We live where there are four seasons, and the weather, holidays, and outdoor activities dictate our memories. 

I remember how much snow we had in winter during the 50s and 60s, when the ground was covered with snow from November to March. It always seemed there were two feet of snow and never a snow day. You always wore a winter jacket, snow pants, rubber boots, and possibly a Wonder Bread bag over your shoes to make sure your feet stayed dry. A scarf, mittens, and a hat completed your winter attire. We looked like inflated children walking to school. 

We spent many hours on the weekends playing in the snow. That was where the snow forts were built, and the snowball fights began. It was also the time to take your Flexible Flyer steel runner wood sled to State Street hill and wait in line for your turn to sail down the hill, only to get to the end of the hill to walk up again and wait your turn in line. If you lived on the south side, you would sled on the South Jackson Street hill, and hopefully, no cars were coming as your sled would end up in the street. We had the snow to play in and the anticipation of the Christmas school break. 

Depending on where you lived, there was ice skating. Austin and Kibbe Parks’ wading pools would be transformed into an ice rink, and the Tonawanda Creek also became an ice skating rink. In the early history of Vine Street, there was also ice skating, and today, you can see what remains in a stone-created little building you used to go in to keep warm. That was before John Kennedy School was built. Later, the tennis courts became skating rinks with music to skate to. 

The day we would get our Christmas tree, we went to either the Boy Scout Christmas Tree lot or the St. Joseph's Drum Corps tree lot to purchase our tree. We had to wait a day before dragging out the metal stand and trying to set up the tree so it appeared straight. I remember two kinds of lights: the multi-colored large bulbs and the bubble lights. The ornaments were glass, and inevitably, a few would break. Mom or Dad put up the lights because we were too young to do that, and we probably would fight. The best part was the icicles. We would carefully put one strand at a time on the tree, and by the time we were done, we were throwing handfuls. Years later, Gina and Terry were added to the family, and now we had an aluminum Christmas tree. 

The youngest brother, John, just sat and watched the chaos. The little sisters weren't born yet. In the winter, board games were played, mostly Monopoly, and some arguing was bound to happen. We always had to ask if getting up on Christmas morning was okay! 

Mass was always a big part of our Sunday morning. I remember how beautiful the church looked, all decorated, and voices from the choir filled the air with traditional holiday songs. Our family was so big we filled an entire pew. 

Our Mom gave each of my five siblings a photograph album one year. It must have taken her a year to make them; we treasured them. In those pages, we were growing up through pictures. The six of us just sat in the living room, sharing photographs and recalling so many memories, and today, we would give anything to have one more day like that. It was the best Christmas gift we ever received. 

Another highlight of Christmas Day was the five-course meal that was prepared. If you are Italian, you know exactly what I mean. Dinner took place in our dining room, at the adult table, and in the kitchen, at the kid's table. Before dinner, our Dad always said grace and added something beautiful about being thankful for his family and all being able to share Christmas. After dinner, we would get into the station wagon and ride around Batavia looking at the Christmas lights. Our first stop was the NYS School for the Blind, where we saw the miniature Christmas Village. It was a time when you could see the Nativity Scene on city property. When I think of Christmas today and as a child, I wouldn't change a thing. I loved growing up in a big family because we all share the same memories, and the stories of our younger years get embellished every year as we tell them over and over again. 

It will always be the Blind School, State Park Hill, St. Anthony's, St. Mary's, Sacred Heart Church, and St. Joseph Church. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa to my readers.   I hope your winter season is a time to create new memories and cherish the old ones.

A lake effect snow warning has been issued for Genesee County starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday and lasting until 7 p.m. on Sunday.

The National Weather Service forecasts 6 to 12 inches of lake-effect snow for the region, with the most persistent bands passing over the southwest portion of the county. 

Travelers should anticipate winds and snow-covered roads.  The snow will pass over in relatively narrow bands so travelers should be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions. 

Commercial traffic has been restricted on the Thruway.

With all his friends from Le Roy asking John Spyropoulous when he would open a restaurant in Le Roy so they wouldn't need to drive so often to Settlers in Batavia, along with the increasing number of people coming to him looking for work, Spyropoulous decided to take the hint and open a new eatery in the former L.B. Grand location on Main Street.

"You know, I've got that place (Settlers Restaurant) running so good now, and my employees are so great, they don't even need me there. They kick me out," Spyropoulous said in an exclusive interview with The Batavian. "So, I said I'd give it a shot. I need a new challenge."

Settlers Select officially opens on Monday.

Starting a new restaurant in Le Roy is a sort of homecoming for Spyropoulous.

When Spyropoulous family first moved to Genesee County more than five decades ago, they rented an apartment in Le Roy.  John's father, Steve Spyropoulous, immigrated to the U.S. from Greece as a young man with just a suitcase. He started his restaurant career washing dishes in a restaurant in Rochester that members of his family owned. He saved his money and opened a restaurant in Fairport.

That was going pretty well until he learned the drawbridge over the canal was going to be closed for restoration work. So he sold the restaurant where he could and brought the family to Le Roy, looking for his next opportunity. 

Steve looked at a location in Le Roy -- the space that was most recently Moony's on Lake Street -- and another location in Attica, but neither deal worked out, so he turned his attention to the former Red Barn location in Batavia. 

Settler's opened in 1985, and Steve ran the restaurant until his death in 2018 at age 66.

"My father took it over and made it a gem," John said. "You know, it's a staple now. He did good for himself. He worked hard."

The new restaurant, Settlers Select, at 37-39 Main Street, Le Roy, is more of a bistro than a classic American diner.

The breakfast menu remains the same.

"Breakfast is breakfast," John said.

On the lunch and dinner menu are items such as roasted cauliflower with a spicy aioli, pitas, and hot pepper dip, a French onion burger, and breaded pork cutlets served with mashed potatoes and braised cabbage.

John's wife Miranda leads the kitchen, preparing sauces and entrees. 

Settlers Select also has a full bar -- completely refurbished from the L.B. Grand days. Settlers in Batavia doesn't serve alcohol.

Spyropoulous expects customers to find the same friendly atmosphere at Settlers Select as they do at Settlers Restaurant. 

"All my staff in Batavia, all the waitresses I have, are very talkative with customers," Spyropoulous said. "Everybody enjoys themselves when they come in. I get so many good reviews about how good my staff is, how good everybody treats customers there. I just want the same thing here, you know, and a bunch of the new people that I've hired, I think we're gonna be all right."

The Batavia Kiwanis Club hosted its annual Thanksgiving Free Skate on Thursday morning at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena in Batavia.

Photos by Howard Owens.

More than 950 local residents received free Thanksgiving meals on Thursday, prepared and delivered by dozens of City Church volunteers working out of the kitchen at the St. Anthony's campus.

Most of the meals were delivered but tables were set for any people who wished to dine at St. Anthony's.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Mike Miller, with a time of 21:58, won the Fourth Annual Turkey Trot on Thursday at Silver Fox Fitness on Cedar Street.

Photos by Howard Owens.

The 5th Annual Caryville Inn Turkey Trot took place on Thursday under chilly, rainy conditions. Despite the continuous mist that persisted throughout the race, 192 runners and walkers braved the elements as the event kicked off promptly at 9 a.m.

The overall male winner was Brandon Rebert, clocking in at 18:17. Kimberly Mills claimed the title of overall female winner with a time of 21:07.

Photos by Kara Richenberg.

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When you walk near a red Salvation Army kettle outside a local store and hear the ting-a-ling of a volunteer's silver bell, Capt. Bradley Moore thinks, perhaps, the notes you hear is a reminder of hope.

Hope for the families who will be fed or clothed by your donation, hope for those who don't know where else to turn during the Christmas season, and a hope that helps you remember there are people in your community who depend on the Salvation Army and your support of its ministry.

The Salvation Army has been in Genesee County for 138 years, helping spread hope to those in need 365 days a year. The volunteer -- or seasonal worker -- ringing the bell is often most visible reminder of the Salvation Army but Army serves the community's poor and those in crisis everyday.

The Red Kettle Campaign is a big reason the Salvation Army can meet the needs of your friends, family members, and neighbors in Genesee County.

This year, the fundraising goal is a big one -- $100,000.

"We served over 11,000 people food in the last year," said Moore, who, along with his wife Rachel, manages the Salvation Army in Batavia. "So, as you hear that bell, know that it's helping all year round. It is just a reminder that the Salvation Army is a source of hope for a lot of people. As you see the shield and hear the bells, know that raising that money is essential for us to be able to continue the good work."

The services available at the Salvation Army at 529 E. Main St., Batavia, include a food pantry and clothing, as well as community meals, Friday family nights, and Sunday church services, but the staff at the Salvation Army are committed to finding assistance for anybody who comes in with an unmet need.

"If somebody comes to us with a need, we'll do whatever we can to either meet that need here or partner with somebody to help meet that need," Moore said. "Obviously, food is huge right now. Our food pantry serves roughly 35 to 45 families every day that we're open, which is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  We partner a lot with neighborhood legal services if somebody's having issues with landlords. For domestic violence, we help through the YWCA. We do whatever we can for whoever walks in the door."

Moore said the Salvation Army's operations manager, Tood Rapp, is particularly adept at discovering the needs of people who drop in and assuring them the Salvation Army can, in fact, help.

"I often say, I gotta get him a mug or something that says, 'Hi, I'm Todd. How can I help?' That's what he says all the time. He is just willing to hear people's stories and figure out how we can help on an individual basis," Moore said. "There's a lot of needs."

Rapp said it's amazing to hear somebody tell their story and see them realize that there is somebody listening who cares about their needs.

"If you can actually help make a difference, that's even better," Rapp said. "People just want to be heard. They want to know that they matter. And I can't tell you how many times I sit here and I look at somebody and they say, 'Why are you doing this?' And I'm able to look them in the eye and say, 'Because you matter. You're worth it.' And, you know, there's a lot of people out there that have never been told that."

This level of caring fits with the historical mission of the Salvation Army.

In 1852, William Booth stepped away from the pulpit at a church in London. He took seriously his belief in Jesus' call to serve the poor, the oppressed, and those caught in sin and bring them the Gospel. Between 1881 and 1885, more than 250,000 were converted to followers of Christ in the British Isles.

In 1886, the Salvation Army started to form in Batavia. 

Early in the Army's local history, it established a church on Jackson Street, moved to another location, and then built a citadel on Jackson Street, which fell to the wrecking ball of urban renewal, according to Ruth McEvoy's history of Batavia.

In 1967, the Army purchased its current location, the former East School, from the Batavia City School District for $15,500.  Louis Viele built the new citadel at that location, and the Army sold its Jackson Street location to the city for $90,000.

The mission and ministry have never changed, and just like in the late 1960s, based on McEvoy's account, the Army in Batavia still holds regular religious services, serves as a recreation place for older citizens, has entertainment for the children of the neighborhood, and operates a food bank.

Moore said the Salvation Army is still inspired by the words of William Booth: 

While women weep, as they do now, I will fight. While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I will fight. While there is a drunkard left, where there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, where there remains one dark and without the light of God, I’ll fight. I’ll fight to the very end.

It's a call to service that Moore thinks is still relevant to today's Christians.

"Jesus calls us to love the unlovable, care for the widows and orphans, and feed those who are hungry," Moore said. "Yes, the poor will always be among us, but it doesn't give us a right to just cast them down. We're called to put others before ourselves. The Salvation Army's mission is that we're out -- to summarize -- we want to serve without discrimination and do all things. We do what we do because of our beliefs and who we are. I think that's a reminder that we need to keep our eyes outwardly focused, focus on Jesus and focus on others before we look at ourselves."

Moore was called to ministry as a youth. His parents were Salvation Army officers, and Moore was interested in becoming a youth pastor. However, while serving in that role in Canton, Ohio, he saw the need was greater than just serving the community's youth. 

"I quickly realized that God put that desire in my heart to be more than that," Moore said. 

He said serving the community's young people is still a passion for both him and Rachel (they have three children), but it's important to meet the needs of everybody.

Rapp started volunteering with the Salvation Army in Batavia 12 years ago. As he saw how holistic the assistance was for the community's people, he was drawn to a deeper commitment to the mission. 

"When somebody comes in for food they don't just get food, but we have a conversation, and in that conversation, we find out other things, how else can we help other than just giving them a box of groceries and sending them out the door," Rapp said.

You can ring a bell outside of Tops in Le Roy or Batavia or the Walmart in Batavia, helping to collect donations. To sign up for a time slot, click here.

You can also donate.  Moore notes that most of us never carry much cash these days. We don't necessarily have the spare change -- or spare folding money -- to slip into the kettle.  You can be intentional, ensuring you have cash in hand when you head to Tops or Walmart, or you can donate online. If you provide a Genesee County zip code, 100 percent of your donation will go to the Salvation Army in Batavia.

You can also drop off food donations at the East Main location. The pantry always needs food, especially pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, soup, tuna, canned fruit, and canned pasta meals like Spaghetti-Os and noodles. 

Several local churches collect donations for the Salvation Army. 

Regardless of how you donate, all donations stay local, Moore confirmed. 

"I love that we can look at our community here and say the Salvation Army is still doing those things," Moore said. "We're still helping. We're giving clothing vouchers to those who are in and out of prison. We're still helping to give food to those who are hungry. We're still helping those who are in domestic violence. We haven't changed. Our mission has remained the same."

Genesee County’s Legislature adopted the proposed $189 million budget this week, calling for a tax levy increase of 2.78%. The legislature also agreed to several other resolutions, including moving leftover federal money into countywide broadband expansion, approving the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union contract, raising salaries for county officers and increasing salaries for nonunion employees and management.

A tax levy of $33,630,739 is to be raised for the 2025 budget, which equates to a tax rate decrease of 51 cents per $1,000 assessed value due to increased property assessments, County Manager Matt Landers said, lowering the current rate of $8.08 to $7.57 per $1,000 assessed value. However, as many property owners may discover, their annual tax bill will increase due to those larger assessments. For a prior budget story, go HERE.

During prior talks about the budget, Legislative Chair Shelley Stein remarked about what she believed was the reality of the situation: “It's still an increase in the levy. We are aware that the rate goes down with this, but we also are running a service organization, and there are costs in New York State that we cannot avoid. We want to make a very safe community that is balanced with quality of life. These are the costs.”

Legislator Marianne Clattenburg added that many of “these dollars” are spent, when it comes to security, “not just on public service” but also with a focus on things such as cyber security and the welfare of citizens.

Legislators also approved the negotiated deal to give AFSCME wage increases of 4% for 2025, 3% for 2026 and 4% for 2027.

There is the creation of a Step 7, with a 4% increase.  Members with approximately 7+ years of service will be moved to Step 7.

Beginning Jan. 1, longevity will increase from $.10/hour to $.20/hour for every five years of continuous service, to a maximum of 30 years. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, longevity will increase to $.25/hour for every five years of continuous service, to a maximum of 30 years.

Health Care:

2025 – employees hired prior to 1/1/15 will have a 13% cost share with a cap of 9% of earnings.

2026 – employees hired prior to 1/1/15 will have a 14% cost share with a cap of 9% of earnings.

2027 – employees hired prior to 1/1/15 will have a 15% cost share with a cap of 10% of earnings.

The Civil Service Employee Association (CSEA) is getting a 4% increase, and management is getting a 3.5% increase.  CSEA grade adjustments will be negotiated with the union in the coming months.  Management and union members also receive annual step increases until they reach the top of their grade. 

In addition, specific management positions were recommended for an additional one grade adjustment based on the Evergreen study. One grade adjustment equals an approximately 5% increase. 

The salary of county officers were approved for Jan. 1 as follows:

• Commissioner of Public Works $137,048
• Commissioner of Elections (2) $ 62,817
• Commissioner of Social Services $119,689
• County Attorney $144,830
• County Clerk $111,975
• District Attorney $220,970
• Human Resources Director $123,729
• Public Defender $145,235

The county had previously entered into a contract this year with Spectrum Northeast for high-speed internet broadband access for residential, business and government users for a price not to exceed $6,603,107, and at that time the county dedicated $2 million of its American Rescue Plan funds for the project. 

There is a leftover amount of $17,603.74 of ARPA money, so legislators agreed to also put that toward the broadband expense instead of using reserve funds. 

The patrons of the Recovery Station at 5256 Clinton Street Road in Batavia have formed tight bonds as they work on sobriety together, said Melissa Vineyard, station coordinator, during a "Friendsgiving" meal on Wednesday.

On Thursday, Thanksgiving, she said, the people in recovery will be with their blood family but Friendsgiving is about sharing a meal with people who have a different, special bond with each other.

"When we come into recovery, we make a whole new family," Vineyard said. "These are the people who are in the trenches. These are the people we celebrate. We're proud. They keep going. They don't give up. These are the faces we see every day. So I wanted to have a special time with all these people. Bring them together and just say thank you, perfect."

UConnectCare operates the Recovery Station, a substance and alcohol-free environment where people in recovery can socialize and hang out.

Also on Wednesday, UConnect hosted another "Friendsgiving" event at the agency's child care center on Havester Avenue. There was music by Bart Dentino as well as kids coloring Thanksgiving placemats to take home for Thanksgiving.

The child care center provides a safe place for parents who are going through recovery to drop off their kids to be cared for while they take care of recovery obligations or just get their shopping done.

A first-floor fire was reported at 15 East Ave., Batavia, shortly before 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, with flames and smoke showing when police officers arrived on scene.

The initial call came from a passerby who reported flames showing through a first-floor window.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

A single occupant was out of the house safely when City Fire arrived on scene. There was concern about a second occupant still inside but a search by firefighters determined the house was unoccupied at that point. The first resident said he may have left before the fire.

The fire was knocked down by City Fire crews within minutes of the first city crews arriving on scene.

Heavy fire damage was visible on the first the first floor.

The property is owned by Michael and Patricia McDonald. The house was built in 1880 and is 1,474 square feet, according to property tax records. The assessed value is $99,000.

The fire went to a second alarm with Town of Batavia's FAST Team responding along with Le Roy Fire.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

Genesee County Chapter of Zonta International is proud to announce a series of impactful activities as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, a global movement dedicated to ending violence against women and girls.

This year’s campaign runs from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, through December 10, Human Rights Day. The Batavia - Genesee County Chapter has planned a variety of initiatives to raise awareness and support survivors in our community.

Local Activities

1. Donation to Local Domestic Violence Charity
   • As part of our commitment to supporting survivors, Zonta will be donating to a local domestic violence charity. We are grateful to those who purchased popcorn from our fundraising event this fall. There is still time to purchase and help support this donation. Please reach out to the Batavia - Genesee Zonta Chapter Facebook page to get further information.
2. Lighting City Hall Orange
   • During the 16 Days, Batavia City Hall will glow orange—the campaign's signature color symbolizing hope and a brighter future free of violence.
3. Engage Online
   • Follow us on Facebook at Zonta Genesee County Facebook Page for updates, event details, and information on how you can get involved.

Why This Matters

Violence against women is a global issue that affects 1 in 3 women in their lifetime. By participating in the 16 Days of Activism, the Genesee County Chapter of Zonta International joins a worldwide effort to end gender-based violence and support those who have been affected.

Get Involved

We invite community members to join us in this vital mission. Whether by attending events, engaging online, or supporting local organizations, everyone can play a role in creating a safer, more equitable future.

For more details and updates, visit our Facebook page at Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County Batavia NY.

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Press Release:

The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Genesee County Board of Directors meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on December 3. The meeting will be held at the Association at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia and is open to the public.

For more information, please contact Yvonne Peck at ydp3@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040 x123.

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced that she was elected as New York’s regional representative to the Republican Policy Committee for the 119th Congress. This prestigious committee was created in 1949 and serves as a forum for members of the House Republican Conference to collaborate and develop legislative proposals that promote common sense, conservative solutions.

“It is a distinct privilege to be chosen by my colleagues in the New York Delegation to serve on the Republican Policy Committee. With an oppressive government in Albany, it is crucial to have a strong voice at the federal level advocating against misguided policies and helping New Yorkers push back against the liberal agenda imposed on us at the state level. I look forward to working alongside Policy Committee Chairman Hern and my colleagues to create common sense, conservative solutions to the problems facing Americans today,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

“The 119th Congress is going to be the most consequential Congress in a decade. We have the responsibility and opportunity to enact real change for the American people, and our Policy Committee will be at the forefront of that effort. I am thankful to have Claudia Tenney on the team, and look forward to the work we will do together on the America First Agenda,” said Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern.

Press Release:

Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge held its annual meeting Saturday, Nov. 23, to elect officers and several new board members.

Elected to a two-year term as president was Richard Moss of Medina. Emma DeLeon of Williamsville was elected vice president; Betsy Black of Lockport was elected treasurer; and Kim Mansfield of Newfane and Joe Fell of Buffalo were elected to the nominating committee.

Members also voted for five new board members and re-elected one board member, Seneca Wolf Clan Elder Marve in Jacobs of Cheektowaga. The newly added board members are Chris Hollister of Cheektowaga, Bernadette Clabeaux of Orchard Park, Tim Elliot of Medina, and Pamela Reed Sanchez of Rochester.

Moss replaces Garner Light of Gasport, who led the group through the lean pandemic years and was instrumental in developing and installing the refuge’s new eagle nest camera https://youtu.be/tOa3f2cS9yc, among his numerous accomplishments while president.

“The last four years were challenging and invigorating at the same time,” said Light. “The first two years of my term were during the pandemic. Everything changed. In the time since, we have worked hard as an organization to revitalize, reconnect and become even more active and relevant. I am greatly encouraged to pass the reigns onto Dick Moss, who I'm confident will be an excellent president for FINWR.”

Moss said he is looking forward to working with the board and the group’s volunteers.

“I’ve been walking the refuge trails for more than 30 years,” Moss said. “I don’t think enough people, in the immediate area or across Western New York, know what a gem this place is. I hope to be part of changing that.”  

Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Inc. (FINWR) https://finwr.org/ has about 150 members and is a not-for-profit corporation organized by volunteers dedicated to supporting the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (INWR) via fundraising, education, enhancement and preservation of the refuge and its wildlife.

“Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge  have been an intricate part in accomplishments at the refuge, both in funding for projects but also their volunteerism,” said refuge Manager Tom Roster. “I look forward to working with the newly elected officers and board members to continue this partnership.”

Press Release:

It is the Rotary International vision statement that perhaps says it best “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” 

Rotarians are a collection of people of action, and we share a strong sense of purpose. For several generations Rotarians have risen to meet the needs of their community and the world. Driven by that sense of purpose that the Rotary Club of Le Roy regularly holds community fundraising events.

This fall the club has decided to organize a Holiday Cash Raffle in lieu of the traditional Appliance Raffle.

The tickets for the cash raffle are $10 each and are available at the Tompkins Community Bank in Le Roy, Five Star Bank in Le Roy, made. Salon, from any Le Roy Rotarian and online through the club’s Facebook Page.

There are four cash prizes worth a total of $3,000, the top prize being $1,500. Winners will be drawn at 6 p.m. on December 7 and contacted by phone.

Proceeds from the cash raffle will be used to support funding requests from various community organizations and events. Past recipients include the Le Roy Central School Music Program, Joy Project, Le Roy Winter Fest and several local Youth Sports organizations. 

The Rotary Club of Le Roy takes pride in its funding over $25,000 in Milne Scholarships, awarded to local seniors annually.

Individuals or businesses interested in supporting our community can make contributions by mailing a check to the Rotary Club of Le Roy, Attention: Holiday Cash Raffle, PO Box 141, Le Roy. Any questions can be directed to Scott McCumiskey at: scottmccumiskey.com or (585)993-1875.