Doc and Mary Sardou bought the Rose Garden Restaurant -- 30 years in business at the time -- in 1954, added a bowling alley three years later and renamed it Viking Valhalla in 1966.

The business is now run by Tom Sardou and his wife, Chris, and this year, Viking Valhalla celebrated its 70th anniversary as a Sardou family business, which helped the restaurant earn a spot on the New York Historic Business Preservation Registry.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley presented Tom and Chris a certificate on Wednesday commemorating the honor.

"We have a great history here of businesses that have been successful," noted Hawley at the start of his remarks, adding, "The fact that you're still here means an awful lot to folks that are here."

Village of Bergen Mayor Joseph Chimino agreed.

"Viking Valhalla is a great asset to our community," he said. "It's a fine place for dining and entertainment, and to say it's been here 70 years is incredible. On behalf of the community, we want to thank you for all your services."

The HBPR was established in 1920. The registry highlights the legacy of local businesses that have significantly impacted their communities, offering them recognition and support to continue growing and serving the public.

Tom Sardou said inclusion in the registry was a great honor. Chris added that it was an exceptional award.

"We just celebrated our 70th anniversary, and now to be inducted into the state's historic registry, it means a lot."

Turning to Tom, she added, "I think your parents are looking down and saying, 'Great.'"

Previously (from 2010): Genesee County Business of the Year: Viking Valhalla Restaurant

Press Release:

Three Byron-Bergen seniors led a community service project to provide blankets to a local charitable organization. In September, Samantha Beale, Isabelle Best, and Shawna Spinks invited other Byron-Bergen Liberty Partnership members to help meet the goal of donating 25 fleece blankets. 

They brainstormed organizations to give the donation and on Tuesday, December 10, students visited the YWCA in Batavia to deliver 26 hand-made blankets. 

“A winter going without heat or blankets or a way to stay warm is really hard,” said Shawna. 

“It’s getting a lot colder out so there’s a lot more need,” said Isabelle. “We were looking for women’s shelters and we saw the fliers up for donations at the YWCA.” 

“We knew we could help people who don’t have a lot,” said Samantha. “We thought it would be a nice thing to do.”

The blanket kits were provided by Liberty Partnership, a state grant-funded program administered through Genesee Community College. Led by the seniors, twelve participants used study halls and extra time during the school day to complete the hand-tied blankets. They began the project in September and met their goal of 25 blankets just before the December drop-off date.

“Liberty Partners helps prepare students for success after high school,” said Byron-Bergen Liberty Partners Program Facilitator Diane Kindig-Grillo. “Through the program, the students collaborate with colleges, community organizations, and businesses as well as teachers, parents, and volunteers. I’m very proud that these students took the initiative to connect with the YWCA.”

Liberty Partnership serves students in Byron-Bergen as well as the Albion, Batavia, and Brockport School Districts.

Before the presents were handed out to the hundreds of children inside City Church's St. Anthony's Community Center, Pastor Ryan Macdonald reminded the families gathered in the gym why there is a yearly Christmas celebration.

He shared from Matthew 1:20-24. The passage where Joseph learns that Mary will conceive a child through the Holy Spirit is a bit of stunning news that Joseph took some time to consider after an angel told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife.  Macdonald said Joseph was considering the truth.

"The truth that Jesus was coming to the earth," Macdonald said. "The truth is that Jesus is the Christ of Christmas, and he came for you and me. If you go through this season and you don't recognize what Joseph did, he recognized the truth, you'll miss the reason for the season."

Macdonald also thanked the more than a dozen sponsors who provided the funds to buy the presents for the children.

"Let me tell you something: without Jesus, this night's not possible," Macdonald said. "Without Jesus Christ, we couldn't come together like this. Without Jesus Christ, I couldn't go to people and say, 'Hey, will you help us make this night possible?'"

The stage was full of hundreds of toys.  One side of the court was lined with 30 bicycles waiting for their new owners, and after Macdonald's message and short prayer, the families lined up in front of the stage to take their turns for the children to pick out their own presents. The church compiled a list of children who were getting bikes.

The night included face painting, games, pictures with Santa, hot chili, and basketball.

Photos by Howard Owens.

With just a week to go before Christmas, the folks at St. James Episcopal want to throw one last musical get-together to feature the church’s grand organ and three pianos, plus vocalists, during a concert this week.

Carols and Keyboards will be at 7 p.m. Friday at the church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia. 

Led by choir director John Novak, the one-hour concert includes four musicians performing “mostly familiar Christmas carols,” with piano duets, piano and organ duets and vocal solos, Novak said.

Church musicians Peter Geise, Jeff Thompson, and Tim Smith, all from the Western New York area, will join Novak to perform and lead some songs and sing-alongs with the audience.

The line-up includes “O Holy Night,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Go Tell it on The Mountain,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “and other seasonal favorites,” Novak said.

“There will be a piece with all four musicians playing ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas,’” he said. “It’s a fun closing piece.”

Novak, the business administrator at Letchworth Central School District, has been the choir director at St. James for about three years. He had been commuting to a church in Buffalo, and when he moved to Silver Lake, he found a job and a closer location in Batavia.

“It’s a great fit,” he said. “There are a lot of wonderful people.”

Church member Maureen Scoville added that, in addition to carols and keyboards, cookies will be served in the parish hall after the concert. 

She and Novak hope to see community members there to enjoy some festive music and sweet treats as the calendar draws closer to a busy Christmas week.

There is no admission to the concert. A free will offering will be taken. 

Byron-Bergen beat Holley in Boys Basketball at home on Monday, 58-55.

Noah Clare scored 19 points for the Bees. Cole DiQuattro and Adam Cardenas each scored 12 points. Cody Carlson scored 10.

For Holley, Vinny Golisano scored 20 points. 

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro

Elba beat Kendall on Monday in Girls Basketball 58-34.

For the Lancers, Brea Smith scored 17 points and Sydney Reilly scored 10. Lydia Ross scored eight.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Press Release:

Expansion projects by companies in Bergen and LeRoy submitted to the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) are projected to generate over $4 million in local benefits. 

The GCEDC board of directors will consider an initial resolution for Appletree Acres, LLC in the town of Bergen and a final resolution for 9 Lent Avenue, LLC (Rochester Davis Fetch Corp.) in the town of LeRoy at its December 18 meeting.

Appletree Acres, LLC is proposing to add a 15,000 square-foot expansion to an existing 50,000 square-foot warehouse in the Apple Tree Acres corporate park. The $1.015 million investment would create four full-time equivalent positions with an estimated annual salary range between $45,000 and $65,000 plus benefits.

Appletree Acres, LLC is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $48,160 and a property tax abatement estimated at $142,785 based on the incremental increase in assessed value generated by the expansion. The project is estimated to generate $2.99 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $19 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

The GCEDC Board of Directors also will consider a final resolution for 9 Lent Avenue, LLC for a proposed 8,000 square-foot light manufacturing and storage facility in the village of LeRoy. The proposed $265,000 project is in addition to an active $3.8 million project renovating a separate facility on the property. The expansion would create two additional full-time equivalent positions with an estimated annual salary range between $62,000 and $72,000 plus benefits.

9 Lent Avenue, LLC is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $13,200 and a property tax abatement estimated at $86,016 based on the incremental increase in assessed value generated by the expansion. The project is estimated to generate $1.49 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $17 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

The GCEDC board meeting will be Wednesday, December 18 at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia. 

Meeting materials and links to a live stream/on-demand recording of the meeting are available at www.gcedc.com.

Pavilion Central School’s $24.5 million capital project vote passed Monday night by an overwhelming 100 to 18, which means future renovations, upgrades and replacements to several areas at the elementary and middle-high schools both inside and out on the properties.

“The Pavilion Central School District Board of Education and District Planning Committee have worked hard to ensure the items in this project will support our mission to provide a challenging educational environment that prepares every child for a productive life in a global society,” Superintendent Mary Kate Hoffman said in the district’s video presentation. “This project updates our instructional spaces and prioritizes educational opportunities. It also improves and maintains our beautiful school facility, something we at PCS are very proud of.  Projects like this are necessary to improve both the programming and facilities in which our children grow and learn.”

Highlights listed for the project include:

• A refresh of the main gym floor, bleachers and backstops; a kitchen update; restoration of roofs, media center/library, the cupola and tennis courts; upgrading the clock and public address systems, theatrical lighting, fire alarm and soccer stadium lighting to LED; and replacing the 1936 plumbing at the middle-high school. 
• Renovation or replacement of the main office, media center/library, boiler plant, band room air heating unit, playgrounds, office carpeting; relocating the art room; upgrading the fire alarm system; restoration of roofs; and improving main entry sidewalk at the elementary school.

Funding for the project is to include no additional tax from district residents by using $5.51 million in capital reserves and receiving 77.5% in state building aid for the total $24.5 million cost, school officials said.

This is considered to be “the first project of this size” in at least 25 years, Hoffman said.

Monday’s vote included an energy performance contract, which also passed by 103 to 14.

That contract is to update lighting to LEDs for energy savings that will pay for project costs, officials said, and increase energy efficiency at the district. Perhaps most important is the point that “by putting this project before the voters, our school can gain an additional 10% of aid on the energy performance contract project,” Business Official Don Childs said.

“The exciting thing is if we go to the public and the public approves the project, just improving the savings and efficiencies to the district will save us an additional 10% on the project,” he said.

The plea deal Michael Elmore made to avoid a 25-year prison term capped his sentence at 20 years, and that is precisely what County Court Judge Donald O'Geen handed down Tuesday morning.

Elmore admitted to his role in causing the death of Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello at Batavia Downs in March when he entered a guilty plea on Nov. 18 to aggravated manslaughter in the first degree.

In court, after O'Geen had heard from members of Sanfratello's family, from District Attorney Kevin Finnell, and from Elmore's own attorney, who said he believed Elmore was truly remorseful, Elmore apologized to the family for his actions.

That apology appeared not to sway O'Geen, who noted that Elmore seemingly left Batavia Downs in the early morning of March 10 to dispose of a pellet gun he was carrying and then returned swinging heavy gold necklaces heading straight toward Sanfratello and a security guard with the intent of fighting them.

Finnell said the pellet gun could have looked like a real gun if Sanfratello had seen it during a confrontation, so Elmore needed to dispose of it before starting a fight to protect himself.

The incident began in 34 Rush, a bar inside Batavia Downs, and Finnell noted that surveillance footage reveals not just the initial incident but the degree to which Sanfratello was known in the community and that he was highly regarded.  People are seen shaking his hand and patting him on his back as he escorts Elmore and Elmore's fiance, Lyndsey Wilcox, from the facility. 

Finnell argued that Elmore should receive the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison under the terms of the plea deal.

The initial incident in the bar, he said, at most would have resulted in an appearance ticket but Elmore chose to escalate the situation.

Elmore chose that route even as Sanfratello was showing great patience with Elmore and Wilcox, doing his duty as a dedicated public servant but not in an over heated way, but remaining calm and cheerful.

Sanfrantello was just doing his job, Finnell told the court.

Three of the sergeant's children addressed the court, delivering victim impact statements.

Ian Sanfrantello, a corrections officer and volunteer firefighter who was dispatched with the Town of Batavia Fire Department to Batavia Downs on March 10, so the first in his family to learn of his father's death.

He said he stood in the lobby just about 10 feet away as Mercy EMS medics worked desperately to save his life.

"I was the one who had to make the excruciating call to my sister, waking her from her peaceful sleep to tell her that our dad was gone," Ian said.

It fell on Ian to tell the rest of the Sanfratello family "the heartbreaking news."  He also comforted deputies who were visibly shaken by what had just happened.

"But the hardest thing I had to do that night was wake my grandmother and tell her that her baby boy -- her son -- had been taken from us while doing what he loved."

Ian said he's still trying to make sense of the tragedy.

"I find myself asking why anyone would do something so heartless to someone they didn't even know," Ian said. "But that's the nature of criminals, and the man responsible for this is a career criminal.

"My dad dedicated his life to making Genesee County a safer place for everyone," he added. "Because of the actions of these two individuals, the people of this county lost a true hero -- someone who loved what he did and made a difference every day. And I lost my dad."

Kyla Sanfratello said it was hard to process the news that morning that she had lost her dad, as the text messages of condolences poured in.  She thinks about all that was taken from her -- her dad someday walking her down the aisle, meeting his grandchildren for the first time some day, the kiss goodbye and the hugs. 

"Not having him text me on my birthday or see him for all the holidays has been so hard and will still be hard because the truth is, he should still be standing here today, but he's not because he was taken," Kyla said.

Alexis Sanfratello called Elmore's actions "selfish." 

"I am not sure why people think they do not have to obey the police. If you had only listened," she said, "my dad would still be here."

Elmore's sentence includes five years on probation upon his release. On his conviction for obstruction of governmental administration he received a sentence of 364 is jail, to be merged with his state prison term. He must pay mandatory fees and surcharges of $375. The judge signed multiple orders of protection for members of Sanfratello's family and witnesses to the crime.

Wilcox entered a guilty plea on Nov. 18 to assault in the second degree, a Class D violent felony. She pleaded to “causing physical injury to a police officer who was in the act of performing his official duties.” 

She is scheduled for sentencing at 10 a.m. on Jan. 21.

Press Release:

The Wings over Batavia Air Show announced today that the U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team will headline the 2025 show. The announcement was made this week at the International Council of Air Show’s (ICAS) annual convention in Las Vegas where the Air Force confirmed the F-35A’s participation in next summer’s show at Batavia Airport, August 30-31.

The USAF F-35A Lightning II Demo Team travels the world demonstrating the incredible capabilities of the F-35A, the first and only stealth, supersonic, multi-role fighter jet on the planet. The F-35A can reach speeds up to 1,200 MPH, and its helmet mounted display system is the most advanced system of its kind. Accordingly, each year air shows everywhere compete for the F-35, but only a select few are approved by the Air Force.

“We are thrilled to showcase the F-35 at this summer’s show,” said Dennis Dunbar, Director of Wings over Batavia Air Show.  “Shows across the world compete for the F-35A Lightning II Demo Team, and it speaks to the great confidence the Air Force has in our team in Batavia to help showcase this technological marvel here in 2025.  We cannot wait for our crowds to witness the incredible power and capabilities of this aircraft.”

Tickets for the 2025 show will soon be available on the Wings over Batavia Air Show website www.wingsoverbatavia.com/tickets. Corporate partnership opportunities are available for companies and organizations seeking upscale hospitality options, branding opportunities, and on-site exposure. Visit www.wingsoverbatavia.com/sponsorship for more information.

The full lineup of 2025 Wings over Batavia performers will be announced in the coming weeks and featured at www.wingsoverbatavia.com/performers.  Additional show information is available by visiting www.wingsoverbatavia.com and the show’s social media channels. Air show enthusiasts are encouraged to become members of Air Show Insights, where they can receive updates and promotions in advance of the 2025 show. Membership is free at www.wingsoverbatavia.com.  

Attachment: high resolution image of the F-35. Additional images and b-roll of the USAF F-35A Lightning II Demo Team are available by contacting Rob Nichols at (330) 760-7582 or Rob@herbgillen.com.

Press release:

The City Church Christmas Events this week!

Tuesday is our Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway at the Community Center on 114 Liberty St. in Batavia.  We will have food, fun, Santa, hats, gloves, bikes and toys to giveaway.  Every child walks away with a gift and all are welcome to come on out to celebrate the season!

Thursday is our Christmas Concert with local vocal artists.  This will be a night of Christmas music, and we will have a time of community afterward with some soups and chili.  This will begin at 7 p.m. at 210 East Main St. in Batavia.

Sunday is our CHRISTMAS SERVICE - “EXPERIENCE JOY THIS CHRISTMAS”  with treats, Santa, a Kids Party at 10 a.m. and an encouraging message inspired by the word of God.  All are welcome at 210 East Main St at 8:30 & 10 a.m.  

There is no better time than the present to allow God to be a part of your life! Let’s come together this Christmas Season.

Sustained success for any team comes from a culture of buy-in and commitment from executives, personnel, staff, and players. When values, visions, and goals align internally, performance on the field improves to create a winning culture.

We witnessed this buy-in from the Buffalo Bills when general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott stepped in and completely shifted the Bills from an organization comfortable with losing into a franchise that continues to produce winning records, all-pros, and productive draft classes.

My goal is to rally our families, schools, businesses, and workforce communities in order for us to create a better future for our youth.

Our workforce advocates have created a culture that is leading our local students to careers that will set them up for lifetime success. We are adding another piece of the puzzle to create the community buy-in we aim for.

With the official announcement of ACT Work Ready Communities coming to Genesee County, we are deploying another resource to connect our students to local in-demand careers. 

ACT Work Ready Communities provides the tools to connect our graduates to the in-demand career opportunities available in their backyards, aligning the region’s economic development needs with the skills required to create an economic blueprint that benefits our local businesses and our communities.

I’m excited that many of our schools are engaging to have select groups of students complete the ACT WorkKey Assessments in 2025. These students will graduate into a winning culture our businesses are already growing.

To be designated a Work Ready Community requires participation from our local workforce and businesses. Once registered, there will be access to search and vet job requirements and skills sought by local businesses, allowing them to efficiently recruit from a pool of qualified candidates.

We only need three more companies to sign up to reach our goal of 92 supporting businesses and 11 more will get Genesee County to 100 certified businesses!

The list of certified businesses ranges from companies in manufacturing, food processing, healthcare, education, professional services, hospitality, and more.

Like Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane, our winning culture doesn’t stop with one goal achieved. In order for us to receive certified work ready status we will need the participation of our local workforce candidates; there are no limitations on who can sign up for the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) administered by ACT.

Students, incumbent workers, and job seekers can complete the NCRC which features criteria in applied math, graphic literacy, and workplace documents.

Once completed, prospective job candidates will be recommended and matched with companies that align with their skills based on NCRC results.

Companies looking to relocate or expand value this accreditation and provide them with workforce information and data, bringing more jobs to Genesee County.

I am pleased by the progress we’ve had in working with school representatives, workforce institutions, and other stakeholders to recruit workforce candidates and local companies to be a part of the workforce development ecosystem that will allow our community to continue its sustained success.

To learn more or sign up for a National Career Readiness Certificate contact me at 585-343-4866 or csuozzi@gcedc.com.

Chris Suozzi is the Executive Vice President, Business & Workforce Development of the Genesee County Economic Development Center

Press Release:

The 1st quarter High Honor and Honor Rolls have been released for Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School by Principal Paul Hazard. Hazard and the Byron-Bergen Central School District staff offer their congratulations to these students. 

GRADE 7:

HIGH HONOR ROLL – Jayda Amesbury, Zaria Aslam, Ian Bannister, Teagan Burch, Lillian Czachorowski, McKenna Diehl, Leonard Dykstra, Channel Edwards, Claire Fogg, Harlow Galves, Katelyn Gay, Nina Hammerl, Aaliyah Hawley, Hannah Hunt, Lacie Ivison, Jason Ivison, Jr., Grant Kuipers, Anastasia Kuszlyk, Brooklyn Louis, Ella Maher, Liam McAlister, Amelia Meier, Elizabeth Merrick, Lawrence Moore III, Christian Perkins, Jaelynn Reynolds, Hanna Richardson, Dylan Riedmiller, Jackson Senf, Lincoln Senf, Collin Starowitz, Emma Tanner, Ella Tatar, Brynn Weaver, Payton White

HONOR ROLL - Addison Alejandro, Amelia Baker, Anthony Chapman, Khloe Crocker, Diamond Dykstra-
Culver, Jason Easterly, Kyler Kavanagh, Frank Manchester, Jayden Muntz, Nashdiel Santiago Tirado, Devin Stranc-Holmwood, Kylee Tirrell, McKenzie Wride

GRADE 8:

HIGH HONOR ROLL - Faith Apley, Charlotte Bloom, Riley Boland, Evelyn Borycki, Alyssa Chupp, Emily Cubas Canizales, Tristen Davidson, Addyson Day, June Dorman, Katherine Erion, Olivia Galdun, Lydia Hammond, Connor Hoopengardner, Isabella Kessler, Delilah Malin, Sophia Matthews, Emmarose Michaels, Lia Ray, Ava Smith, Landon Starkweather, Gunner Starowitz, Contessa Vander Wyst, Benjamin Vargas, Kaylanah White, Teagan Williams

HONOR ROLL - Madison Carson, Ayden Day, Leland Fregoe, Hunter Jarosinski, Ce'Andre Johnson, Jack Miller, Maylee Moore, Riley Norman, Trevor O'Brien, Aleah Olander, Caleb Rassel, William Scharvogel, Miranda Stanton, Connar Tuerk, Sierra Vandenbosch, Dahlia Wolff, Logan Zaleski

GRADE 9:

HIGH HONOR ROLL - Evan Bannister, Eala Coniglio, Samantha Copani, Emily Diehl, William Duell, Zachary Gay, Cambria Goodenbery, Lila Graff, Ruth Kuipers, Alexander Kuszlyk, Isabella Lewis, Taylor Louis, Annabella Madera, Levi McGrath, Lillian Meier, Timothy Michaels Jr., Liliana Moore, Evan Phillips, Alexandra Pocock, Natalie Randall, Lucy Rea, Jenna Redick, Michael Rogoyski, Owen Sinclair, Genevieve Smith, Miley Stalica, Xavier Vargas, Jillian Weaver, Paige Winkler

HONOR ROLL - Peyton Alejandro, Stryker Emrich, Colton Erion, Mason Farner, Ainsley Kent, Parker Moore, Laney Niedzwiecki, Brook Pagels, Audrey Rimmerman, Lila Sharp-Robinson, Madeline Smith, Ava Strong

GRADE 10:

HIGH HONOR ROLL - Nataly Barrera Zuniga, Rylee Burch, Emalyn Canfield, Cody Carlson, Lauren Gartz, Brayden Gelsomino, Kai Gilbert, Gabriella Ivison, Taylor Lundfelt, Ian MacMillen, Logan Marou, Emma Matthews, Emma McJury, Lucia Mueller, Hannah Riedmiller, Theodore Schelemanow, Elliana Tanner, Bradley Tatar, Jack Walker, Rena Wilson

HONOR ROLL - Joseph Brumsted, Gianna Cicatelli, Tyler Dean, Isabella Gifford, Maddex Haymon, Michael Holley, Wyatt Lewis, Blake Liles, Leah Mielke, Seth Prefontaine, Brandon Schuck, Kyle Smith, Kylee Thurston, Caleb Zaleski 

GRADE 11:

HIGH HONOR ROLL - Katelyn Ball, Liam Boyle, Adam Cardenas, Skyler Carroll, Gianna Clark, Laura Curts, Justin Deleo, Cole DiQuattro, Grace DiQuattro, Gary Donofrio, Ava Goff, Gianna Graff, Mia Gray, Megan Jarkiewicz, Pearl Jolliff, Carter Kuipers, Malacai McGrath, Maryn Meier, Grace Mundell, Giovanny Navarro Cruz, Paige O'Brien, Bradley Pocock, Colin Rea, Katherine Rogoyski, Julia Sanso Maya, Simone Scharvogel, Rayne Sheard, Hayden Starkweather, Elizabeth Starowitz, Aubrey Stein, Aiden Vander Wyst, Emma Wolfe

HONOR ROLL - Sara Bishop, Omari Bryant, Connor Copani, Kayden Crocker, Addison Cummings, Estelle Dumuhosky, Nial Johnson, Amelia Kalmbacher, Evan Orto, Allison Rimmerman, Solomon Smith, Andre'a White, Evan Williams 

GRADE 12:

HIGH HONOR ROLL - Aiden Barberio, Ryan Benstead, Sarah Campbell, Jake Carlson, Deborah Catalino, Kendall Chase, Noah Clare, Abigail Cook, Isabella Davidson, Craig DiQuattro, Lea Donofrio, Annabelle Erion, Jack Farner, Chesney Fregoe, Logan Fregoe, Haylee Gartz, Peyton Goodenbery, Ava Gray, Rachel Hanel, Savannah Heick, Tatum Higby, Landon Kent, Eli Kupfer, Ella Lewis, Jackson Lundfelt, Martin MacConnell, Arianne McLaughlin, Anna McLaughlin, Connor Moran, Meghan Muscarella, Kasey Pagels, Adam Piper, Natalie Prinzi, Ian Pulcini, Rayden Robinson, Sydney Salmonds, Victoria Santiago, Ashley Schlenker-Stephens, Olivia Senf, Roman Smith, Shawna Spinks, Lily Stalica, James Starowitz, Rose Wilson, Hannah Wittman, Jade Wolff, Mikayla Yohon

HONOR ROLL - Isabelle Best, Samuel Hersom, Jeremiah Romero, Ruger Starowitz

Press release:

UConnectCare recognized 18 employees with longevity awards at its annual holiday luncheon on Tuesday at Terry Hills Restaurant in Batavia.

Among those honored was President/Chief Executive Officer John Bennett, who joined the nonprofit agency in 1999 after starting his professional career 14 years earlier as an adolescent and jail counselor.

In 2006, Bennett assumed the oversight of the Residential Services and in 2012, he was hired to be executive director and now serves as CEO.

In her introductory speech, Virginia Taylor, a former UConnectCare board president, cited Bennett’s passion and caring nature as hallmarks of his career.

“John’s passion for creating the full continuum of services so individuals don't have to leave their community has been the driving force behind all that he has accomplished,” she said. “We are extremely proud of the organization under John's leadership, and his commitment to our community is nothing short of exemplary.”

Bennett expressed his appreciation for all those who have dedicated their lives to helping others become sober and to live productive lives.

“As my career winds down – and some of your careers are just starting -- I just hope that we continue to have people coming into this work because it is so important,” he said.

“Most of the time we’re just planting seeds, and we just want to leave the door open for these people to come back. That’s the key to the work we do. It’s never to judge people or make people feel demeaned. If you’re kind to them -- if you love them -- they’ll come back to see you again.”

Other UConnectCare employees recognized for longevity:

25 years – Amy Klos, customer relations manager.

20 years – Leslie Pfalzer, Information Technology director.

15 years – Diane Hooper, Batavia clinic secretary.

10 years – Dana Joy, Albion clinic supervisor; Sheila Harding, assistant director of Prevention.

5 years – Jessica Budzinack; coordinator of Outreach & Family Support; Lisa Fitzak, secretary; Mike Pettinella; media specialist; Christen Foley, Prevention Resource Center project director; Keith Lyons, driver; Lucy Sweeney, counselor; Nick Volpe, The Recovery Station operations manager; Sue Gagne; outreach RN; Jake Nadolinski, residential cleaner; Cheyenne Richardson, residential counselor; Rachel Tebor, residential technician; Rob Shields, residential technician.

Submitted photos.

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Press Release:

The joint Ascension and Resurrection Parish Faith Formation celebrated the 3rd Sunday of Advent (December 15) by bringing joy to our homebound parishioners by signing Christmas cards. Families also decorated ornaments and brought hats and mittens for the “Tree of Warmth” giving tree.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

As the holiday season approaches, many people enjoy gathering, celebrations, and family traditions. It’s a time to relax and reconnect, but for some, the holidays can bring extra stress. When people feel stressed, they often look for comfort or distractions, and this might make vaping more tempting – especially for those who already use nicotine.

Nicotine gives a short-term feeling of relief by boosting dopamine, a chemical that helps with mood. However, this can lead to dependence, making stress even worse in the long run. 

“Some people use e-cigarettes to handle stress or anxiety,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “However, vaping to feel better creates a cycle of nicotine dependence, which can become another source of stress.” 

This holiday season, try to take steps to stay healthy and manage stress in positive ways. By understanding your triggers and using healthy coping tools, you can enjoy the season without turning to vaping or other quick fixes.

Take the following steps to enjoy the holidays vape-free: 

• Start reducing your nicotine use before the holidays. Gradually cutting back ahead of time gives your body a chance to adjust and helps you prepare for extended time with family without facing withdrawal symptoms. By lowering your nicotine intake as the holidays approach, you can set yourself up for a more enjoyable and stress-free season.
• Come prepared with healthier ways to cope with stress and triggers. Listening to your favorite songs, taking a walk, or practicing deep breathing techniques are great options to help distract you from cravings while supporting your body and mind in a positive way. 
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Staying refreshed can help reduce cravings and support your overall well-being. Keep a water bottle with you and sip regularly – using a straw can also help satisfy the oral fixation that often comes with vaping. 
• Stay active during the holiday season! You don’t have to run a marathon to keep moving. Simple activities like taking a daily walk, following an online yoga session, or enjoying outdoor fun like sledding or snowshoeing can go a long way in helping to manage nicotine cravings and boost your mood. 
• Keep your schedule packed with activities that don’t involve vaping. Plan outings with friends and family, try cooking a new recipe, make a snowman or ornaments for the tree. Staying busy helps you avoid boredom, which is one of the most common triggers for vaping. 
• Keep in mind that quitting isn’t easy, and it is okay to treat yourself! Set small goals, like making it through a morning, a day, or a week without vaping, and reward yourself when you achieve them. Celebrating milestones makes the process more enjoyable and helps build healthier habits over time.

Remember, the holidays do not have to be perfect, and managing stress is about progress, not perfection. Taking small steps to cope in healthier ways can make the season more enjoyable.

Get Help Today

If you are interested in quitting, or someone you know needs help quitting, help is available:

• Visit the New York State Smokers' Quitline for quit-smoking and quit-vaping programs, or call 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487), to apply for a free starter kit of nicotine medications and to talk to a quit coach.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about medications and counseling to help you manage cravings. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover services to help you quit.

For more information about GO Health Programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at: 

• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 
• Orleans County: 585-589-3278

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY.

Press Release:

Senator George Borrello today announced that several organizations in the 57th Senate District have been awarded grants from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). These grants will support arts and cultural initiatives that enrich communities, foster creativity, and stimulate local economies.

“We are incredibly fortunate in the 57th District to have so many wonderful nonprofit arts and cultural organizations that enrich our quality of life, strengthen our communities, and boost our local economy,” said Senator George Borrello. “I have proudly supported state funding for these vital organizations and am pleased to congratulate the outstanding arts nonprofits in SD57 that have received grant awards totaling $830,000 in the latest round of funding from the New York State Council on the Arts.”

The recipients include the following:

1891 Fredonia Opera House, Inc.

• NYSCA Support for Organizations: $25,000

Arts Council for Wyoming County

• Robert Doyle: Odology – The Study of Roads and Paths: $10,000
• Statewide Community Regrants in Allegany & Wyoming Counties: $150,000

Chautauqua Institution

• Literature: Sejal Shah, The Gujarati Girls: Growing Up South Asian American in Western New York in the 1980s: $10,000

Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet

• Arts Education: NYSCA Support for Organizations: $40,000

Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council

• Rehearsal Space for Performing Arts: $35,000
• NYSCA Support for Organizations: $25,000
• Statewide Community Regrants in Delaware and Orleans Counties: $385,000

Holland Land Purchase Historical Society

• NYSCA Support for Organizations: $40,000

Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, Inc.

• NYSCA Support for Organizations: $25,000

Reg Lenna Center for the Arts

• NYSCA Support for Organizations: $25,000

Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History

• NYSCA Support for Organizations: $25,000

Shake on the Lake, Inc.

• NYSCA Support for Organizations: $25,000

Tri-County Arts Council

• NYSCA Support for Organizations: $10,000

The NYSCA grants are part of the Council’s mission to advance access to the arts across New York State. This year, NYSCA has allocated funding to support a wide array of projects, from community arts education and performances to preservation efforts and innovative programming.

Senator Borrello emphasized his ongoing commitment to supporting the arts.

“As your Senator, I will continue to advocate for funding and initiatives that celebrate our region’s talent and creativity. I encourage all eligible organizations to explore these opportunities in the future to ensure our communities continue to thrive through the arts,” said Sen. Borrello.

Additionally, organizations should note that the $80 million Capital Projects Fund opportunity is open and accepting applications through January 14. The program will prioritize projects to advance accessibility, placemaking, environmental resiliency, and community building. Awards will be announced in Spring 2025. Guidelines have been streamlined to expand access for organizations of all sizes.

For more information about NYSCA and upcoming grant opportunities, visit https://arts.ny.gov/.