Submitted photo of The Torture Tree from The Sullivan Expedition.
Press Release:
Submitted photo of Rob Thompson
Western New York author Rob Thompson, after nearly two years of painstaking research has completed, what he declares as his most difficult of projects.
The Sullivan Expedition is considered by many to be the most significant military campaign of the American Revolution. The expedition was seen by George Washington as a necessity for ridding the colonial frontier of the Indian threat, and from the assaults by the infamous Butler’s Rangers. Washington’s controversial method was to clear western New York of the Indians by destroying their crops and villages forcing thousands of Native Americans to seek refuge from the British at Fort Niagara.
Under the leadership of Maj. Gen. John Sullivan and aided by Gens. Clinton, Maxwell, and Hand, nearly 5,000 men crossed the western Finger Lakes destroying over fifty Indian settlements and burning thousands of acres of crops, The most well-known event of Sullivan’s Expedition occurred near Conesus Lake: the capturing and horrific torture of two men Lt. Thomas Boyd and Sgt. Michael Parker.
Chapters include the founding of the Iroquois Confederacy (the Huedensee), the life of Mary Jemison, the “White Woman of the Genesee,” the headaches endured by George Washington caused not only by Sullivan but others within the structure of the Army, and the controversial topic of genocide.
“Regrading genocide, I present the facts of the expedition, and though I express my personal view I encourage the reader to make their own determination based upon the facts I present. If one thing is learned it’s that at one time in all of human history regardless of race, ethnicity or religion all men have been victims of and perpetrators of hate.”
This compilation of archived material is greatly enhanced by in-depth research is a fine, easy-to-read book and one that will certainly encourage further study by all who read it. One point of enjoyment is the introduction of numerous historical tid-bits such as the life of riflemen Timothy Murphy, the legend behind the run of Adam Helmer, Daniel Shays of the Shays Rebellion (buried in Conesus New York) and the myth behind the lost cannon.
On Saturday, September 23, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holland Land Office Museum there will be a signing of Behold and Blush-The Sullivan Expedition, The Linden Murders Solved, Twisted Tree Final Word on the Linden Murders, and Candles in the Rain (the story of the 1997 Genesee County Janet Rippel cold case).
Submitted photo of the reburial of Mary Jemison from The Sullivan Expedition.
Submitted photo of the reburial of Mary Jemison from The Sullivan Expedition.
Submitted photo of a map of the expedition from The Sullivan Expedition.
The HP Hood facility in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in May 2023 Photo by Howard Owens.
Press Release:
The proposal reviewed by the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) for HP Hood’s $120 million expansion at its September 7, 2023 board meeting marks a significant milestone for the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in the town of Batavia.
Since opening in 2011, the Ag Park and supporting infrastructure have generated investments of approximately $607 million by HP Hood, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Marktec Products, and O-AT-KA Milk Products that have resulted in a cluster with over 1.2 million sq. ft. of food and beverage facilities set to employ over 1,000 professionals in the food processing industry, which is the leading employment sector in Genesee County and GLOW region.
HP Hood’s investment also marks another $100+ million project in Genesee County, and the fifth largest in the county’s history, four of which have been announced in just the past year.
These projects include Plug Power’s expansion announced by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul in 2023 in which the company will be investing an additional $377 million on top of the $290 million investment Plug Power announced in 2021 at Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP). Also in 2023, Edwards announced a $319 million project at STAMP and Horizon Acres Associates announced a $142 million multi-phase development in the town of Pembroke.
“Our success in regional economic development is the result of the collaboration with our public sector partners as we have worked through the years to prepare sites such as the Agri-Business Park and STAMP so that they are industry-ready with high-capacity utility infrastructure in order to market these assets to companies and in turn the new jobs and investment they are making in our community,” said Steve Hyde, GCEDC President and CEO.
“Genesee County’s commitment to growth allows companies to start construction almost immediately which sets them up for sustained success as they expand operations, and we are witnessing that first-hand through HP Hood’s recent investment announcement.”
HP Hood's expansion at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park includes the construction of a 32,500 sq ft building to accommodate the addition of new batching and processing systems, along with other upgrades that will allow the company to increase capacity and begin the production for a new product line. The expansion project will create 48 new full-time positions while retaining 455 employees.
“From HP Hood’s initial investment of $205 million and 230 jobs announced in 2017, both of those numbers have nearly doubled; the food and beverage sector continues to grow and shows no signs of stopping,” added Hyde.
A 2019 SUNY Rockefeller Institute of Government study reported the economic output of labor income and value added by businesses in Genesee County’s shovel-ready sites at $809 million – 16% of the total economic output of the county. The study projects that the existing shovel- ready sites could support an additional $4.9 billion of economic output at full capacity.
Genesee County’s shovel-ready sites have been designed and strategically located at key transportation routes with access to population centers across the Northeast and Midwest and infrastructure corridors, including access to low-cost hydropower.
Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Travis Herold from Byron, assigned to the Company A, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry Regiment, received a promotion July 10 to the rank of specialist.
Army National Guard promotions are based on a Soldier's overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism, and future development potential.
These promotions recognize the best-qualified Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.
Army National Guard Citizen Soldiers who serve our state and nation are eligible for monthly pay, educational benefits (from the state and federal government), travel across the globe, technical and leadership training, health and dental insurance, and contributions towards retirement programs similar to a 401(k).
Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion, Le Roy, would like to announce with great pride and pleasure Katrina (Kate) Flint as its selection for the 2023 “Le Royan of the Year Award”.
The “Le Royan of the Year” is to recognize people who demonstrate the following qualifications and attributes:
The man, women or child who exemplifies the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of the flag and country, regardless of race, creed or color.
Good citizenship – by carrying out these principles, often beyond that expected of him or her.
Service to community – signified by excellence in life of purpose and accomplishment.
Kate has been a resident of Le Roy for the past 22 years along with her husband Jeremy, and three children Nathan (MaryGrace) Flint, Ally Flint, and Brock Flint. Kate completed the LPN program at Genesee Valley BOCES in 2000, She has since furthered her education in the area of Geriatrics by completing her Dementia Practitioner Certification in 2021.
Kate is currently employed as Director of Recreation at Le Roy Village Green. Prior to working at the Le Roy Village Green Kate cared for many of Le Roy’s Children in her home for almost 17 years.
Kate and her family attend the Le Roy United Methodist Church where she wears many hats acting as Chairwoman for the Church Council and Evangelism Committee, she’s also the Recording Secretary for the Board of Trustees and serves on several other committees.
In the past 17 years, Kate has served in the community in many capacities, Le Roy Youth Soccer Coach, Girl Scout Leader, PTSO, Le Roy Youth Wrestling Board from 2007 to 2015, Le Roy Youth Football Board from 2006 to 2021, serving as the Secretary 2017-2021 and has served on Genesee/Wyoming County Alzheimer’s Association Walk Committee since 2021.
As a Board member of the Le Roy Historical Society Board since 2017, Kate is the Chair of the semiannual chicken BBQ and Business Membership Committee. She is also on the Nomination Committee, Oatka Festival contact, Dinner Auction Committee, and the Mystery Dinner Theater Committee.
For several years Kate was on the highly successful Oatka Festival Committee and this past year took over as its Chairperson. The festival was a huge success! Kate is known for her kindness, compassion, positivity, inspiring and humorous outlook on life. When you meet Kate there is always a SMILE on her face.
To honor Kate, the 54th annual Le Royan of the Year Award Dinner will be held on October 14. Social hour is at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 6:45 p.m., at the American Legion at 53 West Main St. Le Roy. A limited number of tickets will be available starting on Sept 20 at the American Legion Tue – Sat from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., or by calling Joan Fernaays 585-721-7801. Cost is $35.00 per ticket (check or cash only).
Genesee County residents can learn helpful information about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias at a free program in Batavia this week. The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will present “Know the 10 Warning Signs” at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the Genesee County Office for the Aging at 2 Bank St. in Batavia.
“Early diagnosis gives people with Alzheimer’s disease the opportunity to make key decisions about treatment, care and planning, and the power to make choices about their own health and future,” says Andrea Koch, director of education at the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “With the recent FDA approval of the drug Leqembi to help people in the early stage of Alzheimer’s, timely diagnosis is more important than ever.”
Facilitators will discuss how to recognize common signs of the disease; how to approach someone about memory concerns; the importance of early detection and benefits of a diagnosis; possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process, and free local resources available through the Alzheimer's Association.
The program is free. Participants are asked to register online at bit.ly/GenOFASeptor by calling 800.272.3900.
Help is available 24/7 for people living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias at 800.272.3900 or by visiting alz.org.
There was a big crowd, frothy beers on tap, and plenty of "zicke zacke hoi hoi hoi" to go around in Jackson Square on Saturday as Eli Fish Brewing Co. hosted its now annual Oktoberfest.
A beautiful day and a beautiful field to play on, but not the outcome Notre Dame hoped for when they arrived at Genesee Community College on Saturday for a regular season game against Canisteo-Greenwood.
The Irish lost 25-14.
Jay Antinore was 12-20 passing for 134 yards and two TDs.
Also on Saturday The OAE Aggies sustained a rare loss on Saturday, losing to Avon 13-6.
QB Gavin Armbrewster was 4-9 passing for 113 yards and a TD. He had 12 carries for 37 yards. Avery Waterson rushed for 68 yards. Shaun Alexander had 33 yards on eight carries and a 55-yard receiving TD.
On defense, Ashton Bezon had 11 tackles and a sack. Austin Pangrazio had eight tackles and an interception.
"Avon played a much cleaner game than us today," said Coach Tyler Winter. "When you have multiple uncharacteristic mistakes, it’s tough to rally against teams like them. This will serve as a good learning experience for us down the road, as we still have not scratched the surface of our potential. Plenty of ball left."
File photo of a padlocked Ellicott Station property as the Batavia apartment complex-in-progress grinds to a halt indefinitely due to Savarino Companies' closure. Photo by Howard Owens
An email was sent out from Savarino Companies to those 55 tenants selected this past May for one of the Ellicott Station homes that had been in progress until a month or so ago.
And, no, it was no longer congratulatory in nature about the tenants’ good luck in being chosen for one of the safe, quality, affordable rentals on the city’s Southside.
It was one of regret.
“You are receiving this email because you were chosen to be considered for an apartment in Ellicott Station Residential Apartments,” it began.
“We are writing to inform you of the status of Ellicott Station Residential Apartments. Regrettably, we must convey that, as of today, there is no clear answer for when the Ellicott Station Residential Apartments may be ready for occupancy,” it stated. “Due to this unforeseen circumstance, we highly recommend that you begin exploring alternative housing solutions. We understand the uncertainty and inconvenience this situation may cause. We apologize for any inconvenience to you.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available,” the company said. “Thank you for your understanding and your cooperation.”
Up to now, there have been few if any answers as to the plight of those tenants and the fate of the four-story apartment complex that now sits idle at 50 Ellicott St.
City Manager Rachael Tabelski has said that developers have expressed interest in the property, but the city doesn’t own the property and has no say in how it proceeds from here.
The Batavian reached out to her Friday about this latest development and with additional questions. She said that “this week there has been multiple conversations with Savarino Companies, investors and lenders about how best to move forward.”
There are two main options, she said, one is to find a general contractor to complete the work and a new property manager, or pause the project completely and reboot with a new developer/operator.
For any observant spectators passing by the apartment site this past week, you may have seen some people there — city inspectors — who will be issuing notices to the owners, construction lenders, and investors “to provide better site security, remove any grass, weeds and debris, and winterize the building,” Tabelski said.
“The construction lenders and investors have been extremely responsive to our requests and I look forward to working with them through this process,” she said.
Tabelski was aware that the letter went out to tenants but had no further information or comment about it. One of the tenants who has been communicating with The Batavian will remain in her current apartment and is hopeful that one of those new apartments will be hers one day.
For those looking for an apartment with similar income qualifications of Ellicott Station, Genesee County has a website with subsidized housing.
Pathstones also has resources for housing assistance and education, Tabelski said.
The Batavian asked Tabelski if obtaining a new developer would mean starting all over with selecting new tenants, but since it was not a local lottery under Batavia’s control, “I cannot say how this will work,” she said. She referred The Batavian to Savarino and the state Office of Community Renewal for those answers.
HCR has stated that promised tax credits are tied to the project’s completion and that it will continue to oversee the project to ensure it reaches that end, similar to Genesee County Economic Development Center’s financial incentives.
A bulk of the money promised to Savarino has a contingency that the project and/or stipulations within the project must be met in order to receive funding. This includes the $500,000 state grant from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative fund, which is attached to completion of rehabilitation of the electric building on the Ellicott Street property.
Tabelski said that “the building was not completed and there has been no grant funds issues from New York State to Savarino Companies for the project that I am aware of.” It’s a similar scenario for a $250,000 National Grid grant for work to be done on Ellicott Trail.
“There are multiple grants supporting the project and they are all reimbursable upon completion. There was some Ellicott Trail work completed, however, the enhancements of lighting and benches have not been installed yet. The majority of the brownfield work has been completed, and more than 50 to 75 percent of the residential building work is complete,” she said. “The work to the electric building, that was to become a brewery, was not as far along, and significant rehabilitation and restoration need to be completed.”
NEW LISTING!194 WASHINGTON AVENUE, BATAVIA. Looking for a professional business setting? Look no further-this is a great space and offers so much exposure in an area that is revamping and expanding! This space offers a large reception/office, waiting area, 4 private offices and 2 baths. There is also an enclosed foyer and one office has its own entrance door for possibility of sublet. Great opportunity and also possible landlord open to discussion. B1476554
LeRoy scores just before halftime to lead 20-8. Photo by Steve Ognibene
The Le Roy Oatkan Knights improved to 3-0 on the season with a 36-16 win over Lyons/Sodus on Friday at Hartwood Park.
Tony Piazza rushed for 152 yards on 20 carries and a TD. Tommy Condidorio was 5-10 passing for 110 yards and a TD. Jackson Fix had four receptions for 86 yards. He also rushed for a pair of touchdowns. Holden Sullivan had two sacks and four tackles.
Also on Friday:
Batavia lost to Honeoye Falls/Lima, 21-14. Bronx Buchholz 11-24 passing for 139 yards, one TD and one interception. Mekhi Fortes had 16 carries for 155 yards and a touchdown. He had six tackles on defense. Cole Grazioplene five catches for 54 yards and a TD.
Attica/Alexander beat East Rochester/Gandada, 21-18.
All schools hold open houses. In Pavilion, the high school hosts the Gopher Gathering, a chance for the school community to come together to enjoy good food, live music, and games, and also learn about academic opportunities available at the school.
Along with a food truck rodeo, there is face painting, a petting zoo, and a dunk tank.
"It's a community thing where people can meet and greet teachers," Principal Charles Martelle said Thursday at the school grounds.
Besides learning about classes they might have overlooked, it's a chance for students and parents to learn about campus activities, including clubs students might join.
"Mostly, it's about coming out and meeting teachers, meeting people at the school, and getting a feel for the place, and having a good time," Martelle said. "Then, if they can learn something about the courses, about the clubs, and some different opportunities, then that's kind of the bonus."
Photos by Howard Owens.
Deputy Trevor Sherwood, Pavilion's new school resource officer, in the dunk tank.
Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator and co-instructor David Moore, left, and Mental Health Director and co-instructor Lynda Battaglia, far right, flank graduates of the New York State Crisis Intervention Team Training, Chad Cummings, Kyle Krzemien, Jenna Ferrando and Robert Henning upon completion of the course Friday at Genesee Community College. Photo by Joanne Beck
Sheriff’s deputies encounter a lot of different scenarios when out on patrol, and after a weeklong training on various mental health issues, several of them will be more versed to handle crisis intervention training in this area as well, county Mental Health Director Lynda Battaglia says.
Battaglia and co-facilitator David Moore, an investigator with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, wrapped up the 40-hour course with eight graduates Friday at Genesee Community College.
“It’s a co-instructor, co-facilitated course taught by law enforcement and mental health to really bring the disciplines together. We know that law enforcement responds quite frequently to individuals that are in crisis — emotional crisis, or they have mental health concerns -- and law enforcement needs to be prepared on how to, you know, appropriately respond and assist the individual with the help that they need,” Battaglia said. “We do scenario-based training, we do a lot of education on mental health. We talk about Alzheimer's, we talk about developmental disabilities, we talk about substance use, adolescents, juveniles -- we bring in family members and consumers or individuals who are in recovery. We brought in community resources this week. And it was a great opportunity to connect law enforcement with mental health so that they know that we are here for them, and vice versa.”
The course had been offered some years ago, and more recently, police agencies have been sending their employees to similar training in other counties, Moore said. He and Battaglia just completed an instructor’s course to be able to offer it here, and they plan to do so regularly for the Sheriff’s Office, and Batavia and Le Roy police departments.
“And it's been, I think, a really great experience for our people too, because it's been tough to almost establish and build that relationship with our mental health professionals in the area. And I think that this was a great opportunity to educate them on exactly what resources we have available,” Moore said. “And in doing so, I mean, putting faces with law enforcement and mental health in this area, and actually being able to come together and work together to provide that better experience and a higher level of care for the residents in Genesee County. So, I think that this has been fantastic for our guys, and I look forward to continuing to do that for other members in this county too.
“So ultimately, we are public servants. We do have to provide a service to Genesee County residents, and as work professionals, we need to be held to that standard. So I think this is definitely a step in the right direction,” he said.
Battaglia added that it’s an opportunity to “really transform” the county’s crisis response system. Law enforcement may go out on a call, and mental health responds with some additional assistance to law enforcement and the community “so that they have a well-rounded approach when somebody calls in distress,” she said.
For example, if deputies go out for someone who seems a bit incoherent or disoriented and is a little lost, “then you know, part of this training is to equip law enforcement with slowing things down and remembering you’re working with everybody, so this could be somebody with Alzheimer’s and how do you approach that using the appropriate tools and skill set to handle the situation,” Battaglia said.
The course not only went into specifics, but there was also a section about what is mental illness, and the variety of different factors involved, she said.
“You could have a mental illness and substance use addiction as well as medical problems,” she said. “So, that's a lot for one person to handle. So you know, equipping law enforcement with the tools on how to respond appropriately to somebody who has a whole host of issues and concerns that they need help with just better equips police.”
What did the class members walk away with? Sergeant Kyle Krzemien has learned a lot from prior training and being on the job, but he did pick up a valuable reminder when dealing with folks he sees who are typically going through some type of crisis.
“Whether it's small or big, it's really big to them. And just finding a way to slow down and just have a conversation with people and be a good listener, tends to help people out,” he said. “So just slowing down and being a good listener and finding ways to deal with certain types of disorders that people have. There's ways to … talk to people with schizophrenia and stuff like that.”
Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator and co-instructor David Moore, left, and graduates Wesley Rissinger, Kevin DeFelice, Joshua Girvin and Daniel Wendling, and Mental Health Department Director and co-instructor Lynda Battaglia celebrate the end of the 40-hour crisis intervention training course Friday at GCC in Batavia. Photo by Joanne Beck
One person was injured when a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck hauling retail merchandise collided at Ellicott Street Road and Starr Road shortly before 10:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Seven hours later, workers were still removing the merchandise from the truck and loading it into another trailer.
The State Police released the names of the drivers without stating which vehicle each driver was operating and which driver was injured.
The driver of the first vehicle was Syed A. Rizvi, 36, of Windsor Mill, Maryland, and of the second, Francisco A. Gomez Arias, 42, of Hazle Township, Pa.
The State Police did not release any information related to the events leading to the accident.
The Chamber’s Annual Awards Committee has announced the “2023” Annual Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Batavia Downs Gaming, Park Road, Batavia. This is the County’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service, and volunteerism.
Please note that a brief write-up will qualify your nominee for consideration. Nominations are now being accepted for Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Business of the Year, Agricultural Business of the Year, Innovative Enterprise of the Year, Special Service Recognition & Geneseeans of the Year.
Business Nominees must be a Chamber Member (If unsure of your nominee, call the Chamber to verify).
Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Road, Batavia, and can also be downloaded from the Chamber Website at www.geneseeny.com.
Nominations MUST BE RECEIVED BY December 29 to be eligible for consideration.
If you would like more information, feel free to call or email Kelly J. Bermingham, Director of Member Relations & Special Events at the Chamber office, 343-7440, ext. 1026, kbermingham@geneseeny.com.
Submitted photo of Jo-Ann Bestine and Barb Pierce.
Press Release:
On October 28, St. James Episcopal Church will be hosting “Ah, Sweet Music!”, a concert and dessert tasting in Memory of David Lange. Sponsored in part by the Buffalo Chapter, American Guild of Organists. The evening will feature delicious desserts and a variety of music at St. James Church, Batavia. For more information, call 585-343-6802.
The Batavia Housing Authority is seeking a positive, hardworking teammate to perform a variety of outdoor landscaping tasks, primarily mowing, with some trimming and cleanup work. The Groundskeeper is independently responsible for outdoor landscaping tasks on a weekly basis with some flexibility. This job may require some weekend hours when necessary. Part-time position Pay Range: $19.00/hr - $22.00/hr Anticipated start date: May 2024 Application deadline: April 29, 2024 See full job description at: https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/Groundskeeper.pdf Complete Civil Service Application at: https://cms1files.revize.com/geneseecountynew/CivilServiceApplication2022Revision-09.22.22.pdf Contact Information Nathan Varland Executive Director Batavia Housing Authority 400 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 344-1888 nvarland@bataviahousing.org Location: Batavia
For Rent - Lower 1 Bedroom Apartment Private country setting, lower one bedroom apartment with all appliances and parking. Sunroom with gas fireplace and patio. Includes water and heat. NEW LOWER PRICE! $1000/Month plus electric. No pets, no smoking. References and security deposit required. Available June 1st, 2024. Call 585-344-3141.
