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Press release:

The Little Free Pantry in Batavia is looking to spread our reach further into our community to assist more in need, and we need your help to do so. 

By the end of summer we are hoping to erect six mini pantries in Batavia to help more of our neighbors in need. Fresh veggies are in season, and we are looking for people to help reduce food waste and promote food security by sharing with our neighbors. Visit lfpbatavia.org for full details, and to sign up.

There are five different ways you can help us reach this goal:

1. Host a Mini Pantry -- hosts will make sure the area is clean and maintained along with the help of volunteers. In order to be a host you will need to own your home, or have your landlord's permission to operate one in your front yard.
2. Host a Little Free Farm Stand this summer -- to help distribute farm fresh produce in your neighborhood, similar to Mini Pantries but without the commitment over the winter.
3. Volunteers needed to help restock the Mini Panties and Little Farm Stands -- this can include picking up from our drop off locations, or the Farm and delivering to one or more mini LFP’s.
4. Materials needed -- plexiglass, screws, paint, wood glue, door hinges, and plywood to make the mini LFP’s -- these can be donated directly, or we would be happy to accept cash or gift card donations to be used at Home Depot sent to 124 State St., Batavia NY 14020
5. Assemblers needed -- We need assistance in assembling them, once we have the materials. For those looking to build their own LFP, to donate, or to host themselves, the construction plans can be found here.

Give What You Can, Take What You Need

Little Free Pantries are a national grassroots, crowdsourced solution to immediate and local need. Batavia’s Little Free Pantry was created last summer to address food insecurity in our neighborhoods, and its refrigerator and pantry are located at 180 Washington Ave.

The Pantry is a place and a way for people to share what they have, and to take what they need, with dignity, without income guidelines, and without judgement. Everyone is encouraged to give and take. Whether a need for food or a need to give, mini pantries help feed neighbors, nourishing neighborhoods.

With your help we can make sure more of our neighbors have access to fresh organic produce over the summer at the Little Free Farm Stands. The Mini-Pantries help in neighborhoods so people without transportation have to walk less during the winter in order to reach the main LFP.

To donate, host, or volunteer, visit:   lfpbatavia.org

A fire inside a box truck carrying fireworks was "roaring pretty good" on South Lake Road in Pembroke when firefighters arrived on scene, said Indian Falls Assistant Chief Ed Mileham.

The call initially came in as a firework striking a vehicle and starting a fire but as it turned out the fire started inside a truck that was returning to Genesee County from a fireworks show last night in Akron.

The driver is unsure how the fire started, Mileham said.

The truck was loaded with launch canisters stacked in the front of the truck and unused fireworks in the back of the truck.

Exploding fireworks lit up the neighborhood and blew out the passenger side panel of the truck, the back roll-up door, and the roof. The cab was undamaged, probably because of the stacked canisters in the box stacked between the fireworks and the cab, Mileham said.

The driver was rolling on Route 5 through Pembroke when he spotted some sparks in his rearview mirror. He stopped to inspect, heard some bangs, and thought "I need to get out of here," Mileham said. He started yelling for residents to call 9-1-1.

Pembroke fire was first on scene with a truck that had a deck gun, which allowed firefighters to spray water on the fire from a distance.  

"The flames just roaring out of the back of the truck, almost hitting the power lines in the area," Mileham said.

National Grid was called to the scene and the power lines and a transformer about 20 feet away appeared to be undamaged.

"It was not a normal truck fire or car fire where you go up, put some water on it, put it out, and that's hit," Mileham said.

There was smoking debris up and down the roadway for dozens of feet, Mileham said, as well as in residential yards. No secondary fire was started by the fireworks, however.

Pembroke and Indian Falls were assisted at the scene by Corfu, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, and Dadswell, which towed the truck and cleaned up the debris.

Video taken with a home security camera submitted by a reader.

UPDATE: Here's another video from James Garrett.

A vehicle fire is reported in the area of 8783 S. Lake Road, Pembroke.

A firework reportedly hit the vehicle.

Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 11:56 p.m.: Corfu Fire Police requested to shut off traffic at Cohocton on South Lake. A responding unit is standing back because "it's still exploding." National Grid requested to the scene.

UPDATE 11:57 p.m.: A neighbor told a chief that the vehicle was full of fireworks. "Until about 60 seconds ago it was still exploding," the chief informs dispatchers. (If any Pembroke residents took photos or video, please email to howard@thebatavian.com)

UPDATE 12:38 a.m.: A box truck is apparently involved. It will require "massive cleanup."

UPDATE 1:30 a.m.: Pembroke, Indian Falls, Corfu, back in service.

A mailbox is reportedly on fire in the area of 5976 Clinton Street Road, Stafford.

The caller was a passerby and said the location was between Westbrook Road and Mill Road.

Stafford fire is dispatched.

UPDATE 11:10 p.m.: A second caller reports the location is at former Oderkirk Farm. A chief just arriving on scene confirms a mailbox on fire.

UPDATE 11:13 p.m.: The fire is out.

Among the highlights of Elba's graduation, this past weekend were four fathers from the Class of 1991 (that's 30 years ago for those of you counting) who shared in watching their daughters graduate with the rest of the Class of 2021.

Michael Augello, school board president, handed a diploma to his daughter Taylor.

Pictured from left: Madison Harrington and her father Aaron. Miah Werth and her father Steve. Leah Bezon and her dad Steven, and Taylor Augello and her dad Michael.

Photo by Laura Luft.

An Amazon van and another vehicle are reportedly involved in a collision at Griswold Road and Caswell Road in Stafford.

One person is complaining of head pain.

The vehicles are not blocking traffic. One is in a ditch.

Stafford fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Village of Le Roy leaders bid farewell to their longtime “go-to person” in grand fashion this afternoon with a surprise gathering of about 75 family, friends, colleagues and civic leaders at the Village Hall, followed by a police-led parade down Main Street to a reception featuring an appearance by Sen. Edward Rath at the Le Roy Country Club restaurant.

Coordinated by Village Mayor Greg Rogers with help from staff and volunteers, the community celebrated the career of Sharon Jeary, who worked for the village for 44 years, including the last 19 as clerk-treasurer.

Jeary, a Le Roy native (maiden name: O’Geen) and Notre Dame High School graduate, walked out of the front door of the office building shortly after noon and was greeted by Rogers, who showed her the Rose of Sharon tree that has been planted in her honor.

As she turned the corner toward the parking lot, that’s where she encountered a long line of well-wishers applauding loudly and ready to show their appreciation. As would be expected, her reaction was one of astonishment.

“I’m absolutely flabbergasted and so humbled by how wonderful everybody is. I love my village,” she said.

Jeary’s first day on the job – as an office assistant – was Nov. 28, 1977. She advanced to full time two years later and became the clerk-treasurer in 2002, following a 15-year stint as deputy village clerk.

After Jeary accepted hugs from everyone, the Rev. Jack Hempfling of Living Waters Church led a group prayer of blessing. Then everybody got into their cars and followed Police Chief Greg Kellogg's vehicle, other patrol cars, and fire department and emergency vehicles – with sirens and lights engaged -- to Le Roy Country Club for part two of the tribute.

It was there that Rath, representing the 61^st Senate District, congratulated Jeary and presented her with a proclamation from the New York State Senate.

“In 1977, a gallon of gas was 62 cents and a gallon of milk was 13 cents,” Rath said. “So, ladies and gentlemen, a lot has changed since 1977 -- but not the commitment and the resolve and the hard work that Sharon Jeary had for the people of this wonderful community.”

Rath, reading from the proclamation, said that Jeary “rendered faithful and conscientious and valuable service to the community.”

“During her tenure as clerk-treasurer, Sharon earned the esteem and affection of her colleagues. She has demonstrated outstanding service and leadership in her beloved community. Throughout the years, she has had the love and support of her husband, David, and her two children, David and Mark.”

Genesee County Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein, a Le Roy resident, said Jeary made quite an impact “as evidenced today here by your friends, your family and your coworkers who have come to understand your commitment, your conscientious care of every single member of the boards that you’ve served, and more importantly, your community.”

She then presented Jeary with proclamations from Assemblyman Steven Hawley and the count legislature.

Then, jokingly, she added: “We will miss the work that you do, lovingly, on behalf of all of us, and wish you the absolute best in your retirement – and don’t stay home every day with David.”

Village Historian Lynne Belluscio used the occasion to have some fun with Jeary, bringing gifts from Historic Le Roy House, home of the Jell-O Gallery and Museum Shop.

After extending an invitation for Jeary to volunteer at the gallery – teaching visitors how to correctly pronounce Le Roy (leh-roy), she gave her boxes of the four original Jell-O flavors (strawberry, orange, lemon and raspberry), a T-shirt, license plate holders proclaiming, “Le Roy, NY – Birthplace of Jell-O” and two lemonade cans attached by a string.

“It’s always, 'call Sharon,' ” Belluscio said. “You got a question? 'Call Sharon.' 'I need a permit.' 'Call Sharon.' 'She’s at lunch; when can I get a hold of her?' 'Call Sharon.' So, I’m kind of concerned that you’re not up there … So, you and I are going to stay in contact …”

LeRoyan Kay “Pudge” Steen, clerk-treasurer prior to Jeary taking that position, related that in Jeary “I not only had a coworker, I had one of the best friends I have ever had.”

“I wish you nothing but lots of happiness and good health, and I love you.”

Rogers then presented Jeary with the “Key to the Village” plaque, and afforded the guest of honor a chance to address her fans before inviting everyone to the privately funded hors d’oeuvres and refreshments under a big tent.

“I couldn’t have done my job without the support of my family and my friends. Everybody was always there for me and I really appreciate it,” she said. "We have a wonderful village. I love my village; I truly do. Thank you all so much for coming.”

“To my mayors and boards of trustees, you we’re all great and I enjoyed working with them all. It never seemed like a job to me. I always enjoyed what I did. It has been great over these years.”

Photos at top: Sharon Jeary and Greg Rogers standing next to the Rose of Sharon tree that was planted in her honor; a sign at Le Roy Country Club restaurant recognizing Jeary's career. Photos at bottom: Rev. Jack Hempfling offering a prayer of blessing upon Jeary's retirement; Police Chief Greg Kellogg leads the parade to the golf course restaurant; Sen. Edward Rath presents a proclamation to the longtime village clerk-treasurer; Jeary holds the "Key to the Village" as Rogers looks on. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

A two-vehicle head-on collision is reported just north of the Thruway at 8331 Alleghany Road in Pembroke. There is air bag deployment and one of the vehicles is blocking southbound traffic. The second vehicle is off the roadway.

Indian Falls and Pembroke fire departments are responding. Corfu Fire Police are called to reroute traffic at the Thruway entrance.

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: Command asks for Speedy Dry to soak up liquids leaking from the vehicle in the roadway.

UPDATE 2:11 p.m.: Injuries are mostly minor. One man with a cardiac history is being assisted by medics on scene.

UPDATE 2:25 p.m.: Two patients are being transported by medics to ECMC. Two wreckers are called to tow the disabled vehicles.

Kaleb James Bobzien, 23, of Alexander Road, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree strangulation; two counts of criminal obstruction of breathing; and endangering the welfare of a child under age 17. Bobzien was arrested at 8 p.m. June 24 on Alexander Road in Batavia after an incident in which he allegedly obstructed the breathing of two victims, including one juvenile. During an altercation with the two victms, Bobzien is alleged to have placed a blanket over the face of one victim while choking the second victim with his arm. One victim reported an injury to her neck as a result of the choking. Following an investigation, Bobzien was arrested and put in Genesee County Jail with no bail. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

David Thomas Gay, 40, of Ellicott Street, Batavia is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- first offense; unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree; second-degree obstruction of governmental administration; resisting arrest; and speeding -- exceeding 55 mph; and refusal to take a breath test. On June 30 at 8:36 p.m., Gay was arrested on Byron Road in Stafford after Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush tried to stop Gay's vehicle on Route 33 for allegedly violating NYS vehicle and traffic law. Gay eventually stopped a few miles away on Byron Road. It is alleged that Gay was intoxicated and that he resisted arrest. Gay was transported to GC Jail, where he allegedly fought with officers. He was released with appearance tickets and is due in Stafford Town Court on July 9. Quackenbush was assisted by Deputy Jacob Gauthier in this case.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) returned yesterday from a trip to McAllen, Texas with Former President Trump to observe the crisis at our Southern Border.

“The was my third trip to the Southern Border, and my second time touring the Rio Grande Valley section. When I was here in 2019, the successful policies implemented by President Trump were working effectively to deter illegal immigration, and Border Patrol was supported and given the resources needed to protect our border,” Jacobs said.

“Now it is a completely different story. The Biden Administration’s decision to end ‘Remain in Mexico,’ reinstate catch and release, and halt border wall construction have sent a message to the cartels that our border is open season, and they are taking advantage of it.”

President Biden first paused the Migrant Protection Protocols (Remain in Mexico) in early January and later terminated the program entirely. Similarly, using an executive order, President Biden halted construction of the Southern Border wall despite congressional funds already being appropriated toward construction.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported three consecutive months of 170,000+ apprehensions of illegal immigrants. In May alone there were more than 180,000 encounters, representing a new 20-year record. Last week it was also reported that in the Rio Grande Valley alone, Border Patrol had already encountered more large groups in FY21 than the previous two years combined.

On the trip Jacobs, members of the Republican Study Committee, Texas Governor Abbott, and President Trump met with Border Patrol agents and toured unfinished sections of the wall. In addition, Jacobs and other members were taken on a nighttime excursion of the border where they encountered numerous migrant groups, including many unaccompanied minors, trafficked by the cartels, being picked up by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).

“The most disturbing observation from this entire trip is how the cartels are taking advantage of the Biden Administration’s weakened policies at the Southern Border and exploiting thousands of children,” Jacobs said. “CBP agents described how it has become common practice in this region for the cartel to traffic and abandon a large group of children at one gap in the wall to occupy Border Patrol agents while they then move to another gap to smuggle drugs and dangerous criminals across the border.

"It is truly a disturbing humanitarian and national security crisis that Border Patrol is working tirelessly to confront under strenuous circumstances. Without engagement and support starting at the top, they are limited on what they can do.”

“The Biden-Harris Administration needs to get serious about fixing the crisis they created and continue to ignore. Finishing the wall, giving more resources to Border Patrol agents on the ground, and reinstating successful Trump policies will have a profound effect on stemming this crisis and securing our Southern Border,” Jacobs said.

Brenda Good, elected to a City Schools Board of Trustees seat in May would rather be a candidate for an administrator's position in the district than a member of the board, according to a letter of resignation she sent to Superintendent Anibal Soler on June 14.

The board voted unanimously to accept her resignation last night.

Good's resignation comes after last month's resignation by Peter Cecere, so there are now two vacant positions on the board. 

In her resignation email to Soler, Good acknowledged a prior phone call and said, "After much thought, I have decided to resign my anticipated seat on the Batavia City School Board. I am very invested in the youth and community of Batavia as my goal is to help all of our students become successful adults. With that said, I'm highly interested in becoming an administrator within the Batavia City School District. I'd like to be given the opportunity to interview for anticipated openings."

It will be up to the remaining trustees to fill the vacancies and the district has posted a call for candidates.

John Reigle, who won re-election in May, and Jennifer Lendvay, elected to her first term, took their oaths of office last night.

Eighteen months into his tenure as Batavia City School District superintendent, Anibal Soler informed city schools staff this morning that he is the final candidate to become superintendent of schools in Schenectady.

"Once I am officially appointed, I will be working with the Board of Education on a transition plan to ensure the district is supported and ready to reopen in the Fall, Batavia Strong," Soler said in his letter.

In an interview this morning, Soler said it's bittersweet leaving Batavia where he thinks the district has moved forward during his time here but the opportunity in Schenectady fits his career aspirations. 

"It's a larger district in a larger community," Soler said. 

It also offers some significant challenges for an ambitious superintendent. The graduation rate there is 68 to 70 percent, much lower than Batavia's 90 to 94 percent, and Schenectady has a couple of schools in receivership, which are "persistently struggling" schools.

"It wasn't an easy decision," Soler said. "I thought about it a long time and this fits my aspirations to do good things for more students."

There are 9,750 students in the Schenectady district. There are 2,283 students in Batavia.

Soler will step into a district roiled by controversy and facing a $7.8 million lawsuit by its former superintendent, Larry Spring.  

The claim alleges Spring was "coerced" to resign a year ago based on what he insists were false sexual harassment and workplace retaliation allegations made by a female employee, and that the district subsequently breached a confidentiality agreement by allegedly sharing materials concerning the claims against Spring with the media.

Soler said he was aware of the situation but knew no more about it than what has been reported in news sources. He then shifted the discussion to the bigger challenge of the academic issues in the district.

Soler has not officially resigned. He informed the school board and the staff of his position as the finalist in Schenectady because his potential appointment is being made public in that community today. Once the Schenectady board approves his appointment -- the vote is Wednesday -- Soler will formally resign from Batavia City Schools and begin working with the board and staff on a transition.

The Batavia City School District Board of Trustees recently approved a contractually scheduled 2-percent raise for Soler along with a one-year contract extension, extending the agreement to 2024. Soler was expected to make $164,800 in 2021-22.

After more than eight years with the Schenectady district, Spring was earning $205,000 a year at the time of his resignation.

Letter:

Good morning Batavia Staff, 

I hope your summer recess has kicked off to an amazing start and you are finding time to rest, rejuvenate and recharge. I am writing to let you know that today it will be announced that I have been selected as the next permanent candidate for Superintendent of Schools in the Schenectady City School District in Schenectady, NY. 

This was not an easy decision given all that we have endured and achieved in my short tenure. I want to first thank the Batavia Board of Education for their continuous support and understanding. Once I am officially appointed I will be working with the Board of Education on a transition plan to ensure the district is supported and ready to reopen in the Fall, Batavia Strong. 

It has truly been my honor and privilege to serve the children and families of Batavia for the past year and a half. I thank the many parents, community members and countless committed educators and staff members, who have offered their unwavering encouragement, resources, and expertise on behalf of children. What we accomplished during a pandemic is commendable and will never be something I will forget. In addition, working with the dedicated individuals on the leadership team and staff who also comprise the Batavia School Board has been equally rewarding. 

Most importantly, I thank the students of Batavia, for demonstrating their talents, resilience, persistence, and skills to all of us during what has been a difficult time. The work we accomplished across the district includes experiences that I will take with me as I embark on this new opportunity.

I am extremely proud of the work we accomplished together during my time in Batavia City Schools. Behind each of these accomplishments lies the hard work and dedication of the exceptional Leadership Team in the district. 

These are but a few of those achievements and highlights:

• Developed a strong Reopening Plan in the Fall of 2020.
  • No layoffs or mid-year cuts in staff during pandemic despite ongoing threat from Governor’s Office regarding a 20% reduction.
  • Stayed open five days a week throughout the majority of 2020-21 school year for our English Language Learners, Special Education, and at-risk students.
  • Reopened schools for the last 10 weeks to 5 days of in-person learning.
  • All of our student-athletes were able to have a sports season this year.
• 2019-20 Budget: Closed $2 million deficit & 0% Tax Increase - 63% Community Approval.
• 2020-21 Budget: Adopted with 0% Tax Increase and no impact on staff/ programs - 82% Community Approval.
• The 2020-21 Budget includes fully funded appropriated & unappropriated reserve funds.
• Graduation rate for 2016-20 Cohort 93% (June) Cohort 94% (August) - 2% point growth from the previous cohort.  Estimated to be higher for 2017-21 Cohort.
• Served 500,000 meals to our community since March 2020.
• Opened the new Family and Community Engagement Center at Robert Morris.
• Launched a Community Schools Initiative that focuses on equity, opportunity and family.
• Implemented a Strategic Planning Process - that will help guide the district forward for years to come.
• Adopted Policy 8140, Equity, Inclusivity, and Diversity in Education - which will create systemic structures and practices to ensure ALL kids are supported.
• District-wide Equity Journey.
• Grants Awarded:
  • My Brother’s Keeper Family & Community Engagement Grant - $500,000 (4 year Grant).
  • Extended School Day/ School Violence Prevention Grant - $1.75 million (5 year Grant).
• Built a new state of the art playground at Jackson Primary School.
• Assisted in adding an eSports Program at BHS in partnership with Daemen College.
• Successfully Negotiated contracts for the Batavia Custodial Department, Batavia Administrative Association and IT Department. 
• Energy Performance Contract Initiated that will bring operational savings to the district.
• Completed an updated Building Condition Survey of all district facilities. 
• Implemented new website management and communication platform - Thrillshare by Apptegy.
• Added a new critical executive position to the organization overseeing Human Resources, labor relations and personnel matters. 

I wish much-continued success for Batavia and the Batavia City School District. Batavia will always hold a special place in my heart as the district of my first Superintendency. I will, at the pleasure of the Board, spend my remaining time ensuring and assisting in a smooth transition in order to maintain the positive momentum that has begun. 

Enjoy your holiday weekend.

From the National Weather Service office in Buffalo:

At 10:28 p.m. the National Weather Service in Buffalo issued a Flash Flood Warning for Central Genesee County in Western New York until 1:30 a.m. July 2.

Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Radar estimated that 2 to 3 inches of rain has already fallen over the warned area and an additional half to one inch of rain will be possible.

Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Batavia, Oakfield and East Pembroke.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS -- "Turn around, don`t drown" when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its History Trivia Night @ the Museum. Join us on Thursday, July 8th at 7 p.m. to test your knowledge of our neighbors to the North, Canada, in honor of Canada Day celebrated today -- July 1st.

If you would like to attend please contact the museum at (585) 343-4727. Admission is $3 per person or $2 for museum members. You can also join via Zoom, to find the link please visit the museum’s Facebook page or website.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce another concert at the museum. Join us on Wednesday, July 21st from 7 to 9 p.m. as welcome local musician Steve Kruppner as he plays an outdoor concert at the museum.

The concert will feature various genres of songs that can be summed up as "Americana." The concert will be outdoors weather permitting. If you would like to bring your own chair you are welcome, but seating will be provided. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held inside.

Admission is $5 or $4 for museum members. If you are interested in attending please call the museum at (585) 343-4727.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Java with Joe E. morning speaker series. Join us Thursday, July 22nd at 9 a.m. as we welcome Erica Wanescki as she details the history of the treatment of the disease polio in Western New York. Java with Joe E. is free to attend.

If you plan on attending please call the museum at (585) 343-4727. The presentation will also be available via Zoom, to find the link please visit the museum’s Facebook page or website.

Submitted photos and press release:

She is currently working full time as a Registered Nurse at UMMC Batavia Urgent Care.

Prior to the Urgent Care position, Elmore worked at WNY Batavia Pediatrics, and at Golisano Children’s Hospital in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Elmore is currently registered in the Bachelor’s of Science Degree Nursing Program at SUNY Brockport.

She is interested in a future career as a Family Nurse Practitioner or may enter a master’s program in Nursing Informatics.

Colleen Larson Dorchak (inset photo, left) has been awarded the 2021 St. Jerome Guild Health Professional Scholarship of $300.

She is a bachelorette prepared Registered Nurse receiving her degree with Highest Distinction, magna cum laude in 2019.

Dorchak is currently enrolled in the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of Buffalo.

She is employed full time and recently promoted to Clinical Nurse Leader at the UMMC Chemical Dependency Unit, Hope Haven.  

The St. Jerome Guild offers annual scholarships to applicants who are currently employed at UMMC/RHH and are pursuing advanced degrees in health care fields.

These scholarships are funded through proceeds at the St. Jerome Center Gift Shop, located at 16 Bank St., Batavia.

Recently, the St. Jerome Center Gift Shop opened a satellite location at the UMMC Kiosk/Gift Shop located at 127 North St.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) has cosponsored a resolution condemning the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for 100 years of human rights violations and atrocities.

“For a century, the Chinese Communist Party has committed atrocities against millions of civilians without recourse,” Jacobs said. “From massacres, torture, and repression committed at the direction of Mao Zedong and continuing today with the enslavement, forced labor, and genocide of the Uyghur People in Xinjiang -- the Chinese Communist Party is one of the most prolific abusers of human rights.

Today, July 1st, 2021, marks the 100th Anniversary of the creation of the Chinese Communist Party. On this anniversary, the resolution Jacobs cosponsored (H.Res. 500) specifically:

• Condemns the Chinese Communist Party for 100 years of gross violations of human rights.
• Supports the inherent right of the Chinese people to self-determination and free political expression independent of one-party rule.
• Calls on the Government of the United States and like-minded allies and partners to support human rights in the People’s Republican of China.
• Looks forward to the day the Chinese Communist Party no longer exists.

“The Chinese Communist Party represents the greatest threat to their own people, and one of the greatest to the global community as a whole,” Jacobs said. “I condemn their ongoing persecution of the Uyghur people in the strongest possible terms and will continue to work with my colleagues to hold the CCP accountable.”

Acknowledging that she is at the starting line, longtime Batavia City Schools administrator Julia Rogers says she has great expectations for the district’s new Batavia Community Schools program.

“I think the biggest thing is that we want to get our outreach in many different areas,” said Rogers, a Batavia native. “Batavia Community Schools wants to be everywhere and anywhere so that people know that we’re here to support the community – even during the summer when we’re based at Robert Morris (building on Union Street).

Rogers was speaking during an interagency informational event in conjunction with Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse last week at The Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road.

She said the goal of Batavia Community Schools is to inspire student success in many different ways, exploring opportunities and activities beyond the classroom.

“We find that in order to encourage success in the classroom, you also have to support the families. And by supporting the families, we’re looking at all aspects – from integrated student supports, mental health, dental, medical, healthy lifestyles and also jobs,” she said.

The program’s framework is adaptable to communities of all sizes, she said, mentioning that Wayne County has launched one for its school district.

“For Batavia, it really works with our demographics,” she said. “We have all different needs in our community. We’re going to be working with elders and working with the young. Really, this goes beyond the academics of school.”

Rogers said that as someone who grew up in Batavia, she understands the community and most of its needs, but admitted “that I’m learning through this position that there are needs that I wasn’t aware of.”

“The initiative is going to continue to grow as we have evening and weekend programming lined up. We’re building this and we’re open to ideas from residents to help us move forward,” she said.

Several agencies participated in the event, including Richmond Memorial Library, Hillside Children’s Center, ACT, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Young Life and, of course, GCASA.

Sherri Bensley, assistant director of Prevention at GCASA, said she set up a “Hidden Mischief” test for parents – a mock teen bedroom that was “planted” with numerous illegal drugs (facsimiles), drug paraphernalia and drug references.

The object was to see how many of these things parents could find in the three to five minutes they were given to search the bedroom.

“Once they do that, we do a presentation and show them different things that kids have hidden, such as a stash can or drug references that parents don’t know about,” Bensley said. “It has been a program that we have taken throughout Genesee and Orleans counties -- to schools, open houses and those type of things. It’s really a popular program right now that is providing valuable education to parents about the drug culture.”

Photo at top: Julia Rogers, center, Batavia Community Schools coordinator, greets Erin Mattison, left, and Halee Potter, educators with ACT, a Community Action of Orleans and Genesee program that offers a curriculum geared to helping those from the ages of 11 to 21 make responsible choices when it comes to sexual health.

Photo at bottom: Carla Laird, front, and Melissa Vinyard search for drugs and drug-related items during a "Hidden Mischief" exercise offered by GCASA at the recent informational fair at The Recovery Station.

Disclosure: Mike Pettinella is the media specialist for GCASA.

Press release:

Crossroads House volunteers are moving full steam ahead as they prepare for their annual Garage Sale at 11 Liberty St. in Batavia.

Donations of items are being accepted on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The sale will be on Thursday, July 29^th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, July 30^th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, July 31^st from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

There will be a presale on Wednesday, July 28^th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Admission for the presale is $5 per person aged 16 years or older.

We have a wide variety of new, next to new, and vintage treasures for your shopping enjoyment, and all items are priced to sell!

For more information on donations to our sale, please call Jackie at (585) 734-0125. (No early birds, please.)