File Photo of Ellicott Station in downtown Batavia by Howard Owens
City Manager Rachael Tabelski clarified how Batavia Police ended up sweeping the Ellicott Station property at 50-56 Ellicott St. on Monday, resulting in the location of a person wanted on a misdemeanor charge.
“The city found evidence of a squatter Friday at the Della Penne building during a (Batavia Development Corp.)-lead hard hat construction tour, so it looks like property was accessed even before the fence came down,” Tabelski said about a perimeter fence that was removed early Monday at the downtown premises.
Tabelski further said that, per a rumor she has heard, “the fence company was not paid by Savarino, so that is why the fence was removed,” clarifying that it was removed for that reason rather than for a third-party subcontractor performing landscaping maintenance on the property.
Property owner Sam Savarino did not respond to The Batavian's requests for comments on Monday regarding the maintenance work, the removal of the fence and potential concerns about safety on the property.
As for the excessive weeds in need of trimming at the stalled apartment complex, Tabelski said that the “codes department will be issuing violations to the owner and mortgage holder.” She has confidence in the police department’s ability to do its job when called for, but she does not want to expend unnecessary resources due to the property owner’s negligence.
"I was on scene when the police swept the entire apartment building this morning and they did a great job,” Tabelski said. “With that said, we don’t want to tie up city resources to sweep the building because of lack of property security! We certainly don’t want anyone on the property who should not be there. Savarino needs to keep the site mowed, secured and safe so citizens can’t access the site.
“We continue to await the investors, the bank and (the state Office of Home and Community Renewal’s) decisions on the property and would appreciate the back due taxes being paid,” she said. “The city has to make the county and school whole for any back taxes, so not only do we have an unsafe eyesore in the middle of the city, we are supplementing their tax bill.”
To date, Savarino owes $20,000 in unpaid taxes for the property that is assessed at $2,892,500. The original deal with Genesee County Economic Development Center had it on a payment in lieu of taxes agreement, but Savarino Companies/Ellicott Station LLC was declared in default on the tax-abatement contract for an alleged failure to meet workforce housing promises. That is a claim Savarino disputes. He now must pay all of the regular full taxes. (See: Documents reveal Ellicott Station built on foundation of misunderstood housing terms)
The Batavian asked when the city might consider a tax-lien foreclosure on the property, and Tabelski said the matter would have to be discussed with the City Council and that Savarino would have the opportunity "to cure and pay the taxes" before it ever reached that point.
We will be celebrating with our community members who have stepped aboard the LG Express to take the journey to servant leadership. Every stop we make is a piece of our education that travels the tracks in all of Genesee County.
The LG Express event is our largest fundraiser in 2024, ensuring our train keeps on rolling. We hope to validate your ticket and see you there.
Two events helped lay the foundation that led to Anthony Fernandez creating “Peace Frog,” a Doors tribute band.
And, both happened when Fernandez was 11 years old.
First came his viewing of “Apocalypse Now,” the Francis Ford Coppola-directed Vietnam-era movie that used the Doors “The End” in key scenes. The song became a lifelong hook for Fernandez, now 56.
Then he read Danny Sugarman and Jerry Hopkins’ best-selling Jim Morrison biography “No One Here Gets Out Alive’ about the life and times of the Doors’ lead singer.
Taken together, they became a seminal moment for Fernandez.
"It was the first book (‘No One Here Gets Out Alive’) that I read cover-to-cover,” Fernandez said.
Since 1998, Fernandez has led Peace Frog, a Doors tribute band, that will be playing July 19 at Batavia Downs as part of its summer concert series. Fernandez, like Morrison, is the lead singer.
“It is just part of my personal relationship I’ve had with Jim Morrison and the Doors since I was 11,” Fernandez said.
Peace Frog is considered one of the top Doors’ tribute bands. Like the Doors, the four-piece band includes Fernandez on vocals, Brad Watson on keyboards, Tyler Thigpen on guitar and Adam Thompson on drums.
The band has a deep following, having played in 30 states plus Mexico, Australia, Canada and Greece.
The set list, which varies from show to show, includes hits and well-known songs as well as lesser played Doors’ tunes.
Yes, “Riders on the Storm” and “Light My Fire” will be played but so will others like the “Alabama Song” or “Tell All the People.”
“On stage, I channel what I call the intellectual Jim Morrison, not the destructive one,” Fernandez said. “I’ve done every song by the Doors that’s out there."
As for Fernandez himself, he has played and sung with former Doors members guitarist Robbie Krieger and the late keyboardist Ray Manzarek
Fernandez began his singing career with attending the University of Hawaii, where he started out singing in cover bands. When he returned to Los Angeles - his hometown - in 1996, Fernandez continued singing in local bands before a friend said he sounded like Morrison and maybe he should front a Doors cover band. Thus, Peace Frog was born.
A key moment came with a weekly booking at the Venice (Beach) Bistro that turned into a 12-year gig every Sunday night. Their run began in 1998.
“That’s what really cemented the band,” Fernandez said.
From there, out-of-town and out-of-country bookings followed.
The bookings are sandwiched between Fernandez’ “day job”, serving as political science and Chicano studies professor at Pierce College in Los Angeles.
“It does keep me busy and current,” Fernandez said.
Tickets are on sale through www.bataviaconcerts.com.
Peace Frog performs Friday, July 19 at Batavia Downs.
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that as part of a Guest Appreciation Celebration, Batavia Downs is now making the Peace Frog – Doors Tribute Concert, taking place this Friday, July 19, a free show.
Those wishing to attend the concert can pick up their free GA ticket upon arrival at Batavia Downs inside of Park Place on Friday.
For those who already purchased tickets, they can visit the upgrade table located outside of the Park Place room on Friday, July 19 and have their tickets upgraded to the next section closer to the stage.
The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is investigating a suspected larceny of items from the Flying J, 8484 Alleghany Road, Pembroke.
A subject (photo) is wanted for questioning in connection with the suspected theft. The Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the individual.
If you recognize the person, you're asked to call 585-345-3000 x3251 or email Deputy Stephen Smith at stephen.smith@geneseeny.gov.
File Photo by Howard Owens of Ellicott Station in downtown Batavia.
Within one day of the fencing down around Ellicott Station property in downtown Batavia, someone was found on the premises during a search Tuesday by Batavia Police.
“BPD officers observed an individual who had an outstanding misdemeanor charge in the area of Ellicott Station this morning. Officers searched the remaining portion of the original Della Penna building and located the male subject,” Assistant Chief Chris Camp said to The Batavian later Tuesday. “While we were on location, we decided to conduct a property check. BPD did locate an area where a lock was cut in the new construction. We continued to search the area and did not locate anyone else on the property who did not belong. The owner of the property was contacted and advised of the cut lock. We cleared and will have our officers monitoring the area for criminal/suspicious activity throughout their tours of duty.”
Property owner Sam Savarino has officially ceased work on the property since announcing the closing of Savarino Companies in the summer of 2023. He had previously subcontracted work crews to shore up the apartment complex’s exterior and perform routine maintenance; however, time has slipped by as weeds have grown up and around the premises.
It’s a situation the city of Batavia is not tolerating, City Manager Rachael Tabelski said.
“Savarino has been cited for grass, weeds and debris, and the city has sent a third-party vendor out to cut the tall grass,” she said, which explains Monday’s landscaping activity and the dismantled fencing. “Yes, I’m very concerned that the construction site is unsafe and that the buildings are not properly secured. The city will continue to try to work with the owner to have the buildings re-secured and the site fenced off for safety reasons.”
The Batavian also asked Chief Shawn Heubusch about his concerns about the safety of the property and the potential for transients to enter and stay inside the vacant building.
“First, it is not the Police Department’s responsibility to secure the site. We will patrol the area of the building as we do with all other areas of the city, looking for anything suspicious and addressing it as needed,” Heubusch said. “We obviously will be paying some special attention to it due to its state of construction. Of course, we are concerned with any vacant properties in the city as they can become targets for trespassing and vandalism, among safety issues that come from having an unfinished property being left vacant. We hope the owner will take the necessary steps to secure the property as soon as possible.”
Savarino has yet to respond to requests for comment sent to him on Monday.
Batavia native Joey Pero works on a "mash-up" of two BHS alma mater songs for a new piece to celebrate Batavia Concert Band's centennial this year. It will debut at this week's concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Centennial Park, Batavia. Submitted Photo
It was about four months ago when Joey Pero played an alumni concert at Batavia High School and ended up in talks about doing a little something for Batavia Concert Band’s centennial season this year.
A collaborative discussion with band manager Jason Smith and band conductor John Bailey resulted in more than a little something, as Pero, a 1999 BHS graduate who went on to make a name for himself as a talented trumpet player and most recently went on tour with Jesus Christ Superstar, reached beyond merely playing a piece for the concert.
“And they said, ‘Well, what would you like to play?’ And I was just, I kind of mulled it over, and I said, 'Well, geez, you know, we have an alma mater song called Ever Batavia I remember playing in graduation. And why don't I do something really specific to Batavia for the 100th anniversary?' And you know, the more I thought about it, the more it kind of unwound in my head. And the more research I did, there are actually two alma maters. One was written in 1901 by Leslie Coryell, and it's called the blue and white. And then Hoyt Irwin wrote Ever Batavia in 1938. And that's been pretty much the song that is played at graduations, our alma mater events,” Pero said to The Batavian. “So after doing this research about the two, I said, well, I'm gonna write a piece for the concert band and weave these two pieces together kind of like a mash-up.
"And, you know, I wanted to also make the solo part easy for an intermediate level person so that at the conclusion of this concert Wednesday, I'll actually gift the piece to not only the Batavia Concert Band but the Batavia High School archives, so maybe in the future for the bicentennial they can play this piece," he said. "I wrote it with that in mind as well, that it would maybe have some forward life in the future.”
He took the 1901 piece, “The Blue and White,” written by W. Leslie Coryell, and “Ever Batavia,” written by Hoyt Irwin in 1938 and created a brand new piece for the band to celebrate two different decades, time periods and songs that were composed in contrasting tempos. Wednesday’s concert at 7 p.m. in Centennial Park will debut “Ever Blue and White,” a three-minute and 20-second composition by Joey Pero.
“No one's really done anything like that, for these pieces of music are two pretty standard types of pieces you would hear at any school, but I kind of gave it some cool elements and some cool counter lines and some sonorities that I think the band can really handle well and play the heck out of. So, for those who don't know, the concert band practices on Tuesday, the repertoire on Tuesday and performs it on Wednesday, so it's not like they're rehearsing this for months on end or weeks on end. It's really like a sight reading thing and then a performance the next day, and certainly, I'm looking forward to hearing this come to life,” he said. “You sit behind a computer and put these notes on a page. And you know, it plays back on a computer … so it's computerized sound. But the magic is really when they play the first note and that gives lift to the piece of music. So I'm looking forward to that the most.”
The rain location is at Stuart Steiner Theatre on the Genesee Community College campus, 1 College Road, Batavia. Inclement weather has pushed the musicians out to GCC the last two weeks, but Pero and band members, including band manager Jason Smith, are keeping fingers crossed for a clear-skied park performance this week.
“We are excited to have Joey join the Batavia Concert Band as we continue to celebrate our centennial anniversary! Joey was a proud member of the Band, and I was personally and musically thrilled when he returned to our hometown this past year,” Smith said. “Conductor John Bailey and I have enjoyed collaborating with him for this concert on Wednesday, and his presence and the special piece he composed for the Concert Band will be a special honor and is not to be missed — let's hope for no rain! Many of us, including me, have followed and appreciated Joey's musical career over the years, and for him to write a song incorporating the Batavia High School alma mater is indeed special.”
Pero is on a hiatus from the musical world, he said, since his contract with Jesus Christ Superstar ended in summer 2022 and he moved back to Batavia and launched his first AirBnB. Business has been booming, and the two-unit property has been booked ever since he began to advertise it, he said.
Visitors have come to stay from California, Indiana, Florida, Canada, New Jersey, Russia, and as nearby as Rochester, either for a relaxing staycation or to go see Darien Lake, Batavia Downs, Letchworth State Park or to get a glimpse of the eclipse in Genesee County, he said.
Of course, visitors could also attend a free concert every Wednesday, and Pero, who played in the group from 1997 to 1999, can attest to the quality of the Batavia Concert Band.
“It’s a damn good band; they sounded great,” he said of the last concert at GCC.
He described the process of taking this song through “various dynamics and tempos and time signatures.”
“I’ve morphed it into different time signatures and different tempos and I also interwove the two together. So if you listen carefully, you can hear one, and you can hear the other one kind of hinting in the background,” he said. So it's kind of cool how I mashed it up and was able to fit both in with both of them being so different at the same time. There's a beautiful intro to the tune with trilling flutes, clarinets, and piccolos, and the French horns come in with this Blue and White melody, and then the trombones come under it with Ever Batavia. So you can tell right off the bat here that both of the tunes are kind of infused in the introduction.
“I really hope the band enjoys playing it. There are some challenging parts, and I highlighted at least one section each of the band,” he said. “So there’s some moments for the percussion, there’s some moments for the French horns, the trombones, the clarinets certainly and the flutes certainly.”
He credits Josh Pacino for being a tremendous help with the archive search for the songs, which allowed Pero “to gain perspective on these two pieces of music,” he said.
On Monday, July 15, upon recommendation from Superintendent Jason Smith, the Batavia City School District Board of Education approved the appointment of Dr. Megan Crine as Principal of Batavia Middle School and Joel Reed as Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics. Dr. Crine will start on July 16, and Mr. Reed will join the District on August 19.
Dr. Megan Crine Submitted photo.
Dr. Megan Crine has served as the principal of Ellis B. Hyde Elementary School in the Dansville Central School District since July 2023. Previously, she was the Middle School Red House Administrator at Churchville-Chili Central School District for twelve years, where she led committees focused on equity, student culture, and school improvement. Dr. Crine began her administrative career with internships at Marcus Whitman Central School District. She holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Rochester, along with a Master of Science in Literacy Education from Nazareth College and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a Concentration in History from SUNY Cortland. Additionally, she earned Reading Recovery Certification from SUNY Brockport. Dr. Crine is certified in Elementary Education, Literacy Education, and School Building Leadership.
Joel Reed Submitted photo.
Joel Reed has 14 years of administrative experience, currently serving as the Assistant Principal and Director of Athletics at Medina Central School District. In this role, he manages student supervision, enforces school policies, oversees budget development, and supervises staff and coaches. Previously, Reed was the Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Health at the Charter School for Applied Technologies. He holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Health Education from SUNY Buffalo State, and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Sport from SUNY Brockport. Reed is certified as a Professional School District Leader, Professional School Building Leader, and holds permanent NYS certificates in Health and Physical Education.
“I am thrilled to welcome both Dr. Megan Crine and Joel Reed to the Batavia City School District,” said Superintendent Jason Smith. “With decades of combined experience in education and leadership, Megan and Joel are passionate about helping students thrive and making our schools great places to learn and grow. They have come highly recommended, and I am confident they will be valuable additions to our leadership team. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the parents, staff, and community members who participated in both of the interview processes. Your input was invaluable, and we appreciate your dedication and support. We can’t wait for Megan and Joel to hit the ground running.”
“I am delighted to join the Batavia City School District as the newest Principal of Batavia Middle School,” said Dr. Megan Crine. “I am excited for the challenge and look forward to working with the exceptional students and staff. I cannot wait to become a part of the BMS family and Batavia community, and I am eagerly anticipating the start of the new school year.”
“I am honored to become the new Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics for the Batavia City School District,” said Joel Reed. “Batavia has a strong athletics program with a track record of incredible success, driven by our talented student-athletes and exceptional coaching staff. I see tremendous potential in BCSD's health and physical education program and am excited to build upon its successes. I am proud to be the newest Blue Devil and look forward to contributing to Batavia’s legacy of excellence.”
Also at Monday’s meeting, the Board of Education approved a contract extension for Jason Smith through 2029. With his extension, he receives seven additional vacation days and increases his sick day bank by ten days, with the ability to buy back ten additional days upon retirement from BCSD.
“The Board was unanimous in approving the contract extension for Superintendent Jason Smith,” said Board of Education President John Marucci. “We are proud of the work Jason has done since he joined the district in 2022. Consistency in our leadership and vision for the district is important, and Jason's commitment to BCSD remains steadfast. We look forward to our continued work with him and are excited about the future of our district under his leadership.”
During the summer months, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) typically see an increase in reports from residents who have encountered bats.
Bats can occasionally find their way into houses, particularly in older homes that are not properly sealed. This most often occurs during the summer nights.
“If you find a bat in your home, safely capture it and immediately contact the health department,” advised Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for GO Health. “We can assess whether there was potential exposure and if the bat needs to be tested. If you cannot capture the bat, call the health department for guidance on the next steps to take.”
In some situations, it is possible that a bat bite could go undetected. For example, if you awaken and find a bat in your room, if you see a bat in the room of an unattended child, or see a bat near someone that is under the influence, it is important to seek medical advice and have the bat tested.
To safely capture a bat:
Turn on room lights and close all the windows.
Close the room and closet doors.
Wait for the bat to land.
While wearing thick leather-like gloves, place a coffee can, pail or similar container over the bat (Never handle a bat with your bare hands).
Slide a piece of cardboard under the container to trap the bat.
Firmly hold the cardboard in place against the top of the container, turn it right side up and tape the cardboard tightly to the container.
If you do not feel comfortable capturing the bat or cannot do it safely, contact your respective health department during regular business hours.
If it is after regular business hours, contact your local county dispatch:
Love your own, leave the rest alone. DO NOT pick up, touch, or feed wild or stray animals (raccoons, foxes, bats, stray cats, stray dogs, etc.). Wild or stray animals, including their babies, can have rabies.
Keep rabies vaccinations current for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. This is important not only to keep your pets from getting rabies, but also to provide a barrier of protection for you and your family if your pet is bitten by a rabid wild or stray animal.
Obey leash laws. Keep your dog fenced in or on a leash when outside of your home and in public areas. Avoid allowing your dog to approach unfamiliar dogs, people, or wildlife.
Residents are encouraged to take note of our upcoming drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats, and ferrets in Genesee and Orleans Counties that are offered at no charge.
Genesee County Rabies Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia)
Thursday, August 8, from 4 - 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 10, from 4 - 6 p.m.
Orleans County Rabies Clinics at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion)
Saturday, August 10, from 9 -11:30 a.m.
Saturday, October 19, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
For more information on GO Health’s programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.
You can also contact your respective health department:
The Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion announces the 9th Annual “Flag Disposal Ceremony” to be held at Northwoods Sportsman Club.
This years Flag Disposal day is on Sunday, August 11 at the Northwoods Sportsman Club starting at 1 p.m.
Old flags or flags that are torn or damaged beyond service life may be dropped off at the American Legion, 53 West Main Street, Le Roy or at the Northwoods Sportsman Club, 8402 Gulf Rd. Le Roy the day of the Ceremonial burn.
ALL are invited to attend and participate.
Refreshments and light lunch provided courtesy of the Northwoods Sportsman Club. Our thanks to all involved in making this event possible and for hosting this much anticipated program.
The undefeated Lockport Wildcats had an un-Fair advantage on Saturday night on their way to defeating the visiting Genesee County Spartans, 36-14, in Northeastern Football Alliance semipro action.
Veteran quarterback Willie Fair II passed for four touchdowns and ran for another TD to lead the Wildcats, now 6-0 in league play, past the Spartans, who drop to 3-2. Both teams compete in the league’s Western Conference.
Against Lockport, the Spartans were victimized by six turnovers – three fumbles and three interceptions, the big-play ability of Fair, who converted two 4th-and-20 situations into touchdowns, and a 75-yard kickoff return for a TD by Darren Thompson.
“Just too many mistakes on both sides of the ball,” said Spartans’ Head Coach Harry Rascoe. “We were unable to contain Fair, who can throw the ball 70 yards in the air, and we committed too many turnovers.”
Fair completed just 10 passes but four of them resulted in points as Jordan Evert and Sultani Campbell each had two TD receptions. The Wildcats’ ground game was effective with Fair gaining 53 yards on 11 carries and Sean Marshall picking up 52 yards on 11 carries.
For the Spartans, QB Corey Turpin completed 16 of 29 passes for 100 yards, with receivers Tai Reffell-Pugh and Deyonci Farley finding the end zone. Halfback Jed Reese carried 10 times for 42 yards.
The Spartans are back in action at 5 p.m. Saturday against the Ithaca Warriors, 4-2 in the Eastern Conference, at Pembroke Town Park.
This Saturday’s game has been designated “Youth Football Night” with all youth football program players and cheerleaders wearing their jerseys/uniforms admitted at no charge.
The Batavia High School Class of 1984 is thrilled to announce their 40th reunion celebration! Mark your calendars for an evening filled with memories, laughter, and fun on Saturday, August 24, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Mingle and Reconnect with Old Friends
Alumni and guests are invited to gather for an informal get-together at the Terry Hills Golf Course & Banquet Facility 5122 Clinton Street in Batavia. This relaxed atmosphere is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with classmates, reminisce about old times, and create new memories.
Delicious Food and Drinks
Throughout the evening, enjoy a generous spread of hearty hors d'oeuvres complemented by a cash bar. Your ticket price of $30 includes food and one drink (house draft beer, house wine, or house liquor).
RSVP and Stay Connected
We encourage everyone from the Class of 1984 to attend this special event! To RSVP go to BHS Class of ’84 Reunion on Facebook where you can venmo your payment, to BHS Class of 84 Batavia. If you do not have a Venmo account, checks will be accepted payable to “BHS Class of 84 Batavia NY”. Please mail to: Kelly J. Bermingham, 8276 Park Road, Batavia. The deadline for registration is August 16!
To update your contact information, or ask any questions, please reach out to:
Sue Gagne receives the 57th State Senate District Woman of Distinction Award from Sen. George Borrello at the Generations Center in Batavia on Monday. Photo by Howard Owens.
This is a better place because of the “Sues” in the world, Matt Landers says.
Referring to mental health advocate Sue Gagne, the Genesee County manager spoke about her many attributes, including an ever-increasing passion and energy for providing support to others in her myriad roles since he’s known her the last two decades.
“So early on 20 years ago, I had a positive impression of Sue. And it has only grown from that point on for my 20 years here of getting a chance to know Sue, whether it's at (a Leadership Genesee) function, or the various roles she's had, and my opportunities to sit in and see her at work at various boards, and she's had a variety of them, all equally important to this community,” Landers said during the 2024 Woman of Distinction Award ceremony Monday at the Generation Center in Batavia. “I’ve gotten to see her more from her role in Mental Health Association, Suicide Prevention Coalition now UConnect Cares, and then some of the great work that she's doing with the City Church here, and the programming that she's advocating for, and coming to me for advocating for some funds for some Opioid Task Force monies, she's tireless.
“Many people in Sue’s role is, in my opinion, they slow down with time, she’s the opposite. I think that she’s speeding up and getting more passionate and more energetic through time, which is impressive. She’s one of those people that genuinely wants to help anyone in need in crisis,” he said. “I’m glad we have the Sues of the world. I’m a little more black-and-white, and the Sues of the world balance me out, and I’m glad that we have Sue and I’m glad to call her friend. Her passion and energy have positive impacted numerous lives in Genesee County, and it’s going to continue to impact them for years to come.”
Gagne was nominated by Sen. George Borrello of the 57th District for having “stood out amongst the group as someone so deserving” of this award. Gagne was honored in May during a ceremony in the Legislative Office Building in Albany alongside fellow honorees from across the state. The award program honors women who've made remarkable contributions to their professions, and their communities and serve as inspiration for others.
Monday’s ceremony brought the award home so that she could be recognized locally in front of friends and family. County Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein first encountered Gagne when she worked on the Board of Health and noted that Gagne’s name was there.
“Not only was her name there, Sue’s arms are there. And they’re around this entire county. And I can’t count on the number of times that I have said that name cares about all of us,” Stein said. “So thank you for being the arms that hold us kind of toward the center, or that we can bounce off of, because we need you. We need you more than we ever would imagine.
“I am grateful for the fact that you have continued to grow and to move your skills forward, because we are your beneficiaries here in this county,” she said. “On behalf of the county and our Legislature, and all of those who you take care of, we have a proclamation, but I’m not going to read t because you’re just gonna read it. Ours come come from the heart and from our head. Thank you Sue, congratulations.”
A great deal of Gagne’s work as stemmed from the mental health field, including when she was at the Mental Health Association in Genesee County, where she offered meetings for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. That was when Mental Health Director Lynda Battaglia discovered that “she was a force to be reckoned with,” Battaglia said.
“And I knew way back then that she was just someone that you just loved to be around, genuinely. Our collaborations and interactions continued through the years. And when I came to Genesee County, she was one of the first to welcome me with some hoots and hollering and screams and cheers and hugs, and that was at the Suicide Prevention Center training in Albany, New York in September 2019, and we were just really excited about all the work that we were gonna do together," Battaglia said. "So I see a drive in Sue, that is one of advocacy, advocating and using your voice for those that cannot advocate for themselves. And with that advocacy comes educating our community on mental illness, stigma, suicide prevention, all areas that are near and dear to Sue's heart.
"She's assisted with the development of a grassroots suicide prevention called gal pathway to hope. And on her own time and dime. She nurtured this coalition and built relationships so that this coalition could flourish, and blossom into what it is today," she said. "When she sets her sights on a vision she homes in and does what she needs to do in order to make it come to fruition.”
It was a pleasure for Borrello to nominate and honor someone “as wonderful as Sue,” he said, while also needing to recognize the people that she’s encountered on the worst days of their lives, “when they’re struggling in crisis, when there’s just seemingly no hope.” And to have another human being step in to provide them that hope, “that takes a special person,” he said, especially amidst the red tape of government and navigating a system to receive those desperately needed services.
“You know, as a society, we don't want to talk about these things, we want to sweep them under the rug, we don't want to recognize the fact that there are people out there that are struggling, that have issues with substance use disorders, mental health problems, but you are right there in the middle with those people," he said. "That's why you were the perfect choice for this award, because you are the type of person that does this for no other reason than you want to make society a better place to be. So I am just very, very proud to to be able to honor you today, and just take this time in front of your friends and family and co-workers to say that you are special, because you look for the good in people, you look for the way to get them a path to be productive members of society, to lift themselves up, meet people where they are, as they say you do that every single day.”
In a matter of seconds, Gagne illustrated her open spirit by jumping from a joke about herself into deep tearful reflection about why she has persevered in this field.
“I’m just so grateful, my heart is so full, and now you get me crying. The sadness that people deal with on a daily basis, it hurts, and I can’t just go though life and ignore it,” she said. “And I know I’m speaking to the choir here. You guys are all advocates in your own way, and under our pastor’s leadership years ago … my notes from the dream conference, he said find a need and fill it, and it stuck with me.”
Sue Gagne Photo by Howard Owens.
Genesee County Manager Matt Landers Photo by Howard Owens.
Speaking, Genesee County Legislative Chair Shelley Stein. Photo by Howard Owens.
County Mental Health Director Lynda Battaglia. Photo by Howard Owens.
Tyler J. Burns, 20, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Burns was arrested after Batavia patrol officers were dispatched to the McDonald's on East Main Street, where Burns was allegedly doing burnouts in the drive-thru lane on June 28 (time of day not released). He was issued an appearance ticket.
Darien L. Rhodes, 31, of Batavia, is charged with robbery 3rd, criminal contempt 1st, criminal mischief 4th, and harassment 2nd. Rhodes is accused of violating an order of protection, forcibly stealing a set of keys from another person and damaging property during a fight at a location on Oak Street. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held.
Carl E. Canterbury, 53, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th. Canterbury was arrested June 28. During a traffic stop in March, he was allegedly found in possession of what turned out to be cocaine. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.
Kenneth B. Jordan, 31, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd and criminal contempt 2nd. Jordan is accused of violating an order of protection and slicing the tires of a vehicle in the driveway of the person he wasn't supposed to contact. He was arraigned and released.
Shane P. Herzog, 38 of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on July 3. Herzog was previously arrested for bail jumping 3rd but allegedly failed to meet the conditions of a plea agreement. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.
Reicha B. Morris, 40, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Morris is accused of shoplifting from Tops. While being taken into custody, she was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Leon C. Bloom, 42, of Penfield, is charged with DWI. Bloom was charged following a traffic accident on West Main Street, Batavia, on June 29. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Joshua L. Clair, 42, of Attica, is charged with DWI. Clair was charged following a traffic stop on June 30 on East Main Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Adam J. Arsenault, 38, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Arsenault is accused of threatening a neighbor on June 29 on Hutchins Street during an argument. He was arraigned and released.
Janna Marie Stirk, 41, of Orchard Street, Albion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to obey a police officer. Stirk allegedly failed to obey traffic directions at 10:53 p.m. on July 11 at Darien Lake following a concert. Stirk was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Mason Schultz. Stirk was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.
Jeffrey Robert Roth, 58, of South Main Street, Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Roth is accused of violating an order of protect at 7:22 on July 8 at a location on Veterans Memorial Drive. Roth was held for arraignment.
Moises Casarez, 43, of Leona Lane, Hamlin, is charged with DWI. Casarez was charged following a traffic complaint on Park Road, Batavia, at 2:20 a.m. on July 13. Sgt investigated the complaint. Mathew Clor. Casarez was held pending arraignment.
Joseph Degweck, Jr., 52, of Pine Street, East Aurora, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Degweck is accused of possession of a controlled substance at 10:20 on July 7 at a location on Main Road, Pembroke. He was held pending arraignment.
Alexander Michael Petrocci, 30, of County Road A, Farmington, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and speeding. Petrocci was stopped at 10:52 p.m. on July 13 on South Lake Road, Pavilion, by Deputy Jacob Kipler. Petrocci was jailed pending arraignment.
Dawn Marie Testa-Turner, no age provided, of Johnson Hill Road, Lisle, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, running a red light, and improper left turn. Testa-Turner was stopped at 12:22 a.m. on July 13 by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell at Oak Street and Park Road, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.
J.D. Monroe Johnson, 24, of Wllmae Road, Rochester, is charged with failure to pay fine by court. Johnson was arrested on a warrant following a traffic stop at midnight on Nov. 13 and turned over to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office.
Ellicott Station left unprotected after the fencing was removed on Monday. Photo by Howard Owens
The fencing has been removed around Ellicott Station in downtown Batavia and a small work crew was spotted Monday on the premises performing some landscaping -- weed-whacking and the like -- to remove overgrown grass and weeds on the Ellicott Street property.
City Manager Rachael Tabelski has recently said that property owner Sam Savarino would be cited for lack of property maintenance as the area "is an eyesore" with overgrown weeds and grass. She did not respond to The Batavian's request for further comment Monday about the fencing being removed, and whether there's any concern about anyone getting onto the property during the time period the fencing is down, including later this year when the weather turns colder and the vacant site might be a tempting resting spot for transients.
Savarino likewise did not return a request for comment about the fencing, how long it was expected to be down, concerns about anyone getting onto the property, and how secure the building is at this point.
The Batavian will update this article when/if responses are received.
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.
