Batavia is on the front end of a New York State grant program designed to move the city closer to renovating the City Centre and Harvester campuses.

At Monday night’s Business Meeting, City Council passed a resolution authorizing Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. to sign a contract with the New York Department of State to secure $193,500 via a Brownfield Opportunity Area Pre-Development Grant.

The city applied for the funding in July 2019, received approval six months later and now has the finalized contract in hand.

“It’s a brand-new grant program and we’re one of the first communities to receive this,” City Manager Rachael Tabelski said, adding that it is unique in that the state will pay the city in quarterly installments, with the first payment in advance.

“With BOA grants, that is typically how it works. With other state grants, you have to spend everything before you get the reimbursement,” she added.

Tabelski said the grant will pay for the bulk of the project’s $215,000 price tag. The remainder is set aside for in-kind staff support from the city manager’s office, public works director, maintenance supervisor and the Batavia Development Corporation director.

She said funds will be used for preliminary engineering and architectural studies; legal and real estate services; zoning updates; marketing, and developer communication at both sites and for possible site and subdivision layouts and legal, real estate and demolition analysis at the Harvester Avenue facility.

The grant will open the door to needed enhancements at the City Centre, which was awarded $1 million from the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and to transform the 23-acre Harvester industrial site into an updated hub for business, Tabelski said.

In other action, Council approved the following resolutions:

• On a 7-1 vote, with Rose Mary Christian opposing, the 2021-22 budget ordinance and a local law setting new water rates, meter fees and a capital improvement fee. The property tax rate will go from $9.59 per thousand of assessed value to $9.73 per thousand, while the water rates and meter fees will increase by 3.5 percent and the capital improvement fees will go up by 10 percent.

• The addition of the GLOW YMCA to the building space lease agreement with City Church at 114 Liberty St. in light of approval to have the YMCA run the city’s youth program beginning April 1. In conjunction with those measures, Council voted to terminate a previous contract with Genesee County for a shared youth bureau executive director.

• The adoption of the City of Batavia’s police reform plan that is to be submitted to the state by April 1 per Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive order No. 203.

• The amending of the Batavia Downtown Business Improvement District Plan that allows spending for marketing banners ($9,000), music equipment ($30,000) and Christmas decorations ($38,000) and adjusts the amount of the BID’s assessment charge to its members.

Press release:

Nominations are currently being accepted for this year’s induction class of the Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding Oakfield-Alabama Central School alumni who have achieved distinction in their lives and chosen field after high school through significant contributions to their career, community or through personal achievements.

If you know a person who meets the following criteria, please consider nominating him/her for this prestigious honor:

1.     Nominees must be graduates of OACS or one of its predecessors, or have been active in school classes and activities during their senior year. (Nominees who left school while in good standing to perform military service are also eligible. Deceased alumni are not eligible for induction until the fifth anniversary of the year of their death.)

2.     Nominees must have graduated prior to 2006.

3.     Selection is based on achievement after leaving OACS, which includes a worthy record in more than one, and exemplary achievement in at least one of the following categories:

• Job-related achievements;
• Professional honors and awards, professional affiliations, publications;
• Civic or community involvement;
• Personal achievements/accomplishments;
• Positive impact on the communities in the Oakfield-Alabama school district.

Anyone may submit a nomination for any person meeting the criteria stated above. Nominations must be made during the nomination period only -- March 1 – May 15th -- by using the Online Nomination Form or the PDF Nomination Form (see link below). Electronically submitted nominations are strongly preferred over mailed-in, hardcopy nominations.

Access the Online Nomination Form here.

Firefighters with the City Fire Department are taking advantage of the ice still floating atop DeWitt Pond in Batavia for cold-water rescue training.

Press release:

Senator Ed Rath has introduced a package of legislation that would help our recovering businesses to reopen and rehire.  

“Our businesses and local economy have taken a huge hit during the pandemic," Senator Rath said. "Businesses from restaurants to bowling alleys to hair salons are struggling at no fault of their own. The goal of this legislation package is to provide some much-needed relief as these businesses work to reopen."

The bills included in this package are S.4691, S.5140, S.5141 and S.5408.  S.4691 -- these would create the “Save our Small Businesses Grant Program.” S.5140 would establish a “Hire-Now” tax credit. S.5141 would provide a tax credit for employers who hire individuals previously on unemployment. Lastly, S. 5408 would increase the child and dependent care tax credit.  

“The bills included in this package all focus on instrumental aspects of restarting our economy and helping both those who have found themselves unemployed as a result of the pandemic and the businesses who are working to rebuild,” Rath said. 

For more information on all of the bills, please visit here.

Press release:

In honor of Gambling Disorder Screening Day (March 9) and Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the New York Council on Problem Gambling and the Western Problem Gambling Resource Center announce the release of an online self-screening tool for individuals who want to explore their risk for problem gambling.

The tool guides individuals through a set of questions to help them examine their gambling behaviors and the possible consequences of their gambling activity. Individuals who complete the questionnaire receive personalized feedback and resources based on their own answers. 

While it’s true that most individuals who gamble do so solely for entertainment and do not experience problems caused by their gambling, all gambling inherently involves risk. This risk is not only present in the activity of gambling, but also in the risk of causing negative consequences to their lives and the lives of those around them.

For these individuals and families, gambling can have devastating effects to their lives. Effects can range from financial issues all the way to damaged relationships and lost jobs.

Just as there are varying levels of gambling activity and negative consequences, there are also varying levels of motivation and awareness about our gambling activity and the risk involved.

While some people are ready to reach out directly for assistance, support and resources, others may be just starting to think about how their gambling is affecting their life. Others may only be curious about their gambling activity and the possible risk that they have.

In an effort to reach all individuals in New York State, those who are ready for assistance and those who are simply curious about how their gambling may put them at risk for future problems, NYCPG has a variety of resources available. The newest of these resources is the online self-screening tool. The tool is available online here.

For more information about Gambling Disorder Screening Day in NYS, Problem Gambling Awareness Month and tools to use in your community visit here.

For a full list of 2021 NYCPG Screening Day Partners, visit here and click Screening Day Partners.

If you are in need of support related to gambling, please visit here to connect with resources in your community.

The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) is a not-for-profit independent corporation dedicated to increasing public awareness about problem and compulsive gambling and advocating for support services and treatment for persons adversely affected by problem gambling. NYCPG maintains a neutral stance on gambling and is governed by a Board of Directors.

One of Oakfield-Alabama's most consistent scorers, Danica Porter, suffered an injury in the first half of Monday's Class C2 sectional quarterfinal against York, and while it's hard to say Porter's injury changed the outcome of the game, the shootout did go down to the final seconds. 

MaKena Reding scored 14 points, Brooke Reding 11, and Kelsey Schlagenhauf had eight points and 11 rebounds. Emma Wray scored eight and had nine rebounds. Porter had three points and three assists.

Sydnee Emerson scored 20 for York. Adison Plank scored eight.

The Hornets entered the tournament as the #2 seed at 8-3 and York was the #7 seed at 7-3.  

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos, click here.

As the New York State-run mass vaccination clinic at Genesee Community College concludes its five-day run, Genesee County Manager Matt Landers said he believes the operation has gone well enough to justify a repeat performance.

The clinic, which offered 3,500 doses of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, began on Friday and wraps up at 11 a.m. today.

While governmental leaders in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming were upset that it wasn’t limited to residents in their tri-county area, Landers said that, procedurally, after some initial confusion, things went smoothly.

“As soon as the first couple hours died down, on Saturday, Sunday and yesterday, this thing has been a well-oiled machine,” Landers said this morning. “I think the state has been very impressed with the location and the ease of getting people in and out. I think we could have probably doubled the doses easily if the state would have given it to us.”

Landers said he hopes GCC could host another mass vaccination clinic in the near future.

“We’re hoping that the state looks at this as, maybe, a location that they can permanently staff with their own people, and not have it interfere with the Genesee County allocation. I hope the state looks at this and sees the positives that this location affords,” he said.

He said the college is a “logical place” for a clinic.

“They have one in Buffalo and one in Rochester, and the one here in Genesee County -- if they keep it the same way -- they’re still serving people from the western and eastern sides of Monroe and Erie counties (respectively) along with residents in our area,” he offered. "So, they’re still accomplishing (vaccinating people in) a large region and they have a great site.”

Landers did acknowledge long lines in the first couple hours on Friday as a result of the switch from the county’s regular clinic to the state clinic.

Going forward, he said it is important that any operation run by the state does not interfere with the Genesee County clinic nor the vaccine allocations that come directly to the county.

“Also, we would to have the state use its people to staff its site,” he said. “It’s one thing for us to use all of our staff to assist over a five-day span, but we need our employees for our needs here in Genesee County.”

Previously: Nearly half of the 3,500 COVID-19 vaccine doses at first GCC clinic booked by Erie County residents

Alexander advanced to the second round of the Class C1 Section V championship tournament on Monday with a 40-35 victory over Marcus Whitman.

Ally Mileham scored 12 points, Natalie Whitmore, 10, Alyssa Kramer, six, and Melanie Pohl and Hallie Kramer each scored five.  

The Trojans (9-2) play East Rochester (the #1 seed at 11-1) at 7 p.m. tomorrow at a location to be determined.

Photos by Debra Reilly. 

Roxy's Music Store, owned by the Rose Caccamise family, has been a well-known establishment in Batavia for many decades. The store and its merchandise is currently being liquidated by online auction.

The auction will include many accordions from Rose's personal collection, as well as stock from the store: instruments, accessories, audio equipment, sheet music, store hardware, and more.

The online auction is underway and ends March 16th. It can be found at bontragerauction.com. Successful bidders will be picking up their purchases on March 18th and 19th.

As much as $2.5 million could be on its way to the City of Batavia through the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan that is expected to be approved by the House of Representatives either today or Wednesday before being sent to President Biden for signing into law.

“We’ve had figures ranging between $1.57 million and $2.5 million, so I’ll go with the lowest figure -- 1.5 to come into the City of Batavia, specifically,” City Manager Rachael Tabelski said after Monday night’s City Council Business Meeting at the City Hall Council Board Room.

The massive COVID-19 relief bill includes another round of $1,400 direct payments to income-eligible citizens as well as money for schools, small businesses, vaccines and expansion of the child tax credit. It has been hailed as a great victory for the Biden Administration, but lawmakers on the Republican side have opposed it, stating that only 9 percent of the funds go directly to coronavirus relief.

Already passed by the Senate, the current plan on the House floor appropriates $23.8 billion for New York State, broken down as follows:

• $12.569 billion for New York State government;

• $6.141 billion for New York’s metro cities;

• $3.907 billion for New York’s counties;

• $825 million for New York’s small cities, towns and villages;

• $358 million for New York State broadband investment.

Tabelski termed money earmarked for Batavia as a “windfall.”

“The issue with the revenue is that it is not sustainable … it’s a windfall to the city,” she said. “You have to look at it for one-time type projects, and it can only be spent on certain things, like water, wastewater, infrastructure, broadband infrastructure, things of that nature.”

She said that the funds aren’t “something we can use at this point to stabilize our operations” but can be used to advance projects identified by city leaders.

She said it is unclear exactly how the money can be spent.

“Does it have to be COVID-related or can it be open-ended? So, when those rules and regulations are promulgated, we’ll have a lot better picture of how we’re able to move that forward on behalf of the residents of the city,” she advised.

Looking at Genesee County, its chief administrative officer anticipates the county receiving between $11 million and $12 million once the bill is passed.

“Guidelines are still coming out to help municipalities such as counties and cities better identify how we can allocate those monies in our communities,” County Manager Matt Landers said this morning.

“Basically, the broad strokes, the big picture that has been provided to me so far is that we can spend it on things like economic development projects, and infrastructure needs like broadband and water.”

He also pointed out that the money can be used to replace verifiable lost revenue.

“And we certainly can demonstrate lost revenue in Genesee County from lost sales tax and even lost state aid,” he said. “And also cover current and future COVID costs … and costs related to the pandemic that may qualify, such as the delay of our (proposed new) county jail. We have delayed our jail probably a good year or two, and the prices have gone up since then.”

Landers said he will be on a conference call with New York State Association of Counties officials on Friday to learn more about the parameters of the American Rescue Plan and share ideas with other county administrators.

“To my knowledge, you can access the money for prior lost revenue … things that have happened as a result of the pandemic and then there are specific projects in the community that we can put it towards,” he offered.

“That’s where the economic development and infrastructure projects come in, working with the Chamber of Commerce and GCEDC (Genesee County Economic Development Center) to see of there are some projects that will meet the criteria – when we actually learn what the criteria is.”

Batavia Town Supervisor Gregory Post said he has not received specific details, but indicated any funding for the town would likely be funneled through the county.

“We received absolutely nothing officially, in fact we’re still trying to get FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) reimbursements and work through that process,” said Post, adding that the town board will convene on Wednesday to possibly find out more about the latest relief package.

Post said there’s “a lot to offset” because municipalities did not receive the state aid that was expected.

“Counties are still recovering from that as well as a lot of towns,” he said.

While the focus was on Rachael Tabelski as tonight’s Batavia City Council Business Meeting drew to a close, she preferred to keep her eyes on the task at hand – working to find the best ways to "move forward” in her new role as the municipality’s permanent city manager.

In an 8-0 vote, Council approved a resolution appointing Tabelski as city manager following her eight-month stint as acting/interim manager. Council Member John Canale was unable to attend the proceedings (a Special Conference Meeting preceded the Business Meeting).

Council and Tabelski agreed on a three-year contract with a starting salary of $110,000 plus benefits.

“I feel very, very excited. I obviously have a big passion for the City of Batavia – for the residents, for the work that Council does,” she said. “I think they’re a great body and I think they get along really well and they make really good policy decisions.

“So, I can’t wait to see and keep the planning that has been done in years before, that started through many members of this Council and (former City Manager) Jason Molino to move forward.”

When asked if she had any personal goals, she instead talked about: neighborhood issues; a strategy for the Batavia Ice Rink; the economic activity on Main Street; the impact of the state’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative awarded to Batavia; and the importance of bringing on an assistant manager.

“I was asked to do kind of your first 90 days and, first and foremost, I’m going to be hiring an assistant city manager and I think that will really be helpful … in terms of moving forward some neighborhood priorities and getting some community members that are interested out there in cleaning up their community -- because we know how many passionate residents we have,” she said. “And I think that is one thing the city just hasn’t had the personnel to help with.”

Tabelski, a 2000 graduate of Byron-Bergen Central School, said she couldn’t support a push to privatize the ice rink on Evans Street (formerly Falleti Ice Arena) until “coming up with a strategy – kind of figuring out where we are today and what is the strategy.”

She noted the validity of comments at tonight’s meeting from Stafford resident Bob Gray and Council members citing the importance of the facility as a community recreational outlet.

“We do have a great ice rink but it’s aged and there’s infrastructure investment that needs to go in there. We need to really strategize on how to do so,” Tabelski said, adding that a potential option could be finding a buyer or developer to purchase the rink and tie it in with residential property on a parcel (Creek Park) behind it.

Building owners in downtown Batavia have capitalized on grant funding to make improvements in recent years – enhancements that are ongoing.

“The businesses on Main Street and the buildings have been doing a great job improving with all the grant programs we have, and they’ve invested their own capital. That attracts new business to the building and downtown residents also,” she said. “So, once you start building the density of downtown residents, you’re going to start seeing businesses open on their own. I think that’s the only way we get there, and so I’d like to see more of that happen.”

Tabelski, who previously worked for the Genesee County Economic Development Center and the Batavia Development Corporation, said seeing the DRI projects advance means a great deal to her.

“I was very fortunate to be on the front end of that, writing the grant in conjunction with the city back when I worked for the GCEDC, and I can’t wait to see the projects that happen and how they transform our downtown,” she offered. “And when you start to transform the downtown and have more activities for people and youth, you’re going to start to transform your neighborhoods in positive ways as well. I think it’s all cumulative. So, each investment we make here will continue to spur new investments in our community.”

She said she envisions the assistant city manager working through some of the DRI grants that the city is coordinating and work on extra project tracking, grants, software projects and project management. The assistant also will assume the role of administrative department head.

“That’s important to oversee the clerk’s office, youth services as a whole, and (being able) to interact with the residents – like I said the neighborhood and housing issues,” said Tabelski, who was hired as Batavia’s assistant city manager in August 2019.

Tabelski predicted that Council’s decision tonight to contract with the GLOW YMCA to run the city’s afterschool program and summer recreation youth services will turn out well. She proposed that idea a few months ago after the city had to close the Liberty Center for Youth due to COVID-19 and also as the city was looking to save money in its budget.

“It was an option for Council to consider and I think they did very good due diligence in considering the options and determining how to move forward and serve residents still, and children – youth of our community – and choosing an agency that already is in that business to do the job well,” she said.

Tabelski recalled working for Assemblyman Steven Hawley’s office, answering the phone and listening to constituents’ requests.

“I understand how important your concerns are and when it comes to the city, I hope you always feel free to call Council members, to call City Hall and let us work with you. If it is a city issue, we’ll try to fix it. Also, we love people who want to volunteer and do certain things as we have numerous boards.”

Before the roll call to make Tabelski’s selection official, a few Council members commended Tabelski for excelling under difficult circumstances. One of them was Robert Bialkowski, who publicly voiced his opinion to conduct a thorough nationwide job search while some of his colleagues had hoped to promote Tabelski at the time.

“I would like to thank Rachael because as the acting city manager she really has gone the extra mile. You’ve been doing a great job and we all appreciate that,” Bialkowski said.

That prompted Jankowski, a Tabelski supporter all along, to quip – and draw a few laughs – “(City Clerk) Heidi (Parker), you want to make sure you get that whole statement there. And I feel the same way.”

Photo: Rachael Tabelski at tonight's City Council meeting where she was officially appointed as permanent city manager. Photo courtesy of Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Previously: Council set to appoint Rachael Tabelski as city manager on Monday

Senior guard Zach Gilebarto and senior forward/center Stone Siverling combined for 41 points tonight to lead Batavia High to a 56-38 victory over visiting NE Douglas in the opening round of the Section V Class B1 boys’ basketball tournament.

The victory moves the top-seeded Blue Devils, now 13-0, into the semifinals against No. 4 Palmyra-Macedon, a 53-44 winner over No. 5 Hornell. That game will be played at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Batavia.

Both teams struggled to find the range in the opening half as Batavia led 10-6 after the first quarter and 22-12 at intermission – the Blue Devils’ last three points coming on a long three-point shot by Gilebarto with 6/10ths of a second on the clock.

Batavia outscored NE Douglas 15-11 in the third quarter as Gilebarto hit two more three-pointers to go up 37-23. The Blue Devils stretched their lead in the final stanza as Gilebarto scored nine of his 21 points, including his fifth three-pointer.

Siverling was a factor in each quarter, scoring six, four, four and six en route to his 20 points.

Trynzeir Parker led NE Douglas, 4-7, with 14 points.

The other Class B1 semifinal on Wednesday will pit No. 2 Wayne, also 13-0, against No. 3 Livonia at Wayne Central.

The first-round Section V. Class B1 playoff game between the Batavia Blue Devils and NW Douglas. The live feed via Batavia HS Athletics.

Press release:

On this International Women’s Day, the New York State Association of Counties announced the adoption of a resolution recognizing the extraordinary contributions made by women throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution highlights the leading role that women play as leaders of public health, essential services and as mothers, teachers and caregivers.

Read the resolution here.

“The story of the COVID-19 pandemic is largely a story of women," said Marte Saurbrey, Tioga County Chair and NYSAC President-Elect. "Sixty percent of county health officials in New York State and 90 percent of nurses and nursing assistants around the country are women. These public health heroes are the tip of the spear in the fight against this deadly virus and their skill and leadership has been critical to our efforts to end the pandemic.

"Additionally, we can’t forget the millions of women who served their communities as caregivers and essential workers during the pandemic. Their personal and professional sacrifice to their families and communities has made the difference in holding our society together during the last year and we owe them an immense debt of gratitude."

Martha Robertson, Tompkins County Legislature, said: “Women have been holding us all together during the pandemic. They are essential workers of all kinds: postal service, grocery, and childcare workers, first responders, teachers, as well as medical workers and of course mothers! With the vast majority of childcare and other-dependent care falling on women, the economic effects of the recession are compounding the health effects of the pandemic on women; their strength and perseverance in the face of these challenges need to be recognized."

NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario said: “This pandemic has challenged every aspect of our society in ways that most of us never thought possible and every step of the way, women have been rising to meet those new challenges and lead the way through this pandemic. Whether it’s county public health officials and essential workers on the front lines of the pandemic, or mothers and daughters at home teaching their kids or caring for parents, women have been the glue holding our communities together this year more than ever before.”

The resolution was put forward by the NYSAC Women’s Leadership Coalition, a bipartisan organization that offers resources specifically for women in county government and women interested in pursuing county leadership.

The resolution was part of the 30 policy resolutions in 12 issue areas, which will help guide NYSAC’s advocacy for the duration of the legislative session. View the resolutions here: www.nysac.org/resolutions.

From Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“After ignoring the calls my colleagues and I have been making for him to resign, today we had no choice but to set into motion the introduction of an impeachment resolution against the governor.

"Our state is facing dire economic, public health and fiscal challenges that demand our full attention as a Legislature.

"The last thing we need is a prolonged political battle over removing the governor when everyday New Yorkers need our help more than ever, so I am hopeful we can move through this impeachment process quickly to get back to the people’s work.”

Press release:

Perpetually striving for her own "Personal Best," Williamsville resident Susan Makai will share her story Wednesday, March 17, at 1:30 p.m. on Genesee Community College's Fashion Episode 21:1.

For 32 years Makai has owned and operated Personal Best, an internationally known image and performing school that also teaches etiquette, communication and business protocol to hundreds of companies, colleges and high schools throughout New York State.

As part of Genesee Community College's Fashion Program, Makai will appear via Zoom on a special Fashion Episode 21:1 to tell her story and inspire the audience to keep reaching for their personal best.

Join the FREE, virtual presentation to hear about how her education, her upbringing and her experiences in life drove her to create Personal Best and what it has meant for her career -- and those who have studied with her.

With just one physical classroom, but broadcasting online to hundreds of pupils around the state, Personal Best has received numerous "outstanding training" awards and has been featured in books, magazines and articles about the talent and modeling industry. Perhaps most rewardingly, Makai's students have been recognized with hundreds of awards at national acting and modeling competitions and some have gone onto to successful careers in fashion modeling, acting, and television.

In addition to her successful business, Makai has served on business and fashion advisory boards for several educational institutions, including Genesee Community College. Most recently she was elected to the national board for PRIMA, an association for talent managers and school directors. Many recall Makai from her longtime television fashion commentator role on "AM Buffalo," Channel 7 WKBW's morning program, or as weather reporter and movie host at local CBS, NBC and FOX affiliates.

Makai, who grew up in White Plains, came to Western New York to attend college where she earned an undergraduate teaching degree in Speech-English with a minor in Theater and a master's degree in Education. In addition, Makai is a graduate of the University of Buffalo's Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

To watch Fashion Episode 21:1 with Susan Makai, visit on Zoom here at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17.

Fashion Episodes are a special collection of opportunities made available by the Fashion Program at Genesee Community College. The Fashion Program has always been a flagship for the college. The knowledge and experience of the faculty and their dedication to their students has produced quality and professional workplace candidates and well-prepared transfer students since the program's inception more than 40 years ago.

GCC is proud to maintain several articulation agreements tailored specifically to support the career track of students in the Fashion Programs. GCC students who earn a Fashion Business: Merchandising A.A.S. can seamlessly transfer to LIM to complete their B.B.A. in Fashion Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, Marketing or Management; or to Cazenovia College's Fashion Merchandising B.P.S. program.

In addition, GCC's Fashion Business: Fashion Design A.A.S. students can transfer to Cazenovia's Fashion Design B.F.A. degree program. Anyone interested in taking advantage of these transfer opportunities through GCC is encouraged to contact GCC's Student Success Center at (585) 345-6805 or via email at SSC@genesee.edu.

Press release:

Still not comfortable going places? The folks at the Hollwedel Memorial Library in Pavilion understand. That’s why we are offering curbside pick up throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here is how you can still enjoy reading and movies at home. From the Services tab on our homepage at www.HollwedelLibrary.org, log into your account to search and request books, magazines, or the movies you would like.

• If you prefer to submit your requests directly to staff, you can email us at hollwedellibrary@gmail.com.
• Staff will sanitize and check out those library materials to you. Then they will be bagged for your privacy and protection.
• During library hours, come to the front of the library for your items and call us to let us know you are there.

Our electronic services are also an option. You can download and enjoy ebooks, movies, audiobooks, TV shows, music albums and more with them using your library card. They are also available from links on our website homepage. 

Information about curbside pick up, as well as the other programs and services available at the library, can be found on the library’s website at www.HollwedelLibrary.org.

Residents with questions can also contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843 or stop by 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion. Current hours are: Monday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m. / Friday 1 to 5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m. to noon / Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Phone is (585) 584-8843.

Data Update – including weekend data:

• Genesee County received 25 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) 
    • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 90s. 
• Twenty-six of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Four of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• One of the new positive individuals is a resident of the New York State Veterans' Home at Batavia.
• One of the new positive individuals is an inmate at the Buffalo Federal Detention Center.

 

Orleans County received 11 new positive cases of COVID-19.  

• The positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
  • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
  • East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon)
• The individuals are in their, 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s and 70s.
• One of the newly positive individuals was under mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Thirteen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• One of the current positive individuals is hospitalized.

Louis M. Coleman, 48, of Bethany (no address provided), was arrested on March 7 after a traffic stop on Route 63, in the Town of Covington. He was the driver of a vehicle stopped for erratic operation and was allegedly found to be operating with a non-driver ID, with a total of seven suspensions/revocations dating back to 2001. According to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office incident report, a bag containing more than two ounces of marijuana was "in plain view on the passenger floor, and a suqsequent vehicle search led to the seizure of a vial containing over a gram of cocaine." Coleman, a three-time convicted felon -- including one violent felony -- was taken into custody and processed at the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office. He is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony; criminal possession of marijuana in the fourth degree; aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree; unlicensed operation; and following too closely. He was arraigned virtually for Warsaw Town Court, then held without bail in Wyoming County Jail. He is due in Wyoming County Court on March 19. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan.

Nateeka Marie Gibson, 31, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: third-degree criminal trespass; obstruction of governmental administration; and resisting arrest. At 2:22 p.m. on March 6, deputies responded to Walmart in Batavia for a reported trespassing complaint. Following an investigation, Gibson was arrested. It is alleged that she trespassed in Walmart after being previously banned from the store and that she resisted arrest when deputies took her into custody. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Batavia Court on April 29. The case was handled by Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young and Deputy Howard Wilson.

Patsy A. Rapone, 53, of Ellicott Street Road, Bethany, is charged with: endangering the welfare of a child; criminal mischief; and criminal contempt in the second degree. Rapone was arrested after he responded to Batavia Police Department headquarters to turn himself in. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail in lieu of bail (unspecified). He is scheduled to reappear in city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider.

Reginald Charles Sampson Sr., 55, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI -- first offense; aggravated unlicensed operator in the third degree; and moving from lane unsafely. At 5:50 a.m. March 5, Sampson was arrested on Ellicott Street in Batavia following a motor-vehicle accident that occurred in Bergen. It is alleged that Sampson exited the roadway and struck the Lyman Road sign in the area of 7268 Route 33 in the Town of Bergen. He was issued traffic tickets and is due in Bergen Town Court on March 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy Jordan Alejandro.

Steven I. Decker, 71, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. On March 2, Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Decker for trespass after a disturbance at a business on Jackson Street in the city. It is alleged Decker refused to leave the premises. He was given an appearance ticket and released with a return date of May 4 to be in Batavia City Court. Officer Mitchell Cowen assisted in the case.

Press release:

The Finger Lakes PGRC and The Western PGRC are teaming up to present a Virtual Problem Gambling Training Event! 

• “Problem Gambling Basics and Emerging Trends”
• March 17^th, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (via ZOOM)

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). Increase your knowledge of problem gambling, learn the signs of problem gambling, learn about new options and emerging trends in the gaming industry, and how YOU can help raise awareness of problem gambling in your community!

This is a FREE virtual event open to everyone interested in joining with their local PGRC (Problem Gambling Resource Center) to recognize Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

For more information or to register:

jwierzbicki@nyproblemgambling.org (Western PGRC Team Leader) -- (716) 572-5017

jhotaling@nyproblemgambling.org (Finger Lakes PGRC Team Leader) – (518) 603-5037

*If you or someone you know is struggling to control their gambling help is closer than you might think* www.nyproblemgamblingHELP.org. We are “Here to Help."