Press Release:

This holiday season, Ashley Bringenberg Photography invites families to create lasting holiday memories while supporting a cherished local cause. 

Limited-edition holiday portrait sessions will be held from November 16-24, with a $99 session fee that includes a holiday-themed portrait session and a custom keepsake ornament. 100% of session fees will be donated to Crossroads House, Batavia’s comfort care home serving Genesee, Wyoming, and nearby counties.

“A holiday portrait captures a special moment in time, and knowing it also supports Crossroads House makes it that much more meaningful,” says Ashley Bringenberg, owner of Ashley Bringenberg Photography. “Our goal is to raise $1,000 to help fund a new stair lift, so Crossroads House volunteers can safely access all areas of the home as they continue their compassionate work.”

Funds from the Making Spirits Bright campaign will support the purchase of a stair lift, enhancing accessibility for Crossroads House’s dedicated volunteers who help provide essential end-of-life care. In addition to the session and ornament, participants can also invest in custom wall art and keepsakes to celebrate their holiday memories.

To book a holiday portrait session or learn more, please visit ashleybringenberg.com/holiday.

Press Release:

Conservation students at the Genesee Valley BOCES Batavia Career and Technical Education Center recently took part in an intensive STOP THE BLEED training program led by Mercy Flight. This nationally acclaimed campaign, developed by the American College of Surgeons, empowers individuals to respond quickly and effectively to bleeding emergencies until first responders arrive. 

Through hands-on sessions, these students learned essential skills that equip them to manage injuries in situations where immediate help may not be available—a key competency given the nature of their fieldwork, which involves operating heavy machinery like chainsaws.

The training, facilitated by Mercy Flight and attended by 35 conservation students, introduced practical, life-saving techniques including wound packing, direct pressure application, and tourniquet use. These skills are crucial not only within the classroom but also beyond it, where many of these students spend time in remote or rural areas, hunting, farming, or working in challenging outdoor environments. The STOP THE BLEED program provided them with tools they can use anywhere to help save lives.

“The safety and preparedness of our students are top priorities here at Genesee Valley BOCES,” stated Rachel Slobert, Principal of the Batavia Campus. “This training prepares our students for real-life situations, whether in the workplace or beyond, and strengthens their confidence in responding to emergencies. Partnering with Mercy Flight allows us to provide this invaluable training.”

Mercy Flight instructor Terry Thompson led the sessions, starting with a comprehensive presentation that included videos, slides, and a Q&A segment. Thompson also shared impactful real-life stories that underscored the importance of prompt action in emergencies. Following the presentation, students moved into hands-on exercises, learning each step of the STOP THE BLEED process. They practiced wound-packing, applying pressure, and using tourniquets.

Jerry Krajna, the conservation teacher at GV BOCES, stressed the need for safety preparedness within the program. He reviewed the location and usage of all safety supplies, including gloves and STOP THE BLEED kits, to ensure students know how to access and use these tools in an emergency. He also emphasized the importance of the walkie-talkie system used when students work outdoors, ensuring they can quickly call for help if needed.

Mercy Flight recently received a grant from the BJ’s Charitable Foundation for the purchase of additional STOP THE BLEED training kits. With these new resources, Mercy Flight is able to provide more sessions within the community, broadening the availability of emergency training for students and staff alike. Pamela Cherry, a representative from Mercy Flight, was present throughout the training, supporting students and emphasizing Mercy Flight’s commitment to community emergency preparedness.

Krajna emphasized that these skills benefit not only the students but also strengthen the community’s overall ability to respond in a crisis. He expressed pride in equipping students with the knowledge needed to act quickly and effectively when every second counts, highlighting the vital importance of this training.

Submitted photos.

When conductor Shade Zajac discovered the piece “From the Diary of Anne Frank” by American composer Michael Tilson Thomas, who was already “a big hero of mine,” he says, he also thought of his sister Gemini, a freelance actor and vocalist who could embrace the emotional importance of the work.

That was during the pandemic, and Gemini lives in Philadelphia, so it took some time for this concert to come together for Genesee Symphony Orchestra. 

“I was just struck by what a great piece of music it is. So of course, two years go by and everything worked out that we could do it this season. I think people will have a bit of an idea what the piece might be, just because we know how her story ends, unfortunately, which is tragically. But the remarkable thing about the piece and about her writing, and all of the text comes from her diary, obviously, is that how optimistically and how hopeful she views not only the world, but people,” Zajac said during an interview with The Batavian. “One of the most striking lines is towards the end she writes, I'm paraphrasing here, but deep down, I truly believe that people are good at heart, which is incredible, that this 13-year-old girl hiding in an attic while people are disappearing or being shot or, all this kind of horrible stuff that's going around, that she can still be so optimistic and have such a view of, not just the world, but of people.”

Genesee Symphony Orchestra’s program is to begin at 6:30 p.m. with a pre-concert chat/lecture followed by the concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at Stuart Steiner Theatre, Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia.

Anne Frank was a teenager caught up in the horror of the holocaust, and she began to write in a diary two days after her birthday on June 14, 1942. She documented her life in hiding amid Nazi persecution during the German occupation of the Netherlands. She died in February 1945.

“Even after they were discovered and she was sent away to the camp at first she was still in a good mood. There were other children, there were people that she could be with. It was only right up to the very end. And she talks an awful lot about being in nature, that she wants nothing more than to stick her head out of the window and breathe the air and listen to the birds and all this,” Zajac said. “And it's this love of nature that connects the second half of the program, which is the Beethoven “Pastoral” Symphony, which is all about nature, being in nature, and having nature be a safe haven, having it be a cure for feeling depressed or dejected, or an escape from all the terrible things.”

The first half features the orchestra as a strong backdrop to Gemini’s reading Anne Frank’s words from the diary. There are somber moments accentuated with heavier strings offset with fluttering woodwinds, and long paused notes held to emphasize points throughout the essay.

The program also includes Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F Major “Pastoral,” one of those lengthy classical numbers that is pretty, flowing, and if you close your eyes — possibly conjures visions of someone running about in a field with butterflies or perhaps watching clouds floating overhead.

There’s a connection between Anne Frank and Beethoven, Zajac said, and it’s one of isolation. While Anne’s was forced upon her by being captured, Beethoven’s was self-imposed due to his embarrassment at being deaf and unable to hear and understand most conversations. Throughout both stories, there’s a message about “just finding hope in really terrible times,” he said.

Zajac hopes that the audience can glean some of the overall contemplative essence that while we can celebrate a Thanksgiving in the end, it came with steep cost and some have paid dearly. It’s a heavy program, he said, but a thought-provoking one that features a little food for thought to this concert menu. 

This is a third visit to perform with GSO for Gemini (pronounced Gemin-ee), who has her bachelor’s in fine arts from University of Buffalo and performs with Sesame Place in Philadelphia. Similar to her brother, she grew up with creative interests, realizing early on that it was more than a passing whim.  

“I just kind of remember one show I was in in high school and I didn’t get the part that I wanted, and I remember being back stage during one of the performances, going ‘it’s not the part that I wanted, but if I’m going to pursue theater, then I have to be ok with getting parts that I don’t want, because that’s part of the lifestyle.’ And it was at that moment where I was like, oh I’m thinking about pursuing my career in theater,” she said. “So it was that moment where it was, I guess, the deciding factor. I’ve always enjoyed doing just kind of anything creative, and that’s just what’s pulled me most.”

When Shade talked to her about doing the Anne Frank piece, he felt confident about it being a role for her, one that she could breathe life into. 

She quickly agreed that it was quite an emotional piece.

“Incredibly. I know I talked about it on my little video on Instagram and the Facebook page, how I talked about that a lot of people don't feel safe and seen in this world. And that's a lot of what this piece talks about, in as much as finding the hope," the 26-year-old said. "But it's one of those things that I know lots of people personally who experience those fears and those things throughout the world, just because of who they are and their differences, and it just breaks my heart, that they have to go through things like that and they don't feel safe or welcomed in certain areas. And when I'm reading this piece, it just makes me think how how they're feeling, and how awful it is that they are feeling this, experiencing this.

“But also with that idea that these people that I know, they're still hopeful, they still see the good in people, and they're still fighting for, you know, their place in this world," she said. "And I think that's the part that really gets me, is that no matter what, there always is that hope and that drive to find your place.”

She has been rehearsing with a recording while being out of state, and described the music as having “moments where it gets very beautiful and light, and whimsical.”

“But there's also moments that are very haunting, and that contrast is it keeps the listener very engaged, because it kind of flows one way and then the other from that beauty and that fear,” she said. “It’s a very emotional piece, and I hope that people, they feel that emotion, not necessarily the emotion that I'm feeling on stage, from narrating and from the words, but the feeling of the music and what they take away personally.

“I really hope that people will get that same feeling of, people go through this, they're still going through this, and that's horrible, that people are still going through these kinds of fears and emotions,” she said. “But there’s always that hope, and I think that what people really should take away is that treating people with kindness, respect and equality is so important now more than ever, and to continue to do that.”

Tickets are $17 adults, $12 seniors, and free for students with a student ID, and are available at Mr. Wine & Liquor, GO ART!, YNGodess, The Coffee Press, Holland Land Office Museum, Gillan Grant and at www.geneseesymphony.com.

Photos by Howard Owens.

The two sides in Stafford v. Pontillo seem as far apart as ever after the attorney for James Pontillo, owner of the former Odd Fellows Hall at 6177 Main Road, issued a statement this week that is flatly contradicted by the attorney for the town of Stafford.

In a statement, Pontillo's attorney, Chris Hummel, said, "The town of Stafford brought a claim for 'abandonment' as well as a laundry list of claimed code violations back in May 2024. Now that the matter has been vetted and challenged by Mr. Pontillo and his legal team, the only thing that appears to be abandoned is the 'abandonment' claim itself. The town has sought to seize ownership and possibly demolish Mr. Pontillo's property for what now appears to be a few petty code violations, at worse. The property was never abandoned. It is a vacant commercial structure that is sealed and protected and often tended to.  Mr. Pontillo has dutifully paid all of his real property taxes on the property."

David Roach, attorney for the town, responded, "Mr. Pontillo's press release is a hodgepodge of objectively verifiable lies and contextually misplaced statements.  Anyone who can read the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and observe the condition of Mr. Pontillo's building, inside and out, will arrive at that conclusion."

Pontillo and the town have been at odds over the building, which Hummel, in his statement, acknowledges is historic, since Pontillo acquired it at auction from Terry Platt in 2010. While Pontillo has expressed big plans for the building, including opening a pizzeria, for which he's already installed ovens and other kitchen equipment, none of these plans have come to fruition. 

He's never acquired a building permit, except for a new roof, to carry through renovation efforts and has been reportedly told, according to public documents acquired by The Batavian, that before he can get a building permit, he must submit stamped, engineered architectural plans. He has never submitted such plans. 

Documents reveal that the town has reviewed the consequences of ownership of the building falling to the town and were advised by a former town attorney that either demolition or restoration would be exceptionally costly. 

In his statement, Hummel makes other claims that Roach's statement quoted above indicates he believes are false.

• That in 2016 the town hired its own engineer who inspected the property and gave the building a "clean bill of health." And Then two weeks later, a member of the same firm, whom Pontillo says was never in the building, later retracted the first letter and recommended legal action against Pontillo.
• That Pontillo provided two separate engineer reports to the court that state "without reservation" that the building is "basically" safe and structurally sound. "Of about 14 of the alleged code violations in the town's complaint, perhaps two of them have merit."

Hummell states, "The town has hunted down Mr. Pontillo for eight years, and the preset situation involves perhaps a couple of broken windows, some peeling paint, and a canopy/awning repair."

On Friday, Roach told The Batavian the issues to be resolved are more serious than Hummel indicates.

"There is no resolution to this case yet," Roach said. "The Town is trying to work with Mr. Pontillo on his three-pronged proposal:  (1) the building will remain vacant and unsafe for occupancy due to ongoing code violations; (2) Mr. Pontillo will replace deteriorated and thus unsafe structural members so as to reduce the risk of collapse; and (3) exterior work will be performed to protect the building from the elements and eliminate the conditions that currently render it a blight, all in accordance with sections under the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code." 

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Press Release:

As the season of gratitude and giving approaches, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Holiday Basket Giveaways. These events are designed to help income-eligible families celebrate the holiday season by providing them with a bountiful basket filled with traditional Holiday essentials.

The Thanksgiving basket includes a turkey or chicken, traditional side dishes, and a seasonal produce box, offering a wholesome, nutritious feast for families to enjoy.

The Christmas Basket Giveaway includes toys for children under 18 years of age and essentials for the holiday meal.

Eligible families are encouraged to sign up before Friday, November 15th to receive a Holiday Basket. Interested individuals can contact the agency for more information or to sign up:

• Nicole Targa - Phone: 585-589-5605 - Email: ntarga@caoginc.org 
• Rachael Escobar - Phone: 585-638-6395 - Email: rescobar@caoginc.org 
• Shannon Harris - Phone: 585-343-7798 - Email: sharris@caoginc.org

Community Action is also looking for businesses or organizations that would like to adopt a family for the Holiday Season. For more information on adopting a family, please call Kristina at the main office 585-589-5605.

Byron Brown had his facts and figures at the ready for a meet-and-greet with Genesee County and city municipal leaders Thursday, a quality that didn’t go unnoticed as he answered questions and gave well-polished objectives for the future of Batavia Downs.

The newly hired president and CEO was, in a word, “comfortable,” Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein said.

“So this is my first time in meeting Mr. Brown, and I believe that he was well prepared. He had his facts, and his numbers absolutely spot on," Stein said after the 50-minute meeting in courthouse chambers. "And the fact that he prepared for us in such a way, I think, speaks volumes about his willingness to be part of a community here in Genesee County and that he will value the host that we are, our city, our town and our county." 

During the session, Stein asked Brown about the revenue that is typically distributed from Batavia Downs to 17 municipalities, including Genesee County. She noted that since the hiring of him and Steven Casey, chief administrative officer and Director of Communications Michael DeGeorge, those three salaries add up to more than the revenue from video lottery terminal money for Genesee County in a year. “That money has already been spent,” she said.

“So I'm sure that that's a conversation that we will continue to have going forward, as I think there were too many questions at the same time coming, but we'll continue that with our board member, Mr. Zambito, and we will continue to probe and push on that because the work of the last three years with (former CEO) Henry Wojtaszek have just been stacked on top of each other,” she said. “Really, nice growth stats, and we've enjoyed those, and it helps our taxpayers here in Genesee County. He's got big shoes to fill, and we're going to give him room to do that, but we also want him to know that we're paying attention.”

As for paying, those first year salaries are $295,000 for Brown, $190,000 for Casey and $130,000 for DeGeorge for a total of $615,000.

Chuck Zambito is on the Western Regional Off-Track Betting board as a representative of and liaison to Genesee County. 

“It’s a great corporation,” Zambito said. “The gaming industry is changing every day. Our goal is to make the corporation better, stronger and more profitable.”

After introductions of each legislator, council member and Brown’s team, Brown parlayed some numbers into talking points for his new missive as the new leader of the Park Road enterprise. He reviewed some of his resume, including having been a member of Buffalo City Council, three terms in the state Senate and most recently as mayor for five terms, earning title to being "the longest serving mayor in the history of the city," he said.

“And one of the things that attracted me to this position is the revenue that it provides to 17 member municipalities in Western New York,” he said. “I thought that that was critically important, and wanted to be able to not only protect the revenues that are provided but to try to grow the revenues that are provided to the 17 member municipalities.”

Since OTB was established in 1974, the gaming facility has provided more than $260 million to those 17 municipalities, he said, with more than $13 million going to Genesee County.

“From my perspective, as former mayor of the City of Buffalo, I think that these revenues are important to the municipalities that receive them, so my new and existing management team will be working to preserve and to grow revenues. I also know here in Genesee County and in the city and town, it is important that this organization continue to be successful and profitable," he said. "It is an important employment source for this community, and we certainly ought to make sure that those employment opportunities are protected and preserved. 

"And if we can grow for the folks that live in this part of our state, obviously with the property, with the corporation being physically located in Genesee County, the majority of the employees at Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation reside in Genesee County," he said. "And so, this is a large employer, over 430 employees, and my focus with the management team and certainly the board of directors will be to protect the employment base, to grow the employment base, and to continue to provide revenues for this community and the other municipalities that derive revenues from OTB.”

County Legislator Marianne Clattenburg asked if Brown was keeping public safety in mind as the track backs up to city neighborhoods, and “the track has always been safe,” she said.

“Public safety will definitely be a priority of mine. My record in public service is one of being a strong supporter of public safety, law enforcement, and fire service. When I was in the New York State Senate, I had a very close relationship with the State Police. Certainly, as mayor of the City of Buffalo, I worked very closely with our police department, one of the largest municipal police departments in the state of New York, outside of New York City, actually the second largest police department, and enjoy strong support from deputy sheriffs in Erie County, Buffalo Police Officers, New York State Police," he said. "And in any community, public safety is critically important. Legislator Deleo is one of our security officers at the property. They do a very good job on the property. We also have a relationship with the Sheriff's Department, which certainly will continue. 

"Yesterday … many people from Batavia Downs attended the road dedication for Sergeant Sanfratello, and it just brought back to me how important public safety is," he said. "That certainly was a tragedy that occurred, and we will be working very closely with law enforcement, very closely with our security officers, to make sure that on the property, in the property, around the property, we are maintaining a safe environment.”

Legislator John Deleo added, “Batavia Downs is one of our polished diamonds, and I hope it continues to shine.” He also expressed concern about “whether we’re on parity now” or if more was going to the state. “If we’re not, I hope that you can break this situation and keep the money home.”

“That is a great point; we are not at parity right now,” Brown said. “That is part of our legislative agenda. As a former state senator, I served on the Gaming, Racing and Wagering Committee in the New York State Senate, so I have familiarity with the operation of that committee. We will be very focused, very aggressive in pursuing the legislative agenda that the board has established for us,” he said. “That certainly is one of the items in the legislative agenda and we have been formulating our strategies so that we can hit the ground running when the legislature goes back into session in January.”

The legislative process is one where relationships are “critically important,” he said, and he believes that his background and that of his team are keys to opening more doors of the process, at least to “be able to get in the door and have a conversation about the things that are important to WROTB … and to Genesee County,” he said.

“One of the issues that we're really zeroing in on is the tax rate and getting parity. We have a higher tax rate than other properties, and we want to make the case to the state that it made sense to bring us into parity with other properties, not only because it would make Western Regional Off-Track Betting more financially profitable but it would also produce greater revenue to the 17 member municipalities, and that will strengthen 17 municipalities in Western New York, including Genesee County,” Brown said. “One of the things that I have learned in government is there are threats that are seen and threats that are unseen. We will be paying close attention, and we will be very plugged into what's happening in Albany so that we can stay ahead of the curve. We don't want to find things out after they've already happened to us; we want to know what's happening before threats arise and try to pick those things off before it's too late to do anything to prevent them. So that will be our approach. Legislatively, we're going to be very active in Albany.” 

City Councilman Bob Bialkowski said that some city residents have complained about the noise levels and timing of concerts — continuing later at night past city ordinance — and Brown said he is “a stickler for the rules.” He offered to meet with neighbors to hear about issues when necessary.

“We don’t want a growing, thriving business and a declining community,” he said. “If a concert is supposed to end at a certain time, it will end at that time.”

Another goal is a potential hotel expansion, which the board has already been exploring. A property should at least be refreshed every seven to 10 years, he said, to continue a strong patronage of the hotel.

“The hotel is one of the, if not the, most successful in the region,” he said. “We have been able to improve the quality of the three restaurants and have been getting good reviews. That keeps people coming back.”

He referred to a Downs commercial and said that he’s had to practice the tagline “over and over,” predicting he might just show up in one of the promotions sometime: "You’re not going to just like coming here, you’re going to love coming here,” he said, really punching his voice on the love.

“We plan on being very visible, not just in the property, but very visible in the community as well. And I have a history of extensive community engagement in the different government offices that I have been in,” he said. “One of the things that I took real pride in is getting out with the people, getting out into the community, and building strong relationships with the community.”

Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. had shared concerns about times when VLT money was withheld at the state level, which caused financial stress for the city. Brown said he would “certainly work to help with that” and that it’s part of the mission to strengthen and grow the corporation, as it was when he was mayor working with the Seneca Nation and its casino. There were times when expected monies did not come, he said, and he was urged to give up, but “we stayed plugged in” to the governor’s office and the Senate Commission, and the situation eventually turned for the better. 

“We hope to be very articulate about the needs of the corporation and the needs of the surrounding local community, and we will be a voice with you in expressing the needs of the community to our legislators and to our governor,” he said. 

Jankowski appreciated the meeting and Brown’s words, he said. 

“And I'm confident that he has all the skills he needs and the intentions to do a really good job in Genesee County. I liked his answers to our questions. He seems very thorough, he seems very well thought out. And I think he has a really good plan, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do with the Batavia Downs,” Jankowski said. “He obviously has no control over (VLT distribution), but as someone who's actually working at the downs and may have input in that decision, I'm confident that he will go to bat for our county and try to keep us in the loop as far as continued payouts and so on, so that our budget is able to keep up with the rising costs of a lot of things. We look forward to that VLT money to help us through that. So I think he realized how important that was to us, and I think he's going to do his best to help us out with that.”
 

Batavia High School’s combined chorus usually sings a few patriotic songs for the school’s annual tribute to veterans, and ninth-grader Keegan Fisher was there for his dad’s first visit to the ceremony.

Although he has no aspirations to follow his father’s path to serve in the U.S. Army, Keegan respects how it has shaped him.

“I think it’s pretty cool. He doesn’t take any (nonsense) from anyone,” the high school freshman said Thursday after the hour-long ceremony. “He doesn’t like when people don’t treat others right.”

His dad, David Fisher, is a 1987 BHS grad who has been too busy to attend any of the school's previous veteran ceremonies. He was glad to have had the opportunity to make this one on his birthday, he said. 

 “I attend all the veterans events that I can. I'm with the Patriot Guard riders. We escort people to their final resting place, and that usually winds up taking quite a bit of my time … going to the National Cemetery, local cemeteries, wherever the vet decides to be buried at, that's where we go,” Fisher said. “Not only being a veteran, but being a combat vet, we really don't get a whole lot of thank-yous. So when we do, when we get something like this, it means a lot.”

He signed up for the Army because he “didn’t really anything to do after high school,” and ended up soaking up an eight-year experience to the fullest, he said.

“I wanted to travel, so I kind of figured, what better way to travel then joint he service; they sent you everywhere. It actually turned out to be probably the best decision I’ve ever made,” he said. “I grew up a lot. I learned different cultures from around the world. I also learned the worst that people can do to each other as well. It was just a good experience all the way around. I enjoyed every minute, or almost every minute, of it. I did six months in Panama and two years in the Gulf War.”

High School Principal Jenny Wesp welcomed all of the visiting veterans and noted the high school’s own vets, Greg Ciszak, Chris Weicher and Chris Gorton, plus Board of Education member Chezeray Rolle. 

The chorus sang the “Batavia Alma Mater,” the “National Anthem,” and “Flanders Field,” based on a poem by John McCrae dating back to World War I. The poem's setting is Flanders, a former county in what is now Belgium with a strategically favorable location on the North Sea — great for trade and commerce while also an invitation for many battles, Wesp said. 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

The BHS wind and string ensembles performed patriotic numbers tucked around keynote speaker and Air Force veteran Sharon Chaplain, who attended Jackson Elementary and Batavia Middle schools from 1979 to 1983 before moving out of the area.  

Now a resident of Brockport, she shared her humble beginnings at Jackson. 

“To say I was quiet and shy is really an understatement,” she said. “I didn’t speak in school. In fact, one of my high school teachers used to read my lips because I wouldn’t speak up. I’d get so nervous that I would throw up. In fact, I threw up in the Jackson school library when I started school there.”

She asked the audience of mostly high school students, “How many of you have ever been told you can’t do something?” and promised to return to that question at the end of her talk. 

Despite her immense timidness, Chaplain wanted to attend college, but she realized two things: college is expensive when paying for it yourself, and that it could be the means to an end of being stuck with her mother. Yes, she loves her mother, but “she was a little bit controlling and I knew that if I didn’t do something drastic, I would be stuck with her for the rest of my life,” Chaplain said.

So, she decided to take a test to join military service. Her first choice was the Navy, which had already met its quota, so she entered the Air Force. She passed that initial test and received notice that she was to begin that November.

“And everybody said ‘you’re not even going to make it through basic training. And to be honest with you, I didn’t think I was going to do it. I wasn’t athletic, didn’t go out for sports,” she said. “But I knew that I had to do something. So I got on the plane … and if you’ve ever seen anything about basic training in the military, it’s pretty much, and I can verify this, it’s pretty much you’re getting screamed at, you’re cleaning and you’re exercising the whole time. And after a couple days, I thought I made the worst mistake in my life.”

It took some more time for her to have a bit of a paradigm shift: this existence, minus perhaps all of the exercising, wasn’t much different than living with her mother, she said. And she observed that when recruits cried or complained, “the instructors were screaming at them all the more.” 

She pushed through and graduated basic training, moving on to technical school, where she learned her job and first assignment. Chaplain ended up being sent to South Korea, a place she hadn’t envisioned when dreaming about where in the world she might get sent to. Her stint was during Desert Storm, and it took more perseverance to be stationed in hostile territory, she said.

During some letter exchanges with folks back home, her enthusiasm for mail waned until she received a package from a 9-year-old girl who sent her puzzle books and games and began to ask her questions. They communicated until Chaplain wrote what would be the final letter. She suggested that this little girl respect the flag and the “Star-Spangled Banner” and those who wear the uniform and what that represents for the United States.

She didn’t hear back from that girl for several years, and wondered if she had offended her. It wasn’t until 25 years later that they met each other, and discovered how each had comforted the other during difficult personal times through those letters and their words.

“So to bring it back to where I started, if anybody tells you you can’t do something, you can’t make a difference, remember this story. A 9-year-old girl made a difference in my life,” she said. “You know, all you have to do to make a difference is take one small step outside of your comfort zone because that's what she did, and that's what I did in joining the service, and that's all it is.”

An idea that began with Genesee County Legislator Gary Maha and moved onto the town of Batavia and throughout the county Sheriff’s Office and beyond to erect a well-deserved memorial parkway sign in the name of the late Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello will now serve as a daily reminder for passersby.

A portion of Park Road, from Veterans Memorial Drive to Richmond Avenue, in the town of Batavia, has been designated as the Sgt. Tom Sanfratello Memorial Parkway in honor of the fallen longtime member of the Sheriff’s Office who died in an incident at Batavia Downs March 10. 

“Officer Tom Sanfratello embodied bravery, selflessness and dedication. His service protected our community, inspiring us all,” Batavia Town Councilwoman Patti Michalak said during a dedication ceremony Wednesday on Park Road. “This road serves as a permanent tribute, reminding us of his commitment and sacrifice to the family of Officer Sanfratello. We offer our deepest condolences and gratitude. May this dedication bring comfort and pride, and may Officer Sanfratello’s memory continue inspiring us forever.”

Michalak then read a proclamation that, “whereas, Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello served and protected the citizens of Genesee County as a deputy sheriff for 28 years, and tragically gave his life in the line of duty on March 10, 2024. And whereas, the town board would like to honor and recognize Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello for his sacrifice by dedicating a portion of Park Road, the Sgt. Tom Sanfratello Memorial Park Road, now let it be proclaimed that the town board does hereby declare that a portion of Park Road, from Veterans Memorial Drive to Richmond Avenue, shall be designated as the Sgt. Tom Sanfratello Memorial Parkway in honor of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello’s sacrifice.”

Undersheriff Bradley Mazur thanked Batavia Town Supervisor Greg Post, town council members and Highway Superintendent Ray Tourt, the county Legislature and Maha, who was also the former county sheriff.

“Legislator Maha approached the town with this idea to move forward with this dedication, and because of his dedication to that, we were able to make this happen,” Mazur said. 

Sanfratello’s sister, Michelle Panasiewicz, thanked everyone for attending and honoring her brother, emphasizing that it couldn’t have happened without everyone’s help.

“This couldn’t have been done without you, and for the support of all of you as we embark on this journey without him. Yes, it’s been difficult, and I’m sure it will be difficult as we go on, but we appreciate each and every one of you as we continue on,” she said. “As we drive down the road and see this, we truly appreciate it. And again, it wouldn’t be done without each and every one of you who made this possible. So, on behalf of the Sanfratello family, the Panasiewicz family, the Diehl family and the Coffey family, we truly appreciate each and every one of you. So thank you. We truly appreciate what you have done. Thank you, and God bless each and every one of you.”

Barry Flansburg represented state Assemblyman Steve Hawley, who was unable to attend, and presented a certificate of merit from the New York State Assembly. The memorial road will serve several purposes, he said.

“One, it will forever honor the sacrifice that Sgt. Sanfratello made,” Flansburg said. “It will also be a reminder to all his fellow deputies and members of the Sheriff's Department, as they see this, as they come to work, and also to the public, for them to remember the dedication of Sgt. Sanfratello, and all the members of law enforcement in Genesee County and the 139th District. So, on behalf of Assemblyman Hawley, I would like to present this certificate to the family.”

Members of the nonprofit Tour de Force were also there to pay tribute and make a donation to the family. The group has nearly 300 riders each year to raise money for families to “make sure we take care of all the New York police officers” that are killed in the line of duty, Robert DePaolis, a retired New York Police detective, said. 

“So when police officers are killed, we sit together, sit down as a board and pick which police officer across the country that we’re going to make the donations to, based on how many, the number of kids there are,” he said.  “We ride our bike from either D.C. to New York or New York to Boston every year to raise this money. Two years ago we rode from one of the hotels in Amherst, we just did four different rides in the Buffalo area so we’re pretty familiar with the area.”

The group donated a check for $10,000 to Panasiewicz for the family. 

Press Release:

The Civil/Records Office at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, 165 Park Road, Batavia, will be closed tomorrow, November 14, for an important, off-site training. It will resume normal operations at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, November 15.

Online services are available at https://www.geneseeny.gov/Department-Content/Sheriffs-Office/Civil-Bureau or https://www.geneseeny.gov/Department-Content/Sheriffs-Office/Sheriff-Records for many common requests and transactions.

This closure is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the office, ensuring that staff members are fully equipped with the latest tools and knowledge to serve the community.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the community’s understanding as we invest in the professional development of our staff to better serve you,” said Sheriff Sheron.

Genesee County legislators gave recognition to veterans this week by officially proclaiming the yearly Operation Green Light as an opportunity for individuals, businesses and the county itself to demonstrate "respect, admiration and the utmost gratitude for all of the men and women who have selflessly served their country and this community in the armed forces."

As you may have noticed, the Old County Courthouse has been lit up in green as tribute to military veterans, who are traditionally honored on Veterans Day, and also throughout the week with Operation Green Light to also serve as a visual token of gratitude and nod of thanks for the contributions and sacrifices made by the men and women who served and are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The county Legislature annually commemorates this national event with a proclamation, issued during its meeting Wednesday, for all veterans, including the approximately 200,000 service members that transition to civilian communities each year, and those that continue to serve in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and church and civil service groups. 

Publicly acknowledging these veterans is a signal that "Genesee County appreciates the sacrifices our United States Military Personnel made while defending freedom" and is "specific recognition in appreciation of their service and to demonstrate the honor and support they have earned."

With some 80 firefighters, including nearly all of the city fire department’s team, city management, public works, and eight responding fire companies plus Genesee County Emergency Management, the Howard Street fire on the city’s Southside this past weekend gave pause for officials and spectators alike, City Council President Eugene Jankowski says.

Considered to be the city’s largest structure fire in recent years, the blaze at Baskin Livstock was reported early Saturday morning, and city firefighters are still hitting hot spots, Chief Josh Graham said. Jankowski noted this week that social media posts pointed to the collective response and teamwork throughout the work to get the fire under control and out.

“Somebody commented on social media and said that you must train a lot together, because everybody seems so cohesive, all the different fire units over there all seem to really work well together. And I know we have a really good emergency management as it is, but that's a good side. And everybody was working together and getting the job done,” Jankowski said during Tuesday’s business meeting at City Hall. “It was a big fire, and it was nice to see everybody working together, as they always have, but other people … they seemed shocked when they mentioned it was interesting to see that everybody was working together.”

“Everybody” included fire companies from the town of Batavia, Elba, East Pembroke, Bergen, Le Roy, Stafford, Albion and Alexander, which covered 10 additional incidents in the city on Saturday, Graham said. 

The city manager and assistant manager brought food and refreshments to the firefighters at the scene and DPW Director Tom Phelps was also called into assist with water needs. He tallied the gallons of water required to help battle the blaze from the city water and wastewater system.

“We were pumping out about 2.6 million when the fire came in, then we were at 3 million,” Phelps said, adding that the water volume was increased to 3.5 million gallons and ended at about 4 million when the fire was at full momentum. There were repairs to waterlines in the area, which includes nearby Graham Manufacturing, in the last three to six months, he said.

“That's something I never would have thought of, that the water sewer plant would have had to be brought into this and have somebody there to be able to adjust the water supply, because I just never thought of it,” Jankowski said. “So it's important that we have those things in place. We thank you for all coming down on a Saturday. I mean, people could have been out of town, could have been anywhere else ... everybody was able to get in. Good work on that.”

Given the proximity of Graham’s property, the situation could have been worse, but the site only suffered some melting plastic and was saved from more extensive damage and loss, Graham said. There were still some hot spots that city firefighters were continuing to monitor and put out at least through Wednesday, he said. 

He has not named a cause of the fire as it is still being investigated, and the site's insurance company has been at the scene, he said.

Press Release:

The New York State Sheriffs’ Institute provides a $500 scholarship to one student majoring in Criminal Justice, Police Science, or a similar program from each community college in New York State, and SUNY Canton, each year.

This year, Colton Tarbell, who is currently enrolled in Criminal Justice at Genesee Community College was nominated by the college’s Criminal Justice faculty. 

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur, and Chief Deputy Joseph M. Graff presented Colton with a $500.00 check to be used to further his Criminal Justice education, along with a scholarship certificate from the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute.

By Connor Beagle

Women’s Triathlon is an “emerging sport” at the NCAA level. When Alexander Central School alum Jadyn Mullen transferred to Roberts Wesleyan University this past fall, she wanted to give Triathlon a go in hopes of using it as a way to cross train for the upcoming track and field season. 

This past weekend Mullen capped off her successful rookie season as a member of the Redhawks triathlon team with a 43rd place finish at the NCAA DII National Championships, helping lead the Redhawks to a 10th place team finish in their second season as a program.

Mullen had a phenomenal first season with the team, coming in already having a background in running as a cross country and track and field athlete, as well as swimming, three sports she competed in at Alexander Central. All Mullen needed to perfect was her biking.

In her first ever Triathlon event Mullen placed 9th overall, leading her team to a 3rd place finish at the Patriot Sprint in Williamsburg, Virgina. Heading into the second week of the season, Mullen had fallen ill, so she did not compete at the Duquesne University Invitational.

However, Mullen would return the following week and travel with the team to Richmond, Virginia for the Robious Landing Triathlon. Hurricane damage in Virginia eliminated the swim portion of the event, making it a duathlon. Mullen again would lead the way for the Redhawks, finishing 37th overall, helping the Redhawks finish 9th overall as a team and 3rd out of Division II competitors.

Next on the schedule for Mullen and the Redhawks was the NCAA East Region Qualifier in Wake Forest, North Carolina. The Redhawks finished 5th among the Division II teams and 14th overall, with Mullen coming in at 24th overall, which helped secure her spot in the NCAA DII National Championships. 

At the NCAA DII National Championships in Clermont, Florida this past weekend, along with three of her teammates Mullen finished 43rd, fellow Redhawks Joane Arzalluz Garzon, Jenna Maendel, and Paige Kern each finished 53rd, 61st, and 65th out of 69 total Division II competitors.

Last season the Redhawks sent Avon High School Alum Brett VanBoden to Nationals, where she placed 145th overall. This season saw much more success for the Redhawks who managed to place within the top 10 of Division II as a team.

Mullen hopes to continue to grow stronger as a triathlete heading into the 2025 season and help make an impact on the track and field team this season for the Redhawks. Mullen opens up the indoor track and field season at the Mike Kowal Multi Meet at Edinboro University on Dec 7-8.

Press Release:

The City of Batavia is pleased to announce the appointment of Gabrielle Kolo to the position of Human Resources Director for the City of Batavia. Kolo was selected following an extensive search for candidates and an active recruitment campaign.  She will assume her new role on December 1.

An Elma native, Kolo holds a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, a Bachelor of Science in Business Studies from SUNY College at Buffalo, as well as an advanced certificate in Human Resources Management, a Public Health Essentials Certificate, and SHRM-SCP Certification from the Society for Human Resource Management. 

Kolo currently serves as the Deputy Director of Human Resources for Wyoming County and Wyoming County Community Health Systems overseeing the administration of all personnel actions for the Board of Supervisors, oversite of the Civil Service Commission for the County, schools, and local municipalities in Wyoming County. 

Previous to her appointment to the Deputy Director of Human Resources in Wyoming County, she served for 15 years at Genesee Valley BOCES in various roles including the Human Resources Coordinator, Senior Human Resources Assistant, Human Resources Assistant, Program Assistant in Human Resources and Enrichment as well as an Account Specialist in Purchasing.  Kolo is a member of the Genesee Area Personnel Administration (GAPA) and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).

“Gabrielle brings a wealth of knowledge in governmental human resource management and I am excited to begin working with her.  She is a great fit for the City of Batavia and will help support the City’s workforce with her strategic thinking, ability to lead teams and desire to advance the City’s Human Resources Department,” said Rachael J. Tabelski, City Manager.

Kolo is an avid sportswoman and hunter and lives with her husband in Akron. 

For at least the second time in a decade, a group of folks are focusing on the cold — and the needs of people who may not otherwise have an alternative place to go.

This most recent effort began with prayerful thought, and ended up in partnership between Batavia First Presbyterian Church and Oak Orchard Community Health.

“We had heard about the Albion warming center last April. Our elders and leaders were meeting for a visioning retreat to dream together of where God might be leading us to serve in the future,” said the Rev. Roula Alkhouri of Batavia First Presbyterian. “We thought that providing a warming center would be a good first step in addressing the needs of the many people we see in our community who find themselves without the security of a home, especially during cold weather. We tried to reach out to different groups, but it was not until recently that we got connected to Oak Orchard through one of their new hires, Marge Fitzsimmons. That led to a meeting where we discussed the idea and the need in our county.”

That discussion led to the two entities agreeing to join forces and invite a collaboration of additional groups to come together for the initiative, she said. 

“The great news is that Oak Orchard has the experience, the knowledge, and the commitment to make this happen,” Alkhouri said. “We are hoping that the meeting on the 18^th will be our next step to cast the vision, identify the needed resources, and to start planning for this project.”

There will be a Genesee County Warming Center planning meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday at Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia.

This meeting is for any individual or group interested in supporting this effort and/or wanting to learn more about it during the presentation and informational planning session with the purpose to create a warming center for Genesee County.

The center would be set up as an evening and overnight safe space for people in need of shelter from the cold on days when the temperature falls below 32-degrees. Organizers also want to provide an opportunity for this space to be a place of connection with helpful resources.

Oak Orchard Community Health and the church are hosting this initial meeting with a vision to make this center a community partnership with as many organizations and individuals as possible, Alkhouri said.

A Genesee County warming center coalition formed in 2014 with a similar objective. For a short time, a center was set up at First United Methodist Church in Batavia. The last post on the coalition’s social media site was in 2015.

To RSVP for Monday’s meeting, go to fpcbataavia@fpcbatavia.org or call 585-343-0505.

Monday's free lunch for veterans at Batavia Downs meant a lot to Blake Leddick, an 11-year U.S. Army veteran, especially with Western Regional OTB President Byron Brown working among the servers.

"Being a vet is more than just putting on a uniform," Leddick said. "It's coming home after we are done serving to support those who support us, and having Batavia Downs here supporting us today, with meeting Mayor Byron Brown serving food, it's an honor. It's an honor for me to see the face of this company willing to take his time out, giving back to us."

On Monday, Veterans Day, Batavia Downs served 350 lunches to veterans from the area.

I don’t plan to become an NFL scout, but I would’ve helped plenty of teams in 2018. 

I was an early supporter of Josh Allen. I’m thankful every season that the Bills saw what I did - an outstanding athlete and leader.

Why did he stand out? 

It started, for me, with the story of Josh staying true to his dreams after getting zero college scholarship offers after high school.

I was impressed by his now-famous letter sent to every single head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in the country. And I was won over by how he performed after getting his hands on the ball for the only college that offered him an opportunity.

Facing adversity, Josh had to perform. He had to make incredible downfield throws, bulldoze linebackers on the run, and lead his teammates. He also had to put himself out there to coaches that had never heard of him.

That’s a lesson I want every student to take to heart.

It’s why I’m so passionate about programs that put students into hands-on experiences.

I see what students gain from taking the controls of an excavator, grabbing a hammer and driving a nail, or inputting control panel instruction at GLOW With Your Hands, how they grow in youth apprenticeships at Genesee Valley BOCES, and putting all that together during the Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

Showing what you can do, for the people that need to see it, is how you succeed. They’ll take notice.

But if you haven’t gotten those opportunities, be like Josh. Find a way to win!

When I’m speaking to students as the GCEDC’s career coach, or guiding a recent graduate through our Career Checklist, there are plenty of ways to win.

One requires only a few clicks - joining LinkedIn.

Asking teens to get on social media isn’t a challenge, but I’m amazed by the way some students are getting ahead of their peers on LinkedIn, a business and employment-focused social media platform designed to connect you with peers and professionals in your network. 

By showing every certification gained, accomplishments made, and programs participated in, they have a live resume that keeps putting them in front of the right people. They show they’re professional and able to engage positively, and that their skills are growing.

These are all things that every student does whenever they participate in a sport, a part-time job, a special class or training program, or as a volunteer. 

As parents, teachers, coaches, and leaders, we all see it. 

But so many more people can too!

And the benefit of putting your story on a professional network is that as your career grows, those past experiences, the skills, and classes you took, may become your most valuable asset down the road.

Maybe the connection that makes your career is someone who worked in the same restaurant you did.

Maybe it’s a GLOW With Your Hands vendor that remembers the interest you showed in their exhibit. But it may not happen if you aren’t involved. 

Finally, there’s nothing wrong with posting about your passions. As I share the good news about Genesee County, our business growth, and our workforce programs on LinkedIn, there’s something that always gets the most activity on LinkedIn, talking about Josh Allen.

Let’s get started! I’m happy to meet with parents and young people looking for guidance during and after high school. Call me at 585-409-1301 or connect with me at csuozzi@gcedc.com. But if you really want to stand out, find me on LinkedIn. And Go Bills!

Chris Suozzi is the Vice President of Business &Workforce Development at the Genesee County Economic Development Center.