Stories from

Press release:

"I don't know what I want to do, what would I major in?" quoted Lindsay Gerhardt, assistant dean of admissions and recruitment at Genesee Community College. "My recruiting team hears it all the time when we ask someone why they didn't enroll for classes. Sometimes, people just need more."

So, the Admissions team decided to do more.

Major Exploration Days at Genesee Community College were introduced as a way for interested individuals to learn exactly what the College's programs are all about. Taking it a step further, the faculty members from the various programs participate in these sessions so potential students learn what courses they would take, hear about the associated field experiences that are available and develop a clear picture of what their semester could look like!

In addition, these sessions provide opportunities for the students (and any friends or family members who are listening in) to hear about the transfer opportunities GCC has to offer specific to these areas of study. Naturally, Major Exploration Days also include discussions about the vast array of careers and jobs these programs prepare students for.

Each session has been designed to cover a group of academic programs and majors that tend to have some common interest amongst students and some potential career overlap. All of these sessions are open to anyone who is interested in attending GCC! The sessions are free and offered completely online for maximum convenience.

Anyone can attend any or all of these sessions based on the programs of interest:

• Thursday, Jan. 21 will cover Business & Commerce programs, Information Technology degrees and certificates, and a variety of Science & Technology programs! Specific programs include: Accounting, Biotechnology, Business Administration, CIS, CSN, Computerized Drafting and Design, Computer Repair, Fashion, Helpdesk Support, Medical Administrative Assistant, Tourism, Hospitality Event Management, and Web Design.
• Thursday, Feb. 4 will explore programs in Education, Human Services, Law and Criminal Justice! Specific programs include: Alcohol & Substance Abuse Studies, Childcare, Corrections, Developmental Disabilities Studies, Economic Crime Investigation, Forensics, Gerontology, Homeland Security, Paralegal Studies, Policing, Teacher Assistant, and a Teacher Education Transfer Program.
• Thursday, Feb. 25 focuses on Creative Arts, Health & Physical Education and will also include the vast opportunities available under the Liberal Arts umbrella! Specific programs include: Biology, Chemistry, Communication & Media Arts, Digital Art, English, Fine Arts, Fitness & Rec: Personal Trainer, History, Mathematics, Physical Education Studies, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Spanish, Sports Management Studies, Sociology, and Theatre Arts. If you have not yet selected a specific major, this is the session for you!

GCC recommends anyone considering an education or a career in any of these fields to register for any of these sessions by clicking here; emailing admissions@genesee.edu; or calling (585) 345-6800.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is announcing that the Paycheck Protection Program has been reopened for first- and second-time borrowers.

“Since I took office this summer, I have made it a top priority to extend the Paycheck Protection Program," Jacobs said. "It has supported 51 million American jobs, with 12 million of those in rural communities and thousands of them right here in Western New York."

“The reopening of this program represents our continued commitment to supporting the hard-working American small business owners and employees who are the backbone of our local communities and economy.”

The Paycheck Protection Program reopens today – Monday, Jan. 11th – for first-time borrowers through community financial institutions. On Wednesday, Jan. 13th, the program will be open to second-time borrowers.

A borrower is eligible for a second draw if they:

1) received a first-time loan and has or will use the full amount for authorized uses;

2) has no more than 300 employees, and

3) can demonstrate at least a 25-percent reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.

In addition, when the most recent COVID-19 package was signed into law, it enacted a provision that ensures expenses paid for with PPP loan funds will be considered tax deductible. This upholds the original intent of the CARES Act.

“I successfully joined my colleagues in strongly advocating the allowance of tax deductibility for loan expenses. Many businesses accepted these loans under the premise they would not be surprised with an additional tax burden this coming year,” Jacobs said. “I’ll keep working to support small businesses, protect and create jobs, and move our Western New York economy forward.

For more information regarding the reopening of the Paycheck Protection Program, please visit here.

Press release:

A global coronavirus pandemic, racial injustice, economic hardship and political turmoil — although history may remember 2020 for the challenges faced, these difficulties have also proven an opportunity for long-lasting change that will have a positive impact on the lives of residents in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region. 

In its new two-minute Annual Report to the Community video, Rochester RHIO (Regional Health Information Organization) showcases how the dedication of employees, stakeholders and participants have led to even stronger health data collaboration and infrastructure across 14 counties. It is available here.  

Through the secure electronic exchange of vital health information, Rochester RHIO helps improve care for more than 1.5 million residents. RHIO has been at the forefront of health information exchange (HIE) technology, policy and implementation for more than a decade and its leadership and collaboration have regional, state and nationwide impact. 

“Our community has come together in new ways and RHIO has been there in support,” said Jill Eisenstein, CEO and president, Rochester RHIO. “We’ve helped public health officials track and manage the spread of COVID-19; launched a new advanced clinical query portal and expanded our work with emergency medical services providers and community-based organizations to benefit patients in our region; and, we will collaborate with our community partners to improve the region’s health equity by working to ensure that health information is free from racial bias.”

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

Explore+ Advanced Clinical Query Portal
RHIO’s newly launched Explore+, is a redesigned advanced clinical query portal created specifically for the multiple and often complex demands of Health Information Exchange data environments, providing improved data characterization with options to view data by encounter, consolidated timeline and expression.

• COVID-19 Reporting 
  From the beginning of the pandemic, RHIO developed COVID-19 reports for each of the county health departments it serves. These reports sort, organize and simplify the data from over 50 laboratory sources for COVID-19 testing. Reports provide health officials with secure and quick access to new coronavirus data on a regular basis.
   
• Patients Benefit through CBO Connections
  More than 300 regional Community Based Organizations (CBOs), including social services, behavioral health organizations and long-term care facilities, are now connected to Rochester RHIO. By connecting, they can directly and securely access health information for Medicaid and uninsured patients, improving access to treatment.
   
• Racism is a Public Health Crisis
  RHIO is committed to improving how race and ethnicity data are recorded, collaborating with other regional healthcare agencies and experts to evaluate and reform policies and processes that deliver the most precise information possible.
   
• EMS Data Improves Patient Care
  A recently completed pilot program now makes it possible for emergency medical services to contribute patient data to the Rochester RHIO and the Statewide Health Information Network for New York (SHIN-NY), enhancing individualized care and improving social services support.

The video and additional story vignettes are now being shared across the region. For more information, visit https://rochesterrhio.org/

About Rochester RHIO

Rochester RHIO is a secure electronic health information exchange serving authorized medical providers and 1.5 million residents of Monroe, Allegany, Cayuga, Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates counties in Upstate New York.

The service allows a medical care team to share records across institutions and practices, making patient information available wherever and whenever needed to provide the best care. Patients benefit from fewer repeated tests, easier second opinions, a reduced risk of mistakes caused by poor handwriting or incomplete records, and more informed care during office visits and emergencies.

It is a Qualified Entity of the Statewide Health Information Network of New York (SHIN-NY). Health care professionals and patients can learn more by visiting RochesterRHIO.org or by calling (877) 865-RHIO (7446).

Statement from U.S. Attorney for WNY James P. Kennedy Jr:

“Since late Wednesday, my Office has been working around the clock with both the Buffalo and Washington Field Offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to pursue all leads, to gather evidence, and to bring to justice those who committed crimes at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Any suggestion, direct or implied, that there is undue delay, a political purpose, or race-based reason why charges have not yet been filed against any Western New York resident is incorrect, unfounded, and frankly, offensive.

"I think most people recognize the danger inherent in advocating for a criminal justice system that is more concerned with getting things done quickly than getting them done correctly. As U.S. Attorney, I have refused — and will continue to refuse — to succumb to political pressure or to serve any factional interest. My job is to do my best to get things right and to see to it that the law and justice are the only interests served by me and those who work so hard in this Office.”

Kennedy's statement last week:

“We have received a number of leads and tips regarding yesterday’s events at the Capitol Building. Working with our law enforcement partners, we are actively investigating the information we have obtained. Should we determine that there is a legal nexus between the crimes committed at the Capitol and our jurisdiction, we will not hesitate to charge those responsible.

"Violence is never an acceptable means of protest. We are one Nation, and as such, the unity which comes from a shared respect for both the rule of law and one another represents our only hope for lasting solutions to the challenges we face. Escalating hostility and violence diminishes us all.”

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department is going to be repairing a water main leak in front of 142 Pearl St. on Wednesday Jan. 13. Work will begin at 8 a.m. and should be completed by 3 p.m.

The water will be turned off on Pearl Street. from 100 Pearl to the western City line.

Surrounding areas may have reduced pressure and discolored water.

City crews will make every attempt to restore water as soon as possible.

We appreciate your understanding while this repair is being made.

From Vickie Muckle, executive assistant to the county manager:

There are several spots open at the free COVID-19 testing clinic today at the Fire Training Center at 7690 State Street Road in the Town of Batavia.

Because the State system is down today, folks do not need to preregister they can just show up. We will be there until 4 p.m. today.

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“(Jan. 11) During the State of the State the governor talked a lot about his solutions, his ideas, and how he knew better than anybody else the pain New Yorkers have endured," Hawley said.

"The response was characteristic of the governor’s handling of this pandemic, as he’s now for months clung onto his emergency powers while everyday New Yorkers have been left voiceless as their communities wither.

"This pandemic is too great a challenge for one man to take on alone, and the people of our state deserve to have their concerns brought to light by the representatives they elected to do so.”

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing / testing fire hydrants on Tuesday, Jan. 12, from approximately 9 to 11 a.m. in the general area of north of Main Street and west of Oak Street.

Homes and businesses nearby will be affected.

These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

If you have any questions, or should notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at (585) 345-6375.

Press release:

ESL Federal Credit Union announces that applications for an ESL College Scholarship are now available for high school seniors throughout Greater Rochester. ESL will award 10 area high school seniors $2,000 each toward their college or university tuition this fall.

Applications are available at www.esl.org/scholarship.  

“ESL’s purpose is to help our community thrive and prosper, and that certainly includes helping local students who will be our future leaders,” said Celeste Kier, senior vice president/director, marketing and customer experience, ESL Federal Credit Union.

“We know a scholarship can have a tremendous impact for students and their families when it comes to college affordability, and ESL is committed to supporting and nurturing the success of young leaders in our Greater Rochester community.”

To qualify for consideration, high school students must meet the following requirements:

• Member in good standing at ESL Federal Credit Union;
• High school senior in the greater Rochester area during the 2020/2021 school year;
• Attending an accredited college or university in the fall of 2021.

Students applying for this year’s ESL College Scholarship will need to provide official copies of their transcripts, letter of recommendation from a school official or community/volunteer organization, a current resume and list of extracurricular activities and community service.

In alignment with ESL’s purpose, students are encouraged to write about how they help their community “thrive and prosper.” ESL will also consider the student’s alignment with ESL core values (accountability, caring about people, initiative, integrity and teamwork).

About ESL Federal Credit Union

With 100 years of locally owned history, ESL Federal Credit Union serves as a full-service financial institution to more than 374,000 members and 11,400 businesses. Founded in 1920, the company provides personal banking, business banking, mortgage services, and wealth management services through its locally based 22 branch network, telephone, mobile, online and live chat center.

The Rochester-based financial institution employs more than 860 people in in the Greater Rochester area and holds more than $8 billion in assets. Since 1996, ESL has paid out 25 consecutive Owners’ Dividends to its members totaling more than $170 million.

The company has appeared on the Great Place to Work® Best Small & Medium Workplaces list for nine years since 2010. ESL Federal Credit Union is headquartered at 225 Chestnut Street, in Rochester, and can be found online at www.esl.org.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.32, up 6 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.59. The New York State average is $2.39 – up 6 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.73.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.31 (up 4 cents since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.33 (up 7 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.35 (up 5 cents since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.36 (up 6 cents since last week)
• Rome -- $2.42 (up 4 cents since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.34 (up 6 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.41 (up 5 cents since last week)

Pump prices are on the rise despite gas demand falling to the lowest level recorded since the end of May 2020. Domestic crude prices climbed above $50 per barrel while total refinery utilization increased from 79 percent to 81 percent leading to higher pump prices.

If crude prices continue to stay above $50 per barrel - WTI is $51.71 this morning -- alongside higher refinery utilization rates, drivers could see pump prices continue to climb, which is unusual given that low winter gas demand typically pushes prices to their lowest point of the year.

Crude prices increased last week after Saudi Arabia announced that it would cut its crude production by 1 million barrels per day in February and March after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) met with its partners, including Russia and Kazakhstan, to discuss their ongoing production reduction agreement. If total domestic crude supply continues to drop, crude prices could continue to increase and push pump prices higher.

From GasBuddy:

"With oil's meteoric rally continuing, motorists continue to face gas prices that continue to advance. With a barrel of crude oil now at its highest level in nearly a year, there's no where for gas prices to go but up," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"In a normal year, this is the time we tend to see gas prices struggle, and according to Pay with GasBuddy data, gasoline demand is indeed seeing seasonal struggles, but that has not tempered the appetite of the market as many remain bullish over the continued rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine. How long we may be on this road relies on continued reduction in new COVID cases, but we may for the coming weeks seeing gas prices continuing their climb."

Press release:

Senator Ed Rath has been appointed as a member of the following New York State Senate committees: Budget and Revenue, Cities 2, Health, and Labor. Additionally, Senator Rath will be the ranking member on the Elections and Local Government committees.

“I am looking forward to being an active member of all of my committees," Rath said. "Working on behalf of the residents of the district to represent Upstate is extremely important. Being included on these committees will allow me to make our voice heard. I am eager to get to work on these committees."

A complete list of Senate Standing committees is available at nysenate.gov/committees.

From Village of Elba Mayor Norman Itjen:

The Village of Elba is looking for a Village Trustee candidate to run in the March 16 election.

This is a four-year year term, and the candidate must be a Village of Elba resident, who is at least 18 years of age.

Please contact Norman Itjen (mayor) or the Village Office (585) 757-6889 for information.

Submitted photo and press release:

Chiropractor Noah Hoy is excited to start working with "Dr. Tom" at Mazurkiewicz Family Chiropractic in Batavia along with Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief company in offering patients the best care possible.

He plans to start accepting patient appointments on Feb. 1st.

Hoy grew up in Batavia, where he started his academic career at Notre Dame High School graduating in 2013 with 28 college credits. He then attended Canisius College of Buffalo, graduating a semester early magna cum laude as a Biology Pre-medicine major.

From there he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Port Orange, Fla.

During his time at Palmer, Hoy was chosen for the “Most Outstanding Future Alumni Award” by his class. He currently specializes in flexion distraction, instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization technique, soft-tissue therapy, trigger-point therapy and rehab.

He is working toward completing his postdoctorate in Electrodiagnostic Medicine this year.

Mazurkiewicz Family Chiropractic is located at 184 Washington Ave. Phone is (585) 343-9316.

From Brittany Urban:

Our family wants to express our sincere gratitude and thanks to our friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and community. A couple of weeks (Dec. 15) ago we lost so many of our personal belongings that were stored in our garage to a fire.

We never would have imagined in a million years this would happen to us and were completely shocked, heartbroken and devastated.

After the incident, so many people reached out to us to provide comfort, support, kind words, prayers, donations, their time, and to check in on us.

We found so much comfort in knowing we weren't going through this experience alone and we cannot express in words how much we appreciate each and every one of you.

We also would like to specifically thank the following: Pembroke & Indian Falls fire departments, Alabama, Town & City of Batavia fire departments, Corfu, Darien & East Pembroke fire departments, along with Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young, who was the law enforcement officer on scene.

The hard work of all these firefighters prevented us from losing our house in the fire as well. We are so thankful that didn't happen and that our family was not hurt.

Also, a special thanks to Officer Young who stayed by our side the entire time and helped us stay as calm as possible and went above and beyond for us.

Thank you to each and every one of you who risk your lives every day to help others and do everything you can to keep them safe.

In such a dark, uncertain, negative world these days it's nice to know that there are still good, kind people out there who are willing to come together and support one another in times of tragedy.

We wish each and every one of you a very happy and healthy new year.

Warmest regards,

-- The Urban Family

Press release:

In 1939, the New York-Penn League (NY-P League) was founded in Batavia, NY (formerly known as the Pennsylvania-Ontario-New York (PONY) League), and has been the oldest, continuously operated CLASS A league in professional baseball.

As one of the founding members of the League, the Batavia club has proudly provided affordable, family entertainment for the Batavia community and Western New York for decades.

Unfortunately, Major league Baseball has announced it will no longer continue to offer Major League Baseball club affiliations to Batavia and most of the other clubs in the New York-Penn League.

The result of Major League Baseball’s action means the end of professional baseball in Batavia.

Major League Baseball’s announcement was part of other sweeping changes being made to the player development structure of the Minor Leagues, which includes the elimination of the Rookie classification and the NY-P League’s Class A – Short Season classification of professional baseball.

In sum, Major League Baseball believes these classifications are no longer needed for developing its players.

NY-P League President, Ben Hayes, recently stated, “The elimination of this historic League as part of Major League Baseball’s player development system is truly heartbreaking for the NY-P League’s fans, communities, club employees, and club owners.

"Sadly, most of the NY-P League’s clubs played their final professional baseball games in 2019, and neither they nor their fans knew at the time that it would be their last professional baseball season.

"The elimination of these classifications of professional baseball by Major League Baseball will result in thousands of players, who would have had an opportunity to develop and compete to play in the Major Leagues, will no longer get the chance to live their dream.

"I’ve been working with Batavia Interim City Manager, Rachael Tabelski, over the past several months to ensure the Batavia community will continue to enjoy the play of live baseball at historic Dwyer Stadium.”

During its professional baseball history, the Batavia club enjoyed four NY-P League championships, and Batavia’s fans saw numerous players who went on to have exceptional Major League careers, including Steve Blass, Doc Ellis, Cito Gaston, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and many others.

In 1961, the Batavia club made history when the Pittsburg Pirates named Gene Baker as the Batavia club’s manager, making him the first African American to manage a professional baseball club.

Prior to the 2008 season, the club was operated by Genesee County Baseball Club, a nonprofit community-based organization. From 2008-2017, the club was operated by the Rochester Red Wings, and in 2018 and 2019 by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the NY-P League.

In 2019, the Batavia club won the Pickney Division championship and competed for the NY-P League championship, increased its attendance by 42 percent, and won an award for the best natural turf field in the NY-P League.

Press release:

• Genesee County received 68 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke)
    • 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, 70s, 80s and 90s.
• Sixty-six of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Twenty-six of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• Three of the new positive cases are residents at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.
• Three of the new positive cases are residents at the Batavia VA Medical Center.
• One of the new positive cases is a resident at the New York State Veterans’ Home at Batavia.

• Orleans County received 32 new positive cases of COVID-19.
• The new 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, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.
• Six of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Forty-eight of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Fourteen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

Submitted photo and press release:

Senator Edward Rath III has been sworn in as the New York State senator representing the 61^st Senate District.

Senator Rath was sworn in on the Senate Floor on Wednesday, Jan. 6.

“I am honored to officially be serving as the New York State Senator for the 61^st Senate District," Rath said. "I am proud to have earned the trust of the residents of this district. Our state is facing some of the most challenging times in recent history and our communities are suffering.

"As your State Senator, you have my word that I will fight for our communities and residents.”

Photo: Senator Rath, center, his wife, Amy, in gray dress, and his mother, Mary Lou Rath, former NYS senator representing the 61 Senate District.

Press release:

On Dec. 28, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020.

Certain provisions were included with this law to eliminate the requirement to file property tax exemption renewal applications for the Senior Citizens exemption and the Limited Income Disability exemption in 2021.  

Property owners who received either of those exemptions on the 2020 assessment roll do not have to send a request to their local assessor to continue receiving the exemption for 2021 as the exemption will automatically roll over.

There are some exceptions where an application for an exemption for 2021 may be requested at the discretion of each assessing jurisdiction.

This includes a change in one’s primary residence; another owner being added to the deed; property transferring to a new owner; or a person who has died. This law also only applies to renewal applications, if you are looking to receive either of these exemptions for the first time you must still apply with your local assessor.

“Residents should be aware that this law does not impact the STAR program, however, anyone who received an Enhanced STAR exemption in 2020 will continue to have their income automatically verified via the State’s income verification program,” said Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelley Stein. “So, typically no action should be required to continue receiving an Enhanced STAR exemption as well.” 

For more information, residents are urged to contact their local Assessor or Real Property Tax Services in the Genesee County Treasurer’s Office at (585) 344-2550, ext. 2215.

Press release:

Start 2021 by joining the Genesee County Master Gardeners for another year of Garden Talk!

On Jan. 21 at noon, we will kick off the series with “DIY Teacup Garden Art.” Master Gardener Bonnie B will share with us her tips for repurposing glassware. This is a fun, easy DIY project to combat the long winter days and create some garden art for a garden enthusiast or yourself!

Feb. 4 – “Sunflowers!” with Master Gardener Brandie W. Sunflowers are a bright and cheerful addition to any garden. They are easy to grow from seed in almost any type of soil and can be sown in succession for a season full of colorful blooms. Sunflowers can be grown for cut flowers, a colorful garden display or even for edible seed; for you or the birds.  Whether you want short, medium, or tall; yellow, burgundy or orange, there’s a sunflower for you.

March 4 –  “No Mow Yards” Manicured lawns are a staple for most front yards. They require a great deal of money and work to keep lush and provide little to no support of a diverse ecosystem. Master Gardener Connie B will explore alternatives to the front lawn that are biodiverse, nature friendly and low maintenance.

For the foreseeable future all Garden Talk programs will be via Zoom. Garden Talk runs from noon to 12:45 p.m. This free series is open to all.  Registration is required. A Zoom link will be sent to your email with your personal link to the event.

Please visit our events page at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website.

Master Gardener events will be posted on the CCE Genesee County website and on our Facebook page. Check out our YouTube page for previously recorded gardening programs.