After about a dozen years volunteering as trustee of Ascension Parish with no mention of time restrictions or regulations, Bill Brach was abruptly issued his walking papers from the Rev. Bernard Nowak, he says.

Brach, who was raised a Catholic, attended Catholic schools, was married at the church and given his time and efforts to the Diocese-based religion, doesn’t exactly feel the support is mutual.

Both the State of New York and the Diocese of Buffalo appoint trustees for either one year or in practice for three to five years. Effective today, Oct. 8, 2024, your time of service ends. Be assured of our prayers and commitment to the church of Buffalo; looking forward to your continued participation in the mission of the Diocesan church. 

Rev. Bernard Nowak, Vicar Forane

“We had a couple of conversations, and on Oct. 4, he called and said I can be a trustee or pursue the appeal, but I can’t do both. I said let me look into it a bit further. There is no way they can take your rights away as a parishioner, so I got back to him last Monday with an email asking what article of Canon law you are citing?” Brach said to The Batavian Monday. “He showed up in my driveway Tuesday (Oct. 8) with a letter and said you have been a trustee too long, and as a trustee, you have to support the Road to Renewal. I feel betrayed. I reached out to them for help, and I felt they’d be on board and I got stonewalled.”

Road to Renewal, aka support the merger of Ascension with Resurrection Parish and stop working to retain Ascension as its own entity. When he reached out for supporting church records to learn more, he wasn’t given anything, he said.

In her letter of concern and agitation to Father Nowak, Parish Council Member Connie Bruggman asked him why he was removing Brach, especially given that she believes trustees at Resurrection Parish have been in place longer than him and that his removal now leaves no one in place since there was already a vacancy of a trustee at Ascension.

“It seems you have an issue with Ascension Parish asking for help and questioning this Road to Renewal,” she said. “When will the trustee position be filled, who is signing our checks, how are our bills being paid? Are you putting us in the position to fail so it will be easier to close our parish?”

The Batavian wanted to ask those questions, but the church office was closed on Monday because of the holiday.

The Batavian asked Brach via email about clause § 91. Government of incorporated Roman Catholic churches, which states: The term of office of the two laymen trustees of an incorporated Roman Catholic church shall be one year. Whenever the office of any such layman trustee shall become vacant by expiration of term of office or otherwise, his successor shall be appointed from members of the church by such officers or a majority of them. 

Has the term ever been discussed or been an issue before?

“That's standard wording; I've seen it a number of times.  As a trustee, I had to be re-appointed every year, so the Diocese was well aware of how long I had served,” he said.  “I stopped getting my letters of appointment several years ago (after serving about ten years) when this ‘Road to Renewal’ process started. We questioned it at the time but did not get a response other than ‘keep doing what you're doing.’” 

That was something Father Scott said during a prior meeting with parishioners in late September after he laid out the issues before them about a potential merger, and he was asked what they should do. "Keep doing what you're doing," he said. 

Meanwhile, an undercurrent of support has been building towards survival. A core group of parish members has been zealously gathering signatures—more than 225 as of Monday. A letter was distributed after Sunday’s service (see below), and there’s a social media site already in place with information and affidavits for those wanting to print out and sign a copy.  

The letter distributed on Oct. 13:

To all Parishioners and friends of Ascension Parish,

We are a core group, Friends of Ascension Parish. We have been working with Save Our Buffalo Churches.com. Please check out their website. Their mission statement is “The goal and reason we are all here is to SAVE SOULS through helping the Parishes in our Diocese stay open under Canon Law.” We want to fight to keep our church open and not to have to be sold, will you help?

We need to prove to the Bishop that we are not going to just accept his verdict. We have been told that if we use our church, fund our church, and take care of our church, we cannot be closed. Just this last Tuesday, Rev. Bernard Nowak dismissed our only Trustee, Bill Brach. We have been functioning with just one trustee since last February, which is against the law. Bill has been asking to fill this open position and to have regular Trustee meetings, with no response. Now we are left with no representation or oversight.

We are asking you to attend any event we have, contribute to our church (this means if you attend another mass, that you use Ascension envelopes and if you don’t have an envelope, that you place your contribution in an envelope marked Ascension Parish) and if you are asked to help clean or do a small repair of the church, please consider saying yes.

We are looking into establishing a not-for-profit organization, to accept donations to help keep our church open.

There are Affidavits out for signatures, have you signed one yet? Please contact me to get a copy. We have over 200 signatures so far, we need as many as possible.

Please help us to keep Ascension Church open. Thank you.

Connie Bruggman, Member of Friends of Ascension Parish

The core group is also in progress with filing as a not-for-profit and seeking advice from the Save Our Buffalo Churches group, whose goal and reason “we are all here is to save souls through helping the parishes in our Diocese stay open under Canon Law.”

The Diocese has issued an official order that parishioners are not to conduct any business “used for recourse” on parish/school property or any such activities in support of recourse against a merger or closure, so group members are being cautious not to conduct any of their business on church property. The letter was distributed on the sidewalk this past Sunday, Bruggman said. 

“It is important for us all to utilize our time and efforts to assist parishioners in understanding the need for the Road to Renewal and to support the process of building a productive transition team,” the Rev. Peter Karalus said in a letter sent to the Fathers.

To further muddy the waters of the situation, nothing can be done until a sexual abuse case in Buffalo is settled, and it has been five years in litigation so far, Brach said. 

“I don’t see this getting settled in the next few months. They freeze the assets of our parish and can’t do anything with the finances of the parish,” he said. 

What happens next? It’s a waiting game while they continue to gain momentum, Bruggman said.

“Until the bishop puts the decree out, then we can get the appeal in motion,” she said. “We’re trying to get the not-for-profit. It’s a little bit hopeful now because people are saying, yeah, we want to fight; they didn’t know we were fighting this.”

Previously: Not ready to close the door

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Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary drew sunshine and visitors to its third annual fall farm festival Saturday in Byron. The event was a fundraiser to raise awareness about the farm's efforts to provide a safe haven for rescued animals and serve as a financial support for medical expenses and hay to feed the animals into the next cold winter season. 

Press Release:

GO ART! is pleased to welcome the public to view the work of Linda Miranda Fix, Kelly Herold, and Melita Guild at the reception of three exhibitions on Thursday, October 17.

Three uniquely different bodies of work will offer multiple visual and mental stimulation for individuals as they move from one gallery to the next. 

Linda, who “loves working with different mediums and substrates,” said the collection "The Heart of the Universe" represented in the show was inspired by the Solar Eclipse in April 2024. Hence, “she began to think about celebrating the earth and all its glory, the strength and resilience of 'Mother Earth,' and the similar fervor and power of women.”

Linda Fix wants the public to know that her “paintings represent The Sisterhood of Women as we celebrate birth, accomplishments, and love; as we grieve with the tragedy of loss; as we continue to rise after many times that we fall.” “I believe that Women are the 'Heart of the Universe”.

This exhibition is filled with vibrant colors, styles, and multiple-media representations, including Acrylics, Mixed Media, Watercolor, and Alcohol Ink. She will give a brief artist’s talk at 6 p.m. 

Kelly Herold is a contemporary artist who has, for the last three years, focused on the “transformative potential of everyday objects”. She says her “3D designs are crafted from recycled and repurposed materials, including frames, bottles, cans, smashed glass, glasses, ceramics, and various trinkets sourced from thrift stores, yard sales, or donated by friends. Each piece undergoes a meticulous process of cutting, shaping, and assembling, often utilizing a modified wet saw for precision”.

She also shares her process, which includes the final step in her creative process, “which involves coloring and pouring resin to encapsulate the assembled materials, resulting in unique, one-of-a-kind artwork. Through this method, I aim to give new life to discarded items, highlighting the beauty and potential found in the overlooked and forgotten”.

We invite you to see why Kelly says, “My art is a testament to sustainability, creativity, and the endless possibilities inherent in repurposing material.” 

Melita Guild ceramic masks are exceptional and definitely have a place on the walls during the month of October. Melita will not be present at the reception but the time spent viewing her work will be meaningful.

GO ART! invites the public to meet Linda & Kelly during the reception and hear both artists’ talk on Thursday, October 17, starting at 5 p.m. 

This event is free, but the experience will be invaluable! We look forward to welcoming you to this event!

Submitted photos.

For the first time, Upstate Niagara Cooperative on Saturday held a Farm Fest at Reyncrest Farms in Corfu.

The event drew 350 employees as well as members of the 250 farms that participated in the cooperative.

"I'm hoping for connection," said Kelly Wells, chief human resources officer for Upstate, who led the effort to bring the event together. "It's a great time of the year. It's fall. Harvest season's coming to a close, and it's an intimate way to bring people together to learn more about farming and to connect and understand how they play a role in making great products."

There were activities for the kids, stations for photo ops, corn hole, food, milk, ice cream, farm demonstrations and a hay ride.

Wells said the event was a "resounding success." 

CEO Kevin Ellis said the event was a great employee and member appreciation event.

“While our corporate team members and member farm families may have different day-to-day roles, they all play an integral part in bringing quality milk to homes across the region. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to connect with and celebrate our team outside of the typical workday,” said Ellis. “At UNC, we are committed to fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among our growing workforce.”

The event, he said, is another way to demonstrate that Upstate is a great place to work.

“The market and consumer demand for milk and dairy products continues to grow and, with that, the opportunity for Upstate Niagara Cooperative to establish itself as an employer of choice in the region grows as well,” adds Ellis. “We know our collaborative work environment is what makes UNC great, and that really shines through at events like Farm Fest where all team members and families can come together as one.”

Photos by Howard Owens

Ted, owned by Noel and Bill Schmitt of Kenmore, is the 2024 Wiener Dog Race winner at Batavia Downs.

The race capped a Sunday of family fun at the race track, including face painting, pumpkin decorating, balloon animals, a clown, pony and carriage rides, and chatting with author Rollond Eddy.

The investigation into a case that began in March with the discovery of a body in the town of Alabama has concluded with the arrest of Edward A. Dunn, 38, of Lockport, on charges of murder in the second degree, a Class A-1 felony.

Dunn is also charged with assault in the second degree, a Class B felony, concealment of a human corpse, a Class E felony, and tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony.

The Lockport man is accused of killing Michael Poole and then taking steps to conceal Poole's body.

Dunn was arraigned in Genesee County Court on the indictment and ordered held on $100,000 bail. He is schedule to appear in court again on Nov. 7.

The investigation began on March 19, when the body of the 59-year-old Poole, an Olcott resident, was located during a search for a missing person from Niagara County. 

Kathryn A. Henry, 33, from Lockport, was arrested on April 19 and charged with murder in the second degree. She was accused at the time of conspiring with another person to kill Poole and hide his body.

On June 27, the Sheriff's Office arrested Norman S. DuBois, 45, of Lockport, and charged him with hindering prosecution among other charges for his alleged part on conspiring to hide Poole's body.

Oakfield-Alabama/Elba beat York Pavilion on Saturday in football 41-14.

OAE stats:

• Senior RB/LB Jack Cianfrini - 13 Carries, 221 Yards, 2 Rushing TDs, 3 Receptions, 24 Yards, 1 Receiving TD,  5 Tackles and 1 INT on Defense
• Senior RB/LB Avery Watterson - 54 Rushing Yards, 1 Rushing TD,  Team-High 8 Total Tackles
• Sophomore QB Brayden Jackimowicz - 10/18 Passing,  119 Passing Yards, 3 TDs
• Junior RB/WR Hunter Tobolski - 25-Yard TD Reception
• Junior WR/LB Mark Caparco - 25-Yard TD Reception, 1 INT on Defense
• Junior TE/DL Nick Scott - 30 Receiving Yards, 5 Tackles, 1 TFL

"A complete team effort in today's win," said Coach Tyler Winter. "From a competitive standpoint, it's nice to pick up a big win like this while knowing we still have not played our best ball yet this season.  We have a quick turnaround to the next challenge, but we are excited to get back to the grind."

Photos by Debra Reilly

Strong wind gusts on Batavia's homecoming night at Van Detta Stadium played havoc with offensive schemes leading to a scoreless first half and only one touchdown over the full four quarters.

The Blue Devils beat the Eastridge Lancers 7-0.

Bronx Buchholz was 9-17 passing for 60 yards and one TD.  He was intercepted twice. He gained 61 yards on 17 carries.

Maggio Buchholz had five receptions for 23 yards and a TD.

Brock Bigsby led the defense with nine tackles.

Also on Friday, 

• Le Roy/Cal-Mum beat Haverling 35-20
• Pembroke beat Frewsburg 52-22
• Alexander beat Canisteo Greenwood 15-0

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Press release:

Team Results: 1. Genesee: 114.7, 2. Corning: 104.65

All Around: 1. Roan Finn (Genesee): 32.275, 3. Sophia Matthews (Genesee): 27.0

Vault: 1. Roan Finn (Genesee): 7.85, 3. Mikayla Yohon (Genesee): 7.6, 4. Edison Betances & Sophia Matthews (Genesee): 7.45, 7. Carsyn Good (Genesee): 7.1, 9. Taryn Wright (Genesee): 6.85

Uneven Bars: 1. Ella Lamberson (Corning): 7.85, 2. Roan Finn (Genesee): 7.05, 3. Sophia Matthews (Genesee): 6.25, 4. Edison Betances (Genesee): 6.15, 5. Emma Cooper (Genesee): 6.05, 6. Carsyn Good (Genesee): 5.95, 8. Ava Pellegrino (Genesee): 5.1

Balance Beam: 1. Roan Finn (Genesee): 8.8, 3. Mikayla Yohon (Genesee): 7.2, 6. Emma Cooper (Genesee): 6.725, 7. Nee'Kay Smith (Genesee): 6.5, 8. Sophia Matthews (Genesee): 6.05, 10. Chloe Garner (Genesee): 5.55

Floor Exercise: 1. Roan Finn (Genesee): 8.575, 4. Sophia Matthews (Genesee): 7.25, 5. Mikayla Yohon (Genesee): 7.05, 6. Lei St.Clair (Genesee): 6.75, 7. Carsyn Good (Genesee): 6.7, 13. Emma Cooper (Genesee): 6.25

The next meet is: Friday, Oct. 18 at MCA Gymnastics Club at 6:30 p.m. It is Senior Night, honoring: Kendall Chase, Roan Finn, Lei St.Clair & Mikayla Yohon

 

Visit our website. Stay up-to-date on recent news; like our Facebook page!

Press Release:

On Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., law enforcement agencies across Genesee County and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will provide the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

There will be three locations across the county where citizens can dispose of their medications. Sharps will only be accepted at the Batavia location which moved from the Alva lot this year. The service is free and anonymous, and no questions are asked. 

The Batavia Police Department, in conjunction with United Memorial Medical Center, will be accepting prescription drugs and sharps at the Batavia Police Department, located at 10 W. Main Street, Batavia.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will accept prescription drugs ONLY at the Pembroke Town Hall, 1145 Main Rd. Corfu. 

The LeRoy Police Department will accept prescription drugs ONLY at their headquarters, 3 West Main Street, Le Roy. 

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  

In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, there are many other ways to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs every day, including the 11,000 authorized collectors that are available all year long. 

The Batavia Police Department Headquarters has one for everyday collection of drugs located in the lobby at 10 West Main St., Batavia. 

Containers are also located at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on Park Road, Batavia, and the Le Roy Police Department. 

Sharps are accepted at United Memorial Medical Center, 127 North Street, Batavia. 

The FDA also provides information on how to dispose of prescription drugs properly. More information is available here: www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or the April 27 Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com.

Get your costumes and your gumption ready for some scary fun during the first-ever Zombie Run Race for the Animals 5K at Whole Life Fitness in Batavia, owner Jessica Pratt and fellow organizer Amanda Curtis say.

Whether you’re a marathon runner or just love a good Halloween activity while helping out a good cause, this event promises a little something for everyone, from children to adults, they said this week. It’s set for 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Whole Life Fitness facility, 624 E. Main St., Batavia.

“So we’re getting everybody there at five o’clock to have some kids' stuff — we’re doing face painting for them, we’ve got grab bags, we’re doing some tattoos, and we have cider and doughnuts for after,” Pratt said. “The Volunteers For Animals will have a table that they’re setting up, and we’ll also have a raffle, some door prizes and a 50/50.” 

The race is a benefit for Volunteers For Animals, a nonprofit based in Batavia and working out of Genesee County Animal Shelter. Pratt has been a longtime member and, in addition to having four dogs, has fostered mama cats and at least 40 kittens for the organization, she said. 

So putting on an event to help support them was a “no brainer,” Curtis said, emphasizing “pun intended” for the zombie-themed run. 

“The Zombie 5K is a family-friendly event that provides a fitness opportunity with spooky fun.  We are encouraging participants to dress up as zombies or in costume, and to keep everyone on their toes, we will have zombies hiding along the route,” Curtis said.  “We have even invited the homeowners along the route to participate in the fun while also giving them a heads up that the zombie hoard is just for fun--not the apocalypse.” 

The Zombie 5k will begin and end at Whole Life Fitness, taking participants along the Dewitt Recreation Area and meandering through Elmwood and St. Joseph Cemeteries, so who knows what they may encounter. Pratt and Curtis were keeping mum about those details.

“We are so excited about this event. We have a costume contest for the kids and adults with prizes for the best costume.  Runners who win in their categories will receive medals or ribbons,” Curtis said. “For all participants and volunteers, we will provide apple cider doughnuts and apple cider.”

VFA member Angela Knisley also organized the group's fundraising events and said members would be present with information about the cats and dogs available for adoption and about the organization and its various programs. 

“We really appreciate this fundraiser being held for us and are looking forward to a fun time,” Knisley said. “We are supplying three door prize baskets that will be raffled: one dog-themed, one cat-themed and a generic one.”

Pratt is a woman entrepreneur who has been busy running multiple businesses and unable to spend as much time volunteering for the animal nonprofit, so “promoting and supporting VFA through a fun event with a wide reach is the next best thing,” Curtis said.  

“We are also hosting a food drive at Whole Life Fitness for VFA, providing another opportunity for those who want to give but are unable to attend the Zombie 5K,” she said. “At the moment, we haven't decided if this will be an annual event. We are considering this a pilot year; if it succeeds, we will do it again next year.”

The registration fee is $22 per adult without a T-shirt and $12 per teen without a T-shirt. The deadline to receive a guaranteed T-shirt has passed. Each ticket includes entry into the race, a chance to win awesome prizes, and access to all event activities and food. Extra T-shirts will be for sale at the event. The fundraising goal is $5,000.

To register, go HERE. 

With nine days of early voting in Genesee County, rounding up enough workers for those full shifts, plus Election Day, might seem a daunting task. 

Not when candidates are running for president, Democratic Election Commissioner Lorie Longhany says. Those elections have the highest turnouts of any of them.

"People like to work presidential elections, really, they do. They like to see everyone as they come in,” Longhany said Thursday. “So far so good, and I’m knocking on wood. We’re training next week.”

There are approximately 60 new election workers for this year’s big event, she said, with candidates Donald Trump and J.D. Vance on the Republican and Conservative tickets and Kamala Harris and Tim Walz on the Democratic and Working Families lines vying for president of the United States. 

Pay for those workers in Genesee County is pretty good compared to some other counties, she said. For example, on Election Day, coordinators receive $290 and inspectors get $215. For early voting days, coordinators will receive $157.50 and inspectors will get $121.50, she said. 

Other races include David Wagenhauser, on the Democratic ticket, who has made it known locally that he is challenging incumbent Claudia Tenney, Republican/Conservative, for the 24th District Congressional seat. 

Joseph Graff is running unopposed for Genesee County sheriff.

For sample ballots, go HERE. 

There is also a statewide proposal to amend Section 11 of Article 1 of the Constitution regarding equal protection: 

“§ 11. a. No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof. No person shall, because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed [or], religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy, be subjected to any discrimination in [his or her] their civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation, or institution, or by the state or any agency or subdivision of the state, pursuant to law.

b. Nothing in this section shall invalidate or prevent the adoption of any law, regulation, program, or practice that is designed to prevent or dismantle discrimination on the basis of a characteristic listed in this section, nor shall any characteristic listed in this section be interpreted to interfere with, limit, or deny the civil rights of any person based upon any other characteristic identified in this section.

Explanation – Matter in bold is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted.

For more about the proposal, go to Prop 1. 

The Genesee County Board of Elections has announced its Early Voting schedule and important deadlines for the upcoming General Election, as noted below. Early Voting will be available for nine days from Oct. 26 through Nov. 3 at the ARC Community Center at 38 Woodrow Road, Batavia.

The schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, Oct. 26: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Sunday, Oct. 27: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Monday, Oct. 28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Tuesday, Oct. 29: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Wednesday, Oct. 30: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Thursday, Oct. 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

• Friday, Nov. 1: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

• Saturday, Nov. 2: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

• Sunday, Nov. 3: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

All polling sites will be open on Election Day, November 5, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. All sites are accessible. Voters can check their poll site by visiting the New York State Voter Lookup or by calling the Genesee County Board of Elections at (585) 815-7804.

Absentee Ballot Information: 

To request an absentee ballot, contact the Board of Elections or use the NY State Absentee Ballot Portal. Key absentee ballot deadlines are as follows:

• October 26: Last day for the Board of Elections to receive an absentee ballot application.

• November 4: Last day to apply in person for an absentee ballot.

• November 5: Last day to postmark a ballot (must be received by November 12).

• November 5: Absentee ballots must be received at the poll site or Board of Elections no later than 9 p.m.

• November 18: Military/Special Federal absentee ballots must be received by this date.

Voter Registration Deadlines:

• October 26: Last day to submit a voter registration application to be eligible to vote in the General Election.

In-Person Registration: 

Voters may register at the Genesee County Board of Elections or any participating state agency under the National Voter Registration Act on any business day. To be eligible for the General Election, the application must be received no later than October 26, 2024.

Change of Address Deadline:

• October 21: Changes of address must be submitted by this date.

Poll Site Change: Please note that the Bergen poll site has been moved from the Bergen Town Courtroom to the Gillam Grant Community Center, located at 6966 W. Bergen Road, Bergen.

For any questions, requests for registration forms, or absentee ballot applications, contact the Genesee County Board of Elections at 585-815-7804 or visit the website at Genesee County Board of Elections.

Press Release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is holding a FREE “MEET THE CANDIDATES” DAY.  In order to make an informed decision, voters need to learn more about those running. So, whatever your political views, this is YOUR year to get involved!

The event is to take place on Tuesday October 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in ILGR’s Conference Room at 319 West Main Street in the Crickler Executive Business Center, Batavia. As seating is limited, people can also attend over the Zoom Meeting platform online. 

To get the Zoom link, or more information about the event, RSVP with Cathy DeMare at 585-815-8501, extension 400. It will be also accessible via a live stream on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ILGR14020 and WNYIL’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/WNYIL.

Candidates invited to participate appearing on the November ballot include those running for U.S. President and Vice President; U. S. Senator; State Supreme Court Justice, State Senate, District 57; State Assembly, District 139; Congressional Representative in District 24; Genesee County Sheriff, Treasurer, Coroner; local offices in a couple dozen towns.

If an attendee wishes to be familiar with the “hot” disability issues, sheets of suggested questions will be provided; but participants are encouraged to ask about public concerns that are close to them. The building is fully disability accessible.

The Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Click here to view our featured listings.

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) was recently honored with the Friend of the Family Award by the Faith & Freedom Coalition, recognizing her dedication to upholding conservative values, protecting American families, and defending religious liberty and individual freedom through her legislative efforts during the 118th Congress.

Tenney has championed numerous bills, including the Parents Bill of Rights Act, which ensures parents have the right to know what their children are being taught and what is happening in our nation’s schools. She also supported the Protecting Women and Girls in Sports Act, aimed at preserving fairness by preventing biological men from competing in women’s sports, further advocating for conservative principles and traditional values.

"The woke left continues its assault on conservative values, religious liberty, and the sanctity of life. It is essential to stand behind legislation that defends these priorities. I am deeply honored to receive the Friend of the Family Award, which highlights my commitment to safeguarding freedom, religious liberties, and supporting Israel. I am grateful to the Faith & Freedom Coalition for this recognition and remain dedicated to fighting for the values NY-24 holds dear in Congress," said Congresswoman Tenney.

Press release:

Understanding that creative expression serves as a therapeutic means toward healing and self-esteem, the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Genesee County and UConnectCare are partnering to sponsor the Grateful for Recovery art show throughout November.

“The mission of this art show at Richmond Memorial Library is to let the community know that people do recover from substance use disorder, mental health and other issues while giving them the opportunity to share their experiences and break down the stigma surrounding recovery,” said Sue Gagne, Suicide Prevention Coalition coordinator.

This local initiative follows on the footsteps of the national Art of Recovery project started earlier this year by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Gagne said all submissions will be displayed in the Gallery Room at the library from Nov. 1-30. Artists are requested to drop off their work by October 28 at The Recovery Station, 5256 Clinton St. Rd., Batavia. Participants may submit up to three pieces of art for this show.

“We’re accepting work in various genres – original drawings, paintings, photographs, mixed media, poetry and more,” Gagne noted, adding that family members of those in recovery are welcome to submit as well as those under 18 years old, with parental permission.

“Additionally, we’re asking that each artist submit a short bio or a paragraph about his or her journey in recovery,” she said.

Artists are able to sell their work through this show, Gagne added. Each piece does not have to be framed but all pieced need to have a proper hanging system or hardware to be placed in the Gallery Room.

For more information about the show and/or to receive entry and consent forms, contact Gagne at sgagne@uconnectcare.org or at 585-813-6448.

Press Release:

Senator George Borrello and members of the New York State Senate Republican Conference penned a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul to raise concerns regarding the adoption and impending implementation of the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). 

“The ACT regulations are the latest example of a mandate that was implemented without properly considering the impacts on small businesses, in addition to the lack of adequate infrastructure to meet the intended goals. We have heard from many concerned businesses, and are calling on Governor Hochul to delay the implementation and form a Task Force to hear from stakeholders on a more responsible, practical solution that will work for everyone,” stated Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

The plan, first adopted in 2021 is set to take effect in 2025, would be yet another burdensome mandate on businesses in New York that would contribute to, and further dismantle, the state’s already poor business climate.  

“The Senate Republican Conference has been consistent in our support of reasonable and common sense efforts to move our state towards a cleaner energy future, but only if those efforts also protect our economy and our residents.  The effective date of ACT fails to do so and is another example of New York State putting the cart before the horse.  Just like the illogical effort to ban natural gas and fuel choice, ACT is being implemented too fast and we must come up with a realistic plan that moves our state towards a cleaner future without harming all current New Yorkers,” said Senator Mario Mattera, ranking member of Senate Energy and Telecommunication Committee.

“New York State has gotten way ahead of itself with many of its Climate Act mandates and the Advanced Clean Truck regulations are a prime example. Although the requirements are slated to take effect in 2025, the technology and infrastructure are still new and extremely costly. Business owners and transportation companies in my district are extremely concerned about their ability to comply with this premature mandate. I am concerned that this may drive many of them across the state border to Pennsylvania. With every new burden we put on businesses, we are making New York State less competitive.  The reasons for the state to hit 'pause' on the ACT implementation and other climate mandates keep piling up,” stated Senator George Borrello, member of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee. 

“As we move towards a clean energy future, legitimate concerns have been raised that New York State is implementing parts of the CLCPA and its climate goals haphazardly. A case in point is the implementation of the ACT regulation, which will have major impacts on numerous communities, businesses and industries in the state and another illustration of why I did not support the CLCPA. My legislation will pause the implementation of this regulation so that we can ensure that those most affected by it are prepared and that the full impact of this directive is known,” said Senator Griffo, a member of the Senate Transportation Committee. 

Zero emission truck technology is still in its infancy, and the majority of these trucks currently cost three to four times the average of a diesel-powered vehicle. These increased costs will be passed on to taxpayers and consumers throughout the state. In addition, the charging infrastructure needed to power this fleet is not currently available at this time.

The letter points to legislation (S.9910, sponsored by Senator Griffo) that would delay the implementation of ACT regulations, and also requests that a Task Force be formed to conduct a cost-benefit analysis and formulate a more responsible plan, in consultation with the industry, that will both reduce emissions and limit dramatic cost increases for businesses. 

“Clean air is a vital resource that our conference has long fought for and believes in protecting. However, like with all facets of governance, we must be prudent about how we achieve those goals. While this regulation is admirable in its intentions, the practical matter is that New York is not currently in a position to adopt it in a manner which is feasible and affordable,” the letter reads.