More than three decades of performing have passed by, but for Terry Buchwald it all still feels like yesterday as he hunkers down to be your teddy bear. 

“It’s crazy how you feel so young. I just celebrated, I just turned 54 which I am not shy to tell people because I take care of myself and I keep performing,” he said during an interview with The Batavian. “I’m still doing the motorcycle. We do a little country, we do a little rock and roll. We will have three sets, and I'll do the young Elvis, and we'll do the 70s, and then we'll do some country, rock and roll, and, you know, some songs that Elvis inspired the arts. 

"So we kind of try to keep with that, and I try to make it fun, I just don't want people to show up and ‘oh, there's an Elvis impersonator now.’ I want people to come and say, ‘oh my God, I haven't danced in 10 years, I haven't laughed so much. I haven't gotten up on stage.’ I want to make them part of it.”

They may not have danced in 10 years, not until they watch and hear this Elvis, that is. With his dazzling outfits, infectious personality and gyrations, he’s ready to give the audience a hunk a hunk of burning love.  

And it all takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday during Oakfield’s Labor Daze. It’s been a long hiatus since he has rolled into the village on two wheels — seven years — and Buchwald is looking forward to his return.

“We are very excited to be back. I love the Oakfield audience. I used to walk around and check out all the different vendors. There was a guy there that used to have a chainsaw and would carve bears and stuff. Actually, I bought a couple things, I have a turtle in my yard from Oakfield. We used to have a great time. I mean, it was wonderful. The basketball courts is where we started,” he said. “It's sad to see some of these things go and, you know, during my show, I definitely let people know how important it is that they're there, and how important it is to have live music, to keep community things going, it's so important. It just seems like we all are more, looking at our cell phones than we are getting together with neighbors and enjoying the day.”

Even though many activities were shut down during the COVID pandemic, Buchwald had one of the busiest summers ever, he said. In fact, he was performing “as much as they would let me.”

“So I never stopped. I just kept going,” he said. “All the way from Pennsylvania up into Canada and all the way across to Binghamton. I do go all over the nation, I I had a show last year in Las Vegas. I used to travel before covid. I used to travel every month, and I've covered all 50 states.”

Now he has settled into the eastern part of the country and performs at a lot of festivals in central and western New York.  

“Every set has something for everybody out there. I ride in as young Elvis, take a short break, switch outfits and then do a 70s Elvis with a Las Vegas suit. We shoot teddy bears out to people. If it’s hot out I’ll bring the squirt gun,” he said. “Not everybody is going to be an Elvis fan, maybe the wife comes and the husband’s not, or the husband is and the wife’s not. So those are the people that I target a little more because I want them to enjoy the whole thing. I want them to enjoy the Elvis, and I want to cover everything. Those are the people I’m going to try and give a little more. I may do a Beatles song.”

While growing up in Depew, Buchwald was steeped in music — his mother was a big Elvis Presley fan and dad liked country western, while brother Eddie was in a band. 

The Lancaster resident couldn’t help but be inspired by all of that, and recreated a musical artist he admires for how he could always draw people into his performances, and still does. 

As for the musical lineup during Labor Daze, it begins on Saturday:

• 1 to 4 p.m. Genesee Ted
• 4 to 7 p.m. Mayday Buffalo
• 7 to 10 p.m. Dave Viterna Group

Sunday’s menu begins at 11 a.m. with Russ Peters Group and continues:

• 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Eaglez Tribute Band
• 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Hazzard County
• 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Nerds Gone Wild

Monday kicks off with Salvatore at 11 a.m., and after Terry Buchwald it wraps up with Songbirds: a tribute to Fleetwood Mac from 4 to 7 p.m.

Photos from Buchwald's social media with his permission.

Batavia PD's softball team could have used somebody to put out the fire at Dwyer Stadium on Sunday, but City Fire was a little busy fanning the flames on the way to a 23-3 victory in the annual Battle of the Badges.

In four matches, the boys in blue have managed only one victory.

Photos by Nick Serrata.

Jon H. Bush, Jr., 41, of Batavia, was arrested on two warrants and also charged with assault 2nd and obstructing governmental administration 2nd.  On Aug. 5, Batavia patrol officers conducted a traffic stop on Park Road and observed Bush attempting to hide in the back seat. Officers were aware of warrants for Bush's arrest. He was ordered to exit the vehicle. After getting out, Bush allegedly attempted to flee on foot. He allegedly fought with officers and injured one of them before he was taken into custody. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed without bail.

Vinayek A. Graves, 20, of Kansas City, Kansas, is charged with possession of a forged instrument 2nd, identity theft 1st, and forgery 2nd. Graves was arrested on Aug. 8 following an investigation into a fraud complaint. He was arraigned and released.

Nicholas M. Ricigliano, 40, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Ricigliano is accused of stealing an umbrella stand from a business on Bank Street on Aug. 21. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Branco J. Blanco, 60, of Batavia, is charged with dog running at large and owning an unlicensed dog. It is alleged that Blanco allowed two dogs to run at large on State Street on Aug. 18. The dogs allegedly bit a person who was walking in the area.  Blanco was issued an appearance ticket.

Jeffrey G. Ellinwood, 65, of Batavia, was charged with criminal trespass 2nd and criminal mischief 4th. It's alleged that Ellinwood broke into a residence on Porter Avenue on Aug. 15. He was arraigned and released.

Jerry T. Saddler, Jr., 48, is charged with criminal mischief 4th, criminal obstruction of breathing, and harassment 2nd. Saddler is accused of striking another person, grabbing that person by the neck, and taking the person's phone to keep the person from calling for help. He also faces charges from an Aug. 14 of criminal obstruction of breathing involving the same victim. He was arraigned in City Court and held in the Genesee County Jail.

Michael C. Smith, 32, of Batavia, was arrested on four warrants. The warrants were issued after Smith allegedly failed to appear in court on four separate criminal cases. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. 

Geoffrey M. Anderson, Jr., of Brockport, was arrested on Aug. 16 on two warrants, including a warrant alleging bail jumping 3rd. The warrants were issued after Anderson allegedly failed to appear in court on a trespassing charge from 2017. He was arraigned in City Court and released. 

Aaron Joshua Anwar, 18, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Anwar is accused of stealing merchandise from Dick's Sporting Goods on July 31 at 3:03 p.m. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Leeanne Krull, 55, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Krull is accused of violating an order of protection at 12:43 p.m. on July 31 at a location on West Main Street Road, Batavia.  The order of protection had been issued in Centralized Arraignment Part Court just hours earlier. Krull was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Justin Timothy Gladney Sr., 35, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband 1st and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th.  Gladney is accused of bringing crack cocaine into the Genesee County Jail at 9 a.m. on Aug. 1. He was held for arraignment.

Tricia M. Blatt, 37, of East Main Street, Byron, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child.  Deputies were dispatched at 1:40 a.m. Aug. 3, to Byron to investigate a complaint of a broken window, possible criminal mischief.  Deputies located Blatt and determined she was allegedly too impaired to care for her child. There was no evidence of criminal mischief. Blatt was arraigned and released.

The following people were charged on Aug. 1 while attending the Kenny Chesney concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center:

• Jonathon M. Morris, 19, of Rochester, was charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue following an ejection.
• Avery J. Dieterle, 19, of Akron, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue following an ejection.
• William A. McCray, 57, no permanent address, is charged with harassment 2nd after allegedly striking another person while inside the concert venue.

Press Release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) is excited to announce an exceptional opportunity for artists of all disciplines living and/or working in Genesee and Orleans Counties. In partnership with the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) and the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), GO ART! is accepting applications for the NYSCA/NYFA Artist as Entrepreneur Program. The program is free to participants.

This intensive 3.5-day professional development program is designed to empower artists across all disciplines—including visual, literary, performing arts, and more—with the essential tools needed to achieve sustainability and success in their creative endeavors. Whether you’re an emerging artist looking to build a strong foundation or an established professional seeking new strategies and networks, this program offers a dynamic platform to enhance your creative practice.

Program Highlights:

• Comprehensive Content: Participants will explore key topics such as strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, financial literacy, and art law. The curriculum includes materials from NYFA’s renowned textbook, The Profitable Artist.
• Work Sample Reviews: Receive personalized feedback from professionals in your field, offering valuable insights into the jury selection process and your artistic presentation.
• Peer Network: Join a community of like-minded peers across various disciplines, fostering connections that extend beyond the program.
• Access to Experts: Engage with NYFA’s expert staff and local arts industry leaders, including funders, curators, publishers, and artistic directors.
• Artist Action Plan: Develop a personalized blueprint for your practice or specific arts project, with opportunities to discuss and refine your plan within the peer group.
• Engagement with the Creative Community: The program structure includes presentations, panels, interactive workshops, and breakout sessions tailored to the needs of participants.

Eligibility and Application:

• Who Can Apply: Artists of all disciplines and career stages, including students, who are living and/or working in Genesee or Orleans Counties
• Application Deadline: Monday, September 23, 11:59 p.m. Applications must be submitted via Submittable.

Program Dates:

• Meet and Greet and Introductions: Thursday, November 7 from 5 - 8 p.m. 
• Intensive Sessions: Friday - Saturday, November 8 - 10 from 10a.m. - 4 p.m. daily

Don’t miss this unique chance to grow your artistic career with guidance from leading professionals in the field. Currently accepting applications. For more information and to apply visit https://www.nyfa.org/professional-development/entrepreneurial-intensives/ Please email questions to learning@nyfa.org with the subject line “Artist as Entrepreneur, GO ART!.” 

This program is made possible through New York State Council on the Arts, State & Local Partnerships with the support of the Governor's Office and the New York State Legislature.

When Tim and Linda Richter began their venture for the Imagination Library, they could only hope it would be successful in Oakfield. Even there, Linda says, it was a challenge.

“We were shaking in our boots,” she said with a laugh. “We had to do a 501(c)(3), and we were very nervous and thought, can we do this?”

Well, they soon found out that, of course, they could do it. And they're celebrating the 20th anniversary of establishing their nonprofit Richter Family Foundation in July 2004. 

They also founded the first affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in New York State. Now what strikes them the most is how these entities are nowhere to be found in bigger cities of Buffalo or Rochester, Mrs. Richter said, while theirs has only continued to grow in rural Genesee County. Editor's Note: There is a chapter of Imagination Library in Rochester, and Chapter Founder Matt Present reached out to set the record straight. He shared the following information:

"In fact, the Rochester Imagination Library sent out our 50,000th book this summer, and we currently serve almost 4,000 kids across the City of Rochester," he said. "We have been in existence since I founded the chapter in 2021 in a single zip code; we expanded city-wide 18 months later."

Lucky for those Genesee County kids, the Imagination Library—a program that sends out one free book a month to children from birth to age 5—began with 82 kids and, at last count, has signed up 3,264 children for a total of 93,700 books sent out.

How does that happen? The way you’d build any library: one book at a time. Mrs. Richter shared one of her favorite memories so far from the program. It was when a mom pulled up to her mailbox with her 3-year-old son.

“He’s sitting in the back seat behind her, and they pull up to the mailbox, and he gets his book,” Mrs. Richter said. “He’s just about jumping out of his chair, smiling and hugging this book. It was just a great picture. And I think, boy, if I could be at the houses when these kids get these books, that would be amazing, wouldn’t it?” 

After beginning with the Oakfield-Alabama school district, the Richters gradually made connections with other individuals, groups and committees and set up a program with Elba in 2010, Pavilion in 2012, Pembroke in 2013, Byron-Bergen in 2016, Batavia in 2016-17, Alexander in 2020, Le Roy in 2021, and, after Pembroke temporarily stopped in 2016, the Pembroke Corfu Darien Kiwanis Club picked up that area again in 2023. All school districts in the county now participate in the program, and the Richters — teachers at heart and by profession — couldn’t be happier. 

“We send out 800 books a month; we’re just thrilled with the progress,” she said. 

Mr. Richter referred to the bigger picture of the program since Dolly Parton’s vision was to inspire kids to read in her home county of Tennessee. She has surpassed that and been successful across the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland and Australia. More than 3 million books are mailed out each month to excited children, he said.

The Richters don’t feel as though their job is done just because Genesee County has been taken care of, the couple agreed, since there are adjacent counties with children who would benefit from the program. 

“When we started in 2004, there was just us. Now there are 79 affiliates in New York State, and we are seven of them," Mr. Richter said. "This is what I would hope: maybe people who see The Batavian don't necessarily live in Genesee County, but maybe Wyoming County, Orleans County, for example, don't have anybody. And I would like to be able to expand going that way."

They believe that Dolly Parton's company is one of integrity and that staff takes issues seriously. For example, there was a packaging issue at one point, and the books were getting wet. A different material was used to better protect the books, which impressed the Richters.

“I have nothing but spectacular thoughts about the Dollywood program,” Mr. Richter said. “She does a fantastic amount of work."

Given the number of affiliates they work with, Dollywood is able to get really low prices for books to make them more affordable for each participant, he said. They pay for the books and postage, which people sometimes question: "Why isn't Dolly paying for this?" 

“And I laugh. I laugh because they don't understand. But when you explain to them that there's a lot of overhead, I mean, they have a big storage facility, a huge warehouse where they store all these books, because they have to have the books months before they're able to send them out. They’ve got to pay for heating and so on and so on," he said. "They have to have the workers that they're paying. They have a committee that selects the books. They have to do the publishing negotiations. Then they have to keep sending out 3 million books. Just think of the amount of people there just responsible for this."

The Richter Family Foundation decided to pay for a third of the costs, and the remainder is from donations. To contribute, send a check to the Richter Family Foundation, 1600 Ham Road, Basom, NY, 14013, and put the respective school district in the memo line.

For more information or to check a child participant's eligibility, email richterfamilyfoundation@hotmail.com, call 585-948-9675 or go to imaginationlibrary.com.

Press Release:

United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes has increased funding and approved an extension to the Bridge Support to give organizations and our community more time for planning and collaborative efforts to address funding needs.

United Way will leverage its endowment and draw from the Mackenzie Scott gift and campaign funds to provide more than $7 million in transition support over two years. United Way will also expedite the remaining one-year grant opportunities.  

What this means for nonprofit organizations:  

• 2020-2024 Community Impact Fund partners that applied for 2025 multi-year grants and received less funding will now receive 75% of their current funding in 2025 and 50% of their current funding in 2026.
• Pending the success of the Fall community campaign, the expanded one-year grant opportunities to support nonprofits will be launched providing a range of new funding opportunities and services as part of the full strategy.

“The impact of this moment and change for our partners and community cannot be diminished. As a nonprofit for nonprofits, we are continuing to seek creative solutions for these immediate and longstanding community challenges,” said Jaime Saunders, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. “United Way’s focus is ensuring our partners have the tools and resources to provide critical services in our community, and we will continue to work every day to help meet those needs.”  

United Way is committed to keeping its partners and the community informed and engaged as it continues to roll out its full strategy evolution. United Way is convening Community Impact Fund nonprofit partners next week to discuss these changes and next steps.

To learn more about United Way, visit unitedwayrocflx.org. 

Press Release:

Both on and off the field, the Genesee County Spartans achieved what they set out to do this season in the Northeastern Football Alliance semipro league.

That’s the assessment of Head Coach Harry Rascoe and Board President Tammy Hathaway, who pointed to the team’s 7-3 record and an “all for one, one for all” attitude that bodes well for the 2025 campaign.

“We made great strides this year, without a doubt,” Rascoe said. “Our only losses were to (league champion) Lockport and there were no instances of misconduct. We’re only a couple players away from contending for the title.”

In its return to the football scene last season, the organization was hampered by a lack of discipline on the field.

Hathaway said that the codes of conduct put into place this season and the leadership of the team’s captains resulted in an organization that local fans could get behind.

“Speaking for the board of directors, I couldn’t be more pleased with the players’ performance in every aspect,” Hathaway said. “Hopefully, we’re building something special here.”

Recently, the team learned that nine players were named as league all-stars and have been invited to play in an East vs. West game on September 28 in Apalachin, home of the Broome County Stallions.

All-stars on offense: Wide receiver Deyonci Farley, tackle Jordan Chambers and guard Anthony Natrigo.

All-stars on defense: Linebackers Kaden Marucci and Marley English, linemen Gunner Rapone, Steve Kowalczyk and Jalen White, and defensive back/returner Jzhon Henderson.

Rascoe said the team’s awards banquet is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. October 5 at T.F. Brown’s Restaurant in Batavia. For more information, contact Rascoe at rascoeh@yahoo.com or go to the Spartans’ Facebook page - Genesee County Spartans.

Press Release:

The Books Sandwiched In committee is pleased to announce the Fall 2024 Series of Books Sandwiched In! Sessions will take place on Wednesdays in September from 12:10 p.m. - 1 p.m. in the Gallery Room.

Books Sandwiched In is a book review program, in which guest speakers are invited to present reviews of books, usually non-fiction titles. This fall’s theme encourages attendees to explore “America’s National Parks,” in keeping with the theme of the 2024 Richmond Reads title, The Last Ranger by Peter Heller.

“Attendees are not required or expected to read the books in advance,” shares program coordinator Samantha Stryker. “Rather, think of it as a way to learn a little something and figure out which books you may want to read.”

Each session will feature cookies, coffee, tea, and a chance to win a gift certificate to a local lunch spot. On your lunch break? Feel free to bring your lunch! 

Fall 2024 Books & Speakers:

Wednesday, September 4 at 12:10 p.m. - Explore the Everglades: Genesee County Park Conservation Education Program Coordinator, Claudia Nusstein, reviews "Gator Country: Deception, Danger and Alligators in the Everglades" by Rebecca Renner

Wednesday, September 11 at 12:10 p.m. - Explore Yellowstone: Retired Teacher & NIOGA Board Trustee, Jeff Laub, reviews "Saving Yellowstone: Exploration and Preservation in Reconstruction America" by Megan Kate Nelson

Wednesday, September 18 at 12:10 p.m. - Explore the Grand Canyon: Retired School Counselor and avid outdoorsperson, Janice Spiotta, reviews A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon by Kevin Fedarko

Wednesday, September 25 at 12:10 p.m. - Explore Yosemite: BCSD Superintendent of Schools Jason Smith reviews Guardians of the Valley: John Muir and the Friendship that Saved Yosemite" by Dean King 

Books Sandwiched In is sponsored by the Friends of Richmond Memorial Library. All are welcome and this program is free to attend!

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St in the City of Batavia. For more information about the library and other programs, visit batavialibrary.org.

Press Release:

New York State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Members of the Senate Republican Conference today unveiled the “Creating Lasting Affordable Energy for New York,” a comprehensive legislative package to ensure a clean, affordable energy future for all New Yorkers.

This summer, critics have cited the failure of the Administration to meet benchmarks enacted under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Since the CLCPA has been on the books, Democrats have proved they have nothing to show for it except frustrated ratepayers and taxpayers, business organizations and even climate advocacy groups. Today, Senate Republicans are putting forward proposals to not only protect the environment, but also the pockets of our taxpayers.

These proposals come on the heels of the fifth anniversary of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act becoming law and the upcoming “Future Energy Economy Summit” in September.

Senate Republicans' common sense package offers solutions to delay the CLCPA mandate, while providing relief to taxpayers, ensuring the reliability of the grid, and ensuring a diverse energy portfolio that will keep energy options affordable and accessible throughout New York State. 

“It’s ironic how five years after the implementation of the CLCPA, the billions of dollars spent, and the absolutely crushing utility hikes year after year, Governor Hochul just realized that now might be a good time to put some actual thought behind the Democrats’ energy policies. We welcome the Governor’s late arrival to the party and hope that she takes a look at the policies we have laid out here, as they will not only keep the lights on, but do so in a clean, affordable way that benefits all New Yorkers,” said Senator Mario Mattera, 2nd District, ranking member of the Senate Energy Committee.

"Since the CLCPA's approval in 2019, we've watched Albany Democrats move at world record speed to pile one unaffordable mandate on top of another unworkable mandate on top of the next unrealistic mandate desperately trying to inflict a zero-emissions economy on this entire state that will have zero impact on the climate. These actions will come with a devastating price tag and consequences for ratepayers and taxpayers, businesses and industries, school districts, farmers, and entire local economies. It has become clear that the current strategy is not realistic or achievable. It is not responsible or rational. There was no cost-benefit analysis, other than a "the sky is falling" proclamation. It lacks critical foresight, and it unreasonably risks energy grid reliability and affordability. The forthcoming reassessment and reexamination at least opens a long-overdue and desperately needed public discussion on the realities of the current strategy. Senate Republicans are putting forth a clean energy strategy that is focused on affordability, feasibility, and reliability," said Senator Tom O'Mara, 58th District.

“The evidence keeps mounting that CLCPA mandates are not only unworkable and unaffordable, but a very real threat to the reliability of our energy supply.  If Democrats keep blindly pushing forward with this disastrous plan, even as experts raise numerous red flags, it will be a catastrophe for our economy, businesses, municipalities and already over-burdened New Yorkers. With a more balanced approach that ensures broader energy options and ratepayer relief, our plan is the desperately needed course correction that will prevent New York from going over the CLCPA cliff,” said Senator George Borrello, 57th District.

“Our legislative package is about securing clean and affordable energy for every New Yorker, and we're committed to doing it the right way. Our proposals lower costs of the transition for New Yorkers seeking cleaner energy while putting local decision-making back in the hands of local municipalities. Our package finds the right balance—hitting our environmental goals to keep our communities strong and ensuring a clean and prosperous environment for future generations to come, ” stated Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, 9th District.

“The extreme policies mandated by Albany's CLCPA will make energy more expensive and less reliable when Hudson Valley residents need it most. My colleagues and I favor a balanced, common-sense approach that maximizes consumer choice and eliminates harmful mandates that drive up costs. For example, my Ratepayer Protection Tax Credit will directly assist households forced to pay up to an additional $1,600 each year to subsidize Albany's unrealistic goals and roll back job-killing taxes on local businesses. Keeping everyday New Yorkers' energy options affordable, reliable, and plentiful remains a top priority,” said Senator Rob Rolison, 39th District.

“Senate Democrats have lost sight of reliability, affordability and feasibility in their energy policy. I'm proud to be a member of a conference that's pushing real, balanced solutions, and I'm thrilled to introduce legislation to keep hydroelectric plants producing the affordable, clean energy we need to power our economy and protect our environment,” said Senator Jake Ashby, 43rd District.

“High taxes, onerous energy costs, burdensome regulations and problematic policies such as the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act have forced hardworking New Yorkers to flee the state at an alarming rate. We need a plan that helps struggling taxpayers, families, business owners and communities – not one that imposes unrealistic and unreasonable mandates that only make things more difficult for those who stay in the state. This commonsense package of legislation that the Senate Republican Conference has unveiled today, which includes a bill I have sponsored, will provide much-needed relief to taxpayers and ratepayers, improve the reliability of the grid and ensure that the state has a diversified energy portfolio. Approaches such as this can help us to stop the exodus and build a stronger future for New York,” said Senator Joe Griffo, 53rd District.

“A recent comptroller report made clear what my Senate Republican colleagues and I have been saying all along: the cost of implementing the CLCPA is already far beyond that which Democrat leaders have suggested it would be. There must be accountability and transparency, and I’m proud to sponsor legislation requiring a true cost-benefit analysis of these mandates. New Yorkers deserve reliable, affordable energy. With this legislation and the other pieces sponsored by my colleagues, we can make that a reality,” said Senator Dan Stec, 45th District.

Since Democrats passed the CLCPA in 2019, Republicans in the State Senate have demanded answers about its cost, expressed concerns about its mandates and questioned if its goals were realistic or achievable.

The Senate Republicans’ “Creating Lasting Affordable Energy for New York” legislative package includes proposals that would:

Delay the implementation of the CLCPA mandates by ten years, giving the state time to develop a sustainable plan to build affordable, clean energy infrastructure and give state agencies more flexibility to adjust those time frames if the cost to New Yorkers is determined to be unaffordable while also considering the impact of the CLCPA’s compliance on reliable and affordable alternatives for heating and other services currently supplied by natural gas, including renewable natural gas and hydrogen

Create the “Ratepayer Relief Act” to determine the true cost of CLCPA mandates and provide relief in that amount to ratepayers, as well as cut existing taxes that will save ratepayers more than $100 million

Prevent the state from closing any power generation facility before new facilities come online and provide tax credits to homeowners for the purchase of backup power systems in the event of outages

Study the feasibility of bringing Indian Point back online and expand investment into alternative energy options

Encourage the use of solar by expanding the residential solar energy credit to give homeowners up to an additional five thousand dollars to install solar, provides a new solar STAR credit for communities that build small to midsize solar projects, and re-establishes local control over the siting of major renewable energy projects

Establish a commission to evaluate the impact of grid electrification on the safety and reliability of heating systems in extreme winter weather incidents that cause power outages, and to develop strategies and best practices to maximize grid reliability during these events

Provide relief via a tax credit to hydroelectric plants to offset relicensing costs, which can potentially put them out of business, to allow them to continue to be a source of clean, reliable power to New Yorkers

Create the “Rural Energy Infrastructure Act of 2025” to provide a tax credit for individuals in underserved or unserved areas of the gas system to assist the buildout of natural gas infrastructure to help bring service to those areas

Prohibit the state from mandating the electrification of personal vehicles

Establish the New York state hydrogen vehicle task force to examine another source of clean and affordable fuel

“The Governor and the Legislature continue to make it more and more difficult for a family to remain in New York.  Every time the Legislature comes into session, New Yorkers pay more for basic necessities. This is exactly why New York is losing its population at the rate it is.  The only thing participants of Governor Hochul’s ‘Future Energy Economy Summit’ should be considering is how to reduce energy costs for New Yorkers, and they could do that by taking up these proposals,” concluded Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, 62nd District. 

As a coach, there’s nothing more inspiring than seeing a player emerge and outperform their expectations.

Training camps are underway, and teams like the Bills are seeing it in action. The next Matt Milano, Stevie Johnson, or Christian Benford is out there. The next unexpected leader just needs to prove they’re ready.

That’s the reality of sports and work. You need to show you’re ready before you get these opportunities. And I’m pleased that Genesee County, and our emerging workforce, can do the same as we prepare to launch a local Work Ready Communities initiative. 

How?

By proving what we know is true about Genesee County. 

That our students are engaged in work-ready technical training and have skills worth rewarding. 

Our manufacturers, businesses, and employers understand talent and how to grow a new hire into a leader.

My major goal is to show that our families, schools, and communities are united in a better future for our kids. Having a venue to hold it - for both our youth and companies looking for the ideal place to locate - is now at hand.

ACT Work Ready Communities provides the tools that will connect our graduates to the in-demand career opportunities available in their backyards, aligning the region’s economic development needs with the skills required to create an economic blueprint that benefits our local businesses and in turn our communities.

In order for our community to be designated a Work Ready Community, we will need participation from our local workforce and businesses. Once registered, you will have access to search and vet job requirements and skills sought by local businesses, allowing them to efficiently recruit from a pool of qualified candidates.

Think of this process as the free agent pool or transfer portal – students trying to find their next best opportunity, including higher pay as well as detailing the skill levels that have been attained.

To initiate the process, students, incumbent workers, and job seekers will have the option to complete assessments for criteria in applied math, graphic literacy, and workplace communications. The scores earned range from bronze to platinum and can be highlighted on transcripts, resumes, and other applications.

We want good-paying careers for everyone in our community and this certification program enables us to introduce students and residents to see how it can help them take charge of their career decisions.

As we grow our community there will be more opportunities to not only attract new businesses but hopefully to help existing businesses expand. Site selectors for major projects recognize this certification and provide them with the information and data, bringing more jobs to Genesee County.

I am working with school representatives, workforce institutions, and other stakeholders to boost our talent pool, linking our students to high-quality job opportunities that enable them to thrive in our local community.

To learn more or sign up for a National Career Readiness Certificate contact me at 585-343-4866 or csuozzi@gcedc.com.

Businesses often experience setbacks, and the ones that survive are those that find ways to adjust. Lori Steinbrenner took that approach when, after a couple of years of trying, she couldn't find a qualified nail technician.

Steinbrenner, who has owned Personal Preference Salon and Spa in Le Roy for 34 years, partnered with three other experienced businesswomen to open the front of her shop as a specialty boutique.

"I relocated the waiting area to the back of the shop (previously set up for pedicures and manicures) and put the boutique in the front of the salon," Steinbrenner said. "It's a unique little gift store."

The store is called New 2 Main the Boutique at Personal Preference.

Steinbrenner's partners are Becky Kelly, owner of Flowers by Becky, Heather Hunt, owner of Pastique, and Liz Broussard, owner of Indigo Lux.

She said the products are decorative pieces mixed with modern, BoHo-style handbags and accessories, along with fresh-cut flowers.

Personal Preference is located at 34 Main St., Le Roy.

Kids at Jackson Primary School will return to a surprise landscape inside the hallway this fall.

Based on the “KEY” principles of kindness, empathy and you, artist Linda Fix painted a large swath of artistic scenery this past month.

Principal Maureen Notaro had already instilled the concept of community helpers at the school, such as police officers, firefighters and doctors, which reminded Fix of the familiar phrase “it takes a village.”

She wanted to add the American flag to her design and talked to Notaro about what she wanted to incorporate.

“She really wanted children in it. She loved the flags, one of the American flags in it, so I went and designed it. And my designs are an interesting process because they never end up quite the way they begin, and that's what I love about art and creativity,” Fix said to The Batavian. “It never ends really the way you had it in your mind. But you get a piece of it, you know, you can recognize it. But along the way, so many things change. 

"As I'm painting, children walk by, and they say things they love, and I catch their favorite colors, and I ask them, what would you like to see in the picture and the painting? And they tell me flowers over here. And they'll point to an area, so I'll paint their favorite color, rather, in a flower," she said. "So it became a journey for me.”

Fix applied for and was awarded a $5,000 grant from GO Art! for the project. It’s the second of its kind for a mural in a city school. The first one was at John Kennedy Intermediate last year. 

Fix credits former school employee Julia Rogers and GO Art! staffer Mary Jo Whitman for helping to coordinate the efforts, and wanted to give a shout-out to Sherwin-Williams of Batavia for a generous sampling of paint in just the right blue shades she needed.

After getting a sense of what Notaro wanted to see on the Jackson school walls, Fix then got to work. She chalked an outline of her design, which she began in late June of this year. There was a lapse for some vacation between then and when she really began the serious work in mid-July.

“I worked on it every day until (Thursday), for three or four hours a day, on the entire wall,” she said. “Maureen is a very ambitious principal; she's a very forward principal, and I love that about her. She said, hey, can we add a rainbow at the end of it with the sun and do it in metallic, she loved my metallic paint, so I put that there, and then in the front foyer, I also did another rainbow, because then they can hang the children's different artwork and things like that around it. 

“So it kind of added a little bit to the timeframe for me,” she said. “But, you know, it was okay. I was fine with it. I have enjoyed painting it so much, and so has the community.”

Last year she then made contact with folks that arranged for a traveling mural of the artwork. That involved a professional photographer and transferring the art onto a huge 8-foot-by-8-foot piece of canvas that is displayed on an easel and transported around the district. 

A traveling mural will be part of this year’s grant, and it will be forthcoming by the end of the year," she said.

Although kindness is widely taught in schools now, she said, it seems as though empathy is not as well known, which is why she favors that second word in the acronym of KEY. 

“Because empathy isn’t something we teach,” she said. “How do we teach children to really understand that?”

The traveling mural is to help educate kids on that empathy component, she said. Last year there were also children’s workshops along with the traveling mural, and those details have to be worked out for this year, Fix said. She thinks the traveling part of the project will probably be out and about in October or November. 

Asked about her favorite part of this year’s mural, Fix thought to the day her grandson Waylon accompanied her to school. He thoughtfully watched and observed her splash on colors and a continuing story before offering his own suggestion. There were children, a wise owl, school buses, white clouds, a blue sky, rolling hills, and math equations, but something was missing, he told her. 

“He said you need a park in here. And he picked where it should go, and it was his idea,” she said of her 9-year-old artist-in-training. “And I would never have thought of a park. It has evergreen trees, and children are sitting on a rock.”

When Fix was taking art lessons, she told her teacher she wanted to paint billboards someday, and the male teacher scoffed, “Miranda, you can’t do that,” referring to her artist pseudonym, Miranda Fix. 

Now, having just completed another project doing something that she loves in the hallway for hundreds of children to see, she may have accomplished that billboard after all. What is a billboard if not an artful display of thoughts?

Come Sept. 5, many youngsters will be treated to that once they enter Jackson.

“That'll be a surprise when the children come back in. We have a lot of hidden things, a lot of hidden gems,” she said. “We represented everyone. We tried to represent the janitors in the school, we tried to represent numbers, and the big clock you see has all the community helpers, symbols of community helpers in the clock. So, yeah, there's a lot of just little thoughts.”

Press Release:

Notre Dame is pleased to announce their 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Class. This year’s inductees include:

• Dan Burns (1982)
• Jeff Weaver (2001)
• Katie Francis (2004)
• Maurin Lawrence (2004)
• Ashley Napoleone (2004)
• Jeff Antolos (2013) 
• Eric Geitner, long-time Notre Dame Cross Country, Swim, and Track Coach

Also being inducted is the 1982 Football team that posted a record of 8-0-1, winning sectionals and snapping Cal-Mum’s state record 47-game winning streak.

The celebration event will be held on Saturday, November 11. More info to be released shortly.

The ongoing pre-trial process for two defendants connected to an incident at Batavia Downs on March 9 that led to the death of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello continued in Genesee County Court on Friday morning.

Michael J. Elmore is charged with first-degree manslaughter, and Lyndsey J. Wilcox, charged with assault in the second degree, appeared separately in court for hearings on the admissibility at trial of statements they made on March 9 and 10 to police officers. 

The hearings, called a Huntley Hearing, are standard pre-trial appearances in criminal cases.

Sanfratello died shortly after midnight at Batavia Downs during a disturbance that allegedly involved Elmore and Wilcox.  The incident began when Sanfratello, working a special detail at the casino, was dispatched to 34 Rush, a bar in the casino, for a disturbance. He asked those involved, which reportedly included Elmore and Wilcox, to leave the facility.  Wilcox was reportedly complying when she started to resist. Elmore then allegedly attacked Sanfrantello. During the struggle, Sanfrello reportedly suffered a medical event, possibly involving his heart, and died.

Today's hearing focused on statements made by Elmore and Wilcox that were captured by body-worn cameras of police officers, a corrections officer, and a criminal investigator.

At the end of the hearings, Judge Donald O'Geen said to issue a written ruling before the defendant's next court appearance in on Sept. 20.

The first witness called was Deputy Kevin McCarthy, who testified that while preparing to transport Elmore back to the Monroe County Jail following a hearing in Batavia Town Court on March 12, Elmore made the spontaneous (meaning nobody in law enforcement asked him a question or otherwise spoke to him) statement "my life is over." (The Batavian also video recorded Elmore leaving the courthouse -- see video at the top of this story)

No other witnesses were called during Elmore's hearing.

Detective Jason Ivison, Batavia PD, testified that his first contact with Wilcox was just before noon on March 10, when he interviewed Wilcox at the Genesee County Jail. Ivison was apparently the first person to inform Wilcox that Sanfratello had died.

She was already distressed, he said, and that news upset her more.

He read her his Miranda warnings ("You have the right to remain silent," etc.) and then questioned her. His body-worn camera was turned on a DVD of the recording was entered into evidence. 

She agreed to talk with Ivison.

Ivison said Wilcox told him that she had been drinking heavily before going to Batavia Downs and that she had blacked out. She said she didn't remember anything from her time at the casino and didn't understand why she was in jail.

Batavia Patrol Officer Joseph Weglarski testified that he responded to the incident on March 9 while it was in progress. He was later assigned to drive Wilcox to the Genesee County Jail.

He said he didn't ask Wilcox any questions and made no statements to her.  He said she called him several expletives, including "bitch" and "dumb-dumb." 

He said his body-worn camera was on the entire time during the transport. A DVD of that recording was entered into evidence.

Senior Corrections Officer Jason R. Queal took the stand next.

Queal testified he was on duty when Wilcox was brought into the jail for processing, and he handled her intake. He said didn't know why Wilcox was brought to the jail. He later learned there had been a disturbance at Batavia Downs and, then, later learned that Sanfratello had died. Still, during that entire morning, he did not know Wilcox and Elmore were involved in that incident. 

He said Wilcox indicated she did not know why she was at the jail. 

Then Elmore was brought in for intake processing. 

During intake for both defendants, Queal had his body-worn camera attached to his uniform and turned on.

The two defendants were in separate but neighboring cells.  When Elmore started yelling and accusing Queal of breaking his arm, Queal activated his body-worn camera again (it had been off for 45 minutes to an hour). He placed it on a table so that if faced Elmore's cell (the view of Wilcox's cell was blocked by equipment).

He said Wilcox could be heard on the recording. 

He said Elmore was making threatening statements toward him and about law enforcement in general.

He said Wilcox was asking anybody she could why she was in jail. He said he told her he didn't know and didn't hear anybody else give her a reason for her confinement. 

After the hearings, O'Geen said jury selection in the trials will begin on June 16 and take at least three days. The two trials are expected to up to a month, going into the middle of June.

After court, District Attorney Kevin Finnell confirmed both trials would be held simultaneously with both defendants in the courtroom. He said it will be up to the defense attorneys to elect whether to have a single jury for both defendants, separate juries, or have one or both defendants receive a bench trial (no jury, with the judge deciding guilty or not guilty).  He said there is no indication yet how the defense will decide to proceed.

For previous coverage of the case and related events, click here.

Press Release:

The Batavia Social Security Office will be temporarily closed to walk-in visitors on Thursday, August 22 and Friday, August 23, due to renovations. The office will return to normal services on Monday, August 26.  You may continue to reach staff of the Batavia SSA office by calling 1-866-931-7103.

People needing to conduct their Social Security business in person while the Batavia office is temporarily closed may visit one of the following SSA offices:

• Greece – 2nd Floor, 4050 W Ridge Rd, Rochester
• Rochester – 2nd Floor, 200 E. Main Street, Rochester

SSA office hours are from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  

Save a trip!  Most Social Security services do not require the public to take time to visit an office.  Many Social Security services are conveniently available online at www.ssa.gov or by dialing toll-free, 1-800-772-1213.  People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call SSA’s TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

People may create their my Social Security account, a personalized online service, at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.  If they already receive Social Security benefits, they can start or change direct deposit online, request a replacement SSA-1099, and if they need proof of their benefits, they can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter from their account.  People not yet receiving benefits can use their online account to get a personalized Social Security Statement, which provides their earnings information as well as estimates of their future benefits.  The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services.

Need a Social Security Number card?

Please note for many situations people only need their number and not the card.  If they need a card, they should start the process online.

People can visit www.ssa.gov/ssnumber to submit a request for a replacement card, start an application for an updated card, or to request a Social Security number for the first time.  Some people may not need to visit an office and, if they do need to visit an office to complete the application, they will save a lot of time by starting online.

Want to apply for benefits?

People can apply online for most benefits.  In many cases, there are no forms to sign.  The agency will review the application and reach out with questions or for more information.  Visit www.ssa.gov/onlineservices to apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare.

Need proof of benefits, want to check the status of an application or appeal, or curious what else people can do online?

Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount or www.ssa.gov/onlineservices today.

Rising health insurance, program and workers' compensation costs for Byron-Bergen Public Library have triggered a request for nearly $4,000 more in the Town of Byron’s 2025 budget, Board President Sally Capurso says.

Capurso requested $10,000 from the board, an increase of $3,800 from the $6,200 it allotted in the 2024 budget. 

She reminded everyone about last year’s vote for Municipal 414 to establish a tax for each of the towns of Bergen and Byron for the library. Bergen passed, but Byron did not, with a 42% vote.

“The trustees are committed to, once again, pursuing this municipal 414 proposition in 2025, however, now in 2024 we both recognize and appreciate that both the town of Byron and our Byron-Bergen Public Library are transitioning with some new board members and experiencing an increase in expenditures," Capurso said during this month's town board meeting. "We are adjusting to new costs that we did not have before. We have to pay for workers' compensation, and we don't even know the cost of that because it will not be out until October. Our library strives to continue to offer relevant programming. Digital materials such as ebooks and audiobooks have also gone up. Additionally, we want to increase compensation and benefits for our loyal employees."

She cited numbers, including performer costs of $250 to $500, and health insurance estimated to range from $5,724 to $13,000. 

"We are still dipping into our reserve funds, which have decreased about 15% from 2023 to 2024," she said. "Would the town board consider putting an amount of $10,000 in your budget to support the final version of the library for the 2024 budget year?”

Town Supervisor Candace Hensel said that budget talks will be coming up.

“And we’ll see where we stand,” Hensel said.

The town of Bergen residents supported Municipal 414, which now provides a tax of 55 cents per $1,000 assessed property value in Bergen that will go toward library expenses. 

As for the worker’s compensation insurance, the library board had approached Genesee County officials previously to find out if Byron-Bergen could be added to the plan, since at the time only Richmond Memorial Library was officially listed.

Byron-Bergen’s board then presented a resolution, per requirements of a local law, to be added by the deadline of July 15. That request prompted discussion during a recent Ways and Means meeting to revise the local law and set a public hearing.

The proposal is to amend a law dating back to 1962 that has since been amended several times related to the county’s mutual self insurance plan. 

The resolution states that any municipal entity eligible to become a member of the plan may become a member by filing a certified copy of the resolution of its governing body that indicates its intention to become a participant of the plan for the next calendar year of operation with the executive secretary of the plan on or before July 15 of any year.  

Genesee County Legislature approved the hearing for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at the county Legislature Chambers in the Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia. Anyone interested in the topic that wants to speak may do so during this time.

Press Release:

The North Bergen Food Pantry, located at the North Bergen Presbyterian Church, closed its doors at the end of 2023 as its 200-year-old church was closing permanently. 

Since the pantry has a new location there was a need to change the name. The committee met and the name: Mustard Seed Food Pantry seemed to fit perfectly. The mustard seed is referenced in several excerpts from the Bible.

The Mustard Seed Food Pantry is operated by volunteers in coordination with Foodlink (Rochester) and overseen by a board of directors. It operates in cooperation with the Bergen United Methodist Church at their location in the town of Bergen. The pantry is open monthly on the 2nd Thursday from 5 – 8 p.m. and the last Saturday from 9 a.m. – noon. There are handicap entrances and volunteers available to help get the food to your car. Everyone is welcome!

If you would like to donate food or volunteer, please contact Pastor Dave at 585-290-5487. If you would like to donate to this great cause, please send checks made out to: Bergen United Methodist Church, please add “Pantry” in the memo line. Mail to BUMC, PO Box 216, Bergen. Donors will receive an end of the year statement from the Church for tax purposes.

Press Release:

The Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association and workforce development partners from the GLOW Region (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans & Wyoming counties) Thursday celebrated graduates from the 4^th Annual Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

Ten participants received six weeks of free classroom instruction at the Genesee Valley BOCES in Batavia, paired with paid on-the-job experience at a local advanced manufacturing company. The ‘Boot Camp’ style program is an earn-while-you-learn model that has placed nearly three dozen participants into full-time employment and several in registered apprenticeship programs.

“The GLOW Region is leading the way in workforce development programs that link academic to industry through innovative programs like the Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Boot Camp,” said Bob Coyne, RTMA Executive Director. “The RTMA is proud to partner with Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, Genesee Community College, Genesee County Economic Development Center and others to create programs that workers of all ages, skill levels and abilities for a variety of high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.”

The Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Program was created in 2021 to assist companies in the region with recruitment and training for high-demand mechatronics trades. Participants receive 96 hours of state-of-the-art classroom training and more than 100 hours of paid on-the-job experience at companies in Genesee, Livingston and Monroe counties. The program has been replicated in Monroe County this year as five participants completed the program earlier this month.

Classroom instruction was provided at no cost due to a SUNY Pre-Apprenticeship Grant secured by Genesee Community College and its BEST Center. The Genesee County Economic Development Center, Workforce Development Institute and GLOW Works also support the annual training program.