Press Release:

Genesee and Orleans County nonprofit organizations and artists seeking funding for arts related programming, events, and public art are encouraged to apply to the 2025 Statewide Community Regrant Program (SCR), administered by Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) through a partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). GO ART! will be accepting applications September 15 - November 1.

GO ART! will be holding free informational SCR workshops in August and September at various locations throughout Genesee and Orleans counties. 

New applicants and previous applicants who have not attended an SCR workshop in 2023 or 2024 are required to attend, prior to submitting an application for the 2025 cycle. 

All applicants are encouraged to attend. Registration required. 

SCR Workshop Schedule:

• Monday, August 5, from 6 - 7 p.m. at GO ART!, 201 E Main St, Batavia
• Tuesday, August 6, from 6 - 7 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 S Main St, Albion
• Monday, August 12, from 6 - 7 p.m. on Zoom
• Monday, August 26, from 6 - 7 p.m. at Hollwedel Memorial Library, 5 Woodrow Dr, Pavilion
• Tuesday, August 27, from 6 - 7 p.m. on Zoom
• Monday, September 9, from 6 - 7 p.m. at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, 620 West Ave Medina
• Tuesday, September 10, from 6 - 7 p.m. at Haxton Memorial Library, 3 N Pearl St Oakfield
• Monday, September 16, from 6 - 7 p.m. at Woodward Memorial Library, 7 Wolcott Street, Leroy
• Tuesday, September 17, from 6 - 7 p.m. on Zoom

For more information on the 2025 SCR program or to register for an upcoming workshop visit www.goart.org/grants

Press Release:

Genesee County has been notified that it will be awarded $14,237.00 for Phase 39, $28,155.00 for Phase ARPAR, and $9,966.00 for Phase 41 federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) funds through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as appropriated by Congress through FY2022.

Applications are due from qualified organizations by July 31. 

The National Board consists of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide. More about the national program is available online at www.efsp.unitedway.org.

A Local Board is charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help supplement food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country. The Local Board will determine how the funds awarded to Genesee County are to be distributed among local qualifying agencies. 

The Genesee County Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) Board is encouraging local agencies that meet requirements to apply for the funds. Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 

1. Be private voluntary non-profits or units of government
2. Be eligible to receive Federal funds
3. Have an adequate accounting system
4. Practice non-discrimination
5. Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs
6. If they are a private voluntary organization, have an active voluntary board of directors. 

Qualifying agencies are urged to apply. 

The deadline for applications to be submitted online is July 31. Non-profit organizations or public agencies interested in applying for funding may contact local board chair Katrina Standish at (585) 589-5605, ext. 103 or via email at KStandish@caoginc.org.

Press Release:

Did you know that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if you smoke and live in a home with high radon levels, your risk for developing lung cancer significantly increases. 

Testing your home for radon is the only effective way to determine if you and your loved ones are being exposed to toxic levels of radon gas. 

Radon can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, walls, joints, dirt floors, opening of sump pump, in well-water supply, and from gaps around suspended floors and pipes. Any home can have high radon levels, whether it is old or new, has a basement or is built on a slab.

“Radon is prevalent across the country; however, Genesee County is among several counties in New York State with higher than normal radon levels,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Testing your home is important and one of the easiest preventative health measures a homeowner can take.”

The Genesee County Health Department's Radon Program provides short-term radon test kits to residents of Genesee County. The program also offers educational materials and in-services programs on the danger of radon prevalence, and mitigation options for new or existing homes, all available at no charge. In other counties, short-term test kits can be purchased at your local hardware store or through the New York State Department of Heath website https://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-2247.pdf. 

For more information about radon, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@co.genesee.ny.us. 

Friday, July 19 — North American 6 Horse Hitch Classic Series
($5 carload entry to the fair Friday, 7/19th only)
Gates Open at 2PM

• 4 PM – Stockyard Classic Hog Show
• 5:30 PM—North American 6 Horse Hitch Classic (Horse Arena)
• 6:30 PM – Draft Horse Farm Team Show (Horse Arena) 
• 6 PM—Fair Queen Pageant (Entertainment Tent)
  
  Daily at the Fair:
• Air Sculpture (Balloon Display and Demonstrations) (All Day Every Day)
• Pig Racing – Show Schedule (SAT 4pm, 6pm & 8pm; SUN 4pm, 6pm & 8pm; MON 4pm, 6pm & 8pm; TUES 4pm, 6pm & 8pm; WED 2pm, 4pm, 6pm & 8pm;  THURS 4pm, 6pm & 8pm; FRI 2pm, 4pm, 6pm & 8pm; SAT 2pm, 4pm, 6pm & 8pm)
• Niagara Down Under (All Day Every Day)
• Pony Rides (All Day Every Day)
• Chain Saw Carver (All Day Every Day)
• Fame Racing – Radio Controlled Car Racing (SAT 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; SUN 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; MON 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; TUES 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; WED 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; THURS 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; FRI 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm; SAT 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm)
• Fair Trivia Hunt – All Day (July 20th-26th) – Exhibition Building – DAILY PRIZES
  Events & times on the schedule are subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with changes.

Press Release:

The 54th Annual Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction will be held on Thursday, July 25 at the Genesee County Fair. This event will feature rabbits, chickens, goats, lambs, beef steers, dairy steers, and hogs raised by dedicated local 4-H members. The sale begins at 6 p.m. in the 4-H Show Arena at the fairgrounds. Interested buyers may also view and place bids for the auction online at www.williamkentinc.com.

Participating processors include Burly Brothers Country Butchery in Attica, Grizzly’s Custom Cutting in Portageville, Kramell’s Meat Market in Wyoming, SK Meat Market in Batavia, and Warsaw Meat Packing in Warsaw.

Animals will be auctioned by William Kent Inc. of Stafford. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to William Kent and family for their long-standing support of the 4-H Market Animal Auction!

New this year will be a 4-H Silent Auction featuring baked goods and agricultural product baskets made by local 4-H members. Bidding for the silent auction will be open 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds on July 25.

For more information, please contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at 585-343-3040 ext. 131 or visit http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/.

Join us for an evening of community spirit and support for our local youth!

The 2024 Elba Queen and her Court has been selected.

The queen is Abby Russell. Jillian Brewer is the first runner-up. Sadee Dillon is the second runner-up.

There was a total of six candidates.

Photo by Laura Luft.

The Town of Batavia will hold a public information meeting at 7 p.m. on July 25 to discuss plans to widen Route 98 from the NYS Thruway bridge to West Saile Drive.

The proposed project would widen the pavement from two lanes to three lanes, with left-turn lanes at Federal Drive and Call Parkway and two-way turn lanes at other spots along the roadway. The project also includes new signage, striping, and improvements to the guard rail at West Saile Drive.

The meeting discussion will cover existing conditions, needs, and objectives, as well as the project's design, schedule and anticipated cost.

The meeting will be held at Batavia Town Hall, 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia.

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

Press Release:

The Batavia Society of Artists will host its annual art show at GO-ART, located at 201 E. Main St., from August 12 to October 1. The event is open exclusively to members of the Batavia Society of Artists in good standing.

Artists are invited to submit up to three paintings of any size for a $15 entry fee. Each additional painting will incur a $5 fee. All submitted works must be recent, created within the last three years, and not previously exhibited in any BSA member's show. Paintings must also have a wire hanger; works lacking this requirement may not be displayed.

The entry deadline is August 9. Entry fees and forms should be mailed to Teresa Tamfer at 157 Hutchins Street, Batavia. For additional information, Teresa can be reached at 585-506-2465.

Artists can drop off their paintings at GO-ART on Thursday or Friday, August 8 or 9, between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., or Saturday, August 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Alternate drop-off times can be arranged by calling 585-343-9313.

The art show will have an opening reception on Thursday, August 15, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Artists must pick up their paintings on Thursday or Friday, October 3 or 4, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., or on Saturday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arrangements for alternate pick-up times can be made by calling 585-343-9313.

Paintings sold during the show will incur a 20% commission, payable to GO-ART.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

Why is a group with Tobacco-Free in its name so passionate and determined to promote plastic-free living for the month of July? Because tobacco product waste, especially the tiny but troublesome discarded cigarette butts, is a form of plastic waste?

“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are littered every year, making them the most littered item on the planet,” says Brittany Bozzer, Reality Check Youth Coordinator for Tobacco-Free Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties (TF-GOW). “That’s a problem because cigarette butt filters are made of a nonbiodegradable plastic called cellulose acetate.”

When tossed into the environment, cigarette butts dump not only plastic, but also nicotine, arsenic, formaldehyde, lead and cadmium that leaches into our soil, waterway systems and surrounding environment, affecting all kinds of living things from plants and flowers to wildlife and marine life.

Beyond cigarette butts

Bozzer notes that cigarette butts are just one form of tobacco product waste that is plastic litter. Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes or vapes, are also toxic to the environment. Add plastic cigar tips, tobacco product wrappers and smokeless tobacco product containers and the local, state and global pollution problem continues.

What can you do in your community

1. Host a cigarette butt cleanup? Cleanups can help build awareness about the extent of the tobacco product pollution and why it’s important to stop. Be sure to wear gloves and pick up discarded vapes, cigar tips and plastic packaging as well.
2. Help people quit. Eliminating tobacco product waste for good also means helping smokers and vapers quit.

The New York State Smokers' Quitline is a confidential service for all New York State residents who wish to overcome dependence on commercial tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. 

Free offerings include individualized coaching and assistance with quit-planning from highly trained tobacco treatment specialists, text and online chat support and free shipping of stop-smoking medications such as nicotine patches, nicotine lozenges or nicotine gum for those 18 and older.

Residents of all ages may contact the Quitline for support and educational materials. In addition, the Quitline encourages teens and young adults (ages 13-24) to text “DROPTHEVAPE” to 88709 to join “This Is Quitting,” a free texting support program for help with quitting vaping. 

For more information, text QUITNOW to 333888 or call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) seven days a week, beginning at 9 a.m.

Press Release:

Get a group of your "Swifties" and come to the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena Friday, July 19 from 7:30 - 9 p.m. for a "Swiftastic" night of ALL Taylor Swift tunes. 

Skate around the party and laser light lit up arena. You LOVE T-Swift? This is the night for you, grab your "Swifties", put on your merch and skate the night away to your "bestie" Taylor Swift!

Admission is $8 and $3 for skate rental. David M. McCarthy Arena is located at 22 Evans Street, Batavia.

Like Local News? Then why not support it?  Join Early Access Pass today so we can keep bringing to you the news that matters most, the news of Batavia and Genesee County.  Use the Coupon Code GCFAIR24 for a discount.  $10 off the first year of an annual membership or $1 off each month for a year on a monthly membership. Click here to join.

The Muckdogs are still in the hunt to clinch a playoff spot as they look to bounce back against Jamestown.

Woods (BAT) v.s. Hayes (JT)

#GoDogs

Press Release:

AT&T is experiencing a network service outage affecting the ability to deliver AT&T wireless 9-1-1 calls in our area. AT&T is working to isolate and resolve the issue.

AT&T cell phone users may experience interruptions, degradation, or the inability to connect when calling 9-1-1. In Genesee County, if you have an emergency and cannot get through on 9-1-1, please call (585) 343-5000.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski clarified how Batavia Police ended up sweeping the Ellicott Station property at 50-56 Ellicott St. on Monday, resulting in the location of a person wanted on a misdemeanor charge.

“The city found evidence of a squatter Friday at the Della Penne building during a (Batavia Development Corp.)-lead hard hat construction tour, so it looks like property was accessed even before the fence came down,” Tabelski said about a perimeter fence that was removed early Monday at the downtown premises. 

Tabelski further said that, per a rumor she has heard, “the fence company was not paid by Savarino, so that is why the fence was removed,” clarifying that it was removed for that reason rather than for a third-party subcontractor performing landscaping maintenance on the property.

Property owner Sam Savarino did not respond to The Batavian's requests for comments on Monday regarding the maintenance work, the removal of the fence and potential concerns about safety on the property.

As for the excessive weeds in need of trimming at the stalled apartment complex, Tabelski said that the “codes department will be issuing violations to the owner and mortgage holder.” She has confidence in the police department’s ability to do its job when called for, but she does not want to expend unnecessary resources due to the property owner’s negligence.

"I was on scene when the police swept the entire apartment building this morning and they did a great job,” Tabelski said. “With that said, we don’t want to tie up city resources to sweep the building because of lack of property security!  We certainly don’t want anyone on the property who should not be there. Savarino needs to keep the site mowed, secured and safe so citizens can’t access the site.

“We continue to await the investors, the bank and (the state Office of Home and Community Renewal’s) decisions on the property and would appreciate the back due taxes being paid,” she said. “The city has to make the county and school whole for any back taxes, so not only do we have an unsafe eyesore in the middle of the city, we are supplementing their tax bill.”

To date, Savarino owes $20,000 in unpaid taxes for the property that is assessed at $2,892,500. The original deal with Genesee County Economic Development Center had it on a payment in lieu of taxes agreement, but Savarino Companies/Ellicott Station LLC was declared in default on the tax-abatement contract for an alleged failure to meet workforce housing promises. That is a claim Savarino disputes. He now must pay all of the regular full taxes.  (See: Documents reveal Ellicott Station built on foundation of misunderstood housing terms)

The Batavian asked when the city might consider a tax-lien foreclosure on the property, and Tabelski said the matter would have to be discussed with the City Council and that Savarino would have the opportunity "to cure and pay the taxes" before it ever reached that point.

We will be celebrating with our community members who have stepped aboard the LG Express to take the journey to servant leadership. Every stop we make is a piece of our education that travels the tracks in all of Genesee County.

The LG Express event is our largest fundraiser in 2024, ensuring our train keeps on rolling. We hope to validate your ticket and see you there.

By James Fink

Two events helped lay the foundation that led to Anthony Fernandez creating “Peace Frog,” a Doors tribute band.

And, both happened when Fernandez was 11 years old.

First came his viewing of “Apocalypse Now,” the Francis Ford Coppola-directed Vietnam-era movie that used the Doors “The End” in key scenes. The song became a lifelong hook for Fernandez, now 56.

Then he read Danny Sugarman and Jerry Hopkins’ best-selling Jim Morrison biography “No One Here Gets Out Alive’ about the life and times of the Doors’ lead singer.

Taken together, they became a seminal moment for Fernandez.

"It was the first book (‘No One Here Gets Out Alive’) that I read cover-to-cover,” Fernandez said.

Since 1998, Fernandez has led Peace Frog, a Doors tribute band, that will be playing July 19 at Batavia Downs as part of its summer concert series. Fernandez, like Morrison, is the lead singer.

“It is just part of my personal relationship I’ve had with Jim Morrison and the Doors since I was 11,” Fernandez said.

Peace Frog is considered one of the top Doors’ tribute bands. Like the Doors, the four-piece band includes Fernandez on vocals, Brad Watson on keyboards, Tyler Thigpen on guitar and Adam Thompson on drums.

The band has a deep following, having played in 30 states plus Mexico, Australia, Canada and Greece.

The set list, which varies from show to show, includes hits and well-known songs as well as lesser played Doors’ tunes.

Yes, “Riders on the Storm” and “Light My Fire” will be played but so will others like the “Alabama Song” or “Tell All the People.”

“On stage, I channel what I call the intellectual Jim Morrison, not the destructive one,” Fernandez said. “I’ve done every song by the Doors that’s out there."

As for Fernandez himself, he has played and sung with former Doors members guitarist Robbie Krieger and the late keyboardist Ray Manzarek

Fernandez began his singing career with attending the University of Hawaii, where he started out singing in cover bands. When he returned to Los Angeles - his hometown - in 1996, Fernandez continued singing in local bands before a friend said he sounded like Morrison and maybe he should front a Doors cover band. Thus, Peace Frog was born.

A key moment came with a weekly booking at the Venice (Beach) Bistro that turned into a 12-year gig every Sunday night. Their run began in 1998.

“That’s what really cemented the band,” Fernandez said.

From there, out-of-town and out-of-country bookings followed.

The bookings are sandwiched between Fernandez’ “day job”, serving as  political science and Chicano studies professor at Pierce College in Los Angeles.

“It does keep me busy and current,” Fernandez said.

Tickets are on sale through www.bataviaconcerts.com.

Peace Frog performs Friday, July 19 at Batavia Downs.

Press Release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that as part of a Guest Appreciation Celebration, Batavia Downs is now making the Peace Frog – Doors Tribute Concert, taking place this Friday, July 19, a free show.  

Those wishing to attend the concert can pick up their free GA ticket upon arrival at Batavia Downs inside of Park Place on Friday.

For those who already purchased tickets, they can visit the upgrade table located outside of the Park Place room on Friday, July 19 and have their tickets upgraded to the next section closer to the stage.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is investigating a suspected larceny of items from the Flying J, 8484 Alleghany Road, Pembroke.

A subject (photo) is wanted for questioning in connection with the suspected theft. The Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the individual.

If you recognize the person, you're asked to call 585-345-3000 x3251 or email Deputy Stephen Smith at stephen.smith@geneseeny.gov.

Back at home, with the ability to clinch a playoff spot tonight! 

West (AUB) v.s. Wheaton (BAT)

#GoDogs