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Sara Vacin is pretty stoked about this year’s GLOW Out! event, which will not only draw upon her prior theater background but has garnered the attention of the New York State Legislature, which awarded the nonprofit a mental health grant as one of about only five local recipients, she says.

The funding comes from a little box about funding mental health efforts that folks can voluntarily check when filing their tax returns. Initiated in 2016, this campaign has raised more than $100,000, which is doled out to programs based on an application that must be submitted for review and approval. 

“So it's a real honor; it gets a lot of attention through the legislature because they're kind of a part of the funding and the whole process. But it is managed through the New York State Office of Mental Health. And I've been working with a person on their anti-stigma team for about a year now, preparing everything, which includes research, which is exciting,” Vacin said at her Batavia office as GLOW Out! executive director. “And a big part of the stigma program is measuring an impact. So everyone who comes through the theater eventually will have a pre and post-survey, and everyone going through the conference will also kind of get a pre-conference screening on stigma, you know, their beliefs, mental health stigma, would you get help? Wouldn't you get help? If you see people as being disabled, unworthy of opportunities, or you just get that it's another aspect of health, another part of us that we need to attend to.”

The grant will be used for GLOW OUT’s Rainbow Resilience Youth Conference. Free for attendees, it will be from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday at Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia. 

“The conference is geared towards suicide prevention. It is for middle and high school students. And we explicitly intentionally reached out to the gender and sexuality alliances, the clubs in the various middle and high schools. We might see some schools or some people from out of the GLOW region, but we have I think seven schools at this point coming, and we have some individuals coming as well,” she said. “So if anyone wants to, they're welcome to come as individuals, come with their parents, come with some friends. Because we have kids who come to our drop-in center here, their middle school isn't going but we're all really well connected. So I reached out to their parents, and they're very excited to take them there.”

There are several workshops lined up, including:

• Responding to suicide risk factors and warning signs

• Understanding and overcoming mental health stigmas

• Dealing with difficult family members

• Knowing your rights and advocating for change

• Beloved Arise: faith-based youth organization

• Life on the stage with Roger Rosen

Self-care sessions also include topics of art, yoga, exploring spirituality, connecting with nature, journaling, healthy eating and mindfulness in motion.

Keynote speaker Ashton Daley, who serves as the youth/young adult recovery program director for Youth Voices Matter, is a “firm believer in serving his community, and in doing so has volunteered extensively through multiple recovery programs and currently as a youth mentor for trans-identifying young people in the Capital Region,” his bio states. 

"And I think that's a part of the appeal because he gets our students. He'll be talking about his experiences; he's transgender, and he's from a rural area," she said. "He's now a social worker, and he serves on some pretty important committees for New York State. And he overcame some suicidal ideations and some substance use issues as well. So he can be quite the inspiration on many points to our youth. 

The day is to also include a panel discussion featuring “LGBTQ inspirations” with:

• Genesee County Mental Health Director Lynda Battaglia (she/her)

• GLOW Out! Communications Director Lauren Berger (she/they)

• Medina Village Trustee Jess Marciano (she/her)

• Roger Rosen, actor and educator (he/him)

• Ashton Daley (he/him)

And this is the starting point of the theater project, she said, and where her bachelors in theater will come in handy. 

“After the keynote, I will be working with all of them at one point in the day or another, to do a workshop specific on anti-stigma, mental health stigma, that needed to get help, and also using theater. What's really neat is we learned so much through COVID about stigma and distance and how personal distance is a good way to measure how comfortable people are around each other. So theater games, where people get up on their feet, and move around, and I kind of lead them in a way that they get out of their heads. And then they kind of get led in a process to maybe feel some of this, rather than try to get it intellectually, they can get that part later," she said. "So it's a kind of deeper way to learn about stigma. And from there, we're taking Ashton's inspiration and asking them to help us with different scenarios that they see or they've experienced, as far as leading mental health support or issues with suicide. And after the conference, we're going to work together with this troupe and with all of my LGBTQ youth in the GLOW region, to take those scenarios and create them into scenes. And so the conference is the starting point, Ashton is the inspiration, but then the workshops lead to the creation of the scenes.

“We’ll be auditioning in all four counties for the troupe. It's an LGBTQ youth troupe. We're looking at individuals 14 to 18 years old. There's a four-night acting intensive in August, all paid for. It’s like a camp and acting intensive that we’re taking them to.”

Auditions will be in May, and the cast will be announced during PRIDE events in June, she said. The theater project then culminates in September and October with performances for the public, including Ashton Daley so that he can see what resulted in this beginning phase, Vacin said. 

“And we're hoping that there's some deeper education that comes from it. So the cool part about the creation cycle and this LGBTQ theater troupe is that once it's done, we will be self-sustaining. You know, grant money ends but we'll have this troupe. And we'll have this really neat mechanism to help train people. And to help understand what it feels like being young and LGBTQ," she said. "One of my challenges has always been supporting parents. We have PFLAG, which is a group specifically to help parents and families. And most people reach out soon after their kids come out. And we just can't get the parents here. But you get your kid on stage, and you'll be in the front row. So we're hoping that this will work to educate the whole community in a really creative way." 

To register for the conference, go HERE

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) announced today that his previously scheduled mobile office hours in Brockport on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Seymour Library have been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. Hawley and his staff plan to reschedule these hours and will provide an update when more information is made available.

“I encourage everyone to visit as soon as we reschedule our office hours in Brockport. My office is ready to take your calls and help address your needs,” Hawley said.

You can contact Hawley’s office by phone at 585-589-5780, or by email at HawleyS@nyassembly.gov for more information.

Press Release:

The City of Batavia is seeking applications from income-qualified home owners for housing repairs.

The City of Batavia received federal Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG) to provide grant assistance to 10 income-qualified homeowners within the City of Batavia. The Residential Rehabilitation program offers assistance of up to $25,000 per structure for repairs and basic structural deficiencies. Repairs include foundation work, exterior work, roofing, siding, windows, heating, electrical, plumbing, and more.

Interested applicants should submit a Residential Rehabilitation Program application and accompanying documentation by June 1, 2024. For more information, details on program requirements, and applications visit https://www.batavianewyork.com/ or contact Julie Dahlie, Grants Administrator at jdahlie@batavianewyork.com, 585-565-4423.

Press Release:

The City of Batavia is seeking general contractors to complete housing rehabilitation projects for low-income homeowners who qualify. The Housing Rehabilitation Program is a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and is federally funded through Homes and Community Renewal and administered by the City of Batavia. Qualifying contractors must be able to provide the following:

1. Valid business license and insurance
2. IRS Tax ID (EIN)
3. DUNS Number
4. Certification of asbestos and lead testing

Projects may include replacing roofs, performing weatherization, electrical, plumbing, and similar improvements. Minority and Women owned Business Enterprises are encouraged to apply. Contractors are subject to Davis Bacon Labor Standards and Wage Rates.

Any general contractors interested in becoming qualified to bid on CDBG Housing Rehabilitation projects should contact Julie Dahlie, Grants Administrator, at the jdahlie@batavianewyork.com or 585-565-4423 by June 1, 2024. 

All contractors on the list of qualified and approved Contractors will be
notified via email of any bid invitation.

Alexander resident Sandra Wolfley won The Batavian's prize drawing Sunday at the Genesee County Home Show, which was on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena in Batavia.

Wolfley won a pair of VIP Pilot's Lounge Tickets for the Wings Over Batavia Air Show, set for Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 at the Genesee County Airport.

There were more than 160 people in the contest, which required home show attendees to fill out an entry form and stamp it with The Batavian's logo.

Thanks to Wings Over Batavia for partnering with us on this promotion.

After talking to The Batavian in November 2023 about the premise and subject matter of his latest book, “Historic Chronicles of Genesee County,” county Historian Michael Eula will finally get to celebrate the official release on Monday.

The book is a twofer of sorts: it’s a local collection of essays on how American history affected Genesee County, and, per the stamp on the book’s jacket cover, it’s Made in the USA. Throw in assassinations, immigration, presidential politics and suffragists, and you’ve got a plethora of hot subjects as future reading material.

Eula said that one of his favorite chapters while working on the book was about the Cold War. While doing his research, he learned how much locals disagreed with the Korean War via letters to the editor in the local newspaper. He has also wondered—and examined—if all of society’s anxiety was really warranted during those Cold War days in which preparedness drills became more common.

“On Friday, Sept. 14, 1956, a civil defense exercise commenced at Batavia’s Veterans Administration Hospital.

At ten o’clock that morning, civil defense sirens blared, announcing a simulated fire raging in Ward D, part of a disaster test designed to recreate the conditions that would result from an explosion produced by an enemy attack. A second simulation that day include a nuclear attack that resulted in the destruction of the Batavia Post Office building. During this second simulated attack, a postal truck carried emergency supplies and equipment to a relocation site reached via West Main Street and Redfield Parkway. A second postal truck supervised by the foreman of mails, Arthur Norton, transported more people and equipment over Jefferson Avenue, Washington Avenue, Ellicott Avenue, Richmond Avenue and Redfield Parkway. A third postal truck remained on standby, while the Veterans Hospital supply officers, John Lane, ordered one truck to facilitate removal from what was left of the post office building while simultaneously keeping eight additional vehicles on standby. Officials drew on the help of volunteers responding to sirens located throughout the county.

In its Saturday edition, the Daily News reported that the exercise was an unqualified success. This drill serves as a stark reminder of the political and cultural realities of Cold War America in 1956 — and the anxiety regarding the possibility of a nuclear confrontation with the Soviet Union apparent in the county.

Why did a disaster produced by the enemy take place at all? Why was there a clear anxiety about its real possibility, who was this enemy and how could such an intrusion reach into the heart of an otherwise stable and peaceful Genesee County in 1956, Eula wrote.

He evaluates the situation in a section titled “What Happened and Why.” One line seems to answer it best: "The cultural preoccupation with a communist threat remained as apparent in Genesee County as it was in the nation at large. Local media continuously stressed the lethal quality of communist threats, subversion and attacks.” 

Furthermore, “newspaper articles emphasized the necessity of American involvement in the Korean War, as evidenced by the participation of county residents in a conflict half a world away,” he wrote, using Batavia Daily News headlines in 1953, such as the one proclaiming “Airman from Oakfield Expects Duty in Korea,” as evidence. 

“There were constant reminders of how hot the Cold War was capable of becoming and of how tragic the consequences were for some county families,” Eula said. 

He cited the example of Private John V. Peca of Le Roy, who at 24 died during this time, leaving behind a wife, brother and parents, and whose remains were returned from Korea. 

“Such stories abounded in the earlier years of the Cold War as the fighting raged in Korea,” Eula said. “Other accounts revealed that soldiers initially listed as missing in action subsequently reappeared as killed in action, as 18-year-old Army Corporal Norman F. Smart of Batavia. His brother, Private First Class Robert D. Smart, was also in Korea. While there, he suffered wounds.”

And those soldiers from the county that were not killed or wounded “sometimes languished as prisoners of war in communist prison camps,” he said. 

“This, too, brought home to rural Genesee County residents the nation’s very real conflict with the communist world,” Eula said. “The many media accounts of those killed, wounded and mistreated by communists during a very hot Cold War period reminded readers of the threat posed by the communist world.”

There are six chapters in which Eula takes a swim in how national affairs affected locals at the time:

1. In Only Six Years: Genesee County Reacts to the Assassinations of The Kennedys and Martin Luther King Jr.;

2. Batavia Explodes: Cold War Anxiety and the Preparedness Drill of 1956;

3. Immigrants to White Ethnics;

4. Hoover, Roosevelt, and the New Deal in Genesee County;

5. In Western New York?: The Ku Klux Klan in Genesee County in the 1920s;

6. Activists, Farm Women, and Professionals

What illumination might a farm woman have to share? Genie Green’s mother wrote, on Jan. 24, 1887: 

“There are periods in our lives when some new book or acquaintance comes to us like an added sun in the heavens, lighting the darkest places and chasing every shadow away.”

Eula noted that for many days after that entry, she spoke of drudgery in “doing odd jobs.” But then “an unexpected and particularly long entry appeared." On her 89th birthday, Genie’s mother wrote, “I can best honor it by consecrating myself to work for every good … for progressive thought and for moral and spiritual growth and development.”

“Much of her remaining diary entries exhibit much the same — her deep desire to light the dark places in a woman’s life,” Eula said. 

When all was said and done, and documented and written — what was his conclusion at page 125?

“I started to write this book wondering where to begin. I now end it wondering where to stop,” Eula said. “There remains so much to write. Nonetheless, I consciously selected areas of the county’s past serving to illuminate the reality faced by people living there. This is admittedly not a traditional history, as I did not confine myself exclusively to events or to an orderly chronological span of time.

“Genesee County’s history is a long stretch of time punctuated by specific realities. Those realities were influenced by the national events addressed in this book. In turn, local perceptions of those events shaped the understanding of nationwide phenomena,” he said. “There was an underlying continuity in the county’s history. While much changed since 1802, much also remained the same. The history of the county remained anchored in a belief in individual liberty. The enlargement of individual liberty was viewed as the cornerstone of a good life.”

The History by the Hearth series will feature Eula from 1:30 to 3 p.m. April 27 at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia. 

He will read from the book, and a book signing will follow. The book will be available for purchase before and on the day of the event.

His book may also be purchased at Holland Land Office Museum and online at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. In addition to being the county historian, Eula is also Professor Emeritus of History at El Camino College. He is the author of more than 30 articles and books in American and European history, including “Between Peasant and Urban Villager: Italian-Americans of New Jersey and New York, 1880 to 1980--The Structures of Counter-Discourse.”

He was named a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellow three times, and received the DeAngelis Prize in History in 2000. He is an honors graduate of Rutgers and the Regent University School of Law, where he received an LLM degree. He holds an MA and a PhD in history from the University of California-Irvine.

When it comes to high school proms, there are most likely three camps of students: those who are definitely planning to attend, those who have no interest in such an event, and then those who would like to attend but don’t have the money to afford all the trappings of what prom is known for: a lavish, fashionable affair. 

Cass Healy, store manager of Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More for Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, has been working to bridge the gap for that last group so that students can obtain the necessary attire and extras so they can enjoy the spring event as well.

“Last year I had started to hold Prom Events here at the store in which I would allow students to come in and pick out a prom dress free of charge in order to attend prom. I also worked with a few schools that gave us a chance to bring some in to allow the students to look at the dresses. We are having the same event this year, with a few new perks,” Healy said to The Batavian. “At (this year’s) store event, we will be having a couple of hundred dresses, suits, makeup and other accessories out for the students to pick from. We also will have a drawing for free prom tickets — with the help of the Ministry of Concern, which has set out jars for “Pennies for Prom” in local shops — and we will be raffling off gift cards for those who need some help purchasing items to prepare for prom.

There will also be a makeup artist on hand to provide students with tips on how to do their makeup for the big night, she said. This event is not limited to Orleans County residents. It is also open to Genesee County students.

She recently took a bunch of dresses to the School for the Blind in Batavia, providing prom dresses to 18 girls who needed them. Healy said that she is willing to bring dresses to any school district in Genesee County upon request. 

Why does she do it?

“One particular girl we had last year was able to get a dress, shoes, accessories, and all her makeup and hair needs taken care of through us. She had informed me that she had won tickets, but due to her family’s financial situation, she did not think that she would be able to go,” Healy said. “She had expressed her appreciation many times and was very excited that she would be able to go and experience this. She had also sent us some photos of her at prom with her friends. Truly one of those ‘this is why I do this’ moments.”

Her event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at 131 S. Main St., Albion, and is open to students beyond Orleans County. It will be a fun night with free prom dresses, suits, accessories, and hair and makeup tips.

“I am hoping to reach out to more students this year in any of the surrounding counties. I believe that everyone should be able to experience prom no matter their financial situation,” she said. “So here at Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More, we are always accepting dresses, suits, shoes, makeup, hair supplies and other accessories for these events. We encourage the community to check their closets for their prom-appropriate attire and bring it by the store to help our youth make these lasting memories.”Cass Healy of Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts and More brought to the NYS School for the Blind in Batavia 

For more information or to arrange a school event, contact her at chealy@caoginc.org.

Submitted Photos of dresses during the NYS School for the Blind event.

The Pavilion Fire Department accepted a donation on Friday made possible through the generosity of the Batavia Middle School’s dress-down days. 

Rebecca Matteson, the mother of a patient treated by the department in May 2021, made the donation to the department. 

Jeffrey DeMare was involved in an automobile accident involving one box truck and two semis at the curve on Route 63 and Peoria Road. Thanks to quick actions taken by a good Samaritan and a State trooper from Wyoming County, who both applied a tourniquet and with the Pavilion Fire Department providing Basic Life Support, Jeffrey was able to make a full recovery after multiple surgeries. 

Ken Weaver, president of the Pavilion Fire Department, accepted the check. Jeffrey is standing to the right of Rebecca. Also in the photo are firefighters who responded to the call.

Submitted photos and information.

For 2023, the Firefighter of the Year in the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department was a collective award, going to the Top 10 responders (11 members, counting a tie) for the year.

The Firefighters of the Year are Brian Breemes, Randal Henning, Tim Eckdahl, Chris Penkszyk, Mark Dougherty, Ashley Swartzenberg, Jason Smith, Ken Collins, Brian Pocock, Don Hall, and Ben Pocock.

The firematic officers installed for 2024 are:

• Timothy Eckdahl, chief
• Brian Pocock, 1st assistant chief
• Brian Breemes, 2nd assistant chief
• Kari Breemes, 3rd assistant chief
• Jason Smith, 4th assistant chief
• Randal Henning, rescue squad captain
• Chad Rambach, rescue squad lietuenent 
• Donald Hall, fire police captain
• Ben Fox, fire police lieutenant
• Brian Pocock, master mechanic
• Brian Breemes and Matt Hendershott, training officers
• Julie Bobo and Ashley Swartzenberg, chief's secretary

The administrative officers: 

• James Call, president
• Kari Breemes, vice president
• Bonnie Logsdon, secretary
• Stephanie Call, treasurer
• Trustees: Stanley Gere, Jason Smith, Ashley Swartzenberg, Chad Rambach, Stephanie Call
• Auditors: Ben Fox and Kenneth Collins.

The dinner was held on Saturday at the Batavia Country Club.

Photos by Howard Owens

These are photos from Saturday's Genesee County Home Show, which the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce hosted and organized.

The final day of the home show is Sunday (today), and it runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday's show was well attended, and about a dozen new vendors, plus many of the usual locally owned home improvement-related vendors, were on the floor of the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Probably the best Mr. Batavia in its 11th year history.

That’s how contestant Harry Southall described this year’s contest, which featured 13 young men on stage Friday evening at Batavia High School.  After Southall came in as first runner-up, he was elated to have been part of such a team effort even though each individual was competing for the number one spot.

“I mean, it was just electric,” Southall said. “We all did amazing. I knew it was gonna be close, all of us did really good. But I was really excited. When I heard my name, it was an awesome feeling.”

He spoke about the backstage bond that he and the dozen others forged, including Mr. Batavia himself, Elijah Abdella. The contest appeared to be “a complete toss-up” until that very moment when his name was called, Abdella said.

“I was very surprised. Every single person in Mr. Batavia this year did phenomenally,” Abdella said. “It definitely had a lot of ups and downs. In the beginning, I was actually very confident. And then in the week going into the show, I was very nervous because some parts of my lip sync and my talent just weren't working properly, and I was very stressed. But I'm very glad that they they worked during the show.

“There's so many guys in here that I just would not have ever spoken to if we didn't do Mr. Batavia together,” he said. “And there are so many connections that we've made by doing this that will last a very long time.”

Southall agreed that he would likely remain friends with the entire group “for years to come.”

The 11^th annual Mr. Batavia packed in a big crowd for another well-attended, exciting competition, event Chairwoman Lisa Robinson said. This year's competition surpassed the fundraising total of $5,000, bringing the 11-year total to more than $42,000, Robinson said. 

The 13 contestants competed in various categories from talent and lip sync to dance, swimsuit and tux. Each one represented a different charity, and the first place winner, Elijah Abdella, will receive 50 percent of the proceeds to donate to his selected charity, Genesee Cancer Assistance.

Brian Calderon, who said he was feeling nervous in the week leading up to Friday, came in second runner-up.

“I was pacing back and forth backstage, but after getting it done, it feels like such an accomplishment to me and just a big, big obstacle to overcome in my high school career,” Calderon said. “Some of these guys, I haven't really known that well beforehand, but now I've known them like they're my friends for five years. We've all gotten close as a group and it's been really a joy.” 

Southall and Calderon will each receive 25 percent of the proceeds for their charities, the Batavia VA and Suicide Prevention of Genesee County, respectively. 

Other contestants and their charities were:

• Ryan Cox – Habitat for Humanity and Uconnect Care
• Owen Halpin – The Michael Napoleone Foundation
• Orion Lama – The American Heart Association, Buffalo
• Eli Michalak – The Ricky Palermo Foundation
• Ryan Plath – The Batavia City Schools Foundation
• Parris Price – The Salvation Army
• Emmanual Richardson – Go Art!
• Patrick Suozzi – The Red Cross
• Brock Warren – Crossroads House
• Peyton Woeller – Genesee County Mental Health

Judges were Trevor Sherwood, Quentin Branciforte, Cameron Hardy, Dominick Brown and Carly Morgan.

Steve Ognibene contributed to this article.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced the Don’t Quit to Lobby Act to change the timeframe that a former Member of Congress is prohibited from lobbying to one year after the Member’s elected term ends in the House, and two years after the Senator’s elected term ends in the Senate.

Currently, Members of Congress are prohibited from lobbying for one year after they leave office. However, the existing legislation fails to consider Members of Congress who voluntarily end their terms prematurely, creating an incentive for them to retire in pursuit of more financially rewarding opportunities.

“Elected officials made a commitment to their constituents to serve to the best of their abilities their full elected terms,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Recently, an increased number of members of Congress have abandoned their posts and neglected their commitment to their constituents in order to cash out and make millions lobbying. The Don’t Quit to Lobby Act ensures that when these members leave office, they are forbidden from engaging in lobbying activities for one year after their elected term ends, guarding against potential early retirements solely driven by financial opportunities. We must uphold the integrity of public service!”

Read the full text of the bill here.

Press Release:

Today, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) released the following statement on how the historic federal relief he has delivered for New York has led to New York receiving more back from Washington than the state has sent in taxes, according to the NYS Comptroller. 

This is the third year in a row that New York has had a positive balance of payments, after a long history of facing the opposite and sending more to Washington than it received:

“For decades and decades, New York State paid more to the federal government in taxes than we got back. My mentor, the late Senator Moynihan always decried this imbalance. But now for the third year in a row, thanks to the historic federal investments I passed — especially from the American Rescue Plan— New York is getting back more from the feds than it paid in taxes,” said Senator Schumer. 

“When I became majority leader, I vowed to fight this imbalance, and I am proud I secured billions in relief and investments for New York. And after I led the effort to pass into law the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Law, my CHIPS and Science bill, and the Inflation Reduction Act, more federal investment will be headed to New York, something I’ll continue to fight for. It’s never been more clear: it pays to have the Senate majority leader from New York.”

Press Release:

Lights, Camera, Fashion! Get ready to experience glamour, style, and cinematic magic as GCC's fashion program presents its 43rd annual fashion show "A Night at the Cinema," an immersive journey through the silver screen's most iconic moments and timeless fashion inspirations. 

Set to take place on Saturday, May 4 at 6 p.m. at the Richard C. Call Arena on GCC's Batavia Campus, this exclusive event promises to be a testament to the creativity and talent of GCC's fashion students.

Each of the scene coordinators presents a line inspired by a genre of film. Whether you are enamored by rom-coms, intrigued by paranormal films, inspired by historical films, energized by sci-fi, captivated by the red carpet premiere, or mystified by fairytales and fantasy, you will find looks you love on the runway. From luxurious evening gowns to sleek, sophisticated suits, each garment has been meticulously designed to evoke the spirit of Hollywood. Merchandising students are also collaborating with local boutiques including Savers, Goodwill of Batavia, and Catwalk Consignments of Clarence to showcase a diverse range of styles and demonstrate the versatility of fashion through sustainable and thrift finds.

In addition to the breathtaking fashion showcase, "A Night at the Cinema" will feature immersive set designs and special surprises that promise to transport attendees to the golden age of cinema. With every detail curated to evoke the magic of the silver screen, guests will be immersed in a world where fashion and film converge in a display of artistry and elegance.

The GCC fashion program extends its gratitude to show sponsors Sage Rutty and Company, Inc., Cleaner Than Before and More Cleaning Services, and Whole Life Fitness for their unwavering commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the fashion program. Their dedication to the students and community is deeply appreciated, and the College is honored to have them as partners in this spectacular event.

"I am incredibly excited for our students to showcase their talents and creativity through this year's fashion show," said GCC's Assistant Professor of Fashion Business Merchandising, Laura Taylor. "A Night at the Cinema" is a truly immersive production, featuring pre-show interviews, photo-ops with coordinators, and a post-show party and vendor market. Our students have put in a tremendous amount of work and effort to make this year's show, a truly unforgettable experience. We are immensely grateful to our generous sponsors whose support has made this event possible."

As it has in the past, the Fashion Show will include a vendor fair giving local businesses a chance to showcase their products and services. There are still a few tables available for additional vendors. Interested businesses should email FashionShow@genesee.edu. Tables are only $25.

This year's fashion show offers exclusive sponsorship opportunities for businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in supporting the GCC fashion program. For more information, please contact Laura Taylor at ljtaylor@genesee.edu. Don't miss out on this exciting event, celebrating the timelessness of fashion and the talent of GCC's fashion students.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a red carpet paparazzi photo shoot, vendor fair, and complimentary concession stand. Following the show, attendees can enjoy a meet and greet with the designers and stylists.

Tickets are on sale now at www.gccfashionshow.com. General admission tickets are available for $10 and include access to the vendor fair, meet and greet, and a selfie photo spot. VIP tickets are available for $25 and include the same perks of general admission along with seating in the VIP area and a gift bag. 

General admission tickets will be available until May 4 at 6 a.m., and a limited number of walk-in general admission tickets will be available at the door for cash only. VIP tickets will be available through May 1. VIP tickets will not be available at the door.

For more information contact Vice President, Development, Admissions, and External Affairs Justin M. Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) meets with Lt. Gen. Steven Gilland and West Point cadets during West Point Day in Albany.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia), along with his colleagues, welcomed a group of officers and cadets to the state Assembly for the 72nd annual West Point Day in Albany. Located in West Point, the United States Military Academy has been at the forefront of training the next generation of military leaders. 

The Academy has had countless notable alumni who have greatly impacted our nation including Ulysses S. Grant, Douglas MacArthur, George S. Patton, and many others. To be considered for West Point, cadets must get the sponsorship of an authorized nominating source, which includes members of the state Assembly. 

Throughout his years in Albany, Hawley has had the privilege of sponsoring numerous cadets from Western New York as they move to begin their military career at West Point including Aidan Anderson, son of Mike and Korinne Anderson of Batavia. Hawley was proud to welcome these officers and cadets to the state Capitol and is glad to see this prestigious tradition continue.

“West Point Day is one of my favorite days of the year,” said Hawley. “As sponsors of these young men and women, we have the unique opportunity to congratulate our hometown cadets for all the hard work they have put in at the nation’s most prestigious military academy. At a time when recruitment numbers are at an all-time low, it’s refreshing to see so many young people with the passion and drive to use their talents and abilities to serve their country. After taking the time to speak with the cadets and their officers, it's clear to me this class truly exemplifies West Point's motto of “Duty, Honor, and Country.” I wish all the cadets the best going forward in their time at West Point and I look forward to seeing the impact they will have in years to come.”

This year of 2024 is a big one for Volunteers For Animals, a nonprofit that just last month received the Chamber of Commerce Special Anniversary Recognition of the Year Award and will celebrate its 40th anniversary next month.

And what better way to celebrate than with a party filled with refreshments, a special cake, activities for children, multiple door prizes, favors and a little history thrown in? It’s set for 1 to 4 p.m. May 18 at First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia. 

“It’s a chance to take the time to get together and to celebrate with each other and the community, a time to reflect on our beginnings as well as plans for the future,” volunteer and event planner Angie Knisley said. “(And to) honor those who selflessly founded the organization and remember all they had to accomplish to get us where we are today. This is not an easy story to tell. These early founders and volunteers sacrificed much to establish the VFA, a nonprofit all-volunteer humane-type society for companion animals in Genesee County.”

The Anniversary Celebration this year will also give VFA the opportunity to communicate its mission, programs and needs more fully and widely, she said, including, of course, the vital importance of having volunteers to help with varied tasks.

VFA’s mission is “to provide care, comfort and protection to companion animals in need tin Genesee County by engaging the hands, hearts and minds of our community.”

Organizers want to include all of the people who not only helped to establish the organization but who also helped to maintain and further grow it, she said. That list is quite long, as there have been folks — individually and in groups, business.

s, veterinary practices — since those early days in 1984 up to now that have provided support of time, labor, money, services and/or goods.

“We want to thank our supporters, including those businesses in the area, that have helped us through the years,” she said. “And again, the list of those who have helped through the years is vast. We are working on the best way to recognize our supporters and communicate our appreciation.

“We do not want to miss recognizing anyone,” she said. “But, we also want to respect those that would have, or may prefer, to remain in the background and not want to receive much focus/attention.”

The nonprofit rightfully received its due attention in March for the Chamber award after 40 years of volunteers serving four-legged friends' needs through Genesee County Animal Shelter. 

At the event, there will be displays about the history and people who founded VFA, information about its current programs, and photos of animals that have been adopted over the past many years.  

There won’t be any fundraisers at the event; however, “we are kindly asking for a $5 donation,” Knisley said, and children are free. Attendees are asked to register by May 10 for planning purposes so that there will be enough refreshments and cake. 

The church “has graciously and generously donated the use of the reception hall” for the party, she said, and is helping out with the event. 

VFA greatly appreciates the kindness, Knisley said. 

She hopes that the public will attend this open house party and help the volunteers mark this special occasion together. 

To RSVP, click on the QR below, contact the animal shelter at 585-343-6410 or visit 3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. 

As part of Fan Appreciation Night on Thursday, the Buffalo Sabres honored Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello as the team's Fan of the Year.

Sanfratello, a 34-year veteran of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, died in the line of duty on March 10 while dealing with a disturbance at Batavia Downs. Two Batavia residents are accused of resisting arrest. Michael Elmore is accused of using a heavy piece of jewelry, a chain necklace, to hit Sanfratello during a struggle.

The tribute included a video highlighting Sanfratello's career in law enforcement and the bond Tom and his son Ian shared through their love of the Sabres. Ian and his sisters, Kyla and Alexis, were on the ice for a presentation of a memorial jersey to the family.  The Sheriff's Office Color Guard presented the colors and the National Anthem was sung by by Buffalo resident Cami Clune, who also has a bit of a connection to Batavia in that she has performed at Eli Fish Brewing.

For previous coverage of the passing of Sgt. Sanfratello, click here.

Press Release:

Over the upcoming months, the Genesee County Highway Department will undertake multiple projects across the county that will temporarily impact local travel routes. 

Fargo Road Bridge: 

A bridge replacement project will begin on April 18 in Bethany, to upgrade the current bridge on Fargo Road over Black Creek near Route 63 and Little Canada Extension. The bridge will be closed during construction, with a designated detour in place. Construction is expected to continue until the end of August.

Oak Orchard Road Bridge: 

The Oak Orchard Road Bridge over Oak Orchard Creek in Elba will be closed starting April 15 for a superstructure replacement. The bridge will be closed during construction, with a designated detour in place. Once completed, the bridge will reopen for full legal loads. Construction is expected to continue until approximately June 1.

Junction Road Bridge:

Junction Road between Covell Road and Hartwell Road in Pavilion will be closed to all traffic during working hours (typically 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Monday through Friday, starting on Monday, April 15 for a bridge repair. The project is expected to be completed by the end of April depending on the weather.

Perry Road Paved Shoulders Installation:

Perry Road in Pavilion will undergo shoulder paving starting April 15. The road will be closed during work hours (usually 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Monday to Friday, but local residents and emergency vehicles will have access. Work zones will change daily, starting between Route 19 and Route 20. This project extends from Route 19 in the north to Route 63 in the south and is expected to finish, weather permitting, by the end of April.

Residents and commuters are advised to plan alternate routes and expect temporary inconveniences during these construction periods.