Stories from

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider a final resolution supporting a mixed-use development adding six market-rate units in the town of Pembroke at its board meeting on Thursday, October 7, 2021.

The proposed $1.7 million investment by J&R Fancher Property Holdings LLC would construct a 14,000 sq. ft. two-story building on 2.6 acres at the 67-acre Buffalo East Technology Park. The project would be located adjacent to Yancey’s Fancy’s facilities on Brickhouse Drive.

The 14,000 sq. ft. project includes a 7,000 sq. ft. flexible layout for commercial tenants on the first floor and six 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments on the second floor.

The project has requested $254,336 of sales, mortgage, and property tax assistance. The project is estimated to create a 4-to-1 return on investment for Genesee County in addition to increased commercial and residential benefits in the town of Pembroke.

A public hearing on the proposed agreement will be held at 4 p.m., October 5 at the town of Pembroke offices, 1145 Main Road.

October 7, 2021, the GCEDC Board meeting will take place at 4 p.m. at 99 Med-Tech Drive.  A livestream and on-demand recording of the meeting also will be available at www.gcedc.com.

Press release:

Today, marks the announcement of Arc GLOW, a chapter of The Arc New York. Arc GLOW is the result of 18 months of strategic planning of two successful and long-standing organizations, The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming and Arc of Genesee Orleans.

As a result of this merger, our programs and services will expand to cover four counties. We are a family-founded agency serving individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties. Our four-county service area covers roughly 2,400 square miles—geographically, the largest Arc chapter in New York State and the FIRST four-county chapter. 

As a unified organization, the employees of Arc GLOW will benefit from the collective knowledge and to continue to use the best practices, procedures, and policies that are focused on the people we serve and their families.

Arc GLOW is dedicated to helping people we serve to meet their full potential and find fulfillment in learning, personal relationships, employment, volunteerism, recreation, the arts, and more. We invite you to learn more about us, ask questions and visit our facilities as we put our combined 100-plus years of dedication and experience to work creating a bright and exciting future for our communities.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years—to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.” This year’s campaign, October 3-9th, works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. 

The City of Batavia Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2021 Fire Prevention Week theme.  “It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. When an alarm makes noise—a beeping sound or a chirping sound—you must take action!” said Dan Herberger, Fire Chief. “Make sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond. To learn the sounds of your specific smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, check the manufacturer’s instructions that came in the box, or search the brand and model online.”

The City Batavia Fire Department wants to share safety tips to help you “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”

• A continuous set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
• A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
• All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
• Make sure your smoke and CO alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• The City of Batavia Fire Department is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”, including several presentations at area schools, residences, and the library.

Along with our public events, The City of Batavia Fire Department has a FREE smoke alarm installation program,” said Fire Chief Herberger. “If you do not have a smoke detector or if you are unsure the batteries are working properly, members of the City of Batavia Fire Department will come to your home and ensure that you have a working smoke detector, absolutely free of charge. Call (585) 345-6375 to set up an in-home appointment.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is kicking off a series of visits to local small businesses to commemorate National Women's Small Business Month, starting with a visit to Gilliana's Diner in Batavia. In the weeks to come, Hawley will be visiting other women-owned small businesses in the district throughout October.

Gilliana's Diner is a business opened by local resident Jill Antinore during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawley will be visiting the restaurant on Oct. 2 at 12:30 p.m. to honor Jill Antinore for her community-minded actions and perseverance in opening her business during a challenging period, all while looking out for her neighbors. They will also discuss her experience opening and operating her business, along with the challenges she and her staff have faced along the way.

“The dedication and generosity displayed by Jill Antinore in opening her business amid a pandemic is truly commendable, and her restaurant is the perfect place to start our celebration of National Women's Small Business Month,” said Hawley. “What she has done for the community, even while working to get her restaurant up and running, is truly astounding. I look forward to hearing from her firsthand about how she managed to do so much for so many people.”

Even as they opened their doors during tumultuous times, Jill and her husband worked through nights and early mornings to prepare meals to donate to the United Memorial Medical Center. Not stopping there, the business has continued its generous acts by donating 30 percent of all take-out dinner sales to benefit the Batavia Business & Professional Women's Club, as well as providing scholarships to local youth, and monetary awards to non-profit organizations engaged in bettering the community.

As Hawley continues with his series of visits to other businesses throughout National Women's Small Business Month, he will continue to highlight women-owned businesses that have overcome adversity, gone above and beyond to benefit their community, or have otherwise become famed fixtures within local areas. He will be announcing more of these visits to businesses in the near future.

“In a year that has been challenging for small businesses throughout the state, I am excited to use this opportunity to highlight the hard work and managerial prowess of women who own small businesses in our district,” said Hawley. “They have worked through a pandemic to continue serving their communities, all while adapting to rapidly changing laws and regulations, and that is something truly admirable.”

Press release:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that certain populations receive a booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after the completion of their Pfizer vaccine primary series (two doses). In addition, the CDC recommends that individuals that are in high-risk occupational and institutional settings should also receive a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine.

Based on these recommendations, the following groups should receive a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months after completing their Pfizer vaccine primary series:

• People 65 years and older
• Residents in long-term care settings 
• People aged 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions

The following groups may consider receiving a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months after completing their Pfizer vaccine primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks:

• People aged 18 to 49 who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions
• People aged 18 to 64 who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting

Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are promoting booster shots to those that are eligible beginning the week of October 4th.

“We are prepared to provide booster shots to eligible residents who received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine six months ago, stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and this will help provide these individuals with the extra protection needed against COVID-19.”

Appointments are required for Booster shots. Individuals will self-attest that they fall under one of the above categories to receive a booster shot. At this time, boosters are only recommended for those who have received the Pfizer vaccine for their primary series. The CDC is continuing to evaluate the data to make recommendations for those that received Moderna and Johnson & Johnson for their primary vaccine series.

Wednesday 10/6

12:45pm - 3:30pm

 

Genesee County Health Dept.

3837 W Main Street Rd

Batavia, NY 14020

J&J: Walk-ins & Appt.

http://bit.ly/JanssenGenesee

 

Moderna: Walk-ins and Appt.

http://bit.ly/Moderna1Genesee

 

Pfizer Walk-ins and Appt.

http://bit.ly/Pfizer1Genesee

 

Pfizer Booster: Appointment required https://bit.ly/GeneseePfizerBooster

Thursday 10/7

12:45pm - 3:30pm

Orleans County Health Dept. 14016 State Route 31

Suite101

Albion, NY 14411

J&J: Walk-ins and Appt.

http://bit.ly/JanssenOrleans

 

Moderna: Walk-ins and Appt.

http://bit.ly/Moderna1Orleans

 

Pfizer Walk-ins and Appt.

http://bit.ly/Pfizer1Orleans

 

Pfizer Booster: Appointment required

https://bit.ly/OrleansPfizerBooster

“We also encourage anyone who has still not received their primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine, to do so and to talk with their primary care provider with questions related to the vaccine,” stated Pettit. “Everyone should also continue to practice the public health prevention precautions detailed below.”

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• If water is not readily available, use hand sanitizer, containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Wash and sanitize frequently shared/touched items.
• Stay 6 feet away from others and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
• Wear a face mask indoors in public and crowded outdoor settings.
• Monitor your health daily and stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms.
• Get tested if you are experiencing symptoms and self-isolate until you get your results back. If you test positive for COVID, you are to isolate for 10 days.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots or to make an appointment, visit https://gohealthny.org/covid-19-vaccine-information/.

            For COVID-19 updates, visit https://gohealthny.org/emerging-issues/.

Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion, LeRoy, would like to announce with great pride and pleasure, Ed Henry as its selection for the 2021 “LeRoyan of the Year Award.” The award recognizes people who demonstrate the following qualifications and attributes:

• The man, woman, or child who exemplifies the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of the flag, and country, regardless of race, creed, or color.
• Good citizenship – by carrying out these principles, often beyond that expected of him or her.
• Service to the community – signified by excellence in the life of purpose and accomplishment.

Ed, a longtime resident of LeRoy, currently lives in Williamsville, NY with his wife, Karen. He’s a member of the LeRoy High School Class of 1976 and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education at nearby SUNY Brockport in 1980 and 1983, respectively.  Ed is now retired after 38 years at Eastman Kodak.

Ed started his long list of volunteering for the LeRoy Jr.-Sr. High School by doing Stats for the Varsity Football team, and started the Leroyfootball.com website.  Currently you can often see Ed at many sporting events of LeRoy Jr-Sr. High School photographing, from football, basketball, wrestling, softball, baseball, track, and cheerleading.  You can then find all those pictures on the “Le Roy Oatkan Knights Football” Facebook page (with some 850 members), the “Le Roy Oatkan Knights Basketball” Facebook page, and the “LeRoy N.Y. Then and Now” Facebook page (with some 6000 members), which he started and maintains.  Ed is also active with the LeRoy Sports Hall of Fame where he actively manages it website. 

Ed opened his a garage to athletes for off-season weight training, offering supervised lifting sessions 4 days a week.  He helped the athletes learn to stay on task, help one another, mature and give back to the LeRoy community. In seeing a need in the new weight room at school donated dumbbells, kettlebells, and standalone and safe modular equipment to the LeRoy Jr. Sr. High School to improve its weight room. 

Ed’s digital footprint is seen by thousands every time he posts positive stories, images, and videos of the high school students and community.

If you are wondering what Ed does in his spare time, he is very active working at the Machpelah Cemetery in LeRoy. He can be found March through November, cleaning the 25 acres of the cemetery, this involves leaf blowing, raking, pitchforking, weed-whacking, branch removal, and the subsequent dumping of this tremendous amount of debris. He has utilized family, friends, and high school athletes to help in these cleaning projects, teaching youngsters to show respect for the lost lives and to freely give back to the community. 

Ed is also a valued helper and supporter of the LeRoy Historical Society, busily scanning and shooting photos from the Society’s archives (LeRoy Gazette and LeRoy in 1940 collection) to create retro features to share with LeRoyans around the globe.

To honor Ed, the 52nd annual LeRoyan of the Year Award Dinner will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021. Social hour is at 6:00 PM with dinner served at 6:45 PM, at the American Legion at 53 West Main St, LeRoy.

A limited number of tickets will be available starting on Oct 1, 2021, at the American Legion after 4:00 PM, at Mickel’s Nickels at 80 Lake Street, LeRoy, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mon - Sat. or by calling Joan 585-721-7801. The cost is $25.00 per ticket (check or cash only).
 

Press release:

Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek was joined by Batavia Downs employees to present the Make-A-Wish Foundation with a $4,500 check to help support the incredible work they do by fulfilling the dreams of Western New York children.

“One of the best aspects of the work we do is being able to give back. The team at Batavia Downs and Western OTB is always looking for creative ways we can help leaders of the community,” Wojtaszek said. “We could not be more proud to help ‘Make-A-Wish’ in any small way to make the dreams of young Western New Yorkers a reality.”

Throughout Batavia Downs’ massively successful Rockin’ The Downs Summer Series, volunteers from Make-A-Wish worked a chair-rental booth.   The chairs were purchased by Batavia Downs and adorned with the Make-A-Wish logo and a positive message written on the back.   The message reads:  “The person sitting in this chair is helping to transform lives.”  A portion of proceeds from chair rentals, koozies and glow jewelry are what make up the check given to Make-A-Wish today.

“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Batavia Downs and the opportunity to raise awareness and crucial support at the ‘Rockin’ the Downs’ concert series,” said Ben Marchione, Regional Director, Make-A-Wish® Western New York.  “Our area children fighting critical illnesses need the hope, strength, and transformation a wish can bring now as much as ever and Make-A-Wish is thankful for the generous support of Batavia Downs and all those in attendance this summer.”

Photo: Submitted photo.  Ben Marchione, Connie Czworka, and Henry Wojtaszek.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he will be holding outreach office hours within his district during the months of October, November and December. During these outreach office hours, residents will have the opportunity to meet with members of his staff to discuss their concerns regarding state government and local issues. 

Genesee County office hours will be held at Genesee Community College in Room T124 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 7, Oct. 28, Nov. 18, Dec. 2, and Dec. 16. 

“I’m eager to use these outreach office hours as an opportunity to get input from constituents on issues they’d like to address who aren’t able to make it out to our main district office,” said Hawley. “With everything that has occurred within our government and in society at large throughout the last year, I look forward to hearing about the concerns of residents during these unprecedented times.”

If residents wish to schedule an appointment with Assemblyman Hawley personally, they can do so by calling his main office at 585-589-5780.

Press release:

The Jerome Foundation is seeking nominations for the Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County.

This will be the 38th year the award has been presented.  The first award was presented to Dr. Sydney McLouth. Award winners for the past four decades have included health care workers, builders, teachers, and many community volunteers.

The award recognizes outstanding men and women whose volunteer efforts have improved the physical, emotional or spiritual well-being of the greater Genesee County area.

“We are fortunate to have many caring and committed volunteers devoted to the sick or to those in need, and helping build a stronger, healthier community for all of us,” said Justin Calarco-Smith, president of The Jerome Foundation.  

Nomination forms are available on-line at www.thejeromefoundation.org or by calling 585-356-3419.  Organizations or individuals may nominate candidates.  Consideration will be given to actual accomplishments achieved through volunteer service and subsequent improvements to quality of life.  Nominations should be submitted on or before October 10.

The 2021 award winner will be honored at a luncheon on Friday, December 3 at Terry Hills Restaurant.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.19, down one cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.19. The New York State average is $3.28 – no change from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.27. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.27 (up one cent since last week)
• Buffalo - $3.23 (no change since last week)
• Ithaca - $3.28 (no change since last week)
• Rochester - $3.28 (no change since last week)
• Rome - $3.30 (no change since last week)
• Syracuse - $3.23 (down one cent since last week)
• Watertown - $3.26 (up one cent since last week)

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has decreased by a penny to $3.18. According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks increased while demand remained low helping to put downward pressure on pump prices. This easing is likely caused by the traditional post-Labor Day/end of summer driving season drop-off in demand. As of last week, approximately 16% of crude production in the Gulf of Mexico remained shuttered due to Hurricanes Ida and Nicholas. As the recovery and restoration process continues, pump prices will likely continue to stabilize. However, high crude prices (well above $70 per barrel) will contribute to pump prices likely remaining elevated this fall.

From Gas Buddy: 

"Average gas prices saw little change from a week ago, declining slightly. But overall, prices remained near 2021's peak price set in early August due to Covid-19 supply and demand imbalances," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "Relief in average gas prices has really only shown up west of the Rockies thus far, and may continue to be delayed by an active hurricane season which has prevented gas prices from their normal seasonal decline. While I am optimistic that we eventually will see a decline in price, the drop is not likely to be as noticeable as I had anticipated due to the above average hurricane season and as demand remains seasonally strong."

Press release:

People stop and look at me and always say, “Poor Thing”.  Then they choose another when they could have had a king.

That’s Louie’s story.  When you visit the shelter, you will find Louie hiding in the corner.   It’s difficult to see how handsome this 7-year-old Siamese mix with stunning blue eyes is as he lays curled up in a ball.  

Louie has called the shelter his home for the past few months and finds shelter life absolutely terrifying.  During the calm, quiet hours Louie enjoys and loves the attention he receives from the volunteers.

He was surrendered because he was bullying the other cats in the home and may need to be an only cat. 

He likes to keep up appearances and daily brushing is always on his agenda.   Louie is longing for a home of his own.  Longing for a stress-free, shelter-free life.  A family that will provide the patience and love he needs and so well deserves. 

Are you this special boy’s special someone?
 
"If you really like me, please take me home with you. I promise I’ll be good and love you long and true."

He is neutered, tested negative for FIV/FeLV, and is up to date with vaccines. Louie would do best if he is confined to a small room for a couple of weeks to acclimate to his new surroundings and give his new adopters a chance to bond with him. If you can give this kitty a nice indoor home, please stop into the Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 W. Main Street Rd, Batavia, NY during adoption hours to complete an adoption application or email us at info@vol4animals.org.

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Program is now accepting new youth members for the upcoming 4-H year that runs from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022.  4-H is a nationwide youth program that connects youth age 5-18 to a variety of hands-on learning opportunities. 

There are a variety of clubs and programs offered by the Genesee County 4-H Program.  Project areas include animal sciences, arts and crafts, leadership, community service, gardening, public speaking and more.  Enrollment fees for Genesee County residents are $25 per youth or $50 per family of two or more youth.

Now is also a great time to enroll as an adult volunteer or start a 4-H Club.  Volunteers are essential to our program and allow you to share your hobbies with interested youth.  Projects can be as varied as sewing, arts and crafts, cooking, animal science and more.   4-H volunteer opportunities range from coordinating monthly club meetings to leading a one-time craft project.  Whatever you have to offer, 4-H has a place for you!

For more information about joining the Genesee County 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040 ext. 101.  Enrollment forms are also available on our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development/how-to-join-4-h

Press release:

Mike Rapone, longtime Basketball Coach at Notre Dame HS, has informed the school that the upcoming 2021-2022 season will be his final one at the helm of one of Section V’s most successful boys basketball programs.

His final season will be his 42nd Varsity season and 45th season coaching basketball at ND.

On March 3rd, 2010, he surpassed legendary coach Ed Nietopski’ s 545 career wins to become Section V’s All-Time winningest coach. Coach Rapone has a Varsity record of 708-208 (Winning percentage 77.3) while his JV record of 47-7 includes consecutive unbeaten seasons in 1979 & 1980.  Rapone coached teams won State Titles in 1992 & 2001, five regional titles, nine Section V titles (tied for the most all-time of any Section V coach), and 33 Genesee Region Division Championships.

He was inducted into the Section V Boys Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 and Notre Dame HS Hall of Fame in 1996.

Winning the 2001 State Championship team provided one of the special memories of his distinguished coaching career as the roster included 11 players (of 13) that were sons of Coach Rapone’s Notre Dame High School classmate, his childhood friends or neighbors from LeRoy and included his son Mikey, his nephew and assistant coach Dave Pero’s son Jeff.

In the past 15 seasons, Coach Rapone feels blessed to have had the opportunity to work closely with his son Mikey watching him learn how to coach as he worked his way up from program assistant to JV Head coach to his current position as Varsity Associate Head Coach.  This experience and time together with his son have made coaching at Notre Dame even more fulfilling.

When asked about why now to retire, Coach Rapone commented. “I always said I would know when it was time to move on from the job that I love. Being a basketball coach here has been a big part of my life but it is time. Coaching at Notre Dame provided me with the opportunity to help young men learn how to compete and work as a team while personally growing and maturing as individuals. I take great pride in the adults my players have become.  Even though I will miss coaching, the time spent together with the team, and the thrill of competition, it is time for me to move on.”

The school will name Coach Rapone’s successor before the start of the upcoming season to ensure continuity and a smooth transition in the spring. Resumes can be submitted until Oct. 3 to michael.rapone@ndhsbatavia.com or wade.bianco@ndhsbatavia.com

Photo: File photo

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) voted to pass the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) last night (H.R. 4350). Additionally, two of Jacobs’ proposals were included and passed.

“President Biden unjustifiably proposed cuts to our nation’s military, especially at a time when our nation faces threats from numerous enemies abroad. The President’s reckless withdrawal from Afghanistan has created a new terrorist haven and has weakened our international credibility. Similarly, China is ever focused on disrupting the international order. We must be laser-focused on combating threats of Chinese aggression and cyber-warfare,” Jacobs said. “This legislation reverses President Biden’s proposed defense cuts, supplies critical resources for counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan, gives our troops a much-needed pay raise, and provides for the procurement of critical equipment and vehicles for our nation's military.”

The National Defense Authorization Act passed last night with bipartisan support in the House of Representatives. Included in the final text of the bill were two legislative proposals introduced by Congressman Jacobs:

• The Reservists Opportunity Act – this legislation allows for soldiers in our National Guard and Army Reserves to more easily access active-duty opportunities. Currently, soldiers need to be connected to a Department of Defense (DoD) network to access the Tour of Duty system, an internal Army job board for active-duty opportunities. This legislation allows for access from personal devices – improving retention and overall military readiness.
• An amendment that increases “open topic” small business contracting opportunities for small businesses, which the Air Force has used to successfully develop innovative technologies from companies that do not traditionally work with the DoD.

“As our world grows more tumultuous and our enemies seek to test our resolve, improving our military readiness and capabilities is essential to our national security,” Jacobs said. “I introduced these pieces of legislation to ensure we can counter any threat that may arise and that our nation is not only prepared to counter the threats we face now, but any threat we may encounter in the future.”