Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident that was reported at 9:37 p.m. on Saturday on Creek Road just inside city limits.

The cause of the accident has not yet been determined but it appears, according to police, that Tanysha Thomas, 24, of Caledonia, lost control of her vehicle while heading north on Creek Road on a turn in the road. The car struck a telaphone pole, a tree, and then roled down an embankment, landing on its roof. 

A vehicle fire was reported.

Emergency personnel pulled Thomas from the vehicle and she was transported to UMMC, where she was pronounced dead.

There were no other occupants in the vehicle. 

Batavia PD and City Fire along with Mercy EMS responded to the accident.

The Sheriff's Office Crash Management Team is assisting with the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350.

Press Release:

Notre Dame Boys Basketball Coach Mike Rapone will again conduct a youth basketball league at Notre Dame that was a huge success last fall. 

This league is for boys & girls broken into two divisions: Grades 2,3 & 4 who play on a 8ft basket and Grades 5 & 6.

The season runs from September 29 through December 1. Each team will play 10 games with stats and standings posted weekly. Games are held on Sunday mornings at 9 & 10 a.m. 

The cost is $125 during the early registration period that runs thru September 1. After that, the cost is $150. For more information or to register, go to www.notredamebataviaboysbasketball.com.

Press Release:

Correction: October 2 will be the Westside and October 17 will be for the Downtown stories.

On October 4 and 18, the Holland Land Office Museum will be conducting Downtown Ghost Walks. The walks begin at GO Art! to then venture through various streets! Listening to ghoulish and spooky stories from Batavia's Downtown past! The walk will be about two miles starting and ending at GO Art!, parking is in the parking lot across the street! Tickets will be $15 for non-members and $10 for members! You can find the link to purchase tickets on the museum website at www.hollandlandoffice.com. Better to be safe than sorry! Spots will fill fast like plots in a cemetery, so ensure you get a good one!

On October 11 and 25, join us at the Holland Land Office Museum to begin our West Side Batavia Ghost tour through various streets! Listening to ghoulish and spooky stories from Batavia's Westside past! The walk will be about two miles starting and ending at the museum! Tickets will be $15 for non-members and $10 for members! You can find the link to purchase tickets on the museum website at www.hollandlandoffice.com. Better to be safe than sorry! Spots will fill fast like plots in a cemetery, so ensure you get a good one!

Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum on Wednesday, October 2 or Thursday, October 17 at 7 p.m., as Connie Boyd shares the spooky, sinister, and weird documented stories from the Westside. Come and listen to tales of murder, ghosts, body-snatching hangings, and abandoned cemeteries. This presentation is the same as our Westside Ghost Walk, perfect for those who don't want to or cannot go on our guided Ghost Walks. Tickets are $5/$3 for museum members. If you would like to attend please contact the museum at 585-343-4727.

“This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!”

And they were off -- 24 boxcars zipping down Ellicott Avenue in a race to the finish, and for the Suozzi Memorial Cup, in the third annual BID Boxcar Derby Saturday in Batavia.

A crowd of spectators lined the avenue to cheer on the drivers, tucked into their colorful and creatively designed low-riders. 

A yearly tradition at 400 Towers in Batavia meant the celebration of seven nonagenarians aged 90 or older Saturday at the east side apartment complex.

Midge Cotter, 90, Frank Aquino, 92, Eleanor Day, 91, Joan Krause, 90, Hazel Preedom, 91, Julia Scalia, 91, and Betty Vanelli, 91, enjoyed a lunch of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, applesauce and a decorated cake. 

The lunch was provided by Midge Cotter as her 21st and final celebration served. The meal was served by Deb Smith, Linda Cotter and Shirley Boyd.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is seeking applicants for the Deputy Sheriff exam, with applications due by August 28. The examination is scheduled for September 28.

Interested candidates can find the exam application, job description, and minimum qualifications on the Genesee County Human Resources page at www.geneseeny.gov.

The Sheriff's Office is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals to apply, regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or marital status.

For additional information and to apply, visit www.geneseeny.gov/departments/humanresources/exams.php.

Press Release:

United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes is allocating more than $8 million in multi-year program grants and bridge funding support to nonprofits across its six-county service area—the investment will create transformative change in communities in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region.  

Thanks to the considerable generosity of the 30,000 donors who invest with the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, and its workplace partners, the multi-year program grants— the first available funding opportunity in United Way’s 2025 funding and resource allocation strategy--were awarded to 97 programs representing 89 nonprofit organizations. Additional bridge support funding is available to the nearly 200 current multi-year grant recipients. Funding distribution beings in January 2025.

“United Way is a community-driven organization. We listen and respond to the community needs,” said United Way President & CEO Jaime Saunders. “The multi-year grants are one component of a robust support strategy for our nonprofit sector. We recognize that the needs of our neighbors are significant and immediate—they can’t wait for our full strategy evolution, thus we are not only committed to supporting the 2025 multi-year recipients but also supporting any transition of important services provided by our current multi-year partners today.”

2025 Multi-Year Program Grant Recipients 

The following multi-year program grant recipients represent nonprofit organizations and/or their funded program. This is an initial award list. Approximately forty-one programs awarded 2025 multi-year grants are in process and not listed. We will share a full list at the end of the year once the campaign and contracts are finalized. 

Recipients were selected through a double-blind, comprehensive review process based on many factors including their alignment with the following United Way Worldwide informed impact areas. The reviews were conducted by staff and a volunteer review committee.  Two-, three-, and five-year program grants were awarded. The total funding received by all is dependent on the success of United Way’s 2024 campaign with an estimated $6 million to be distributed for this initial grant offering.  

Financial Security

United Way’s partnership supports programs that ensure our neighbors have access to the necessary tools to increase income, build wealth and improve financial stability. 

• Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Rochester, Inc.’s Financial Counseling Program
• Family Promise of Greater Rochester, Inc.’s Eviction Prevention & Homelessness Diversion Program
• Keeping Our Promise, Inc.’s Safe Passage Housing Initiative Program
• Literacy Volunteers of Wayne County, Inc.’s Adult Tutoring Program
• MHA Rochester/Monroe County’s Peer Training Academy Program
• Monroe Community College Foundation’s Money Smart Financial Coaching Program
• PathStone Corporation’s PathStone Genesee County Housing Stability Program
• Person Centered Housing Option’s Housing First and Care Management Program
• Rochester Museum and Science Center’s Career Ladder Program
• Wayne County Action Program, Inc.’s STEADY Work Program
• Worker Justice Center of New York, Inc.’s Rise Up! Women in Motion Program
• Healthy Community  
• United Way’s partnership supports programs that improve the health of our community throughout the lifespan with a focus on the social determinants of health—the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age.
• Cancer Action, Inc.’s Mapping My Journey in Communities of Color Program
• Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston’s Emergency Services, Livingston County Program
• Challenger Miracle Field of WNY’s Miracle Field: Health Equity for People with Development Disabilities Program
• The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester’s Supporting Children and Families Impacted by Abuse Program  
• Dansville Food Pantry’s Dansville Food Pantry Program
• Deaf Refugee Advocacy, Inc.’s Healthy Deaf Community Supports Program
• Family Promise of Ontario County, Inc.’s Homeless Shelter and Eviction Prevention Program
• JustCause’s Volunteer Attorney Family Law Legal Services Program
• The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY, Inc.’s Access to Justice for Survivors of Domestic Violence Program
• The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY, Inc.’s Immigrant Basic Needs Advocacy Program
• The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY, Inc.’s Youth Advocacy for Academic Success Program
• Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.’s Finger Lakes Community Legal Assistance Program
• Reach Advocacy, Inc.’s Project Haven Program
• Salvation Army of Geneva, Geneva’s Emergency Assistance Programs
• Spot-Canandaigua, Inc.’s School Based Resource Rooms Program
• St. Vincent DePaul Society’s Food Voucher Program
• Survivor Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes’ Bridgeway: Connecting Survivors to an Empowered Life Program
• The Housing Council at PathStone’s The Housing Council Housing Stability Program
• URMC Noyes Health’s Home Safe Home Program
• Venture Compassionate Ministries, Inc.’s Food Pantry Program  
• UR Medicine Home Care’s Meals on Wheels Program
• Volunteers of America Upstate New York’s Emergency Shelter for Homeless Families Program
• WAVE Women, Inc.’s My Way Project: Transcending Humanity Program
• Warrior House of WNY’s Aging Strong Program
• Wayne County Action Program, Inc.’s Optimal Health Program
• Willow Domestic Violence Center’s Emergency Shelter Program
• One Stop Re-entry Continuum of Care Expansion 2025 Program

Youth Opportunity

United Way’s partnership supports programs that help put children on the path to success by supporting their development from early childhood to young adulthood.

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester, NY’s Mentoring Youth for Educational Success Program
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester, NY’s Site-Based Mentoring Program
• Boy Scouts of America, Seneca Waterways Council’s Career Exploration Program
• Hillside Children’s Center’s Hillside Work Scholarship Connection Program
• Hillside Children’s Center’s Parents as Teachers Program
• Hope Center of Leroy’s Fresh Start Tutoring Program
• Hub585, Inc.’s Mentoring Program
• Mission Fulfilled 2030’s Certified BIPOC Boys Initiative Program
• Mt. Hope Family Center’s Building Health Children Program
• Roc Royal, Inc.’s 585 Dream Afterschool Program
• Society for the Protection and Care of Children’s Teenage Parent Support Services Program
• The Center for Teen Empowerment, Inc.’s Neighborhood-based Youth Organizing Program
• United Youth Music and Arts, Inc.’s Socioemotional Learning with Drumline Program
• Wayne County Action Program, Inc.’s Community Schools Integrated Supports Program
• Western New York Rural Area Health Education Center, Inc.’s Health Career Exploration Program
• Women's Empowerment Program  

Community Resiliency  

United Way’s partnership with programs that help individuals and communities have access to disaster relief and recovery, emergency preparedness, crisis hotline and support, and environmental stewardship and sustainability.

• Goodwill of the Finger Lakes’ 211/LIFE LINE Program

Bridge Support Funding Recipients

• Action for a Better Community, Inc.
• Alex Eligh Community Center
• All Babies Cherished Pregnancy Assistance Center
• American Red Cross, Greater Rochester Chapter
• Baden Street Settlement
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester NY
• Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation
• Bivona Child Advocacy Center
• Boy Scouts of America, Seneca Waterways Council
• Boy Scouts of America, Western New York Scout Council
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester
• Boys and Girls Club of Geneva
• Catholic Charities Family & Community Services
• Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes
• Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston
• Center for Employment Opportunities
• Chances and Changes, Inc.
• Charles Settlement House, Inc.
• Children’s Institute, Inc.
• Clifton Springs Area YMCA
• Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc.
• Community Place of Greater Rochester
• Compeer Rochester
• Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Rochester, Inc.
• Coordinated Child Development Program
• Dansville Food Pantry
• Empire Justice Center
• EnCompass Resources for Learning
• Family Counseling of the Finger Lakes
• Family Promise of Ontario County, Inc.
• Family Promise of Wayne County
• Finger Lakes Area Counseling and Recovery Agency
• Focus on the Children
• Foodlink, Inc
• Friendship House of Middlesex, Inc.
• Gateway Home Comfort Care, Inc.
• Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, Inc.
• Genesee Valley Health Partnership
• Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council
• Geneseo Groveland Emergency Food Pantry
• Geneseo Parish Outreach Center, Inc.
• Geneva Family YMCA
• Geneva Lakefront Child Care Center
• Gillam Grant Community Center
• Girl Scouts of Western New York
• GLOW YMCA
• Goodwill of the Finger Lakes
• Hillside Children's Center
• Homecare and Hospice
• Hope Center of LeRoy
• Ibero-American Action League, Inc.
• Jewish Family Service of Rochester, Inc.
• Junior Achievement of WNY
• JustCause
• Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.
• Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc.
• Literacy Volunteers of Wayne County, Inc.
• Literacy Volunteers Ontario Yates
• Literacy West NY, Inc.
• Mary Cariola Center, Inc.
• Medical Motor Service of Rochester and Monroe County, Inc.
• MHA Rochester/Monroe County
• Monroe Community College Foundation
• Mt. Hope Family Center
• Partnership for Ontario County
• PathStone Corp
• Phelps Community Center
• Rochester Rehabilitation Center
• Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes
• Salvation Army, Canandaigua
• Salvation Army, Geneva
• Santa Hat Society, Inc.
• Serenity House of Victor, Inc.
• Society for the Protection and Care of Children  
• SouthWest Area Neighborhood Association, Inc
• St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, Inc.
• St. Vincent DePaul Society
• Survivor Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes
• The Center for Youth Services, Inc.
• The Housing Council at PathStone
• The Legal Aid Society of Rochester NY, Inc.
• The Rochester School of the Holy Childhood, Inc.
• The Salvation Army, Batavia Corps
• The Salvation Army, Rochester Area Services
• Trillium Health, Inc.
• UConnectCare  
• UR Medicine Home Care
• Urban League of Rochester New York, Inc.
• URMC Noyes Health
• Villa of Hope
• Visiting Nurse Service of Rochester and Monroe County, Inc.  
• Volunteers of America Upstate New York
• Warrior House of WNY
• Warsaw Food Pantry
• Wayne Pre-Trial Services, Inc.
• Willow Domestic Violence Center
• Wyoming County Community Action
• YMCA of Greater Rochester
• YWCA of Genesee County, Inc.
• YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County

“We are honored to support new and longstanding partners through our multi-year grants,” said United Way Chief Impact Officer Dr. Ashley N. Campbell. “Over the next few months, we will focus our efforts on expediting the remaining grant opportunities for our
region. These one-year grants include support for community resiliency, capacity building, innovative concepts, summer programming, and more.”

Additional funding opportunities will be available in early 2025. In the coming weeks, United Way will meet with nonprofit partners to discuss the next steps for engagement.  

To make remaining grant opportunities possible and ensure multi-year grant recipients can collectively receive a minimum $6 million in support, United Way needs to finish its 2024 campaign year strong, and that depends on community support.  

“United Way’s work is fueled by the generosity of our community. What we raise goes out into the community,” said Saunders. “When you give to United Way and our Community Impact Fund, your dollar goes farther by joining with your coworkers and neighbors, which
bolsters funding and provides critical support to those who need it most. We are seeing increased needs and call on our community to donate. Please join in and make a gift today.”

To learn more about United Way and donate, visit unitedwayrocflx.org. 

As part of the weekly summer concert series in Jackson Square, the OHMS band took to the stage Friday evening and drew a couple hundred people to downtown Batavia for an evening of entertainment.

The six-piece band, consisting of music artists from around Genesee County, was enjoyed by many followers dancing in their seat and around the venue.

Next up in the concert series from 7 to 9 p.m. is Old Hippies on Aug. 23, and it concludes with the Bluesway Band on Aug. 30.

Jana Kolukanova may be synonymous with Olympic swimming and breaking records now, but when she first began in her homeland of Estonia, her athletic prowess leaned towards venues other than the pool, she says.

“I excelled at cross-country skiing and tennis, but the sports machine there told me I was a swimmer instead,” she said during an interview with The Batavian. “It took some time, but eventually I fell in love with swimming too.”

Her husband, Chris Haitz, a Genesee County native, introduced her to this area for a month during COVID in 2020, and that ended up being a whole summer visit, which in turn prompted the couple to buy a house, she said.

“It all happened organically. We had been living in Los Angeles since 2009 and never had any plans to leave, but life apparently did,” she said. “I had, of course been to this area many times over the years, and I was very open to the move. I love it here, as the people are nice and it reminds me of my home country.”

Her journey from watching the Olympics as a young girl proves that anyone's potential is within reach with the right mindset and support system.

Kolukanova’s  Olympic dream was sparked at a young age during a moment of inspiration that would alter the course of her life. 

"I remember watching the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and thinking, 'I think I can do this,'" she said. This realization, born from the excitement and love for the games, set Kolukanova on a path that took her from the swimming pools of her hometown to the global stage.

In the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, she reached the semifinals in the 50 meter freestyle, breaking two Estonian records. 

After this, college recruiters bombarded her. Auburn University won the prize, and their program won three national team championships with Kolukanova’s help. Plus, she finished a 19-time All-American, All-SEC selection, SEC Academic Honor Roll member, as well as an Academic All-American. 

She kept going.

At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, three seconds stood in the way of Kolukanova making another Olympic semifinal. 

One year later, she broke her old Estonian records in the 50 meter and 100 meter freestyle at the FINA World Championships. 

She advises aspiring Olympians to set low goals and chip away at them step by step. 

"Then, set higher goals, and you must have a big picture," she said.

This philosophy of incremental progress and an overarching vision became the cornerstone of her success. 

"Believe in yourselves," she said. "Thoughts have real power. If you think you can, you can do it." 

However, she is quick to caution that physical prowess alone is not enough: "If you're there physically but not mentally, you're not going to do it." 

She credits regular massages with helping her endure the physical demands of training and competition, allowing her to recover quickly. Additionally, she strictly followed her coaches' advice to eat within 20 minutes after training along with altitude training, practices she believes were crucial to her recovery and performance. 

She eventually caught the injury bug at the worst possible time.

"If an injury comes at the very wrong time, four years of work could be down the drain—that's what happened to me, right before the Beijing 2008 Olympics," she said.

"Injuries are always the most difficult as they affect you both physically, mentally, and emotionally," she said. "You can't control how serious an injury is or how long it will take to recover fully."

While she didn't compete, Kolukanova’s experience at the Paris Olympics reminded her of the bonds she formed throughout her career. 

"Reconnecting with friends, some of whom I hadn't seen in 20 years, was really great," she said. 

Many of these friends are now prominent figures in their respective countries, holding important positions in international sports. The camaraderie among former Olympians and the warm welcome from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and individual countries made the event unique.

She speaks highly of the opportunity to support Eneli Jefimova, a 17-year-old Estonian female swimmer who made the final 100M breaststroke in Paris. For Kolukanova, this meant more than cheering on a fellow athlete; passing the torch to the next generation.

"It was special to be there to encourage her and lend my support," she said. 

She also witnessed French swimmer and family friend, Léon Marchand, win four gold medals. Seeing Léon achieve such incredible success was a deeply emotional experience for her. "I was very happy for the entire family," she said, her voice filled with pride and joy. "I remember holding him as a baby."

After 14 years of living in Los Angeles, she looks forward to exploring Western New York with her husband, especially in the fall because "when I visited in October, it was warm and welcoming, and the colors are gorgeous."

Her commitment to the sport remains strong, and she hopes the construction of the new pool at the Batavia-based YMCA boosts swimming's popularity in the region. 

"Swimming is really popular in California," she said, expressing her desire to see similar enthusiasm in Western New York. She continues to find ways to contribute to the sport she loves, whether through mentoring young swimmers or promoting swimming in her community. 

With competition behind her, Kolukanova hopes to become an inspiration to others.

"I want my legacy to be that I was a lover of the sport, a positive light, and always an encourager of young swimmers," she said. 

It was a big night at Batavia Downs on Friday for fans of masterful lead singers.

Teo hitmaker from the 70s and 80s took the stage in separate sets. 

Jason Scheff, former lead singer of Chicago performed first, followed by Tommy DeCarlo, former lead singer of Boston.

It made for a summer night for some of classic rocks biggest hits. 

Press Release:

Genesee County law enforcement agencies, including the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and Village of LeRoy Police Department are participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.

The statewide STOP-DWI Campaign starts on August 14 and run through September 2. Law enforcement officers across New York State are taking to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives.

STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, however, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. 

Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaigns aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

Don’t let alcohol take the wheel. Designate a driver.

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) released her Second Amendment plan, highlighting her legislative accomplishments and how she plans to build upon these existing wins to safeguard our Second Amendment rights.

Tenney has recently supported multiple initiatives working to build upon NYSRPA v. Bruen, the most significant Second Amendment win in over a decade, which was a major step in restoring the Founding Father's vision for our Constitutional rights. The Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act, legislation she led to modify federal bankruptcy law to allow an individual debtor to exempt from their bankruptcy estate one or more firearms up to a total maximum value of $3,000. Tenney is also working to stop the Biden administration gun grab by cosponsoring H.J.Res. 44, the Pistol Brace CRA, to repeal the ATF's unconstitutional pistol brace rule. In 2012, pistol stabilizing braces were created to help disabled individuals, including many veterans, better stabilize their pistols while shooting. Now, the Biden administration is trying to ban these stabilizers.

"The Second Amendment is a constitutional right for all Americans, and as a Constitutional Conservative, one of my top priorities is to preserve and uphold this sacred right for all law-abiding citizens," said Congresswoman Tenney. "The Biden and Hochul administrations continue imposing unnecessary regulations that seek only to criminalize legal gun-owning citizens instead of keeping our communities safe. This plan highlights my efforts to safeguard our Second Amendment rights for members of our community and for generations to come. I will always fight against any efforts to infringe on the rights of all law-abiding gun owners."

To view Tenney's full Second Amendment Plan, click here.

Press Release:

With more than 3.8 million seniors in New York on Medicare, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced today that Medicare has reached new, lower, and fairer negotiated prices with 10 of the highest-spend drugs in Medicare thanks to a major provision Schumer secured in the Inflation Reduction Act that for the first time allows the federal government to directly negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies. 

Schumer said the 10 highly common drugs treat a variety of conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and once the new prices go into effect in 2026 are expected to save seniors over $1.5 billion every year in out of pocket costs. This will also help save taxpayers nearly $6 billion every year.

“This is historic and will lower drug costs for over 660,000 New Yorkers. For too long, New York seniors have struggled to afford their prescription drugs and were powerless to do anything about it. The drug cost what the pharmaceutical company said it did and that was that. New Yorkers wanted fair negotiations with Big Pharma, and because of the Inflation Reduction Act, they got it. For the first time in history, Medicare has negotiated better and fairer prices for 10 high cost commonly taken prescription drugs that cover heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more,” said Senator Schumer. “This means money back in the pockets of the more than 660,000 New Yorkers who take them - putting patients and NY seniors ahead of Big Pharma profits.”

Seniors in America are paying higher prices than anywhere else in the world for commonly-taken drugs. Nationally, one-in-five seniors recently reported forgoing medication, skipping doses or cutting pills in half because they could not afford their drugs.

For many of the most commonly taken drugs, pharmaceutical companies have maintained monopolistic prices by successfully preventing generic versions of their drugs, keeping competition off the market and prices high for patients. The new Medicare negotiation program targets exactly these types of drugs and is designed to get at this very problem. 

This year, Medicare selected for negotiation the 10 highest spending drugs in Medicare Part D that do not have generic versions of their drugs but are eligible for such competition. 

Next year, Medicare will select another 15 Part D drugs for negotiation. In 2027, it will negotiate another 15 drugs while also expanding negotiation to Medicare Part B, which covers drugs administered in a physician’s office. In 2028 and every year after, Medicare will negotiate a new set of 20 drugs. 50 million Americans are enrolled in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, over 3 million of which are in New York.

“Lowering healthcare costs for seniors is just what the doctor ordered. I wrote my Inflation Reduction Act with the sky-high costs of health care in mind, because I know how important it is to ensure that everyone can access the medication they need,” added Schumer.

Schumer said these new Medicare drug negotiated prices will work in tandem with other major drug affordability provisions he secured in his Inflation Reduction Act, including a cap on total out-of-pocket drug costs that drops to $2,000 per year starting in January, making vaccines free for seniors and a $35 insulin cap for those on Medicare, to help make healthcare more affordable for more than 3.8 million New York seniors on Medicare.

Due to the very nature of their work, which involves traumatic incidents and injuries, police officers and firefighters have a higher likelihood of developing addictions to opioids as a result of stress and mental health issues, Lynda Battaglia says.

And as director of Genesee County’s Mental Health Department, Battaglia wants to alleviate those employees’ stressors in any way possible — beginning right alongside of them.

"We think of the physicality of their jobs. The extra gear and uniform and what they have to carry, what they have to do, physically, they're more susceptible to potential injury as well as acute or chronic pain, oftentimes, which is treated with opioids,” Battaglia said during this week’s City Council meeting. “On top of that, we have their continued and repeated exposure to traumatic events every day that they are working. They're responding to calls that are unpredictable. They have very high stress jobs. We couple mental health with the physical demands of the job, coupled with, you know, the potential for high risk. These disciplines are at higher risk for developing dual diagnosis, which is mental health and opioid addiction.

"So by us getting ahead of the curve and developing this program and doing check-ins, it will allow for firefighters and officers to just be able to share what's on their mind, that they can get that out instead of keeping it in. To keep it in it just grows, and that's when real problems start to be created,” she said. “So we need to address it more in the moment. I'll have specific and certified counselors assigned to this program that are culturally competent, that they understand the work that these two professions do in these two departments.” 

Mental health is becoming a larger issue for public safety officers across the country, Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said. It’s part of the city’s police and fire pilot wellness program for embedded services in both departments. Services will be paid for with $18,000 from an Opioid Abatement Fund through Genesee County. 

Bi-annual mental health check-ins will be scheduled every six months with licensed mental health professionals, with a focus on assessing mental health and providing support. There will be ride-alongs at least once a year to offer opportunities for clinicians to accompany officers and firefighters during their actual working shifts, plus periodic wellness workshops, which will be open to all officers, firefighters and their families, and crisis intervention as needed. 

“So a lot of the programs that we're looking at doing are, they're not groundbreaking, but they're simple and to the point. We're going to look at some mental health check-ins with our officers and our firefighters. They'll be scheduled on a regular basis. Obviously, we're in August now, so probably one before the end of the year, and then, evaluate the program moving forward right along,” he said. “So we'll have clinicians right along with the officers and with the firefighters on staff to get a better understanding of their jobs and what some of the stressors are and try to assist them with whatever that may be. A lot of it will be breaking down barriers between public safety individuals and mental health. That's the biggest thing we have  to overcome. 

“So we're pretty excited about the program. We've been talking about it for a long time, doing everything that we can support our officers and our public safety employees in the city,” he said. “We think this is a huge step forward, and I want to thank Linda for the opportunity to partner with us also.” 

City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr., a former police officer and retired lieutenant, added that’s “another step in a positive direction, it’s a positive thing to address this.”

Heubusch emphasized that he was not looking for any direct feedback from the clinician sessions spent with officers; there wouldn’t be any reports issued to him, and the police union has not opposed this plan, he said.

“It’s just getting the officers, firefighters, accustomed to that person that's with them, and then breaking down the barriers, having some conversation. It's not a fitness for duty type thing, or anything like that. That is really just having a support mechanism for our staff and an outlet at some point in time,” he said. “One of the biggest things that is climbing in our field is suicide, and unfortunately, officers are seeing that there's no other out for them so we want to do everything we can to wrap services around them if they need it. If something comes up where there is a need for further services or treatment, those are discussions that we'll have.”

These sessions were not going to be considered formal therapy, Battaglia said, just an opportunity for employees to talk and share with the mental health professionals. 

Press Release:

The Genesee Transportation Council (GTC), the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region, will hold one of its quarterly Board meetings on Thursday, August 22, at 8:30 a.m. at RGRTA, located at 1372 East Main Street in Rochester.

Each Board meeting is open to the public. A public forum is included at the beginning of the meeting to allow for public comment on meeting agenda items before the GTC Board takes action.

Observers are welcome to attend in person or will have the opportunity to watch and participate online by visiting: www.publicinput.com/GTCBoard. On this webpage, observers will be able to listen to and view a live feed of the meeting. Individuals may also call in to listen to the audio portion with a toll-free phone number (855)-925-2801 Meeting code: 8998 and follow the prompts to record a voice message or speak in real-time during the public forum portion of the meeting. Observers will have the opportunity to submit questions and comments via chat, email to GTCBoard@PublicInput.com, or text X16216 to 855-925-2801.

The agenda and meeting materials are available at www.gtcmpo.org. 

The United States Department of Transportation requires every metropolitan area with a population over 50,000 to have a designated MPO to qualify for receipt of federal highway and transit funds. GTC is the MPO for the nine-county region, which includes Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties. 

The GTC Board consists of elected officials from the nine counties, the City of Rochester, and representatives of other local, regional, state and federal transportation-related agencies. The Board provides direction to the staff, establishes policy, and approves all activities and major work products, including the Long Range Transportation Plan, Unified Planning Work Program, and Transportation Improvement Program which detail how federal transportation funding is used in the greater Rochester planning area.

GTC will provide accommodations for anybody who wishes to participate in this meeting despite disability or proficiency in English. Please contact GTC at (585) 232-6240 or send email to contactgtc@gtcmpo.org to arrange for auxiliary aids or language services at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Press Release:

The Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) invites the community to join the festivities planned for the 3rd annual BID Boxcar Derby on Saturday, August 17.

The Derby will once again be held on Ellicott Avenue in Batavia, with 24 racers competing to win the Suozzi Memorial Cup. BID Director Shannon Maute says this year’s races will be fast-paced and fun. 

“We’re ready to celebrate all of our racers as they demonstrate their talents and sportsmanship,” Maute said. “This is going to be a great day. Seeing the amazing boxcar designs, the excitement on kids’ faces at our build day, and the families taking part all show why this event is so special.” 

The races will start at 10 a.m. and will feature 2 racers competing at a time from the peak of Ellicott Avenue. In addition to hosting the cheering crowd, Centennial Park will host free face painting and games, with pizza, ice cream, coffee and hot chocolate available from vendors. WBTA also be hosting a live broadcast from the race. 

To all motorists, Ellicott Avenue will be closed from 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. from Richmond Avenue to Washington Avenue for the safety of the racers and the spectators.

The BID Boxcar Derby is made possible by sponsorship by Alex’s Place, Batavia Downs, the Police Benevolent Association, WBTA, and several other businesses plus additional support comes from BID businesses and building owners, Mark Scuderi of the Greater Rochester Soap Box Derby, the City of Batavia, the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena, Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle, and a team of volunteers. 

"It truly takes a community to bring our great race together,” Maute said. “With the generous support of our sponsors, partners and volunteers, the BID Boxcar Derby will make lasting memories for our families and racers.”

When New Kids On The Block reunited in 2007, it was fair to wonder if the boy band would have more than just a brief second chapter.

After all, it had been 13-plus years since the five vocalists --Donnie Wahlberg, Joe McIntyre, Jordan Knight, Joe Knight, and Danny Wood – had enjoyed an initial run in which they sold some 80 million copies of its four albums worldwide -- with the 1988 album “Hangin’ Tough” and 1990’s “Step By Step” leading the way.

The guys were now in their 30s, and their teen fans of the 1990s were now well into adulthood. Had the fans moved on? Would the songs New Kids On The Block sang in their teens still resonate when performed by a group whose members were starting to approach middle age?

As it turned out, the reunited group’s first tour in fall 2008 was an all-out success, and since then the New Kids’ popularity has endured. This summer sees the group once again headlining outdoor amphitheaters that hold upwards of 20,000 people as they tour behind their third post-reunion album, “Still Kids.”

So back in 2007 did McIntyre envision a scenario where in 2024 New Kids On The Block would still be major stars and looking at what should be continued success for years to come?

“Uh, no,” McIntyre said in a late-June phone interview. “I think If you asked any of us that 15 years later since we got back together, 16 years later, it's (pause), it's breathtaking. It definitely gives you pause. You're obviously very grateful. At the sametime, on the day-to-day, I know how much we believe, you know what I mean, and we have this concoction of personalities and desires and drive.

“The five of us all show up. So it's not a mystery as far as the day-to-day and the passion that's involved,” he said. “And you know, when something is this big for this long, for me, I get to a point where I can't keep trying to figure it out and just count my blessings and be of service…I think slowly but surely I'm at a point where I'm like hey man, I’ve just got a job to do and I'm lucky enough to have that job and I'm here to entertain the people and have a good time.”

The New Kids have certainly had quite the career. Liftoff came in 1988, when the teenage Tiffany, then at the peak of her “I Think We’re Alone Now” popularity, brought New Kids on the Block out on her Nation Area tour, putting the boys on stage in front of tens of thousands -- just when they’d released their second album “Hangin’ Tough.”  

By the end of 1989, the singles “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)” and the song “Hangin’ Tough” had all topped the charts, and the New Kids were the biggest boy band going.

Another blockbuster album, “Step By Step,” followed, before the New Kids saw their fortunes wane with the 1994 album “Face The Music.” It failed to generate any hits and the group was now playing smaller venues. Following the tour, the group decided to call it a day.

Since reuniting, it’s become clear that the New Kids weren’t simply interested in taking a victory lap. They’ve toured consistently and have now released three studio albums -- “The Block” in 2008, “10” in 2013 and “Still Kids” earlier this year.

The latest album retains many of the musical trademarks of the early New Kids albums, with buoyant, danceable uptempo tracks like “Magic,” “Dance With You” and “Kids” having the familiar synthy gloss and strong pop melodies. The album also has its share of grooving ballads, including “Come Back,” “A Love Like This” and “Better Days.” 

At the same time, McIntyre said some songs -- most notably “Stay,” a lush multi-faceted tune about staying -- or leaving -- long-time relationships -- pushed the group into new musical places with its instrumental breakdown.

The concerts New Kids on the Block are doing this summer will include upwards of five songs from “Still Kids,” as well as the expected hit songs from the group’s catalog.

“We you want to give the people what they want and then also mix it up for us to keep it fresh. So we’ve managed to do that,” McIntyre said. And yes, there will be dancing, although McIntyre noted the group has had to
make some adjustments now that they’re in their 50s.

“I think it's a balance,” he said. “We want to keep challenging ourselves, but we want to be appropriate for our age and not run around like chickens with their heads cut off like we used to. But let me tell you, it's a workout. It’s a workout every night, especially outside in summer. But it makes it kind of cathartic. It adds to the experience, but you know, we have our signature moves and we try to build a show that is about ovement and dance and connection. I think we do a decent job balancing that out.” 

New Kids On The Block performs at Darien Lake Amphitheater on Thursday, August 22.

Eden Cafe & Bakeshop is hosting a SummerFest this weekend that will include several arts and crafts vendors, music, food, a bounce house, entertainment and basket raffles.

It’s set for 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot behind the shop at 242 Ellicott St., Batavia.

Organizers are still accepting musical artists and entertainers from the community for the open mic-style entertainment tent. There will be a PA system and engineer provided.

Confirmed vendors so far include:

• Kelly Fox (Tarot, astrology, live plants, artwork – Batavia)
• Mystic Dragon Lair (crystals and merchandise – Medina) Marcia Bohn (handcrafted books – Batavia)
• Spirit and Abundance (artisan plant-based cheeses – Rochester)
• Vagabum Crafts (functional fiber crafts – Scottsville)
• Panda Mae Crystals & Creations (crystals, jewelry, spell jars – Batavia)
• Pixel Perfect (nostalgic pixelated keychains & magnets – Batavia)
• VP Creations (3-d printed miniatures & novelties – Le Roy)
• Punkinhead Stuffies (crocheted miniatures & earrings – Rochester)
• MidnightFox (Chainmaille & copper jewelry & more – Buffalo)
• Eden Café & Bakeshop (popcorn, fresh squeezed lemonade & more – Batavia)
• High Strung Products (Recycled Silver Jewelry – West Henrietta)
• Readings by Donna & Amy (mediumship readings – Holley)
• Elizabeth Wende Breast Care (info on breast cancer screenings – Batavia)
• RESTORE Sexual Assault Services (free swag, games, resources and information – Batavia)
• Church Street Images (local photography – Alexander)
• Creations by Fireball (beaded pens, keychains, and more – Le Roy)
• CCOR – Companion Care of Rochester (info on licensed homecare services – Batavia)
• TRIO Adult Opportunity Center (free college and career access program – Batavia)
• Vanessa & Lola’s Legacy (Raffle basket, succulents and vegan dog treats – Oakfield)
• Sweet Pea Plant-Based Kitchen (free samples, granola bars, prepared meals – Rochester)

For more information, go to CarrrotDogCafe.com or call 585-815-4487.