Santa Claus made his annual visit this weekend to Oliver's Candies in Batavia.  There will undoubtedly be many happy children come Christmas morning.

Photos submitted by Oliver's.

Top photo: Aurora Friesema & Lily Harder gave Santa a big hug.

Avery Nelson expressed her wishes to Santa.

Nate, Alana, and Kyle Mlyniec with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

First Santa visit for four-month-old Emmalynn Staub.

Oliver’s employees: Heather Cole, Renee Chapell, and Elizabeth Rindell.

Julie Heale with her granddaughter Rosalea Heale holding a bunny from WNY Tiny Petting Zoo.

Kennedy Pedraza, age 6, holding a bunny from WNY Tiny Petting Zoo.

The new pretreatment plan at O-At-Ka Milk Products, Inc., is operational -- and that is good news for the Upstate Niagara Cooperative-owned facility at 700 Ellicott St.

However, according to Chief Executive Officer William Schreiber, the company’s inability to increase the amount of wastewater it sends into the City of Batavia’s Waste Water Treatment Plant has not changed – and that is not so good news as talks with city officials in that particular area have stalled.

“Once the city decided not to accept our offer to help accelerate oxygenation of the (WWTP) lagoons, we directed all our resources to the successful commissioning of the new pretreatment plant,” Schreiber said today by email in response to questions from The Batavian.

“We have not been in touch with the city regarding any additional loading for the past two weeks; hence, we assume their position hasn’t changed.”

An email sent around 1 this afternoon to City Attorney George Van Nest seeking an update on the WWTP’s recovery to permitted Dissolved Oxygen levels has yet to be returned.

Because the city has restricted O-At-Ka’s discharge over the past few months, the company has been forced to transport wastewater from its property to other locations.

“Hauling of wastewater has continued to be reduced on a daily basis throughout the commissioning of the new plant,” Schreiber said, pointing out that it has cost O-At-Ka more than $1 million in trucking related charges.

Meanwhile, workers have continued to upgrade the milk processing plant’s pretreatment capabilities.

“We began commissioning (the new plant) one week ahead of schedule,” Schreiber said. “Since then, we have been steadily increasing both the flow and organic loading to the new plant.  As of the end of last week, things are progressing according to plan.”

The CEO said O-At-Ka is incrementally increasing flow to the new pretreatment plant and decreasing flow to the older plant, which are located off Cedar Street.

“We are presently operating at approximately 50 percent capacity from design flow and 35 percent capacity of design loading.  In both cases this has doubled in the past seven days,” he added.

Schreiber said he is encouraged by the “numbers,” explaining that “the biology is starting to attach to the media and growth is proceeding consistent with expectations.”

He said a new equalization tank will be incorporated as the main flow tank by the end of the month and assembly of the new Dissolved Air Flotation has been completed on site along with the installation of the polymer addition line.

The DAF, not part of the original design, helps facilitate a process that removes solids before the wastewater enters the Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor and reduces the load.

The situation regarding O-At-Ka’s wastewater pollutant levels into the city’s lagoons came to light in mid-October when John Gould, Upstate Niagara chairman, addressed city council.

At that time, Van Nest said the city had no choice but to issue a “cease and desist” letter to O-At-Ka after discovering exceedingly high levels of contaminants in wastewater discharged by the facility.  More recently, the city attorney reported that the lagoons are returning to normal levels, but still have a ways to go.

Previously: City sends 'cease and desist' letter to O-At-Ka Milk as issues at waste water treatment plant continue

Previously: Meeting with engineers working with city give O-At-Ka CEO optimism that wastewater issue can be solved

Michael Robbins, 61, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Robbins was allegedly found with an unidentified substance on him during an interaction with police at an incident at 7:20 p.m., Aug. 28. The substance was tested and found to allegedly contain methamphetamine and fentanyl. Robbins was arrested at the Genesee County Jail, where he is being held on other charges, and issued an appearance ticket.

Matthew W. Kurtz, Sr., 52, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th, attempted assault 3rd, and harassment 2nd.  Kurtz is accused of shoving another person and throwing an object at that person during a disturbance reported at 7:10 p.m., Nov. 16, at a location on Liberty Street, Batavia.  He was arraigned in City Court and ordered released on his own recognizance. 

Jesslyn F. Bigelow, 24, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving without insurance, driving a vehicle with a suspended registration. Bigelow was stopped at 1:56 a.m., Nov. 13, on Jackson Street, Batavia by a Batavia patrol officer. Bigelow was issued traffic tickets.

Christine Caplis, no age or residence provided, is charged with theft of services. Caplis allegedly failed to pay for services provided by a local restaurant on Ellicott Street, Batavia, at 8 p.m., Nov. 4. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Ziyad Ziyad Alhojaji, 22, of Geraldine Parkway, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny.  Alhojaji is accused of shoplifting from Walmart in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Tonya Marie Weber, 37, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Weber is accused of shoplifting from Five Below on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. Weber was released on an appearance ticket.

Michael R. Mullen, 37, of Oakfield, is charged with 10 counts of sex abuse, 1st (contact with a person less than 11 years old), course of sexual conduct, 2nd, with a child less than 11 years old, and 10 counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Mullen was arrested by State Police on Saturday. He was ordered held in jail. No further information released.

Theresa A. Gillette, 44, of East Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Gillette is accused of stealing in Bergen in an incident reported at 10:51 p.m., Sept. 14.  She was arrested by State Police and ordered held in jail. No further information released.

Sean M. Harloff, 31, of Farmington, is accused of grand larceny 4th. Harloff was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 12:53 p.m., July 6. He was ordered held in jail.  No further information released.

Michaela R. Bohn, 22, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal mischief 4th. Bohn was arrested by State Police in relation to an incident reported at 11:51 p.m., Nov. 10, in the Town of Batavia. She was released to a third party. No further information released.

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.41, down one cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.11. The New York State average is $3.57 – up one cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.22. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.47 (up two cents from last week)
• Buffalo - $3.47 (no change from last week)
• Ithaca - $3.52 (no change from last week)
• Rochester - $3.53 (no change from last week)
• Rome - $3.58 (up one cent from last week)
• Syracuse - $3.51 (no change from last week)
• Watertown - $3.60 (up one cent since last week)

Gas prices are relatively steady to start this week as oil prices dropped below $80 per barrel. Demand also declined over the past week according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). However, demand is expected to increase this week with Thanksgiving travel getting underway.

From Gas Buddy:

"With oil prices plunging nearly $10 from the recent peak of $85 per barrel, motorists will start to see gas prices decline nationwide, just in time for Thanksgiving, and the decline could stretch for several weeks," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "It's not impossible- so long as oil prices hold near these levels or continue falling- that the national average could shed 15 to 30 cents per gallon over the coming weeks, while some areas like California could see declines of as much as 25 to 40 cents. While there's reason to be optimistic that the peak of gas prices will soon be behind us, the decline in the price of oil is likely reflecting the possibility of a coordinated global release of oil from strategic reserves. If that doesn't happen, oil could again rally. However, with Covid cases on the rise again reducing global demand, it does seem the most likely outcome will be a drop in gas prices that could last several weeks."

Albion’s Reid Cole stepped into the Genesee Region USBC Senior Masters Tournament winner’s circle for the first time Saturday, topping LeRoyan John Lowe, 179-138, in the title match at Perry Bowling Center.

The 62-year-old right-hander was at or near the top of the standings throughout the scratch singles event’s four rounds, averaging 214 for his seven games. He earned $300, a free entry into the GRUSBC Scratch Memorial Tournament and a plaque for his efforts.

Only three other bowlers averaged 200 or better on the challenging lane conditions – Lowe (200), who won $160; Mike Johnson of Batavia (203), who placed third for $120, and Don Parrott of Warsaw (211), who finished fourth for $90.

Lowe defeated Johnson, 175-166, in the opening game of the three-bowler stepladder finals to earn the right to face Cole.

Cole was the third-high qualifier with 669 for three games, and then posted 393 in the two-game semifinals to reach the top six. From there, he rolled a 257 game to claim the top spot in the finals.

Lowe recorded 706 in qualifying – second to Parrott’s 709 – and went on to roll 386 for two games in the second round and 197 in the third round to advance. Johnson qualified seventh with 637 before posting 417 in the second round and 202 in the third round.

Bill Logan of Albion and two-time defending champion Mickey Hyde placed fifth and sixth, respectively, each winning $90.

Other cashers, all for $70, were Brett Van Duser of Perry, Duane Barrett of Warsaw, Scott Shields of Batavia, Fred Walters of Perry, Paul Spiotta of Batavia and Matt Balduf of South Byron. Steve Krna of Alexander cashed for $50.

The tournament drew 42 entries – 24 from the ages of 50-59, 12 from 60-69 and six in the 70 and over bracket.

FIFTEEN CASH IN WOMEN’S EVENT

Forty women competed in the 36th Gladys Ford Memorial Women's Senior Singles Tournament earlier this month at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

Cashers in the six age classifications are as follows:

75-and-Up -- Frances Matthews, 738, $86; Dawn Bertrand, 701, $75; Grace Bogle, 662, $50.

70-74 -- Georgene Della Penna, 654, $85; Margie Page, 613, $65; Kathy Pacino, 608, $45.

65-69 -- Arlene Underhill, 608, $85; Patricia Gilbertson, 569, $55.

60-64 -- Chris Bovee, 735, $100; Dawn Luckenbach, 614, $85; Linda Johnson, 607, $75; Karen Moran, 604, $60.

55-59 -- Terry Gilman, 603, $80; Pam Jenks, 592, $60.

50-54 -- Becky Arft, 580, $55.

Photo: Reid Cole, left, and John Lowe, champion and runner-up, respectively, of the Genesee Region USBC Senior Masters on Saturday at Perry Bowling Center. Submitted photo.

Nickie Fazio has no problem remembering when she joined the board of Genesee Cancer Assistance; it was in March 2017.

The year was to become an important one for Fazio, who had already lost her mother to ovarian cancer.

“I found out I had breast cancer the following month," she said Saturday evening during GCA’s 25th anniversary celebration. “This is something we had a need for in this area."

As a volunteer, former patient, board member and now current board president, Fazio encompasses nearly every facet of the organization that's integral to its success. Organization members celebrated those aspects throughout the evening at Batavia Downs Gaming with running slideshows; words of remembrance, recognition and hope; and relishing the nonprofit’s success to date. 

GCA’s humble beginnings were in 1995, founded as Genesee Cancer Care by Dorothy Schlaggel and Russ Romano. Both Schlaggel and Romano were unavailable to be at the event and shared some thoughts through letters sent to the board. Romano, a Batavia-based realtor, recalled a day in February 1995 when his friend Dorothy stopped in to see him. A cancer survivor herself, Schlaggel talked about her vision to establish a grassroots cancer organization after American Cancer Society closed its local doors here. 

At one point, Romano asked her “Why are you telling me this?” She explained that he knows a lot of people, and is organized, so she thought he’d be the perfect partner for this endeavor. He agreed, and they never looked back. 

Festival of Hope was the kick-off fundraiser, and it not only raised money but also awareness about the agency and what it was doing. Over the years that idea has been transformed into what the GCA has become today, he said.

Schlaggel wrote that two key events — Festival of Hope and GCA’s golf tournament — made that transformation possible. A gradual flow of contributions from other charitable organizations and "tremendous community support" allowed the effort to flourish, she said.

“I would like to say to all who give their time, effort and support to this worthy organization, thank you and God bless,” she said. 

Both Batavia residents had a shared desire to create an organization so that cancer patients living in Genesee County would have access to financial aid and a variety of support services. That first year brought in eight patients and gave them $945 for their out-of-pocket expenses. 11 years later there were 140 patients per year and financial assistance of more than $52,000. Now GCA serves nearly as many — 100 to 120 people — per month, and provides $600 a person and free admission to the Simply Beautiful program. 

More than two and a half decades have brought with them golf tournaments, spaghetti dinners, basket raffles, picnics, grants and other special projects. All totaled, those efforts have meant more than $1 million raised and dispersed to 2,000 patients. Financial assistance is provided to cancer patients to offset medical costs, trips to related medical facilities, prescriptions and Simply Beautiful, a program to assist cancer patients with the negative effects of cancer treatment on one’s hair and skin. 

Enter Joseph “Joe” Gerace, a city hair stylist who not only founded Simply Beautiful, but also became the face and heart of the program. He instructed cancer patients how to apply makeup and use and care for wigs as they dealt with cancer treatment’s physical effects. He also, apparently nudged people into getting involved before they knew what was happening.

“He’s special to a lot of people,” Master of Ceremonies Paul Figlow said. “Joe has a funny way of asking people … Joe doesn’t say would you mind being on the board of GCA? No. He said, Paul you’re on the board. He’s in our thoughts always.”

Gerace’s daughter, Karen Rowland, embraced her dad’s giving spirit as she shared how he would feel.

“He would be so proud of all of you, he would be so ecstatic,” she said to the crowd of 215 people. “Growing up I was raised knowing and hearing about Genesee Cancer Assistance. His involvement was in so many things, but especially Genesee Cancer Assistance and the Simply Beautiful program, which he created.”

Just for the occasion, she listed his attributes as they fit into the spelling of his name: J is for juggler, and “a heart so involved in so many organizations;” O is for having an open-door policy and being ready to talk and plan out the next new event; S for selfless, which was so evident by his presence at so many events; E for encourager; P for passionate; and H for helping others. And G as in Gerace, she said, "For get ‘er done." Her father "touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with," she said.

Event participants agreed. From Figlow and Fazio to volunteer Diane Martino, they all had Gerace to thank for bringing them on board with GCA.

“He’s one of the most wonderful, caring men I’ve ever met,” Fazio said. “He was so passionate about everything he did, and about the Simply Beautiful program. I know Joe would be so incredibly proud.”

She began to volunteer in 2015 before joining the board in 2017 and becoming president two years ago. Fazio was recruited to help Gerace, and readily admits that “wig care is not the same as hair care,” which makes the lessons so valuable to patients. When Gerace died in 2016, Fazio became even more involved with the program, she said.

"He motivated me to come and volunteer and help out," she said. 

Martino and her husband were friends with Gerace, and learned about the work he did at GCA.

“I just came and did stuff,” she said.  “It’s to help give back to the community.”

There’s a joke about her being a “poster child” for the agency, she said. It’s a literal term, since she has been seen so many times taping up event posters throughout town. Martino even brings along her own tape. She wants no specific recognition of herself, but of the group as a whole, she said.

Proclamations from Genesee County, New York State Assembly and Senate offices, and the City of Batavia took care of that. Each one recognized the efforts of GCA and its importance to the community. Genesee County Legislator Shelley Stein, who has battled cancer, added her own words to the proclamation's text.

“Those of us in this room will always remember the day of our diagnosis,” she said. “I’ve come to learn that hope lives in Genesee Cancer Assistance, and hope works through the people in this room. And our community is blessed.” 

Attendees at the 25th Genesee Cancer Assistance celebration Saturday enjoy dinner, take photos and listen to speakers Saturday at Batavia Down Gaming, including Genesee County Legislator Shelley Stein, in top photo presenting a proclamation to GCA Board President Nickie Fazio, GCA Executive Director Sue Underwood, Sue Underwood with volunteer Diane Martino, Karen Rowland, longtime GCA board member Dr. Roger Mudd and Master of Ceremonies Paul Figlow. Photos by Howard Owens

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies advanced toward every team's ultimate goal -- a chance to play for a state championship -- with 28-22 victory over Randolph in the Far West Regionals.

Bodie Hyde was 6-for-12 passing for 184 yards and three touchdowns in the Friday night game in Jamestown. He also had 107 yards rushing on 20 carries.

Gaige Armbrewster had 122 yards on 15 carries.  Noah Currier had a TD reception and a rushing TD, gaining 110 yards on three receptions. Kameron Cusmano had a 44-yard TD reception.  Kaden Cusmano had a 25-yard TD reception.

On Defense, Brayden Smith had 15 tackles and a forced fumble. CG Gottler had nine tackles and a sack. Connor Scott, five tackles, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery.

"This had to be our most impressive win of the season for sure," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "This was a very physical game and Randolph was a very tough opponent.

"To overcome in the second half the way they did was impressive and admirable.  Winning this game was a byproduct of their ability to take over the LOS (line of scrimmage) battle that we weren't winning in the first half and own it throughout the fourth quarter to finish the game.  Overall, this team is just incredibly excited that they get to keep playing football.  The show goes on!"

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

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Pavilion won two of six sets in the three-match, round robin New York State Public High School Athletic Association girls volleyball Class D championships Saturday, but it wasn't enough to advance the Lady Gophers to today's finals at Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls.

Coach Rex Eighmey's squad, which entered the state tournament with a 25-0 record -- without losing a set all season -- opened by splitting with Candor (Tioga County), 25-14, 23-25, and went on to split with Galway (Saratoga County), 25-20, 24-26, and lose to Mount Academy (Ulster County), 17-25, 14-25.

"We’re very proud of the girls," Eighmey said this morning by telephone from Glens Falls. "They left it all on the court. They didn’t give up."

The team's 2-4 record placed it behind Mount Academy's 6-0 and Galway's 3-3. Galway edged Candor 26-24 in its final set to claim the second spot.

Galway will take on Mount Academy at 2 p.m. this afternoon for the title.

Candor finished in fourth place at 1-5.

Eighmey said Pavilion, Candor and Galway were "pretty evenly matched" while Mount Academy was a cut above, calling it a "tremendous team with great hitters all around."

"They're definitely built to win, but we battled them," he said.

During the regular season and through the Section V Tournament and Far West Regionals, Pavilion was able to pull out the close matches. On Saturday, it dropped a couple -- one to Candor and one to Galway.

"We just weren't able to finish, but that's how it goes sometimes," he said.

Individually, junior middle hitter Lauren Kingsley was named to the All-Tournament team by compiling 13 kills and five blocks in the six sets.

Other leaders for Pavilion were Karlee Zinkievich, 13 kills and 13 digs; Paige Landers, 14 digs; Shea Amberger, six kills; Adeline Milligan, 10 kills and 12 digs, and Shannon Campbell, 26 assists and nine digs.

All told, prior to Saturday, the Lady Cougars won 38 consecutive matches in straight sets if you count the spring 2021 season.

Eighmey said he appreciated all of the community support, noting that his team had more fans in Glens Falls than the other participants.

“We have lots of people here. And then last night, we reserved a pizza shop and there were all kinds of people there as well," he said.

In Class C, Portville, the Section VI school that eliminated Le Roy in the Far West Regionals, posted a 6-0 mark and will face Millbrook (Dutchess County) at 2 p.m. today for the crown.

In Class AA, Victor, the only other Section V school in the state finals, went 6-0 and will go against Massapequa (Nassau County, L.I.) at 10 this morning.

The Pavilion Lady Gophers, pictured here with the Section V Class D2 trophy, put together a spectacular season -- winning all of its regular season matches before placing third at the NYSPHSAA championships in Glens Falls. Front from left, Shannon Campbell, Sara Logsdon, Paige Landers, Abby Lemley, Lily Macaluso, Karlee Zinkievich; back, Assistant Coach Rebecca Zinkievich, Jayvee Coach Betty Worthington, Shea Amberger, Lauren Kingsley, Adeline Milligan, Sara Laurie, Samantha Sikora, Coach Rex Eighmey.

Holland Land Office Museum in Batavia: 20th Annual Wonderland of Trees Gala

Update: 8 p.m.

The Batavia High Blue Devils and the Western New York Maritime Charter/Health Sciences Falcons squared off this afternoon in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class B football Far West Regionals at Williamsville South High School.

Scoring summary:

FIRST QUARTER

Batavia sophomore Cole Grazioplene received the opening kickoff and returned it 79 yards for a touchdown (photos below). Julia Petry's PAT was good. Batavia, 7-0.

After a Batavia fumble (photo below) gave the ball to WNY Maritime Charter/Health Sciences at the Batavia 24, senior Braylen Boyd ran for 19 yards before finding the end zone from five yards out (photo below). Damien Littleton rushed for the two-point conversion. WNYMC/HS, 8-7.

SECOND QUARTER

Following a short punt, Batavia took over and found the end zone again as quarterback Jesse Reinhart (running the ball in photo below) connected on a third-and-13 play with wide receiver Javin McFollins (photo below) for a 58-yard TD pass. Petry's PAT was good. Batavia, 14-8.

WNYMC/HS responded, putting together a seven-play, 46-yard drive – capped by a 27-yard halfback option pass from Zyke Taylor to senior running back Addison Copeland III with five minutes remaining. Batavia linebacker Kaden Marucci preserved the tie by stopping Littleton short of the goal line on the two-point conversion attempt. Game tied, 14-14.

THIRD QUARTER

No scoring.

Batavia's Aidan Anderson rips off a 49-yard run in the third quarter but a 10-play drive stalled after a sack and pass completion for no gain. The junior gained 115 yards on 13 carries. 

The Blue Devils' defense gave the run-heavy Panthers all they could handle. 

FOURTH QUARTER

Copeland broke several tackles behind the line of scrimmage, reversed his field and raced down the sideline for a 22-yard touchdown with 2:02 remaining. Jameer Thomas ran for the two-point conversion. WNYMC/HS, 22-14.

An interception by Damien Littleton with less than two minutes to play sealed the victory for the Section VI champions. Batavia also was hurt by three lost fumbles.

Photos by Jim Burns.

Batavia finishes at 10-2 while WNYMC/HS, also 10-2, moves onto the state Western semifinals next Saturday.

Press release from City of Batavia Democratic Committee:

We, the City of Batavia Democratic Committee, are disappointed with the City’s lack of leadership in this transition period of replacing prior City Councilperson Rose Mary Christian’s 6th Ward seat. Efforts by our Committee, as well as others, to contact the City Attorney - who is paid by our tax dollars - have resulted in being ignored on this matter, and the City Manager has not been direct, either.

We are disappointed in the City of Batavia Republican Committee for moving forward in this process without the City attorney being clear on the direction the Charter says. There is no time frame stated of when the Councilperon’s political party is checked in relation to this. A political party moving forward in a situation as gray as this one is atrocious to our system and an abuse of political power.

We urge the City attorney to do his job and take action to explain the legal interpretation of the Charter, and to provide a prior case of this situation occurring, as well as the precedent set by that instance. We want the Charter to be followed by all to ensure fairness rather than one political party choosing what happens. 

Press release:

With the recent increase in positive cases of COVID-19, colder weather and the upcoming holidays it is important to remember we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the beginning of flu season. 

“We are currently seeing a surge of positive COVID-19 cases across Genesee and Orleans Counties, the Finger Lakes and Western New York regions,” stated Paul Pettit, Director of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.  “We want families to be able to enjoy the holidays together, however we are encouraging them gather safely.”

As we come together to celebrate Thanksgiving this week and Christmas and New Year’s next month, here are some tips for a safer holiday season:

• If you aren’t vaccinated or have not gotten a booster, now is the time.  Talk with your primary care provider to determine what is best for you or if you have questions or concerns.
• Even if you don’t have symptoms, consider testing prior to any gathering to know your COVID-19 status so you are limiting potential spread.
• The more people a person is in contact with, and for longer periods of time, the greater the risk of being exposed to and transmitting COVID-19.  Limit time in large groups and increase space and/or wear face masks even if you are fully vaccinated. 
• Wash hands frequently and sanitizes shared items.
• If you are sick, experiencing COVID-19 or flu symptoms, are in isolation or quarantine, do NOT participate in any holiday activities until you are cleared and symptom-free. 
• If you are planning to attend a holiday/seasonal gathering and start experiencing symptoms, stay home, consider getting tested for COVID-19.  Isolate until you get your test results. 
• Limiting social contact is challenging for many people but there are still ways to be in contact without being in their physical presence.  Consider having your ‘gatherings’ over social media platforms.  You can still connect and have fun in the safety and comfort of your own home. 
• If you do choose to participate in various activities, wear face masks/coverings to minimize exposure indoors/outdoors when with people not in your household and when vaccination status is unknown. 

If you are seeking a booster (all adults are now eligible) or start vaccination you can visit www.GOHealthNY.org website and choose vaccination information.  GO Health has clinics at their respective health departments.  Registration is required for ALL vaccination clinics.

Orleans County vaccination clinics are scheduled for Tuesday, November 23^rd at the Orleans County Health Department, 14016 Route 31 West, Albion, NY.

• Moderna Boosters ONLY – 10:00-11:30 a.m.
• All doses (no pediatric appointments for 5-11-year-olds) – 1:30 -3:30 p.m.

Genesee County vaccination clinics are scheduled for Wednesday, November 24^th at the Genesee County Health Department, 3837 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY.

• Moderna Boosters ONLY – 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• All doses (no pediatric appointments for 5-11-year-olds) – 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Press release:

Are you a student who learns math and science best through projects and collaboration with peers?

The Western New York (WNY) P-Tech Academy provides students with a Regents diploma, a college degree and a career path - all in one program. Trade the traditional classroom for a new way to prepare for your future.
 

• Engage in a project-based learning environment and have fun while you’re learning
• Earn your high school credits while earning up to 27 college credits before even graduating from high school
• Meet business mentors and experience real-world employment experiences
• Earn an A.A.S. degree from Genesee Community College – FREE

The WNY P-Tech Academy is a Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH), supporting students in grades 9-14. This Genesee Valley (GV BOCES) program serves 13 regional school districts through a curriculum that places a strong emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning to prepare students for high-skill, financially stable careers in growth industries.  Students attending the WNY P-Tech Academy complete all necessary coursework for a New York State Regents Diploma as well as earn an Associate of Applied Science degree through Genesee Community College at no cost. Enrollment in this program is a six-year commitment for students and their school districts.

Students in this program choose Career and Degree Pathways. Each track is a gateway to profitable and fulfilling careers that are in demand by local industries. The pathways include Accounting, Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship and Marketing and Social Media. 

Come learn about the many opportunities this unique learning opportunity can provide!

An Open House is set for Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 6-7:30 p.m. The WNY P-Tech Academy is located behind the tennis courts at Byron-Bergen High School, 6917 West Bergen Road, Bergen, NY 14416.

To find out more about the WNY P-Tech Academy, please contact:

Catherine Bennett
Principal
585-494-1220 ext. 3137
cbennett@gvboces.org

Now that he’s had a couple days to regroup after the Le Roy Village Board’s rejection of a senior housing and building lot development on East Avenue, Mayor Greg Rogers said he believes that something else is bound to come along.

Rogers, speaking today by telephone, said he’s not quite ready “to take on another challenge” but did surmise that another project could come before the board in the near future.

“What usually happens in cases like this is that something else follows,” Rogers said. “Maybe it’s just single-family homes. We’ll have to see.”

On Wednesday night, lawmakers said no to a proposal by Batavia entrepreneur Eric Biscaro to construct a 30-unit duplex community for those 50 and over on a 20-acre parcel east of East Avenue and to develop 18 single-family building lots by extending East Avenue.

Three board members were against it and two, including Rogers, were for it.

“The whole thing took a lot of energy and life out of me,” the mayor said, noting that the plan was debated (at two contentious public hearings) and reviewed by lawyers, engineers and the board for more than seven months. “But, we still need to expand our tax base; my thought process hasn’t changed.”

Rogers said he tried to look at the project from the standpoint of both the village and Biscaro, who was prepared to invest several million dollars into the development, including the bulk of the cost of extending East Avenue.

“I was hoping for a win-win (situation),” he said. “Eric was a good candidate. He needed the PUD (Planned Unit Development zoning change for the senior apartments) to offset the cost of the road and single-family lots to make it a money-maker for him.”

At Wednesday’s board meeting, both Rogers and Trustee Jim Bonacquisti spoke highly of Poplar Lane resident Tom Frew, for his “professionalism” despite his opposition to the project. Frew distributed flyers and kept residents in the neighborhood abreast of the proceedings.

Contacted yesterday, Frew reiterated what he said from the beginning – that he wasn’t against development there but not in the form of an apartment complex.

“As (Trustee) Bill Kettle said the other night, ‘Strike while the iron is hot.’ That’s prime property. Let’s get some R-1 (Residential) down there,” Frew said.

He said he “buys into” the village board’s attempt at creating more taxable property, but would like to see something without a payment in lieu of taxes agreement for the potential developer.

“Eric needed a PILOT to do that and it greatly minimized for the first 30 years the amount of tax revenue (for the village),” Frew said. “Now, Eric would argue, rightfully so, that it's still more revenue than they're getting right now. But for the first 30 years, most of the tax revenue was going to come from the lots he was going to sell and people would build houses.”

Stormwater runoff was one of the reasons for opposition to the project, and that needs to be addressed, Frew said.

“There has to be some ways to stop this water from falling into the (Le Roy) golf course and Mercy Grove,” he said. “No matter what you put back there, you’ve got to deal with the water first.”

Rogers, who has 2 ½ years left on his term as mayor, said that engineers from two different firms determined that Biscaro’s plan would help to alleviate the current runoff situation.

“They both agreed that it would take care of part of it,” he said. “It would have been an improvement, but I guess that wasn’t good enough.”

Max Pies Furniture recently completed a facade renovation that both modernized the look of the building and kept the store's retro look.

"This is a special day for us here at  Max Pies Furniture today," said Steve Pies. "I personally grew up on the north side of town. This is the Southside of town where I spent a good portion of my adult life. I'm a big fan of the Southside going back to Pellegrino Bakery, the St. Anthony's lawn fete, and Kibbee Park. Huge thanks to VIele Construction, Ronnie and Paul Viele, for making this a reality today. We couldn't be happier with the new look and we kept the old-school sign flair."

After the official ribbon-cutting, retired County Manager Jay Gsell spotted a group of Jackson Primary students across the street and brought the giant Chamber scissors and some red ribbon over for the students to cut (photos below).

The property manager of Northside Meadows today said that he is optimistic that the United States Department of Agriculture’s regional office will approve a proposal that would enable his company to rectify code violations and pay back taxes in connection with the subsidized apartment complex at 335 Bank St.

David Renzo of V&V Development of Batavia said he appeared in City Court on Thursday after receiving a summons from the City of Batavia’s code enforcement department, which cited two of the Northside Meadows’ buildings for roof, drainage and fire code violations.

“The court, understanding that I’m trying to work out a plan with the USDA, has given me more time to correct the situation,” Renzo said. “I’m waiting for them to review and approve my proposals.”

Renzo said he hopes the USDA authorizes funding soon as he wishes to replace the roofs before winter.

“Over the past couple weeks, we put more tarps on it and, hopefully, weather permitting, if we can get approval on funding, we may be able to do it during the winter,” he said.

USDA funding also would take care of the tax situation, Renzo said. As of Oct. 25, Northside Meadows’ tax bill with the City of Batavia was $167,544.26.

City Code Enforcement Officer Doug Randall confirmed that the case has been adjourned to April 7, 2022.

A group of parents gathered at Batavia High School last night to drop off shoes with anti-vaccine mandate messages.

Each pair of shoes, they said, represented a child who wouldn't be able to attend school if Assembly Bill 8378 passes.

The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (District 81), would require school-aged children to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attend classes.

Jo Coburn, one of the organizers of the event said whether to get a child vaccinated should be a parental choice, an informed choice, she said.

"Operation Shoe Drop is a statewide silent protest that came about because of Dinowitz's bill mandating COVID vaccine for school-aged children," Coburn said. "It is still an emergency use. It's still not fully tested, and parents should have the right to choose."

When reminded that the Pfizer vaccine is now approved by the FDA, Coburn said, "they're still collecting data." 

Which is true.  It's also true that the VAERS database, operated by the CDC as an "early warning system" about adverse events (all reporters in the database are unverified and should not be used to draw conclusions about any vaccine), collects data on dozens of vaccines, some decades old. The research on vaccines, even ones approved by the FDA, never stops.

Coburn was reminded that the state has long mandated vaccines -- Baby Boomers remember being required to get the polio vaccine -- to attend school and she said, "There were exemptions until 2019. In New York State, there were exemptions for every single vaccine. And New York State is going to be the first state to mandate it for their kids and it should be available just for the children and the parents that want it. But it should be a choice."

According to the NYS Department of Health website, the list of required vaccines to attend public school include Diphtheria, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella,  Polio, and Chickenpox.  The state still allows for medical exemptions.

A8378 was introduced by Dinowitz on Oct. 20 and referred to the Assembly's health committee and has only two co-sponsors.

According to the CDC, all three COVID-19 vaccines are considered safe and effective.