A golden-colored Yorkie, nearly 16 years old, went missing from his home at the upper end of Ross Street in Batavia. Named Zach, this frail guy cannot hear and does not see very well. If anyone sees him, please call his owner at 585-409-4870.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has collected critical funds in the community since 1954 – one dollar at a time – as part of the Fill the Boot program for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). The Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 896 will continue this long-standing tradition as its members kick off the annual program, raising funds to support MDA’s vision to accelerate research, advance care, and advocate for the support of MDA families.
Dedicated firefighters from Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 896 will hit the streets with boots in hand, asking pedestrians, motorists, customers, and other passersby to donate to the MDA on June 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Main and Court Street and Ellicott and Court Street in the City of Batavia.
The partnership between MDA and IAFF began in 1954, when the IAFF signed a proclamation designating MDA its charity of choice and vowing to continue raising awareness and funds until cures are found. To date, the nearly seven-decade partnership has raised more than $679 million, with involvement from over 300,000 firefighters nationwide.
These funds have led in part to over a dozen FDA-approved drugs in as many years for those with neuromuscular disease. Those treatments were created from MDA’s vision to open a new field of medicine and push the boundaries of the medical frontier we call genetic medicine.
“What the IAFF has done for MDA over the past 68 years is unprecedented,” said Donald S. Wood, Ph.D., President and CEO of MDA. “With the support from our partners at the IAFF, MDA is doing the impossible in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for people living with neuromuscular disease. We have a mission to empower the people we serve to life longer, more independent lives and we will fulfill this mission together, with the IAFF.”
The 2024-2025 Ascension and Resurrection Faith Formation Program recently participated in the Western New York Catholic Charities "Competing for the Cup Challenge." The program won first place against other Faith Formation groups throughout the Diocese of Buffalo, raising over $1100. When the program resumes later this fall, the group will enjoy a pizza party and treats for all their efforts.
The Faith Formation Group sponsored a Soup Supper, basket raffle, and bowl-a-thon during Lent in support of this challenge. As part of their service projects this year, they also supported the Annual All Babies Cherished Basket Raffle.
Thank you to all our families and volunteers who participated in this year's program, which will officially conclude with Confirmation at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Buffalo on Pentecost on June 8.
We know that moms are nurturing by nature, and that’s why it is imperative that children get guidance from both parents in building a foundation for success, especially when it comes to choosing a career.
Two out of three students develop their career plans from their parents, which is why I am here to emphasize the importance of parents being up to date on what employers are seeking in future job candidates and how you can mold your child’s career path and future plans.
Approximately 60% of all new jobs will need no more than a two-year degree; in STEM and the skilled trades, it’s almost 100%. Individuals who explore expedited pathways such as two-year degrees and apprenticeships will have ample career opportunities.
Starting your child in career exploration at a young age, much like in sports, provides them with valuable opportunities to discover their interests and strengths early on.
Waiting for your senior year in high school is too late and tends to be too costly when making career decisions. Acquiring skills and discovering the many career opportunities available throughout your academic journey will pay off in the long run.
If your child decides to take the four-year college route, figure out what your return on investment will be. Too often, I have seen students come out of school with debt and no career pathway.
That is why I suggest considering working and learning with your hands, especially if your child struggles academically. The best part is that these pathways are not permanent if your child decides to take a different route, but the skillsets they gain will be valued across many paths!
I want to thank parents like Brooke Pontillo, who connected me with her son Ben to discuss post-graduation opportunities. We met up for ‘coaching session’ and it worked!
I’m pleased to say Ben is now on a great career path at Liberty Pumps.
If you are interested to learn how you can spark career interest and exploration for your child, visit www.gcedc.com/careerchecklist to access our free career checklist, featuring eight essential steps to jumpstart a professional journey.
If you are a student, parent, teacher, or guidance counselor, contact me at csuozzi@gcedc.com to learn how to get involved today!
Go Bills!
Chris “Coach SwazZ” Suozzi is the Executive Vice President of Business & Workforce Development at the Genesee County Economic Development Center.
Spring has arrived, and with it comes Genesee County’s Farm Bureau’s annual event Kinderfarmin’! We are ecstatic to be able to bring this wonderful tradition to our kindergarten students and families! Kinderfarmin’ is being held on Wednesday, June 4, at Post Dairy Farms, LLC in Oakfield. This event, in one form or another, has been happening for over 40 years in Genesee County and has become a staple for classrooms.
Kinderfarmin’ has been recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation as an “Event of Excellence”.
This day attracts over 600 kindergarten students from ten school districts. Including teachers, chaperones, and the hundred volunteers, the host farm will have over 1000 visitors in a single day. For this one day, this local dairy farm will continue to be a dairy and be transformed into a classroom with hands-on learning stations and guided tours.
Genesee County Farm Bureau partners with roughly 20 local businesses and organizations to provide a unique, fun and educational experience for all ages. We aim to highlight all the effort that goes into making our favorite dairy products like milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and of course ice cream!
Our field trip is FREE for every student and would not be possible without the generosity of our many sponsors and local farmers.
A bowling ball rolls down the wooden lane, striking into the pins and clattering them to the floor.
A whoop and a cheer are let out as the next bowler takes center stage; all this is possible thanks largely to a $5,000 grant from the M&T Charitable Foundation. The grant was awarded to enhance Arc GLOW’s recreation and respite programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Genesee, Livingston, and Wyoming counties. Thanks to this generous support, the people served by Arc GLOW are participating in a wide array of inclusive and enriching activities. From bowling nights and movie outings to dining experiences, museum and theater visits, and local festivals.
“Our goal is to create opportunities for joy, connection, and community involvement,” said Jill Pegelow, vice president of Self-Direction and Community Services at Arc GLOW. “M&T Bank’s support plays a huge part in helping us bring these experiences to life.”
Arc GLOW has several events on tap in 2025, including the Self-Advocate All Stars Annual Talent Show fundraiser on April 26; Johnathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper Self-Advocacy Day on May 31; Arc Night at the Ballpark on June 12; Genesee County fair activities; nature walks at Swallow Hollow Trail; outdoor sports; and many other community activities.
“Arc GLOW’s recreation and respite programs provide meaningful experiences to individuals and their families. We appreciate the support of the M&T Charitable Foundation for making a difference,” Pegelow said.
Arc GLOW’s recreation and respite program provides temporary relief to families from the demands of caregiving, which can help reduce overall family stress. This allows families to better meet the needs of their loved ones with a developmental disability. Respite can be provided in or out of the home, during the day, evenings or nights.
To learn more about Arc GLOW and the recreation and respite program, visit ArcGLOW.org.
The 2025 Memorial Day schedule of ceremonies begins on Sunday, May 25, at 2 p.m. with a ceremony at the Western New York National Cemetery, located at 1254 Indian Falls Road in Corfu.
Additional ceremonies will take place throughout Genesee County on Monday, May 26 are as follows:
7:00 a.m. - Genesee Co. Park – Vietnam Veterans Memorial (Sponsored by VVA #193)
8:00 a.m. - Williams Park W.W. I Memorial (wreath laying, rifle salute & Taps)
Veness-Strollo Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1602
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #193
Sons of Union Veterans Abraham Lincoln Camp #6
The LeRoy American Legion Post 576 will be having a parade starting at the post at 10:30 on May 26, 2025. It will go down Main Street to Trigon Park (Old High School). There will be a ceremony with guest speaker Jim Ellison, Capt/USN/Ret, a laying of the wreath, and a ceremonial firing followed by taps that will begin at approximately 11:00.
Batavia Veterans of Foreign Wars – Post 1602 25 Edwards St., Batavia, NY 14020 Post 1602 members will also be placing flags at the Elmwood Cemetery on Friday, May 23, 2025. On Memorial Day, the post opens at noon for veteran lunch.
The City of Batavia's Memorial Day Parade begins at 9:30 a.m.
The Richmond Memorial Library will welcome local author JG Benedict for an author visit on Saturday, May 17, at 11 a.m. in the Reading Room.
JG is a native of Batavia and the author of paranormal fiction. He will discuss his book The Nightroad (Anthology One), which was published in November 2024 by Media Hatchery. The Nightroad takes readers on a voyage through the paranormal.
JG will share a talk followed by a book signing. Copies of the book will be for sale in paperback ($20) or hardcover ($30). Payment can be accepted in cash or Venmo. Copies are also available to borrow through the library!
JG Benedict is a paranormal fiction author and general essayist. He is a native of Batavia and a current resident. JG graduated from Batavia High School before attending college at St. Bonaventure University and SUNY Potsdam. Over the past forty-some years, he has lived and traveled throughout the United States; he is something of a Renaissance Man when it comes to his experience and skill set.
More information can be found at jgbenedict.com. For more about the Richmond Memorial Library and other programs, visit batavialibrary.org. RML is located at 19 Ross St in the City of Batavia.
Congratulations to the First Communicants from Resurrection Parish and Ascension Parish, who joyfully received their First Holy Communion during the 10 a.m. Mass on May 4 at St. Joseph’s Church.
“This year’s budget was a missed opportunity -- a chance to confront New York’s affordability crisis, restore public safety, and rebuild public trust. Instead, Albany delivered more of the same.
At $254 billion, this is the largest and one of the most irresponsible budgets in state history. While families struggle with rising costs and small businesses fight to survive, this plan adds to the burden. Modest wins like a small tax cut and one-time ‘inflation refunds’ will be quickly offset by the long-term damage of the runaway spending. You can’t fix affordability by growing government at such a scale.
The failures extend beyond the bottom line. The Governor promised meaningful discovery reform to fix the flood of criminal case dismissals under the 2019 law and the resulting harm caused to public safety. Instead, we got a watered-down tweak that won’t make a real difference. Her proposed mask ban, meant to deter masked agitators and criminals and aid law enforcement, was similarly gutted. The kind of lawless takeover we saw this week at Columbia University will happen again and again. Once again, public safety took a back seat to political appeasement.
There are a few bright spots. The budget finally expands involuntary commitment standards and strengthens Kendra’s Law—provisions similar to legislation I’ve championed for years. These changes are overdue and may save lives. It also pays off the state’s $7 billion unemployment insurance debt, offering long-awaited relief for small businesses. But let’s not forget: those same businesses have spent the past five years unfairly footing the bill while Albany failed to act.
Any goodwill is undermined by one of the most outrageous provisions in the budget: $10 million in taxpayer funds set aside to cover the private legal fees for state officials, including Attorney General Letitia James, if she faces federal prosecution for mortgage fraud. The actions being investigated involve a personal financial transaction and have nothing to do with her role as Attorney General. She should pay for her own defense. Taxpayers should never be forced to bankroll the personal legal troubles of political elites.
This budget is a monument to mismanagement—a missed opportunity to deliver real reform, real relief, and real results. Every year, Albany excuses a late budget by promising it will be ‘worth the wait.’ This year, once again, it wasn’t.”
The Batavia Police Department and National Grid want to warn you about a potential scam in our community. There have been reports of individuals going door-to-door, claiming to represent National Grid, but they are not affiliated with the company.
These individuals may be trying to sell services or collect personal information from residents. It's essential to remember that National Grid does not engage in door-to-door solicitation.
If someone comes to your door claiming to represent National Grid, be cautious and take the following steps to protect yourself:
Verify identity: Ask to see photo identification. National Grid and licensed Energy Service Company representatives must carry visible ID with a logo.
Protect your information: Never provide your utility account number or a copy of your utility bill unless you are sure you want to consider an offer.
Be cautious of agreements: Do not sign anything until you understand the agreement terms, rate structures, billing practices, customer service policies, and cancellation procedures.
Be aware of red flags: National Grid will never ask for your account number during a home visit or unsolicited call.
Stay safe: If you feel unsafe or suspect fraudulent activity, lock your doors and call 911 immediately.
If you're unsure about the identity of a National Grid employee, you can always confirm by calling 1-800-642-4272. We appreciate your partnership in helping us protect our community members from misleading or fraudulent activity.
Any other legitimate solicitor must register with the City of Batavia Clerk's office and will be issued paperwork, feel free to ask for this documentation.
Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Stay vigilant, and let's work together to prevent scams in our community.
If you have any questions or need further support, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Batavia Police Department or National Grid.
My mother, Anna Newhouse Reilly, lived about 70 of her 79 years in Batavia. She is not famous. There is no display about her at the Holland Land Office Museum. There is no statue of her by the county courthouse. Ruth McEvoy did not mention her in her History Of The City of Batavia. Nonetheless, due to her gregarious personality and caring and benevolent nature, she was well known in the small city of 18,000 halfway between Rochester and Buffalo. In fact, one of my cousins, who marches to his own drummer, sent her a letter from California. It was addressed only to “Aunt Anna, Batavia, New York,” and one day, there it was in her mailbox.
Childhood
One-year-old Anna with her mother and grandparents, Olle and Amalia.
Anna Newhouse was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1918, the daughter of Danish immigrants Henry Newhouse (Americanized from Nyhuus) and Anna Bernth. Mom's parents married in 1917 and moved in with my grandmother's parents, Olle and Amalia Bernth, who had also emigrated from Denmark after adopting their daughter at the age of 5 and bringing her with them. The Bernths owned and operated a bakery.
Mom's dad, Henry, began an apprenticeship as a tool and die maker, and in 1919, another daughter, Alyce, was born. In 1925, the Newhouses had a third child, Marie, who died at 7 days of pneumonia. Unfortunately, Olle also died that year at age 55, and Amalia could not run the bakery alone. Henry applied for a tool and die making job at a business called Doehler-Jarvis in Batavia, so the family bought a house at 25 North Lyon Street and moved there. That house remained in the family until my grandmother died in 1986.
In 1925, a son, Walter, was born in Batavia, and then in 1930, another son, Robert. He just turned 95 and is the last remaining Newhouse of his generation. That same year, Amalia, who had moved with her daughter and grandchildren from Brooklyn, passed away and is buried in Batavia's Elmwood Cemetery.
When the family moved to Batavia, Mom was in the third grade. She attended Washington and West elementary schools, and when Robert Morris was built in 1929, she was in the inaugural class of the 6th grade. At some point, Doehler-Jarvis closed temporarily due to the Depression, and Henry had to transfer to another of their plants in Toledo, Ohio, so Anna attended school there briefly. The Newhouses kept their North Lyon Street home by renting it, and fortunately, they were able to return when Doehlers reopened.
Mom was bright and inquisitive, and when she entered Batavia High School on Ross Street in 1933, she took a lot of business classes and did very well. She acted in some school plays and was on the girls' basketball team. When she graduated in 1936, she had been elected to the National Honor Society and was always very proud of that. It probably embarrassed her that none of her three sons ever achieved that status, but she was pleased that we all graduated from college.
Young Adult Life After high school, Anna really wanted to attend college. However, when she brought up the topic with her father (called “Pop” by the children), he said he couldn't let her because he had two sons to think about. She was very disappointed, and there is no doubt that she would have done well. As it turned out, both her younger brothers followed their father as tool and die makers and never went to college.
There were no student loan programs back then, so Mom must have thought that “if you can't beat 'em, join 'em” because she became employed in the Doehler-Jarvis office for a number of years. During these times in her 20s, she had lots of close girlfriends to do things with, such as horseback riding and going on day trips to Letchworth Park and Niagara Falls. Before World War II, Anna went on a date with a guy who had a friend named Jim Reilly. The young man introduced Mom to Jim, and the rest is history. They dated for several years and kept in close touch when Jim joined the Army Air Corps.
On April 10, 1944, Anna Newhouse and Lieutenant James F. Reilly were married at St. Joseph's Church in Batavia by the Reverend T. Bernard Kelly. It always bothered Mom, though, that they had to be married in the sacristy rather than on the altar because she had converted to Catholicism.
Dad was stationed at Mitchell Field in Long Island when they first married, so Mom went there to live. While there, she organized a daycare to help tend to the children of other airmen assigned to the base. After the War ended, Dad was sent to the Pacific for “mop-up” duties, and Mom went back to Batavia to live with her parents. When Jim was discharged and returned home, the couple rented an old mill building at Seven Springs outside of town, which today is a Zen Buddhist retreat.
Kids Arrive In January 1947, I was born, and mom and dad bought a house at 26 Thomas Ave. in central Batavia off West Main Street. Then, in December 1949, my brother Dan came along. During these years, Anna devoted herself to being a good stay-at-home mom and enjoyed caring for and being a part of her children's lives. Dan and I went to Saint Mary's School, and Mom was involved with the “Mothers Club,” which was similar to today's PTA, but apparently minus the dads. She also worked in the school lunchroom.
In 1955, when I was eight and Dan was five, my mom began cajoling Dad to get a house with a bigger yard where we kids could play and for her to have gardens. Our house on Thomas was sold, but the home with the big yard had yet to be found,, so for two years, we moved one block away and rented the upstairs of a huge house at 20 Ellicott Avenue.
In 1957, the Reillys found their big yard, and we moved to the east end of town to 122 North Spruce St. We were the last house on the street at that time, and it was surrounded by woods. We started playing, and Mom started planting. A family room (always called the “back room”) and a garage were added onto the house. In April 1958, the last of the Reilly brothers, Jim Junior, was born, and the family was complete. Mom continued in her role at home, but started taking some part-time jobs such as doing some bookkeeping for the Steak House Restaurant on West Main Road a couple of evenings a week.
Mom's Work Years Around the time Jim Jr. was born, my father switched jobs, and the new one proved to be not so successful. Therefore, it was decided that Mom would get a job to assist with the family finances. Her previous experience at Doehlers and the restaurant, along with her outgoing personality, led to a long string of fice jobs at which she became increasingly successful.
Anna's first position was as a teller at The M&T Bank on Main Street. It was a well-known institution, and she got to know a lot of customers, which led to her next job, which was as the office manager of a downtown travel agency known as the North American Automobile Association. This company was the Canadian version of AAA, and they expanded into the American market for a time. For a number of years, she was fortunate to work at NAA with her longtime friend Henrietta (mom called her “Hank” ) Starrett.
From NAA, Mom moved on to work in the office of prominent Batavia clothiers McAlpine-Barton on the corner of Main and Center Streets. Mr. LaRay Barton had been a long-time neighbor on North Lyon and knew Mom well. She worked with LaRay's wife, Eva.
Finally, Anna took a job as the office manager for the reputable Western New York theater chain Dipson's, which until “urban renewal” had a well-utilized theater on Main Street near State Street. The chain was also a partner in the Mancuso Theater on the southeast end of Main and owned other theaters, mostly in small cities in the area. The owner was William “Bill” Dipson, and Anna was his trusted “right-hand woman” for many years.
In the mid-1970s, Dipson split the Mancuso Theater from one 1,500-seat entity into two smaller theaters so they could show more movies. As part of the renovation, Dipson's offices relocated to a spot in the back of the theater, which is where Mom mostly worked.
Health Issues In her later years, Mom was plagued by health issues. However, she fought through them with courage and determination because she had people she loved and things she wanted to accomplish.
In 1979, Anna, a long-time smoker, was diagnosed with oat cell carcinoma in her lung, which at that time had about a 5% survival rate. She was convinced she was going to die, but when the doctors offered the relatively new treatments of chemotherapy and radiation, she was willing to try. She became a virtual guinea pig for experiments and was the subject of many medical discussions. Fortunately, she survived, but those treatments took a toll, and mom was never the same after that.
In 1987, while she had a cast on her arm from a fall, Anna was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a mastectomy and again made it through, but going forward, had two hip replacements, a broken wrist, and had her gall bladder removed. Some of this interrupted her work, but Mom was tough and bravely kept on until she finally retired.
Anna lived long enough to welcome three grandchildren whom she adored and spent as much time with as possible. She even went to their schools to work with their classes. One of her great-grandchildren is named after her.
Wanderlust After Mom's cancer treatments, she decided to do some of the traveling she had always yearned for. She loved Cape Cod and Nova Scotia, so she and my dad had gone there a number of times.
Then she joined a group called Elderhostel, which, through universities, sponsored classes and trips for senior citizens. Her first trip was to the Grand Canyon, where she went all the way to the bottom and, at one point, sat in a relaxing mud spa.
In 1989, Anna was part of a very special Elderhostel trip to China. She was so excited to go, and preparation was made for months. Just her bad luck though (and for the citizens of China), just as her group arrived and was billeted at a Beijing hotel, student protests, which had been going on against the Chinese government for some time, were escalated by the army, and the now famous “Tiananmen Square Massacre” took place. Hundreds or possibly thousands of protesters were killed and wounded.
The day before, Mom had gotten to go to the Square and took a photo of the Statue of Liberty replica that the students had erected there. But on June 4th, Mom and her fellow travelers heard gunfire and were quickly escorted to a bus and out of Beijing via back roads. The Elderhostel trip was cut short, and the Americans, much to Mom's dismay, had to return home.
Of course, Dad had been frantic, worrying about his wife. The story was covered in the Batavia newspaper, and a photo of them reuniting at the Buffalo airport was published.
After arriving home, Mom wrote an article about her Chia experience, which was printed in the paper.
Interests, Accomplishments and Friends Mom had the proverbial “green thumb” and was a wonder with plants. When we moved to North Spruce Street, she planted many flowers, bushes and trees. The maple trees she put as saplings are now tall and fully grown. The side of the property bordering North Street still has forsythia and spirea bushes that she planted there. When her children were grown, married, and bought homes, Mom went there and helped with planting, too. In the early 80s, Mom and Dad sold their house and moved to a senior citizen apartment complex on West Main Street. Their back door looked out on Tonawanda Creek, and Anna and her neighbor built trellises and created beautiful flower gardens.
Anna also enjoyed writing, and, along with her interest in plants, she submitted an article on gardening to the New York Times Magazine, which, to her great pride, they printed. I have it framed and hanging in my apartment.
Mom made friends easily and a couple were well known in Batavia circles. Through her job at Dipson Theaters, she met Dianna (pronounced DEE-anna) Dipson, Bill Dipson's sister and a classically trained violinist. Diana lived in the family mansion on East Main Street and was somewhat eccentric, but Mom would stop by, and they would chat about gardening.
Anna was also good friends with Nan Meyer, who wrote for the local newspaper. When Mom passed away, Nan wrote an admiring eulogy, which was printed in the newspaper.
Mom was accepting of all sorts of folks and eventually became acquainted with a guy who claimed to be a member of the Hell's Angels motorcycle gang named Geno. He fancied himself a poet, and Mom would help him with spelling and editing.
Anna was very giving of her time. Along with my father, she volunteered many hours at the Veterans Hospital. She also befriended a woman who suffered from Multiple Sclerosis and would assist her with getting to doctor's appointments, shopping, etc.
Learning from her Danish mother, Mom became an excellent cook. Most holiday meals for the family were held at our house, and mom's turkey, ham, or whatever she served never disappointed.
Anna was known for her baking, and rarely did an occasion go by when she didn't make a scrumptious apple, cherry, peach, or some kind of pie. For a time, she made wedding cakes for pay, and our house would be taken over by cake pans, mixers, bowls, layers laid out for assembly, and containers and pastry bags for decorating. Mom made many birthday cakes and wedding cakes for two of her sons and at least one niece.
Anyone who knew Mom would agree that she was “one tough cookie' as the saying goes. But, as is true for any parent who outlives their child, she was devastated by the loss of her son Dan at age 41 in a scuba diving accident at Lake George, where he lived. She bravely tried to soldier on through her grief, but in 1997, she suffered two heart attacks in a week and died on September 7th at the age of 79 in Genesee Memorial Hospital in Batavia. Per her wishes, Anna was cremated, but her ashes were buried at St. Paul Of The Cross Cemetery in Honeoye Falls with my dad, who passed away in 2007.
I think it can safely be said that Batavia, New York, was a better place for having Anna Newhouse Reilly as one of its citizens for so many years. I think she would be proud that her biography was written by her son and printed in the publication named for her city.
File Photo of a rendering by LaBella Associates for the prospective Creekside Park along Tonawanda Creek on Evans Street in Batavia.
If you have thoughts or ideas about the prospective development of land along Tonawanda Creek near Evans Street on the city’s south side, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has opened the window for comments during the next month.
Known as Batavia Creekside Park Development, located at 26 and 60 Evans St., Batavia, the property, under the direction of the city, Batavia Development Corp., and Director of Economic Development Tammy Hathaway, has been submitted for a Brownfield Cleanup Program application to the state agency.
Part of DEC’s protocol is to allow the public to weigh in on any potential project that may take place on the property. Hathaway said several links are available to review history, research and maps for the site as BDC pursues what is believed to be a future valuable housing asset.
“A key aspect of the BDC’s mission is to identify underutilized real estate within the city for potential redevelopment. Moving a piece of potentially contaminated land through the cleanup program ultimately improves its condition and unlocks its potential for safe use,” she said Friday. “As shared in previous months, the Brownfield Opportunity Area steering committee brainstormed potential uses for the Creek Park property and concluded that its highest and best use would be for housing, a critical need in our community.”
When asked if she recommended certain reading material for folks, Hathaway found that hard to answer, “because I find all of it interesting.”
“The real estate reports date back to when I was a teenager, and give a 450-page history of the property,” she said. “Reading through these and seeing what once occupied the property verifies the reason why the parcel requires attention to improve its condition for reuse.”
Before diving in, a reminder about what a Brownfield Cleanup Program is:
Designed to encourage private-sector cleanups of brownfields and to promote their redevelopment as a means to revitalize economically blighted communities.
This is an alternative to “greenfield” (land not previously developed or contaminated) development. It is intended to remove some of the barriers to and provide tax incentives for the redevelopment of brownfields.
An incentive and catalyst for the cleanup and redevelopment of more than 500 contaminated sites statewide since 2003. There are more than 550 active sites in the program.
Research dates back to 1990, when a walking inspection of the site found the topography flat except for an alluvial terrace and steep slope near Tonawanda Creek; few, if any, buildings that have ever been constructed on the site had a lower floor or basement. The railroad roundhouse on the southern-most parcel apparently had a recessed area from which railroad personnel could inspect the steam-powered locomotives.
Several site sections have exposed concrete structures where buildings or other structures were once located. Compared to local terrain, the northwestern-most portion of the site appears slightly lower in elevation and is likely subject to periodic flooding.
Existing above- and below-grade utility lines are present on-site. Trees and shrubs cover the lower terrace area north of the existing railroad grade.
Because the study was completed during winter, no distressed vegetation was observed on site.
A potentially contaminated discharge was observed flowing out of the pipe located just north of the main storm sewer on Tonawanda Creek just downstream of Dam 2. Though this pipe is north of the site, its source has not been determined.
This pipe could be an old outfall acting as a discharge conduit for local groundwater. This is feasible since the soils in this area are very permeable.
Nearly 40 interviews were conducted with neighbors and past employees — 14 former Doehler-Jarvis employees, one engineer presently working for NL industries, four former employees of the railroad companies, and 20 others, city historian, neighbors, a member of the Democratic Committee, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hazardous Waste Remediation Division of DEC, Genesee County Legislature, IDA, Planning Department, Batavia Town Supervisor, City of Batavia Water and Sewer Department, engineering, zoning, inspection and fire departments.
Not one was observed or familiar with any on-site dumping by Doehler Die Cast Company or Doehler-Jarvis. A few were familiar with on-site dumping of cinders/ash from coal-fired locomotives used by railroad companies prior to the use of diesel-powered engines along railroad spurs and near the creek.
A few were familiar with neighbors dumping household waste on-site several years ago, evidenced by local collectors acquiring bottles in that area. No one was familiar with on-site spills, explosions, fires, or emergencies related to petroleum, hazardous materials, or hazardous wastes used by the railroads or Doehler companies.
All that information is in a Phase I real estate investigation, followed by a Phase II investigation. In 1992, there was a quantitative environmental analysis and supplemental remedial investigation of remedial work.
Work continued in 2014 with a Phase I environmental site assessment when City Manager Jason Molino was here. The assessment reviewed unanticipated hazardous materials, external observations, and an executive summary about the aftermath of various manufacturing and industrial operations on site between 1919 and 1980, including Batavia Steel Products Corp., Doehler Die Casting Co., Adria Motor Car Corp., and Gray Machine & Parts Corp.
The parcel at 60 Evans St. had also been listed as a DEC State Superfund site; however, “no information was available from the DEC or other sources regarding that listing, it stated.
Investigative methods included advancing test pits, test trenches, soil borings, and groundwater monitoring wells. Soil, groundwater, and surface water samples from the site and creek were collected and submitted for laboratory analysis.
Contaminants identified included metals, petroleum constituents, and chlorinated solvents, prompting remedial work associated with the former Doehler-Jarvis, including:
Remove one 500-gallon underground storage tank, two 10,200-gallon underground storage tanks, and two in-ground hydraulic lifts.
Excavation and off-site disposal of lead-impacted soil.
Excavation, stockpiling, and bio-remediation of approximately 1,700 cubic yards of petroleum-impacted soil.
That work was completed as of April 5, 1995 as other concerns were identified, such as chlorinated solvents being detected in groundwater samples and fill materials consisting of ciders, ash, glass, brick, metal fragments and concrete located throughout the site seven feet down, with additional assessment of fill materials being warranted for redevelopment purposes.
Yet another Phase I and II environmental investigation report, 10 years later in 2024, now under City Manager Rachael Tabelski, shows updated findings of petroleum impacts, product globules on the groundwater entering test pits, and a heavy sheen coming out of the ground at a boring.
The company Roux Environmental Engineering and Geology recommended the site as a candidate for the Brownfield Cleanup Program and to apply “if the city of Batavia or other entity is interested in pursuing redevelopment of the site.”
A final link is the completed 2025 application, which includes history, maps, environmental assessments, and a project description—six three-story, 16-unit multi-family residential complexes with a first-floor garage, private drive, stormwater management areas, a walking path, a natural park, landscaping and green space.
Diana Prinzi, the new Genesee County jail superintendent. Photo by Joanne Beck
Diana Prinzi seems like a no-nonsense type of person, someone with a shy smile backed up by a passion for law enforcement and keeping the protocols in check.
So, it may come as no surprise to those who know her best that her latest role falls right in line with her goal to continue being a central point of the organization. She worked for Immigration and Customs Enforcement for 22 years before retiring in 2019, and then two years later, she worked part-time for Genesee County, becoming program coordinator for Genesee Justice in 2022.
She began as Genesee County Jail superintendent on Jan. 1.
“This job was a continuation of a path that I had with ICE, as far as with an open facility. I worked on policies and procedures and the accreditation. So this is sort of a branch off of that. It's the administrative portion of that now, and having oversight of a new facility, bringing that to fruition, and getting everything in place,” Prinzi said during an interview Wednesday at the West Main Street Road jail. “Obviously, this new jail has been open and things were up and running, but there's still a lot of growing to do, and getting everything in tune with a much larger facility, all different aspects of how it operates compared to what it was at 14 West Main. I enjoy the administration oversight of it, trying to get all those different parameters in place. And everything that comes to mind, whether it’s policies and procedures, whether it's training, whether it's security oversight, whether it's just daily operations staffing, there's a lot to it. And I like that aspect of bringing all those pieces together.”
Those pieces include 106 inmates, of whom 86 are men and 20 are women. There are approximately 50 correctional officers and a dozen vacancies; three kitchen staff; and medical, religious, and financial service providers, including Genesee County Mental Health. There is a Bible study and Sunday church service, and Genesee Valley BOCES provides lessons for a General Education Diploma program. As she said, there are a lot of working pieces.
Prinzi also noted her deputy superintendent, Jason Queal, aka “my right hand.”
“He’s invaluable,” she said.
Backing up a bit, what led Prinzi, who was born and raised in Le Roy, to follow a criminal justice path? She figured it was some of her college classes, such as research methods and a criminal justice course.
“I got drawn in at the time I graduated from college. They were just building the immigration facility (in Batavia). So that’s really where my path went, that’s really what led my pathway,” she said, bringing it to her current position. “It’s the care and custody of the inmates inside, and what we provide to them, the services that they need, whether it's medical care or food, outside providers for religious services or classes instruction, making sure that we meet the compliance with the Commission of Corrections and what their standards are. So all those types of things tied together, you know? So, sort of it's like a direct oversight of all those things, and I like seeing how all those inner workings come together.”
What else is part of the job? Certainly, paperwork is part of the job, she said, because “if you didn’t like paperwork, you wouldn’t do the job.” There is a lot of documentation involved when someone is brought into custody, she said.
“You have to make sure that everything's being done properly, everything's being documented properly, and that you can show that the things are being done. So that's a very important aspect,” she said. “So definitely, there's a lot of aspects to this position. It's very fluid. Every minute, there's something new. Being a county jail, arrests come fresh off the street, so there are all different aspects of what people bring in with them. Whatever their care needs are, their backgrounds, they could have immediate needs that need to be attended to.
“Whether it's their situation, where they just came from, their home life, drug use, things like that. Little bit different than somebody that's going into city department corrections, that’s already been through a county jail and spent some time here in terms of just transitioning to basically a new facility,” she said. “So that has been a little bit eye-opening, because I didn't have the county jail aspect under me before, I had more of a controlled environment, I should say, from what we had when working with Genesee Justice.”
She wanted to take special note of National Correction Officers’ Week, thanking them all for their work and stating that they “should be very highly respected.”
“I don’t think people understand the job that they do and the sacrifices that they make and what they deserve for all the work that they put into it, but they see things every day that they come in here that most people never imagine seeing,” she said. “And everything that they do is obviously to support the criminal justice system, but it’s to keep our community safe, too. So it’s definitely a whole different world when they walk in those doors, and what they take every day when they go in the back and they leave.”
Prinzi and other personnel were put to the test a week ago when a fire erupted at nearby Hodgins Engraving, causing chemical explosions and billowing smoke to create potentially toxic air quality for the jail and other building occupants.
"It was a little bit chaotic. You have to understand that, working in the jail, there's different safety and security procedures. I worked with my supervisory staff and with emergency management and our facilities team, just checking to make sure that things were where they needed to be. I mean, we had air quality checks going on. We obviously had smoke everywhere. The wind was blowing in our direction; we couldn't avoid it. We kept an eye on things like that,” she said. “There was talk about whether or not we would have to evacuate. There was a very close eye kept on that. So we were reviewing how we would handle that, and we made close contact with other facilities that we would utilize as resources for that. So we had things in place. Fortunately, we did not have to go that route, because that's a significant undertaking to have to move 100 inmates out.
“I was here long hours that day, as everybody was, making sure people were safe. And unfortunately, people do get affected by it. They can't stop what happens on the outside in the environment. But everybody took their roles. We had the air quality testing coming in … the sheriff was here,” she said. “We had a lot of people, my deputy was here, my deputy superintendent, everybody was trying to do their part to figure it out, besides the staff and the supervisors and the people that are normally here, medical here, we had some extra medical staff evaluate the inmates and stuff. So we just took the precautions that we needed to. Being in a jail, you can’t just pack up and walk out.”
What has been the most challenging part of the job so far? “There’s a lot of daily challenges, and that’s just part because it is a county jail and we deal with a lot of different things every single day, part of it is generally our staffing. We have a lot of staffing still we're catching up on. There isn't one challenge that stands out above everything else. I think that if you're working in a jail and you're not being challenged, then something's not right, and you should be aware, or be cautious, because you're missing something,” she said. “If those challenges aren't there, challenges make us better, because we have to address them. And we find things every day. You can find something that you've been doing, and you can look at it a different way, and realize, oh, well, we should have been doing this a little bit differently, and we would have been doing it better. And to me, that's just a way of progressing, and improving upon who we are and what we do.”
Prinzi and husband Sam have five children and three grandchildren and when she has any free time, they enjoy traveling or doing projects around the house and spending time outdoors.
As for her free time, she smiled when asked if she had a daytime shift or not. Her hours are during the day, but “it’s a 24-hour shift,” she said. She and Queal are often catching up on busy work — computer, emails, and she is on call — after hours. That means 24/7, 365 days a year, she said. It’s just part of the job.
“It’s part of what the job is, and you need to know that going into it,” she said. “Any law enforcement job has that type of connection to it.”
Prinzi has no qualms about being a female leader of primarily male employees at the jail. She exudes controlled confidence when stating her open-door leadership style and goals for the facility, which was completed and opened toward the end of 2024.
She values input from the most experienced, veteran officers to newer ones just starting out, she said, and understands that all of them "bring something to the table."
“There's a lot of potential in this building, as far as what the staff can bring to the table, what we can do with the physical plant, as far as what the classroom is, what we can offer. And just make it a good place to work and get the staffing where we want it to be. So we have a lot of goals when it comes to that,” she said. “I have my thoughts on things that I want to see based on my experience, and those things are important, and they will definitely trickle into what I'm doing. But I also am very open to the fact that I have not worked in this county jail for all these years. I am very open to what they have to say and to the knowledge that they have, because they work back there every day.
“I will never discount an idea or suggestion. I can't implement all of them. They're not all going to be feasible for what we have, but I'm going to listen to them all and know what they say,” she said. “We have oversight, but we can make it into the best place possible.”
Randy Fancher, co-owner of J&R Fancher Properties Holdings, and his son Ethan at Thursday's Genesee County Planning Board meeting. Photo by Howard Owens.
In 2021, J&R Fancher Property Holdings started construction on a mixed-use -- apartments and retail -- near Brickhouse Corners in Pembroke, and given the demand for those six units in that complex, Randy Fancher is confident his new housing project will be a success.
Fancher met with the Genesee County Planning Board on Thursday night to discuss his plans for two new 10-unit townhouse complexes in the same location.
"The apartments -- they went great. The retail, not so much," Fancher said. "We have six apartments. We got 150 phone calls in the first year we stopped tracking. So, I'm very confident the apartments will rent."
The townhouses, dubbed "Brickhouse Commons," will be market rate, Fancher said, and a bit more higher end than might currently be available in Pembroke. Each unit will have its own garage and private entry. The design has been previously used and successful, in Buffalo and Rochester, he said.
One of the primary complications facing the project is the presence of a wetland on the property, which requires a 100-foot buffer for any building or roadway. The Department of Environmental Conservation requires a "delineation" every five years to determine the boundaries of the wetlands, which grow and recede over time. There hasn't been a delineation on the property in six years, before Fancher acquired it from the Genesee County Economic Development Center. A new delineation could take up to a year to certify.
That changed Fancher's plans for the driveway to the apartments. At GCEDC's suggestion, he's now planning to connect the complex to Route 77, requiring a curb cut, which requires the approval of the Department of Transportation. That permit is expected to take less time to receive.
Fancher is planning to apply for incentives, as he did with the first projects, from the GCEDC.
He told the board, "When we built that building, the incentives were for mixed use, which is why we did mixed use. Now the IDA is giving incentives for apartments only."
The retail portion of the Fancher-built mixed-use project, completed in 2022, has been hard to fill, Fancher told the board, because it's expensive to start a new business in a new retail space.
"To be honest, I thought it would go better (for the retail units," Fancher said. "We've gotten a lot of phone calls, but it's expensive. I mean, for anybody to come in there, because it's a new building and it has to be built out, right? I mean, it's expensive for us. It's expensive for them."
The board recommended approval of the site plan, which sends the plan back to the Town of Pembroke Planning Board for final development approval, but with modifications.
The applicant obtains an area variance for front yard setback;
The applicant obtains a driveway permit from NYS DOT;
The applicant obtains documentation from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) as to the project's impacts on archaeological resources;
The applicant obtains any necessary permits from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as it relates to threatened or endangered species.
Given that the project will disturb more than one acre of land, the applicant completes a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and obtains a Stormwater Permit for Construction Activity from NYS DEC; and
Any additional signage complies with the Town's zoning regulations.
The endangered species of concern that is potentially on the property is the Northern Long-Eared Bat.
Fancher, a 20-year resident of Pembroke, is also hoping to develop another parcel in the same location, and that it will be a commercial project that will benefit the entire town.
"Our hope is to get a larger chain that would be good for the community, a grocery store, or something, but some sort of commercial project," Fancher told The Batavian after the meeting. "Something that would be good for the town of Pembroke. I believe the town of Pembroke is really growing with all the stuff that's going on. We want to do it responsibly and smart. We don't want to just blow it up, make it Buffalo. But I think, you know, smart growth in that area that's classified as an interchange is good for the town."
Rendering from planning documents of the proposed Brickhouse Commons town houses.
On Thursday night, Byron Brown, president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, had something to celebrate during the concert of polka star Jimmy Sturr in Park Place at Batavia Downs.
Earlier in the day, the state Senate and Assembly passed a budget that includes a 5% reduction in taxes on OTB revenue over the next five years. The budget is now on Gov. Kathy Hochul's desk, and she is expected to sign it.
Brown projects an additional $4.5 million in revenue for the corporation, and with revenue growth likely to top a total of $25 million in additional revenue over the next five years.
The new tax structure starts on June 1.
"We're thankful for the support that we received from the governor, the members of the Assembly, and the Senate," Brown said. "Through this process, we were in pretty constant communication with the Governor's Budget Office, Assembly, Ways and Means, and Senate Finance, and we were able to work closely with them on how the bill was drafted, which we deeply appreciate."
The additional profits will help fund a 3% raise for employees, a reduction in the employee share of health insurance costs, and an increased distribution to the 17 municipalities that control OTB, Brown said.
Under the current health insurance plan for employees, those hired before 2011 pay only 5% of the monthly premium. Those hired after pay 72%.
A family health insurance plan is curently $3,325 monthly. If hired after Jan. 1, 2012, the employee contribution is $2,394.
In March, according to a response from the corporation to a FOIL request from The Batavian, the corporation paid out $204,598 in insurance premiums for employees at the 5% tier, $13,408 at the 10% share tier, and $13,788 at the 20% tier. There are apparently no employees on the OTB's health plan at the 72% tier since OTB did not pay any premiums for the tier group.
The corporation paid out $33,788 in premiums in March for retirees and current and former board members (grandfathered in because of longevity).
At the end of March, of OTB's 440 employees, 188 were enrolled in health insurance coverage. In 2024, the corporation spent $2,912,879.27 on health insurance.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) commented on the annual Police Memorial in Albany to honor the officers across the state who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their communities last year. The event was attended by lawmakers in both the state Assembly and Senate, as well as Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Hawley, who has been a staunch supporter of law enforcement, was grateful this event took place for another year and is proud of the hard work and dedication our law enforcement officers put in every day to keep our communities safe.
“Every day, law enforcement officers across our state leave their families and put on their uniforms, not knowing if they will make it home at the end of the day. These are husbands, wives, parents and siblings who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. My heart breaks for families like that of Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello, who lost their loved one in the line of duty. We are eternally grateful for their service, and we will never forget their sacrifice,” said Hawley.
Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Principal Paul Hazard is proud to announce the third quarter Honor Roll and High Honor Roll students. Hazard and the Byron-Bergen Central School District staff offer their congratulations to these students.
2024-2025 QUARTER 3 HONOR ROLL
GRADE 7:
HIGH HONOR ROLL – Jayda Amesbury, Ian Bannister, Teagan Burch, Lillian Czachorowski, McKenna Diehl, Leonard Dykstra, Katelyn Gay, Nina Hammerl, Aaliyah Hawley, Hannah Hunt, Lacie Ivison, Jason Ivison, Jr., Grant Kuipers, Anastasia Kuszlyk, Ella Maher, Liam McAlister, Amelia Meier, Elizabeth Merrick, Lawrence Moore III, Christian Perkins, Jaelynn Reynolds, Dylan Riedmiller, Collin Starowitz, Devin Stranc-Holmwood, Emma Tanner, Kylee Tirrell, Payton White
HONOR ROLL - Addison Alejandro, Amelia Baker, Diamond Dykstra-Culver, Claire Fogg, Harlow Galves, Brooklyn Louis, Gabriel Peebles, Hanna Richardson, Lincoln Senf, Jackson Senf, Monica Tobin, Brynn Weaver
GRADE 8:
HIGH HONOR ROLL - Faith Apley, Charlotte Bloom, Riley Boland, Evelyn Borycki, Madison Carson, Alyssa Chupp, Emily Cubas Canizales, Addyson Day, June Dorman, Olivia Galdun, Hunter Jarosinski, Isabella Kessler, Sophia Matthews, Lia Ray, Miranda Stanton, Contessa Vander Wyst, Benjamin Vargas, Kaylanah White, Dahlia Wolff
HONOR ROLL - Ayden Day, Katherine Erion, Cruz Gilbert, Ce'Andre Johnson, Delilah Malin, Emmarose Michaels, Jack Miller, Riley Norman, Trevor O'Brien, Caleb Rassel, William Scharvogel, Landon Starkweather, Gunner Starowitz, Aiden Thurston, Sierra Vandenbosch, Teagan Williams
GRADE 9:
HIGH HONOR ROLL - Evan Bannister, Eala Coniglio, Samantha Copani, Emily Diehl, William Duell, Zachary Gay, Cambria Goodenbery, Lila Graff, Ruth Kuipers, Alexander Kuszlyk, Isabella Lewis, Levi McGrath, Timothy Michaels Jr., Liliana Moore, Evan Phillips, Alexandra Pocock, Natalie Randall, Lucy Rea, Jenna Redick, Michael Rogoyski, Genevieve Smith, Xavier Vargas, Jillian Weaver, Paige Winkler
HONOR ROLL - Mason Farner, Ainsley Kent, Taylor Louis, Lillian Meier, Laney Niedzwiecki, Brook Pagels, Audrey Rimmerman, Lila Sharp-Robinson, Madeline Smith, Miley Stalica
GRADE 10:
HIGH HONOR ROLL - Nataly Barrera Zuniga, Rylee Burch, Emalyn Canfield, Cody Carlson, Lauren Gartz, Gavin Kinkelaar, Taylor Lundfelt, Ian MacMillen, Logan Marou, Emma Matthews, Hannah Riedmiller, Theodore Schelemanow, Elliana Tanner, Rena Wilson
HONOR ROLL - Joseph Brumsted, Gianna Cicatelli, Brayden Gelsomino, Isabella Gifford, Kai Gilbert, Wyatt Lewis, Seth Prefontaine, Brandon Schuck, Kyle Smith, Paul Szalay III, Bradley Tatar, Kylee Thurston, Jack Walker
GRADE 11:
HIGH HONOR ROLL - Katelyn Ball, Liam Boyle, Adam Cardenas, Gianna Clark, Connor Copani, Justin Deleo, Gary Donofrio, Gianna Graff, Megan Jarkiewicz, Pearl Jolliff, Carter Kuipers, Malacai McGrath, Maryn Meier, Grace Mundell, Paige O'Brien, Evan Orto, Bradley Pocock, Katherine Rogoyski, Julia Sanso Maya, Simone Scharvogel, Rayne Sheard, Hayden Starkweather, Elizabeth Starowitz, Aubrey Stein, Emma Wolfe
HONOR ROLL - Sara Bishop, Addison Cummings, Grace DiQuattro, Estelle Dumuhosky, Ava Goff, Mia Gray, Nial Johnson, Giovanny Navarro Cruz, Colin Rea, Allison Rimmerman, Solomon Smith, Andre'a White, Evan Williams
GRADE 12:
HIGH HONOR ROLL - Ryan Benstead, Sarah Campbell, Deborah Catalino, Kendall Chase, Noah Clare, Abigail Cook, Laura Curts, Isabella Davidson, Lea Donofrio, Annabelle Erion, Haylee Gartz, Peyton Goodenbery, Ava Gray, Rachel Hanel, Eli Kupfer, Ella Lewis, Draven Liles, Jackson Lundfelt, Martin MacConnell, Anna McLaughlin, Meghan Muscarella, Kasey Pagels, Ian Pulcini, Sydney Salmonds, Ashley Schlenker-Stephens, Olivia Senf, Roman Smith, Lily Stalica, James Starowitz, Ruger Starowitz, Rose Wilson, Hannah Wittman, Jade Wolff, Mikayla Yohon
HONOR ROLL - Jake Carlson, Craig DiQuattro, Jack Farner, Logan Fregoe, Landon Kent, Connor Moran, Adam Piper, Natalie Prinzi, Rayden Robinson, Jeremiah Romero, Victoria Santiago, Trent Sheard
As students, you have a lot on your plate - from classes to extracurricular activities, social events, and more. But amidst all the excitement, it's essential to remember one crucial thing: your safety. And that's where we come in.
The Batavia Police Department is committed to ensuring your safety, especially when it comes to one of the most critical issues affecting young people today: drunk driving. As a student, you have a responsibility not only to yourself but also to your friends, family, and community to make smart choices.
Here are some sobering facts:
Drunk driving is a leading cause of accidents and fatalities among young people.
Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time, putting you and others at risk.
Drunk driving is a crime that can result in serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
So, what can you do to stay safe and responsible?
Plan ahead: If you're going to drink, designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the night to avoid dehydration.
Look out for each other: If you see a friend who's had too much to drink, encourage them to call a ride or stay overnight.
Make smart choices: Avoid getting into a car with someone who's been drinking.
Remember, your safety is our top priority. By making responsible choices, you can help prevent drunk driving accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable night out with friends.
Stay safe, stay sober, and let's work together to create a safer community for everyone! Stay informed, stay safe, and let's make a difference.
Alabama-Basom Methodist Church, 1392 Lewiston Road, Alabama. Join us for worship at 10:30 a.m. on May 11, 2025. This week our sermon title is "Come, .....and Be One", led by Rodney Stringham (CLM). Scripture reading Psalm 23 and Gospel reading John 10:22-30. Come join us for Worship and fellowship after the service!
Ascension Parish - Roman Catholic Church, 135 Swan St., Batavia. We are open for Mass in the Church on Sundays at noon. We hope to see you there!
Assemblies of God-New Covenant Chapel, 6690 Oak Orchard Rd., Elba.14058. We welcome all seeking a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ through His finished work on The Cross with The Power of The Holy Spirit. John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” If you want a small, close-knit church family and a place to make a difference, please join us. Worship Service is Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Bible Study Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact us at (585)-757-6651 (585)-969-1528 or visit us on Youtube.
Batavia Assembly of God, 24 North Spruce St, Batavia. Join us for coffee in our café before our Sunday morning service that begins at 10:30 a.m. We offer "Movement Kids" (age 4 - grade 5) at 10:30 a.m. and "MVMT YTH" (grades 6-12) meet on Sunday nights at 7 p.m.
Batavia First Baptist Church, 306 E. Main St., Pastor David Weidman, where "Christ the Center, Love for All" is very evident to all who enter. We invite you to our Full Gospel Sunday services at 10 a.m.; The Thrift Shoppe is open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., come and browse in our beautifully renovated space. Donations are accepted during business hours. You can also enjoy a light lunch at Lydia's Kitchen while you shop. Questions? Email: firstbaptist2002@yahoo.com. Call us at (585)343-9002.
Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia, invites you to join us for in-person worship on Sundays at 9 a.m. (Arise-relaxed with band music) or 10:45 a.m. (Sanctuary -liturgical and organ) or on Livestream via Facebook Live for both times at: https://fpcbatavia.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/fpcbatavia/videos/.
Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia. Our mission & vision statement: “To be disciples, we must listen, learn, lead, and love our way to God.” Reverend Wayne Mort leads our worship service every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. in the church sanctuary. Childcare is offered for children birth-3 years old and Sunday school is offered for children ages 4-14 years old. You can also find the service on Facebook. We invite you to learn more about Batavia First UMC by visiting our website at www.BataviaFirstumc.com.
Byron Presbyterian Church, 6293 W. Main St., Byron. Pastor: Rev.Michael Fry.Musical Director: Laurence Tallman. Elizabeth Weber, Organist. Worship/Sunday School at 9:45 AM. Rev. Emily Enders-Odom will be filling in for Rev. Michael Fry today. Scripture Readings: Ruth 2:1-13 and John 13:31-35. Message: “No Strings Attached”. Happy Mother’s Day to all the women of our congregation and beyond. All are welcome!
Calvary Baptist Church of Le Roy, 8703 Lake Street Road, Le Roy. If you do not already have a church that you attend regularly, we would like to invite you to give Calvary Baptist Church a try. It would be a pleasure to have you join us for worship and fellowship on a Sunday morning or at one of our other mid-week events. As a multi-generational congregation that enjoys our time together, our Sunday worship service typically includes singing a mix of both traditional and contemporary songs and hymns, a children’s message, and a sermon from the Word of God. Our Sunday worship service begins at 10:15 a.m.
City Church, 210 E. Main St., Batavia, invites you for our Sunday morning services at 8:30 and 10 a.m. with Kids ministry at 10 a.m. and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join us for worship and a message. We believe in doing life together and would love to do life with YOU! You can also connect with us online at www.thecitychurch.com, through our Facebook page, The City Church, or our YouTube channel. We do life together.
Corfu United Presbyterian Church 63 Alleghany Road, Corfu. Corfu United Presbyterian Church (CUPC) welcomes all visitors to come worship with us on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. in person or via our Facebook live stream led by our pastor, the Rev. Evan Wildhack. Our mission at CUPC is to connect with Christ, connect with others, and connect others with Christ. We offer children's Sunday School at 9:15am on Sunday mornings and youth group for 7-12th graders on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month from 6-8 p.m. The church also hosts the Corfu Food Pantry which is open on the third Saturday of the month from 9 - 10 a.m. For Lent this year, we are hosting a Lenten lunch on Wednesday, March 26 at 12 p.m. During Holy Week, we will be holding a special Holy Week service at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 17. Easter worship will be at our regular worship time of 10:30am with a breakfast preceding at 9:30am. For more information about the church, feel free to contact the church office by phone at (585) 599-6414 or via email at office@corfuchurch.org. You can also visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/corfuchurch. CUPC is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Cornerstone Church of East Pembroke, part of American Baptist Churches USA, 2583 Main Road, East Pembroke. Our Sunday service is at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Glenn Bloom preaching. Bible Study is every Wednesday at 10 a.m. We are a small church and welcome new members. (585) 762-8721
Darien Disciples Church, 1951 Broadway (Route 20), Our worship service begins at 9 a.m. This week, Sunday May 11, our sermon title is "The Miracles Continue", led by Eric Phelps (CLM). Scripture readings will be from Acts 9:36-43; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30. Come join us for worship! All are welcome to attend.
Discovery Chapel, 315 West Main Street, Batavia. Pastor Ingrim Green's services are on Sundays at 10 a.m. "Let's Talk Real Talk the Gospel For Real Life." Visit our website letstalkrealtalk.org for more information.
East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany. Our Sunday morning worship service is held at 10:30 a.m. and is led by Rev. Dr. Shiela McCullough. Visitors are always welcome. You can find out more information on our Facebook page or by emailing us at ebpresbyterian@gmail.com.
Elba First Baptist Church, 31 S. Main St., Elba, is open for the main service in person at 10:45 a.m. on Sundays. For more information about our church go to www.fbcelba.net. The pastor is Michael Davis. Email: office@fbcelba.net / Phone (585) 757-2722
Emmanuel Baptist Church, 190 Oak St., Batavia. Join us for our Sunday service at 11 am or come earlier for bible study at 9:45 am. Free coffee and fellowship! Pastor Tom is continuing his preaching through the book of Acts. Debbie Prosser is leading the choir in lifting up a joyful noise to the Lord every Sunday with practice on Thursdays. We would love to hear your voice as well! Particularly we need ladies who love to sing to join the choir! Can't wait to meet you!
EverPresent Church, 4 Batavia City Centre, Batavia(off of Bank Street). Pastor Jason and Pastor Michelle Norton Welcome you! Our hours are Wednesdays 6 p.m. midweek service. Sundays 10:30 a.m. doors open 9:45 a.m. Children's church starts directly following worship. Children's church ages are 5 to 11. Counseling and other appointments are scheduled through the church via Office Scheduling. You can view some of our messages through Facebook or YouTube -EverPresent Church. Our phone number is 585-297-3155. Visit our Website for more information for up and upcoming events. Our beliefs, our vision and mission. www.everpresentchurch.com
Grace Baptist Church, 238 Vine St., Batavia. We offer two Sunday Morning Worship Services. Both services are live-streamed on our Facebook page, Grace Baptist or view it on the web at: www.gracebatavia.org. The first service is at 8:45 a.m. (children's classes available for Nursery - 1st grade). The second service is at 10:30 a.m. (children's classes available Nursery - 5th grade). KidZone for ages 4-5th grade and Grace Student Ministries (Grades 6-12) meet on Sunday Evenings at 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Indian Falls Methodist Church, 7908 Alleghany Road, Corfu. We have our worship service at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings, led by Rev. Karen L. McCaffery. This week's message is "Does He Have to Ask?". To view our services online please go to our website https://indianfallsgmc.com/ for a link for Live Streaming. Our Youth Group (grades 6-12) will meet on Sunday, May 18th from 6:30pm-8:00pm. We offer FREE Respite Care on Wednesday, April 21st from 10:00am-2:00pm, register your loved one by emailing redlady5343@earthlink.net.
Morganville United Church of Christ, 8466 Morganville Rd, Stafford. Honor your Mom by attending our “God is still speaking” church and hearing Reverend James Morasco’s sermon, “Moms” at 10 am Sunday. Friend us on Facebook! or better yet, visit us Sunday.
North Darien Bible Church, 9768 Simonds Road, Corfu. We are open! Sunday worship service begins at 10 a.m. Children's Church classes are available for children ages birth through sixth grade, including a classroom for children with special needs. For more information, visit our website. You can also watch LIVE on our Facebook or YouTube channel. Join us from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of every month for our free community closet, full of clothing, coats, and shoes for all. (585) 547-9646.
Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road (North Campus), Batavia. Life is made up of relationships — with our families, our friends, our spouses, and our kids. And while those connections can bring incredible joy, they can also come with challenges, heartaches, and questions we don’t always know how to answer. In our new series “This Is Us", we’re leaning in together to talk about navigating life’s most critical relationships — with honesty, grace, and a whole lot of love. Because God cares deeply about the people in our lives, and He offers wisdom and hope for every relationship we’re in. So wherever you are, whatever you’re walking through — this is us, and we’re in this together.
Oakfield-Alabama Baptist Church, 2210 Judge Road., Oakfield. Join us for Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 a.m., followed by our worship service at 11 a.m. every Sunday! Visit our website (www.oabchurch.com) for additional information about our church, our beliefs, upcoming activities, and past messages. Men’s and Ladies’ Bible studies also meet on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. on the church grounds. We look forward to worshiping and fellowshipping with you! Questions? Email Pastor Matt Ervin at mervin@tyndale.edu.
Oakfield Community Bible Church, 82 North Main St. Oakfield. This Weeks “Oakfield Community Bible Church”, Weekend Worship Service is at 10:30 a.m. With Praise & Worship Music by Keith Burroughs. The morning message by Pastor, Timothy Young; entitled: “Proselytizing”. Scripture: “Matthew 28:19-20” (NKJV). Our Adult Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m., along with “Sunday School through Age-16”. There will be a Time of “Fellowship” following our Worship Service! ALL ARE WELCOME!
Our Lady of Mercy (44 Lake St. LeRoy) & St. Brigid (18 Gibson St. Bergen) parishes; Parish Office - 44 Lake Street, Le Roy. Our Lady of MercyMass times: Daily Mass, Monday -Friday at 7:30am, Saturday 9:00am. Weekend Masses: Saturday Vigil Mass 4:30pm, Sunday, 7:30am, 9:30am and 5:30pm. St. Brigid Mass times- Daily Mass Thursday at 8:30am & Saturday Vigil, 5:00pm. View on YouTube and Facebook. Please visit the parish website (https://www.ourladyofmercyleroy.org/).
Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph church in Batavia). St. Joseph's Church masses are on Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Daily Mass, Monday - Friday at 8 a.m. Confessions are held at St. Joe's on Saturdays from 3 - 3:30 p.m. Vigil & Holy Days to be announced. Holy Name of Mary Site (East Pembroke) 8656 Church St., East Pembroke. Mass on Sundays 11 a.m. and Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. St. Cecilia Site (Oakfield) 56 Maple Ave., Oakfield Mass is celebrated on Sundays at 9 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia. Join us on Sundays at 9 a.m. on zoom, 10 a.m. in the church building, and on Facebook Live. Links and the bulletin can be found on our website: https://www.sjecbataviany.org/
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main St., Le Roy, is open for in-person services at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. Communion will be offered to people in their seats and will only include bread. We welcome you to join us -- either in person or online. For more information, visit our website.
St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6188 Main Road, Stafford. In-person service, including Holy Communion, is at 9 a.m. Sunday mornings. All Are Welcome.
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Batavia, 31 Washington Ave, Batavia. This coming Sunday (May 11, 2025) we will celebrate The Fourth Sunday of Easter. The Sermon Theme: “The Good Shepherd Cares for His Sheep.” By the preaching of His Gospel, Jesus calls His sheep, us, to Himself, and keeps them with Him forever. As they hear His voice and follow Him, “they will never perish” (John 10:28). Our Sunday service begins at 10:15am and can be viewed 'live' on Facebook. **No Sunday School, Communion or Youth Group this week. Our Adult Bible Study and Children's Sunday School is every Sunday, 9:00am - 9:45am. Communion is part of every Sunday service. Our Youth Group meets every Sunday, 5-7pm. Our Men's Bible Study meets every first & third Wednesday at 6:30pm. Our Quilters group meets every Tuesday, 9 - 11am.
The Church In Alexander, 10540 Main St., Alexander. Join us for Sunday Worship at 10 a.m. weekly. For more information please visit our website at www.thechurchinalexander.com. We offer a Free Food Pantry for people in our community, please call ahead if you need items from our pantry. For more information on Programs and services please contact us at (585)591-1765 or by email at thechurchinalexander@gmail.com. Church office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:15 - 11:15 a.m.
Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 Main St. in Attica, worships together at 10:45 a.m. on Sundays. All are welcome! Contact Frank White at uncleferter@msn.com for a ZOOM link or for prayer requests.
West Middlebury Baptist Church, 4950 West Middlebury Rd. East Bethany, Sunday service is at 9 a.m. Kids Club meets on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Youth Group (grades 7-12) meets on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit us online at westmiddlebury.org.
"Spiritual Connections" --The Batavian will post updates to connect people with their places of worship, religious services, fellowship opportunities, and/or spiritual advisors, etc. There is no charge for this service.
