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Press Release:

Area technology middle and high school students and teachers, along with the GCC Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) department and college community are working hard to prepare for the 15th GLOW Region Tech Wars! 

The event will be held Thursday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus. The annual Tech Wars brings middle and high school students from all 24 of the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (GLOW) region's school districts together in teams to demonstrate their technical expertise through innovative, mind-expanding competitions.

This year's competitors (students) have chosen from close to 30 available competitions to showcase - and put to the test - some basic and some extremely intricate and innovative technology. 

Regardless of the event, all the students enjoy the opportunity to see their hard work come to fruition. Tech Wars event details, rules, and competition descriptions are available at techwarsgccny.org.

Tech Wars 2024 brings back some favorite events for high schoolers such as Battlebot Soccer; the Regatta; Bridge; CO2 Cars; Logo Design; Sculpture; Onsite CAD Drawing and Reverse Engineering CAD; Skimmer Cars; Sumo Bots; Tractor Pull; Trebuchet and Lumber Labyrinth. A Drone Agility event will be new for high school students this year.

The 2024 event brings back the Mini-Bot competition as well as Skimmer Cars and Technical Drawing for the middle schoolers and other legacy events such as Catapult; Rube Goldberg; and Sculpture. Back by popular demand for all participants is the Mystery Event which allows students to use their creativity and skills in an on-demand, timed situation.

Annually, Tech Wars also features STEAM Jam @ Tech Wars, an event held simultaneously for 3rd to 5th grade students from GLOW region schools. Over 100 students will participate in various team building and mind-stimulating activities that foster skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM). As an educational precursor to a future in technology, STEAM Jam participants will have the opportunity to observe the fun and exciting Tech Wars 2024 competitions.

Educational support for Tech Wars and STEAM Jam comes from the dedication, state-of-the-art facilities, and quality instruction in the GLOW region schools. Teachers share ideas and explore new technology and developments through both a Regional STEAM Teachers' cohort and a Regional Tech Teachers' Cohort.

Tech Wars has been continually supported by many local manufacturers and organizations. The 2024 event is yet again, presented with a record number of sponsors. Gold Sponsors: Amada Tool America, Inc.; Barilla America, NY, Inc.; GCEDC; Graham Manufacturing; I.B.E.W. Local Union 86; Liberty Pumps, and Northeast Industrial Tech Inc. Silver and Bronze Sponsors: Morton Salt, Inc; Power and Construction Group; Takeform and the Varysburg Lions Club. The generosity of the Tech Wars sponsors enables the committee to offer 2 scholarships per year to encourage graduating seniors to enter the technology and trade fields and potentially stay or return to the GLOW region with their skills.

"The support of local businesses and organizations in this region is second to none," Ann Valento, director of ACE programs said. "Without these organizations and other generous local donors, Tech Wars would not be possible. Our local sponsors also serve as volunteers, judges, and spend their valuable time talking with students and inspiring entrepreneurial spirit. In addition, the businesses that participate in these events get an exclusive opportunity to meet and network with the future workforce in our community. We are beginning to see second-generation participants which indicates our efforts are being actualized."

Tech Wars is also proudly sponsored and hosted by Genesee Community College and its ACE programs. The ACE team and the entire GCC community work diligently to provide a safe and appropriately equipped environment to showcase the students' technological skills and creativity.

Tech Wars is among several dynamic programs giving students the opportunity to learn hands-on, often in business settings and with industry professionals. The ACE Program's Career Pathways is committed to helping students explore career options and make a smooth transition from high school to further education and/or a career. To view the 2023 Tech Wars photo album, Click Here.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) announced the launch of the state’s new training stipend program for volunteer firefighters today. This program came as a part of a push by the state to strengthen New York’s volunteer fire companies. 

It will include a total of $10 million, which will go toward the costs of mandatory training courses volunteer firefighters go through. Volunteer fire departments are essential to New York’s safety, and more than three-quarters of these departments have seen decreases in the number of those willing to serve. Hawley is proud to see this program take effect and is committed to supporting Western New York’s local volunteer fire departments.

The stipend rates are as follows:

Course Stipend

Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations - $750.00

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus/Interior Firefighting Operations - $1,250.00

Fire Officer 1 - $1,000

“Volunteer fire companies are one of the most vital aspects of public safety in New York,” said Hawley. “Over the years, however, we’ve seen a drastic number of volunteer firefighters leaving local fire departments because they do not have the resources they need to do their jobs properly. This new stipend program is a great first step toward supporting firefighters in training and incentivizing others to volunteer. I’m proud to support this program and I will continue to fight to make sure our volunteer fire departments get the help and support they need to do their jobs.”

Press Release:

Our Ascension Roman Catholic Community and Resurrection RC Parish Faith Formation put their faith into action by graciously volunteering at the weekly Lent Soup Supper at Ascension Parish. 

This supper helps benefit the following local charities All Babies Cherished, Catholic Relief Services, and Catholic Charities. 

Submitted photos by Jason Smith.

Time "Marches" on and so does the list of bowling tournaments this month throughout the Genesee Region.

Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion and Medina Lanes are hosting no-tap events this weekend, while Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, Letchworth Pines in Portageville and StrikeForce Lanes in Oakfield will be hosting tournaments over the next three weekends.

-- March 9-10: Spartans Youth Baseball Triples No-Tap Handicap, Oak Orchard Bowl, Albion. Squad times are 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday and noon, 2 and 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Entry fee is $75 per team. One in six teams will cash. Proceeds will benefit Spartans Youth Baseball (Under 11-Under 16 Divisions). To enter, call 585-589-6900 or 585-590-6717.

-- March 9: Amaranth Fights Diabetes Doubles No-Tap Handicap, Medina Lanes. Squad times are noon and 3 p.m. Entry fee is $50 per team. To enter, call 716-250-8515 or 716-425-5369.

-- March 16: T.F. Brown's Scratch Eliminator, Mancuso Bowling Center. First place is $1,500 with an entry fee of $65. Squad times are 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. One in five entries will cash, with incentives for senior (50-and-over) and women bowlers. Call 716-474-7960 to enter.

-- March 23-24: Genesee Region USBC No-Tap Handicap Triples, Letchworth Pines. First place, based on 48 teams, is $90. Entry fee is $90 per team. Squad times are 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Email mikep@bowlgr.com to enter. The tournament is dedicated to the late Al Vlietstra, GRUSBC Hall of Famer.

-- March 30: 1st Paul Townsend Memorial No-Tap Handicap Doubles, StrikeForce Lanes. Squad times are 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Entry fee is $60 per team. First place is $400 guaranteed. Maximum team average is 460. One in six will cash. Proceeds will benefit Crossroads House. To enter, call 585-948-6060 or 585-297-4262. 

PERRY BOWLERS PLACE FIRST, SECOND IN KING & QUEEN

Perry Bowling Center league bowlers captured the top two spots last weekend at the annual King & Queen Handicap Mixed Doubles Tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center.

The team of Katie Buckley and Chad Dunning defeated the duo of Nate Koson and Montana Bzduch in the final match to win the $500 first prize. Koson and Bzduch earned $300.

Reaching the semifinals ($200 each) were Chris and Caycee Bardol of Brockport and Mickey and Samantha Hyde of Le Roy.

Finishing fifth through eighth ($150 apiece) were Tom Rohl of Le Roy/Robin Blaun of Oakfield, Heather Johnson/Gregg Wolff of Batavia, Dan Gizzi/Julie Selk of Buffalo and Mark Brown of Attica/Tracy Spanitz of Rochester.

Other local teams cashing ($100 each) were Scott O'Neill of East Bethany/Judy Blaun of Elba, Brian Weber/Karissa Schuster of Perry, Scott/Christine Shields of Batavia, Shayne Herold/Naomi Hyde of Batavia and Jason Van Buren/Kara Henderson of Batavia.

Press Release:

The GLOW YMCA Riptide Swim Team out of Batavia had a very successful regular season. 26 members met the age group qualification standards for the NYS YMCA State Swimming Championship. 

The meet will be held from March 15 - 17 at the Nassau Aquatic Center on Long Island. The ages of the swimmers range from 7 to 17 and attend local school districts including Batavia, Byron-Bergen, Le Roy, Oakfield-Alabama, St. Joseph’s School, and Pembroke. 

The team will compete in 58 individual events and 10 relays. The team is coached by Jen Pritchett, Andrew Fisher, and Emily Hirsch.

Alesha Smith says that at the end of 2023, when North Bergen Community Food Pantry lost its home, a team of folks has been doing what it can to raise money for a more permanent space to accommodate the generous donations that come pouring in along with Foodlink.

Not that anyone begrudges the hospitality shown to pantry volunteers by Bergen United Methodist Church, which stepped in to provide a room, albeit smaller than the former space at North Bergen Presbyterian Church that closed in December, she said, but the pantry really could use much more breathing room. 

"The North Bergen Food Pantry was an undertaking that Dave Fish was very passionate to bring to the rural community. Although there is a large need for these items amongst us country folk, Dave does not turn anyone away,” Smith said. “Since opening the pantry, he has helped serve over 400 households." 

So, with Easter right around the corner, the nonprofit has collaborated with the Rev. Roula Alkhouri of Batavia First Presbyterian for an Easter Egg Hunt. Meant to be a pre-Easter fun event and raise some funds toward the pantry’s new future home, it’s set for 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 23 at the church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia.

“The event will include crafts and activities for kids, doughnuts (from Sweet Ally’s in Oakfield), pictures with the Easter bunny, goodie bags, an egg hunt, and a basket raffle,” Alkhouri said. “It is free and open to all. Our hope is to share the joy of Easter by helping the children in our community have a positive and fun event. The event will be indoors. This started for us during COVID when children were unable to have group activities or school. We held the event outside, but now we can use the inside of the church to have fun without worrying about the weather.”

"In August of 2019, Dave and four volunteers took the appropriate training and obtained all the required equipment to open the pantry," Smith said. "They obtained everything from food items, pet food, stationery, and personal hygiene products from Foodlink, and through personal donations. Now they officially have seven board members.”

Smith and two others, Melodi Leaton and Kassie Bowen, comprise the fundraising committee. After meeting up with Fish, they all learned of his “welcoming, friendly demeanor, compassion and listening ear,” and helped to connect everyone to work together and, in time, become good friends as well, she said. 

Smith is grateful to be working with the Batavia church for this event, she said. The pantry's goal was to collect enough donations to raffle 10 baskets, and that goal has already been exceeded, she said. There will be assorted theme baskets of kitchenware items, a teenage girl’s basket filled with slippers, nail polish, and other pampering items, a mandala coloring book and colored pencils, kids’ Easter baskets, and many more, she said. 

“The optional baskets will be the only cost, but will greatly help raise the much-needed funds for our pantry to find a home of our own,” she said. “While several other egg hunts are happening the same time/day, we would love for our community members to know that not only do we have more to offer — face painting, crafts, doughnuts, egg hunt, goodie bags and the bunny, of course — we will also be having several raffle baskets. Our event is free and open to everyone."

Fish has said that the pantry has the equipment, including refrigerators, freezers, shelving units, and, most importantly, volunteers who are willing to continue the mission. What it needs is at least 2,000 square feet of space that offers a handicapped entrance, parking, and a restroom, he said. 

Board members are Nancy Cook, Karen Tennity, Amanda Cook, Dawn Sprague, Kevin Kent, Rick Woodring, and Patty Lamon, and Hal Milward, pastor of Bergen United Methodist Church, has been a huge supporter, Smith said. 

Basket tickets will be sold at the event for $5 per sheet of 25. Winners need not be present to receive the basket. 

Genesee County Social Services Commissioner Carla Mindler hopes someone can fill a newly proposed hybrid job—pending county Legislature approval—that would combine youth bureau and child welfare in a merged position she feels would best meet her department's needs.

Due to employee resignations from two part-time Youth Bureau positions, a reassessment showed that one full-time youth program assistant/child care worker sufficiently works in lieu of those part-time jobs, Mindler said during this week’s Human Services meeting.

“So at the Youth Bureau, currently we have two full-time and two part-time positions, and in sort of working with the Youth Bureau and doing some restructuring, learning about the Youth Bureau and kind of seeing how things flow throughout the year, it's become pretty evident that really what would most benefit that area of DSS would be the two full-time positions (one each, a youth program assistant and youth program coordinator),” she said. “But then, I'm not sure we really need two part-time positions; however, I could definitely use one. So, what I would like to do is eliminate the two part-time positions in the Youth Bureau and create a full-time position that is half Youth Bureau and half child welfare work.

“So we will sort of divvy up the job duties dependent on what the need is really, if the Youth Bureau is very busy, which it does kind of ebb and flow, then they would be used heavily over there. And then they could help out in the cluster care unit,” she said. “So the childcare worker position already exists in DSS. It's the youth workers that work in our cluster homes, which are where, like some of the older kids, are placed that were maybe removed because of behavioral issues they are having, rather than there were allegations against the parents. So the childcare workers work with these children and with the families. So they would be splitting their time between those duties.” 

This type of collaboration will be the trend moving forward, she said, as the Youth Bureau is going to be a division of DSS. 

“So it's just like how I have different units right now. Right now, someone works in child welfare, but we also have adult services. So there'll be child welfare and the Youth Bureau, just two units of DSS essentially splitting their time,” she said.

She was asked about the seemingly incongruent job responsibilities and whether it was feasible to get good job candidates for this new hybrid position. Mindler didn’t seem concerned. She recently received communications from people new to the area seeking job opportunities in a youth bureau-type setting and has let them know there may be an opening in the near future.

As far as the experience required for this new full-time role, Mindler said she was careful about drafting the description. 

“The part-time person is often because it's an assistant position. They help out with the events and activities. And they will actually if they have kids that they're working with from the cluster homes, those kids could actually help out as well because it is more like assistant-type work. So that will be potentially some crossover that they'll be able to pull the kids in to have some time to help with the events. And then they won't be working with the kids on any sort of case management level such that they would need experience or training in child welfare,” she said. “That's why we were very careful. (HR Director) Anita and I worked on the job duties. I kept all of the youth program assistants, but I only pulled in the childcare worker duties that seemed appropriate for someone without having the training and experience in child welfare.”

The job would be established once the Legislature votes to adopt a resolution on March 13. It states that the full-time Youth Program Assistant/Child Care Worker position, CSEA Grade 9, is to be effective immediately upon legislative approval with a starting pay rate of $20.11/hour. 

The total cost of the newly created position will be $73,567.78 for calendar year 2024. State and Federal reimbursement ranges between 62% and 100%, as determined by case-specific eligibility.

Press Release:

Community Action of Orleans and Genesee has been awarded $35,946 from Foodlink to increase cold storage capacity at the emergency food pantry in Batavia. 

The food pantry has had a significant increase in visitors during the last few years as inflation costs have pushed the price of fresh foods such as produce, milk, and eggs out of reach for many. Community Action plans on using the funds to install an outdoor walk-in unit at the location at 5073 Clinton Street Rd in Batavia.

The combination freezer and cooler will provide an additional 432 cubic feet of storage space and will allow the pantry to focus on providing fresh, healthier options and a larger variety of more expensive items like cheese and meat. 

The pantry interior will also be remodeled to take better advantage of dry storage capacity and increase the variety of available items. The project is anticipated to be completed this spring.

If you are interested in donating to the Batavia Emergency Pantry fund, please contact David Dodge at (585)343-7798 ext. 114 or via email at ddodge@caoginc.org. 

Pantry walk-in hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Friday. Photo ID, proof of residency, and proof of income are required.

Opening on Friday night in the Pembroke High School Auditorium is the school's production of the musical "Cinderella."

Performances are at 7 p.m. on Friday and 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students.

"Come watch that sweet, innocent young maiden as she is terrorized by those closest to her and by the evasive love she so desperately craves," said Director Andy Clark. "Witness a brand new script with new characters and new songs in addition to some of the songs and characters from the original musical."

The cast:

• Cinderella, Grace Strassburg
•  Prince Topher, Charles Stringham
• Madame, the Stepmother, Sarah Forness
• Charlotte, Stepsister, Emily Guilian
• Gabrielle, Stepsister, Mikayla Stringham
• Marie, the Fairy Godmother, Lindsey Zanghi
• Sebastian, the Lord Chancellor, Sam Burton
• Lord Pinkleton, James Childs
• Jean Michelle, Micah Forness

"Our show this year also features a brand new set design team that far exceeded my expectations," Clark said. "I call them the 'Amazing Eight.' They are Stephanie and Tim Benson, Jessica and Zack Dawson, Summer Forness, Justin Reynolds, Patti Schafer and Rodney Stringham. We couldn't have done this show without them. "   

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today voted against the omnibus government funding bill for the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) due to its failure to rein in out-of-control government spending, cut wasteful and woke programs, and lower costs for hardworking families.

This bill passed the House by a vote of 339-85.

“With over $34 trillion of national debt and counting, Congress should not spend another $1.65 trillion while failing to address the crises plaguing our nation in a meaningful way,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “I understand the complexity and frustration of a divided government, however, our communities will continue to suffer under Biden’s policies that spend our tax dollars on the woke and Green New Deal projects that have been inserted into this bill. This 1,050-page spending monstrosity does not provide the relief that the American people are demanding and will only increase already sky-high prices and add to our national debt. There are positive aspects of this bill, including the 12 Community Funding Projects we submitted to help residents of NY-24. Other positives include fully funding veterans’ healthcare and toxic exposure programs, military construction projects, and important agricultural research programs, but this bill in its entirety, negotiated behind closed doors, is a bridge too far.”

Some of the worst provisions in this bill include:

• Provide $3.5 million for an initiative to create parade floats
• Supports the Biden administration's illegal Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule
• Fails to rein in the ATF’s anti-second amendment rules
• Maintains funding for the VA’s and DOJ’s anti-life initiatives
• Gives $1 million to a private entity to construct a coffee shop and a greenhouse for refugees
• Funnels $1 million to the WE ACT environmentalist group in New York City
• Continues allowing leftist bureaucrats to fly pride flags and other political flags over federal buildings
• Wastes taxpayer money on Critical Race Theory and the DEI Executive Offices
• Allows federal funds to continue flowing to the Wuhan lab

Despite all the wasteful spending in this bill, there are some critical infrastructure projects for NY-24, which Congresswoman Tenney submitted after a rigorous review process. The projects Tenney successfully submitted and advocated for in NY-24 include:

• $1.75 Million for the Town of Constantia Northshore Sewer Project
• $1.75 Million for the City of Canandaigua Water Plant Project
• $750,000 for the Town of Watertown Phase 1 Army Water Line (AWL) Pipeline Replacement Project
• $2 Million for the Brickyard Road Tank and Transmission Main Improvements on behalf of the Canandaigua-Farmington Consolidated Water District
• $3.5 Million for Town of Fayette Sewer District No. 1 Project
• $1.75 Million for the Genesee County Water Security and Resilience—Prole Road Transmission Main Project
• $1.6 Million for Keuka College’s Rural Community Outpatient Clinic
• $700,000, for the Livingston County Regional Water & Wastewater Cybersecurity Improvement Project
• $1 Million for the City of Watertown Water Quality Improvement Project
• $2.1 Million for the Town of Wolcott Salt Storage Barn

A season marked by major accomplishments, including the school's first-ever sectional championship in Boys' Basketball, ended for Byron-Bergen on Wednesday with a 61-45 loss to Lyons in the Class C crossover game.

In addition to the sectional championship, Brayden Chambry set a new school record for scoring, and Roxanne Noeth became the first woman coach in Section V Boys' Basketball history to win a sectional title.

On Wednesday, Chambry scored 13 points, and Colin Martin scored 12.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.

Press Release:

GO ART! is hosting a Creative Arts Camp during April Break Eclipse Themed(April 1 - 5).

This camp is tailored to students in grades K-6. Grade school students will create and maintain positive connections while enjoying hands-on exploration of various disciplines including culinary arts, visual arts, performing arts, and literary arts. 

Participants will work on a variety of Eclipse-themed projects using different mediums and art forms. They will build upon problem-solving and critical thinking skills while increasing their knowledge about different mediums and forms of art in a safe, inclusive, and structured environment. 

In the past we have done visual arts projects while learning about famous artists and art movements, created puppets and put on plays, played in the musical garden, learned about different styles of dance, as well as various arts and crafts projects.

Please drop off your camper between 8:45 and 9 a.m. and pick them up between 2:45 and 3 p.m. GO ART! will provide snacks and water but don’t forget to send your camper with lunch. 

Registration is required to attend Creative Arts Camp and spots are limited. https://goart.org/programming/exlporeart/exlporeart-children/, call (585) 343-9313 or email Jodi at jfisher@goart.org.

Learn How to Audition with Maryanne Arena at GO ART!

GO ART! is hosting a ‘Learn How to Audition Workshop’ with GCC Director of Fine and Performing Arts Maryanne Arena on Saturdays in April (6, 13, 20, and 27) from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Classes will include: Picking appropriate material, contrasting monologues, cold readings, and improv). Nail that next audition by working with Maryanne and learning the essentials! 

The class will cost $180 for the 4 week session but the knowledge you will come away with will serve participants for years to come. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited. This workshop is for high schoolers to adults only. To register and reserve your spot visit www.goart.org/programming/exlporeart/exploreart-adult/.

Professor Bio: Maryanne Arena is a professional entertainer who has taught acting and other theatre subjects for over 30 years. She has been the Director of Fine and Performing Arts at Genesee Community College for twenty years. Maryanne holds an M.F.A from Brooklyn College where she was mentored by Academy Award winner F. Murray Abraham and has studied with some of the world’s greatest professionals. Maryanne has won the prestigious SUNY Chancellor’s Award twice. 

She is a published author and has won awards for her acting and directing. She is a judge for the KCACTF organization and has participated in and conducted workshops for The Theatre Association of NYS. She is a voting member of the Screen Actors Guild, and before embarking on a teaching career, she was a professional actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, and director. Maryanne was a resident member of the LORT Company P.A. Stage and performed many leads in professional summer stock. Her students are currently performing on Broadway, nightclubs, children’s theatre touring, cruise ships, television, and movies. She knows what it takes to successfully nail that audition for any venue (conservatory auditions, Broadway, touring, improv, and community theatre. 

A State Supreme Court justice on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit and temporary injunction against the construction of a nearly 10-mile-long sewer main from the STAMP manufacturing site in the town of Alabama along Route 63 to Oak Orchard Creek in the town of Shelby.

Judge Frank Caruso ruled in favor of the Genesee County Economic Development Center. GCEDC argued that Orleans County had 23 chances to state its objection to the sewer main since 2016 but waited until construction started to voice its opposition.

Judge Caruso cited the legal argument of “laches,” where there is a lack of diligence in making a legal claim. Attorneys for GCEDC argued in court that waiting until construction commenced on the project should be considered an unreasonable delay.

The judge also ruled in favor of GCEDC due to a statute of limitations. He made his decision from the bench in court today, following about an hour of arguments in the main courtroom of the county courthouse. He will also issue a written decision.

Orleans County officials say the county will appeal the decision and has other court options to try to halt the project.

“The fight here is not over,” said Alex Eaton, an attorney for the Orleans County Legislature. “We have several more paths to prevent Orleans County from becoming a dumping ground for STAMP sewer discharges.”

The county also has a lawsuit to be heard in April about GCEDC using eminent domain to take easements in Orleans County. The attorneys for Orleans said another county’s IDA can’t do eminent domain in another county.

Orleans also supports the Tonawanda Seneca Nation in its litigation against several federal entities regarding the permitting of the sewer pipeline.

“Orleans County leadership remains steadfast in our opposition to anything that puts Oak Orchard Creek in jeopardy,” Eaton, an attorney with Lippes Mathias, said in a statement released from the County Legislature. “The county and its residents rely on the creek for water, recreation and tourism, and that is why we will continue to protect the interests of our community.   Again, while we are disappointed in today’s result, there is a long way to go before this issue is settled.”

Orleans County filed its lawsuit on Sept. 11, naming GCEDC, G. DeVincentis & Son Construction Co., Inc., Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation, and STAMP Sewer Works, Inc.

Matthew J. Fitzgerald and James O’Connor of Phillips Lytle LLP appeared in court today on behalf of GCEDC. They contended that the sewer main underwent a rigorous environmental review of 9,200-plus pages and was ultimately approved by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The attorneys said those agencies found no evidence of harm to Oak Orchard Creek or the community.

The sewer main would allow businesses at the 1,250-acre STAMP to discharge treated sewer water into the Oak Orchard. At STAMP’s peak, the sewer main could discharge up to 6 million gallons daily in the Oak Orchard. The sewer main is imperative for economic development at the site.

“STAMP does not survive without somewhere to discharge the treated sanitary water,” Fitzgerald said in court today.

Fitzgerald said the four-month statute of limitations passed after Orleans filed the Article 78 proceeding on Sept. 11, and the county failed to notify other parties that would be hurt if the lawsuit successfully halted the sewer main.

He said property owners who paid for easements for the temporary construction could lose out on payments. The Town of Alabama would miss out on 100,000 gallons of sewer capacity, and Niagara County Water District would miss out on selling water to the STAMP site. Orleans didn’t factor in those impacts in the lawsuit, Fitzgerald said.

The crux of the case, he said, was the contention that Orleans never gave its support for economic development from another county. But he said Orleans officials were notified in 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 to voice any concerns over STAMP, and GCEDC served as the lead agency.

“The response was silence,” Fitzgerald said. “They slept on their rights for approximately eight years. They could have objected.”

He said STAMP has about $100 million in public funds committed to developing the site so far, and about $1 billion has already been spent or committed in private investment.

Orleans' attorneys contend that Genesee County used its money through its industrial development agency to fund the sewer main and pursue eminent domain in another county, powers that an IDA does not have.

Jennifer Persico, an attorney with Lippes Mathias representing Orleans, said the STAMP sewer project clearly used Genesee County funds to move the project into Orleans County.

The GCEDC attorneys said the project was funded through state grants and wasn’t actually GCEDC money.

The town of Shelby also joined Orleans in the lawsuit. The Shelby attorney, Jeffrey Allen, said Shelby supports the efforts of Orleans County to halt the pipeline before it gets into Orleans. He said there are many violations of general municipal law related to the project.

Shelby previously supported the project, but he said that was a statement considering its environmental impacts.

“The consent was not that they could run roughshod over the autonomy of Orleans County,” Allen said in court.

Eaton, an attorney for Orleans County, said the case could be a landmark for the state. He said the courts should protect smaller neighboring counties from being forced to take on negative impacts from another county’s economic development efforts.

“This would be one of the biggest expansions of IDA power in New York State,” Eaton said.

Tom Rivers is editor OrleansHub.com.

Press Release:

The Pembroke Youth Association's (PYA) winter cheer program continues on a winning streak, taking a first-place finish at a competition this past weekend. This impressive performance took place at the Shout Cheer & Dance Lake Erie Championship held in Erie, PA on March 3.

The Dragon Sparks, comprised of talented young athletes ranging from 1st to 6th Grade, competed in the Level 1 category. They delivered a captivating routine, showcasing their athleticism, teamwork, and positive energy, earning high praise from the judges. The Pembroke Sparks took 1st Place, Level Champions, Grand Champions, Best Tumbling, and Best Choreography!

"I am incredibly proud of this dedicated group of young athletes," said Caryn Bosse, head coach of the PYA Dragon Sparks. "Their commitment, hard work, and positive attitude truly shine through in their performances. They consistently push themselves to improve, and their dedication is inspiring."

The Dragon Infernos, comprised of athletes ranging from 3rd to 8th Grade, competed in Level 2. They dazzled and stunted, secured a 1st Place Finish, Level Champ, and brought home Best Stunts!

The PYA winter cheer program is committed to providing young athletes with a positive and enriching environment to develop their athletic skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The program fosters a sense of community pride and offers valuable opportunities for personal growth.

The Winter Cheer Program is excited to take on another competition this weekend at Shout Cheer and Dance, Queen City National Championship Patty Shelly Memorial - Orchard Park, and for the first time introduces our Tiny Ember Team ranging from young athletes ranging from UPK - 1st Grade. 

The Pembroke Youth Association Cheer program is excited to continue to grow and foster a love of the sport in our surrounding Genesee County. Spring Cheer Bootcamp is currently open for all young athletes in surrounding areas, camp begins April 27 and ends June 15. Camp is held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. For more information visit pyadragons.org. 

Submitted photos.

Genesee Orleans Regional Arts Council received the second largest funding in New York State, falling only behind Manhattan, of $336,000, which will be dispersed to artists in both counties, Executive Director Gregory Hallock says.

He considers that a pretty major deal, and rightly so. The money will go somewhere, and he figures it might as well go into the hands of local people for their creative projects. 

“So we were pretty ecstatic about that. Hoping to continue to increase that. When I came in, we were about $47,000 that we were giving out, so we've jumped up dramatically. And last year was $210,000. So we did a big leap from last year to this year. We had nearly $400,000 in requests this year, so I would like to give credit to the community for jumping up to put on more stuff, but a big credit goes to our statewide community regrant coordinators at GO Art,” Hallock said while presenting his annual report to legislators this week. “We have two of them now that the state funds. We stressed that in our area, it's not just about putting an advertisement out there that people might not necessarily see, but even if they see that, grants scare people. They see grants, and they run. So our coordinators basically hold hands all the way through. They answer every question that anybody has, they basically help with anything but write the grants. But if you write the grant, they will review the grant afterward and give you suggestions and all that.”

He said the nonprofit’s goal is to continue asking for more money and “make more of that happen out here,” which has recently also meant a spate of responses online. 

“We'll continue to get more of the negative comments on social media and everywhere else. And we're okay with that. It was a harsh year for that for us. But, people getting upset saying ‘our dollars being spent, our tax dollars being spent,’ but we're excited they're being spent here, as opposed to everywhere else in the state,” he said. “So we're gonna keep pushing for that to happen here. We really like to stress, I don't think most people know that if they're going to something that's arts related, that generally GO Art! is funding that. The $336,000 doesn't go a long way, but it goes quite the way out here, so we will continue to do that.”

He said the agency had more than 100 events this past year in Genesee and Orleans counties and is planning to do the same volume with new types of programs, such as a capital campaign that will draw more use out of the basement. The basement has an entrance and will include an emergency exit that will open up into the music garden portion of the building at 201 E. Main St., Batavia. That expansion will add about 4,000 square feet to GO Art!’s use, he said.

“We’ll be putting a whole bunch of studios and space down there. We just got a grant called black space. We’ll be working with the community and Black architects out of Brooklyn to bring in the Black community to help them help us design something that will be inviting to them to come into our space,” he said. “We’re putting in a dark room, pottery studio, wood shop, and a whole bunch of other studios to expand our happenings and our classes. Our classes have been doing really well; the last four that we’ve offered have all completely sold out. And we’ve had to add additional classes that have also sold out. So we’re really finally starting to get up there, and people know about us.

“We’re really excited about the expansion. It includes an elevator, somebody who can’t get up and down the stairs … I think that’s our major thing.”

He also mentioned The Harve, where artists MaryJo Whitman and Brian Kemp “took a space and artified it” to make use of an industrial building by painting and decorating walls directly or using them as backdrops for exhibits and live musical performances. “We’re going to keep doing cool things,” Hallock said.

It takes money to do those cool things, and the agency runs on a budget of nearly 62 percent public support, or $601,050; $200,661 in Foundation support; $107,334 from individual and corporate donations; and $64,272 from events and earned income. Expenses for the year were $225,800 for grants, $166,190 for programs and events, $16,773 toward fundraising efforts, and $324,744 for administration costs.

The Batavia building includes dance, podcast, film, and music studios, a library and cabaret theater, a darkroom, a pottery studio, a cultural culinary kitchen (used for demonstrations), a gallery with seven exhibition spaces (maintaining a collection of donated and permanent on loan works by highly esteemed local artists), and a bar area that is also used as a small gallery space. 

GO Art! has hired a consultant to put out a request for proposal as part of a GLOW region cultural plan, he said. He submitted a grant application last year for $150,000 that was turned down for a larger scope of Western New York that he fine-tuned down to opening a new space in Medina, expanding in the space currently in Batavia, and adding a cultural garden. Hallock hopes to receive a more positive response to the request this year.

“This is possible by the relationships we have already forged and the ones we hope to build. Through our arts education initiatives, workshops, events, and outreach, we continue to establish new and growing community relationships,” he said in his annual letter. “The accomplishments of the past year make our members, board of directors, and dedicated staff excited about the thriving and diverse arts in Genesee and Orleans Counties. Together we will continue to ‘Make Art Happen.’

"We already have everything ready to get that moving, so that we can put together our cultural plan and figure out how we're going to progress, and bringing tourism into the glow region for arts and culture, and continuing to expand upon what we have for our region,” he said. 

County Manager Matt Landers, in his yearly allocations request for GO Art!, asked for $7,500 — the same amount as for 2023 and 2022. That total was increased by $1,000 from 2021, when it was $6,500 since 2018. Funding for the nonprofit was at all-time high in 1997 of $10,000, including a $4,000 matching funds state grant. Before that, county funding was $2,500 in 1993, but it took a big leap four years later and has hovered around the $6,500 to $9,000 mark.

Genesee County Legislature is to vote on the request during its meeting on March 13. 

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors will consider a final resolution for a proposed market-rate housing development on MedTech Drive in the town of Batavia at its board meeting on Thursday, March 7.

MedTech Landing LLC plans to invest $15 million to construct 100,000 sq. ft. of apartment buildings totaling 80 units. The project is comprised of six buildings with a dozen one-, two- and three-bedroom units, one 8-unit building, and 6 six-car garages.

The project aligns with GCEDC Housing Policy and the Genesee County Housing Needs Assessment, which identified a 4,800-unit housing demand over 20 years.

MedTech Landing LLC is seeking a sales tax exemption estimated at $720,000, a property tax abatement of approximately $3,031,048, and a mortgage tax exemption of $120,000.  It is estimated that $12 of economic impact will be generated by the development for every one dollar of public sector investment.

The project would also generate up to $1 million over 20 years for the Batavia Home Fund (BHF). The BHF promotes and provides grants to support new home construction and rehabilitation of residential properties to enhance the area’s housing stock.

The GCEDC board will also consider an initial resolution from LeatherLeaf Solar LLC for a 5 MW community solar farm in the town of Byron. The $9 million project is anticipated to generate $4,000/megawatts (AC) annually + a 2% annual escalator of revenues to Genesee County and Byron-Bergen Central School District and a host agreement with the Town of Byron.

The March 7, GCEDC board meeting will be held at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia. Meeting materials and links to a live stream/on-demand recording of the meeting is available at www.gcedc.com.