Stories from

Press release:

Last week, Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) introduced Steven’s Law to bring transparency and needed safeguards to the fertility industry. The bill is named in honor of Steven Gunner, who tragically passed away at the age of 27 due to an opioid overdose following a long battle with addiction and schizophrenia. His parents learned after his passing the donor used to conceive him also struggled with addiction and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

“Today, I am proud to announce I have introduced Steven’s Law, a bill that will bring needed safety regulations to the fertility industry. After the passing of their son, Laura and David Gunner discovered that the donor they had used to conceive him had failed to disclose pertinent medical information in his pre-donation screening and was diagnosed with schizophrenia and later died from substance abuse,” Jacobs said. “This legislation is common sense and will ensure other families around the country will not have to endure the same pain and suffering of the Gunners. I want to truly commend Laura and David for their strength in the face of such adversity - their advocacy and fight will ensure thousands of other families are protected.”

“This legislation is simple and straightforward and will ensure that common sense protections are put in place in a widely unregulated industry. We are working to ensure that any potential parent has the right to see all available information about a potential donor to help them make the most informed decision possible,” Laura and David Gunner said. “We want to thank Congressman Jacobs for his work to bring attention to our son Steven’s story and to put forth legislation in his honor to protect other families from enduring such pain. It is our great hope this legislation will gain momentum and the support needed to pass quickly.”

Steven’s Law would require sperm banks to collect information from donors on diagnosed medical conditions including genetic disorders, mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, familial medical conditions, and sexually transmitted diseases. Sperm banks would also be required to disclose certain information to participants including the donor's anonymized medical records, a summary of the information in such medical records, and any medical information the sperm bank was unable to obtain.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

Press release from Automobile Association of America:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.68, down 13 cents from last Monday and down 12 cents since reported last Tuesday. One year ago, the price was $3.14. The New York State average is $4.80, down 9 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.20. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $4.72 (down 8 cents from last Tuesday)
• Buffalo - $4.76 (down 5 cents from last Tuesday)
• Elmira - $4.79 (down 8 cents from last Tuesday)
• Ithaca - $4.86 (down 5 cents from last Tuesday)
• Rochester - $4.86 (down 7 cents from last Tuesday)
• Rome - $4.90 (down 5 cents from last Tuesday)
• Syracuse - $4.81 (down 7 cents from last Tuesday)
• Watertown - $4.90 (down 3 cents from last Tuesday)

Early last week, unleaded gasoline dropped below $5 a gallon at about 80% of gas stations across the country as oil prices dropped amid broad market concern regarding a potential slow, or even stall, of economic growth due to rising interest rates and inflation. A lower economic growth rate than expected could cause crude demand to further decline, leading pump prices to follow suit. This morning, oil prices are at $103 to $105, down slightly from the $103 to $107 per barrel seen last Tuesday.

Last Wednesday, data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed that gas demand sat at 8.93 million b/d, which was lower the last year’s rate of 9.11 million b/d at the end of June. On the other hand, domestic gasoline stocks increased by 2.6 million bbl to 221.6 million bbl. These supply and demand dynamics, along with decreasing oil prices, have pushed pump prices lower. If these trends continue, drivers will likely continue to see relief at the pump.

From Gas Buddy:

“The national average has declined for 27 days straight, or four weeks, the longest decline in average gas prices since the pandemic started in 2020. Average gas prices are down nearly 40 cents, with Americans shelling out $140 million less on gasoline every day than they did a month ago," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "We may see the trend last a fifth week, as long as oil prices remain cooperative and don't surge beyond $105 per barrel, and as long as refinery production of gasoline remains strong. But we're not completely out of the woods yet - we could also see a sharp reversal in the decline. There remains risk of a spike in prices that could send us to new record levels in August, should any disruptions occur. It could be a wild ride, but for now, the plummet at the pump shall continue."

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) invites you to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at our Annual Picnic.  Free food, including hot dogs, hamburgers, and salad, will be provided, plus additional fun, and games.  We look forward to having you join us! 

The event takes place Tuesday, July 26, 2022, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Town of Batavia Kiwanis Park, 3808 West Main Street in Batavia, rain or shine. 

Please bring your own chair!  COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.

You can RSVP and get more information, by calling Cathy DeMare at 585-815-8501, extension 400.  Let her know if you need transportation.  Please note that all children under the age of 12 must have a booster or car seat.

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

Statement from Kent Ewell:

After over 25 years I am saying “goodbye” to O’Lacy’s Irish Pub. It has been a wonderful ride thanks to the many gracious and repeat customers throughout the years. I have developed many friendships over these 25 years and will cherish each and every one of them. Please remember the good times you have had at O’Lacy’s and be sure to look forward to many more happy times under new ownership. O’Lacy’s was & is a blessing for Batavia and will be for years to come. 

Photo: File photo of Kent Ewell and Kelly Bermingham. Photo by Jim Burns.

Press release:

The Park Road Improvement project continues to progress. Utility work is nearly complete. The project will be focusing on roadway reconstruction activities including excavation and removal of the existing roadbed, curb work, street lighting, sidewalks and paving.

To expedite this work, the portion of Park Road between Lewiston Road to Richmond Avenue will be closed to all through traffic beginning Tuesday, July 12, 2022 and will remain closed until the Labor Day holiday.

The portion of Park Road from Richmond Avenue to Veterans Memorial Drive will revert from one-way traffic back to two-way traffic. Daily work zones with reductions to a single-lane traffic are to be expected.

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/ NYS Route 63, you are asked to follow the Park Rd Detour utilizing Veterans Memorial Drive.

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

All through traffic is asked to avoid Park Road if possible and seek alternate routes. 

Press release:

Join Genesee County STOP-DWI and the Genesee County Youth Bureau for a night of family fun as they team up to host the STOP-DWI Night at the Ballpark on Thursday, July 14 at Dwyer Stadium as the Batavia Muckdogs take on Geneva. 

Brooke Jarkiewicz

The first 200 youth through the gate will receive a T-shirt or Muck Bucks for purchases in the ballpark.  Throughout the night, families can take part in a variety of fun and interactive education booths, experience the entertainment of “Balloons with a Twist,” receive numerous giveaways and have a chance to win a bike from Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle.

STOP-DWI needs your help to cheer on Brooke Jarkiewicz and Grace Shepard as they throw out the first pitch of the game.  Brooke and Grace are 2022 graduates of Byron-Bergen who have actively participated in the annual STOP-DWI poster contest throughout all of their high school years.  This dynamic duo has collaborated each year on their submissions successfully garnering multiple awards and recognition with each entry but more importantly, they helped raise awareness to the dangers of impaired driving. 

Grace Shepard

The Genesee County Youth Bureau has 500 free tickets available for youth and their families.  Get your tickets by calling 585-344-3960.  Any remaining tickets will be available the night of the event at the STOP-DWI booth outside the main gate. 

Join us for a great night at the Ballpark and remember impaired driving is completely preventable.  All it takes is a little planning.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the game starts at 7:05 p.m. 

Event sponsors and contributors: GCASA, Kiwanis Club of Batavia, NY Association of Chiefs of Police, Red Osier Landmark, Salmon Orthodontics, US Gypsum Co., WNY Association of Chiefs of Police,  Batavia Police Benevolent Association, Chapin Manufacturing, Lions Club of Batavia, Marchese Computers, Polish Falcons Nest #493, and Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle.

Genesee Community College is proud to announce the appointment of David Hagelberger to the College's Board of Trustees, effective April 27, 2022, through June 30, 2025.

Mr. Hagelberger earned an AAS in Electronic Communications degree from SUNY Alfred State and a BSEE from SUNY University at Buffalo. He began his career as a design engineer working on U.S. Military Defense projects for Sierra Research Corporation in Buffalo, New York. He worked for the company through several ownership changes in various leadership positions for 44 years, retiring in 2012.

Mr. Hagelberger has a long history of public service. In 1998 he was appointed to the Town of Darien Planning Board and soon became the chairman. In 2003 he was elected Town of Darien Supervisor and re-elected to three additional terms, retiring in 2019. During that period, he was a member of the Genesee Association of Municipalities and served as their representative for various committees.

Mr. Hagelberger and his family have resided in Darien since 1973 where he and his wife raised their three children. Since then, their family has grown to include four grandchildren. The ten-member Genesee Community College Board of Trustees is the governing body of Genesee Community College. Trustees are volunteers. Five members are appointed by the Genesee County Legislature; four by the Governor; and one, a student trustee is selected by the student body.

Press release:

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee has announced an agency-wide effort to collect personal care items that will be distributed to community members when they are facing an immediate need.

The agency will be collecting personal and household items such as deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products and toiletries for the entire month of July. These items will be used to assist those facing emergencies such as fires, domestic violence, job loss, and more.

Donations can be made in person at:

5073 Clinton Street Road,
Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 343-7798

For additional information, or to make a financial contribution, please visit our website at www.caoginc.org. 

Press release:

Pembroke Dragons 10U secured the All-Star Championship Wednesday evening with a 7-6 victory over Pavilion.

The undefeated #1 seed held home-field advantage at Pembroke Town Park.

Pitchers Connor and Carter Lang split the game with three innings a piece.

Jackson Loggins hit a solo home run and Cooper Senko stole home, boosting the team’s offensive play.

Ryder Metz contributed defensively with a huge catch in left field and Lukey Windnagle played a solid game behind the plate.

Carter Lang locked in the win with a walk-off single sending Owen Williams home.

Pembroke’s All-Star team included Connor Lang, Carter Lang, Owen Williams, Lukey Windnagle, Cade Weatherbee, Cooper Senko, Chase Henskee, Harlan Campbell, Simeon Calderon, Michael Gorski, Ethan Fancher, Ryder Metz, Lincoln Metz and Jackson Loggins.

This year’s coaches included Daniel Lang, Troy Williams, Luke Windnagle and Lyndsay Weatherbee.

Submitted photo

Press release:

Six Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded to members of the Batavia Rotary Club during its annual Awards Night in June.  The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation and was started in 1957.  Our club contributes to the Foundation on behalf of members who exhibit outstanding service to RI and our club. 

Our 2022 recipients were introduced by the Foundation President Jay Gsell:

Jamie Mott, a member since 2015.  Jamie has filled a number of roles, most recently handling the budgeting and books as club treasurer. You can see Jamie pitching mulch at Rotary Park or flipping pancakes at the Fly-In breakfast.

Marlin Salmon, who joined Rotary in Batavia in 1981, then spent some years in the LeRoy Club, before returning to the fold in Batavia. He has been serving as our club president during the Rotary year that ended June 30.  Under Marlin's leadership, we returned to many of our traditional activities, including in-person meetings, several fundraisers that were disrupted by covid, and service projects in our community.

Laurie Mastin joined Rotary in 2003, served as our president during the club's centennial year, was secretary this year and co-chaired the very successful Corvette Raffle fundraiser.  She is a multiple PH Fellow.

Chris White, a member since 2013, Chris chairs the hardest working committee in our club:  the Flags and Flowers sale.  He also chairs the ever-vigilant Membership Committee. 

Sharon Kubiniec, who joined us in 2010. One of her first Rotary roles was as a beer wench in our production of Oliver, when our club produced annual Broadway shows as community events and fundraisers.  Since that time, she has tirelessly volunteered for many committees and projects, plus serving on the Board. 

Mike Kubiniec, who is probably the only Batavian who recruited his father to join the club.  Mike came on board in 1995, then convinced his dad, Conrad, to also become a member.  Past president, club secretary and one of Santa's elves are just a few of the roles Mike has contributed.  He and his wife, Sharon, are multiple PH Fellows.

Congrats to all recipients for their lasting contributions to our club through their boundless ideas, activities and energy.

Press release:

The Haxton Memorial Library had its Summer Reading Kick-off Carnival on Thursday, June 30th from 6:30-8:00 at Triangle Park in Oakfield.

This year’s theme is “Oceans of Possibilities” and our Carnival consisted of kiddie games, face painting, beachballs, popcorn, ocean gummy treats and the Aquarium of Niagara brought a touch tank for the children to enjoy.

“We had over 200 people attend this event, which is an amazing turnout and we know this is a great start to our Summer Reading Program”, said Kim Gibson, Library Manager for the Haxton Memorial Library. Our Summer Reading Program starts on July 5th and goes until Aug. 15th. Throughout this 6-week program our readers of all ages can participate in our programs and win prizes and more importantly read for fun!

“We love to see the excitement in our young reader’s faces when they return to the library to share how many minutes that they have read that week. “Seeing their love for reading and their joy of coming into the library, reassures us we are setting the foundation for all our future young readers and that makes all the difference in the world to us.”

Press release:

Madisonation was created to raise awareness and funds for other children and families fighting their battle against cancer. Madisonation has raised over $71,000 over the last 10 years for families and organizations. Previous recipients include: Golisanos Childrens Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Make A Wish Foundation, Michael Napoleone Foundation and several families whose children were battling cancer.

This year we will be partnering with Joe and Meaghan Suhr to organize and provide Christmas bags and presents for Western New York children in area hospitals battling pediatric cancer. Please help us put a smile on the faces of these warriors during what’s supposed to be the happiest time of the year. Thank you for your support for such a great cause.

Please come and join us in our fight against childhood cancer and help raise funds for such a worthy cause. Please join us on August 28, 2022 for our 11th annual Madisonation "Never Give Up" Golf Tournament. The event will be held at LeRoy Country Club in LeRoy, NY. It will be a 4-man best ball tournament for $400 per team which includes, 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, dinner, raffles, silent auction, hole contests and lots of fun, not to mention supporting a great cause.

Please contact Kevin Muckle at 585-300-7499 or Jen Moore at 585-300-8440 for more information or to register. Any donations can be mailed to Madisonation, 30 Lake St, LeRoy, NY 14482.

Press Release

To all motorists, a portion of Richmond Avenue in the City of Batavia will be closed two days this week for road construction between Redfield Parkway and Park Road. The closure will occur between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and is to be re-opened after those time periods each night.

Motorists looking to access Park Road are asked to approach from the North at the intersection of Park Road and Veteran’s Memorial Drive.

If there are any questions concerning this work, please, contact The Town of Batavia Highway Department at (585) 343-1729, Extension 218.

Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

The Hope Center of Le Roy announced today that Diane Sia has been hired as the Director of Development. The Director of Development is responsible for the overall operation of the Hope Center which offers free programs and services to the community such as the Fresh Start Tutoring program for children.

“We are delighted to have Diane on board,” said Board Member Bill Friedman. “She has the right personality and skillset to work with our program directors and volunteers, as well as with community and business leaders, to advance the growing activities and services we provide to the families in our region.” 

Diane brings a wealth of knowledge from the nonprofit sector, having recently served as the Director of Development for Crossroads House, Batavia. With more than twenty years of experience in management support roles including three years in administrative nonprofit responsibilities, she helped the home meet its financial objectives by overseeing fundraisers, business appeals, and their annual campaign. She directed marketing and promotions, edited their biannual newsletter, and managed multiple special projects while continuing to build a strong relational network.

Henry Moore, Board Member, and the Hope Center’s former Executive Director said, “A major part of Diane’s role will be to establish solid relationships with the families who receive our services, our staff and volunteers, business sponsors, community members, schools, and churches. We are confident she will excel in enhancing each of these important connections.”

“I am so happy to join the dedicated staff and volunteers at the Hope Center and to be a part of its vision for the future,” Sia said. “I am excited to contribute to the organization’s efforts to address community needs by focusing on program development, financial stability, and relational health,” she added.

With expertise in communications, marketing, and management, Diane previously worked as the Store Employment Associate for Tops Market and as the Financial Records Control Clerk for LeRoy Central School. Diane lives in LeRoy with her husband, David.

Press release:

The Batavia Society of Artists is hosting artist Kevin Feary in a Plein Art Painting (painting outdoors) demonstration on Tuesday, July 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. 

The demonstration will be held at Karen's Yarn, Paper and Scissors, in the back yard, at 550 E. Main St., Batavia. Bring a lawn chair. 

Non-members are welcome for a $5 fee.

Kevin will base a quick demo on how to capture light effects through observing how the light hits a bush or potted plant or some other simple object. There will be something in Karen's backyard we can use to get sunlight where he can demonstrate how the light hits an object and how we can create an impression of that on our canvas.  He will also try to demonstrate how to paint scrub and weeds to add interest. People can bring their paint gear and give it a try, kind of like a short class, hands-on thing.

Kevin will do his best to keep it quick so people can try it if they want.

Press release:

As part of its mission to understand and bring focus to health equity, Common Ground Health is launching its My Health Story 2022 survey. Residents of Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties are invited to answer questions about their health by completing the online survey at MyHealthStory2022.org and MiHistoriadeSalud2022.org.

The goal is to provide a vehicle for at least 10,000 respondents to share their health stories, especially under-resourced communities and individuals whose stories are often left out of efforts like these. Survey responses will help deepen understanding of the dynamics that drive health equity, and reveal where program and policy changes could make our communities healthier. The survey will be open throughout the summer.

“Four years ago, Common Ground Health conducted the My Health Story 2018 survey, which led to a host of insights that were published in health equity reports such as Overloaded and The Color of Health,” said Mary Beer, Ontario County public health director. “These learnings also formed the foundations of health improvement plans developed by local health departments.”

“We look forward to hearing the health stories of our community – especially in this critical moment as we emerge from COVID-19,” said Wade Norwood, CEO of Common Ground Health. “Our 2022 survey delves into the key factors that play an outsized role in determining people’s health including housing and transportation and examines the direct impact on health throughout all stages of life. We believe these findings will be key to understanding what services our community needs in the coming years.”

In 2018, nearly 7,000 residents participated in the survey. Key findings included:

• Housing impacts health in many ways. People who are stressed about housing payments are more likely to have health problems.
• Early death rates are as high in some rural communities as they are in poorer urban neighborhoods.
• African Americans struggle with dramatically higher rates of heart disease than other groups.
• Residents with the lowest incomes had three times the feelings of helplessness verses their higher-income peers. 

By the time the survey closes, we will have introduced new accessibility and inclusion features to reach even more residents in the community. “For the findings to be meaningful, participation is needed from as many residents as possible,” explained Norwood. “We encourage everyone to share the link with friends, family and colleagues. Everyone’s story can make a difference.”

Participants can complete the survey anonymously. It is available in English at MyHealthStory2022.org, and in Spanish at MiHistoriadeSalud2022.org. An ASL version of the survey will be available soon. A toolkit to share word about the survey is available here.

Press release:

Mary Todd Lincoln to visit Richmond Memorial Library

Richmond Memorial Library is pleased to host librarian Laura Keyes of Historic Voices as she portrays Mary Todd Lincoln on Saturday, July 16 at 2 pm. The program will take place in the Reading Room and is free to attend. All are welcome!

Mary Todd Lincoln lived a life filled with triumphs and tragedies but few people know her story. Now, librarian Laura Keyes shares Mary’s story in an entertaining and educational program entitled “Mrs. Lincoln in Love,” which is set on January 31^st 1862, when Mrs. Lincoln and her family are settled comfortably in the Executive Mansion. Visiting with ladies during Afternoon Tea, Mrs. Lincoln reflects on the Loves of her Life – her children, her husband, and her country. She even shares some of Mr. Lincoln’s love letters to her! Learn how Mary’s knowledge of both politics and social customs made it possible for a backwoods frontier attorney to achieve the highest office in the land.

Laura Keyes graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Master’s Degree in Library Studies and is Director of the Dunlap Public Library. Laura is a lifetime member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters, and in 2017 won the Mary Todd Lincoln Oratory Contest at the Lincoln Days celebration in Hodgenville, KY.

For more about Laura Keyes, visit www.LauraFKeyes.com or visit her Facebook at facebook.com/HistoricVoices. Find more programs and events at Richmond Memorial Library at batavialibrary.org/calendar. Summer Reading programs for children, teens, and adults are now in full swing! Visit the library or the website for more information.

Photo via LauraFKeyes.com 

Press release:

Northgate Church is hosting a children’s summer camp, On The Case, July 11-15. 

This week-long camp will be structured for children ages 3-9.

Kids Camp will run Monday through Thursday, July 11-14 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Friday, July 15 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) with lunch provided.

The camp will take place at Northgate’s North Campus located at 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia.

The cost per camper is $125 with a subsequent discount for multiple children. 

Pre-registration is required.

Applications and cost descriptions are available here: ​​https://northgatefmc.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1300091. 

Scholarships are available.

If you have any questions about the camp, please email leah@northgatefmc.com or visit northgatefmc.com