Entrepreneurial Opportunities JUST LISTED! 52 Swan Street Batavia-City, NY 14020. Fantastic opportunity in heart of City that offers multiple business possibilities OR keep it for your own private work/storage space!!This is a super solid 2662 sq ft masonry building that has 3 overhead doors 6 year old roof and finished office space with private entrance to street. The building sits on a partially fenced large lot offering plenty of parking and area to drop your trailer or outside equipment! This type of opportunity doesn't come around often at this price-take advantage of it! Call Reliant Real Estate today, call 585-344-HOME (4663).

Alabama-Basom Methodist Church, 1392 Lewiston Road, Alabama. Join us for worship at 10:30 a.m.  This week, January 19th, 2025, our sermon title is "Love Notices", led by Eric Phelps (CLM).  Scripture readings will be from Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11.  Come join us!

Ascension Parish - Roman Catholic Church, 135 Swan St., Batavia. We are open for Mass in the Church on Sundays at noon. We hope to see you there! 

Assemblies of God-New Covenant Chapel, 6690 Oak Orchard Rd., Elba.14058. We welcome all seeking a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ through His finished work on The Cross with The Power of The Holy Spirit. John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” If you want a small, close-knit church family and a place to make a difference, please join us. Worship Service is Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Bible Study Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact us at (585)-757-6651 (585)-969-1528 or visit us on Youtube.

Batavia Assembly of God, 24 North Spruce St, Batavia. Join us for coffee in our café before our Sunday morning service that begins at 10:30 a.m. We offer "Movement Kids" (age 4 - grade 5) at 10:30 a.m. and "MVMT YTH" (grades 6-12) meet on Sunday nights at 7 p.m.

Batavia First Baptist Church, 306 E. Main St., Pastor David Weidman, where "Christ the Center, Love for All" is very evident to all who enter. We invite you to our Full Gospel Sunday services at 10 a.m.; The Thrift Shoppe is open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., come and browse in our beautifully renovated space. Donations are accepted during business hours. You can also enjoy a light lunch at Lydia's Kitchen while you shop. Questions? Email: firstbaptist2002@yahoo.com. Call us at (585)343-9002.

Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia, invites you to join us for in-person worship on Sundays at 9 a.m. (Arise-relaxed with band music) or 10:45 a.m. (Sanctuary -liturgical and organ) or on Livestream via Facebook Live for both times at: https://fpcbatavia.org/  or https://www.facebook.com/fpcbatavia/videos/.

Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia. Our mission & vision statement:  “To be disciples, we must listen, learn, lead, and love our way to God.” Reverend Wayne Mort leads our worship service every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. in the church sanctuary. Childcare is offered for children birth-3 years old and Sunday school is offered for children ages 4-14 years old. You can also find the service on Facebook. We invite you to learn more about Batavia First UMC by visiting our website at www.BataviaFirstumc.com.

Byron Presbyterian Church, 6293 W. Main St., Byron. Pastor: Rev. Michael Fry. Musical Director: Laurence Tallman. Worship and Sunday School are at 9:45 a.m. Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. Message: “A Variety of Gifts.” 
Today we welcome three new members to the church. Please join us for a coffee hour immediately following worship in the fellowship hall. All are welcome!

Calvary Baptist Church of Le Roy, 8703 Lake Street Road, Le Roy.  If you do not already have a church that you attend regularly, we would like to invite you to give Calvary Baptist Church a try.  It would be a pleasure to have you join us for worship and fellowship on a Sunday morning or at one of our other mid-week events. As a multi-generational congregation that enjoys our time together, our Sunday worship service typically includes singing a mix of both traditional and contemporary songs and hymns, a children’s message, and a sermon from the Word of God. Our Sunday worship service begins at 10:15 a.m.

City Church, 210 E. Main St., Batavia, invites you for our Sunday morning services at 8:30 and 10 a.m. with Kids ministry at 10 a.m. and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m.  Everyone is welcome to join us for worship and a message. We believe in doing life together and would love to do life with YOU!  You can also connect with us online at www.thecitychurch.com, through our Facebook page, The City Church, or our YouTube channel.  We do life together.

Corfu United Presbyterian Church 63 Alleghany Road, Corfu. Corfu United Presbyterian Church (CUPC) welcomes all visitors to come worship with us on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. in person or via our Facebook live stream led by our pastor, the Rev. Evan Wildhack. Our mission at CUPC is to connect with Christ, connect with others, and connect others with Christ. We offer children's Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings and weekly Bible study on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The church also hosts the Corfu Food Pantry which is open on the third Saturday of the month from 9 - 10 a.m. For the Christmas season this year, we are offering two special worship services. On Wednesday, December 18 at 6 p.m., we are holding a Blue Christmas service. This is a service that is geared towards those where this season may not feel as joyful, as well as those who are dealing with grief towards endings and anxiety towards new beginnings. On Tuesday, December 24 at 7 p.m., we are holding our Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship. This service will include communion and will be centered around the theme Love Knows Your Name. We'd love to see you at both of these special services. For more information, feel free to contact the church office by phone at (585) 599-6414 or via email at office@corfuchurch.org. You can also visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/corfuchurch.

Cornerstone Church of East Pembroke, part of American Baptist Churches USA, 2583 Main Road, East Pembroke. Our Sunday service is at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Glenn Bloom preaching. Bible Study is every Wednesday at 10 a.m. We are a small church and welcome new members. (585) 762-8721

Darien Disciples Church, 1951 Broadway (Route 20), Our worship service begins at 9 am. Sunday January 19, this Sunday we celebrate  Jesus' first miracle. Scripture readings are Isaiah 62:1-5 and John 2:1-11 . Celinda McQuistion CLM. will lead the worship service. All are welcome to attend.

Discovery Chapel, 315 West Main Street, Batavia. Pastor Ingrim Green's services are on Sundays at 10 a.m. "Let's Talk Real Talk the Gospel For Real Life." Visit our website letstalkrealtalk.org for more information.

East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany. Our Sunday morning worship service is held at 10:30 a.m. and is led by Rev. Dr. Shiela McCullough. Visitors are always welcome. You can find out more information on our Facebook page or by emailing us at ebpresbyterian@gmail.com.

Elba First Baptist Church, 31 S. Main St., Elba, is open for the main service in person at 10:45 a.m. on Sundays. For more information about our church go to www.fbcelba.net. The pastor is Michael Davis. Email: office@fbcelba.net / Phone (585) 757-2722

Emmanuel Baptist Church, 190 Oak St., Batavia. Join us for our Sunday service at 11am or come earlier for bible study at 9:45am.  Free coffee and fellowship!  Pastor Tom is continuing his preaching through the book of Acts.  Debbie Prosser is leading the choir in lifting up a joyful noise to the Lord every Sunday with practice on Thursdays.  We would love to hear your voice as well!  Particularly we need ladies who love to sing to join the choir!  Can't wait to meet you!

EverPresent Church, 4 Batavia City Centre, Batavia(off of Bank Street). Pastor Jason and Pastor Michelle Norton Welcome you! Our hours are Wednesdays 6 p.m. midweek service. Sundays 10:30 a.m. doors open 9:45 a.m. Children's church starts directly following worship. Children's church ages are 5 to 11. Counseling and other appointments are scheduled through the church via Office Scheduling. You can view some of our messages through Facebook or YouTube -EverPresent Church. Our phone number is 585-297-3155. Visit our Website for more information for up and upcoming events. Our beliefs, our vision and mission. www.everpresentchurch.com

Grace Baptist Church, 238 Vine St., Batavia. We offer two Sunday Morning Worship Services. Both services are live-streamed on our Facebook page, Grace Baptist or view it on the web at: www.gracebatavia.org. The first service is at 8:45 a.m. (children's classes available for Nursery - 1st grade). The second service is at 10:30 a.m. (children's classes available Nursery - 5th grade). KidZone for ages 4-5th grade and Grace Student Ministries (Grades 6-12) meet on Sunday Evenings at 6 - 7:30 p.m. 

Indian Falls Methodist Church, 7908 Alleghany Road, Corfu. We have our worship service at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings, led by Rev. Karen L. McCaffery. This week's message is "Why Pray?". To view our services online please go to our website https://indianfallsgmc.com/ for a link for Live Streaming. Our Youth Group (grades 6-12) meets  from 6:30pm-8:00pm on Sunday, January 19. Come out for our FREE Community Dinner on Thursday, January 23 at 6 pm.

Morganville United Church of Christ, 8466 Morganville Rd, Stafford. Your invited to join with our friendly and welcoming members this Sunday where God is still speaking. Reverend James Morasco will share his sermon, “I Am,” at 10 am. Coffee hour with fellowship will follow our service after which our quarterly meeting will be conducted. Friend us on Facebook! or better yet, visit us Sunday.

North Darien Bible Church, 9768 Simonds Road, Corfu. We are open! Sunday worship service begins at 10 a.m. Children's Church classes are available for children ages birth through sixth grade, including a classroom for children with special needs. For more information, visit our website. You can also watch LIVE on our Facebook or YouTube channel. Join us from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of every month for our free community closet, full of clothing, coats, and shoes for all. (585) 547-9646.

Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road (North Campus), Batavia. Have you ever heard a Bible verse quoted and wondered, “Wait, is that really what it means?” In our new series, Twisted Scripture, we’ll dive into some of the most well-known and often misused passages of scripture, uncovering their true meaning and how they apply to our lives today. Join us as we untangle misconceptions and discover the richness of God’s Word when it's understood in context. Don't miss this journey as we seek to deepen our faith and sharpen our understanding of scripture!

Oakfield-Alabama Baptist Church, 2210 Judge Road., Oakfield. Join us for Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 a.m., followed by our worship service at 11 a.m. every Sunday! Visit our website (www.oabchurch.com) for additional information about our church, our beliefs, upcoming activities, and past messages. Men’s and Ladies’ Bible studies also meet on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. on the church grounds. We look forward to worshiping and fellowshipping with you! Questions? Email Pastor Matt Ervin at mervin@tyndale.edu.

Oakfield Community Bible Church, 82 North Main St. Oakfield. This Weeks “Oakfield Community Bible Church”, Weekend Worship Service is at 10:30 a.m.  With Praise & Worship Music by Keith Burroughs. The morning message  by Pastor, Timothy Young; entitled: “Delivered From The Fire”.  Scripture: “Daniel 3:17” (KJV). Our Adult Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m., along with “Sunday School through Age-16”.  There will be a Time of “Fellowship” following our Worship Service! Come out and Join Us. ALL ARE WELCOME!

Our Lady of Mercy (44 Lake St. LeRoy) & St. Brigid (18 Gibson St. Bergen) parishes; Parish Office - 44 Lake Street, Le Roy. Our Lady of Mercy Mass times: Daily Mass, Monday -Friday at 7:30am, Saturday 9:00am. Weekend Masses: Saturday Vigil Mass 4:30pm, Sunday, 7:30am, 9:30am and 5:30pm. St. Brigid Mass times- Daily Mass Thursday at 8:30am & Saturday Vigil, 5:00pm. View on YouTube and Facebook. Please visit the parish website (https://www.ourladyofmercyleroy.org/).

Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph church in Batavia). St. Joseph’s Church masses are on Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at noon. Confessions are held at St. Joe's on Saturdays from 3 - 3:30 p.m. Vigil & Holy Days to be announced. Holy Name of Mary Site (East Pembroke) 8656 Church St., East Pembroke. Mass on Sundays 11 a.m. and Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m.

St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia. Join us on Sundays at 9 a.m. on zoom, 10 a.m. in the church building, and on Facebook Live. Links and the bulletin can be found on our website: https://www.sjecbataviany.org/

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main St., Le Roy, is open for in-person services at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. Communion will be offered to people in their seats and will only include bread. We welcome you to join us -- either in person or online. For more information, visit our website.

St. Padre Pio Parish, St. Cecilia, 56 Maple Ave., Oakfield Mass is celebrated on Sundays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. 

St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6188 Main Road, Stafford. In-person service, including Holy Communion, is at 9 a.m. Sunday mornings. All  Are Welcome. 

St. Paul Lutheran Church, Batavia, 31 Washington Ave, Batavia.  This coming Sunday (January 19) we will celebrate The Second Sunday after The Epiphany: The glory of the cross is incomprehensible apart from the Word and Spirit of God, but disciples of Jesus recognize that glory in the signs of His Gospel, and so they believe in Him. Jesus does not wait for His disciples to discover Him on their own, but He seeks out the forsaken and the desolate and unites them to Himself. He adorns them with His own beautiful righteousness and delights in them “as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride” (Is. 62:4–5). Our Sunday service begins at 10:15am or can be viewed 'live' on Facebook. Our Adult Bible Study and Children's Sunday School is every Sunday, 9-9:45am. Communion is part of every service. Our Youth Group meet Sunday's 5-7pm. Our Men's Bible Study is on the 1st, 3rd & 5th Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm. Our Quilters group meets Tuesday's, 9 - 11am.

The Church In Alexander, 10540 Main St., Alexander. Join us for Sunday Worship at 10 a.m. weekly. For more information please visit our website at www.thechurchinalexander.com. We offer a Free Food Pantry for people in our community, please call ahead if you need items from our pantry. For more information on Programs and services please contact us at (585)591-1765 or by email at thechurchinalexander@gmail.com. Church office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:15 - 11:15 a.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 Main St. in Attica, worships together at 10:45 a.m. on Sundays. All are welcome! Contact Frank White at uncleferter@msn.com for a ZOOM link or for prayer requests.

West Middlebury Baptist Church, 4950 West Middlebury Rd. East Bethany, Sunday service is at 9 a.m. Kids Club meets on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Youth Group (grades 7-12) meets on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. For more information visit us online at westmiddlebury.org.

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"Spiritual Connections" -- The Batavian will post updates to connect people with their places of worship, religious services, fellowship opportunities, and/or spiritual advisors, etc. There is no charge for this service.

If you have information to announce, please email: news@thebatavian.com

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Interested folks filled the meeting room at First Presbyterian Church in mid-November 2024 to hear ideas and issues about the potential need for a warming center in Genesee County. Attendees were encouraged to sign up and indicate their interest in taking part as active participants in the mission led by Oak Orchard Health and church staff.

At that initial meeting, there was “a heartening display of community spirit to gather input on establishing a warming center,” the Rev. Roula Alkhouri of First Presbyterian says. 

The meeting was to gauge interest, and about 50 people from several organizations and nonprofits attended, including Community Action of Orleans Genesee, Genesee County Mental Health, Department of Social Services and Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police, Genesee ACE, St. James Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, Community Services Board, and Crossroads House.

That first objective was a “resounding success,” Alkhouri said, as the gathering brought together concerned citizens and stakeholders. They, in turn, formed a dedicated steering committee that focused on five key areas to ensure a county warming center’s success, she said.

What is a warming center?
This center is to be set up as an evening and overnight safe space for people in need of shelter from the cold on days when the temperature falls below 32-degrees. Organizers also want to provide an opportunity for this space to be a place of connection with helpful resources.

The steering committee established five subcommittees, each tasked with a specific focus:

1. Funding: This subcommittee is responsible for identifying community donors, securing grants, and exploring other funding sources. They will also handle budgeting for the project.
2. Space: This team is working on identifying an appropriate space for the center, ensuring all regulatory and compliance requirements are met, and setting up the space.
3. Staffing: This subcommittee is creating a comprehensive staffing plan, including recruiting, hiring, and onboarding staff.
4. Community Resources: This group is identifying community partners, resources, supplies, and establishing Code Blue protocols.
5. Marketing: This team is focused on raising community awareness, communication, and education about the Warming Center.

“We are excited to begin this effort with the invaluable experience and planning resources of Oak Orchard Health,” Alkhouri said to The Batavian. “However, we are still looking for more community partners to join this initiative. If you are interested in joining any of these teams, please email me directly at roulaalkhouri@fpcbatavia.org or call me at the church office at 585-343-0505.

“Together, we can make a significant impact and provide a warm, safe space for those in need during the cold months,” she said. “Your support and involvement are crucial to the success of this project.”

City officials seemed pleased with the results of Thursday’s auction for the abandoned JC Penney’s site at 40 Batavia City Centre.

Such a mortgage foreclosure auction was a first for Batavia Development Corp. Executive Director Tammy Hathaway, she said, noting that it was “pretty interesting.”

“It went rather quickly. I took the public notice, and I did an email blast to all of the developers that we work with, but also the developers that we invite on our tours and to participate in the knowledge of what’s going on economically throughout Batavia,” she said at the second-floor waiting area of Genesee County Courts Facility. “There’s probably five or six individuals here today that have actually, I’ve personally walked through the building because it was listed with a real estate agent.”

Although the lobby was full of people — some there for court matters and others for the auction — only two active bidders stepped out from the group. Batavia business owner Matt Gray opened the action with a $2,000 bid, and the bank, represented by Ted Kwiatowski of Smart Serve, countered with $3,000. Gray then offered $25,000, and was upped by the bank to $26,000.

Gray and the bank went from $100,000 to $101,000, countered by new bidder Bill Baskin with $102,000. Gray then bid $125,000, countered by Baskin for $150,000. Gray offered $175,000, and after going one, two, three times, the auction was closed, with Gray getting the property — assessed at $400,000 — for a final bid of $175,000. 

Hathaway talked excitedly about what her dream scenario would be for the site while Gray, Kwiatowski and legal representative Michael Ranzenhofer went to take care of paperwork. 

Her vision is some type of live musical and entertainment venue with housing and apartments on the third and fourth floors, she said. As for who has purchased the property, she believes it is now in good hands.

“I mean, Matty is successful in his endeavors; he’s proven that. So I could not even find a complaint if I wanted to,” she said. “I took a phone call this morning from a developer that works in Syracuse that is very familiar with the area and had one who was looking at purchasing the Harvester campus, and he called this morning, and he’s like, I can’t be there at the auction but please, the second you know who purchases it, let us know. Because he’s like, I have a group of individuals, from developers to a whole variety of folks who are interested in having the conversation with whoever does purchase it. 

“So creating that network, that’s really what it’s about,” she said. “So here’s a plan, how do we put the plan in action?”

Gray said that he bought the property on behalf of longtime business partner Matthew Boyd and himself. At first blush, he said nothing has been discussed, though “there’s a lot of possibilities.”

“I think you guys already know what I like. I like a vibrant downtown. I like city living. I love residential above our commercial,” he said. “As far as that building goes, it's been a vacant hole in our downtown, and it needs to have something there. So it was just a way of moving the ball forward.”

He will be working with Hathaway and is excited about the acquisition, he said.

The property has been vacant since Penney’s closed in the fall of 2020 and was purchased by California developer Yong Guang Ye in February 2021 for $500,000. Ye defaulted on payments, owing more than $179,000, and the property was put up for mortgage foreclosure by the out-of-state lending bank.

A new Paul McCartney tribute band, Band on the Run, from Rochester, played its debut concert on Thursday at Batavia Downs.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

Plans are already underway for the 20th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner which will take place Saturday, March 15, at 6 p.m. at the Alexander Fire Hall. This annual event is a celebration of Genesee County’s #1 Industry, Agriculture! The highlight of the night is a delicious meal using all locally sourced foods & products from Genesee County farms & agri-businesses. The dinner is open to the public.

Tickets are on sale now at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, 8276 Park Road, Batavia. Tickets are $30 each, or a table of 10 can be purchased for $275. Sponsorships are also available which help support agriculture educational events in Genesee County. 

Only 400 tickets will be sold. Tickets must be purchased by February 21. For more information or to download the registrations flyer visit the Chamber’s Website www.geneseeny.com.

The Celebrate Ag Dinner is coordinated by the following partners: Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District and Genesee County Farm Bureau.

Sponsors of the 2024 celebration included: Allied Financial Partners, Arctic Refrigeration, Baskin Livestock, Inc., BVT – Brad Vokes Trucking, Carolina Eastern Crocker, Chapin, CPL, CY Farms/Batavia Turf, David Czapranski Trucking, Farm Credit East. ACA, Farm Family Insurance Company, Fieldstone Private Wealth, Freed Maxick CPA, Genesee County Farm Bureau, Growmark FS, LLC-Caledonia, L&M Specialty Fabrications, LLC, Lamb Farms, LandPro Equipment, L-Brooke Farms, LLC, Monroe Tractor & Implement Co., Inc., M&T Bank, My-T Acres, National Grid, Perry Veterinary Clinic, Stein Farms, LLC, Torrey Farms, Western New York Energy, LLC, William Kent, Inc. and Windy Acres Farm.

Farms and businesses that donated locally grown food for the 2024 dinner included: Dorman Farms, Farm Fresh First, Inc/Nortera Foods, Fenton’s Produce, SJ Starowitz Farms, Torrey Farms, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc., Daves Ice Cream, Yancey’s Fancy.

For ticket information or questions contact the Kelly B. at The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, 585-343-7440 or kbermingham@geneseeny.com.

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced the launch of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. The Congressional Art Competition is open to high school students who reside in New York’s 24th Congressional District.

Since 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has been held each spring to celebrate the talents of young artists across the country. Rep. Tenney welcomes students from the 24th Congressional District to take part in this tradition. Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of experts from NY-24, and the winning artwork will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year.

In 2024, Tenney’s office received over 30 submissions from high schoolers across New York's 24th Congressional District.

Acceptable mediums include:

• Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
• Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal
• Collages (must be two-dimensional)
• Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
• Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor
• Computer-generated art
• Photographs

All submissions must be delivered to one of Tenney's district offices beginning April 14 and ending April 18. All necessary paperwork must be attached to the students’ artwork.

Please set up a time to drop off artwork at one of the following locations:

• Lockport District Office - 169 Niagara Street, Lockport, Phone 716-514-5130
• Canandaigua District Office - 2375 Rochester Road, Suite 250, Canandaigua, Phone 585-869-2060
• Oswego District Office - 46 E Bridge Street, Suite 102, Oswego, Phone - 315-236-7088

For more information, visit Tenney’s website at https://tenney.house.gov/services/art-competition.

Press release:

After announcing Edwards Vacuum’s plans to build a manufacturing facility in Western New York two years ago, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced Edwards Vacuum and the U.S. Department of Commerce had finalized its CHIPS award of $18 million from his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law. 

Schumer explained this would lock in the federal funding Edwards Vacuum needs for plans to build its new $300+ million dry pump manufacturing facility for the semiconductor industry, the first of its kind in the country, as there is currently no domestic production of semiconductor-grade dry vacuum pumps.

“Edwards Vacuum’s $18 million CHIPS award is locked in. This finalized federal investment will help ensure NY’s semiconductor supply chain is made right here in Genesee County,” said Senator Schumer. “The signed CHIPS award is a major step forward for this $300 million, 600 job project that will be a pivotal stop on America’s semiconductor superhighway. All the major semiconductor companies in New York and across America need this vacuum technology for their chip fabs, that only Edwards will make in the USA. It is a prime example of why our region is growing as the nation’s semiconductor ‘Tech Hub.’ With the funding from my bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law now signed and sealed, Edwards Vacuum’s growth in Western NY can continue knowing the funding will be secured for them to tap no matter the administration. This is a win-win-win: for Genesee County, for Upstate NY, and America.”

This federal funding will support a planned $300+ million investment and 600 good-paying jobs when the facility reaches full production capacity. Schumer explained all chip fabs need vacuum technology, such as that produced by Edwards, to power the sophisticated equipment and state-of-the-art machine tools needed to make microchips. Those tools use vacuum pumps, like those that will now be made in Western New York, to manipulate the chip wafers and control industrial gasses needed to manufacture the finished microchips. By bringing manufacturing to New York, new chip fabs such as Micron and GlobalFoundries in New York and Intel in Ohio can have access to critical dry pumps that will now be made in the U.S., offering chip producers shorter wait times, improved responsiveness, lower risks of supply chain disruptions, and reduced CO2 emissions from an American-made product. 

The U.S. Department of Commerce will disburse funds in the coming years as Edwards Vacuum meets project milestones agreed to in the final award.

Schumer has been a relentless champion for expanding the semiconductor supply chain in Western NY. Schumer personally called Geert Follens, who was then President of the Vacuum Technique Business Area for Edwards parent company Atlas Copco Group, to urge the global semiconductor supply chain company to expand in Upstate New York. Later that year Schumer announced with Governor Hochul that Edwards Vacuum had heeded their calls and planned to build their new manufacturing facility in Genesee County. Last year, Schumer celebrated Edwards Vacuum’s groundbreaking ceremony in Genesee County for Phase 1 of their construction, which is expected to be completed in 2028.

Schumer also helped the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region win the prestigious Tech Hub designation to support the buildout of the semiconductor supply chain in Upstate NY through his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law and last year secured a major $40 million investment to implement the Tech Hub’s work with companies like Edwards. The proposal, called the “NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub” has built on the historic investments Schumer delivered that have spurred a boom in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation across Upstate NY. Edwards Vacuum is working with Genesee Community College and Tech Hub partners like Monroe Community College, Erie Community College, and the Northland Workforce Training Center to help them hire and train hundreds of new workers.

“The Empire State is becoming a national leader in advanced manufacturing because of the investments New York has made in this industry and the extraordinary help of President Biden. New York State has the talent, infrastructure and innovation to continue on this trajectory and the best is yet to come. My 2025 State of the State includes new initiatives to grow this critical industry, and we’ll continue doing everything in our power to great jobs and boost economic growth,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.

In a series of seven steps, successful downtown business owner Matt Gray scooped up the former JC Penney’s department store in a fairly quick auction Thursday morning at the Genesee County Courts Facility.

Gray purchased the property for $175,000, bidding against the bank and Bill Baskin, who stepped in toward the end with a bid of $150,000.

The property has been vacant since Penney’s closed in the fall of 2020 and was purchased by a California developer in February 2021 for $500,000. He defaulted on payments, and the property was put up for mortgage foreclosure by the out-of-state lending bank.

Gray said he has no definite plans but said that he likes a vibrant downtown with a mix of commercial and housing options.

Oakfield-Alabama's 12-point fourth quarter, compared to just six points for Byron-Bergen, helped the Hornets to a narrow victory in Boys Basketball on Wednesday.

The Hornets were up 44-42 at the closing buzzer.

Stats for O-A:

• Avery Watterson, 13 points, 7 rebounds
• Jack Cianfrini, 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals (Had the go ahead basket with 40 seconds left in the game.)
• Brady Williams, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
• Carson Warner, 8 rebounds, 2 steals

For B-B:

• Andre White, 14 points
• Noah Clare, 11 points
• Cole DiQuattro, 9 points

O-A coach Ryan Stehlar said, "The team had to dig deep tonight multiple times during a tough battle. Coach Roxanne Noeth is a great coach, and her team plays hard. We had to try and match their intensity. We were fortunate to get big stops and make key plays to get the win. I’m proud of the guys for stepping up tonight when called on."

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.

Photographer Destin Danser captured these images on Wednesday morning of the new Oxbo plant under construction in Apple Tree Acres in Bergen.

Previously:

• Oxbo planning move from Byron to new 195,000-square-foot facility in Bergen
• International company with roots in Genesee County celebrates next stage of growth in Bergen

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce welcomed Ashley Mooney, DDS, as one of the newest businesses to open locally on Wednesday.

Mooney's new office is at 214 East Main St., Suite #1, Batavia.

Photo by Marc Tillery/WBTA

Press Release:

The Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming (GOW) County Health Departments and Hospitals are working together with community partners to gather information from residents to help with public health planning for the next six years. 

This information will help inform and guide the development of documents called the Community Health Assessment (CHA), Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), and the Community Services Plan (CSP). This process is part of the New York State Prevention Agenda, a plan for state and local action to improve the health and well-being of New Yorkers.

“The health departments are working to identify the health challenges, service gaps, and other factors that may impact the communities’ health status,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “The input from our residents will help to identify community health needs, which will play a crucial role in developing the upcoming plan.” 

In 2022, the community survey and conversations helped inform some of the initiatives that local health departments, hospitals and partners focused on: 

• Promote Well-Being and Prevent Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
  • Prevent opioid overdose deaths
  • Prevent and address adverse childhood experiences
• Prevent Chronic Diseases
  • Prevent initiation of tobacco use
  • Increase cancer screening rates
  • Improve self-management skills for individuals with chronic diseases

To assess the health status of our communities, we are inviting community members to participate in an anonymous survey. The survey can be completed online and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Paper copies of the survey will also be available at many locations in each county. 

You can access the survey by visiting the following links:

• English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GOWCHA2025
• Spanish (Espanola): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GOWCHA2025Espanol

The health departments are arranging Community Conversations with interested groups to gather insights into the most pressing health concerns or issues in their community. These conversations aim to gather ideas on how to address the identified health concerns.

“Our hope is people in our communities will share their ideas on health and wellness, including obstacles they face,” stated Laura Paolucci, Wyoming County Health Department Public Health Administrator. “The more people who participate, the more inclusive these action plans can be.”

To participate in a community conversation, obtain copies of the survey or if you have any questions, please contact your local health department:

• Genesee County Health Department at: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555, visit their website at GOHealthNY.org or visit Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY. 
• Orleans County Health Department at: 585-589-3278, visit their website at GOHealthNY.org or visit Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY.
• Wyoming County Health Department at: 585-789-8890, visit their website or Facebook.

Press Release:

Registration is now available for kindergarten and prekindergarten students in the Byron-Bergen School District.

The District plans to once again offer a half-day universal prekindergarten (UPK) program at the Byron-Bergen Elementary School. The UPK program is focused on socialization, learning through play, and self-exploration. Children learn through a hands-on learning environment that includes activities, learning centers, concrete materials, and manipulatives. 

Students learn through a nurturing environment that is enriching, challenging, and developmentally appropriate. 

Students must turn four years of age by December 1, 2025 to be eligible for the program. If you have a child eligible and are interested in having them attend the Byron-Bergen UPK program, please complete this Google form which is also available on the Student Registration page of the Byron-Bergen website. 

The form requires the student’s name, parents’ name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth. This electronic Google form is due by Monday, February 24. Parents who have already contacted the Elementary School by phone will still need to complete the form. If you are having difficulty completing the form, please call the Elementary School office for support.

Please note that if the District receives more applications than the allowed capacity, a lottery will be held to select students. This year's lottery drawing will be held on February 28, via Zoom. 

Student-specific lottery numbers and the Zoom link will be shared with everyone who completes the form before the February 24 deadline. Once the lottery is complete, the families of selected children will need to complete the full registration packet, which can be found on the Byron-Bergen website and submit it to the Elementary School Office.

Children who will be five years of age, on or before December 1, 2025 are eligible for entrance to Kindergarten in September of 2025. New families in the school district should notify the school if they have a child who will enter Kindergarten in September of 2025. Parents may contact the Byron-Bergen Elementary School Office by calling 494-1220, ext. 1301. Information may also be sent to the Byron-Bergen Elementary School, 6971 West Bergen Road, Bergen.

Please send all information for kindergarten screening by June 1, 2025. All children registered for kindergarten will be scheduled for a screening appointment this summer. The results of this screening will be used to plan for the 2025-2026 kindergarten program. 

The following items are necessary to complete the registration process: the child’s birth certificate; certificate of immunization; proof of residency; and completed registration packet.

Additional information and registration packets are available at http://www.bbschools.org/StudentRegistration.aspx.

Press Release:

The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation has unveiled its 2025 event lineup, offering engaging activities throughout Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee, and Wyoming counties. 

“We’ve thoughtfully planned events to cater to both the ‘north’ and ‘south’ regions, with many centered in the Olean and Batavia areas,” said Melissa Sullivan, CEO of Total Senior Care and HomeCare & Hospice. 

The year kicks off on February 23 with the enchanting Princess Party, tentatively planned at Bartlett Country Club in Olean. Little ones can enjoy a royal day filled with nail and hair makeovers, princess dance lessons, crown crafting, and a delightful lunch fit for royalty. Next, bring home a touch of spring with the Hospice Bouquet Sale in early March, offering beautiful flower arrangements to brighten your home while supporting compassionate care.

New to the lineup, the Superhero Bash on Sunday, March 30 at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia promises action-packed fun for kids, including cape and shield crafting, obstacle courses, and superhero freeze dance, with snacks to keep young heroes energized. 

May features two impactful events: the Hospice Hope Walk, Ride, Run Together at Lincoln Park in Olean on May 21, where participants of all ages can honor loved ones and support hospice care; and the Senior Health & Wellness Fair on May 28 at Total Senior Care in Olean, offering free health screenings, a blood drive, and more.

Golf enthusiasts can tee off for a cause at the inaugural Hospice Golf Classic on June 24 at Terry Hills in Batavia, while craft lovers can enjoy the Autumn Artisan Market & Craft Show on October 4 at Total Senior Care in Olean.

Tailgate Thursday, a fan-favorite event, returns on October 9 at Batavia Downs, combining wings, football fun, and games to support hospice care. The year concludes with the cherished Tree of Life Celebrations in November and December, held in both Batavia and Olean. These ceremonies honor and remember loved ones through candlelight, music, and personalized ornaments placed on a holiday tree. 

“The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation is committed to supporting the vital work of HomeCare & Hospice through philanthropy and community engagement,” said Melissa Sullivan. “We’re excited to bring these events to life and look forward to connecting with our communities.” 

The Foundation also offers businesses the opportunity to join the Hospice Heroes Program, gaining valuable exposure while making a meaningful impact through sponsorships or in-kind support.

For event details, sponsorship opportunities, or registration forms, visit www.homecare-hospice.org or call 716-372-2106. Mark your calendars and join us for a year filled with fun and purpose! 

Reflecting on 2024, we have so much to celebrate.

Along with outstanding attendance at local workforce programs, our Buffalo Bills are heading back to the playoffs and the Pro Bowl voters agree with me that Josh Allen is the best quarterback in the NFL.

Similar to our workforce programs, the Buffalo Bills prioritize player development, recognizing that individual growth is key to program success. In preparing the next generation of workforce candidates, we are also strengthening our communities.

Last year, we welcomed over 4,300 students to workforce development programs including GLOW With Your Hands Manufacturing and Healthcare, Tech Wars, youth apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, and other programs that have introduced careers and skills available to our local youth.

As a result of these programs and instruction, thousands of our students are now well-informed and educated about the opportunities available to them as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

By engaging in hands-on training and real-world experiences, these students gained valuable skills and information that make them work-ready and prepared for the high-demand careers in Genesee County and across our region.

If you were one of our 4,300 active students, I want you to celebrate - and then get back to what makes you the next successful professional to graduate from these programs. 

For parents, whether your student participated in these programs or not, I encourage you to make it your New Year’s resolution to get involved. Keep your child engaged in programs they are participating in. Let them know there are programs and alternative career paths that do not require a four-year college degree.

Our New Year’s Resolutions are meant to push us out of our comfort zones. Attending a workforce development event may feel like it is, but I can promise you that you will feel welcome and learn something new outside of the traditional classroom. 

Our partners offer programs for every type of student, regardless of how far along you’ve gone in your workforce journey; from introductory programs like GLOW With Your Hands to apprenticeship pathways that put you on a fast track to a local career through Genesee Valley BOCES.

If you’re interested, there’s still time to enroll in one of our workforce development programs, which successfully link students to in-demand careers right out of school. Our previous graduates are now on track to make $1 million in their first 12 years after graduation! 

Our current BOCES students will soon be enrolled in the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship. They eagerly waiting to learn which companies they will be matched up with for junior year job shadows or senior year co-ops.

In an NFL draft-style format, students will be featured as first-round draft picks celebrating with their companies as they embark on a professional career entering the ranks as a top prospect.

This year’s signing day will be held at Genesee Community College on January 30. The good news is there is still time to sign up for additional opportunities, even if you aren’t enrolled at BOCES! We can put you on a fast track with a local company in a career that allows you to grow and immediate placement after graduation, starting your career debt-free and
workforce ready. 

To learn more or sign up for the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program or any other local workforce opportunities, contact me at 585-343-4866 or csuozzi@gcedc.com or www.gcedc.com/careerchecklist.

Go Bills!

Chris Suozzi is the Vice President of Business &Workforce Development at the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

Press Release:

Two projects in the City of Batavia submitted to the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) are projected to generate over $7 million in local benefits.

The GCEDC board of directors will consider initial resolutions for Graham Corporation’s expansion project and 202 Oak St, LLC’s hotel renovation at its January 16 meeting.

Graham Corporation is proposing to construct a new radiographic testing building at their manufacturing facility. The $3.3 million investment will add to an existing manufacturing building.

Graham Corporation is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $120,000 and a property tax abatement estimated at $20,934 based on the incremental increase in assessed value generated by the expansion. The project is estimated to generate $1.2 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $16 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

202 Oak St, LLC is proposing to renovate the former Super 8 hotel’s 54 units. The $2.5 million investment would create 11.5 new full-time equivalent positions.

202 Oak St, LLC is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $104,163, a property tax abatement estimated at $257,823 based on the incremental increase in assessed value generated by the project, and a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $19,000. The project is estimated to generate $5.8 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $20 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

In addition, the project is estimated to generate over $40,000 annually in bed tax revenue for the county once the renovated hotel is ramped up.

The GCEDC board meeting will be on Thursday, January 16 at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia.

Meeting materials and links to a live stream/on-demand recording of the meeting are available at www.gcedc.com.

A site on the edge of Oatka Creek in Le Roy that has served as a hat factory, bank and law offices, a state senator’s home and most recently the painstakingly revamped Farmer’s Creekside Tavern and Inn will be shutting its doors for good, the owners announced Wednesday.

“After seven wonderful years, we've made the very difficult decision to permanently close the doors of Farmer's Creekside Tavern & Inn. It has been an incredible journey filled with gratitude for the privilege of serving the Le Roy community and surrounding areas,” an online post stated. “This decision was not made lightly and came after much review, thought, and consideration. However, due to challenges currently impacting the restaurant industry and small businesses, we feel it is the right decision.

“We are so grateful for the love and support vou've shared with us throughout this journey - from the initial restoration of the over 200-year-old beautiful building to the landmark it remains today.”

That restoration was a 10-year labor of love after fire destroyed much of the historic building in 2004 and Bill Farmer and his son purchased the property in 2007. The charming stone, multi-level restaurant, with outdoor patio and seasonal igloo dining along the water, opened in July 2017.

“Your trust and loyalty have been the foundation of everything we've built, and we'll forever appreciate the moments we've shared,” the post states. “As we close, we want to give a heartfelt thank you to every guest, supporter, and team member who made these seven years unforgettable. Thank you for being a part of this venture and for your unwavering support. 

“Though it's the closure of our much-loved restaurant and inn, the memories will be with us forever.”

Those of you that have gift cards are asked to please contact gm@farmerscreekside.com,  and for those of you that have dinner, hotel, or igloo reservations, someone will be reaching out to you directly.