Press Release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that tickets are now available for several indoor concerts in the Park Place Event Center on Thursdays throughout the upcoming Winter and Spring months.

All events will have General Admission tickets, and some will have VIP tickets.  All tickets include $10 back in Free Play to be redeemed at Player’s Club. These shows will all begin at 7 p.m.

“As Batavia Downs continues to grow with weekend events, we’re excited to introduce a brand new Thursday night concert series that stretches from mid-December to mid-May, “ said Byron Brown, President & CEO of Batavia Downs.  “With a wide range of musical acts, including Polka, Rock, Comedy and Country, we’ve got something for everyone.”

On December 19, Batavia Downs welcomes Terry Buchwald as Elvis Presley. This acclaimed musical experience showcases Terry Buchwald's talents, as he has done for many years, performing “The King” Elvis Presley’s greatest hits throughout the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. This show will have GA ($10) and VIP ($15) seating.

On January 9, WBBZ’s Polka Buzz returns to Batavia Downs. Listen to polka music from the New Direction Polka band while Ron Dombrowski hosts WBBZ’s weekly show. You may even see yourself on TV. This show will have $10 GA seating.

On January 16, “Band on the Run Live”, a Tribute to Sir Paul McCartney, will rock the Park Place Event Center stage at Batavia Downs. Take a trip through Paul’s music throughout his iconic and award-winning artistic career with the Beatles, Wings, and as a solo artist. This show will have GA ($10) and VIP ($15) seating.

On February 27, Jason Ostrowski will return to Batavia Downs to perform the greatest hits of piano-rock legends Elton John and Billy Joel! Enjoy back-to-back hits from the Piano Man and the Rocket Man live inside the Park Place Event Center. This show will have GA ($10) and VIP ($15) seating.

On March 13, 2025, Batavia Downs welcomes Frank Spadone's comedy. Frank has been featured at comedy festivals in Australia and South Africa and is a regular face at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, Canada. His movie credits include “Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle,” and he has appeared in several television series. This show will have both GA ($10) and VIP ($15) seating.

On April 10, 2025, following their acclaimed set during the Rockin’ the Downs Summer Concert Series, Tiny Music Band will grace the Park Place stage to perform a standing-room-only show. This tight, talented group will showcase their skills playing crowd-pleasing party hits throughout the night. This show is FREE. There will NOT be seats, but an ADA-seated section will be available for those who need it.

And finally, on May 22, 2025 the popular Zach Brown Tribute Band (ZBTB for short) will close out the Thursday concert series with a bang, playing a mixture of Zach Brown Band hits alongside country and rock classics. Known well throughout the area, this band is sure to please music fans of all genres. All tickets for this show are $15. This show will NOT be seated (ADA ticketed seats will be available).

General admission tickets are now available on BataviaConcerts.com, and the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop is located in the lobby of the main entrance of Batavia Downs. VIP tickets will be available exclusively at BataviaConcerts.com. Hotel Specials for select events are available on the Hotel Deals tab on BataviaDownsGaming.com.

Batavia Downs’ Summer Concert Series announcement will take place later in December.

Press Release:

The Batavia City School District is proud to announce that John Kennedy Intermediate School has earned recognition as one of U.S. News and World Report's "Best Elementary Schools" for 2025.

John Kennedy Intermediate School ranked in the top 40% of elementary schools in New York State. The ranking is based on student performance in mathematics and reading on state assessment tests, with additional consideration given to achievement in the context of socioeconomic demographics.

"This prestigious recognition from U.S. News and World Report is a testament to the extraordinary work happening every day at John Kennedy Intermediate School," said Superintendent Jason Smith. "Our students, teachers, staff, and families work together to create an outstanding learning environment, and this honor reflects their collective dedication to educational excellence. We are incredibly proud of the John Kennedy community."

"Our hardworking students and dedicated staff make John Kennedy Intermediate School a truly special place," said Principal Paul Kesler. "Every day, I witness the determination of our students and the unwavering commitment of our teachers and support staff to create an engaging, supportive learning environment. We look forward to celebrating this extraordinary achievement with our entire school community and sharing our continued success story with everyone who has helped make this recognition possible."

According to U.S. News and World Report, schools were ranked based on their students' proficiencies in mathematics and reading, as measured by state assessment tests. Half of the ranking formula was based on the results themselves, while the other half considered these results in the context of socioeconomic demographics. The rankings included more than 47,000 public elementary schools nationwide.

By Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

After a brief but concerning setback, the Cayuga marsh bald eagle pair and the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge nest camera project are back on track.

Two weeks after the nest camera, funded by Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (FINWR), began streaming on Oct. 19, disaster struck when high winds knocked down the cottonwood tree that the eagle nest had been perched in.

Since that time, the eagle pair has been busy building a new nest – fortunately within range of the new eagle nest camera.

The new nest cam project has been more than a year in the making.

In November of 2023, FINWR started planning to install a live camera at an active bald eagle nest on the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in Basom.

“We determined almost from the start that history and location were very important factors,” said outgoing FINWR President Garner Light of Gasport, who was instrumental in developing and implementing the project. “Based on those factors, the Cayuga marsh nest was our first choice. That location has been used for most of the last 25 years by bald eagles. It was also more accessible than the next best nest site. No other site on the refuge met both requirements.”

FINWR consulted with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service from the start to ensure that its plan complied with environmental regulations.

FINWR also found Bill Powers of the Pittsburgh area, who runs the Pixcams website,  https://pixcams.com, which hosts numerous wildlife cameras nationwide. Powers offered invaluable advice and technical expertise, and Pixcams offered a ready home for the nest cam streaming.

The FINWR board approved the nest camera plans during the summer months, and the proper equipment was ordered.

The group’s target for installation was early to mid-October, and it eventually settled on October 18, which turned out to be an ideal fall day. Plan A was to climb the nest tree, uninstall a camera that had been inactive for over 20 years and install the new camera in its place. The plan had to be altered when it was determined that the tree with the nest was not safe to climb. This prompted plan B, which was to install the camera in a tree near the nest.

Treeman Tom LLC and his crew donated their time and expertise to safely install the camera and secure the cables. The new camera went live on October 19th. The bald eagle action was amazing right from the beginning, and the camera gave a front-row seat.

“For two weeks, we watched, learned and engaged in wonderful conversation on the live camera chat,” Light said.

But on Nov. 1, after several days of high winds, the old nest tree blew over.

“We were heartbroken,” Light said. “The bald eagles largely disappeared for the next two days.”

But within four days, the eagles attempted to place branches in the tree right next to the old nest tree. Since then, they have worked diligently to build a new nest, which is almost the same size as the old nest.

The original camera, which hadn't worked in 20-plus years, was so popular that visitors to the refuge were still asking to watch it.

“This is a dream come true for FINWR. We are looking forward to increasing awareness of this beautiful place called Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge,” said new FINWR President Richard Moss of Medina. “We are currently working on designing a nest cam display with a large screen TV for the visitor center.”

He added that the FINWR website, https://FINWR.org, is also undergoing a redesign that will prominently feature the nest cam.

“Special thanks to refuge manager Tom Roster, Bill Powers, Treeman Tom and his crew, DEC’s Region 8 wildlife biologist, FINWR’s Emma DeLeon and the rest of the FINWR board,” said Light.  

Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Inc., has about 150 members and is a nonprofit corporation organized by volunteers dedicated to supporting the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (INWR) via fundraising, education, enhancement and preservation of the refuge and its wildlife.

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Press release:

Despite an unexpected shift to a one-day event due to weather, Northgate Church’s Vintage Christmas celebration was a heartwarming success this past Friday night! Families enjoyed plenty of cookies, bowls of delicious chili, and steaming cups of hot chocolate as they walked through the beautifully lit nativity scene in the woods. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event possible. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share the joy of Christmas with our community.

Submitted photos

The long road to completing a five-minute film about a scary kitty that was shot in Batavia this past year reached the milestone of a public screening at GO ART! on Saturday night after the Christmas in the City parade.

The film isn't online yet. Producer, director and screenwriter James DiLullo said the short will be entered into a number of film festivals and those festivals typically want exclusive access, so it will be a little while before you can view the film on YouTube (embedded below). 

DiLullo hosted a discussion with two of the lead actors who were able to attend the screening, Aurora Callery, and Roselyn Kasmire.

An audience member asked Callery what she drew on to inspire her character and the child actor said, "I just thought about my little sister, who loves cats. I just pretended I was my little sister."

At one point during filming, the cat playing "Kitty," Bunny "Kitbull" Buzzkill, scratched her, making a scare that looks like a smiley face, which she likes.

"She's very fat so she thinks my fingers are little hot dogs," she said.

Callery asked Kasmire, who plays a teacher, what she thought about while doing her scenes. Kasmire, who actually is a teacher in Buffalo, said in this case she didn't have to dig deep.  As animated as she is as a teacher in the movie, that is how she is with her students in real life.

For previous coverage, click here.

More than 70 people who spent their final days at Crossroads House in Batavia were remembered in a Love Lights Luminaries Ceremony in the garden outside the house.

Debbie Paine, executive assistant, led the brief ceremony.

Photos by Howard Owens.

On Saturday evening, area children could visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia and then pick a plush toy or some other day. The event was hosted by The Little Free Pantry.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Photos by Howard Owens

More pictures after the jump (click here)

Photos by Howard Owens

  Fillmore won the Warsaw Kiwanis Tip-Off Tournament on Saturday, beating Pavilion in the final 73-38.

In the consolation game, Byron-Bergen lost to Warsaw 50-47.

Liam Campbell and Landon Stoddard each scored eight points in the final for the Gophers. For Fillmore, Jonah Blakek scored 31 points.

In the consolation game, Cody Carlson scored 17 points, and Cole DiQuattro scored 11 points.

Photos by Kara Richenberg

Photos by Philip Casper

Notre Dame beat Barker 66-33 on Friday to open the season.\

Stats:

• Aiden Bellavia, 22 points 8 Rebounds
• Makell Walker, 13 Points, 5 assists 8 steals
• TJ Cephus, 11 points 5 assists
• Chase Antinore, 7 points, 7 rebounds

Photos by Pete Welker

Of all the things that BHS grad James DiLullo has done in his storied life so far, perhaps one of the bravest has been to occupy 20 high school seniors for 80 minutes — a fleeting thought that came to the film writer and director 12 minutes into his visit Friday afternoon.

He soon learned there was nothing to worry about as Laura Tenebruso’s creative writing class began to glean tidbits of a business major-turned-writing enthusiast’s career and watch his locally produced film, “Kitty,” while discovering some realities of their own class.

“Mostly, the writing is the basis for all of the things we see in life, communicating ideas for the written word; it's pretty much the greatest advancement in technology, right? And we shouldn't take that for granted,” DiLullo said. “And no, you're not a writer now; maybe you hate this class; maybe you're only here because you have to be here. But there's advantages to paying attention to this class in particular.”

He shared his own varied path to get where he is today, living in Los Angeles with film studio Beauty View Ranch in the Southern Tier, four movies under his belt as producer — two penned by him — and has acted in several.

“I never expected to necessarily be a writer. I was a business person, and still am a business person, but I found something I enjoyed and was good at, and I like pursuing and thusly studied it,” he said. “Don't be afraid to keep educating yourself. The opposite of writing is reading. If you want to be strong in one, you participate in the other.”

He talked about a few books that inspired him, including “Write for Life” by Julia Cameron; a practical, holistic approach to writing; “Screenplay” by Syd Field, a master screenwriter from the 1930s and 40s; and Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” an anthropology book at its core, he said, but “is really about storytelling” and basis for the hero’s journey of Luke Skywalker in “Star Wars.”

Tenebruso appreciated hearing about his personal and professional background, and that he offered up a scenario of taking imperfect steps while reaching the appropriate location for him -- from going to college as a business major, working at Microsoft and being involved in other aspects of business before finding his way back to writing.

“I was really most interested in him sharing his journey as a writer because he said that he used to write in high school, but it had kind of fallen by the wayside, and his path was, is pretty interesting,” Tenebruso said. “And so I really appreciated that he shared that journey with the kids and that he talked about how he didn't know when he was their age that this was what he was destined to do, and it's just a great story about how through networking and being in the right place and meeting the right people, can just completely change your life.”

His central message — no surprise here — was the idea that “everything is story,” she said, and what he's been able to accomplish has developed from an idea into that fleshed out story. Even his mother, who has found her way to writing later in life, gives him a lot of great ideas for writing, he said.

Superintendent Jason Smith, who helped to set up DiLullo’s visit, stopped in to visit for awhile.

“I did see the film and found it to be creative and imaginative — and of course, I loved all the Batavia shots!  James’ enthusiasm is contagious, and we loved his passion for his career,” Smith said. “We are proud of our fellow BHS grad, James, on his well-earned accomplishments. James’ message was one of persistence and setting goals and working hard to attain them. He is proud of his Batavia roots and it’s awesome for our students to hear from a successful Batavian. It was our honor to be part of this project.”

Part of DiLullo’s visit included a contest for students to guess the number of pages in the film’s script. The film itself is six minutes and 40 seconds long. There were two winners guessing a script of six and a half pages, so they ended up having a tie-breaker of guessing the number of lines on the last page.

“Screenplays are not as big as you think. It's not as many words as you think. It's a visual medium. The words are just there to guide the visual sense. So I got numbers from 70 to 80, 100. It’s an exercise to kind of incorporate, what does it look like in the industry, in time and in money? Because that's how everything's measured by us … how many scenes is that? And how many times per day can you do that, and how many shots?” he said. “It all relates back to the written word, 100% it's all measured in written words.”

So what was the final answer? There were 14 lines. Senior Makayla Balonek gave the correct answer and won a “Kitty” sweater. The movie was filmed at John Kennedy Intermediate School earlier this year and featured one superstar feline and both adult and child actors. It showed the class how to build suspense, create a soundtrack and do product placement within a movie, which was done, for example, when a refrigerator door closed and flyers on the front door displayed local business names. 

“I do think they are encouraged by his story,” Tenebruso said. “A kid from Batavia who’s not just a writer … but can inspire other people.”

About Kitty
Local band GumShoe, featuring Tim McJury, Todd Townsend and Dan Eick, plays the song “Psycho Kitty” in the movie.

There will be a special showing after the Christmas in the City parade at approximately 6:45 p.m. Saturday at GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., Batavia, and possibly a second one later on during an open house from 6 to 9 p.m. 

During the 6 p.m. parade, DiLullo’s team will be pulling a cart and handing out free hot chocolate.

Back at GO ART! after the parade, DiLullo and members of the cast and crew will be on hand to answer questions and mingle, plus Volunteers For Animals members will be available to collect donations of pet food and supplies and answer questions about dogs and cats at Genesee County Animal Shelter. 

Watch the trailer HERE.

Former Genesee County Manager and longtime volunteer and community advocate Jay Gsell was honored Friday by the Jerome Foundation with the 39th Health and Humanitarian Award.

Among his many involvements have been Batavia Rotary Club, leadership roles in United Way and county government, dedication to United Memorial Medical Center and YMCA, his environmental efforts and as cupcake maker and best neighbor ever.

County Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein said that he had the responsibility to “hold us all together, and he did that for a good long time.”

“So thank you for being the girdle of your time, because we all needed it, and sometimes you held us pretty tight, Jay, and we appreciated that very, very much. To the fact that you've shared your family with us, we feel like we are your family of friends here,” Stein said during the awards lunch at Terry Hills in Batavia. “So thank you for that, for the foundations that you have laid in this room with all these organizations and to put the caring into us today. On behalf of the county legislators, those that are here with me today, and for all of the residents, congratulations.”

There were some two pages of accolades that City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. wasn’t going to completely cover, he said, but he did want to say thank you to Gsell for “all that you’ve done in the community.”

Gsell devoted 37 years to the Rotary Club, and was past president leading numerous initiatives, and helped clean up Ellicott Trail, Rotary Park and city streets. 

“I do remember seeing you when you worked for the county, walking back and forth to work and walking through our neighborhoods, checking everything out, keeping an eye on things. You spend so much time giving back to your community. I really appreciate that you continue to inspire me and everyone I run into through your leadership, and your dedication to making a difference,” Jankowski said. “I mean, you really do so much for the community, I do want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Gsell’s Washington Avenue neighbors, the Patricks, nominated him for the award, and the family spoke of him fondly, from how he accepted and welcomed them from day one; was understanding of sports equipment in the driveway and hockey pucks through windows; and was an exemplary role model of a good citizen who walked the walk of caring for the earth, people and animals. 

“You know, he always is focused and knows what's going on and when he's needed," his neighbor said. "In conclusion, humanitarian efforts are essential for fostering compassion, promoting justice, creating a more equitable world by recognizing individuals such as Jay, who embodies values of integrity, empathy, leadership and not only honor his contributions, but also inspire others. Jay Gsell exemplifies the highest standards of humanitarian service and leadership. 

Gsell gave a grateful nod to his wife Ann Marie, "the wind beneath my wings" who has been on a 47-year journey with him across nine different states, ending their nomadic lifestyle for the last 31 years in Batavia. 

“It's the longest I've ever lived in the same home, and also the longest place I ever worked in. So that's a testament to what this community is, and how much I feel the commitment to this, it is something that's always given back tenfold by the people in this community and the people that we help,” he said. “It makes a difference, and that's what we're here to do, is make that difference. I am humbled and honored and pleased. Be well, be safe, go out there and keep volunteering. Thank you.”

Photos by Kara Richenberg

The visit from Santa Claus at the State Street Christmas tree house in Batavia has been canceled for this evening due to the cold and wind, “but we plan to see everyone on Friday, Dec. 20 from 6-8 p.m.,” host Angelina Pellegrino said.

Press Release:

As the winter season is upon us, the Batavia Police Department wants to remind all drivers to brush up on their winter driving habits and skills to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. 

Winter driving can be hazardous, especially for those who are not prepared. The combination of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can make roads slippery and unpredictable. However, by following some simple tips and guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a winter-related accident. 

Before You Hit the Road: 

• Make sure your vehicle is winter-ready by checking the battery, antifreeze, and tire pressure. 
• Keep an emergency kit in your car, including items such as a flashlight, first aid kit, and warm blankets. 
• Plan your route in advance and check the weather forecast to avoid traveling during hazardous conditions. 

Safe Driving Practices: 

• Slow down and increase your following distance to account for reduced visibility and traction. 
• Use low gear when driving uphill to maintain control and avoid wheelspin. 
• Avoid sudden turns or braking, as this can cause your vehicle to lose traction. 
• Keep a safe distance from snowplows and salt trucks, as they may throw up debris or create slippery conditions. 

Additional Tips: 

• Keep your gas tank at least half full. 
• Use winter tires or snow chains if necessary, and make sure they are properly installed. 
• Keep your windshield and windows clean and clear of snow and ice to maintain good visibility. 

By following these simple tips and guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a winter-related accident. Remember to always drive defensively and be prepared for the unexpected. Stay safe on the roads this winter! If you have any questions or concerns about winter driving, please contact the Batavia Police Department. Stay safe, and happy driving!