Stories from

From St. Paul Lutheran Church & School:

St. Paul Lutheran Church & School is hosting a drive-thru Chiavetta's Chicken BBQ this Sunday, Oct. 11 from 11:30 a.m. till sold out.

It is located at 31 Washington Ave., Batavia.

Tickets are $12 per dinner, which includes chicken, potato salad, macaroni salad, roll & butter.

Presale tickets are available by phoning Diane at 356-8789 or the Main Office at 343-0488. (School families can send in an envelope addressed to M. Keberle containing your name, payment and number of tickets.)

You can also purchase tickets the day of the event at the drive-thru.  

"We hope you all will participate in supporting St. Paul Church and School!"

Press release:

In just a few weeks, on Monday, Oct. 26, faculty at Genesee Community College will start seven-week session classes; the last session of the Fall 2020 semester.

These hand-selected courses cover all of the content included in a full semester-long course over a drastically accelerated timeline and delivered through completely remote and online modalities. 

The courses offered during this unique session are designed to help students to meet their general education and program course requirements on time or ahead of schedule. For added convenience and in conjunction with the current pandemic-related guidance, all seven-week session classes are offered completely online. To apply, visit here.

Both College Composition (ENG101) and Composition in the Natural and Social Sciences (ENG102) are being offered, which greatly helps those students who were unable to take these courses in earlier semesters.

In total, this session offers courses that cover five different General Education categories for students.

There are also a number of courses specific to a variety of majors but that also could serve as electives for others. Perhaps two of the most widely applicable options include Principles of Business (BUS101) and Introduction to Computers (CIS102) which are also both starting Oct. 26.

Of particular interest to those future Fashion Designers, Merchandisers, and others pursuing a future in fashion, courses like Principles of Fashion Merchandising (FBM101) and of Textiles (FBM115) are available at this time.

To participate in GCC's next online Instant Admit Days on either Oct. 8 and 13, register here.

In addition, GCC will host virtual Open House sessions on Oct. 17 and Nov. 11 and the College's 360 Virtual Tour is always available!

For more information or photographs contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is holding their debut Walk, Run and Roll 5K or 10K All-inclusive Virtual Race for people of all abilities.

People with disabilities as well as the public will have the opportunity to compete side-by-side in an on-line event that will not discriminate based on disability. This fully accessible activity will permit competitors to pick the “course” of their choice any time between Oct. 18^th to 31^st.

Within the race itself, participants will have the secondary opportunity to engage in a Visual and Auditory Scavenger Hunt, where participants are challenged to locate particular sights and sounds of nature, city life, and Halloween decorations in a unique feature to the “race."

You can sign up in the Event section of ILGR’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/ILGR14020; or click here.

Entrance fee is $25, and includes an event t-shirt. For more information call Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411.

ILGR is grateful to our sponsors: Gold Level Sponsor Molina Healthcare; R.A. Haitz Company Roofing and Siding; and 139^th District New York Assembly Member Steven Hawley.

Statement from NYS Senate Republican candidate Ed Rath regarding Audit of NYS Broadband Program:

“It has been announced that the NYS Comptroller’s Office is conducting an audit of the NYS Broadband Program," Rath said. "I eagerly await the results.

"At the inception of the NYS Broadband Program, $500 million was set aside to bring internet to the most rural parts of New York State. Unfortunately, we still have large areas, not only in rural areas but across many suburbs and cities, without access to broadband.

"This is unacceptable and the issue is only compounded by the current pandemic and the ever-growing need for reliable internet. Again, I look forward to the report from the Comptroller’s Office.”

Press release:

Genesee County Job Development Bureau is hosting a Virtual Job Fair via Zoom on Thursday, Oct. 15th from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Register by Oct. 14th at (585) 344-2042 or emailing jdb@co.genesee.ny.us

Whether you are hoping to find a fresh start, a better job, or a new career direction; job seekers will find some exciting opportunities at the Virtual Job Fair. 

“We are excited to partner with the GLOW Workforce Development Board to bring employers and job seekers together,” said Teresa Van Son, director of the Genesee County Job Development Bureau.

Local employers will be in attendance, eager to hire for immediate openings in a range of occupations. The job fair is open to the entire community.

“This virtual event links potential workers with great employers looking to hire. The job fair is a way to connect face-to-face,” Van Son said.

Come prepared by attending our Job Fair Success Virtual Workshop on Oct. 13th at 2 p.m. (call 344-2042 to register). Learn how to make the most of a job fair and turn it into a job offer!

You can also register for the Interviewing Skills Virtual Workshop on Oct. 20th at 2 p.m.

For more information, please contact the Genesee County Career Center, at (585) 344-2042 or jdb@co.genesee.ny.us

Submitted photo and press release:

Eleven years ago, Nicole Davis (top photo), CEO, designer and Buffalo native, created Franci Jewelry from her kitchen table. Since then, her extensive collections have been featured in prominent fashion weeks around the world including New York, Los Angeles and Paris, worn by celebrity clientele and also published in several national and international magazines, which includes the likes of Vogue Italia.

On Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 11:30 a.m. Davis will share her story virtually through GCC's Fashion Episodes. To watch Fashion Episode 20:1 Franci Jewelry with Nicole Davis, visit https://zoom.us/j/4147496187

All are invited to hear this self-proclaimed "mompreneur" describe the growth of her business, the importance of understanding one's target markets and making intentional, appropriate business decisions that match that target market.

This episode is the first of its kind made available by the Fashion Program at Genesee Community College. The Fashion Program has always been a flagship for the college. The knowledge and experience of the faculty and their dedication to their students has produced quality and professional workplace candidates and well-prepared transfer students since the program's inception more than 40 years ago.

Just last year, GCC renewed its articulation agreement with LIM for students in the Fashion Business: Merchandising A.A.S. program. Students who complete the track and degree requirements can seamlessly transfer to LIM to complete their B.B.A. in Fashion Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, Marketing or Management.

In addition, GCC is very excited to announce a new articulation agreement with Cazenovia College. This agreement provides a seamless transfer opportunity for GCC's Fashion Business: Merchandising A.A.S. students to Cazenovia's Fashion Merchandising B.P.S. and for GCC's Fashion Business: Fashion Design A.A.S. students to Cazenovia's Fashion Design B.F.A. degree program.

Anyone interested in taking advantage of these transfer opportunities through GCC is encouraged to contact GCC's Student Success Center at (585) 345-6805 or via email at SSC@genesee.edu.

Press release:

Genesee Community College will host two virtual Open House events this fall for students and families to learn all about what the College has to offer!

The first event will take place online from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, where participants will be able to listen to and watch presentations from all types of areas of the College including various Academic Departments, the Admissions team, Athletics, Financial Aid, Student Success, Student Engagement and Inclusion, and more!

These special Virtual Open House events will also give virtual attendees an opportunity to ask questions and get answers! A complete schedule of the virtual event presentations is available on the registration page for each event date.

Register now at www.genesee.edu/VisitGCC to attend either GCC Fall Virtual Open House on Saturday, Oct. 17 or Wednesday, Nov. 11.

For more information contact GCC's Admissions Office at 1-866-CALL-GCC or by email at Admissions@genesee.edu.

When: Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Where: Register to attend at www.genesee.edu/VisitGCC

Who: Anyone interested in attending GCC!

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Employee’s Association, the Sheriff Office’s largest union, proudly announces our endorsement for the Republican candidate for Sheriff, William A. Sheron Jr.

In these trying times of misinformation and anti-law enforcement, we need a Sheriff with strong leadership, knowledge, experience, and integrity. William Sheron checks off all these boxes. He has worked in all aspects of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and has served in multiple supervisory capacities throughout his 43 years within the department, including 21 years as Undersheriff. He is also a lifetime resident of Genesee County.

William Sheron is the most qualified person for this position and is the clear-cut candidate. His proven leadership offers the stability, transparency, and integrity that Genesee County residents demand and deserve going forward.

Press release:

Two weekends, two cities, two titles. The Athletes Edge 15/16U baseball team recently completed a successful stretch of games in which the team went 7-0-1 in winning tournaments in Oswego and in Pennsylvania's Beaver Falls. The team is comprised of 15- and 16-years-olds from several Genesee County schools. 

Legends of the Fall Tournament, Oswego

The Big Orange defeated teams from Syracuse and East Rochester on their way to the title. In game 1, Kyle Porter (Oakfield-Alabama) led the Athletes Edge 15/16U Big Orange to victory over Syracuse SportsZone Black on the hill. Porter surrendered one run on zero hits over one and two-thirds innings, striking out two in relief of Gianni Ferrera (Byron-Bergen).

Bodie Hyde (Oakfield-Alabama) threw one inning and recorded the last three outs to earn the save. Athletes Edge Scored the winning runs in the top of the seventh on hits by Jimmy Fanara (Batavia Notre Dame) and Bodie Hyde. 

In game 2, Jaden Sherwood (Batavia Notre Dame) threw a complete game 1 hit shutout against Syracuse SportsZone White, striking out six batters over five innings. Vincent Grazioplene (Batavia), Alex Johnson (Batavia), and Brayden Smith (Oakfield-Alabama) each had two RBIs in the 10-0 victory. 

The tournament semifinal, a seven-run third inning led Athletes Edge 15/16U Big Orange to a 10-1 victory over SportsZone White. Bryceton Berry (Attica) earned the victory on the pitcher's mound allowing two hits and one run over six innings, striking out six. Vincent Grazioplene hit a solo home run and Jessie Reinhart (Batavia) was 2-2 with a double and two RBIs

In the championship game, Ryan Fitzpatrick (Batavia Notre Dame) scattered three hits while striking out seven over seven innings in a close 3-1 victory over Diamond Pro. Barry and Reinhart each had RBI singles in the first inning, Fitzpatrick doubled in both at bats, scoring a run. 

Northeast Baseball Tournament, Beaver Falls, Pa.

The Athletes Edge 15/16U Big Orange came together to overcame multiple injuries to key players to come away with a hard-earned championship outside of Pittsburgh. Gianni Ferrara (Byron-Bergen) sustained an injury stealing a base in the top of the first inning of the opening game, Vincent Grazioplene would sustain an injury in the tournament’s semifinal on a collision at home plate, and Jimmy Fanara would suffer a leg injury running out a grounder in the Championship game.

The Big Orange defeated the Steel Town Maulers in the opening game 8-7. Bodie Hyde earned the victory in relief of Ryan Higgins (Le Roy). AE scored four runs in the final two innings to earn the comeback victory. Ryan Fitzpatrick had a two RBI double, Vincent Grazioplene was 2-3 with an RBI and a run scored, and Jessie Reinhart was 1-2 with two runs scored. 

AE would move on to face the Steel Town Dawgs in the second game of pool play. Both teams were evenly matched in a game that would end in a 1-1 tie after nine innings as the game was called due to darkness.

Kyle Porter pitched seven and two-thirds innings, only surrendering four hits and one run. Bodie Hyde pitched the final inning and a third, all under “shootout” rules as teams in the eighth and ninth innings began with a runner on second base. 

The two teams would face each other again the next day in the tournament semifinal and once again the teams would find each other tied at one in the final inning. Vincent Grazioplene drew a walk to open the inning and Bryceton Berry would be hit by the next pitch advancing pinch-runner Sean Alexander (Oakfield-Alabama) to second.

Ryan Fitzpatrick would lay down a bunt that loaded the bases. Kyle Porter followed with a sacrifice fly to deep left field that allowed Alexander to tag up at third and score what would become the winning run.

Bryceton Berry started, allowing five hits and zero runs over four and two-thirds innings, striking out six; Bodie Hyde would again earn the victory in relief as he allowed two hits and one run over two and a third innings, striking out three and walking one. 

The championship game starting assignment would once again go to Fitzpatrick, who would pitch five innings, allowing two runs on two hits, striking out two and walking one for a 10-2 win. Jay Antinore was two for three with two RBIs, Jessie Reinhart was two for four with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored, and Bryceton Berry was one for three with a triple. 

Athletes Edge continues their fall season this Saturday with a doubleheader at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Williams Park in Batavia.

New Cases – As of 2 p.m. 

• Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19.
  • The new positive case resides in Elba.
  • The positive individual is in their 50s.
  • The individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been released from isolation. 
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
  • Currently, there are two active positive students at the Elba Central School District.
• Orleans County received two new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Murray.
  • One of the individuals is in their 20s and one individual is in their 30s. 
  • One individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Two of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been released from isolation.
  • Seventeen new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) has cosponsored four pieces of legislation to help drive economic recovery – the Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill extending coronavirus aid for airlines, the Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020, and the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act.

“As we work through the unprecedented challenges facing our nation, my focus is ensuring we have a strong and robust economic recovery," Jacobs said. "We must get Americans back to work safely, support our major industries, and provide vital resources to small businesses so we can protect American jobs and give companies the ability to create new ones.” 

The four pieces of legislation Jacobs cosponsored are:

• H.R. 7777 – Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act would forgive any Paycheck Protection Program loan under $150,000. 
• H.R. 8345 – to provide support for air carrier workers, would extend the Payroll Support Program (PSP) for airlines for an additional six months through March 2021.
• H.R. 6821 – Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020 would allow businesses to deduct expenses covered with forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans from their federal taxes.
• H.R. 7642 – Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act would provide assistance to bus and motor coach operators that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. In addition to supporting employees, these funds could be used to support operation and maintenance of existing equipment. 

“Supporting the American workforce and reducing the burdens placed on our small businesses are critical to bolstering our nation’s economic recovery," Jacobs said. "As I continue fighting for policies that put American workers and small businesses first, I am also strongly urging the Speaker, the Senate, and the White House to reach a bipartisan deal to provide comprehensive COVID-19 relief for our families, small businesses, and farmers.”

Press release:

As of late last week, New York is thrilled to launch COVID Alert NY – the official Exposure Notification App created by the New York State Department of Health in partnership with Google and Apple. Now you can use your phone in the fight against COVID-19 and get exposure alerts, without compromising your privacy or personal information.

WHAT IS COVID ALERT NY?

COVID Alert NY is New York State's official Exposure Notification App. This is a free smartphone app for anyone 18+ that lives and/or works in New York available for download in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The COVID Alert NY app notifies users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Upon receiving an exposure notification, the app will encourage users to contact their physician or the State Health Department hotline (1-833-227-5045) to get more information about quarantining and testing.

Anyone who downloads the app does not have to worry about being tracked, identified or having their personal information shared. The app is completely anonymous and does not track your location or movement. No personal data is collected. COVID Alert NY uses Bluetooth proximity-enabled exposure notification technology provided by Apple and Google, which is safe and secure.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

The more New Yorkers using the COVID Alert NY app, the more effective it will be as a tool to fight against COVID-19. We need your help to rally your community to download and use the app.

The COVID Alert NY app puts the power in the hands of New Yorkers to protect their neighbors, friends, family and community at large. Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19.

WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE?

The New York State webpage on COVID Alert NY is found at: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-alert-ny

You can find a Frequently Asked Questions page here.

And in Spanish here.

To learn more about COVID Alert NY, visit:   ny.gov/covidalerts

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is announcing he is now accepting nominations for his Congressional Veteran of the Month program.

To nominate a veteran who is a current resident of the 27th Congressional District to be recognized, constituents can visit https://jacobs.house.gov/veteran-month-nominations to download the nomination form.

Once completed, nomination forms can be submitted to Rep. Jacobs’ office three different ways:

Email the form to:   NY27Veteran@mail.house.gov
Fax to (716) 631-7610
Or mail to the Clarence District office at 8203 Main St., Suite 2, Williamsville, NY 14221

“As a State Senator, my Veteran of the Month program was one of the most incredible and truly humbling programs I had the honor of conducting," Jacobs said.

"I am eager to launch this program from my Congressional Office and honor the truly incredible veterans of NY27 for their selfless service to our country and their communities."

Press release:

As of 2 p.m. 

• Genesee County received nine new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Alabama, Elba, Le Roy and Oakfield.
  • Three of the individuals are between 0-20, two individuals are in their 20s, one individual is in their 40s, and three individuals are in their 50s.
  • Seven individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Four of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been released from isolation.
  • Eight new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states. 
  • One of the positive individuals is hospitalized.
  • One of the new positive cases is a student at Elba High School. This case was identified in the press release Friday evening. If you were not notified you are not considered a close contact.

• Orleans County received zero new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • Five of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been released from isolation.
  • Eleven new individuals are on precautionary quarantine due to travel from restricted states.

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, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”

The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44 percent) of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66 percent) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.

“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice-president of outreach and advocacy. “Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.”

The City of Batavia Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.

“The most important step you should take before making a meal is to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” said Stefano Napolitano, the city's fire chief. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”

The City of Batavia Fire Department wants to share safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire.

Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slidethe lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.

• Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling.
• If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove. If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home whilefood is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
• You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink isprepared or carried.
• The City of Batavia Fire Department is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”, including virtual events at schools via and socially distant visits.
• For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit: www.fpw.org

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.19, the same as one week ago. One year ago, the price was $2.66. The New York State average is $2.26 – no change since last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.72.

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

• Batavia -- $2.21 (no change since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.23 (no change since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.19 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.24 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rome -- $2.31 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.19 (no change since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.30 (down 2 cents since last week)

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline remains at $2.19, which is the same price as a week ago, 3 cents less than a month ago, but still significantly cheaper than last year (-47 cents).

In the latest report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand saw a slight uptick while domestic stocks also increased. Gas prices are expected to remain reasonable for the fall foliage travel season. Once the holiday season arrives, winter blend fuel will debut again, which is typically cheaper to produce, so gas prices are not expected to dramatically increase in the near future.

From GasBuddy:

"It's been a fairly quiet week for gas prices yet again, but with oil tanking last week, there's a possibility motorists may see a renewed downward direction in average prices in the days or weeks ahead," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "However, according to Pay with GasBuddy data, gasoline demand inexplicably rose last week to the highest level since August, breaking with conventional wisdom that fall demand is typically weak.

"While we have no direct reasoning for the rebound, five of seven days last week saw much above the prior week's gasoline demand, in fact, Friday saw the highest gasoline demand since Labor Day. If demand continues to somehow defy such conventional trends, we may see an end to the possibility of future declines."

Press release:

Congressmembers Brian Higgins (NY-26) and Chris Jacobs (NY-27) are calling on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to send investigators to the scene of fatal airplane crash in Genesee County.  The Western New York leaders made the request in a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator and NTSB Chairman. 

Higgins and Jacobs write in part, “the agency must develop and execute an appropriate plan to adequately and safely examine the crash site as soon as possible. Neglecting to do so leaves crucial information about what caused this tragic crash unknown.”

A small aircraft departing Manchester, New Hampshire, crashed on Friday, Oct. 2 in the vicinity of Corfu, New York, never reaching its Buffalo, New York destination. The crash tragically killed both on board; Steve Barnes ,the pilot and a Western New York attorney, as well as his passenger and niece Elizabeth Barnes, an attorney with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

According to the NTSB’s website: “At the core of NTSB investigations is the ‘Go Team.’ The purpose of the Safety Board ‘Go Team’ is simple and effective: Begin the investigation of a major accident at the accident scene, as quickly as possible, assembling the broad spectrum of technical expertise that is needed to solve complex transportation safety problems.”

The NTSB has indicated they don’t plan to send a “Go Team” of investigators to the Western New York crash site due to COVID-19, and will instead only provide a remote review of the accident. 

Unfortunately, Western New York has been hit hard by several fatal aviation accidents including most recently the crash of a helicopter flown by Buffalo developer Mark Croce in January 2020 and the crash of Flight 3407 in February 2009 killing all on board and one on the ground. NTSB investigators were sent to the scene of both accidents. The NTSB Flight 3407 report led to sweeping changes to improve airline safety. 

Higgins and Jacobs stressed the value of on-site investigators writing, “No community knows the importance of an NTSB investigation more than Western New York. These investigations prevent future losses of life, result in safer skies, and bring closure to those who have lost loved ones. We strongly urge the NTSB to proceed expeditiously with a full investigation including the deployment of on-site investigators.”

Previously:

• Small airplane out of Buffalo crashes in swampy area off Boyce Road in Corfu
• Investigation continues into cause of plane crash in Corfu
• Coroner's Office begins process of recovering remains from crash site