COVID-19

Press release:

• As of 2 p.m.
  • Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19, for a total of 192 positive cases.
    • The new positive individual resides in Pembroke.
    • The person is in their 50s.
    • The new positive case was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
    • One of the previous positive cases has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Zero of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
  • Orleans County received zero new positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 238 positive cases.
    • Two of the previous community positive cases has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Seventeen of the total active positive cases are hospitalized. Please note those in the hospital may be from the community or a state-regulated facility. We do not separate them out to protect their privacy.
    • We are sorry to report the death of one of our county residents. The individual was a resident of The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of these individuals during this very challenging time.

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum plans to reopen when New York State guidelines allow with limited admission and mandatory coronavirus protocols.

We have been following the guidelines set forth by the CDC and the State of New York.

Executive Director Ryan Duffy and the Board of Directors have also obtained the assistance of T&L Cleaning Service, a locally owned professional cleaning service to advise us on a cleaning protocol and usage of effective products to keep our visitors and staff safe during this crisis.

T&L Cleaning has donated their services to our museum during this time. 

The museum we closed will not be the same museum we reopen.

• Visitors will be required to wear masks;
• Admission will be limited to no more than 10 at a time;
• HLOM is planning a “low touch” or “no touch” experience for visitors;
• The museum will have a newly designed “one way” floor plan with into and out of “pinch points” in its floor layout.

These measures are “a work in progress” and will obviously evolve as our nation continues to deal with this crisis.

We ask for cooperation understanding as we make this transition, as it will be a change for everyone.

The museum looks forward to welcoming old and new faces back with open arms, figuratively speaking, as we continue to exhibit the living history of Genesee County and Holland Land Purchase.

Press release:

WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already approved more than $545 million in payments to producers who have applied for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

FSA began taking applications May 26, and the agency has received over 86,000 applications for this important relief program.

In the first six days of the application period, FSA has already made payments to more than 35,000 producers. Out of the gate, the top five states for CFAP payments are Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and South Dakota. USDA has released data on application progress and program payments and will release further updates each Monday at 2 p.m. ET. The report can be viewed here.

FSA will accept applications through Aug. 28. Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion in financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a 5-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.

In order to do this, producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application. The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date nationwide, as funds remain available.

Getting Help from FSA

New customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call (877) 508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer general assistance. This is a recommended first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center.

Producers can download the CFAP application and other eligibility forms on this website. Also, on that webpage, producers can find a payment calculator to help producers identify sales and inventory records needed to apply and calculate potential payments.

Producers self-certify their records when applying for CFAP and that documentation is not submitted with the application. However, producers may be asked for their documentation to support the certification of eligible commodities, so producers should retain the information used to complete their application.

Those who use the online calculator tool will be able to print a pre-filled CFAP application, sign it, and submit it to your local FSA office either electronically or via hand delivery through an office drop box. Please contact your local office to determine the preferred delivery method for your local office. Team members at FSA county offices will be able to answer detailed questions and help producers apply quickly and efficiently through phone and online tools. Find contact information for your local office at farmers.gov/cfap.

Policy Clarifications

FSA has been working with stakeholder groups to provide further clarification to producers on the CFAP program. For example, the agency has published a matrix of common marketing contracts that impact eligibility for non-specialty crops and has provided a table that crosswalks common livestock terms to CFAP cattle categories. Updated information can be found in the frequently asked questions section of the CFAP website.

More Information

USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only; call (877) 508-8364. Field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible.

All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found here.

The state has mandated all but essential services close down during the current state of emergency to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Click here for a list of what the state has defined as essential services.

We will include any locally owned business whether a sponsor or not at no charge. If your business is not included, please email:   howard@thebatavian.com

Periodically, we'll move this post back to the top of the home page with updates.

This listing is FREE to all locally owned businesses in Genesee County.

Auto Service

Batavia Automotive, 50 Liberty St., Batavia. (585) 344-7171

Batavia Starter, 282 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 343-3805

Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep (service; sales by appointment only), 306 W. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-1780

Chesley's Auto and Tire Service, 562 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-8691

Crazy Cheap Cars (service; sales by appointment only), 8 Main St., Oakfield. (585) 948-8000

Dan's Tire & Auto Service Center, 48 Batavia City Centre. (585) 343-7210

Dickinson's Auto, 4028 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 343-9800

Empire Tractor, 5072 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-1822

Falleti Motors, service, and sales by appointment -- browse inventory online, 504 Ellicott St., Batavia. (585) 343-2247

Freightliner & Western Star of Batavia, 8190 State Street Road, Batavia. Heavy-duty trucking service & parts, deliveries. (585) 524-2100

Genesee Auto Body, 659 Ellicott St., Batavia. (585) 345-0432

John's Service Station, 187 Pearl St., Batavia. (585) 343-0535

Johnson Automotive, 4003 W. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-6891

Ken Barrett Chevrolet, service / collision / parts / sales by appointment only, 229 W. Main St., Batavia. (585) 300-4966

L&L Transmission, 8781 Alexander Road, Batavia. (585) 343-1735

Parmenter Tire & Auto, 4531 W. Saile Drive, Batavia. (585) 343-0544

Pellegrino Auto Sales, full service and sales, 4060 Pearl St., Batavia. (585) 344-2658

Select Collision, 5273 Clinton Street Road, Batavia. (585) 344-4945

Sheelar Automotive Repair, 149 Pearl St., Batavia. Open for business. (585) 344-2484

Sloat Tire Shop, 5257 Clinton Street Road, Batavia. (585) 343-7730

Stan's Harley-Davidson, 4425 W. Saile Drive, Batavia. Full service, showroom open. (585) 343-9598

Stella Collision, 8375 E. Main St., Le Roy. (585) 768-7370

Thompson Motors (service; sales by appointment only), 11263 Route 98, Attica. (585) 591-4310

Toyota of Batavia (service; sales by appointment only), 3899 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 344-4141

Zirbel's Automotive, 149 Hutchins St., Batavia. (585) 343-6101

Child Care

Batavia Computer Center, 563 E. Main St., Batavia, Open Monday - Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (585) 343-2070

Marchese Computers, open by appointment. (585) 343-2713

Millennium Computers, (585) 343-3310

Construction, Electric, Home Repair & Maintenance, Plumbing, Refrigeration

A.D. Call & Sons Excavation and Trucking Inc., Stafford. (FAX) (585) 343-8147. (585) 343-2910

Arctic Refrigeration of Batavia, 26 Cedar St., Emergencies 24/7: for commercial, food service, agricultural storage; also, residential parts/service. Website. (585) 343-2678

Batavia Garage Door, (585) 344-4405

Bill Fox & Son Construction, (585) 356-4992

Ben's Appliance & Kitchens, (585) 343-7033

Brownell Sealing and Contracting, 7968 Lewiston Road, Batavia. Facebook page. (716) 474-5732

Cassidy’s Locksmithing, (585) 755-1237

Cedar Street Sales & Rental, 111 Cedar St., Batavia. Open for rentals / repairs. Retail online only. (585) 343-4899

Country Line Electric, Batavia, electric equipment, supplies. (585) 343-3448

Deep Blue Pool & Spa, (585) 343-7665

Denny's Pool World, 515 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-8222

Diegelman's Plumbing, 4995 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia. (585) 356-3438

Empire Tractor, 5072 E. Main St., Batavia. Repair shop open. Curbside pickup or delivery of parts. Equipment shown upon request. New equipment delivery. (585) 343-1822

Erie East Windows and Doors, (585) 757-2768

Fava Brothers Lawn Care, (585) 260-8391

Falcone Electric, (585) 343-2018

Genesee Lumber Co., Batavia, now open Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. See updates here. (585) 343-0777

Genesee Country Residential Services. Home repairs, construction services. Weekdays 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (585) 345-0076

Genesee Plumbing, (585) 343-3805

Henry H. Cook, (585) 345-0915

Holland High Lift, 10033 East Road, East Bethany. (585) 343-9961

Humphrey's Electric & Security, (585) 721-3088

I.D. Booth Inc., 60 Liberty St., Batavia. Plumbing, heating, electrical products for trade professionals, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. (585) 343-4500

Kevin Bezon Enterprises, (585) 746-0246

Kreative Design Kitchen & Bath (Showroom open for construction projects only). (585) 345-0012

McCabe Enterprises Electrical Contractor, (585) 762-9347

Napoleone Plumbing and Carpentry, (585) 409-9961

New Look Windows LLC, 3245 Broadway Road, Alexander. (585) 547-3679

Northside Saw & Tool, 641 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 219-4735

Precision Lawn Care, (585) 993-5296

Pro Seal & Paving, (585) 356-8689

R.A. Haitz Company, (585) 343-2400

Rickety Rich Home Repair / Construction, (585) 813-7071

RJN Electrical Services, (585) 343-6700

Sallome Heating & Cooling, (585) 343-8236

Seaman's Hardware, 2602 Main Street Road, East Pembroke. (585) 762-9211

Terance Cranston Construction, (585) 305-4254

Toal's Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, commercial and residential, (585) 344-3839

Tri County Glass, (585) 343-0277

Tri-County Safe & Lock, (585) 305-3835

Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, (585) 209-0305

Valu Home Center, 4152 W. Main St.. Batavia. Curbside pick up available. (585) 344-1300

Viele Construction, (585) 343-2356

Waters Plumbing Heating and Electrical, (585) 762-8687

WTS Plumbing, (585) 993-1697

Yasses Construction, (585) 548-5014

Elder Care

Johnson's Elderly Care, (585) 548-3206

St. Ann's Community, (585) 768-2740

Finance & Insurance

Allstate Insurance Agency, H. Michael Roth, 106 W. Main St., Batavia. FAX (585) 344-3542. Phone (585) 344-3514

Insurance Center, (585) 343-2282

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, 419 W. Main St., Batavia. (716) 864-0715

Lawley Insurance, 20 Jefferson Square, Batavia. (585) 344-0300

Le Roy Federal Credit Union, 7093 W. Main Road, Le Roy. (585) 768-7207

Marathon Insurance, (585) 343-8609

Mark Lewis -- State Farm Insurance, (585) 343-4959

Mathis Agency with Nationwide Insurance, (585) 768-4810

RB Adams Agency/ The Northwoods Corporation, 539 E. Main St., Batavia, (585) 343-0046

Stephen M. Hawley & Associates -- The Insurance Center, 50 Main St., Batavia. Office closed, reduced staff; can take payments in envelope if can't pay online. M-F, 9 to 5. (585) 343-2282

Tompkins Bank of Castle (various locations), (585) 344-2898

Tompkins Insurance Agencies, 1-888-261-2688

Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union, 10 Jefferson Square, Batavia. (585) 343-5627

Funeral Homes

Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, (585) 343-5679

Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, (585) 948-5325

Cameron, Brady & Steuber Funeral Home, (585) 768-6800

C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary, (585) 599-4520

Falcone Family Funeral, (585) 768-2400

Gilmartin Funeral Home, (585) 343-8260

H.E. Turner & Co, (585) 343-8868

J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, (585) 343-6158

Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, (585) 343-7500

Garbage Collection & Recycling

Arc Collection Services-- Curbside and Dumpster. (585) 343-4203

Arc Transfer Station & Redemption Center, 3785 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. Monday/Friday/Saturday -- 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Customers remain in cars. (585) 343-4203

Haul-4-Less, (585) 813-7007

McNickel's Bottle and Can Redemption, 220 Ellicott St., Batavia. (585) 344-8652

Mickel’s Nickels Redemption, 80 Lake St., Le Roy. (585) 768-9610

Medical & Dental

Batavia Chiropractic Health Center -- Dr. Michael DeAngelo, 154 Pearl St., Batavia. (585) 343-4862

Batavia Foot Care Center, 3922 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 344-1677

Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, 2 State St., Batavia. (585) 343-8150

GCASA -- Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, (585) 343-1124

Genesee Dental, 37 Batavia City Centre, Batavia. Emergencies only. Dental staff phone hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. (585) 343-1113

Independent Living of the Genesee Region, 319 W. Main St., Batavia, assistance for the disabled, 8:30 to 5 weekdays. (585) 815-8501, ext. 400

Michael A. Kubiniec, DDS, 180 Washington Ave., Batavia. (585) 343-5865. Full services open.

Licata Chiropractic and Wellness Center, 542 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-5311

Mazurkiewicz Family Chiropractic, PC, 184 Washington Ave., Batavia. (585) 343-9316

Oatka Family Medicine, 5762 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 201-7055

Patronus Counseling -- Jennifer Geib, LCSW-R. Video/phone mental health sessions Monday-Friday evenings. (585) 483-0544

Pediatric Associates of Batavia (Dr. Idrees and Dr. Shahid), 43 Batavia City Centre, Suite A. (585) 343-7117

Pembroke Family Medicine, offices open in Alexander, Corfu and Batavia. Website. (585) 599-6446

Rochester Regional Health --

• Batavia Internal Medicine, 229 Summit St., Batavia. (585) 343-4440
• Batavia Primary Care, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 815-6760
• Bergen Family Medicine, 6966 W. Bergen Road, Bergen. (585) 494-1300
• Community Pharmacy, 127 North St., Batavia. (585) 815-6736
• Dermatology, 229 Summit St., Batavia. (585) 815-6735
• Genesee Orthopaedics, 33 Chandler Ave., Batavia, (585) 344-9676
• Hope Haven Chemical Dependency Services, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 344-5396
• Imaging – Jerome Center, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 344-5444
• Lab – Jerome Center, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 247-3500
• Le Roy Primary Care, 3 Tountas Ave., Le Roy. (585) 768-6530
• Lipson Cancer Institute, 127 North St., Batavia. (585) 344-5252
• Oakfield Family Medicine, 41 Main St., Oakfield. (585) 948-8077
• Occupational Medicine -- Jerome Center, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 815-6780
• Pain Center, 229 Summit St., Batavia. (585) 815-6710
• Physical & Occupational Therapy, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia. (585) 201-7080
• Sands Constellation Heart Institute, 229 Summit St., Batavia. (585) 442-5320
• Surgical Associates, 229 Summit St., Batavia. (585) 344-5470
• Urgent Care, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 815-6715
• United Memorial Medical Center/Rochester Regional Health, 127 North St., Batavia. (585) 343-6030
• Women’s Care, 33 Chandler Ave., Batavia. (585) 344-4700
• Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine, 127 North St., Batavia. (585) 344-5372

Sleep Insights, of Batavia, for suspected sleep apnea, sleep disorders: telemedicine, in-home testing, CPAP supply delivery. Online. (585) 219-4330

Thomas C. Farrugia, DDS PLLC, 219 Washington Ave., Batavia. Dental emergencies only. (585) 343-7028

True Wellness of WNY, wellness products, virtual client visits, free phone consultations, curbside pick up, Batavia deliveries. (585) 813-4658

Village Physical Therapy, Batavia and Le Roy locations for PT; Le Roy gym is closed; telehealth encouraged. (585) 343-9496, (585) 768-4550

Pets & Livestock

Attica Veterinary Associates, P.C. Lab, located in Genesee County, serving WNY, large animal practice. FAX (585) 591-2898 / Phone (585) 591-2660

Beds-N-Bones Pet Lodge, 8870 Wortendyke Road, Batavia. Website. Email: bedsnbones@rochester.rr.com / FAX (585) 343-5866 / Phone (585) 343-8544

Genesee Feeds, 3860 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 344-3231

Genesee Valley Farm & Pet Cremation, 3520 S. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 343-5878

Perry Veterinary Clinic, 3699 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. Pet clinic hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Call for appointment; then call clinic from parking lot once you arrive. (585) 343-4046

State Street Animal Hospital, 7950 State Street Road, Batavia. (585) 344-4974

Additional Businesses

49 Express Pit Stop, 409 Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Seneca Nation, Basom. (716) 542-1073

Batavia Country Club, 7909 Batavia Byron Rd, Batavia. (585) 343-7600. Book your tee times online and prepay, click here. Friday night take out menu available, 4 pm - 8 pm. Outdoor seating only. 

Golden Coin Laundry and Dry Cleaners, 582 E. Main St., Batavia. New service - Shoe repairs! Alterations/specialized cleaning/mat rentals. Visit online. (585) 344-0040

Neighborhood Legal Services Inc., 45 Main St., Batavia, a free nonprofit law firm paid through a NYS Health grant to assist clients in enrolling in a health insurance plan through the Marketplace. Office closed, phone assistance only. April V. Anawald, paralegal, certified navigator:   aanawald@nls.org. (585) 343-5450

RJ's Washroom, 200 Ellicott St., Batavia. Laundromat and wash & fold services. (585) 344-8652

Food & Beverage

(Click here for our list of locally owned restaurant and food-related businesses with service.)

Press release:

New Cases

• As of 2 p.m.
  • Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19, for a total of 191 positive cases.
    • The new positive individual resides in Batavia.
    • The person is in their 40s.
    • The new positive case was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
    • Zero of the previous positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Zero of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
  • Orleans County received two new positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 238 positive cases.
    • Both of the new positive individuals reside at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
    • Of the new positive cases one of the individuals is in their 60s, and one of the individuals is in their 80s.
    • One of the previous community positive cases has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Eighteen of the total active positive cases are hospitalized. Please note those in the hospital may be from the community or a state-regulated facility. We do not separate them out to protect their privacy.
    • We are sorry to report the death of two of our county residents. Both individuals were residents of Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of these individuals during this very challenging time.

Press release:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced outdoor dining at restaurants will be permitted in phase two of reopening.

Restaurants in the seven regions that have already entered phase two -- the Capital Region, Central New York, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, the Southern Tier and Western New York -- can reopen for outdoor dining beginning tomorrow, June 4th.

Outdoor tables must be spaced six feet apart, all staff must wear face coverings and customers must also wear face coverings when not seated.

Also, Governor Cuomo also announced that Erie County is now eligible to resume elective surgeries and ambulatory care.

The Governor previously announced that the state will allow elective outpatient treatments to resume in counties and hospitals without significant risk of COVID-19 surge in the near term, and a total of 52 counties can now resume elective surgeries (four counties do not have hospitals).

"COVID-19 is still a real threat and we're still battling it. I know it's not on the front pages today, but it is still in people and in society," Governor Cuomo said. "But thanks to the people of New York and the nurses, doctors and essential workers, today we have the lowest number of hospitalizations ever and we have the lowest death toll ever.

"We are continuously evaluating activities that can be safely reopened, and today we are adding outdoor seating at restaurants to phase two."

In response to the governor's announcement, Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA), issued this statement:

“The New York State Restaurant Association is grateful that the state has decided to allow outdoor dining in Phase Two.

"Governor Cuomo, his team and the Regional Control Rooms understand that the restaurant industry in New York is on the brink of collapse and this lifeline will undoubtedly be a huge help.

"We’re also promising to hold up our end of the bargain. NYSRA, our members and all restaurants in the state will follow stringent sanitation practices and social distancing to make our patrons feel comfortable and keep our diners and employees safe.”

***********************************************************************************

Click the link to guidance (PDF) for outdoor dining / takeout / delivery food service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Batavia City School administrators emphasized average class size, non-mandated programs and the property tax rate in making their final presentation of a $51.4 million 2020-21 spending plan to the public at tonight’s board of education budget hearing and meeting on the district’s YouTube channel.

Superintendent Anibal Soler Jr. and Business Administrator Scott Rozanski utilized PowerPoint slides during their 30-minute overview, touching upon several metrics, including the budget process, enrollment, demographics, employee structure, outcomes, program offerings, finances, tax implications and voting details.

BUDGET PROCESS

The district was facing a $1.9 million budget shortfall on March 31, Soler said, even before the economy felt the full effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that had forced the closing of school in mid-March. Since then, teachers and students have been interacting on a remote learning basis.

“The current fiscal challenge … was already going to be there even if COVID happened or didn’t happen,” he said. “We were going to have some tough decisions to be made as an institution.”

Batavia’s student count has dropped by 100 over the past seven years, Soler said, noting that enrollment dictates staffing levels, student-teacher ratios and the amount of state aid the district receives. He also said that state aid has been flat during that time while contractual obligations have increased.

The board adopted the budget on May 19 (almost three months after the process started), achieving its goal of formulating a budget with no increase in property taxes to homeowners.

The proposed budget includes one new item -- a $100,000 capital outlay project to install security door upgrades and landscaping at the Middle School.

ENROLLMENT AND DEMOGRAPHICS

As the school year ends, the district’s K-12 enrollment is at 2,284, with 358 in K-1, 492 in grades 2-4, 705 in grades 5-8, 641 in grades 9-12 and 88 in K-12 out-of-district placements. Another 112 were enrolled in Universal Pre-Kindergarten to raise the total to 2,396.

The average class size, which Soler said was “pretty phenomenal,” is 18 for UPK, 20 for grades 2-4, 20 for grades 5-8, and 22 for grades 9-12.

He said that 62.8 percent of the students are eligible for free or reduced lunch.

Seventy-two percent of the students are white, 13 percent black or African-American, and 9 percent are Hispanic or Latino, and the average daily attendance is 92 percent, Soler said.

EMPLOYEE STRUCTURE

Without specifically mentioning the nearly 30 jobs that were terminated or abolished to balance the budget, Soler provided an update on staffing on a full-time equivalent level.

The district employs 245.9 (FTE) teachers, plus 121 teacher aides/clerical staff, 37 maintenance staff (including a School Resource Officer), 24 nutritional services staff, six assistant principals (two each at the high school and middle school), four principals, five administrators and five information technology staff.

Soler said the student to teacher ratio last school year was about 8.2 to 1.

OUTCOMES

“At the end of the day, we’re measured by our outcomes. We’re expected to graduate kids, get them ready for college and career or the world,” Soler said.

The Batavia graduation rate of 92 percent is 9 percentage points higher than the New York State average, Soler said.

However, the district’s state English Language Arts and Math proficiency rates for grades three through eight of 38 percent and 43 percent, respectively, were slightly below the county average of 41 percent and 47 percent, respectively.

“If you look at similar size small city school districts, our rankings are usually in the top five or six …,” he said. “We are a pretty high performing school district in comparison to where we’re supposed to be.”

PROGRAM OFFERINGS

Soler said that two dozen programs that aren’t required by New York State are in the Batavia budget because they are “important to this board of education (and) important to this community.”

Those non-mandated offerings include full-day UPK, kindergarten, transportation, art/music/plays/musicals, counselors/social worker, advanced placement courses, sports, teaching aides and a school resource officer agreement with the Batavia City Police Department.

“(There are) no compromises in anything that we’re offering in either extracurricular or athletics,” he said.

SPENDING PER PUPIL

The district’s expenditures per pupil were broken into three categories – general education, special education and total.

Batavia spends $11,655 per general education student, about $2,000 less that the New York State average, and $33,848 per special education student, about $1,500 more than the state average.

Overall, the total expenditure per pupil at Batavia is $20,892, about $4,000 less than the state average, Soler said.

FINANCES & TAX IMPLICATIONS

Rozanski reported the $51.4 million budget is an increase of $952,000 (1.8 percent) over last year, but the tax levy of $19.5 million is a decrease of $7,362 (0.038 percent).

“For comparison, the CPI or Consumer Price Index is 1.81 percent,” Rozanski said.

Speaking about the state tax cap, he said it fluctuates from year to year, with the district’s 2020-21 tax cap number at negative 0.038 percent.

The district’s nine-year average tax cap allowable increase is 3.51 percent, Rozanski pointed out, but the actual nine-year average tax levy increase is only 1.03 percent – or 2.48 percent less than the average allowed.

“That translates to 71 percent less than what the district could have taxed the taxpayers or about $455,744 more per year on average,” he said. “Over that nine-year period, over $4 million more could have been collected by the district.”

Using current assessed property values from Genesee County, the projected school tax rate will decrease by 26 cents in 2020-21 to $21.30 per thousand of assessed value, Rozanski reported. That figure – and it could change -- is $3 less than the tax rate from 2006-07.

Rozanski said that over the past six years, district residents have received $4.6 million in rebate checks from New York State (as a result of the district’s compliance with the tax cap) while paying $1.36 million in school taxes – “for a net positive to the community of $3.2 million.”

The state will not be offering rebate checks this year … “and probably won’t be anytime soon,” he said.

RESERVES & REVENUE SOURCES

Rozanski said the appropriated fund balance (non-reserves) will decrease by $250,000 to $1.75 million while the appropriated fund balance (reserves) will decrease by $132,143 to $975,146 per the 2020-21 budget.

“(The $250,000) is the surplus in this year’s (2019-20) budget, Rozanski said. “That’s how much we projected to be available as of June 30^th to offset next year’s (budget).”

The district is anticipating $27.1 million in state and federal aid for 2020-21, which represents 52.6 percent of its revenue, while taxes will bring in another $19.5 million or 38 percent, Rozanski said. Support from the state is unclear, though, due to revenue losses caused by the coronavirus.

As far as appropriations, about $30 million (57.5 percent) will go to instructional support (payroll), $11 million (21 percent) to employee benefits, and $5.6 million (11 percent) to general support (administration, buildings and grounds). Remaining costs are transportation, debt service and interfund transfers.

VOTING DETAILS

By executive order of the governor, voting will be done by absentee ballot only. Ballots were mailed to district residents and must be received by personnel in the district’s administrative offices at 260 State St. by 5 p.m. June 9 to be considered.

Rozanski recommended that residents mail them back in the postage-paid envelope on or before June 5.

Beside the budget, residents will vote on a referendum for a $619,151 capital project at Jackson Primary School. The money will be taken from the Capital Reserve fund for restroom renovation and an age-appropriate playground.

“This will not impact the tax levy at all as it is coming from our reserve fund,” Rozanski advised. “Our net cost will be about 10 percent ($60,000) when we get aid on that and the rest will go back into the reserve fund.”

Three incumbent board members are running for the three open positions. They are Alice Ann Benedict, Barbara Bowman and Tanni Bromley.

LOOKING AHEAD

Soler said plans for an outdoor commencement ceremony at Van Detta Stadium on June 27 are still on the table, with a meeting with Genesee County Health Department officials scheduled for this Thursday.

June 17 is the last day of remote learning for students and teachers and June 26 is the last day of breakfast and lunch meal distribution.

The superintendent said that he will be forming a “reopening task force” to look at three options for this fall – traditional classroom setting with social distancing, a hybrid model of traditional and distance learning, and exclusively remote learning.

“We have to thank about what this will look like, the implications,” he said, adding that he expects to receive guidance from state leaders within a week or so and have plans in place by July.

While graduation plans at Oakfield-Alabama High School are not what seniors envisioned heading into the academic year, they will surely be unique and memorable, just like 2020 has been -- like no other.

Oakfield-Alabama Central School officials have made their 62 graduating seniors a huge priority this Spring.

As they adjust to the combined influences of the coronavirus pandemic shutdown, social distancing, and the completion of the final year of high school for these young adults, they have honored their grads in a lot of special ways, and are planning a Commencement ceremony to beat the band.

“In light of the changes brought on by COVID-19, our goal at Oakfield-Alabama is to ramp up the celebrations of our seniors so that they know that we are with them, even when society forces us apart," said Middle and High School Principal Matt Peterson. "The culmination will be an on-campus graduation celebration…that they’ll remember forever.”

After weeks of diligent planning, district officials have worked out the details for well-organized, on-campus event at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20.

A makeshift stage will be set up in the school parking lot, and students will walk the stage to receive their diploma. 

A commemorative photo will be taken at the moment their diploma is handed off — this is in lieu of the traditional handshake with the Superintendent. 

All social distancing guidelines will be in place, and inclement weather plans have been set up.

So that closest family members can celebrate on-location with their grad, a “one car for each graduate” policy will be in place. As their ”ticket” for entrance, each grad will be assigned a numbered spot in the campus parking lot and issued a vinyl decal and laminated number that corresponds with their reserved parking spot.  

Students will be lined up with the Valedictorian’s spot at “1”, followed by the other Top 10 in order of rank, and the rest will follow alphabetically.  

Planners have done their best to make the campus fit their needs, but they are aware that a clear visual line to the stage may not be possible for all in attendance.

Additionally, community members may also want to listen to the ceremony. So, in a style much like a drive-in movie theater, the event will be aired live on WBTA (AM 1490 and FM 100.1) and broadcast so that anyone interested can listen.   

For friends and family who are not able to attend the on-site ceremony, it will be live-streamed, and also recorded for future viewing.

The goal is to have an atmosphere of pure celebration envelop the campus throughout the day.

The staff will greet graduates with boisterous cheers as they drive into the parking lot.  

The departure following the ceremony will be led by a firetruck in a celebratory motorcade. The convoy will travel through portions of Oakfield and Alabama, a grand finale gesture marking the end this surreal school year. 

“This plan for graduation might not be everybody’s ideal version of how we should have a commencement ceremony, but we feel as if it represents a close version of what we usually do,” Peterson said.

Even as all of the Commencement plans were being made, staff, administration and community members have been busy over the past few months with other activities designed to celebrate their grads.

• Community members adopted every senior to honor them individually, while one lucky adoptee even had a prom complete with photo session planned for her and her boyfriend.
• Teachers and administrators have delivered celebratory senior yard signs to each grad.
• They have highlighted their Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Top 10 and senior athletes on social media.
• They have provided each teen with a senior year keepsake, as well as personalized letters of support and encouragement as they near the end of their high school experience.
• They have worked on multiple video projects that will memorialize the seniors’ high school accomplishments and share details about their plans for the future! All will be posted on social media when they are complete.

“I am certain that when it is over, our graduates will feel as if they’ve received a worthy celebration of their momentous accomplishment,” Peterson said.

Photo courtesy of Patricia Buczek and Legacy Studios.

Press release:

• As of 2 p.m.
  • Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19, for a total of 190 positive cases.
    • The new positive individual resides in Byron.
    • The person is in their 50s.
    • The new positive case was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
    • Two of the previous positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Zero of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
    • We are sorry to report the death of one of our county residents. The individual was hospitalized and over the age of 65 years of age. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this individual during this very challenging time.
  • Orleans County received two new positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 236 positive cases.
    • One of the new positive individuals resides in Ridgeway and one of the new positive individuals lives at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
    • Of the new positive case one of the individuals is in their 50s, and one of the individuals is in their 70s.
    • The new positive community case was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
    • Two of the previous positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Eighteen of the total active positive cases are hospitalized. Please note those in the hospital may be from the community or a state-regulated facility. We do not separate them out to protect their privacy.
    • We are sorry to report the death of one of our county residents. The individual was a resident of The Villages of Orleans Health & Rehabilitation. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this individual during this very challenging time.

Click here to view the Genesee and Orleans counties' online map of confirmed cases.

Moved to the forefront by COVID-19, telehealth is the wave of the future for Genesee County Mental Health & Community Services, the agency’s director said on Monday.

Speaking at the County Legislature’s Human Services Committee Zoom videoconferencing meeting, Lynda Battaglia said her employees “love the fact that we can offer telehealth” as she presented a departmental review.

Legislators commended Battaglia, who was hired about eight months ago, for turning around a department that had been in disarray.

“Lynda came in at a very difficult time and has done a wonderful job,” Legislator Gordon Dibble said. “I know I speak on behalf of the board (when I say) that she’s done a great job under very difficult circumstances.”

Battaglia acknowledged that the agency has faced some turmoil over the past year, but pointed out that the “level of service that has been provided to the clients never wavered. (That) really speaks to the quality of professionals that we have in the agency.”

She was hired after her predecessor, Ellery Reaves, departed and was replaced on an interim basis by Mark O’Brien, the former Orleans County Mental Health director who since has moved on to become commissioner of mental health in Erie County.

Before taking the Genesee County position, Battaglia served as the forensic unit chief at Attica Correctional Facility and as assistant outpatient coordinator for New York’s Western Region.

In her PowerPoint presentation, Battaglia outlined a serious of mistakes and oversights that beset the department, calling the last year “a roller coaster for GC Mental Health.”

She was quick to mention that services have continued without interruption, even in the face of the coronavirus, and has set the department on a progressive course that includes telehealth, implementation of enhanced safety measures and cross-training of billing clerks.

“Agencies are always going to have a couple outliers that question things, but for the most part the group of people at Mental Health wants to progress with changes, they’re excited for the changes (and) they love the fact that we can offer telehealth,” she stated. “We have some big plans moving forward.”

Battaglia outlined that telehealth was “the only potential solution” after the agency lost its on-site psychiatrist, leaving hundreds of clients needing a provider and increasing the wait time to see a doctor to nearly a year.

In its broadest definition, telehealth allows long-distance patient and clinician contact, care, advice, reminders, education, intervention, monitoring, and remote admissions.

On March 5, the state Office of Mental Health approved the county’s application to use telehealth for psychiatric services. As a result, the wait time has been reduced significantly, she said, and the department has been able to add to its client base by providing another method of treatment.

Battaglia said that the OMH office is approving expanded telehealth services for all clinical staff and mentioned that Genesee County is applying for grants to sustain these services.

On the subject of safety, she said Mental Health has “come up to speed where DSS (Department of Social Services) was in regards to workplace safety.”

She said the department contracted with a company called Securemedy to institute numerous facility, group and personal safety measures, such as conducting rounds daily, having an on-site supervisor to intervene with immediate issues, improving communication and security checks, and making sure all posts are guarded.

The agency has seen a 13-percent increase in the average of monthly services for billing over the first four months of 2020, Battaglia said, attributing that to a streamlined billing process along with a “high demand” for services at this point in time.

“One of our missions is to decrease the cost to our county, and one way to do that is by getting the billing folks together and having them cross-train now that we have our new electronic medical records going live on July 1,” she explained. “It’s really going to mainstream how we conduct billing … We’re going with a clearing house, which is going to be great.”

------------

Correction: Mark O'Brien left his position with Orleans County Mental Health to become the commissioner of mental health in Erie County. Information provided to The Batavian indicated that he had retired.

Interview: Nicole Ilasi, owner of Salon Miaou, about the challenges salon and barbershop owners are facing in Phase Two reopening. Salon Miaou is located at 417 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Mention the Genesee County Youth Bureau and thoughts of after-school activities or arts and crafts may come to mind. But, as you learn more about the agency’s operation, it becomes clear that interaction with today’s adolescent population is not all fun and games.

Youth Bureau Director Jocelyn Sikorski touched on a couple of the more serious issues on Monday as she presented a departmental review and outlook at the County Legislature’s Human Services Committee Zoom videoconferencing meeting.

Sikorski said the bureau received 30 referrals – the most ever – to Youth Court in 2019, with 24 of them coming from law enforcement and the remainder from schools and the Probation Department.

Eighteen of the referrals (and subsequent trials) occurred in the last three months of the year, resulting in a very busy time for Program Coordinator Chelsea Elliott and Program Assistant Chelsea Green, she said.

She recounted the story of a 15-year-old boy who was referred to Youth Court on a criminal mischief complaint and ended up having to perform 35 hours of community service, write three essays for reflection and a letter of apology, and take anger management classes.

“A lot of his issues were with his father, specifically, and as a result, she (Elliott) placed them to do community service at our local animal shelter,” Sikorski said. “And because of his age they asked that a parent be with him.”

Sikorski said that the boy and his dad completed the service together at the animal shelter and they continue to do so.

“On top of completing the community service hours and building the relationship with his father – which was something that was vital to his success – they are still supporting our local animal shelter,” Sikorski reported. “He is one of our positives out of our Youth Court system. They’re all very positive, but that’s one that really stood out.”

The director also shared a story connected to the department’s Safe Harbour program that deals with child trafficking and human trafficking. The youth bureau is in the first year of a five-year funding cycle through a contract with the Department of Social Services.

“Since COVID started, we had a call from Restore (a program of Planned Parenthood) and they said they have a young woman who they believed is being trafficked who was coming in for medical services, but they couldn’t ask her because the individual who was potentially trafficking her was coming to all her appointments,” Sikorski said.

Due to the virus guidelines, that other person was not allowed in the exam room, and that gave counselors a chance to provide resources such as domestic violence information and a list of places where the woman could go for temporary housing.

Sikorski said the young woman has two small children, so “she’s not necessarily ready to leave, but if she needs help, she knows where she can get it now and they were able to have that conversation with her.”

She said the bureau’s goal this year is to provide community education and training and to conduct a media campaign leading to a needs assessment to youth-serving professionals (police, school counselors) who work with anyone that would come in contact with a young person who could be at risk of being trafficked.

In 2019, the youth bureau distributed 35 Go Bags to at-risk or runaway youth, Sikorski said. These backpacks include supplies for a night – health and beauty products, a blanket, hat and gloves, granola bars, trail mix, bottled water and gift card for coffee. Twenty-seven of the Go Bags went to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, which has a bag in the trunk of all its patrol cars.

On the subject of activities and events for youth, Sikorski said COVID-19 has brought things to a standstill and that could be the case for a while longer since youth programs are in Phase Four of the state’s reopening plan.

“Our funded programs, all but one are closed and not operating at this time,” she said. “I’m waiting to hear back from some of our funded youth rec programs for the summer months.”

Sikorski said springtime is normally the bureau’s busiest time of the year,

“About every other week we had major events scheduled, and moving into the summer as well that we have had to cancel or postpone,” she said. “We’re hopeful that we’ll have some semblance of normalcy in the fall where we will be able to get back to doing the things we routinely do for our community, but it has been a challenge.”

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The Genesee County Youth Bureau provides a variety of services, activities and events, primarily in Genesee County, including the Liberty Center for Youth in the City of Batavia, and also in Orleans County. For more information, go to its website. 

Press release:

• Positive reform agenda also includes national ban on excessive force; independent investigations of police abuse; disclosure of disciplinary records of police officers being investigated 
• Governor Cuomo: "I said from day one, I share the outrage and I stand with the protestors. You look at that video of the killing of an unarmed man, Mr. Floyd, it is horrendous. Horrendous. It's frightening. It perverts everything you believe about this country. It does and there's no excuse for it. No right minded American would make an excuse for it. So, protest yes. Be frustrated, yes. Outraged, yes of course. Is there a larger problem? Of course."
• Cuomo: "You want to make that moment work. Yes, you express the outrage. But then you say, 'Here's my agenda. Here's what I want.' That's what we have to be doing in this moment. And the protestors are making a point. And most of them are making a smart, sensible point. But you have to add the positive reform agenda that every voice calls for so the government, the politicians know what to do. And there is a positive reform agenda here. There should be a national ban on excessive force by police officers. There should be a national ban on chokeholds. Period. There should be independent investigations of police abuse."
• Governor Cuomo today proposed a positive reform agenda amidst the ongoing protests across the state and nation in response to the killing of George Floyd. The reform agenda includes a national ban on excessive force and chokeholds by law enforcement officers; independent investigations of police abuse conducted by independent, outside agencies -- not by local prosecutors; and disclosure of disciplinary records of police officers being investigated.

A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:

We're talking about reopening in one week in New York City. Now we're seeing these mass gatherings over the past several nights that could, in fact, exacerbate the COVID-19 spread. We spent all this time closed down, locked down, masked, socially distanced and then you turn on the TV and you see there's mass gatherings that could potentially be infecting hundreds and hundreds of people. After everything that we have done. We have to talk a minute and ask ourselves what are we doing here? What are we trying to accomplish?

We have protests across the state that continued last night, they continued across the nation. Upstate we worked with the cities very closely. The State Police did a great job. We had, basically, a few scattered arrests, upstate New York. But the local governments did a great job, the people did a great job, law enforcement did a great job. The protestors were responsible. It wasn't great, but it wasn't bad, either, upstate.

I said from day one, I share the outrage and I stand with the protestors. You look at that video of the killing of an unarmed man, Mr. Floyd, it is horrendous. Horrendous. It's frightening. It perverts everything you believe about this country. It does and there's no excuse for it. No right-minded American would make an excuse for it. So, protest yes. Be frustrated, yes. Outraged, yes of course. Is there a larger problem? Of course. It's not just Mr. Floyd, it goes back -- there are 50 cases that are just like Mr. Floyd. We've them here in New York City. What's the difference between Mr. Floyd and Amadou Diallo? Or Abner Louima? Or Eric Garner? What is the difference? What have we learned? Nothing?

So, yes, we should be outraged. And yes, there's a bigger point to make. It is abuse by police. But it's something worse. It is racism. It is discrimination. It is fundamental inequality and injustice. My father spoke about it in 1984. The speech called "The Tale of Two Cities." People still talk about it. The point of the tale of two cities is there's two Americas. Two sets of rules. Two sets of outcomes. Two sets of expectations. It's true. It was true then, it's true now. Look at our prisons and tell me there's not inherent injustice in society. Look at public housing, tell me there's not inherent injustice.

Look at what happened with this COVID infection rate nationwide. More African Americans infected, more African Americans dead proportionally than white Americans. Of course, there's chronic institutionalized discrimination. There is no doubt. There is no doubt. And there's no doubt that it's been going on for a long time and people are frustrated, and it has to be corrected and it has to be corrected now. And there's no doubt, that this nation as great as it is has had the continuing sin of discrimination. From before the nation was formed and it started with slavery. And it has had different faces over the decades, but it's still the same sin. That is true. That is true. So let's use this moment as a moment of change? Yes.

When does change come? When the stars align and society focuses and the people focus, and they focus to such an extent that the politicians follow the people. That's when change comes. "Well, the leaders lead!" Baloney. The people lead. And then the politicians see the people moving, and the politicians run to catch up with the people. How did we pass marriage equality in this State, giving a new civil right to the LGBTQ community? Because the people said, "enough is enough. How can you say only heterosexual people can marry, but the LGBTQ people— they can't marry? How is that constitutional? How is that legal?" You have your own preference— God bless you. But how in the law, do you discriminate between two classes of people. We passed marriage equality.

 After the Sandy Hook massacre, after all those years we tried to pass common-sense gun safety. Do you really need an assault weapon to kill a deer? But then the Sandy Hook massacre happened, and the people said, "enough. You're killing children? Young children in schools with an assault weapon? In the Sandy Hook massacre. Enough."

And in that moment, we passed common-sense gun safety in the State of New York. Record income inequality? People said, "enough" and passed a real minimum wage in this State that went all across the nation. There's a moment for change, and is there a moment here? Yes. If we're constructive and if we're smart, and if we know what were asking for! It's not enough to come out and say, "I'm angry, I'm frustrated." OK. And what? "Well, I don't know, but I'm angry and frustrated."

And you want what done? You need the answer. "Well, I want common-sense gun reform." OK, what does it look like? Here it is— three points. "Well I want to address income inequality." Well, what do you want? "Here's what I want. Minimum wage at $15. Free college tuition." What do you want?

You want to make that moment work. Yes, you express the outrage! But then you say, "here's my agenda. Here's what I want." That's what we have to be doing in this moment. And the protestors are making a point. And most of them are making a smart, sensible point. But you have to add the positive reform agenda that every voice calls for so the government, the politicians know what to do. And there is a positive reform agenda here. There should be a national ban on excessive force by police officers. There should be a national ban on chokeholds. Period. There should be independent investigations of police abuse.

When you have the local District Attorney doing the investigations— I don't care how good they are— there is the suggestion of a conflict of interest. Why? Because that DA works with that police department every day and now that prosecutor is going to do the investigation of that police department that they work with every day? Conflict of interests can be real or perceived. How can people believe that the local prosecutor who works with that police department is going to be fair in the investigation? It shouldn't be state by state. Minnesota Governor Walz put the attorney general in charge. Good. In this state, I put attorney general in charge of investigations where police kill an unarmed person. Good. But it shouldn't be the exception. It should be the rule. There is no self-policing. There's an allegation, independent investigation. Give people comfort that the investigation is real. 

If a police officer is being investigated, how is there disciplinary records not relevant? Once a police officer is being investigated, if they have disciplinary records that show this was a repeat pattern, how is that not relevant? By the way, the disciplinary records can also be used to exonerate. If they have disciplinary records that say he never, she never did anything like this before, fine. That's relevant too.

We still have two education systems in this country. Everybody knows it. Your education is decided by your zip code. Poorer schools in poorer communities have a different level of funding than richer schools in this state. $36,000 per year we spend in a rich district. $13,000 in a poor district. How do you justify that? If anything, the children in a poorer community need more services in a school, not less. How do you justify that? You can't. Do something about it. You still have children living in poverty in this nation? Well, when we had to, we found a trillion dollars to handle the COVID virus, but you can't find funding to help children who live in poverty? No, you can find it, United States. You just don't want to. It's political will. When you need to find the money, you can find it. Let's be honest, the federal government has a printing press in their basement. When they have the political will, they find the money.

The federal government went out of the housing business and never re-entered it. We have a national affordable housing crisis. Of course you do. You don't fund affordable housing. I'm the former HUD secretary. I know better than anyone what the federal government used to do in terms of affordable housing with Section 8 and building new public housing. And we just stopped, and we left it to the market. Now you have an affordable housing plan. That's what we should be addressing in this moment. And we should be saying to our federal officials, "There's an election this year, a few months away. Here's my agenda. Where do you stand?" Say to the congress, the House and Senate, "Where's your bill on this?" 

I heard some congressional people talking saying well maybe they'll do a resolution. Yeah, resolutions are nice. Resolutions say in theory I support this. Pass a law, that's what we want. A law that actually changes the reality, where something actually happens. That's government's job is to actually make change. Make change. You're in a position to make change. Make change. Use this moment to galvanize public support. Use that outrage to actually make the change. And have the intelligence to say what changes you actually want. Otherwise, it's just screaming into the wind if you don't know exactly what changes we need to make. 

And we have to be smart in this moment. The violence in these protests obscures the righteousness of the message. The people who are exploiting the situation, the looting, that's not protesting. That's not righteous indignation. That's criminality and it plays into the hands of the people and the forces that don't want to make the changes in the first place because then they get to dismiss the entire effort. I will tell you what they're going to say. They're going to say the first thing the President said when this happened. They're going to say "These are looters." Remember when the President put out that incendiary tweet? "We start shooting when they start looting or they start looting, we start shooting?" That's an old '60s call.

The violence, the looting, the criminality plays right into those people who don't want progressive change. And you mark my words, they're going to say today, "Oh you see, they're criminals. They're looters. Did you see what they did breaking the store windows and going in and stealing?" And they're going to try to paint this whole protest movement that they're all criminals, they're all looters. That's what they're going to do. Why? They don't want to talk about Mr. Floyd's death. They don't want people seeing that video. They want people seeing the video of the looting. And when people see the video of the looting they say "Oh yeah, that's scary. They're criminals." No, look at the video of the police officer killing Mr. Floyd. That's the video we want people watching.

Now, I don't even believe it's the protesters. I believe there are people who are using this moment and using the protest for their own purpose. There are people who want to sow the seeds of anarchy, who want to disrupt. By the way, there are people who want to steal. And here's a moment that you can use this moment to steal. You can use this moment to spread chaos. I hear the same thing from all the local officials. They have people in their communities who are there to quote-unquote protests. They're not from their community. They don't know where they're from, extremist groups, some people are going to blame the left, some people will blame the right. It will become politicized. But there is no doubt there are outside groups that come in to disrupt. There is no doubt that there are people who just use this moment to steal. What, it's a coincidence they broke into a Rolex watch company? That was a coincidence? High-end stores, Chanel. That was a coincidence? That was random? That was not random. So, can you have a legitimate protest movement hijacked? Yes, you can. Yes, you can. And there are people and forces who will exploit that moment and I believe that's happening.

But we still have to be smart. And at the same time, we have a fundamental issue which is we just spent 93 days limiting behavior, closing down, no school, no business, thousands of small businesses destroyed. People will have lost their jobs. People wiped out their savings. And now mass gatherings with thousands of people in close proximity one week before we're going to reopen New York City? What sense does this make? Control the spread, control the spread, control the spread. We don't even know the consequence for the COVID virus of those mass gatherings. We don't even know. We won't know possibly for weeks. It's the nature of the virus. How many super-spreaders were in that crowd? "Well, they were mostly young people." How many young people went home and kissed their mother hello or shook hands with their father or hugged their father or their grandfather or their brother or their mother or their sister and spread a virus?

New York City opens next week. Took us 93 days to get here. Is this smart? New York tough. We went from the worst situation to reopening. From the worst situation to 54 deaths in 50 days. We went from the worst situation to reopening in 93 days. We did that because we were New York tough. New York tough was smart. We were smart. We were smart for 93 days. We were united, we were respectful of each other. We were disciplined. Wearing the mask is just discipline, it's just discipline. Remember to put it on, remember to pick it up, remembering to put it on when see someone, it's just discipline.

It was also about love. We did it because we love one another. That's what a community is. We love one another. And yes, you can be loving even in New York. Even with the New York toughness, even with a New York accent, even with a New York swagger. We're loving. That's what we've done for 93 days in a way we've never done it before. Never in my lifetime. Never in my lifetime has this city and this state come together in the way we have. I don't think it ever will again, in my lifetime. Now you can say maybe it takes a global pandemic for it to happen. I don't know if that's true and I don't know that the power of what it was like when it came together might not be so beautiful that people want to do it again.

Remember when we all acted together during coronavirus and we rallied and we knocked coronavirus on its rear end. Remember when we all wore masks and we had to have hand sanitizer? Remember what we did? Wow. When we come together, we can do anything and it's true. It's true for the state, it's true for a nation. When you come together and you have one agenda you can do anything. You want to change society, you want to end the tale of two cities, you want to make it one America? You can do that, just the way you knocked coronavirus on its rear end.

People united can do anything. We showed that, we just showed that the past 93 days. We can end the injustice and the discrimination and the intolerance and the police abuse. We have to be smart. We have to be smart right now. Right now in this state. We have to be smart tonight in this city because this is not advancing a reform agenda. This is not persuading government officials to change. This is not helping end coronavirus. We have to be smart.

Press release:

New Cases

• As of 2 p.m.
  • Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19, for a total of 189 positive cases.
    • The positive case resides in Batavia.
    • The positive individual is in their 20s.
    • The positive case was on mandatory quarantine prior to becoming symptomatic.
    • One of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
  • Orleans County received four new positive case of COVID-19, for a total of 234 positive cases.
    • One of the new positive individuals resides in Ridgeway, three of the new positives individuals live at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
    • Of the new positive case one of the individuals is in their 20’s, one of the individuals is in their 60s, one of the individuals is in their 70s and one of the individuals is in their 80s.
    • The new positive case was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
    • Two of the previous positive cases has recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Nineteen of the total active positive cases are hospitalized. Please note those in the hospital may be from the community or a state-regulated facility. We do not separate them out to protect their privacy.
    • We are sorry to report that we have lost one more county resident due to COVID-19. The individual resided at the Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of these individuals during this very sad time.

Click here to view the Genesee and Orleans counties' online map of confirmed cases.

Phase Two is now open in the Finger Lakes region! There are still limitations. We encourage business owners to go to the NY Forward website and click on Phase Two for more information.   https://forward.ny.gov/phase-two-industries

Per Governor Cuomo, gatherings of 10 or less are permitted with social distancing and sanitization protocols in place. The executive order is only good for 30 days or unless it is extended. 

For questions go to NY Forward website and the Regional Control Room (for guidance and to answer your questions:  mailto:flnyf@esd.ny.gov). To file a complaint about a business, location or incident in your community you can call (833) 789-0470 or file online.

• Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting for Reopening America, click here.
• Dentists statewide can reopen starting today -- June 1st -- while adhering to best practices for safety and social distancing guidelines.
• All businesses opening in Phase Two are required to have their Business Safety Plan in place, review the summary guidelines for their business and read and affirm the detailed guidelines. All this is to be kept on the premises. The local health department will not be reviewing these plans, however they need to be accessible for state and local authorities.

To learn more, visit New York State on PAUSE online NYS on PAUSE. To assist local authorities with enforcement of these orders, the Governor established the New York State PAUSE Enforcement Assistance Task Force where individuals can file complaints regarding the operation of nonessential businesses or gatherings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Click here to file a complaint online. You may also call 1-833-789-0470. Businesses that are not in compliance with the Governor’s executive order may be penalized.

• A reminder that outdoor seating for restaurants is still prohibited according to the Governor’s Executive Order and Phase One and Phase Two guidelines. Restaurants are to provide takeout or delivery for off-premise consumption only until Phase Three or until the Governor states otherwise.  

Swabbing and antibody testing is becoming increasingly available in the WNY region. If you are experiencing symptoms, contact your primary care provider and they will determine if testing is right for you. If the counties receive an increase in swabbing supplies and the protocol for testing is changed, we will notify the public. The Health Departments are not providing public swabbing due to lack of supplies. For more information on testing click here.

There is free antibody testing available for food delivery and restaurant workers now through Thursday, June 4th. Testing is walk-in testing from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and face masks are required at each of the testing locations. The closest testing location is Erie Community College North Campus. It takes a while for antibodies to build up, so it is best to wait until at least 21 days have passed since you had a positive viral test or the symptoms of COVID-19 started.

If you were already tested and the results were negative, or you have never been tested and you have been exposed to the virus at work or at home, you can also be tested using the dried-blood spot test. For antibody testing system questions use this email.

Reopening Guidance: Links to assist businesses

o   Link to the NY Forward Reopening guide (PDF).

o   Regional Control Room email.

o   Link to NY Forward website.

o   Link to NY Forward "Can I reopen?" Business Look-up Tool.

• Public/Private Beaches guidelines.
• COVID-19 Test Site Finder.
• Masks / Face Coverings Both counties are still low in supplies of masks. They are being distributed to high-risk agencies / businesses as prioritized and if there is a supply left over they will be distributed in an appropriate manner. County plans for releasing supplies to the public will be forthcoming as supplies become available. Additional information will be released by the respective County Emergency Management offices as appropriate.  
• ROC COVID-19 Health Screener: This symptom tracker for the Greater Rochester region is a scientific study collected aggregate data by zip code to track hot spots of COVID-19. The data will potentially show how the virus may be spreading, identify areas that may be at risk and determine how our efforts are working to slow the spread. You can participate by taking the daily survey whether you are having symptoms or are feeling healthy. It just takes a few seconds. To learn more, click here. 
• The Nursing Home hotline number is (833) 249-8499 or click this link for the online form.

From Genesee County Treasurer Scott D. German:

Effective immediately, the Genesee County Treasurer’s Office is now reopened to the public while still complying with face-mask requirements.

The Treasurer's Office located in County Building #1 on the third floor is now open from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

I am asking anyone coming to the Treasurer’s Office to please use the front entrance on Main Street or those needing the elevator to use the entrance on the west side of the building facing the old courthouse. The door on the Court Street side will become an exit only once the DMV reopens.

While we are still in the coronavirus pandemic, I am encouraging residents to please mail in your tax payments as well as any notarized applications for Certificates of Residency to: Genesee County Treasurer, 15 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.  

Anyone owing taxes to the county may look up the amounts due on our website.

Should you have any questions, feel free to give my office a call at (585) 815-7803.

(Above, file photo from 2014 of certified local dog trainer Tori Ganino with a four-legged client.)

COVID-19 has forced Batavia-based dog trainer Tori Ganino to permanently close her facility, Calling All Dogs, at 8 Wade Ave. in the city.

As a result, she can no longer provide daycare or group classes. But she wants everyone to know that she will continue to offer private lessions in people's homes and virtually online.

Ganino has a bachelor's degree in psychology from SUNY Brockport and is a Certified Dog Behavior Specialist and has CPDT-KA certification from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

The certification process includes more than 400 hours of coursework, 500 hours of work with clients, and a 12-part essay-based exam. Certification also requires ongoing training and keeping abreast of the latest research-based behavior and training techniques. She is also an International Companion Animal Network Member.

If you are have a new puppy or want some guidance about your dog's behavior, you can schedule a free 30-minute phone consulation by phoning (585) 455-5387 or emailing her: callingalldogsny@gmail.com

Ganino specializes in helping frustrated owners whose dogs bark, lunge and cower to gain control over the chaos. Using science-based force-free training, she helps owners transform their exuberant dogs into well-mannered companions.

Her featured programs include:

• Reactive Dog Program -- Designed for dogs that bark, lunge, and bite. Owners learn skills needed to teach their dog how to behave happily.
• Well-mannered Companion Program -- Learn how to transform your exuberant dog into a calmer and more suitable companion.

Her website also has helpful, informative posts such as: "Using Games to Calm Your Dog," "How to Break Up a Dog Fight," and in a world of punishment-based training and quick TV fixes, she offers this benevolent insight "I'm My Dogs' Caregiver, Not Their Alpha."

Clients praise her calm demeanor, skillfulness and professionalism in doing a job she clearly enjoys. They say she listens carefully, communicates effectively, follows through on details, and works tirelessly to craft a plan to achieve the best outcomes for dogs and their owners.

Previously:​

• LIVE: Interview with Tori Ganino, dog trainer
• Local dog behaviorist offers discounts for owners who turn in punishment collars
• Dog trainer becomes first animal behavior consultant in Genesee County
• Trainers specialize in training dogs with aggression issues​

In the pandemic era, it might be a while before members of the Genesee Chorale can do what they love most, coming together to sing for the public, so Director Ric Jones organized the musicians to create a socially distanced vocal performance.

Each member of the ensemble recorded their parts individually and Jones mixed them together into a single performance.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt devastating blows to businesses of all types and sizes, but not many have been hit harder than the bowling industry.

The 2019-20 bowling season was cut short when the virus hit in mid-March, forcing leagues to cancel their seasons with four to eight weeks remaining.

As the crisis continued, tournaments at the national, state and local levels were cancelled – keeping bowlers on the sidelines and preventing organizations and center proprietors from generating millions of dollars in budgeted revenue.

With June a day away, bowling centers remain closed in most states. In New York, bowling has been lumped together with other forms of entertainment into Phase Four of the state’s reopening plan and it likely will be at least another month before centers are allowed to open their doors.

Proprietors, reeling from end-of-season losses, also have seen their spring and summer league programs washed away. They are uncertain about the start of the 2020-21 season in late August and early September, and wonder what league bowling will look like going forward.

“Bowling is not going to be the same for a while,” said Jack Moran, proprietor of Roseland Family Fun Center in Canandaigua, a facility that offers 34 traditional bowling lanes as well as eight VIP lanes, café, sports bar, and an arcade with laser tag and bumper cars.

Social distancing parameters – requirements that people stay at least six feet away from each other – have prompted the United States Bowling Congress to temporarily waive playing rules stating that two lanes must be used for competition and that bowlers must alternate lanes.

The USBC also waived the requirement that both lanes must be used for a bowler to be eligible for awards and average recognition.

What that means is, for league play, a team could bowl the entire game on lane one, for example, and its opposing team, could bowl its entire game on lane three.

Additionally, bowlers will be allowed to use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to clean their bowling balls during competition – a change from the current rule that states that no cleaners can be used during competition.

Although it is yet to be seen whether those new rules will be put into play, proprietors hoping to run summer leagues after reopening may have no alternatives.

“What are we going to do for six to eight weeks of summer leagues? We’re better off trying to run a special promotion to get people in the doors again, so that they feel safe,” said Moran, a past president of the NYS Bowling Proprietors Association. “We’re not even sure if people coming back in September are going to feel safe.”

Randy Hanks, proprietor of the 18-lane Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, said he is planning to separate customers by around 15 feet for open bowling.

“If a family’s is using a pair (of lanes) and they’re on lanes one and two, the next one used will be lane five – 15 to 20 feet away,” he said. “Plus, I’m going to have them prepay, leave the (house) balls and shoes on the ball return, and we’ll sanitize them after everybody is done.”

The NYS BPA already has drafted a long list of health- and safety-related protocols that proprietors will use to ensure a safe environment. Details can be found in the article below.

Hanks said the restaurant portion of his business has been open for take-out only, but revenue pales in comparison to normal operation.

“We lost four summer league, including our adult-junior league that would have ended the day we maybe can open up – June 26^th,” Hanks said. “I don’t even want to look to see how much I lost since March 15 compared to the same time the last two years.”

Moran said his staff has been working hard to implement the protocols – markings on the floor, plexiglass shields, acquiring digital thermometers to check everyone’s temperature coming into one specified entrance, and so on.

“From what we’re being told, we will be allowed to open at 50 percent of our occupancy,” he said. “In my case, it equates to about 120 people in my center.”

He said he has talked to colleagues in other states to get a pulse on the situation.

“Talking to my friends in Ohio and Florida – they have been able to open up but it’s limited hours and every other lane for social distancing,” he said. “Right now, we’re trying to look at what the league structure will be like in September – and it’s not looking good if this thing goes six months.”

Mike Sputore, manager of Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, said he is looking to reopen the 24-lane center in mid- to late-August with all the protocols in place.

Echoing the concerns of the whole industry, he said time will tell on how to proceed.

“There are just too many uncertainties at this time,” he said. “How do we run the leagues? Do we use just one lane? How much time will it take to bowl? Will more than one league be able to bowl at a time? I just hope people don’t give up league bowling.”

Numerous bowling centers around the nation – and especially in New York State – are “on the brink” of closing for good, according to a well-known Long Island proprietor who is spearheading a grassroots campaign to persuade Gov. Andrew Cuomo to allow these recreational facilities to open up sooner than currently planned.

“We want to make everyone aware that bowling centers are more like restaurants, and should be permitted to reopen in Phase Three (of the state’s COVID-19 reopening plan) instead of Phase Four,” said John LaSpina, president of Maple Family Centers, a chain of four bowling centers in the New York City area and another location in Florida.

La Spina has held numerous bowling leadership positions at the national, state, and local levels over a 60-year career. He has received multiple honors, including being selected as the International Bowling Industry Person of the Year in 1994 and to the New York State Hall of Fame in 2016.

He is calling upon New York state bowling association officers, league bowlers, and local government officials to contact their local legislators and request that the governor places bowling into Phase Three, a move that would enable bowlers to enjoy their sport two weeks earlier than currently planned.

Bowling is not the same as professional sports played in huge stadiums, and events staged in arenas and the theater, La Spina said.

“As bowlers centers have plenty of room and as proprietors understand the challenges we face, there is no reason why we can’t open up bowling in Phase Three so we may save some of the centers that are on the brink,” he said. “We respect the rules of social distancing and can easily and safely accommodate bowlers in our large facilities with 50 percent occupancy sooner rather than later.”

LaSpina said he is afraid that more and more businesses, not just bowling centers, will be closing their doors and may not come back as a result of the devastation caused by the coronavirus.

He and others representing the NYS Bowling Proprietors Association have drafted a letter that includes “talking points” and a list of protocols that bowling center personnel has put in place to protect the health of customers and staff.

Just a few of the protocols include:

-- Cleaning the seating, ball return, and scoring area using a disinfectant rated for COVID-19 between each lane usage;
-- Disinfecting each bowling center rental ball before and after each use, and each rental shoe before and after each use;
-- Providing social distancing throughout the facility to eliminate shared spaces;
-- Providing cashless payment options where possible;
-- Providing a separate entrance and exit for guests;
-- Installing plexiglass barriers at counters, between employees and customers;
-- Limiting group reservations to six or less.

He also said that people can email him at 48johnlaspina@gmail.com if they need to identify members of the state Senate and Assembly in their area.

“We’re appealing to anyone – local mayors, police commissioners, restaurateurs and owners of other businesses – who can help us make our case, who know that bowling is a safe activity and that those who operate bowling are responsible people with a plan to keep everyone safe and to keep their facilities clean,” LaSpina said.