Stories from

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.

Press release:

The Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC) Board of Directors approved the sale of a 5.8-acre parcel at the Buffalo East Technology Park in East Pembroke to J&R Fancher Property Holdings at its Jan. 7 board meeting.

The approved purchase and sale agreement for the 5.8-acre parcel is in addition to 8 acres purchased by J&R Fancher from the GGLDC in 2020 for a proposed mixed-use residential and retail project. 

The original project submitted by J&R Fancher in 2020 includes the construction of mixed-use buildings including market-rate housing and commercial space. It is anticipated that the company will submit a revised development plan at the site at a future date.

“We are excited about J&R Fancher’s development plans at Buffalo East Tech Park and appreciate their expanding investment in Pembroke,” said GGLDC Chairman Don Cunningham. “At the same time, we recognize the Town of Pembroke as a great partner in our efforts to build-out the technology park and just as important in our efforts to bring new jobs and investment to the site that are benefitting the town and county.”

The Buffalo East Technology Park in East Pembroke is a 67-acre shovel ready site located directly off of Exit 48-A of the New York State Thruway (I-90) at New York State routes 5 and 77. It is ideally designed for manufacturing, food processing, warehouse and distribution operations. Among its tenants includes Yancey’s Fancy Cheese. A three-acre parcel on State Route 5 and a larger parcel in the interior of the business park are available for development.

Press release:

• Genesee County received 59 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.
• Thirty-nine of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Twenty-six of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
• Three of the new positive cases are residents at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.
• One of the new positive cases is a resident 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 78 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, 70s and 80s.
• Three of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Twenty-eight of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Fourteen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• One of the new positive individuals is a resident of The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehab and one of the new positive individuals is a resident of Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
• We removed one individual from yesterday’s total due to the person not being a resident of Orleans County.

Press release:

Washington, D.C. -- Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today (Jan. 7) released the following statement calling for the President to be immediately removed from office:

“What happened at the U.S. Capitol yesterday was an insurrection against the United States, incited by the President. This President should not hold office one day longer.

“The quickest and most effective way -- it can be done today -- to remove this President from office would be for the Vice President to immediately invoke the 25^th Amendment. If the Vice President and the Cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress should reconvene to impeach the President.”

Press release:

The verdict of the American people is clear and resounding: Joe Biden will be our President, and Kamala Harris will be our Vice President. Every single state has certified its results, and no court has found any of those certifications invalid. Despite repeated Republican accusations of fraud, Republicans have been unable to produce an iota of evidence to support, much less prove, their accusations. Despite that failure, several Republican members of the House and Senate have tried to interfere today with the counting of electoral votes, a ceremonial ritual, today.

Yesterday Rep. Chris Jacobs (NY 27) dodged repeated questions from press and constituents about what he planned to do in the House today. Since his votes will be publicly recorded within hours, though, Chris Jacobs has finally revealed his intentions. Shamefully, he is standing with those who would overturn the will of the American voters and the voters of New York. Rather than standing for democracy, he has aligned himself with the demagogues who refuse to accept their loss and are inciting violence.

We, the county Democratic Chairpersons of New York's 27th Congressional District, condemn Congressman Jacobs' decision in the strongest possible terms. No one who refuses to accept election results deserves to hold elective office. Once again, the Representative of NY 27 is bringing shame upon the people of this district.

Jeremy Zellner
Chair, Erie County Democratic Committee

John Jacoby
Chair, Niagara County Democratic Committee

Jeff Lewis
Chair, Orleans County Democratic Committee

Michael Plitt
Chair, Genesee County Democratic Committee

Cynthia Appleton
Chair, Wyoming County Democratic Committee

Judith Hunter
Chair, Livingston County Democratic Committee

Zach King
Chair, Monroe County Democratic Committee

John Hurley
Chair, Ontario County Democratic Committee

Statement from Batavia City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr.:

“I fully support peaceful protest as allowed by our constitution and condemn any form of unlawful violence or destruction of property. I understand that many in the country are frustrated, but there are safe and legal ways to address a grievance in our system and government.

"Forcing your way into the Capitol building is the wrong way to go about it. We don’t always have to agree with each other but we should learn to get along with and respect each other. Hopefully as a nation we can learn from this and strive to do better.”

A statement this afternoon from Assemblyman Steve Hawley about violence in the nation's capitol today:

"We have our First Amendment for a reason, violence is never acceptable regardless of what you believe politically. We are a people of one nation, regardless of political beliefs."

Press release:

The Genesee County Democratic Committee is looking for people who may be interested in serving their community be it as a candidate for office, an election inspector, a Democratic Committee member, or those just wanting to find out more about the Democratic Party in Genesee County.

Anyone can run for office and we can show you how. All that is needed is a desire to serve and some hard work. Want lower taxes, concerned about the environment or want a say in the future? We look forward to hearing from you.

Contact the Genesee County Democratic Committee: geneseedemocrats.net or chair@geneseedemocrats.net

GCDC is actively seeking candidates for the following positions:

• Genesee County District Attorney
• Genesee County Judge
• Genesee County Coroner

Genesee County Legislators:

• District 1 Pembroke & Darien
• District 3 Oakfield & Alabama
• District 4 Batavia (town) & Stafford (unexpired term)
• District 5 Le Roy
• District 7 City of Batavia wards 1 & 6
• District 9 City of Batavia wards 4 & 5

City of Batavia -- Three City councilpersons at Large

Alabama -- One justice, two town board

Alexander -- Two town board

Town of Batavia -- Supervisor, two town board, highway superintendent 

Bergen -- Supervisor, two town board

Bethany -- one justice, two town board

Byron -- Supervisor, town clerk, 2 town board, highway super

Darien -- town clerk, two town board

Elba -- Supervisor, two town board

Le Roy -- One justice, two town board

Oakfield -- Supervisor, town justice, two town board

Pavilion -- Two town board

Pembroke -- One justice, two town board

Stafford -- One town clerk, two town board, highway superintendent

Press release:

Data update for Jan. 6, 2021:

• Genesee County received 53 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.
• Forty-seven of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Twenty-five of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
• Sixteen of the new positive cases are residents at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. 
• Seven of the new positive cases are residents at the LeRoy Village Green Residential Healthcare Facility.
• Two of the new positive cases are residents at Genesee Senior Living. 
• One of the new positive cases is a resident at the New York State Veterans’ Home at Batavia. 
• We are saddened to report the COVID-related deaths of two residents, one whom resided at Genesee Senior Living and one whom resided at the LeRoy Village Green Residential Healthcare Facility. Both of the individuals were over 65 years old. We will not be releasing any further information to protect the privacy of the individual and their family. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of these individuals during this difficult time.

• Orleans County received 34 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 was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Forty-two of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Seventeen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• We removed one individual from yesterday’s total due to the person is not a resident of Orleans County.

Press release:

“I condemn the violence and destruction that is taking place in our nation’s capitol in the strongest possible terms. While our country cherishes peaceful protest, this current behavior is unacceptable and has no place in a democracy.

"I urge all protestors to immediately and peacefully leave the Capitol building and the surrounding area and to follow the instructions of law enforcement personnel.”

Press release:

Public workshops have been scheduled for the Genesee 2050 Comprehensive Plan and Recreation Plan.

The Comprehensive Plan update will help Genesee County craft a new vision for its future and strategies to realize that vision. The new Recreation Plan will help the county better respond to residents’ wants and needs for recreation facilities and better connect existing assets with residents.

Both planning processes will be discussed at the public workshops. Interactive activities will help draw participants out on how they want the county to develop and allow everyone to bring their ideas to the projects.

Public engagement is a crucial element of the process to ensure residents and stakeholders are aware of the planning process and that everyone has ample opportunity to weigh in. The workshops have been scheduled for 1 p.m. Jan. 19 and at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 20.

The workshops will be held virtually on the Zoom platform. The content of each is identical, so participants need not plan on attending both, although they are welcome to do so. Everyone planning on attending either meeting must register in advance. Registrations are accepted by email to Eve Holberg at: eholberg@jklastudio.com. Zoom meeting login information will be distributed to registrants via email before the meetings.

Information about the meetings as well as about the projects as a whole are posted online at www.Genesee2050.com. This site also includes links to surveys including the Genesee 2050 Comprehensive Plan survey, recreation plan survey and shorter mini-surveys on specific topic areas.

The meetings and surveys are open to anyone who cares about the future of Genesee County. Everyone is urged to participate.

-------------

For more information contact County Planning Director Felipe A. Oltramari by email at: Felipe.Oltramari@co.genesee.ny.us or phone (585) 815-7901.

Training Credits for Planning and Zoning officials available upon request.

Press release:

Out of nearly $20 million ESL Federal Credit Union reinvested in the Greater Rochester community in 2020 through its philanthropic efforts, more than $10 million was dedicated to supporting the pandemic response through grants to nonprofit agencies across the community.

As the pandemic continues into 2021, the full-service financial institution, with a branch in Batavia, is prepared to carry on its commitment to support nonprofit agencies throughout the community and the people these agencies serve.

“Nonprofits have been experiencing critical financial hardships throughout the pandemic and that is expected to continue well into 2021,” said Faheem Masood, president and CEO, ESL Federal Credit Union.

“To support the stability and resiliency of these agencies so they can continue to provide critical services, nonprofit and corporate funders need join together to lift up these organizations for the benefit of the people in the greater community.

"Our purpose at ESL is to help our community thrive and prosper, and thanks to trust and loyalty of our members, we are ready and able to do our part to reinvest in the community as we all work together through this public health crisis.”

Some of the grants ESL provided in 2020 to support the coronavirus pandemic response included:

• $4 million to 20 nonprofit agencies distributed through United Way of Greater Rochester to ensure funding for these agencies remained whole due to a decrease in workplace campaign donations throughout the year;
• $2.5 million donated to the Community Crisis Fund organized and managed by United Way of Greater Rochester and Rochester Area Community Foundation;
• $385,000 through United Way in Livingston, Ontario, Wayne and Genesee counties to housing agencies in these counties for rent relief;
• $350,000 to Rochester City School District to address the Digital Divide among students and provide WiFi access;
• $345,000 to Urban League of Rochester for sustaining small businesses and COVID-19 relief;
• $300,000 to PathStone Enterprise for COVID-19 business recovery, supporting minority-owned small businesses;
• $250,000 to Child Care Council, which provided $1,000 grants in three counties to child care centers;
• Approximately $190,000 to Action for a Better Community to address the Digital Divide. This grant matched a federal grant for internet devices and years’ worth of internet connectivity for approximately 150 families;
• $100,000 to The Children’s Institute to address the Digital Divide for Pre-K students (3-5 year olds).

“The critical issues our community faces because of this pandemic and beyond are best addressed when organizations come together and collaborate for the greater good,” said Ajamu Kitwana, vice president/director, Community Impact, ESL Federal Credit Union.

“This level of collaboration will continue to be a necessity in 2021 and ESL is prepared to learn from our work in 2020 and understand where funding needs are greatest as we move forward.”

ESL’s Community Impact team was created in an effort to support the building of a healthy, resilient and equitable Greater Rochester. The Community Impact efforts of ESL focus on expanding individual opportunity, building strong neighborhoods and strengthening organizations and systems.

Over the past three years, ESL’s philanthropic reinvestments in the community have totaled more than $40 million.

Press release:

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the more than $3 million “Raising the Bar” Restaurant Recovery Fund to assist restaurants in New York State during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This grant funding has been made possible through financial donations led by Diageo North America and supported by Coastal Pacific Wine & Spirits (a division of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits) and will be implemented by the nonprofit National Development Council (NDC).

The “Raising the Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund” will help eligible restaurants adjust their operations to the impacts of COVID-19 and adherence to New York State’s public health and safety measures during the winter months when outdoor dining is limited.

Empire State Development Acting Commissioner, and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “The restaurant industry is a critical component of our state's economy -- encompassing hundreds of small businesses who employ thousands of New Yorkers.

"This industry has been among the hardest hit by the devastating effects of COVID-19, working hard to stay open, serve customers and keep employees safe. This fund is designed to help establishments adapt during this unprecedented time with assistance to sustain their businesses during the winter months to come." 

“Raising the Bar” grant funding can be used for COVID-19-related improvements and equipment that will allow the business to: comply with social distancing guidelines; expand take-out/delivery operations; or accommodate outdoor dining such as plexiglass barriers/partitions; signage promoting social distancing and hygiene protocols; heaters, heat lamps, weatherization upgrades and insulated delivery bags; improvements that will allow the business to continue operating through the winter months such as filtration system upgrades and food heaters to maintain temperature for to-go orders; and purchasing PPE and sanitation supplies necessitated by the pandemic; and COVID-19 related business improvements like patio heaters or contactless technology.

Qualifying purchases and expenditures must be from Sept. 1, 2020 onward to be eligible. Initial round of grants are up to $5,000. 

Initial grant funding will be awarded based on the received applications and dispersed independently by NDC, an experienced national economic nonprofit that has been in operation since 1969. 

“Diageo is committed to supporting restaurant owners, particularly those in underrepresented communities, who have been disproportionately harmed by COVID-19,” said Debra Crew, president, Diageo North America.

“We are honored to serve as a founding contributor of the ‘Raising the Bar’ Restaurant Recovery Fund, providing much needed relief to an important industry that serves as a vital part of the economic engine of local communities. We encourage other organizations and businesses that also call New York ‘home’ to join us in this endeavor to make the impact of the program even stronger.”

“The hospitality industry in New York needs help now more than ever and we are here for them like they’ve always been here for us,” commented Wayne E. Chaplin, Chief Executive Officer, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

“The Raising the Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund provides an essential lifeline to restaurant owners so they can continue to operate safely, and stay afloat during this critical time. We are proud that our Coastal Pacific Wine & Spirits division is working with the State of New York, our valued supplier, Diageo, and the NDC to provide this much needed and urgent financial support.”

"At NDC, we are eager to get moving on this restaurant grant program," said Dan Marsh, president of National Development Council. "Having worked on numerous loan and grant programs in New York and across the country, what we have seen is that smaller restaurants -- especially minority and woman-owned establishments -- are not getting the help they really need. A tailored grant program specific to this industry is critical."

Eligible businesses consist of New York State restaurants that have no more than $3 million in 2019 revenue and are engaged in providing food services and meals prepared on-premises to patrons who traditionally order and are served while seated, including certain on-premises food and drinking establishments licensed through the State Liquor Authority (SLA) and which need funding to adjust to COVID-related impacts and protocols.

Establishments providing take out or grab and go food services due to COVID-19 restrictions are also eligible to receive the grant from NDC. Additionally, these establishments must have been in operation on or before March 1, 2019 and certify and demonstrate that they have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19.

All businesses must continue to comply with the New York Forward reopening guidance and Cluster Action Initiative guidance, as applicable. Restaurants can apply to the “Raising the Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund” starting Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. For more information visit the ESD website.