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Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider O-AT-KA Milk Products LLC’s 3,200 sq. ft. facility expansion in the town of Batavia at its board meeting on Thursday, June 2, 2022.

The proposed $3.1 million investment will house two new 18,000-gallon tanks to increase the capacities of cream-based liquor beverages and future expansions. The project is proposing to create two new jobs at a leading employer in Genesee County’s food and beverage manufacturing ecosystem.

O-AT-KA Milk Products has been a part of the Genesee County community since 1959. Some of their products include dairy-based beverages, evaporated milk, butter, milk powder, and other dairy products. 

“We are pleased to see O-AT-KA Milk Products’ continued growth and increasing capacity for value-added products,” said GCEDC President & CEO Steve Hyde. “The success of O-AT-KA Milk Products and our entire food and beverage cluster has produced outstanding benefits to our agricultural community and the nearly 1,000 workers employed in Batavia, the Dairy Hub of the Northeast.”

O-AT-KA Milk Products, LLC has requested approximately $208,109 in property, sales, and mortgage tax. The project is estimated to generate $3.5 million of local economic benefits over 10 years, equal to $27 dollars in economic activity for every $1 of public investment.

A public hearing for the initial application was held in the town of Batavia on May 23.

The June 2, 2022, GCEDC Board meeting will be held remotely at 4 p.m. A livestream and on-demand recording of the meeting also will be available at www.gcedc.com.

Press release:

Representatives from Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel and the Ricky Palermo foundation today donated over 3,300 tickets to the Genesee County Veterans Service Agency for the upcoming concerts at Batavia Downs.

The first concert, featuring Bruce in the USA, the World’s #1 Tribute to Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, will take place on Friday, June 10^th.  100% of the proceeds from ticket sales, chair rental and raffles that day will go to the Ricky Palmero Foundation for Spinal Cord Research.  The fifth Rockin’ the Downs concert series, presented by Pepsi, will start the following week on Friday, June 17^th.

“We are happy to extend these complimentary tickets to our local veterans, “said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs and a retired member of the US Navy.  “We thank all the men and women of the Armed Forces for all that they have done and continue to do for our great nation.”

“Our Ricky Palermo Foundation has worked with many veterans and veteran agencies throughout the years,” said Ricky Palermo, President and CEO of the Ricky Palermo Foundation.  “Just like Batavia Downs has done in years past, we too wanted to extend complimentary tickets to our concert for area Veterans to thank them for their service.”

“We are grateful to receive tickets for all 11 concerts, said William Joyce, Director of the Veterans Service Agency of Genesee County.  “Our area Veterans love going to the concerts and we are pleased to be able to extend this opportunity to them once again.”

Tickets can be purchased to all Batavia Downs Events including the Ricky Palmero Charity Concert at BataviaConcerts.com

About Batavia Downs/WROTB
Western Region Off-Track Betting Corporation is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia, NY. WROTB owns and operates 10 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility. Since its inception, Western Region OTB has generated over $232 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of participating municipalities.

About The Ricky Palermo Foundation
When we first started our foundation, we started small, hosting a cut-a-thon and selling T-shirts that raised a total of five thousand dollars for The Miami Project. In 1996, with the help of my family and close friends, we started The Ricky Palermo Spinal Injury Golf Tournament. Our first year we set a goal to raise five thousand dollars. By the end of the day we had raised eleven thousand, exceeding our goal by over fifty percent. Fast forward to today, our tournament is one of the largest in Western New York with 200 plus golfers, raffles, fun, and even a helicopter golf ball drop. Our foundation has grown into more than just raising awareness and money. We have annual comedy shows, soccer, basketball and lacrosse clinics, and dinners with both live and silent auctions. In 25 years, we have donated $1.7 million to our community and to research at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.

About the Veterans Service Agency of Genesee County
The Veterans Service Agency of Genesee County Provides services for veterans and their families.   We assist with filing claims and obtaining psychological, employment, and financial counseling.  We also offer assistance in military review of discharges and in obtaining New York State benefits.  Services are free to veterans, spouses, widows, and children of veterans.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Women’s Republican Club is hosting their Annual Spring Breakfast on Saturday, June 4, 2022. The breakfast will be at LeRoy Country Club starting at 10 am. The cost is $25. Reservations and payments may be made to:

GCWRC
PO Box 672
Stafford, NY 14143
Venmo also accepted at: @GCWRC
Questions may be sent to: 1GCWRC@gmail.com

The guest speakers include Senator George Borrello, the next  state senator for this area. Assemblyman Steve Hawley will be attending. This is a great opportunity to hear about the new district maps and what the changes mean for our concerns and representation at the state and national levels.

Press release:

Cub Scouts from Pack 6069 and Boy Scout Troop 6069 placed flags in front of the headstones of veterans at the Batavia Historical Cemetery on Thursday, May 26th.   The Troop has been working with the cemetery's historical society several years on this project.  It is a pleasure for the Scouts to provide this service to their community.  Pack 6069 Committee Chairman Brown made sure to take the Cub Scouts to the grave site of Samuel Wood who is buried there.   Sam Wood is the name sake of Iroquois Trail Council's Cub Scout Resident Camp located in Pike, NY.  Sam Wood was the first Eagle Scout recorded in Genesee County.  Boy Scout Troop 6069 is chartered through the 1st Presbyterian Church in Batavia, and Cub Scout Pack 6069 meets at Jackson Primary School.

Girl Scouts of Western New York (GSWNY) is proud to announce 2 Girl Scouts in Genesee and Livingston Counties as the 2022 recipients of the Girl Scout Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the most prestigious award in the world for girls and acknowledges the power behind each recipient’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself but also to making the world a better place for others. These young women are courageous leaders and visionary change-makers.

The Gold Award project is the culmination of all the work a girl puts into “going for the Gold.” The project should fulfill a need within a girl’s community (whether local or global) and create change that has the potential to be ongoing or sustainable. Approximately 80 hours of community service are involved in the project.

Completion of the Gold Award also qualifies the Girl Scout for special scholarship opportunities and she can enlist in the military at a higher starting pay grade. In total, 36 girl scouts across the Western New York region will be presented with the 2022 Gold Award on Saturday, June 4, 2022.  For more information on the Girl Scout Gold Award, https://www.gswny.org/en/our-program/highest-awards/gold-award.html.

Girl Scouts of Western New York is proud to announce Laci Sewar of Elba, NY, as a 2022 Gold Award Girl Scout. Laci is a member of Troop 42222.

What Laci said about Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts has brought me some good lessons and fun memories. I have been a Girl Scout for 13 years and that came with a lot of work from me. I learned basic life skills from going to camp in my younger years which was fun and I kind of want to go back. I got some nice memories that I still haven’t forgotten from that place. I live my life by the Girl Scout Promise and Law. I do those things on a daily basis which makes me the type of person I am today. As I got into my older years of Girl Scouting, doing the budgeting badges and things have helped me balance my money with college coming up and work. I may not seem like it, but I do appreciate my mom for pushing me to stay in all these years, so thank you!

Project: Stations of the Cross Program

For my Gold Award project, I renovated the wooden Stations of the Cross located outside of the Elba church next to the school. I obtained new wooden plaques and stained/sanded/sealed them. I also polished up the old brass plaques that would then be put on the wooden plaques.

I created a program for children in grades 3-6 about the Stations of the Cross. The program included a matching game, word searches, a prayer for each station, and a laminated paper with a description of each station. I obtained materials needed to make my project successful from Home Depot and my home from my dad’s shop. The purpose of my project was to strengthen children’s understanding of the Stations of the Cross. My project will allow the teachers of the Faith Formation classes to continue to use my resources to teach their classes. 

Submitted photos of Laci Sewar

Press release:

With the support of Rochester Regional Health and a multitude of local, caring churches and organizations, GLOW OUT! will kick off Pride Month with a variety of youth-centered events on June 1 in Batavia.

Festivities begin at 3:30 pm at the Jerome Center’s War Memorial with a youth-created and youth-led Opening Ceremony featuring the Pride Flag being raised to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” and hearing from youth what Pride means to them.

LGBTQ+ youth and their allies (ages 12-21) are then invited to GO Art! from 4:00 to 6:00 pm for their Drop-In Center which provides a safe space to share challenges and triumphs, meet new friends, and get ready for Pride. Visitors also have the opportunity to meet with a team of informed and supportive medical professionals from UMMC's Batavia Primary Care’s Family Medicine Doctors who are ready to answer questions and provide resources before summer starts.

The fun continues from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Batavia’s First Presbyterian where a number of churches and organizations are throwing a big, fabulous Block Party featuring the Ice Cream and Chill Truck, rock painting, tie-dying, and tons of family fun! Feeling extra festive? Then come dressed in your ultimate Pride outfit, ready to dance, be fabulous, and win some really great prizes! During this time GLOW OUT! will also announce their Rainbow Court made up of the youth leaders for the upcoming year. These five superstars represent youth from three counties who work hard in their high school GSAs (Gender and Sexuality Alliances), and have been selected to share their talents in education, social justice, fundraising, social media, and activity planning. They will be creating meaningful and engaging events for the region’s LGBTQ+ in the year ahead and celebrating in the Pride Parade. We hope you join us in announcing and congratulating them! All ages are
welcome.

GLOW OUT! is thrilled to be starting our festivities with immense community support! Your appreciation and support of the LGBTQ+ population and the need to protect our youth has never been clearer. We thank you for your support! As the youth reminds us in their choice of songs, we’re all born beautiful!

• I'm beautiful in my way because God makes no mistakes
• I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way
• Don't hide yourself in regret, just love yourself, and you're set
• I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way

Pride Kick-Off events are free and open to the public. Please visit www.glowout.org for more information about the organization and upcoming Pride events, including the Parade and Festival taking place on June 11 in Batavia.

Press release:

On Monday, May 30 at 10 a.m., Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden are to meet at the Peace Garden to dedicate the newest addition, a 6ft replica of Lady Liberty.  The statue was obtained through Don Barone at Superior Garden Decor and sponsored by Ken Barrett Chevrolet, Cadillac, Inc. of Batavia.     

The original statue that stands in New York Harbor was a gift to the United States by the people of France in 1886, designed by French Sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi.  She is one of the most recognizable figures in the world and is a single symbol of hope and spirit.  Just as she stands tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, a replica of Lady Liberty will now greet visitors to the Batavia Peace Garden for current and future generations.

In 1986 The Statue of Liberty was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was described by UNESCO as “a masterpiece of the human spirit” that “endures as a highly potent symbol-inspiring contemplation, debate and protest-of ideals such as liberty, peace, human rights, abolition of slavery, democracy and opportunity.”

Barb Toal “The Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden believe this icon represents many of these same ideals and will be a welcoming reminder to visitors.  Future plans for the Batavia Peace Garden include expansion and the addition of more symbols of hope and peace.”

For updates visit bataviapeacegarden.com.  Volunteers are always welcome and very much needed. Contact Paula Savage for details (585) 343-2387.

Press release:

Ascension Parish and Resurrection Parish will be joining forces to provide faith formation to the children and families of our parishes!  This is an exciting and needed opportunity to tap and combine the strengths and resources of both our parish--and we need YOU!

To kick of this exciting venture, there will be a special Mass on Sunday,  June 12 at 9:15 at St. Mary's Church, concelebrated by both Father Ivan and Father Dave.  Following Mass, there will be coffee and donuts in the church hall for all returning, new catechists, and anyone interested in supporting this fundamental program of our faith) so we can begin to share ideas!

If you cannot join us, perhaps you can tap someone on the shoulder who you think would make a great catechist!

If you have any questions, please contact us below:

• Jason Smith, Resurrection Parish,resurrectionff14020@yahoo.com
• Ann Pratt, Ascension Parish.  mpg1731@gmail.com

Thank you for considering...
Ann Pratt, Ascension Parish
Jason Smith, Resurrection Parish

Press release:

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia is pleased to once again to honor several members of our local law enforcement community.  The Club has a long history of recognizing outstanding contributions by members of the police and criminal justice system in keeping our community safe.  

This year the Kiwanis Club of Batavia will recognize members of the Batavia Police Department, Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, Genesee Justice, and the Oakfield Town Court during a noontime luncheon held Wednesday, June 1 at Go Art.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C, I-Batavia) is announcing the resumption of his Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., taking place from Sept. 15 to 18, where veterans and their family members are hosted on a tour throughout the area to visit many historical sites and landmarks erected to pay tribute to their service to America. This year’s trip will feature stops at war memorials and other notable locations throughout the DC area, including the Arlington National Cemetery, as well as the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War memorials. The trip also stops in Gettysburg.

Participation in the trip is open to all military veterans and their family members and will cost between $400-500 per person. Those interested in participating in this year’s trip are encouraged to reach out to Assemblyman Hawley’s district office at 585-589-5780 for more details.

“Every year, taking veterans to the memorials built to honor their service is one of the most fulfilling experiences I partake in, and I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to do it again this year,” said Hawley. “Our veterans are the reason we are able to peacefully enjoy all this country has to offer, so it’s been my honor to take them to see some of the most awe-inspiring, historical places in our nation over the years.”

Submitted photo: Hawley stands alongside veterans at the Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C. during the 12th Patriot Trip in 2019.

Press release:

The Genesee County STOP-DWI Coordinator announced today that Genesee County law enforcement agencies, including the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of LeRoy Police Department will be participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.

The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign will start Thursday, May 27, 2022 and will continue thru Tuesday, May 31, 2022.  Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel holidays and marks the official start of summer.  New York State Police, County Sheriffs, municipal law enforcement agencies, and local STOP-DWI programs will be collaborating in force across the state in an effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related injuries and deaths.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have made great strides in reducing the number of alcohol and drug-related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers.

You can make a difference by having a sober plan to get a safe ride because impaired driving is completely preventable – all it takes is a little planning.  Visit www.stopdwi.org for more information. 

Press release:

On Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. in the Richard C. Call Arena, the Genesee Community College's Fifth Annual Employees Serving Beyond Expectations ceremony formally honored the many outstanding achievements of GCC's faculty and staff. Among the highest honors were recognizing the recipients of the prestigious 2022 State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor's Award for Excellence, which includes the following:

Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching

~ Rachel A. Czechonski, Adjunct Instructor

Award for Excellence in Classified Service

~ Florence A. Radley, Financial Aid Clerk Typist

Award for Excellence in Faculty Service

~ Karen K. Wicka, Esq., Criminal Justice Professor

Award for Excellence in Professional Service

~ Thomas W. Kinsey, Institutional Research and Planning Reporting Analyst

Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities

~ Lina M. LaMattina, Ed. D., Director of Business Programs, Assistant Professor

"The past few years at Genesee Community College have been unlike any other years we have been through.," GCC's President James M. Sunser said. "Like our students, GCC faculty and staff have continually adapted to provide the best possible campus environment. For that reason, it is important for all of us to recognize our achievements in serving beyond expectations."

In addition to the SUNY Chancellors Awards, the "Serving Beyond Expectations" Ceremony also recognized 31 employees with extensive years of service with benchmarks of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service to the College. The College also recognized individuals in seven unique categories of service known as the "Cougar Awards," which were awarded in the following areas:

Innovation Award - recognizes one who's implemented idea made a positive impact on GCC

~ Karlyn M. Backus, Registrar

Cougar Salute - honors a supervisor or manager consistently demonstrating GCC's core values

~ Shelitha W. Williams, Vice President for Student & Enrollment Services

Inclusive Excellence Award - commends a significant role in embracing the diversity, equity and inclusiveness of the campus community

~ Madeline E. Reichler, Community, Equity & Diversity Specialist

Rookie of the Year Award - acknowledges the outstanding achievements of a new staff member

~ Allison McAdoo, Student Financial Services Advisor

Spirit and Community Award - celebrates exemplary school spirit

~ Deborah A. Erion, Student Success Coach

President's Award - distinguishes the efforts and services of an individual in support of the college's mission and strategic priorities

~ Macy A. Reyngoudt, Counselor

Teamwork Award - praises superior performance by a department or cross-functional team

~ Campus Safety - Erik L. Anderson, Alex C. Brownlie, David P. Childs, Gregg A. Evans, Edgardo Guzman, Randal J. Henning, Brenda D. Hoffman-Case, David J. Lester, Joseph D. Meacham, Elizabeth A. Mills, Allison R. Parente, Daniel J. Wendling, Hunter S. Webster, and Stephen P. Wise

The Cougar Award nominees were kept secret until the awards ceremony and recipients were named live during the event.

Seven retirees, who retired after September 1, 2021, were acknowledged by the President. They include: Ricky Bezon, Michele Bokman, Donna Ehrhart, Daniel Hoffman, Raymond Strzelecki, Gail Schnabl and Eileen Wekenmann.

Lastly, but no less important, the "Serving Beyond Expectations" Ceremony recognizes the numerous accomplishments and contributions made by GCC's faculty and staff throughout the past academic year. The number and breadth of these achievements exemplify the quality and compassion that seems near-endemic across all departments and divisions at GCC. Thirty-nine members of GCC's staff, and many of them with multiple honors and recognitions, are listed under the general Awards category. From Athletic Director of the Year to professional association officers, to serving as a presenter or a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, from furthering their own education to membership on local community committees and boards, and even a costume designer-GCC employees are an active collection of top-notch professionals motivated by passion, patriotism and the idea of making the community a better place to live and work.

Photo: The 2022 SUNY Chancellor Award winners are Rachel A. Czechonski, Karen K. Wicka, Esq., Florence A. Radley, and Thomas W. Kinsey. Absent: Lina M. LaMattina, Ed. D. Photo, courtesy of GCC

Press release:

June 28 Primary Election Information and Deadlines;

On June 28, there will be a primary election for Governor in both the Republican and Democratic parties. There will also be a primary election contest for Lt. Governor just on the Democratic line. Only Republicans and Democrats are eligible to participate, as NY State is a closed primary state.

Early Voting There will be nine days of early voting beginning June 18 – June 26 at the ARC Community Center, 38 Woodrow Rd., Batavia, NY 14020. Schedule as follows:

Saturday, June 18            9:00 AM—5:00 PM
Sunday, June 19               9:00 AM—5:00 PM
Monday, June 20              9:00 AM—5:00 PM
Tuesday, June 21            12:00 PM—8:00 PM
Wednesday, June 22      12:00 PM—8:00 PM
Thursday, June 23            9:00 AM—5:00 PM
Friday, June 24                 9:00 AM—5:00 PM
Saturday, June 25             9:00 AM—5:00 PM
Sunday, June 26               9:00 AM—5:00 PM

All polling sites will be open on June 28^th from 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Check your poll-site at
https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/ 

or call Genesee County Board of Elections at (585) 815-7804

Absentee Ballot Information Call the Board of Elections to request an absentee ballot or use the NY State Portal; https://absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov/. The last day for the Board of Elections to receive an absentee ballot application is June 13. The last day to apply in person is June 27, and the ballot must be received at the poll site or Board of Elections no later than 9:00 p.m. on June 28. The last day to postmark the ballot is June 28, and the Board of Election must receive it by July 5.

Registration Deadlines June 3^rd is the last day to register to be eligible to vote in the June 28 primary election. Registration forms can be found here; https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/elections/index.php.

If you have any questions, requests for registration forms, or absentee applications, please call Genesee County Board of Elections at (585) 815-7804 or visit our website -  https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/elections/index.php.

Election Workers, Please call the Board of Elections if you are interested in serving as an election worker. Paid training and competitive compensation are included in these crucial positions.

The Batavia Development Corporation (BDC) Board voted to hire Tammy Hathaway as the organization’s new director today at their May meeting.

Tammy has been well-known in the Batavia community as the Executive Director of the United Way of Genesee County. Her experiences in partnering with the City of Batavia including serving on the City’s Planning and Development Committee, currently is a member of the Batavia Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners, previously was a member of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative Committee and working with city management on the 485-r legislation exemption.

With a career history proficient in lending and grant administration, Tammy comes to the BDC with various skills to successfully collaborate with businesses to further the organization’s mission within the City of Batavia. She has a secure foothold in our community and has established strong core relationships throughout the City of Batavia and Genesee County.

“Tammy brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for our community that will help advance the BDC’s mission to improve the quality of life in the City of Batavia through a number of economic development collaborations, programs, and initiatives,” said Lori Aratari, President of the BDC.  “We are very excited to welcome her and look forward to her leadership.”

“On behalf of the city we are excited to work with Tammy in this new position and have confidence that as a city resident, she understands the needs of both the business community and residents alike,” said Rachael J. Tabelski, City of Batavia City Manager.  “Tammy will be coming to the organization with a list of projects to finalize from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and a 2020 Main Street Grant awarded to the City. She will also be responsible for promoting development at the City’s Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) sites and assisting businesses with loans and grants.”

Press release:

The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation Scholarship Awards Dinner will return on Tuesday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m. after a two-year hiatus.

The Foundation is excited to be able to celebrate their heritage together again. It promises to be a wonderful evening of friendship, pride, and, of course, delicious Italian food.

The dinner will be hosted at Terry Hills Restaurant.

Tickets are $35.00 and may be purchased from board members and Ben’s Appliance, East Main St. Batavia. 

The Foundation will also have tickets available to purchase for our Fall 20/20 Raffle, supporting our Senior Scholarships.  Students who received Scholarships in 2020 and 2021 are invited to attend and will receive a complimentary dinner ticket and recognition.  Please contact Michele Fuller at (585) 750-6350.

The Foundation is pleased to honor our 2022 Outstanding Italian-American  Ray San Fratello at this year's awards.

Outstanding Italian-American 2022 - Ray  San Fratello
After graduation from Notre Dame High School, Ray earned a degree from Erie County Technical Institute and Buffalo State University with majors in Metallurgy, Chemistry and Psychology.

Ray was also a graduate of the University of Delaware, where he studied US Chamber Institutes for Organizational Management. He also completed the Dale Carnegie course.

Ray worked as the City of Batavia's Assistant Recreation Director and was the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce president. He also worked at the South Lake Chamber of Commerce in Clermont, Fla.

Ray was a member of St. Anthony’s Church, attended St. Anthony’s School
and attributes his strong faith in God for his accomplishments and desire to
volunteer and make a difference.

Ray performed community service in both New York and Florida.

In New York, Ray is a Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation member and was a former member of the St. Nicholas Social Club.

Ray’s community service in New York was extensive. It included: Batavia Area Jaycees, Notre Dame High School Foundation Board, Leadership Genesee Steering Committee, “Genesee 2000” Strategic Plan Task Force, Batavia Development Corp. Board of Directors, Director of City of Batavia Men’s Softball League, Girls Youth Fast Pitch Softball Coach, Boys Youth Hockey coach, Business Education Alliance Board of Directors, GLOW Counties-School to Work Program Board of Directors and Chamber Alliance of NYS Board of Directors.

In Florida, Ray’s community service continued with Blessed Sacrament Church, Habitat for Humanity, Little League, and United Chambers of Commerce.

Ray feels strongly it was growing up in Batavia in a neighborhood composed of large Italian and Polish close-knit families like his. The Italian and Polish cultures “that rooted us together, taught me the importance of family -- immediate as well as extended -- how to be resilient, believe in team spirit, and to realize and appreciate how much was given to us and how we need to pay that forward to keep the spirit of our parents and grandparents alive through the generations” that guided him through the years.

Alexandria Root
Alexandria Root, a senior at Hilton High School, daughter of Joel and Roxanne Root of Churchville.   Alexandria’s grandparents are Diane Beradini Martino and the late Carmine ( Jerry) Martino of Batavia. 

Alexandria plans to major in biology at Nazareth College with a minor in dance.   Her goal is to attend medical school and study Neurosurgery.

Alexandria has been awarded Academic Merit Honor Roll maintaining a GPA of 95 or above for four years of High School, the President's Education Award, Salutatory Honor Group, National Honor Society, and  Spanish Honor Society.  She participated in the International Club, the After School Book Club, and Environmental Club.

Her volunteer hours consist of being an altar server at her church, St. Vincent DePaul, and has assisted in children’s liturgy for 8th thru 10th graders.  She was involved in the Best Buddies program.  She is presently running the library at the family services division at Monroe County Probation, Dancing for a Cause with churches and special events, assisting at her dance studio, and classroom assistant at Village Elementary School.

Alexandria's values were acquired in an Italian-American household.

“I have a strong work ethic and desire to succeed in all aspects of my life," she said. "I have witnessed my family working incredibly hard to live a fulfilling life."

Matthew Smith
Matthew Smith, son of Jason and Lori Smith, Grandson of Mary Calarco-Smith and James Smith. 

A senior at Batavia High School, Smith will be attending Nazareth College in the Fall of 2022.  He is enrolled in the physical therapy program at Nazareth College. 

Matthew desires to work at an outpatient clinic and remain local, helping his community after graduation.

Matthew has been actively volunteering in the Batavia community, delivering for Meals on Wheels, and the Link Crew, and teaching second-grade students at Resurrection parish in preparation for Reconciliation.  Matthew also checks in on neighbors to see if they need any assistance.   He volunteered for Make a Difference Day at the local Habitat for Humanity house.

Smith was accepted into the National Honor Society 2019 to present, is vice president of that group, student government from 2019 to present as a class representative.  Matthew has been on the High Honor Roll for four consecutive years, maintaining a 95 percent overall average.

Matt is a member of the varsity program at BHS, which includes cross country, indoor track, golf, and track and field.  A member of Ski Club and Tri-M. He also participates in the Batavia High School Band and Pit Orchestra.

Matthew’s love for his Italian Heritage is proven in his statement, “Growing up Italian is nothing but incredible! I could not imagine not spending as much time with my family as I do!”

Lucia Sprague
Lucia Sprague, a senior at Notre Dame High School, Batavia, ranks 3rd in her class.

Lisa Sprague, Lucia’s mother’s Italian Heritage, is a long line of Rapone’s and Pangrazio’s. They are residents of LeRoy.

 Because of Lucia’s passion for art, she has applied to Colgate University to continue her education as a film/media major

She is a member of the National Honor Society and the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program.  

Lucia has been recognized for leadership at the HOBY Hugh O’Brien Youth conference and the Genesee County Youth Bureau Conference.  She received the Computing Medal of Honor from RIT, Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award, St. Michael’s College Book Award in Academic  Achievement And Social Conference, and U of R Leadership Award.

She has participated in varsity cheerleading, varsity swimming, Student Senate, Genesee County Envirothon Team, chorus, school plays, and Yearbook Club.    Also, she participated in DECA-Region 10 Winner, State Medalist Apparel & Accessories Marketing.

Lucia volunteers for Our Lady of Mercy Parish for various church activities, is a Paulo Busti Cultural Foundation newsletter distributer, and rakes leaves at the local cemetery.

Lucia’s thought of her Italian Heritage is a remembrance from youth when she recalls her family dancing the Tarantella. She said, “I know why my family looked so happy, it was a representation of our culture and everything we’ve learned about our family throughout our lives."

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department will be repairing a service line today at 9 Olyn Ave in the City of Batavia. There is the potential that the water may need to be shut off on Olyn Ave, from Holland Ave to Montclair Ave.

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

Traffic will also be closed down to local traffic only on Olyn Ave, from Holland Ave to Montclair Ave while the repair is being made.

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.