Submitted by Jessica Doktor, committee organizer for Better Corfu.

Commonly when someone mentions Corfu, New York, you think of the little village that you drive through in the blink of an eye when you are on your way to Darien Lake. You stop at the light and see a bank, a gun shop, and a gas station. While it might be a pass-through for many, there are roughly about 700 residents.

Mike Doktor, deputy mayor remembers a much more vivid livelier Corfu growing up. When Doktor purchased his family home near the village center in 2018, he sought potential in something that gave residents and passersby an esthetic appeal. When a neighbor Amy Johnson, told him that she was putting out flowerpots on the corners of Route 33 and 77.

Doktor, who was newly elected as trustee, approached the board about getting sponsorship and village support to add flowerpots on the four corners.

By the summer of 2019, four flowerpots appear on the corner thanks to the sponsorship of Pembroke Corfu Darien Kiwanis which continues to this day.

To great success, the Village of Corfu’s board made Mike Doktor chairmen of the Better Corfu Beautification Committee. A committee that also facilitates such events as Autumn in the Village and Farmers Market.  

As the committee met before the coronavirus pandemic, the idea for the Better Corfu Adopt-A-Pot was born. Twenty sponsors both business and residents were able to “adopt” a pot that also included flowers and a sign of sponsorship. Each sign is designed, printed, and donated by Quakenstein Graphic Design and Insty-Prints.

These pots lined the village limits of Main Street and Route 77.  

Each pot is put together by volunteers, and starting this year the Pembroke High School History Club will be assisting these in putting them together.

The pots will be out on display prior to the village’s Memorial Day Parade.

The interest has proven successful and while all of the pots have been spoken for the 2021 Season.

The Better Corfu Beautification Committee is seeking donations for 3' X 5' U.S. flags to replace the older weathered ones that also will remain hanging for the entire summer. If you would like to donate a flag, please drop it off at the Village of Corfu office, located 116 E. Main St., Corfu, NY 14036.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement after it was reported the April Jobs Report fell drastically below projections.

“Today’s jobs report shows what we’ve known for months – the President’s policies have disincentivized work and slowed our recovery from the pandemic. Despite hearing in February that our economy would rebound without further government intervention, the President and congressional Democrats forced through a massive spending package with hundreds of billions of dollars for programs that make it more lucrative for Americans to stay home than to seek employment.

"Now we see the effects of this bad policymaking – Western New York businesses are turning away customers because they cannot find employees. With vaccines rolling out and lockdowns lifting, our focus must be on getting Americans back to work and supporting our economic comeback.”

The jobs report released this morning shows the economy only added 266,000 jobs, falling short of the almost one million projected to be added. Yesterday, the Buffalo News reported local restaurants and retailers are struggling to find employees, and as a result are being forced to limit service, turn away customers, and suffering financially.

Press release: 

“I am happy that Comptroller (Thomas) DiNapoli will be auditing the New York State Unemployment system for fraud," said Sen. Ed Rath (NYS-61). While this is a critical first step, I believe that a full and comprehensive audit of the system needs to be done.

"From the very start of the pandemic, the unemployment system in our State has been an absolute mess and the lack of transparency has been very concerning. Between residents being unable to receive the benefits they are due, to long wait times to overpayments and blatant fraud, there has been nonstop issues.

"My office has heard from hundreds of residents regarding their unemployment problems, and I am proud to say we have been able to work to resolve many of their issues.

"Unfortunately, until the fundamental challenges with the unemployment system are addressed, these problems will continue to occur, and we will continue to see fraud and waste in the system. I am hopeful that this audit will bring some much-needed transparency to the process.”

Press release:

Catholic Charities of Buffalo announced HOPE Day, the annual 24-hour match challenge day of giving to benefit Appeal 2021 is set for Friday, May 14 across Western New York.

The first $40,000 raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar, with gifts from donors who wish to remain anonymous, in the ongoing effort to reach the annual Appeal’s $10 million goal in support of Catholic Charities and the Fund for the Faith.

Catholic Charities also announced that Appeal 2021 has raised $7,431,292 to date.

In the last three years, HOPE Days have brought in more than $1.28 million to bolster the annual Appeal.

“With less than two months to go and currently at 74 percent of our Appeal goal, we are grateful for the generosity our community has shown and also remain optimistic about reaching our 2021 goal,” said Deacon Steve Schumer, president and CEO, Catholic Charities. “Please consider joining with us on HOPE Day to help bring hope to our neighbors most in need.”

The annual Appeal helps fund 57 programs and services administered by Catholic Charities across all eight counties of Western New York, along with several ministries that benefit all parishes through the Diocese of Buffalo’s Fund for the Faith.

Catholic Charities’ programs and services helped more than 149,000 individuals of all faiths, ages and ethnicities in 2020.

These included basic emergency assistance such as food pantries, educational and vocational advancement services, family safety and stabilization services, immigration and refugee assistance, mental health and substance use treatment, and youth and family support services.

In addition, Catholic Charities, which has an office in Batavia, offers: counseling; a program for domestic violence offenders; a home visitor/friendly phone service for homebound seniors in Genesee and Orleans counties; home health care management, an in-school social work program, New Hope Partners, and Parent/Child Access.

In Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties, from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, Catholic Charities issued $17,672.21 in Emergency Financial Asisstance, impacting 2,563 residents.

To make a secure online donation during HOPE Day, go to ccwny.org/HOPEDay. Donors may also call (716) 218-1400 to pledge support. Appeal 2021 runs through June 30.

For more information about Catholic Charities and the services it provides, visit ccwny.org.

By Tim Bojarski, for Western OTB/Batavia Downs​:

While it wasn’t quite as big as winning the lottery, there were smiles galore at the Western Regional Off-Track Betting (WROTB) branch locations and Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel after last Saturday’s (May 1) Run for the Roses.

As has been the case so often since 1974 when the public benefit corporation began accepting Derby wagers, WROTB patrons crushed it at the windows, winning over $1.4 million dollars. Based on total handle from all WROTB simulcast locations including Batavia Bets.com (the corporation’s online wagering platform), that number reflects the amount of money paid out to bettors was 9 percent higher than the national average. 

Three customers ended up being OTB’s biggest winners when they each cashed for $18,912 after all three wagered $48 on a $2 Superfecta box ticket on the winning combination of 7-8-9-14. Two other patrons wagered just one dollar and hit the Superfecta in exact order of 8-7-9-14 and won $9,456. 

WROTB President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek said “It was a thrilling horse race and I’m happy so many of our customers were winners. We thank everyone who bet through a WROTB outlet for their patronage on racing’s biggest day.”

Todd Haight, director/GM of Live Racing at Batavia Downs added “I think we did a good job getting the word out that Medina Spirit was a major player in this year’s race. We also gave several reasons to wager against heavy Derby favorite Essential Quality and it appears several of our customers took that advice.”

It also appeared that those who came to bet in person heeded the advice about masks and social distancing as all locations reported business going off without a hitch. 

“We appreciate everyone following COVID protocols and working with our staff to make the Derby as successful as it was,” Director of WROTB Branch Operations Sean Schiano said. 

Schiano added that preparations are well underway at Western Regional Off-Track Betting for the second jewel of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, the 146th Preakness Stakes, to be run next Saturday (May 15) at historic Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Md.

Press release:

Tompkins Financial Corporation has announced plans for a rebranding effort which will better align its four banks in New York and Pennsylvania under the Tompkins corporate umbrella. As a result of the effort, Tompkins Bank of Castile, headquartered in Batavia, will be known simply as “Tompkins.”

The three other affiliated banks – Tompkins Trust Company, headquartered in Ithaca, Tompkins Mahopac Bank in the Hudson Valley, and Tompkins VIST Bank in Southeastern Pennsylvania – will also become Tompkins.

All existing banking products and services will be unchanged and will continue to be offered in all markets under the Tompkins brand. Tompkins Financial’s two other affiliate companies, Tompkins Insurance Agencies and Tompkins Financial Advisors, will keep their respective names and are otherwise unaffected by the change.

Stephen S. Romaine, Tompkins Financial president and CEO, says that over the next year, customers will see signage changes reflecting the new name; however, none of the local leadership is changing, nor is the local Board of Directors.

According to Romaine, “Tompkins’ unique community banking value proposition – which is centered around local decision-making, relationship-based products and services, deep community engagement, and a values-driven, collaborative, empowered culture – will be unaffected by the rebranding and name change.” 

The alignment of bank names is made possible by a consolidation of four existing bank charters to one, therefore also reducing duplicate regulatory and legal processes. “It just makes good sense and is well timed,” Romaine said. “Becoming ‘one Tompkins’ in name not only more closely aligns our Tompkins family, but in fact, brings additional advantages which support the company’s ability to maintain its commitment to sustainable excellence.” 

“Our long history has proven that the reason people and businesses choose to bank with Tompkins is, very simply, that we are their trusted community partner," said John M. McKenna, Tompkins Bank of Castile president & CEO.

"We have been serving Western New York since 1869 and have been part of Tompkins Financial for more than 20 years. This change only enhances our ability to be that valued partner, delivering the high level of experience excellence our customers know and deserve." 

The changes are expected to take effect later in 2021, subject to regulatory approval. Other than a slight change to the bank’s brand name, the process and resulting single charter are expected to be a seamless and non-impactful transition for customers.

UPDATED 10:28 a.m.: We were just now alerted by the health department that the hyperlinks they provided were incorrect for two Moderna vaccine clinics in Medina -- the one today and Thursday. They have been corrected in this post.

Press release:

Next week Genesee Orleans County Health Departments will be on the road with Pop-up Clinics. Clinics with Johnson & Johnson Janssen (J & J) and Moderna will be available for walk-in and registration. Pfizer clinics are by registration only.

“As we transition away from the larger mass vaccination clinic approach, we will be hosting mobile clinics that will be held in various locations throughout our communities along with smaller-scaled clinics at both of the health departments moving forward,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health director for GO Health.  “Working with community partners in both counties is a great way to reach out to those who want to be vaccinated against COVID.”

J & J and Moderna clinics offer walk-in opportunities; however, we encourage you to register via the vaccination webpage and choose the vaccine that best works for you. You can also click on the direct links in the grid below.

For those who do not have internet they can call the GO Health Vaccine Registration Help Lines:  

• Genesee:  (585) 815-7168
• Orleans:  (585) 589-3170

These lines are ONLY to make vaccine appointments, are not able to answer COVID-related questions, and are not associated with either Health Department.  

“With everyone looking forward to the summer and the looser restrictions we encourage everyone to get vaccinated now,” Pettit said. “There are plenty of options to get any of the three vaccines offered. For your health and the health of others, we encourage everyone who is able to be vaccinated to get vaccinated now.”

If you are interested in making an appointment to get your COVID-19 vaccination, now is the time to do it locally!  

If you are a business/church/organization that is interested in hosting a vaccination clinic at your location, please fill out this survey. One of our staff members will be in contact with you.

For those who are seeking testing, both health departments provide limited free rapid testing for those without symptoms at the respective Health Departments.

For Genesee County, a rapid test drive-through clinic is scheduled for May 13^th 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. at County Building #2, 3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

For Orleans County, a rapid test clinic is scheduled for May 12^th 10 - 10:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Health Department at 14016 Route 31 West, Albion.

To register for rapid testing go to the GO Health testing page and choose your preferred clinic location. 

*********************************************************************************************************

********  POP-UP CLINICS FOR COVID-19 VACCINATIONS  ********

*********************************************************************************************************

Monday - May 10 - Rideway Fire Hall, 11392 Ridge Road, Medina

• 9 - 11:30 a.m.
• 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Moderna: Walk-ins & By Appointment -- http://bit.ly/ModernaRidgeway

J&J: Walk-ins

**********************************************

Tuesday - May 11 -- Six Flags Darien Lake, Human Resources building, 1501 Sumner Road, Corfu

• 1 - 5 p.m.

J&J: Walk-ins & By Appointment -- http://bit.ly/DarienLakeJanssen

Pfizer: Appointment Only -- http://bit.ly/DarienLakePfizer

**********************************************

Wednesday May 12 -- Genesee Community College Athletic Arena, 1 College Road, Batavia

• 9 - 11 a.m.

Moderna: Walk-ins & By Appointment -- http://bit.ly/ModernaGCC

J&J: Walk-ins

*********************************************

Thursday - May 13 -- Ridgeway Fire Hall, 11392 Ridge Road, Medina

• 1 - 4 p.m.

Moderna: Walk-ins & By Appointment -- http://bit.ly/ModernaRidgeway

J&J: Walk-ins

********************************************

Friday - May 14 -- Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, 8315 Park Road, Batavia

• 3 - 7 p.m.

J&J: Walk-ins & By Appointment -- http://bit.ly/VaccineBataviaDowns

********************************************

Saturday - May 15 -- Genesee Community College Athletic Arena, 1 College Road, Batavia

• 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Pfizer: Appointment Only -- http://bit.ly/PfizerGCC

J&J: Walk-ins

Press release:

Genesee County reporting 14 new positive cases of COVID-19. 

• The new positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke)
  • 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 and 60s. 
• Ten of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Five of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

​

Orleans County reporting eight new positive cases of COVID-19.  

• The new positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
  • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s and 40s.
• Twelve of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Two of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

*****************************************************************************************************

Changes at GO Health You Should Know About

Kaitline Pettine is Genesee County’s new Public Health Educator and Public Information Officer. She joined the GO Health team on April 2^nd and has been training and learning her role.  

Along with the increased relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions, GO Health will only be reporting two days a week on Tuesdays and Fridays starting next week.

Tuesday’s briefing will include data from Friday afternoon through Tuesday morning. Friday’s briefing (starting May 14) will include data from Tuesday afternoon through Friday morning.

Our next press briefing will be out by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11^th.

We are also changing the data we will report to include the most relevant data. This will include: 

• Total positive cases by county (we will no longer be breaking done into zones as COVID is everywhere);
• Total active cases (those who are in mandatory isolation);
• Ages of new positive individuals will be in the narrative only (the chart will be on our websites);
• Total number of 1 dose vaccinations and percentage of the population per county from the Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Hub (data updated weekly) (https://flvaccinehub.com/regional-data);
• Total number of completed vaccine series and percentage of the population per county from the Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Hub (data updated weekly) (https://flvaccinehub.com/regional-data);
• Total fatalities will be reported only on Fridays from the NYS data tracker.

The age breakdown and community exposure graphs (only when there is a potential exposure) will be on our websites. The mapping link will continue to be updated, but on a biweekly basis to coordinate with the briefings. The briefs will continue to include any updates as well as the community links.

As always we will send updates, press releases and hold live Zoom press briefings as situations warrant. 

We still need to continue the key elements of breaking the COVID-19 cycle by properly wearing face coverings/masks when in close contact with the public, staying socially distanced at least 6 feet, limiting time in larger gatherings with non-household members and frequently wash/sanitize our hands and commonly shared items.

Members of the Batavia Rotary Club along with officials from the county and city were on hand today at Dewitt Recreation Area for a ribbon cutting at a new dock/kayak boat launch on the pond.

The refurbished dock is the result of grants and donations put together by the Rotary Club in cooperation with the Batavia Youth Bureau and the County Youth Bureau. The project includes 10 kayaks that will be available for youth bureau programs.

The dock and fishing pier are also open to the general public and are ADA compliant. 

A two-vehicle accident with airbag deployment and injuries is reported at Oak Street and Richmond Avenue in the city. Mercy medics and city fire are responding. Police are on scene.

UPDATE: Reader-submitted photos added.

Yesterday, the graduating seniors of Batavia High School visited Jackson, John Kennedy, and Batavia Middle School, both to celebrate their accomplishment and set an example for the younger students of success in school.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors approved incentives for projects totaling $13.5 million of new capital investment at its May 6 board meeting.  

Forefront Power LLC (Elba Solar) will invest $9.7 million to build a 5 megawatt community solar project on Norton Road in the Town of Elba. The project would generate approximately $518,803 in new revenue to Genesee County, the Town of Elba, and the Elba Central School District over the proposed 15-year agreement.  

The project also will fund a community benefit agreement for workforce development and economic development projects in Genesee County. Forefront Power LLC will receive approximately $1.416 million in sales and property tax exemptions. 

Batavia Special Needs Apartments LP is investing $3.75 million to add 20 living units to an existing special needs housing campus on East Main Street in the City of Batavia.

Batavia Special Needs Apartments LP is receiving approximately $772,000 in sales and property tax exemptions. Additional revenues from the project will be added to an existing PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) agreement for the development

Application Accepted

The GCEDC Board also accepted an application by NY CDG Genesee 1 LLC (BW Solar) for a proposed 5 megawatt community solar project on Oak Orchard Road in the Town of Elba at a capital cost of $7.326 million. The project would generate approximately $518,803 in new revenue to Genesee County, the town of Elba, and the Elba Central School District over the proposed 15-year agreement. 

A public hearing on the BW Solar project is scheduled for Monday, May 17 at 10 a.m., as the project is requesting incentives of more than $100,000.

Press release:

DARIEN CENTER — Six Flags Darien Lake, the Thrill Capital of New York, is teaming up with the Genesee County Health Department to offer a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the park on Tuesday, May 11.

“As a proud member of this community, we are honored to partner with Genesee County and do our part to help protect the public,” said Six Flags Darien Lake Park President Mark A. Kane.

“The safety of our guests and team members is always our highest priority, and we’re excited to play a role in ensuring that anyone who wants a vaccination is able to get one,” added Kane.

The clinic will take place in the Six Flags Darien Lake Human Resources building on Tuesday, May 11 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Clinic participants will receive two (2) complementary tickets to Six Flags Darien Lake in 2021.

Advance appointments are required for Pfizer, and encouraged for J&J (Janssen) utilizing the links below:

• Pfizer registration: http://bit.ly/DarienLakePfizer -- *Pfizer is by appointment only with two doses.*
• Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) registration:  http://bit.ly/DarienLakeJanssen *WALK-INS will be accepted for J&J (Janssen) as a single dose.*

​ The Six Flags Darien Lake Human Resources office is located on Sumner Road just past the theme park entrance. If you are traveling south on Route 77 (the park will be on your left), drive past the theme park entrance and take the first left after the light onto Sumner Road, or guests may enter 1501 Sumner Road, Corfu, NY 14036 into their GPS.

Six Flags Darien Lake will open for a special Members and Season Pass holder preview weekend event on May 15 and open for the regular season on May 21.

Jeremy Sinclair Logan, 44, of Meadville Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with second-degree assault and third-degree assault, which are, respectively, a Class D felony and a Class A misdemeanor. He was arrested at 8:50 p.m. May 4 at the Flying J Travel Center on Alleghany Road in Pembroke after he allegedly struck two victims in the face and head multiple times, causing injuries to both victims, for not wearing face coverings inside the store. Logan was arraigned in Pembroke Town Court then released on his own recognizance because the crimes he's accused of committing are not qualifying offenses for bail. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

Connor Lee Andrews, 21, of Bacon Street, Le Roy, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs -- first offense; criminal possession of a controlled substance; vehicle operator leaving the scene of a property damage accident; and failure to keep right on a two-lane road. At 8:27 p.m. on May 3, a Genesee County Sheriff's deputy responded to Route 19 in the Town of Le Roy for a report of a hit-and-run accident. The vehicle was found on Bacon Street in the Village of Le Roy. Andrews allegedly possessed methamphetamine and cocaine at the time of his arrest. He was released with appearance tickets returnable to Le Roy Town Court on June 1. The case was handled by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

John Willie Fore, 49, of Batavia (no address provided), was arrested at 9:28 p.m. on May 3 on Alexander Road in the Town of Batavia. It is alleged that he was driving while intoxicated -- first offense -- while having a BAC of .08 percent or more. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and is due to return there on May 13. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Heberlein, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Genesee County is reporting 11 new positive cases of COVID-19.

• The new positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke)
  • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) 
  • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford) 
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 40s, 50s and 60s. 
• Thirteen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Five of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

Orleans County is reporting seven new positive cases of COVID-19.  

• The new positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
  • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 40s and 50s.
• Thirteen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Two of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.