Members of United Way and Genesee Symphony Orchestra got together this weekend for a joint fundraiser and to Kick things off for GSO's annual Summer Serenade at the top of its 78th season.

The event includes food and drink, music and mingling Saturday at Terry Hills in Batavia. 

The gathering didn't mean there were any secrets shared about the upcoming concert season, as those musical treats are never revealed until the day of performance, Maestro Shade Zajac says.

The season begins on Sept. 28 with How to Build an Orchestra, followed with Hope Amidst Sorrow on Nov. 16, Holiday Miracles on Dec. 8 and Encore 2024/Holiday Pops Concert on Dec. 14, all at Stuart Steiner Theater at Genesee Community College. 

For more information, go to www.geneseesymphony.com

Photos by Nick Serrata

Press release:

On Sept. 9 at approximately 11 a.m. the city of Batavia Emergency Response Team (ERT), comprised of members from the city of Batavia Police Department and Genesee County Sheriff's Office, assisted the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force with the execution of two search warrants at separate addresses on South Main Street in the City of Batavia. 

The search warrants were executed at apartments located at 11 South Main St. and 61 South Main St. Several people were taken into custody and are being processed by the Drug Task Force at this time.  

Further information on the identity of those arrested and charges will be released by the Drug Task Force at a later time. 

There were no reported injuries during either search warrant execution, and the immediate area was evacuated or advised to shelter in place during the operation as a precaution.  

"We wish to thank the community for their tips and information on both of these addresses as we work hard to hold those accountable that illegally distribute drugs in our City," said Chief Shawn Heubusch.

On a cooler rainy September Friday night, it didn’t stop anyone from dancing and grooving to T-Pain, who opened for Pitbull at Darien Lake Amphitheater. 

A sold-out 22,000 plus crowd packed the venue to greatest hits by both performers including a few dressed up Pitbull outfits.

Oakfield-Alabama/Elba dropped its season opener on Saturday, losing to Letchworth/Warsaw/Perry 27-13.

OAE Stats:

• QB Gavin Armbrewster - Six carries, 42 yards, one rushing TD while going  6-9 passing for 53 Yards
• RB/LB Avery Watterson - Seven carries and two Receptions for 61 total yards; on defense,  16 tackles.
• RB/LB Jack Cianfrini - 10 carries, 92 yards, TD, and nine tackles
• SR LB Carson Warner - Eight tackles
• SR DL Aedyn Groth - One sack and a forced fumble

"Kudos to a tough, physical, and well-coached LPW team," said OEC Coach Tyler Winters. "We knew we would have our hands full in week one taking on a Class C contender like them.  Today's game will serve as great feedback for our group on the areas we need to improve on to accomplish our goals.  The outcome was far from what we hoped for, but the narrative did not change for our team.  We will hit the film and begin to shift our sights to Week 2."

Photos by Debra Reilly

Photos by Philip Casper.

Lei-Ti Campground came through big this year with a donation of $9,050 for Mercy Flight during its annual fundraiser for a nonprofit group. This year's event included 200 basket raffles, a tour of a Mercy Flight helicopter and sales of hotdogs and sausages. 

It was a historic night at Hartwood Park in Le Roy. The newly merged Le Roy and Cal-Mum football programs took the field as one team, the Rivals, to play against the Batavia Blue Devils.

It's been at least 15 years since Batavia played a regular season game in Le Roy.

In a game shorted by weather, the Blue Devils came out on top 32-0.

There were no stats released for the game.

Also on Friday, Alexander traveled to Bath-Haverling and returned home with a 13-12 win. 

In a season opener for Boys Soccer, Byron-Bergen/Elba battled to a 1-1 tie with Le Roy/Cal-Mum.

Jacob Wiley, for the Rivals, scored first with an assist from Jack Curran. 

Colin Rea scored for the Bees.

The game went into a brief OT period but lightning cut the game short.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro

Since 2010, Oakfield-Alabama High School has been hosing the Dash in the Dark, a multi-school event for Cross Country teams.

It's the official kickoff to the Cross Country season.

There were 64 schools participating this year, with more than 1,200 runners.

This is O-A's biggest fundraiser to support cross country along with indoor and outdoor track and field.

Photos by Laura Luft

Press Release:

Back to school should mean new opportunities, not new addictions. As students return to the classroom this fall, educators and parents are not only preparing for a new academic year, but also the rising public health concern of vaping. E-cigarettes can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and in a school setting, these devices may blend in with other school supplies, as they may look like pens, USB drives, and even phone cases. This makes identifying these devices and protecting youth that much more difficult.

Studies show that vaping has become a rising concern in middle school-aged children, as 3 percent of seventh graders in both Genesee and Orleans Counties reported vaping with nicotine. 

“These years of a child’s life are very sensitive because their brains are still developing,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “As the rate of vaping rises among teens, we must equip families and kids with information and tools to stay healthy.”

There are several reasons why youth vape:

• Tobacco advertisers use vibrant colors and fun marketing strategies to increase youth participation in vaping. These ads are shown on social media, television, and streaming services, and promote vaping as a cheaper alternative to other tobacco products.
• Peer pressure and social influences during middle and high school are a main contributor to students trying an e-cigarette for the first time. Students report that they may be curious to try vaping from seeing a friend or family member use them.
• Availability of flavored e-cigarette products including youth-friendly flavors such as candy, fruit, mint, and menthol are the most widely used types of e-cigarettes among youth. According to the CLYDE Survey conducted by UConnectCare (formally GCASA), about 20% of 11th graders in Genesee and Orleans Counties reported using E-cigarettes or vapes that contain nicotine in 2022.
• Nicotine is in most e-cigarettes and is highly addictive. Those who use vapes containing nicotine may experience cravings and urges to smoke, difficulty sleeping, and the feeling of anxiety and sadness, which may make them believe they need nicotine to relieve these feelings. These behaviors, among others, are a part of nicotine addiction.

The good news is that studies show that most middle and high school students who vape want to quit. Becoming more aware of the risks of vaping will allow for educated conversations with youth and help ensure that all youth can live healthy, tobacco-free lives.

Here are a few ways you can protect your youth and promote rejection of vaping during back to school season:

• Educate yourself on the subject, and become a credible source of information. Visit CDC.gov/Vaping for important information on youth vaping.
• Create a safe space for discussion and start the conversation on vaping. Remember to be patient, listen, and avoid criticism. Keep the conversation open and be willing to be flexible.
• Answer their questions and be prepared. Kids may have questions about vaping, visit CDC.gov/tobacco for ideas on how to give educated and meaningful answers 

Get Help Today

If you are interested in quitting, or someone you know needs help quitting, help is available:

• Visit the New York State Smokers' Quitline for quit-smoking and quit-vaping programs, or call 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487), to apply for a free starter kit of nicotine medications and to talk to a quit coach.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about medications and counseling to help you manage cravings. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover services to help you quit.

For more information about GO Health Programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:

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

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

If appearances are anything, entrepreneur Rob Credi may be trading ramen for riesling, as he has applied for a liquor license in a new venture for Shush Wine Bar, LLC in downtown Batavia.

The business, listed as a wine bar/cocktail lounge at 41 Jackson St. on his application, would be in the Gilliana’s diner, which is “temporarily closed” according to its online social media site. 

Credi’s application is one of three up for review by City Council on Monday’s conference meeting agenda. The other two are for existing establishments of Kelly’s Holland Inn and La Oaxaquena Taqueria. 

Credi is no stranger to selling food and drinks, as a former owner of Main Street Coffee and current owner of Pub Coffee Hub on Harvester Avenue and of the Crapshoot Kitchen & Commissary, which housed his Xavmen Ramen take-out diner, which is now listed as being temporarily closed on the website.  

Credi was not available for comment Friday afternoon.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors advanced an initial resolution for a project by 9 Lent Avenue, LLC in the village of LeRoy at their meeting on Thursday, September 5.

The proposed $3.8 million project would renovate an existing 32,500 square-foot structure at 9 Lent Avenue and create 4 new jobs.

9 Lent Avenue, LLC has requested assistance valued at $267,725 in property tax abatements and $77,600 in sales tax exemptions, with the project estimated to generate $3,382,738 in fiscal returns based on new employment and new municipal revenue.

A public hearing for the proposed project agreement will be scheduled in the village of Le Roy.

The GCEDC Board also approved final resolutions for two community solar farm projects in the town of Le Roy.

FFP NY Le Roy Project1, LLC and FFP NY Le Roy Project2, LLC represent a total $20 million investment and will generate up to 7 megawatts of power through the installation of ground-mounted solar panels.

Batavia Girls volleyball squad played Eastridge Thursday evening for a close back and forth matchup.  In the first set Batavia came back to edge a deficit 26-24.

Eastridge won the next two sets 25-22 and 25-19.

In the fourth Batavia didn’t give up hope and maintained a small lead to win 25-21.  In the fifth and deciding set Eastridge scored some points off the serve to keep the game flowing for them to win 15-8.

For Batavia, Sofia Branch had 5 kills and 16 digs, Julia Plath 10 digs, Ava Anderson 21 digs and 4 kills, 7 Aces. 

For Eastridge, Josslyn Siembor had 13 kills and Isabella Nelson 22 digs. 

Batavia's Record is 1-1.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Press Release:

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month! Richmond Memorial Library is celebrating in two different ways:

1. Replacement cards will be offered for FREE during the month of September. Have a missing or damaged card? Now is the time to replace it! The library is waiving the usual $1 replacement fee for the month.
2. Anyone signing up for a brand-new library card account will be entered for a chance to win a prize! The Friends of the Library are sponsoring a prize tote, which will include library swag, a gift certificate to the Friends of the Library Book Sale, and $25 gift card to Batavia’s Original.

Your library card unlocks many benefits, including access to materials in the library and online! The Richmond Memorial Library proudly offer access to Libby and Hoopla for eBooks, Audiobooks, Movies, TV Shows and more. Access genealogy resources, Consumer Reports, legal resources and more through RML’s online databases. Need a dinosaur shaped cake pan or a board game? The library has you covered there as well. 

Resident library cards may be issued free-of-charge to residents of Genesee, Orleans and Niagara counties, and to those who work, own property or attend school within the borders of the Batavia City School District.

Photo ID with name and current street address must be presented to apply for a card, or to replace a lost card. When primary residence within Genesee, Orleans, or Niagara counties is not established, additional proof of working, attending school, or owning property within the borders of the Batavia City School District is required.

Children may be issued resident cards and their replacements when they can sign their own name, and after having established identity and residency in the manner described above, or in the presence and under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian who has.

The library is located at 19 Ross Street in the City of Batavia and is open Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more about the library, library programs and more, visit batavialibrary.org or stop in!

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) introduced the Improving Coordination for the Northern Border Act to require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish the Northern Border Coordination Center to strengthen the implementation and coordination of the Northern Border Strategy, which includes training, information sharing, intelligence, and engagement with federal, state, Tribal, local, and international government partners.

Tenney led this bill alongside Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01).

This bill would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish the Northern Border Coordination Center, to be collocated with an existing U.S. Border Patrol sector headquarters, the U.S. Border Patrol Northern Border Coordination Center, an Air and Marine Operations Branch, and a U.S. Coast Guard air station. The Center would support the implementation of the Northern Border Security Strategy, help to track Northern Border security metrics, serve as a training location for DHS personnel, and as a testing grounds for new border security technologies. The legislation also requires Air and Marine Operations to maintain quick reaction capabilities at the Center to support the border security mission along the Northern Border, including against the rising threat of illegal cross-border drone activity.

“There has been an unprecedented spike in illegal crossings at our Northern Border, including an 846% increase in one sector alone, putting our national security and community safety at risk,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Additionally, 85% of suspected terrorists that have illegally crossed our borders have done so over the Northern Border. By establishing a Northern Border Coordination Center, we can enable the Department of Homeland Security to effectively implement the Northern Border Strategy to enhance training and information sharing among federal, state, local, and international partners and secure our Northern Border to help keep our Northern Border communities, including NY-24, safe."

“Strengthening operations at our northern border is critical to drug interdiction efforts and keeping dangerous substances out of our communities,” said Congressman Pappas. “The Coordination Center will provide a central hub for implementing the Northern Border Strategy, including enforcing our immigration laws and stemming illicit drug trafficking, while supporting coordination efforts between U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel, local law enforcement, and other partners. I thank Representative Tenney for partnering with me on this bill, and I will continue fighting to pass legislation that supports and invests in border security, law enforcement, and anti-smuggling technology."

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When Lynyrd Skynyrd arrived at the Ryman Auditorium in November 2022 for a concert that was going to be filmed and has now debuted in select theaters nationwide, the veteran band’s core members – guitarist Gary Rossington, singer Johnny Van Zant and guitarist Rickey Medlocke, along with a guest performer for that evening, former 38 Special singer and Van Zant’s brother, Donnie Van Zant -- had something of a full-circle moment before taking the stage.

“Gary, Johnny, myself and Donnie, we had this small little dressing room,” Medlocke shared in a mid-July phone interview. “We kept laughing about how it reminded us of the real old days when you had these little dressing rooms and all of these people in them. You couldn’t hardly turn around and get dressed. We kept laughing about it. It was like the brothers in there sharing a moment. That will forever last with me, that Gary was in there with us.”

That show at the Ryman turned out to be the final performance by Rossington with Lynyrd Skynyrd. It’s captured in the aforementioned film, titled “The 50 th Anniversary of Lynyrd Skynyrd.” The last remaining original member of the band, the guitarist passed away in March 2023, after having for years soldiered through a myriad of health problems, including heart conditions that had required major surgeries, a pacemaker and multiple stents to maximize his blood flow.

In 2018, Lynyrd Skynyrd had actually announced a farewell tour. Rossington and his bandmates wanted to end Skynyrd on their terms, while the band could still perform at a high level. But that final extended outing got interrupted in 2020. When the pandemic eased, Lynyrd Skynyrd returned to the road, but with the tour rebranded as the Big Wheels Keep on Turning tour, not a farewell outing. Rossington’s health issues, though, prevented him from participating in nearly all of the tour.

Still, Lynyrd Skynyrd moved forward, announcing a co-headlining tour with ZZ Top that began this past summer and continues this winter and spring, only to see Rossington pass away in March of last year.

The guitarist’s death is still a raw subject for Medlocke, who was actually in the early lineup of Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1971 to 1972 – as the drummer -- before departing to start his own band, Blackfoot. He had grown close to Rossington since rejoining Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1996.

“I mean, you don’t spend that long of a time with a guy that all of a sudden something happens that you’re not really, you’re hit square in the face with it,” Medlocke said. 

But for now, the guys in Lynyrd Skynyrd are looking ahead, having been told by Rossington’s wife Dale (herself a long-time member of the Honkettes, the backing female vocal trio that remains part of Skynyrd’s touring lineup) that Rossington wanted the band to continue bringing their music to the band’s loyal fans.

“Right now there’s really no plan at this point to ever call it, to call it a day,” Medlocke said. “As long as the fans keep coming out and they keep wanting to hear the music and they’re asking for it, we’ll continue to go out.”

So the story of Lynyrd Skynyrd, one of the most tragic and eventually triumphant sagas in rock music history, continues, as today’s band -- Van Zant, Medlocke, Michael Cartellone (drums), Mark Matejka (guitar), Damon Johnson (guitarist/singer in Brother Cane, who has taken over for Rossington), Peter Keys (keyboards) and Keith Christopher (bass) – hit the road with ZZ Top.

The original band is widely credited with pioneering the Southern rock genre, with early hits like the signature epic “Free Bird” and radio favorite “Sweet Home Alabama” helping the group gain an early foothold. Lynyrd Skynyrd appeared to be hitting a musical peak with their fifth album, the 1977 release “Street Survivors.” But the album had been out only three days when an October plane crash claimed the lives of singer/songwriter and band leader Ronnie Van Zant, as well as guitarist Steve Gaines and backing singer Cassie Gaines (Steve’s sister), among others.

It looked like Lynyrd Skynyrd had come to a sudden, premature and tragic end. But in 1987, surviving members Rossington, guitarist Allen Collins, bassist Leon Wilkeson, keyboardist Billy Powell and drummer Artimus Pyle decided to revive Skynyrd, bringing in guitarist Ed King (who was in Skynyrd from 1972 to 1975) to replace Gaines and singer Johnny Van Zant to replace his late brother, Ronnie, in the new edition of the group. 

Lynyrd Skynyrd have been together ever since, releasing eight studio albums and several live releases. What’s more, a box set called “Fyfty” was released in October 2023. It features 25 songs from the original band and 25 from the post-’87 unit and there’s talk of doing a new album.

For now Medlocke is excited to be on the road with long-time friends ZZ Top. Fans can expect many of their favorite songs and a few surprises from Lynyrd Skynyrd on the tour. 

“You always like to try to do some standards, but also dig down into the catalog and try to pull out things that normally you wouldn’t do, just to let the fans hear it,” Medlocke said. 

ZZ Top performs at Darien Lake Amphitheater on Thursday, September 12.

Genesee Chorale’s fall season begins at 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St. Batavia.

Anyone who enjoys singing, camaraderie and making beautiful music is invited to join. Auditions are not required.

The first concert is set for 2 p.m. Dec. 14.

Register in person at the opening rehearsal or online. For more information or to register, go HERE. 

Press Release:

Senator George Borrello offered the following comments today in response to a statement issued by Senator Sean Ryan regarding the announcement that Western Regional OTB has offered Byron Brown a position as their next president and CEO:

“In a statement today regarding Mayor Byron Brown being offered the position of president and CEO of the Western Regional OTB, Senator Sean Ryan expressed his hope that the organization’s next leader would clean up the ‘culture of corruption’ at the entity. I take issue with that characterization.

The ‘culture of corruption’ is actually the way that Erie County and the City of Buffalo have rigged the Western Regional OTB board.

Batavia Downs is the only profitable entity in the entire WROTB. This is because of the support that Genesee County and the City of Batavia give Batavia Downs and the leadership of Henry Wojtaszek. A lot hangs in the balance now with this winning team being replaced with political patronage jobs.

Henry and his team ran all of the operations, including concessions, restaurant and banquet services. As someone who has been in the hospitality business for decades, I can tell you that is no easy feat.

If the new leadership decides to turn those operations over to a third-party, I suspect that Batavia Downs will also become a liability instead of an asset.

We will see the true ‘culture of corruption’ going forward if the Western Regional OTB now starts bleeding red ink.”