For the third straight year, Kim Mills of Oakfield and representing Batavia City Schools, was the top women's runner in the GLOW Corporate Cup, finishing with a time of 20:25.
Zac Jantzi, running on the Bontrager Auction and Real Estate Team, finished first overall with a time of 17:16, beating his second-place time of 2022 of 17:24.
Bontrager's won the Corporate Cup, represented by Jantzi, John Bruggman (2nd overall at 17:59), and Abby Jantzi (2nd among women with a time of 21:20).
Genesee Valley BOCES was the second-place team. Their top three finishers were John Scnitter, Samantha Walker, and Lisa Nixon.
Third place went to Liberty Pumps (Jacob Cone, Nathan Balduf, and Bryson Tobolski).
There was a total of 605 people who completed the course either as runners or walkers.
The Edge Softball Travel Team is holding tryouts starting Aug. 7 at Batavia High School.
Tryout times are 6 to 6:30 p.m. for pitchers and catchers, 6:30 to 8 p.m. for all other positions.
Registration begins 15 minutes prior to tryout.
Teams:
Aug. 7, 16u and 18u
Aug. 8, 12u and 14u
Aug. 9, 16u and 18u
Aug. 10, 12u & 14u.
For pre-registration text or email Coach Brian Mruczek, brianmruczek@yahoo.com or 585-993*1170. Please include the player's name, date of birth, contact information, and position.
Seven-on-seven flag football returns to Batavia on Aug. 27 for a cash-prize tournament for teams of seven to 13 players.
The tournament is being organized by Ray Williams, Thomas Ognibene, and Noah Talone.
Team sign-ups are being accepted up until the week of the tournament, and the cost is $650 per team.
The total cash prize for the winning team will be announced once organizers know how many teams are participating. In the past, the first-place prize has been $2,500.
Participants receive a team shirt.
For more information, call Ray at 585-356-5956, Thomas at 585-297-9409, or Noah at 585-813-8733.
The Batavia Society of Artists is hosting artist Karen Crittenden at 7 p.m. this Tuesday at GO ART!/Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia.
Karen will be doing a hands-On Gelli Plates and Alcohol Inks demonstration. All materials will be provided at no cost. Refreshments are provided. Non-members are welcome for a $5 fee. The 2.o.1. Tavern will be open for cash purchases.
Please join us for a fun and interesting evening of making art! Any questions, please call Teresa Tamfer at 585-506-2465.
Senator George Borrello has introduced legislation mandating that New York City, the largest consumer of energy in the state and the most fossil fuel dependent, accept turbine installations at a rate equal to that of upstate New York.
“New York State’s leadership has expressed a commitment to making the state the most progressive in the country in its energy policy and conversion to renewables. To clear the path for their agenda, they have trampled on the state’s constitutional home rule doctrine, forcing upstate localities to accept industrial wind turbine installations even when local officials and residents are fiercely opposed,” said Sen. Borrello.
“The special interests and legislators pushing this conversion to all-renewables are largely from New York City. As upstate New York’s beautiful landscapes and Long Island’s shoreline are destroyed to make way for industrial turbine installations, the city has not had to make any comparable sacrifices, despite the fact that most of the energy produced will be diverted to the five boroughs,” said Sen. Borrello.
Specifically, the legislation would prohibit the New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment from granting a certificate for the construction of an industrial wind turbine within New York State unless a certificate for a wind turbine within New York City was also issued.
“As it stands now, the loss of green space as well as the wildlife and ecosystem damage that turbines cause will be solely borne by upstate and Long Island communities, which is not only unfair, but contradicts the ‘urgency of the climate crisis’ narrative that we hear often from New York leaders,” Sen. Borrello said. “If climate change is truly an ‘existential threat to humanity’ then the cost and logistical challenges of placing wind turbines in New York City should be tackled with the same urgency of those efforts that are ongoing in other parts of the state.”
Senator Borrello also noted that upstate New York’s energy generation is already more than 90 percent emission-free, thanks to hydropower and nuclear resources. In contrast, New York City’s energy production is largely dependent on fossil fuels.
“New York’s transition to renewable energy is going to require great sacrifices and higher costs. Those burdens shouldn’t fall disproportionately on the shoulders of upstate and Long Island residents. This measure is aimed at ensuring all regions of the state bear their fair share of the difficulties that will accompany this transition.”
Notre Dame High School is proud to announce its 2023 Sports Hall of Fame Class. The Induction program will be held on Saturday, November 18 on the Notre Dame campus.
The program will begin with a social hour and dinner with the Induction recognition portion to follow.
Inductees to be honored on November 18, 2023 are:
Jimmy Fanara '67 Coach & Contributor
John Borrelli '86 Athlete
Jeff “Bingo” Messina '87 Athlete
Margaret Dwyer Niedzwiecki '88 Athlete
Carolyn Dwyer Babcock '91 Athlete
Maura Flynn Sprague '00 Athlete
1999 NYSPHSAA NYS and NYS Federation Girls Basketball State Championship Team
Ticket information for the November 18th Induction Program will be announced shortly.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are offering free drive-thru rabies vaccination clinic in August.
The Genesee County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on August 10 from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia)
Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum.
“Rabies continues to be a public health issue in Genesee and Orleans Counties,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We urge pet owners to take this opportunity to ensure their pets are protected against rabies.”
For more information on GO Health’s programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org. You can also contact the Genesee County health department at 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@co.genesee.ny.us.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors accepted an initial resolution for Oak Orchard Solar 3 LLC’s community solar farm project in the town of Batavia at the board’s Thursday, August 3 meeting.
The $9 million investment will include the installation of ground-mounted solar panels in order to generate up to 5 megawatts of power.
Since 2019, the GCEDC has reviewed over $1 billion of solar energy projects. These projects have proposed 860 megawatts of renewable energy and property tax-type revenues of $127.4 million to municipalities.
Under the proposed project agreement, Oak Orchard Solar 3 LLC’s project would generate $4,000/megawatts (AC) annually + a 2% annual escalator of revenues to Genesee County and the Elba Central School District. Including a host agreement with the Town of Batavia, this project is estimated to generate a $319,088 increase in property-tax type revenues to host municipalities over the life of the agreements.
A public hearing on the proposed project agreement will be scheduled in the town of Batavia.
Submitted photo of participants in the 2023 4-H Livestock Master Showman Contest. Left to Right: Amelia Brewer, Maggie Winspear, Madelynn Pimm, Chelsea Lippert, Ian Keberle, Kasey Pagels, Levi Miller, Tyler Jirovec, Layla Baker, Riley Henning, Jenna Whiting.
Press Release:
Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H members who participated in the 4-H Livestock Shows at the 2023 Genesee County Fair. At the completion of the individual 4-H Livestock Shows, an Overall 4-H Livestock Master Showmanship Contest was held on Friday, July 28.
The winners of master showmanship in each individual livestock show competed in the contest and Kasey Pagels was named the 2023 Overall 4-H Livestock Master Showman.
OPEN HOUSE - Saturday, Aug. 5th from 11am - 12:30pm! 22 Bennett Street, Oakfield. Solid, 3 bedroom, 2and 1/2 bath home located on prime village street. This yard is the fun yard! Fully enclosed and private backyard with large sunny open deck, awesome xlarge playset and plenty more yard space for entertaining and games!! Stepping inside you will be greeted by large and bright kitchen with so much space and cupboards plus an oversized pantry closet for all the supplies! There is also conveniently a large 1/2 bath and laundry room for your guests and you right as you walk in to catch all the mess! There is a great spacious layout between the formal dining room and oversized living room and front foyer and all three rooms boast hardwood floors and beautiful unpainted woodwork and even a set of beautiful wooden and glass pocket doors! Upstairs there are 3 large bedrooms -the master is roomy and bright with a sunny connected bath that everyone will want to use! There is also a large attic for all your storage needs and a full basement that once upon a time was partially finished off and could be again! There's a lot here for the next owner to enjoy so make it yours today! Call Reliant 585-344-4663.
The Birds and Bees Protection Act is a seemingly simple enough and all-natural sounding title that most anyone would be for it, wouldn’t they?
Well, not everyone. Shelley Stein, CEO of Stein Farms in Le Roy, said she had to speak up as a farmer and "a person who understands the ramifications of policy on our farmers, and our consumers, and what this is going to mean to the economy of Genesee County."
Stein has stood up against the act, now approved by the state Senate and Assembly and is awaiting signature by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
What it is The county legislature chairwoman has her work cut out for her, not only going against a bill meant to protect nature’s precious wildlife, but also against a purported expert extolling the virtues of a Cornell University study to back up the move to prohibit the “sale, distribution or purchase by any person within the state of corn, soybean or wheat seeds coated or treated with pesticides with the active ingredients clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, or acetamiprid,” as of Jan. 1, 2027.
In the simplest layman’s terms, Stein’s position is for coating the seeds in the ground with chemicals to kill maggots that wreak havoc with the crops and allow farmers to continue with their current soil management practices that encourage earthworm activity. Once the crop emerges from the ground, she says, the chemical does not harm the birds and bees in the air waiting to pollinate and feed.
If they did not treat the seeds and maggots were allowed to grow, farmers would have to more aggressively till the soil, destroying the earthworms and related best soil management practices they’ve had in place, she said, and more pesticides would potentially be used in the air to save the crops.
What does all this mean for the end result — the crop and the consumer? Potentially less harvest and more expensive produce.
Stein wrote a rebuttal to the "Times Union" after it endorsed the act and urged the governor’s approval.
Why it's important for NYS and specifically Genesee County
"New York farmers have only one shot each year to grow a crop of corn or soybeans, and waiting under the soil are insects like the seed corn maggot that love to gobble up seedlings before they emerge," she said in her opinion piece. "Coating minute amounts of neonic pesticides on corn and soybean seeds is a proven practice to keep the maggots away and assure a successful crop — but legislation passed this year would take this tool out of New York farmers’ toolbox."
Things to consider with this bill: it’s being touted as a “first-in-the-nation” measure, one that hasn’t passed in any other state. Why is that? Stein believes she has at least part of the answer. And it isn’t that the other 49 other states have less knowledge about “neonics” being used on the crop seeds. The same senator who was involved with this measure on the West Coast is now leading the charge in the East.
"It's an important topic for farmers in New York State to win because we're the only state that these neonics will be taken away from in the U.S.," she said. "And I will just say this, it's really an alluring title of this bill. You know, Saving the Birds and Bees Protection Act. Yeah. Everybody would say well, that's a great idea. Sure, a really great idea. And we believe, as farmers and as an agricultural community, that we can absolutely do that and still be able to mitigate losses of crops and do this to the seed corn maggot. And it's the same maggot that takes its bite out of soybeans as well.
"And so this is the senator who brought this forward; he represents a portion out of Manhattan. And I believe that he thinks, according to the title, I think he thinks it's a great idea. He doesn't have any committee assignments that have to do with food and agriculture. And when the Natural Resources Defense Council tried to do the same thing in California, California got wise and they turned him down. And so he becomes this champion, even though his district doesn't grow any corn or soybeans."
Background study #1 What about that in-depth Cornell University study that showed no economic benefits to users or provided safer, effective alternatives rather than the neonic coatings (pesticides) on corn, soybean and wheat seeds?
This assessment is based on averages, Stein said, and not on individual farm risk assessments.
"A catastrophic loss on one farm means everything to that farm business, yet statistically, it gets lost in the shuffle when averaged over all farms," she said.
She used her own dairy farm as an example of items to be assessed, and that cannot be "averaged away" with risk factors "and expect to have sufficient feed for my herd."
Those considerations include relative seed corn maggot threat level in each of her fields, the date of planting and field soil temperatures, and the market price of feed -- corn grain and silage, and soybean meal -- to replace potential loss of crops.
Who's involved There is quite a list of advocates for the ban, including the Sierra Club, the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, Environmental Advocates of New York, Clean + Healthy, the New York League of Conservation Voters, National Audubon Society, the Bee Conservancy and Physicians for Social Responsibility of New York.
New York beekeepers claim they have lost more than 40 percent of their bee colonies largely due to neonic pesticides. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Brad Holman-Sigal, represents the 47th district in Manhattan and is a staunch supporter of banning the seed pesticide use in a string of platforms he has run on and endorsed for rights pertaining to the environment, civil liberties, LGBTQ, child victims, housing, transportation, public education and seniors.
The New York Farm Bureau has led a coalition of opponents in urging lawmakers to reject the bird and bees proposal, as it is counter to New York's sustainability goals within the New York Climate Action Council and will force farmers to use less environmentally friendly means of pest control, as Stein said, including increased tillage and airborne pesticides.
Treating the seeds, however, is environmentally superior to aggressively tilling the soil -- making more trips across the field -- to destroy maggot habitats, Stein said, which requires fossil fuels and releases carbon to the atmosphere. Best soil management practices "help make soil more fertile, more robust, if you allow earthworms to do their jobs," she said.
Pollinator experts have also identified other issues impacting pollinators, she said, such as bee parasites, malnutrition, declining habitat and diseases, "that are far more significant than judicious pesticide use."
Background study #2 Stein also pointed out that there is another Cornell study that has been ignored by politicians. The first one was done "only on economics, and it used averages. The second study that was done by Elson Shields, who's an entomologist, so he's the Bug Guy ... it is the study that's actually practical in the field," she said.
That field study, related to the seed corn maggot, corn crop and economic viability of using untreated seeds, was performed in 2021.
Research data collected in controlled studies during 2021 at the Cornell Musgrave Farm located in Aurora showed that in corn production following a cover crop, seed corn maggot economically damaged 54 percent of the non-insecticide seed-treated plots ranging from 11 to 62 percent stand losses.
These losses would be economically devastating to a farmer, where the farm loses yield on 54 percent of their acreage, ranging from $40 to $400 per acre. Since predicting which fields will be attacked by seed corn maggot prior to planting is difficult and imprecise, the prevention of yield losses ranging from $40 to $400 per acre on a third of the acreage "easily compensates and is economically justified for the $5 per acre cost of the insecticide seed treatment for all acres," the study stated.
"Given that conservation practices such as reduced tillage and planting cover crops to reduce erosion and runoff are not only encouraged but also incentivized in New York State, it is important to understand that in the absence of these seed protectants, farmers may revert to planting fewer cover crops to avoid losses to seed corn maggot," it stated.
Final word The Batavian asked Stein if politicians -- Gov. Kathy Hochul at this point in time -- are equipped to be making this type of decision for farmers and those that depend on them.
"The (Environmental Protection Agency) allows this practice in every other state in the nation, except for the actions of New York State, and there are those that would tell you that New York State doesn't want any agriculture anymore on our lands, which doesn't make any sense, because agriculture is New York State's number one industry as far as the economy goes, and land use goes. There's a push for high-quality local affordable food. This bill takes that away from us as well," Stein said. "Do I believe that Governor Hochul is well equipped to be making this final vote? Here's what I know. The governor represented our area as a congressperson. She is well aware of what our economy in the center of the state is based on. And she knows the negative impacts of the policies of the Democratic Party and the toll that it's taken on agriculture. I find it hard to believe that she would put one more nail in our coffin."
New Listing - 3473 W. Main St. Road, Batavia (Town). Great opportunity and great home for the person who is looking for move-in ready home – whether starting out or downsizing! This solid three bedroom home is located in the Town of Batavia, and the Pembroke School System, and minutes from all the shopping and restaurants! This home has a great remodeled large kitchen with huge center island for the cook or just to gather around! Tons of cupboards and a large pantry closet. There is also pretty tongue and groove full dining room with slider door to awesome yard! Large living room, first floor bedroom, first floor laundry, and first floor bath and attached powder room!! Two bedrooms are located on second floor. 200 Amp electrical system, central air, public water & sewer are a definite bonus and besides awesome location! This home sits on pretty and deep lot with detached garag, a large Amish built barn that has heat, electric with loft area and is perfect for the hobbyist or great place to just hang out!! Priced affordably and ready to go! Easy to see immediately. Call Reliant Real Estate now, call 585-344-4663.
GLOW Corporate Cup organizer Steve Tufts last week with the Corporate Cup at the official Genesee County Fair's Media Center. Photo by Howard Owens.
When the runners take the line today for the 10th GLOW Corporate Cup at Centennial Park Thursday evening, at least a dozen of the participants will share the rare distinction of being the only ones to take to the track every year of the event.
That will make them part of a fundraiser that will surpass this year's $200,000 in cumulative donations to the GLOW YMCA since 2014.
Close to 800 runners and walkers are expected to complete the 5K track, said race organizer Steve Tufts.
Tufts has organized the race since the first year, because Merrill Lynch office partner John Riter approached him about organizing a corporate challenge style 5K more than a decade ago. Riter came to Tufts because Tufts had experience laying out courses and ensuring they obtain 5K certification.
"The thing that makes the GLOW Cup unique is we entertain people," Tufts said. "We bring live music. This year it's Groove, a local band, and it's always a local band, and most of the teams bring their own food, have it catered, or cook right on site. It's like a corporate picnic built right into Centennial Park."
A twist this year to the race is the "couples challenge," or as it's known at the Corporate Cup, the "CUPles Challenge." The three married couples with the lowest cumulative times will win prizes, with a random drawing prize that all couples, regardless of time, are eligible to win.
Tufts said some smaller companies now use the Corporate Cup as their company's annual picnic, saving the expense of doing a separate event. One local company used to set up their own horseshoe pits each year.
"It's different things to different people," Tufts told The Batavian last week while visiting the Media Center at the Genesee County Fair. "But I think the thing that makes it successful is it's the GLOW region, and people do enjoy a night where they're not heading all the way over to the Rochester or Buffalo areas. This is in our back yard. From a runner's perspective, people do like the course because it's super fast. It is accurate. It's a certified course, which means it's an accurate distance, but it's not eligible for World Records, I'm sorry to say, because it's got a little bit too much down elevation for the distance. That is because we start out by the Blind School, and it goes down the hill down to Northside Deli and then turns left, and then it's pretty flat after that. So, just a little bit too much down for USA Track and Field Conference."
The certification expires in 2024, so Tufts plans to alter the course to start closer to State Street and end the race further up Ellicott Avenue, which should solve the elevation problem, just in case anybody wants to try and set a world record for his or age bracket.
Merrill Lynch chose the GLOW YMCA because the Y, like the Batavia Merrill Lynch office, serves the entire GLOW region.
The bonus is, the Y comes with a built-in set of volunteers.
"Right now, I'd say I wouldn't want it any other way," Tufts said. "I'm not sure how long I would get 70 people out on my course keeping people safe (without the Y). So it's been a great partnership."
Corporate sponsors help cover event expenses, which ensures all of the $25 entry fees go to the Y, Tufts said. Because of corporate sponsors, the organizers have been able to maintain the $25 entry fee, so it remains affordable for small businesses and individuals.
In the first year of the race, Tufts said they were expecting about 350 participants. They had more than 400. It went up every year until more than 800 in 2019, the last race before the pandemic. There was no race in 2020, and in 2021 numbers were down. In 2021, there were more than 700 again, but Tufts doesn't expect to exceed 800 this year because race participation across the nation, he said, is down since the pandemic.
The event has drawn a lot of sponsor support this year, and with anticipated participation from runners and walkers, Tufts expects to raise more than $25,000 for the Y this year, stopping the 2019 record of $23,005.
Last year was the second-best year at $22,963.
Going into this year, the cumulative total was nearly $180,000 raised.
K of C members Tom Trescott and Grand Knight Ken Mullen present a scholarship check to Principal Karen Green of St. Joseph School. Photo by Steve Ognibene
In 2019, The Msgr. Kirby Knights of Columbus Council 325 graciously offered to start a yearly scholarship fund to celebrate and recognize some of St. Joseph Regional School's students. The recipients are nominated by the school staff and the awards are presented at the End of the Year Awards Ceremony. Two students are chosen in grades K-6 and are nominated using the following criteria:
Students who have achieved satisfactory progress and are hard working;
participation in school activities;
a dedication to strong Christian values; and
a spirit of enthusiasm.
St. Joseph Regional School has received $17,500 over the last 5 years due to the support of the Knights of Columbus. Each year we are honored to recognize some of our most deserving students and are proud of the partnership and commitment the Knights have shown to St. Joseph Regional School for many years.
K of C members along with Grand Knight Ken Mullen present a scholarship check to Notre Dame business administrator Thomas Rapone. Photo by Steve Ognibene
The Knights of Columbus have supported Notre Dame High School and her wonderful students for over 30 years. Most recently their contributions have helped with building improvements, classroom and technology upgrades, beautification of our campus, and most importantly, tuition support scholarships.
The scholarships provided by the Knights support our mission that the incredibly unique and wonderful Notre Dame experience should be available to all families throughout the region regardless of their financial position. These scholarships have helped over 100 students graduate from Notre Dame that otherwise would not have been able to attend. The results of this investment in Notre Dame students can be seen daily here on campus with the many happy faces currently attending, as well as out in the community where Knights-funded Notre Dame graduates are making a positive daily impact throughout the Genesee Region.
At Notre Dame High School we take great pride in being the #1 Ranked High School in the entire GLOW Region, and we have equal pride in our longstanding relationship with the Knights of Columbus.
Information above by Karen Green, principal of St. Joseph School, and Business Administrator Thomas Rapone of Notre Dame High School.
No parking signs have temporarily been posted on Bank Street in Batavia, in preparation for the annual GLOW Corporate Cup 5K, which is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at Centennial Park. Racers will take off from Richmond Avenue eastward and turn onto Bank Street along a three-mile route that ends up back at the park for some mingling, food and fun. Photo by Joanne Beck
On Thursday, Aug. 3, Fairmont Avenue, Hart Street, and Norris Avenue (between State Street and Bank Street) in the City of Batavia will be getting paved. This project is expected to be between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Residents and businesses are asked not to park on the street during this time. This is weather-dependent work and will be scheduled for the next business day if necessary.
Contact the Bureau of Maintenance and ask to speak to the Streets Supervisor or the Superintendent at 585-345-6400 opt. 1 if you have any questions. Thank you for your cooperation in advance.
Superintendent of Water and Wastewater (HELP Program), City of Batavia, NY The City of Batavia, NY seeks a creative, team-oriented professional to serve as Superintendent of Water and Wastewater. The Superintendent oversees all administrative, operational, and maintenance aspects of the community’s water and wastewater systems including the City’s water plant, wastewater plant, and the City’s water distribution system, as well as building maintenance, street lights, traffic signals, and pump stations. $87,300 - $105,856 yearly. Send cover letter, resume, and contact information including email addresses for five work-related references, and completed Genesee County application to: Teri Dean, Employee Payroll/Insurance Clerk One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY 14020 or tdean@batavianewyork.com Accepting applications until the position is filled. Background check, personality assessment, and physical with drug testing are required. Candidate must become a resident of the County of Genesee or any adjacent town to the County of Genesee within 6 months of the date of conclusion of the probationary period for the City of Batavia. EEO See the full job description at: https://www.geneseeny.gov/Department-Content/Human-Resources/Job-Specifications Genesee County Application: https://www.geneseeny.gov/Department-Content/Human-Resources/Human-Resource-Forms
AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC CITY OF BATAVIA SALARY $25.54-$30.08 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: One year of full-time paid experience as a skilled automotive repairman. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT: . Possession and maintenance of appropriate valid license(s), as required. Drivers must be at least 21 years of age. BENEFITS: Health Insurance Dental Insurance Paid Holidays Paid Vacation and Personal Time Paid Sick Time New York State Retirement Deferred Compensation Flexible Spending Life Insurance Civil Service Applications are due to Human Resources no later than November 1, 2024. Human Resources One Batavia City Centre Batavia, NY 14020 tdean@batavianewyork.com Phone: 585-345-6340 www.batavianewyork.com
