U.S. News & World Report has named Byron-Bergen Junior High School as a 2025 Best Middle School, placing 316 out of 1389 schools in New York State. Ranked schools were scored on their pupils’ state assessment tests results in the context of socioeconomic demographics.
The school exceeded state averages in math and English Language Arts (ELA), notably scoring 25% above the state average in ELA and 11% above the state average in math.
“Our junior high school ELA team is grinding every day for these kids,” said 6-12 ELA Content Leader Diana Walther. “We have benchmark tools to identify who needs extra support and use data-driven instruction to meet the kids where they are. We also focus on writing every day.”
In New York State, 46% of students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 41% tested at or above that level for math. At Byron-Bergen Junior High School, 71% of students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 52% tested at or above that level for math.
“Math instruction at the junior high school is data driven,” said 6th grade math teacher Nicole Utz. “Our team uses benchmark data to determine successes and gaps in learning and are able to target our instruction to help meet the needs of our students. In addition, 6th grade student schedules include a FLEX math class every other day which provides opportunities to stretch their learning or receive extra support. Math Lab is also available at the 7th and 8th grade level to provide additional support when necessary.”
“Our students and staff are incredible, and this recognition highlights how the rigor of our teachers is matched by our hard-working students,” said Jr./Sr, High School Principal Paul Hazard. “I can’t emphasize enough the overall excellence of the entire staff working together to encourage thinking, caring, successful students. It took the help of the whole hive to achieve this recognition.”
This is the first year that the Junior High School has achieved a U.S. News & World Report rank. The Senior High School has been recognized on the list annually since 2019. For more information on U.S. News & World Report rankings visit https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/new-york/byron-bergen-junior-senior-high-school-13565.
Photo of (from left to right) Chris George, Eco Waste Solutions; New York State Senator George Borrello; and Jean Lucas, Eco Waste Solutions CEO. Submitted photo.
Press Release:
New York State Senator George Borrello toured Eco Waste Solutions new manufacturing facility in Batavia on December 9. The facility produces Expeditionary Solid Waste Disposal Systems (ESWDS) for the United States Army. Senator Borrello also met with Eco Waste Solutions employees.
“Senator George Borrello is keenly aware of the positive impacts of small businesses in communities such as Batavia, and we appreciate the opportunity to showcase the incredible work being done here by our dedicated and skilled workforce,” said Jean Lucas, CEO, Eco Waste Solutions. “We are extremely proud of the fact that our company produces these high-quality sustainable technology systems right here in Batavia and Genesee County which are then delivered to US mission sites across the world.”
During his visit, Senator Borrello received an up-close look at Eco Waste Solutions advanced manufacturing processes, which include the production of cutting-edge thermal waste conversion systems. The ESWDS eliminates the need to rely on burn pits which were a long-standing source of toxic exposure on overseas missions, resulting in cancers and other health issues among personnel.
“We are excited to have Eco Waste Solutions join the growing number of businesses, particularly in the advanced manufacturing and technology sectors, who are bringing their operations to the GLOW, Finger Lakes and western New York regions,” Senator Borrello said. “These businesses, particularly in smaller communities, have an extremely positive economic impact and provide good paying jobs to our residents.”
The Salvation Army is joining forces across New York State to encourage people to consider donating $20 on the 20th of December as a last-minute push to raise much-needed funds during the 2024 Red Kettle Campaign.
“The need is great for struggling local families and individuals, particularly during the holiday season,” said Captain Brad Moore of The Salvation Army of Batavia. “We are counting on the kindness of those in our community to come out to a Red Kettle this Friday and donate a $20 bill as it will go a long way to help those in need during the holiday season and beyond.”
According to Captain Moore, the community’s financial support and kindness during the holidays help The Salvation Army to assist more than 11,000 local families and individuals throughout the year through Food Pantry, Clothing Vouchers, Senior Luncheon, Back-to-School Backpacks, Christmas Assistance and more.
“As of today, The Salvation Army of Batavia has raised about 73% of our $100,000 goal for Red Kettles this year,” Captain Moore said. “With just under a week until Christmas, a $20 donation at a local Red Kettle would make a huge difference in helping those who need it this year in our community.”
Donations to The Salvation Army of Batavia can be made at any Red Kettle from now until Christmas Eve. Online donations can be made by texting Kettle to 31333 or by visiting https://salarmy.us/empredkettle. Cash or checks can be dropped off, or mailed to, The Salvation Army of Batavia, 529 East Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.
"What's the TableTop ArtShow? It’s this awesome, totally one-of-a-kind art exhibition that happens every March. Let me give you the lowdown on how this whole shebang got started.
So, picture this: Melissa Flint and Brian Kemp are shooting the breeze, brainstorming like mad scientists. They’re thinking, “How can we bring some artsy goodness to the people during the crazy times of COVID?” Galleries are shut tight, nowhere to show off cool art. But then, a light bulb moment! Melissa goes, “Why not slap it on place mats?” And just like that, boom, the TableTop ArtShow is born!
Here’s the scoop: artists can submit up to 2 pieces of their fabulous creations. No charge to enter, correct, it's FREE. All the submissions get showcased in a virtual gallery online for the whole wide world to see. Then, our yearly featured judge(s) pick the cream of the crop - 15 pieces to strut their stuff on the walls of Eli Fish Brewing in Downtown Batavia. Talk about prime real estate!
New this year! We're putting together a Look Book featuring artwork from this year's enties. But wait, there’s more! We’re talking prizes, folks. The top dogs from those 15 chosen pieces snag some sweet rewards for their talent. Plus, those lucky pieces get double exposure - they also get featured on snazzy place-mats displayed in 30+ local restaurants all month long. It’s like your art gets to be the star of its own culinary show! And hey, mark your calendars for Tuesday March 4th, 2025, 'cause that’s when the opening reception goes down at Eli Fish Brewing. There’s even a People's Choice Award up for grabs, so you can vote for your fave while sipping on a cold one.
Now, here’s where you come in.Wanna be part of the action? Swing by a participating restaurant in March and feast your eyes on the creativity on display. If you’re an artist yourself, or you know someone with any artistic skills, why not throw your hat in the ring and submit some pieces? Deadline’s February 2nd, 2025, so don’t dilly dally! And hey, if you’re feeling extra generous, we’re always on the lookout for sponsors to help make this shindig a reality. Community support makes all the difference, so big thanks in advance!
So there you have it, folks. Get ready to dive into a world of creativity and fun at the TableTop ArtShow this March. See you there! Click here for more information: https://tabletopartshow.secure-decoration.com
The Genesee Community College(GCC) History Club will once again be hosting the Historical Horizons Lecture Series with a full line up for Spring 2025. For those who may be unfamiliar with the lecture series, these are talks on a variety of topics of historical interest, open to both the campus community and the public every first Wednesday during the semester. Lectures will be held at 7 p.m. in T102 on GCC's Batavia Campus and will also be available to join via Zoom. All talks will be followed by a Q&A session with the speakers.
Spring 2025 Historical Horizons line up:
February 5: Historic Chronicles of Genesee County
By Michael Eula, Genesee County Historian
Genesee County has seen trials, tribulations and triumphs throughout its storied history as national events have been brought to its doorstep. Join author Michael Eula as he reveals the historic chronicles of Genesee County.
SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL EVENT
March 5: A Single Blow: The Battles of Lexington & Concord
By Phil Greenwalt
The history of the Battles of Lexington and Concord were the culmination of years of unrest between those loyal to the British monarchy and those advocating for more autonomy and dreaming of independence from Great Britain in the future. Join historian Phil Greenwalt as he unfolds the facts of April 19, 1775, uncovering the amazing history that this pivotal spring day ushered in for the fate of Massachusetts and thirteen of Great Britain's North American colonies with a Single Blow.
April 2: General Grant and the Verdict of History: Memoir, Memory,
and the Civil War
By Dr. Frank Varney
General Ulysses S. Grant is best remembered today as a war-winning general, and he certainly deserves credit for his efforts on behalf of the Union. But has he received too much credit at the expense of other men? Have others who fought the war with him suffered unfairly at his hands? Come hear Dr. Varney talk about his newest book General Grant and the Verdict of History: Memoir, Memory, and the Civil War.
May 7: Julia Ward Howe
By Joyce Thompson-Hovey
American poet and author Julia Ward Howe, most famous for writing the lyrics to "Battle Hymn of the Republic", was a remarkable woman who was a tireless social activist. Come hear her fascinating story.
Genesee Community College invites the public to join them for these enlightening lectures, providing a unique opportunity to engage with historical topics and esteemed scholars. Mark your calendars for an enriching experience at the Historical Horizons Lecture Series this Spring.
For more information, please contact the Office of Student Engagement and Inclusion at sei@genesee.edu.
Brothers McClurg in their recording studio in the Harvester Center, Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens.
When Brothers McClurg, a Grammy-nominated Christian Americana band with roots in Buffalo and a base in Batavia, gather around a mic, they aim to do their part to serve God.
Guitarist Jeremy Thompson looks at it like this: "I feel like it's the kid with the five loaves and the bread just walking up and saying, 'This is what I got, and I want to use it for you, Lord,' you know? (John 6:1-13) If it blesses somebody, that's great. That's just to simplify it because God can do more with our little bit. I just want to get to the end and know that I used my gift in the most fulfilling way."
Not that the talents of Thompson and brothers Anthony Hoisington and Chris Hoisington are anything less than exceptional, but they know they're called not to shine in the spotlight but to do their part to serve God.
On Thursday, they will bring their talents for uplifting music to Northgate Free Methodist Church, where Anthony is the worship leader. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but concertgoers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items as a donation to the Salvation Army.
Brothers McClurg's journey in music and faith starts with Anthony's and Chris's grandfather, Bill McClurg, a minister and musician. He inspired more than just the name of their band.
"We lived right next door to our grandparents," Anthony recalled during a group interview with The Batavian in their Harvester Center recording studio. "We kind of shared a driveway. My grandfather and my parents traveled as a Southern Gospel group (the McClurg Family Singers) from Upstate New York, which is kind of funny, an ironic thing, and then they retired off the road when I was probably like, eight or nine.
Bill McClurg, a guitar player, continued in the ministry and discovered that, at least in the 1980s, many nursing homes didn't have pastors who would come in and host a service, especially with music.
Young Anthony and Chris were enlisted to assist. Most of the nursing homes were in Erie County -- the family lived in Akron.
"We would sing and play with him," Anthony said. "It was rather pathetic, but it is what we did. From an early age, he modeled for us a work ethic when it comes to music, but also, sort of, you should go find your niche and your audience. His was, you know, older folks, but that really got us our start, just playing and singing behind him. Half the time, the audience was excited that we were there and that we didn't need to be perfect."
Youth group musicians As young teenagers, they were involved with their church's youth group, and Thompson was involved in his. The youth pastors of the two groups were friends, so the groups would sometimes visit each other's churches, and the home church would lead the worship service, including music.
When they saw Thompson play, they were, like, "Who's that guy?" Anthony said.
"It was about how loud we could get it," Anthony said. 'And back then, it was about how much aggression we could put into music. And he was ripping up there. And I was like, 'Man, I gotta talk to that guy.' The youth group we grew up in was very music-focused. I mean, it was like a bunch of hippies."
Thompson said his youth group was into sweater vests and soccer.
Teenage musicians, of course, are going to want to explore more than just Christian music, even if that doesn't entirely meet parental approval.
"We had parents that were like, if it isn't Christian, you can't listen to it," Anthony said. "We snuck around that, but then, as we got older --I think I would give credit to our parents -- when we started playing in rock bands when we were teenagers, the three of us, we were playing in bars at 16, 17, 18, and we had parents who almost looked at it like a proselytization avenue."
Their parents didn't expect them to play just in church basements and regularly turned up at their gigs.
After all, where would Jesus go?
"Yeah, we don't mind singing about Jesus. We certainly believe in Him, and that's a huge part of our thing. But we also wanted to be able to sing about life and about girls and whatnot, not in a way that was crass or whatever, but just honest. And we were surrounded by a culture of Christian musicians that wanted to do that," Anthony said.
Growing as songwriters When it came time to start writing songs together, Anthony and Chris gravitated toward Christian themes. They began performing together at Christian music festivals and at churches. They started to build a base of fans. They played at Kingdom Bound at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, which led to a Nashville-based record label, Integrity, offering them a contract.
They then decided they needed a name better representing their musical heritage and family legacy. In homage to Pappy McClurg, they settled on Brothers McClurg.
Given their background in Southern Gospel, it might not be surprising that they drifted toward a sound based around acoustic guitars and tight harmonies. Still, with the rock and folk influences and a bit of bluegrass, they don't fit neatly into a Southern Gospel framework, though they've played those festivals.
Thompson joined the duo early on to make it a three-piece, and they traveled and recorded with a bigger backing band. As Thompson pointed out, traveling with a band is expensive, so one day, they asked him to grab an acoustic guitar and join them.
"Then you naturally land on a spot of like folk, southern grass, or whatever you want to call it, and that was just super natural to us because it wasn't like, 'Hey, let's do this because it would be cool," Thompson said. "It just happened."
Brothers McClurg recorded three albums for Integrity before being dropped by the label, though the album Join the Sound, did crack the Top 40 on the Billboard charts. They were soon signed to an independent label based in Watertown, but the band, this time, decided they wanted to produce the album themselves.
Escaping Nashville Anthony said they weren't always satisfied with the final product on their first albums. Their Southern Gospel-inspired sound, ironically, didn't fit with Nashville's penchant for pop song production.
He decided to take the advance from the new label and lease space for a studio in the Harvester Center, and record the album -- which became their Christmas album, Going Back to Bethlehem -- in Batavia. They could record at their own pace. The lease was for a year. The album was finished in six months.
Anthony's connection with Batavia began when he was still involved with his church near the University at Buffalo. A young lady from Batavia started attending UB and got involved with that church. Eventually, they married, and Anthony moved to Batavia, at first as worship director for an Assembly of God church and later at Northgate, where he's led worship for 19 years.
Once musician friends found out the studio in the Harvester Center was available for the six months on the lease, they started calling -- from California, Tennesee, and Ohio -- looking to use the studio for their projects. The temporary studio became the permanent home base for Brothers McClurg. They launched a record label, Old Bear Records, now with 19 artists signed.
With the studio space, Chris Hoisington emerged as a producer. And he clearly has the mind of a producer. Throughout the conversation at the studio on Friday, his comments often focused on the sound, structure and content of things.
When the topic of Old Bear artist Eric Lee Brumley comes up, he immediately explains what makes Brumley different from many Christian artists.
On Brumley's newest album, Electric Chair, the brothers share some writing credits, and Chris is the producer.
It was fun writing with Brumley, he said, because Brumley is more interested in Bible stories, even ones that do not necessarily end well, like David and Bathsheba.
"When you do Christian music, everything has to be victorious, but it's like, 'Let's talk about some of the sad stories, what you can learn from those outcomes, and how it reflects now," Chris said.
Chris lives in the Boston Hills area, south of Buffalo, a ski area called Kissing Bridge. He helps with worship services twice a month with the Free Methodist Church in Fredonia and every couple of months with another church in Olean.
The music he's been listening to most recently is the music that introduces him to new sounds.
"I think influences for all us varies depending on what we're everybody's listening to," Chris said. "I've been listening to a lot of mid-Midwestern EMO lately, so bands like American Football, this band, C Clamp, just like odd music, but they're all cool guitar parts that interchange between the band members. I've been getting back into bands again because I went through a phase of not really listening to bands because nowadays, everybody's a solo artist."
He said as a producer, the most fascinating music today is perhaps soundtracks.
"They're just creating music based on a visual, so that's a way cool way to make records," Chris said. "They're making music off of whatever they want to make based on a narrative that's happening in the movie. Then, when you pull away, you've created this bizarre music."
From that, he's learned, he said, that you can think more about feel than "we need a guitar part on every song, or we need to have a drum part on every song. We can try a lot of different things."
He's especially proud of the Christmas album. He said it's a good example of mixing different sounds, from acoustic arrangements to full band performances, including some instrumentals and a bit of narration from "Pappy" McClurg.
"For me, that's probably my favorite thing we've done," Chris said. "It's got that nostalgic thing to it."
Chris produced or co-produced many of the tracks on Bellsburg (The Songs of Rich Mullins), a multi-artist compilation. Mullins was a Christian singer-songwriter who died in a car accident in 1997. The album was nominated for multiple Grammy awards.
Chris and Anthony are working on a similar multi-artist compilation, one of original material based on parables in the Bible and will include such major Christian artists as Terry Taylor, Randy Stonehill, and Phil Keaggy.
He said of a conversation with Stonehill, "I'm like, 'Dude, just write the song.' We want to help shape the production. That's what's nice about what we've always done with Old Bear. Break the rules because we don't have to adhere to anybody's idea of what (it should be). To us, it's like, let's just make Christian music, but the kind that we actually like to hear it, not because we're trying to market it to some Bible app or whatever the case may be."
They've also kicked around a tribute album to the Louvin Brothers classic, Satan Is Real.
When the subject of the Louvin Brothers comes up, both Anthony and Chris acknowledge them as an influence. There's a general idea in music that siblings make the best harmonies, called "blood harmonies," and Brothers McClurg, including Thompson, who has been playing with Anthony and Chris since they were young teens, think they capture that sound, which was the inspiration for their two albums Around the Mic and Around the Mic Two.
Brothers McClurg are also working on their next album, which the brothers said will be a little different, which Anthony, Chris, and Jeremy are bringing in their own songs and not all of them are explicitly Christian-themed.
For Anthony, music, he said, is for him the most natural way to communicate his faith. It's doing what he can do to spread what faith in Jesus Christ means.
"If you were to put me in front of a bunch of people, you're not sure what they believe, it is really hard for me to communicate verbally, without music, to communicate what faith looks like to me. If you just said, 'Hey, preach about it or talk, talk, take the music out of it, it would be really hard. Naturally, it's way easier to just sing about it. It's more concise, more to the point, and I think it's a better representation of how I feel. I've always looked at it like there is a purpose for me to do that, and there's no more natural way for me to say what I believe in."
Thursday's show will draw from the Brothers McClurg Christmas album, Christmas song covers, and some of their back catalog.
Old Bear artist The Local Hang-Ups, from Rochester, will play a 20-minute opening set. The duo, Katy Martin and Abbey Sitterley,is inspired by the likes of the Everly Brothers and Simon & Garfunkel.
Northgate Free Methodist Church is located at 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus stop by The Batavian's booth Saturday in downtown Batavia. Photo by Kara Richenberg
Visitors from near -- and very far -- stopped by The Batavian's booth outside of Adam Miller Toys & Bicycles Saturday during a toy and food drive for Salvation Army. Even Santa and Mrs. Claus said hello on their way into the toy and bicycle shop in downtown Batavia to greet children during the afternoon.
The collection reaped more than $1,500 worth of goods, many in the form of anonymous donations, and all from generous community members.
Howard Owens, publisher of The Batavian, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for all who participated in this collection, and the many others that take place throughout the area. All contributions to Salvation Army in Batavia remain in Genesee County.
"We were happy to do our part and help out Salvation Army's annual Christmas program to provide food and toys to families in need," Owens said. "Thank you to those who donated money, food and toys to the cause, and to John Roche for offering a discount on toys at his store. This is a great community, and we enjoy being part of it."
Shelley Falitico's elves deliver some toys to The Batavian Publisher Howard Owens during a toy and food drive Saturday outside of Adam Miller Toys & Bicycles in Batavia. Photo by Kara Richenberg
The collection Jeep begins to fill with donations Saturday. Photo by Howard Owens
Bill Brach in progress with filing the second appeal to the Buffalo Diocese for Ascension Parish. Submitted Photo
While members of Ascension Parish attend the remaining noon mass on Sundays, they are clinging to an appeal process that has reached the second phase in steadfast efforts to fight the Buffalo Catholic Diocese’s attempts to permanently close the doors of Sacred Heart Church in Batavia.
The group Friends of Ascension has been working to keep members informed, signing petition mandates, contributing through participation and financial support, and not letting the light die out at their south side parish.
Longtime member Nancy Brach sent out an email this week providing an update to all.
“Thanks to everyone who has assisted us in this process. This includes our core group, parishioners, those who signed mandates, who attended events and masses, who wrote letters, who volunteered, who proudly wore their buttons, who provided information for our appeal, who publicized the challenges we are facing and who encouraged and supported us in this effort,” she said. “While our main focus is keeping our church open, there is much more to this fight. It is about how the Diocese, and Dioceses across the country, are treating their parishes. And we are not so unaware that we do not realize that some churches should close, whether because of their physical condition, their financial viability or their underutilization.
“But to close healthy churches that are needed, cared for and loved in their communities is another story,” she said. “It is clear that individual parishes are being closed due to the transgressions of the Diocese.”
She referred to a “Buffalo News” article quoting attorney Ilan Scharf about the Diocese, defendants in sex abuse lawsuits that have their own assets, including cash investments, and real estate, that should be considered in any settlement discussions.
“If the diocese is going to survive as an entity, other parishes, even those without claims directly against them, can make a contribution to help fund a settlement,” Scharf said. “It’s been done in every other settlement across the country.”
While this may be legally correct, it is ethically wrong to punish people for the sins of others, Brach said.
“It is obvious that she is just looking for a bigger pot to divide among the legal team and those she is representing,” Brach said. “But she intends to take the money from people who are not responsible for the crimes. That is wrong.
“We hope we will be successful in our appeal,” she said. “But it is also important that we can serve as an example of standing up for what is right and that we can encourage other parishes to fight back, instead of giving up.”
Liz Zilbauer of Save Our Buffalo Churches posted to that article and also emailed the Ascension group her thoughts about the situation with the Diocese and notion that other parishes can help to pay for these ongoing sex abuse lawsuits.
“Claimant attorney Ilan Scharf is quoted as explaining Canon Law allowing for 'the assets of merged or suppressed parishes to be used elsewhere within the diocese.' What? Used elsewhere? Actually, with each parish, a separately incorporated entity, the sale money and assets of a parish belong to that parish unless and until that parish is (legitimately) extinguished and its property sold,” Zilbauer said. “Then that money can go to the bishop, but only under certain circumstances, and when legitimate grave cause justifies the closure."
Zilbauer concluded that there is no grave or just cause in the great majority of these closures or that a grave cause could actually have "been accurately determined by the process inflicted on us.”
She included an excerpt from an appeal letter to the dicastery that a canon lawyer encourages parishes to send. It "really sets the record straight" regarding "what is legitimate here and what is not," she said.
“In his decree for [name of] Parish, Bishop Fisher notes the need to amass a substantial sum of money to settle numerous civil claims in Federal Bankruptcy Court, and that the possibility of alienating [parish's] properties has been suggested,” she said. “We strongly object to the potential of our longstanding parish community being sacrificed to satisfy the temporal and pecuniary obligations of the diocese for civil claims that are unrelated to the actions and activities of our parish community. We have informed the Bishop of this objection within our appeal letter.
“I think we diocesan parishioners need to be vigilant against the loopholes ripe for exploitation suggested by ‘net assets’ especially considering it seems to have been the plan all along to use the settlements as pretext for a mass-reduction of footprint … continuing to threaten the parishes, and in fact, deepening the threat, when they have less and less rational/practical justification for doing so,” she said. "Ironically, this is happening during the Christmas season and at the door of the 2025 Jubilee Year — which is defined, in part, by a forgiveness of all debts. It will be during this year that the diocese doubles down on the collection of debts we neither owe nor they have any right to take.”
This second step of an appeal went to the Holy See, which has 90 days to respond. If Ascension receives a denial or no response, it can appeal to the Church's Supreme Court, the Apostolic Signatura, which follows its own regulations “in a different process that requires appellants to hire an advocate in Rome approved by the Signatura.”
There is no strict timeline or constraint for the response, and the Signatura may give extensions during this process.
For previous story about the process and remaining church mass, go HERE.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) nominated President Donald Trump, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Defense Minister of Israel Yoav Gallant for their tireless efforts on the Abraham Accords, to advance peace in the Middle East, to combat terrorist groups and to confront radical and oppressive Islamist regimes.
For decades, politicians and foreign affairs professionals claimed Middle East peace depended on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, through the efforts of President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and former Defense Minister Gallant, historic normalization agreements were secured between Israel and Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Sudan, while laying groundwork for future agreements with Saudi Arabia.
During Israel’s recent war of self-defense, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant severely weakened Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC. These men courageously stood up to radical Islamist dictators like Ayatollah Khamenei in Iran and, formerly, Bashar al-Assad in Syria, who waged war against their own innocent civilians through the indiscriminate use of violence.
“President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and former Defense Minister Gallant’s valiant work to combat terrorism and stand up to Islamist regimes has directly led to greater regional and global stability. Without their work, terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC would still pose a massive threat to all civilians in the Middle East and around the world. In a time of global turmoil, the bold and unwavering efforts of these leaders is unprecedented and offers hope for lasting peace in the Middle East and around the world. The Nobel Peace Prize Committee has honored esteemed world leaders and champions of peace; it is only fitting that valiant and heroic leaders like President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Gallant join these esteemed ranks. I am eager to see these leaders receive the respect, honor, and distinction they richly deserve,” said Congresswoman Tenney.
Officers with Batavia PD, as well as sheriff's deputies later in the morning, participated in the 10th annual Shop with a Cop event at Walmart on Saturday.
Shop with a Cop allows local children who are selected with the help of school resource officers and school officials from each school in Genesee County to buy Christmas presents for themselves or for friends and family members. Children are provided funds and their own personal police officer or deputy to accompany them on a Christmas shopping trip in the store.
Walmart hosts and staffs the event. Walmart also provides funding and goody bags for each child.
Grant money from Walmart, donations from the City of Batavia Police Benevolent Association, City of Batavia Civil Employee’s Association (CSEA), the City’s “Jeans for Friday” program, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Employee Association and donations made in the memory of Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello makes the event possible.
Just in time for the holidays! Bontrager Auction's Man Cave Collectibles Auction is open for online bidding until Dec. 18. We have over 750 lots, including a great motorcycle collection, an array of vintage advertising, neon and backlit signs, sports and racing memorabilia, games, WWII posters, and much more. Create the ultimate man cave or buy a one-of-a-kind gift for someone on your holiday shopping list. Don't miss the live preview on Monday, Dec. 16, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Bontrager's Auction Center, 8975 Wortendyke Road, Batavia. Have questions or need help with online bidding? Call our office at 585-343-4529 or email bontrager@bontragerauction.com.
Health and wellness have always been important to family nurse practitioner Renee Marie Robbins. However, it wasn’t until a close family member became critically ill that it took on a deeper meaning.
“I was interested in it and went and did some training and really loved what I did. And then, the whole weight loss thing kind of blew up around here, and I have a personal love for it because, seeing my brother at 45 have a heart attack and almost not be with us, I've really delved into nutrition and health,” Robbins said Friday while doing last minute set-up of her new place at Batavia City Centre. “Also, just being in family practice, helping others, and then having issues with them being denied from their insurance when they really could use the help. A lot of people have been where they just need that little extra push and motivation, and to be held accountable and have someone really care about their health and their journey.”
A Batavia native and 1997 Notre Dame High School graduate, Robbins has more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She most recently worked at Oak Orchard Health, which she left one and a half years ago. She continues to work at Guler Cardiology in Batavia while debuting her Renee Marie Aesthetics and Wellness next door at 47b in the City Centre.
Robbins is having a grand opening to introduce herself and her offerings, including a Dyson supersonic raffle prize, beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday.
She first rented space at a salon in Elma and ran it for two and a half years, drawing clients from the area and her hometown. However, she said, few practitioners offered the weight loss or aesthetic services she is now bringing to Genesee County.
Those include individualized counseling, use of supplements, an FDA-certified compounding pharmacy to mix two medications together when needed, and finding alternatives when one’s insurance won’t cover a service or someone doesn’t want to go the drastic route of a gastric bypass or end up with diabetes before the insurance company might provide more coverage.
“Bottom line is, I'm willing to try to help someone with their weight loss or their health needs, we'll say, in any way that I can, whether it's through insurance, and if insurance doesn't cover weight loss, then I have alternative means,” she said. “There’s a lot that goes into it; it’s not just what you eat, it’s not just exercise, but it’s also habits. More mindful eating is what I try to teach, we need to always be conscious about what we’re putting into our bodies, about portions. And that’s, I think, where people struggle a lot.”
On the aesthetics side, Robbins has trained with the American Academy of Facial Aesthetics and keeps up on techniques with continued trainings, she said. Services include lip and facial fillers, wrinkle relaxers including Daxxify and Dysport, microneedling, glow facials, EMS body sculpting of various body parts (the abs are especially popular, she said, with electrical stimulation of the muscles to simulate doing 30,000 sit-ups in 30 minutes to strengthen the core).
Some of those body sculpting procedures can be part of a weight loss package. She offers single-session and package prices for services and is available for free Telehealth consultations.
“I hope to help others achieve their health goals. I am proud to own and operate my own aesthetics and wellness clinic, taking pride in providing exceptional service and delivering results to my clients … and how much I care to help others be more healthy, happy, have confidence and be more successful in their goals,” she said. “It’s about helping others. People were coming out to me in Elma, and I live out here and they live out here, and it was like, all right, through a lot of encouragement, I decided just to go ahead and do it, because it’s just the best feeling, it really is.
“My vision is to empower other practitioners … like massage therapists. I really would like to make it a wellness center,” she said. “There’s no better feeling than to hear ‘you’ve really changed my life.’”
Robbins works with individuals, couples, groups, people of all ages, and people with various medical conditions and provides “complete confidentiality,” she said. Hours are by appointment, Monday through Friday.
For more information, call 585-483-0038, email reneemarieaesthetics@gmail.com or go HERE.
Some tools of her trade next to a client chair at Renee Marie Aesthetics and Wellness. Photo by Howard Owens
Nici Johnson, on-air personality for WBTA, Marc Tillery, WBTA producer, Todd Rapp, operations manager, for the Salvation Army, Dan Fischer, former owner of WBTA, and Brad Moore, captain with the Salvation Army. Photo by Howard Owens.
WBTA, Ken Barrett Chevrolet, and the Salvation Army teamed up on Friday for their annual toy drive for the families of Genesee County.
The 17 municipalities that co-own the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. can expect a payout of $7.8 million in 2025, according to an operational for the new year approved by the board of directors on Thursday.
If the 2024 estimate of $7.4 million holds, that's a $400,000 increase, but it still falls far short of 2023's record of $10,255,058.
The plan projects a net gaming win of $90,495,000.
Of that, close to $45 million will be paid to state agencies by statute.
The total operating expenses for all operations will exceed $38.6 million. Batavia Downs will account for $33 million of these expenses. This is an increase of $1 million.
Net earnings (profits) from all operations are expected to exceed $8.8 million, with branches generating more than $500,000 in surcharge revenue, losing more than $1.5 million, leaving municipalities the anticipated $7.8 million payout.
Branch operations continue to be a financial drain on the organization, with revenue steadily decreasing every year.
The anticipated handle for branch operations is projected to be $38.8 million in 2025, down from the planned handle of $43.9 million in 2024. OTB will earn more than $8 million on commissions, with other revenues exceeding $1.8 million. Statutory payments will be more than $4.7 million. Operating expenses will grow by more than $100,000 to $5.6 million.
There are eight branches within WROTB, 28 EZ-Bets sites(including four expected to start in 2025), plus online and telephone wagering.
The plan calls for Batavia Downs to operate 939 gaming machines, with a win per terminal per day of $267.17 for a total net win of $90.5 million.
Food and beverage revenue is expected to exceed $5.6 million with operational earnings exceeding $1.1 million.
The Rockin' the Downs concert series will return in 2025 with eight concerts, including a promise of some bigger name acts. Projected revenue from all sales is expected to approach $1 million. Net earnings will be less than $100,000. The plan does not project an increase in hotel and gaming revenue associated with the concerts.
Projected revenue for the hotel in 2025 is $2.9 million with a profit of $780,000.
At the track, between the summer-fall season and the winter season, there will be 71 racing dates. The anticipated handle is $968,200.
Administrative costs is projected to exceed $8.2 million, an increase of $1 million. The increase is related to ongoing demand for new and upgraded computers and software, legal services, and retirement benefits (including one buyout), plus the increased cost in health insurance.
Town Court Clerk Below are two lists: one details the myriad responsibilities that fall within the purview of the court clerk; the other summarizes the knowledge and abilities that court clerks possess or acquire through training. These lists are provided so that a judge and municipality can intelligently discuss the benefits that a court clerk can provide. The items below can also form the basis for a list of job duties should a municipality need to fill a vacancy in a court clerk position. Primary Responsibilities A. Maintain confidentiality of records and information when required to do so B. Prepare court calendar C. Collect monies, reconcile daily receipts, deposit receipts, prepare reports for monthly disbursements, reconcile bank accounts, and prepare administrative reports D. Enter convictions on drivers' licenses and prepare conviction reports electronically transmitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles E. Enter criminal conviction on NCIC reports and electronically send same to Division of Criminal Justice Services F. Respond to inquiries-in person, by phone, by e-mail and by mail-and provide assistance to lawyers, litigants, media, and members of the public G. Prepare monthly reports that are electronically sent to the Office of the State Comptroller H. Prepare orders, summonses, warrants and other court forms i. Communicate with outside agencies in order to coordinate the Court's activities and provide services to litigants. Such agencies include: ii. Law enforcement agencies, such as local police departments, New York State Police, Sheriffs office, FBI and CIA, US Armed Forces, and the Office of the District Attorney; I. Other courts, including superior courts and other local town and village courts; and i. Miscellaneous county agencies, such as Community Service, Community Dispute Resolution Center, Pre-trial Release, Probation, Stop DWI program, Victim Impact Panel, and Youth Court. ii. State agencies that require periodic reporting, including the New York State Unified Court System, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of the State Comptroller, the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the Office of Court Record Retention. J. Examine court documents to ensure their accuracy and completeness K. Receive and file summonses, traffic tickets and other documents for court proceedings i. Assist the Justice at the bench during all Court proceedings Knowledge of: 1. The functions and organization of the Unified Court System ii. Basic legal terminology, codes and abbreviations iii. Court forms, practices and procedures, including those set forth in the Uniform Justice Court Act and the Uniform Civil Rules for the Justice Courts (22 NYCRR Part 214) 2. Ability to: i. Prepare judicial orders and decisions ii. Effectively communicate information orally and in writing iii. File and retrieve materials, extract data from various sources for entry onto court form iv. Research and interpret laws outlined in court documents and litigants' motions and other papers v. Perform mathematical tasks in order to compile court activity reports, total receipts, accept payments, and verify bills vi. Refer to appropriate documents, statutes, citations or other sources in order to respond to specific questions from attorneys, litigants and members of the general public vii. Interpret policies, statutes, rules and regulations and apply them in specific contexts viii. Establish work priorities ix. Constructively manage conflict with court users Qualifications: Highschool diploma recognized by the NYS Dept of Education or appropriate equivalent. Along with 4 years of college, specialization in criminal justice, law, business administration or related field. -OR- 2 years college with specialization in Business Administration or related field. Please email your resume to abrownell@townofbatavia.com no later than 12/16/2024. Pay is based on experience.
