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HP Hood's Batavia facility honored as Dairy Plant of the Year

By Staff Writer
hp hood team in batavia
Dave Watkins, director of operations; Scott Blake, senior vice president of operations; Gary Kaneb, President and CEO; and Mike Corporon, vice president of operations.
HP Hood photo.

Eight years after acquiring a plant in Batavia originally designed to produce a Greek-style yogurt marketed as such, H.P. Hood has been honored by an industry trade magazine for operating 2024's Dairy Plant of the Year.

The honor follows the company's being named partner of the year for 2020 by Genesee County Economic Development Center and winning an operational excellence award in 2023 by Buffalo Business First.

Dairy Plant of the Year is an honor bestowed by the dairy industry publication Dairy Foods.

The award recognizes the 458,000-square-foot H.P. Hood plant for its automation processing equipment, wide array of products it produces, employee safety record, sustainability efforts, and community involvement.

The Lynnfield, Mass.-based company employs 418 people in Batavia.

Hood has installed state-of-the-art technology, including an automated layer and pick system, full pallet labelers, and advanced chiller and air management systems.

Hood has developed an extensive safety plan with regular employee training.

Sitting on 133.4 acres in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park, the Hood plant strives to use equipment and processes that are environmentally friendly, including efficient energy use and waste reduction. The company conducts regular energy audits and upgrades infrastructure as needed.

Hood is now among Batavia's larger employers. Community involvement initiatives include supporting the Crossroad House's flower sale, participating in Day of Caring, the Holland Land Office Museum Winter Wonderland of Trees, and supporting the Batavia Muckdogs, Community Action, the Salvation Army, and the Kwians's Club's Books for Babies.

More than 60 percent of the company's employees live in Genesee County.

hp hood facility batavia
HP Hood photo.

Artist Mary Jo Whitman to share grant-writing tips at Tuesday event

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Batavia Society of Artists is hosting artist Mary Jo Whitman on Tuesday, September 10 at Go-Art/Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia At 7 p.m. 

Mary Jo plans to give an overview of the grant process for artists, including where to find grant opportunities, tips on writing project narratives, formulating budgets, and providing quality support materials. 

This info will be bennificial to many artist who never thought they could get grant money for projects! This event is open to non-member for a $5 fee. Light refreshments will be served. The 2.o.1. Tavern will be open for cash purchases.

Genesee County Republicans celebrate grand opening of new headquarters Saturday

By Press Release

Press Release:

Genesee County Republican Committee Chairman Scott D. German is happy to announce the committee will be holding its Grand Opening of the Genesee County Republican Headquarters located at 244 West Main Street in Batavia (formerly Time Buyers Auto) across from CVS at noon on Saturday, September 14.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, Senator George Borrello, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Sheriff Candidate Joe Graff and County Treasurer Candidate Kevin Andrews are all expected to be in attendance.

Anyone wishing to pick up free signs for Trump, Tenney, Borrello, Hawley, Graff or Andrews are more than welcome to stop by and pick them up on Saturday.

Tornado warning issued for portions of Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

A tornado warning has been issued for southwestern Genesee County.

At 8:33 p.m., a thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Pembroke, seven miles north of Darien Lake State Park.  It is moving southeast at 15 mph.

The warning is in effect until 9 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service, there is the potential for flying debris that is dangerous to those without shelter. Mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed. There could be damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles. Tree damage is likely. 
 

A Saturday in September signals time for annual Summer Serenade

By Joanne Beck
GSO summer serenade
Photo by Nick Serrata

Members of United Way and Genesee Symphony Orchestra got together this weekend for a joint fundraiser and to Kick things off for GSO's annual Summer Serenade at the top of its 78th season.

The event includes food and drink, music and mingling Saturday at Terry Hills in Batavia. 

The gathering didn't mean there were any secrets shared about the upcoming concert season, as those musical treats are never revealed until the day of performance, Maestro Shade Zajac says.

The season begins on Sept. 28 with How to Build an Orchestra, followed with Hope Amidst Sorrow on Nov. 16, Holiday Miracles on Dec. 8 and Encore 2024/Holiday Pops Concert on Dec. 14, all at Stuart Steiner Theater at Genesee Community College. 

For more information, go to www.geneseesymphony.com

Photos by Nick Serrata

GSO summer serenade 2
Shade Zajac
Maestro Shade Zajac
Photo by Nick Serrata
GSO summer serenade violin

ERT deployed to execute search warant on South Main Street, Batavia

By Press Release

Press release:

On Sept. 9 at approximately 11 a.m. the city of Batavia Emergency Response Team (ERT), comprised of members from the city of Batavia Police Department and Genesee County Sheriff's Office, assisted the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force with the execution of two search warrants at separate addresses on South Main Street in the City of Batavia. 

The search warrants were executed at apartments located at 11 South Main St. and 61 South Main St. Several people were taken into custody and are being processed by the Drug Task Force at this time.  

Further information on the identity of those arrested and charges will be released by the Drug Task Force at a later time. 

There were no reported injuries during either search warrant execution, and the immediate area was evacuated or advised to shelter in place during the operation as a precaution.  

"We wish to thank the community for their tips and information on both of these addresses as we work hard to hold those accountable that illegally distribute drugs in our City," said Chief Shawn Heubusch.

Pitbull, T-Pain brought a night of unstoppable energy to Darien

By Steve Ognibene
 Pitbull with his dancers on friday evening at Darien Lake.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Pitbull with his dancers on Friday evening at Darien Lake.
Photo by Steve Ognibene

On a cooler rainy September Friday night, it didn’t stop anyone from dancing and grooving to T-Pain, who opened for Pitbull at Darien Lake Amphitheater. 

A sold-out 22,000 plus crowd packed the venue to greatest hits by both performers including a few dressed up Pitbull outfits.

 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
T-Pain, opened for Pitbull.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
T-Pain opened for Pitbull.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene

OAE loses season operner 27-13

By Staff Writer
oakfield-alabama football

Oakfield-Alabama/Elba dropped its season opener on Saturday, losing to Letchworth/Warsaw/Perry 27-13.

OAE Stats:

  • QB Gavin Armbrewster - Six carries, 42 yards, one rushing TD while going  6-9 passing for 53 Yards
  • RB/LB Avery Watterson - Seven carries and two Receptions for 61 total yards; on defense,  16 tackles.
  • RB/LB Jack Cianfrini - 10 carries, 92 yards, TD, and nine tackles
  • SR LB Carson Warner - Eight tackles
  • SR DL Aedyn Groth - One sack and a forced fumble

"Kudos to a tough, physical, and well-coached LPW team," said OEC Coach Tyler Winters. "We knew we would have our hands full in week one taking on a Class C contender like them.  Today's game will serve as great feedback for our group on the areas we need to improve on to accomplish our goals.  The outcome was far from what we hoped for, but the narrative did not change for our team.  We will hit the film and begin to shift our sights to Week 2."

Photos by Debra Reilly

oakfield-alabama football
oakfield-alabama football
oakfield-alabama football
oakfield-alabama football

Lei-Ti rallies for generous donation to Mercy Flight

By Joanne Beck
Lei-Ti donation to Mercy Flight
Sheila Hollwedel, Joe Bellardo, Elizabeth Stokowski and Val Rosehart present a donation Saturday of $9,050 to Pam Cherry, who represents Mercy Flight, for what has become an annual fundraising event for Lei-Ti Campground.
Photo by Nick Serrata

Lei-Ti Campground came through big this year with a donation of $9,050 for Mercy Flight during its annual fundraiser for a nonprofit group. This year's event included 200 basket raffles, a tour of a Mercy Flight helicopter and sales of hotdogs and sausages. 

In rare appearance in Le Roy, Batavia takes on newly merged Le Roy/Cal-Mum Rivals

By Howard B. Owens
le roy v batavia football
Photo by Ed Henry

It was a historic night at Hartwood Park in Le Roy. The newly merged Le Roy and Cal-Mum football programs took the field as one team, the Rivals, to play against the Batavia Blue Devils.

It's been at least 15 years since Batavia played a regular season game in Le Roy.

In a game shorted by weather, the Blue Devils came out on top 32-0.

There were no stats released for the game.

Also on Friday, Alexander traveled to Bath-Haverling and returned home with a 13-12 win. 

le roy v batavia football
Photo by Ed Henry
le roy v batavia football
Holden Sullivan (left) and Dillon Alcott (right) tackle Batavia’s Carter Mullen.
Photo by Ed Henry
le roy v batavia football
Batavia speedster Zailen Griffin rushes for a large gain.
Photo by Ed Henry
le roy v batavia football
Rivals’ Jack Egeling continues to run hard after a face-mask penalty.
Photo by Ed Henry
le roy v batavia football
The Batavia defense swarms the Rivals’ running back.
Photo by Ed Henry
le roy v batavia football
Batavia’s Brock Bigsby lowers the boom!
Photo by Ed Henry
le roy v batavia football
Rivals’ QB Brady McClurg eyes his target receiver.
Photo by Ed Henry

 

 

Photo: Rainbow on Route 33

By Staff Writer
rainbow
A rainbow on  Saturday afternoon on Route 33 in Batavia.
Photo by Anne Marie Starowitz

 

OT cut short by lightning in Le Roy vs. Byron-Bergen soccer match

By Staff Writer
byron bergen soccer

In a season opener for Boys Soccer, Byron-Bergen/Elba battled to a 1-1 tie with Le Roy/Cal-Mum.

Jacob Wiley, for the Rivals, scored first with an assist from Jack Curran. 

Colin Rea scored for the Bees.

The game went into a brief OT period but lightning cut the game short.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro

byron bergen soccer
byron bergen soccer
byron bergen soccer

Photos: Annual Dash in the Dark at O-A

By Staff Writer
dash in the dark

Since 2010, Oakfield-Alabama High School has been hosing the Dash in the Dark, a multi-school event for Cross Country teams.

It's the official kickoff to the Cross Country season.

There were 64 schools participating this year, with more than 1,200 runners.

This is O-A's biggest fundraiser to support cross country along with indoor and outdoor track and field.

Photos by Laura Luft

dash in the dary oakfield-alabama 2024
dash in the dary oakfield-alabama 2024
dash in the dary oakfield-alabama 2024
dash in the dary oakfield-alabama 2024
dash in the dary oakfield-alabama 2024
dash in the dary oakfield-alabama 2024
dash in the dary oakfield-alabama 2024
dash in the dary oakfield-alabama 2024

Back-to-school reminder: be mindful of e-cigarette packaging, prevalence as vaping rate increases

By Press Release

Press Release:

Back to school should mean new opportunities, not new addictions. As students return to the classroom this fall, educators and parents are not only preparing for a new academic year, but also the rising public health concern of vaping. E-cigarettes can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and in a school setting, these devices may blend in with other school supplies, as they may look like pens, USB drives, and even phone cases. This makes identifying these devices and protecting youth that much more difficult.

Studies show that vaping has become a rising concern in middle school-aged children, as 3 percent of seventh graders in both Genesee and Orleans Counties reported vaping with nicotine. 

“These years of a child’s life are very sensitive because their brains are still developing,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “As the rate of vaping rises among teens, we must equip families and kids with information and tools to stay healthy.”

There are several reasons why youth vape:

  • Tobacco advertisers use vibrant colors and fun marketing strategies to increase youth participation in vaping. These ads are shown on social media, television, and streaming services, and promote vaping as a cheaper alternative to other tobacco products.
  • Peer pressure and social influences during middle and high school are a main contributor to students trying an e-cigarette for the first time. Students report that they may be curious to try vaping from seeing a friend or family member use them.
  • Availability of flavored e-cigarette products including youth-friendly flavors such as candy, fruit, mint, and menthol are the most widely used types of e-cigarettes among youth. According to the CLYDE Survey conducted by UConnectCare (formally GCASA), about 20% of 11th graders in Genesee and Orleans Counties reported using E-cigarettes or vapes that contain nicotine in 2022.
  • Nicotine is in most e-cigarettes and is highly addictive. Those who use vapes containing nicotine may experience cravings and urges to smoke, difficulty sleeping, and the feeling of anxiety and sadness, which may make them believe they need nicotine to relieve these feelings. These behaviors, among others, are a part of nicotine addiction.

The good news is that studies show that most middle and high school students who vape want to quit. Becoming more aware of the risks of vaping will allow for educated conversations with youth and help ensure that all youth can live healthy, tobacco-free lives.

Here are a few ways you can protect your youth and promote rejection of vaping during back to school season:

  • Educate yourself on the subject, and become a credible source of information. Visit CDC.gov/Vaping for important information on youth vaping.
  • Create a safe space for discussion and start the conversation on vaping. Remember to be patient, listen, and avoid criticism. Keep the conversation open and be willing to be flexible.
  • Answer their questions and be prepared. Kids may have questions about vaping, visit CDC.gov/tobacco for ideas on how to give educated and meaningful answers 

Get Help Today

If you are interested in quitting, or someone you know needs help quitting, help is available:

  • Visit the New York State Smokers' Quitline for quit-smoking and quit-vaping programs, or call 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487), to apply for a free starter kit of nicotine medications and to talk to a quit coach.
  • Talk to your healthcare provider about medications and counseling to help you manage cravings. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover services to help you quit.

For more information about GO Health Programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:

  • Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 
  • Orleans County: 585-589-3278

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY.

Entrepreneur looks to downtown Batavia for wine bar

By Joanne Beck
File Photo of Rob Credi

If appearances are anything, entrepreneur Rob Credi may be trading ramen for riesling, as he has applied for a liquor license in a new venture for Shush Wine Bar, LLC in downtown Batavia.

The business, listed as a wine bar/cocktail lounge at 41 Jackson St. on his application, would be in the Gilliana’s diner, which is “temporarily closed” according to its online social media site. 

Credi’s application is one of three up for review by City Council on Monday’s conference meeting agenda. The other two are for existing establishments of Kelly’s Holland Inn and La Oaxaquena Taqueria. 

Credi is no stranger to selling food and drinks, as a former owner of Main Street Coffee and current owner of Pub Coffee Hub on Harvester Avenue and of the Crapshoot Kitchen & Commissary, which housed his Xavmen Ramen take-out diner, which is now listed as being temporarily closed on the website.  

Credi was not available for comment Friday afternoon.

GCEDC board advances Le Roy project and request for more than $245K in tax breaks, hearing to be set

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors advanced an initial resolution for a project by 9 Lent Avenue, LLC in the village of LeRoy at their meeting on Thursday, September 5.

The proposed $3.8 million project would renovate an existing 32,500 square-foot structure at 9 Lent Avenue and create 4 new jobs.

9 Lent Avenue, LLC has requested assistance valued at $267,725 in property tax abatements and $77,600 in sales tax exemptions, with the project estimated to generate $3,382,738 in fiscal returns based on new employment and new municipal revenue.

A public hearing for the proposed project agreement will be scheduled in the village of Le Roy.

The GCEDC Board also approved final resolutions for two community solar farm projects in the town of Le Roy.

FFP NY Le Roy Project1, LLC and FFP NY Le Roy Project2, LLC represent a total $20 million investment and will generate up to 7 megawatts of power through the installation of ground-mounted solar panels.

Top Items on Batavia's List

AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC CITY OF BATAVIA SALARY $25.54-$30.08 DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Assignments in this Class require the exercise of specialized skills in tasks pertaining to the maintenance and repair of a wide variety of machinery and equipment used in public works activities, as well as to other vehicles owned or operated by the municipal employer. In smaller agencies, an Automotive Mechanic may exercise a degree of supervision over assistant mechanics or Equipment Operators performing minor maintenance and repair on equipment, with general supervision being received from a supervisor, superintendent, or other such official or designee. Does related work, as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Repairs motorized and non-motorized equipment, such as trucks, tractors, mowers, graders, loaders, sweepers, rollers, compressors, and automobiles; Adjusts, repairs, and rebuilds gasoline and diesel engines; Repairs and replaces components of equipment, such as suspension systems, drive assemblies, brake systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, and cooling systems, and makes necessary adjustments to same; Carries out sanding, sandblasting, filling, painting, and related body-work tasks; Makes minor welding repairs; Operates drills, grinders, and other metal-working machines related to automotive repair functions; Performs preventative maintenance tasks which may include vehicle inspections; Attaches and removes snow plows, blades, and other attachments for motorized equipment; Maintains records of tasks performed, and other pertinent records; Requisitions parts and materials, to ensure adequate supply to maintain workflow; Acts as Equipment Operator, or wingman, as directed; May drive buses, cars, or trucks; May deliver fuel to job sites; Keeps shop area neat and clean. The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITY AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of standard automotive repair and maintenance methods; thorough knowledge of automotive repair terminology and tools; working knowledge of welding techniques; ability to make difficult repairs to heavy automotive and other mechanical equipment; ability to work from plans and specifications, and to follow rough draft sketches and oral instructions; good motor and hand eye coordination; manual dexterity. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee constantly is required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: One year of full-time paid experience as a skilled automotive repairman. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  Some jurisdictions may require appointees to receive and maintain certification as a NYS Motor Vehicle Inspector, within six months of appointment. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT: 1.     Possession and maintenance of appropriate valid license(s), as required. 2.     In school districts where incumbent may operate a school bus, possession of a valid appropriate level New York State Driver's License is required. 3.     Drivers must be at least 21 years of age. NOTE:  In addition, candidates must satisfy the requirements for School Bus Driver set forth in the Rules and Regulations of the New York State Commissioner of Education. Non-Competitive Class Civil Service Applications are due to Human Resources no later than October 18, 2024.
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