An outdoor project that’s taken quite some time in the creation mode seems to be coming along now, city officials say, teased by warmer weather and sunnier days.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski recently reported to City Council about “a really positive meeting on Jackson Square.”

“The redesign is going extremely well,” she said, adding that by working with Architecture Unlimited and an engineer who works with them have been creatively frugal in the design phase. “We hope when we go out to bid we can create substantial cost savings for the project. One of the items was the original project had footers in the stage, and by just placing concrete blocks instead of these footers is going to save us upwards of $150,000 on the project.”

Architect Kenneth Pearl said the Jackson Square stage was a type of pre-engineered wood (photo above) in a rather eloquent description, she said.

“So it'll be a very nice finish that will hold up the roof, and will be very similar to what we use on our buildings, on a rubber roof with kind of tongue and groove panels above it, and that will hopefully have a 20-year warranty,” she said.

A handicap ramp will be removable, so that it won't be built directly into the structure, will be something that can be “absolutely safe to roll up gear and or persons that need to use that ramp,” she said, and will also be removable so that it won’t jut out into the audience.

Another cost savings measure is to analyze the brickwork that is there, and some of the concrete larger slabs which architects have discussed, they are going to try to remove and salvage them in lieu of a concrete base so they don't sink again, Tabelski said.

“Because what happened before is they were just placed there and they sink like they might in a residential project. And with reusing those, we should save another significant amount of money. We want to look at different concrete dye colors to add just a little bit of textual and color elements to the flooring,” she said. “But overall, Jackson Square is really the paintings on the buildings, there's not much that needs to be done there. The catenary lighting, which is the lighting that goes above will still be part of the project.”

There will be LED performance lighting on the stage with color changes per holidays and special events. For example, Fourth of July would feature red, white and blue lights. Cobra heads will also be used, which are outdoor fixtures mounted to poles and mainly used for street and roadway lighting but can be used for other general area lighting.

“We’d have control over that. We also have one or two Cobra heads, (DPW Director Brett Frank) hooked me up to that,” she said. “As soon as we take possession in the phase two LED light changeover from National Grid, we'll be able to put dimmers and timers on that so we can turn those Cobra heads off during performances.”

The Jackson Square project has been at least three years in the making, reaching a point of requesting bids and City Council approving one in June 2022. But Mark Cerrone Inc., after receiving word that the company’s bid of $654,000 was selected, backpedaled with last-minute revisions and add-ons, hiking the bid up to $847,950.

Council then rescinded its approval and rejected that and two other bids for the project. The design went back for what Tabelski called a “deep dive” into potential cost-cutting revisions since it had to go back for a whole new bid process anyway.

The project is to be primarily funded with a $750,000 Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant, plus $225,000 from National Grid, Tabelski said.

“When we go out for bid, they look at the scope of work, and they put a price to that with the materials and the labor … so it necessarily doesn't always line up with the budget we have,” she said at that time to The Batavian. “So we will be re-examining our bid specifications to make sure we think that pricing can come in within that.”

She was hopeful that a contractor with an acceptable bid could be approved for construction to possibly begin in 2022.

Well, that hope has come and gone, and city officials are hanging onto the expertise of Pearl and his architectural firm.

“So we’re really, really happy of the work that Ken and his firm has been able to do to bring this project into where the DRI Committee asked it to be and to be able to bid it out in what we think will be on budget,” Tabelski said. “So the hope is if everything goes well, which I absolutely hope it does, you'll see bid awards in July.”

The plan is for the Business Improvement District to host the Thursday and Friday night concerts in Jackson Square series throughout the summer, and begin construction at the end of August, she said.

Photo of a similar Jackson Square stage image, with pre-engineered wood ceiling and LED lights, courtesy of City of Batavia. 

Sean Valdes, an owner of D&R Depot in Le Roy, is ready to move on to the next phase of his life, and he’s decided to leave while he’s on top.

Valdes announced earlier this month on social media that he’s selling the restaurant. 

He started working for the restaurant in 1993, as a dishwasher. Valdes worked his way up through the restaurant staff and eventually bought it. His wife is a part-owner and head chef.

“I have never made a personal decision before that wasn't restaurant-first. This will be the first personal decision we have made as adults. We are just looking for something different,” Valdes said.

“My wife and I have been doing it for a long time. We met here. We got married here. Our kids work here now. They are teenagers. It’s just life changes. We are both in our mid-40s, and we are looking to do something different. We are still at our peak. We are busy. We are popular. We have a tremendous staff and a great system in place. This is the time to say, ‘We did it, and let’s go do something else.’”

Don and Nancy Nickerson opened the D&R Depot in September 1991 as a mid-scale restaurant that served homemade food. The restaurant is perhaps best known for its chicken pot pies.

Nancy passed away in September.

Valdes said no changes are immediately coming. Everything is the same as always. He said he doesn’t have to sell D&R Depot to the first person who comes along. Valdes wants to sell the restaurant to “someone who fits our culture.” He wants his replacement to successfully shepherd it through the next 20 to 30 years.

As Valdes prepares to leave, he can’t help but reflect on what he’s learned from 30 years in the business.

“I think that restaurants now are getting a bad rap. Yes, business is hard. Yes, prices are higher. All those things are true,” Valdes said. “But I think if you focus on your customer and focus on your staff and control your costs, the restaurant business could be quite profitable. The relationships you make from it are invaluable.”

Genesee County’s Legislature recognized Older Americans Month this week, though locally it will be hard to ignore the needs and importance of older folks with estimates of remaining Baby Boomers turning 65 during the next seven years.

And why should we? The file photo above displays a group of senior citizens who put their skills to use as volunteer tax preparers, bringing back a cumulative $1 million to the county in state and federal tax refunds. 

Projections of an aging population mean that the number of 16,000 people ages 60 and older living here in Genesee County are expected to rise to 20,000 by 2035, and ages 65 will reach 16,000 to 17,000 by that same time period, according to Office For the Aging statistics.

While those age groups are prime candidates for OFA services, they are also veterans, experienced workers, people who have garnered a lifetime of wisdom and abilities to share, which is all part of why Older Americans Month was celebrated on Wednesday.

A proclamation was read that stated:

“Whereas, Genesee County includes a growing number of older Americans who contribute their time, wisdom, and experience to our community, and

Whereas, communities benefit when people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and live independently, and

Whereas, Genesee County recognizes the need to create a community that offers the services and supports older adults may need to make choice about how they age, and 

Whereas, the community also recognizes the key role older Americans play in sharing the wisdom and experience that inform today’s decisions and actions, and fostering the connection and engagement that builds strong, resilient communities, and 

Whereas, in this year of peril and promise, older Americans have suffered through economic constraints while demonstrating inspirational strength. 

During Older Americans Month, we honor these citizens and their continued contributions.  Genesee County commits to learning from them, and supports their knowledge and experience that they bring to our community, and  

Whereas, the community can work to build an even better community for our older residents by ensuring every citizen has the opportunity to age with independence, proper care, and dignity. Not limiting our thinking about aging, exploring and combating stereotypes, emphasizing the many positive aspects of aging, inspiring older adults to push past traditional boundaries, and embracing our community’s diversity.

Now, therefore be it resolved, that the Genesee County Legislature does hereby proclaim the month of May as Older Americans Month.  We call upon Americans of all ages to celebrate older Americans during this month and throughout the year.”

There are programs and resources available for seniors that offer recreational and social activities and outings, exercise classes, group gatherings, card games, volunteer opportunities, insurance guidance, educational and research resources and many other amenities at OFA, YMCA GLOW, Richmond Memorial Library, AARP, Alzheimer’s Association, Genesee Community College, RSVP (volunteer program), and your medical practitioner for maintaining one’s mental, financial, social and physical health.

For more information from OFA, call 585-343-1611.

More than 400 area residents hit about 40 sites in Genesee County to volunteer their labor to make the community a little bit better as part of the annual United Way Day of Caring on Thursday.

The Batavian stopped by a handful of the volunteer locations, such as Adam Miller Toys and Bicycles, GO ART!, the YMCA, the War Memorial, Dwyer Stadium, and the Community Garden.

Volunteers also went to six different locations for Arc GLOW, the Batavia Cemetery, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cross Roads House, the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena, Eagle Star Housing, Ellicott Trail, the Peace Garden, Gilliam Grant Community Center, Holland Land Office Museum, Machphelah Cemetery, Purple Pony, Resurrection Parish, St. James Episcopal Church, St. Paul Lutheran, UMMC, and the Village of Elba, among other locations.

All photos by Howard Owens.

It's an annual rite of spring: Fire hydrant flushing, which helps keep the hydrants servicable for emergencies.  City Fire crews flushed hydrants in a couple of city neighborhoods this morning.

In a release, City Fire explained the necessity of fire hydrant flushing:

This annual testing is essential to maintain the communities class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification, and to assure that fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes. Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city's water system, identifies weak areas in the system, and removes material that settle in the water lines. 

A work crew was in the parking lot off School Street in Downtown Batavia this afternoon, making repairs to lights in the lot.

Photos by Howard Owens.

It took eight innings for Oakfield-Alabama to pick up its 11 win of the season Wednesday, finally beating Attica, 7-4.

The Hornets jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first, and scored its fourth run in the fifth, but Attica pulled even after scoring two in the first and two more in the fifth.  O-A (11-2) secured its win in the seventh with three runs.

Brodie Hyde had three hits, scored twice and an RBI. Brayden Smith was 2-3 with two RBIs. David Schaufer also drove in two runs.

Photos by Kristin Smith.

Press Release:

The New York State Sheriffs' Institute's annual Honorary Membership drive has begun across New York State. Sheriff Sheron states that Honorary Membership invitations will be arriving in randomly selected mailboxes across Genesee County over the next two weeks. Sheriffs' Institute Honorary Membership dues help to support the Institute's robust programming for youth and sheriffs' offices which include the Sheriffs' Summer Camp, crime victim services, annual scholarship program, and education, training, and awards programs for Sheriffs' Office personnel.

The Sheriffs' Summer Camp is the Institute's flagship program located on Keuka Lake. Each summer, 840 economically challenged children from across New York State participate under the direct guidance of Sheriffs and Sheriffs' Office personnel who volunteer their time to help make the camp a success. 

The Sheriffs' Summer Camp provides an opportunity to bring children together with Deputy Sheriffs in a positive and meaningful environment. The week-long camp directly benefits children in our own local communities who otherwise would not have the opportunity to participate in a summer camp experience. 

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office selects children from our local communities who benefit through the camp's summer recreation activities which are designed to teach an understanding of, and respect for, our laws and the men and women who enforce them. The strong camper-to-counselor ratio allows for individual attention with an emphasis on the development of self-esteem.

"The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is proud to support the Sheriffs' Institute and the excellent work they do in supporting our youth and personnel. The incredible summer camp experience and educational and training opportunities provided by the Institute are invaluable assets to our county residents and Sheriff’s Office. We encourage anyone who is interested to become an Honorary Member and help support these great programs," states Sheriff Sheron.

In addition to the Sheriffs' Summer Camp, the Sheriffs' Institute also provides an annual scholarship to each of New York State's Community College's Criminal Justice Programs. This scholarship program is designed to help attract the best and the brightest to the criminal justice vocation. Honorary Memberships help fund the Sheriffs' Camp and other New York State Sheriffs' Institute programs. 

If you are an individual who would like to become an Honorary Member and did not receive a letter in the mail, please visit www.sheriffsinstitute.org. Your contribution is greatly appreciated and helps support youth, crime victims, and law enforcement in our local community through the Institute's programs. 

Established in 1979, the Sheriffs' Institute is a not-for-profit corporation and tax-exempt organization. Contributions to the Institute are tax deductible, and the Institute is registered with the New York State Attorney General's Charities Bureau. Neither the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office nor the Institute solicits donations or memberships via telephone. For more information about the New York State Sheriffs' Institute's Summer Camp and other important programs, visit www.sheriffsinstitute.org.

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens

Press Release:

Attention, All Veterans, we want you to march or ride in Batavia's Memorial Day Parade! 

Any groups, civic organizations or clubs:  Please consider marching in Batavia's Memorial Day Parade. 

On May 29, the lineup starts at 8:30 a.m. in Aldi Plaza.  The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. and marches to Bank Street. 

Please email Bob Bialkowski at bbwski@yahoo.com for more information.

Press Release:

James Saraceni is the son of Thomas and Louise (Belluci) Saraceni. His grandparents, Arthur and Amelia (Soccio), immigrated to America from Vasto, Italy, which is located on the Adriatic Sea. They had the courage to leave their country, for a better life, at the young age of sixteen. They had twelve children. His maternal grandparents, Biaggio and Anna Bellucci also came to America in the early 1900s. He has strong Italian roots.

Jim grew up on the south side of Batavia. He is a 1980 graduate of Batavia High School, furthering his education at Genesee Community College and the University at Buffalo. He has worked in the banking and real estate business for the past 37 years and currently works at Prime Lending. He has been married to his wife, Christine Antinore for 33 years. They have two daughters, Samantha (Cody Ruhlen) and Alex (Doug Zalenski). Their granddaughter, Finley Christine, is the apple of their eye. 

He served on the Paolo Busti Board of Directors for 15 years. He held the office of Treasurer. He has volunteered for the United Way, is a frequent donor to the Red Cross, and for many years enjoyed volunteering at the St. Anthony’s Lawn Fete. 

Family is extremely important to him, and a huge part of his life. He not only is involved with his children, but with his nieces and nephews. He can be seen cheering them on at all their activities, or swimming in his backyard, and enjoying a traditional Italian meal. 

Jim feels strongly that growing up on Hyde Park, in a neighborhood composed of large Italian and Polish families, was instrumental in shaping his life. He said, “The Italian and Polish cultures rooted us together, taught me the importance of family, both immediate and extended, how to be resilient, and to work hard. It taught me how much was given to us, and that we need to pay that forward to keep the spirit of our parents and grandparents alive.” Jim’s family values, love of church, pride in his heritage, and commitment to Italian traditions, have made him the ideal candidate for the Outstanding Italian American 2023.

Photo submitted by Annette LaBarabera

Press Release:

Northgate Church is excited to announce that they will be hosting a Rummage Sale on Friday, May 12, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday, May 13, from 8 a.m. - noon in the gym at the Northgate South Campus, 350 Bank Street Road. 100 percent of the proceeds from this event will benefit Northgate’s ‘Connected Community’ in Gahanda, Rwanda, Africa.

Northgate will be funding food and agricultural projects throughout the village, helping many of the families learn to grow and maintain sustenance for their loved ones, which is something that is not prevalent in Rwanda.   For more information, call the office at 343-4011 or visit https://fb.me/e/13p4dKgCc

Remember in 2011 when we all had fun trying to guess the coded meaning of "Project Wave?"

Now we get to do it again.  What is "Project Vulcan?"

Speaking to members of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, Steve Hyde, CEO of Genesee County Economic Development Center, said, "We've got a lot going on. We're on the short list for two more projects that are another 700 jobs. I just saw yesterday a term sheet for Project Vulcan."

A reporter standing next to Jim Krencik, senior director for marketing and communications for GCEDC, at the time Hyde mentioned Project Vulcan couldn't get him to drop any further hints about what that phrase might mean.

In 2011, "Project Wave" turned out to be the yogurt plant developed by PepsiCo (the "wave") and the Theo Muller Group.  That business eventually failed, but the plant now employs 400 people working for HP Hood.

Hyde was one of the introductory speakers before the council got down to business (The Batavian didn't stick around for that part of the meeting) that included an update from Executive Director Laura Fox O'Sullivan, a presentation on workforce development priorities, regional talent attraction strategies, a board discussion and development of a work plan.

One of the themes both Hyde and Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelley Stein shared was the need for state officials to become better aligned with economic development.

New York is a challenging state because of regulatory schemes to attract businesses, Hyde said.

"Building mega site industrial parks is difficult, challenging," Hyde said. "Employers and investors need support from the state. There is a critical misalignment right now between some of our regulatory agencies in the state and then the governor's economic development goals and strategy.  ... We need to find a way to find a solution to the common good to be partners, to be collaborative in the support of our state strategy and our regional strategy."

Stein, a dairy farm owner in Le Roy, said there is more demand than ever for New York's milk, especially with yesterday's announcement of the fairlife plant planned for the Town of Webster, but the state's continuing regulatory burden on farmers and their workers, such as the recently changed overtime threshold, and the proliferation of solar farms on farmland, is hampering the ability of New York dairy farmers to meet the demand.

She compared the misalignment between competing political forces in the state with the goggles you might put on during a visit to the optometrist.  The optometrist will adjust the lenses one at a time to help bring what you see into focus.  Right now, the two sides are out of focus, she said.

"We want to be able to bring ourselves together with good sound economic development," Stein said. "We want to bring in opportunities for our families. We want to bring together all of us to have a shared common message because we certainly have differences. But we can also work from our commonalities."

Hyde praised the Finger Lakes council for being aligned on economic development for the region.

"Our council is completely aligned," Hyde said. "Look at what we're focused on -- site development, workforce development, it all fits into our goals, right? You know, grow jobs, rollout, drive investment, reduce poverty, create opportunity for our families and our residents."

This was the first time the council has met in Genesee Council since before the pandemic.

In an interview with The Batavian before the meeting, former Rochester mayor and former lieutenant governor Robert Duffy praised the work of Hyde.  He said his first meeting after becoming LG was with Hyde to discuss WNY STAMP. 

He called Hyde a "pit bull" on behalf of Genesee County's economic development goals.

"I think in spite of many challenges we all face nowadays, I think the state is doing some great work," Duffy said. "I would say from my perspective, Genesee County is lucky to have Steve Hyde and his team. I've worked with Steve since 2011, and I've been super impressed with his tenacity and his commitment to this. He has never let go of STAMP and STAMP, now, for all those years and all that work, it's really starting to come together and take hold."

You know that old Tiffany-style lamp in the attic? The one next to the cuckoo clock circa 1965? Haven’t you ever wondered what they’re worth, whether to sell it or just in case there was ever a fire?

Well, now’s your chance, Ryan Duffy says. Appraisals on Main: HLOM Appraisal Day will have three experts available to examine and appraise up to five items per person.

“The whole concept is people bring in the items that they want to either learn what their value is, in terms of monetary worth, but also to maybe learn a little bit more about their history or use or what we call provenance, which is sort of background information that they might not know,” said Duffy, Holland Land Office Museum’s executive director, during an interview Wednesday.

The event is a fundraiser for the Holland Land Office and will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 20 at Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main St., Batavia. 

Appointments are required and may be made online or, for those without access to technology, by calling the museum at 585-343-4727.  

There will be three appraisers on hand from Bontrager Real Estate & Auction Service in Batavia, Schultz Auctioneers in Clarence and Cottone Auctions in Geneseo. They will meet with people for approximately 10 minutes, depending on how many items are brought in, and discuss what is presented before them.

“The beauty of having these three gentlemen is that they can pretty much look at anything. They've got a wide range of expertise, and it's kind of seeing just about everything you can see in the field, so we're really not limiting it,” Duffy said. “I will add that if somebody has an item that maybe is too big or they're not comfortable bringing that in, they can bring in photographs as a substitute,  images of them that they can have the appraisers look at to help give them some information.”

The cost is $5 per item, and proceeds will go toward "more programming," Duffy said.

As for Duffy’s personal experience in such appraisals, “I shy away from it,” he said. He has gone through the process, but not so much for any of his own personal items, he said. The museum has obtained these appraisers for past events and is familiar with their work, he said. Appraisals on Main are to help with the operation of the museum.

“We’re working on summer programming, another thing we're working towards is the west wing addition, hopefully moving forward in that process going forward. That's a multi-year project for sure. But we're in the beginning stages of that,” he said. “And working on new exhibits, as well. And other larger programming throughout the seasonal, major programs.”

Todd Jantzi, an appraiser from Bontrager, has been in the business for 27 years. It wasn’t his first career choice, he said, as his college aspirations were to become a teacher. When Jantzi was 10, his uncle took him along to an auction, and Jantzi found it “intriguing,” except for working on Saturdays, weekends, nights and in cold weather.

But the auctioneer’s call was too strong, and he was drawn back. Once he joined the family business, he stayed and never looked back. “It’s been a great position, a great occupation,” he said.

His advice for what people should bring to this event?
“People can bring in unique items, items of interest, be it local, unusual, is always the most interesting. They bring in what they think has value,” he said. “And we can share with them if it does or doesn't, they can bring items that they might want to have an appraisal for insurance reasons, so not necessarily even what they're thinking of selling, but just in case if they have something in their home.”

With a background of an uncle founding the Bontrager business in 1935, first in Lancaster, then moving to Darien and settling onto Wortendyke Road in Batavia, Jantzi may know a thing or two of what he’s talking about. What used to be conducted on-site, auctions are completely now online and happen about twice a week, he said.

He runs into items that have more sentimental than monetary value, and folks may have to hear that as well as the sound of a nice dollar figure for their goods.

What about that massive vanity set with mirror attached?
If items are too large or cumbersome to bring in, people may bring in photos  — Jantzi suggests taking five or six shots from all angles to allow for the best perception of the item. 

Has he ever encountered that big jackpot item that shocked its owner? 
No.

“You get 90 percent with similar items like in our own homes,” he said.

These are verbal appraisals, and if people would like a written one, they can follow up individually with the appraiser after the event.

Several dozen people have signed up already, but there are plenty of slots remaining, Duffy said. The slots are in one-hour blocks for 10-minute segments. To sign up, go HERE. Or call 585-343-4727.

Press Release:

The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation of Genesee County is pleased to announce the establishment of a one-time memorial scholarship in honor of the late Mrs. Katherine Ognibene. Kay was a dedicated Board Member and served in that capacity until her passing earlier this year. Vito Gautieri, one of the founders, said, “Kay was one person I could always count on no matter what the task. She was the lady who never said ‘no’ to work.” 

While raising a family and working at the NY Telephone Company as an operator, Kay was an active member of St. Anthony’s Parish Rosary and Altar Society, St. Michael’s Society, and St. Nicholas Society. In the community, she was involved in the St. Jerome Guild and The Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Society. 

In later years, Kay was a realtor in the Batavia area and earned accolades for her work. Dedication to family, school, church, and community are qualities the Paolo Bust Scholarship Committee will look for in screening potential candidates for this award.

This one-time award will be presented at the organization’s annual Scholarship Dinner to be held June 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Batavia Downs. Current scholarship applicants will be considered for this one-time award in addition to the yearly scholarships awarded by the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation. Contributions may be made out and mailed to: Michele Fuller, 3 Wilson Street, LeRoy, NY, 14482.

Photo submitted by Annette LaBarbera

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Thursday from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area of South of E. Main St. and East of Jackson St. 

Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area.  As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored.  If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about 5 minutes or until clear.

This annual testing is essential to maintain the communities class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification, and to assure that fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes. Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city's water system, identifies weak areas in the system, and removes material that settle in the water lines. 

Checking each hydrant improves fire department personnel knowledge of the hydrant locations.

If you have any questions, or should notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at 585-345-6375.

Alexander won its fourth straight game and 10th overall on Tuesday, beating Pembroke 10-6.

Emily Pietrzykowski went 4-4 with three doubles, three RBIs, and one run scored to lead Alexander.  

Faith Goodenbury went 3-3 on the day, while Madison Boyce, Melissa Sawyer and Melanie Bump all chipped in with multi-hit games.

Madison Boyce and Emily Pietrzykowski combined for the win. Boyce went five innings allowing nine hits, five runs, four walks and striking out seven.  Pietrzykowski went two innings, allowing one hit, one run, and striking out four.

For Pembroke, Aleena Maynard went 4-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored

Submitted photos and info.

At the Richmond Memorial Library, the Batavia Society of Artists is displaying some of the best works of its members for the spring, and on Tuesday, at the annual Spring Show's opening, the best of the best were honored, including a GCC student who received the Virginia Carr Mumford Scholarship Award.

The art show was judged by Le Roy artist Lori Longhany.

The show runs through Friday, May 26.