Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) was sworn in as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson.
"It is an honor and a privilege to be elected to serve the constituents of the newly formed New York District 24. I will continue to be a transparent and aggressive advocate on behalf of all of my constituents. Our team is deeply committed to delivering outstanding results for NY-24, by implementing innovative and common-sense solutions to the issues facing our communities. Our team will continue to provide top-tier constituent services. House Republicans are eager to begin implementing President Trump’s agenda by making America secure and prosperous again. We are eager to hear from you and ensure that your views are represented in Washington. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I am committed to upholding our Constitutional principles and delivering meaningful results for our nation and especially New York," said Congresswoman Tenney.
Redistricting in 2024 has eliminated parts of Cayuga and Ontario Counties and added parts of Steuben and Schuyler Counties to NY-24. As a result, Rep. Tenney’s district office in Victor is no longer within NY-24. To better serve the Finger Lakes Region, Rep. Tenney is opening a new district office in Ontario County. For more information about who will represent you in Congress starting January 3, visit www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.
Rep Tenney’s Office Locations for the 119th Congress:
Washington, DC Office
2230 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington DC 20515
President Sean McPhee earns the Firefighter of the year award
On Saturday, members of the Alexander Volunteer Fire Department honored its own and installed its 2024 officers at the department's annual dinner, held this year at Attica's 10th Hole.
Photos by Philip Casper.
Regan McPhee, who attended 150 calls in 2024, earns the EMS Provider Award
Deputy Chief Nate Fix earns the Top Responder Award for responding to 168 calls.
Safety Officer Bernie Fix earned the President's Award.
Installation of Officers for 2025
Parade Captain John Meier presented with an award for dedicating 40 years of service.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley, center, and Legislator Gregg Torrey, right, present Bernie Fix with a citation in honor of his 50 years of service with the Fire Department.
Bernie Fix's previous fire departments, Milgrove and Corfu, present him with achievement awards for his dedicated service.
Donna Rhodes thanks all of those who assisted the ladies auxiliary.
Memorial for Alexander Fire Department members who passed away in 2024.
With holiday activities now completed and the new year officially rung in, Batavia Downs is ready for the return of live harness racing on Monday (Jan. 6) when the 2025 winter season kicks off the 85th year of the historic Genesee County oval. The eight-week, 15-day run will be held on a Monday-Thursday rotation with post time for all race days set for 3:00 p.m. The meet will run through Monday (Feb. 24).
Don Hoover, who is the Director of Live Racing at The Downs, is looking forward to the opening as the track is coming off another banner year.
“I’m very excited about the upcoming meet in view of the record numbers the track posted in 2024. After showing a 10.5% increase in our overall handle and realizing three one-day record handles in excess of $500,000 during our winter meet last year, I can only be optimistic about our product and ability to better those milestones this year. I can’t wait to welcome back our loyal customers,” said Hoover.
All the top local horsemen and women will be on hand once again, including last year’s leading driver, Drew Monti, who posted a total of 136 wins that earned his connections $949,765 in purses, and trainer Sam Smith, whose horses won a total of 90 races and bankrolled $658,622 as a result of those efforts.
The local driver colony will have a new regular set of hands to contend with this year when Brett Beckwith makes Batavia his home twice a week for the next two months.
Beckwith raced sporadically at the Batavia winter meet last year and finished a close third for dash wins. This year as a regular, he will definitely be vying for the top spot on the leader board.
Beckwith is coming off a career year in 2024 that saw him take driving titles at both Saratoga Raceway and Plainridge Park. His combined 608 wins last year placed him third among all drivers in North America behind only Aaron Merriman and Jason Bartlett, and those wins helped his horses earn $6,271,414 in purses, while Beckwith himself earned a personal best UDR of .334. In December, Beckwith was named the United States Harness Writers Association's Dan Patch Rising Star for 2024, an award he will receive in Orlando in February.
“I like to keep busy and I get a lot of work at Batavia. The track itself is great since they redid it and they keep it in great shape. The driving colony there is very competitive and will keep you on your toes. But I get a lot of live drives from the trainers who use me and that makes for some exciting racing. I’m looking forward to getting back to western New York,” said Beckwith.
Beckwith looks to get off to a fast start and has 10 rides on the 15 race card Monday to help facilitate that.
The betting menu for each 15-race card features six Doubles, 15 Exactas, 15 Trifectas, 14 Superfectas, two Pick-3's, three Pick-4's, one Pick-5 and one Jackpot Super High Five in the final race each day.
There are two promotions available for the track’s in-house customers on all live race days that add value to their wagers by providing free play on the gaming floor. The Early Bird Daily Double gives $10 back in free play when a minimum $10 is bet on the early daily double between 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. and the Match Play Free Play Frenzy returns $25 in free play to anyone betting $25 at the same time on the same live Batavia Downs race. You must be a Player’s Club member to take part in both promotions and full rules are available at the track.
Fans on hand will also have food and drink options available to them each race day at the Homestretch Grill and the Clubhouse Rail Bar.
Free full past performance programs for all live racing days at Batavia Downs can be downloaded from the Batavia Downs website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the Live Racing tab and you can watch all the live racing action as it happened for free on the Batavia Downs YouTube page (youtube.com/user/BataviaDownsGaming).
Harry and Cahlia flank their dad, Matt Hlushak, all of Batavia, at his new CleanHit Services business at 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia. It is set to open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday. Photo by Joanne Beck
Matt Hlushak is not afraid of career diversity, and has always tried to use what he learned in both his personal and professional experience, he says.
A native of Pennsylvania, he worked for many years as a cook, some in retail, and eventually made his way to Batavia, where he has lived for about six and a half years, working for most of that as a document specialist. Then came the time to leave.
“I quit my job to do this because of my family’s needs. My daughter is involved in dance; she has four dance classes a week, and my son has special needs. So this was a business I thought I could set up to probably sustain a family, using the skills that I have already and based on the needs that I do have. It absolutely gives me more flexibility,” he said of his new business at The Harvester Center. “This business was more about my experience as a customer, by buying the smoking accessories and buying toys and playing with the toys after I've used the accessories. And I was just thinking, since the cannabis industry is a relatively new thing here in New York, how can I get involved in it without having money for licensures, and I’m not predisposed to a criminal record to get ahead of the list or anything? So this is how I figured I could be part of it.”
CleanHit Services will open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday at 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia. It’s Unit 103 on the first floor and can be accessed from the outside. Hlushak plans to give away samples of Stacey’s Pies for opening day.
As it may sound, CleanHit cleans cannabis accessories of tar residues left behind from using glass and metal paraphernalia and also cleans jewelry. Hlushak was surprised to learn that many people would just toss out their stuff and buy new ones instead of cleaning or having them cleaned, he said. He brings his personal experience to the table, as well as his prior work in a hospital using ultrasonic equipment for a central sterilization unit, he said.
He took that resume bullet item and put it to good use with his own equipment and mission statement to help others save some money, reuse their goods instead of throwing them out and buying new, and preserve what might be sentimental from having been a gift. He doesn’t sell any actual cannabis, CBD or THC products.
“It’s just a cleaning service with a relaxing place to wait while we clean your stuff, a place to shop if you’d like to look around,” he said. “A lot of smoking accessories are made out of glass. They're not all glass, they actually make them out of silicone and stuff. And I can clean those as well. But there's a lot of other small parts that are glass or metal. And with the ultrasonic cleaning and then doing it by hand as well, I can really get into some spaces and clean it up so that you can get a clean hit the next time around.”
He opted for the east side’s Harvester complex for various reasons.
“As far as setting up for somebody who’s brand new to setting up a business, I think it’s fantastic. The business incubator thing, I think, is a great idea for repurposing this old factory instead of tearing it down or doing some other unthinkable thing with it. I think it’s a fantastic use of the property, and I think it’s great that it allowed an opportunity for me personally that I appreciate,” he said. “And it was really simple to get in; it’s low rent and a smooth, easygoing process. All of these furnishings I got locally. I’m trying to find local craftspeople and artisans … I’m still looking for people. If they have crafts, I’d give them a shelf, they can consign, or I can buy at a discount and sell them.”
He has a table and two chairs set up for a game of checkers or chess, and a ring and hook game available to customers, along with a small couch and upholstered chairs, what he calls “a little light display,” which was showing a space backdrop and will switch scenes so as not to get stale, he said.
Toys include “fidgety, sensory type of things,” such as bendable spacemen, aliens, astronauts, a wooden puzzle or a block to unravel into a snake, and then one can turn it into different shapes. There are also squishy items and slimes and more traditional paraphernalia, though he’s not in this to compete with anyone, he said.
“I’m not trying to compete with any of the head shops in town or Adam Miller with their toys. The toys I’m selling are things they don’t generally have for sale,” he said. “I’m not trying to undercut anybody or say, shop with me instead. But I have a couple of things that were harder for me to find that I really liked and I think other people would like to use. So once I got my tax ID and I was able to buy in bulk, then I had access to the things that I can’t always find myself.”
Explain your process for cleaning these items.
“There’s some hand cleaning involved and there’s ultrasonic cleaning machines that I have. So you would put it in water, and you can treat it with an ultrasonic cleanser, and it could get sort of like the tiny bits of dirt and debris that you get in your rings and takes away the luster from your gems and your bracelets,” he said. “That ultrasonic machine with a bit of cleanser can loosen that up, free it up, and make it look practically like new. And I also have polishing cloths, so I can dry and polish them just like you would if you went back to your jewelry store where you got your original pieces.
“The paraphernalia is more of a hand cleaning, but sometimes they get neglected, and the tar just gets built up, and the ultrasonic portion of that will help free it up and really renew your glass pieces and your metal pieces,” he said. “I would always clean mine because I didn’t always want to spend anywhere from $5 to $40 every time I needed a new one, so I would clean it out myself, and I realized that I really did a pretty decent job. And then I thought that this is a really dirty job that a lot of people probably don’t want to do, so I can offer, I will gladly do it.”
He offers walk-in service, and wait time is about 15 to 20 minutes, he said, depending on how much a customer brings in to clean.Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
For more information, call 585-813-6202.
Matt Hlushak has tried to incorporate his work and life skills into whatever he does, and he plans to use both at his jewelry and cannabis paraphernalia cleaning business, which involves hand and ultrasonic cleaning methods. Photo by Joanne Beck
Matt shows off some of his products at CleanHit Services, in Unit 103 at 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia. Photo by Joanne Beck
Cahlia and her dad Matt Hlushak hold a toy at CleanHit on Harvester Avenue in Batavia. Photo by Joanne Beck
January is National Radon Action Month, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of radon exposure and encourage homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their families.
“Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that naturally forms from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among non-smokers,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).
Radon can seep into homes through cracks in foundations, walls, or floors. Prolonged exposure to high radon levels can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly one in every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have elevated radon levels.
Fortunately, radon exposure is preventable through simple actions that homeowners can take.
Take Action to Protect Your Family:
Test Your Home for Radon
The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is by testing. Residents of Genesee County can receive a radon test kit at no cost to them, while supplies last, by contacting the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555. Residents in other counties can purchase a radon test kit at a hardware store, or at the NYS Department of Health (DOH) website https://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-2247.pdf . The EPA recommends testing every two years, or after major home renovations.
Mitigate High Radon Levels to lessen severity and reduce harm
If radon levels are found to be elevated (above 4 pCi/L), it is essential to take corrective action. Radon mitigation includes installing a ventilation system that reduces radon levels in the home. A certified radon professional can evaluate your home and recommend the best mitigation strategy.
Educate Your Friends and Family
Spread the word about the importance of radon testing and mitigation. Share resources and encourage neighbors to test their homes.
Health & Safety First
Radon exposure is preventable, and by testing and mitigating radon in your home, you can significantly reduce the threat of lung cancer caused by this invisible danger.
Radon Facts:
Radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.S.
Radon exposure is particularly dangerous for children and non-smokers.
Testing and mitigation are effective in reducing radon exposure and protecting health.
Resources:
For more information on radon testing and mitigation services, visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/ or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at https://www.epa.gov/radon.
The National Radon Hotline, 1-800-SOS-RADON (767-7236), is available for guidance on radon testing, mitigation, and professional services in your area.
Elba Central School is proud to announce its recognition as a recipient of the prestigious USDA Healthy Meals Initiative "Innovation in Food Nutrition" Award for the 2024-2025 school year.
This national honor highlights Elba's commitment to providing students with nutritious, innovative, and delicious meals that support their overall well-being and academic success.
The "Innovation in Food Nutrition" Award celebrates schools that demonstrate outstanding efforts to improve school meal programs, integrate locally sourced ingredients, and engage students in nutrition education. Elba Central School earned this recognition by implementing creative strategies, including:
Locally Sourced Ingredients: Partnering with local farmers to bring fresh, seasonal produce and dairy products directly to the cafeteria.
Student-Centered Menu Design: Collaborating with students to design menus that reflect their preferences while ensuring meals meet USDA nutrition standards.
Nutrition Education Programs: Offering hands-on learning opportunities, such as cooking classes and school garden initiatives, to empower students with lifelong healthy eating habits.
“This award reflects the hard work and dedication of our food services team, educators, and community partners,” said Gretchen Rosales, Superintendent of Elba Central School. “At Elba, we believe that healthy meals are a cornerstone of student success, and we are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts to prioritize their well-being.”
Elba Central School has also taken a groundbreaking step by constructing a new greenhouse on campus to grow fresh vegetables for the school’s salad bar. This hands-on initiative allows students to learn about sustainable agriculture while contributing to their own nutritious meals.
Additionally, the school runs a summer-long farmers market, managed by students, where produce from local farms is sold to the community. The market provides practical business experience for students and also strengthens the bond between the school and local families, promoting a culture of health and sustainability. Not only do students sell fruit and vegetables, but also honey, maple syrup, and flowers.
This past summer, Elba families also had the opportunity to participate in a community garden experience; this allowed residents to maintain a produce garden on the school grounds to grow vegetables and herbs. Recipes were shared at Open House in the fall of items such as pesto, pasta with zucchini, and salsa - made with ingredients straight from the gardens.
Kim Walczak, Food Service Director at Elba Central School, added, “Our team has worked tirelessly to create meals that students love while ensuring they meet the highest nutritional standards. This award inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and serving as a model for schools nationwide.”
The USDA Healthy Meals Initiative is part of the federal government’s broader effort to promote health and reduce hunger among school-age children. Elba Central School has received a grant to further expand its innovative programs and share its best practices with schools across the nation.
Elba Central School is dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive, especially when provided with delicious and nutritious meals. With a focus on academic excellence, community involvement, and student wellness, Elba Central School is committed to preparing students for a bright and healthy future.
The site that served as anchor to Genesee Country Mall-turned Batavia City Centre for decades closed its doors in fall of 2020, and was purchased for $500,000 by Ye in February 2021. It will go up for sale — via public auction — at 10 a.m. Jan. 16in the second floor waiting area of the Genesee County Courts Facility, 1 W. Main St., Batavia.
Batavia Development Corporation Executive Director Tammy Hathaway has fingers crossed that this time an owner will take hold of the possibilities and future for the building.
“I’m hopeful that someone viable will bid on it, but my optimism is slightly plagued, as I don’t know how well broadcasted the auction public notice was,” Hathaway said Thursday. “So I’ve been sharing it personally with business owners and developers that I’ve had conversations with about the building.”
During a tour of updates at City Centre with The Batavian in early December, City Manager Rachael Tabelski said she thought the property owner was about one year behind in paying his taxes, and the lender was planning to put the 38,524-square-foot site up for mortgage foreclosure auction. A judgment of foreclosure was filed on property owner Yong Guang Ye on Nov. 8 for the amount of $179,141.46 plus interest and costs.
City officials, including Tabelski and Hathaway, also had an open house with renderings of ideas for the Penney’s site and adjacent parking lot, and the south Creek Side Park area along the Tonawanda.Both sides of the city focused largely on housing concepts.
According to online records, the Penney’s property is assessed at $400,000. The property is sold subject to the terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Premises are identified as Tax Account No. 84.049-1-9.
On Sunday January 5 at Batavia Downs, Thurman Thomas will host his final regular season Tailgate Party at 34 Rush for the Bills-Patriots game.
There will be 3 drawing for Playoff tickets at halftime and at the game's end. You can receive free entry at Players Club starting at 11 a.m. You MUST be present to win.
Fans also have the chance to win Bills merchandise and also get a photo with Thurman Thomas.
There will also be samplings by Genesee Brewing Company and food/drink specials. Come on in and cheer Buffalo onto a victory!
Beginning on January 1, the Genesee County Treasurer's Office will collect all 2025 property tax payments for the Town of Alexander. Please note that this applies to the Town of Alexander only, all other current 2025 town and county taxes will be collected at the other respective towns.
2025 Town of Alexander tax payments can be made in person or by mail to:
Genesee County Treasurer’s Office, 15 Main Street Batavia, NY
Important Notice: No tax payments will be accepted at the Alexander Town Hall in 2025, all payments must be made to the Genesee County Treasurer’s Office.
For questions or additional information, please contact the Genesee County Treasurer’s Office at 585-815-7803.
In the wake of Governor Hochul’s recent announcement regarding an “inflation refund” plan, Republican Senators George Borrello, Dean Murray, and Pam Helming, all members of the Senate Committee on Small Business, Commerce and Economic Development, have called on the governor to take decisive action to alleviate the burdens facing New York’s small businesses.
In a joint letter, the Senators urged Governor Hochul to dedicate state funds to paying off the roughly $6 billion in Unemployment Insurance (UI) Fund debt that is still owed to the federal government, a critical step that they argue would provide a more effective and long-term solution to alleviating inflation and reducing consumer costs.
The senators highlighted that New York State’s UI Fund debt, accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic, has placed an undue financial burden on small businesses, forcing them to shoulder higher unemployment insurance premiums. These increased costs threaten to stifle recovery efforts for small businesses that are already grappling with inflation and other economic pressures.
"Instead of following the commonsense approach of other states and using some of the billions in federal COVID aid to pay down the unemployment debt, the governor unfairly shifted the burden to businesses and employers through the Unemployment Insurance Assessment Surcharge (UIAS),” said Senator George Borrello, 57th District. “Since the UI deficit stems from the government-mandated shutdown during the pandemic, it is only fair that employers are not left to shoulder these costs."
Senator Dean Murray, the Ranking Member of the Committee, emphasized the connection between this issue and rising consumer costs.
"By eliminating a massive expense for employers and businesses, we are helping them and allowing them to lower the costs of goods and services, which in turn, helps consumers. Instead of a one-shot check, this brings long-term relief for everyone,” said Senator Dean Murray, 3rd District.
The legislators also underscored that addressing the UI debt would demonstrate the state’s commitment to supporting its small business community.
“The state must take full financial responsibility for its UI debt to the federal government and end this burden on our small businesses and family farms,” said Senator Pam Helming, 54th District. “If we truly want to help our employers grow and protect local jobs, we must reduce the cost of doing business in New York State. Our economic success depends on it.” The senators are calling on the governor to act swiftly and decisively to address the issue before it further impacts New York’s economy. Their letter is attached.
Lights from nearby Christmas trees added to the spectacle of fireworks in Le Roy Tuesday night. Photo by Nick Serrata
There was a large turnout for the annual First Night fireworks in the village of Le Roy Tuesday night to bid farewell to 2024 and ring in a New Year. Happy 2025!
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to donate to our local parks!
The Bergen Business & Civic Association(BBCA) is proud to make a $4000 donation to the Town of Bergen for the beautification of Robbins Brook Park.
Our organization wants to thank YOU, the community, as the money earned at our Bergen Park Festival all goes back into our local parks! As you can see this year was very successful.
We wish you all a safe and jolly Holiday season, and we can't wait to start planning for 2025.
A full slate of both girls and boys basketball is scheduled for February 8 and we hope to see you there. Batavia High School will take on the Notre Dame Irish for a full day of both JV and Varsity girls and boys basketball. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.
Game times are to be determined and will be played at both Batavia High School and Genesee Community College.
Admission will be Adults $5 & Students $2, Children 5 & under -free!
There will be a 50/50 raffle at each game.
The Foundation will be running concessions and are looking for donations of soda, water, pizza, candy and chips! Monetary donations are also gratefully accepted. All donations assist our fundraising efforts!
The Foundation will also be looking for volunteers during the games to assist with raffles and concessions. Students will be awarded community service hours if volunteering.
Please call Laurie for any donations, volunteering, or questions at 585-409-3275.
The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation was established in 2007 in memory of Michael Napoleone who died at the age of 8 of Burkitts Lymphoma, a form of pediatric cancer. Since its start, the Foundation has given over $750,000 to families facing the challenges of a pediatric cancer diagnosis. They have donated over $75,000 to Youth programs from their grant funding, and supported research in the amount of $95,000. They also donated $50,000 to Golisano Children's Hospital and recently just completed their $25,000 gift to United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.
The Foundation depends solely on volunteers and less than 3% of monies raised are applied to administrative costs.
Come out and watch your hometown teams and support a great cause!
The Board of Assessment Review currently has one position to fill. The term is a five year term and will expire on September 2029. The Batavia City Council is seeking a City resident who is interested in volunteering as a member of this committee and has knowledge of property values.
Residents interested in applying for this position can obtain a Committee/Board Volunteer Application from either the City Clerk’s Office or on the website at www.batavianewyork.com, Find It Fast. The deadline to submit applications to the City Clerk’s Office is March 31.
For further information about this board, please contact the City Bureau of Assessment at 345-6301.
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GOART!) is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated 2025 Winter Art Series. Offering a diverse array of classes and workshops designed for multi-aged individuals.
The upcoming series is designed to engage art enthusiasts across the region. Participants can expect a diverse lineup that caters to a wide range of interests. From young children to adults, everyone is invited to explore their creative potential or enhance their artistic skills through our engaging programs.
Be on the lookout for the GOART! Winter Event Calendar highlighting the schedule of classes and other events, which will be widely distributed or can also be picked up at GOART!
Individuals and families who are eager to learn what classes will be offered are encouraged to visit our website for information on registration and other details. The 2025 winter art series offerings allow participants to choose from a plethora of classes that align with their interests and schedules. Included in this series are Dotting Mandela and wearable-art classes.
In addition to adult classes, we are pleased to offer specialized sessions within our Explore Art program for youth up through twelfth grade. Our diverse curriculum ensures that there is something for everyone, including cooking classes for kids.
The upcoming series will also feature a six-week Hand Building Pottery class for youth in seventh through ninth grade, providing a comprehensive journey through various pottery techniques.
Additionally, our wearable fiber-art series will teach youths of all sexes how to crochet items such as hats, leg warmers, and fingerless gloves, emphasizing both creativity and practical skills. For those interested in jewelry making, we will offer classes tailored for young adults and adults, further expanding the scope of our wearable art series.
Furthermore, our annual youth art camp, scheduled for February 17-21, promises an enriching and immersive experience for young artists. Families are encouraged to secure their spots promptly, as space is limited. Scholarships are also available for those in need of financial assistance.
GOART! is also delighted to offer ongoing opportunities for artistic exploration, such as our drumming sessions with the Drum Circle, held monthly on the fourth Wednesday.
The public is invited to explore our website for detailed information on all our classes and events, with more exciting offerings to come throughout the year.
As spaces are limited, we recommend early registration to ensure participation in your preferred classes. GOART! extends deep gratitude to our teachers who will be sharing their expertise and passion with our community and we eagerly anticipate welcoming you to our creative space, where you can nurture your artistic talents and engage with other individuals who share similar interests.
For further details and to register for classes, please visit our website - www.https://goart.org. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our workshops and for you to experience with others the creativity that unfolds in our classes.
City Manager Rachael J. Tabelski issued a statement Tuesday afternoon about the situation between the city and Batavia Players in which the nonprofit owes back rent for Main St. 56 Theater and has been awaiting word as its lease comes up for renewal Wednesday.
"Currently, the City of Batavia considers the Batavia Players as a holdover tenant in the space that they rent at City Centre. The Theater has provided myself and the City Attorney an executive plan and proposed budget forecast for the next five years," Tabelski said in an emailed statement. "The City recognizes the Batavia Players as a valuable asset to the community. However, they must prove their ability to remain viable and pay debts while continuing to operate. We look forward to meeting with members of the Players' executive committee in the New Year.
"The City wishes everyone in Batavia a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year," she said.
The city is landlord to the Players, since the new theater has been built at Batavia City Centre. Tabelski has said the group owes approximately $27,000 in back rent from when the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the country a few years ago. During that time, the theater was shut down, and Batavia Players had no ability to put on shows and make money, Patrick Burk said.
File Photo of Maia Zerillo in "Bye Bye Birdie" Photo by Howard Owens
As the saying goes, the show — or, in this case, the awards gala — must go on no matter what.
And no matter if there hasn’t been a definitive answer to Batavia Players’ third attempt to fulfill the city’s request for a five-year financial plan to pay rent and pay back rent owed, the group is preparing for its Harvie Awards gala later next month, Patrick Burk says.
"I have not heard from the city. I think the last letter that we got from the city was an explanation of what they were required to make a decision, and that was on December 19. We have sent them a number of pages of information, including our budget,” Burk said Monday. “You know, we have been working on making sure that we are attempting a plan to pay that COVID rent back; even though many people are questioning why we have to pay rent when we weren't allowed to go into the facility, we still just want to get on with what we do best, which is entertaining people and providing theater. And we're doing that very successfully.
“It's important for people to understand that we've been paying all of our bills. We owe nobody, every single month we've paid every single bill,” he said. “We've made arrangements for things to be paid on a timely basis, and we're doing our best with everything, including sell-out shows, and more audience members and bigger box office numbers than we've ever seen before.”
The five-year plan was requested as part of a resolution to the Players owing back rent for its new theater, which was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The theater folks have said it was difficult to raise revenue during a time when they weren’t even allowed in the building to put on a show and charge admission.
Meanwhile, city officials and the theater’s landlord have said there are still operating and maintenance expenses and that unpaid bills end up costing taxpayers. City Council President Eugene Jankowski has said that no one is against the theater but that the tab does have to be paid, and he’s hoping a solution can be found.
During council’s Dec. 10 conference meeting, two representatives of Batavia Players spoke about the attributes of their organization and asked that city leaders give them some time and understanding to pay back the money. City Manager Rachael Tabelski said the owed amount was approximately $27,000.
“We are awaiting an executive summary and five-year financial projections of the Players' plan moving forward,” she had said.
The lease expires on Wednesday, Jan. 1.
Burk is taking the contract to its word that the lease is “automatically renewed” on the first of the year, he said. Since he hasn’t heard from the city otherwise, plans are already being made for three events in January, including the 2025 Pure Imagination Harvie Awards Gala.
“We’re just going through that it's automatically renewed. I don't know what else we can do. Again, I only want to provide good entertainment shows. We've got a lot of things planned for the coming year; we're going to be announcing a new season relatively soon. We're working on securing that, like, right after the first of the year so that we can make a definitive announcement at the gala,” he said. “We've already started with programs in January that are not season-related. We have three weekends, the 11th, the 18th and the 25th, where things are going on at the theater. Two of them are from outside groups, and our gala is going to be wonderful.”
Set for 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at Main St. 56 Theater in Batavia City Centre, this annual event recognizes and honors exceptional talents of actors showcasedin Batavia Players productions from throughout the past year. Awards are given in several categories for male and female lead and supporting performances, venues of plays, cabarets, musicals, and from child to adult actors.
