If you are wondering what all the fuss is about with the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, the Chamber of Commerce has planned an exciting (and free) opportunity for you to learn more and get ready for the Total Solar Eclipse of April 8, chamber staff member Kelly Rapone says.
Gene Gordon of NASA HUNCH will provide a community presentation and answer your questions during a one-hour information session that is being hosted from 5 to 6 p.m. Jan. 9 by Eli Fish Brewing Company at 109 Main St. in Batavia.
Call Eli Fish at 585-343-0008 to reserve your seating by Jan. 4. Seating is limited with reservations in advance.
Arrive by 5 p.m., as the presentation will begin promptly at 5:15 p.m.
Plan to stick around after the presentation for dinner! Eli Fish will be offering eclipse-themed food and drink specials, Rapone said. All ages are welcome, and Genny the eclipse mascot will also be on site for photo opportunities.
Gene Gordon taught science in the Rochester area for more than 30 years, eventually creating a NASA research class that led to his students creating projects that would fly to the International Space Station.
Gordon has flown on board NASA’s Zero-G plane twice, and he used that experience to help others understand the world around them. He became the president of the Science Teachers Association of New York State in 2015, where he took part in the creation of the new science standards.
This year he received the 2023 Margaret Ashida STEM Leadership Award as well as the highest honor in STANYS, by being named a STANYS Fellow.
Although he retired from teaching in 2018, he joined NASA HUNCH as the New York State mentor, and dreams of having students from all over New York State designing and building things for space, Rapone said.
Visit GeneSEEtheEclipse.com for more information on the upcoming eclipse.
2023 File Photo of Wings Over Batavia Air Show Photo by Steve Ognibene
With no fanfare or formal announcements, Wings Over Batavia Air Show launched its 2024 event online at its official website recently, with another two-day Labor Day line-up.
The event, which has not appeared before the Genesee County Legislature for official approval, has been scheduled for Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, 2024.
The event is to feature modern military aircraft, warbirds and world champion aerobatic performers, plus the same high-energy night show choreography fireworks that were promised and delivered in the debut 2023 shows at Genesee County Airport.
Gates are to open at 2 p.m. each day, with flying to go from 5 to 9 p.m., organizers say. Performers are being “added regularly,” and USAF F-16 Viper is already on board.
New this year is The Bataviators Air Show Insights Club, which invites people to register by email to “be the first to know about updates for Wings Over Batavia” and get early ticket access before the general public.
A motor vehicle accident is reported in the area of 4028 West Main Street Road, Batavia.
There was an initial report of entrapment, but a male victim is now said to be out of the vehicle, in the roadway, holding his head, moving, and breathing.
Traffic is blocked.
Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 4:45 p.m.: A scene commander asked to check on the availability of Mercy Flight. Mercy Flight is unavailable.
UPDATE 4:46 p.m.: A second advance life support ambulance is being dispatched, emergency response, is dispatched.
UPDATE 5:15 p.m.: Town of Batavia Fire is back in service.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced the launch of the Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) new J-1 Visa Waiver Program, an initiative the senator has long pushed for which can help recruit and bring more highly needed physicians to rural Upstate New York.
Schumer said the new program will help address the healthcare provider shortage in New York and beyond by easing the visa requirements for physicians who are trained in the U.S. and agree to practice in underserved areas of the Northern Border Region.
He said NBRC will recommend the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) waive their “two-year home-country physical presence requirement” for eligible physicians seeking to work at healthcare institutions and practices in New York and other states within the NBRC territory.
"This is just what the doctor ordered to help recruit more highly qualified physicians and a major step to helping address the national healthcare worker shortage we are seeing in rural communities across America and in Upstate NY. Rural communities from Penn Yan to Plattsburgh, know the struggles of healthcare worker shortages all too well. This long awaited initiative will help provide rural and underserved areas across Upstate New York with quality, affordable healthcare by working to address ongoing physician staffing shortages,” said Senator Schumer.
“I am proud to have advocated for this program, and to be leading the charge to help the NBRC get the increased support it needs to continue vital programs like this. I will never stop fighting to ensure that every New York community, regardless of its size, has access to the quality medical care it needs.”
The NBRC will consider recommending a waiver on behalf of eligible J-1 physicians who will work in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs).
Eligible physicians will work in primary or mental health care for at least three years and 40 hours per week within a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designated HPSA or MUA of the Northern Border Region. The program is modeled, in part, after the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) successful J-1 Visa waiver program.
Schumer has a long history of championing the Northern Border Regional Commission and its positive economic impacts on the North Country and broader Upstate New York regions. Earlier this year, Schumer announced nearly $11 million in federal funding for twelve projects across the North Country and Upstate New York through the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) – the largest annual investment for Upstate NY in the program’s history. The historic increase in funding for the NBRC is a direct result of the funding Schumer was able to deliver in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law.
In 2021, the senator secured $150 million for the NBRC in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, over triple its funding from previous years. For context on how large the historic nearly $11 million investment in Upstate NY is this year, from 2010-2022, the NBRC invested in over 60 projects totaling over $28 million in investment for Upstate New York. Last year, the NBRC awarded $5.8 million for projects in Upstate NY.
The NBRC’s 2023 Catalyst Program is designed to stimulate economic growth and inspire partnerships that improve rural economic vitality across the four-state NBRC region. The Commission made a historic level of funding available through the program this year, with up to $45 million in grants, including up to $20 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that communities across Upstate NY were able to tap.
Plans are already underway for the 20th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner which will take place Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 6 pm at the Alexander Fire Hall.
This annual event is a celebration of Genesee County’s #1 Industry, Agriculture! The highlight of the night is a delicious meal using locally produced foods prepared by the Culinary Arts Students from the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center. Led by Chef Alberto Santos and Denise Kaus, Culinary Arts teacher aide, this will be the third year of this perfect collaboration between the Chamber’s Agricultural Committee & Culinary Arts Program.
The dinner is open to the public. Tickets are on sale now at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, 8276 Park Road, Batavia. Tickets are $30 each or a table of 10 can be purchased for $275. Sponsorships are also available which help support agriculture educational events in Genesee County.
Only 400 tickets will be sold. Tickets must be purchased by February 24, 2024. For more information or to download the registration flyer visit the Chamber’s Website www.geneseeny.com.
The Celebrate Ag Dinner is coordinated by the following partners: Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District, and Genesee County Farm Bureau.
Sponsors of the 2023 celebration included: Alleghany Farm Services, Arctic Refrigeration, Baskin Livestock, Inc., Batavia Muckdogs, Carolina Eastern Crocker, CPL, Farm Credit East. ACA, Farm Family Insurance, Fieldstone Private Wealth, Freed Maxick CPA, Junction Motor Freight, L&M Specialty Fabrications, LLC, Lamb Farms, LandPro Equipment, Lawley, L-Brooke Farms, LLC, Monroe Tractor, My-T Acres, National Grid, OXBO International, Perry Veterinary Clinic, Sackett Farms, Torrey Farms, Western New York Energy, LLC, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. William Kent, Inc. and Windy Acres Farm.
Farms and businesses that donated locally grown food for the 2023 dinner included: Dorman Farms, Farm Fresh First, Inc/Nortera Foods, Fenton’s Produce, Harrington’s Produce, SJ Starowitz Farms, Torrey Farms, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc., Kreher Family Farms, Daves Ice Cream, Doug & Peggy Torrey, Yancey’s Fancy.
For ticket information or questions contact Kelly B. at The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, 585-343-7440 or kbermingham@geneseeny.com.
Architect Brian Trott explains the artificial turf as Batavia resident Herb Schroeder listens during the city school district's capital project hearing Thursday at Batavia High School. Photo by Joanne Beck
Of the nine people at Thursday’s Batavia City Schools capital project public hearing, only one was a district resident who came to hear the presentation.
The remaining people in the auditorium were district staff, board members and an architect from the project design team. Although Herb Schroeder was the lone attendee, he came armed with a list of questions about the $45 million district-wide project.
Is this being paid for with a grant? No. $6.9 million is coming from capital reserves, and the remainder of $38 million from a loan, to be paid back with reimbursement from the state.
What if the state reneges? It’s a lot for the taxpayers to handle if the state reneges. None of the presenters had ever heard of the state backing out of its commitment to reimburse a district for a capital project. These projects must be approved by the state Education Department after voter approval.
Have you looked into the price of traditional turf (in addition to the artificial turf that’s part of the capital project)? No. Superintendent Jason Smith wasn’t saying that he wouldn’t look into it, but from everything that coaches and the Clark Patterson Lee team have advised, artificial is the way to go to help address the drainage issues with the fields at Batavia High School, Smith said.
“Drainage issues are going to be a problem no matter what you do … it’s a lot of money, that’s my biggest pet peeve,” Schroeder said.
Even professional associations are considering going back to natural turf after some athletes have gotten injured on the artificial material, he said.
The plan calls for two synthetic turf fields for the high school, a baseball and softball field each, for about $7 million of the total cost. A proposed turf field at Van Detta Stadium upset a fair number of people — prospective tax-paying voters — so The Batavian had previously asked Smith why turf for the high school.
The fields behind the State Street site have been prone to excess water and drainage issues for years, he said, since the school was built on a swamp. “We have received complaints from families,” he said and had to move several games to Genesee Community College as a result.
Synthetic turf raises the playing field, alleviates pooling water, and provides “a better quality playing field for the kids,” he said. Installing this type of material would permanently fix the swamping issue, he said.
“Most of us don’t see it as a luxury anymore,” he said.
Robert Morris was closed in 2011 due to declining enrollment, so what are your projections for the next five years? Enrollment is flat, with a slight increase at Robert Morris with the universal pre kindergarten, pre-school and pre-school special education programs enrolling kids ages 3 to 5.
After using the one reserve for this project, are there any reserves left? Yes and no, Smith said.
“Man, that’s a politician,” Schroeder said with a small chuckle.
Business Administrator Andrew Lang explained that there are some reserves already in place, including a teacher’s and employee’s retirement system reserve, and a reserve that the district created this past budget season to begin building up an account for future needs. This project, however, will drain this one particular reserve of $6,928,000.
A shift from getting a grant to borrowing the money “scares me,” Schroeder said, but he pledged his support.
“I’m going to vote for your project,” he said.
This was the second presentation in the last two weeks, with the first one drawing only about three or four people. Board President John Marucci isn’t concerned about the low attendance. In fact, he believes it’s a testament to the district’s competence in disseminating the information and answering questions sufficiently before next week's vote.
“I guess I was a little worried walking in and seeing that there's only one person here. But the more I thought about it, the more I think the community is comfortable with the job that we did. They're happy with what we've done. And I think the vote next week will show that it'll pass with flying colors,” Marucci said. “If this would have been a full auditorium, I would have been real worried. Just because that would tell me that, I think, there might be some people that have some real questions on the job we've done. I think just seeing the one gentleman here tonight asking some great questions, that just showed that I think the community has paid attention to the flyers that we put out, the videos we put out, and they're happy with what we've done.”
As for what seemed to be one of Schroeder’s biggest sticking points, the artificial turf, not only has that not been a major complaint, but many people have wanted to see more of it installed throughout the district, Smith said.
“When I talk to the teams and the coaches, they’re excited about it. Also, I should have mentioned it will give us more practice area for our soccer team to practice on because our soccer team does play on turf at Van Detta, so they like to practice on turf,” he said. “It's not a full soccer field, but they can still get that turf experience of playing on turf, which they do at Van Detta and other schools, so there's more benefit besides just softball and baseball.”
Board Vice President John Reigle agreed, adding that the artificial field raises up the playing surface and helps to get the players out of a flooded field.
“It’s a great asset for the district,” Reigle said.
The project will also involve some reconfiguration of grade levels. Kindergarten will move from Jackson Primary to Robert Morris; second grade will move from John Kennedy Intermediate to Jackson and fifth grade will move to John Kennedy from the middle school.
The district performs a building conditions survey every five to seven years, and the architect Clark Patterson Lee recommended a detailed scope of work that was prioritized from one to three, Smith had said in a prior interview, with mostly ones and twos being chosen for the project. Much of the work is being done to shore up 20-year-old infrastructure, such as the high school’s boiler system, roof, and the gym at Robert Morris.
Nothing is on the list to be expanded, such as extra classrooms or other such student space, which makes sense according to enrollment projections. By the district's calculations, total enrollment topped out at 2,383 in 2013 and fluctuated until it peaked for the last time in 2020 at 2,190, declining to 1,978 in 2023. Estimated total enrollment will be 1,933 in 2024, 1,902 in 2025, 1,880 in 2026 and 1,858 by 2027.
All of the schools have many of the same upgrades, including PA/clock and fire alarm replacements, phone system replacement, blue light notification system, information technology infrastructure improvements and pavement replacement for Jackson, John Kennedy, and the middle and high schools.
Jackson is also in line for building-mounted lighting and the replacement of a failing retaining wall on the east side between the school and its neighbors. John Kennedy would also get a new roof, an upgraded gym divider curtain and regraded softball field and other amenities.
Batavia Middle School “is getting the most renovations to the interior space,” Smith had said, “where it’s needed.”
“The whole school really needs a lot of work; it’s a historic, beautiful building, and we're trying to home in on that to give it the attention it needs,” he said. “I think that foundation repairs is an example of that.”
The breakdown of the $45 million is:
BHS - $16,965,918
BMS - $9,740,584
John Kennedy - $6,852,018
Jackson - $1,779,991
Robert Morris - $9,537,600
Richmond Memorial Library - $184,375
The project is to have no additional tax increase for district residents, officials said.
Voting will take place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 14 at designated sites, depending on where you live.
For residents living north of Route 5 (Main Street), vote at Robert Morris, 80 Union St., in the Multi-Purpose Room. For residents living south of Route 5, vote at Batavia High School, 260 State St., in the library.
David Wagenhauser announced today that he is challenging Representative Claudia Tenney for New York’s District 24 Congressional seat in 2024. Wagenhauser, who grew up in Upstate NY, has served as a Public Interest/First Amendment Attorney and Executive Director for a public interest group in Washington, DC. He was the Vice President of his family’s home care business for 15 years and served a full term as an elected Village Trustee in Brockport, NY.
Wagenhauser launched his website (DaveforUpstate.com) and released a video to announce the kick-off of his campaign. “It’s time Claudia Tenney came home.” He continued, “Tenney has become more interested in fighting partisan battles, booking TV and radio time and inciting social media outrage, than in working to solve the problems she complains about daily.”
Wagenhauser notes he offers a clear alternative to Tenney’s often combative, ultra-partisanship that is the “politics as usual” in DC today. “Instead of simply blaming others for problems, we need to be working to find solutions. That means finding common ground for the common good.” He added, “You don’t have to agree with someone to work with them and improve the lives of our neighbors.”
Wagenhauser seeks significant government reform. “They go in rich and come out richer,” he stated. “We need meaningful Congressional reform, including working to put an end to stock trading, an end to corporate financing of elections, and an end to gerrymandering.” He also called for the passage of term-limit legislation. “Washington is broken and needs leaders who will step up and lead by example.”
Are Social Security and Medicare endangered? “It’s not a threat, it’s a plan,” he said - referencing the Republican Study Committee’s stated intention to cut these programs. Tenney is a member of this group. Wagenhauser also acknowledged the importance of reducing the cost of prescription drugs. “Steps have been taken to get these costs down, but Tenney has fought reforms every step of the way.” He continued,“Tenney is largely bankrolled by corporate interests and PACS, including Big Pharma titan Pfizer.” Wagenhauser’s website details many of these transactions.
“I will fight for the hard-working women and men of Upstate NY. That means jobs that provide families livable wages that keep ahead of inflation. I’ll support legislation such as the “CHIPS” act that will deliver tens of thousands of good careers to Upstate NY, giving opportunities for our kids here.” Tenney voted against that job-creating Bill.
“It has become clearer by the day that Claudia Tenney does not represent Upstate values - integrity, respect, civility, independence and helping our neighbors,” Wagenhauser stated. “I invite everyone to join me as I run to reform a broken Congress, protect Social Security and Medicare and empower our hard-working families to prosper.”
Voters in Elba, by a 95-22 margin, approved a $14.8 million capital improvement project on Thursday.
The proposition read:
Authorize the Board of Education of the Elba Central School District be authorized to undertake certain capital improvements consisting of construction and reconstruction of the K-12 Main Campus school building and facilities, site improvements and the acquisition of certain original furnishings, equipment, and apparatus and other incidental improvements required in connection therewith for such construction and school use, all at an estimated maximum aggregate cost of $14,875,000; and to appropriate and expend from the existing capital reserve fund $900,000 for such costs, and that the balance of such cost, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be raised by the levy of a tax to be collected in annual installments, with such tax to be offset by state aid available therefor; and, in anticipation of such tax, debt obligations of the school district as may be necessary not to exceed $13,975,000 shall be issued.
Genesee County residents woke up to a couple of inches of overnight snow on Thursday. Friday, the sky should reveal a little more blue, a little less gray with a high of 50 degrees. Batavia isn't expected to get more snowfall from Sunday night into Monday. The Accuweather long-term forecast isn't showing much hope for a White Christmas. Photo by Howard Owens
Opening at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, the Batavia Players bring to life Scrooge and his ghosts in a performance of Charles Dickens's “A Christmas Carol” at Main St. 56 Theater in Batavia.
There are also performances on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for seniors.
The musical is directed by Patrick Burk, with music directed by Kathy White.
National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 4-8, 2023. This is the time of year to remind everyone that there is still time to get vaccinated against influenza (“the flu”).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year to reduce the risk of getting the flu and lessening the symptoms if you get sick. The best time to get vaccinated is before flu season has started, but it is never too late to get the flu shot.
Flu usually peaks between December and February and can continue into May.
“It is important for those at higher risk, including young children, pregnant women, adults 65 years and older, and individuals with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma or lung disease, to get the flu vaccine,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “It is also important for people who live with and care for people who are at higher risk and those who care for infants under 6 months old."
Below are the number of reported flu cases for Genesee and Orleans Counties since 2019 according to the New York State Department of Health. It is important to note that during 2020-2021 there were significantly less confirmed cases of flu partly due to a heightened awareness of practicing precautions like staying home when sick, limiting social gatherings and frequent handwashing during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
New York State Department of Health Confirmed Cases of Influenza:
Genesee County
2019-2020 - 598
2020-2021 - 7
2021-2022 - 182
2022-2023 - 743
2023-2024 (as of 11/25/2023) - 9
Orleans County
2019-2020 - 266
2020-2021 - 8
2021-2022 - 100
2022-2023 - 647
2023-2024 (as of 11/25/2023) - 5
In addition to the flu shot, the following practices are recommended to stop the spread of illnesses:
Stay Home When Sick: If you develop flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or fatigue, stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and use hand sanitizer when soap is not available. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and manage stress to support a strong immune system.
To find a vaccine site near you visit: https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/ For the Genesee and Orleans Counties Wastewater Dashboard that tracks RSV, COVID-19, and flu in local sewersheds, visit the GO Health Wastewater Dashboard.
For more information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:
Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
Orleans County: 585-589-3278
Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at GOHealthNY.
During the holidays we often have social gatherings, rituals, and happy memories. You may set certain expectations for the holidays that unintendedly lead to anxiety. Finances may be tight, or you may be worried about seeing family members. Some may use gambling to escape those problems.
If you are gambling to cope with the stress of the holiday season or gambling to try to make extra cash for the holidays, it may be time to sit down and evaluate your gambling.
If you think gambling is negatively affecting your life, you may notice some of the warning signs in yourself or a loved one. Gambling can be easy to hide from your family and friends, but the stress and anxiety of hiding can take a toll on you, have you experienced:
Gambling with increased amounts of money to get to the desired level of excitement.
Becoming restless and irritable when you try and cut back on your gambling.
Thinking about gambling all the time.
Planning for the next time you gamble or thinking about ways to get money to gamble.
Gambling when you are feeling stressed and anxious.
Recognizing these warning signs can be the first step in reaching out for support. If gambling is adding to your holiday stress, there is help available.
The Western NY Problem Gambling Resource Center 716-833-4274 is here to help. Visit NYProblemGamblingHELP.org to be connected to the resource center closest to you. Do not let the stress of your gambling ruin your holiday season. Reach out today and be one step closer to a healthy holiday season.
Dan Dedo of Batavia, aptly fills the role of St. Nicholas during the Bethlehem Walk Wednesday evening at Batavia First Presbyterian Church. Photo by Joanne Beck
When tapped to play St. Nicholas for the Bethlehem Walk Wednesday evening, Dan Dedo didn’t cut any corners.
His wife made him a lavish suit of a metallic gold vest and a long hooded, red crushed velvet cape, and he wore a thick white, curly-haired beard and carried his own tall wooden staff that a friend had made for him. His hat, purchased with a gold cross on the front and back resembling that of a bishop, completed the outfit.
Being unfamiliar with St. Nicholas, Dedo also did some research so he would be prepared for his duties during the event at Batavia First Presbyterian Church.
No matter how long ago St. Nicholas originated, he still has a lesson for the modern-day world, Dedo said.
“It reminds everybody that it's a season where we should all be kind and generous to those in need and that St. Nicholas was that way throughout the year, which we have to remember, too,” he said. “So I enjoyed learning about him.”
St. Nicholas, who in later decades has been called St. Nick, served as the inspiration for Santa Claus, who is said to travel by way of sleigh and reindeer to rooftops and climb into chimneys to deliver his gifts to strangers’ homes. Dedo learned about his much earlier existence.
“Well, I was given a book that I read for everybody here. And then, I did some research online. St. Nicholas was born in 200 AD in what is now Turkey. His parents were rich; he became a priest in the Greek church, and his parents died and left him all their money. And St. Nicholas gave all the money to people in need: the sick, the hungry, people that needed housing,” Dedo said. “And there's a story about an old man with three daughters. And to get married in those days, you had to have money for a dowry. And they had no money, and the old man was worried about his daughters. So St. Nicholas heard about this, and at night, he threw a bag of gold through the window of the house. And they were overjoyed. And she was able to get married, then the middle-aged girl came of age to get married. And he did it again, he threw another bag of gold into the house.
“Now, when the third daughter was old enough to get married, the old man was waiting to find out who this generous person was. And St. Nicholas liked to give anonymously. So he climbed up on the rooftop and threw the bag of gold down through the chimney. And the girl had hung her socks and stockings to dry under the chimney,” he said. “And the legend has it that the bag of gold fell into the stocking. And I mean, he inspired a lot of generosity and kindness on the part of other people. So we still remember him to this day for that reason.”
The event venue had tables full of nativity sets — collections on loan from Laura Dommer and Liz Saleh, plus a few others brought in from other church members — and hot homemade soup, decorated sugar cookies, music, children’s games and lots of mingling.
Sheryl Maier and her daughter Tallulah were browsing a table of nativity scenes, and it didn’t take long for Tallulah to spot her favorite one.
“I like this one,” she said, pointing to a puzzle nativity. “I like doing puzzles, and I like doing puzzles of baby Jesus.”
As it so happens, her mom read the five-year-old the story of St. Nicholas at home before they attended the event, so Tallulah was quite familiar with the tall bearded chap when they arrived. He gave her some gold coins (chocolate wrapped in foil), and he walked around handing out the symbolic gift St. Nicholas threw into poor people’s homes as a token of compassion.
Olivia Fanton had gotten some coins but was waiting to eat her Italian wedding soup first. It was too hot at the moment, she said. The 11-year-old Batavia Middle School student had checked out the nativity scenes and especially liked one lone white decorative angel.
“That’s my favorite,” she said. “I like the face of the angel.”
It was one piece of a collection that Dommer no longer had assembled together, she said. When she heard that Olivia liked the angel, she decided to follow in the footsteps of St. Nicholas and give it to the sixth-grader.
“I did it because she has a Bills shirt on,” Dommer joked.
Laura Dommer, left, and Olivia Fanton with her new angel. Photo by Joanne Beck
Visitor Mary Brenner chats with St. Nicholas, aka, Dan Dedo. Photo by Joanne Beck
Laura Dommer of Batavia with her collection of 108 nativity sets. Photo by Joanne Beck
Sheryl Maier and her daughter Tallulah check out some of the nativity sets at the Bethlehem Walk Wednesday evening at Batavia First Presbyterian Church. Photo by Joanne Beck
St. Nicholas hands Olivia Fanton a gold coin. Photo by Joanne Beck
The Batavia Housing Authority is seeking a positive, hardworking teammate to perform a variety of outdoor landscaping tasks, primarily mowing, with some trimming and cleanup work. The Groundskeeper is independently responsible for outdoor landscaping tasks on a weekly basis with some flexibility. This job may require some weekend hours when necessary. Part-time position Pay Range: $19.00/hr - $22.00/hr Anticipated start date: May 2024 Application deadline: April 29, 2024 See full job description at: https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/Groundskeeper.pdf Complete Civil Service Application at: https://cms1files.revize.com/geneseecountynew/CivilServiceApplication2022Revision-09.22.22.pdf Contact Information Nathan Varland Executive Director Batavia Housing Authority 400 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 344-1888 nvarland@bataviahousing.org Location: Batavia
For Rent - Lower 1 Bedroom Apartment Private country setting, lower one bedroom apartment with all appliances and parking. Sunroom with gas fireplace and patio. Includes water and heat. NEW LOWER PRICE! $1000/Month plus electric. No pets, no smoking. References and security deposit required. Available June 1st, 2024. Call 585-344-3141.
