Librarian Laura Keyes, who also does presentations and portrayals of historical women as part of Historic Voices, can recall as early as third grade repeatedly settling down in front of the television with family to watch the holiday classic, “White Christmas,” which was her grandmother's favorite movie. 

As Keyes and her two sisters got older and everyone was going their separate ways, there was even a fight over who would get the prized VHS copy of the movie. They ended up buying multiples so that each family member could watch the movie for times when they couldn’t all gather together, she said. It was that special.

“From a very young age, I was always watched as the family gathered at my grandmother’s house. And again, from a young age, my family started to watch it at our house … Looking back on my childhood, I didn’t remember much about the plot. And then, of course, as I grew up and I really paid attention to the movie, I was reminded there’s not much of a plot in the movie. 

"It’s a wonderful movie, and it has beautiful songs, but just to be honest, there’s not much of a plot in it,” Keyes said during a phone interview from Illinois. “At this point, the movie has the added layer of family togetherness and nostalgia that my family has created around the movie, including my parents and my siblings, so there’s that layer of enjoyment to the movie as well.”

Keyes will be presenting one of her latest research projects, "Virtual Illustrated Lecture: A Look Behind White Christmas," to be presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia. 

The program is about an hour long, and Keyes will talk about the 1954 movie, which was a hit even before it debuted and has remained a holiday classic even today.

Her illustrated lecture will show you how the film was created and who were the creative geniuses behind it, all with behind-the-scenes images and historical information. She goes beyond the famous faces of Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney to also discuss people such as supporting actress Mary Wickes and costume designer Edith Head, both of whom “definitely added to this.”

A common vein that flows through all of her work is the back story of a subject, and "White Christmas" is no exception. That has allowed her to reignite a love of history she wasn’t so familiar with during her high school years when “it wasn’t taught in a way I enjoyed.” 

Diving into that back story — the underbelly of a person, place, situation — opens up the interesting details and emotions that Keyes not only enjoys learning about but also sharing with others, she said. 

"I have been portraying women from history and lecturing on historic topics since 2008 and I have a variety of different historic topics that I've taken on, especially when it comes to illustrated lectures … and I've touched on a number of different topics, including, a couple years ago, I created a talk on the history and folklore of Santa Claus. And so I enjoy looking at a topic, including a topic of popular culture, and just kind of getting the back story on it. And I did that a couple of years ago when I took the 1938 'War of the Worlds' broadcast that Orson Welles directed, and I looked at the whole back story of that, and then I explained that in a historical lecture, an illustrated lecture," she said. "And so I decided to do the same thing with this favorite movie of mine, 'White Christmas.' I wanted to share not only this film with so many other people, which I know some people also enjoy as a favorite of the holiday season, but I also wanted to give some of the back story and talk about the actors and other artists who created the film. 

"So that's what I talk about in my lecture; not just say their names and when they were born or some such, but really give the back story on them: how did they come to be cast in the movie?" she said. "I've actually just plain enjoyed learning more about these actors and artists.”

For anyone not familiar with the Welles' radio play, it was based on the 40-year-old novel of the same name about an alien invasion.

Keyes joined community theater years ago when she was cast in a lot of plays, including one featuring Mrs. Lincoln, she said. The glitch was “it was very historically inaccurate.”

“And in 2008, I had just graduated as a librarian with my master’s degree in library studies, so I did my research as a good little librarian. I put my research cap on and I said, ‘wow, this play is inaccurate,’ and, of course, one cannot change a script,” she said. “But I was allowed to write a short essay for the playbill, and I talked about Mary Lincoln and I talked about what she really went through. And so word got around the town that I was portraying Mary Lincoln very accurately, and so before the play closed, I had three phone calls from three different libraries saying ‘would you come to the library and give a talk like Mary Lincoln and wear your dress?’ And it’s just grown from there.”

Some of her portrayals also include Mary Todd Lincoln's daughter-in-law, Mary Harlan Lincoln, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Charlotte Bronte, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. 

Keyes actually developed several programs about the first First Lady Mary Lincoln to accommodate her “complex and unique character” in various presentations throughout history. However, when asked for her favorite character, she couldn't pinpoint one. It was like asking to choose your favorite child, she said.

Richmond Library staff was also drawn to her Lincoln personna, and booked her for a virtual performance in September 2022. 

For this upcoming program, Keyes, whose full-time job is library director for Dunlap Public Library in Illinois, began her research in January, when she traveled to a museum in Omaha that displayed many of the movie's costumes and artifacts. But two other requests for portrayals stalled her completion until later this fall, and she plans to debut her White Christmas lecture at her own library this Thursday before folks here can watch it.

The movie is a spectacle of big-name actors wearing ornate outfits, including the Santa-themed red velvet and white fur trim with rhinestone accents, glistening under stage lights, lots of Christmas decorations and brightly lit trees, ballerinas,  gushy romance, and music throughout. Songs include "Let Me Sing," "And I’m Happy," "Blue Skies," "Sisters," "Snow," "Santa Claus," and of course, the big finale of "White Christmas," in which the audience joins in on the singing. 

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,

Just like the ones I used to know.

Where the tree tops glisten,

And children listen,

To hear sleigh bells in the snow.

How would Grandma Joy, who was born around Christmastime, feel to know that her love for this movie has now transcended into a lecture for the public?
"I think that she would be very happy that I would be sharing this movie and this sweet story,” Keyes said.

Was there anything surprising in your research for "White Christmas"?
“Yes, something that absolutely shocked me," she said. "There’s a connection with Orson Welles and the 'War of the Worlds' program. I will explain that (on Dec. 18)."

Assistant Director and Community and Adult Services Librarian Samantha Stryker said the library is looking forward to hosting Keyes for her virtual illustrated lecture. 

"We've enjoyed virtual programs from Historic Voices in the past, ranging on topics from the history of Santa Claus to a portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln. Like many places, Richmond Memorial Library expanded into virtual programming during the pandemic, and now we're pleased to offer hybrid options -- patrons can watch from the comfort of their own homes or join us at the library to watch the live stream of the program on the big screen," Stryker said. "The ability to watch from home works great for those who may not like to drive at night or in wintery weather. Those who attend in person can enjoy cocoa, tea and cookies. Laura Keyes always presents well-researched and interesting deep dives into various topics and we're looking forward to hosting another intriguing presentation from her."

To watch at the library, register by calling 585-343-9550, Ext. 3. Go HERE for more information or to register.

Keyes said there will be time at the end for audience questions. Stryker will have copies of the film available for people to check out if they want to watch it.

Your ugly Christmas sweater could be your ticket to ride at Sunday's annual Genesee Symphony Orchestra holiday concert at GCC.

At intermission, GSO elves seek out the ugliest sweater worn by an audience member who will be the winner of the grand prize -- a chance to conduct the orchestra during its annual performance of Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride."

While "Sleigh Ride" is a perennial fan favorite, among the highlights of the concert, said Conductor and Musical Director Shade Zajac, is the vocal performances of Soprano Jessica Moss.

She's singing an aria from the opera “La Wally,” two from Handel's “Messiah,” and an aria from “La Bohème.”

"She's an extraordinary singer," Zajac said. "I met her about two years ago. I've only been able to work with her one other time before, and she's a real, a real fine artist. I mean, absolutely, see her now before she gets to the Met, where the tickets are going to be more expensive."

Besides "Sleigh Ride," other fun numbers on the program include "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," as well as selections from the “It's a Wonderful Life” Suite -- yes, the soundtrack of the Jimmy Stewart classic arranged for orchestra.

"We've had a very busy start of the season and really intense start of the season, so it's really nice to just kind of let loose a little bit and play some fun music," Zajac said. "We love doing 'It's a Wonderful Life.' It's some great, great music and they don't make scores like that any more. It’s really cute and full of old Hollywood schlock."

GSO performs at GCC at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $17 for adults; seniors $12, and students with ID are free.

Photos by Howard Owens

Press release:

Pembroke Dragons' Senior Outside Hitter Reagan Schneider (#14) is a three-time Genesee Region Volleyball All-Star and has been named Genesee Region Volleyball Player of the Year for 2024. 

Schneider also broke Pembroke's record for the number of kills in a single season—breaking her own record that she set in 2023. 

Congratulations to one of the Genesee Region's premier athletes on such a stellar season.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

An Open House will be held on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at City Centre, One Batavia, City Centre, Batavia, NY to gather public input on the City of Batavia Brownfield Opportunity Area project. 

The City of Batavia and Batavia Development Corporation want to know your thoughts on future development of the Tonawanda Creek waterfront near the Ice Rink and the eastern side of the City Centre. The conceptual development alternatives will help the City and Batavia Development Corporation guide the type and character of future development in the two areas.

This workshop is an open house format, so feel free to stop by at any time during those hours that work for you.

For more information contact Tammy Hathaway, Batavia Development Corporation, 585-345-6380, or director@bataviadevelopmentcorp.org.

About Batavia Brownfield Opportunity Area

The Batavia Opportunity Area project is focused on providing redevelopment strategies for areas impacted multiple brownfield, vacant, and underutilized sites. The project is primarily funded by a grant from the NYS Department of State.

If it's your habit to greet people with a "Go Buffalo" 365 days a year, a new radio show on Wednesday mornings on WBTA might be for you.

After Further Review is a local take—featuring Jim Ernst, Erik Triftshauser, Steve Pies, and Marc Tillery—on the Bills and the Sabres, local high school sports, some national sports, and an enthusiastic discussion of the hosts' other shared passion: music.

"It's your front-row seat for sports, hits and headlines," said Ernst, station owner and co-host.  "That's our slogan."

The show airs at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays.

They talk about the Blue Devils, the Aggies, the Trojans, the Bees, the Lancers, and ever other high school sports program as much as they talk about the Bills and the Sabres. With hockey coming up, BND United will be a frequent topic of conversation.

They like to go deep into music, too, Ernst said.

"Every episode, we each pick one song, break it down a little bit, and talk a little bit about the group," Ernst said. "Like yesterday, I picked 'More Than a Feeling' because we were right there at High Mark Stadium, and it's Jim Kelly's favorite song."

"We like to say It's mind over matter. If it's not on our mind, it really doesn't matter," Triftshauser quipped.

Press Release:

Northgate Church is excited to invite the community to its annual Vintage Christmas celebration, which will take place on Thursday and Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the church’s backyard (8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia).

This free outdoor event is a wonderful way for families and friends to embrace the joy of the Christmas season together.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of festive activities, including:

• A beautiful Christmas tree lighting
• A walkthrough nativity experience
• Delicious free cookies and hot chocolate

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

In observance of National Rural Health Day, Nov. 21, Fidelis Care, a statewide health plan with more than 2.4 million members in New York State and a Centene Corporation company, has awarded $128,000 in rural health grants to nine community-based organizations. The grants aim to assist organizations that support health and wellness in rural communities across New York, with an emphasis on serving high-need, low-income individuals and their families.

The 2024 Fidelis Care rural health grant recipients are:

• AIM Independent Living Center, Steuben County
• Cornell Cooperative Extension, Broome County
• Cornell Cooperative Extension, Steuben County
• Dutchess Outreach, Dutchess County
• Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization, Jefferson County
• Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, Orleans County
• Literacy West NY, Inc., Allegany County
• Norfolk Raymondville Food Pantry, St. Lawrence County
• Restoration Society, Inc., Genesee County

“Fidelis Care is pleased to offer these grants ahead of National Rural Health Day to support organizations that work to improve health outcomes in rural communities across New York State,” said Fidelis Care Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vincent Marchello. “The grants are centered on enhancing programs and building partnerships that address barriers to care such as health literacy, transportation, food insecurity, dental care, hygiene, and other factors faced by rural communities.”

Nearly 60 million Americans live in rural areas, including 1.5 million in New York State. The U.S. Government Accountability Office shows that these communities often face significant barriers to healthcare access, including a shortage of providers, longer travel distances to medical facilities, and limited access to specialized services. Rural residents also often experience a lack of broadband internet, which hinders the use of telehealth services that have become crucial in expanding access to care.

Literacy West NY, Inc. (LWNY) is committed to serving diverse and rural populations by offering workshops, classroom-based instruction, and community outreach that focus on practical health information. The Fidelis Care grant will help LWNY launch a health literacy program to empower adults with knowledge and skills for healthier living. Participants will gain tools to navigate healthcare systems, understand preventive care options, and make informed health-related decisions for themselves and their families.

“We are immensely grateful to receive funding from Fidelis Care for our rural health initiative,” said Literacy West NY, Inc. Executive Community Relations Coordinator Adrianna Seewaldt. “Empowering individuals with the knowledge to make informed health decisions is essential to our mission of supporting lifelong learning and self-sufficiency. With this initiative, we aim to address health disparities in our region by equipping people with the resources and confidence they need to lead healthier lives.”

Restoration Society, Inc. (RSI) is a peer-led organization that has served Western New York for over 50 years, focusing on mental health recovery. RSI’s mission is to enhance quality of life by addressing the key areas of health, home, purpose, and community. Through its Genesee ACE Employment program, RSI extends personalized support to residents in rural counties like Genesee and Orleans, where barriers to healthcare, employment, and community participation are especially pronounced.  

Restoration Society, Inc. CEO Eric Weigel said, “This funding will significantly advance our ‘Empowering Rural Participants through Integrated Support Systems’ initiative, which aims to improve healthcare access, employment opportunities, and digital literacy for rural residents in Western New York. With Fidelis Care’s support, we are excited to offer digital skills training to help participants connect with telehealth services and navigate essential healthcare resources, along with guidance on community transportation options to improve access to jobs, medical appointments, and other critical services.”

The Fidelis Care rural health grant applications were open to not-for-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and healthcare providers in New York State. The grant program is part of a three-tiered Fidelis Care health equity giving campaign that also supports behavioral health and maternal health providers and organizations.

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) released the following statement following the passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which modernizes, enhances efficiency, and improves the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare, benefits, and services.

Tenney cosponsored this legislation, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 389-9.

"The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act aims to ensure that the men and women who have served our nation receive the high-quality care and services they have earned without unnecessary bureaucracy," said Congresswoman Tenney. "Supported by over 40 veterans’ organizations, this legislation provides essential reforms to the Department of Veterans Affairs, streamlining and strengthening the services and benefits our veterans and their families rely on. Additionally, this bill expands home and community-based services at every VA center, allowing our veterans the dignity of receiving care in their own homes. This bill is a crucial step toward honoring our promise to those who have served, ensuring they receive the timely, efficient, and comprehensive support they have earned."

Press Release:

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers announces that their Winter 2025 edition of the GREAT BATAVIA TRAIN SALE will be held at the Richard C. Call Arena in Batavia. The large venue on the campus of Genesee Community College offers unmatched convenience for attendees and vendors. The show is scheduled for Sunday, January 12. 

Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for those under 18, and free for children under 13. The event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and features model train vendors, free parking, and a snack bar.

For 50 years the Great Batavia Train Sale has been one of the premier hobby events in Western New York. The Richard C. Call arena at Genesee Community College is a perfect train show venue providing excellent lighting in a comfortable, state-of-the-art facility. All forms of model railroad and train-related merchandise will be available. Over 100 vendors will be offering all scales of model trains and historic railroad items.

Modeling demonstrations, and a limited number of portable layouts, will be part of the fun. Free parking, on-site concession stand, and plenty of seating add to the experience.

For more information contact the Train Show Chairman Mike Pyszczek at 585-768-4579 (residence) or email: bataviatrainshow@gmail.com.

260 Ross Street Batavia-City. Super solid and well taken care of 3 bedroom ranch home ready for your immediate occupancy!! This home is clean, freshly painted thru out and has been well maintained and upgraded thru out the years!! This adorable home has a lot to offer and will surprise you with all that you can’t see by driving by! The home is well laid out starting with large living room with pretty hardwood floors, oversized eat in kitchen and awesome huge pantry! There are three large bedrooms with hardwoods as well as plenty of closet space. One currently has laundry hookups should ups should you need/want first floor laundry capabilities! Downstairs is HUGE and provides a lot of additional living space! Partially finished with full bath it makes a fabulous recreation area. There is also tons of storage space and a place to have small workshop area as well. Not only is this home located in great quiet neighborhood but is located on half acre plus lot-the backyard will surprise you as it is fully fenced and private with large deck that overlooks a beautiful wooded lot not visible from the road! Check this one out for yourself-Delayed negotiations on December 9th by 7:00!

An eclectic evening of music is planned for the main gallery to GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., Batavia, at 7 p.m. on Friday when local musicians Howard Owens and Henry Grace perform solo sets that touch on pop, folk, country and Americana.

On stage first, Henry Grace, a Batavia-based singer-songwriter whose style evokes a variety of influences cultivated from years of living a life simple as a moment, partly an urban legend, a dreamer of dreams, and a storyteller to the working class whose live performances connect vividly with audiences.

Grace has an extensive musical background has taken him through New York to Atlanta to Nashville and back again, playing coffeehouses, church basements, bars, colleges, libraries, backyards, and regional festival stages.

Recently, Henry Grace has become a part of the burgeoning Batavia music scene as co-founder of the folk duo Parris and Holly and clamor pop band Rose Mary Christian’s Babies gigging locally at Jackson Square, GO ART!, Iburi Photography, Pub Coffee House, and VFW Post 1602.

Grace plays a mixture of original songs and covers by Vic Chesnutt, Jules Shear, and Neil Young, among others.

Owens is a product of the backcountry of San Diego County and the nascent punk scene in Southern California (birthplace of cowpunk). He never lost his Western roots, and his musical interests reflect that broad range of influences.  On Friday, expect to hear some Dave Alvin, Odetta, Iris Dement, Johnny Cash, Graham Parsons, Jack White, Amos Milburn, Tanya Tucker, and Bob Dylan.

Over the past two years, he's played at Juneteenth, GO ART!, Iburi Photography, and VFW Post 1602.

Admission to Friday's show is free.

The cause of a fire at 15 East Ave., Batavia, remains under investigation, according to City Fire Chief Josh Graham.

In a statement, Graham said:

On Thursday, Nov. 28, the City of Batavia Fire Department responded to a report of a residential structure fire at 15 East Ave in the city. Law enforcement arrived on scene and confirmed fire showing from the first floor with one occupant out of the building and unknown if any others were inside. 

Initial fire units led by Lieutenant Craig Huntoon arrived 4 minutes after dispatch to find a large volume of fire on the first floor of a two-story, single-family residence. Lieutenant Huntoon immediately requested a second alarm while crews made an aggressive offensive fire attack. 

Crews quickly brought the fire under control and searched for occupants. No additional occupants were found. Crews spent over three hours on the scene. 

The structure sustained major damage to the entire first floor, while the second floor only received minor damage due to a closed stairwell door. 

There were two minor injuries to firefighters on scene. 

Graham said the department was assisted by the Batavia Police Department, Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center, the Town of Batavia Fire Department, the Leroy Fire Department, Mercy EMS, and the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management. 

Press release:

Due to a water main break that will not be fixed until tomorrow afternoon, the Wolcott Street School will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Teachers and staff do not need to report.  

The Le Roy Jr/Sr High School is not impacted and will be open tomorrow.  

Batavian Jason Smith keeps the birds in his Southside backyard on snowy days.

2995 W Main Street Road Batavia-Town. What a great property! Even better price!! This country home offers a lot of possibilities and opportunities for all-whether starting out or downsizing this home has something for everyone! Starting with spacious layout and is perfect for anyone looking for first floor living-there are two full baths and two bedrooms on main floor! The master bedroom suite is oversized with private bath and awesome loft space perfect for private sitting area, workout space or amazing dressing room! Kitchen dining living-room flow perfectly and are great for entertaining and features propane fireplace for cozy evenings. Second bedroom is currently used as home office and great built in work area! Upstairs bedroom is spacious with corner fireplace huge closet/storage area and private bathroom! Outside features pretty wooded backyard with awesome double concrete patio and is all ready for you and your outside kitchen! The out building is what will have your friends envious-not only is it partially finished and heated with propane fireplace, there is so much great heated work space and storage areas as well! There is also huge finished loft area with bath -used as home gym space! Only scratching the surface with everything that is included with this property! Awesome location-conveniently located to shopping and thruway-Hurry and check this one out!! Call Reliant Real Estate today, call 585-344- HOME (4663)

Press Release:

Come to the Holland Land Office Museum (HLOM ) on Friday, December 6, at 7 p.m. for a Christmas concert featuring members of the Genesee Symphony Orchestra. A brass ensemble will treat everyone to all the classic holiday tunes. Admission is $5 or $4 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night @ the Museum on Thursday, December 12 at 7 p.m. In honor of the end of prohibition in the United States, the topic is the 1930s. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

Come to the Holland Land Office Museum on Friday, December 13 at 7 p.m. for a Christmas concert featuring Mike Whyman as he plays many of the classic holiday songs on acoustic guitar. Admission is $5 or $4 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

Come to the Holland Land Office Museum on Friday, December 20 at 7 p.m. for a Christmas concert featuring members of the Genesee Symphony Orchestra. That night a flute quartet will treat everyone with all the classic holiday tunes. Admission is $5 or $4 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

Press release:

The Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming (GOW) Pathway to Hope Suicide Prevention Coalition was recognized at the 2024 Suicide Prevention Conference in Albany last month for excellence in the Lethal Means Safety category.

Sara Andrew, a licensed clinical social worker and community engagement and partnership coordinator at the VA Medical Center in Batavia, accepted an award on behalf of GOW Pathway to Hope.

The coalition was nominated for this award by Lynda Battaglia, director of Community Services in Genesee County in partnership with Kelly Dryja, director of Community Services in Wyoming County and Danielle Figura, director of Community Services in Orleans County.

Andrew works with coalitions in Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming and Niagara counties to implement community-based interventions for suicide coalition, with a focus on service members, veterans and their families.

About 150 professionals in the suicide prevention field attended the conference at the Desmond Hotel Crowne Plaza.

Lethal means are objects (e.g., medications, firearms, sharp instruments) that can be used to inflict self-directed violence. Lethal Means Safety is an intentional, voluntary practice to reduce one’s suicide risk by limiting access to those lethal means.

In submitting the nomination form, Battaglia outlined steps being taken by the local coalition to reduce means of harm.

“For the GOW Pathway to Hope Suicide Prevention Coalition, it might mean having someone taking a few extra minutes of having to unlock a gun safe or unlocking medications that can give someone that time to pause and not make an impulsive decision, such as suicide,” she wrote.

“We know that people have access to lethal means in their environment and we know the goal of lethal means safety is to promote and give opportunities between thinking of suicide and acting on it for individuals. Preventing access to lethal means in that very moment gives that person a couple of life saving minutes to think about what they are doing and to reach out for help instead.”

Battaglia pointed out that the local coalition has worked to overcome “unique challenges” faced by rural areas, such as accessibility to services and lack of transportation. She noted that suicide in agriculture and farming – key industries of Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties – is on the rise.

“While the coalition focuses on the needs of each county, collectively the coalition is stronger working together,” she wrote. “This is demonstrated on a routine basis in ways of sharing resources, education, supports, and promoting efforts to reduce stigma associated with mental illness and suicide by close partnership and collaboration of efforts.”

GOW Pathway to Hope has adopted an evidenced based, suicide prevention initiative that was initially developed in Virginia. The Lock & Talk training educates local residents on what Lethal Means Safety is while encouraging communities to engage in mental wellness conversations.

“Locking/safely securing or removing lethal means is one of the few evidence-based strategies to substantially prevent suicide- many suicides occur with little planning during a short-term crisis,” Battaglia wrote. “Talking can often alleviate distress and reduce the intention to act on suicidal thoughts. It’s also about sharing resources and getting the right help to the right individuals who need it, when they need it.”

Thus far, GOW Pathway to Hope has distributed around 400 Lock & Talk bags that each include a cable gun lock, locking medication pouch or medication lockbox, a pre-paid medication disposal envelope among other local and national resources.

Additionally, about two dozen LMS trainings have been provided to human service professionals as gatekeepers, who in turn received the Lock & Talk bags to provide to community members in need, and several firearm safety for suicide prevention workshops have been conducted.

For more information about the Lock and Talk program, email spcgenesee@gmail.com.