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Smash Mouth lead singer Zach Goode. Photo by Howard Owens
Smash Mouth brought more than a decade's worth of hits and some poppin' new tunes to Batavia Downs on Friday night.
The set ranged from monster hits like Walking on the Sun, I'm a Believer, and All Star to their latest single, Ride On, which kept the crowd dancing and smiling throughout the performance.
2023 File Photo of former City Historian Larry Barnes showing the files filled with research materials in his second floor office at City Hall. Photo by Howard Owens
A master researcher, author and presenter of local history, Larry Barnes became the face of all things Batavia as the city historian for 16 years until his retirement in December 2023. Soft-spoken but adamant about capturing various moments and people of history, including his latest penned venture into the lives of Black Batavians, Barnes, 83, passed away on June 21 at The Gateway Home in Attica, where he had received end-of-life care.
A GCC psychology professor-turned-historian in later life, Barnes also authored several books and scripted a play about the Brisbane Mansion, which is still a hot topic as city management works to put it on the selling block after the police station moves out into new digs downtown.
Barnes was present throughout the years of discussions about what to do with the police department in an antiquated building that once housed the Brisbane family, and he was pleased to see a final solution. He advocated for repurposing the West Main Street site instead of demolishing the property and its valuable city history.
Barnes was very active in the community, having served with several history-related groups, including the Landmark Society of Genesee County, Batavia Historic Preservation Committee, Genesee County Historians Association, Government Appointed Historians of Western New York and the Association of Public Historians of New York State.
It was when Barnes was a member of the Holland Land Office Museum board and city historian that Ryan Duffy met and made a connection with him. Duffy is the museum's executive director and the recently appointed city historian to take the reins in January.
“Larry was a mentor to me,” Duffy said Saturday. “When I came on to the museum, he was always there to help me out with anything with local history. He was always a resource for me and for the museum in general.
"He was the person who wanted me to become city historian after him. So he always admired what I did, and always, you know, pushed me to do more, but I always looked up to him in his research, and I always used it as a resource too, so there's a lot of things that he covered that I think if he hadn't covered it, we might have forgotten about it," Duffy said. "So his impact will be felt forever.”
Barnes was also a go-to source for area organizations, groups and even journalists who picked his brain about certain city topics, gleaning background for news articles. His gentle and willing manner, combined with a dry sense of humor, made interviews easy and informative.
For Duffy, he wants to make sure “I keep the legacy going,” he said.
For Barnes, the historian role was one of many passions that included photography, extemporaneous public speaking (he won a national competition in school), doing methodical research, and putting his highly creative skills to both fun and practical purposes by crafting small whimsical designs up to building two beloved homes.
He took his volunteer role seriously, even to the point of braving the wintry elements during the city's bicentennial celebration by standing on an outdoor stage to address the snow-covered crowd.
That volunteer gig shifted to a paid position, but only after Barnes' 16 years were nearly up -- when City Council voted to pay the role a $5,000 per year stipend.
His faithful service and untold hours were a testament to his belief in the importance of documenting history at any -- or no -- cost, which is a stepping off point for Duffy from here forward.
His body is to be cremated, and his earthly remains will be privately interred in the Historic Batavia Cemetery, another site that Barnes knew well.
A Celebration of Life service will be at 2 p.m. July 28 at the Main Street 56 Theater in Batavia. It will be a time of reflection, remembrance, celebration and sharing.
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A huge tent is ready for the visit from Christian speaker Mario Murillo, who will be at Cornerstone Church Sunday through Wednesday in Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens.
Although Cornerstone Church has been a source of controversy for at least one prior event on its expansive 20-acre grounds, there's no denying its ability to host popular speakers, including this weekend's outspoken Christian leader Mario Murillo, expected to bring in thousands of attendees for each of four nights beginning Sunday.
Cornerstone Church "will transform into a powerhouse of hope and healing," organizers say, "be there as miracles unfold, lives are touched, and hearts find renewal."
The tent has been set up at 8020 Bank Street Road, Batavia for Murillo's visits, which are to include a message of hope and healing each night from Sunday through Wednesday beginning at 6 p.m., Pastor Paul Doyle said.
"There is no cost. Come as you are. General seating. Plenty of parking. We're expecting big crowds," Doyle said Friday. "People are coming from all over New York State and outside states as well, so come early if you can."
Doyle said that when Murillo came to the Batavia church in August 2021, he drew 4,000 people each night. His claim to fame is his humble birth as a Christian with the courage to give church a try.
“Someone dared me to go to church because I had been outspoken against the Christian faith,” Murillo said. “They said if I was going to bash it, I should at least consider it. So I went, and while I was there, there was a visiting team from New York City who were former heroin addicts and gang members. They gave their stories and it really affected me. I realized I was called to be a Christian minister.”
According to his bio, Murillo rose from poverty in the Mission District of San Francisco. After being revolutionized by Christ, he felt a call to the University of California at Berkeley. Sharing his faith on this riot-torn campus seemed beyond impossible. His attempts to communicate were repeatedly rejected, which led him to pray a prayer that would define the rest of his life.
“If you called me to this campus, you must help me.” The help arrived in stages. It began with words— a way of saying things that were different than audiences were accustomed to — that seemed to tumble out of his mouth. A small group of students quickly grew to a regular crowd of hundreds.
Then, something else happened: students began to report healings. They would testify that in the name of Jesus, their sickness had vanished. Murillo quickly understood that any report of healing should be verified by doctors. He also steadfastly maintained that the Gospel must remain his central theme. Miracles must be regarded as byproducts of preaching the Word of God, he said. At this point, thousands began to attend his rallies.
His international ministry was launched after a four-day conference in San Jose, Calif., which was extended for six months, with a total attendance of nearly 250,000 people.
Since then, Mario’s voice has been heard by millions around the world, bringing a message that zeroes in on society's hurts. His material states that he presents Christ "clearly, intelligently and openly declares the power of Jesus to totally transform a life." He offers an invitation for anyone interested to "come and see. Christ has the power to end addiction, racism, violence and disease."
“I have a profound belief in the power of God in the modern era because I have seen it at work,” Murillo said. “But the power of God has been counterfeited, commercialized and misappropriated. And the problem is that once that happens, then we’re maligned.”
Cornerstone hosted the ReAwaken America Tour in 2022, much to some protesters' dismay, and brought General Mike Flynn to the campus earlier this year.
For more information about Maurillo's visit, go HERE and click on EVENTS.
Coming off of a big win on the road against their rivals, the Elmira Pioneers, the 1st place in the PGCBL Batavia Muckdogs return home for the first game of a 3-game homestand, starting off with the Geneva Red Wings.
Gone are the days of simple newsletters and notes sent home in kids’ backpacks as the means of communication for a school district’s community, as communication has become an entity all its own.
Batavia City Schools’ Board of Education approved a contract renewal with Emily Benedict of ESB Media this week for such services that include public and media relations to disseminate news, updates, highlights and positive stories about the city school district.
The agreement for 15 hours per week at a $5,000 a month retainer, or $60,000 per year, begins July 1 and runs through June 30, 2025.
District expectations include spending more quality time on “value-added projects,” focusing on strategy, “empowering colleagues to take the lead using brand/PR guidelines,” and adopting a more proactive and less reactive strategy.
Board member Alice Benedict said that one thing that's happened "for years and years and years" is that, despite getting information out into the public about upcoming budget and board election votes, that doesn't often evoke a great turnout, and this year, seemed especially dismal.
She asked if Benedict had any suggestions to help boost voter enthusiasm for the polls.
Photo from Emily Benedict's social media site.
Contrary to what's been the trend for many organizations to get the word out about events, Benedict said that "we cannot just depend on social media," adding that information needs to go out via local press, postcards, newsletters and "other options we could explore."
Board member Barbara Bowman pointed to Batavia's large senior population and suggested that the school district could work with the county's Office for the Aging to assist older folks in getting to their polling sites.
"It would be nice if we could make a concerted effort," she said.
More specific goals related to the new contract, according to Benedict, are to:
Continue the great work we’ve executed over the last four years with public relations, media relations, social media, executive communications, and strategy.
Develop a comprehensive feature editorial strategy to unearth and highlight more positive stories about the district, its programs, students, and staff.
Successfully transition web presence to a new platform and create a seamless content system that allows for clarity, transparency, and ease of use for all stakeholders.
Find new and innovative ways to tell the BCSD story.
Develop a community outreach strategy that better informs Batavia about the great work happening across BCSD.
Continue working on a comprehensive crisis communication plan and messaging and develop additional communication opportunities to foster a stronger BCSD community for families, staff, etc.
Improve the Annual Report with more educational statistics and brand stories.
Professional photography of schools/faculty/students to enhance the website, social media, and materials.
More video-focused interviews/news packages/social posts.
Serve as webmaster for bataviacsd.org.
In other financial-related news, the board also approved a contract for blacktop sealing of 250,000 square feet of the district’s parking lots and driveways during the summer.
This includes painting lines, crack filling and a $5,000 allowance for milling and repair. The RFP was publicly advertised and sent to various companies. Two proposals were returned from the following companies in the amounts indicated:
Get Sealed submitted a bid of $72,800, and Baughman Magic Seal of Amherst submitted a lower bid of $46,950.
Chad Bliss, Director of Facilities III and Business Administrator Andrew Lang recommended that the board approve Baughman Magic Seal, which received final approval.
Appropriations for this work were budgeted for in the 2024-25 general fund budget, Lang said.
29 N Main Street, Elba.This home just begs you to come relax and enjoy! Solid and lovingly cared for this home will surprise you as soon as you step in-from the cozy livingroom with wood burning fireplace encased by pretty wooden built ins, gorgeous hardwood floors and beamed ceiling all give you that timeless feeling of days gone by! Stepping further in there is dinette area leading to updated open step saver kitchen with plenty of cupboards and island opening up to large bright family/dining/entertaining space-you decide! This room is lined with all windows and sliding glass doors showing off prettiest of views! There are two first floor bedrooms first floor laundry and beautifully remodeled first floor bath. There is also cozy bedroom upstairs as well. Hidden from road the backyard is something special! Beautiful plantings and greenery encase this backyard as well as double pond with wooden bridge and beautiful field backdrop. Yard also has cute red shed and your very own greenhouse! From enjoying the oversized covered front porch, enjoying the park like yard and being within walking distance to park school dining and ice cream this Village home is the epitome of classic rural living! Call Reliant Real Estate today, call 585-344-HOME (4663).
At age 74, Batavia resident Dave Barone accomplished a rare feat on Wednesday. He played 18 holes of golf at Batavia Country Club and show a career-best round of 70, two strokes under pare and four strokes under his age.
His friend Doug Cercere, who referred to Barone as a local bowling legend, credited the accomplishment to "Hours of practice that contributed to his single-digit handicap and this very impressive score over the 6,500-yard course."
His round was witnessed by Mickey Hyde, Nick DiFlippo, and Cercere.
The Batavia City School District is proud to announce that Ms. Volpe’s 6th grade Reading Class has won First Place in the prestigious statewide video contest hosted by the Rural Schools Association of New York State.
This impressive project involved 21 students and took about two weeks to complete, showcasing their creativity, technical skills, and dedication.
"We are immensely proud of Ms. Volpe and her 6th grade Reading Class for their incredible achievement. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and collaboration of our students. They have truly captured the spirit of Batavia Middle School, showcasing the best of what our school and community have to offer. Congratulations to each student involved and to Ms. Volpe for her outstanding guidance and support throughout this project," said Batavia Middle School Principal Nathan Korzelius.
The theme for this year's contest was "The Miracles of Rural Education." The project began with a class discussion on the concept of miracles and brainstorming examples within their school, other schools, and the Batavia community. They then divided into groups, each responsible for planning a script, deciding on filming locations, and creating a filming schedule.
Throughout the project, students analyzed previous years' winning videos to gather insights on what made them successful. Using this research, they meticulously planned, filmed, and edited their own video.
The collaborative effort included selecting transitions, incorporating images, and adding music, resulting in a polished and compelling video that highlights the unique aspects of Batavia Middle School.
David A. Little, Esq., Executive Director of the Rural Schools Association of New York State, praised the students' accomplishment, stating, “The contest is intended not only to support student creativity and technical skill, but to encourage pride in their school and their community. For Batavia to have won First Place in a statewide competition that includes large districts and BOCES with studio quality equipment is a testament to the quality of their instruction and the dedication of their students.”
The following students participated in the winning project:
The essential walker during those first weeks, and a grabber -- a godsend for retrieving items from the floor since bending down is a no-no -- during hip replacement recovery. Photo by Joanne Beck
More than 540,000 people get hip replacements in the United States every year, and I became what many of them affectionately call themselves -- "a hippy" -- on May 7.
There was a plan in place with the hope to avoid missing as little work as possible: work and strength training right up to the day of surgery and then follow a recovery plan with a physical therapist at home until graduating to more rigorous therapy at a facility.
Well, recovery crept along slowly and more painfully than expected, but as week three crested, things seemed to be falling into place: I felt ready to get back into the swing of things, just about ready to write stories and feel like a productive member of The Batavian team again.
On the night of May 26, I felt a strange sensation as my body crumbled beneath me, and the most excruciating pain filled the next several hours. X-rays showed that I had a hip dislocation. My newly placed apparatus had come out of the socket.
For anyone unfamiliar with the surgery, the damaged thigh bone and cartilage are removed, and the prosthetic is placed into a shaft created by drilling into the femur, with a cup and ball acting as the hip joint. It takes several weeks to months for the bone and device to grow solidly as one, just as it takes for a broken bone to heal. To me it sort of feels like a tree trunk inside the thigh.
Now the hip was out of place, and after two attempts in the ER to manually put it back in, they wheeled me into the OR for a third try. The good news was that it was put back into place, but the process set my body back to ground zero in recovery from the additional wear and tear, pain and tenderness and unsettling trauma of the ordeal. Caution is the word of the day after one dislocation because there's no guarantee that it won't happen again.
While I'm eager to get back to city and county coverage, I know I need to take things slow. It's clear now that it may take longer than I anticipated. We at The Batavian sincerely appreciate your patronage and support, and there will be much more coming on the horizon.
This has been quite a life lesson in dealing with chronic pain -- it began more than a year ago after I fell twice with my beautiful big rescue dog, who just had a bit too much energy and strength (and love for chasing squirrels) for me to handle, and then the third time when he was spooked by a truck on the street and plowed into me, knocking me to the ground. Subsequent tests found other damage including osteoarthritis.
For anyone facing a health challenge, continue to be your own advocate and push for answers if you’re not getting any; strive for the very best care from medical professionals; and take the time to value your own well-being. It is hard to put life’s many other details aside, but then again, it’s nearly impossible to keep going without good health.
If you are considering a replacement procedure in the near or distant future, do your homework! Ask questions, research the procedure and requirements involved, and be prepared for what’s to come. While some people seem to describe it as a walk in the park, others like me have been unexpectedly sidelined on a park bench, at least temporarily.
I appreciate each and every reader, and look forward to providing you with the latest news as soon as possible.
Genesee County Corrections Officer Ian Sanfratello, son of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello and a GCSEA member, along with Brooke Kochmanski, Alexander High School senior and scholarship recipient and Nathan Fix, president of the Genesee County Sheriff's Employee Association. Submitted photo.
Press release:
At the Annual Alexander Senior Awards night, Brooke Kochmanski of Alexander High School was awarded as the first recipient of the Sergeant Thomas Sanfratello Memorial Scholarship.
Genesee County seniors can apply and must be residents of Genesee County. The applicant must be a graduating high school senior who will be attending an accredited college or university in the fall. The scholarship award must be payable to an accredited college or university, and the applicant must be pursuing a career in the criminal justice field. A copy of the applicant’s most current transcript (high school or college, as appropriate) must be submitted.
The NYSDA and GCSEA hope to see this scholarship grow in funding in the future years.
The New York State Deputies Association, Inc., along with the Genesee County Sheriff's Employee Association, has created this scholarship to keep Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello's legacy alive in local law enforcement so our youth can continue to protect and serve our community.
The Governor’s office recently announced Round XIV of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative, which includes capital grant and tax-credit funding combined with a wide range of programs from multiple State agencies, including $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development (ESD), available to projects on a continuous basis.
The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council is focused on supporting projects that advance or address strategic priorities including the four core focus areas of Industry Growth, Built Environment, Workforce Development, and Quality of Life. New this year, up to $10 million for the Small Manufacturer Modernization Program; and up to $40 million for the Capital Improvement Grants for Pro-Housing Communities Program.
We are fortunate that the Finger Lakes Region’s Empire State Development office has offered to join local organizations in Wyoming County (Wyoming County IDA and Chamber of Commerce) and Genesee County (GCEDC and Chamber of Commerce) in holding two in-person Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) information sessions for details regarding funding available in Round XIV of the REDC initiative on:
Wednesday, June 26 at the Genesee County Economic Development Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia. The program begins at 10 a.m., with a Q & A session to follow.
Thursday, June 27 at the Wyoming County Ag & Business Center, Second Floor Conference Room, 36 Center Street, Warsaw. The program begins at 9:30 a.m. with a Q & A session to follow.
“We encourage our municipalities, small businesses, and manufacturers to join us to learn the opportunities available in this year’s CFA and connect with Empire State Development representatives that can assist in submitting successful applications,” said Mark Masse, GCEDC Senior Vice President. “CFA programs can accelerate investments and infrastructure that grow our communities.
The Information sessions will consist of an overview of available funding programs, application tips, as well as time for questions about the CFA process. As a reminder, the application deadline for most CFA programs is July 31 at 4 p.m.
"We are very appreciative of our partners from Empire State Development for working with us to conduct this important informational program for our businesses in Wyoming County," said Jim Pierce, Executive Director of the Wyoming County IDA. "These workshops are a great opportunity for local businesses and officials to learn about the variety of development programs available that will help to grow and continue to build our businesses and local communities. We hope everyone interested takes advantage of this opportunity."
Additional information on programs is available online on the Regional Council website https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov and Available Resources Guidebook at https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/2024_Available_CFA_Resources.pdf
Seating to both events is limited and RSVPs are requested.
For the Batavia session, please RSVP by June 25 to jkrencik@gcedc.com. For more information or questions, please contact the GCEDC at 585-343-4866 or jkrencik@gcedc.com.
For the Warsaw session, please RSVP by June 26 to scott@gowyco.com. For more information or questions, please contact Jim Pierce at 786-3764, or Scott Gardner at 786-0307.
A walker in Centennial Park, with the good company of man’s best friend, takes a stroll on Wednesday in Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens
It's a familiar scene that always returns this time of year, and it's as frustrating for bystanders as it is easy to avoid: leaving pets inside vehicles during the dog days of summer. And the one simple message from animal welfare advocates such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is to use some common sense and not put animals in harm's way when the temperatures soar.
On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 100 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 109 degrees in less than 10 minutes.
Dogs, who don’t sweat and can cool themselves only by panting, can rapidly succumb to heatstroke, even if a vehicle is parked in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside.
Besides the well-being factor for animals, there's the reality that anyone who leaves animals outside to suffer in severe weather may be prosecuted for cruelty.
The following tips, provided by PETA, will help keep animal companions safe in hot weather:
Keep animals indoors, and leave them at home when it’s hot outside. Unlike humans, dogs can sweat only through their footpads and cool themselves by panting, so even brief sun exposure can have life-threatening consequences. Anyone who sees animals in distress and is unable to help should note their locations and alert authorities immediately.
Never leave an animal inside a hot vehicle. Temperatures can quickly soar in parked cars, and a dog trapped inside can die from heatstroke within minutes—even if the car is in the shade with the windows slightly open, which has little to no effect on lowering the temperature inside the car. PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer for help with intervening in life-or-death situations.
Avoid hot pavement. When outdoor temperatures reach the 80s, asphalt temperatures can climb to 140-degrees, causing pain, burns, and permanent damage to dogs’ paws after just a few minutes of contact. Walk dogs on grass whenever possible, and avoid walking in the middle of the day.
Never run with dogs in hot weather—they’ll collapse before giving up, at which point, it may be too late to save them.
So leave the hotdogs to Batavia Peace Garden's regular sale outside of Holland Land Office, baseball games, picnics and barbecues. Everyone will be happier.
Lucas Lopez at the plate in the third inning. Photo by Howard Owens.
The Batavia Muckdogs took it on the chin on Wednesday evening for only the second time this season, falling to the Niagara Falls Americans 8-6.
Start Gavin Chandler had a strong outing, going 5 2/3 innings while surrendering only four hits and giving up one run. He had six Ks.
He was relieved in the sixth by Isidro Jimenez with a runner in scoring position. Jimenez induced an inning-ending grounder from Vincent Mauro.
The wheels came off for Batavia in the seventh inning as Jimenez and Brycton Berry (Notre Dame grad) gave up seven runs (six earned).
That left the hometown team down 8-2.
The Muckdogs tried to make a game of it in the bottom of the seventh, scoring four runs but couldn't keep the momentum going to overcome the Americans lead.
Lucas Lopez and Jake Butler each had two hits for Batavia. Lopez had two RBIs.
Jimenez took the loss in his first appearance of the season.
Now with a record of 10-2, Batavia remains at the top of the West Division of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, 1.5 games ahead of the Auburn Double Days.
The Muckdogs travel to Elmira tomorrow and are home again on Friday against Geneva. Game time on Friday is 6:35.
Starter Gavin Chandler Photo by Howard Owens.
Travis Hammond attempts a Willie-Mays-style basket catch in centerfield. Photo by Howard Owens.
Niagara Falls' first baseman, Vincent Mauro, had the ball nearly go through the webbing of his glove before making the put out on a hard grounder by Lucas Lopez. Photo by Howard Owens.
Cooper Romich at the plate. Photo by Howard Owens
Lucas Lopez gathers up a ground ball. Photo by Howard Owens.
Tavis Hammond at the plate. Photo by Howard Owens.
EverPresent Church is hosting Flight or Fight for Our City! a free community event and concert on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Austin Park in Batavia.
Join special guests Nicky Gracious and Joe Nester who will provide music and testimonials based on their journey in active recovery. Both know firsthand what it is to live a life caught up in drug & alcohol abuse.
Their songs reflect the struggles of addiction and the heartache and pain that so often follows that lifestyle. Come and be inspired by those who have been down and out and have turned their lives around.
There will also be agencies and organizations presenting resources and information on what they have to offer and how they can help.
We will not be silent, and you no longer have to suffer alone. There are people who care and want to help. By meeting others with similar backgrounds, you will be encouraged and empowered to know that your life has a purpose, and you too can overcome and be strengthened by us coming together.
If you are struggling or suffering from any form of addiction, abuse, anxiety, depression, suicide, whatever the case may be…. there is hope!
Nicky Gracious Submitted photo.
Nicky Gracious
Nicholas Greathouse, now Nicky Gracious, began his life as an abused child in a very troubled and pain-filled environment, including having to witness constant domestic harm inflicted on his mother. His youth was spent in and out of various juvenile facilities and group homes.
Many nights, in an effort to soothe himself, he would gaze up to the stars in hopes that “something wonderful” might happen; but then his negative thoughts would tell him: “Nope. No chance. Great things don’t happen to nobodies like you!”
His first felony was at age 10 for Grand Theft Auto. At 16, he ran from the law for a false murder accusation, and by 18 he was in prison. He spent the next 20-plus years behind bars, and after being released with no real-life skills, he fell into the dark world of illegal drugs. He lied, cheated, and was abusive to everyone, including his wife.
Eventually, he overdosed and felt a void as if dead, but was miraculously revived with Narcan. Suddenly, he began hearing strange voices, causing yet another type of trauma. Diagnosed a Paranoid Schizophrenic, he was put on prescription medication to suppress symptoms, but nevertheless, he felt like he had gone crazy and could not continue to live this way.
In ultimate, utter despair, he quit taking his pills and cried out loud to God; “In the name of Jesus (Yeshua), please just kill me!”
Immediately and powerfully, God answered him! He put to death his old self, and restored Nicky as a brand-new creation in Christ Jesus! Nicky now writes and performs music to proclaim this very Truth of the amazing love and mercy of God; who redeems the lost, sets the oppressed free, and restores to those the incredible hope that “something very wonderful” can and WILL happen to ALL who call on the name of Jesus Christ the Lord!
Joe Nester Submitted photo.
Nester Nation
Joe Nester was once a homeless drug addict until he was pulled out of the fiery pits. Ever since he surrendered to Christ God has used him to write music that reflects his unique blend of musical styles, combining elements of contemporary Christian, acoustic rock, and some pop. His powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics create an emotional connection with listeners, inviting them on a journey of faith and redemption. Drawing inspiration from his own experiences, Joe's songs touch on forgiveness, redemption, and the power of God's love, mercy, and grace.
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