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While most businesses make big splashes out of those hefty decades-old anniversaries, Eli Fish owners and staff are plenty happy with turning five this year, brewmaster Adam Burnett says.

And the brewery and restaurant that’s already become a staple of downtown’s Main Street will be celebrating on March 3 and 4.

“It’s to celebrate the successes I don’t think any of us saw coming,” Burnett said.

It was in March 2018 when owners Matt Gray and Jon Mager opened Eli Fish Brewing Company in the deceptively large building that stretched from Main Street back to Jackson Square. That included an on-site brewery, a kitchen for Eli and one for an incubator to temporarily house a start-up restaurant for training and experience before ideally moving on to a larger space of its own.

There was also plenty of seating and room for cornhole tournaments, special event bookings and trivia nights and occasional live musical groups.

The place has closed every March since opening to upgrade the brewery — with a minimum 20 percent growth each year, Burnett said — for production capacity that “more than doubled from when I got here four years ago,” he said.

The brewery has a distribution spanning across Western New York and just signed a contract with a major name that can’t be disclosed just yet, plus Eli Fish was invited to participate in a Rochester brew expo, which is newer territory for the more western-based brew, he said.

During its shutdown next month, the property will be filled with activity to build a banquet hall for parties up to 100, continue work on the outdoor deck next to Jackson Square, refine an elevated food menu, and expand Matty’s Pizza into the former Mama Dee’z Kitchen area. (See related story.)

As for the outdoor deck? “I would love to see it functioning before the first concert in Jackson Square,” Burnett said.

How’s the food? “We still do more food sales than beer sales,” he said. “It’s all about the full experience. With Matty’s expansion, that can take a load off of our kitchen. People come now expecting new things with an international flair.”

The anniversary celebration will feature “throwback” food specials from the last five years that include shrimp and grits, bahn mi sandwich, potstickers and more. Craft brews should bring on some nostalgia, he said, with the Brewer’s Wife, a blonde ale, Madam Edna, a nod to the infamous Edna Gruber of Batavia’s pre-urban renewal days, and Church Shoes.

Funny thing is, the Edna was created without anyone knowing that she was Burnett’s great-great-grandmother — a madam, for sure, she ran a brothel on Jackson Street and was reportedly rather philanthropic with her proceeds, donating money to those in need.

The celebration is just that, Burnett said: it's a way to acknowledge that Eli Fish has not just survived.

“But we’ve been thriving,” he said.

Eli Fish Brewing Company Chef Sam Hilburger and Master Brewer Adam Burnett prepare for the five-year celebration March 3 and 4 at 109 Main St., Batavia with food specials and nostalgic craft brews from the first year of operation. Photo by Howard Owens.

Previously:

There were dozens of craft brews on tap on Saturday night at Batavia Downs for the 4th Annual Brewfest.

Photos by Howard Owens

Jason R. Anderson, 41, of Batavia, is charged with robbery 1st, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, petit larceny, and criminal mischief 4th. Anderson is accused of displaying a knife during a robbery at an undisclosed business on Veterans Memorial Drive on Jan. 23 at 6:36 p.m. The suspect in the robbery fled the scene before deputies arrived. Following an investigation, Anderson was identified as the suspect. He was arrested without incident on Jan. 30. He was arraigned in town of Batavia Court and ordered held on $10,000 bail or $20,000 bond. The petit larceny and criminal mischief charges stemming from an incident on Jan. 3 at the same location. He is accused of cutting a chain lock on an electric bicycle and stealing the bicycle. 

Tiffany Marie McAllister, 32, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd. McAllister was arrested Feb. 13 in connection with an incident reported at 11:30 p.m. Jan. 28, at a location on West Main Street Road, Batavia. McAllister was arraigned and released on her own recognizance.

Zachary Russell Reed, 32, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd. Reed is accused of an assault reported at a business in the Town of Batavia on Jan. 28 at 10:30 p.m. He was arrested Feb. 13 and released on his own recognizance following arraignment.

Alyssa Michele Harnish, 34, of West Main Street, Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Harnish is accused of striking a child during a disturbance reported at 10:19 p.m. on Feb. 12 at a location on West Main Street Road, Batavia. Harnish was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on her own recognizance.

Megan June Courtney, 26, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with two counts of grand larceny 4th. Courtney is accused of stealing a debit card and using the debit card to make purchases in excess of $1,800. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Michael John Szustakowski, 34, of Alexander Road, Attica, is charged with felony DWI, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, speeding, and open alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.  Szustakowski was stopped by Sgt. Mathew Clor at 8:07 p.m. on Feb. 10 on Clinton Street Road, Bergen. He is accused of attempting to flee on foot through the backyard of a residence. He was apprehended after a foot pursuit. He was arraigned in Centralized Court. His release status was not disclosed.

Tasha Lynn Horton, 41, Dry Bridge Road, Alexander, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision with an emergency vehicle, moving from lane unsafely, and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Horton is accused of driving drunk and nearly striking a patrol vehicle on a traffic stop on Feb. 12 at 1:50 a.m. on Route 33 in Bergen. Horton was arrested by Deputy Zachary Hoy.

Kevin Lysie Richardson, 49, of Tempest Street, Perry, is charged with falsifying business records 1st and attempted criminal purchase or disposal of a weapon. Richardson is accused of attempting to purchase a firearm he was ineligible to possess on Dec. 23 at 12:30 p.m at a location on Veterans Memorial Drive. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Joseph Carl Jeffords, 31, of Chestnut Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Jeffords is accused of shoplifting at Kohl's Department Store in Batavia.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

Raeshawn S. Robinson, 25, of Fairbanks Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd, insufficient tail lamps, no seat belt, and failure to use four-way flashers. Robinson was stopped by Deputy Ayrton Blankenberg on Route 63 in Alabama on Feb. 12 at 12:27 a.m. He was arraigned in Centralized Court. His release status was not disclosed.

Demetrius J. Coleman, 27, Highgate Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with petit larceny.  He is accused of stealing a BB gun from Dick's Sporting Goods in Batavia at 2:49 p.m. on Feb. 10. he was arraigned in City Court and ordered to appear in Batavia Town Court on March 2.

Zakara Rose Jackson, 19, of Trumbull Park, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband 1st. Jackson is accused of bringing a crack pipe into the Genesee County Jail at 7:13 a.m. on Feb. 5. Jackson was arraigned in Centralized Court. Her release status was not disclosed.

Caleb Richard Swendsen, 28, of Akron Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Swendsen is accused of possessing a crystal rock-like substance and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle at 11:22 on Feb. 12 at a location on Main Street, Oakfield. Swendsen was arrested by Deputy Jacob Kipler and issued an appearance ticket.

John Mitchell Francis, 29, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, driving a vehicle with no tail lamps, no plate lamp, and failure to notify DMV of an address change.  Francis was stopped at 10:09 p.m. on Feb.11 on Clinton Street Road, Bergen, by Deputy Jonathan Dimming. He was issued traffic tickets and released to a third party.

Ethan Mitchell Conrad, 22, of South Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, moving from lane unsafely, and failure to dim headlights.  Conrad was stopped at 10:25 p.m. on Feb. 16 on South Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was issued traffic tickets and released.

John James Petti, 33, of Hawley Street, Lancaster, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, and no headlamps. Petti was stopped at 10:37 p.m. on Feb. 18 on West Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Ayrton Blankenberg.  Petti was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on appearance tickets.

Jerwan B. McFarley, 37, of Rochester, is charged with criminal mischief 4th and acting in a manner injurious to a child, two counts. McFarley was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 8:34 p.m. Feb. 16 in the Town of Stafford. McFarley was ordered held on bail. No further details released.

A person in Alexander was killed this morning by a tree that fell on her at the WNY Gas & Steam Engine Association grounds on Gillate Road.

According to State Police, the tree was being cut down on the property and fell in the path of a 65-year-old woman.

Neighbors called 9-1-1, and the tree was removed with a tractor.

Troopers and medical staff attempted life-saving measures. 

According to State Police, the scene was consistent with with an accidental death and foul play is not suspected.

The identity of the victim is being withheld at this time.

After more than seven decades of selling their popular dairy products, owners Brian and Heather Bailey made the sad announcement Sunday that it was coming to an end for Kutter's Cheese Factory retail store.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we have to announce that Kutter's  Cheese Factory Retail Store, after 75 years in business, is closing its doors,” the couple posted on its online site. “Conditions (outrageous shipping costs, discontinued cheeses, rising costs on everything, and labor shortages) have made it impractical to continue.

“It’s so difficult to say goodbye to our wonderful, selfless and hard-working employees, and to you, our customers,” they said.  “We’ve had the privilege to meet so many wonderful people and exchange smiles and our love of cheese.  Someday we may find our way back to business somewhere, but in the meantime, we’ll just say so long for now.”

The shop opened in 1947, and during the next 70 years, it continued to expand at 857 Main Road, Corfu, catering to the tastes of cheese lovers near and far.  The Kutter's store was the recipient of an Agricultural Business of the Year Award in 2009.

The owners also wanted to clarify that it is the retail store that’s closing, and not the manufacturing business of Yancey’s Fancy, which is under separate ownership.

“I hope you will have fond memories of our store and we will most certainly have fond memories of you,” they continued.  “God bless you all. Love and Respect, Heather and Brian Bailey, Owners.”

Obviously, the feelings are mutual, with several comments from folks expressing sadness and memories about having shopped at the store or family members going there for favorite items (cheese curd was apparently a popular one), even traveling from out of state -- including North Carolina -- to do so.

The owners announced a sale that will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

File Photos of top, Kutter's Cheese Factory on Main Road in Corfu, the Hot Stuff Yancey's Fancy buffalo mascot during a Kutters' customer appreciation day, and above, an assortment of cheeses at the shop, by Howard Owens.

UPDATE: There was a long line outside of Kutter's this morning. Photo courtesy WBTA.

Anybody up for a little downward dog?

In their ongoing quest to provide programs for the community’s well-being, organizers of The GOOSE Community Center and Warrior House of WNY will now be offering a yoga series, thanks to a Univera health equity award, Susan Zeliff says.

The award from Univera Healthcare will support Warrior House of WNY and its Aging Strong Program to promote physical health among senior adults aged 55 and older in rural Genesee County. Based in Oakfield, Warrior House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of veterans and families throughout Western New York through support services that promote social and emotional development for overall health and well-being, said Zeliff, Warrior House co-founder and treasurer.
 
“Aging Strong is a community-based fitness and nutrition program that informs and empowers older adults to make healthy choices about eating, and safely increase their level of physical activity,” Zeliff said this weekend. “In our part of Genesee County, the need for this type of program is great, but existing resources were few. That is until Univera stepped in with underwriting support.”    
 
Warrior House of WNY is located at 33 South Main St., in The GOOSE Community Center, a name borrowed from the former site of the Yellow Goose and an acronym for the Warrior House motto: God is On Our Side Every day. 
 
Univera Healthcare is a nonprofit health plan that serves members across the eight counties of Western New York and invited nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations serving Western New York to apply for Health Equity Awards to help fund health and wellness programs that address racial and ethnic health disparities.

Health Equity categories included but were not limited to: Reducing health disparities in racial, ethnic, LGBTQ communities, people with disabilities, people living in rural or urban communities, or other groups that may be at higher health risk for medical issues and conditions (chronic or acute), behavioral health or mental health conditions, and negative outcomes from the above, including death or suicide.
 
“Working together with organizations such as Warrior House, we are confronting the crisis in health disparities, and addressing long-standing gaps in care and services in underserved communities,” Univera Healthcare President Art Wingerter said. 

Univera Healthcare invited organizations to apply for awards of up to $30,000 each to help fund programs to improve health equity in communities of color, especially within Black and Latino communities. These segments of the community continue to suffer from health care and social disadvantages due to racism and discrimination. Award categories include, but were not limited to, improving the community’s physical health and mental health, reducing social disparities in health care, and ensuring access to health care services. 

The funding from Univera Healthcare will support six nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations across Western New York, that were chosen after a comprehensive review process that included input from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to assess each proposal. Grant recipients were selected based on clear, defined goals and measurable results for reducing health disparities and improving health equity.

Univera Healthcare presented the award to Warrior House on Feb. 2. The goal of the Aging Strong program is to promote physical health among senior adults 55 and older through a community-based fitness and nutrition program that informs and empowers older adults to make healthy choices about eating and safely increasing their physical activity levels, Zeliff said.

Secondary goals include cultivating supportive networks among older-aged community members, promoting health education and literacy through fitness and nutrition workshops, and awareness of available assistance from local health service providers and the Warrior House food pantry.

Funds will be used for program evaluation, materials, food, and for exercise instructor Denise Gliden. She will be hosting a chair yoga at 10 a.m. on Thursday mornings beginning March 16 and a Vinyasa-style yoga at 6 p.m. on Wednesday nights beginning March 22. 

“Our Univera Award will allow us to provide these classes for free. Our goal is always to provide low to no-cost programs. We never want costs to keep people from participating in our programs,” Zeliff said. “It is awards like this that help us make this possible. At this time, we are not putting a limit on the class size. We are hoping to benefit a lot of people with this program.”

For more information, go to Warrior House of WNY or Univera Healthcare.

Submitted photo of Michele Hrichan, Univera Healthcare Medicare Sales; Olivia Linke, Univera Healthcare Community Affairs Director; Susan Zeliff, Warrior House of WNY co-founder and Treasurer; Art Wingerter, Univera Healthcare president; and Kimberly Burr, Univera Healthcare Marketplace Enroller. 

Press release:

The Rural Police Training Academy is proud to announce its 35th anniversary of providing top-quality training to police officers and pre-employment recruits in Western New York.

Since 1985, the RPTA has accepted recruits from across the region, offering a yearly basic course that runs from early April to the following early March, as well as a variety of in-service courses throughout the year in cooperation with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.

The RPTA's basic course features classes on Tuesdays, a majority of Wednesdays and Thursdays, from April to the end of December. Physical agility testing is required for enrollment, which will be scheduled in the weeks leading up to the start of the Academy.

Both full and part-time officers, including those over the age of 35, are welcome to enroll, as well as pre-employment candidates who are at least 19 years old and have no felony or criminal convictions. A background investigation is required for all pre-employment candidates.

"We are thrilled to celebrate 35 years of providing exceptional training and education to law enforcement professionals in Western New York," said director of the Rural Police Training Academy Doug Brooks. "The RPTA is dedicated to producing well-prepared, confident officers who are committed to serving their communities with the highest level of professionalism."

"Congratulations to the Rural Police Training Academy on their 35th anniversary of providing top-quality training to police officers and pre-employment recruits in Western New York. The RPTA plays a vital role in training and preparing law enforcement professionals, and their commitment to producing well-prepared and confident officers who serve their communities with the highest level of professionalism is commendable. We are proud to have such an outstanding organization in our community," said Dr. Craig Lamb, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Genesee Community College.

Applications are now being emailed for the 35th Annual RPTA Class beginning in April 2023. If interested, please email RPTA Director Brooks at rpolice@genesee.edu and ask that an application packet be sent to you for the 2023 Academy. Your email should include your name, phone number and preferred email. Seats are limited! More information can be found at https://www.genesee.edu/about/offices-departments/best- center/professional-development/rural-police-training-academy/.

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) on Thursday sent a letter to the Biden administration slamming it for failing to comply with a legally-mandated reporting requirement on Iran’s military capabilities. The letter, which was addressed to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, follows her failure to submit a report to Congress on the military capabilities of Iran, which is legally required by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022. The report was due 180 days following the passage of the NDAA. It is now 233 days late.

This report requires a detailed description of the advancements in the military capabilities of Iran, especially regarding the capabilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah and the Houthis. Further, this report requires detailed accountings of attacks against U.S. servicemembers and our allies by Iran and its proxies.

“At a time when the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to escalate tensions in the Middle East and threaten our allies like Israel, Congress required the Biden administration to provide a detailed report on the regime’s military capabilities,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This report is now 233 days late. The administration’s failure to comply with this legally required reporting requirement from Congress is unacceptable and I am calling on the Director of National Intelligence act immediately to provide this information. Not only is the failure to send this report a clear violation of the law, but it is also detrimental to our national security. I look forward to promptly receiving this report from Director Haines, as well as an explanation for the delay of more than 200 days.”

Tenney’s full letter is available here.     

Press release:

Gretchen Hawley was inducted into membership of the Batavia Rotary Club this month and continues a long-standing family tree that stretches back to the club's founding. 

Her great-grandfather, Warren W. Hawley Jr., was one of the club's charter members in 1919 and served as club president in 1924.  He was also honored for 60 years of perfect attendance in 1979. 

Next in line is her grandfather, R. Stephen Hawley, who was club president in 1966, then her father, Theodore P. Hawley, who was club president in 2009. 

Other relatives who have been Batavia Rotarians include Warren W. Hawley III, her great-uncle, and Stephen M. Hawley, her uncle.

Gretchen is a native Batavian who has recently returned to the community.  She is a physical therapist and specializes in working with multiple sclerosis patients through her business called the MSing Link.

"I grew up watching my dad and grandpa be part of Rotary, so I knew that once I was in a position to volunteer, I'd want to do it with Rotary," she said.

Rotary International is a volunteer-driven organization whose motto is "Service Above Self."

Locally, the Batavia club makes multiple contributions to the community, such as $18,000 in college scholarships to area students each year, said President John McGowan. 

Rotary is also contributing $250,000 toward the Healthy Living Campus under construction on Main Street, a joint project for the YMCA and United Memorial Medical Center.

Most recently, Rotary has offered a $150,000 matching pledge for the renovation of the local hospital's Intensive Care Unit, McGowan said.

For more information about Batavia Rotary, go to www.bataviarotary.com.

Press release:

Kids in Batavia and surrounding areas have benefitted from the Kiwanis Club of Batavia for 100 years. 

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia has a long history of community service through various club-sponsored programs and support of youth and community-serving organizations.

On Feb. 22, 1923, with 56 original members led by former Batavia Mayor Ashton W. Caney, the club received its charter from Kiwanis International.

With members in 80 countries and geographic locations, Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. 

In its early history, the Kiwanis Club of Batavia founded a Fresh Air Health Camp, which brought hundreds of children from inner cities into rural WNY for a week of camping.  Kiwanis was also a long-time sponsor of an annual Soap Box Derby, which was revived last year by the Batavia Improvement District. An early signature project was raising money to build a community pool formerly at MacArthur Park. To mark its 75th Anniversary, the club financed new playground equipment at Austin Park that remains to this day.

A more recent signature community project was the raising of over $200,000 for the Justice for Children Advocacy Center, allowing them to renovate an existing structure to provide state-of-the-art services to the children under their care. Its current signature project is funding the Books for Babies Program facilitated by the Richmond Memorial Library.

The club conducts three popular holiday events annually; Thanksgiving Morning Skate at the David. M. McCarthy Ice Arena, Easter Egg Hunt at Centennial Park, and an Independence Day 5K run/walk in Batavia. 

The club proudly holds an annual Law Enforcement Recognition event in conjunction with the Batavia Police Department, Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, Genesee Justice and the Genesee County Magistrates Office.

The club also presents three Richard Rung Memorial Scholarships each year; one each to a graduating Senior at Batavia High, Notre Dame and Genesee Valley BOCES.

“Our main objective is to improve the lives of children, one community at a time,” said David Rumsey, club president.  “As Kiwanians, we are proud of our accomplishments.  I encourage and welcome everyone to join in the proud traditions of Kiwanis.”

Kids in the community need Kiwanis. The Kiwanis Club of Batavia is proud to serve them and hopes to do so for another 100 years.  For more information, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/kiwanisclubofbatavia or their website at www.bataviakiwanis.org.  The club meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday at 12:10 at Batavia’s Original Pizza and welcomes new members.

Press release:

Effective January 27, 2023, Deputy Sheriff Cory W. Mower retired after 26 years of service with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. 

Deputy Mower started his career on December 28, 1996, as a Correction Officer at the Genesee County Jail.  On January 25, 2003, he was appointed a Deputy Sheriff on Road Patrol.  During his tenure, he earned two Commendations.   

“Everyone here at the Sheriff’s Office wishes Cory the very best in his future,” stated Sheriff Sheron.

Press Release:

On Saturday, Feb. 18, at 7:19 p.m., the City of Batavia Fire Department responded to a reported kitchen fire with a person trapped at 44 South Main St. in the City of Batavia.  Initial fire units arrived at 7:22 pm to find a two and a half story two-family home with an occupant trapped at a second floor window and a fire in the kitchen area of the home. Fire crews quickly deployed a portable ground ladder, brought a female occupant to safety, and extinguished the fire. Fire damage was confined to the kitchen area and smoke damage throughout the upper apartment.

Two other occupants were in the home at the time of the fire and one of those occupants was transported by ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. No firefighter injuries were reported. 

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental due to cooking by City of Batavia Fire Department fire investigators.  

The City of Batavia Fire Department was assisted by the City of Batavia Police, Town of Batavia FD, Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the American Red Cross.

 

Finally, the two-word answer has been provided, via a flyer and related state information posted online.

Ellicott Station is open only to “low-income” eligible tenants.

Last month The Batavian asked the city’s Batavia Development Corporation director, and a staff member at Savarino Companies, who referred us to Assets Manager Wanda Wilson, about the new complex’s income qualifications. The first two didn't know, and Wilson did not return calls and emails for comment.

Jim Krencik of Genesee County Economic Development Center didn’t really give a classification label but said that of the total of 55 units, 25 of them will go to tenants with 50 percent of the county’s current available median income, and 30 units will go to those with 60 percent of the median income.

As an example of what that could be, the latest median yearly income data from 2017 to 2021 was $63,734, 50 percent of that is $31,867 and 60 percent is $38,240. Krencik emphasized that if someone was approved based on that starting salary and then was promoted and earned a raise, he or she wouldn’t lose the apartment because of that increased figure.

The idea is to provide quality housing to people who may have just graduated from college and are starting out with a new job and career, and want to live in a decent place that they can also afford, he said.

No one who The Batavian spoke to would commit to saying that the project at 50 Ellicott St. would be for low-income folks. Or that rent could be supplemented with Federal housing vouchers.

They also didn't correct statements made at the groundbreaking for Ellicott Station that the project would be "workforce" housing for people earning $18 to $20 an hour.

As it turns out, a single person living alone making $18 an hour is making too much to qualify for an apartment at Ellicott Station, though that same person with two or three dependents, meaning no additional income, would qualify. 

Whereas two people each earning minimum wage, $14.20 an hour, are not eligible for a two-bedroom apartment at Ellicott Station because they would be earning too much (the maximum household income for two people in a two-bedroom apartment is $34,600, and two people working full-time at $14.20 would gross $59,072).

At the infant stage, the project was considered for market-rate apartments to draw a higher-salaried tenant to not only live downtown but invest in it as consumers of retail shops and restaurants. That evaporated into categories of workforce and affordable, described by company owner Sam Savarino as a way to attract people earning about $20 an hour or below in need of quality, affordable housing.

“The idea being that nobody should be expected to pay more than a third of their income for occupancy that includes rent, or a mortgage, and their utilities,” he said during groundbreaking last year. “Part of the idea was if you’re creating jobs here, you want to have safe, modern quality housing for those workers that they can afford.”

He requested approximately $3.6 million in economic incentives, with a $2,105,792 property tax exemption, a $790,512 sales tax exemption, and a $180,792 mortgage tax exemption. He received $425,000 of the city’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant money, and $5.7 million of low-income housing tax credits for the Ellicott Station project, which he cited as the key to moving the project forward. The DRI is "a comprehensive approach to boosting local economies by transforming communities into vibrant neighborhoods where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live, work and raise a family," the website states.

In 2017 and 2018, the city also gave him two grants: one from Empire State Development called the Restore New York grant for $500,000 to rehab the old electric building that’s on the site, and a $250,000 National Grid grant to enhance the Ellicott Trail on the property area right behind the Savarino campus. The trail will be enhanced with lighting, benches, and there will be parking areas for people to utilize the trail starting in that area, City Manager Rachael Tabelski had said during a prior City Council meeting.

“The hope is that they will also use the restaurant and brewhouse that will be on that site,” she said, adding that the resolution recognizes the city as the applicant “but the work will be done by Savarino Companies.”

Krencik has waxed optimistic about the city and county trying to provide varying types of housing to accommodate the needs of people at all stages of their lives.  Based on the application, Ellicott Station seems focused on financial need.  Questions include whether you require Section 8 rental assistance, alternate housing assistance, and whether you’re a full-time student.

To see the flyer or obtain an application, go to Applications at Ellicott Station. Applications are being taken and are due by 5 p.m. April 18. There is no mention of minimum income requirements or if applicants will be vetted before the lottery. The state's website states prospective tenants must pass a credit check and criminal background check.

Tenants will be selected by a lottery method noon on May 2 — not in Batavia, but at 500 Seneca St., Buffalo.  For more information, also visit the Ellicott Station page at NYHousingSearch.com.

2023 File Photo of Ellicott Station by Howard Owens.

On Thursday at Jackson Primary School, more than 70 students and their parents joined together to celebrate learning more about social and emotional well-being.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has become an important component of public school education, and it's particularly important at Jackson and Robert Morris, Principal Maureen Notaro said, because young students are getting their first exposure to both educational lessons and being part of a larger community that includes their peers.

"Every day when kids walk in, we're their first experience," Notaro said. "They're greeted with a smile. They're accepted. They're welcomed. It's their first experience with school, so we go out of our way to try to make sure that they're socially and emotionally connected to the school."

Thursday's events included dance, yoga, a de-escalation class for parents, a chance for children to make affirmation jars and worry sticks, and for parents and kids to learn about Bouncy, the SEL dog that helps children learn to cope with their emotions. There were also community agencies in the gym for families to visit, including Batavia PD, City Fire, State Police, Community Schools, Eat Well Grill, and the Health Department.  Mr. Sunshine (top photo) led a participatory concert later in the evening.

Notaro said elementary schools have developed over time approaches that help students grow into their new roles as members of a community that include a lot of different kinds of people.

"We're kind of honed in on it more, the social-emotional piece of it, like making friends," Notaro said. "We focus on qualities every month -- honesty, generosity, we look for those traits in kids. We try to promote those and acceptance and all those different character traits in kids to help them grow to be good citizens."

Photos by Howard Owens.

One session during the event focused on Bouncy, an animatronic (mechanical) that is designed to help children cope with their emotions, particularly negative feelings. It's a pilot program, Notaro said.

"Bouncy teaches the children how to stop and deep breathe and take a minute if they get upset, and to recognize nice feelings when they become worked up and are upset," Notaro said. "Bouncy kind of helps them dial it back. We're piloting it in a couple of kindergarten classrooms. It's not a real dog. It's an animal animatronic dog, and the kids get an actual stuffed animal with it too. They're trying to relate to Bouncy, and how Bouncy teaches them acceptance because Bouncy has some disabilities."

Parents met with a teacher to learn about de-escalation techniques while their children were in another classroom making affirmation jars and worry sticks. 

"They're just little affirmations that kids can pull out every day that say, 'I'm happy,' 'I'm loved,' 'I'm, funny,' 'I'm smart," Notaro said. "It ties into our literacy goal, too, because we're trying to promote literacy at home."

On display during the community night were artworks created both by kindergarteners and high school students. Kindergartners drew pictures of monsters, and then high school students made clay sculptures based on those drawings.

For some students, it might just be a game, but for Elba senior Cameron Havens, Scholastic Bowl meant a whole lot more.

An avid fan of “Jeopardy,” first with Alex Trebeck and more currently familiar with host Ken Jennings, Havens was ready to take down the competition. The Bowl finals Thursday evening put Elba Central in the ring with contenders Batavia City and Pavilion Central schools.

“I thought that Pavilion had taken the lead, and so, when I saw one of our teammates, he put his hand over his mouth like, surprise, wait, hold up,” Havens said after the conclusion of the series at the BOCES Batavia campus. “And then I saw them draw the 300 there, then my heart just, I just relaxed. I’m a senior, it’s a nice way to go out.”

Elba took first place with 300, followed by Pavilion with 290, and Batavia in third with 240.

This was the 32nd year of Scholastic Bowl, and it began in January. Student teams verbally battle for that top position by answering a variety of questions about geography, history, music, literature, science, arts, current events and other assorted topics.

Aerianna Cintorino, an Elba sophomore and newcomer to the game, said that she learned a good piece of advice to use in these situations.

“I also do masterminds, so learning that it's okay to answer because you won't get points taken off. So even if you think it's incorrect, you might be correct. So just say it. Don't be afraid to push your buzzer,” she said. “You may get trigger-heavy at some point in time, but it's fine. There were a few times that I kind of shocked myself that I was right.”

Ian Keberle, a senior at Elba who plans to pursue agribusiness in college, admitted that his team had one major strategy. It began during practice sessions of questions with other school districts.

“Our strategy is to not answer any of them to kind of subvert expectations for the other team. And then we come into the actual competition, and we just hammer it,” Keberle said. “So that's probably our main strategy.”

You know the lightning round? That’s when a team gets to answer a series of questions all at once to pick up several points. That wasn’t Batavia’s strongest moment, senior Jack Pickard said.

“Definitely the lightning round, where it was all the bays and sounds like I don’t even know what the sound was. So that was definitely difficult. Sounds, like it’s like a body of water or something. So yeah, that definitely stumped us,” he said.

He and his fellow teammates wore black shirts and pants, topped off with black sunglasses.

“Really, our goal was to be as intimidating as we could be,” senior Noah Pickard said. “Obviously, that didn’t work. But now we had a lot of fun doing it. We did it last year, and I walked out, and it’s just a thing that we decided to do again. It’s a tradition, and hopefully, it carries on.”

Like many of his fellow students, Noah participates in other extracurriculars, including track and cross country, which he plans to continue at Oneonta State College this fall.

Each team of students is guided by at least one coach that works with them throughout the year to prepare for and get through the annual Bowl. Elba's coach was Aaron Balko, Andy Kiebala was coach for Batavia, and Timothy Mapes was coach at Pavilion. Mapes said he looks forward to seeing the progress of future teams.

“We had practice each week, varying students would show up. We actually have quite a few students who are part of the program. And then we kind of bring our top four, top three competitors to each of the competitions,” he said. “But overall, throughout the school year, I think, you know, I'm really proud of how we performed in each of the events, sometimes coming from behind to win, sometimes dealing with adversity from not winning, and then just, you look at the championship round, and it came down to the final question, only losing by one point.

“This is also the second year that we've come in second place. So we're going to try to keep building off of this momentum going forward,” Mapes said. “I think it's a great opportunity for them to show off their knowledge, show off the things that they have learned throughout the school year, both the school year and in previous school years, and also have a chance to interact with other students from other schools who have a common interest that they have.”

Steve Cole, coordinator of enrichment services, presented the first, second and third place plaques and emphasized to students that “you really do a great service by representing your school so well, so you should be proud of yourself.”

Organizers for Scholastic Bowl include Cathy Preston, Kathleen Jursted and Stephanie Groff.

Top Photo: Elba Central School was the champion team in this year's Scholastic Bowl, featuring students Aidan McClurg, Ian Keberle, Aerianna Cintorino, Tim Kilner and Cameron Havens; Batavia came in third place, with Elijah Abdella, Jack Pickard, Ian Harmon, and Noah Pickard; and photo above, second place team of Pavilion, with Coach Sydney Pelton, students Jordan Eggleston, Evan Sidhu, and Grace Slocum, and Coach Timothy Mapes. Photos by Joanne Beck.

Press Release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is inviting everyone to their Lunch in the Dark Fundraising event, on Thursday, April 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It will take place in the gymnasium of the New York State School for the Blind, 2A Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY.

Participants will experience lunch in a darkened environment in order to better understand eating and socializing with vision loss.  As a group, we will talk about the best practices for making events with food more accessible, as well as strategies for eating with vision loss.  With a donation requested of $50 per ticket, the event includes a 50/50 split drawing and a Basket Raffle.

The BOCES Culinary class will do the catering with a menu including Italian Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable Medley (Carrots, Cauliflower, Broccoli), Risotto Cakes, and Panna Cotta.

To RSVP, contact Catherine DeMare at 585-815-8501, Ext. 400.

Corporate sponsorships are available at three levels: Gold ($750); Silver ($500) and Bronze ($250), with increasing benefits and degrees of promotion for the business as one goes up the levels.  Individual donations of any amount are accepted as well.  Full details are available from Rae Frank, ILGR Director, at 585-815-8501, Ext. 406.  All proceeds will assist in providing services and programs which offer independence, empowerment, and equality for individuals with disabilities in Genesee, Wyoming, and Orleans Counties!

 

Press Release:

Genesee Community College is excited to announce the model tryouts for its 42nd annual fashion show, "Ageless". The tryouts will take place on February 21 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., February 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and February 23 from 4  to 7 p.m. at the College's Forum.

The "Ageless" fashion show celebrates fashion in all its forms and highlights the diversity of style across generations. As such, the tryouts are open to all ages, genders, ethnicities and sizes. Anyone who has a passion for fashion and wants to be a part of this exciting event is encouraged to attend the tryouts.

This year's show will pay tribute to fashion trends throughout the decades from the 1920s to today and beyond, showcasing the talent and creativity and interpretation of GCC's fashion students. The show will be held in the Richard C. Call Arena's 24,000 square foot indoor field house, which will accommodate up to 2,000 guests.

"I am incredibly excited for our students to showcase their talents and creativity through this year's fashion show," said GCC's fashion instructor, Laura Taylor. "Ageless is a truly immersive production, featuring pre-show interviews, photo-ops with coordinators, and a post-show party and vendor market. Our students have put in a tremendous amount of work and effort to make this year's show a truly unforgettable experience."

To register for the model tryouts, interested individuals should email fashionshow@genesee.edu or Laura Taylor, assistant professor of Fashion Business at ljtaylor@genesee.edu.

As it has in the past, the Fashion Show will include a vendor fair giving local businesses a chance to showcase their products and services. There are still a few tables available for additional vendors. Interested businesses should email Izzie Lanasa at ilanasa@my.genesee.edu. Tables are only $25.

This year's fashion show offers exclusive sponsorship opportunities for businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in supporting the GCC fashion program. For more information, please contact Laura Taylor at ljtaylor@genesee.edu. Don't miss out on this exciting event, celebrating the timelessness of fashion and the talent of GCC's fashion students.

Ticket information for "Ageless" will be released soon. To stay updated on the latest developments, follow @gccfashionprogram on Instagram and @trendygcc on Twitter. The show will also be live-streamed globally, making it accessible to a wider audience. To view GCC's 2022 fashion show, please visit HERE. 

For more information contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.

Photo submitted by GCC.

Press Release:

GO ART! announces a Call for Artwork for its 6th annual juried exhibition, Art of the Rural.  The exhibition is open to all artists.  All work must be original, created by the submitting artist, and not previously exhibited at GO ART!. All media is accepted.  Artwork must be ready to hang, and no larger than 36” x 36”. 

GO ART! members may submit up to five works for $30, $5 for each additional work.  Non-members may submit up to three works for $30, $5 for each additional work. Artists can drop off submissions at GO ART! located in Seymour Place, 201 East Main St., Batavia between March 22 and April 1, during regular business hours. No entries will be accepted after April 1. 

“The Art of the Rural is one of my favorite exhibitions.” says Education Director Mary Jo Whitman. “ It is so exciting to see all of the talent that comes out of our region.  It really is a fabulous opportunity for artists of every level to showcase their talents while exploring the theme: rural.”

Art of the Rural will be on display April 5 – June 5.  The winners will be announced at the artist reception, April 20 from 5 to 8 p.m.  

For a complete list of rules and entry forms visit www.goart.org/galleries.  Contact Mary Jo Whitman at mjwhitman@goart.org with any questions.  

 

Photo of 2022 Art of the Rural winner: "The Fog" by Julie Lambert-Coleman

Agents of the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations are seeking the public's assistance in identifying the man in the surveillance photo taken at Dick's Sporting Goods in Batavia.

Investigators seek to question the man in connection with thefts at the store.

He's also wanted for questioning in connection with similar thefts in the WNY area.  He may be driving an older, gray, Toyota Tundra.

The State Police can be contacted at (585) 344-6200

Sacrifice and service of the men and women who served in the U.S. military to protect this nation were highlighted in a Wednesday afternoon ceremony at Pembroke High School.

The event honored the Village of Corfu, Town of Pembroke, and Pembroke High School as Purple Heart Communities, and honors were bestowed by members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in recognition of Pembroke's commitment to honoring veterans and the U.S. military.

These awards are the Order's way to ensure the sacrifices service members made are not forgotten, said Ron Krul, representing the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

"When people see that Purple Heart plaque displayed (at the school), it unites students and adults of all races, religions, ages, genders, national origins, and nationalities as one united people to keep our American freedoms safe," Krul said.

In accepting the award for the Village of Corfu, Mayor Thomas Sargent recognized community members who have honored veterans in the community over the years, including Richard Beale, who organized the Memorial Day Parade; Vinnie Schollard, who ensured Main Street was lined with flags; and Mr. Spring, who distributed poppies in the community. 

"For them, and the rest of the veterans, I thank you, and I thank you for this honor," Sargent said.

Pembroke Town Supervisor Thomas Schneider recalled the Farewell Speech of President George Washington, whose likeness is on the medal, and who warned the people of the nation to avoid foreign entanglements. The Purple Heart, he said, is the high price we pay when we go to war.

"This type of recognition is important, so we recognize the sacrifices of all Purple Heart recipients and all people who served so that we understand the cost of the freedoms that we cherish so greatly in this nation," Schneider said. "I hope our leaders who vote to go into conflicts understand that cost on so many families and so many veterans and current active service members, because there is a true cost, and we can't forget that."

There are 13 former Pembroke students who have received the Purple Heart. They were each honored during the ceremony.

• Charles Arnold, 1965,  Army, Vietnam
• Merelle Austin, 1950,  Army,  Korea
• Roger P. Bartholf, 1949,  Marines,  Korea
• Lloyd Blood, 1942, Army/Air Force,  WWII
• Roger Ditzel, 1943,  Army,  WWII
• Jerry Dusel, 1964,  Army,  Vietnam
• Clarence Hall, 1967,  Army,  Vietnam
• Dennis Hoffman, 1940,  Marines,  WWII
• Roger Kimmel, 1961,   Army,  Vietnam
• Thomas Mattice, 1963,  Army,  Vietnam
• Roy Schlagenhauf, 1931,  Army,  WWII
• Wayne Snyder, 1967,  Army,  Vietnam
• Werner C. Ziehm, 1946,  Army,  WWII

Closing remarks were delivered by Dr. John B. Long, who noted at the start of his speech, that he turned 96 two days prior.  He is a World War II veteran, a Purple Heart recipient who served in the European Theater as part of the Big Red One (The legendary 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army).

The full speech by Dr. John B. Long:

Today, I'd rather be right here because this is America at its very best.

I want to direct all of my remarks to the young people that are here this afternoon, because they are the ones that are going to lead America and carry the torch that we're leaving with the leadership for this great country. I need the young people to understand, I remember so very clearly -- I was 18 years old, in high school. One day I came home -- this was back in 1944 -- my mother handed me a little card. It was my draft notice letting me know I had been inducted in the United States Army.

Shortly after that, I was on my way down to Cape Wheeler, Georgia, for intensive infantry training.

Along the way, of course, a lot of things happened. Fortunately, for whatever reason. God spared my life as he did with some of the rest of us that are here on the stage today. But we need to understand something: We paid a huge price for the freedoms we have today. Four hundred thousand of my fellow soldiers never returned back home. The fact of the matter is, because of that, we have what we have here today in America.

My remarks to the young people here today is this: you have the greatest opportunity of your lifetime. This is America. It is the greatest country in the world. We want you to know that you can be everything that you are able to be. You have all these great opportunities in this country. You can be doctors. You can be lawyers. You can be electricians, whatever it is, because of the freedoms that you have today, because of the service of all of us from World War II, and the wonderful Purple Heart recipients over here.

I want you to understand that you have freedom of speech, you have the freedom to assemble, you have the freedom to worship as you please -- all of these great freedoms are because of what we accomplished and what happened in World War II.

I just want these young people to remember today, when you leave school today, take something home worthwhile with you. Remember, that you can be all you can be, you have the opportunity to do that, and we here today want you to do that because you need to carry out the torch of leadership for the greatest country in the world that God has ever been able to create. Thank you so much. God bless all of you, and above all, God bless America.

The event also included a moment of silence to honor Pembroke teacher Kevin Steffan, who passed away unexpectedly this week.

Photos by Howard Owens. Top photo, Mayor Tom Sargent delivering his remarks. Inset photo, Dr. John B. Long.

During the playing of the National Anthem.

Russell Ward and Ron Krul, Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Supervisor Thomas Schneider with the certificate for the Town of Pembroke presented by Ward and Krul.

The plaque presented to Pembroke HS to display at the school.

Zach Hartz and Sam Pfeiffer honor Charles Arnold, a Pembroke graduate who received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star while serving in Vietnam.

John Preisach, on the left, was friends with Purple Heart recipient Dennis Henry Hoffman, who graduated from Pembroke in 1940 and served with the U.S. Marines during WWII.  Before he died, he gave Preisach his Purple Heart, and Herzog donated it today to the Veterans Outreach Club and Pembroke High School.  Also pictured are Lily Senko, vice president of the Veterans Outreach Club, Amelia Geck, president, Arianna Hale, VP and secretary, Isla Czechowicz, treasurer.