If you’ve had visions of taking over the city police station -- more formally known as Brisbane Mansion — and carving it up into city-suggested market-rate apartments or boutique hotel rooms situated on a route with one of the highest traffic counts in Western New York, then city officials are ready to see if you’re serious.

Because they are. 

Both city management and Batavia Development Corporation staff are looking for redevelopment proposals for the much-discussed and debated mansion now serving as police headquarters until the department vacates later this year. 

There have been studies and committee discussions, architectural assessments, tours, and final analyses in recent years that city police belonged elsewhere instead of trying to rehab the site to fit departmental needs.

What those studies also showed, apparently, is that the site at 10 W. Main St., in downtown Batavia, would be best suited for 11 market rate apartments or 16 boutique hotel rooms. They would be ideal for the more than 30,000 vehicles that pass by daily as they converge onto either routes 5 or 63 to potentially stop in for a night’s stay or opt to nestle into a rental.

“At the end of 2025, the former City Hall and Police Station will be vacant, which will offer an incredible opportunity to redevelop a very visible landmark adjacent to the City’s emerging and vibrant downtown district,” city officials said in a press release. “A recent building reuse analysis suggested that the two-story building with more than 11,000 square feet of space could accommodate 11 market-rate apartments or 16 boutique hotel rooms.”

“The City and BDC desire to work with a qualified development team that has experience redeveloping historic sites,” the release stated.

That was one of the goals mentioned during a presentation to City Council by Ed Flynn of LaBella Associates and BDC Executive Director Tammy Hathaway in December.

They recommended putting the site up for an RFP to determine developer or investor interest in redeveloping the property and provide information about the existing conditions, characteristics and feasibility study options by an Insight Architecture report for use as apartments or a boutique hotel. 

“This can provide a lot of information for the developers that they'll be looking for in terms of the existing condition of building the site, as well as what are some opportunities for redevelopment,” Flynn said. “We also want to make sure we establish some community goals for the project before it goes out so the developer knows what the community goals are for the project. And the ones we kind of have listed here are, preservation of the building and site.

"It's an important historic property in the city of Batavia; it’s very visible. A lot of heritage and history to the building," he said. "And so that's kind of a key goal that we want to maintain compatibility with downtown.”

Another goal is to put it back on the tax roll, he said, for the first time since 1917 when it was established for city government, non-taxable use. 

“So, obviously, you don’t want a nonprofit to go in there, and then we want to make sure we get an experienced developer with financial resources,” he said. “So that would be part of the RFP, part of the process of reviewing the proposals when they come in, and talking to the banks and whoever they’re using for their financial back.”

What they don’t want is for someone to buy it and hold it for five years, with nothing happening to the property during that time, he said. The right developer will have the financial means and capacity to complete the renovations and be experienced in having completed other similar projects.

Demand for residential units is “incredibly high,” according to the latest county Housing Needs and Market Analysis, the RFP states. Given the shortage within the region for available, attractive, market-rate apartments and the central location of the building, adding apartments “can contribute to the resilient, walkable downtown setting which Batavia has prioritized,” it states.

An approximate annual income from these rentals with 100% expected occupancy could be $164,000, and based on a more conservative estimate of 60% occupancy for the 16 hotel rooms, which would be 10 occupied rooms, the hotel could generate about $350,000 of revenue annually, according to the RFP.

The proposal outlines location characteristics, maps, flood hazard information, and property assessment — the conditioned market value of the site was $740,000 based on an appraiser’s site visit, and the current tax assessment is $820,000 — community goals for the project, selection criteria and process, demographic details, and potential grants and financing.

There are 10 options for financing listed, including:

1. NY Main Street Program – provides up to $500,000 in grant funds for anchor building projects.

2. Restore NY Communities – grants of up to $2 million for rehabilitation, construction, demolition, and environmental remediation.

3. City Revolving Loan Fund – provide funds for building improvements that have a visual impact and facade work for rehabilitation or new build (a grant of 40% of the total project cost will be considered with a cap at $20,000 per project). Additional funding is available for strategic priority projects in the City that are making significant capital investments.

4. Genesee County Economic Development Center - loan fund and other IDA incentives available, including the Pathways to Prosperity fund for the City of Batavia.

5. NYS CDBG Economic Development Program – potentially up to $750,000 in grant funds; funds up to 40% of project costs; job requirements; competitive application.

6. NYSERDA – state matching grants for investment in energy-efficient building systems.

7. New York State and Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits - tax credits available up to 40% of project costs (20% state; 20% federal).

8. Empire State Development Corporation – provides up to 20% of total project costs for building acquisition, rehabilitation, equipment and site development for commercial or mixed-use projects.

9. Real Property Tax exemption 485b – the City participates in the 485b exemption program, which provides a 10-year exemption for increases in taxable value starting at 50% and decreasing to 5% in the 10th year.

10. Real Property Tax exemption 485a – the City also participates in the 485a exemption program, which provides a 12-year exemption for mixed-use properties, including a 100% exemption for years 1-8, followed by additional 20% reductions until year 12. At least 40% of the sq. ft. of the building must be used for residential purposes, and a minimum of 15% of the sq. ft. must be used for commercial purposes.

The RFP is posted on the City of Batavia’s website at www.batavianewyork.com. It can also be found on the City Plans page of the BDC’s website at www.bataviadevelopmentcorp.org or by contacting Tammy Hathaway at the Batavia Development Corporation at 585-813-8054 or director@bataviadevelopmentcorp.org.

Proposals are due on Friday, May 30, 2025, and a pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for March 20, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the site.

Leah Wroten, a 2020 Batavia High School grad and special education teacher’s aide, has done battle with cancer through life-changing surgery, chemotherapy and related treatments since her diagnosis just a year ago.

She has gotten the good news of being in remission, however, having to take six months off and still more days for scans and check-ups has meant a hefty medical bill for the 21-year-old. 

Thankfully, she has an army of colleagues raising money through various efforts, including a 26 Shirts initiative, which just dropped its exclusive, limited edition design for Wroten on Monday.

There will now be less than 12 days to snatch up an original design that reads: "Introverted but willing to defend Josh Allen" on a number of clothing items, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, long-sleeved shirts, hoodies, zipped hoodies and tank tops.

Every purchase means $8 to Wroten’s cause, and  — in keeping with the company’s focus on sports-themed apparel — her fellow Batavia City School staff, students, friends and family are rooting for a touchdown to get her financially “back on her feet.”

For more information or to support the cause, go to 26 Shirts.

By Connor Beagle

This past weekend saw Roberts Wesleyan University Senior Zachary Hall defend his East Coast Conference title in the 5000 meter run with a time of 15:54.00. Hall would go on to earn 1st-Team All-Conference honors in the 5000 meter run, and 2nd-Team All-Conference honors for his 4th place finish in the 3000 meter run. 

Despite battling injuries earlier in the season Hall was prepared to take on any challenge he needed to for his team who ended up placing 2nd overall at the conference championships. Prior to the East Coast Conference Indoor Championships in Staten Island, New York Hall had only raced three times throughout the indoor season, following a successful final cross-country season, in which he won the East Coast Conference Championships. Hall opened his season at Grand Valley State University with a sub 15 min 5000 meter run (14:59.41) before heading into the holiday break.

It wouldn’t be until January 30 until Hall would return to action for the Redhawks. At the RIT Thursday Invitational Hall would win the mile with a time of 4:36.21. The following week Hall would race at the Brockport Multi Invitational and take 7th in the mile, running 4:29.87 in preparation for a busy weekend at the Ocean Breeze Complex where the indoor conference championships would be held.

Last season Hall won the 5000 meter run and placed 2nd in the 3000 meter run at the indoor conference championships. Hall also won the 5000 meter run and placed 2nd in the 1500 meter run during the outdoor season.

With the goal of winning a team conference title this indoor season, Hall’s speed would be needed on the track for the Redhawks. Hall would follow behind John Ray of Queens College (NY) for most of the 5000 meter run, before overtaking him in the final 100 meter of the race to defend his title and earn 10 points for the Redhawks. 

Next up for Hall was the 3000 meter run, where again he would finish ahead of John Ray of Queens College (N.Y.) and behind fellow Redhawks Trevor Heitkamp (2nd place) and Owen White who would end up winning the event. Despite Hall’s 14 points, the Redhawks would finish 2nd overall behind Holy Family University.

Hall will look to take his successful Senior season into the outdoor season and hope to lead his team to a third straight outdoor conference title. Hall and his co-stars on the Redhawks distance squad have managed to be nationally ranked in the top 25 of the 5000 meter run event squad rankings that USTFCCCA puts out each week, coming in at the #25 spot this past week. 

This season the Redhawks have been ranked as high as 14th in the 5000 meter event squad rankings. Hall has also been recognized this season by the East Coast Conference, being named to the ECC Honor Roll earlier in the season.

Hall and the Redhawks will look to finish out their season at Houghton University on February 22 and Boston University on March 2 before the NCAA DII Indoor Championships in mid March.

Press Release:

The Pembroke Teachers’ Federation (PTF) will be hosting a 5K walk/run on April 26, at 9 a.m. in the village of Corfu to help raise funds for their community. This year, the event will support Genesee County Mental Health, an organization dedicated to supporting county residents with mental illness. Through their programs, community members can meet with professionals to reach their highest level of functioning.

PTF has a longstanding history of supporting Genesee County Mental Health and is looking forward to continuing this tradition. Proceeds from the event will go directly to benefit those served by the organization through different services, including:

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
• ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
• Trauma- Based Treatments
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• Forensic Services
• Care Management
• And so much more

“Providing mental health services to our community is something we take very seriously. We want to show our students, families, and colleagues that it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to talk to someone and it’s especially okay not to be okay,” said PTF Union President Arron Brown. “Mental health struggles aren’t something you can see by looking at someone, so our job is to make the people around us feel comfortable enough to ask for help when they need it.”

For those interested in joining PTF and the wider community to raise awareness and support mental health in Genesee County can sign up by checking out the PTF Facebook page or contacting civison@pembrokecsd.org for a registration link. Early registration is available for $15 until March 17. All registration after that date will be $20.

Press Release:

A public information meeting will be held regarding New Town Park on Wednesday, February 26, at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place at Batavia Town Hall, located at 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia.

Project: New York Green received funding from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo for design of a proposed new public park on a property owned by the Town of Batavia and located on Park Road in the City of Batavia. 

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds were established at the Community Foundation to provide support to four areas that were important to Mr. Wilson: caregivers, community assets, design and access, and youth sports. Endowment funds, like these created to honor Mr. Wilson, are designed to grow over time and provide funding for charitable causes according to a client’s wishes.

Agenda: At the meeting we will share and solicit public feedback on the conceptual design for the proposed new park.

Special Arrangements: All are welcome to attend this meeting. If you require special arrangements (translators, handicap accessibility etc.) please contact Steve Tanner at 585-813-7246.

Press Release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to welcome Dr. Michael Boston of SUNY Brockport as our next Guest Speaker on Saturday, March 1st at 11 am. Dr. Boston of SUNY Brockport will be presenting on “Female Conductors of the Underground Railroad in Western and Central New York”; Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com. 

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next presenter in its Guest Speaker Series on Thursday, March 6 at 7 p.m. Dr. Ann Bunch a forensic anthropologist of SUNY Brockport Criminal Justice Department, will be presenting on her new book,
"The William Morgan Affair: Masonic Mystery in Upstate New York." The book takes an investigative science approach to the mystery of William Morgan's disappearance to demystify and highlight ways to resolve his fate following his last known sightings in 1826. 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.

Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next Trivia Night @ the Museum on Thursday, March 13 at 7 p.m. This month's topic is the First Ladies of the United States. 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.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to welcome back No Blarney for our St. Patrick's Day tradition, as they play all your favorite Irish music tunes from throughout the years. The concert will be Friday, March 14 from 7-9 pm. Admission is $5 or $4 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com. Seating is limited so reserve your spot early.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to welcome back Civil War historian and author Chris Mackowski on Wednesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. This presentation has been rescheduled from its original date of January 21. Chris will be presenting on his book, "The Last Days of Stonewall Jackson" of the Emerging Civil War series. The presentation will cover Jackson's military career and the last fateful days during the Battle of Chancellorsville that led to his mortal wounding. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. If you plan on attending, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum on March 27, at 9 a.m., come hear HLOM Curator Tyler Angora for our FREE morning coffee program Java with Joe. Tyler will be explaining the newest exhibit at HLOM in greater detail and why this was the exhibit he chose to begin in 2025! Learn about his research and the clothing in the exhibit Admission is FREE, and Tim Horton’s of Batavia will provide coffee and donuts. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

Press Release:

The Genesee Community College History Club is proud to launch its commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord with a special Historical Horizons Lecture on Wednesday, March 5, at 7 p.m. in room T102. The event, titled A Single Blow: The Battles of Lexington and Concord, will be presented by renowned historian and author Phil Greenwalt and is free and open to the public.

In his lecture, Greenwalt will explore the pivotal events of April 19, 1775, which marked the beginning of open conflict between Great Britain and its thirteen North American colonies. Attendees will gain insight into the years of unrest that led to this historic moment and how it set the course for American independence.

Phil Greenwalt is the co-founder of Emerging Revolutionary War and is also a full-time contributor to Emerging Civil War. He is the author or co-author of five books on the American Revolution and the American Civil War. Phil graduated from George Mason University with a M.A. in American History and also has a B.A. in history from Wheeling Jesuit University. He is currently the Chief of Interpretation and Education at Catoctin Mountain Park. He has over 15 years of service in the National Park Service and has worked at De Soto National Memorial, Everglades National Park and Morristown National Historical Park before Catoctin. His first permanent ranger position was as a historian with the National Park Service at George Washington Birthplace National Monument and Thomas Stone National Historic Site. However, he started with the National Park Service as a historical interpreter intern in college at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.

Copies of Greenwalt's book will be available for purchase through the GCC Bookstore, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet the author and have their books signed after the talk.

For more information, contact Vice President of Development, Admissions and External Affairs, Justin Johnston, at 585-345-6809 or via email at jmjohnston@genesee.edu.

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Press Release:

The Table Top Art Show is excited to announce our event on March 4, at Eli Fish Brewing in downtown Batavia. We warmly invite local media representatives to join us for an evening celebrating the incredible talents of our local artists and the vibrant art community we cherish.

This year, we received an impressive 184 entries from 92 artists, showcasing the creativity and passion of our local talent. The event will feature 15 pieces in our traditional gallery display, six honorable mentions, and a special judges' corner. The 15 selected pieces will also be featured on our tabletop version of the show, adorning the tables of 30+ restaurants and three libraries this year. To top it off, our online gallery will feature all 184 entries.

Join us for the Opening Reception on March 4 at 7 p.m. at Eli Fish Brewing in the heart of Downtown Batavia! After the Reveal the show runs for the month of March.

The Table Top Art Show highlights the collaborative spirit of our arts community, paired with the support of local businesses and restaurants. The media's presence at this event will help us celebrate our talented artists and promote the importance of supporting local arts in our community.

We would be delighted to provide interviews with participating artists, event organizers, and sponsors. Your coverage will help us spotlight the creativity and dedication that makes our local art scene thrive.

Please let me know if you have any questions about the show. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this wonderful celebration of art! For more information visit https://tabletopartshow.secure-decoration.com. 

Press Release:

GLOW With Your Hands organizers are seeking additional volunteers to support the coordination of the third annual GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare on March 17. More than 650 students from Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties will learn first-hand about exciting career opportunities in the healthcare sector by meeting representatives and professionals from a variety of healthcare organizations, careers, and training programs.

Organizations such as M&T Bank and students from the Genesee Valley BOCES Health Career Academy have signed up for this year’s healthcare event, assisting as tour guides, lunch helpers, and an extra set of hands for GLOW With Your Hands committee members. Event organizers emphasized that these career exploration events are made possible thanks to the generosity of local organizations and individuals who dedicate their time to support local youth.

“It’s a tremendous testament to the success of this annual career exploration day that we have over 650 students attending, but at the same time, it takes a lot of volunteers to manage so many exuberant youths in one place,” said GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair Karyn Winters said. “We are fortunate to have volunteers already registered, but we need more to cover all our bases.”

Representatives from hospitals and health systems and professionals in nursing, mental health, social services, and emergency responders will be on hand to interact with students to discuss potential careers and pathways into their respective fields.  While some careers might begin immediately after high school, the students will also be able to explore educational pathways in the healthcare sector through BOCES and degrees available at local colleges and universities.

“The day after the event ends, we start to plan the next day for the event the following year which includes making sure our volunteers had the type of experience to help us again,” said Angela Grouse, GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair. “We are so fortunate that most of our volunteers come back year after year, but you can never have enough!”

Registration for volunteers is available by emailing Karyn Winters at kwinters@geneseeny.com or filling out the volunteer form at https://www.glowwithyourhands.com/healthcarevolunteers.

A 17-year-old Corfu resident was killed Sunday evening after a bicycle he was riding on Tesnow Road in the town of Alabama was struck by a vehicle and the youth was ejected from the bike.

Arthur G. Breton, III, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Breton was riding his bike north in the northbound lane in the area of 7824 Tesnow Road at 6:38 p.m. when he was struck.

Daphne C. Sundown, 37, of Basom, with her son as a passenger, were also northbound on Tesnow, driving a 2022 black Chevy Blazer, when the vehicle crested a hill over a knoll in the road, according to the Sheriff's Office. Sundown was unable to see Breton and struck his bike with the front driver side of her vehicle. 

Sundown and her son immediately exited her vehicle and began rendering aid while calling 9-1-1.  

Alabama Fire and Pembroke Fire departments personnel, along with Mercy EMS, responded to the scene and performed life-saving measures. Breton succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Drugs and alcohol have been ruled out as a factor in the accident.

The crash is being investigated by members of the Sheriff's Office along with the Crash Management Team.

Besides emergency responders, several bystanders assisted at the scene.

UPDATE: Superintendent Matthew Calderon confirmed that Breton was a senior at Pembroke High School.  He sent the following message to the school community:

I am writing to share difficult news.

Last night, one of our high school students, Arthur Bretan III, was struck by a car while riding his bicycle, and he died as a result of the accident.  Arthur was well-liked by many and enjoyed his participation in band.  Today and this week, our district’s Trauma, Illness & Grief Team will be implementing a support plan for students and staff.  Specially trained grief counselors are onsite to assist.  This morning during first period, we informed all junior-senior high school students about Arthur's death to provide correct information and to inform them how and where to get support throughout the day if they need support.

We encourage students to remain at school where they can access grief support services.  If students ask to go home, we strongly suggest that they be supervised by adults, who can best provide guidance and support during this difficult time.  There will be a variety of emotional and/or behavioral responses, and it is normal to experience feelings of disbelief, sadness, anger, confusion or even numbness when learning about a loss such as this.  Our children will benefit from our extra love and support to process this difficult news.  The link below may provide some helpful information to assist you:

Guidelines for Supporting Your Child During Grief

Our community always comes together to love and support one another through these hard times, and I am confident we will be there for each other once again.

Press Release:

The phones at Richmond Memorial Library are currently down. We are working to restore service. The library is open our normal hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, February 24. 

Thank you for your patience!

Press Release:

Thanks to a $750 grant from President Mike Hodgins and the Batavia Rotary Club and a $875 donation from the Batavia First Presbyterian Church, the Little Free Pantry recently took delivery of a new commercial size refrigerator which will help them support the growing needs of Batavia neighborhoods. 

The Little Free Pantry provides immediate and local aid to those with food insecurity. Their aim is to help neighbors feed neighbors and nourish the community as a whole. The mini pantry movement’s unofficial motto is “Give what you can. Take what you need.”

The Little Free Pantry is grateful to the Batavia Rotary for this most generous donation in helping the Little Free Pantry support its mission.

Press Release:

Join the Richmond Memorial Library for a musical March! 

On Tuesday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m., Brian Dooley will grace audiences with classical guitar and bagpipe music. Yes, bagpipes in the library! Brian Dooley is a guitarist and highland bagpiper residing in Asheville, NC. His concerts typically include a broad range of selections, ranging from the Renaissance to the modern day, and his own arrangements.

No Blarney returns to the Richmond Memorial Library on Tuesday, March 11, at 7 p.m. Popular duo Rich Conroy and Don Bouchard will delight audiences with classic Irish tunes in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. This spirited pair has been playing together since 1984!

Both concerts are free to attend, and all are welcome. Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia. For more information about the library and programs, visit batavialibrary.org.

An 18-year-old graduate of Pembroke High School, who recently made the Dean's List at the University at Albany, was critically injured in a four-vehicle accident on the Thruway in the town of Salina, according to State Police.

According to Troopers, Anneka Pray was a front-seat passenger in a 2016 Jeep Compass driven by Christopher Baker, 22, of South Glens Falls.

According to the initial investigation, a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Christopher J. Hernandez, 23, of Newark, lost control and swerved, causing a Ford F-550, driven by Barry J. Darling, 41, of Solvay, to brake and exit the north shoulder of the roadway to avoid a collision.

The Jeep rear-ended the Ford F-550 and partially entered the passing, where is was struck by a westbound Freightliner tractor-trailer operated by Sarjo Drammeh, 35, of Wisconsin. 

The tractor-trailer fled the scene but was later located at the Seneca Service Area on the Thruway.

Pray, who has been blind since birth, participated in cross country at Pembroke and was praised by her teachers for knowing what she wanted and going for it.

“Anneka advocates well for herself,” Chelsea Hale, the vision teacher at Pembroke, told The Batavian in 2018. “She wants to be as independent as possible.”

She also participated in three musicals while at Pembroke.

Pray is listed in critical condition at Upstate University Hospital.

Baker, in serious condition, was also transported to Upstate. Darling sustained minor injuries and was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital.

The accident was reported at 6:08 a.m. on Friday in the area of mile marker 284.8.

The investigation is continuing, according to State Police.

A GoFundMe.com page has been set up to assist Pray and her family. According to the page, Pray suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Press Release:

Get ready for a tail-wagging good time! Ashley Bringenberg Photography is thrilled to announce the return of Pooch Playoffs, an exciting bracket-style dog portrait competition and fundraiser benefiting WNY Heroes’ Pawsitive for Heroes program.

Now in its third year, this fun-filled event gives local dog owners a chance to show off their beloved pups while making a meaningful impact. Portrait sessions are happening from now until the end of February and the competition kicks off in late March, featuring 32 dogs vying for the title of WNY’s Ulti-Mutt Cutie!

Each round, participating pups will be paired up for head-to-head online voting, with winners advancing until one dog is crowned champion. The Final Four earn special prizes, and the top dog will claim the grand prize, along with ultimate bragging rights!

“A professional portrait of your pet is something most people don’t think to do, but pets are such cherished members of our families,” says Ashley Bringenberg, owner of Ashley Bringenberg Photography. “Pooch Playoffs gives families an opportunity to capture their pup’s personality while supporting an incredible cause.”

For a $125 donation to WNY Heroes’ Pawsitive for Heroes, participants receive:

• A custom dog portrait session
• A personalized photo keychain
• A swag bag full of goodies

Spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested pet parents should visit ashleybringenberg.com/pooch to enter their pup ASAP.

Local businesses are also invited to sponsor the event and be part of this heartwarming community initiative.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to register your pup, visit ashleybringenberg.com/pooch or contact Ashley Bringenberg at hello@ashleybringenberg.com.

Both the Boys Indoor Track Team and the Girls Indoor Track Team on Thursday put in dominating performances to win sectional titles.

It was the 19th sectional title for the girls' team and the 12th for the boys.

The girls scored 209 points. In second place, Wayne Central scored 72 points. The boys scored 184 points. Livonia-Avon-Geneseo came in second with 82 points.

"This was an incredible performance by the Blue Devils as we were able to win 18 out of 33 events contested," said Coach Nicholas Burk. "We had solid contributions across the board in our throwing, distance, sprinting, hurdles, and jumping events.  Our Blue Devil athletes were very committed to continuing the tradition of Batavia Track and Field and representing our school and community with the tough reputation we've earned through many years of success."

Boys Results:

• 1st place: Cameron Garofalo - 3200m (10:28.25)
• 1st place: Cameron Garofalo - 1000m (2:46.44)
• 1st place: Cameron Garofalo - 1600m (4:55.04)
• 1st place: Sheldon Siverling - Shot Put (59-7.25)
• 1st place: Sheldon Siverling - Weight Throw (63-9.25)
• 1st place: Cooper Konieczny - 55 Hurdles (8.31)
• 1st place: Cooper Konieczny - Pole Vault (13-6)
• 2nd place: Isaac Varland - Weight Throw (52-4.25)
• 2nd place: Karvel Marino - Shot Put (50-5.5)
• 3rd place: Grant Gahagan - 600m (1:29.76)
• 3rd place: Grant Gahagan - High Jump (5-10)
• 3rd place: Madden Legler - Weight Throw (48-2.75)
• 3rd place: E'Nhazje Carter - 1000m (2:49.57)
• 3rd place: Greyson Betances - Pole Vault (10-0)
• 4th place: Nate Kinsey - 3200m (10:42.16)
• 4th place: Zailen Griffin - 55m (6.88)
• 4th place: Zailen Griffin - Long Jump (19-5.75)
• 4th place: Kareem Jackson - 55 Hurdles (9.73)
• 4th place: Anthony Naegely - High Jump (5-6)
• 5th place: Tyler Wittcop - Shot Put (39-8.5)
• 5th place: Brock Bigsby - Weight Throw (46-7)
• 5th place: Keagan Calmes - Long Jump (18-6.75)
• 5th place: Josh Barone - Pole Vault (9-6)
• 5th place: Da'Von Gallo-Williams - Triple Jump (37-9.5)
• 6th place: Da'Von Gallo-Williams - Long Jump (18-6)
• 6th place: Grady Moore - 55 Hurdles (10.42)
• 6th place: Mason Bellamy - 1000m (2:53.35)
• 6th place: Jamari Irivin - 600m (1:33.24)
• 6th place: Karvel Martino - Weight Throw (45-3.25)
• 6th place: Finn Halpin - Pole Vault (9-6)
• 1st place: 4x800 Relay - E'Nhazje Carter, Jamari Irvin, Nate Kinsey, Grant Gahagan (8:49.92)
• 2nd place: 4x400 Relay - Cooper Konieczny, Da'Von Gallo Williams, Connor Wolff, Isaac Varland (3:48.09)
• 3rd place: 4x200 Relay - Zailen Griffin, Brandon Currier, Lakoda Mruczek, Trevor Tryon (1:39.57)

• 1st place: Campbell Riley - 1000m (3:14.71)
• 1st place: Campbell Riley - 1500m ( 5:16.16)
• 1st place: Ava Wierda - Shot Put (34-5.5)
• 1st place: Ava Wierda - Weight Throw (45-9.75)
• 1st place: Ella Shamp - High Jump (5-1)
• 1st place: Ella Shamp - Long Jump (16-7)
• 1st place: Mady Smith - 55 Hurdles (8.59)
• 1st place: Mallory Boyce - 600m (1:45.48)
• 1st place: Karizma Wescott - 300m (42.80)
• 2nd place: Bella Moore - 1500m Racewalk (9:25.52)
• 2nd place: Drew Stevens - Weight Throw (39-11.25)
• 2nd place: Libby Grazioplene - Shot Put (29-10.5)
• 2nd place: Ava Anderson - 600m (1:45.8)
• 3rd place: Ava Anderson - 55 Hurdles (9.42)
• 3rd place: Amelia Tripp - 1000m (3:24.76)
• 3rd place: Ady O'Donnell - 300m (43.56)
• 3rd place: Ady O'Donnell - Long Jump (16-1.25)
• 3rd place: Jaimin MacDonald - Shot Put (29-9.5)
• 3rd place: Jainin MacDonald - Weight Throw (38-5.5)
• 3rd place: Karizma Wescott - Triple Jump (32-6.5)
• 3rd place: Mallory Boyce - 3000m (11:30.74)
• 4th place: Jenna Higgins - 600m (1:48.32)
• 4th place: Miah Jones - Triple Jump (31-4.5)
• 5th place: Miah Jones - 55 Hurdles (10.14)
• 5th place: Sophia Lawrence - 600m 1:48.86)
• 5th place: Libby Grazioplene - Weight Throw (33-11)
• 5th place: Madeline Bellamy - 1500m (5:43.59)
• 5th place: Jessa Stewart - 55m (7.64)
• 6th place: Drew Stevens - Shot Put (28-9.5)
• 6th place: Mady Smith - Triple Jump (30-7)
• 1st place: 4x400 Relay - Ava Anderson, Karizma Wescott, Sophia Lawrence, Ady O'Donnell (4:17.52)
• 2nd place: 4x800 Relay - Jenna Higgins, Mallory Boyce, Amelia Tripp, Campbell Riley (10:23.26)
• 6th place: 4x200 Relay - Jessa Stewart, Mady Smith, Trishelle Gibson, Miah Jones (1:58.75)

The Byron-Bergen Business and Civic Association held its annual recognition banquet on Saturday night at The Batavia Country Club. 

A theme emerged throughout the night of awards: "(Bergen) can do." The "can do" motto is a legacy of BBCA and it was a recurrent phrase of the acceptance speeches. Bergen residents "can do." They can make the community better, stronger, and more memorable through volunteering and sharing gifts and talents.

Dinner entertainment was provided by The Byron-Bergen Singing Silhouettes, led by director Joe Parish.

Anne Sapienza provided a brief history of the BBCA. 

Six members of the Bergen community were honored with awards for their service. 

Anna Marie Barclay presented an award to Ed and Ginny Adams for decades of service in a variety of ways -- from one-on-one acts of service to neighbors, to a wide array of impact through their church, to large projects instrumental to village infrastructure improvements -- such as sewers and cul de sacs, library development and leadership in the origination of Bergen Park Days.  

Charlie Cook, chairman of Liberty Pumps, presented a community service award to his colleague, director of manufacturing, Don Cunningham.  Cunningham made significant contributions to many buildings and government offices in the village, as well as the fire department, through fundraising events.  

Town Supervisor Ernie Haywood received his award and recognition from Town Clerk Teresa Robinson.  He was honored for work completed on the 500 parcel water district, The Byron-Bergen Capital Project, educational opportunities for high school students, advocacy for the fire department, youth with special needs and BOCES.  

Byron-Bergen STEP Boosters President Amy Phillips received her award from Katie Rumble.  Phillips' contributions to organizing special events for students were highlighted.  Cookies with Santa, trunk-or-treat, birthday parades during the COVID-19 pandemic, coaching youth sports through the Gillam Grant Community Center and running concessions stands at sporting events were among her noted and appreciated service.  

To wrap up the evening, Bergen Town Historian Tom Tiefel was presented an award by Lisa Teremy.  Tiefel was acknowledged for the transformation of the Harford Livery Museum.  And the work he has done curating, cataloging and sharing artifacts and historical documents.  Along with the education he provides to students and the community.

Information and photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.