Fifteen artists and 39 paintings will be on display, and there will be a People's Choice Award in lieu of a traditional judge for the exhibit. Spectators will have an opportunity to cast their vote, and the winning artist will receive a $75 prize during the reception. 

"So please come out and vote for your favorite painting," organizers say.

A cash bar will be available at Tavern 2.0.1.

Submitted photos of Batavia Society of Artists' works.

Press Release

GO ART! Announces Upcoming Statewide Community Regrant Program Funding Opportunities and Schedule of SCR Grant Workshops. What is the SCR Program? The Statewide Community Regrant Program (formerly DEC) was developed by the New York State Council on the Arts in 1977 in response to a mandate by New York’s Legislature that there be a greater local involvement in funding decisions, affecting local non-profit organizations, offering artistic or cultural services and programs, and to ensure New York State’s cultural funding reached every part of the State.  The program is funded statewide – in all 62 counties, and funds are regranted by local arts agencies through a transparent peer panel funding process. 

An organization or individual with a fiscal agent that meets NYSCA and GO ART! criteria may request regrant funds.  Through the Statewide Community Regrant Program (also known as the SCR Program), GO ART!, NYSCA and the New York State Legislature hope to extend, upgrade and increase the arts and cultural programming in Genesee and Orleans Counties. The goal is to make state arts support available to geographically, economically, and ethnically diverse segments of the state’s population. 

SCR grants are designed to support and develop the capacity of individual artists, collectives, and small nonprofit organizations to develop high quality local arts projects and programming and contribute to Genesee and Orleans County communities by providing opportunities for the public to experience and engage with the arts. Emphasis is placed on the quality and artistic merit of proposed projects and the depth and authenticity of audience experience, participation and engagement. 

Through the SCR Program, GO ART! awarded over $100,000 to individuals and organizations throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties last year alone and over 1.5 million dollars in the 35 years that GO ART! has been administering the program.

Applications will be accepted from Sept 15 – Nov 1, 2022 for the 2023 SCR Grant Cycle.

Funding Opportunities:
Community Arts Grants (Reach Grants) provide seed grants to individual artists, collectives and arts organizations for projects and activities that enable Genesee and Orleans County communities to experience and engage with the performing, literary, media, and visual arts. Individual Artist Commission (RIPPLE Grant) supports local, artist-initiated activity, and highlights the role of artists as important members of the community. The Commission is for artistic projects with outstanding artistic merit that work within a community setting. 

The Arts Education Program (Spark Grant) is offered in two funding strands: K-12 In-School Projects and After-School and Community-based Learning. Funds can support arts education projects that take place in-school during the school day and/or in after-school and community-based settings for youth and/or senior learners and must be carried out in partnership with a public school or a community-based organization. Emphasis is placed on the depth and quality of the creative process through which participants learn through or about the arts. Projects must focus on the exploration of art and the artistic process. Inter-curricular collaboration for in-school projects is encouraged but not required.

Funding amounts differ from program to program, but the maximum allowable project request from each applicant is $5,000. Applicants may submit up to THREE separate project requests in any grant cycle, with the total of all requests not to exceed $5,000.

Who is Eligible?

• Nonprofit organizations, NYS incorporated nonprofits, agencies of local government (not New York State agencies)
• Individual artists, groups or collectives, unincorporated entities must have a fiscal sponsor or community partner (see specific program guidelines)
• All applicants must be over the age of 18 and have a permanent address in the county in which the programming will take place.

Selection Process:

Awards are based on a competitive, transparent peer panel review process. A panel composed of artists, arts administrators, and community leaders (who work and/or reside in Genesee or Orleans county) review each project on the basis of its own merits and against others in the application pool. Awards are based on panel recommendations at the completion of the review
process. Limited funds are available, and priority is given to applications that meet the specific program criteria published within SCR guidelines.

Schedule of upcoming SCR Grant Workshops ALL potential applicants are required to attend a grant workshop. Registration is required at least two days prior to the scheduled workshop.

• Sat, 8/27 @ 10am GO ART! 201 E Main Street, Batavia
• Sat, 9/3 @ 10am, Virtual (zoom link will be provided upon registration)
• Tue, 9/6 @ 6pm, Woodward Memorial Library, 7 Wolcott St, Leroy
• Sat, 9/10 @ 10am, Hoag Library, 134 Main St, Albion
• Mon, 9/12 @ 5pm, Hollwedel Memorial Library, 5 Woodrow Drive, Pavilion
• Tue, 9/13 @ 6pm, Orleans YMCA, 306 Pearl Street, Medina
• Sat, 9/17 @ 10am, Haxton Memorial Library, 3 N Pearl St, Oakfield
• Mon, 9/19 @ 6pm, Virtual (zoom link will be provided upon registration)
• Tue, 9/20 @ 5pm, Byron-Bergen Public Library, 13 S Lake St
• Sat, 9/24 @ 5pm, Yates Community Library, 15 N Main St Lyndonville

For more information on the application process, to register for a workshop, to apply, or nominate a panelist please visit www.goart.org/grants. If you have any questions about the program contact the SCR Program Coordinator, Mary Jo Whitman, at mjwhitman@goart.org.

Last winter and this spring, Kegler (photo at right) handled the “floater” position for Team Zing, which represented the Youngstown Yacht Club at the IC37 Winter Series Lauderdale Cup race in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Kegler, who is entering his senior year at Batavia High School, figured that he wouldn’t be able to continue with that crew for this season’s races because he turned 17 in June – making him too old for the lone junior sailor post.

As fate would have it, however, one of the team members announced he would not be able to make the trip this year and stepped aside. Kegler threw his hat into the ring and, due to having gained experience in multiple areas on the boat, he was selected to fill the vacancy.

In his new “runner” role, Kegler will be called upon to trim the runners used on running backstays of offshore boats to adjust mast bend for different wind conditions.

The 26th Canada’s Cup will pit defending champion Royal Canadian Yacht Club, out of Toronto, against the Youngstown crew on Sept. 1-5 in Toronto.

“It feels great and I count it a privilege to be back with Team Zing after sailing last year in Canada's Cup and over the winter in Fort Lauderdale with all of them,” said Kegler, whose father, Charles, is vice commodore of the yard at YYC. “I am excited to be in my new crew position adjusting the running backstays.

“We have learned much more about the boat and proved we can win against excellent competition in the IC37 Class. We’re very confident going into this event.”

Kegler has fared well in other competition this summer, placing first in a Can-Am Regatta race on a J-111 class sailboat called Moneypenny, owned and skippered by Doug Clarke. He is part of the bow team on Moneypenny, manning the mast position.

Team Moneypenny is anticipating traveling to Cleveland later in September to race in the J-111 North American Championship and to Key West, Fla., in January for the Southernmost Regatta.

He also competed in the Junior Can-Am Regatta at YYC and in the 420 North American championship at the Buffalo Canoe Club, located at Crystal Beach, Ontario. The majority of the 420 fleet are collegiate sailors, many from climates that allow for year-round racing and practicing.

Previously: Batavia High student finds smooth sailing as junior member of Youngstown Yacht Club racing crew

Submitted photo: Charlie Kegler, in blue life vest, and his teammate maneuver their sailboat in waters off shore of the Youngstown Yacht Club.

In an ongoing effort to meet people right where they’re at, the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse staff is offering an “open access” first step to substance use disorder recovery.

“We’re pleased to announce that men and women seeking detoxification are able to come to our Detox Center (attached to the Atwater Community Residence at 424 East Main St.) without appointment from Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. to begin their path to wellness,” said Allison Parry-Gurak, GCASA’s director of Residential Services.

Upon arrival at the recently-opened Detox Center, which provides 16 beds for short-term (usually three to seven days) detoxification treatment and services, the person in need will be screened by a medical professional and, if appropriate, will be assigned to a bed the same day, Parry-Gurak advised.

The facility enlists the services of medial and technical staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week and counseling services 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Our Detox Center employees are specially trained and certified to assist people who require these short-term services – those showing mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms and suffering from mild, moderate or severe substance use disorder stemming from alcohol, opioid or benzodiazepine addiction.”

Parry-Gurak said the Detox Center – along with GCASA’s supportive living residences – have beds available.

“We encourage people not to try and detox at home,” she said. “Here, we will provide the care and treatment they need – meeting with a counselor every day, participating in individual and group therapy sessions and supported by peer advocates – before guiding them to medically-assisted treatment.”

The Detox Center is, in many cases, the initial phase in the road to recovery provided by GCASA.

After detoxification, patients can transition to the Atwater Community Residence, a 17-bed facility for men and women that provides counseling and treatment services for up to a six-month stay.

“The criteria (for admission) is a bit different,” Parry-Gurak said. “People have to have at least 10 days since their last (substance) use, but it is open to those struggling to an expanded area of substance use disorder.

GCASA’s supportive living program features 24 beds in Genesee and Orleans counties.

Parry-Gurak said supportive living works well for adults who have been in recovery for some time and are ready for independent care.

“It’s apartment-style living, with openings for men and women,” she said, adding that appointments are required for entry into Atwater and the supportive living homes (by calling 585-813-6508).

As far as the Detox Center’s benefits, she said having the facility in Batavia makes it much easier for Genesee area residents to get immediate help.

“In the past, we would have to send people to Erie County Medical Center, Strong Memorial (in Rochester) to Warsaw (Wyoming County Community Hospital),” she said. “With our center now open and having all insurance approvals in place, we’re providing that immediate care for those still actively using.”

For more information about the Detox Center, call 585-815-1860.

Submitted photo: The Detox Center at GCASA, which opened in March, is attached to the rear of the Atwater Community Residence on East Main Street.

Disclosure: Mike Pettinella is the publicist for GCASA.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement after voting against the reconciliation package falsely named the “Inflation Reduction Act” that was forced through the Senate and House without bipartisan consensus. 

“Despite record inflation and an economic recession, Democrats have once again used the partisan reconciliation process to force through a wildly irresponsible bill filled with billions in new taxes and spending. The bill will ratchet up taxes on companies that will drive our economic comeback and hire 87,000 IRS agents to audit Americans of all income levels.

“This legislation is not an inflation reduction bill. It will not ease your pain at the pump or when buying groceries, and it will not improve our economy or pull us out of Biden’s recession. This bill is a massive expansion of the federal government and its administrative power over our economy and your wallet. It is irresponsible and the last thing Americans need as we endure a recession caused by Democrats’ reckless spending.”

Press release:

School is out which means expanding Genesee County Workforce Training Programs began to help students prepare for skilled labor jobs with employers in the GLOW region.

The Genesee Valley BOCES has hosted the recently completed Cornell in High School Dairy Processing Bootcamp and the start of the Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship bootcamps that connect high school graduates from the GLOW region with local manufacturers within the dairy processing industry and mechatronics field.

During Cornell in High School, recent high school graduates were provided classroom instruction and on-site training for potential career opportunities with area companies. Students attended the Dairy Processing Bootcamp free of cost and received a $500 value training certificate.

“It was encouraging to see the strong turnout and engagement by students who are ready for careers in dairy processing,” said Cornell Dairy Processing & Marketing Specialist, Anika Zuber Gianforte. “Students gained valuable skills and connections through Cornell and our participating employers that they can use to grow rewarding careers right in their backyard."

The Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Program trains students in a wide variety of mechatronic simulation settings to prepare them for in-demand career opportunities in positions such as machine builders, CNC mechanists, electronics technicians, and other positions within the mechatronics field. Students receive in-class instruction along with paid on-the-job training with local employers such as Bounduelle and Tambe Electric.

“Youth and pre-apprenticeship programs allow students to better prepare for high-demand mechatronics careers,” said Rich Turner, Director of Workforce Development for the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association. “The combination of classroom and on-the-job training is giving students the skills needed for our advanced manufacturing workforce while setting them up for success for years to come.”

Genesee County workforce training programs continue to grow year after year as there is strong demand among area companies for workers. There are hundreds of immediate job openings in the food and beverage manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, and service technician sectors.

“Thanks to our local government partners, companies are expanding their operations by investing in our shovel-ready sites and creating new jobs,” said GCEDC Vice President of Business & Workforce Development Chris Suozzi. “Companies are taking notice of the favorable business ecosystem being built in the GLOW region and the ability to hire into an engaged and ready workforce.”

The workforce development schedule will continue into the school year, with the annual GLOW With Your Hands on Sep. 27 in Batavia.

Submitted photos

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the lineup for indoor fall concert dates, which will take place inside Park Place this fall on select Fridays.

On Friday, Sept. 2, Batavia Downs welcomes Forever Seger – The Silver Bullet Experience.  Forever Seger creates a dynamic journey through the timeless music of Bob Seger featuring lead singer, Kevin Reid. Authentic vocals, commanding performance, and Reid’s unmistakable 1970’s Seger-look captures their audience and propels The Silver Bullet Experience onto the top-ranking concert stages and festivals in North America.

Bennie and the Rest: A Tribute to Elton John makes their Batavia Downs debut on Friday, Nov. 4.  The band of incredible musicians takes you on a journey through the musical hits of Sir Elton John.  The show is headlined by Rochester Native and Broadway veteran, Jason Ostrowski.

“We are excited to extend our events back inside for the fall,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “The Pepsi Rockin’ the Downs concert series was a tremendous success, and we look forward to providing more entertainment throughout the fall and winter months.”

Tickets for these two shows will be available at www.BataviaConcerts.com beginning at 4pm on Monday, August 15^th.

Tickets for the two tribute shows mentioned above are $15 for GA and $25 for VIP, which gives access to the first 2 rows.   All tickets can be redeemed for $10 in Free Play at Player’s Club within 24 hours of the show. 

Tickets are also on sale for already announced events:  Batavia Downs Catches the Polka Buzz – A Polka Party with WBBZ and the 2022 Vodka & Gin fest presented by Stoli and Ford’s Gin.

Press release:

Due to a continuation of the Richmond Ave Water Project, the City of Batavia Water Department will be shutting down water mains in the areas of Oak Street, Prospect Ave and State Street starting on Tuesday, August 16, 2022.  The specific street locations with possible water interruptions will be on Prospect Ave from Richmond Ave to Oak Street and on the West side of Oak Street from Prospect Ave to the Ellicott Ave and Main Street intersection.  Additionally, State Street, from the Richmond Ave intersection to just South of Park Ave may also experience a water shutdown while a new water main valve is cut in on State Street.

The length of time the water will be off is unknown.

As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored.  Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

We apologize for any inconvenience and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.

Press release:

More than 800 pounds of butter has arrived at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, N.Y., as construction of one of Central New York’s best-kept secrets and most beloved attractions gets underway – the 54^th Annual American Dairy Association North East Butter Sculpture, sponsored by Wegmans.

Sculptors Jim Victor and Marie Pelton unpacked the butter and their tools and have begun work on the sculpture. The butter comes from Batavia, N.Y.-based producer O-AT-KA Milk Products.

The butter used for the sculpture is out of specification for retail sale for a variety of reasons, so American Dairy Association North East works with the sculptors to put it to good use by creating a beautiful piece of art that thousands enjoy.

Even after the Fair, the butter doesn’t go to waste. Instead, it will be sent to Noblehurst Farms, a dairy farm in Pavilion, N.Y., where it will be recycled into renewable energy in a digester along with other food waste.

“I really love that this iconic attraction repurposes butter not just once, but twice – first by turning unusable product into an artistic sculpture, and then after the fair, by recycling it into renewable energy on a dairy farm,” says John Chrisman, CEO, American Dairy Association North East. “I encourage fairgoers to visit the Dairy Products Building and see the annual Butter Sculpture that always pays tribute to our hardworking dairy farm families who work 365 days a year to sustainably and responsibly produce milk.”

American Dairy Association North East will unveil the 54^th Annual Butter Sculpture to the media and live on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AmericanDairyNE/ on Tuesday, August 23^rd, the day before the Fair officially opens. It will then be on display in the Dairy Products Building for the duration of the 13-day Fair.

• Ribbon cutting 2pm
• Tastings 2pm-8pm
• Cookie decorating with Pam 2-4pm
• Face painting and more with Marcia 5:30-7:30pm

Visit us/order online

Press release:

The Genesee County Manager’s Office is pleased to announce the hiring of Steven Falitico as the new Public Communication and Web Design Specialist for Genesee County, NY. This newly created position is responsible for developing, designing and coordinating web sites and various social media platforms and disseminating news and information through a variety of media outlets. Steven will work closely with department heads and local news media to promote community awareness, while also focusing on planning and organizing necessary budgetary resources to enhance marketing and communication development for Genesee County, NY.  County Manager Matt Landers commented, “This position will allow the County to better serve the community by putting a focus on communicating valuable and timely information through a variety of mediums and revamping the County website in a way that allows residents to have more resources at their fingertips.  We are confident Steven will hit the ground running and make an immediate positive impact to Genesee County.” 

Steven is a Genesee County native, graduating from Batavia High School in 2010 and attending college at both SUNY Brockport and SUNY Empire State College. He earned a B.S. Degree in Business Administration with Management Specialty and currently resides in Le Roy with his wife and two children.

He spent the last five years working as the Membership and Marketing Director at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce where he developed many skills including website development, e-mail marketing campaigns, social media advertising and promotion, photography, video production, search-engine optimization, community engagement, and public relations. His connections in the community and his technological skill-set make him an ideal choice for this new position.

“I am excited to get started in my new position and bring my skill-set into the County Manager’s Office. I have many new ideas and initiatives that I am ready to put into action for the betterment of Genesee County. The people in this community have always been good to me and I look forward to paying that kindness forward through my work to promote the county and engage with its citizens”, said Falitico.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C, I-Batavia) is imploring his colleagues in the Assembly and Senate to take action to save high school trap shooting competitions before a law (A.41001) takes effect Sept. 1 that would prohibit firearm possession in “sensitive locations,” which include all sporting events. This would also imperil the ability of sportsmen’s clubs and other sporting organizations to hold competitions for shooting sports, many of which are often held to support charitable causes.

In order to modify the law to address this effective ban on shooting sports events, the Legislature would need to convene for a special session before it takes effect in September. Assemblyman Hawley is encouraging residents to sign a petition, linked here, that is calling on Gov. Hochul and her colleagues in the Legislative Majority to take action to prevent the banning of high school trap shooting competitions.

“Trap shooting is one of the safest sporting activities our young people take part in, which also promotes an understanding and respect for firearms and their safe handling,” said Hawley. “Moreover, this bill as written threatens the existence of competitive shooting sports categorically, a celebrated tradition enjoyed throughout New York state by spectators and sportsmen alike for centuries. I don’t believe anyone in our Legislature sees clay-pigeon shooting contests as a threat to public safety, so I sincerely hope we can come together and agree to fix what is a clear error in this legislation as it was passed.”

Press release:

The Le Roy American Legion, Botts-Fiorito Post 576 is seeking nominees for selection as the 2022 “LeRoyan of the Year Award”.  This year will mark the 53rd year in which the Award has been presented.

The award is sponsored as part of the four pillars of the American Legion ”Americanism” program and recognizes people who demonstrate the following qualities:

• A man or woman who exemplifies the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of flag and country, regardless of race, color or creed;
• Good citizenship by carrying out these principles, often beyond what is expected;
• Service to the community, signified by excellence in life of purpose and accomplishments;

The deadline for submission of nominations is Saturday, Sept. 3.

Award Banquet will be held Saturday, Oct. 15 at 7:00 p.m.

Submission forms may be picked up at the American Legion 53 West Main Street.  Or you may submit your own version but must include as a minimum:

Individual’s service to the community, church, or volunteer organization(s). In addition, service may include volunteer time in schools, hospitals, church; any position the individual may have or held and length of service

Mail or drop off sealed submissions to:

American Legion, Botts-Fiorito Post 576
Attn: Jerry Diskin, LeRoyan of the Year Award Committee
53 West Main Street
LeRoy, New York 14482-1426

OR e-mail to gdiskin@rochester.rr.com

Press release:

Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H members who participated in the 4-H Livestock Shows at the 2022 Genesee County Fair.  At the completion of the individual 4-H Livestock Shows, an Overall 4-H Livestock Master Showmanship Contest was held on Friday, July 29^th.  The winners of master showmanship in each individual livestock show competed in the contest and Clare Mathes was named the 2022 Overall 4-H Livestock Master Showman. 

4-H Beef Show:

• Senior Showmanship – Autumn Mathisen
• Junior Showmanship – Colten Sugg
• Master Showman – Colten Sugg
• Supreme Champion Heifer – Colten Sugg
• Champion Market Steer – Madelynn Pimm

4-H Goat Show:

• Senior Dairy Goat Showmanship – Ella Christ
• Junior Dairy Goat Showmanship – Adeline Mangino
• Novice Dairy Goat Showmanship – Eleanor Hudson
• Master Dairy Goat Showman – Ella Christ
• Best in Show Dairy Doe – Levi Miller
• Senior Meat Goat Showmanship – Clare Mathes
• Junior Meat Goat Showmanship – Emma Tanner
• Master Meat Goat Showman – Clare Mathes
• Best in Show Meat Doe – Lily Haacke

4-H Hog Show:

• Senior Showmanship – Brendan Pimm
• Junior Showmanship – Thomas Keele
• Master Showman – Thomas Keele
• Champion Gilt – Thomas Keele

4-H Market Animal Auction Beef Steer Show:

• Senior Showmanship – Caleb Carlson
• Intermediate Showmanship – Kylie Paddock
• Junior Showmanship – Makayla Sugg
• Beginner Showmanship – Logan Bezon
• Master Showman – Caleb Carlson
• Reserve Master Showman – Makayla Sugg
• Champion Beef Steer – Caleb Carlson
• Reserve Champion Beef Steer – Colten Sugg

4-H Market Animal Auction Dairy Steer Show:

• Senior Showmanship – Maggie Winspear
• Junior Showmanship – Chase Zuber
• Master Showman – Maggie Winspear
• Champion Dairy Steer – Chase Zuber
• Reserve Champion Dairy Steer – Bing Zuber

4-H Market Animal Auction Goat Show:

• Senior Showmanship – John Riley
• Junior Showmanship – Riley Smith
• Beginner Showmanship – Kiely Coast
• Master Showman – John Riley
• Champion Market Goat – Layla Baker

4-H Market Animal Auction Hog Show:

• Senior Showmanship – Caleb Carlson
• Intermediate Showmanship – Cody Carlson
• Junior Showmanship – Thomas Keele
• Beginner Showmanship – Brynn Weaver
• Master Showman – Caleb Carlson
• Reserve Master Showman – Thomas Keele
• Champion Market Hog – Aiden Warner
• Reserve Champion Market Hog – Carson Warner

4-H Market Animal Auction Lamb Show:

• Senior Showmanship – Taylor Fancher
• Junior Showmanship – Colten Sugg
• Beginner Showmanship – Adeline Mangino
• Master Showman – Colten Sugg
• Champion Market Lamb – Colten Sugg
• Reserve Champion Market Lamb – Taylor Fancher

Submitted photo: Participants in the 2022 4-H Overall Livestock Master Showman Contest, Left to Right: Ella Christ, Maggie Winspear, Brendan Pimm, Clare Mathes, Thomas Keele, Colten Sugg, Madelynn Pimm, Amelia Brewer, Kasey Pagels.

Press release:

There’s something sneaking around the corner​... Fright Fest at Six Flags Darien Lake! ​We're hiring for over 200 ghostly and eerie individuals to join the ​Entertainment team as Scare Actors, costume designers, make-up artist,s and technicians! Applicants may apply online at www.sixflags.com/darienlake/jobs or by texting “SCARE” to 220MONSTER.

Potential candidates can also visit Six Flags Darien Lake’s Human Resources Building during office hours, Monday – Sunday from 9 a.m. to  5 p.m.. Applicants will need to provide two forms of ID.

Six Flags has more than just thrills… it brings on the CHILLS!

Press release from Automobile Association of Ameria:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.96, down 10 cents from one week ago. One year ago, the price was $3.18. The New York State average is $4.34, down 9 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.23. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $4.40 (down 5 cents from last week)
• Buffalo - $4.39 (down 7 cents from last week)
• Elmira - $4.36 (down 6 cents from last week)
• Ithaca - $4.50 (down 9 cents from last week)
• Rochester - $4.45 (down 9 cents from last week)
• Rome - $4.53 (down 10 cents from last week)
• Syracuse - $4.43 (down 8 cents from last week)
• Watertown - $4.57 (down 11 cents from last week)

On Thursday, the national average dropped below $4 per gallon for the first time since March 5. In the spring, oil prices spiked in reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, leading the national average to a new all-time high.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand increased from 8.54 million b/d to 9.12 million b/d last week. However, the rate is 307,000 b/d lower than last year. Moreover, according to EIA, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 5 million bbl to 220.3 million bbl. Although gasoline demand has increased and supply has tightened, lower oil prices have helped lower pump prices. If oil prices continue to decline, drivers will likely continue to see pump prices decrease.

Crude oil prices rose slightly last week after the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported a smaller than expected increase in inflation last month at 8.5 percent. The rise in market optimism helped to boost prices despite the EIA reporting that total domestic crude supply increased by 5.4 million bbl last week. Since then, crude prices have dropped back down and, as of this morning, range from $90 to $96 per barrel.

From Gas Buddy:

“For the ninth week straight, gas prices have continued to fall, but the streak is at great risk of being broken this week with wholesale gasoline prices having bounced back up some 40 cents per gallon as oil prices have rebounded," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "That means the decline in average prices could wrap up soon, with some price increases possible as early as this week, especially in areas of the Great Lakes. While the West Coast and some areas of the Rockies may see prices continue to drift lower, I do believe the national average could tick higher this week as the better than expected jobs report last week likely means less demand destruction than anticipated."

Flashback plays "Lodi" during the First Presbyterian Church of Elba bicentennial picnic in the Elba Village Park on Saturday.

That's just one measure of how much history has passed since the church's founding 200 years ago.

"Two hundred years is a long time for a small church in a rural community to be able to hang in here," said the current pastor, Rev. Barbara Tipton (inset photo). "They have seen the Civil War and the Depression and World War I, World War II, all that history they have gone through and watched the history of this country and the development of this country."

That long history shows the spirit of the people of Elba, Tipton said during a bicentennial celebration picnic in the Elba Village Park on Saturday. The picnic included live music, food served by Elba's Boy Scouts, a petting zoo, a balloon artist, and a bounce house.

"They've been through several fires and rebuilds and they still hang in there," Tipton said. "They're tenacious. They need to be in a community like this that has seen all kinds of changes. They're salt of the earth. They have the muck in their blood. The nature of farming makes you strong."

The church is healthy, Tipton said, with about 100 members and strong regular attendance from much of the congregation. Tipton has led the flock for 15 years, making her the third-longest tenured pastor in the church's history.

"We're fortunate that we have a choir director and an organist," Tipton said. "Many churches our size don't have that, and our members contribute to their community through food pantries and special offerings. They are generous people when it comes to answering a need, and expressed needs when people have them, within their limitations. They do the best that they can out of generosity of spirit. You have to admire that."

Photos by Howard Owens

Michele Keberle makes friends with a calf born earlier Saturday morning.

As the ReAwaken America Tour's stop at Cornerstone Church in Batavia wore on during its second day on Saturday, members of the Democratic Socialists of America gathered in Austin Park for a "teach-in" about fascism. 

There were about 40 people at the gathering.

The Batavian was present for a talk by Rev. Jennifer Butler, author of the book "Who Stole My Bible?"

Butler said what drew her to Jesus Christ was his radical message for his times, resisting the Roman government and the Pharisees. 

"Who stole my Bible? Christian nationalists stole it," Butler said. "What do we need to do to reclaim Scripture as a handbook for resisting tyranny? Scripture, when you read it the right way, is actually a radical book."

Starting with Constantine, Butler said, people with a lust for power and the power of the state have been distorting the message of Christ to their own ends.

"Ever since then, there's been this tendency, as there is throughout history with all religions, and in all contexts to co-opt religion in order to control people," she said. "It started with Constantine. We saw it during the Crusades. We saw it under Hitler."

She said today there is a global movement with impetus from Putin's Russia to use religion to promote authoritarianism.  

"These global oligarchs and global authoritarians are weaponizing religion and relating to each other globally to enrich themselves and to strengthen their own power," Butler said. "They're kind of like global crime syndicates that are also abusing and using religion to control people."

The strategy employed by authoritarians is to divide and conquer, Butler said. They manipulate people's emotions.

"I think first and foremost, in the people who are getting drawn in, it's fear. Fear gets weaponized. That's why actually, Scripture -- sorry to quote Scripture so much, because I know Christianity really pisses people off -- but the Bible says over and over again, perfect love casts out fear."

A 66-year-old man from Warsaw died yesterday as the result of injuries sustained in a crash on Route 19 in Le Roy at 1:20 p.m.

Following the accident, Duane R. Hamill was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

According to State Police, Hamill was driving a 1994 Ford F-15o pickup truck southbound on Route 19 when the truck swerved into the oncoming lane and struck a 2015 Chevrolet Trax.  The pickup truck exited the roadway and overturned, ejecting Hamill.  

The name of the other driver was not released by State Police. That person was transported to Strong with non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the NYSP Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.