Stories from

Submitted photo and press release:

St. Paul Lutheran School in Batavia will hold an Open House for prospective families with students of 3-year-old preschoolers through sixth grade* on Friday, March 26 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Registrations are now being accepted for the 2021-2022 school year.

Registration forms are available on the website or by calling the school office at (585) 343-0488.

The school is located at 31 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia.

Why St. Paul?

• Five days of in-class learning.
• Outdoor recess every day.
• Small class sizes that allow for individual attention.
• Small school creates close family atmosphere.
• Three or five day option for 3- and 4-year-old preschoolers.
• Chapel Service each Monday and religion lessons daily in classrooms.

For more information, visit the school’s website at stpaulbatavia.org.

*The school curricula is expanded to include grade six for the first time this upcoming academic year.

Above: the Culinary Arts team -- from left Alexa Wolcott, Isaiah Merrell and Sara Logsdon -- answers questions from the judges.

Submitted photos and press release:

In mid-March, three Culinary Arts students from the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center participated in the national NASA HUNCH* Culinary Challenge.

According to the judges’ feedback, Isaiah Merrell, Alexa Wolcott, and Sara Logsdon hit a home run with their creation called "Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie"! Isaiah is a senior from Byron-Bergen High School, and Alexa and Sara are both juniors from Pavilion High School.

During the Challenge, this team prepped, prepared and served their recipe to a panel of judges, who scored their recipe based upon taste, texture, aroma and appearance. The scores from the competition were sent to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, and will be scored against 26 teams from around the United States.

The teams with the top 10 scores move onto the final round of the competition which will be held in the spring at NASA in Houston. If chosen, their recipe could be sent to the International Space Station for astronauts to enjoy. 

Chef Tracy Burgio is the Culinary Arts instructor at the Genesee Valley BOCES Batavia Campus. She shared how this team of students collaborated and were persistent in creating their recipe.

“This was a process of trial, error, reformulating and much tasting! Isaiah, Alexa, and Sara were determined to make this recipe the absolute best it could be," Burgio said. "They did an amazing job preparing, cooking and presenting their recipe. I’m so very proud of all their efforts."

The panel of judges asked many questions of the team, which the students answered confidently. Isaiah shared how the team arrived at their recipe.

“We were given the food category and guidelines from NASA HUNCH," Isaiah said. "We brainstormed and came up with the idea of Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie."

The recipe process took weeks to perfect.

“I can’t even count how many times we made this recipe and changed ingredients," Isaiah added. "Even the day before this judging, we added two other ingredients to boost the flavor."

When asked about why some of the ingredients were used, Culinary Challenge team member Sara explained.

“The theme this year is comfort foods and we interpreted this recipe to have subtle flavors, but we did add garlic!” Sara said.

She also noted that only certain ingredients could be used in the recipe due to the recipe’s need to be processed and packaged for space travel and for astronaut consumption onboard the International Space Station.

Overall, the judges’ feedback was positive. 

Pauly Guglielmo, the owner of Guglielmo’s Sauce, a food development company, was one of the judges. Over the last few years, Guglielmo’s company has launched a number of new products.

“It’s very difficult to work with these nutritional restraints set by NASA -- I understand!” he told the students.

Jon Sanfratello is the Executive Principal of the GV BOCES Batavia Campus. He noted how this program provides new and unique learning opportunities for the participating students. 

“The students participating in this challenge had a great opportunity to learn about NASA, what astronauts can eat in space, why recipes need to be made a certain way, as well as, all of the nutritional values that need to be tracked while living on the International Space Station," Sanfratello said.

"Over the years, NASA has been a great partner with our programs and has provided many students many learning opportunities.”

The list of judges included: Bill Hayes, Turnbull HVAC; Tom Turnbull, president, Genesee Chamber of Commerce; Eve Hens, Genesee County; Jorden Strapp, GV BOCES; Ann Valento, GCC; Pauly Guglielmo, Guglielmo Sauce; Denise Newman, Artesano Bakery Manager, Rochester Institute of Technology; Christine Grout, senior development officer, St. Ann's Community; Maggie Poray, GV BOCES; Chef Jason Ball, Main Street Pizza Co.

*NASA HUNCH (High schools United with NASA to Create Hardware) was founded as a means of giving high school students new educational experiences by producing many needed elements for the International Space Station. The NASA Culinary HUNCH program gives high school students the opportunity to develop food items for astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Each year a new theme is developed. Students create new dishes considering food processing procedures and nutritional requirements in order to meet the standards of the NASA Johnson Space Center Food Lab.

Recipe for Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie (photo above)

Yield: 1 Serving

Calories: 329

Total Fat: 10.1 Grams Saturated Fat: 0.6 Grams Sodium: 163 Grams

Dietary Fibers: 7.1 Grams Sugar: 6.1 Grams

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb. Sweet Potato
• 1/4 tsp. Ground Pepper
• 1/2 tsp. Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup Onion
• 1/4 lb. Ground Turkey Meat
• 1 1/2 tsp. Tomato Paste
• 1/2 tsp. Garlic
• 1/2 tsp. Fresh Oregano
• 1/8 cup Frozen Peas
• 1/4 cup Frozen Corn
• 1/4 cup Carrots
• 3/4 tsp. Fresh Basil
• 3/4 tsp. Rosemary
• 1/2 cup Low Sodium Turkey Broth
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1/4 tsp. Thyme
• 1/8 tsp. Cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. Nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. Red Wine Vinegar
• 3/4 tsp. Butter

Procedure

Step 1 - Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2 - Place sweet potatoes in a large pot with boiling water. Cook the potatoes until tender.

Step 3 - Drain the potatoes and mash. Season with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Step 4 - Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Mix in the onions and sauté the onions for 3-4 minutes. Then add garlic and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5 - Add ground turkey and water, crumbling the turkey into small pieces. Cook until all meat is brown.

Step 6 - Stir in tomato paste, carrots, peas, corn, chicken broth, fresh basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow liquid to reduce.

Step 7 - Spread mixture into cast-iron skillets. Top with mashed sweet potatoes. Put in the oven.

Step 8 - Bake for 10-15 Minutes.

Step 9 - Place in a broiler to crisp up the sweet potatoes for 1-2 minutes.

Step 10 - Garnish with thyme and serve.

Photo below: Culinary Challenge judge Pauly Guglielmo, owner of Guglielmo Sauce, rates the students’ culinary creation. 

About the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center

It is a program of the Genesee Valley BOCES. GV BOCES operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State.

Press release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau will host the 18th annual Family Game Night in celebration of National County Government Month. The event will take place on Thursday, April 29th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at County Building 2, 3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Family Game Night will be a “Grab 'n' Go” style event. Families will drive up to the main entrance of County Building 2 and staff will greet them with a family tote that will consist of information about the services provided by the Genesee County Departments as well as prizes and activities.

Each bag will also have snacks, beverages and of course a brand new board game for families to start their own “Family Game Night” at home.

The theme for this year’s County Government Month is “Counties Matter.” Many county residents aren’t aware of the many important services provided by County Government. Each County department will provide information that showcases their roles and responsibilities to our residents.

As we know, counties are on the front lines protecting our communities. Now more than ever, Genesee County residents are seeing firsthand the essential functions counties perform. The County provides critical services to all our residents, beginning at birth and spanning throughout their entire lives.

There is no cost for this event. Adults must be accompanied by a child to receive the board game. Please call the Youth Bureau for more information or to register at 344-3960. Registration is required by April 9^th and is only open for the first 30 families to RSVP.

• We Need Trees – April 7th / 8:30 to 10 a.m. A look at the growing need for trees for conservation projects and what can be done to satisfy that need. Additionally, the carbon sequestration implications will be discussed.
• What’s Going On? – April 14th / 8:30 to 10 a.m. A review of past, present and future water quality improvement projects developed and implemented by Genesee RiverWatch in partnership with various basin stakeholders.
• Got Access? – May 5th / 8:30 to 10 a.m. Presenters will discuss current improvement plans for car-top boat access to the Genesee River basin followed by questions and answers with a panel.
• Let’s Plan a Canoe/Kayak Trip - May 12th / 8:30 to 10 a.m. Basin outfitters and stakeholder groups will provide guidance and tips on how to plan your next trip on the river.

To register, click here.

Press release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health departments have two Pfizer vaccination clinics with appointments available for residents in Genesee and Orleans counties. 

Whichever COVID-19 vaccine is available is the right vaccine to get now! All approved vaccines are effective and saves lives. We encourage anyone that is currently eligible to register for an upcoming clinic.

Vaccine is now available for people age 50 and older along with the existing priority groups (http://bit.ly/NYSPriorityGroups). Pfizer is a two-series dose series, 21 days apart (three weeks), and is recommended for people aged 16 and older.

It is important to note that you must be able to return for the second dose 21 days after the first dose at the location you received your initial vaccination. You will be making that appointment after you are vaccinated. If you cannot make that date, please do not make an appointment for a two-dose series until you can make both appointments.  

Visit the vaccination web page at: https://bit.ly/GOHealthVaccine

Direct links to the first-dose Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination clinics are:

Genesee clinic at Genesee Community College, Batavia: https://bit.ly/GCCPfizer

Orleans clinic at Ridgeway Fire Hall, Medina: http://bit.ly/OrleansPfizer

Orleans Community Health – Medina Memorial Hospital also has three clinics planned at 200 Ohio St., Medina:

• 03/26/21Clinic: http://bit.ly/OCH032621; 
• 03/30/21 Clinic:http://bit.ly/OCH033021;  
• 04/01/21Clinic: http://bit.ly/OCH040121

If you are interested in making an appointment to get your COVID-19 vaccination, now is the time to do it locally!

Press release:

The Batavia Development Corp. is pleased to announce a New York Street Anchor Grant for $417,000 for the Batavia Players Inc. Main Street Theater 56 project.

The Batavia Development Corporation and Batavia Players Inc. were successful in being awarded a New York Main Street Anchor Grant through the Housing Trust Fund Corporation and the Office of Community Renewal to assist the Main Street 56 Theater project.

Batavia Players, a not-for-profit organization for more than 80 years is the longest continuing regional theater company in New York State. The mission of the Batavia Players Inc. is to bring affordable theater to the community by making theater accessible to everyone with a variety o fquality productions that enhance artistic growth of participants and encourage audiences to think, feel and develop an appreciation for theater.

“The new Main Street 56 Theater project and our Board of Directors are humbled and very appreciative of this grant," said Patrick Burk, president and executive director of the Batavia Players. "We have all been heartened by the continued support for this project, which will genuinely affect our downtown community and the City Centre property in such a positive manner.

"This will allow us to build a beautiful, state of the art facility in our city as well as continue to bring many visitors and theater patrons to see our performances and support other downtown businesses. We could not be more excited with this new development. Our project has been blessed by the support of a lot of people who genuinely care and have been with us from the start. I would like to thank City Manager Rachael Tabelski, the City of Batavia, the Batavia Development Corporation and all of our partners for their ongoing dedication to our project." 

The Main Street 56 Theater and the Main Street 56 Dance Company will occupy a vacant and underutilized space in the City Centre. The City of Batavia and the Batavia Players will rehabilitate approximately 14,000 square feet of tiered space into the state-of-the-art performing arts center, educational facilities, dance, and set development with a Main Street entrance at 35 Batavia City Centre.

This project will leverage grant funding from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant program and the New York Main Street Anchor Grant program.  

“The BDC has proven successful in obtaining grant funds to continue to revitalize the City’s commercial hub," said Eugene Jankowski Jr. City of Batavia Council president. "Delivering the Main Street Anchor Grant for the Main Street 56 Theater project is another example of City and BDC working together to deliver on the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) goals of arts and culture for the City."

In alignment with the Batavia Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Investment Strategy the Batavia Players will foster and promote more arts, culture, entertainment, healthy living, wellness and prosperity. Filling vacant and underutilized structures has been a common goal across many of Batavia’s planning efforts as identified by the Brownfield Opportunity Area and The City’s Comprehensive Plan. 

“There are many catalytic and complimentary projects happening in our Downtown and this is one of the many," said Andrew Maguire, director of Economic Development for the Batavia Development Corporation. "Projects like Main Street 56 Theater will create more vibrancy, help increase commerce overall, and will deliver a better quality of life.

"We are thankful to New York State, the Office of Community Renewal and Homes and Community Renewal, along with all the other New York State agencies that continue to invest in the revitalization of Batavia.” 

The Batavia Development Corporation excited to be awarded this New York Main Street Grant," said Lori Aratari, president of the Board of Directors for the Batavia Development Corporation. "The New York Main Street Grant program is very competitive and the Batavia Development Corporation continues to be successful in identifying and executing grant opportunities that help projects, like the Batavia Player’s, for the betterment of our community."

The Batavia Players Inc. and Main Street 56 Theater consists of a dedicated group of professionals and community members whom have brought theater and the performing arts to our community. They are unique in New York State with their ambitious schedule of performances while maintaining a high level of quality and diverse productions.

For more information regarding the Batavia Players Inc., Main Street 56 Theater, and Main Street 56 Dance Studio, please visit www.bataviaplayers.org.

Press release:

As with all things this year, everything is different because of COVID-19. Some activities cannot currently run and those that can happen look much different than in past years.

Although many aspects of a live stage performance had to be adjusted, we were very excited to still be able to provide this opportunity for our students. In an attempt to remain as healthy and safe as possible, while also following the regulations, we were able to get our students on stage (and on screen) using masks and as much social distancing as possible while interacting with each other.

We, unfortunately, had to make decisions to have a smaller cast, have our ensemble prerecorded, and scale down much of our sets and props to less than normal. However, it allowed our actors and actresses to focus more on their emotions and character portrayal in order to bring this touching musical to both our live audience and our supporters online.

It has been amazing to work with our students this year – to see their passion and joy, to take them beyond what they thought was possible, and to have them shine on stage. It is truly wonderful to still be able to create opportunities and live performances with our talented students.

Our cast and crew put on three amazing performances. And although most of the general public could not attend the performances in person, there is still an opportunity to catch these outstanding performers.

The performance has been uploaded online and is available to watch through April 18th. You can purchase access to the performance by going to www.OACSDramaClub.weebly.com and following the link on our homepage. From there you can either purchase single viewer access for $10 or access for the entire household for $25.

All money helps to offset the cost of rentals and royalties for producing the musical. You can purchase the access at any time before April 18th, an email link will be sent to you, and once you hit play you will have 48 hours to view the entire performance before your access runs out. Please sit back and enjoy the show from the comfort of your home.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) was joined by Congressmembers Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Claudia Tenney (NY-22), Lee Zeldin (NY-01), and Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) in calling on New York State Assembly Speaker Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins to eliminate proposals to raise state taxes for the new fiscal year.  

“Our state has suffered from decades of irresponsible and self-serving public policies, laws and regulations that have made living, working and running a business in New York incredibly expensive. The exodus from our state due to these flawed policies has only been exacerbated during the COVID crisis. Many of those individuals and businesses that are being taxed at high rates have a greater ability than ever before to move from New York and are doing so. Increasing taxes in the midst of our recovery from the pandemic would only accelerate that trend,” representatives Jacobs, Stefanik, Tenney, Zeldin and Garbarino wrote. 

Last week, both the NYS Senate and Assembly passed budget proposals that would increase taxes in New York State by roughly $6.5 billion – this through raising income and corporate franchise tax rates, as well as a new surcharge on income derived from capital gains.  

In addition to the $12 billion New York State received from the recently passed American Rescue Plan, New York has also received more than $7.5 billion in direct funding to the state and certain local governments, more than $50 billion in Paycheck Protection Program loans to New York small businesses, and $8 billion to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority from previous COVID-19 packages, among other additional funds. 

“Congress recently provided over $12 billion to New York State to relieve the financial burdens caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding, along with other provisions, should be more than enough to balance the state’s budget without burdening New Yorkers with more tax increases,” the representatives wrote. “Instead of increasing taxes, New York State can improve its fiscal standing by undertaking meaningful reforms to improve the functioning of the state government and our economy.”  

Yesterday, 250 New York business executives also sent a letter regarding this proposal, stating that such increases would harm our economic recovery and force companies and residents out of the state in search of a lower cost of operating and living.

Full text of the letter can be found here:

Dear Speaker Heastie and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins 

We write to urge you to resist increasing taxes on New Yorkers in the upcoming fiscal year. As you know, Congress recently provided over $12 billion to New York State to relieve the financial burdens caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding, along with other provisions, should be more than enough to balance the State’s budget without burdening New Yorkers with more tax increases. 

While some of us were not members of the U.S. House of Representatives during the last Congress, Congress appropriated billions of dollars to New York last year through the passage of five bipartisan bills. Those laws included over $7.5 billion in direct funding to the state and certain local governments in New York, over $50 billion in Paycheck Protection Program loans to New York small businesses, and $8 billion to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, among other important executive and legislative assistance from the federal government.  

Though we opposed the passage of the American Rescue Plan, many of us are on record supporting measured and targeted relief funding for New York State and local governments. We believe such funding is necessary given the challenges of the pandemic. We must also acknowledge, however, that our state has suffered from decades of irresponsible and self-serving public policies, laws, and regulations that have made living, working, and running a business in New York incredibly expensive. The exodus from our state due to these flawed policies has only been exacerbated during the COVID crisis. Many of those individuals and businesses that are being taxed at high rates have a greater ability than ever before to move from New York and are doing so. Increasing taxes in the midst of our recovery from the pandemic would only accelerate that trend.

Instead of increasing taxes, New York State can improve its fiscal standing by undertaking meaningful reforms to improve the functioning of the state government and our economy. This would be far more preferable than punishing New Yorkers for the state’s mismanagement.  

We appreciate your leadership and are always willing to work with you on the many challenges facing our state.

Data Update – 

• Genesee County reporting 12 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) 
    • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 80s. 
• Nine of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Four of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. 
• Five of the new positive individuals are inmates at the Genesee County Jail. 

Orleans County reporting seven new positive cases of COVID-19.  

• The positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
  • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
  • East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon)
• The individuals are in their, 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 50s and 60s.
• One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been removed from the isolation list.
• One of the new positive individuals is an inmate at Albion Correctional Facility.
• Zero of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs are excited to announce the addition of Batavia native and Class of 2019 graduate Griffin Della Penna as their play-by-play broadcaster for the upcoming 2021 season.

Della Penna is no stranger to baseball in this community, from his early days playing at nearby MacArthur Park with the Little League Red Sox to being a batboy for the Muckdogs in 2017. He then went on to be a three-year starter, captain, and Honorable Mention AGR selection with the Batavia Blue Devils baseball team, helping lead them to their first Section V Championship in 21 years.

He currently studies at Canisius College, where he is a double major in Journalism with a concentration in Sports Broadcasting and Strategic Communication with a 3.84 GPA. Throughout his two years in Buffalo, Della Penna writes for “The Griffin” school newspaper, covering Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Soccer, along with being a contributing writer for Pickin’ Splinters, an independent high school sports blog. He also operates the camera for Canisius ESPN-3 broadcasts with plans to work his way up to the broadcast booth soon.

After contemplating a walk-on spot with the Division 1 Golden Griffin baseball team, Griffin made a career-oriented decision instead to accept a position as the director of Scouting & Analytics with the team using his baseball knowledge in hopes to win a MAAC Championship.

By joining the Muckdogs organization, Della Penna’s goal is to provide fans with a personable and interactive experience during the broadcasts in addition to adding content that will give fans an in-depth look to get to know the players and coaching staff in weekly shows like “Meet the Muckdogs.”

“As a 19-year-old college sophomore, not many aspiring broadcasters are given such an amazing opportunity like this," Della Penna said. "I am honored to be chosen and appreciate the flexibility to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field while producing a broadcast that fans will enjoy."

Della Penna will be the first voice of the Muckdogs as they transition to the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL). The Batavia Muckdogs are comprised of collegiate athletes with NCAA eligibility from around the country. The club will join the Auburn Doubledays, Niagara Power, and Jamestown Tarp Skunks as the newest additions to the PGCBL, joining 16 other organizations all across New York since the league’s inception in 2010.

"We are excited to add someone like Griffin to our team with great experience and passion for the game of baseball. Since taking over the team we have met many local community leaders, businesses, and fans and know how amazing this community is at supporting locally. With Griffin growing up in the area and his love for baseball we knew this was a perfect fit. Griffin is excited to get to work and we are excited to start playing baseball at Dwyer stadium this summer. Congratulations Griffin and Go Muckdogs!" - Owners Robbie & Nellie Nichols.

Submitted video.

Press release:

Albany – The Senate One-house Budget Resolution was passed on March 15^th. The budget resolution amounts to $209.98 billion in spending, however important municipal aid to Genesee County is noticeably missing. The cut to Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) aid would amount to an $800,000 cut to Genesee County.

“The cut is extremely troubling but even more troubling, the aid is maintained statewide, except for two counties represented by Republican senators," said Senator Ed Rath. "This decision smells like partisan politics that will have detrimental effects to the residents of Batavia and Genesee County.

"I am hopeful that as budget negations continue this aid will be restored.  Many communities are struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic and to play political games with their aid is appalling."

“VLT aid is critical to the City of Batavia’s continued efforts to revitalize the City and provide critical services to the residents and businesses the City Serves," said Eugene Jankowski, Batavia City Council president. "We appreciate Senator Rath’s advocacy for communities in Western New York to ensue that we can weather the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and prosper once more.

“Genesee County, Town and City of Batavia provide full public safety to Batavia Downs and patrons," said Shelley Stein, chair of the Genesee County Legislature. "Locally owned and maintained roads are necessary to carry patrons to Batavia Downs. VLT dollars support these public benefits easing the burden on local property taxpayers.

"Our request is to fully restore the VLT dollars of support to Genesee County, Town and City of Batavia in the 2021-22 budget.” 

Senator Rath recently wrote a letter to Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins requesting for the aid to be restored. The Governor proposed eliminating all aid for host communities. The Assembly One-house Budget restored aid to all host communities.

Submitted photos and press release:

Throughout the course of the coronavirus pandemic, the community has found unique ways to thank the healthcare heroes at United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) through food deliveries, donations and letters.

An ongoing fundraiser spearheaded by the St. Jerome Guild’s Hometown Hero's Star Program honors the staff at UMMC and it also recently led to the donation of a freezer to store the COVID-19 vaccine. 

“Even during the pandemic, the Guild has worked to support our hospital and employees,” said Dan Ireland, president of UMMC. “We’re grateful they were able to pull the community together to remind our healthcare heroes that they’re appreciated.”

COVID-19 vaccines are now stored in the freezer as supplies arrive at UMMC. In addition, the fundraiser provides certificates of recognition to honor health care heroes. To date, nearly 1,000 certificates have been distributed to UMMC employees thanking them for their tireless efforts over the past year.

“We wanted the community to participate,” said Annette LaBarbera, president of the St. Jerome Guild. “Our goal was and continues to be raising enough money to support our healthcare workers and the exceptional care they deliver, as well as, our community.”

To celebrate an UMMC healthcare worker of your choosing by participating in the fundraiser, please email smile4a@gmail.com.

Visit the UMMC Auxiliaries website for more information.

Top photo, from left: UMMC staff members in front of the newly donated freezer -- Michael Harasimowicz, Lindsay Starkweather, Korey Brauen and Meagan Stringham.

Below left, Annette LaBarbera, president of the St. Jerome Guild, stands with Kathleen Storch holding her Certificate of Recognition from the St. Jerome Guild’s Hometown Hero’s Star Program​.

Below, a ceremonial check for $7,500 for the UMMC Foundation held by UMMC President Dan Ireland and Annette LaBarbera, president of the St. Jerome Guild.

Press release:

Northgate Church, with two campuses in Batavia, is planning to host the majority of its events live during Holy Week. Palm Sunday, a tradition marking the beginning of Holy Week, will be celebrated at both campuses. Northgate (8160 Bank Street Road) will have services at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 27, and Sunday, March 28 at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Arbor House (Northgate’s South Campus - 350 Bank St.) will be welcoming people at 10:00am on Sunday. 

Thursday, April 1, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., the Northgate Kids program is inviting children, preschool through fourth grade, to their Flashlight Scavenger Egg Hunt. This is a fun, new twist to the traditional Easter egg hunt! Kids will become kid-tectives as they solve puzzles and hunt for clues in the dark, which reveal what – or who – Easter is all about! We are asking that families limit themselves to one parent per family, if they wish to attend with their children. Any questions can be directed to our Children’s Ministry Director, Leah Lennon, at leah@northgatefmc.com 

Also on April 1 at 7 p.m., Arbor House will be co-hosting, with The Salvation Army, a virtual Seder. The Seder is a dinner/service that centers on the story of the Exodus and the Passover. 

Everyone is welcome to join us from their homes for the Seder. The Salvation Army is putting together a box of supplies for those who would like to participate, but you will need to register to receive one of these boxes. Registration will be available until the weekend of Palm Sunday, March 28. The box of supplies will be available for pick up starting at 10 a.m. on April 1. The virtual Seder will start at 7 p.m. on the Northgate, Arbor House, and The Salvation Army Facebook pages. If you have any questions, email Pastor Chris at chris@northgatefmc.com.

Arbor House will offer a Good Friday service in person at 7 p.m. April 2. During this service we will reflect on Christ’s suffering and the price he paid to free us from our sin. All are welcome. 

Saturday, April 3, Northgate will begin Easter weekend, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, with a service at 6 p.m. Sunday, April 4, Northgate’s services at the North Campus (8160 Bank Street Road) will include an outdoor sunrise service at 6:30 a.m., followed by services at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Arbor House will be hosting their service at 10 a.m. 

Weekend services are available to livestream at northgatefmc.com, facebook.com/northgatefmc and facebook.com/arborhousefmc, respectively. 

Everyone is welcome to join and we kindly request that you preregister for the events you plan on attending. Registration is possible by visiting northgatefmc.com, emailing office@northgatefmc.com or calling the office at 343-4011.

All events are free to attend. COVID-19 safety measures are in place at Northgate, and masks are required. We can’t wait to celebrate Easter with you!

Press release:

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding the D.C. Circuit Court's decision to allow USDA to withdraw its appeal on the previously vacated final rule, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (84 FR 66782).

"We are pleased to finally put to rest a policy that would have restricted the ability of states to provide nutrition assistance to able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) during times of high unemployment," Vilsack said. "The rule would have penalized individuals who were unable to find consistent income, when many low-wage jobs have variable hours, and limited to no sick leave.

"Groups with typically higher unemployment, including rural Americans, Black, Indigenous, Hispanic and People of Color, and those with less than a high school education would have been disproportionally harmed by this cruel policy."

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND

Under normal circumstances, adults who are age 18-49, able to work, and do not have dependents are not able to receive SNAP benefits for more than three months within a three-year period unless they are working, enrolled in a work program, or participating in some combination of those two, for 80 hours each month.

The vacated rule limited states’ ability to request waivers of the time limit to certain restricted conditions.

The time limit is currently suspended due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. USDA plans to publish a notice in the Federal Register to confirm its return to long-standing regulations that existed prior to the publishing of this rule.

Data Update – 

• Genesee County reporting 12 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) 
    • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. 
• Thirty of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Three of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. 
• We are very sad to report the COVID-19-related death of one of our county residents. The individual was over the age of 65. We do not provide any further information to protect the privacy of the individual and their family. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends during this very difficult time.

Orleans County reporting three new positive cases of COVID-19.  

• The positive cases reside in the:
  • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
• The individuals are in their, 0-19s, 30s and 40s.
• Five of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been removed from the isolation list.
• Zero of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

Press release:

In order to earn funds for local nonprofits, St James Episcopal Church is hosting a Carryout for a Cause Fundraiser through their local Batavia Applebee’s. The event will run all day today -- Tuesday, March 23 (now until until close).

Supporters simply have to order To Go, online via applebees.com or the Applebee’s mobile app and use Promo Code “DOINGOOD” at checkout.

By using the code, 15 percent of their check (before tax and gratuity) will be donated to St James Episcopal Church for local nonprofits in the Genesee County region, in which they support.

Orders must be placed for pick-up at their local Batavia Applebee’s, 8322 Lewiston Road.

More information on the St James Episcopal Church fundraiser here.

T.L. Cannon Companies, the parent company of Applebee's, has a long history of giving back to the communities they serve. The foundation of its business is commitment to the community and making a positive impact on the neighborhoods it serves. In 2019, the organization provided more than $1.6 million in support of local charities and organizations, and more than $26.4 million since 2008.