Thursday's Rotary Girls Basketball Tournament championship game was everything hoops fans could hope for -- timely shooting, aggressive defensive, top players playing hard, and a final outcome that wasn't certain until the buzzer at the end.

Notre Dame beat Pavilion 44-43.

"It's been a while since we've had a nail-biter like that," said Tom McCulley, head coach of the Fighting Irish. "You've got two good teams that are well coached and with some players that can do special things and who are competitors, so at the end, you know you never feel comfortable as a coach with a two-point lead with 10 seconds left. It's never over in that situation."

Avelin Tomidy won the tournament's Ray Shirtz Service over Self Award, and the two free throws she made with eight seconds left may have swayed a few judge's votes.  Those free throws gave Notre Dame a four-point lead. If she missed either shot, it may have been a different game. Karlee Zinkievich, who was already having a big night and a bigger second half, hit a three-point shot with four seconds left. The Gophers were out of position to foul to stop the clock on Notre Dame's inbound pass eliminating any hope, how small it might have been, of getting another possession.

"It makes it exciting for the fans and the players and gets my heart pumping a little bit," McCulley said.

Pavilion's head coach Ben Schwenebraten would like to have notched the win, of course, but it was an exciting game.

"We knew it would be tough playing against Notre Dame," he said. "Notre Dame is in our class this year, and they're really tough, so it's a good game. It came right down the end, and we had a chance it just didn't go our way a couple of shots. We missed a couple of shots, missed a couple of box outs, and they finished, so it was a good game."

Schwenebraten said he was proud of how his team overcame a 10-point half-time deficit.

"It's all you hoped for in a game, that you have a chance at the end," Schwenebraten said. "We wanted to battle back and be in the game, and the girls did go right back out in the third quarter and played hard and then we had a chance at the end."

A big reason Pavilion had that chance was the play of Karlee Zinkievich in the second half, who played fearless basketball.

"She's a workhorse," Schwenebraten said. "She drives the bus for us. Once she gets going it helps everybody else out and she really did in the second half. She played great. She was attacking on offense, driving to the basket, taking jump shots, and she made that shot at the end of the game."

The difference maker for Notre Dame on Thursday was Emma Sisson, who was named the tournament MVP.  

"We needed her," Tom McCulley said. "Amelia had a big night the other night, but she's been sick, and it really hit her today. Emma had the opportunities, and she took full advantage of them. I mean, she made big shots, and she drove to the basket, so we started to adjust the game plan a little bit because we couldn't run everything that we needed to run because another one of our starters was out sick. We kind of had to go a little bit vanilla tonight and just run some basic stuff. Emma did a really good job of freelancing and getting to the basket and getting us some big layups at some big times."

Notre Dame is now 7-1 and Pavilion is 6-2.

Notre Dame scoring: 

• Emma Sisson, 23 point
• Amelia McCulley, 10 points and four rebounds and four steals
• Avelin Tomidy, eight points, nine rebounds and nine steals

Pavilion scoring:

• Lauren Kingsley, 16 points
• Karlee Zinkievich, 15 points
• Kylie Conway, eight points

In the consolation game earlier in the evening, Pembroke beat Batavia 45-41.  

Pembroke scoring:

• Karli Houseknecht: 13 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
• Elle Peterson: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals
• Olivia Breeden: 8 points, 1 assist, 4 rebounds, 3 steals

Photos by Howard Owens.  For more, or to purchase prints, click here.

Emma Sisson was named tournament MVP. The all-tournment team was Anna Varland, Batavia, Karli Houseknecht, Pembroke, Amelia McCulley, Notre Dame, Lauren Kingslee, Pavilion, and Karlee Zinkievich, Pavilion. Avelin Tomidy received the Ray Shirtz Service Above Self Award.

Press Release:

The State University of New York at Fredonia has announced the appointment of David A. Stringham, Ph.D., as Dean of Fredonia’s renowned School of Music.

“The Fredonia School of Music has a long history of excellence, and Dr. Stringham brings experience that will continue that success,” said Executive Vice President and Provost David Starrett. “We were impressed by David’s vision for new programs that will only enhance the stellar student experience. I look forward to working with Dr. Stringham to continue moving the Fredonia School of Music forward.”

Dr. Stringham, who grew up in Corfu, most recently served as the Executive Director of the Office of Creative Propulsion at James Madison University. He has been a part of the School of Music and College of Visual and Performing Arts at James Madison University since 2010. In addition to being a full professor of music, Dr. Stringham co-founded JMU’s Center for Inclusive Music Engagement and served as its founding director. He was also the Assessment Coordinator for the School of Music, and the Director of Research, Entrepreneurship, and Engagement in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. His work has been supported through dozens of grants from such institutions as the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the 4-VA Collaborative.

“I am honored to accept President Kolison’s invitation to serve as Dean of Fredonia’s School of Music,” Dr. Stringham said. “As a Western New York native, a student and colleague of Fredonia graduates, a former New York State public school music teacher, and a music teacher educator and researcher, I have long been keenly aware of and impressed by the Fredonia School of Music, its faculty, and its alumni. It is exciting and meaningful to join Fredonia’s School of Music as it seeks to build on its rich history and stellar reputation through self-examination and re-imagination. I look forward to working with Provost Starrett, Vice Provost Horowitz, and my new colleagues in the School of Music, across campus, and in the community, to help facilitate the School of Music’s next steps.”

Dr. Stringham received his Bachelor of Music (Music Education), Master of Music (Music Education), and Doctor of Philosophy (Music Education) from the University of Rochester.

Dr. Stringham will begin his role at SUNY Fredonia during the spring semester.

Photo of Dr. David A. Stringham by Cody Troyer

While gathered around a table in the middle of the mall concourse Thursday, a group of stakeholders reminisced about the “hits and misses” during an impromptu mall market for several Saturdays last fall.

The group was led by Tammy Hathaway, director of Batavia Development Corporation, who had surveyed participants for feedback about how the market went in a first-time trial run.

“What a great group of people, it's the right group of people to assess that small little field test of using the City Centre concourse, as a little bit of momentum, like a market vendor space. We had fantastic feedback, and it was positive,” Hathaway said. “We want hits and misses, so that we can make it better, and everyone wants to move forward."

She appreciated their honesty about the critiques, and also about the one unanimous sentiment, Hathaway said.

“Every single one of them enjoyed being in here,” she said.

Issues to be worked out include pricing — which vendors said was too high at $40 per day — and the market’s hours of 8:30 to 11 a.m.

“Batavia doesn’t wake up until 10 a.m.,” vendor Adam Garner said.

Garner, a fifth generation member of Garner Farms of Le Roy, has participated in other markets in Le Roy and Rochester, and offered his perspective about what seems to work elsewhere.

Garner Farms was a regular at Batavia’s mall market with heritage pork and chicken products, and he looks forward to continuing to be part of it.

“Overall, it was good. There were weeks that were slow, but weeks, there's weeks that were above, that we had a lot more people than I expected. We’re hoping to get to expand as we have more people coming in here,” he said. “So we have an indoor market. There's nothing around here. The only indoor market I know is down in Ithaca. So we do Le Roy farmers market. We're looking into doing a couple in Rochester. I do one in the South Wedge. And then we do vendor events that we do in Le Roy. Our farm began in 1932 and it will be 100 years old.”

The group discussed moving the hours so they would linger into the early afternoon, say from 10:30 a.m. to around 1:30 p.m. Hathaway received a lot of feedback that a majority of vendors thought the total hours should be capped at three hours, with a rationale of preferring to make $150 in three hours versus $175 in four.

City maintenance worker Tom Phelps said that the mall facility used to be open to 2 p.m., and that was eventually reduced to not being open at all on Saturdays during COVID season, and now is back to being open to noon.

Other areas of consideration involve requiring vendors to have insurance coverage, making access easier for vendors with larger or bulky items, including some type of coffee station, how best to promote the event, and making it a family-friendly market with rotating activities and themes.

The general consensus of group members Loretta Delpriore of Batavia Stagecoach Florist, Katie Hobbs of Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Garner, Phelps, Pat Burk of Theater 56 and Hathaway was to resume the market on Feb. 4 with a focus on Valentine’s Day, and integrate themes from there onward. Hobbs manages a market for the village of Corfu and offered ideas to include kids in these events as well.

“So we created a very large to do-list of items to make this move forward. And it's great to have participants, everyone who sat at this meeting today participated in the meeting, and has the same passion for seeing this building full of life,” Hathaway said. “The goal is February 4 to reinstate the Saturday mall market and have revised hours and make it totally revised.

“I think we'll definitely go to mid to end of May,” she said. “So we'll have a little bit of time to let everybody breathe, regroup and everything before the outdoor farmers market begins.”

Photo of Tammy Hathaway of Batavia Development Corporation, left, Loretta Delpriore of Batavia Stagecoach Florist, Pat Burk of Theater 56, Katie Hobbs of Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Adam Garner of Garner Farms and city maintenance staff Tom Phelps evaluate last year's Saturday mall market in an effort to move forward with the concept beginning Feb. 4. Photo by Joanne Beck. 

Press release:

The director of the Prevention department at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse is applauding the results of the alcohol compliance checks conducted last month by local law enforcement.

“Of the 60 retail establishments that were visited, 57 of them were in compliance,” said Shannon Ford, who also serves as GCASA’s director of Communications & Development. “Overall, we think these are pretty great results.”

The City of Batavia Police Department visited 20 stores and found that all 20 were compliant. Thirty-seven of the 40 establishments visited by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office were in compliance – meaning that the store employee did not sell alcohol to the underage customer taking part in the exercise.

Ford said that GCASA prevention educators are using the latest round of compliance checks as an “educational opportunity.”

“Responsible Server Training will be offered to anyone who wants it,” Ford added.

RST courses focus on several aspects, including the effects of alcohol on the brain and nervous system, state Alcohol Beverage Control laws, levels of intoxication, and the proper way to check IDs and spot false IDs.  All those who take the course will receive Responsible Server certification.

The rates for the training are as follows:

-- For businesses – Individual rate, $75 per person; group rate, $375 (five or more employees);

-- For not for profits – Individual rate, $50 person; group rate, $250 (five or more employees).

To schedule RST for an establishment, contact Diane Klos at 585-815-1883.

Press release:

Senator George Borrello was sworn in as the representative of the 57th State Senate District on Wednesday, Jan. 4. The ceremony took place in the Senate Chamber just prior to the official start of the 2023 Legislative Session.  

“It is a tremendous privilege to have the opportunity to represent and serve the residents of the 57th Senate District and to continue my work on behalf of the betterment of our state. Going into this new session, my priorities are centered around making New York State safer, more affordable and more supportive of its job creators,” said Senator Borrello. “I also am excited about representing the residents of Genesee and Wyoming counties, who are now part of the newly expanded 57th District.  

The boundaries of the newly drawn district include Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Wyoming and the western half of Allegany County. The district is one of the largest in the state, spanning approximately 4,500 square miles.  

Senator Borrello also announced that he will continue serving as the Ranking Member on the Agriculture Committee, a role he first assumed in July 2020. He will also continue serving as the Ranking Member on the Banks Committee and as a member of the Finance Committee. Additionally, he was appointed as a new member of the following committees: Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business; Elections; Housing, and Insurance.  

“I appreciate the opportunity to continue my instrumental role on the Agriculture Committee at this pivotal time for our farmers and agribusinesses. The new overtime mandates approved by the Labor Commissioner in 2022 are poised to present a whole new set of challenges to this industry and multi-generational farm families. Our fight against these changes was one of the most intense efforts of the past two years. Now that they are set to take effect, we need to take steps to mitigate the impact or we will lose more of our family farms,” said Sen. Borrello.  

“I also look forward to bringing my perspective as a small business owner to the Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee. The pandemic response created many challenges for employers that continue to persist. The most critical of these is the billions in unemployment insurance debt owed by the state to the federal government. Currently, small businesses are being forced to shoulder the burden of repaying the debt and replenishing the fund, which is unacceptable,” said Sen. Borrello.  

“There are so many important issues facing our state right now, which I look forward to addressing in all of the key committees I’ve been appointed to. I am grateful to Leader Ortt for entrusting me with these responsibilities and opportunities to shape the legislative agenda in Albany.”  

Batavia Notre Dame United captures the David McCarthy Memorial Hockey Tournament with a 6-5 victory over Section VI powerhouse Niagara Wheatfield.  

United found themselves in unfamiliar territory early in the second period trailing 3-1.

“We were playing well. We just needed to stick with it and stay positive," said Head Coach Marc Staley. "They are a great team. We knew this would be a battle.”

BND rattled off four goals in the second period, flipping the lead in the game from down by one to up by one.

“Our PowerPlay has been so strong this year," Staley said. "They took a few undisciplined penalties and made them pay”

BND went 4-6 on the PowerPlay during the game.

BND was only called for three minor penalties in the game and outshot NW 41-22.  

"This was a great night for the program," Staley said. "Winning your home tournament is always fun, but beating one of Section VI’s top teams in the meantime gives a nice confidence boost moving forward”

Now onto the next challenge.

Next, United takes on 2022 Section V Class A Champion Victor (7-1) on Friday night at the Rochester Ice Center.  

“This is the schedule we want," Staley said. "We want to play the top teams and see how we stack up.  Taking care of Bethlehem (8-0) from Section II, now beating Niagara Wheatfield (7-1-1) from Section VI, now another huge test with Section V’s best, Victor.

“The kids are hungry," he added. "They are focused.  And I love that they aren’t content.  We are still getting better.  I know we have another level up from here.  Our biggest tests are still in front of us.  We are building nicely towards those games”

Photos by Erin Staley.

Batavia Blue Devils beat Greece Arcadia on Wednesday in Rochester and picked up a win, 66-40.

In the opening quarter, Aiden Bellavia scored eight points, and Ja'Vin McFollins scored five to help push Batavia out in front early.

Second-quarter defensive mishaps by Batavia along with some turnovers helped Arcadia regain the lead, making it 24-23 at the half.

In the third quarter, Carter McFollins scored six points and Mikey McKenzie hit two threes to get Batavia off to a rolling start.

"The third quarter was the key to the game," said Head Coach Buddy Brasky. "We came out of halftime and really increased the ball pressure.  That led to them turning the ball over, which led to us getting out on the fast break. Once we got rolling, we started hitting a few threes, and it was game over."

Batavia added points from Sawyer Silverling, Rashad Christie and Bellavia to give the Blue Devils 25 points in the quarter while holding Greece scoreless, which gave them a 48-24 lead after three.

Blue Devils' scoring leaders were Mikey McKenzie, and Aiden Bellavia, who both tallied 16 points.  Carter McFollins scored 8, Sawyer Silverling 7 

Batavia's record improves to 5-2

The team's next game is at home against Southwestern Central at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

If you’re in the market for an apartment later this year, but can’t afford a market rate, Ellicott Station may be the answer.

The Ellicott Street apartment complex has been taking names, Batavia Development Corporation Director Tammy Hathaway says.

A project that began last fall on the south side of Batavia, the 55-unit complex is expected to be ready for occupants by summer of this year, she said.

“There is an income qualification,” Hathaway said Tuesday. “People can go to ellicottstation.com and sign up.”

When the time comes that apartments are finalized, Savarino’s management will review the list and contact potential tenants, Hathaway said.

Once thoought to be more upper scale market rate rentals, the 55 units are considered “affordable housing,” 52 of which come with a balcony and nine with Americans with Disabilities Act mobility units. Units also are equipped with laundry amenities, and the complex has an elevator, community room, bicycle storage, covered off-street parking, and a playground, according to the website.

During the time of groundbreaking later last year, CEO Sam Savarino of Savarino Companies said that “It’s difficult for people to afford housing, and then there’s a shortage of quality, affordable housing.”

“In any event, the market study showed that there was a top end of the market that people could afford to pay in this area, otherwise, it wouldn’t be successful,” he said.

Abatement, demolition of two dilapidated buildings, land remediation, reconstruction of public storm drainage infrastructure, and construction of a 55-unit apartment building was — and still is — on the way toward a summer 2023 completion. The $22.5 million project site is to also offer adaptive reuse of the building to be used as a brewery, restaurant and/or events facility, plus improvements made to a public ‘Rails to Trails’ walking trail.

Workers have been busy constructing the four-story apartment complex, and it has been exciting to see the progress, Hathaway said.

“It’s a gorgeous building,” she said last fall during a tour of the defunct Della Penna site that’s part of the project.

The total apartment project cost is $20.7 million for 74,000 gross square feet, four stories, 55 units, 52 balcony units, nine units meeting Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, 37 garage parking spaces and 44 surface parking spaces.

Defined as “workforce housing,” with one and two-bedroom units, the Ellicott Street complex will most likely attract people earning about $20 an hour or below, otherwise deemed as affordable housing.

The project is part of Batavia’s Downtown Revitalization initiative and is located within a state-designated Brownfield Opportunity Area, which requires abatements and remediation from prior use of toxic materials on the property.

Top Photo of the current Ellicott Station project in Batavia, by Howard Owens; and file photo of the groundbreaking by Howard Owens. Bottom two photos also from today of construction by Howard Owens.

City officials are getting off to a good start in the new year with news of receiving $2.5 million to go toward a new police station for downtown Batavia.

The much debated station — whether to renovate the current site at Brisbane Mansion on Main Street or build anew — was finalized with a City Council vote in 2021, and designs have been in progress ever since.

Toward the end of 2022, City Manager Rachael Tabelski had spoken with high hopes of receiving funding as part of a federal omnibus legislation, which came through and was announced Thursday.

“We are grateful for the support from Senator Chuck Schumer and former Congressman Christopher Jacobs for advocating on behalf of our efforts to secure this critically important funding for a new police headquarters,” Tabelski said in a press release issued Thursday. “They both understood how important this funding was to our efforts to build a modern and welcoming facility that will be an integral part of community.”

The money will go toward the estimated cost of up to $15 million for new police headquarters and community complex to be constructed on Bank Street and Alva Place.

City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. was also thankful for the financial assistance and local support.

“As a retired Batavia Police Lieutenant I’m keenly aware of the importance of replacing the outdated 1850’s era police building with a modern purpose built police facility,” Jankowsk said. “The new building will be a huge asset to our police force and help them to better serve the members of our community.  Thank you to Senator Chuck Schumer and former Congressman Chris Jacobs for supporting the City of Batavia and our Police Department.”

The City estimates that the cost to build a new police department will be approximately $13 to $15 million. The 19,000 square-foot facility will be constructed on city owned property on and would provide connectivity and enhance the area between City Centre and the emerging Medical Campus.

Once completed, there would be 115 public parking spots available in nearby lots, in addition to free public parking on surrounding streets to serve the needs of existing businesses on Washington, Alva and State Streets.

“The current police headquarters was constructed in 1855 as a private residence and is out of date and inefficiently suited for a modern-day police department to properly serve the community,” Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said. “We want a new facility that people from the community feel welcomed, and provide space for more engagement with the residents we serve.”

As for the current city police station, Batavia Development Corporation Director Tammy Hathaway will be working with architectural firm In.Site: Architecture of Perry to conduct a feasibility study "to determine a best use for the building," she said.

A $20,000 grant will go toward the cost of the study, Hathaway said, and Rick Hauser of In.Site will be able to merge information from prior studies for this project. A former police station task force had authorized building studies for renovating the current site compared to building a new facility elsewhere.

For most recent coverage of the station's progress, go HERE.

Rendering of the new police station at Bank Street and Alva Place in downtown Batavia provided by City of Batavia.

As it can go with large construction projects, the new county jail’s price tag is to ring in the new year with ka-ching and an estimated $80,000 of additional work needed for exterior insulation.

Genesee County Highway Superintendent and senior Engineer Tim Hens outlined the problem during Wednesday’s Ways and Means meeting. A six-inch gap at the top of a foundational area was discovered by architects and engineers that, as it stands, would not meet code, he said.

“It’s a very difficult construction detail,” he said. “Cold air would not be coming in, but the concrete would conduct the cold. Two to three feet of that floor would feel really frozen.”

The suggested remedy is to glue stainless steel flashing all the way around four precast pods.

“That does solve the problem. If they can do it before the precast units are installed, it’s easier,” Hens said. “The quicker we can get the go-ahead, the cheaper it will be for us.”

Assistant Engineer Laura Wadhams added that there will be people “out in the field” to ensure that the work is done in as timely and financially efficient way possible and that it may be less than the $80,000 capped estimate.

With the backing of her committee, Genesee County Legislature Chairwoman Rochelle Stein authorized a time and material change order with a cost not to exceed $80,000.00 for LeChase Construction, for costs related to additional insulation installation and protective flashing around the base of all pod areas for the new Genesee County Jail.

The total amount of the final change order will be determined in the field, with documented time and receipts for materials. The cost of the change order is not to exceed $80,000, per the resolution.

To follow progress on the jail project, go to the county's Jail Updates page. 

2022 File Photo of the early stages of the $70 million Genesee County Jail project on Route 5 in the Town of Batavia, by Howard Owens.

Press release:

Officials from Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel formally closed the books on a record-breaking 2022.  Credits played topped $1 Billion for the first time ever.  Net win totaled just over $76 Million Dollars.  That was up 14.5 percent or $9.63 Million over 2021’s numbers.   Surcharge & Earnings to be distributed to member municipalities are projected to total $9.2 Million, with earnings projected to be $8.6 Million, a record amount since the Corporation’s inception in 1974.  This is an increase of 48 percent over the 2021 Surcharge & Earnings distributions to member municipalities of $5.8 Million.

Batavia Downs Gaming contributed $37.25 Million to State Education via the New York State Lottery.  This number was also a record, beating 2021’s number of $32.55 Million by $4.7 Million.

The Hotel at Batavia Downs, which was purchased by the corporation in the spring of 2021, has generated projected bottom-line revenues to the Corporation of $675,000.  The occupancy rate for the hotel was 78%, beating out last year's rate of 61 percent.

Batavia Downs’ Food and Beverage outlets generated projected bottom-line revenues to the Corporation of $1.2 Million, a new record.  Several improvements to Fortune’s Steakhouse and a rebranding of the Homestretch Grill provided guests of Batavia Downs with new options when dining onsite.

“We are very encouraged by all we’ve accomplished in 2022,” said Jacquelyne Leach, Chief Financial Officer for Western OTB/Batavia Downs.  “Our total distributions to municipalities are projected to be $9.2 Million, bringing our total since our inception in 1974 to $251 Million. At a tax rate of 49%, almost half of the money generated at Batavia Downs goes to NYS to help fund the State Education Budget.  We’re proud to have given the highest amount we’ve ever had back to the citizens of New York.”

“These numbers showcase the positive direction of our facility, “said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs.  “In the post-Covid economy, we have begun adding events and expanding our promotions.  By utilizing our onsite hotel and improving our food and beverage offerings, we have made Batavia Downs an entertainment destination.”

“With our Summer Concert Series, Harness Racing Dates and marquee promotions all in the upcoming months, we’re looking forward to contributing more to our member municipalities and the State Education Fund this year, “ Wojtaszek continued.

Batavia Downs had their three busiest days of all time, with each day reaching over $5 million in credits played.  Several record weeks topped $24 Million in credits played.

In a separate table listing county-by-county distribution, Batavia Downs reported a projected distribution to Genesee County of $194,821, bringing the total distribution since 1974 to $12,911,504.

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens

Raul S. Cruz is indicted on two counts of promoting prison contraband in the first degree, a Class D felony, and one count of promoting prison contraband in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Cruz is accused of possessing dangerous prison contraband, a shank, while incarcerated at the Genesee County Jail on Oct.  14.  He is also accused of a long plastic housing for a Bic-type pen.

name redacted upon request is indicted on counts of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, and DWI. Klauck is accused of driving a 2001 Toyota on July 31 in the Town of Stafford while holding a conditional license. She is accused of being intoxicated while driving.

Press release:

Join the Richmond Memorial Library on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. for an intriguing virtual program from art historian Mallory Mortillaro. Watch from home on Zoom or screen the virtual program in person at the library!

While cataloging the artwork housed inside of the Hartley Dodge Memorial, Mallory uncovered a masterpiece that had been lost to the art world since the 1930s.  After a year of research, the piece was authenticated as an official work by Auguste Rodin. Mallory will share the story of how a simple art cataloging project evolved into a search for a mysterious piece’s provenance and became one of the biggest art finds in recent history.

To watch from home on Zoom, visit batavialibrary.org/calendar. You must be registered to receive the Zoom link. To watch in person at the library, visit the circulation desk or call 585-343-9550.

Mallory Mortillaro is an art historian and educator.  She has ten years of teaching experience, and has worked on various art research projects for museums and organizations in the New York metropolitan area.  She studied at Drew University.  Mallory resides in New Jersey with her husband.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C - Batavia) has been re-appointed as deputy minority leader of the New York State Assembly. Hawley has served in a leadership role with the Assembly Republican Conference for many years following his first election in 2006. He will continue the fight for lower taxes on the middle class as well as a new moratorium of no state tax on gasoline and home fuel.

Hawley will also serve as a member of the following committees:

• Agriculture Committee
• Insurance Committee
• Rules Committee
• Veteran Affairs Committee
• Ways and Means Committee

“I am proud and grateful to once again hold a leadership position within the Assembly Republican Conference,” Hawley said. “I would like to thank Minority Leader Will Barclay for entrusting me with this responsibility. There are many issues I hope to solve during this upcoming legislative session, and affordability is at the top of my list.”

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the winners of the People’s Choice and Director’s Choice awards for the 21^st Annual Wonderland of Trees decorated trees. The winner of the People’s Choice Award is the Stafford Garden Club, and the winner of the Director’s Choice Award is WBTA AM & FM (top photo). We would like to congratulate our winners, and thank everyone who participated this year. We had more trees this year than in recent years, and they were all so beautifully done that the choices were very difficult. Also, thank you to everyone who donated towards the event, and all who came to see the wonderfully decorated trees.

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce its next Trivia Night at the Museum on Thursday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m. This month’s topic is “Ellis Island”. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. If you would like to attend, please contact the museum at (585) 343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce its next Guest Speaker Series on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. Kevin Pawlak will present on “Western New Yorkers on America’s Bloodiest Day.” Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members.

“New York State contributed more soldiers to the United States Army at the Battle of Antietam than any other state. Western New Yorkers fought in many of the well-known places on the Antietam battlefield, from the Cornfield to the Bloody Lane to the Burnside Bridge. Learn about the stories of some of these local soldiers during the bloodiest single day in American military history.”

Kevin Pawlak is a Historic Site Manager for Prince William County’s Office of Historic Preservation. He also works as a Certified Battlefield Guide at Antietam National Battlefield and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Kevin is the author of numerous articles and is the author of five books on the American Civil War.

Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. If you would like to attend, please contact the museum at (585) 343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

Press release:

Tompkins Insurance Agencies has again been named among the Top 50 Personal Insurance Agencies in the nation by Insurance Journal. This is Tompkins Insurance Agencies’ third consecutive appearance on Insurance Journal’s top 50 list, with a 2022 ranking of 45. 

Agencies included on the 2022 Personal Lines Leaders list are taken from Insurance Journal’s Top 100 Property/Casualty Independent Agencies as reported in August. Agencies are ranked by total 2021 personal lines property/casualty insurance revenue.  

Tompkins Insurance Agencies operates 16 offices in western New York, six offices in central New York and six offices in southeast Pennsylvania. It is an independent insurance agency offering personal and business insurance and employee benefits services through more than 50 different companies. A part of Tompkins Financial Corporation, (trading as TMP on the NYSE - MKT), the agency is affiliated with Tompkins Community Bank and Tompkins Financial Advisors, both operating in western New York, central New York, southeast Pennsylvania and New York’s Hudson Valley. For more information, head to www.tompkinsins.com or follow Tompkins Insurance Agencies on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department has recently been investigating a plethora of larcenies from vehicles in the city.

These thefts have been occurring mainly in the overnight hours, and from (unfortunately) unlocked motor vehicles.

Patrols remain vigilant in the overnight hours, and we are asking for assistance from the public to reduce these incidents.

Please remember:

• ALWAYS lock your car doors.
• Leave exterior lighting on if possible.
• ALWAYS lock your car doors.
• Remove valuables from your vehicle.
• ALWAYS lock your car doors.

Theft prevention starts with you, and it begins before you even leave your vehicle.

As always, if you notice anything suspicious around your property, please do not hesitate to contact the police department at (585) 345-6350.