Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) will be embarking on this year’s Patriot Trip with local veterans on Thursday, Sept. 19. This trip will give veterans and their families the opportunity to tour the nation’s capital and its numerous monuments and landmarks that honor those who served.
This year’s trip will feature stops at several notable locations in the D.C. area including the WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War memorials as well as Arlington National Cemetery.
“Taking our local veterans on these annual Patriot Trips is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” said Hawley. “I’m glad we’re able to put this event on for another year and show our veterans the gratitude and appreciation they deserve.”
All motorists please be aware the following streets (listed in the following predicted order) will experience traffic delays on Tuesday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 18 between the hours of 6am – 4pm for resurfacing operations:
~ Tuesday 9/17
Kibbe Avenue
Oakland Avenue
Jackson Avenue
Williams Street
Osterhout Avenue
Evans Street
~ Wednesday 9/18
Thomas Avenue
Porter Avenue
Dellinger Avenue
Douglas Street
Jefferson Avenue
While work is being performed in these areas, local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.
All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the operation. All motorists that regularly use these streets are asked to seek alternate routes while the delays are in place.
The final portion of resurfacing of these streets is scheduled to begin the week of September 30th in the same order and two day operation. This work is weather dependent and will continue on the next business day if necessary.
Contact the Bureau of Maintenance at 585-345-6400 opt. 1 if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your cooperation.
HomeCare & Hospice of Batavia received a $1,000 grant from The WalMart Pharmacy Batavia, 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive to continue helping families maintain independence at home, with compassion.
Melissa Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of HomeCare &Hospice, stated, “It’s an incredible honor to be chosen for a SparkGood grant. HomeCare & Hospice depends greatly on donations, grants, and fundraisers to raise awareness of our services. Being selected from among the many nonprofits in Genesee County is truly humbling.”
HomeCare & Hospice is a multi-disciplinary approach to end-of-life care. It brings together a team of nurses, physicians, social workers, spiritual care providers, aide staff and volunteers to provide the care necessary to allow a patient to pass away, peacefully in a dignified manner in their own homes. This program provides quality pain and symptom management so that the patient's final days, weeks, months have as much quality of life as possible.
The ability to manage a patient's symptoms also reduces stress on caregivers, family, and friends. It also prevents unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Hospice makes it possible for patients to pass in their own homes.
According to the SparkGood website, the grants are awarded to a variety of organizations, such as animal shelters, elder services, and community clean-up projects. In FY2023, their stores and Sam’s clubs provided more than $45 million in local grants.
Somnit Wilson, Walmart Pharmacy Manager, added, “Why did I choose HCH for this grant? End-of-life care is often overlooked in many communities, yet hospice offers invaluable support to families. It provides essential care that brings comfort and healing to those navigating the end-of-life journey.”
As cold and flu season coincides with children returning to school, Rochester Regional Health (RRH) is prepared to meet the rising demand for urgent care services. Healthcare providers often see an increase in ear infections, bronchitis, strep throat, colds, and the flu during this time of year.
Additionally, sports-related injuries such as sprains, fractures, and strains tend to spike as student-athletes hit the field. RRH provides three convenient urgent care options to ensure families can get the care they need, whenever and wherever they need it.
In-Person Urgent Care: RRH’s in-person urgent care centers are available any day of the week to treat a wide variety of illnesses and injuries, including seasonal colds, flu, ear infections, bronchitis, and more. They are also equipped for vaccinations, X-rays, and physical exams. Patients can visit the RRH Urgent Care website to find a location close to home and check wait times at each site.
Virtual Urgent Care: For those who prefer not to leave home, RRH Same-Day Virtual Urgent Care has expanded its hours to provide even more flexibility. Available seven days a week, Virtual Urgent Care connects patients with expert providers through a smartphone or computer. With an average wait time of just 15 minutes, it’s a convenient option for handling cold and flu symptoms, infections, and minor injuries without ever stepping out the door.
Dedicated Orthopedic Urgent Care: With student-athletes returning to sports, RRH has two dedicated Orthopedic Urgent Care centers located in Victor and Henrietta. These specialized centers offer walk-in, no-appointment-needed care for orthopedic injuries like sprains, fractures, and muscle strains. Patients can access expert orthopedic care quickly and efficiently, avoiding long waits at emergency rooms.
“Rochester Regional Health offers patients easy and convenient access to care where and when they need it most. We understand that many patients prefer to avoid busy hospital emergency rooms, which can involve long wait times. That’s why we continue to expand our urgent care options to serve the community close to where they live, work, and play,” said Mary Parlet, Rochester Regional Health Chief Ambulatory and Clinical Services Officer.
RRH offers Urgent Care locations throughout the region, including Batavia, Brighton, Canton, Chili, Geneseo, Greece, Henrietta, Penfield, Potsdam, and Webster. In the City of Rochester, patients can visit our centers at St. Mary’s Campus and the Wilson Multicultural Medical Campus. For specialized orthopedic care, walk-in services are available at our dedicated Orthopedic Urgent Care locations in Henrietta and Victor.
Batavia Downs Gaming President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented representatives from the Make a Difference (M.A.D) Rescue with a check for $4,200 to help support their efforts in rescuing abandoned street dogs in Puerto Rico.
Unclaimed Funds, alongside donations and the sale of bottle openers, helped raise the money.
“We are appreciative to Cindy DeCarlo and the whole team at Batavia Downs, “said Jennifer Stilwell, President of M.A.D. “These funds are so important for us to continue our work of rescuing and rehabilitating the street dogs of Puerto Rico. With these funds, we can continue to find them their forever homes here in Western New York and Beyond.
“There are lots of animal lovers, both here amongst our staff and our guests, “said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs. “As a dog owner myself, I know the joy a dog can bring to a family. We are happy to help Jennifer and her team in their efforts to make life better for these dogs as they find new owners.”
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) alongside Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02), introduced the People and Animals Well-being (PAW) Act to expand eligibility to include veterinary care expenses under tax-advantaged health care spending accounts, specifically Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) by amending Internal Revenue Code Section 213(d).
The PAW Act would allow pet owners to use their HSA or FSA accounts to pay for up to $1,000 for veterinary care or a pet health insurance plan, while permitting an unlimited amount of these funds for service animals. It aims to assist veterans with PTSD and individuals with disabilities by ensuring the IRS relies on an up-to-date Federal definition of “service animal,” which includes animals trained to assist with both physical and mental disabilities. Additionally, the bill maintains current HSA and FSA contribution limits, ensuring that there will be little to no impact on federal expenditures.
"Our pets and service animals are cherished members of our families, and it's essential that owners have the ability to pay for quality care. The PAW Act offers greater flexibility to pet owners by allowing them to use HSAs and FSAs for pet care expenses. This legislation will help veterans, and all pet owners afford veterinary care for their beloved pets and service animals," said Congresswoman Tenney.
“Pets are more than just animals – they’re beloved members of families who bring joy, comfort, and even health benefits into our lives. However, rising veterinary costs often make it challenging for families and veterans to provide care for their pets or service animals. As a dog owner, I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan PAW Act that would include veterinary care and pet insurance as eligible expenses under HSAs and FSAs to help ensure every animal lover can afford care for their pet. I’m grateful for the partnership of Congresswoman Tenney and will keep working to see this bill signed into law," said Congresswoman Ross
“MetLife strongly supports the PAW Act, which helps pet parents address unexpected veterinary expenses resulting from a pet’s illness or accident. This bill is a critical step towards promoting the health and well-being of pets by helping pet parents access the care their pets need while protecting their financial wellness. We are proud to support a bill that aligns with MetLife’s purpose of helping people care for their loved ones, both human and animal,” said Brian Jorgensen, Head of Pet Insurance, MetLife.
“The AVMA-endorsed People and Animals Well-being (PAW) Act helps maintain animal and human health, promotes and emphasizes the health benefits of pet ownership, and allows more people to become pet owners,” said Dr. Sandra Faeh, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “Ensuring veterinary care and pet health insurance are eligible expenses under Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts means more affordable care for pets, greater access to care for service animals, and an enhanced ability to detect and prevent zoonotic diseases. We thank Reps. Tenney and Ross for their leadership on this issue and urge Congress to promptly pass the PAW Act," said the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
“We salute Representatives Claudia Tenney and Deborah Ross for their leadership in introducing common-sense legislation to make veterinary care more affordable for millions of pet owners. Representatives Tenney and Ross are champions of the human-animal bond, recognizing that pets and service animals positively contribute to the health and wellbeing of American families," said Steven Feldman, president of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute.
Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Nicholas Seymour from Darien Center and assigned to the Company C, Recruiting & Retention Battalion, received a promotion on August 14 to the rank of private 1st class.
Army National Guard promotions are based on a Soldier's overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism, and future development potential.
These promotions recognize the best-qualified Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.
Army National Guard Citizen Soldiers who serve our state and nation are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits (from the state and federal government), travel across the globe, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k).
For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com
Lawley, an independent family-owned insurance broker and employee benefits firm, has been named to Business Insurance's annual Best Places to Work in Insurance list, which recognizes employers for their outstanding performance in establishing workplaces where employees can thrive, enjoy their work, and help their companies grow.
“This recognition represents the great teamwork that is needed to create our culture, where we share one voice and one vision,” says Lawley Principal, Bill Lawley, Jr. “We're so proud of our associates, our greatest asset, who work diligently to deliver exceptional service to our customers."
Established and headquartered in Buffalo for over 65 years, Lawley’s story has been one of steady, well-managed growth with deep community involvement. We protect assets and minimize risk to help our customers avoid financial hardship and understand that being a partner of choice is dependent upon all of us working together. Lawley’s core values – relationship building, respect & integrity, passion, accountability, and community partners – are in action each and every day collectively shaping our culture of inclusion.
Best Places to Work in Insurance is an annual sponsored content feature presented by the Custom Publishing unit of Business Insurance and Best Companies Group that lists the agents, brokers, insurance companies, and other providers with the highest levels of employee engagement and satisfaction. Harrisburg, PA-based Best Companies Group identifies the leading employers in the insurance industry by conducting a free two-part assessment of each company. The first part is a questionnaire completed by the employer about company policies, practices, and demographics. The second part is a confidential employee survey on engagement and satisfaction.
The program divides employers into the categories of small, 25-249 employees; medium, 250-999 employees; and large, 1,000 or more employees. This year’s report features 100 companies of various sizes, from 25 employees to more than 4,000.
The ranking and profiles of the winning companies will be unveiled in the November issue of Business Insurance Magazine and online at BusinessInsurance.com.
Lawley strives to be the partner of choice for customers, insurance carriers, and employees looking for long-term relationships built on a foundation of trust. This recognition signifies our efforts to actively and continuously work to build and grow a diverse and equitable team of associates who will strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients and the communities we serve.
"We are so proud of the commitment to teamwork and honored to create an environment where all can succeed across our footprint,” says Director of People Strategy and Recruitment, Kim Navagh.
"As we continue to expand across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and beyond, it's amazing to see the collaboration and shared focus on our core values and vision so that we can serve our clients in the best possible way," says Director of Operations, Reggie Dejean.
“Growing up, I always thought Batavia was too small. Nothing exciting ever happened here,” says Anni. “Then I had the experience of living and working in a big city, and realized that Batavia is a perfect place to work and raise a family. So when I got married and had a baby, I was ready to come home.”
Anneliese Aliasso, Anni to friends and family, has returned to her home town, and will be working with Peter Casey at Del Plato Casey Law, LLP, at their new offices at 81 Main Street.
“It’s so good to be back with my family and get reconnected with so many friends,” says Anni. “My grandmother, Sandi Clark, worked at HSBC Bank (and previously Marine Midland) just next door for years, so it is truly a full circle moment to be back here.”
Anni met her husband, Mike Fabiano, in Syracuse, where his family lives. He is a Surgical Technologist and will be working at a hospital in the area. “His family is close enough that we’ll be visiting often, and they’ll be coming here as well. We’re hoping to get them to a Muckdogs game this summer with our son, Clark.”
“I’m really lucky that I get to work with Peter – everyone knows and likes him. He’s kind of a fixture in Batavia,” she says. “And Peter’s team, Karen, Michelle and Kathy, are just so much fun to work with. I’m really looking forward to seeing and helping my friends and Batavia neighbors.”
“We are so incredibly grateful that Anni chose to join our firm here in Batavia,” says Peter Casey, current managing partner at DelPlato Casey Law Firm. “She had already established herself as a skillful attorney in Syracuse and her roots here in Genesee County will serve her well as she becomes an asset to our local community—legal and beyond. Anni is a great person with sound values and an ascending legal talent that will serve the legal needs of many for years to come.”
Senior photo of Anneliese Aliasso. Submitted photo.
Growing up, Anni attended John Kennedy Elementary, Batavia Middle School, and Notre Dame High School.
She continued her education at Cazenovia College, where she swam and played soccer. She took advantage of their study abroad program and studied in Canterbury, England.
And finally, she was valedictorian of her class, earning a bachelor’s degree in international studies.
From there, Anni moved to Albany to attend Albany Law School where she was just as active. In addition to playing soccer, she became a teaching assistant, was Editor in Chief of the Albany Law Journal of Science and Technology, did pro bono legal work, and won several awards for achievement. And again, Anni graduated at the top of her class, summa cum laude, in 2018.
After graduation, Annie worked at two firms in Syracuse, New York, before deciding to relocate back to Batavia.
The following local students are enrolled in the University at Buffalo Honors College for the 2024-25 academic year:
Angelina Luker of Alexander
Connor Domoy of Basom
Lydia Evans of Batavia
A. Jo Tarbell of Corfu
Elli Schelemanow of Byron
Ella Mattice of Le Roy
UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.
"The Honors College is made up of students who are intellectually ambitious and interested in pushing themselves and others to maximize their undergraduate experiences," Honors College Academic Director Patrick McDevitt says. "Our inclusive curriculum and dedicated staff nurture and support honors scholars as they grow as leaders, creative thinkers and globally-minded citizens."
The UB Honors College supports and challenges academically gifted students to strengthen their studies and explore their interests across the disciplines. Currently, 1,788 of UB's approximately 20,170 undergraduate students are enrolled in the Honors College. The college welcomed 537 first-year students for fall 2024. The college had one of the largest out-of-state enrollments to date, and welcomed 42 international students representing over a dozen different countries.
Honors scholars enjoy many benefits designed to foster academic and personal success - including personalized advisement, faculty mentorship, priority registration, access to unique funding opportunities, specialized living communities and a network of global honors alumni.
Honors scholars must maintain a 3.300 undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) during the first year and at least a 3.500 undergraduate GPA in each successive year to graduate with an overall GPA of 3.500.
Our Faith Formation programs at Ascension Roman Catholic Community and Resurrection RC Parish kicked off on Sunday, September 8 with Mass, a family lunch, meetings, and fun games!
The Batavia Society of Artists is hosting artist Mary Jo Whitman on Tuesday, September 10 at Go-Art/Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia At 7 p.m.
Mary Jo plans to give an overview of the grant process for artists, including where to find grant opportunities, tips on writing project narratives, formulating budgets, and providing quality support materials.
This info will be bennificial to many artist who never thought they could get grant money for projects! This event is open to non-member for a $5 fee. Light refreshments will be served. The 2.o.1. Tavern will be open for cash purchases.
Genesee County Republican Committee Chairman Scott D. German is happy to announce the committee will be holding its Grand Opening of the Genesee County Republican Headquarters located at 244 West Main Street in Batavia (formerly Time Buyers Auto) across from CVS at noon on Saturday, September 14.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, Senator George Borrello, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Sheriff Candidate Joe Graff and County Treasurer Candidate Kevin Andrews are all expected to be in attendance.
Anyone wishing to pick up free signs for Trump, Tenney, Borrello, Hawley, Graff or Andrews are more than welcome to stop by and pick them up on Saturday.
On Sept. 9 at approximately 11 a.m. the city of Batavia Emergency Response Team (ERT), comprised of members from the city of Batavia Police Department and Genesee County Sheriff's Office, assisted the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force with the execution of two search warrants at separate addresses on South Main Street in the City of Batavia.
The search warrants were executed at apartments located at 11 South Main St. and 61 South Main St. Several people were taken into custody and are being processed by the Drug Task Force at this time.
Further information on the identity of those arrested and charges will be released by the Drug Task Force at a later time.
There were no reported injuries during either search warrant execution, and the immediate area was evacuated or advised to shelter in place during the operation as a precaution.
"We wish to thank the community for their tips and information on both of these addresses as we work hard to hold those accountable that illegally distribute drugs in our City," said Chief Shawn Heubusch.
Back to school should mean new opportunities, not new addictions. As students return to the classroom this fall, educators and parents are not only preparing for a new academic year, but also the rising public health concern of vaping. E-cigarettes can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and in a school setting, these devices may blend in with other school supplies, as they may look like pens, USB drives, and even phone cases. This makes identifying these devices and protecting youth that much more difficult.
Studies show that vaping has become a rising concern in middle school-aged children, as 3 percent of seventh graders in both Genesee and Orleans Counties reported vaping with nicotine.
“These years of a child’s life are very sensitive because their brains are still developing,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “As the rate of vaping rises among teens, we must equip families and kids with information and tools to stay healthy.”
There are several reasons why youth vape:
Tobacco advertisers use vibrant colors and fun marketing strategies to increase youth participation in vaping. These ads are shown on social media, television, and streaming services, and promote vaping as a cheaper alternative to other tobacco products.
Peer pressure and social influences during middle and high school are a main contributor to students trying an e-cigarette for the first time. Students report that they may be curious to try vaping from seeing a friend or family member use them.
Availability of flavored e-cigarette products including youth-friendly flavors such as candy, fruit, mint, and menthol are the most widely used types of e-cigarettes among youth. According to the CLYDE Survey conducted by UConnectCare (formally GCASA), about 20% of 11th graders in Genesee and Orleans Counties reported using E-cigarettes or vapes that contain nicotine in 2022.
Nicotine is in most e-cigarettes and is highly addictive. Those who use vapes containing nicotine may experience cravings and urges to smoke, difficulty sleeping, and the feeling of anxiety and sadness, which may make them believe they need nicotine to relieve these feelings. These behaviors, among others, are a part of nicotine addiction.
The good news is that studies show that most middle and high school students who vape want to quit. Becoming more aware of the risks of vaping will allow for educated conversations with youth and help ensure that all youth can live healthy, tobacco-free lives.
Here are a few ways you can protect your youth and promote rejection of vaping during back to school season:
Educate yourself on the subject, and become a credible source of information. Visit CDC.gov/Vaping for important information on youth vaping.
Create a safe space for discussion and start the conversation on vaping. Remember to be patient, listen, and avoid criticism. Keep the conversation open and be willing to be flexible.
Answer their questions and be prepared. Kids may have questions about vaping, visit CDC.gov/tobacco for ideas on how to give educated and meaningful answers
Get Help Today
If you are interested in quitting, or someone you know needs help quitting, help is available:
Visit the New York State Smokers' Quitline for quit-smoking and quit-vaping programs, or call 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487), to apply for a free starter kit of nicotine medications and to talk to a quit coach.
Talk to your healthcare provider about medications and counseling to help you manage cravings. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover services to help you quit.
For more information about GO Health Programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:
Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
Orleans County: 585-589-3278
Follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors advanced an initial resolution for a project by 9 Lent Avenue, LLC in the village of LeRoy at their meeting on Thursday, September 5.
The proposed $3.8 million project would renovate an existing 32,500 square-foot structure at 9 Lent Avenue and create 4 new jobs.
9 Lent Avenue, LLC has requested assistance valued at $267,725 in property tax abatements and $77,600 in sales tax exemptions, with the project estimated to generate $3,382,738 in fiscal returns based on new employment and new municipal revenue.
A public hearing for the proposed project agreement will be scheduled in the village of Le Roy.
The GCEDC Board also approved final resolutions for two community solar farm projects in the town of Le Roy.
FFP NY Le Roy Project1, LLC and FFP NY Le Roy Project2, LLC represent a total $20 million investment and will generate up to 7 megawatts of power through the installation of ground-mounted solar panels.
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month! Richmond Memorial Library is celebrating in two different ways:
Replacement cards will be offered for FREE during the month of September. Have a missing or damaged card? Now is the time to replace it! The library is waiving the usual $1 replacement fee for the month.
Anyone signing up for a brand-new library card account will be entered for a chance to win a prize! The Friends of the Library are sponsoring a prize tote, which will include library swag, a gift certificate to the Friends of the Library Book Sale, and $25 gift card to Batavia’s Original.
Your library card unlocks many benefits, including access to materials in the library and online! The Richmond Memorial Library proudly offer access to Libby and Hoopla for eBooks, Audiobooks, Movies, TV Shows and more. Access genealogy resources, Consumer Reports, legal resources and more through RML’s online databases. Need a dinosaur shaped cake pan or a board game? The library has you covered there as well.
Resident library cards may be issued free-of-charge to residents of Genesee, Orleans and Niagara counties, and to those who work, own property or attend school within the borders of the Batavia City School District.
Photo ID with name and current street address must be presented to apply for a card, or to replace a lost card. When primary residence within Genesee, Orleans, or Niagara counties is not established, additional proof of working, attending school, or owning property within the borders of the Batavia City School District is required.
Children may be issued resident cards and their replacements when they can sign their own name, and after having established identity and residency in the manner described above, or in the presence and under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian who has.
The library is located at 19 Ross Street in the City of Batavia and is open Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more about the library, library programs and more, visit batavialibrary.org or stop in!
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) introduced the Improving Coordination for the Northern Border Act to require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish the Northern Border Coordination Center to strengthen the implementation and coordination of the Northern Border Strategy, which includes training, information sharing, intelligence, and engagement with federal, state, Tribal, local, and international government partners.
Tenney led this bill alongside Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01).
This bill would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish the Northern Border Coordination Center, to be collocated with an existing U.S. Border Patrol sector headquarters, the U.S. Border Patrol Northern Border Coordination Center, an Air and Marine Operations Branch, and a U.S. Coast Guard air station. The Center would support the implementation of the Northern Border Security Strategy, help to track Northern Border security metrics, serve as a training location for DHS personnel, and as a testing grounds for new border security technologies. The legislation also requires Air and Marine Operations to maintain quick reaction capabilities at the Center to support the border security mission along the Northern Border, including against the rising threat of illegal cross-border drone activity.
“There has been an unprecedented spike in illegal crossings at our Northern Border, including an 846% increase in one sector alone, putting our national security and community safety at risk,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Additionally, 85% of suspected terrorists that have illegally crossed our borders have done so over the Northern Border. By establishing a Northern Border Coordination Center, we can enable the Department of Homeland Security to effectively implement the Northern Border Strategy to enhance training and information sharing among federal, state, local, and international partners and secure our Northern Border to help keep our Northern Border communities, including NY-24, safe."
“Strengthening operations at our northern border is critical to drug interdiction efforts and keeping dangerous substances out of our communities,” said Congressman Pappas. “The Coordination Center will provide a central hub for implementing the Northern Border Strategy, including enforcing our immigration laws and stemming illicit drug trafficking, while supporting coordination efforts between U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel, local law enforcement, and other partners. I thank Representative Tenney for partnering with me on this bill, and I will continue fighting to pass legislation that supports and invests in border security, law enforcement, and anti-smuggling technology."
Senator George Borrello offered the following comments today in response to a statement issued by Senator Sean Ryan regarding the announcement that Western Regional OTB has offered Byron Brown a position as their next president and CEO:
“In a statement today regarding Mayor Byron Brown being offered the position of president and CEO of the Western Regional OTB, Senator Sean Ryan expressed his hope that the organization’s next leader would clean up the ‘culture of corruption’ at the entity. I take issue with that characterization.
The ‘culture of corruption’ is actually the way that Erie County and the City of Buffalo have rigged the Western Regional OTB board.
Batavia Downs is the only profitable entity in the entire WROTB. This is because of the support that Genesee County and the City of Batavia give Batavia Downs and the leadership of Henry Wojtaszek. A lot hangs in the balance now with this winning team being replaced with political patronage jobs.
Henry and his team ran all of the operations, including concessions, restaurant and banquet services. As someone who has been in the hospitality business for decades, I can tell you that is no easy feat.
If the new leadership decides to turn those operations over to a third-party, I suspect that Batavia Downs will also become a liability instead of an asset.
We will see the true ‘culture of corruption’ going forward if the Western Regional OTB now starts bleeding red ink.”
Pictured above at the new Batavia YMCA (from left to right) are Rachel Hale of GLOW YMCA, Joshua Bender of GLOW YMCA, Dennis Burke of Liberty Pumps, and Calvin Klemmer of Merrill Lynch.
Press Release:
The 11th annual GLOW Corporate Cup was run this August with nearly 800 participants registering for the annual 5K run and walk. The race brought in just shy of $20,000 in support of the GLOW YMCA. This money will support the YMCA Scholarship program, ensuring that no one is turned away from the Y due to their inability to pay.
In addition to the race, teams design their own T-Shirts and compete for the most creative design. Each year the local Merrill Lynch office makes a $500 donation to the winning team’s charity of choice. This year, Liberty Pumps won the contest for the first time and elected to direct the donation back to the YMCA, bringing the total funds raised from the race to over $20,000.
