Press Release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation will welcome all guests to an evening of fine dining and holiday music at its annual Encore holiday gala on Saturday, December 14 at 5 p.m. This year's event theme, "Twelve Days of Christmas," celebrates the traditions of the holiday season and features a special holiday concert program choreographed by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra.

For over 30 years, Encore has provided crucial funding for student scholarships at Genesee Community College. The Foundation is pleased to announce the continued support of our Presenting Sponsor, Tompkins Financial Corporation, for Encore 2024. 

"Tompkins banking, insurance and wealth teams are proud to continue our partnership with GCC, in support of our friends, neighbors and all those we serve here in western New York," said David Boyce, President & CEO, Tompkins Insurance Agencies.

There are several opportunities remaining to sponsor the Encore event. These sponsorships are critically important to the scholarships GCC provides its students and are available at several levels this year:

• Conductor's Circle: $1,000
• Golden Baton Society: $600
• Inner Circle: $300
• Individual Platinum Patron Ticket: $100

Help make a difference and make your reservations today at www.gccfoundationinc.org/encore or contact the Foundation Office at 585-345-6809. Tickets are limited so reserve yours today!

For more information contact Justin Johnston, Vice President, Development, Admissions and External Affairs at 585-345-6809, or via email: foundation@genesee.edu.

Press Release:

An expansion of its internal workforce, Tompkins Financial Corporation has welcomed Rebecca McGee as an employee experience team lead in its human resources department. McGee, who brings 16 years of experience to her new role, will support the financial institutions’ existing teams within Tompkins Financial Advisors and Tompkins Insurance Agencies.

“Rebecca has established herself as a dedicated professional, demonstrating her commitment to quality, efficiency and symbiotic employee relationships throughout her career,” said Stacie Mastin, senior vice president, director of human resources. “Her extensive experience and the values she holds are paramount and will undoubtedly make her an asset to our organization.”

A graduate of Plattsburgh State University, McGee holds a Professional Human Resources (PHR) Certification, Society of Human Relations Management Professional Certification (SHRM-PC) and a LEGO Serious Play Facilitator, in addition to her bachelor’s degree. 

Before joining Tompkins, McGee was the director of human resources for the City of Batavia, New York. An active member of her community, McGee serves as a board member for Rochester Regional Health United Memorial Medical Center and the Business Education Alliance (BEA) and volunteers with Leadership Genesee and the Genesee Area Personnel Association.

Currently, McGee resides in Batavia with her husband, Patrick.

One obvious difference between the old YMCA and the new one, besides the larger size and newness of everything, are the windows, sunlight and open-air mark the feel of the place that’s ready to open on Jan. 2 of the New Year.

Certainly, freshly carpeted floors and painted walls make an instant impression. However, for anyone who’s been in the former downstairs YM workout room, this experience lifts you out of the basement into a contemporary, upscale version of an exercise, childcare and wellness facility in downtown Batavia.

Because he’s had to make routine check-in calls for updates to meet some funding obligations, GLOW YMCA Chief Executive Officer Rob Walker has kept pretty precise tabs on construction progress and keeping to the $23.5 million budget even though costs have only continued to increase with time.

“It's very true, and we've been very diligent. We put in healthy contingencies in our budget, both design and construction, and we've used most of that up, but like I said, we're 98% complete. We have the ability to cover anything beyond that as well, but we hope not to have to be in that position. And I will add, we didn't cut anything. We stayed the course on spaces from the beginning. You know, there was talk of different things, cut this, cut that, and we didn't do that. This is only the one shot at this,” Walker said Tuesday during an exclusive tour with The Batavian. “The meat and bones of the building are done. Construction started two and a half to three years ago. It’s the community’s YMCA, and the community got behind it by raising $18 million, and I want to thank project co-chairs John Riter, and his wife Liz, and Paul Battaglia and his wife Mary, and all of the community volunteers.”

Riter added that, not only did they not cut anything but “we even enhanced some of the equipment,” including an EGYM, a customized strength training circuit. 

“I don’t know if that was originally part of the plan. After visiting some of the others, particularly in Canandaigua, they were like, you really need to do this, this is the state-of-the-art technology, and their members love it,” Riter said. So Rob and (Executive Director of the Genesee County branch) Josh Bender decided they were going to up the game and buy this.”

They also expanded the swimming pool from five lanes in the original design to six, which would have saved the total bill about $200,000, “but to go from six to a building that’s gonna serve three times more members and participants at least down to five made no sense,” Walker said.

Speaking of no sense, there’s been online chatter about all those windows along Main Street and concern about snowplows casting stones and debris. Riter said the building is no closer to the street than those on the other side of Main Street, and the windows aren’t getting broken. The city’s Planning & Development Committee reviewed and approved the plan, so everyone seemed good about the building setup, he and Walker said. 

The entrance level has a large youth development wing for preschool, school-age childcare and day camp summer programs, which accommodate up to 60 kids. Specially built split-door bathrooms and an interactive central floor to encourage activities, plus cubby holes and an adjacent outdoor playground, are just down the hall from the Adventure Room, which will feature a treehouse-themed play area with wall-to-wall windows so that parents can easily sneak a peek at their child while using the facility from the first or second floor as well.

In addition to the collegiate-sized basketball court, members will see the memorial dedication to Jordyn Augello, who died Jan. 9, 2017, and enjoyed playing the sport on the floor at the gym entrance. There will also be three courts for the fast-growing game of pickleball. 

A six-lane, $2 million pool glistens in the sunshine of large clear windows on top of frosted windows to provide privacy for swimmers. There’s a wheelchair ramp that goes right into the pool, a bench to offer a place to sit and rest toward the children’s and senior’s area, and a colorful splash pad with flowers and other water accessories. 

Walker said a men’s and women’s locker room each is supplemented with a universal, shared locker room for family use. There will also be an intergenerational room, designed for seniors to socialize during the day and teens in the evening or after school.

"There's one in that box right now that'll get mounted to the wall,” Walker said, pointing to a large packed cardboard box in an open room. “So the idea is that we have kids moving and not just playing like this. They have to move to play the game. And we'll have another game over there. These are very expensive toys, but they're pretty cool. So we'll be able to flip it again: seniors during the day, teens at night, and seniors can do that too, if they want to.”

He then walked across the hall to “Batavia’s Living Room,” which featured a television, small fireplace, space for using devices, and space for members to hang out with one another and relax. He said, “Members love to socialize.”

The stairs were roped off due to last-minute touches, so a quick elevator ride up to the second floor opened up to the walking track that winds around the upper floor for 1/10th of a mile per trip. The track passes an extensive cardio and weight room, filled with brand new “state-of-the-art” treadmills, spin bikes, ellipticals, steppers, free weights, kettlebells and balls. The view is Main Street, and once the old YM is torn down this coming spring, members can see a westward sunset.

“When the Y comes down, the view west is going to be beautiful,” Riter said.

One of two exercise studios displays polished blond wood floors and floor-to-ceiling mirrors; a teaching kitchen (to be shared with Healthy Living) can be divided into three sections and used to help families, including YM’s campers and preschoolers, learn how to cook healthy meals and eat better. It also serves as a multi-purpose room for training, meetings, Zumba and other events.

On the other side of a wall is a station of 11 EGYM machines, considered to be on the cutting edge of fitness technology, Walker said. The brand's website states that the machines provide a personalized, motivational and interactive strength workout. There’s also a set of Precor selectorized machines. Those are considered gold, while EGYM is the Cadillac of machines, he said. 

“Seniors and women love these things,” he said. “It’s nice to be state-of-the-art for once.”

Unlike the current configuration for parking, which relegates most members to across the street, this new facility has allotted 250 spaces right behind the new building, Walker said. He and Riter credited contractor R.P. Oak Hill of Buffalo for “very thoughtful planning” and having no unnecessary delays, which allowed for keeping the project on schedule.

Still, the contractor had to deal with a few “unforeseen conditions,” including oil tanks discovered in the ground from a 1900s auto dealership, a powerline found underground that had to be moved, and a tunnel connecting the former Cary Hall to St. Jerome Hospital to provide a route for nurses in training to walk back and forth. 

A larger facility—58,000 square feet—will mean more staff, and Walker said this YM is looking to add at least 50 additional positions. The positions are listed on the website, along with member rates and additional information. 

Walker emphasized that no one is turned away from the YMCA due to the inability to pay. So if the fee is not within someone’s budget, the YMCA has financial aid to help offset those costs, “which makes us a charity, which is why we work here,” he said. From starting out as “a young camp counselor” to now, 38 years later, Walker is still passionate about this organization.

“It's been a rewarding experience building this facility, serving the community in so many different and new ways, and it happened with a tremendous amount of volunteer support and thoughtful processes,” Walker said. “The YMCA is very grateful for the partnership with Rochester Regional Health UMMC. We look forward to collaborating on a lot of programs together, moving healthy programs forward.”

He also wants to thank Senior Director of Associate Advancement Rachel Hillman, Genesee County branch Executive Director Josh Bender, Greg Watson, chief financial officer for GLOW YMCA, Tina Curtis, Finance/HR consultant, Dave Ciurzynski, owners rep, and Five Star Bank.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

The GLOW YMCA in collaboration with Rochester Regional Health (RRH) is excited to announce the grand opening dates for Batavia’s new Healthy Living Campus. The new 78,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility will offer everything from primary care and exercise studios, to cancer screening, nutrition education services, recreation and multi-use spaces for all ages under one roof.

Rochester Regional Health’s new Batavia Primary Care will be open on December 9, 2024. RRH providers will use this space to offer primary care and telemedicine appointments, behavioral health and crisis intervention support, cancer prevention outreach, chronic illness, and community education services.

The Genesee County YMCA will open its doors on January 2, 2025. This new state-of-the-art facility is here to serve the community, offering top-of-the-line fitness equipment, a beautiful aquatic center, an indoor walking track and a variety of family-friendly spaces and activities.

Be sure to invite your family and friends to join in the celebration and become part of the Y community.

Open house dates for patients, YMCA members and community members will be announced soon!

Press Release:

Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the Le Roy Police Department will be participating in a coordinated effort with the Genesee County STOP-DWI program this week to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and unfortunately more people on the roadways means the potential for more vehicle crashes. In a combined effort to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives law enforcement officers across New York State and STOP-DWI programs will be participating in special engagement efforts. 

The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign start on Wednesday, November 27 and will end on Sunday, Dec. 1.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York State have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

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

City resident and longtime fiscal conservative John Roach took City Council on a trip down building demo lane Monday when he asked that the leaders keep in mind a prior project that didn’t progress as promised when looking again to put grant money into a dilapidated city complex.

Roach was the lone speaker during a public hearing about pursuing a Restore NY grant to address six buildings within the Harvester Center complex on the east side of the city.

“I don’t mind the idea of the grant. It’s probably not the worst idea in the world. I would like some reassurance that we’ll watch this real, real careful," Roach said. "We once before helped out the Harvester complex when it was owned by somebody else. The city helped get grant money and they ripped down Masse Mall. At that time, we were told that if you took down the old Masse Mall, business would move in that area. Some of the buildings had some new fronts put on, business didn’t really move.” 

He said he would like some assurance that the current Harvester owners do something more with grant money than just demolish buildings that aren't code-compliant. 

"Again, Masse Mall, the last time, it wasn’t too reassuring that this won’t happen again when we just help somebody out, get rid of some buildings, and nothing else happens.”

It was 15 years ago that Tom Mancuso, president of Mancuso Development, was lauded for the state-funded $1.5 million grant to advance his Masse Gateway project. Designed as an entrance off of Masse Place into the Harvester industrial complex, the project demolished old buildings and erected space suitable for light industrial and commercial use for small businesses. 

As money was spent and work began, there was the groundbreaking fanfare and visionary dreams of an entire entrepreneurial cluster in that area. Creamy Creations was the first client to move in, followed by Merrill Lynch in 2012. At some point, Creamy Creations moved out and now has a Batavia address at 5 Jackson St.

Masse Place is listed for lease, but, as Roach said, “business didn’t really move.”

The Harvester complex and two Masse Place facilities were sold in June 2021 to John F. Wachter Jr. and John F. Wachter III of New Jersey.

With goals to improve the east side business climate, revitalize a deteriorating Harvester Center in need of rehab and renovation and increase the city’s tax base, City Manager Rachael Tabelski has now recommended that City Council agree to submit a grant application for up to $1 million. The Restore NY grant is available for communities with populations less than 40,000.

Another city resident, John Ognibene, wrote a letter opposing the use of a grant to demolish buildings to install parking lots.

“I believe that City Council should vote down the application for the NY Restore grant for the Harvester Center … I believe there are many alternatives that could be used instead of tearing down buildings,” he said. “Batavia has a long history of tearing down old historic buildings for parking lots and a decaying mall.”

Ognibene, who is also a member of the city’s Planning & Development Committee, suggested that the Harvester complex be submitted for the state and national registry of historic sites, which would make the rehab work “eligible for historic tax credits,” he said. 

He’d like to see the back of the building converted into apartments and townhouses, an easy conversion into “a mix of market rate apartments and affordable apartments if done correctly. " Another suggestion was to amend the city zoning laws to allow a full-service restaurant to operate.

“If the City Council votes to approve the application for Restore NY, then you are sending a clear message to building owners that you can let your buildings deteriorate, and we will give you a grant to tear down the buildings,” Ognibene said. “I have no problem with the Harvester Center getting a Restore NY grant, but it should 100% not be used for tearing down any buildings. It should be to restore the site back to its former glory.”

Tabelski laid out the two-pronged plan for the Harvester Avenue complex.

“So the owner of the Harvester campus that was purchased a few years ago has been cited for multiple buildings that do need to come down for unsafe conditions. Separately, he's working with the economic development arm of the city with Tammy Hathaway, and this grant came up as an opportunity,” Tabelski said. “So there's two totally separate actions occurring. One is city code enforcement is working with the owner to cite large unsafe structures, and then conversely, we have the BDC working with the owner on redevelopment plans, one of which would include demolition of certain buildings that happen to also be mentioned in the code.

“The potential cost for the project isn't completely finalized, but it will be between $8 and $12 million for demolition of these buildings. As you may know, the Harvester campus is 29 acres, a million square feet of building, mostly which housed manufacturing. Some of the buildings are still being used as incubator space, mainly in building one in the front and the yellow building 19 houses Merrill Lynch,” she said. “But there's a lot of the campus that's underutilized or unutilized, and we see a lot of potential there. So, the application consists of the campus owners’ plan to demolish six buildings. The six buildings are listed here as buildings, four, five, 21, 20, 13, and eight … And when we cite them, we're not saying they have to be demolished, they need a structural engineering report to make a determination whether you're going to rehab it or demolish it. So we're moving that forward. And this would come to the next business meeting on Dec. 9.”

Council agreed to move the grant application to a vote at its next business meeting on Dec. 9.

Food Network star Anne Burrell captivated a live audience with a cooking demonstration at Batavia Downs this past Sunday. Guests watched Burrell prepare one of her signature dishes while asking questions and receiving culinary tips.

One memorable moment came when an audience member asked Burrell about the best type of white wine to use in recipes. With a smile, Burrell quickly responded, "the cheapest," creating laughter from the crowd.

A Cazenovia native, Burrell’s culinary journey began at Canisius College and continued at the Culinary Institute of America. She then honed her skills internationally, which helped propel her successful career as a chef, television personality, and cookbook author.

Following the demonstration, Burrell hosted a VIP meet-and-greet, where she signed books and engaged with fans, sharing more insights into her cooking knowledge.

Photos by Kara Richenberg.

Press Release:

Let the Holidays begin! Christmas in the City is Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, from 2 to 6 p.m. in Downtown Batavia. Our local shops and organizations will be offering holiday specials and family fun activities. 

Events held in the mall will go from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and include "Our Hometown Craft Show," Pictures
with Santa and so much more. 

Stay downtown, take a carriage ride, listen to carolers, and see what all of our businesses have to offer. You won’t want to miss the Holiday Parade down Main Street starting at 6 p.m. More than 1,000 people pack the streets of Downtown every year for this great event as it kicks our community into the holiday season.

We would love to invite you to be a part of this year’s event. There are several opportunities to participate:

• Enter your business or group into the Holiday Parade. Parade participants can walk or drive a vehicle or float decorated for the holiday season. We ask that no one puts a Santa on their float, as he has already committed to the event.
• Sponsor the event.
• Volunteer to help with organizing the event and/or assisting with parade line up.

Without our kind and generous sponsors and volunteers this event would not be possible.

For more information and full list of participating businesses and activities check out our Facebook page, visit our website at www.bataviabid.com or contact us at director@downtownbataviany.com

7487 Fisher Road, Oakfield, New York 14125
Country hidden gem! One owner, custom built home that was lovingly up-kept throughout the years and it shows! This ranch home has so much possibility for the new owners but can be immediately moved into as it is immaculate and freshly painted thruout and the hardwood floors shine! From walking into large breezeway entrance with parquet floors to the bright and homey large kitchen with plenty of cupboards and counter space you will be impressed with all the room thru out! The bedrooms are large with hardwood floors and closets and the oversized livingroom will make you just want to stay and relax! There are beautiful windows with gorgeous views and very pretty glass French doors to add to the charm. Downstairs adds an **ADDITIONAL almost 600 sq ft!** Clean and brite with cozy gas fireplace and walk out entrance to amazing back yard that boasts an **extra tax ID included with sale that adds an additional 7.4 acres and TWO barns!!**Taxes and assessment reflect both parcels Additionally there is central vac a tear off roof(2014) and charming Eternal Gas lite outside!! Come take a walk and enjoy all of this and more!! Call Reliant Real Estate today, call 344-HOME (4663). 

The cost of doing business has doubled since the pandemic, said Tim Call, former owner of Empire Tractor, while explaining why he decided to sell the company to Champlain Valley Equipment, a family-owned group of farm equipment retailers based in Vermont.

"He (Brian Carpenter, owner of Champlain) is a great businessman, a great person, and has been great to work with, so I knew that he would take care of our employees and our customers the way that I wanted them taken care of," Call said.

Call started in the industry working for his father's store in Batavia, but when International Harvester was acquired by Case, Call's father sold the business to Case, so Tim Call took a job with Monroe Tractor. 

One day, he needed a new belt for his Troy-built rototiller and that required him to visit Tri-County Tractor, owned at the time by Carl Colantino.

Tim had heard the business had been sold so he asked about it and Colantino said the deal fell through.

"Why? You interested?" Colantino asked.

They talked and Call decided Colantino was asking too much for the business.

"Two weeks later, my mom passed away from cancer. That made me start thinking, what am I going to do? Am I always going to work for somebody else here?" Call said. "I got a chance to own one of the four major farm equipment dealers in United States, and a Ford New Holland dealership at the time. It took a while, but the Tuesday before Thanksgiving in 1994 we actually closed the deal."

In 2000, Tri-County merged with Finger Lakes Tractor and RMC Equipment, forming Empire Tractor.

About eight years ago, Call bought out his seven other partners, and a year later, he brought in Phil Doty as a partner.

Both Call and Doty remain with Champlain. Call is managing the Batavia store and Doty manages Watertown and Canton. 

Since the pandemic, supply chain issues, new tariffs, especially steel tariffs, higher insurance costs, higher wages, and other rising costs have increased business expenses. Since no Call family member is in line to take over the business, and Call turns 65 next month, it seemed like a propitious time to sell.

"It was to the point where, if I were going to stay in business, I'd have to invest a couple million more," Call said. "Where am I going at my age, with nobody coming on? So I just felt it was best, especially when we're putting up against private equity companies like Land Pro, Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners, United Turf and Ag, and all these other people. So, it seemed like the time was right, but I could still work. I still like what I do, and I'll still be here to make sure that our employees and customers around here are taken care of."

As for market conditions, Call said, "The price of the equipment is 50 to 75% higher than it was, and the freight to get it here is twice as much. The setup to put (equipment) together is twice as much. You know, all our costs are up, like everybody else's. All the employees have to get more money. Insurance is going through the roof. It's just the investment to run the business is a lot more than what it was."

He added, "Everybody raised their prices when steel went up. Everybody raised their prices with freight when fuel prices went up. Nobody's dropped. Their prices go up. They don't come back down."

There are bright sides to the industry, though.  Locally, for example, dairy farms are doing well, Call said.

"Right now everybody's saying ag is down. Farming is down," Call said. "Well, they're talking about corn and soybean, and that's mostly the midwest, and any cash grain farmers around here are down, but the dairy farmers are doing pretty well right now, so we're a little more immune to the swings up and down."

Call has known Carpenter, a second-generation owner of Champlain, since Call took over Tri-County. They were part of the same Dealer 20 group (a group of dealers from all over the U.S. and Canada who share best practices and business tips).

Except for Dixie Chopper, a more residential-oriented product, the Champlain product line is much like Empire's -- New Holland, Oxbo, Great Plains, and Woods Equipment. (A full list of lines carried by Champlain can be found by clicking here).

"We've got Kioti, and they've done a great job and got a zero-turn mower. They've got gas and diesel," Call said. "We handle the commercial zero-turn mowers. We don't handle really residential.

Call is confident customers won't notice much difference with the new owner. Most of the Empire employees remain, the equipment lines and service centers remain the same. Other than new cards and new computer systems, not much has changed, Call said.

"They're very customer-focused, like we were. They want to take care of the customers," he said.

Area law enforcement agencies rolled up to Batavia Towne Center on Saturday morning to conduct their annual drive to gather gifts for area families who make lack all the resources needed to celebrate Christmas.

The Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD, Probation, Genesee Justice, and State Police all participated in the collection of donated gifts, from warm jackets to fun toys, to assist families in need.

The gifts will be distributed by the Department of Social Services.

Photos by Howard Owens.

The Pembroke Dragons defeated the Frewsburg Bears on Saturday to secure another shot at a West Regional title in 8-Man Football.

The final score, 50-19.

The Dragos is now 11-0 on the season and will face Frankfort-Schuyler out of Section III for the West Regional Championship on Friday, Nov. 29th, at Vestal High School.

Caleb Felski ran for 428 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also tossed a touchdown pass. Also scoring, Vijay Dhanda and Caleb Kimmel. Defensively the Dragons were led by Madden Perry who had a team high 11 tackles. Hayden Williams and Felski each had two interceptions a piece. 

Photos by Matthew Steinberg.

Press Release:

H.E. Turner & Co., Bohm-Calarco-Smith, and Burdett & Sanford Funeral Homes proudly present their 29th Annual Service of Prayer & Remembrance at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, at the Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road in Batavia.

For those who wish to participate from home, we will live stream the service as well.

“We hear from families how the service helps them through their grief, especially during this time of year," said Joshua Smith, of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home. "For some of these families, it will be their first year participating in the service, which means it is their first Christmas without their loved one, and for others, they come back year after year.”

A candle in memory of your loved one will be lit prior to the start of the service and remain that way throughout.

One candle will be provided per deceased loved one and will be given to participants at the service. If you choose not to attend but would still like a candle to participate from home, please call our office to arrange a pick-up.

Call 585-344-4295 to reserve your candle by Sunday, December 1. There is no cost for a candle, and all who experienced the pain of loss are welcome to participate regardless of which funeral home arranged services for their loved one.

The ecumenical service will combine music, prayer, scripture reading, reading of the names of loved ones, the tolling of the bell in remembrance, and a message of hope by Reverend John Keller.

To register the name or names for your candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com or call H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home at 585-344-4295 by December 1.

With goals to improve the east side business climate, revitalize a deteriorating Harvester Center in need of rehab and renovation and increase the city’s tax base, City Manager Rachael Tabelski has recommended that City Council agree to submit a grant application for up to $1 million.

The Restore NY grant is available for communities with populations less than 40,000 and requires a public hearing, which has been set for 7 p.m. Monday in Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall.

“The Harvester Campus project qualifies for Restore NY funding for an extensive demolition project,” Tabelski said in a memo to council. “The owners of the Harvester Campus are looking to strategically demolish six buildings at the campus and commit to redeveloping the remaining buildings into a multi-use campus similar to Larkinville in Buffalo.

“Some of the buildings slated for demolition have been cited by the city as unsafe, and in need of demolition. Removal of these buildings will offer additional parking, lighting and green space to support the remaining buildings, businesses and future redevelopment on the campus.”

Larkinville is a collection of businesses, new apartment buildings and public spaces along Seneca Street in the southeast section of downtown Buffalo and has been promoted as “one of the city’s most impressive transformations.”

Where once sat empty warehouses and vacant parcels, the space now accommodates weekly concerts, food truck rodeos, beer gardens, breweries and distilleries.  

Harvester Center has struggled to hold onto certain businesses, losing three eateries, a coffee shop, and a children’s entertainment and adults’ fitness venue in the past year or so.

The Restore NY grant project meets several objectives, according to the resolution, including:

• Being consistent with the city of Batavia Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Strategic Investment Plan, and Brownfield Opportunity Area Plan.
• Facilitating effective and efficient use of existing and future public resources so as to promote both economic development and preservation of community resources.
• Developing and enhancing infrastructure and/or other facilities in a manner that will attract, create and sustain employment opportunities where applicable.

The hearing is part of a council conference session that also includes time for public comments and discussion about a $1.85 million Restore NY grant for the Carr’s Reborn project at 105 Main St.; taking out a bond for $2.5 million for water meters and installation; a sidewalk improvement project paid for with a $1.4 million grant; and a request from Tabelski to add a building maintenance worker to public works personnel.

Press Release:

The Lady Irish Basketball Program is hosting its 3rd Annual Golisano Toy Drive to benefit the children who are in the hospital and cannot be home for the holidays. 

The toy drive will conclude with the Notre Dame vs. Oakfield game at ND on December 12. At this game, there will be basket raffles, 50/50s as well as toy donations to contribute to the children in need. 

Anyone from the community who would like to donate can do so at the ND Main Office during regular school hours.

Press Release:

This past summer, Elba Central School’s Class of 2025 and Boys Baseball team helped clean up cans and bottles after each Rockin’ The Downs show. They earned $1,031.80 by returning the recyclables they gathered to McNickel’s Bottle and Can Redemption.

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel matched that and added $500 for also helping picking up trash and chairs throughout the concert season for a grand total of $2,563.60!

Press release:

UConnectCare is looking to make the holiday season – starting with two “Friendsgiving” activities in Batavia next week – a special one for the recovery community in Genesee and Orleans counties.

The Recovery Station at 5256 Clinton St. Rd. and the agency’s childcare center at 14 Harvester Ave. will be hosting events from 2  to 5 p.m. on November 27 to give adults and children the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving a day ahead of the actual holiday.

“Both of these events are designed to build a whole family of support by offering those in recovery the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends in a relaxed atmosphere,” said Melissa Vinyard, TRS coordinator. “Anyone who wants to attend is welcome.”

Vinyard said free food and refreshments will be available, with the menu featuring chicken wing dip, meatballs, taco dip, spinach dip, banana pudding, and an assortment of pies.

Jessica Budzinack, UConnectCare’s coordinator of Outreach and Family Support Program, said adults with children can drop off the kids at the childcare house on Harvester Avenue if they wish to attend the adult gathering at TRS.

“We’re calling it ‘Friendsgiving for Kiddos’ at the childcare center and it is open to all children of our clients in Genesee and Orleans, even if parents will not be attending at The Recovery Station,” she said.

Budzinack said children attending will make placemats for their Thanksgiving dinner, be treated to “candy salad and real food, too” and sing and dance along with singer/musician Bart Dentino, a UConnectCare employee.

“Each child will receive a school vacation care package containing snacks, drinks and a surprise to enjoy with their parents,” she added.

The childcare session will be supervised by Elizabeth Wilson, Parent & Family Relationship peer coach, along with staffers Kallie Totten and Tonya Arnold.

A NIGHT WITH SANTA & MRS. CLAUS

On December 4, TRS will be hosting “A Night with Santa & Mrs. Claus” from 5 to 8 p.m.

Attendees can choose to have their picture taken with the Christmas “royal couple” at no charge and will be offered the chance to craft a unique frame for the picture. Cookies and cocoa will be served and all children will receive a Christmas storybook as a gift.

Both the “Friendsgiving” at the childcare house and “A Night with Santa & Mrs. Claus” are partially funded by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, Budzinack said.

“We are grateful to the foundation for helping us to support parents and their children in recovery,” she said. “Throughout the year, we schedule different events where parents in recovery can get together with other parents in recovery and their children to do things that normally they wouldn’t be able to do on their own. This builds the recovery community for parents and the children.”

She said that UConnectCare staff helps participants build parenting skills and provides the resources that they need to parent effectively and to navigate through any legal issues.

“We also supply care packages to parents with food insecurities while their kids are in school and offer fun things they can do together as a family to strengthen family bonds,” she said.