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Press Release:

Genesee Community College's Alfred C. O'Connell Library is pleased to announce the receipt of a $20,000 grant from the COVID Library Relief Fund of the American Library Association (ALA). The ALA made available $1.55 million in emergency relief grants to 77 libraries that have experienced substantial economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. These funds are intended to bolster library operations and services including broadening technology access, developing collections, providing digital instruction, staffing, and expanding outreach, as well as maintaining and amplifying existing service strategies or adding new ones to extend impact through the end of 2022.

When the opportunity arose, it was an easy decision to apply for the grant. "Since the pandemic, we have been operating with fewer resources and the ALA funds will allow us to streamline essential systems. We are grateful for the monetary assistance," says Jessica Hibbard, Associate Dean of Library and Instructional Support Services at Genesee. The library plans to use the funds to enhance the library's engagement with the campus and GLOW region community by hosting several events and workshops, including the return of the poetry and photography contests. Upgrades to the library's study room spaces, feature new furniture and wall-mounted tablets to support an on-demand reservation system using the college's booking software, providing greater access for students and less staff time spent in scheduling.

The grant also provided enhanced streaming media and database access for some of the academic programs on campus, most notably the purchase of Visible Body, a database that supports online lab instruction for health care programs. As learning migrated online, streaming media is increasingly essential for coursework and the ALA funds made it possible for students to access videos for projects in general education courses such as cinema, history, journalism and musical theory/appreciation courses.

Hibbard reports that there isn't much time. "This grant cycle has a short window so we have already started to get some of these projects underway and are very thankful for the opportunity to make some enhancements in the library that we otherwise would not have been able to."

Acton Family Giving is the supporter of the COVID Library Relief Fund as part of its continued contribution to pandemic recovery. "We truly appreciate the continued generous support from Acton Family Giving to help so many libraries provide needed services to traditionally underserved communities across the country," said ALA President Patty Wong. "These grants will allow so many libraries to have a critical impact on those who depend on them during these challenging times."

To learn more about the COVID Library Relief Fund visit this https://www.ala.org/aboutala/ala-covid-library-relief-fund.

ALA distributes $1.55 million in COVID emergency relief to 77 U.S. (2022b, June 1). News and Press Center. Retrieved September 23, 2022, from https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2022/06/ala-ditributes-155-million-covid-emergence-rel ief-77-us-libraries

Press release:

A portion of Park Road, from Richmond Avenue south to the intersection of Lewiston Road/Route 63, will be closed to all traffic on Oct. 21.

This is to accommodate the completion of specialty pavement treatments. This work will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. The work is weather dependent. If work is postponed due to inclement weather, it will be rescheduled for the next business day.

Batavia Downs traffic is asked to enter and exit the facility parking area from the north end of Park Road near Richmond Avenue. Signage will direct Batavia Downs customers and staff to the parking areas.

For traffic needing to access Park Road approaching from Lewiston Road/Route 63, you are asked to follow the Park Rd Detour utilizing Veterans Memorial Drive.

For traffic needing to access Lewiston Road/Route 63 approaching from Oak Street/Route 98 and NYS Thruway, you asked to follow the Route 63 Detour utilizing Veterans Memorial Drive.

Park Road traffic from Oak Street/Route 98 to Richmond Avenue will not be impacted by this closure. 

Press Release

All motorists please be aware that Harvester Avenue will experience traffic delays on Friday, Monday and Tuesday (October 21st, 24th, 25th) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for paving operations. While work is being performed in this area, 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.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Press Release

At roughly 9:38 pm on Tuesday October 18th the City of Batavia Police Department, City of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS were dispatched to Highland Park for a reported stabbing. Preliminary investigation reveals that the victim was stabbed somewhere on Jackson Street at roughly 9:30 pm.

The suspect is described as a black male wearing a white hooded sweatshirt. The victim was transported to a hospital where they are seeking medical treatment for their injuries.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Batavia Police Department at (585)345-6350, the Batavia Police Department's confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370 or by clicking the tip button. 

No further details will be released at this time due to this being an ongoing investigation. 

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Press release:

For many years, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) has encouraged citizens with disabilities to participate in the electoral process and make their preferences known about the candidates on the ballot in November – but first, voters need to learn more about those running to make an informed decision. 

ILGR will be hosting a “Meet the Candidates” forum in Batavia on Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Conference Room at ILGR, located at 319 West Main Street, in the Crickler Executive Business Center. 

It will also be accessible via Zoom and will be live-streamed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ILGR14020 and on WNYIL’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/WNYIL. 

In-person attendance is limited, and registration is required. To register to attend in person, to get the details to connect to Zoom, or for any questions on the event, please call Cathy DeMare at (585) 815-8501, extension 400.

Candidates invited to participate appear on the November ballot include those running for U.S. House of Representatives; State Senator; New York State Assembly; Genesee County Coroner; City of Batavia Councilman-At-Large.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies that offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

The Point Breeze Yacht Club held its Annual Member’s Meeting and Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 15, in the Clubhouse at Godfrey’s Pond.

The following slate of officers was elected: Commodore Bob Bialkowski, Vice Commodore Bob Turk, Rear Commodore Emrys March, Port Captain William Elliott, Secretary Marietta Schuth, and Treasurer Madeline Bialkowski. Vice Commodore Erik Roth was thanked for all his service and dedication to the club.

Members enjoyed a nice fall day at Godfrey’s with a great dinner catered by D & R Depot from Le Roy.

The Point Breeze Yacht Club is based at the Orleans County Marine Park which is located on the Oak Orchard River at Point Breeze.

Interested individuals may obtain information at the Club Website.

 http://www.pbycny.com

Submitted photo.  Vice Commodore Erik Roth and Commodore Bob Bialkowski.

Press Release

The City of Batavia Water Department along with Zoladz Construction will be replacing a broken water valve on Harvester Avenue and fire hydrant on the corner of Harvester Ave and Ellicott Street today, October 18, 2022.  The water will be shut off on Harvester Ave from Colorado Avenue to Ellicott Street, all of Colorado Avenue, all of Williams Street and on Ellicott Street from Ellicott Place to Clifton Avenue.

The length of time the water will be off is unknown.

As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored.  Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

We apologize for any inconvenience and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.

Press Release

The City of Batavia Public Works Department is looking for vendors to participate in the upcoming Mall Market.  The Mall Market's mission is to assist in the revitalization of the Batavia City Centre Mall.  On the following Saturdays, the Mall Market will be open from 8-11:30am: October 29th, November 12th, November 19th, November 26th, December 10th, and December 17th.

The cost of a 10 x 10 space is $40 per day, $100 for three days, and $125 for six days. Showcase your products or services just in time for the holidays!

Anyone interested in endorsing their business or promoting their products is encouraged to apply at https://bit.ly/BataviaMallMarket. 

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department along with Zoladz Construction will be replacing a broken water valve on Harvester Ave and fire hydrant on the corner of Harvester Ave and Ellicott Street.  The water will be shut down on Harvester Ave from Colorado Ave to Ellicott Street, all of Colorado Ave, and on Ellicott Street from Ellicott Place to Clifton Ave.

The length of time the water will be off is unknown.

As always, when the water is restored, it may be discolored.  Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

We apologize for any inconvenience and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.

Louie, #3, above, wins the annual wiener dog race Sunday at Batavia Downs. Below are Louie and his worthy contenders during the run on the gaming facility's outdoor track. Bottom photo shows the mighty racer with a bag full of goodies for his efforts.

Press Release

Louie bested 47 other dogs in a tightly contested competition on Sunday afternoon.  Following 2 hours of family related activities like face painting, balloon art, pumpkin decorating, carriage rides, and pony rides the assembled crowd of over 2,000 watched 6 heats of 8 dogs.

Louie and his owners received a Hotel and Restaurant Stay and Play at Batavia Downs along with a gift basket from Genesee Feeds.  Second place Piper and Third Place Ted also received a Hotel and Restaurant Stay and Play.  Each “heat” winner received a Free Play prize.

A video of the final race can be seen on the Batavia Downs Racetrack Facebook page.

 Photos by Steve Ognibene

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel will host Family Fun Day and their famous wiener dog races on Sunday, Oct. 16.

Family-related activities will also take place including on-site entertainers, a kettle corn stand, pumpkin decorating for kids 15 and under, carriage rides, pony rides and $1 hot dogs and sodas will take place from 12 til 2 p.m. with the wiener dog races commencing at 2 p.m. 

The time was moved up to accommodate guests who want to ensure they don’t miss the Buffalo Bills football game at 4:25 p.m.

Sixty-four dachshunds will be racing for the crown of fastest wiener dog in Western New York.  Each “heat” winner will receive a prize and the top 3 finishers in the championship race will receive free play, food vouchers and a free hotel stay.

Admission and Parking are free.

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens from 2011 race.

Press release:

The Museum Quilt Guild welcomed Assemblyman Steve Hawley to its quilt show on Friday.

The show is being held Friday the 14th and Saturday the 15th from 10-5 at the Alexander Fireman’s Recreation Hall. Some of the profit from the show goes directly to our local veterans. Guild members donate quilts to the Batavia VA hospital, The NYS Vets home, the cancer centers, All Babies Cherished, ARC and Sleep in Heavenly Peace, among others. 

New members are welcome. You may join us at the show or one of our monthly meetings held on the third Saturday of the month at the Batavia VA. For more information: themuseumquiltguild.com

Press release:

GO ART! is happy to invite you to our Mexican Día de los Muertos celebration, co-sponsored by the Orleans County YMCA and Mariachi de Oro Mexican Grill. Join us on Saturday, October 22 at the Orleans County YMCA, 306 Pearl St., Medina, from 3:00-7:00 pm.  Come learn about and enjoy this holiday that remembers ancestors, with free activities for the whole family.  The festivities will include Mexican crafts, face painting, dance and drama performances, sand painting and ofrenda displays, and special food tastings.  All activities will continue throughout the day: a full schedule can be found at www.MedinaDoD.com

The Mexican Day of the Dead Celebration is a time of joyful remembrance of deceased loved ones, filled with an array of colors, scents, sounds and stories. Centered around the observance of All Saints and All Souls Days on November 1 and 2, the celebration also includes images and ideas about the roles of ancestors in our lives that trace back to Mexico’s indigenous peoples.  Tradition holds that this is the one time of the year when souls can return to earth for a day and commune with their families and friends.  

“We’re excited to be at the YMCA again this year, with the continuing support of local Medina businesses and community members” says Karen Canning, director of GLOW Traditions at GO ART!  Mexican celebrations of the holiday often include animated skeletons, colorfully decorated skulls (calaveras), and elaborately cut tissue paper banners, emphasizing life’s continuing vibrancy in the midst of mortality. Local business owners and community groups are hosting workshops in such arts, including sugar skulls, paper flowers and banners, and paper masks. Hosts and volunteers include Della’s Chocolates, The Downtown Browsery, Oak Orchard Girl Scouts, and Medina High School students.  Canalside Tattoos will offer temporary tattoos, Case-Nic Cookies will have Day of the Dead-themed treats for sale, and Las Toxicas will feature Mexican jewelry and clothing for purchase. GO ART! staff will host face painting, and Mariachi de Oro will provide samples of Mexican hot chocolate and pan de muerto (bread of the dead), typical food of the holiday.

Beautiful altars (ofrendas) in homes welcome the returning souls and feature candles, wild marigolds, incense, photographs, mementos and loved ones’ favorite foods like fruit, tortillas, tamales, chocolate, and bread.  Members of the Rosario family will again create a large ofrenda at the YMCA in the style of their hometown in Oaxaca, Mexico. Artist Antonio Cruz Zavaleta will create a sand painting in front of the ofrenda, another decorative art found in Oaxaca for the holiday—check the schedule for a Q & A with the creators of these artistic traditions.  Attendees can contribute to a community ofrenda, where they can place a candle (electric, provided) and add their own remembrances of loved ones.

Mexican dance and music performances will be presented by Alma de México, a group from Rochester led by Karla Alcalá.  A former member of a folkloric dance group in Mexico, Karla now teaches community members traditional dance from a variety of regions. Live music will also be provided by La Marimba, a marimba band from Buffalo, led by Tiffany Nicely. Large monos de calenda (street puppets), created by artist, Antonio Cruz Zavaleta, will also return to dance and wander among attendees.  Everyone’s invited to join in, and feel free to come in Day of the Dead-themed outfits.

This year we welcome four artists—Dan Butler, Ted Canning, Ruben Ornelas, and Gaitrie Subryan—from the newly-formed GLOW Creatives collective, supported by a 2-year grant from Creatives Rebuild New York. They will assist with face painting, sound reinforcement, and presentations of personal ofrendas and dance—see the online schedule for exact timing (www.medinadod.com).

The event is co-sponsored by GLOW Traditions at GO ART!, Mariachi de Oro Restaurant, and the YMCA, with partial funding from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Submitting photos.

Top photo: Karla Alcala, front, leads dancers from Alma de Mexico who will perform at the Day of the Dead. Photo from Batavia in 2022, by Karen Canning

Leonel Rosario adjusts the hat on a mono de calenda (street puppet) at the 2021 Day of the Dead celebration, Medina. Photo by Christine Zinni

An attendee enjoys a paper mask-making workshop, 2021 Day of the Dead Celebration, Medina. Photo by Christine Zinni

Lola Alvarado, center, and Gladys Rosario, right, in Dia de Muertos face paint, 2019 Day of the Dead celebration, Medina. Photo by T.C. Owens

Press release:

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. is pleased to announce that the Genesee County Legislature and Elba Central School Board of Education approved the placement of a School Resource Officer for Elba’s district.  Deputy Ryan W. Young was selected to fill this position and started his assignment last month.  Deputy Young is a 6 1/2-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office and has 10 years of law enforcement experience.  He is a field training officer and has earned four Commendations during his tenure with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Additionally, there have been other School Resource Officer assignment changes in Genesee County school districts:

• Genesee Valley BOCES selected Deputy Kyle J. Tower for assignment at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.  Deputy Tower has been with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for over two years and has eight years of previous public safety experience.
• Oakfield-Alabama Central School District selected Deputy Jordan M. Alejandro as its new SRO during last year’s school year.  Deputy Alejandro is a 3 ½-year veteran with the Sheriff’s Office and was awarded a Commendation in 2020.

“There are now seven Genesee County school districts with School Resource Officers.  Deputy Patrick J. Reeves at Pembroke, Deputy Eric J. Meyer at Alexander, Deputy Jeremy M. McClellan at Pavilion, and Deputy Joshua A. Brabon at Byron-Bergen.  It has been my goal to have SROs in each school district to ensure the safety and protection of the students and faculty, and I am very pleased that we have now added Elba Central School District to that list,” stated Sheriff Sheron.

Submitted photos.

Top photo: BOCES SRO/Deputy Kyle Tower.

Elba: (from left to right) Superintendent Gretchen Rosales, Elementary Principal Jessica Cramer, Jr./Sr. High School Principal Morgan Marcello, and Deputy/SRO Ryan Young.

Byron-Bergen:  (from left to right) Director of Instructional Services Betsy Brown, SRO/Deputy Joshua Brabon, Superintendent Pat McGee. Photo Credit: Gretchen Spittler

Alexander:  (from left to right)  Middle School/High School Principal Shannon Whitcombe, Elementary School Principal Erin Weingaertner, SRO/Deputy Eric Meyer, Middle School/High School Asst. Principal Paul Hazard, Superintendent Jake Taft

Pembroke:  (from left to right) Jr./Sr. High School Principal Dr. Nathan Work, SRO/Deputy Patrick Reeves, Superintendent Matthew Calderon, Jr. Sr. High School Vice Principal Brandon Ricci

Oakfield-Alabama:  Superintendent John Fisgus and SRO/Deputy Jordan Alejandro

Pavilion:  Superintendent Mary Kate Hoffman and SRO/Deputy Jeremy McClellan

Press release:

Sign up for the Oakfield Betterment Halloween Decorating Contest! Deadline to sign up is October 17th. Decorations to be judged on October 18-21 by the community. 

Winners get a gift card to Oakfield or Alabama business of their choice: 

• First place: $100
• Second place: $50
• Third place: $25

Winners will be announced at our Halloween party on Oct. 22nd and on social media. The contest is open to the Oakfield Alabama School District residents. 

Sign up here.

Press release:

Shawn Elkins of Batavia has claimed his $1,000 A Week for Life top prize from the Lottery’s Win $1,000 A Week For Life scratch-off game.

Elkins elected to receive his prize as an annuity. He received his first payment of $33,852 after required withholdings and will continue to receive payments annually, for life.

The winning ticket was purchased at Western OTB/Batavia Downs Gaming located at 8315 Park Rd. in Batavia.

As of this writing, six top prizes remained on this printing of the Win $1,000 A Week for Life ticket (#1453). Players may check the status of any New York Lottery scratch-off by downloading the Game Report at nylottery.ny.gov.

New York scratch-off games generated $4,517,682,111 in total sales during fiscal year 2021-2022. School districts in Genesee County received $13,246,544 in Lottery Aid to Education funds during the same period.

Press release:

The 9th annual GLOW Corporate Cup was run this August with over 700 participants registering for the annual 5K run and walk.  The race brought in $21,000 in support of the GLOW YMCA.  This money will support the YMCA Scholarship program, ensuring that no one is turned away from the Y due to their inability to pay.

In addition to the race, teams design their own T-Shirts and compete for the most creative design.  Each year the local Merrill Lynch office makes a $500 donation to the winning team’s charity of choice.  This year, US Gypsum won the contest for the second year in a row and elected to direct the donation to Mercy Flight of Batavia.  Mercy Flight is an independent, not-for-profit provider of emergency and non-emergency air and ground medical transport and supporting services; ensuring rapid, safe and cost-effective delivery of expert response teams. 

Pictured above from left to right are Duane Van Duuren of US Gypsum, Calvin Klemmer of Merrill Lynch, Jennifer Crotty, Flight Nurse for Mercy Flight, Blake Leddick of US Gypsum and Jeff Abbott, Flight Paramedic for Mercy Flight.

Press release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are celebrating 10 years of working collaboratively through their cross-jurisdictional shared services arrangement.  This initiative was the first of its kind in New York State and is at the forefront of providing best practices for local governments looking to become more efficient through sharing services. 

The shared services began as a PILOT project for two years and was part of a national initiative funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that helped establish the Center of Sharing Public Health Services (www.phsharing.org).  Following the first two years, the benefits, both fiscally and operationally have resulted in an ongoing agreement by Genesee and Orleans Counties to continue forward with sharing public health services.

“The Genesee County Legislature saw this collaboration as an opportunity for our residents to be served by high quality staff, which is key to improving the quality of healthy living in Genesee and Orleans Counties,” stated Shelley Stein, Genesee County Legislative Chair.  “Since the beginning of this venture, both counties have made significant progress and now have shared services with the Youth Bureau and Weights and Measures.  These shared services reduce local taxes and lower cost of governments.  Additionally, across New York State our best practices and case studies have been studied by other counties seeking to cut costs for their residents.”

“The cross-jurisdictional collaboration to create the shared Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, now known as GO Health, was a transforming idea of two legislative bodies,” stated Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislative Chair.  “This would not have been achieved if it weren’t for the faith we had in Public Health Director, Paul Pettit to lead the initiative.”

The support and technical assistance of the Center for Sharing Public Health Services for our integrated health departments helped identify the value for our leaders and provide the financial support to jump-start the collaboration.  The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) also added its support to the pilot project of joining resources, which leads to the benefit of residents in both of our counties, and is key to our ongoing success.

Working together has helped fill workforce gaps, provide natural redundancy and attract additional candidates for vacant positions.  The public health staff in both counties have become more creative and have worked together on several joint projects, including, but not limited to, a joint strategic plan, workforce development plan, quality improvement, branding and communication plan, and working on a joint application to become nationally accredited through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) as GO Health.

This collaboration has also seen an increase in the services we are able to offer our residents due to the ability to be more competitive with grant applications with a combined population of almost 100,000 residents.  GO Health has been very successful in applying for and receiving approximately $7,500,000 dollars in grant funds since we began joint applications 10 years ago.  These funds have helped to reduce county costs while enhancing services to county residents.  GO Health has regionalized service delivery further and is also the recipient of a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Lead Poisoning Prevention and Remediation grant in collaboration with Wyoming and Livingston Counties (GLOW region).  These lead grants are going to assist residents in reducing lead poisoning and remediating hazards in their homes.  GO Health has also benefited from three CDC Public Health Associate Program fellows that spend a two-year assignment working in both counties at little cost to the counties.

“Seeing all that we have accomplished over the past 10 years shows that our initial goals were on target,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of GO Health.  “We continue to look at innovative ways to advance our collaboration, drive efficiencies, and be fiscally responsible.  Where we are today with our integrated operations is a testament to the buy-in and hard work of our county administration, the GO Health leadership team, and all the public health staff.  The staff has been instrumental in the success of our work as they operate as a team, share ideas, deliver services, and promote health as a cohesive unit.”

The COVID-19 pandemic response put our integrated departments to the test.  Having the ability to work together through sharing employees helped balance the surges over the past couple of years and was essential to meet the needs of contact tracing, administering COVID-19 testing and eventually vaccinations in both counties.  One of the most effective benefits of our shared response was with public communications and messaging which allowed us to reduce redundancies and leverage staffing to push information across our shared media.

“We recognize our public health staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the pandemic and over the past 10 years,” stated Mrs. Johnson. “We look forward to seeing what they can accomplish in the years to come.”

“Throughout the pandemic, I was able to volunteer my time at clinics and experience firsthand how caring and committed our health department staff are,” stated Mrs. Stein.  “Watching folks mature into highly functioning teams with only one goal – serve and care for the health and recovery of our residents.  I am in awe of the dedication to public service that was very evident in each member of GO Health each day.  They are a true gift to our communities.  The GO Health partnership gives us the opportunity for health specialists here at home to be comparable with urban counties.  I am grateful to know them.  Our shining stars!”

“Looking forward, we expect to see GO Health continue to mature and provide further savings and enhanced service delivery to our residents,” stated Mr. Pettit, “GO Health is in the final stages of becoming a nationally accredited health department, which is planned for mid-2023.  GO Health will continue to integrate and serve as chief health strategists in our communities.  We look forward to serving both counties as GO Health- onward.”

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens from 2019 at a Genesee County Human Services meeting.  Pettit was public health director in Orleans County before the shared services agreement was signed and has served as director of GO Health since the agreement.