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Press Release:

United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes is investing $45,500 to support two summer programs in Genesee County.

United Way is the second-largest funder for summer programming and is supporting more programs and youth than 2024. United Way is one of nine funders contributing to summer programs. For ease of applicants and to enhance funder collaboration, applicants were able to complete a common application with the nine funders.  

“When our youth have the opportunities to thrive, we thrive as a community,” said Robert De Leon, director of community impact at United Way. “We are deeply committed to ensuring youth have access to safe, enriching, and inclusive programming during the summer months. These programs are crucial for youth development, fostering social and emotional growth and combatting summer learning loss.”  

Programs were selected based on their demonstrated excellence in academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, arts and recreation, trauma-informed care, inclusivity, safety protocols, and outcomes-based evaluation.  

United Way’s Community Impact Fund, which supports a broad portfolio of nonprofit services and resources that strengthen our region year-round, funds these summer programs.  

2025 United Way Genesee County Summer Program Grant Recipients  

• Gillam Grant Community Center- Summer Day Camp
• Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council- Explore Art! for Kids

United Way’s annual campaign makes the work of the Community Impact Fund and these grant opportunities possible. To learn more and donate, visit unitedwayrocflx.org.  
 

Press Release:

The Holland Land Office is proud to announce the next presenter in its Guest Speaker Series on Wednesday, June 11, at 7 p.m. Hofstra Law Professor Stefan Krieger shares the story of his great-grandfather's murder in Batavia in 1915. Yomtov (Jacob) Schoenberg was viciously murdered in his sleep while at home at 138 Liberty Street by an intruder who bludgeoned his head with a piece of scrap iron. Mr. Krieger decided to delve deeper into the case and has written a piece about it. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for our monthly Trivia Night on Thursday, June 12, at 7 p.m. Get your disco balls ready and leisure suits on and test your knowledge of the 1970s. We promise it is more than just disco. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next act in our Concert Series on Friday, June 20, at 7 p.m. Don Dwyer will be returning to play his compilation of songs in honor of the bicentennial of the Erie Canal. Come and listen as Don plays and tells "The Songs and Stories of the Erie Canal." Admission is $5/$4 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next presentation in our Java with Joe E. series on Thursday, June 26 at 9 a.m. Local author and former Air Force Sentry Dog Handler, Russ Benzin, will be sharing his recently published book, "The Amazing Skipper." Russ details his life through the dogs he called best friends throughout his life, including with his veterinarian wife Dr. Mary. The main focus though is his time with Skipper, who was his partner during Vietnam while he served as a dog handler in the Air Force. Admission is free with coffee and donuts. Thank you to Tim Horton's of Batavia for sponsoring Java with Joe E. for 2025.

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating Catherine Chudoba (white female, age 35, approximately 5' 5" and 140 lbs), a missing vulnerable adult who may be in need of medical attention. 

Catherine was last seen wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans in the area of South Jackson Street in the City of Batavia. 

If anyone sees or has information as to her whereabouts they are asked to contact 911 or the City of Batavia Police Department non-emergency number 585-345-6350.

UPDATED 7 p.m.: Catherine Chudoba was located. Batavia Police thanks the public for its assistance in this effort.

Press Release:

Pavilion Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held Friday, May 30, in the Pavilion Jr/Sr High School Auditorium from 9:30 to 11 a.m., and the public is welcome to join us.

This year's recipients are Terry Donegan Sanchez - Class of 1985, Marirose Torcello Ethington - Class of 1982, and Linda J. (Linn) Tytler- Class of 1965.

Terri Donegan Sanchez was a 5 sport athlete while at Pavilion, earning State Honors in Volleyball and Track. She attended GCC and Brockport State to earn her Bachelor Degree in Administration and a minor in Finance. After graduation, she began her career in Banking, which led her to a teaching career. She is currently a dual certified Business/Marketing teacher and Clinical Educator.

Terri is married to Roberto Sanchez and is the proud mother of Aaron and Alyssa Peoples.

Marirose Torcello Ethington, while spending her time at PCS participated in many clubs, Band, Chorus, AFS, Tower, and Press Club. She was also a member of the Student Council and recipient of DAR Good Citizenship Award. She attended SUNY Geneseo receiving her Bachelors and Masters degree. Following graduation she taught the Sciences at Camden High School, and coaching JV and Varsity Field Hockey and class advisor. In 1991 Marirose joined Genesee Community College teaching in multiple Sciences, showing her versatility as an instructor. She has also participated in many community activities, while raising her family, Marcella and Jared with her husband Gordon.

Linda J Tytler graduated in 1965 from PCS and went to Southern Seminary in Buena Vista, VA and earned an Associates Degree in Business. Earning her Masters Degree form the University of New Mexico. She has worked for Xerox Corp. in Rochester and Arlington VA. Her professional steps led to the US House of Representatives and US Senate, she joined the Gerald Ford presidential campaign coordinating scheduling with the US Secret Service. This led Tytler to taking a turn at politics, earning a seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives. This has led to many more honors and recognition for Linn’s career.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

Cub Scout Pack 6067 and Troop 6067 from the Corfu/Pembroke area recently completed a flag replacement project at Hillside Cemetery on Angling Road in Pembroke.

The Scouts removed old flags and placed new ones at the gravesites of veterans who have passed away. The retired flags will be properly disposed of in a ceremonial burning conducted by Kevin Volk and his son, Walter Volk.

Submitted photo.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will be holding its sixth annual Teen Academy July 7 –  11, at Genesee Community College. Posters and flyers have been posted at Genesee County Schools, and the June 1 deadline to apply is less than a week away. There is no charge to attend the academy.

“Partnering with GCC allows Teen Academy participants to utilize the college’s criminal justice facilities, which includes a 9-1-1 dispatch console simulator and a firearms simulator. This one-week academy is a structured program that affords students the opportunity to gain insight into daily responsibilities of a Deputy Sheriff, law enforcement training and to learn what a career in law enforcement entails. It is our hope that teens will build confidence while learning good decision-making and leadership skills,” stated Sheriff Graff.

Academy instructors are experienced Deputy Sheriffs who will discuss day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office.

Participants will also: 

visit the County Jail, 911 Emergency Services Dispatch Center, and Sheriff’s Office

• observe displays of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Hostage Negotiation, K-9 Unit, and Evidence Recovery
• be provided insight into motor vehicle accident reconstruction
• participate in daily physical fitness runs, defensive tactics, and team-building exercises
• participate in a classroom setting and learn about the NYS Penal Laws and Vehicle & Traffic Laws
• participate in mock traffic stops and DWI procedures

Qualified candidates will be selected for an interview screening process if they meet the following requirements:

• must be entering grades 10-12 at the time of application submission
• must be in good academic standing with little to no disciplinary issues
• must be able to participate in physical fitness activities
• must have a positive attitude
• must have their parents’ permission

For more information, photos, or to obtain an application, contact Deputy Joshua Brabon at 585-345-3000, extension 3230.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

After decades of exceptional service in family medicine, Mary Obear, MD, PhD is preparing to retire at the end of May, leaving behind a profound legacy of healing, leadership, and community commitment. Her patients will be seen by Shannon Bartlett, ANP, and Kevin Beuler, PA, at Oak Orchard Health’s Corfu office. 

A retirement party will be held in her honor on June 14 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Pembroke Community Center. Family, friends, current and past staff and patients, and people in the community are welcome.

Dr. Obear has been a family physician in private practice since 2002 at Pembroke Family Medicine, which grew to three locations (Batavia, Alexander, and Corfu). On July 1, 2020, she combined her multi-location practice with Oak Orchard Health because of their common mission to provide high-quality primary care to everyone. At that time, we dedicated the health center to Dr. Obear.

“It is with mixed feelings that I announce my retirement from Oak Orchard Health on May 30. I have cared for patients in Genesee County and beyond for over two and a half decades (that’s a quarter of a century!). It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and my time at Oak Orchard Health has been very important to me,” says Dr. Obear. “I feel it’s time for me to begin my next chapter of my life, traveling and seeing my family who live all over the country. I leave my patients in the care of Shannon Bartlett, ANP and Kevin Beuler, PA. I have supreme confidence in them. They are both skilled practitioners and are compassionate and caring with patients.”

Dr. Obear is well known in the community and serves in many volunteer roles. She is on the Board of Health for Genesee County and the Board of Directors at Crossroads House and Gateway House.

Press Release:

The Batavia Social Security office located at 571 East Main Street, Batavia, will be temporarily closed on Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30. The office will reopen to the public on Monday, June 2, at 9 a.m. Local telephone services at the Batavia Social Security office will remain available at 1-866-931-7103.

People who need to conduct their Social Security business in person may visit the following Social Security offices:

• 4050 West Ridge Road, 2nd Floor, Rochester
• 200 East Main Street, 2nd Floor, Rochester

Social Security office hours are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.   

Social Security’s customers can now make appointments for all types of services instead of waiting in line, resulting in a better overall experience and reductions in wait times.

Customers can still wait in line if they cannot or do not want to make an appointment. Staff at local offices are being particularly mindful of vulnerable populations, people with disabilities, and other groups needing specialized or immediate attention when they walk in.  

People can schedule an appointment by calling their local office (recommended) or 1-800-772-1213, which also has a call-back feature. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

Many Social Security services are conveniently available online at www.ssa.gov. People may create their my Social Security account, a personalized online service, at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. If they already receive Social Security benefits, they can start or change direct deposit online, request a replacement SSA-1099, and if they need proof of their benefits, they can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter from their account.  

People not yet receiving benefits can use their online account to get a personalized Social Security Statement, which provides their earnings information as well as estimates of their future benefits.  The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services. 

Need a Social Security Number card? 

Please note for many situations people only need their number and not the actual card.  If they need a card, they should start the process online. 

People can visit www.ssa.gov/number-card to submit a request for a replacement card, start an application for an updated card, or to request a Social Security number for the first time.  Some people may not need to visit an office and, if they do need to visit an office to complete the application, they will save a lot of time by starting online. 

Want to apply for benefits?  

People can apply online for most benefits.  In many cases, there are no forms to sign. The agency will review the application and reach out with questions or for more information. Visit www.ssa.gov/onlineservices to apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare. 

Need proof of benefits, want to check the status of an application or appeal, or curious what else people can do online?   

Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount or www.ssa.gov/onlineservices today.

Press Release:

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #576 of Le Roy has selected two students to attend this year's Empire Girls State the week of June 30 at SUNY Brockport.

Teagan Falk and Elise Fisher have been selected to attend. As part of the premier ALA program, “citizens” of the New York Girls State will study local, county, and state government processes during this five-day nonpartisan political learning experience.

Teagan is a high school junior from Oakfield-Alabama High School. She participates in many extracurriculars, including Chorus, Band, Varsity Football and Basketball Cheer, Mock Trial, NHS, and is the president of her class. She takes multiple AP classes and has a 4.0 GPA. She also participates in activities outside of her school, including as lead singer of a band, and modeling in the GCC fashion show.

Elise Fisher is a high school junior from Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School. She is well-known for her passion for social justice and conservation, participating in various clubs such as Mosaic, Ecology, Feminist Club, and the National Honor Society.

ALA Girls State attendees, known as “citizens,” receive special instruction in parliamentary procedure and organize themselves into two mock political parties. The young women then campaign, hold rallies, debate, and vote to elect city, county, and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and perform their prescribed duties. Attendees not elected to office are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoints as citizens.

Every spring, approximately 25,000 young women across the country are selected to attend ALA Girls State programs in their respective states. Two outstanding citizens from each of the 50 ALA Girls State programs are then chosen to represent their state as “senators” at ALA Girls Nation held in Washington, D.C. in July.

Press Release:

The City of Batavia invites you and your organization to participate in the Memorial Day Parade on May 26. The parade lineup will be at the East Town Plaza starting at 8:30 a.m., with the parade commencing at 9:30 a.m. The parade should end at approximately 10:30 a.m. at Alva Place. We will have Marshals who will assign your unit a place in the parade.

When turning off Main Street onto Bank Street, all units are to be silent out of respect for a memorial service at the Veterans Monument on Bank Street.

Throwing of candy from vehicles is strictly prohibited.

Out of respect, there will be no political campaigning, such as signs or vote for are allowed. Our veterans served our country, not political affiliations.

"Honor, respect, and guard your freedom, for it comes from the blood of those who gave their life for it."

Your support of this event is greatly appreciated.

Please RSVP and return a certificate of Insurance and or the attached hold harmless to Bob Bialkowski at bbwski@yahoo.com or call 585-343-4471.

Press Release:

The following is the schedule of events and activities being conducted this Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, by Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion:

9:45 a.m. - Form up at the American Legion parking lot for the Annual Memorial Parade.

10:30 a.m. - Parade "Steps off"

11 a.m. - Memorial Day program commences at the Trigon Park Memorial

• Introduction and Welcome by Commander David A. Rumsey
• Invocation by Post Chaplain Gary Bassett
• National Anthem sung by Ms. Aubrey Puccio, Senior LHS!
• Introduction of the 2025 “Poppy Girl”- Ms. Brair DeBellis and 2 “Poppy Ambassadors” Noah and Elijah Ford
• Speaker: Mr. James Ellison, USN, Ret.
• Reading of list of deceased veterans who have passed away in the past year with the placement of Memorial flag for each veteran.
• Playing of "Taps" followed by Firing Squad volley
• Benediction and closing by Post Chaplain Gary Bassett
• Singing of “God Bless America” led by Aubrey Puccio and the combined Le Roy High School bands.

11:45 a.m. - DISMISS

• Hot dogs (Zweigles) and soft drinks free to all after Parade at the Legion Post Home located at 53 West Main Street immediately following the parade.

Press Release:

Starting May 27, Genesee County Offices will shift their hours from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. As in years past, this change does not affect the total number of hours offices are open to the public. These summer hours will remain in effect through August 29.

Departments with alternate schedules may vary slightly; please refer to department-specific announcements or contact offices directly with any questions.

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) shared remarks on the House floor during National Police Week to honor the lives of two fallen police officers from New York’s 24th Congressional District, Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and Deputy Cailee Campbell of the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office.

Sergeant Sanfratello served his beloved community as a police officer for 32 years, was twice recognized as officer of the year, and was heavily involved with the New York State Sheriffs Association, Stop DWI, and Shop with a Cop. He was tragically killed while responding to a call in the early hours of March 10, 2024.  

Deputy Campbell began her career in law enforcement with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer before attending the Syracuse Police Academy. In April 2023, she joined the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy. On September 25, 2024, she was tragically struck in a T-bone collision and later succumbed to her injuries.

"During National Police Week, we solemnly honor the memory of Sergeant Sanfratello and Deputy Campbell, who gave their lives in service to our community. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we remain forever indebted to them. On behalf of the people of New York’s 24th Congressional District, we offer our deepest gratitude and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

Watch Rep Tenney’s remarks honoring Sergeant Sanfratello here and her remarks honoring Deputy Campbell here.

Press release:

In a thrilling Section V playoff shocker, the 12-seed Byron-Bergen Bees softball team toppled 5-seed Sodus with a dominant 23–8 victory. Down 8–5 in the fifth inning, the Bees unleashed an offensive explosion that flipped the script and secured a statement win.

The rally began with freshman Lillian Meier, who came off the bench and delivered a clutch, game-tying triple — the first extra-base hit of her varsity career. The very next batter, sophomore Taylor Lundfelt, stepped to the plate 0-for-24 on the season and broke through in the biggest moment, smashing a deep double to give the Bees a lead they never gave back.

On the mound, Lily Stalica came in to relieve Lauren Gartz in the fourth inning and shut the door on Sodus. Stalica tossed 2.2 innings of no-hit, shutout softball while striking out four to earn the win.

“This was the kind of game that shows what these girls are made of,” said Head Coach Steve Ball. “We’ve faced adversity all season, and today we saw what can happen when you keep fighting. Lillian and Taylor stepped up in huge moments — that’s what team softball is all about. I couldn’t be prouder of every single player on that field. This was a full team win, and we’re not done yet.”

Stats:

    •    J. Weaver: .500 batting average, three runs, two RBIs, two walks
    •    J. Amesbury: .667 batting average, two hits, three RBIs
    •    K. Chase: 1.000 batting average, two runs, two RBIs
    •    L. Meier: Game-tying triple, four RBIs
    •    T. Lundfelt: Go-ahead three-run double, three RBIs
    •    L. Gartz: 2-for-3, three runs, four RBIs
    •    L. Stalica: 2 2/3 innings pitched, no hits, no runs, four strikeouts (win)

Press Release:

Eight local students graduated on Wednesday, May 14, from the Genesee County Youth Bureau’s Youth Lead Program. This eight-month-long program focuses on developing leadership skills through hands-on experiences. 

Congratulations to the following Genesee County Youth for completing the program:

• Elle Bentley, a Freshman from Elba
• Preslee Blecha, a Freshman from Alexander
• Jenavieve Gang, a Freshman from Oakfield-Alabama
• Lyla Jones, a Freshman from Le Roy
• Kennedy Lear, a Freshman from Alexander
• Lucia Longoria, a Sophomore from Elba
• Zachary Thorne, a Freshman from Alexander
• Carolyn Wujcik, a Freshman from Le Roy

These eight students met monthly to learn more about their community, how to be leaders, and the needs and challenges found in Genesee County. 

Areas of topic this year included Leadership, Business, Community Service, Criminal Justice, Arts & Culture, and Health & Emergency Preparedness. A few highlights of this year included a tour of The Chamber of Commerce, creating holiday cards for the elderly in Genesee County, a tour of the new Genesee County Jail, a history of Jamaican Culture by Jackie Swaby at GOART!, and a fire extinguisher demonstration by Gary Patnode of Genesee County Office of Emergency Management. 

Congratulations to these future leaders!

Applications for Youth Lead are open for the 2025-2026 school year. Interested Genesee County high school students, grades 9-12, are encouraged to apply. Applications are due September 1, 2025. For additional information or to apply, visit https://shorturl.at/t6qPr.

Press Release:

The Batavia Police Department is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for all residents. To achieve this goal, we need your help. If you have information about illegal drug activity in our community, we urge you to report it anonymously through the Submit a Tip link on our Crimewatch page. 

Drug abuse and trafficking can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and our community as a whole. By reporting suspicious activity, you can help us identify and disrupt illegal drug operations, making our streets safer for everyone. 

Our Tip Line is a secure and confidential way to share information about drug-related crimes. You can remain anonymous, and your tip will be investigated promptly by our dedicated team. Your contribution can make a significant difference in our efforts to combat drug abuse and keep our community safe. 

Here's how you can report drug activity anonymously: 

• Visit our Crimewatch page and click on the Submit a Tip link.
• Provide as much information as possible about the suspected drug activity, including location, time, and any other relevant details.
• Submit your tip, and our team will review and investigate it promptly. 

Remember, your tip can be the key to making a positive impact in our community. Let's work together to create a safer, healthier environment for everyone. Report drug activity anonymously today! If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, please seek help from a trusted healthcare provider or a reputable treatment center. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our community safe.