or check. You can register and pay online by going to our event page at https://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events. We cannot issue refunds after the registration deadline for each class.
The Genesee County Youth Bureau is now accepting applications for Genesee Youth Lead. This eight-month program focuses on developing leadership skills through thoughtful sessions and hands-on experiences. Each session is focused on a specific topic, which varies year to year depending on the interest of the youth.
Topics include:
Agriculture
Arts and Culture
Business
Community Service
Emergency Preparedness
Government
Health and Human Services
Job Readiness Training
Law Enforcement
Leadership Opportunities
Team Building
Tourism
The Youth Lead program begins in October 2025 and ends in May 2026. Sessions are held the second Wednesday of each month from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at GVEP (BOCES), except for in March. Session dates are October 8, November 12, December 10, January 14, February 11, March 16, April 8, and May 13.
Eligibility Criteria:
Must be in grades 9-12 during the 2025-2026 academic school year
Must attend school in Genesee County
Must complete an application, provide supplemental letters, and complete an interview with Youth Bureau staff
Must be able to make up any and all missed schoolwork
Applications are due to the Youth Bureau no later than Wednesday, September 1. Please email completed applications and letters to Genesee.youthbureau@dfa.state.ny.us or mail documents to Genesee County Youth Bureau, 5130 East Main Street Batavia.
Additional information can be found at https://shorturl.at/DLLnA. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or comments.
As the summer season approaches, the Batavia Police Department would like to remind everyone to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions to ensure a fun and enjoyable summer for all.
Heat Safety
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm).
Check on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and young children, to ensure they are staying cool and safe.
Avoid leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles, as temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels.
Water Safety
Always supervise children when they are swimming or playing near water.
Learn basic water rescue techniques and CPR.
Swim at designated areas with lifeguards on duty.
Bicycle Safety
Wear a properly fitted helmet and follow traffic laws.
Be visible by wearing bright clothing and using reflective gear.
Stay alert and avoid distractions while riding.
Fireworks Safety
Only use fireworks in designated areas and follow local regulations.
Keep a fire extinguisher or water source nearby.
Supervise children when using fireworks and sparklers.
By following these simple safety tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for yourself and those around you.
Remember, safety is everyone's responsibility! If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Batavia Police Department. Stay safe, Batavia!
Chris Humel, Iburi Photography Open Mic. Photo by Akari Lewis-Iburi.
A soft-spoken Tom Ryan was getting a snack before taking his turn to perform at a new event at GO ART! in Batavia. Added to a slowly growing list of open mics, this one, located at the corner of East Main and Bank streets downtown, takes place every third Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Ryan shared why he enjoys participating in open mics and why they seem to be growing in popularity, just before taking to the stage with his guitar and a song.
“It’s safe, it’s a safe space,” he said. “If I were getting paid to perform, that’s a different deal.”
"In my experience, open mics help not only to bring people together, but they are a way in which we can support one another to be vulnerable and share a part of ourselves and our journeys. Oftentimes I find that the songs, pieces, or acts that people perform offer a glimpse into a deeper aspect of themself, whether that be one’s truth or perspective, their heart and wisdom, or one’s pain that we can all relate to in one way or another,” Pastore said. “That being said, I believe open mics can be a place for community to gather and be a light towards our greater humanity and connection. And it’s for this reason that I personally enjoy sharing and appreciate the chance to gain inspiration from others.
“GO ART! being the old historic and artistic building that it is, offers much to the local art community already, and I envision it to be another great venue for an open mic. In my opinion, music is an exceptional unifier of people,” he said. “I eagerly anticipate hearing pieces from various genres across different generations. And this open mic is not limited to only music; any poet, comedian, or spoken word artist is equally valued and would contribute to this community’s richness.”
Open mics are open If you’ve been to an open mic, then you know the routine: musicians are on a first-come, first-served basis of performing in the order of a sign-up sheet, and depending on the venue, there may be an intro band or artist to get things going.
There are no cover charges — at least not locally — and patrons can get a beverage and food at some establishments while listening to locals strum a guitar, sing, tell jokes, or recite poetry as their own unique brand of talent.
VFW on Edward Lee Moore has been performing in and operating an open mic at the VFW for the last decade. As much as he’s aware of these events, however, he only happened to stumble across one when he and a friend visited GO ART! for a drink one evening. That goes to show how even the most ardent followers can miss these live happenings under the cloak of modest promotion.
Moore doesn’t understand why more Batavia folks don’t attend his open mic at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 25 Edwards St., Batavia. They’ve gotten up to a dozen musicians signed up to perform, he said, and the event used to be just once a month.
“It definitely grew. It was a struggle at first,” Moore said. “A couple of bands started as a result of it. It’s still vibrant, but we have a hard time getting Batavia people to come to ours. The whole band can come play, we have drums, piano, the whole set-up on stage, amplifiers and a PA system. They bring their own guitars.”
He estimated that about 25 to 30 people attend open mic nights, which used to be held in the bar and had become crowded, so the events were moved into the dining room. Musicians play five or six songs each, and are “quite talented,” Moore said.
“This is their chance to let out their talent, and quite a few folks come just to listen,” he said. “It’s a very inexpensive way to have music and bring people in. We don’t take any money, we just do it. It’s a good way to support the veterans — they serve bar food on those nights.”
Dan Dedo of Batavia goes to a lot of open mics, he said, on a Wednesday at VFW. He has also attended them at GO ART! and Iburi Photography at 35 Jackson St., Batavia.
“Those are all very great places to hear open mic. You never know what you’re going to get,” he said. “There’s a lot of great musical talent in town, and everybody has a different approach to their music, and it introduces me to new music as well. I play a little bit; I’m hoping that the open mic phenomenon continues to grow. It does encourage people to develop their musical skills, and it gets people of like interests to enjoy music.
“I think people are missing a great opportunity to hear some very talented musicians,” Dedo said. “It’s great entertainment and very inexpensive to come out and enjoy. We appreciate the musicians.”
His listening partner, Bonnie Dedo, added that “we always have a great time,” echoing Lee Moore’s question about attendance, “and we are wondering why there’s not a ton of people here, because it’s just so wonderful.”
Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, author Kurt Vonnegut says.
“Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can,” the writer said, according to Tom Taylor in Far Out Magazine. “You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.”
Taylor further stated that Vonnegut’s perspective “emphasizes the transformative and healing power of engaging with music and the arts, both for individuals and society at large.”
All it takes is a live concert of any musical genre to experience that power. Perhaps that’s why there has been a revival for open mics in the area, from the VFW’s longstanding monthly Wednesday sessions to Iburi Photography's more recent once-a-month Fridays that began 18 months ago, and late bloomer GO ART!, featuring a Saturday morning, grant-funded series of local musicians in addition to the third Friday of the month with Pastore, and ongoing karaoke sessions.
Iburi Photography on Jackson For the last two years, Iburi has even branched out of its in-house jams to sponsor a larger event in Jackson Square. This year's event is scheduled for 6 to 9:30 p.m. this Friday.
"So I think the main focus is having the community come out and perform. It's run like a standard open mic, first come, first served. You come up and sign up. People can play music. We've had some comedians come up. So whether you're a musician, a performer or a poet, we're open to all forms of creative expression," sponsor Akari Lewis-Iburi said, speaking also on behalf of her husband Kevin. “With our personal open mics, my husband’s a singer and songwriter, and I know that music is such an important part of his life to connect with people. And I think the open mics for us are a way to just have a space to build a community of people who are there to support each other.
“We're a very supportive group, and we really just genuinely enjoy spending time with everyone and uplifting people and just being a part of their creative outlet. And I think it's important to have that, to build community around that, and connect, because, I think they're popular because life is just so fast and everything's online now, and I think it's really great to have a space where we physically get together and just spend time together,” she said.
“And oftentimes at the end of the night … I'd like to think it's a little different than the others, because we're not a bar, we're really just a venue, so I think people approach it a little differently too. They're not there to get a drink, they're there for the music or for the comedy or for the poets that are there," she said. "So I feel like it draws a different kind of people, and we see a lot of the same folks that come through, and it's so great. We look forward to that every month … it's nice to connect physically with people, just face to face.”
Iburi’s last event featured about 15 performers and drew nearly 50 people to listen, she said. Events at Jackson Square bring in more musicians and spectators, and this year’s open mic was moved up into June, away from the busier Fourth of July weekend. There is no fee to participate; however, Lewis-Iburi asks that performers be mindful of the family-oriented audience when making song and prose selections.
The regular Iburi open mics are at 6 p.m. (sign-ups) and music begins at 6:30 p.m. on the first Fridays of the month.
Brandie, an open mic attendee, wrote online that she has connected with “so many supernova musicians and artisans since learning about this high vibe, open, co-creative space.”
“The local community is rich and diverse with singers, songwriters, poets, and comedians,” she said. “This last visit felt like such an episode. Oh my goodness, lotsa laughter and unexpected tears from a touching song towards the end of the evening … so grateful for the opportunity to connect and share our heart.”
Saturday Morning Coffeehouse Series Eric Zwieg, an experienced rolling stone in his own right — figuratively, that is, having played at various venues in different states — had memories of an open mic in Georgia with a strict listening policy posted in the venue to emphasize a respectful process for musician and spectator alike; and another one in Allentown, “where I cut my teeth as a writer and player,” Zwieg said.
“The evening started at 7 p.m. with a featured local artist playing a one-hour set, followed by an open mic that often lasted until 4 a.m., followed by breakfast and boozy conversation down the street at The Towne Restaurant. It was an eclectic scene of endless musical genres, poetry, street performances, comedy, dramatic readings, etc.,” he said. “Michael Meldrum mentored thousands of musicians through the years, and it was his concept of having an opening act before the open mic that I suggested to Kevin and Akari at Iburi Photography that they have implemented with Parris (Zwieg) and Holly playing the first one. Parris and Holly went on to host a three-month residency at GO ART! because of the Iburi gig that included a number of their open mic participants.”
Zwieg began a Saturday morning live music series at GO ART!, stemming from his days of being a Rochester singer-songwriter in the 80s and 90s, playing gigs at restaurants for Sunday morning brunches.
“Back then, gigs didn’t start until 10 p.m. and could last until 3 a.m. The morning show provided an opportunity to commune with friends over breakfast and hear great music. So, when GO ART! opened their bakery Audrey’s, I thought it might be a nice pairing,” he said. “Music is a great communicator that needs no introduction. I invite people constantly by word of mouth, a grassroots approach, to try new music, venues, musicians, bands, and performers to listen and share space with something/someone new and different. It’s good for the soul and good for the community.”
The series features two artists on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the main gallery hosted by Henry Grace, Zwieg’s stage persona. Dialogue is encouraged between musicians and audience members via questions, stories, song selections, the writing process. There are three shows left before the next series begins in September.
There is also another open mic for a variety of talents, hosted by Dave Mollahan, every fourth Friday night at GO ART! Sign ups start at 6:30 and show opens at 7 p.m.
Written by Mike Pettinella for the Genesee County Spartans
The Genesee County Spartans lost to the Buffalo Stampede, 18-17, on Saturday in a Northeastern Football Alliance AA Division season opener at Mulray Park in South Buffalo.
Stampede backup quarterback Anthony Davis found Kendrick Benson from 10 yards out with 54 seconds remaining to complete the host squad’s comeback from a 17-6 deficit.
The winning play was set up by a fumble recovery at the Spartans’ 20-yard line by Tyler Wilson with about three minutes to play.
After falling behind, the Spartans drove down to about the Stampede’s 30-yard line before a deep pass down the sideline was intercepted by Marcelus Tolivar to seal Buffalo’s victory.
Petry’s 30-yard field goal had given the Spartans a 17-6 lead in the third quarter before Buffalo rallied.
Wide receiver Deyonci Farley scored both of the Spartans’ touchdowns on passes from QB Corey Turpin – the first capping a 60-yard opening drive and the second late in the first quarter. Julia Petry was successful on both extra point attempts.
Spartans’ Head Coach Harry Rascoe said the loss was a case of “taking our foot off the gas and committing a couple of costly turnovers.”
“We played probably our best first half ever and dominated the statistics,” he said. “We just didn’t finish it off.”
Rascoe said that tight end Logan Pike had a big day, with seven catches for 150-plus yards, while running back Will LaMar carried for about 70 yards.
On defense, Cody Wenner had an interception while defensive end Gunner Rapone, free safety Takhi West and linebackers Marley English and Martin Krayna each had multiple tackles.
The Spartans limited the Stampede to about 230 yards of total offense.
For the Stampede, Davis completed eight of 11 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns – the first was a 15-yarder to Kaleb Walker – while running back Auston Neal tallied the team’s other TD. Defensively, Amir Dubose led the way with five tackles and forced the fumble late in the game.
The Spartans’ home opener is set for 7 p.m. next Saturday (June 7th) at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia against the Watertown Red & Black.
The team’s schedule is as follows (game times to be determined):
June 7 – Watertown Red & Black (Van Detta Stadium, Batavia), 7 p.m.
June 14 – at Ithaca Warriors, 5 p.m.
June 21 – Upstate Predators (Pembroke Town Park), 5 p.m.
June 28 – at Lockport Wildcats (Outwater Park), 7 p.m.
July 12 – Southern Tier Stallions (Pembroke Town Park), 5 p.m.
July 19 – Lake Erie Power Pines (Pembroke Town Park), 5 p.m.
2 Alex Rood LB 3 Jzon Richardson WR 4 Kareem Pryor RB 5 Deyonci Farley WR 6 Nick Santos WR 7 Brandon Robinson LB 8 Ryley Elliott DL 9 Marley English LB 10 Corey Turpin QB 11 Malkolm Taylor LB/DB 13 Ben McMindes WR 14 Aiden Pitts WR 16 Martin Krayna LB 17 Takhi West FS 18 Devan Flanagan WR 19 Jalen White DL 20 Will Lamar RB 21 Delonta Curry LB 22 Cody Wenner DB 23 Caleb Cudzillo DB 24 Eric Snell LB 25 Dontre Woods DB 26 Emmanuel Fisher RB 27 Jaysen Wylie DB 28 Keith Neureuter DB 32 Jayden Osborne LB/DL 33 Robert Thurston Jr. TE 40 Julia Petry K 51 Mekhi Rivera LB/DL 54 Nick Mitchell DL 55 Aaron Treleaven G 60 Thomas Richmond G 61 Alex Merica C 70 Timothy King T 78 Baylee Vercruysse T 80 Tai Reffell WR 89 Logan Pike TE 97 Jack Fox-Salah DL 99 Franklon Rice DL
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All motorists please be aware the following streets listed in the predicted order (subject to change) will experience traffic delays from Monday through Wednesday between the hours of 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. for resurfacing operations:
Monday, June 2nd Grandview Terrace
Tuesday, June 3rd Elm Street Ellsworth Avenue
Wednesday, June 4th Ellsworth Avenue
While work is being performed in these areas, local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.
All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the operation. All motorists that regularly use these streets are asked to seek alternate routes while the delays are in place.
These same streets are scheduled for paving operations on Monday, June 16th, Tuesday, June 17th, and Wednesday, June 18th if weather cooperates. This is weather dependent work and will continue on the next business day if necessary.
Contact the Bureau of Maintenance at 585-345-6400, Option 1 if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your cooperation.
The Batavia Boys won the Class B Track and Field Sectional Championship on Friday night.
They scored 226.5 points, with HFL finishing 2nd with 102 points.
"This was an incredible performance by our Blue Devils team, earning their 9th sectional title, and this is Batavia track's 48th sectional championship, boys and girls for Indoor and Outdoor track," said Coach Nicholas Burk.
Oakfield-Alabama’s softball season ended Friday with a 5-0 loss to Bolivar-Richburg in the Section V Class C final.
Bolivar-Richburg scored single runs in the second and third innings, then added three in the fifth. Oakfield-Alabama managed four hits but could not push a run across.
Chloe Lamb led Oakfield-Alabama at the plate, going 2-for-3. Piper Hyde finished 1-for-3, and Allison Williams added a hit and a walk.
Savannah Durham pitched all seven innings for Oakfield-Alabama, allowing nine hits, two walks, and one earned run while striking out eight.
Coach Jeff Schlagenhauf said, “Tough day for us, especially defensively, but I can’t say enough about my team and the season they had. 16-3, GR Co-Champions and a sectional final. A great season for sure. This one will sting for a while, but hats off to BR. Their pitcher, Whiting, kept us off balance all day. We say goodbye and good luck to our four seniors, but with eight starters who are 9th or 10th graders, we will be back for sure. I am incredibly proud of this group.”
The Batavia Muckdogs (1-1) defeated the Elmira Pioneers 13-1 in their 2025 home opener Saturday night at Dwyer Stadium.
Batavia took the lead with two runs in the second inning and added two more in the third. The Muckdogs broke the game open with a seven-run fourth, then tacked on two in the fifth and one in the sixth. Elmira scored its only run in the top of the fourth.
Sean Mindas tripled and drove in two runs for Batavia. Tyler Castrataro finished with three RBIs. Justin Espinal and Jackson Inman each drove in two runs. Brian Fry, Braedon Reina, Blake Ewing, and Caleb Walker added RBIs. The Muckdogs collected 14 hits, stole three bases, and turned a double play.
Gavin Chandler started and earned the win, pitching 5.1 innings and allowing one run on seven hits. Jay Creighton and Garrett Beaver combined for 1.2 scoreless innings in relief.
A crowd of 2,681 attended the home opener. Fireworks followed the game, marking the first of four fireworks nights this season at Dwyer Stadium.
Batavia continues its homestand Sunday at Dwyer Stadium.
Café Manager Wendy Heideman and owner Bonnie Ognibene. Submitted photo.
Zoom Café, nestled on Main Street in Oakfield, has officially opened its doors to customers following weeks of mounting anticipation and progress updates on social media.
The charming local shop, decked out in a green, white, and black motif, offers the community a comfortable space to socialize and enjoy a wide assortment of menu items, including freshly brewed coffee, matcha, hot chocolate, and refreshers, as well as specialty baked goods and sandwiches.
“I’ve been wanting to put a café here for a long time,” said owner and operator Bonnie Ognibene. “I just think Oakfield needed a neat little place to sit down for a while and enjoy coffee or brunch.”
By its first Saturday morning, the shop was bustling with the chatter of eager patrons and humming of shiny, new espresso machines and blenders. The rich aroma of hazelnut and vanilla greeted visitors at the doorway, gratifying the senses and stirring a strong craving for freshly brewed coffee, perhaps accompanied by a bagel.
Ognibene added that the café is also expecting to receive some more gluten-free options in the near future.
Upon entering, customers can expect to be greeted by friendly staff, free cookie samples, and a welcoming ambience that encourages relaxed conversation.
Formerly a hair salon, the interior of Zoom Café features a walk-in retail area where patrons can browse and purchase goods, seamlessly complemented by a comfortable sitting room furnished with a plush couch, a window-side console table, and an arrangement of chairs and tables.
The Café has received largely positive feedback from the Oakfield community, especially from those who have long awaited the installation of a new sit-down establishment in the downtown sector.
“I’m not a big coffee drinker,” local business owner Chip Zegrossi said, “but I’m happy for them and I’m glad any time I see a new business opening in Oakfield.”
Ognibene is assisted by the cafe manager, Wendy Heideman, and a small crew of trained baristas; although she is open to hiring some extra part-time help, she said. The café provides a range of service options for customer convenience, including dine-in, curbside pickup, and takeout.
Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
There were checks to be distributed to local organizations, supporters to thank, and a ribbon to be cut on a sunny Friday morning at the recently refurbished Crosby's Convenience Store in Byron.
“(The store) really hadn't had any loving care to it in a while,” said Lenny Smith, vice president at the Reid Group, owners of the Crosby’s chain. “To be able to come in, refresh it, and give back to the community (a store) that they’re proud of – whether they’re getting fuel or getting food.”
As a thank you to the community for its support, the company handed out donations to the Byron Volunteer Fire Department, the Byron-Bergen Central School District, and the Byron Historical Society.
With checks made out to local entities, including the volunteer fire department, Byron-Bergen Central School District, and the Byron Historical Society
At the crossroads of Route 237 and Route 262, the hamlet of Byron, Crosby's has served residents and travelers for decades. Offering people a place where they can fill up their tanks, grab a slice, and catch up with their neighbors.
“At this site right here, it’s been a part of history,” Smith said. “In 2017, the Petroleum family brought it into the Crosby’s brand. Today, in 2025, we mark the next chapter.”
To Crosby, that next chapter includes more than just some fresh paint and a bigger menu. The remodel is a part of a larger effort to rebrand and reinvest in all of their stores. According to Smith, 2025 will bring a rebrand of all of their nearly 90 locations.
The store now offers Crosby’s full pizza and sub menu, something Smith called “critical” as the company aims to grow further.
“So we’re able to bring in the full menu, which is, you know, critical as we continue to grow,” he said.
Marketing Generalist Serene Lazaro agreed that the remodel was for more than just appearances.
“This was a great opportunity for us to reinvest in Byron,” Lazaro said. “Our brand had changed about two years ago. So, we’re going little by little to get us to our rebranding.”
The reinvesting isn’t only about looks and infrastructure – it’s about people, said Dave George, regional operations manager. To that end, he presented a $500 check to Dwayne Wetheral, chief of Byron’s Volunteer Fire Department, in appreciation of their efforts to keep the community safe.
He then passed a $100 check to Don Yaxley.
“We’re fortunate enough to partner with the Byron Historical Society to locate and post historic photos throughout the store,” he said.
Dan Neeson, the company’s general manager of operations, took an opportunity to thank supporters who came to celebrate their long-awaited reopening.
“We have folks here from Balkan Beverage, John Mills and Tony Falzone from John Mills Distributing Company,” he said.
After the ribbon cutting, Smith emphasized Crosby's commitment to being part of the community.
“We could have the best fuel, we could have the best pizza, we could have the best everything,” Smith said after the ribbon-cutting. “But really, the value that we bring to the community is that we are here every day for you, and our associates are here to take care of you.”
Lazaro summed it up with the message to Genesee County with a smile, “Just come down and get your pizza here – so you have pizza.”
File Photo of Gov. Kathy Hochul at Adam Miller Toys & Bicycles during a Shop Local event in downtown Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens
Genesee County, and more specifically its eligible youth, are expected to receive $140,702 of the $3.8 million designated for the Finger Lakes region out of a total $56.5 million pot being distributed to New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office says.
The funding is part of a New York State Summer Youth Employment program announced by Hochul this week as part of the 2026 state budget. This program is to connect thousands of young people from low-income homes to jobs this summer.
The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is distributing the funding to all 57 of the state counties and New York City to implement the seasonal program to introduce at-risk youth to New York’s workforce -- where “they will gain professional training and develop useful skills that will help them improve educational performance and explore possible career paths,” Hochul said.
“Investing in our young people’s future and providing them with the resources and tools they need to succeed is a top priority of my administration,” Hochul said in a news release. “The Summer Youth Employment Program helps young New Yorkers across the state find good summer jobs that provide valuable experiences and skills that will help them pursue their educational and career goals and prepare them for success in the workforce as adults.”
The Summer Youth Employment Program is to support businesses and communities across the state in providing summer jobs for youth from low-income families, she said.
Participants will work in entry-level jobs at places such as parks, summer camps, child care organizations, cultural centers, educational facilities, and community-based organizations, among others.
To be eligible for the program, youth must be between the ages of 14 and 20 and have a household income below 200% of the federal poverty level, which varies by household size. As an example, that would be $53,300 for a family of three.
The FY 2026 state budget included an increase of $1.5 million for the program from last year to address minimum wage increases, and the program served more than 21,000 young people last summer, the release stated.
“The Summer Youth Employment Program provides young people from lower-income households good summer jobs in a range of occupations that provide participants a paycheck and the important opportunity to gain valuable work experience that will support their future success in school and in the job market,” state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said.
State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon added that summer jobs are “a gateway to the world of work for young New Yorkers.”
“The skills and experience they will gain through Summer Youth Employment Program will continue to serve them long into their chosen career fields,” she said. “This initiative is a win-win-win for young New Yorkers in underserved populations, their communities, and the New York State economy.”
Have you changed the batteries in your smoke detectors? Do you know how old your fire extinguisher is? Have you tested your home for radon gas? Does someone in your home have asthma?
The Genesee County Health Department’s Healthy Neighborhoods Program (HNP) may be able to help. This program is for people who live in the City and Town of Batavia.
HNP has four main goals:
Help people with asthma - This program gives tips and supplies to help manage asthma and avoid trips to the hospital. Participants are encouraged to talk with their healthcare provider to create a written plan to follow during an attack. If you qualify, we can give you asthma-safe cleaning products.
Prevent lead poisoning in children - We partner with our Lead Poisoning Prevention Program to check your home for lead paint and teach you how to keep your family safe from lead.
Make the air in your home cleaner - We provide education on carbon monoxide poisoning, radon gas, smoking cessation, and pest management. Eligible participants may receive a carbon monoxide detector or radon test kit.
Prevent fires and accidents at the home - During visits, staff test smoke detectors and encourage participants to practice fire escape routes. Free smoke detectors, small fire extinguishers, and replacement batteries are available to eligible participants.
Staff will be going door to door in the City of Batavia to tell people about this program. If no one is home, we leave a door hanger with contact information. Information on what streets we are visiting each week is posted on the Health Department’s Facebook and Instagram accounts @GOHealthNY.
For more information on the program, call the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555 or visit www.GOHealthNY.org.
Registration has opened for volunteers to help guide 1,200 students from Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties through an impactful day of hands-on career exploration at the Sept. 30 GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing event.
The annual fall manufacturing event and spring healthcare event have reached over 5,000 students since 2019. It’s an accomplishment GLOW With Your Hands organizers credit to the volunteers who take on opportunities before, during, and after the events
“Our students, our businesses, and our communities all benefit from the efforts of our local volunteers,” said Karyn Winters, GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair. “Volunteers truly give students the best hands-on experience in dozens of modern careers available in the GLOW Region’s manufacturing, agricultural, skilled trades, and food manufacturing businesses.”
Opportunities for volunteers include assembly of student hard hats in the weeks leading up to the event, event set-up and clean-up the week of the event, and event-day roles at the Genesee County Fairgrounds as tour guides for school groups. Registration has also opened for sponsors and exhibitors.
“There are so many ways to contribute to GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing,” Winters said. “We are excited to work with you to help make this our biggest and most successful GLOW With Your Hands.”
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is hosting a group for women (18-24 years old) to discuss mental health and self-care options. Meetings will take place every Friday in June from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at 319 W. Main Street, Batavia, at the Independent Living Center. (Look for the left rear door with the green awning, in the Crickler Executive Business Center.)
This is a peer-led group, and discussion topics will include emotional awareness, mental health basics, boundaries, filling your cup with self-care, confidence, connection, and growth. Each participant will receive items for mental health, well-being, and self-care.
Pre-Registration is required, and space is limited. Please contact Emma Pratt, Youth Specialist at 585-815-8501, Ext. 404 or epratt@wnyil.org. Assistance with transportation may be available. This program is available to residents of Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties, thanks to the generous support from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation.
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies, offering an expanding array of services to aid people with disabilities to take control of their own lives.
Town of Batavia - Lower 1 bedroom apartment for rent with all appliances and parking. Sun room with gas fireplace and patio. $1100/ Month; plus electric, includes heat and water. No pets and no smoking. Security and references required. Available June 15th. Call 585-344-3141 for appointment.
