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Dr. George Robert Vito, of Le Roy, is apparently considering his options after the Genesee County Conservative Party withdrew its endorsement of him for the County Legislature District #5 seat, citing "legal issues."

The Batavian has located multiple court documents in Georgia, New York, and at the federal level that detail a number of "legal issues."

These are issues he reportedly neglected to mention to Conservative Party members before they voted to endorse him.

Vito served a year in federal prison, from June 4, 2014, to May 13, 2015, plus three years on probation on a bankruptcy fraud conviction in Georgia (original indictment).

He was also sued by Jay Otero in Macon, Ga., for a leg-lengthening surgery that left Otero confined to a wheelchair for three years before he was able to walk with crutches, according to a court document. 

Vito has also been involved in other lawsuits, as a defendant and plaintiff, in both Georgia and New York.

The Batavian learned Vito shared some details of his history in Georgia during this week’s county GOP committee meeting. 

The Batavian attempted to talk with Vito about his professional history on Thursday, but he declined to answer questions until after meeting with Le Roy's Republican leadership.

After learning from Committee Chairman Andrew Lathan later Thursday that they hadn’t talked yet and had no meeting set up, The Batavian tried again. Vito said, “At this point, Andrew Lathan and I are in discussions.”

“We’re not discussing it with anybody how we’re going to handle the situation, so everything is still up in the air,” he said. “That’s just our comment at the present time. You know, what happened the other night was unexpected, and we’re just seeing how we’re going to play the cards. That’s all.”

The Batavian asked if he would respond to what he revealed at the county Republican meeting. “No,” he said.

On Friday morning, The Batavian again contacted Vito and informed him The Batavian had prepared a story about his legal issues. He said he would only respond to our request for comment if we agreed to publish a statement from him in full. 

Here is his statement:

Any legal issues I have had are personal in nature and clearly posted on the internet. I have no doubt they will be used on your website to create a salacious article to remove any support I have for the legislative spot. I was upfront and truthful when I spoke to the county Republicans prior to the vote. I openly stated that I had a bankruptcy-related felony charge and that I served my punishment. Even after the committee was informed by me of my past legal issues, (Shelley) Stein could not get the endorsement and was losing votes every time they took a new vote.

 

I will have a sit-down interview with the Video News Service early next week. Interested voters in Le Roy can look for that story and decide for themselves.

 

I am moving forward and will not announce any decisions or changes until late March or early April.

Vito is a podiatrist who is originally from Rochester. According to his social media page, he attended Corning Community College, SUNY Cortland, Des Moines University, University of Phoenix, Utica College and Purdue Global Law School. 

His medical training includes a degree from the Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences and a surgical residency at Emory Northlake Regional Medical Center Residency in Tucker, Ga.

Vito has a long list of professional credentials and accolades, according to his resume. It also indicates some connections to Georgia, though he doesn't list his time in practice in that state.

He has operated practices in Buffalo, Georgia, North Carolina, Hewlett, Amherst, Batavia, and elsewhere, and currently lives and has an office in Le Roy.

Jay Otero filed his action against Vito on July 7, 2004. He alleged negligence, unlawful practice of medicine, fraud and misrepresentation, and professional malpractice.

Otero, according to court documents, underwent cosmetic leg-lengthening surgery in August 2002. Otero signed consent forms and paid Dr. Vito approximately $53,000 to perform the surgery. The procedure was estimated to increase Otero’s height (5ʹ1ʺ) by one to three inches. 

Following the surgery by Vito, Otero sought a second opinion from Dr. Dror Paley, who began treating Otero for "bilateral nonunions of the proximal tibiae with severe greater than 45-degree valgus procurvatum deformities of both tibiae," according to court documents.

In simpler terms, this describes a condition where both legs have unhealed breaks near the knees, causing the lower legs to bend outward and forward at a severe angle (more than 45 degrees).

Dr. Paley planned a course of treatment to correct Otero’s deformities. 

In November 2006, while under Dr. Paley’s care, Otero suffered an excruciatingly painful stress fracture that resulted in a complete fracture through his right femur. 

According to the 2007 court document (Order on Motion for Default Judgement), Otero’s condition "improved somewhat since his August 2002 surgery. He remains under Dr. Paley’s care and supervision."

The default judgment order states, "Dr. Vito’s liability for his negligence and unauthorized practice of medicine has already been established by the Court’s prior rulings, and the Defendants’ Georgia RICO and punitive damages liability was well-pleaded in the Second Amended Complaint, and thereafter established by the entry of default against them.”

The court ordered:

• Special damages in the amount of $721,989.24;
• Treble actual damages in the amount of $1.5 million ($ 500,000 base award);
• Punitive damages in the amount of $150,000; and
• Attorneys’ expenses in the amount of $155,000.

As part of the same case, in an Order on Motion for Summary Judgment (Sept. 9, 2009), the court also found that Vito undertook a strategy to create various corporate and business entities, which are listed in the document "as part of an elaborate scheme to evade liabilities to judgment creditors such as the Plaintiff in this case."

The court stated that Vito admitted that "he created and controlled the various entities so that he could protect his assets from collection while maintaining control over and access to those assets."

According to the court, Vito included his brothers, Richard C. Vito and John A. Vito, and his father, George A. Vito, all three also from Rochester, as official owners, shareholders, and officers of all the entities.

Richard Vito and John Vito both testified that they had no knowledge of or involvement in the affairs of these entities but that they agreed to participate as owners or officers of the various entities at the direction of their brother.

The order states:

The court found that Vito's transfers to these various entities was fraudulent, with the intent to hide assets from creditors, including Otero. By weaving a complex web of trusts, corporations, and limited liability companies, by channeling his income through numerous accounts in numerous names, by transferring his property to alter egos, by encumbering his property and income stream with various obligations, and by refusing to cooperate in the discovery of his assets, Dr. Vito fashioned a daunting challenge for his creditors. Overcoming that challenge has required more than two years of arduous, expensive litigation by a very determined Plaintiff, the appointment of a special master and a receiver, the incarceration of Dr. Vito, and considerable time and effort on the part of this Court and its staff. To this day, it cannot be said that the web is completely untangled or that the hurdles have all been removed. Enough is known, however, to warrant summary judgment in the case.

As a result, the court ordered that funds currently held by the receiver in the bankruptcy on behalf of the Vito entities be considered assets of the Vito estate.

This evidence is apparently what led to the federal bankruptcy fraud indictment.

Georgia court records also indicate that Vito was sued by Sabih Kalidy, who alleged medical malpractice by Vito when he experienced complications after Vito had performed leg lengthening surgery. The case was apparently settled, but the actual case documents are not online. The Batavian only knows about it because Vito subsequently sued Dror Paley, alleging defamation via an affidavit Paley made in the case. That case was dismissed. 

Also stemming from Kalidy's case, Vito sued attorney Mark Inman. Inman then took on another client who underwent the same procedure and began making phone calls to gather more information to support the case. He left phone messages for the person he called and Vito learned of those messages. He sued Inman and Inman's law firm alleging slander, tortious interference with business relations, and misappropriation of trade secrets. An appeals court decided in Inman's favor.

Closer to home, Legacy Medical Consultants, based in Fort Worth, filed a complaint against Vito and Ankle and Foot Centers of Western New York on June 28. The case is still pending, with the most recent action in the case, notice of discovery, on Jan. 31. 

Legacy alleges that Vito failed to pay more than $13.5 million for products received by his practice beginning in July 7, 2022.

"Despite the plain language of the Agreement, Dr. Vito has failed to make numerous payments owed to Legacy for Products he received," the complaint alleges.

It alleges Vito has failed to make at least 151 payments.

In the complaint, Legacy describes its business:

Legacy is an integrated marketer of proprietary regenerative biomaterial products processed from human amniotic membrane and other birth tissues. Among other things, Legacy markets amniotic tissue grafts, which are intended to assist in the treatment of external, chronic or non-healing wounds by providing coverage and protection. Legacy markets its products to doctors all over the country.

Legacy alleges Vito entered into an agreement with Legacy in November 2021 to purchase "human cell and tissue products for Dr. Vito to administer to patients as medically necessary” and that he subsequently placed orders with Legacy.

In an answer filed on Aug. 7, 2024, Vito denies all the allegations raised in the suit.

As for Vito’s next political step, “it is up to him,” Le Roy Republican Committee Chairman Andrew Lathan said. 

It was too late for Vito to appear before the committee by the time he notified Lathan of his interest, and the endorsement window is now closed, the chairman said. 

“He will need to get the required signatures for an upcoming primary. He has made no indication to me of his decision,” Lathan said Thursday evening. “It is important to note that the political process is alive and well for the 5th Legislative District; the door is now open for any Republican in Le Roy to get signatures and get on the ballot.

“I plead home rule to the GCRC, where the voters of Le Roy truly get to pick their representation at the county level, not to get force-fed an incumbent candidate, and my fellow Republicans of the GCRC delivered,” he said. “This is going to be a long process; nothing is going to be settled on social media. Keyboard warriors should stay stretched and well-hydrated. I hope it is an honest and fair process.”

Howard Owens contributed to this article.

Press Release:

“New York Power Authority's (NYPA's) decision to pause its proposed hydropower rate hike is a win for New Yorkers, businesses, and communities that depend on affordable, clean energy. This near-tripling of rates was unacceptable, and I, along with Assemblyman Andrew Molitor and many of my Republican colleagues, fought hard to stop this devastating increase before it could take effect.

The overwhelming pushback from legislators, businesses, municipal utility providers, and residents made it clear that this proposal was unacceptable. Once Governor Hochul saw the extent of opposition, she put the brakes on it—something she should have done from the start. Keeping energy affordable is essential to retaining jobs, supporting families, and maintaining a competitive economy.

This fight isn’t over. We must remain vigilant to ensure NYPA doesn’t revive this misguided proposal down the road and that New Yorkers continue to have access to reliable, low-cost energy.”

Genesee County’s Conservative Committee pulled its endorsement for Dr. George Vito in his bid for the county Legislature’s District 5 spot, secretary John Roach says.

“The Conservative Party endorsed Vito and then found out he had some legal issues and thought he should have told us ahead of time,” Roach said Thursday. “The fact that he had issues and didn’t tell us … we were disappointed not to know ahead of time.”

Vito is a first-time political candidate and contender for the District 5 seat, giving a potential challenge to incumbent Shelley Stein. Neither candidate has received an endorsement from the county Republican or Conservative committees from official votes, and Stein did not get an endorsement from the Le Roy Republican Committee. 

Vito said Thursday that he was meeting with the Le Roy Republican Committee about his impending campaign and future decision to run for the seat. He wanted to have that discussion first before an interview with The Batavian. 

Stein said she is “motivated to first understand the reasons behind not receiving the endorsement for re-election this year.” County Republican Committee Chairman Scott German had said he was aware that people in Le Roy were not happy with her performance, and Stein believes it relates to the sales tax cap initiated in 2021. 

“That action was taken after several months of conversations and discussions with all municipalities,” she said. “The driver for the sales tax cap was the debt service for the new jail. The role of a legislator is to run the county with the perspective of the district, yet putting the county first.”

As for why her constituents may be disgruntled, she suspects it could stem “from the extra layer of responsibility I have as chairwoman.”

“There is much legislature discussion around issues, and once a decision is made, the chair must support it.  These decisions may not be popular with towns and villages,” she said. “I will continue to work hard and advocate for all citizens of Genesee County and faithfully execute the fiduciary duties of the position.”

Candidates will find out from the New York State Board of Elections in a week how many signatures they must obtain to get onto the ballot.

Carl Hyde, the town supervisor for the past 12 years in Bethany, has spent a lot of time pouring over the state budget and he's tired of the wasteful spending.

He thinks he can fix it, and that means he needs to beat Gov. Kathy Hochul in the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.

To get there, he needs the support of the state's Republican leadership.  On Tuesday, the Genesee County Republic Party Committee gave Hyde their blessing to approach state leadership in Albany about becoming the state party's standard bearer in 2026.

"I want to make New York better for future generations," Hyde told The Batavian on Thursday morning.

Hyde is 62, an honorably discharged U.S. Navy veteran who has served the Genesee County veterans community for decades, most recently as head of the WNY National Cemetery Honor Guard. He is married with two children and one grandchild. He attended Pavilion Central School, has been a Little League coach, has worked in construction, and is a member of the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department.

He distributed a flyer on social media to test out his campaign themes and was encouraged by the positive response, he said.

Asked about the prospects of a small-town supervisor running for statewide office, he said his would be a grassroots campaign focused on state spending.

"I've been doing governmental accounting for the last 12 years," Hyde said. "I know how to read a budget. I know I can see the problems in the state's budget because somebody thinks they have a free hand to dole out money whenever they want to."

He gave two primary examples of waste in the state's budget.  Since 2019, the Thruway Authority has lost more than $270 million in unpaid fines. The Mass Transit Authority has a $33 billion deficit. He wants to tackle those issues.

On the Thruway issue, he proposes signing reciprocal agreements with other states to collect fines. When people want to renew registrations or drivers licenses, they can't until they pay their tolls and accumulated fines.

He wants to bring back toll booths, which makes it easier to pay tolls because not everybody has an EZPass, even NYS residents.

Traditionally, conservatives object to Thruway tolls as another tax on New Yorkers.  Hyde acknowledges the reality of the massive expense involved in maintaining the Thruway.

"Here's the thing with the Thruway, you've got 560 miles of Thruway road, hundreds and hundreds of buildings, and they all need to be maintained. So when Governor Dewey touted that eventually it would be free, it was a lie," Hyde said.

Without tolls, he said, the cost of the Thruway would mean higher taxes for every New Yorker, which wouldn't be fair, he said.

With the MTA, he said he would order a thorough forensic audit to find what causes the MTA to run at a deficit and then work to correct the issues uncovered by the audit, he said.

Among government waste he's spotted is $7 million spent for increased police officers for 30 days.  That is wasteful, he said, because it doesn't fix any problem. Hiring more cops, he said, would be a better long-term solution.

He thinks he can make a convincing case to party leaders that a small-town supervisor fixated on the budget is the right approach to challenging the Democratic machine in New York.

"My pitch is going to be, I'm going to take the state's budget with me, and I'm going to throw it on the table and I and talk about some of the issues that are in the budget, with all the new, upcoming programs for the 25-26 budget that shows millions of dollars being spent on a personal agenda and that's being paid for by the taxpayers and they don't even know about," Hyde said. "I mean, unfortunately, in my spare time, I read the state's budget."

Another example, there are 12 programs in the state budget, he said, for getting kids out of the house to go swimming that, he said, "people don't even know about."

For any GOP candidate, Democrats, of course, are going to want to talk about more that financial matters. They will bring up Donald Trump (a 56 percent disapproval rating in New York), and cultural war issues.

Hyde said he's prepared.

First, he said, "I'm not Donald Trump. I have no crazy ideas to go out and do a lot of wild stuff. I just want to fix the budget. I want to fix the taxes in New York State. I want to reduce the deficit."

On the cultural war issues, he takes a live-and-let-live stance.  He isn't out to force anybody to believe anything or live according to other people's desires.

"If you're transgender, if you're happy, and you're not harming anybody else, what does it matter?" Hyde said. "I mean, you know, just because somebody's gay doesn't mean somebody's got the right to go out there and take a swing at them. You know, leave them alone. They're Americans, too. They're citizens of the state of New York. Leave them alone. They're working. They're doing what they need to do to survive in 2025, 2026, whatever, it's their business."

He said he doesn't agree with recent campus protests but, again, his stance is to leave people alone.

"If people are Jewish, leave them alone. If you're Palestinian, leave them alone. I don't care," Hyde said. "If you're here as an American to make your life better, don't be causing trouble and, you know, hating people just because they're different than you, because if we all hated everything who is different, there'd be a lot of people who wouldn't be here today."

Those aren't the issues he wants to focus on. He wants to talk money and tell the story of his 12 years as a supervisor in Bethany and what he's learned about sound financial management.

"I'm not independently wealthy, and anybody who knows me knows that, but my background in governmental accounting is as a town supervisor who took a town that was going to run out of money to a town that can get loans at low interest, can pay cash for trucks, dump trucks, plow roads," Hyde said. "I had the experience to fix the state, to turn it around, you know, and to possibly make it into a state where we would finally see a reduction in taxes."

It seems likely there will be primaries in Genesee County’s future, with no endorsements for two candidates in each of the county Legislature’s District 5 and 9, County Republican Committee Chairman Scott German says.

“There were people that were adamant for Kathy or Bob, but they didn’t get 60% of the vote,” German said Wednesday of City Council members Kathy Briggs and Bob Bialkowski, who are vying for District 9.

Gary Maha has opted not to run for re-election, so there will not be an incumbent in the race for District 9. Briggs and Bialkowski will have to petition for signatures to get onto the ballot.

“I’m sure they will each have people that will help them pass,” German said. 

It’s a similar scenario for the two candidates for District 5, although incumbent Rochelle “Shelley” Stein has said she will run for re-election. A longtime member of the legislature for the last 14 years, Stein was not endorsed by the Le Roy Republican, the county Conservative or the county Republican committees. 

“I know that people in Le Roy are just not happy,” German said.

The Le Roy Republican Committee has not yet endorsed, and county Conservative Committee has endorsed newcomer Dr. George Vito, a podiatrist from Le Roy for District 5. 

After three votes, neither Stein nor Vito “achieved 60%,” German said of the County Republican Committee vote. They will also have to petition for signatures to get onto the ballot. German estimated they would need about 90 names. 

The county Republican Committee did endorse this week District Attorney Kevin Finnell, Chad Klotzbach for District 1, Gordon Dibble for District 3, and John Deleo for District 7.

There is also likely to be a primary this June in the town of Byron along with the two districts, German said. 

A phone call made to Le Roy Republican Committee Chairman Andrew Lathan early Wednesday evening for comment was not returned. 

The following requests were also given unanimous approval during the county Republican meeting, according to a news release:

• Maureen Torrey Marshall, a member of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees, requested a recommendation to the Legislature for another term.
• Carl Hyde Jr., Supervisor for the Town of Bethany, requested to pursue his interest in being a candidate for New York State governor.
• Michael Cianfrini and Barbara Eddy, the present Genesee County representatives as New York State Committee members, were appointed to another term.

The damage was too extensive from an industrial fire at 20 Howard St., Batavia, on Nov. 9 for investigators to determine the cause of the blaze.

The massive fire destroyed a 4,160-square-foot structure, built in 1941, where Baskin Livestock processed dry dog food into feed for hogs.

The fire investigation team of Captain Jamie Call, Captain Michael Morris, and Firefighter Christina Marinaccio determined the fire started in the southwest corner of the structure.

City Fire was dispatched to the call at 7:47 a.m. after dispatchers received reports of a large quantity of black smoke coming from the building.

When Captain Mike Morris opened truck bay doors when he arrived on scene, he confirmed a large fire and requested a second alarm.

Because it was a heavily involved fire already, Morris, the incident commander, determined the priority for firefighters was protecting other buildings nearby. 

He requested a third alarm.

A short time later, Chief Josh Graham arrived on scene and assumed command.

Fire crews worked the fire for over 12 hours, with a single crew remaining on scene until 10 p.m.

"Due to the difficulty with access and size of the structure, crews were working on and off for the next four days," Graham said. "This also included the use of an East Pembroke Fire Department utility vehicle, which aided us in getting to hard-to-reach spots."

Graham indicated that investigators put a lot of effort into trying to determine the cause of the fire.

“I applaud the fire investigation team for their tireless work as well as all of the crews that responded to this incident,” Graham said.

Graham reported two minor injuries to city firefighters at the scene. They were evaluated by Mercy EMS medics and continued working the fire after being checked out.

The City of Batavia Fire Department was assisted by the City of Batavia Police Department, Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center, the Town of Batavia Fire Department, the Leroy Fire Department, Stafford Fire Department, East Pembroke Fire Department, Mercy EMS, Genesee County Office of Emergency Management, City of Batavia DPW, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City of Batavia Codes Department, NYS DEC, National Grid, and National Fuel.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) will be hosting his annual Valentines for Veterans Program Friday morning, February 14.

Hawley will collect valentines from students at Jackson Primary School and will deliver them to veteran residents living at The New York State Veterans Home at Batavia. Hawley is proud to be able to put this event on for another year and hopes it will raise awareness of veterans' issues in New York.

 “This event is a great opportunity every year to show my appreciation for our veterans and all of the sacrifices they have made to keep us free,” said Hawley. “As a veteran myself, I know the hard work and dedication these brave men and women have given over the years, and I hope events like this can serve as a way to give back.”

Pizza boxes blowing against trees and styrofoam in the bushes are unsightly not only because they didn’t make trash pickup, Bruce Scofield says.

Those items that were put in residents’ recycling boxes are not recyclable, and it would be nice if they were better secured so as not to decorate the surrounding neighborhood and hurt the environment, he said.

"I have been in the garbage business for the past 23 years. I’m coming to speak to you tonight as a resident. I will offer my concerns as a resident. I will offer my advice as an owner of a garbage company, but by no means am I looking to steer business my way, other than to give insight into the garbage business,” Scofield said Monday during City Council’s conference meeting at City Hall. “My first concern is recycling in open containers. There is no reason this should be permitted in the city of Batavia; all recyclables should be placed in an enclosed container. Plastic bags are not recyclable, and if a resident puts their recyclables in a plastic bag the whole bag of recyclables gets trashed and not recycled.”

Scofield just opened his Scofield Transfer & Recycling pick-up business about a month and a half ago in the city. When he drives around on garbage pick-up days, “it is a mess,” he said. While people may think they are saving the environment by recycling, the materials that end up littering the streets and neighborhoods “can do more damage” than good, he said.  

“When paper or cardboard gets wet, guess what? It’s not recyclable. So, when it rains, that material becomes garbage – not recyclable. When the wind blows like it has in the past month that material now becomes garbage,” he said. “I don’t know how many times, on a windy day, I have had to pick up styrofoam products in my yard. Styrofoam isn’t recyclable. How about trees? I have never seen a tree grow a pizza box but, every garbage day, countless trees around the city have pizza boxes propped up against them. The funny thing is pizza boxes are not even recyclable. The problem with recycling is that people think they are doing the right thing but, in fact, they are not.”

He likens it to someone who eats a double cheeseburger with fries and adds a diet drink to offset the calories for a perceived net gain of zero. Subconsciously it may feel good but doesn’t actually accomplish the goal, he said. Same is true for recycling: it's a feel-good effort, however, recycle the wrong way, and the net gain is “a trashed city of Batavia, and you didn’t save the environment.”

He suggested that council provide stronger regulations for the garbage business, including for there to be only three pick-up days a week — Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday — to alleviate the city from having garbage and recycling along the streets seven days a week; and that all materials be in enclosed containers.

Can and should the city be the one to initiate such a mandate to private business owners?
“I’m asking the city to hold residents to be more responsible about the garbage they produce and to hold garbage companies to a city standard,” he said. “Let’s make Batavia clean again. My home, just like most of yours, is an investment. I’m here to protect my investment.”

Will this cost residents more?
“You might say it could create economic hardship for residents if they have to buy sealed garbage totes. Require the garbage companies to provide totes to the residents,” he said. 

When garbage in bags is placed by the road, it blows into the road, gets hit by cars or plows, or snow piles up on it, he said. In the summer, animals and rodents break open bags. 

"Employees from the garbage companies won’t pick up garbage that’s scattered all over. Why should they?" he said. "We live in a beautiful city; why trash it? I ask again, why does it have to be that way?"

City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. said he had not heard about this issue before.

“First I heard of it. It's all news to me, and we've directed the city manager to look into it and provide us with more information. I like to gather as much information as I can before I make decisions. So I can't even comment on it right now because I need way more information than I have,” Jankowski said, adding that he has not heard from residents. “No. And I live in a neighborhood and I have my recycling bin does have a cover on it, so I didn't know that people were still acting without covers. First I heard of it, so we're going to look into it.” 

In the meantime, there are three basic rules, according to one recycling site online:

• Rule 1: Recycle bottles, cans, paper and cardboard.
• Rule 2: Keep food and liquid out of your recycling.
• Rule 3: No loose plastic bags and no bagged recyclables allowed.

Also on the “no” list are plastic wrap and film, flexible packaging, cups with wax or plastic coatings, polystyrene foam and plastic, dirty diapers, household items, medical or garage waste, tanglers that can wrap around equipment or endanger workers, such as water hoses. 

Press Release:

Whether farmers are looking to upgrade operations or expand their businesses, National Grid can assist with financial incentives and technical support to help Upstate New York farms reduce energy costs, improve health and efficiency, and reduce maintenance. National Grid representatives will be available to share details about its Agribiz Program at the New York Farm Show, scheduled for Feb. 20 to 22 at the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.

Dakota and Sam Wilson know firsthand that upgrading equipment to grow their Ames, N.Y.- based dairy farm meant that they needed to make a significant investment. Last year, when the Wilsons installed six high-speed circulating fans, they earned incentives through National Grid’s Agribiz program that offset around 70% of the project costs.

The Wilsons represent one of nearly 150 farm owners across Upstate New York who, since 2020, have earned more than $1.5 million in incentives to increase efficiency, reduce energy and maintenance costs, meet sustainability goals, and improve the health of their farm animals.

In addition to incentives, National Grid also offers economic development funding and financing for farm owners.

“When our vendor was providing us with quotes for the new fans it was mentioned that a National Grid program could help pay for them,” said Dakota Wilson. “A National Grid rep visited us and walked us through their Prescriptive Energy Efficiency Program that covered more than half the project. Before winter set in, we were able to use the new fans, which keep the cows cool and moved the air throughout the barn just as we had hoped.”

“Farming is foundational to New York’s economy. When it comes to their own economics, our state’s farms understand the importance of productivity; and the more a facility produces, the higher the earning potential that facility has,” said National Grid Eastern Regional Director Kim Ireland, who added that a few energy upgrades such as high-efficiency lighting, ventilation fans, and water transfer pumps can improve harvest yields and overall livestock health. “We’re proud to help farmers across all of Upstate New York who are upgrading operations and growing their agri-businesses by lowering their initial investments in equipment and systems. Working together with farmers like the Wilsons, we can significantly reduce operating costs and energy use.”

At Lafayette, N.Y.-based Apple Acres, National Grid’s Agribiz Program provided incentives that covered around one-third of the project costs for the installation of automatic, high-speed refrigerator doors.

“Working with National Grid’s Agribiz team has allowed us to complete projects that we wouldn’t necessarily have tackled without their expertise, encouragement and financial assistance,” said Apple Acres Owner Catie Blackler. “We’ve installed equipment that delivers direct energy savings and have been able to invest in innovation that saves energy through improved production efficiency. National Grid’s Agribiz Program is a valuable partner that ensures our locally grown apples are competitive nationally.”

Farmers who are interested in learning more about National Grid’s AgriBiz program can contact John Snyder at john.snyderjr@nationalgrid.com.

Press Release:

Six Flags Darien Lake, the Thrill Capital of New York, today said it plans to hire 1,500 seasonal associates for the 2025 season ahead of opening day on May 16. 

The park will start filling those roles during a week-long hiring blitz to be held February 15-22 as part of a large recruiting campaign by the park’s parent company, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, across all its parks in North America.

To learn more about the event and open positions, please visit the Six Flags Darien Lake job site. These positions include:

• Food & Beverage Associates
• Ride Operators
• Lifeguards
• Sales Associates for Merchandise
• Park Services Attendants
• Hotel and Campground Associates
• And more!

Hourly pay starts at $15.50 for those who are 16 years of age or older based on experience, prior service, and position. Darien Lake offers competitive wages and amazing perks for its associates, including discounts on park food and merchandise, reward and recognition programs, exclusive park events for associates, ride nights, a cafeteria with discount meals, and free admission to any Six Flags park.

Candidates may apply online or visit the park’s Employment Office during the following times to learn about the job opportunities and be interviewed same-day:

• Tuesday, Feb. 18 (12 to 7 p.m.)
• Wednesday, Feb. 19 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Thursday, Feb. 20 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Friday, Feb. 21 (12 to 7 p.m.)
• Saturday, Feb. 22 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

“Seasonal associates are the lifeblood of our business and play an instrumental role in consistently delivering amazing experiences to our park guests,” said Christopher Thorpe, park president. “We offer competitive wages and unbeatable perks that include opportunities for leadership development, paid internships, career advancement, and so much more. We look forward to welcoming new associates for what I’m sure will be a FUN and exciting 2025 season!”

The hiring blitz at Six Flag Darien Lake is part of a plan by parent company Six Flags Entertainment to hire more than 50,000 seasonal associates across its network of parks in 2025. The company anticipates filling the majority of those roles during hiring events to be held across all parks in North America from February 15-22.

Press Release:

The American Heart Association and Rochester Regional Health (RRH) to host free Hands-Only CPR demonstration on Wednesday, February 12.

The American Heart Association and Rochester Regional Health are teaming up to create a Nation of Lifesavers. Trainers will teach Hands-Only CPR to local religious leaders, who can then share this life-saving skill with the community. 

The event will take place at the Rochester Regional Health Healthy Living Campus, located at 211 East Main Street, Batavia. 

The demonstrations for local religious leaders will be held from 2 to 3 p.m., followed by Hands-Only CPR demonstrations open to the public from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

The American Heart Association is challenging everyone to join the Nation of Lifesavers and commit to learning CPR during American Heart Month in February. 

More than 350,0000 people experiencing cardiac arrests outside of a hospital, including 23,000 children. CPR is a critical skill that kids as young as 9 years old can learn.

CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest ictim’s chance of survival – which is key since nearly 90% of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. Nearly 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home, so it is likely that the person who needs CPR will be a family member or friend.

Knowing CPR is an essential skill anyone can perform, and it could mean the difference between life and death.

Press Release:

At our Republican endorsement meeting on Tuesday February 2 the following candidates were endorsed after a vote under the by-laws of our committee.

• Bill Fox Sr. a Conservative incumbent who asked for Republican endorsement for Town Board
• Dave Paddock a Republican incumbent for Town Board 
• Emily McNamara a Republican for Town Justice

Shelley Stein, the incumbent Republican legislator did not receive the votes to move forward with an endorsement.

We have a facebook page for news and updates https://www.facebook.com/groups/527076802990956.

All inquiries can be made to the Chairman at leroyrepublicans@gmail.com.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Conservative Party are proud to announce the following endorsements:

COUNTY LEGISLATURE

• District 3 - Gordon Dibble, (Pembroke/Darien)
• District 5 - Dr. George Vito (Le Roy) 
• District 7 - John Deleo (Batavia city wards 1 & 6)
• District 9 - Kathy Briggs (Batavia city ward 4 & 5)

BATAVIA CITY COUNCIL AT LARGE

• Richard Richmond
• Eugene Jankowski

TOWN OF BATAVIA TOWN SUPERVISOR

• Greg Post

TOWN OF BATAVIA TOWN CLERK

• Amy DiSalvo

TOWN OF BATAVIA TOWN BOARD

• Patti Michalak

TOWN OF BETHANY TOWN JUSTICE

• Jeffrey Wolak

TOWN OF LEROY TOWN BOARD

• William Fox
• David Paddock

TOWN OF LEROY TOWN JUSTICE

• Emily McNamara

TOWN OF BYRON TOWN SUPERVISOR

• Jeffery Thompson

TOWN OF BYRON TOWN CLERK

• Kristy Murphy

We wish everyone the very best of luck.

Anyone looking to join the Conservative Party Committee, please email Chairwoman, Julie Carasone at jcarasonw2001@gmail.com. 

Press Release:

Genesee County residents who wish to change their party enrollment to be eligible to vote in June 24, party primary must submit a completed application to the Genesee County Board of Elections by February 14.

For more information, visit the Genesee County Board of Elections website or call 585-815-7804.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) attended a press conference with his colleagues to promote a proposal that would authorize school districts to submit a waiver to the commissioner of education allowing them to officially opt out of certain zero-emission school bus requirements being implemented statewide. Across New York, there are more than 700 school districts facing full implementation of the zero-emission school bus mandate by July 1, 2027. Hawley believes this mandate is unrealistic for rural school districts and will result in higher costs for local schools.

“The Majority’s plan to mandate the purchase of electric vehicles for all new school bus purchases is not only unrealistic, it’s completely unattainable,” said Hawley. “Our schools are already substantially underfunded yet this administration seems hell-bent on punishing rural districts in order to promote their radical climate agenda. These out-of-touch policies will not work for Western New York. We must take action now to protect our schools.”

Press Release:

GENESEE AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (GAHA) invites children to the to the The David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena on Evans Street on Saturday, February 22nd for a Try Hockey For Free Event as part of “ USA Hockey Week Across America.” Which will be celebrated at 285 ice areas across the entire United States. 

Starting at 10:40 a.m. to Noon local youth, ages 4 to 9, are welcomed at the rink to experience getting on the ice, learning how to “skate”, get up after falling, basic skills with a hockey stick and shooting pucks into a hockey net (all by being guided by the head coach and on-ice helpers). The youngsters will have the experience of shooting on actual goalies.

“At our Fall USA Try Hockey for Free Event (November 2 nd ) we welcomed families to McCarthy Ice Rink from Batavia, Buffalo, Byron, Corfu, LeRoy, Nunda, East Bethany, Alexander, Byron, Brockport, Albion, Wyoming, Rochester, and Elba to try our great sport of ice hockey” said Sharon Gray, Coordinator of the “Try Hockey for Free” event. “Our goal is for these families to enjoy watching their kids learn new skills with big smiles on their faces and for the youngsters the on-ice experience.”

The head coach for this event will be Andres Manamon (this year’s Head Coach for our Timbit Beginners Program (which presently consists of 72 youngsters) and on-ice helpers who make up this year’s Batavia-Notre Dame United high school team along with their coaches – Marc Staley and John Kirkwood. The youngsters will also be assisted on the ice by other coaches and players from the GAHA organization. 

The event is hosted by the Try Hockey for Free Coordinators – Sharon and Bob Gray and the GAHA Beginner Player Coordinator – Marcia Barnes on behalf of the Genesee Amateur Hockey Association who provided the ice and the McCarthy Rink Staff – Katie Murray (General Manager), Matt Gray (Rink Operating Manager) and their great staff. 

It is the team’s goal to provide the hockey experience to area youngsters free of charge and encourage them to participate in the GAHA Timbit Beginner Program which starts the first week of October. The Beginner Program consists of two sessions (October to December and January to March) with a total of 15 on-ice hours per session. 

USA Hockey’s Try Hockey program, with the support of the National Hockey League and NHL member clubs, among others, is designed to provide youth hockey associations with a national platform for introducing children to the sport, free of charge. Pure Hockey (sponsor of USA Hockey) will provide “free” USA Try Hockey jerseys to each child.

What to bring: We encourage those who have equipment to bring it. If you do not have any equipment, you will need to bring:

• A loose-fitting pair of sweatpants or snow pants
• A pair of gloves (they don’t need to be hockey gloves – mittens or winter gloves are fine)
• A helmet (hockey or bike) – we’ll have some “extras” available!
• A SMILE

What we provide: Rental Skates will be provided for “free”, courtesy of David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena. Hockey sticks will be given out for use but MUST BE RETURNED.

ON-ICE EXPERIENCE: We will have plenty of coaches on hand to give your child a great youth hockey experience. They will get an opportunity to learn the basic skills of youth hockey. Your child does not need to know how to skate – we’ll have them up on their feet by the end of the session.

Registration is OPEN. Please register at: TRY HOCKEY FOR FREE.COM (Zip Code 14020). Registration limited to 40 participants. For more information contact svgray@rochester.rr.com or 585-344-2248.

Submitted photos.

Press release:

Four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded through the annual UConnectCare Foundation Scholarship program in 2025.

The program, initiated several years ago, provides financial support to individuals pursuing their education at an institution of higher learning in the fields of human services or social services for the purpose of contributing to improving community health.

Scholarships will be given to one Genesee County high school student, one Orleans County high school student, one adult student pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and one technical/trade school student.

Applications are available on the UConnectCare website – www.uconnectcare.org – or can be obtained by contacting Diane Klos at Diane Klos at 585-815-1883 or dklos@unconnectcare.org. Completed applications must be received via email or postmarked by March 7.

The scholarships will be awarded at the agency’s annual membership meeting in May.

“We take great pleasure in being able to continue this important program,” said John Bennett, UConnectCare chief executive officer. “More than ever, substance use and alcohol use treatment and prevention agencies are seeking qualified, educated and dedicated employees.”

Students enrolled in a Genesee or Orleans County school can apply for the scholarship even if their primary residence is in another county.

Other pertinent scholarship information is as follows:

• Applicant must be accepted at an accredited college or university and enrolled in or matriculated in an eligible program/major.
• Eligible programs or majors include Social Work, Nursing, Health Science, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, or Human Services.
• Current UConnectCare employees, board members and UConnectCare Foundation board members are NOT eligible.
• Relatives of UConnectCare employees, board members and UConnectCare Foundation board members ARE eligible.
• Applicant must provide academic history such as high school and/or college transcripts.
• Applicant must provide two letters of recommendation from someone who knows the applicant’s work/volunteer/academic history. Letters from relatives will not be accepted.
• Applicant must provide a resume or personal biography including work history, volunteer experiences, and extra-curricular activities.
• Applicant must provide an essay that addresses educational and employment objectives as they relate to the mission of UConnectCare. Financial need, volunteerism, employment history and civic involvement will be given careful consideration.
• The scholarship monies will be awarded upon completion of the fall semester. The award recipient must provide a copy of their transcript demonstrating at least a 2.0 GPA.
• Applicant may be invited for an interview before final awards are made.

City Council President Eugene Jankowski backpedaled Monday evening on a proposal to provide council members with a $500 annual stipend for gym memberships.

He blamed a news outlet for "mishandling" a report of the Jan. 27 conference meeting where the city manager first raised the issue.

During Monday’s conference session, Jankowski said, "Why council got dragged into this, maybe it was clickbait? Maybe people thought it was something to scream about? I got a lot of people screaming about it. I don’t recall us worrying about us being involved.  I think we were talking about the employees. Correct me if I’m wrong on that."

Jankowski said Monday that the $500 was off the table, but there would be a $50 increase for employees to the current $100 allowance toward gym memberships included in the new budget. 

The Batavian, the only local news source to report on the topic, stands behind its story. (City Council considers increasing gym perk to $500 for employees, council members)

The video recording of the Jan. 27 meeting substantiates that council members were included in the original proposal and that Jankowski endorsed it.

Here are the relevant portions of the transcript:

At 1:00:55 in the video (the link to the video above is timestamped to the start of the discussion), Tabelski said: “I’ve had many employees come to me, council members come to me, saying wouldn't it be great if we could provide some kind of membership or incentive towards using the new facility, so I went and looked at this year's budget. We have interest in earnings right now at about $24,000 that might top out around $50,000, so we could cover the majority of employees and council members if they were to sign up for this incentive, so I leave it to you to discuss and determine if this is something you'd like to move forward with.”

The only concern raised by any council member was a suggestion of discrimination against other gyms by providing $500 to YMCA and only $100 to other city gyms. The objection was raised by Councilman Bob Bialkowski. 

Tabelski said, “We could go get rid of the $100 and just, I mean, force them to join the Y. It was just an offering. You're actually the council member who asked me about joining.”

Jankowski said during the discussion, “Right, so now it's not a good idea? Well, I think it's a great idea.”

Later, he said, “I like the idea, I like where we're going with it because in the long run, when you stay healthy, it saves us money on the other end on healthcare,” adding later, “I think as it’s written, I think it looks pretty good.”

“It’s a great perk for the employees,” Councilwoman Kathy Briggs said. 

Bialkowski countered with offering $200 versus the $500. 

Tabelski said, “Employees would have the option for the $100 reimbursement, which they already have today, or if they'd like to join the Y, we'd give a benefit of $500. Again, specifically, I was asked from employees, from unions, what can you do to help us with covering costs of the new YMCA, so nobody asked me to join any other gyms, so I think it's a good idea.”

Council voted by 6-1 to move the proposal to its next business meeting. Bialkowski voted no and Briggs, Jankowski, Al McGinnis, Rich Richmond, David Twichell and Derek Geib voted yes.

Jankowski: "Okay, so that gets moved to the business meeting for a final vote, and then if anybody has any concerns, we can rediscuss that.”

The support for the proposal on Jan. 27 was not apparent on Monday.

By a unanimous vote of 9-0 Monday evening, City Council said no to offering city employees or council members $500 toward a YMCA gym membership and opted instead to raise the current perk of $100 to $150 for the new downtown facility. 

Jankowski emphasized that the health benefit will be for city employees only and will not include council members. Although initially discussed as one option, the $500 allowance was taken off the table in lieu of an agreement for $50 incremental increases on a yearly basis, he said. 

“I know I can speak for many of my colleagues here. We all listen to the ideas, and they never end up the way they start out because everyone weighs in, and it gets balanced and moved around. So, what we’ve come up with in the budget is to add the $50 stipend. It will apply to all those individuals who are on the city’s self-insured health care plan, which doesn’t include council, because we are not on that plan, so we’re out of it,” Jankowski said during the conference meeting at City Hall. “Out of 150 employees, we only have 15 people presently taking part in this program, and I'd like to see an increase in their benefit and for our health benefit; our health costs can go down when people are healthier. So that's how we're going to do it. We're going to start it off, slightly increase, see how it works, and maybe talk about it again in future budgets going forward.”

The $50 per city employee has been put into the budget but did not alter the expected 50-cent tax rate decrease, city officials said. That is still projected to be $8.46 per $1,000 assessed value, down from the current $8.96 per $1,000. 

A resolution was in council’s packet for the $500 per employee allowance for a gym membership, and council was instructed that a no vote would defeat the resolution as initially proposed. Passage of the budget would then enact the $50 increase for employees instead, effective April 1.

Of 150 city employees, only 15 currently participate in the program.

A full slate of members, including Kathy Briggs, Tammy Schmidt, Al McGinnis, David Twichell, Paul Viele, Rich Richmond, Derek Geib, Bob Bialkowski and Jankowski voted no. 

“It’s an incentive for people to be healthy,” Richmond said. “They’re going to have to prove they’re using it.”

Jason Ostrowski is definitely excited about his upcoming concert at Batavia Downs.

Why? He loves playing rock and roll. He loves Elton John and Billy Joel. With a background in musical theater, he loves performing. He loves meeting people. And, he won't be far from his hometown, Rochester.

More than once during an interview with The Batavian about his Feb. 27 show (doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m.), Ostrowski said about performing, "I love it. I absolutely love it.

Ostrowski isn't sure where this love for music and performance came from but it started young.

"Nobody in my family is in entertainment at all," Ostrowski said. "(Starting in) kindergarten, I was bothering my parents for lessons, and then I took classical for about six years. I hated taking it. I loved my teacher, but I hated classical piano. And then I learned rock and roll."

In high school, at Greece Athena, he discovered musical theater.  He was inspired to get his degree from SUNY Fredonia in musical theater and he chased a career as an actor.

His resume includes roles on Broadway, cast on national tours for major Broadway productions, and regional musical theater.  His TV roles include co-starring roles on FBI: Most Wanted, Bull, The Detour, WeCrashed, and A Crime to Remember.

"I've been very lucky working for as long as I have in the entertainment industry and being able to support myself," Ostrowski said. "And the piano playing has always been there for me."

Ostrowski's path toward doing concerts featuring the music of the likes of Elton John and Billy Joel began when he was on Broadway in a show where cast members played their own instruments; then, on his own, he started playing more rock and roll on piano.

"I always thought, 'Oh, that would be fun to do for people. But I guess I was a little too shy or something," Ostrowski said. "In 2014, I learned how to do dueling pianos in Orlando, Florida. From there, I was just hooked on performing behind the piano."

Ostrowski was more of a Billy Joel fan (he's even met him a couple of times) but people always told him he looked like Elton John, so he explored his music and found it compelling, so he developed a live act around John's music. He said it's not exactly a tribute show.

"I started putting on my Nana's costume jewelry and some sparkly clothes and doing an Elton John show," Ostrowski said. "It's not an impersonator show because you already know it's not him. I look enough like the guy. I'm not going to try to pretend to be him but to capture the essence of his music and performance. What I do live hopefully translates, and that gives people an experience that, if they haven't seen him, can come close to what it would be like to hear that music live by him. And I love doing it. I love it."

The Feb. 27 show will feature both the music of John and his idol, Joel.

He said Joel is his biggest influence as a singer, piano player, and writer.  Ostrowski has singles and EPs of his original music on streaming platforms and is anticipating releasing an album later in 2025.

"I've always written. I've always been, I guess, I've always been a little timid about it, like, uh, nobody's gonna like this or whatever," Ostrowski said. "But now, as I reach 50, I'm like, 'Well, who cares?' So I actually started work on an album in December, and in March, I'm going back to recording in New York City with this producer who was Bruce Hornsby's guitar player for 16 years, and he's worked with Dave Matthews and Ben Folds. He really likes my writing, so we started work on just a little album, four or five songs, but it's exciting, and it's gotten me excited about my own music again."

Ostrowski isn't surprised the music of legendary rockers like John and Joel remains popular, not just with the generation that grew up with John's songs on AM radio.

"I'm on ships quite a bit, and generally, the crowds are people who grew up with Elton John, but every now and then, I get young people and young teenagers out in the audience, and they're singing along to every single song," Ostrowski said. "There's some kind of magic in performing some of this music that's 56 years old now, much older than some of these people listening to it, and they know every single lyric. It really is a rush to just play this rock and roll music."

John, he said, is particularly thrilling.

"He's such a theatrical performer in how he dresses and presents himself," Ostrowski said. "So to be able to do that and sit behind the piano and play this amazing music with incredible bands is all I need. I love it. Absolutely love it."

Tickets are available through Eventbrite, starting at $13.37.