Lucine Kauffman, the Library Visits Program Coordinator at Richmond Memorial Library, receives the 2025 Outreach Award from Nioga Trustee Kristie Miller, with Nioga Board President Charles Begley looking on. Submitted photo.
Press Release:
Lucine Kauffman, program coordinator for the Library Visits Program at the Richmond Memorial Library, was honored with the 2025 Outreach Award at the Nioga Library System's annual meeting on Wednesday evening at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. The award honors an individual in the library or community who has shown a commitment in providing/promoting library services to special populations such as the elderly, geographically isolated, or those who have a physical disability.
"Lucine has consistently gone above and beyond to serve marginalized and isolated groups in our community," shares RML Interim Director Samantha Stryker, who nominated Kauffman. “She recognizes the need to address the epidemic of loneliness we often see in our elderly population. The Library Visits program utilizes a small staff and a network of volunteers to deliver tremendous amounts of resources to those who need them most.”
Nioga Trustee and Genesee County representative Kristie Miller presented Kauffman with the award, sharing that she works diligently to provide as many services as possible to Library Visits patrons, whether it is library materials, help with technology, or a social connection with their dedicated volunteer. Through her initiative, the program is now able to serve caregivers in addition to those who are homebound or unable to visit the library.
Since 1997, The Library Visits Program has been serving residents of Genesee County through the Muriel H. Marshall Fund. In addition to serving 70-80 patrons directly, the program delivers group loans and resources to more than 15 residential and program facilities in Genesee County, serving over 1200 Genesee County residents. Thanks to recent funding, caregivers are also eligible to receive services through Library Visits.
If you or a loved one are interested in the services provided by Library Visits, visit batavialibrary.org or call 585-343-9550 x6.
Sarah Forness of Corfu was named to the Dean's Honor List at Cedarville University for Spring 2025. This recognition requires the student to obtain a 3.75 GPA or higher for the semester and carry a minimum of 12 credit hours.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation's top three evangelical universities.
Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
The City Department of Public Works TEAM will be continuing with essential and time-sensitive repairs to the sewer infrastructure along Dellinger Avenue, continuing on Thursday, May 22, with work anticipated to extend through Friday, May 23, at a minimum. Additional Water service restoration work will begin on Tuesday, May 27, with hopeful completion on that day as well, with the water line work.
The construction activities are scheduled to take place throughout the day on Thursday and are expected to continue into Friday until all identified and necessary repair tasks have been successfully completed. This work is to ensure the long-term reliability and functionality of the local sewer system.
Please be advised that Dellinger Avenue will remain closed to all non-essential through traffic during this period. This closure is in place due to the ongoing nature of the work, which includes overnight pump operations and early morning activity that are required to maintain progress and ensure the project’s timely and safe completion.
At this time, access is strictly limited to local traffic only, including residents, buses and service vehicles which may be required to enter from one end of the road or the other.
We respectfully request that all residents and members of the public avoid traveling through the construction area on Dellinger Avenue while construction is actively underway. This will help prevent unnecessary congestion, reduce potential delays, and, most importantly, support the safety of both the construction crews and the public.
We greatly value and appreciate your continued patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work to complete these important infrastructure upgrades. Your support is instrumental in helping us deliver long-term improvements that benefit the entire community.
Paolo Busti Foundation names Elizabeth Riter as Outstanding Italian-American. Elizabeth Riter is being honored as an Outstanding Italian-American by the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation of Genesee County for her countless hours of community service.
Liz will receive her award at the Foundation Scholarship Dinner planned for 6:30 p.m. June 10 at Batavia Downs. Tickets may be purchased at Ben’s Appliances, 634 East Main St, or from any board member.
Liz relocated to Batavia in 1988 after completing her Master’s degree at Alfred University. A born leader, Liz became involved in the Batavia Area Jaycees, soon becoming Individual Development Vice President and Community Services Vice President. Community Involvement led to Liz’s commitment to make Batavia and Genesee County a better place.
Liz began her career at GCASA, The Genesee Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, now UConnectCare. Her role as Prevention/Student Assistance Counselor at Notre Dame High School in Batavia led to her role as the Chief Compliance and Quality Assurance Director.
Assuming roles of Secretary, Vice President and President of the Board of Directors of the Genesee County Mental Health Association were inevitable. Leading with her strength and her kindness, Liz volunteered for the Parent Teacher Organization at Robert Morris Elementary School, serving as Vice President and later President.
Liz has continued to give and give, volunteering for Genesee Cancer Assistance and the Batavia Rotary Club. Liz and her husband John have chaired the YMCA Invest in Youth/Strong Communities campaign together several times and Liz has served on the United Memorial Medical Center Quality Committee Board for the last 3 years.
Liz attributes much of her Italian heritage to the importance of family and tradition. The values of respect, kindness, helping others, loyalty to family and friends, honesty and hard work shaped Liz’s future and were instilled in her children. Elizabeth Riter is the perfect person to be receiving the “Outstanding Italian-American of Genesee County” Award. Her Italian background and strong Italian values learned, which have influenced Liz’s commitment to serve, while fulfilling the demands of career, wife and mother, are to be admired and recognized.
Liz’s maternal great-grandparents, Maria (Tomasso) and Joseph Basile, came from Campobasso, Italy. Liz’s grandmother Rita was the youngest of their six children. Liz’s maternal great-grandparents were Michael, who was originally from Modugno, Italy and Teresa Razzante. Her grandfather Eugene was the eldest of their nine children.
As part of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Department’s (GO Health) ongoing effort to promote healthier homes and raise awareness about hidden household dangers, they are encouraging all families to take action against radon. Radon is an invisible radioactive gas and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
What is Radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that enters your home through cracks in the foundation, walls and around pipes. You may also find it in well water and dirt floors. Any home can have radon whether it is new or old, has a basement, or sits on a concrete slab and the only way to know it is there, is to test your home.
How to Protect Your Family.
Testing your home with a short-term radon test kit is a quick and easy way to determine if there are high levels of radon in your home.
Genesee County residents can receive a short-term test kit free of charge from the Genesee County Health Department.
Residents of other counties can purchase a test kit from their local hardware store.
“Every home should be tested for radon, regardless of age, location, or foundation type,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “The health risks are too significant to ignore.”
What to do if Radon Levels are High.
If test results show radon levels at or above 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s action level, families should install a radon mitigation system. These systems can greatly reduce radon levels in your home and protect your family’s health.
If you live in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, or Wyoming Counties (GLOW region) and qualify, funding may be available through a local grant program. Contact the Genesee County Health Department for more information.
Simple Steps to Stay Safe:
Test your home for radon every 2 years or after major renovations.
Seal foundation cracks and improve basement ventilation.
Do not allow smoking indoors. Radon exposure combined with smoking greatly increases cancer risks.
Ask for radon test results when buying a home.
Radon Awareness Saves Lives
A simple test and a few preventive steps can help you keep your home safe and your family healthy.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.
The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign begins Friday, May 23 and will continue thru Monday, May 26. Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel holidays and marks the official start of summer. Law enforcement agencies and local STOP-DWI programs will be collaborating in force across the state in an effort to reduce the number of impaired driving related injuries and deaths.
Before the first drink - plan a safe ride home.
One is all it takes. Call a taxi, a ride service or a sober friend.
If someone has been consuming drugs or alcohol, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a safe ride home.
When hosting a picnic or a party, whether consuming drugs or alcohol, make sure everyone has a safe ride home.
STOP-DWI efforts across New York State have made great strides in reducing the number of alcohol and drug related fatalities, however everyday lives continue to be impacted by drunk or impaired driving. Make a positive impact - choose to drive sober.
The concert by Bart Dentino at the Holland Land Office Museum, scheduled for Friday, May 23 at 7 p.m., has been postponed.
The concert will be rescheduled for a later date.
When a new date is confirmed, the information will be released. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 for more information. We apologize for any inconvience.
Catholic Charities of Buffalo today announced the recipients of this year’s Catholic Charities Cup, a fundraising competition among Western New York Catholic high schools, elementary schools, and faith formations. The schools that raised the most money for Appeal 2025 in their division are awarded with the Catholic Charities Cup trophy and a victory party.
This year’s Catholic Charities Cup winners are:
Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart won the High School Division, raising $2,300
SS. Peter and Paul School in Hamburg won the Elementary School Division, raising $1,580
Life Long Faith Formation Ascension and Resurrection Parish in Batavia won the Faith Formation Division, raising $1,138
In the coming weeks, the winning schools will be awarded their trophies and will be treated to a victory celebration with ice cream treats made possible through a sponsorship donation by James Desiderio, Inc.
“Just in its second year, this competition is a fun way to engage our community in the important work of Catholic Charities, and to educate the youth about the importance of service and charity,” said Michael Noe, MD, MPH, Appeal 2025 chair. “We wish to pass along to the next generation the rich spirit of generosity that has brought HOPE to those in need.”
Added Gina Geise, chair of the parish and community committee for Appeal 2025, “Congratulations on winning the 2025 Catholic Charities Cup! Your hard work and effort are greatly appreciated and will spread the love and compassion of Christ to those in need.”
Overall, the students, staffs, and families throughout all the participating schools raised $11,398, which is $2,500 more than what was raised during last year’s Catholic Charities Cup.
The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation’s 41st Scholarship Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. at Batavia Downs. The Foundation is proud to celebrate its rich Italian heritage and invites the community to share in an evening filled with friendship, pride, and, of course, delicious Italian cuisine.
Tickets are $35 and can be purchased from Board members or at Ben’s Appliances on East Main Street Road in Batavia. New members are always welcome to join the Foundation and be part of preserving and promoting our shared cultural legacy.
As part of this special evening, the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation is proud to recognize the following outstanding achievements of this year’s scholarship candidates.
Adam Charles Root
Adam Charles Root, son of Joel and Roxanne Root of Hilton, and grandson of Diane Beradini Martino and Jerry Martino, will graduate in 2025 from Hilton High School and WEMOCO Career and Technical Education Center at BOCES.
After graduation, Adam plans to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, where he will study Culinary Science with a focus in Culinary Arts.
Throughout high school, Adam has been actively involved in Model UN, Student Council, the Announcement Club, Track and Field, and the School Band, where he plays the trombone. He is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, has been recognized as Student of the Month, and has received Academic Merit certificates.
Adam has also volunteered during Make a Difference Day and has cooked and served meals at St. Peter’s in Rochester.
His passion for the culinary arts has led him to create a variety of specialty dishes, particularly focused on unique sauces. Adam enjoys experimenting with homemade pizza dough, often using unexpected and creative toppings. His imagination and culinary talent are sure to pave the way for his future success.
Greyson Irving Fix
Greyson Irving Fix, a graduating 2025 Batavia High School Senior, will also be graduating from Genesee Valley BOCES for Automotive Technology, where he earned his car lift certification. His parents are Aaron and Kristen Fix, maternal Italian Grandmother AnnaMarie Crescuola Wood.
Greyson will be attending Alfred State College, pursuing the Building Trades program and playing football. Greyson participated in Varsity Football, Indoor Track and Field, Varsity Baseball, and Outdoor Track and Field for Batavia High School. He is the 2025 Recipient of the Danny Lullo Scholarship.
Volunteering is a part of who Greyson is. He volunteered at the Ricky Palermo Golf Tournament, working the chicken barbecue and the closest to the pin challenge. He is involved with Ascension Parish, volunteering for the Soup Suppers, Habitat for Humanity, where he measured and cut drywall, as well as Make a Difference Day, cleaning up the Cemetery, raking leaves, and picking up trash and sticks.
Greyson stated that having an Italian-American upbringing has helped mold the person he is today, along with the hard work and commitment to himself and his family. He believes this is going to continue to ensure him a successful life, with his relationship to God, helping others, and being an honest and kind person.
Kaitlyn Kratz
Kaitlyn Kratz is a graduating senior at Notre Dame High School and the daughter of John and Jill Kratz. Her grandparents are Jean Peca and John Peca.
She has been a member of the National Honor Society from her sophomore year through to graduation. Kaitlyn plans to attend Genesee Community College, where she will major in Nursing.
Kaitlyn has participated in volleyball and tennis as her extracurricular activities. She has also volunteered at the Notre Dame Youth Volleyball Camp, All Babies Cherished Fundraising Events, St. Joseph’s Regional School Halloween Parties, the ND Meat Raffle and Golf Tournament, and the Live Like Levi Pantry. In addition, she has helped prepare meals for the Free Little Pantry.
Kaitlyn expressed great appreciation for her Italian heritage, shown through the customs, lessons, and love passed down by the DeFazio and Peca families. She believes the way she was brought up was not just a coincidence; her Italian heritage and family traditions played an important role in shaping who she is today.
Matthew Wittmeyer
Matthew Wittmeyer is a member of the Class of 2025 at Batavia Senior High School. He is the son of Jerry and Lisa Wittmeyer, and the grandson of Rocco and Debbie Pellegrino.
Matthew plans to attend the University of Indiana, where he will major in Economics and minor in Sales. Since his sophomore year, he has challenged himself academically through dual enrollment college courses.
He currently serves as Senior Class President and Co-Mayor of Student Government, while also leading the Varsity Soccer Team as captain, having played for four years. His involvement extends to the Key Club, Travel Club, and My Brother’s Keeper, where he has demonstrated strong commitment and leadership.
Matthew volunteers at Ascension Parish, reflecting his dedication to community service.
His many honors include being named Junior Year Homecoming Prince, a Batavia Daily News GLOW Region Teen of the Week, and a Finalist for GLOW Region Teen of the Year. He is also a 2025 Mr. Batavian contestant and a Genesee Youth Lead graduate.
Reflecting on his Italian heritage, Matt shared, “They have shown me invaluable morals, some of which have truly resonated with me. I’ve found clarity in the values they lived by: fierce loyalty to those we love, a scrappy sense of resourcefulness, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to keep going. Life can be wilder than a thunderstorm, but that’s exactly when you learn to dance in the rain.”
Rocco Sprague
Rocco Sprague is a proud member of the 2025 graduating class of Notre Dame High School. He is the son of Lisa Sprague of Le Roy, the maternal grandson of Corrine Rapone Sprague, and the paternal grandson of Duane Pangrazio Sprague.
Rocco is a member of the National Honor Society, an active participant in the Scholastic Bowl Team, and a contributor to the Yearbook Club. He plans to attend SUNY Oneonta, where he will major in Communication Studies with a minor in History or Political Science.
Among his many academic and extracurricular achievements, Rocco has received the George Eastman Youth Leadership Award, and was recognized as a Scholar-Athlete on the baseball team for having the highest GPA. As a member of the Genesee Scholastic Bowl Team, he helped lead the team to a 3rd place finish. He also earned 2nd place with the Genesee Park Environment Team, and was honored with the Notre Dame Department Awards in both Math and Spanish, the Faculty and Staff Award, the Student of the Month honor, and consistently achieved placement on the High Honor Roll.
Rocco was selected by the Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332 to represent Batavia at New York Boys State, where he served on the Yearbook Team and was appointed Relations Officer for the city.
His extracurricular involvement includes JV Baseball, Varsity Tennis, playing trumpet in the ND band, and taking guitar lessons.
Rocco also demonstrates a strong commitment to his faith and community. He serves as an altar server at Our Lady of Mercy, has taught Summer Bible School, volunteered at Lenten Fish Dinners, and assisted at St. Joseph Regional School’s Halloween and Christmas Parties, the Baptist Church Christmas Dinner, the ND and St. Joe’s Meat Raffle, and at the Batavia Italian Festival, working at the Youth Game Station.
Rocco values his Italian heritage deeply, sharing that it is important to him to maintain the traditions of his ancestors, who brought with them a rich and vibrant language, history, and culture that has been lovingly passed down and proudly celebrated by his family.
Air Force Major General Michael Bank, the commander of the New York Air National Guard, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Air National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Tess Barone from Batavia, and assigned to the 107th Attack Wing, received a promotion April 29 to the rank of staff sergeant.
Brandon Hackett from Pavilion, and assigned to the 107th Attack Wing, received a promotion April 17 to the rank of senior airman.
Air National Guard promotions are based on a Airman's overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.
"The New York Air National Guard is built on a foundation of talented and motivated Airmen, and this month's promotions are a shining example of that excellence," Bank said. "I am honored to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our Airmen, and I look forward to seeing their continued growth and contributions to our organization."
These promotions recognize the best qualified Airmen for a career in the New York Air National Guard.
CO-Week Proclamation Presentation (from left to right): Legislator John Deleo, Jail Superintendent Diana M. Prinzi, Deputy Jail Superintendent Jason R. Queal, Correction Officers Mariah A. Blachowiz and Michael C. Kennedy
Press Release:
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week. National Police Week honors law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and recognizes the service and sacrifice of all law enforcement professionals.
The Genesee County Legislature issued a proclamation to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at last night’s meeting recognizing May 11–17, as National Police Week. The lights on the Old County Courthouse cupola have been changed to blue to acknowledge this week.
Law enforcement officers are always prepared to respond and aid our residents, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This week honors all those in the law enforcement profession for the countless hours each officer dedicates to the community in which they serve.
This year, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and other members of the Office traveled to Washington, DC, to participate in National Police Week events which include the 37 th Annual Candlelight Vigil and to Stand Watch for the Fallen at the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial. This year, Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello was approved to be engraved on the memorial wall and join fallen Deputy Frank G. Bordonaro and Constable William H. Johnson.
Thank you to the Batavia Police Department Officers who made the trip in support of Sergeant Sanfratello and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. The National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“As Sheriff, I am honored every day to serve alongside the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities. During National Police Week, we take time to remember and pay tribute to the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their courage, commitment, and service will never be forgotten,” stated Sheriff Joseph Graff. “I am incredibly proud of the deputies in our Office and all law enforcement officers across the country. Their professionalism, integrity, and selfless dedication are the foundation of public safety.”
Submitted photos.
National Police Week Proclamation Presentation (from left to right): Deputy Alexander R. Hadsall, Legislator/Former Sheriff Gary T. Maha, Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur, Deputy Nicholas R. Chamoun
Byron-Bergen Science Olympiads at Regional Competition. Photo by Terry Vick.
Press Release:
On May 9, the Byron-Bergen Science Olympiad team ended the competition season by visiting local manufacturer and team corporate sponsor, Liberty Pumps. This end-of-season tradition began when the team was founded three years ago. They have improved each year since 2022, finishing the 2025 season with eight medals at the March 8 Regional Competition in Pittsford. Despite representing the smallest public school in the region, the Dynamic Planet team earned a first-place finish, the first in the team’s history.
“It has been amazing to watch this team develop over the past three years,” said Byron-Bergen Science Teacher and Science Olympiad Advisor Terry Vick. “We all started at square one and now our students are surpassing team goals and competing head-to-head with larger districts with more experience. I’m extremely proud.”
The Byron-Bergen team earned medals in Dynamic Planet (Earth Science - glacier formation and movement), Tower Construction (design and build the lightest and tallest tower that will support a load of 15 kg), Mission Possible (construct a Rube Goldberg type energy transfer device), and Road Scholar (ability to interpret and analyze various types of maps).
Additionally, the Tower Construction team received a round of applause when their tower was able to support a maximum load of 15 kg.
The team was greeted by Liberty Pumps CFO, Dennis Burke, who took them on a tour of Liberty Pumps Offices and Production Floor. He congratulated these future engineers on their hard work and dedication.
Thirteen Olympiads competed for Byron-Bergen this season, but the team is open to any students in sixth through eighth grades who are interested in challenging themselves by competing in different STEM activities.
Byron-Bergen Science Olympiads at Liberty Pumps. Photo by Terry Vick.
Byron-Bergen Science Olympiads at Regional Competition. Photo by Terry Vick.
Byron-Bergen Science Olympiads at Regional Competition. Photo by Terry Vick.
Byron-Bergen Science Olympiads at Liberty Pumps. Photo by Terry Vick.
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County Board of Directors meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on May 27. The meeting will be held at the Association at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia and is open to the public.
For more information, please contact Yvonne Peck at ydp3@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040 x123.
Please be advised that our team will continue conducting critical repairs to the sewer infrastructure on Dellinger Avenue on Wednesday, May 21st, and will also begin work on repairing a service line in the area.
Work is scheduled to begin at approximately 7 AM and will continue throughout the day until all necessary repairs are completed.
At this time, Dellinger Avenue remains closed to all through traffic due to ongoing overnight work and early morning activity required to ensure the project progresses safely and efficiently.
Access is limited to local traffic only, and we kindly request that residents and the public avoid traveling down the street during active construction hours for safety and to avoid delays.
In addition, please be aware that properties within the immediate work zone may experience temporary disruptions to water service while repairs are underway.
We encourage affected residents and property owners to plan accordingly and prepare for the possibility of reduced or no water availability during the day.
We sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we complete these important infrastructure improvements.
Tom Phelps, Director of Public Works, City of Batavia
Golfers, mark your calendars and grab your clubs! The inaugural HomeCare & Hospice Golf Classic tees off Tuesday, June 24, at the scenic and celebrated Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia. HomeCare & Hospice has been servicing the Wyoming and Genesee Counties since 2000.
Recognized as Western New York’s #1 Public Golf Course and home of the famed Jim Kelly Celebrity Classic, Terry Hills offers 27 meticulously groomed holes and a reputation for providing an exceptional yet challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Registration is $100 per golfer or $400 per foursome, which includes: Greens fees and cart, Lunch out on the course, Dinner at the evening awards ceremony, Swag bag of goodies, and Fun contests and on-course surprises.
More than just a day of golf, the event supports a deeper purpose. Proceeds benefit the HomeCare & Hospice Foundation, helping deliver compassionate care and vital services across Allegany, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, and Genesee Counties.
"It’s a chance to enjoy 18 holes on a top-tier course, spend time outdoors with your colleagues or friends, and know that your day on the green is directly supporting families in our communities," said Melissa Sullivan, CEO of HomeCare & Hospice. "It’s meaningful fun—with a mission behind every swing."
This year’s classic features favorite contests like mulligans, closest to the line, and longest drive, as well as two unique events:
Putting Contest – $5 for one ball or $10 for three. Sink a hole-in-one and you could win $500 cash, courtesy of Both, Branch & Hendrix of Olean. If multiple players make it in, we’ll draw from the names of those top putters to crown the winner.
Air Cannon Shot – Ever launched your golf ball from an air cannon? Now’s your chance—for just $10, take aim and fire!
While HomeCare & Hospice has hosted golf tournaments across its four-county service area in years past, this marks a new beginning. Following direction from the organization’s Board of Directors to alternate fundraising events between the northern and southern regions, Batavia was selected as the site of this year’s tournament to strengthen support in Genesee and Wyoming Counties—while welcoming teams traveling north from Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties.
"Hospice doesn’t have a location—it impacts families everywhere,” Sullivan added. “And we’re excited to see the southern counties show their support by hitting the road for a great day of golf in the north."
Sponsorship opportunities are still available, including hole sponsors, swag, lunch, cocktail hour, specialty tee signs, and golf hole discs. For more information, contact HomeCare & Hospice at 716-372-2106.
Twelve teams already committed include: Portville Central School, Databranch, Kinley Contractors, National Fuel, Paul Brown Chevrolet, Siemens, Tim Keller / Vision Financial Group, Wright Beverage, Lawley Insurance, HomeCare & Hospice, Bradford Publishing, and 7 Mountains Media.
The event committee is seeking to fill a field of 20 foursomes, and spots are filling fast. To register, call 716-372-2106 or visit homecare-hospice.org. Swing big. Give back. Make a difference.
The Building Champions Basketball Camp is set to return this summer, offering athletes in Grades 1 through 7 the opportunity to develop core basketball skills in a fun, structured environment. The camp will take place from July 7–10 at the newly designated location, Zambito Gymnasium at GCC, located at 1 College Road, Batavia.
Campers will receive training in fundamental basketball areas including dribbling and ball handling, shooting, passing and catching, defense, footwork, and movement. Each day, participants will have access to a hydration station and a healthy snack, with a pizza party planned as part of the experience. All athletes will receive a camp T-shirt and have the opportunity to be recognized as “Camper of the Day” or to win the “MVP of the Week” trophy.
Camp Schedule:
Grades 1 - 3: 2 - 4 p.m.
Grades 4 - 7: 5 - 7 p.m.
Registration Fee: $125
For more information, contact Camp Director Coach Zambito at 585-813-8592 or ciaci4zambito@gmail.com.
Please be advised that our team will be performing necessary repairs to both the water and sewer lines on Dellinger Avenue beginning Tuesday, May 20th.
Work is scheduled to commence shortly after 7:00 AM and will continue throughout the day until the repairs are completed. During this time, there is a strong possibility that road access will be limited or, in some areas, completely closed to through traffic in order to ensure the safety of the crew and the public.
Additionally, please be aware that there may be temporary disruptions to water service for properties located within or adjacent to the work zone. We recommend preparing in advance for the possibility of reduced water availability during the day. As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we carry out this important infrastructure work. Estimated time of completion is undetermined. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office at 585-345-6329.
From oncology floors to community centers, tech startups to charcuterie spreads—Western New York is filled with people quietly (and boldly) making a difference. Now, their stories are taking center stage in a brand-new series from the global podcast Powered by Authenticity.
The Powered by Authenticity WNY Changemakers series, hosted by Batavia native and PBA Consulting CEO Emily Carlson, officially launched today and will feature weekly episodes over the next six weeks.
Each episode dives into the real, raw journeys of local leaders who are challenging the norm, giving back in big ways, and redefining what it means to lead with purpose.
“This series is truly a love letter to Western New York,” said Carlson. “These are the folks who roll up their sleeves, build something meaningful, and lead from the heart—whether they’re running a business, treating patients, or lifting up entire communities.”
The guests aren’t household names—yet. But they’re the kind of people who make WNY proud: a nurse practitioner pushing cancer research forward, a nonprofit leader transforming how support reaches families, a tech advocate lighting the way for digital inclusion, and an executive who traded spreadsheets for charcuterie boards (yes, really).
Listeners can expect unfiltered conversations, unexpected inspiration, and a reminder that leadership doesn’t always come with a title—it often starts with a question: How can I make things better?
Now streaming on all major platforms, Powered by Authenticity’s WNY Changemakers series is for anyone who believes in the power of local stories to spark global change.
First episode will be available on May 16. New episodes drop every week for the next six weeks.
Listen in, get inspired, and meet the people who are putting Western New York on the map—one bold move at a time.
Listen to Emily's new podcast series here on Spotify.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to buckle up ahead of a national Click It or Ticket seat belt safety campaign. The national high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs from May 19 to June 1.
“Seat belt use should be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike,” said Assistant Police Chief Chris Camp. “It’s not just a safe thing to do — it’s the law. During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers. Buckling up is the simplest thing a driver can do to limit injury or save a life during a crash. We see the results of not wearing a seat belt all the time. So often, it could have been prevented.”
The national seat belt daytime use rate in 2023 was 91.9%, which is good — but it can be better. The other 8.1% still need to be reminded that seat belts save lives. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night.
One of the focuses of the Click It or Ticket seat belt high-visibility campaign is nighttime enforcement. NHTSA data shows a higher number of unrestrained passenger vehicle occupant fatalities happen at night. Also, seat belt use differs among females and males. Of the males killed in crashes in 2023, more than half (53%) were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 41% were not buckled up.
“If the enforcement effort alerts people to the dangers of unrestrained driving, we’ll consider our mission to be a success,” said Assistant Police Chief Chris Camp. “We are asking friends and family to remind each other to buckle up when they drive, and to consider changing their habits if they don’t. Help us spread this lifesaving message before one more friend or family member is killed as a result of this senseless inaction. Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember to buckle up.”
For more information on the Click It or Ticket seat belt high-visibility enforcement campaign, please visit NHTSA.gov/ClickIt.
