Press Release:

Due to the moderate drought conditions present throughout Genesee County, starting Monday Dec. 4, the Town of Pembroke will fill approved water containers for town residents by appointment between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Town Highway Garage, located at 1145 Main Road. 

If you’re a Town of Pembroke resident and in need of water, please call the Town Clerk at 585-599-4892, Ext. 102 or 103 and please leave your name and phone number to schedule an appointment.

Oakfield residents gathered in the Triangle Park in Oakfield on Thursday evening for the annual lighting of the remembrance Christmas trees.

This year, there are 94 decorated trees in the park.

For more on this weekend's events in Oakfield, click here.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Chiropractors Tom Mazurkiewicz and Nick Ryan are sponsoring their annual toy drive in support of City Church's efforts to spread Christmas cheer to local children. 

Donors who bring a new, unwrapped toy will receive a complimentary adjustment during their next scheduled visit. The offer is open to new patients. The office at 184 Washington Ave., Batavia, is accepting donations through Dec. 15. 

All donations benefit families in Genesee County who may not otherwise be able to receive a gift this holiday due to economic hardship. 

The toys will be distributed by City Church at St. Anthony's on Liberty Street on Dec. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.

As town officials and residents work through a water shortage brought on by drought, all of them have said it has been the worst they have ever seen since living in Bethany, many of them for decades. Fill dates are being scheduled week by week from a tanker that was provided by the state Office of Emergency Management.

Santa came early again for a visit Friday morning, in the form of a donation of four pallets of bottled water all ready to be distributed to residents, Supervisor Carl Hyde Jr. said. Operations Manager Eric Santos of Casella Waste Systems had heard about Bethany's plight and showed up with his crew and the much-welcomed donation of water at town hall, Hyde said.

"The town of Bethany will start distributing these cases to the residents on the list whose wells have gone dry on Tuesday morning during normal office hours during the week and on Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. during tote fill time and Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m.," Hyde said. 

Bethany residents in need who have not yet called the town hall for help are asked to call 585-343-1399, Ext. 202 to leave your name, phone number and address to be put on the list for the town supervisor.

At least 100 residents -- though some people have claimed it's far more than that through social media postings -- have been without water due to their wells being dry, and they have had to transport water from other areas up to the tanker being delivered this past week. 

Hyde said that more dates will be scheduled soon, as the plan is to continue to fill residents’ totes until the tanker is empty, get that refilled by the county, and then repeat for as long as the town has the tanker.

Genesee Region Girls Basketball opened the 2023-24 season on Thursday with a matchup between Elba and Lydonville.

The Lancers beat the Tigers 55-36.

Sydney Reilly scored 17 points. Lydia Ross added 15 and Mariah Ognibene 10.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Not only will the Elba community be hosting Rochester City Ballet for a seasonal treat of “The Nutcracker Suite” this weekend, but the students have already been able to nibble on portions of the professional troupe’s theatrics while preparing for its debut at Elba High School’s auditorium, Superintendent Gretchen Rosales says.

After GO Art! Executive Director Gregory Hallock found out that his other venue option was booked for the show earlier this year, he reached out to Elba because of its beautiful stage and venue at the school, Rosales said. When she was asked whether she’d consider hosting Rochester City Ballet, it was a most definite yes.

“The arts are a wonderful addition to any community, and I’m very proud of our school, and so, to be able to host them here was an easy decision. And it’s been so fun for our own kids to see how a big production like this takes place. So it’s been great, and it’s been super fun,” Rosales said. “They’ve been here all week (rehearsing) and been in and out the past month or so. Their technical director met with our technical director. (Dancers Shannon Rodriguez and Megan Kamler) did a presentation to our student body, they showed them snippets of the dance but also read the Nutcracker story to them. It was super, it was interactive and a lot of participation from the audience.”

For anyone unfamiliar with that story, it features Clara, a young girl who ventures from her bedroom into the wondrous realm of The Land of Sweets. In this magical wonderland, there are graceful waltzing flowers, twirling snowflakes, and a captivating transformation of enchanted toys.

The Nutcracker and Tchaikovsky’s hypnotic score go hand in hand for a timeless piece of choreography and a classic tale told through leaps and bounds in a mesmerizingly colorful, and graceful, yet athletic, performance.

There are no Elba Central students in the performance itself, but some of them will be supporting the tech people, and about a handful will be ushers during the shows, Rosales said.

“For me, it was important to be able to say yes, we would host them. We’re not charging for rehearsal space, we’re not charging them for the time in which they’ve been in the building, because this is a big opportunity for the community to be able to support in that way and just say yes, we have this ability," she said. "And they loved it. They said, you really have the most beautiful school, you have such a beautiful auditorium. And it's really breathtaking to see the backdrops that they've put up for their presentation and to see how our space was transformed for something of this professional capacity, so it's been great, a great experience.

“There’s been a lot of excitement for it. Students were able to see a part of the presentation ahead of time and said to their parents, get me tickets!" 

All students, from universal pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, were invited to participate in the presentation, and learn how props are brought in and managed, and how backdrops and sets are put up, she said. Other lessons have included make-up and costumes, which might just come in handy for Elba’s own upcoming spring show, “The Little Mermaid,” in March.

It has been a special opportunity for “those that have been bitten by the acting and performing bug,” to be watching in the wings, excited to see what a different kind of production looks like, she said. 

Elba students met students involved in ballet who are in the show, and they have talked to one another about the different elements involved in such a production and asked questions about how they got involved in dance, she said. 

“So it’s been a neat cultural experience,” she said. “It’s just been a great experience overall.”

This event was funded in part by the Oliver G. And Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts through the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, facilitated by GO Art!  Performances are at 6 p.m. Friday, 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the school auditorium, 57 S. Main St., Elba. 

Tickets are $10 to $20 and may be purchased HERE.

SayDah might have something to say, she is, after all, Siamese, and we know how Siamese kitties like to talk. She might not be the talk of the town, though, because she is a bit shy.

She wandered from her home on Walnut Street near South Main, and her human, Rick, is concerned that she hasn't returned in a few days.  He's offering a $100 reward for her return/recovery.

To reach Rick, call 585-813-6615.

In May, we launched a program that enables our readers to help support local journalism.

It's called Early Access Pass and enables members to read selected stories before non-members.  Currently, selected stories require a membership to read during the first four hours of publication.

In order to enhance the value of an Early Access Pass membership, starting Jan. 1, members will get the first crack at buying Deals of the Day coupons.

During the first four hours of a Deal of the Day post, only Early Access Pass members will be able to purchase Deal of the Day coupons.

To ensure you don't miss out on valuable discounts, sign up for Early Access Pass today by visiting 

https://my.thebatavian.com

Use the Discount Code DOD10OR15 for either 10 percent off on the first year of an annual membership or 15 percent off each month for six months of a monthly membership.

Le Roy Winterfest is set for noon to 5 p.m. Saturday with pop-up vendors, store specials, a visit from Santa Claus, plenty of children's activities, holiday decorations and oodles more, according to organizers' schedules.

Other activities include:

• Free zero gravity massage chair sessions and posture scanning at Genesee Country Chiropractic
• Tastings, raffle and specials at Mill Street Liquor, and a raffle, coupons and cookies and refreshments at Picture This Photography
• A thrift sale at First Baptist Church, and vendor blender and food for purchase at Le Roy First Presbyterian Church 
• An open house at Le Roy House and Jell-O Gallery, Town Hall trees, where Lynne Belluscio will be discussing the barn quilt trail
• Santa and a craft show at Le Roy Moose Family Center
• A scavenger hunt and free hot chocolate and cookies at Save-a-lot
• Free kids craft and face painting at The Art of Mandy
• Bounce house and kids activity at Le Roy Fire Hall
• Christmas story times at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. at The Hope Center of Le Roy
• Hot chocolate, doughnuts and pictures with your dog at VIP K9
• Buddy the Elf and Jovie and fill out a postcard to Santa at Farmers Creekside
• Face painting, balloon animals, crafts and kids games at Living Waters Church
• Sunshine Nursery School hosting selfies with Santa at BeyonDriven
• Kids crafts and take home cookie decorating kit at Woodward Memorial Library

For more details, go to Le Roy Winterfest. 

Click here for more information

Press Release:

The Genesee County 4-H Program is now accepting registrations for its 2024 4-H Youth Tractor Safety Program. The program is open to youth aged 14 and over and covers farm safety, tractor safety, tractor operation, and other related topics.

This program is a part of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program, which is a certification program that allows youth ages 14 and 15 to be certified to legally operate farm equipment for hire. After completing the training course, youth will need to pass a written knowledge test and driving test to receive the certification.

The program is scheduled to run Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., January through April at farm machinery dealerships throughout Genesee County. The fee for the program is $25 and youth must also be currently enrolled 4-H members. Registrations are due Jan. 27. To register for the program or receive more information, please contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040 ext. 101.  Registration forms are also available online at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/4htractorsafety.

Press Release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are alerting residents to rising cases of syphilis and congenital syphilis. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is most often spread through sexual contact. Congenital syphilis is a preventable disease that occurs when a mother with syphilis passes the infection on to the baby during pregnancy.

In 2020, there were 12.1 confirmed cases of syphilis per 100,000 population, and to date in 2023, there have been 33.3 cases per 100,000 population, which include confirmed cases and probable cases pending investigation. With a rise in cases, particularly among women, GO Health has also seen a rise in congenital syphilis cases.

Syphilis and congenital syphilis can lead to serious health complications, but they are preventable with screening, early detection, and treatment. “Syphilis is caused by a bacteria that enters the body during oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It can also enter through broken skin that is exposed to the syphilis bacteria”, stated Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for GO Health. “Newborns can get congenital syphilis before birth or during vaginal delivery if the mother has syphilis.”

Signs and symptoms of syphilis may or may not be noticeable. They may include a painless sore on the genitals, anus, or mouth; a rash on the body; tiredness; fever; sore throat; headaches; swollen glands; loss of appetite; weight loss; patchy hair loss; muscle aches, and fatigue. Oftentimes the signs of syphilis go away and the person does not have it checked out. 

If not treated for syphilis, an infected person even without symptoms can still infect others, including an unborn baby. Having syphilis once does not protect you from getting it again, even after successful treatment. A person can get it many times, so that is why people and their partner(s) must get tested and successfully treated. If your sex partner(s) does not get tested or treated, you may get syphilis again. The longer the person waits to be treated, the more damage the disease causes to the body.

Syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, neonatal death, blindness or deafness, bone abnormalities, skin lesions, developmental delays, and other serious health problems to a developing baby. The best way to protect babies from congenital syphilis is to get screened throughout the pregnancy and just prior to delivery.

Here are some ways to prevent the spread of syphilis: 

• Not having sex (abstinence) is the only sure way to avoid infection. 
• Limit sex partners, especially if pregnant. 
• Use latex or polyurethane condoms each time during oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
• If you or your partner have any sores on the genitalia, anus, or mouth, or unexplained rashes on the body, talk with your healthcare provider and get tested. Do not have sex until both partners are fully treated.
• Get tested often for sexually transmitted infections/diseases. 
• If you are pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about being tested to protect your baby.
• If you know someone who is pregnant, encourage them to get tested. 

For more information on Syphilis and other Sexually Transmitted Infections, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. 

For more information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at: 

• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
• Orleans County: 585-589-3278

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at GOHealthNY.

Batavia Police responded to a shots fired incident in the area of Oak and North Lyon Streets on Wednesday at approximately 5:25 p.m. in the city of Batavia. It was reported the shots came from a black SUV that was last seen heading north on Oak Street.

The incident appears to have been targeted, police said in a press release. There have been no reported injuries. No further details will be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation. 

Anyone with information about the case may contact Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk at 585-345-6357, or the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350, the confidential tip line at 585-345-6370 or online.

Press release:

Join us in the holiday spirit at the annual Christmas in the City celebration on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 2 to 6 p.m. with the Downtown Holiday Parade starting at 6 p.m.

Christmas in the City activities include pictures with Santa, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, chili, hot cocoa, face painting, sleigh rides, family portraits and more! Several downtown businesses will be offering activities, crafts, and in-store specials. For a full listing of activities, go to www.bataviabid.com.

The parade begins promptly at 6 p.m. at Wendy's and makes its way down Main Street east toward Liberty/Summit Streets. 

Join us in our scavenger bunt bingo throughout Downtown, exploring and and supporting our small businesses. Bingo begins at Iburi Photography at 35 Jackson St. and ends at GO ART!, 201 East Main St. There are 22 business bingo stops. 

For more information on Christmas in the City, see The Batavian's previous story: Snow is here, December is coming, it must be time for Christmas in the City

The Town of Pavilion will hold its annual Christmas in the Park on Saturday.

Each year, residents decorate trees placed in the park in remembrance of loved ones.

Children can visit with Santa at 3 p.m. There will be caroling at 4 p.m. followed by the tree lighting.\

Photos by Frank Capuano.

The Alexander Trojans beat Geneseo 51-46 on Tuesday to open its 2023-24 campaign in Boys Basketball.

The win was the first as head coach for former Batavia High School basketball standout Jalen Smith.

Jayden Snyder notched a double-double for the Trojans, with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Kingston Woods also scored 12 points. He had seven rebounds. Trenton Woods added 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Dylan Pohl scored eight points.

Photos by Doug McFarland

Press release:

This Friday begins the 3rd Annual Shared Open Houses for two locally owned small businesses – Norton’s Chizzelwood and JP Designs, Plus.  

Their gift shops are full of products for your holiday shopping, offering many handmade and specialty items.  

Are you looking for wood-burned American flags, laser-etched and stitched items, shelves, side tables, cupboards, and wooden flower arrangements?  How about a special home décor item, outdoor poly furniture set, primitives, Buffalo Bills item?  You’ll find all of these and more throughout these two shops.

Located at 4309 Gilhooly Road in Alexander (Norton’s Chizzelwood) and 4096 East Main Street Road, Attica (JP Designs, Plus), these businesses are only 4 miles apart.  When you stop in at each location, a slip will be validated to enter you into the grand prize drawing for the “Basket of Joy” valued at approximately $100.  Make a purchase, and you’ll be entered twice into the drawing. 

Hours for the Shared Open Houses are this Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

Why not submit a Wish List for yourself once you shop?  The owners will then reach out to family members of your choice and suggest items that YOU might “wish” for. Stop in and enjoy some refreshments, hot cider and special savings!

On behalf of both Fran and Bobbi at Norton’s Chizzelwood and Joe and Judy at JP Designs, Plus – thank you for supporting small businesses throughout the year and have a safe, happy and healthy Holiday Season. 

Previously: 

• As we head into the holiday season, remember to support local businesses
• After the feast, get ready to 'shop small' and support Small Business Saturday
• Borrello, Hawley keep Christmas shopping local on Shop Small Saturday

Germayne D. Fifer, 19, of Inkster, Mich., Elijah A Davis, 22, of Inkster, Mich., and Tyrese I. Heard, 19, of  Ypsilanti, Mich., are charged with grand larceny 3rd and conspiracy 5th. The trio is accused of engaging in a credit card scam at Speedway in Batavia on Nov. 9 when they allegedly stole $5,000 in gift cards. Batavia patrol officers located the suspects' vehicle on Oak Street. The three suspects were arraigned in City Court and released.

Ameriquay J. Scott-Whitaker, 18, of Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 3rd, reckless endangerment 1st, endangering the welfare of a child, possession of burglar's tools, and unlawful fleeing police in a motor vehicle 3rd. On Nov. 3, Batavia patrol officers attempted a traffic stop on Clinton Street of a vehicle that had been reported stolen in Rochester. The vehicle did not stop, which initiated a pursuit. State Police deployed spike strips to stop the vehicle on Route 33 near Route 19 in Bergen. Scott-Whitaker, along with four juveniles, were taken into custody. Scott-Whitaker was arraigned and is due in City Court and released.

Jamie S. Kraft, 38, of Bath, was arrested on Nov. 8 on a warrant. Kraft was initially arrested on Sept. 13 and charged with aggravated harassment 2nd, obstructing governmental administration 2nd and falsely reporting an incident 3rd. Kraft allegedly made numerous 911 calls in which he falsely reported that people had been struck by lightning. He then allegedly threatened to stab police. Kraft was arraigned and released on his own recognizance. 

Jimmy Ramirez, 41, of Rochester, is charged with felony DWI. Batavia patrol officers responded to a report on Nov. 4 of a possibly intoxicated driver on Lewiston Road and stopped a vehicle allegedly driven by Ramirez as a result. He was issued traffic tickets and released.

Edwin L. Bethel, 57, of Rochester, is charged with assault 3rd, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief 4th, of petit larceny. Bethel is accused of causing injury to another person, damaging property, and stealing car keys during a disturbance on South Main Street in Batavia on Nov. 11 while in the presence of two children. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Kate J. Long, 39, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. It is alleged that Long sent numerous "unwanted" emails to Batavia City School District board members for "no legitimate" purpose. Long was issued an appearance ticket.

Stephanie L. Coley, 41, of Lockport, was arrested on Nov. 16 on a warrant. Coley was initially charged on Sept. 24, 2021, with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. A warrant was issued after she allegedly failed to appear in court. She was arraigned and released under supervision.

Michael J. Torres, 40, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 15 on a warrant. Torres was initially charged on April 12 with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd (Intent to Sell) and obstructing governmental administration 2nd after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop on a bicycle. He was arraigned and released.  Torres is also charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled 7th. Torres was arrested following a traffic stop at 6:17 p.m. on Nov. 15 by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun. He was allegedly found in possession of cocaine and buprenorphine. He was held at the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment.

George J. Budzinack, 43, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 16 on a warrant. Budzinack was initially arrested on Sept. 27 after an investigation into the larceny of a bicycle, on East Main Street in Batavia. The warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to appear in court. Budzinack was arraigned and released.

Christine M. Caplis, 43, of Elba, is charged with criminal tampering 3rd. Caplis is accused of tampering with security cameras in an apartment building on Liberty Street on Nov. 13. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Thomas A. Griffin, 36, of Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Griffen is accused of driving while impaired on Oct. 10 and was arrested on Nov. 14. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Timothy M. Pendleton, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, and several traffic violations. Pendleton was stopped on Nov. 2 on East Avenue by a Batavia patrol officer. He was allegedly found in possession of narcotics and then fought with police while officers attempted to take him into custody. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Dorian D. Batchelor, 56, of Williamsville, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Batchelor is accused of violating an order of protection by entering the protected party's residents on Nov. 15. He was arraigned and released.

Benjamin G. Evans, 35, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 9 on warrants issued by City Court. Two of the warrants were related to separate petit larceny charges. The other resulted from charges of trespass and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. He was arraigned and released.

Jeanine D. Fuller, 37, no residence provided, was arrested on Nov. 9 on a warrant. The warrant was issued as a result of Fuller allegedly being found inside of the vacant Days Inn Motel on Oak Street on Aug. 23. She was arraigned and released.

Marcus A. King, 22, of Rochester, is charged with harassment 2nd.  King is accused of striking another person in the face at a location on Pearl street on Nov. 6. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Gregory M. Wansha, 23, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Wansha is accused of slashing the tire of another person's car on Nov. 11 at an undisclosed location. Wansha was issued an appearance ticket.

Adam J. Kaczanowski, 22,  of Eden, was arrested on Nov. 17 on a warrant. Kaczanowski was originally charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd after being involved in a motor vehicle accident on Sept. 26. He was issued an appearance ticket but allegedly failed to appear in court. Kaczanowski was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Terrance L. Falk, 25, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 6 on a warrant issued by City Court. The original charges stem from an incident on Washington Avenue where Falk allegedly threatened another person with a knife. He was arraigned and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. 

Krystal L Frye, 33, of Jamestown, was arrested on a warrant on Nov. 20. Frye was initially arrested on April 2, 2019, and charged with grand larceny 4th after an investigation into an incident where she allegedly stole a debit card. A warrant was issued after Frye allegedly failed to appear for a court appearance. She was arraigned and released on her own recognizance. 

Kenneth B. Jordan, 31, of Albion, was arrested on Nov. 13 on a warrant. Jordan was originally charged on Jan. 16 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd, after a traffic stop on River Street. Jordan was issued an appearance ticket but allegedly failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in City Court and released. 

David Henry Kendall, 39, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with promoting prison contrand and criminal possession 1st of a controlled substance 7th. Kendal is accused of knowingly obtaining and possessing a narcotic drug on Nov. 18 inside the Genesee County Jail.  Kendall was arraigned and remanded back to the custody of the jail. 

Anthony Leo Vanelli, Sr., 46, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal sale of a narcotic drug and promoting prison contraband. Vanelli is accused of knowingly and unlawfully introducing a narcotic into the Genesee County Jail on Nov. 18 and giving the drug to another inmate. Vanelli was arraigned and is being held without bail.

Dustin Albert Huffer, 40, of Silver Springs, is charged with felony DWI, speeding, aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed driver, and reckless driving. Huffer was stopped at 2:48 a.m. on Nov. 19 on Route 5 in Pembroke by Deputy Stephen Smith. Huffer was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Maranda Lena Button, 30, no street address provided, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and insufficient signal. Button was allegedly found in possession of drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop at 12:21 a.m. on Oct. 28 by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell. Button was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Anthony Ross Morrow, 40, of Niagara Street, Lockport, is charged with petit larceny. Morrow is accused of stealing a crossbow from Dick's Sporting Goods at 8:02 p.m. on Nov. 24.  Morrow was transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and released.

Samuel Robert Baudanza, 26, of Buffalo Street, Bergen, is charged with assault 3rd and criminal mischief. Baudanza was arrested following a report of a disturbance at Ralph and Rosies on Lake Avenue in Bergen at 10:04 p.m. on Nov. 25. Baudanza is accused of fighting with two people and damaging merchandise. Baudanza was held for arraignment.

Nicole M. Trapp, 21, of Buffalo, is charged with harassment 1st. Trapp was arrested by State Police on Nov. 28 in connection with an incident reported in the Town of Alabama at 10:54 a.m. on July 2. She was released on an appearance ticket. No further information was released.

Virginia A. Marks, 44, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Marks was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 11:12 a.m. on Nov. 27 in the Town of Batavia. She was released on an appearance ticket. No further information was released.

Charles A. Kohorst, 54, of Corfu, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Kohorst was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 12:56 p.m. on Nov. 27 in the Town of Pembroke. He was held in custody. No further information was released.

Heidi S. Kollarik, 51, of Oakfield, is charged with DWI. Kollarik was stopped by a Batavia patrol officer on Nov. 9 at an undisclosed time on East Main street, Batavia. She was issued traffic tickets and released.

Press Release:

The air is crisp, the trees are bare, and there is an anticipation of the season of thanks, peace, and joy all around. With this change of season, it is once again time for the “Quiet Fund’s” gentle reminder. The Twenty-five Neediest Children’s Fund, Inc. is once again reaching out to our community for compassion and financial support as we continue to help children in the Batavia City Schools.

The Twenty-five Neediest Children’s Fund, Inc., was begun during the Great Depression. It was the aspiration of the school physician at the time, Dr. Dexter Pierce, to establish a fund that would help the children of the Batavia City School District when a need arose that was greater than what their parents could manage. The initial problem was that many children needed to have their tonsils removed. The physicians involved graciously waived their fee, but the surgery involved an overnight stay which cost families $7.50 per night. For many, the cost of the overnight stay was too much for
their families. Thus, the Twenty-five Neediest Children’s Fund, Inc. was created. Now, we continue solely for the same purpose as was identified in 1933.

To assist those who “fall between the cracks”; the working poor; and those who just have no other means to provide what their child needs. The Twenty-five Neediest Children’s Fund, Inc. assists with medical care, dental care, prescription drugs, mental health care, clothing, coats, shoes, sneakers, eye exams and glasses, counseling, beds, backpacks, requirements for BOCES classes (cosmetology kits and steel toed work boots), fees for AP classes, and fees for GCC courses, and other educational needs and educational toys.

As students’ needs are identified by teachers, their school nurse, school counselors, or school social workers, the concerns are conveyed to Nancy Haitz, R.N., C.P.N.P, Batavia City School District’s Office of the Coordinator of Health Services. 

Mrs. Haitz then contacts child’s parents, and if it is determined that they are in need of
assistance, the Quiet Fund steps in to help. The parents select what care is to be provided, and by whom, in order to provide a remedy. The Twenty-five Neediest Fund simply pays the bills without red tape or publicity. The fund committee remains unaware of the identity of the child or parent so as to preserve the dignity of the family. For the past ninety years our fund has helped thousands and thousands of students. We feel fortunate that we have never turned away a student who was in need, nor have we ever run out of funds.

The Twenty-five Neediest Fund has been nicknamed the “Quiet Fund” or the “Quiet Charity” as we only make one annual appeal at the Holiday Season. Furthermore, we seek no public acknowledgement or fanfare for the work which is done for the children of the Batavia City School District. Yet we have found that people of this good community, and beyond, must feel as we do. For they remember and contribute to help the students. We are ever grateful for all of you who contribute primarily during the holiday season, but we are also blessed with gifts throughout the year.

A significant feature of the Quiet Fund is that all donations are turned into benefits. We are proud to act as a true charity without any administrative costs!  All funds collected by the Quiet Fund are used to assist the children. Every gift is a gift of love and is an affirmation that no child should go without.

Anyone interested in contributing to the Quiet Fund may make their check payable to the Twenty-five Neediest Children’s Fund, Inc. to be sent to Nann K. Zorn, 12 River Street, Batavia, NY 14020. To assist a child, and their parent, in this way is a wonderful and immeasurable gift. On behalf of the children, and their parents, helped by your generosity and gifts of love, we extend to you a most sincere thank you and warm holiday wishes.

The Twenty-five Neediest Fund Committee,
Nancy Arras,
Benjamin J. Bonarigo Jr., Esq.,
Nancy Haitz,
Sara Zorn Schroeder,
Virginia Tiede,
Nann K. Zorn