All schools hold open houses. In Pavilion, the high school hosts the Gopher Gathering, a chance for the school community to come together to enjoy good food, live music, and games, and also learn about academic opportunities available at the school.
Along with a food truck rodeo, there is face painting, a petting zoo, and a dunk tank.
"It's a community thing where people can meet and greet teachers," Principal Charles Martelle said Thursday at the school grounds.
Besides learning about classes they might have overlooked, it's a chance for students and parents to learn about campus activities, including clubs students might join.
"Mostly, it's about coming out and meeting teachers, meeting people at the school, and getting a feel for the place, and having a good time," Martelle said. "Then, if they can learn something about the courses, about the clubs, and some different opportunities, then that's kind of the bonus."
Photos by Howard Owens.
Deputy Trevor Sherwood, Pavilion's new school resource officer, in the dunk tank.
Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator and co-instructor David Moore, left, and Mental Health Director and co-instructor Lynda Battaglia, far right, flank graduates of the New York State Crisis Intervention Team Training, Chad Cummings, Kyle Krzemien, Jenna Ferrando and Robert Henning upon completion of the course Friday at Genesee Community College. Photo by Joanne Beck
Sheriff’s deputies encounter a lot of different scenarios when out on patrol, and after a weeklong training on various mental health issues, several of them will be more versed to handle crisis intervention training in this area as well, county Mental Health Director Lynda Battaglia says.
Battaglia and co-facilitator David Moore, an investigator with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, wrapped up the 40-hour course with eight graduates Friday at Genesee Community College.
“It’s a co-instructor, co-facilitated course taught by law enforcement and mental health to really bring the disciplines together. We know that law enforcement responds quite frequently to individuals that are in crisis — emotional crisis, or they have mental health concerns -- and law enforcement needs to be prepared on how to, you know, appropriately respond and assist the individual with the help that they need,” Battaglia said. “We do scenario-based training, we do a lot of education on mental health. We talk about Alzheimer's, we talk about developmental disabilities, we talk about substance use, adolescents, juveniles -- we bring in family members and consumers or individuals who are in recovery. We brought in community resources this week. And it was a great opportunity to connect law enforcement with mental health so that they know that we are here for them, and vice versa.”
The course had been offered some years ago, and more recently, police agencies have been sending their employees to similar training in other counties, Moore said. He and Battaglia just completed an instructor’s course to be able to offer it here, and they plan to do so regularly for the Sheriff’s Office, and Batavia and Le Roy police departments.
“And it's been, I think, a really great experience for our people too, because it's been tough to almost establish and build that relationship with our mental health professionals in the area. And I think that this was a great opportunity to educate them on exactly what resources we have available,” Moore said. “And in doing so, I mean, putting faces with law enforcement and mental health in this area, and actually being able to come together and work together to provide that better experience and a higher level of care for the residents in Genesee County. So, I think that this has been fantastic for our guys, and I look forward to continuing to do that for other members in this county too.
“So ultimately, we are public servants. We do have to provide a service to Genesee County residents, and as work professionals, we need to be held to that standard. So I think this is definitely a step in the right direction,” he said.
Battaglia added that it’s an opportunity to “really transform” the county’s crisis response system. Law enforcement may go out on a call, and mental health responds with some additional assistance to law enforcement and the community “so that they have a well-rounded approach when somebody calls in distress,” she said.
For example, if deputies go out for someone who seems a bit incoherent or disoriented and is a little lost, “then you know, part of this training is to equip law enforcement with slowing things down and remembering you’re working with everybody, so this could be somebody with Alzheimer’s and how do you approach that using the appropriate tools and skill set to handle the situation,” Battaglia said.
The course not only went into specifics, but there was also a section about what is mental illness, and the variety of different factors involved, she said.
“You could have a mental illness and substance use addiction as well as medical problems,” she said. “So, that's a lot for one person to handle. So you know, equipping law enforcement with the tools on how to respond appropriately to somebody who has a whole host of issues and concerns that they need help with just better equips police.”
What did the class members walk away with? Sergeant Kyle Krzemien has learned a lot from prior training and being on the job, but he did pick up a valuable reminder when dealing with folks he sees who are typically going through some type of crisis.
“Whether it's small or big, it's really big to them. And just finding a way to slow down and just have a conversation with people and be a good listener, tends to help people out,” he said. “So just slowing down and being a good listener and finding ways to deal with certain types of disorders that people have. There's ways to … talk to people with schizophrenia and stuff like that.”
Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator and co-instructor David Moore, left, and graduates Wesley Rissinger, Kevin DeFelice, Joshua Girvin and Daniel Wendling, and Mental Health Department Director and co-instructor Lynda Battaglia celebrate the end of the 40-hour crisis intervention training course Friday at GCC in Batavia. Photo by Joanne Beck
One person was injured when a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck hauling retail merchandise collided at Ellicott Street Road and Starr Road shortly before 10:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Seven hours later, workers were still removing the merchandise from the truck and loading it into another trailer.
The State Police released the names of the drivers without stating which vehicle each driver was operating and which driver was injured.
The driver of the first vehicle was Syed A. Rizvi, 36, of Windsor Mill, Maryland, and of the second, Francisco A. Gomez Arias, 42, of Hazle Township, Pa.
The State Police did not release any information related to the events leading to the accident.
The Chamber’s Annual Awards Committee has announced the “2023” Annual Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Batavia Downs Gaming, Park Road, Batavia. This is the County’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service, and volunteerism.
Please note that a brief write-up will qualify your nominee for consideration. Nominations are now being accepted for Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Business of the Year, Agricultural Business of the Year, Innovative Enterprise of the Year, Special Service Recognition & Geneseeans of the Year.
Business Nominees must be a Chamber Member (If unsure of your nominee, call the Chamber to verify).
Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Road, Batavia, and can also be downloaded from the Chamber Website at www.geneseeny.com.
Nominations MUST BE RECEIVED BY December 29 to be eligible for consideration.
If you would like more information, feel free to call or email Kelly J. Bermingham, Director of Member Relations & Special Events at the Chamber office, 343-7440, ext. 1026, kbermingham@geneseeny.com.
Submitted photo of Jo-Ann Bestine and Barb Pierce.
Press Release:
On October 28, St. James Episcopal Church will be hosting “Ah, Sweet Music!”, a concert and dessert tasting in Memory of David Lange. Sponsored in part by the Buffalo Chapter, American Guild of Organists. The evening will feature delicious desserts and a variety of music at St. James Church, Batavia. For more information, call 585-343-6802.
The Batavia City School District is proud to announce that Batavia High School has earned high national and metro-area rankings on the 2023-2024 Best High Schools list from U.S. News and World Report.
Batavia High School earned a national ranking in the top 40% of U.S.-based public high schools out of nearly 18,000 schools. A top statistic included in the ranking was Batavia High School’s impressive 98% graduation rate, which is “well above state median.”
“We are elated and deeply honored once again to receive this recognition from U.S. News and World Report. Earning a place in the top 40% of high schools nationally is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence that our teachers, students, staff, and community collectively contribute to at Batavia High School. Keep up the great work!” Said Superintendent Jason Smith.
“I knew when I accepted the principal position at Batavia High School, I was stepping into a remarkable community, and this recognition from U.S. News and World Report is an excellent reminder,” said Principal Jenni Wesp.
“This achievement also highlights our unwavering focus on academic excellence and our drive to provide a nurturing yet challenging environment that prepares our students for the world beyond Batavia. This award is not a final destination but a milestone on our ongoing journey of educational innovation and continuous improvement.”
Batavia High School previously received this honor in 2022 and 2014.
According to U.S. News and World Report, “The 2023-2024 edition of Best High Schools includes a numerical ranking of nearly all public high schools nationwide. There are rankings within each state and within each census-designated metropolitan area that has three or more high schools, as well as the Best STEM Schools ranking and comprehensive Best Charter Schools and Best Magnet Schools rankings. Also published are rankings of high schools within each school district that has three or more high schools.”
Submitted photo of check presentation to Young Life. Pictured (from left to right): Ashley Diehl of Genesee Dental, Emily Marling of Merrill Lynch, and Max Herbert of Young Life.
Press Release:
This year's GLOW Cup t-shirt contest winner was, first time recipient, Genesee Dental. They won with a shirt designed by Brian Kemp at T-Shirts Etc. Genesee Dental's charity of choice was Young Life, a ministry camp focused on helping adolescents grow in their faith.
“Young Life is a Christian outreach to middle and high school students as well as teen moms. The organization partners with adults and teens, building friendships and walking alongside kids through their teen years” said Max Herbert of Young Life.
“Genesee Dental chose this charity after Office Manager, Abby Zawistowski’s husband, Chad, passed away in November 2021 after a courageous battle with Leukemia. Young Life played an important role in Chad’s childhood as he benefited from donations so that he could attend their camp.” said Ashley Diehl, Abby’s coworker and best friend.
The second annual Genesee County Barn Dance is scheduled for Sept. 29 from 6 - 10 p.m. at Torrey’s barn at 7411 Oak Orchard Rd., Elba.
Tickets for the event that will benefit the Town of Batavia Republican Committee are $35 per person or $60 per couple and can be obtained by going to www.tobgop.com or by contacting Chad Zambito at chadzambito@gmail.com.
Attendees will be treated to a beef on weck dinner provided by T.F. Brown’s and music by Genesee Ted. Beer and wine will also be included, with a cash bar available. The event also will feature raffles and prizes.
The Town GOP committee is seeking corporate and individual sponsors of the dance, with full table sponsorships available. Sponsors thus far include Marchese Computer Products, Underhill Farms, Mountain Engineers, Assemblyman Steven Hawley and several individuals.
The future location of a new Burger King, which has been making the rounds to the city and county planning boards the last few months, will be at the corner of West Main and North Lyon streets in Batavia. The applicant received another green light from the Genesee County Planning Board Thursday. 2023 File Photo by Howard Owens
The Genesee County Planning Board unanimously approved two variances for the proposed Burger King drive-through at 301-305 West Main St., Batavia during its Thursday evening meeting.
The applicant, Carrols LLC, represented by site engineer Peter Sorgi, requested two variances to allow for 26 parking spaces versus the required minimum of 32 spaces, and for a building height of 18.66 feet, which would be .66 8 inches more than the maximum allowable 18 feet.
The Planning Board deemed the variances as posing “no significant county-wide or inter-community impact.”
The project has appeared on the table of the city’s Planning and Development Committee at least three times, each time returning with requested revisions to the design, including the addition of more green space in correlation to adjusting the size of the driveway and number of parking spots. The plan has also gone to the city's Zoning Board of Appeals.
Although the County Planning Board approved this latest modification, Sorgi is expected to return to the group at least once more with a full site plan in October, Planning Board Director Felipe Oltramari said.
The project is also on the agenda for the next City Planning & Development Committee meeting on Tuesday to discuss the two variance issues of off-street parking and building height. It’s likely the committee will recommend that the applicant return to the ZBA again for review, according to the agenda.
This Burger King will replace the current site on the opposite side of Main Street and will be at the corner of West Main and North Lyon streets.
Submitted photo of members of the DAR Anna Ingalsbe Lovell chapter display the Constitution Week materials distributed to the Genesee County NIOGA libraries, the six school districts, and the Genesee Region Teacher Center. From left to right: Robin Laney Ettinger (NSDAR NYS Prospective Member Database Vice Chair), Pamela J Ware (Veterans Administration Volunteer Services (VAVS) representative for NSDAR WNY District VIII), Nancy A. Stauber (Program Coordinator for the Genesee Region Teacher Center and the Pavilion Central School K-12 Technology Integration Specialist).
Press Release:
The Anna Ingalsbe Lovell chapter of the NSDAR is pleased to provide Patriotic material in celebration of Constitution Week September 17-23.
Each bag includes color informative posters, a laminated copy of the Pledge of Allegiance in American Sign language, Braille, and a copy in tri-fold format, DAR membership information, pocket-size copies of the U.S. Constitution, and a packet of bookmarker “Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America”.
Ryan Duffy, Director of the HLOM, is collaborating with the Anna Ingalsbe Lovell Chapter NSDAR to promote the US Constitution and its connection to the founding documents: Financier Robert Morris.
Alexander resident Cortni Quinn, a corrections officer at Attica Correctional Facility, provided these photos from Wednesday's Attica Prison Riot Memorial Ceremony.
Every year, on Sept. 13, there are two ceremonies on prison grounds in remembrance of the riot, which started on Sept. 9, 1971, and ended on Sept. 13, 1971. the first service focuses on victims and families of victims who died. The second is a state service remembering the riot.
This year was the 52nd anniversary.
The bagpiper is William Franz of Attica. The pictures include the Attica Honor Guard and the Attica CERT team members.
The Batavia Housing Authority is seeking a positive, hardworking teammate to perform a variety of outdoor landscaping tasks, primarily mowing, with some trimming and cleanup work. The Groundskeeper is independently responsible for outdoor landscaping tasks on a weekly basis with some flexibility. This job may require some weekend hours when necessary. Part-time position Pay Range: $19.00/hr - $22.00/hr Anticipated start date: May 2024 Application deadline: April 29, 2024 See full job description at: https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/Groundskeeper.pdf Complete Civil Service Application at: https://cms1files.revize.com/geneseecountynew/CivilServiceApplication2022Revision-09.22.22.pdf Contact Information Nathan Varland Executive Director Batavia Housing Authority 400 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 344-1888 nvarland@bataviahousing.org Location: Batavia
For Rent - Lower 1 Bedroom Apartment Private country setting, lower one bedroom apartment with all appliances and parking. Sunroom with gas fireplace and patio. Includes water and heat. NEW LOWER PRICE! $1000/Month plus electric. No pets, no smoking. References and security deposit required. Available June 1st, 2024. Call 585-344-3141.
