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Press Release:

Le Roy Ambulance Service is proud to announce it has been awarded a grant from the New York State Dormitory Authority, enabling the purchase of two new emergency vehicles to strengthen our ability to serve the community. The grant, valued at approximately $350,000, fully reimburses the cost of the vehicles with no expense to the organization.

This funding supported the acquisition of a 2023 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor First Response Vehicle - commonly referred to as a “flycar” - which replaces our 2010 Chevy Suburban. After 15 years of reliable service, the Suburban has made way for this modern upgrade, ensuring our team is equipped with the latest technology for rapid response. We officially placed the new flycar into service on April 10.

The grant also covers the purchase of a new ambulance - an exact match to our 2023 Chevy Ambulance, which was funded entirely through local fundraising efforts. This new vehicle will replace our 2018 Ford Ambulance, which has already logged over 100,000 miles. These fleet upgrades are essential to maintaining the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our operations as we continue providing exceptional emergency medical care. While ambulances take longer to produce, we are hopeful to take delivery later this year.

Between this generous grant and our recent fundraising success, we anticipate being free from monthly vehicle payments for the next 5 to 10 years. This financial flexibility will allow us to redirect limited funding toward other critical operational and capital needs - a tremendous advantage for the sustainability of our service.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) has announced that the Town and Village of Bergen will receive its Economic Development Partner of the Year awards at the GCEDC’s annual meeting at Batavia Downs on Friday, April 25.

“In the past year, we have celebrated tens of millions of dollars of investment at the Apple Tree Acres Business Park, including the expansions of Oxbo, Liberty Pumps, AppleTree Acres, LLC, and Craft Cannery and funding from Empire State Development to support infrastructure upgrades for shovel-ready acres,” said GCEDC President and CEO Mark Masse. “The town and village of Bergen exemplify what a successful public and private sector collaboration looks like.”

Bergen Town Supervisor Ernest Haywood and Village Mayor Joseph Chimino will accept the awards.

“Working with Mark Masse and the leadership at the GCEDC, we have been able to provide the necessary infrastructure and investment that create family sustaining careers and a friendly business climate where companies can grow and create prosperity for our community,” said Bergen Town Supervisor Ernest Haywood.

“Economic development partnerships occur through collaboration, finding the best fit that benefit both our residents and businesses,” added Village Mayor Joseph Chimino. “We are honored to have this recognition bestowed upon our community.”

Registration for the GCEDC annual meeting is open through Wednesday, April 16. For more information visit the event’s website or contact the GCEDC at gcedc@gcedc.com. 

Press Release:

As the weather warms up, the Batavia Police Department wants to remind residents to take extra precautions to protect their vehicles and valuables from larceny. With the increase in outdoor activities, it's essential to remain vigilant and take steps to prevent theft from vehicles. 

Simple Safety Suggestions: 

• Lock it up! Always lock your vehicle doors, even when parked in your driveway or in a secured garage.
• Keep valuables out of sight. Don't leave purses, laptops, phones, or other valuable items in plain sight. Take them with you or store them in a secure location.
• Park in well-lit areas. Avoid parking in dark or isolated spots, especially at night.
• Don't leave keys in the vehicle. Keep your keys with you or in a safe place, away from prying eyes.
• Be mindful of your surroundings. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to the authorities immediately. 

By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of larceny from your vehicle. Remember, it's always better to be proactive and take preventative measures to protect your belongings. 

If you have any information about larceny from vehicles or have been a victim of this crime, please contact the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350 or by submitting a tip at bataviapolice.org. Together, we can work towards a safer community.

Remember: A safe community is a responsible community.

Press Release:

National Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week is celebrated every second full week of April and is endorsed by the National Animal Care & Control Association.  The Genesee County Legislature issued a proclamation recognizing April 13 – 19, as National Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week.  

For those in the community that may not be aware, Genesee County Sheriff Joseph M. Graff is responsible for the Genesee County Animal Shelter and its two Dog Control Officers (DCOs) Sarah Fountain and Catherine Seward.  

DCO Fountain and Seward are tasked with picking up stray or dangerous animals every day, all year round.  They protect animals from abusers and people from dangerous animals.  These officers seek justice in cases of abused, neglected and abandoned animals; they conduct humane investigations pursuant to NYS Agriculture and Markets Laws, Public Health Laws, and bring in helpless animals.  They ensure any and all animals impounded are properly sheltered, fed, and watered and properly adopted, redeemed, or disposed of in a humane manner.
 
If you see Dog Control Officer Fountain or Seward this week, give them a thumbs up or friendly wave.  Remember, pet owners, license and tag your pet. Your local dog control officer will be happy knowing regular vaccination protocols have been followed and the tag (or chip implant) will help the officer identify the animal and you, the owner.

“This week, during National Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Dog Control Officers, Sarah and Catherine.  Whether you're responding to dangerous situations, reuniting lost pets with their families, or ensuring neglected animals find the care they deserve—you serve with compassion, professionalism, and courage.  Additionally important is the support and unique relationship we have with the Volunteers for Animals (VFA) organization.  The animal shelter runs efficiently and needed services are provided to the community with the assistance that is provided by the VFA,” stated Sheriff Graff.

Press Release:

Senator George Borrello announced he is introducing legislation, S. 7398, that would allow grocery stores in New York to sell wine, but with a key provision: only New York State-produced wines would be eligible for sale.

The proposal is intended to support family farms and local vintners and boost New York’s wine industry, which contributes nearly $15 billion in direct economic impact to New York State. It also addresses concerns that a general law allowing wine sales in supermarkets would result in major national distributors paying for shelf space and crowding out New York-produced wines. Smaller wineries—many of which rely on direct-to-consumer sales and limited distribution—could find themselves shut out of the grocery market entirely.

“New York is home to one of the most diverse and innovative wine industries in the country. From the Lake Erie shoreline to the Finger Lakes and down to Long Island, our winemakers are producing award-winning wines that deserve a prominent place on grocery store shelves,” said Senator Borrello. “But if we allow out-of-state wines to flood our stores, it will be the big national brands—backed by powerful distributors—who dominate shelf space. Small New York producers are likely to be squeezed out entirely or reduced to a token presence on store shelves."

Under current law, wine is sold primarily through standalone liquor stores. While proposals to allow wine sales in grocery stores have surfaced for years, they’ve been repeatedly defeated due to opposition from the liquor store lobby, which argues the change would harm independent retailers.

Borrello acknowledged their concerns and noted that his legislation strikes a balance—supporting New York’s wine industry while addressing the concerns of independent retailers and the liquor store lobby. The targeted approach would ensure that grocery sales expand in a way that uplifts local agriculture without undermining small, community-based wine and liquor shops.

He also said that he will soon be introducing legislation to address another concern of small wine and liquor retailers: the current prohibition on selling food products such as cheese, cured meats, olives, and crackers—items that complement wine and spirits. The goal is to level the playing field, as New York State currently prohibits liquor stores from selling any type of food.

“For too long, outdated and often unfair regulations have held back our state’s wine and spirits industry,” Senator Borrello said. “It’s time to bring New York’s alcohol laws into the 21st century, because our small producers and retailers deserve a system that works for them, not against them.”

He noted that modernization begins with giving New York wines a fair shot. By allowing only New York-produced wines to be sold in grocery stores, he said his legislation provides a smart, targeted way to strengthen our homegrown wine industry without undercutting independent retailers.

“New York wines are world-class. But our small producers are fighting an uphill battle in a consolidated distribution market,” said Senator Borrello. “This bill would give them a real leg up, while expanding consumer access to local wines and supporting our state’s economy.”

New York is the third-largest wine-producing state in the nation, with more than 450 wineries and 35,000 acres of vineyards across 11 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). The industry supports thousands of jobs and draws over 5 million tourists to wine country annually, generating nearly $2 billion in tourism spending.

New York wines, particularly Rieslings and Cabernet Francs, continue to earn national and international acclaim while New York regions are frequently named among the best wine destinations in the world.

“This legislation isn’t just pro-agriculture—it’s pro-New York,” Senator Borrello added. “It supports our farmers, our small businesses, and our rural economies. And it ensures that if wine is sold in grocery stores, New Yorkers will see New York wines front and center.”

Press Release:

The Genesee Valley BOCES (GV BOCES) Early College High School celebrated a milestone event this spring with the induction of its very first group of students into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS).

This inaugural group of 10th and 11th grade students represents the best of Career and Technical Education (CTE) - demonstrating excellence in academics, leadership, service, and dedication to their future careers.

NTHS is the honor society for CTE students nationwide, recognizing those who go above and beyond in their studies and skill development. Established in 1984, NTHS has recognized over 1.2 million students across the country for their commitment to their career pathways.

The induction ceremony, organized by Early College High School Principal Catherine Bennett and Counselor Karson Richenberg, included a candle-lighting tradition. Seven candles were lit to represent the core attributes of NTHS membership: Skill, Honesty, Service, Responsibility, Scholarship, Citizenship, and Leadership.

This ceremony marked the official start of the GV BOCES Early College High School NTHS Chapter, honoring students from a variety of CTE programs who have shown outstanding effort and growth.

Inducted Students:

10th Grade:

• Kinsley B. (Warsaw Central School District) - Studying biology with plans to work in healthcare. Kinsley participates in volleyball, track and field, and drama club, and enjoys Disney and musical theater.
• Ashton C. (Oakfield-Alabama Central School District) - Studying law. Participates in cross country, swimming, track, and drama.
• Keaton C. (Batavia City Schools) - Studying Computer Aided Design (CAD) and plays lacrosse as a defenseman.
• Sophia D. (Byron-Bergen Central School District) - Enjoys reading, writing, and playing volleyball.
• Audrey D. (Byron-Bergen Central School District) - Studying business with plans to pursue a career in agriculture. Plays volleyball and basketball and shows cows in competitions.
• Delilah H. (Warsaw Central School District) - Studying substance abuse counseling and prevention. Active in cheerleading, softball, and band.
• Emma M. (Batavia City Schools) - Passionate about livestock, art, and biology. Participates in FFA and 4-H and plans to become an equine veterinarian.
• Kristina M. (Batavia City Schools) - Enjoys music, learning, and caring for her cats.
• Gianna T. (Batavia City Schools) - Loves to play golf, enjoys adventures, and likes trying new things.
• Gabrielle G. (Avon Central School District) - Aspires to major in nursing. She plays lacrosse and participates in Bible study.

11th Grade:

• Brody M. (Warsaw Central School District) - Studying entrepreneurship and plays soccer year-round.
• Paige O. (Byron-Bergen Central School District) - Studying hospitality and tourism with plans to become a corporate event planner. Active in FFA and works at Red Osier to gain business experience.

These students were recognized not only for their academic success, but also for their leadership potential, dedication to their chosen career fields, and their involvement in extracurricular and community activities.

GV BOCES is proud to celebrate these students as role models in their programs and looks forward to seeing the impact they will make in their future careers.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home of Batavia, was honored to represent the funeral service profession and the families it serves at the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Advocacy Summit, held April 9 to 11, in Washington, D.C.

Steven L. Johnson, partner and funeral director at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., participated in the summit as the only funeral firm from the State of New York, joining approximately 200 funeral professionals from across the country who came together to advocate on behalf of the NFDA’s 20,000 members nationwide.

Over the course of the summit, attendees collectively held around 300 meetings with legislators, senators, and their staffs—amplifying the voice of funeral service professionals and the families they support.

During his time in Washington, Mr. Johnson met with the legislative staffs of:

• Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
• Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
• Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT)
• Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY24)
• Rep. George Latimer (D-NY16)

Mr. Johnson and other NFDA advocates championed support for a number of bipartisan bills, including:

• H.R. 4275 / S.2191 – The Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act
• H.R. 2436 – The Funeral Coverage Act of 2025
• S.1116 / H.R. 647 – The Ensuring Veterans’ Final Resting Place Act of 2025
• H.R. 1344 – The Dennis and Lois Krisfalusy Act
• H.R. 1228 – The Prioritizing Veterans' Survivors Act
• S.587 – The Death Tax Repeal Act
• S.623 / H.R. 1415 – The No IRIS Act of 2025

“Our mission in Washington was simple,” said Mr. Johnson. “To advocate for legislation that helps the families we serve—across all walks of life and political affiliations—and to ensure funeral service professionals have a voice in shaping the laws that impact our communities during life’s most difficult moments.”

H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. believes in the power of bipartisan advocacy to advance commonsense policies that uphold dignity, support grieving families, and ensure ethical practices across the deathcare profession.

The firm will continue to track the progress of these legislative efforts in the months ahead and is encouraged by the bipartisan interest shown during the summit. 

For more information, contact Steven L. Johnson, Partner & Funeral Director H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, at 585-343-8868 or steven@bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Press Release:

Little Free Pantry Batavia is proud to announce the grand opening of its third location, expanding access to food and essentials for even more residents of the community. The new pantry will be located inside the vestibule of the Genesee County Career Center and officially opened to the public April 10.

The pantry will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., aligning with the Career Center’s hours. This location will feature both a full-size refrigerator for fresh food items and shelving for shelf-stable goods, helping meet a wide range of dietary and household needs.

Little Free Pantry Batavia extends heartfelt thanks to the staff and leadership at the Genesee County Career Center for their generous partnership. This location is a perfect fit, as the Career Center already serves individuals and families seeking support.

This new site joins two other Little Free Pantry locations in Batavia:

• 28 Seneca Avenue – Open 24/7, this pantry offers shelf-stable food and essentials.
• 10 City Centre, inside The Hemp Lodge – Open Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this location includes a mini-fridge and shelf space.
• NEW: Genesee County Career Center – Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring a full-size fridge and expanded shelving.

All locations operate on a no-questions-asked basis and are stocked with shelf-stable food, fresh produce, and culturally and medically appropriate options such as vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free items. 

Submitted photos.

Byron-Bergen Page Turners Win Regional Title

Press Release:

Byron-Bergen High School’s Page Turners team took the Regional Championship title on April 8, at Pavilion High School. This is the first time since 2018 that the school has earned a championship title, though they have been a finalist in the regional competition all but five times since 2007. 

To qualify for regionals, each team’s combined scores from the fall and spring competitions are totaled. The first and second place teams in each of the three divisions then compete in regionals. This year Byron-Bergen placed first in both the fall and spring competitions for the north division.

“It's been great to participate in Page Turners. It's introduced me to many books which I love, and it's been nice participating with the other team members in the competition,” said Byron-Bergen Senior Eli Kupfer. “I've been in Page Turners since elementary school and hadn't won regionals. It was cool to have won before graduating.”

“I am so proud of this group of students,” said Byron-Bergen Secondary English Teacher and Page Turners Advisor Laurie Penepent. “They really work as a team with each member reading different books to ensure all are learned by at least two students. I’d also like to congratulate seniors Deborah Catalino, Lea Donofrio, Rachel Hanel, Eli Kupfer, Anna Mclaughlin, Adam Piper, and Rose Wilson who have all dedicated so much time and hard work to Page Turners throughout their high school careers.”

“Page Turners has introduced me to books I never would have looked at and I really ended up liking them, it forced me to expand my horizons,” said McLaughlin. “It's been fun to compete with my friends, especially once the competition is over and the stress has been relieved, knowing that we won. I’d like to thank Mrs. Penepent for being an amazing advisor and making Page Turners so fun for my high school career.”

Page Turners is a literary competition in which students read preselected books and answer questions on them. Students read five books for the fall and spring competitions with a knowledge of all 10 books for the regional competition. 

Press Release:

The YWCA of Genesee County is proud to announce the 2025 Women of Inspiration Awards Luncheon, set to take place on Saturday, May 3, from 12 - 2:30 p.m. at Terry Hills Banquet Facility in Batavia. This year’s event will honor women in five categories, who have made remarkable contributions to their community in the areas of education, leadership, inspiration, and entrepreneurship. 

The honorees include:

Education: Lucy Sackett

Lucy Sackett’s dedication to the Batavia community spans over 50 years, particularly in physical education and water safety. As a passionate swimming instructor, Lucy taught children essential water safety skills, empowering countless young individuals, especially young women. Despite personal hardship, Lucy has continued her community involvement, now supporting Crossroads House, a local comfort care facility. Her lifelong commitment to education and the empowerment of women makes her a deserving recipient of the Education Award.

Leadership: Karyn Winters

Karyn Winters, Director of the Genesee County Business Education Alliance, has long been recognized for her exceptional leadership and tireless efforts to bridge the gap between education and business. Through initiatives like GLOW with Your Hands and youth camps, Karyn has worked to provide students with valuable workforce skills and opportunities. She is a passionate advocate for women in the workforce and a leader who encourages others to reach their full potential. Karyn’s vision, organizational expertise, and dedication make her an ideal recipient of the Leadership Award.

Inspiration: Mary Kate Hoffman

As the Superintendent of Pavilion Central School District, Mary Kate Hoffman has broken barriers in education and inspired countless young women to pursue their dreams. Kate’s leadership has created opportunities for students, especially young women, to excel in fields typically dominated by men. Through initiatives such as a food processing program, Kate has empowered students with practical skills that contribute to both their personal success and the local economy. Her work in education reflects the YWCA’s commitment to equality, justice, and empowerment for all.

TEAM - Leadership Genesee Book Club

The Leadership Genesee Book Club, formed in 2012, brings together a group of women who are committed to fostering education, leadership, and community service. The ladies in this incredible group include, Stacey Anderson, Samantha Stryker, Sue Blanchard, Michelle Dills, Chris Fix, Diana Fox, Brenda Lee Heinemann, Laurie Mastin, Rebecca McGee, Donna Morrill, Lisa Ormsbee, Betty Powers, Barb Shine and Lynn VanDerBeck. As alumni of Leadership Genesee, these women serve on various local boards and organizations, working collaboratively to make a positive impact in Batavia and beyond. The collective work of this club serves as an inspiration for future generations of women leaders, making them deserving recipients of the TEAM Award.

Entrepreneur: Dr. Emily Fraser-Branche 

Dr. Emily Fraser-Branche is a board-certified pediatrician and founder of Three Little Birds Pediatrics. Her leadership in healthcare and her entrepreneurial spirit have made her a vital force in her community. Her dedication to providing high-quality, culturally sensitive care has helped countless women and children. Additionally, her support of the YWCA has ensured the continuation of vital services for the community, cementing her as a powerful advocate for women and families.

The event will also feature Keynote Speaker Linda Dynel, a survivor whose story of resilience will inspire all in attendance. The luncheon will be emceed by MaryAlice Demler of Channel 2 News, promising an empowering and impactful afternoon.

Tickets are available now, and the 2025 Women of Inspiration Awards Luncheon is sure to be a memorable experience for all attendees, celebrating the strength, leadership, and contributions of these remarkable women.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.ywcagenesee.org or call us at 585-343-5808.

Press Release:

The Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association (RTMA) today announced the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has approved the RTMA’s group sponsorship of the New York State Registered Apprenticeship Program as a New York State Approving Agency. This distinction allows the RTMA to provide VA benefits to apprentices who served in the United States Armed Forces. 

Registered Apprentices, who are Veterans, are now eligible for GI Bill and other educational benefits for Veterans and qualified family members to assist with tuition and career counseling. These benefits are in addition to several benefits and incentives already available to Registered Apprentices: including SUNY Tuition Assistance, complimentary Tooling U-SME licenses and several incentives for signatory companies.  

Veterans Affairs backdated the RTMA’s application to August 1, 2022, in order to assist Veterans previously enrolled in the NYS Registered Apprenticeship Program. The RTMA will collaborate with its signatory companies to provide the VA with the necessary documentation needed to receive VA benefits. In addition to receiving this distinction, RTMA Director of Workforce Development Rich Turner and Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator Keri Martin are now trained as School Certifying Officials with the VA. 

 For more information on the RTMA’s sponsorship of the NYS Registered Apprenticeship Program, visit https://www.rtma.org/apprenticeships or contact Rich Turner at rturner@rtma.org or 585-510-6557. 

Press Release:

On March 15, for the third consecutive year, a Byron-Bergen student advanced to the state Poetry Out Loud (POL) competition. Under the leadership of Secondary English Teacher and POL coordinator Andrew McNeil, Byron-Bergen has established itself as a serious regional competitor. After placing first in the school, senior Jade Wolff advanced to Regionals in Buffalo and then States in Albany.

The competition, now in its 20th season, was initiated at Byron-Bergen by English Teacher John Tomidy in 2006, the program’s inaugural year. Since then, thousands of Byron-Bergen High School students have participated in the classroom-level recitation process, hundreds have entered the school-level contest, and dozens have competed in the regional competition. 

Now retired, Tomidy stays connected to POL by serving as a judge for the school-level competition. In further recognition of the hard work and dedication of the POL participants, Tomidy founded monetary prizes for two competitors which were awarded on April 3.

The first award goes to the participant with the most outstanding performance at the school-level competition of 10 or more participants, as determined by the panel of judges. Additionally, the recitation must be exceptional as a stand-alone performance, not just within the context of the competition. 

The second award goes to the student who, according to teacher observation, experiences the most enlightened growth resulting from the memorization/recitation process. The student will show an increased appreciation not only for the poetic form but also for the skills enhanced by memorization and recitation. 

This year’s award recipients are Jade Wolff and Gianna Graff, respectively. 

Tomidy stated, “Judging this year brought back fond memories. Poetry Out Loud was always near and dear to me, so it’s good to feel reconnected to it. My aim is to continue judging and providing the awards for the foreseeable future.” 

Poetry Out Loud is a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation, and state and jurisdictional arts agencies. The goal of the program is to engage high school students in “a dynamic poetry recitation competition that is designed to improve their public speaking skills, help build confidence and teach them about literary history and contemporary life” (poetryoutloud.org).

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

For the second year in a row, Nahiely Dones, a senior in the Health Dimensions program at the Batavia CTE Center, earned first place in the Personal Care event at the Spring Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Leadership Conference. Her back-to-back victories are a testament to her skill, determination, and drive to succeed in the healthcare field.

“I was literally shaking when they were announcing the winners,” Nahiely said. “When they finally called my name for first place, I was just so happy and excited.”

Nahiely first competed in the event as a junior and won first place, giving her the confidence to return this year and aim even higher. She chose to participate again not just to defend her title, but also to prepare for her upcoming Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam.

“I knew the competition would help me get more comfortable with the CNA test,” she said. “The skills are really similar, and being around judges and people makes me nervous. I thought it would be good exposure so I could feel more prepared and confident.”

During the competition, Nahiely was assigned to perform the skill of making an unoccupied bed—but with an unexpected twist. The bed was king-sized, which added an extra challenge she hadn’t trained for. Still, she handled it with professionalism and poise.

“I wasn’t used to that size bed,” she said. “But we practiced so much in class. We went over the skills again and again—repeating them, reviewing them, and making sure we really understood every step. Since I competed last year, I had a strong base to build on.”

Her teacher was thrilled with the results. “I was so glad that Nahiely’s hard work had paid off. She’s done well because she’s put in the time and consistently pushes herself to improve.”

Throughout the year, Nahiely demonstrated incredible growth—not just in technical skills, but in personal confidence. She said overcoming anxiety and learning to handle high-pressure situations independently were some of the biggest challenges she faced.

“I used to hate speaking in front of people or being in crowded spaces,” she said. “And during the competition, I had to go in completely on my own. Just me and the judge—no one else. That was a big step for me.”

Nahiely credited her teachers for supporting her along the way. “They’ve been amazing,” she said. “I couldn’t have done this without them.”

Her teacher echoed that sentiment, noting Nahiely’s compassion, empathy, and determination as key strengths. “Nahiely is a very special person,” she said. “She’s demonstrated love and care for everyone around her. Despite facing significant personal challenges, she’s remained positive and proven that she’s capable of achieving anything she sets her mind to.”

Nahiely plans to take her CNA exam in May and is already exploring job opportunities in healthcare for the summer. Looking ahead, she hopes to become a nurse and specialize in trauma care.

Participating in HOSA helped shape her goals and boost her confidence. “Before HOSA, I didn’t think I could do a lot of things,” she said. “But now I know nothing is impossible. No matter how hard it is, you just have to keep going and never give up.”

Press Release:

Emmanuel Baptist Church’s Community Garden is looking for green thumbs to come and grow! We have 20 raised 3x4 garden plots, along with water, tools, seeds, and fertilizer to help you get started.

We need gardeners!

Do you want to provide fresh veggies or flowers from the garden for your family? Come grow with us!

This year, we will be completely refilling our plots and working to keep the climbing bindweed out. We could really use some help with this project, which will begin as soon as it’s warm enough.

The cost is $15 per plot. For more information or to sign up, call 585-343-4905 or email ebcbatavia@gmail.com.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

The Law Street Yard Waste Station will open for the season on Monday, April 14, for City Residents.

The station will be open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, until Daylight Savings Time in November when operating time will change to 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The station will be closed on the following dates: 

• May 26 (Memorial Day)
• July 4 (Independence Day)
• September 1 (Labor Day)
• November 27th (Thanksgiving)

The Yard Waste Station will close for the season in early December.

City residents may bring yard waste material (grass, leaves and limbs) to the Law Street Yard Waste Station as there is no spring curb side pickup of these materials. 

The following items cannot be accepted at the station:

• Tree stumps, building materials, rock, fill (soil and stone) other debris. Yard waste shall be free of trash (paper, plastic, bottles, cans...etc.), as this material cannot be processed.

Use Law Street entrance to enter and exit the City Yard Waste Station only.

Press Release:

The Batavia Muckdogs are excited to announce their next five signings for the 2025 season.

Some new faces join the Muckdogs as well as some local western NY talent. 1B – Connor Gibbs, LHP -Evin Hollandsworth, OF & Lockport Native – Brayden Hy, INF – Jackson Inman & INF – Grady Lacourciere join the Dogs this summer at Dwyer Stadium.

Connor Gibbs is a 6’3 first baseman from Helena, AL, currently playing at Bevill State Community College. A consistent presence at the plate, Connor delivered an impressive .316 batting average last season across 48 games and 155 at-bats.

Evin Hollandsworth is a 6’2 freshman pitcher at Saddleback College from Dana Point, CA. Before committing to baseball full-time, Evin was a standout dual-sport athlete while attending Dona Hill High School, excelling in both football and baseball. 

Brayden Hy is a 5’9 freshman outfielder from Lockport, currently playing at Canisius University. Before joining the Golden Griffins, he was a standout player at Royalton Hartland High School, where he posted an impressive .417 batting average, recorded 108 hits, including 9 home runs, and 94 RBIs.

Jackson Inman is a 6’1 freshman infielder from Damascus, MD, making a strong impact in his debut collegiate season. He is currently hitting .346 on the season while adding power with three home runs with 25 RBIs.

Grady Lacourciere is a 6’2 freshman infielder from Lyme, CT, attending Hofstra University where he has started pitching. Bringing an impressive high school resume to the collegiate level, a standout athlete at Lyme-Old Lyme High School, he played four years of baseball and two years of football, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.

Opening Day is Saturday May 31 at 6:30 p.m. vs the Elmira Pioneers with free post-game fireworks. If you are someone you know has interest in sponsoring the Muckdogs, season ticket information, hosting a group event or picnic please contact General Manager Marc Witt (mwitt.canusa@gmail.com). The Muckdogs full schedule is available online at www.canusamuckdogs.com.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

To bring awareness to sex and labor trafficking, Genesee County Safe Harbour will host a “Sunrise Breakfast” on Wednesday, May 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Main Street 56 Theatre (City Centre, 56 Main St, Batavia). 

This free event is open to the public and aims to enhance awareness and contribute to the prevention of sex and labor trafficking in our county. 

Event Highlights:

• Free breakfast catered by Alabama Hotel
• Keynote Speakers: Kait Gannon- Survivor, Advocate, Podcaster, Medical Social Worker & Mother accompanied with Laurie Krull- LCSW-R Clinical Social Worker, Podcaster, & Healer.
• Kait & Laurie will discuss, “The Ugly Truth About the Girl Next Door”.
• Opening & Closing Remarks- Presented by the Genesee County Youth Bureau and the Genesee County Safe Harbour.

Registration: 

This event is free to attend, and breakfast will be provided at no cost. Registration is required to attend as seating is limited. All RSVPs are due to the Genesee County Youth Bureau by Friday, April 25. To register, please contact Genesee County Youth Bureau at Genesee.Youthbureau@dfa.state.ny.us or 585-344-3960.

For additional information, contact Genesee County Youth Bureau at Genesee.Youthbureau@dfa.state.ny.us or (585)344-3960.