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Multiple brush fires are reported in the woods in the area of 6364 Britt Road, Stafford.

Stafford Fire dispatched with mutual aid from South Byron and Le Roy.

Press Release:

GO ART! is excited to host the Western New York Steel Band Festival on Saturday afternoon, April 15 at the Batavia City Centre. Organized by teaching artist and percussionist, Ted Canning, the event welcomes everyone to come enjoy steel pan bands performing on this instrument developed in Trinidad and Tobago. Admission is a $5 suggested donation, and
ample parking is available at the City Centre.

The event begins at 2 p.m. with a pre-concert presentation, Pan in Trinidad, with longtime Rochester pan player and band leader, Alfred St. John. Alfred was born and raised in Trinidad and experienced the first several decades of the instrument’s growth there in the 1940’s-60’s.  The program continues with a concert at 3:00 pm, featuring the Lancaster High School Carnival Kids Steel Orchestra, Rochester Institute of Technology’s Tiger Steel, and the Steel Alchemy Community Steelband.

The concert will conclude on a high note with joint performance of all the bands together. Carnival Kids Steel Orchestra was started by John Marone in 1974, and is the third oldest established continuing steel drum program in the United States. The group performs numerous concerts and events annually in the greater Buffalo area, has produced several recordings, and has traveled from Philadelphia, Chicago, Disney World and Trinidad. The RIT Tiger Steel band is newly formed over the past year, offered as a class in a campuswide initiative to enhance the experience of arts for all students.

They have represented the university at events off campus and were featured in the 2022 holiday video card for the university. Steel Alchemy was formed in 2001 as a community- based band, open to anyone ages 13 and older. With an emphasis on intergenerational group learning, the band performs at town festivals, concert series and private events throughout the Genesee Valley. Steel Alchemy and Tiger Steel are directed by Ted Canning.

“I’m really excited to bring this festival to Batavia, in what I hope will be an annual event,” says Canning. “It might be surprising for people to learn that our part of the state has a significant Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council WNY Steelband Festival Release 
connection to the Trinidadian steel band tradition and its founders, from the groups featured at the
festival as well as Paul Ferrette’s Caribbean Extravaganza in Buffalo, Al St. John’s Trinidad and Tobago
Steel band in Rochester, and a history of school bands in Rochester, Randolph, Ithaca, Naples, and
Dundee. I have wanted to bring our groups together for a long time, and to share this music with our
community—it will be a great time!”

The Western New York Steel Band Festival is being presented as part of the activities of
GLOW Creatives, a group of 10 artists (including Canning) at GO ART! who received a grant from
the Creatives Rebuild New York Artist Employment Program, supported by the Mellon Foundation.
GO ART! programming is also made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the
support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The event is at Seymour Place, 201 East Main St., Batavia, New York, 14020-2205. For more information, call  585-343-9313. email info@goart.org or go to www.goart.org

Photo submitted from online source.

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force has added another weapon in the battle to prevent opioid overdose deaths: a Text for Naloxone Line.

“We are very excited to offer this free and confidential text line to the community. Now, more than ever, it is vital to increase awareness and education about Naloxone and provide more ways to get it to those in need,” said Christen Foley, GOW Opioid Task Force coordinator.

To receive the Naloxone using the Text for Naloxone Line, text KIT to 877-535-2461.

When texting that number, individuals will be connected to the text line and prompted to answer a few brief questions, including the recipient’s name and address. The delivered kit also will include other resources, such as information on local services and video links on how to administer Naloxone and where to seek care following an overdose.

Naloxone (brand name Narcan, among others) is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration that reverses opioid overdose rapidly, It is an opioid antagonist, meaning that it binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids.

Sometimes other drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, are mixed or laced with fentanyl.

Five key facts about Naloxone are as follows:

• It temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids, including heroin, morphine, oxycodone (OxyContin), methadone, fentanyl, hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, hydromorphone and buprenorphine.

• Naloxone is administered as a nasal spray, a prefilled device that sprays medication into the nose.

• It will not harm someone if you give it to them and they are not overdosing on an opioid. Signs of an overdose may include constricted pupils, falling asleep or loss of consciousness, limp body, slow breathing, choking or gurgling sounds, cold or clammy skin.

• It is one important step when helping someone who is overdosing. If you think that someone is overdosing on an opioid or another substance, call 911 immediately, and give Naloxone as quickly as possible – not waiting for emergency personnel to arrive.

• It can potentially save a life. For more information about the medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you or someone you know is taking prescribed opioids or using illicit opioids.  You may also want to ask about naloxone if you work or volunteer in an environment where you may be able to help someone who is overdosing.

Submitted photo: The GOW Opioid Task Force and HEAL Initiative are sponsoring billboards promoting a Text for Naloxone Line in Genesee County. This one is up on Route 5, west of the city of Batavia.

Photos by Howard Owens

Photos from Saturday morning's Easter Egg Hunt in Centennial Park in Batavia, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Batavia.

Photos by Howard Owens.

It seems as though Beth Paine, Richmond Memorial Library’s new director, slipped into her new role quietly more than a month ago, with little fanfare or public notice.

Paine replaces former director Bob Conrad, who led Batavia's library for nearly eight years and resigned in September to accept a position in Westchester County. The library’s Board of Trustees was excited to introduce Paine, Board President Gregg McAllister said in the recent newsletter.

“Beth has an extensive background in public and school library experience. She was most recently director of the public library in Sidney, near Binghamton. Her commitment to excellence and creative library programming will be an asset to our community,” McAllister said. “You may already have seen Beth walking her two dogs here in Batavia, where she plans to be an active resident. If you have not met Beth yet, please stop in and introduce yourself.”

One of her favorite sayings is from Albert Einstein: “The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library,” and, as someone who has moved many times, it is more than a quote on a wall.

“This quote really has a special meaning for me. I have moved more than a few times, including moving from my hometown of Bloomfield, NY to Oswego for college, living in Rochester for two years after receiving my degree, on to Canandaigua, then Penn Yan, and then down to Sidney, NY in the Catskills region,” she said in a message from the director. “And with each new place where I have resided, one of the first things I would locate was the library. The library was always my happy place, the place where I knew I could relax and let my worries slip away. It was the place of amazing stories, knowledgeable people, and endless forms of entertainment.

“My first, and probably best, memory of the library was going with my mother to our small public library in Bloomfield. To walk into that sanctuary of books and records brought a calm to my young mind that I experienced nowhere else. I will forever be grateful to my mother for introducing me to that wonderful place,” she said. “And though it took me 43 years to realize that being a librarian was my true calling, I still get the same feeling of calm every time I walk into the building. And Richmond Library is my new happy place!”

Paine walked right into budget season, with the library vote set for May 4. She also took some time to sit down and chat with one of her employees, Lucine Kauffman, who has the Genesee Life program on WBTA and works at 19 Ross St., the Batavia library.

Favorite author? Jane Austen. First job? As a candy girl in a movie theater. Extracurriculars? Pets, volunteering at animal shelters. Your definition of a public library?

“Community Center. I mean, we do have kind of our hands in everything. We kind of, we’re trying to connect resources to people, you know, especially when it comes to a low-income area where people don't have Wi-Fi, people don't have their own computers, with our library visits,” she said. “I was really impressed with that when I came in for my budget.”

She has been adjusting to life in Batavia, with her two dogs and two cats, and is surprised that there are “a lot more restaurants and shops than I expected,” she said.

“And so my children think it's really funny when, before I actually started on the 22nd, I had moved in on the 19th of February. And one of my first days, I actually was driving around to find things. And I messaged my kids: I'm so excited, I'm eight minutes from Target. So I was very excited about that,” she said during the show.

She had last worked at a library in Sidney for four and a half years and wasn’t even looking for another job. “I loved my job,” she said, but a friend knew she wanted to move back to Rochester “to be near my family,” and the friend sent her the job posting for Richmond library.

And here she is.

“Though I did not actually experience the happenings at the Richmond Memorial Library in 2022, as I only arrived in late February, I did compile the 2022 Annual Report for NY State and have a good cache of knowledge regarding much of what occurred during the past year,” she said in the director’s message. “While the effects of the pandemic can still be seen in the fact that the library’s attendance still has not reached pre-COVID levels, there was an increase of about 30 percent in visitors to the library from 2021 to 2022. There was also a large increase in the number of items checked out, including all genres and formats. Programming has continued to show a huge uptick in attendance, 17 times what we had in 2021!”

She also noted that the Richmond Reads program had the highest attendance for adult programs, and Santa’s in-person visit in December was by far the best-attended Children’s program of 2022.

“Working diligently on the library budget with the Board of Trustees, we had many discussions regarding rising costs, not just for the library, but for our patrons, as well. With this in mind, the Board voted that the library would not raise the tax levy for the 2023-2024 fiscal year,” she said.

She and the trustees, per the library budget letter, opted to “hold steady at $1,381,469.” The board hired Paine for a yearly salary of $83,000 per board minutes.

“Though the pandemic still has some lingering negative effects on our library usage statistics, we are coming back strong, and I am so thrilled to be a part of this new chapter at the Richmond Library,” she said. “I have already come to love the library, and I am constantly impressed by the knowledgeable and motivated staff that I have the privilege to work with every day. And now that I’m caught up on learning the ins and outs of the library, you’ll see me out of my office more, so please feel free to stop me and say hi!”

Photo of Beth Paine from her online social media. 

Press releases:

Birding Walks
Come enjoy a birding walk with a birding guide! Join for Saturdays this spring: April 15 at DeWitt Recreation Area, then April 29th and May 13th at the Genesee County Park & Forest. Birding walks are led by a guide who takes you through forest, meadow and wetland habitats and helps you identify birds by sound and sight. Perfect for beginner and experienced birders. April 15 birding walk meets at Pavilion 3 at DeWitt Recreation Area. Walks at the Genesee County Park & Forest meet at Pavilion A on Raymond Road. Walks are approximately 1 mile long over easy terrain. This program is FREE! Please pre-register by calling (585) 344-1122, walk-ins are also welcome. 

Amphibian Adventure
Listen to the chorus of spring and get to know your small, slimy singing neighbors with Amphibian Adventure at the Genesee County Park & Forest on Saturday, April 15, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm! Meet us at the Interpretive Nature Center to learn how to identify our pest-eating pals. Then we will venture into the wetlands and forest at night to search for amphibians in their habitat! Hear their many calls as they welcome spring, and find out what you can do to help your tiny big-eyed friends! Dress for the weather, amphibians love rainy nights, and this program will go rain or shine! The cost is $5/person, $10/family. Pre-registration is required, call (585) 344-1122! 

Environmental Science Camp 
Registration is open for Environmental Science Camp at the Genesee County Park & Forest! This hands-on outdoor camp is for students entering 7th – 10th grade. Camp meets Monday through Friday, July 17 – 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest. This week-long adventure includes wildlife surveys, field and stream studies, outdoor recreation, a field trip and more! The cost is $95/camper for the entire week. All materials and a camp T-shirt are provided. Transportation is provided from Batavia High School to and from camp each day. Maximum 20 campers, registration deadline is Wednesday, July 5th.

To register, download the registration form from click here.

Return completed forms with payment to:

Main Office
Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center 153 Cedar St.
Batavia, NY 14020

For more information, visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122. 

Guided Dog Walks
Bring your best friend and join us for a guided dog walk through the Genesee County Park & Forest on Saturdays, April 8, May 6, June 3, July 1, and Aug. 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. This guided walk is great for socialization and healthy exercise! Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. A current license or proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination is required. Aggressive dogs will not be allowed to participate. The cost is $5/dog, and all proceeds go to the Genesee County Animal Shelter Volunteers. Call (585) 344-1122 to register, walk-ins are also welcome. 

Press release:

Richmond Memorial Library Announces 2023 Public Hearing, Voter Registration and Trustee Election

Richmond Memorial Library Trustee Position
Any qualified voter of the City School District of Batavia and a resident of the City School District for at least 1 year immediately preceding the date of the election (May 4, 2023) can run for the Richmond Memorial Library Board of Trustees seat being vacated by Trustee Gregg McAllister.  It is for a 3 year term which starts July 1, 2023.  Petitions for the position can be picked up at the Library circulation desk.  At least twenty-five (25) signatures are required from qualified voters of the School District.  The petition must be turned in at the circulation desk between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm on or before April 4, 2023.  

Public Hearing April 10
A Public Hearing on the 2023-24 Richmond Memorial Library Budget will be held in the Richmond Memorial Library Gallery Room on Monday, April 10, at 6:30 p.m.  Future plans for the Library will be presented along with the 2023-24 budget.  There will not be a Budget Vote (only a Trustee Election) this year since an increase is not being requested.  The proposed budget will remain the same at $1,381,469.  The regular monthly meeting of the library board of trustees for April will take place immediately following the public hearing. 

RML Voter Registration Day April 11
Any person qualified to vote who is not currently registered under permanent personal registration in the election district in which he or she resides, or who has moved to another residence within that district following the date of such registration, or who has not voted at a general election at least once in the last four successive calendar years, should, in order to be entitled to vote, present himself or herself personally for the registration or otherwise register at the Genesee County Board of Elections.  Voter Registration will be held at Richmond Memorial Library on April 11 from 1 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. 

Richmond Memorial Library Trustee Election May 4
Richmond Memorial Library’s Annual Trustee Election will be held in the Library’s Gallery Room on Thursday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.   Any registered voter residing in the Batavia City School District is eligible to vote.  There will only be a Trustee Election this year (not a Budget Vote), since an increase in the library budget is not being requested.

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross Street in the City of Batavia. For more about the library, visit batavialibrary.org.

Photo: File photo.

The St. Joseph Mammoth Sale is a week away, with a sneak peek on Wednesday night from 5 to 8 p.m.

The sale continues on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

On Friday, prices are 50 percent off.

Everything that is left on Saturday, April 15, is 75 percent off, or buy and fill a $5 box or a $10 box.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 15 everything is free.

Bring your own bag on Saturday.

The Lions Club is running the snack bar.

St. Joseph School is located at 2 Summit St, Batavia

Photos by Howard Owens.

Saturday is the big day, Batavia Kiwanis Club members say: the Egg Hunt is on at 9 a.m. sharp in Centennial Park, Batavia. No pre-registration necessary. Anyone that found a golden egg April 1 through 6 prior to this event can redeem it for a prize on Saturday.

Dark times, they are a-coming.

For three minutes and 42 seconds, reportedly one of the rarest and most spectacular events in nature, the sky will become dark as deep twilight, as bright stars and planets take over the sky stage, and the sun’s fiery outer atmosphere plays lead character against the moon’s silhouette.

And Genesee County officials — planning a full year out, to the day — want to make sure that nobody misses a moment of it. So do be sure to GeneSEE the Eclipse. The Chamber of Commerce has organized a team to ensure that all points are covered, and members launched an event logo and outline for the total solar eclipse set to pass through this county on April 8, 2024.

“Rest assured, Genesee County governments and local municipalities are also going to be preparing. I want to make sure that I emphasize that there will be safety considerations taken into account,” County Manager Matt Landers said Tuesday at chamber headquarters on Park Road in Batavia. “As (County Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein and Chamber President Brian Cousine) were saying, there's going to be hundreds of thousands of individuals coming into our community in the GLOW region around the time of the next eclipse, and that can be a little daunting.

“But the planning efforts are in place, the local law enforcement from all levels will be taking part. This is also a great opportunity for our local schools and educators to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime event. So I'm glad that we've reached out and have some communications with some of the local school districts. And I've spoken to some local school administrators, and I know that they are already reaching out to their science departments and making sure that we take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said. “Things like extending spring break one extra day to ensure that there aren't school buses down the roads during the event was a great idea. And I'm glad that it looks like all of our schools are going to be closed so that the kids can fully enjoy this day and not be on the roads at the same time.”

County management, Emergency Management, highway departments and local municipalities are already having kickoff planning meetings to ensure that the roads are safe, Landers said. They all, of course, want to make sure that “we make this as fun of an experience as possible” while keeping public safety in mind.

Speaking of fun, team consultant Glenn Clark reached out to artist and high school art teacher Andy Reddout to create the visual for the campaign. He knew that agriculture is huge in Genesee County and that this was for the total solar eclipse. The final creation is a smiling black-and-white Holstein cow named Genny, standing in front of the outer frame of a large orange eclipsed sun, with a row of small businesses lined up in front of it. No worries, Genny is wearing ISO-certified solar glasses to be able to enjoy the view.

Tuesday’s event included a commemorative poster, the branded solar glasses, custom decorated cake, a champagne toast, and an unveiling of the artist's illustration, paired with the tagline “See it where the skies are darker.”

It is believed that Genesee County, with all of its quaint and rural trappings, will be a draw for spectators, given its low volume of tall buildings, bright lights and obstructions to the phenomenon that won’t return for another 126 years.

Glenn Clark, a consultant with Crafting a Brand from Mendon, wanted to build momentum, so he asked audience members to close their eyes. He then name-dropped three iconic brands: Smokey the Bear, the Pillsbury Doughboy and Tony the Tiger.

“I’ll bet if I asked each and every one of you to tell me what you thought of, you'd all come up with the same thing. That's how branding works. And we've created a visual brand that we're going to unveil here in just a moment that people are going to remember, now through April 8, and beyond,” Clark said. “And it's fun. It's iconic. Most of all, it's memorable. People are going to talk about this. And they're going to say one thing over and over again … So this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create something that people will remember that we're going to be able to use for the next year. But more importantly, for decades to come. I think that this will show up for decades.”

Katy Hobbs, a Chamber staff member part of the teams for Genesee the Eclipse, said that plans are in place to provide activities for a three-day weekend before and up to the actual big event. Beginning April 5, there are to be special events, celebrations and eclipse-themed foods for residents and visitors alike, she said.

This isn’t just a Chamber event, but something that can involve businesses and residents, she said.

“We are thrilled to see the tremendous local enthusiasm thus far, our team has been actively brainstorming ways to make this experience unforgettable. The chamber will host monthly stakeholder Zoom meetings on the third Tuesday beginning April 18. Each month will focus on a different topic related to the Eclipse, such as finding the best viewing spot and brainstorming ideas for local businesses to promote the total eclipse,” she said. “We’ll be collaborating with local businesses, event organizers and club organizations. Some local businesses have already started initial Eclipse plans, which may include science and nature programming, viewing parties and art historical events. Apart from our Zoom meetings, we also will be establishing a Facebook event as a hub for updates and sharing. Please join us and be a part of the excitement.”

For more information, go to Geneseetheeclipse.com.

Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and government officials, sporting their certified solar eclipse glasses, launched the kick off for a 2024 total solar eclipse Tuesday at chamber headquarters in Batavia. Top Photo shows County Legislature Chairwoman Shelley Stein holding the custom decorated cake with chamber staff Kelly Rapone and President Brian Cousins in front; artist Andy Reddout, left, and  consultant Glenn Clark unveil the artwork for the three-day celebration next year featuring Genny the cow and GeneSEE the Eclipse tagline; Shelley Stein cuts the cake for visitors that attended the kickoff as County Manager Matt Landers and Chamber President Brian Cousins watch; and above, Katy Hobbs, chamber membership and marketing director, shares initiatives the team will be working on in the coming months. Photos by Joanne Beck.

The city of Batavia Republican Committee is wasting no time in filling the vacancy left by Second Ward City Councilwoman Patti Pacino.

David Twichell is expected to be sworn in to temporarily fill Pacino’s seat during Monday’s council meeting. Committee Chairman Rich Richmond confirmed that Twichell has been designated for the seat, and the item is on the council’s conference and business agendas for discussion and a resolution vote.

The meetings are set to begin at 7 p.m. Monday in the Council Board Room, second floor of City Hall.

Twichell, who lives on Summit Street in the city of Batavia, is to fill the vacancy until the next election in November. At that time, he is expected to run for the permanent term, along with any other candidates that run for the vacant seat.

Pacino had served on council for 13 years. She resigned her position as councilwoman during the last meeting nearly two weeks ago due to health concerns.

A car fire -- with flames showing -- is reported in the parking lot of Batavia Downs.

The location is right across from the entrance.

Town of Batavia Fire is responding.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C - Batavia) signed on to a letter calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to respond and investigate the nursing home mismanagement disaster from the COVID-19 pandemic in a more timely and open manner.

As many New Yorkers are aware, nursing homes were some of the most highly volatile areas where the coronavirus spread. This was largely due to elderly citizens being particularly vulnerable, and then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo decided to relocate hospitalized patients to nursing homes once there were no more beds in hospitals. Hawley, like many legislators, wants accountability from those who made the decision that led to so many deaths.

“This saga has gone on for three long and painful years, and it’s time for the governor to be more transparent with what her plans are,” Hawley said. “We’ve had families plead for justice, for answers, for accountability, but they have gone unheard thanks to a government that has tried its hardest to sweep its mistakes under the rug. We owe it to all New Yorkers to be transparent and timely with them about this matter.”

Western New York had a particularly notable case that demanded answering for. The Villages of Orleans is currently facing a class action lawsuit and a separate lawsuit from the New York State Attorney General’s office regarding the mishandling of the elderly in their care during COVID-19. With incidents like these in our own backyard, Hawley is eager to see wrongs be righted.

“Families deserve justice, plain and simple. Both here in Orleans County and across this state. I sincerely hope the governor agrees to our request and makes this process more transparent,” Hawley concluded.

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, introduced the New Markets Tax Credit Extension (NMTC) Act of 2023. This bipartisan legislation would make the NMTC permanent, index the allocation to inflation in future years, and exempt NMTC investments from the Alternative Minimum Tax.

Tenney led this piece of legislation alongside Rep. Kelly (R-PA), Rep. Sewell (D-AL), and Rep. Davis (D-IL). Additional cosponsors include Rep. Miller (R-WV), Rep. Ferguson (R-GA), Rep. Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rep. Schweikert (R-AZ), Rep. Smucker (R-PA), Rep. Wenstrup (R-OH), Rep. LaHood (R-IL), Rep. Yakym III (R-IN), Rep. Steube (R-FL), Rep. Carey (R-OH), Rep. Buchanan (R-FL), Rep. Van Duyne (R-TX), Rep. Blumenauer (D-OR), Rep. Sánchez (D-CA), Rep. Higgins (D-NY), Rep. DelBene (D-WA), Rep. Chu (D-CA), Rep. Moore (D-WI), Rep. Kildee (D-MI), Rep. Beyer (D-VA), Rep. Evans (D-PA), Rep. Panetta (D-CA).

Set to expire on December 31, 2025, the New Markets Tax Credit was established in the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 (PL 106-554) and is an essential source of financing for businesses and community facilities in low-income and rural areas across the country. Private investors will receive a 39 percent tax credit distributed over seven years for qualified investments into Community Development Entities (CDEs). These CDEs use the proceeds of those investments to finance business expansions, health centers, daycare facilities, business incubators, and other essential revitalization projects. 

Since its inception, the NMTC has supported over a million jobs and invested billions into communities, including across New York's 24th District. A recent investment in Batavia, NY, will support the construction of the "Healthy Living Campus," a multimillion-dollar investment that will support the partnership between GLOW YMCA and United Memorial Medical Center. This project will create or retain nearly 400 quality jobs in the community.

“Now more than ever, it is essential that we work to create investments in our rural and low-income communities,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Rural America is often forgotten by the Washington elites, which means that rural communities sometimes lack the necessary resources to invest, grow, and expand. Congress must make the New Markets Tax Credit permanent to allow our rural communities to continue accessing this important resource which helps to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. As a small business owner from rural America, I will always be a tenacious advocate for investments in our rural communities and businesses in Congress.”

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens

Press release:

Genesee County and City of Batavia officials were pleased to host Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) this week for a tour of the City of Batavia Water Treatment Plant. Access to clean water is a public safety issue, so Genesee County has made upgrades to its water system a top priority.

Genesee County is undertaking a large-scale countywide water project to provide critical water security and resiliency to its residents, farms, and industries. This project will improve water quality for drinking water, increase the capacity to supply hydrants for emergency response, spur economic growth and job creation for New Yorkers, and help to guard the County against water insecurity.

This tour gave the Congresswoman a first-hand look at the County’s multi-phased water security initiative and the threatened Batavia Water Treatment Plant, an aged structure that has outlived its useful life. The Genesee County Water Project, now in its second of three phases, aims to provide reliable water for the future generation of residents, farms and businesses.

“We appreciate Congresswoman Claudia Tenney visiting Genesee County and learning of our critical public water project goals,” said Genesee County Legislative Chair Shelley Stein. “The County’s top priority is re-investing in our water infrastructure, and we appreciate the Congresswoman’s active interest in ensuring a reliable water future for the County. We look forward to sharing more of Genesee County with her.” 

Press release:

The Batavia Society of Artists is hosting artist Mary Jo Whitman on Tuesday, April 11, starting at 7 p.m. at GO ART!/Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia.  Mary Jo will be doing a demo on Preparing for an Exhibit. Which every artist needs!  The 2.o.1. Tavern will be open for cash purchases.  Non-members are welcome for a $5 fee.  We are always accepting new members, any medium or skill level, single $30, couple $50, and student/veteran $10.

Mary Jo Whitman is the Education Director/SCR Coordinator at GO ART! and an Adjunct Art History Professor at Genesee Community College. She has been a practicing artist for over 20 years, working in a variety of forms, including drawing, mural painting, photography, digital art, and sculpture, with a focus on conceptual art. Although much of her work is commissioned, she has exhibited in various group and solo exhibits, both locally and internationally.

Earning a MA in Critical Museum Studies from the University of Buffalo, her graduate research focused on exploring critical theory as it pertains to the construction of identity in a postmodern era. Graduating from SUNY Brockport summa cum laude, she holds a BA in Studio Arts with a concentration in Sculpture and a minor in Art History. Mary Jo also has an AAS in Fine Arts, with a concentration on Digital Art, from Genesee Community College.

Passionate about promoting and fostering the arts, Mary Jo served on the Board of Directors at GO ART! from 2015-2018, chairing the External Affairs and Gallery Committees. As the former Art Gallery Coordinator for the Rosalie “Roz” Steiner Art Gallery, Mary Jo focused on enhancing the student’s education through exposure to a variety of mediums and art forms while curating diverse and dynamic exhibitions for the community to enjoy. She has also had the honor of speaking as a guest lecturer to several artistic and educational groups, as well as serving as a juror for many exhibitions across the region, including the Congressional Art Competition for the 27th District.

Genesee County sold foreclosed properties that netted the county just under $81,500.

County Treasurer Scott German reviewed the latest online property auction during Wednesday’s Ways & Means meeting.

The event was expected to conclude more quickly but was drawn out by continuous bidding for some properties, German said. Overall, it “was very successful,” he said.

The total sale for five properties was $119,000, minus taxes owed, for a net sum of $81,477.50. The following people were the top bidders for parcels in three different areas of the county:

• Benjamin Klotzbach bid $20,000 on Parcel #1, 7.-1-26 on the tax map in Alexander
• Jason Sando bid $11,000 on Parcel #2, 14.-1-42 on the tax map in Alexander
• Austin Kenmet-Phillips bid $17,500 on Parcel #3 for 14.-1-10.2 on tax map in Bergen
• Andrew Young bid $41,000 on Parcel #4, 1.-3-97 on the tax map in Oakfield
• Ryan Macdonald bid $30,000 on Parcel #5 for 2.-1-76.2 on tax map in Oakfield

Bontrager Real Estate and Auction Services Inc. conducted the online sale on behalf of Genesee County. It ended at 7 p.m. on March 28. At that time, the property was sold to the highest bidder, German said.

Ways & Means members approved the bids, and the county Legislature is to ratify and confirm the sale of properties during its next meeting.

Tucked between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day weekends is another annual two-day event that organizer Angelina Pellegrino hopes is the “best one yet.”

It’s the third annual Yard Sale for Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County, and the fundraiser comes in handy for household spring cleanings, she says. Get ready to shop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 20 and 21 at 150 State St., Batavia.

“We’re spreading the word now so that we may collect as many items as we can … all proceeds go directly to the next family moving in,” Pellegrino said Tuesday. “As being the eighth habitat homeowner in Genesee County, my family and I like to give back to such a tremendous organization. I know people will be spring cleaning as the weather continues to get nicer, and instead of tossing out what they don’t want or donating it elsewhere, we could really use any donations at this time.”

Nothing is off limits for donations, she said, from clothing to small furniture and other household items, as long as they are items that people would want to buy.

Those picture frames you have no use for? Kitchen gadgets that just sit in the pantry? End tables that no longer fit the new living room decor? Clothing that’s now a size too big? Or maybe those Christmas decorations that don’t get used when you’re vacationing in the winter? Check, check, and check — pack them up and bring ‘em on over.

Habitat homes are either built from the ground up or renovated and require some sweat equity from the future owners and the typical maintenance and financial commitments once they’re in, and Pellegrino has said that extra spending money would be most welcome for those extra needs around the home.

The nonprofit isn’t about giving families a house but a belief that “we invest in people’s futures when we invest in housing,” the agency states online. Its latest prospective homeowner signed a contract on March 14.

People can drop off their items at 150 State St., Batavia, or Pellegrino will pick them up.

For more information or to arrange for pick-up, call her at 585-356-4867 or email angelinapellegrino@ymail.com.

File Photo of Angelina Pellegrino at a past Habitat yard sale, by Howard Owens.

Isaac D. Abrams, 22, of Alabama, is charged with robbery 2nd. Abrams was arrested by State Police in the Town of Alabama in connection with an incident reported at 10:02 p.m., March 10. He was ordered held on cash bail. No further details were released.

Matthew Jacob Zon, 41, of East Main Street, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt 1st and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th.  Zon is accused of violating a stay-away order of protection at 9:17 a.m. on March 32 at a location in Byron. He was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance at the time of his arrest by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Scott Earl Clark, 62, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, failure to obey a police officer, and driving left of pavement markings. Clark was stopped at 6:37 p.m., March 10 on Ford Road in Elba by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun. Clark was held in the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment.

Anthony Jason Gostomski, 35, of Fredro Street, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, DWI with a child in the car, and endangering the welfare of a child. Gostomski was stopped at 6:57 p.m. on April 3 on Route 20 in Darien by Deputy James Stack.

Andrew William Taylor, 35, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Taylor is accused of damaging a metal bed frame in the Genesee County Jail at 10:51 p.m. on April 3. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Thomas H. Hayes, 76, of Byron, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Hayes was stopped by State Police at 6:36 p.m. on April 4 in the Town of Byron. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Frank W. Landseadel, 63, of Attica, is charged with DWI and driving while impaired by drugs. Landseadel was stopped at 3:01 p.m. on April 3 by State Police in the Town of Alexander. He was released on an appearance ticket.

David E. Brege, 36, of Medina, is charged with criminal impersonation 2nd and identity theft 2nd. Brege was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 11:20 a.m., March 29, in the Town of Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket. No other information released.