Sean Valdes, center, owner of the D&R Depot in Le Roy, with wife, co-owner and the restaurant's chef, Jennifer, on the left, and Nancy Nickerson, his former business partner, in a file photo by Howard Owens.
Sean Valdes, an owner of D&R Depot in Le Roy, is ready to move on to the next phase of his life, and he’s decided to leave while he’s on top.
Valdes announced earlier this month on social media that he’s selling the restaurant.
He started working for the restaurant in 1993, as a dishwasher. Valdes worked his way up through the restaurant staff and eventually bought it. His wife is a part-owner and head chef.
“I have never made a personal decision before that wasn't restaurant-first. This will be the first personal decision we have made as adults. We are just looking for something different,” Valdes said.
“My wife and I have been doing it for a long time. We met here. We got married here. Our kids work here now. They are teenagers. It’s just life changes. We are both in our mid-40s, and we are looking to do something different. We are still at our peak. We are busy. We are popular. We have a tremendous staff and a great system in place. This is the time to say, ‘We did it, and let’s go do something else.’”
Don and Nancy Nickerson opened the D&R Depot in September 1991 as a mid-scale restaurant that served homemade food. The restaurant is perhaps best known for its chicken pot pies.
Valdes said no changes are immediately coming. Everything is the same as always. He said he doesn’t have to sell D&R Depot to the first person who comes along. Valdes wants to sell the restaurant to “someone who fits our culture.” He wants his replacement to successfully shepherd it through the next 20 to 30 years.
As Valdes prepares to leave, he can’t help but reflect on what he’s learned from 30 years in the business.
“I think that restaurants now are getting a bad rap. Yes, business is hard. Yes, prices are higher. All those things are true,” Valdes said. “But I think if you focus on your customer and focus on your staff and control your costs, the restaurant business could be quite profitable. The relationships you make from it are invaluable.”
Genesee County’s Legislature recognized Older Americans Month this week, though locally it will be hard to ignore the needs and importance of older folks with estimates of remaining Baby Boomers turning 65 during the next seven years.
And why should we? The file photo above displays a group of senior citizens who put their skills to use as volunteer tax preparers, bringing back a cumulative $1 million to the county in state and federal tax refunds.
Projections of an aging population mean that the number of 16,000 people ages 60 and older living here in Genesee County are expected to rise to 20,000 by 2035, and ages 65 will reach 16,000 to 17,000 by that same time period, according to Office For the Aging statistics.
While those age groups are prime candidates for OFA services, they are also veterans, experienced workers, people who have garnered a lifetime of wisdom and abilities to share, which is all part of why Older Americans Month was celebrated on Wednesday.
A proclamation was read that stated:
“Whereas, Genesee County includes a growing number of older Americans who contribute their time, wisdom, and experience to our community, and
Whereas, communities benefit when people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and live independently, and
Whereas, Genesee County recognizes the need to create a community that offers the services and supports older adults may need to make choice about how they age, and
Whereas, the community also recognizes the key role older Americans play in sharing the wisdom and experience that inform today’s decisions and actions, and fostering the connection and engagement that builds strong, resilient communities, and
Whereas, in this year of peril and promise, older Americans have suffered through economic constraints while demonstrating inspirational strength.
During Older Americans Month, we honor these citizens and their continued contributions. Genesee County commits to learning from them, and supports their knowledge and experience that they bring to our community, and
Whereas, the community can work to build an even better community for our older residents by ensuring every citizen has the opportunity to age with independence, proper care, and dignity. Not limiting our thinking about aging, exploring and combating stereotypes, emphasizing the many positive aspects of aging, inspiring older adults to push past traditional boundaries, and embracing our community’s diversity.
Now, therefore be it resolved, that the Genesee County Legislature does hereby proclaim the month of May as Older Americans Month. We call upon Americans of all ages to celebrate older Americans during this month and throughout the year.”
There are programs and resources available for seniors that offer recreational and social activities and outings, exercise classes, group gatherings, card games, volunteer opportunities, insurance guidance, educational and research resources and many other amenities at OFA, YMCA GLOW, Richmond Memorial Library, AARP, Alzheimer’s Association,Genesee Community College, RSVP (volunteer program), and your medical practitioner for maintaining one’s mental, financial, social and physical health.
Tony Mancuso for the United Way Day of Caring was where he usually is on the Day of Caring, at Adam Miller Toys and Bicycles getting bikes ready to donate to Arc GLOW. Photo by Howard Owens
More than 400 area residents hit about 40 sites in Genesee County to volunteer their labor to make the community a little bit better as part of the annual United Way Day of Caring on Thursday.
The Batavian stopped by a handful of the volunteer locations, such as Adam Miller Toys and Bicycles, GO ART!, the YMCA, the War Memorial, Dwyer Stadium, and the Community Garden.
Volunteers also went to six different locations for Arc GLOW, the Batavia Cemetery, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cross Roads House, the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena, Eagle Star Housing, Ellicott Trail, the Peace Garden, Gilliam Grant Community Center, Holland Land Office Museum, Machphelah Cemetery, Purple Pony, Resurrection Parish, St. James Episcopal Church, St. Paul Lutheran, UMMC, and the Village of Elba, among other locations.
City of Batavia firefighters flushing a hydrant on Ellicott Street on Thursday morning. Photo by Howard Owens
It's an annual rite of spring: Fire hydrant flushing, which helps keep the hydrants servicable for emergencies. City Fire crews flushed hydrants in a couple of city neighborhoods this morning.
In a release, City Fire explained the necessity of fire hydrant flushing:
This annual testing is essential to maintain the communities class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification, and to assure that fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes. Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city's water system, identifies weak areas in the system, and removes material that settle in the water lines.
It took eight innings for Oakfield-Alabama to pick up its 11 win of the season Wednesday, finally beating Attica, 7-4.
The Hornets jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first, and scored its fourth run in the fifth, but Attica pulled even after scoring two in the first and two more in the fifth. O-A (11-2) secured its win in the seventh with three runs.
Brodie Hyde had three hits, scored twice and an RBI. Brayden Smith was 2-3 with two RBIs. David Schaufer also drove in two runs.
The New York State Sheriffs' Institute's annual Honorary Membership drive has begun across New York State. Sheriff Sheron states that Honorary Membership invitations will be arriving in randomly selected mailboxes across Genesee County over the next two weeks. Sheriffs' Institute Honorary Membership dues help to support the Institute's robust programming for youth and sheriffs' offices which include the Sheriffs' Summer Camp, crime victim services, annual scholarship program, and education, training, and awards programs for Sheriffs' Office personnel.
The Sheriffs' Summer Camp is the Institute's flagship program located on Keuka Lake. Each summer, 840 economically challenged children from across New York State participate under the direct guidance of Sheriffs and Sheriffs' Office personnel who volunteer their time to help make the camp a success.
The Sheriffs' Summer Camp provides an opportunity to bring children together with Deputy Sheriffs in a positive and meaningful environment. The week-long camp directly benefits children in our own local communities who otherwise would not have the opportunity to participate in a summer camp experience.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office selects children from our local communities who benefit through the camp's summer recreation activities which are designed to teach an understanding of, and respect for, our laws and the men and women who enforce them. The strong camper-to-counselor ratio allows for individual attention with an emphasis on the development of self-esteem.
"The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is proud to support the Sheriffs' Institute and the excellent work they do in supporting our youth and personnel. The incredible summer camp experience and educational and training opportunities provided by the Institute are invaluable assets to our county residents and Sheriff’s Office. We encourage anyone who is interested to become an Honorary Member and help support these great programs," states Sheriff Sheron.
In addition to the Sheriffs' Summer Camp, the Sheriffs' Institute also provides an annual scholarship to each of New York State's Community College's Criminal Justice Programs. This scholarship program is designed to help attract the best and the brightest to the criminal justice vocation. Honorary Memberships help fund the Sheriffs' Camp and other New York State Sheriffs' Institute programs.
If you are an individual who would like to become an Honorary Member and did not receive a letter in the mail, please visit www.sheriffsinstitute.org. Your contribution is greatly appreciated and helps support youth, crime victims, and law enforcement in our local community through the Institute's programs.
Established in 1979, the Sheriffs' Institute is a not-for-profit corporation and tax-exempt organization. Contributions to the Institute are tax deductible, and the Institute is registered with the New York State Attorney General's Charities Bureau. Neither the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office nor the Institute solicits donations or memberships via telephone. For more information about the New York State Sheriffs' Institute's Summer Camp and other important programs, visit www.sheriffsinstitute.org.
James Saraceni is the son of Thomas and Louise (Belluci) Saraceni. His grandparents, Arthur and Amelia (Soccio), immigrated to America from Vasto, Italy, which is located on the Adriatic Sea. They had the courage to leave their country, for a better life, at the young age of sixteen. They had twelve children. His maternal grandparents, Biaggio and Anna Bellucci also came to America in the early 1900s. He has strong Italian roots.
Jim grew up on the south side of Batavia. He is a 1980 graduate of Batavia High School, furthering his education at Genesee Community College and the University at Buffalo. He has worked in the banking and real estate business for the past 37 years and currently works at Prime Lending. He has been married to his wife, Christine Antinore for 33 years. They have two daughters, Samantha (Cody Ruhlen) and Alex (Doug Zalenski). Their granddaughter, Finley Christine, is the apple of their eye.
He served on the Paolo Busti Board of Directors for 15 years. He held the office of Treasurer. He has volunteered for the United Way, is a frequent donor to the Red Cross, and for many years enjoyed volunteering at the St. Anthony’s Lawn Fete.
Family is extremely important to him, and a huge part of his life. He not only is involved with his children, but with his nieces and nephews. He can be seen cheering them on at all their activities, or swimming in his backyard, and enjoying a traditional Italian meal.
Jim feels strongly that growing up on Hyde Park, in a neighborhood composed of large Italian and Polish families, was instrumental in shaping his life. He said, “The Italian and Polish cultures rooted us together, taught me the importance of family, both immediate and extended, how to be resilient, and to work hard. It taught me how much was given to us, and that we need to pay that forward to keep the spirit of our parents and grandparents alive.” Jim’s family values, love of church, pride in his heritage, and commitment to Italian traditions, have made him the ideal candidate for the Outstanding Italian American 2023.
Northgate Church is excited to announce that they will be hosting a Rummage Sale on Friday, May 12, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday, May 13, from 8 a.m. - noon in the gym at the Northgate South Campus, 350 Bank Street Road. 100 percent of the proceeds from this event will benefit Northgate’s ‘Connected Community’ in Gahanda, Rwanda, Africa.
Northgate will be funding food and agricultural projects throughout the village, helping many of the families learn to grow and maintain sustenance for their loved ones, which is something that is not prevalent in Rwanda. For more information, call the office at 343-4011 or visit https://fb.me/e/13p4dKgCc
Steve Hyde, CEO of GCEDC, speaks to the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council at its meeting at GCC on Wednesday. Photo by Howard Owens
Remember in 2011 when we all had fun trying to guess the coded meaning of "Project Wave?"
Now we get to do it again. What is "Project Vulcan?"
Speaking to members of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, Steve Hyde, CEO of Genesee County Economic Development Center, said, "We've got a lot going on. We're on the short list for two more projects that are another 700 jobs. I just saw yesterday a term sheet for Project Vulcan."
A reporter standing next to Jim Krencik, senior director for marketing and communications for GCEDC, at the time Hyde mentioned Project Vulcan couldn't get him to drop any further hints about what that phrase might mean.
Hyde was one of the introductory speakers before the council got down to business (The Batavian didn't stick around for that part of the meeting) that included an update from Executive Director Laura Fox O'Sullivan, a presentation on workforce development priorities, regional talent attraction strategies, a board discussion and development of a work plan.
One of the themes both Hyde and Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelley Stein shared was the need for state officials to become better aligned with economic development.
New York is a challenging state because of regulatory schemes to attract businesses, Hyde said.
"Building mega site industrial parks is difficult, challenging," Hyde said. "Employers and investors need support from the state. There is a critical misalignment right now between some of our regulatory agencies in the state and then the governor's economic development goals and strategy. ... We need to find a way to find a solution to the common good to be partners, to be collaborative in the support of our state strategy and our regional strategy."
Stein, a dairy farm owner in Le Roy, said there is more demand than ever for New York's milk, especially with yesterday's announcement of the fairlife plant planned for the Town of Webster, but the state's continuing regulatory burden on farmers and their workers, such as the recently changed overtime threshold, and the proliferation of solar farms on farmland, is hampering the ability of New York dairy farmers to meet the demand.
She compared the misalignment between competing political forces in the state with the goggles you might put on during a visit to the optometrist. The optometrist will adjust the lenses one at a time to help bring what you see into focus. Right now, the two sides are out of focus, she said.
"We want to be able to bring ourselves together with good sound economic development," Stein said. "We want to bring in opportunities for our families. We want to bring together all of us to have a shared common message because we certainly have differences. But we can also work from our commonalities."
Hyde praised the Finger Lakes council for being aligned on economic development for the region.
"Our council is completely aligned," Hyde said. "Look at what we're focused on -- site development, workforce development, it all fits into our goals, right? You know, grow jobs, rollout, drive investment, reduce poverty, create opportunity for our families and our residents."
This was the first time the council has met in Genesee Council since before the pandemic.
In an interview with The Batavian before the meeting, former Rochester mayor and former lieutenant governor Robert Duffy praised the work of Hyde. He said his first meeting after becoming LG was with Hyde to discuss WNY STAMP.
He called Hyde a "pit bull" on behalf of Genesee County's economic development goals.
"I think in spite of many challenges we all face nowadays, I think the state is doing some great work," Duffy said. "I would say from my perspective, Genesee County is lucky to have Steve Hyde and his team. I've worked with Steve since 2011, and I've been super impressed with his tenacity and his commitment to this. He has never let go of STAMP and STAMP, now, for all those years and all that work, it's really starting to come together and take hold."
Steve Hyde during his presentation to the council. Photo by Howard Owens
Genesee Community College President James Sunser speaking about the college's efforts to support economic development and workforce development. Photo by Howard Owens
Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelley Stein: "We want to be able to bring ourselves together with good sound economic development," Stein said. "We want to bring in opportunities for our families. We want to bring together all of us to have a shared common message because we certainly have differences. But we can also work from our commonalities." Photo by Howard Owens
Genesee County has a seat at the table with the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council with Steve Hyde, Shelley Stein, and Batavia City Council President Eugene Jankowski. Photo by Howard Owens
Holland Land Office Museum Executive Director Ryan Duffy Photo by Howard Owens
You know that old Tiffany-style lamp in the attic? The one next to the cuckoo clock circa 1965? Haven’t you ever wondered what they’re worth, whether to sell it or just in case there was ever a fire?
Well, now’s your chance, Ryan Duffy says. Appraisals on Main: HLOM Appraisal Day will have three experts available to examine and appraise up to five items per person.
“The whole concept is people bring in the items that they want to either learn what their value is, in terms of monetary worth, but also to maybe learn a little bit more about their history or use or what we call provenance, which is sort of background information that they might not know,” said Duffy, Holland Land Office Museum’s executive director, during an interview Wednesday.
The event is a fundraiser for the Holland Land Office and will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 20 at Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main St., Batavia.
Appointments are required and may be made online or, for those without access to technology, by calling the museum at 585-343-4727.
There will be three appraisers on hand from Bontrager Real Estate & Auction Service in Batavia, Schultz Auctioneers in Clarence and Cottone Auctions in Geneseo. They will meet with people for approximately 10 minutes, depending on how many items are brought in, and discuss what is presented before them.
“The beauty of having these three gentlemen is that they can pretty much look at anything. They've got a wide range of expertise, and it's kind of seeing just about everything you can see in the field, so we're really not limiting it,” Duffy said. “I will add that if somebody has an item that maybe is too big or they're not comfortable bringing that in, they can bring in photographs as a substitute, images of them that they can have the appraisers look at to help give them some information.”
The cost is $5 per item, and proceeds will go toward "more programming," Duffy said.
As for Duffy’s personal experience in such appraisals, “I shy away from it,” he said. He has gone through the process, but not so much for any of his own personal items, he said. The museum has obtained these appraisers for past events and is familiar with their work, he said. Appraisals on Main are to help with the operation of the museum.
“We’re working on summer programming, another thing we're working towards is the west wing addition, hopefully moving forward in that process going forward. That's a multi-year project for sure. But we're in the beginning stages of that,” he said. “And working on new exhibits, as well. And other larger programming throughout the seasonal, major programs.”
Todd Jantzi, an appraiser from Bontrager, has been in the business for 27 years. It wasn’t his first career choice, he said, as his college aspirations were to become a teacher. When Jantzi was 10, his uncle took him along to an auction, and Jantzi found it “intriguing,” except for working on Saturdays, weekends, nights and in cold weather.
But the auctioneer’s call was too strong, and he was drawn back. Once he joined the family business, he stayed and never looked back. “It’s been a great position, a great occupation,” he said.
His advice for what people should bring to this event? “People can bring in unique items, items of interest, be it local, unusual, is always the most interesting. They bring in what they think has value,” he said. “And we can share with them if it does or doesn't, they can bring items that they might want to have an appraisal for insurance reasons, so not necessarily even what they're thinking of selling, but just in case if they have something in their home.”
With a background of an uncle founding the Bontrager business in 1935, first in Lancaster, then moving to Darien and settling onto Wortendyke Road in Batavia, Jantzi may know a thing or two of what he’s talking about. What used to be conducted on-site, auctions are completely now online and happen about twice a week, he said.
He runs into items that have more sentimental than monetary value, and folks may have to hear that as well as the sound of a nice dollar figure for their goods.
What about that massive vanity set with mirror attached? If items are too large or cumbersome to bring in, people may bring in photos — Jantzi suggests taking five or six shots from all angles to allow for the best perception of the item.
Has he ever encountered that big jackpot item that shocked its owner? No.
“You get 90 percent with similar items like in our own homes,” he said.
These are verbal appraisals, and if people would like a written one, they can follow up individually with the appraiser after the event.
Several dozen people have signed up already, but there are plenty of slots remaining, Duffy said. The slots are in one-hour blocks for 10-minute segments. To sign up, go HERE. Or call 585-343-4727.
The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation of Genesee County is pleased to announce the establishment of a one-time memorial scholarship in honor of the late Mrs. Katherine Ognibene. Kay was a dedicated Board Member and served in that capacity until her passing earlier this year. Vito Gautieri, one of the founders, said, “Kay was one person I could always count on no matter what the task. She was the lady who never said ‘no’ to work.”
While raising a family and working at the NY Telephone Company as an operator, Kay was an active member of St. Anthony’s Parish Rosary and Altar Society, St. Michael’s Society, and St. Nicholas Society. In the community, she was involved in the St. Jerome Guild and The Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Society.
In later years, Kay was a realtor in the Batavia area and earned accolades for her work. Dedication to family, school, church, and community are qualities the Paolo Bust Scholarship Committee will look for in screening potential candidates for this award.
This one-time award will be presented at the organization’s annual Scholarship Dinner to be held June 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Batavia Downs. Current scholarship applicants will be considered for this one-time award in addition to the yearly scholarships awarded by the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation. Contributions may be made out and mailed to: Michele Fuller, 3 Wilson Street, LeRoy, NY, 14482.
The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Thursday from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area of South of E. Main St. and East of Jackson St.
Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about 5 minutes or until clear.
This annual testing is essential to maintain the communities class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification, and to assure that fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes. Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city's water system, identifies weak areas in the system, and removes material that settle in the water lines.
Checking each hydrant improves fire department personnel knowledge of the hydrant locations.
If you have any questions, or should notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at 585-345-6375.
Alexander won its fourth straight game and 10th overall on Tuesday, beating Pembroke 10-6.
Emily Pietrzykowski went 4-4 with three doubles, three RBIs, and one run scored to lead Alexander.
Faith Goodenbury went 3-3 on the day, while Madison Boyce, Melissa Sawyer and Melanie Bump all chipped in with multi-hit games.
Madison Boyce and Emily Pietrzykowski combined for the win. Boyce went five innings allowing nine hits, five runs, four walks and striking out seven. Pietrzykowski went two innings, allowing one hit, one run, and striking out four.
For Pembroke, Aleena Maynard went 4-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored
Brittny Benjamin, a GCC art student, received the Virginia Carr Mumford Scholarship from the Batavia Society of Artists on Tuesday. Photo by Howard Owens.
At the Richmond Memorial Library, the Batavia Society of Artists is displaying some of the best works of its members for the spring, and on Tuesday, at the annual Spring Show's opening, the best of the best were honored, including a GCC student who received the Virginia Carr Mumford Scholarship Award.
The art show was judged by Le Roy artist Lori Longhany.
The show runs through Friday, May 26.
Hills of Canandaigua, by Kevin Feary, received the Best of Show award. Photo by Howard Owens.
Steer'd by Shelley Moore received the first place ribbon. Photo by Howard Owens.
Bryan Wright, who entered four metal paintings received the second place award. Photo by Howard Owens.,
Richard Ellington, who received an honorable mention, poses with his painting (top), High Peak Sunset. Photo by Howard Owens.
Work crews have been busy paving the parking lot between Court Street and Jackson Street this week, completing the Jackson Street side on Wednesday, after weather delayed the work a day or two.
Out of the approximately $200,000 project, 85 percent is for paving operations, and the remaining 15 percent is for milling, Public Works Director Brett Frank said.
Project funding is from Parking Lot Reserves, he said, for wear and tear that broken down the lot's exterior.
"The main issues with the parking lot were simply the age and condition of the parking lot," Frank said to The Batavian. "Quite simply put, it was time to mill and pave the entire parking lot, and we're past the time in which filling potholes and putting Band-Aids on the lot are considered sufficient repairs."
Johnny Paciorkowski wanted to show off his new truck. Photo by Howard Owens
City work crews have been milling and paving the Court Street parking lot this week next to Save-A-Lot between Court and Jackson streets in downtown Batavia. Photos by Howard Owens.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1ST CITY OF BATAVIA 4-5 bedroom Duplex apartment with 1 Bedroom, Living room, laundry room, dining room, bathroom, and small kitchen on first floor. 4 bedrooms 2nd floor. Newly painted. Some new carpet. Basement storage. 1/2 garage use for storage/ not parking. Large yard. $1,100/month includes trash pickup, Refrigerator, Gas Stove. You pay gas, electric, water. No dogs. Good references required with background check. Pathstone approved. Near ARC. Mike 585-993-4002
