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Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), recently co-sponsored three pieces of legislation focused on promoting transparency and defunding the World Health Organization (WHO). During the pandemic, the WHO showed that they are not an independent international public health cooperative, but rather simply a puppet of the Chinese Communist Party. Instead of listening to Chinese scientists warning about the dangers of COVID-19, for months, the WHO parroted CCP talking points including that person-to-person transmission was not possible.

First, H.R.79, the “WHO Withdrawal Act,” led by Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-5), requires the President of the United States to remove the U.S. from the WHO and prevents taxpayer dollars from being used to fund the organization. This legislation would codify President Trump’s decision in 2020 to leave the WHO, which was reversed by President Biden.

Second, H.R.343, the “No Taxpayer Funding for the World Health Organization Act,” led by Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21), would avert any assessed or voluntary contributions from the United States to the WHO.

Finally, S.444, the “No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act,” introduced in the House by Rep. Tom Tiffany (WI-7), deems any final agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response to be a treaty. Under Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, treaties require the consent of two-thirds of the U.S. Senate. This bill will prevent the Biden Administration from circumventing the Senate and arbitrarily deeming any final treaty an “executive agreement” which does not require Senate approval.

"Since the beginning of the pandemic, the WHO has proven that it does not have America's best interest at heart," said Congresswoman Tenney. "​​Through the disguise of the WHO, millions of taxpayer dollars have bankrolled the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda and have covered up the pandemic's origins. The WHO is not reformable. It is a privilege to join these three pieces of legislation that will ensure the United States leaves this CCP-puppet agency once and for all."

Press release:

The GCREA (Genesee County Retired Educators Asociation)) will be collecting items to benefit the children involved with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates.) These children are often lacking in essentials in their living situations. The collection drive will be asking for socks, underwear, and personal hygiene items (toothbrushes, combs, body wash, deodorants, shampoo, etc.) for boys and girls ages 0-18.  GCREA members and the public are invited to drop off items in the Tonawanda Valley Credit Union lobby in Batavia from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 31.

A house fire is reported at 10 1/2 South Spruce Street, Batavia.

The initial report was for involving a room and its contents.

The fire has reportedly spread into the attic.

All occupants are reported to be out of the house.

City Fire responding.  The second and fourth platoons have been recalled.

UPDATE 3:10 a.m.: Fire knocked down, checking for extension.

UPDATE 3:37 a.m. by Joanne Beck: The cause is reportedly unknown at this time, but the fire is believed to have originated outside of the house. The cause is under investigation.

UPDATE 3:53 a.m. (by Howard): National Grid requested to the scene.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Press release:

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) urges all individuals 60+ to answer a newly launched statewide Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA).

NYSOFA is conducting the survey in partnership with the Association on Aging in New York (AgingNY) and the research firm Polco. It is the first survey of its kind to be conducted statewide in New York.

Initial feedback had previously been collected through a randomly selected sample of residents who received a printed survey by mail from NYSOFA. In this second phase of the survey, all community members age 60 and over are encouraged to share their input by completing the survey online. The survey will close on March 30, 2023. 

NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen said, "Older adults are important to their families, communities, and the state’s economy. Our goal is to help them age successfully and keep their enormous contributions in New York State. We need older adults to provide us with feedback as we build on New York's promise as the first age-friendly state in the nation."  

AgingNY Executive Director Becky Preve said, “Data is imperative in the creation and implementation of policy and funding needs of older New Yorkers. This survey provides an opportunity for federal, state, and local governments to hear directly from residents on current and future needs to support the older population. We strongly encourage participation in this free, anonymous survey, as the results will be paramount in planning for the future.” 

The survey’s results will inform the priorities of NYSOFA as it prepares its four-year plan to the federal government. NYSOFA’s four-year plan guides service delivery and policy development for aging services that support New York’s 4.6 million older adults.

Under the direction of Governor Kathy Hochul, New York is also developing a comprehensive Master Plan for Aging(MPA). The MPA is designed to ensure that older adults and individuals of all ages can live healthy, fulfilling lives while aging with dignity and independence. While NYSOFA’s Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults is a separate initiative from the MPA process, the survey results may also provide further information to support the goals of the Master Plan for Aging. 

The Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults is being conducted in partnership with Polco, an online civic engagement platform. It is anonymous and takes only 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The survey is available in six languages by clicking the language options at the top of the survey page. 

The survey covers the following areas:

• Overall community quality – assessing the community as a place to live and retire, whether individuals recommend the community to others, and residential stability.

• Community and belonging – assessing views about community safety, the belief that older residents are valued in the community, and concerns about crime victimization and abuse. 

• Community information – assessing the availability of information about older adult resources and financial or legal services.

• Productive activities – assessing civic engagement, such as volunteering, voting, social engagement, social and religious activities, recreation, personal enrichment, caregiving, and economic contributions.

• Health and wellness – physical health, physical fitness, mental health, emotional wellbeing, quality of life, health care, independent living, activities of daily living, and hospitalizations.

• Community design and land use – housing variety and availability, ease of travel (by car, foot, and bus), access to daily needs, overall quality of life.

Press release:

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers will host the 102nd “Great Batavia Train Show & Sale” along with the “Batavia Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet” on Sunday, March 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Richard C. Call Arena, Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia.

Admission: $6 (Adults), $3 (under 18 yrs.), Free (under 13 yrs.)

The popular train show typically attracts 1,200 to 1,500 model railroad enthusiasts and railfans from across Western and Central NY, Northwestern Pennsylvania, and Southern Ontario. There are over 100 vendors occupying 250 tables offering merchandise ranging from antique railroad artifacts to the most modern digitally controlled model trains.

The GSME began hosting Train Shows in the early 70s at the Holland Land Office Museum. The bi-annual show has steadily grown to become one of the premiere events of its kind in Western New York.

The train club hosts two shows each year, a Spring show and a Fall show. A free Open House is held, typically, on the first Saturday of December at the Club’s facilities in Oakfield, where club members maintain operating layouts in O Gauge (Lionel), HO & N scale.

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers is located at 50 Main Street (Rte. 63), Oakfield, N.Y. (above the M&T Bank) and is open Tuesdays from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Business meetings are held the last Tuesday of each month. Visit www.gsme.org. Like us on Facebook. Visitors welcomed. (Stair access only.)

File photo by Howard Owens.

When I saw that Bradley Rogers had died, I stopped for a minute. Then I decided that I wanted to write something about him.

Admittedly, I wasn’t sure that I had enough to write. After all, it has been — well, let’s just say considerable enough years since I knew him that I wasn’t sure I could fill a page.

Mr. Rogers was my sixth-grade teacher at Batavia Middle School. I can still see him, with a round-cheeked grin sitting at his desk with a chessboard all setup. Truth is, my memories of him are as much about the circumstances at the time as they are about that grin.

Up to that point, our neighborhood of girls went to John Kennedy Elementary School, often walking together and then playing after school. When it came time for middle school, the moms of the other girls decided to send them to parochial school, and I went to middle school alone.

That was when the sixth grade was still the starter grade at BMS, and I was assigned to Mr. Rogers’ class. He seemed to be a jovial sort of guy, kind of tough at times, with a grin and a penchant for chess.

I had been learning the game and liked it to the point that my mother had made a showpiece ceramic chess set with glossy cream and red pieces on a polished two-toned wood board. I never used it; I suppose I was afraid that I would break something.

I had a cheaper plastic set but not many partners that I could corral into a game. Well, here was my chance. Mr. Rogers would invite us to a match, and I think I felt honored to be challenged by not only an adult but a teacher.

Life was kind of lonely then, and, actually, throughout the rest of school. Even though it may not have seemed it at the time — those teachers that paid attention in small ways did make an impact. Anything more boisterous would have just pushed me away, and playing chess challenged me intellectually and fed my curiosity to learn more about the game. It's a practice of patience, strategy, foresight, purposeful sacrifice when needed, and -- as fans of "The Queen's Gambit" know -- forbidden premature celebration. 

 At the time, I had no idea how active Mr. Rogers was in the community. He was a JV and Varsity basketball coach at Notre Dame HS and Batavia HS.  He was also a BHS track and golf coach.  He coached summer basketball clinics, was president of the Batavia Teachers’ Association and taught migrant education.  He was a former Genesee County Legislator, General Manager of the former Batavia Clippers, and Director of the NY-Penn Professional Baseball League. 

Mr. Rogers was a member of the St. Joseph’s Holy Name Society, the Knights of Columbus, the Elks Club, Batavia Country Club, and Terry Hills Golf Course (where he shot a hole-in-one on #14). 

An avid sports fan, he loved following St. Bonaventure, Syracuse, and Notre Dame basketball, along with the Yankees and the Bills, plus golfing, fishing, painting, and solving puzzles. No wonder he liked chess; it requires a calm predictive manner to outmaneuver your opponent, perhaps the ultimate puzzle. 

Turns out, his wife, Miss Tehan, was my kindergarten teacher, another wonderful example of a teacher who positively affected me by indulging my creative, spontaneous streak as a youngster. Long story short: she changed her day’s plans and allowed me to put on a puppet show with the puppets my mother brought back for me from a trip to England.

That was another sad and confusing time, as my mom’s trip was when her father -- the grandpa I barely knew -- had died. The puppet show was a fantastic outlet for pain. Miss Tehan made learning fun, enjoyable and, obviously, memorable. She was a good match for Mr. Rogers.

And to add just one more layer to this family affair of educators, little did I know that years later, I would be covering the city school district as a reporter and interacting with Community Schools Coordinator Julia Rogers. It seems apparent that this family has a sincere passion for teaching, and I am thankful for the likes of Mr. Rogers to be in classrooms teaching lessons in math, English, and even chess.

Cambria Orbaker, 10, of Pavilion, and Audryana Schulman, 6, of Batavia, had fun seeing the Easter Bunny at Oliver's Candies on Saturday in Batavia, along with visiting the petting zoo.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Noah Logsdon, 2 1/2, of Batavia, enjoyed feeding the animals in the petting zoo.

Hazel is a baby kangaroo.

We all know -- or should -- that Sherman burned Atlanta, but like all historical characters who have become more myth than human, there is more to General William Tecumseh Sherman than his march to the sea during the Civil War.

The Ohio native was an intellectual, insightful man with a keen understanding of human character, said Derek Maxfield, a GCC history teacher who has written a 160-page biography of Sherman.

GO ART! hosted a reception on Friday evening to celebrate the release of "Man of Fire," published by Savas Beatie as part of the Emerging Civil War Series. 

"Somebody like Sherman is a lot more complex than what popular culture makes him out to be, and that was part of one of the reasons I wanted to write this book," Maxfield said. "Here's a character who is not that simple."

In popular culture, Sherman is remembered for burning nearly all of Atlanta to the ground on Nov. 15, 1864, largely because of Gone with the Wind. From Atlanta, Sherman marched his Union soldiers to Savannah (the March to the Sea) as they destroyed everything in their path.

"I think one of the tasks of a good biographer is to make somebody more human, make them more easily understood," Maxfield said.

It as tough, Maxfield said, capturing somebody as complex as Sherman in 40,000 words, but he thinks he's produced the best short biography yet of the Union general.

This is the first biography written by Maxfield but his second book.  Previously, he wrote "Hellmira: The Union's Most Infamous Civil War Prison."

Among Sherman's more positive traits, Maxfield said, was his intellectual strength.

"He used to love to quote Shakespeare, so he was very literate, and I think that part of him is lost," Maxfield said. "He is known as this arsonist and barbarian, at least to the South, and even some of his partisans want to remember him that way. I think it does him a disservice because he's probably the most intellectual of all of the generals in the Union Army.

"I also think that he had a deeper understanding of people than many in the administration, perhaps save Lincoln. I think that, ultimately, that understanding of human nature is one of the keys to the Union victory because he could understand how to break the will of the Confederacy and end the war sooner."

The most unredeemable aspect of Sherman's life, Maxfield said, came after the Civil War.

"I think you have to be careful judging people of another time and place by 21st-Century values, but the thing that punches me in the gut is he's the author of a federal policy in the late 19th Century to kill the buffalo in order to subdue the Plains Indians," Maxfield said. "That's the one that I find the most unredeeming."

The book, Maxfield hopes, will find an audience among people with an emerging interest in the Civil War while also appealing to people who have already read a good deal about the war between the states.

"I always envisioned it as a general audience book for somebody who might not even know a lot about the Civil War," Maxfield said. "I was aiming kind of broadly, but certainly anybody who has an interest in the Civil War, I would hope that they would find this of value."

For more about the book, click here.

Photos by Howard Owens. First and second photos, Derek Maxfield.

 

Tracy Ford, actor and teacher, dressed above as Sherman, wrote an essay published at the end of the book entitled "Becoming Sherman."  He's signing a copy for fellow actor Daniel Snyder, who played Arthur Brisbane in the one-act play written and produced by Derek Maxfield, Brothers at Odds: The Brisbane Story

The 4th Annual Musicians of Note celebrates five inductees to the Class of 2023

Last evening at Batavia High School, the fourth annual “Musicians of Note” paid tribute to honorees of the Class of 2023.

This year’s honorees were:

• Diana Dipson Class of 1929, 1911-1997
• Melanie  “Melzie” Lakin Case, Class of 2012
• Deanna Spiotta, Class of 2005
• Brian Fontaine-Isaac, Class of 2001
• Gloria McLauglin, retired music teacher, 1970-1989

The 2022 Musicians of Note honoree Mark Hoerbelt was recognized last evening, as he was unable to attend last year.

Each candidate was recognized for their music successes in high school, college and post-education studies by a tribute video narrated by the Master of Ceremonies Paul Spiotta.  Some of the candidates each performed on stage with their music of choice, accompanied by students and staff.

The school district honored two very dear colleagues and supporters of the Batavia Music Department.

First was James Owen, son of Frank E. Owen, a strong supporter of the music department at BHS.  He contributed scholarships, served on the Committee of Musicians of Note and was praised for his kindness, generosity, passion and sense of humor.

Second was previous BHS band director, 2001 Musicians of Note honoree, Ken Hay, who taught many students at BHS and made a strong impact for 20 years.  He was remembered by many for his inspiration, talent and nurturing of the students he taught.

Superintendent Jason Smith spoke highly and dearly of both Jim Owen and Ken Hay, who recently passed away in his opening remarks along with congratulating the Class of 2023 inductees, ending with a quote from Jimi Hendrix, “Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.”

The Musician of Note Committee is accepting nominations for next year's honorees though October. You may find the application for the Musician of Note on BCSD Website or email JHaggett@bataviacsd.org to have one emailed to you personally for future nominations or click here.

The above photo is provided. Pictured left to right, Gloria McLauglin, Mark Hoerbelt ( Class of 2022 inductee ) Deanna Spiotta, Brian Fontaine-Isaac, Melanie Lakin Case “Melzie”, not pictured Diana Dipson.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Pictured left to right, Jane Haggett-Paladino Music Department Chairperson, Jason Smith BCSD Superintendent, Paul Kesler, BHS Principal, Melzie Case, Class of 2023 Inductee

Melanie "Melzie" Case, Class of 2012

Deanna Spiotta, Class of 2005

Brian Fontaine-Isaac, Class of 2001

Gloria McLaughlin - Retired Music Teacher 1970-1989

Mark Hoerbelt - 2022 Musicians of Note Inductee

A 68-year-old Batavia woman who was active in the community as a volunteer and advocate was killed Friday evening on Route 5 in the Town of Batavia after her westbound 2021 Hyundai suburban crossed the double-yellow line and struck two-oncoming vehicles.

Mary Ellen Wilber was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Karen Lang.

"She loved this community," Paula Savage told The Batavian on Saturday morning. "She was involved in so many organizations."

The accident, in the area of 3833 West Main Street Road,  is under investigation by the Sheriff's Office.

Wilber's vehicle struck a 2014 Ford F-350 and a 2015 Jeep Cherokee, which were both eastbound at about 6:36 p.m.  The driver of the F-350 was uninjured. The driver of the Jeep was transported to ECMC with lower body injuries.

Among the groups Wilber supported and participated in were the  Friends of The Batavia Peace Garden, the Business and Professional Women's Club. She was also an occasional public speaker at City Council meetings on issues that mattered to her.

Her brother, David J. Zanghi, was known as the "The Mayor of Southside."  He died in April 2020, the first local person to die as a result of contracting COVID-19.

Savage said whenever she needed anything, Wilber would rush to her side to help.  If a tour group showed up unexpectedly at the Peace Garden, Wilber arrived minutes later in costume to provide an orientation to the tourists.  

"She was one of the most giving, loving people I have ever met," Savage said. "It's a terrible loss for me."

Carol Grasso, who served alongside Wilber in community volunteer efforts, said she loved her family and her community.

"She was a great girl for the community," Grasso said. "She did everything. She was involved with everything. If anybody ever needed anything, she was there."

Savage said, "It's not only a loss for me. It's a loss for our community."

Top photo: File photo by Howard Owens from 2013 when the Peace Garden received an award from the Chamber of Commerce.  Mary Ellen Wilber is second from left, with Barb Toal, Carol Grasso, and Berneda Scoins.

It was showtime on Thursday at GO ART! for Brian Kemp and two other artists with new solo shows in one of Seymour Place's galleries.

While Kemp had won multiple local art competitions over the years, this is his first solo show.

Kemp describes his creative process as intuitive and almost childlike, and he takes found materials of wood and metal along with Duck cloth for painting to create unique and original pieces, all while listening to an assortment of tunes for inspiration.

"I love creating in this manner as it allows for unplanned expression," Kemp said. "It amazes me what comes out of my works as they develop."

Also opening on Thursday was a show by Bryan Wright. A Batavia resident, Wright is originally from Charleston.  As a child, he was drawn to the seaside and water, which remains an inspiration for his work in various mediums. 

The collection was inspired, he said, by countless hours spent digging and rummaging through the earth in search of unique rocks, shells, sand dollars, and even an occasional shark's tooth. 

"I truly enjoy working with my hands and find my training in graphic design and basic metal fabricating has proven to be practical when fixing things and effective when creating art with such rugged material," he said.

The two pieces below are by John Midla, who also has a new show at GO ART!

Photos by Jim Burns.

After multiple inquiries, The Batavian has learned that animal abuse charges against Cassandra Elmore have been resolved, and the dog she was accused of allowing to ingest narcotics has a new home.

Elmore had actually entered a guilty plea, as part of a plea agreement, to disorderly conduct on Feb. 2, a month before our last story on the case, but nobody associated with the case informed The Batavian of the plea when we inquired about the status of the case.

Oddey, Elmore's former French Bulldog, was adopted the same day as when the article ran, March 3, and The Batavian's inquiry to a member of Volunteers for Animals about the dog's status also went unanswered.

Elmore entered her plea and was granted a conditional discharge, meaning that if she avoids any further arrests and complies with court orders for the next year, her record on these charges will be sealed.

Elmore, 30, was arrested in July and had faced three counts of injuring an animal under New York Ag and Markets Law Section 353.  She reportedly took Oddey to veterinarians with apparent drug overdoses after the dog, according to police reports, licked up white powder from the kitchen floor.

Batavia PD is currently trying to locate Elmore, who has warrants out for her arrest after she was released from custody after being picked up on prior warrants, in order to go to a treatment facility. She reportedly never showed up at the facility.

The warrants are for charges that arose after her arrest on the animal charge.  She is facing ongoing criminal complaints on charges of obstruction of governmental administration 2nd, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, criminal possession of a weapon 4th, criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd, as well as failure to comply with a court-ordered program.

Wearing o' the green, kilts, and bagpipes in downtown Batavia can mean only one thing: a St. Paddy's Day parade. And members of the Buffalo City Guard -  Gordon Highlanders paraded around the block of School Street Friday afternoon in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

The parade befittingly started at O'Lacy's Irish Pub, where many local festivities will continue into the night, as well as across the county, and also throughout the weekend. 

An Irish blessing for all: "May your troubles be less. And your blessings be more. And nothing but happiness come through your door."

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

While acknowledging the difference between private enterprises and not-for-profit businesses, the chairman of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. board of directors on Thursday defended the awarding of $30,000 in bonuses to the public benefit company’s senior management team.

At its January meeting, the board unanimously (by a 13-0 vote) passed a resolution to award “a discretionary bonus” to President/Chief Executive Officer HenryWojtaszek (photo at left) in the amount of $12,000 and to Chief Financial Officer Jacquelyne Leach (photo at right), Vice President/Operations Scott Kiedrowski and Vice President/Administration William White in the amount of $6,000 each.

Board Chairman Richard Bianchi said the bonuses were justified in light of leadership’s role in guiding the corporation to record revenues and earnings distributions to its 17 member municipalities in 2022.

According to figures supplied by WROTB, credits played (on the gaming floor) topped 1 billion for the first time ever, with net win (revenue) hitting a record $75 million. From that, nearly $8.5 million was earmarked for distribution to the municipalities – up more than $2.5 million from 2021.

“Determining executive compensation in a public benefit corporation can be challenging as you need to balance paying for performance against the fact that we must be mindful of public dollars,” Bianchi said. “But, we are also in a very competitive gaming industry. We have to compete for executive talent.”

Bianchi revealed that the board hired an outside compensation firm, Burke Group of Rochester, to review the pay scale and make recommendations.

“They found, based on revenue, responsibility and successful performance, that our team was below the median in pay in the industry,” he said. “Burke made suggestions that we are following, which we think are both fair and reasonable.”

He noted that the WROTB senior management team “is one that would be prized by any privately held company and would be proud to have.”

“In the private sector, these people all would be $250,000 to $500,000 per year executives,” he offered. “Though they earn a fraction of that, our bonus plan is a way to acknowledge their incredible contribution to our success and do so cost-effectively.”

Salaries for the four, as approved by the board, for 2023 are as follows:

• Wojtaszek, who started with the company in 2010 as general counsel before taking over as CEO in 2016, $264,898.

• Leach, who was hired in May 1989 as a staff accountant and worked her way up to CFO, becoming the first female officer at WROTB, $221,582.

• White, who became VP/Administration in 2012 following nine years as a director and a year as VP/Human Resources, $155,168.

• Kiedrowski, who became VP/Operations in 2016 after serving on the board for seven years, $155,168.

Wojtaszek’s salary has increased by 38 percent over the past two years but is not among the top 25 WNY CEO salaries, despite WROTB generating revenues greater than most of the other businesses, which are primarily in the healthcare sector.

Wojtaszek said that all 392 WROTB employees, plus the 20 who work for Hart Hotels but are paid by WROTB, have benefited financially as a result of the corporation’s successful year.

He disclosed that he approved merit raises to 20 employees and bonuses to two Hotel at Batavia Downs employees. In negotiations, union employees received a 4 percent raise – “our highest yet,” he noted.

“We’ve established a brand name that is synonymous to quality and great customer service,” Wojtaszek said. “And it’s all because of the hard work of our employees.”

Batavia Downs Gaming, Hotel at Batavia Downs and harness track is the hub of the organization, which also has off-track betting locations throughout Western New York. Most recently, Wojtaszek oversaw the Park Road Reconstruction Project, which features numerous enhancements on the property, and the purchase and refinancing of the hotel.

INVESTIGATIONS INTO OPERATIONS CONTINUE
On another front, inquiries into certain practices at WROTB continue, Wojtaszek said, adding that management and the board are cooperating fully with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York State Comptroller’s Office.

“We’ve given them any and all documents requested and, beyond that, have made policy and procedural changes per their recommendations,” he said, referring to the state Comptroller’s probe into gold-plated health insurance for directors, suites at Buffalo Bills and Sabres games and reimbursement for using company vehicles. “We brought in a regulatory compliance firm – consultants who recommended how to improve our operation, and we have followed that advice.”

In December, the board approved a $20,000 contract with Personius Melber LLP of Buffalo to represent employees who have been questioned by investigators.

Reached by telephone yesterday, Rodney Personius said the employees in question “are not targets or subjects of any investigation but those who the organization (WROTB) wanted to be available for interviews.”

“OTB thought it would be appropriate for them to have a lawyer,” he added.

Personius said he did not wish to comment on what was discussed in the interviews, noting that between five and 10 employees were interviewed.

A lawsuit filed by an attorney representing Michael Nolan, a former WROTB chief operating officer, was dismissed due to time restraints last year but reportedly will be refiled.

Nolan is claiming that his federal First Amendment rights were violated when he alleged that he was retaliated against by WROTB leadership for speaking to federal agencies about alleged improper practices at the Batavia-based corporation.

The attorney representing WROTB issued a statement today supporting Wojtaszek’s contention that the corporation has cooperated with authorities.

“Since 2018, my firm instruction from the WROTB board of directors has been to cooperate with all agency requests for information and document subpoenas,” said Terrence Connors, partner, Connors LLP of Buffalo. “We have accomplished that goal, and no state or federal agency has ever advised that WROTB or any of the officers or directors is the target of any investigation for wrongdoing.

“In addition, WROTB has voluntarily engaged a prestigious compliance company staffed by compliance experts and a former FBI agent to review practices and policies and implement any necessary changes.  While there have been rumors and speculation, WROTB continues to return record profits to the 15 counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo.”

When Notre Dame musical director Kate Edwards was looking for this year’s show, she wanted something for her outgoing seniors while also tickling the community with a thoughtful comedy that’s not yet been performed in this region.

Enter “Mean Girls,” a coming-of-age musical based on the 2004 film written by longtime “Saturday Night Live” actor/writer Tina Fey.

“I chose it because I have some very strong seniors who were going to graduate, and I wanted a show to highlight them. I thought this was perfect; it had five female leads and two strong males. It kind of fit all our pieces. Tina Fey wrote it, and her husband wrote the lyrics. And it really just deals with a lot of real-life high school issues, but in a satirical way,” Edwards said during an interview with The Batavian. “So it's very funny. She has been quoted in the past that she was really hoping to show how all the bullying and the cliques, and, you know, trying to be body beautiful, and trying to be the best athlete in the world or being the prettiest girl and how that is just inundated on our kids nowadays, especially with the advent of social media.

“And so we just really thought it would be a good option to kind of show what real life is like in high school and deal with it in a funny way that can maybe spur conversations with parents.”

Anyone who has ever gone through high school knows the drill: it’s a jungle out there of competition to be the best, weigh a certain weight, score the highest, wear the coolest clothes, survive being a band geek, a science nerd, a wannabe, and not get eaten alive by those who judge or bully you before graduation.

The action takes to the stage at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Notre Dame High School, 73 Union St., Batavia.

Despite the premise of all that high school drama, it’s an upbeat, energetic show with a lot of “hip-hoppish,” professionally choreographed dancing numbers, Edwards said. Tuan Malinowski, a friend from Orchard Park, now living in New York City, helped out by putting together several dance scenes.

“He’s a professional from NYC. He has a very unique style,” Edwards said. “He choreographs for a lot of colleges and professional shows.”

They used FaceTime and videos that Malinowski sent to collaborate and integrate the dance routines into the two-hour show, which includes an additional 20-minute intermission. The music style is pop rock, and, per one of the songs, “I’d Rather Be Me,” it’s about “accepting everybody,” Edwards said.

The premise is based on Cady and her parents moving from Kenya to a Chicago suburb, where Cady soon realizes that her high school classmates don’t readily accept others who are different from them. Cady accepts the challenge and attempts to find her niche social group as she encounters Regina George, the Queen Bee and member of the “Plastics,” dreamy Aaron Samuels, and the myriad other classmate characters.

Along the way, there’s love, betrayal, heartbreak, pranks, unwelcome weight gain, ridicule, and shaming. One of Edwards’ favorite scenes is around the song “Sexy,” which she admits may sound uncharacteristically risqué for a high school production. It’s actually about Halloween. The character of Karen explains to Cady that in high school, this holiday revolves around looking sexy and having a hot costume.

“You can't just be like, you know, a ghoulish witch or something, you know what I mean? And that is a very real issue in today's world. And so that one I like, and that's a really fun number. It's really, really fun. The dance is fantastic. And the kids have a blast with it. And they're all in costume,” Edwards said. “But then I think the song I liked the most is probably Janice's song towards the end of the act, where she sings about you've got to be yourself don't always try to feel like you should fit in with other people. And that's called 'I’d Rather Be Me.' And that's probably my favorite song of the entire show.”

With a cast of 15, and another 10 backstage, and everything being done by the students — sets being made and moved around, spotlights, soundboards, light boards, staging, acting — a main challenge has been coordinating schedules around their busy lives, she said, from mock trial and classes to basketball and other extracurriculars.

Oh, and having to figure out how to transition scenes without any fancy technology or electronics.

“So, typically, like on Broadway, of course, when they've got their million dollar stages, right, they have these set changes, where they just slide onto the stage and then slide off, and then the stage can rotate, and then things can come forward and go back. And, of course, we can't do any of that,” she said. “The kids kind of figured out how they could make that transition as smooth as possible. And that was really fun to see the kids thinking in more of a technical, backstage way.”

Taking time to be more thoughtful — demonstrated in a comedic, down-to-earth way —  also includes a message about texting, Edwards said. The song “Stop” is about when you’re about to text or post something on social media. Just stop and think before you do it, “because there’s consequences,” she said.

“I really hope kids come out and see it, and I’m really hoping it’s good for some conversations,” she said. “The moral is just accept everybody for who they are and what they do … Accept everyone and be kind. That’s really the biggest issue.”

Does Cady finally discover that true acceptance? Tickets are $10 at the door to find out.  

Bill and Michelle Snyder, owners of Windy Brew in Strykersville, are one step closer to opening a tavern and bar at 56 Harvester Center in Batavia.

City Council gave the business owners a nod of approval for a liquor license during this week’s conference session. Batavia Police had no objections, according to the city clerk-treasurer.

That being said, their plans are still on hold due to the permit process, and they are waiting to hear back from the city, Michelle said Wednesday.

Plans are to include live music and a tasting room for brews, including Windy Brew, made in Strykersville.

Batavia's Police Benevolent Association President Matt Wojtaszczyk, above, shared some good news with City Council this week. The PBA served up some pancakes for a fundraiser this past summer to generate donations for special technical needs at the police department.

"So over the past year, the PBA members specifically representing emergency response teams have been working on fundraising to assist the department with updating the Emergency Response Team," Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said during the council's conference session at City Hall. "We appreciate them for recognizing the need to do this and stepping up and doing so, and they donated some pretty big items."

Thanks to the generosity of host Grace Baptist Church in Batavia, PBA members, and, apparently, hungry residents, the PBA was able to raise approximately $3,600, Wojtaszczyk said.

“At that event, we just want to say a big thank you to Grace Baptist, who helped us with the fundraiser and using their facility, and they provided staff to assist us as well, as the PBA managed the funds and facilitated the fundraiser,” Wojtaszczyk said.

"And using those funds, we purchased the following equipment. We purchased four cameras and a monitor display for a rescue vehicle, specialty breaching equipment to Red Dot optics, an unmanned aerial vehicle otherwise known as a drone, and upgraded batteries, storage bins and miscellaneous team equipment. And we plan on purchasing a new optic for our sniper team," he said. "So we were able to get quite a few items. Those items, once they're purchased, are donated to the city for city use. We appreciate everyone that supported us.”

Photo of PBA President Matt Wojtaszczyk during a City Council meeting at City Hall, by Howard Owens.

Press release:

Calling all green thumbs and community builders! Emmanuel Baptist Church is seeking volunteers to help build and farm our brand-new community garden in the field behind the church at 190 Oak Street in Batavia.

Our garden will feature 20 spacious 4x3 plots, which, once constructed and fenced, will be transformed into thriving vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens. We may add larger plots if there is a desire for them. But we can't do it alone - we need your help to build garden beds, plant seeds, tend to plants, and harvest the fruits of your labor. (Each person who signs up for a plot gets to plant, maintain and harvest from their own plot!) If you help build the garden, you get to farm a plot for free for a season. Otherwise they will be 20 dollars a plot.

Being a gardener at our community garden is more than just a chance to get your hands dirty. It's an opportunity to connect with fellow garden enthusiasts, learn new skills, and contribute to a project that will benefit the entire community.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, you can grow veggies or flowers and grow yourself as well! Our team will provide all the necessary tools and seeds. There will be water barrels with watering cans available as well. So if you're looking for a place to get your garden growing while enjoying the great outdoors, come join us at Emmanuel Baptist Church's Community Garden. Together, we can create something truly special.

There will be an informational meeting held Wednesday, March 29th at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 6 p.m. for those interested in helping or renting a plot. For more information or to volunteer, please call 585 343 4905 or email ebcbatavia@gmail.com. 

Douglas M. Ashworth, 48, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with menacing. Ashworth is accused of pointing a rifle at two youths on Oct. 9 on Vine Street in Batavia and placing the individuals in reasonable fear of injury or death. He was arrested on Feb. 28 and issued an appearance ticket.

John J. Saddler, 35, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd, aggravated criminal contempt, grand larceny 4th, and petit larceny. Saddler is accused of entering the home of a person projected by a court order and stealing property, including an NYS benefits card and then using the card at a local business. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed until his next court appearance.

Sarah A. Malone, 40, of Graham Street, Batavia, is charged with theft of services and criminal impersonation 2nd. Malone is accused of dining at a restaurant in the City of Batavia on Feb. 21 and leaving without paying for her meal. Once located, Malone allegedly provided officers with a fake name and date of birth. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Ariel N. Pontillo, 32, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWAI drugs and failure to keep right. Pontillo was stopped by Officer Joseph Weglarski at Main and Court streets in the City of Batavia on Feb. 25.

Michael E. Wilson, 29, of East Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI and insufficient tail lamps. Wilson was stopped at 2:32 a.m. on Feb. 26 on East Main Street in Batavia by Officer Joseph Wglarski. Wilson was issued an appearance ticket.

Rebecca R. Fugate, 22, of Woodrow Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Fugate is accused of striking another resident of a residential care home in Batavia on Feb. 24. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Heather L. Armstrong, 46, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Armstrong was arrested on Feb. 28 following a report of a disturbance at a business in Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Brittany L. Hollaert, 26, of St Paul Street, Rochester, is charged with failure to appear. Hollaert is accused of failing to appear in court as ordered on charges of grand larceny 3rd, petit larceny, and criminal trespass charges. She was released on her own recognizance and admitted into a drug treatment facility. Her case will be transferred to SAFE Court.

Grant J. Fremstad, 22, of Ekern Street, Westby, Wis., is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, improper lane usage, and open container. Fremstad was stopped at 2:23 a.m. on March 5 on East Main Street by Officer Joseph Weglarski. Fremstad was released on an appearance ticket.

Demerio J Watts, 38, of Eggert Road, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right, and failure to signal. Watts was stopped at 1:18 a.m. on Ellicott Street in Batavia by Officer John Gombos. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Phillip D. Byford, 32, of Brockport Spencerport Road, Sweden, was arrested on City Court bench warrants. The first warrant for an alleged petit larceny on Jan. 24, 2020. He was issued an appearance ticket and allegedly failed to appear in court. The second warrant was for an alleged petit larceny also reported on Jan. 24, 2020. He is accused of failure to appear on an appearance ticket. The third warrant is for a charge of criminal trespass 2nd at a location on East Main Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and allegedly failed to appear.  He was arraigned in City Court and ordered to appear at a later date.

Myia N. Sobus, 19, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, and Timothy J Alis, 18, of Park Road, Batavia, are charged with petit larceny. Sobus and Alis are accused of filling a shopping cart at an undisclosed store (UPDATE: Through court records, The Batavian confirmed the location was Tops) in Batavia with $897 in merchandise and leaving the store without paying for the items. They were released on appearance tickets.

Shawn M. Sloan, 38) of Porter Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal trespass 2nd. Sloan is accused of entering an apartment on Bank Street, Batavia, on March 3, and stealing a kitchen utensil. Sloan was released on an appearance ticket.

Shannon B. Harder, 38, of Bowen Road, Attica, is charged with DWI, unsafe turn, speed in zone, and failure to keep right. Harder was stopped on Center Street, Batavia, on March 8, by Officer Sam Freeman. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Brian Eric Dagar, 37, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with petit larceny. Dager is accused of shoplifting at Walmart in Batavia on Feb. 26. Dagar was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released.

Evan Francis Maynard, 22, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Maynard is accused of shoplifting from Target in Batavia on March 2. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Jeanna Marie Hattaway, 36, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd. Hattaway was allegedly found in possession of multiple controlled substances during a traffic stop conducted by Sgt. Kyle Krzemien at 3:38 a.m. on March 3 on Lewiston Road, Batavia. She was released on an appearance ticket.

LeeAnna Krull, 53, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband 1st and promoting prison contraband 2nd. Krull was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance while inside the Genesee County Jail on March 1 at 4:07 p.m. She was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court and ordered held.

Beglervoic Denis Ikonic, 20, of East Ridge Road, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Ikonic is accused of shoplifting from DIck's Sporting Goods on March 5 at 4:30 p.m.  He was released.

Marie Tiffany Walter, 31, of Putnam Road, Bethany, is charged with petit larceny. Walter is accused of shoplifting from Walmart. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Zachary Austin Laird, 26, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, and criminal mischief. Laird is accused of damaging property at a location on Bethany Center Road at 8:15 p.m. on March 1. He allegedly left the scene and drove back while intoxicated. He was arrested by Deputy Nicholas Chmoun and Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush and was held in the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment.

Jeffrey M. Schneider, 44, of Alexander, is charged with DWI. Schneider was stopped by State Police at 7:50 p.m. on March 11 in the Town of Alexander. He was released to a third party.  No further information released.

In an effort to rally young people’s interest in the election process and voting and build a future base of voters, Genesee County Board of Elections is sprinkling a little fun into what can otherwise be a dry topic.

The “I Voted” sticker contest is being promoted to students in grades five through 12 in art or in government classes throughout county school districts and home schools. They are being encouraged to create original artwork used with the words “I Voted” to celebrate that American privilege, and a grand winner, plus prizes for first, second and third will be awarded to the top selected entries.

Democratic Election Commissioner Lorie Longhany became a lead organizer of the project after a staff member brought the idea forward in December, she said. Other counties have begun similar contests, and Longhany looks forward to the end results locally after the April 21 deadline.

“We are beginning to set up demonstrations in the schools so that young people will feel comfortable with the process. We also hope to bring in some young people as poll workers. We had several train and help us during and after the pandemic,” Longhany said. “Our bi-partisan staff will be the judges for the contest. We plan on having a staff meeting after all designs have been submitted and spreading all the submissions out on our conference room table.

“As a former art teacher, this is very exciting for me. I had my students participate in the STOP DWI campaign and was a huge fan of the 4th grade Landmark Society contest, as well as the GCASA poster contests,” she said.

The grand prize winner’s design will be made into stickers for voters during the Primary and General elections, including Early Voting, Longhany said. First, second and third place entries will be used in social media content and for other voting-related outreaches, she said.

“We will also send out a press release after the submissions are judged,” she said. "We usually order several thousand stickers each year. Voters look forward to receiving their stickers after they sign in to vote. We want this to be a yearly project and are hoping it will grow in popularity.”

For a list of the rules and more information, go to I VOTED.