Since the first application went in for Ellicott Station, local folks were excited about the prospects of longtime vacant and toxic property along the south side street getting cleaned up, renovated and repurposed.

Funding snags delayed the process from 2016 until it finally —literally — began to get off the ground in 2022. A 55-unit “workforce” apartment complex, alongside mixed-use properties of office, restaurant and brewery space, began to take shape at the site of the former electric and Soccio Della Penna buildings at 30-50 Ellicott St., Batavia.

As the apartments are coming to fruition, a bomb was dropped Friday with an online posting of the application, income requirements and related rents for one- and two-bedroom apartments for up to four people. What once was touted as workforce or affordable rentals were now low-income and Section 8.

City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. refrained from saying much about the issue before he obtained more information. But he wasn’t pleased by the news.

“I’m very disappointed,” he said.

Councilman Bob Bialkowski said that he had a feeling this would be the outcome about a month ago, and isn’t happy that he was right.

“I’m disappointed that all the things that were promised didn’t come to fruition,” he said. “The DRI money would have been worth spending if it was built as promised.”

To clarify about that DRI (Downtown Revitalization Initiative) grant money. New York State doled out the grant money for several initiatives, including $425,000 to Sam Savarino of Savarino Companies, the contractor for Ellicott Station. The state granted a total of $10 million of DRI monies within the city of Batavia, but only a portion of that directly to the city, and the remainder of it directly to specific projects, including Ellicott Station.

During the groundbreaking ceremony last year, Savarino talked about the project at 50 Ellicott St. being for workforce people earning in the range of $18 to $20 an hour, and looking for quality housing at an affordable price.

Part of the Ellicott Station project is to include a restaurant and brewery, which Bialkowski doubts will ever get off the ground.  There haven’t been any takers yet, and Savarino has been advertising the opportunity on the Ellicott Station website.

One upside the Councilman-at-large does see with this new complex is that the old Della Penna site has been renovated and will be back on the tax rolls, he said.

They were the only council members to respond to requests for comment.

The project was “billed as mixed-income” and not strictly a low-income complex, City Manager Rachael Tabelski said.

“Ellicott Station has been a moving target over the last several years as the developer made various and multiple overtures to funding entities with regards to making the project financially viable. In 2019, the City supported the project’s housing component as being mixed-income that would provide housing for residents that were employed in local manufacturing in an application submitted to New York State Homes and Community Renewal from the developer,” Tabelski said Tuesday. “Furthermore, in 2020, it was confirmed that people living at Ellicott Station must be employed and not receiving government assistance." 

Tabelski referred to a letter sent to HCR in 2019 by former City Manager Martin Moore, in which he confirms the city’s intent for what type of housing they expected Ellicott Station to provide.

It states, in part:

I am writing to express support for the Ellicott Station housing project in Batavia, which provides mixed-income/affordable living quarters, and cleans up a blighted site in the heart of the City. The Ellicott Station project phases include construction for 55 mixed-income/affordable housing units, and construction of commercial buildings. The housing project phase provides high quality, well maintained residential units within walking distance of employers, shopping, medical facilities, public transportation, and other amenities. We look forward to the brownfield remediation, and dilapidated building demolition that will occur prior to new construction. 

The Ellicott Station portion of the DRI grant was awarded as a high priority project to address housing and economic development needs. City planning documents also recognize the site as a major component of brownfield cleanup, increased workforce housing availability, and commercial revitalization. 

We request that the Division of Housing and Community Renewal approve the funding for the Ellicott Station housing project. The project aligns with your mission to build and support affordable housing, and supports our goals to increase housing availability and promote economic growth in Batavia. 

Tabelski believes that additional talks have shifted the tenor of the project’s income qualifications, and is pursuing further communication about the issue.

“Unfortunately, the City has not been included in various discussions since then as it pertains to the housing component of the project and is surprised to learn only recently about the (annual median income) and lack of mixed-income housing,” she said. “The City is requesting that the developer work with HCR and economic development agencies to raise the AMI to reflect current manufacturing wages in a good faith effort to remain true to the intent of the project that was originally proposed and subsequently supported by the City.”

She is not certain where exactly the city will go from here, but "we owe it to ourselves and our citizens" to try something and not just let it go. 

Savarino has announced that applications are being taken, and a lottery will be conducted on May 2 in Buffalo to select tenants for the apartment complex. For more information, go to Ellicott Station. 

See also: OPINION: Ellicott Station is not looking like a 'Pathway to Prosperity

Valentine’s Day may be over, but Genesee County is feeling the love, at least for sharing its excess 2022 revenues with the city, towns and villages.

County Manager Matt Landers has proposed the distribution of sharing unanticipated and unbudgeted revenue growth as a voluntary payment of between $12,090 and $392,465 to the county municipalities for a total $2 million distribution payment.

The county Legislature is to vote on the proposal during its meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Old Courthouse. The measure has already been approved by the Ways & Means Committee.

Payments include:

• City of Batavia: $392,465
• Town of Alabama: $64,844
• Village of Alexander: $12,090
• Town of Alexander $66,697
• Town of Batavia: $284,446
• Village of Bergen: $31,528
• Town of Bergen: $80,599
• Town of Bethany: $65,573
• Town of Byron: $73,009
• Village of Corfu: $23,300
• Town of Darien: $146,589
• Village of Elba: $17,248
• Town of Elba: $57,522
• Village of LeRoy: $114,300
• Town of LeRoy: $130,530
• Village of Oakfield: $32,178
• Town of Oakfield: $48,190
• Town of Pavilion: $86,458
• Town of Pembroke: $173,282
• Town of Stafford:  $99,152
• Total Distribution $2,000,000

The Batavian asked City Manager Rachael Tabelski if this money could be used to offset the city's proposed tax levy of $6.6 million, which will require a tax cap override, or how it would otherwise be used. She said it would go toward current expenses.

“This is a one-time revenue of $392,464 that will be distributed in this fiscal year (22/23).  This revenue distribution is above and beyond the current sales tax agreement, and we are grateful to the County for the distribution payment,” Tabelski said Tuesday. “The funding will help us with current capital projects, including the police station, the fire and (Bureau of Maintenance) project, the City Centre Project, as well as vehicle replacement reserve funds.

“I would not recommend using this in next year’s budget on operational items as it is not a guaranteed revenue that we can count on to support operations,” she said. 

Landers has also proposed a resolution to counter the state’s 2024 budget proposal to end the Affordable Care Act enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage, a measure to keep all of the federal savings from now on and use them to cover further expansions of Medicaid eligibility and benefits.

This change would also increase payments to healthcare providers and require the 57 counties to spend at least $280 million more in the 2024 budget year, Landers said. Ways & Means has already approved the resolution, and it will go onto the Legislature to approve that “Genesee County calls on the State to continue to share these federal funds with counties as has been precedent for over 20 years” and that copies of the resolution be sent to Inter-County Association of Western New York, the Governor of the State of New York, the New York State Legislature representative, the New York State Congressional representative, and all others deemed necessary and proper.

Batavia's Winter Guard team performed a show called "Safe Flight" at the 23rd Fantastic Vision Winter Guard Competition in the school's auditorium on Saturday night.

"The show takes you through a tumultuous flight from take-off to the landing," said the show's director, Jane Haggett. "Our 19 guards all performed well.  It was a beautiful culmination of a well-planned event."

Photos by Howard Owens

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that former Buffalo football legend and Hall of Famer, Thurman Thomas, will be attending the upcoming Fur Ball Gala Fundraiser set to take place at Batavia Downs on Saturday, March 4..

The Fur Ball Gala is a benefit to raise money for the Animal Shelter of Genesee County & SPCA of Wyoming County. The event runs from 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, March 4. Tickets are $75, and attendees receive a buffet dinner, open bar, tastings, $50 in free play and access to a basket raffle with more than 40 items from Batavia Downs and other local businesses. Thurman will be on hand to take photos with all event attendees, and a DJ will be on-site as well.

There is a hotel package available - $275 plus tax includes two tickets to the event along with a hotel room for the night of the event.

To book tickets or the hotel package, interested persons can call Sara at 585-344-6155 to book now. Anyone that calls and reserves the hotel package will receive a free limited-edition Josh Allen bobblehead when they arrive on site that evening.

"We are so excited to host the first annual Fur Ball Gala," said Jacquelyne Leach, CFO for Western OTB/Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. "Raising money for local animal charities is near and dear to our hearts. We look forward to seeing everyone have a great time at the event alongside a Buffalo football Hall of Famer!"

A manure truck rollover accident is reported in the area of 10067 Simonds Road, Darien.

Darien Fire, Corfu Fire and East Pembroke Fire were dispatched.

"Heavy entrapment," reported.

Law enforcement on scene requested Mercy Flight on standby.

UPDATE 1:59 p.m.: Mercy Flight Central requested to the scene.  There is a 30-minute ETA.

UPDATE 2:03 p.m.: Patient is alert.

UPDATE 2:37 p.m.: Mercy Flight is on the ground.

UPDATE 2:53 p.m.: DEC is responding though the manure spill is flowing into a field. "No waterways involved."  A heavy wrecker is canceled. The owner is apparently going to take care of moving it.

UPDATE 3:02 p.m.: The patient is being transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service

It worked exactly as it was supposed to, and maybe even quicker than expected.

Dannielle Lumpkin began as a small catering company out of her home, and also sold her soul and Caribbean fare at festivals and special events.

Then she seized an opportunity in October 2022 and moved into the incubator space at Eli Fish on Main Street, Batavia, and set up shop as Mama Dee’z Kitchen. It was a family-run operation, and her food was a hot commodity.

Eli Fish owners Matt Gray and Jon Mager, and staff members guided Lumpkin along the way with business, marketing, and restaurant advice. The premise of an incubator is to allow a small business to learn the ropes and then move out on its own to expand and grow.

Lumpkin lasted four months. No, Mama D’eez didn’t fail — it did so well, Lumpkin signed a lease for two years at the former Fishtales Hideaway at 107 Evans St.

“It’s kind of surreal. I’m going to miss the people at Matty’s. Some of them are family now. I’m thankful for those connections,” she said Sunday. “We will start hiring soon. I want to balance it out, the traffic flow, and see how many I want to hire.”

Her restaurant will expand to a full menu, which she couldn’t do at the smaller space inside Eli Fish, she said. There’s “a lot more space and prep room,” Lumpkin said.

“We’re working on changes now. A lot is going to change,” she said. “The hours, we’ll be open later in the evening, to 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday."

She is also planning to have a liquor license eventually.

Mama Dee'z will have a ribbon-cutting in mid-March, and Lumpkin will publicize more details soon, she said.

File photo: the former Fishtales will soon house Mama Dee'z Kitchen at 107 Evans St., Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens.

While most businesses make big splashes out of those hefty decades-old anniversaries, Eli Fish owners and staff are plenty happy with turning five this year, brewmaster Adam Burnett says.

And the brewery and restaurant that’s already become a staple of downtown’s Main Street will be celebrating on March 3 and 4.

“It’s to celebrate the successes I don’t think any of us saw coming,” Burnett said.

It was in March 2018 when owners Matt Gray and Jon Mager opened Eli Fish Brewing Company in the deceptively large building that stretched from Main Street back to Jackson Square. That included an on-site brewery, a kitchen for Eli and one for an incubator to temporarily house a start-up restaurant for training and experience before ideally moving on to a larger space of its own.

There was also plenty of seating and room for cornhole tournaments, special event bookings and trivia nights and occasional live musical groups.

The place has closed every March since opening to upgrade the brewery — with a minimum 20 percent growth each year, Burnett said — for production capacity that “more than doubled from when I got here four years ago,” he said.

The brewery has a distribution spanning across Western New York and just signed a contract with a major name that can’t be disclosed just yet, plus Eli Fish was invited to participate in a Rochester brew expo, which is newer territory for the more western-based brew, he said.

During its shutdown next month, the property will be filled with activity to build a banquet hall for parties up to 100, continue work on the outdoor deck next to Jackson Square, refine an elevated food menu, and expand Matty’s Pizza into the former Mama Dee’z Kitchen area. (See related story.)

As for the outdoor deck? “I would love to see it functioning before the first concert in Jackson Square,” Burnett said.

How’s the food? “We still do more food sales than beer sales,” he said. “It’s all about the full experience. With Matty’s expansion, that can take a load off of our kitchen. People come now expecting new things with an international flair.”

The anniversary celebration will feature “throwback” food specials from the last five years that include shrimp and grits, bahn mi sandwich, potstickers and more. Craft brews should bring on some nostalgia, he said, with the Brewer’s Wife, a blonde ale, Madam Edna, a nod to the infamous Edna Gruber of Batavia’s pre-urban renewal days, and Church Shoes.

Funny thing is, the Edna was created without anyone knowing that she was Burnett’s great-great-grandmother — a madam, for sure, she ran a brothel on Jackson Street and was reportedly rather philanthropic with her proceeds, donating money to those in need.

The celebration is just that, Burnett said: it's a way to acknowledge that Eli Fish has not just survived.

“But we’ve been thriving,” he said.

Eli Fish Brewing Company Chef Sam Hilburger and Master Brewer Adam Burnett prepare for the five-year celebration March 3 and 4 at 109 Main St., Batavia with food specials and nostalgic craft brews from the first year of operation. Photo by Howard Owens.

Previously:

There were dozens of craft brews on tap on Saturday night at Batavia Downs for the 4th Annual Brewfest.

Photos by Howard Owens

Poodle skirts galore, duck tails and pony tails, rolled-up blue jeans, and a rockin' band (the Front Porch Pickers) brought the era of hit 45s, soda jerks, jukeboxes, and pre-Beatles pop music back to life on Saturday night at the VFW in Batavia.

Photos by Howard Owens

Jason R. Anderson, 41, of Batavia, is charged with robbery 1st, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, petit larceny, and criminal mischief 4th. Anderson is accused of displaying a knife during a robbery at an undisclosed business on Veterans Memorial Drive on Jan. 23 at 6:36 p.m. The suspect in the robbery fled the scene before deputies arrived. Following an investigation, Anderson was identified as the suspect. He was arrested without incident on Jan. 30. He was arraigned in town of Batavia Court and ordered held on $10,000 bail or $20,000 bond. The petit larceny and criminal mischief charges stemming from an incident on Jan. 3 at the same location. He is accused of cutting a chain lock on an electric bicycle and stealing the bicycle. 

Tiffany Marie McAllister, 32, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd. McAllister was arrested Feb. 13 in connection with an incident reported at 11:30 p.m. Jan. 28, at a location on West Main Street Road, Batavia. McAllister was arraigned and released on her own recognizance.

Zachary Russell Reed, 32, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd. Reed is accused of an assault reported at a business in the Town of Batavia on Jan. 28 at 10:30 p.m. He was arrested Feb. 13 and released on his own recognizance following arraignment.

Alyssa Michele Harnish, 34, of West Main Street, Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Harnish is accused of striking a child during a disturbance reported at 10:19 p.m. on Feb. 12 at a location on West Main Street Road, Batavia. Harnish was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on her own recognizance.

Megan June Courtney, 26, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with two counts of grand larceny 4th. Courtney is accused of stealing a debit card and using the debit card to make purchases in excess of $1,800. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Michael John Szustakowski, 34, of Alexander Road, Attica, is charged with felony DWI, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, speeding, and open alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.  Szustakowski was stopped by Sgt. Mathew Clor at 8:07 p.m. on Feb. 10 on Clinton Street Road, Bergen. He is accused of attempting to flee on foot through the backyard of a residence. He was apprehended after a foot pursuit. He was arraigned in Centralized Court. His release status was not disclosed.

Tasha Lynn Horton, 41, Dry Bridge Road, Alexander, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision with an emergency vehicle, moving from lane unsafely, and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Horton is accused of driving drunk and nearly striking a patrol vehicle on a traffic stop on Feb. 12 at 1:50 a.m. on Route 33 in Bergen. Horton was arrested by Deputy Zachary Hoy.

Kevin Lysie Richardson, 49, of Tempest Street, Perry, is charged with falsifying business records 1st and attempted criminal purchase or disposal of a weapon. Richardson is accused of attempting to purchase a firearm he was ineligible to possess on Dec. 23 at 12:30 p.m at a location on Veterans Memorial Drive. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Joseph Carl Jeffords, 31, of Chestnut Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Jeffords is accused of shoplifting at Kohl's Department Store in Batavia.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

Raeshawn S. Robinson, 25, of Fairbanks Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd, insufficient tail lamps, no seat belt, and failure to use four-way flashers. Robinson was stopped by Deputy Ayrton Blankenberg on Route 63 in Alabama on Feb. 12 at 12:27 a.m. He was arraigned in Centralized Court. His release status was not disclosed.

Demetrius J. Coleman, 27, Highgate Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with petit larceny.  He is accused of stealing a BB gun from Dick's Sporting Goods in Batavia at 2:49 p.m. on Feb. 10. he was arraigned in City Court and ordered to appear in Batavia Town Court on March 2.

Zakara Rose Jackson, 19, of Trumbull Park, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband 1st. Jackson is accused of bringing a crack pipe into the Genesee County Jail at 7:13 a.m. on Feb. 5. Jackson was arraigned in Centralized Court. Her release status was not disclosed.

Caleb Richard Swendsen, 28, of Akron Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Swendsen is accused of possessing a crystal rock-like substance and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle at 11:22 on Feb. 12 at a location on Main Street, Oakfield. Swendsen was arrested by Deputy Jacob Kipler and issued an appearance ticket.

John Mitchell Francis, 29, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, driving a vehicle with no tail lamps, no plate lamp, and failure to notify DMV of an address change.  Francis was stopped at 10:09 p.m. on Feb.11 on Clinton Street Road, Bergen, by Deputy Jonathan Dimming. He was issued traffic tickets and released to a third party.

Ethan Mitchell Conrad, 22, of South Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, moving from lane unsafely, and failure to dim headlights.  Conrad was stopped at 10:25 p.m. on Feb. 16 on South Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was issued traffic tickets and released.

John James Petti, 33, of Hawley Street, Lancaster, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, and no headlamps. Petti was stopped at 10:37 p.m. on Feb. 18 on West Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Ayrton Blankenberg.  Petti was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on appearance tickets.

Jerwan B. McFarley, 37, of Rochester, is charged with criminal mischief 4th and acting in a manner injurious to a child, two counts. McFarley was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 8:34 p.m. Feb. 16 in the Town of Stafford. McFarley was ordered held on bail. No further details released.

A person in Alexander was killed this morning by a tree that fell on her at the WNY Gas & Steam Engine Association grounds on Gillate Road.

According to State Police, the tree was being cut down on the property and fell in the path of a 65-year-old woman.

Neighbors called 9-1-1, and the tree was removed with a tractor.

Troopers and medical staff attempted life-saving measures. 

According to State Police, the scene was consistent with with an accidental death and foul play is not suspected.

The identity of the victim is being withheld at this time.

After more than seven decades of selling their popular dairy products, owners Brian and Heather Bailey made the sad announcement Sunday that it was coming to an end for Kutter's Cheese Factory retail store.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we have to announce that Kutter's  Cheese Factory Retail Store, after 75 years in business, is closing its doors,” the couple posted on its online site. “Conditions (outrageous shipping costs, discontinued cheeses, rising costs on everything, and labor shortages) have made it impractical to continue.

“It’s so difficult to say goodbye to our wonderful, selfless and hard-working employees, and to you, our customers,” they said.  “We’ve had the privilege to meet so many wonderful people and exchange smiles and our love of cheese.  Someday we may find our way back to business somewhere, but in the meantime, we’ll just say so long for now.”

The shop opened in 1947, and during the next 70 years, it continued to expand at 857 Main Road, Corfu, catering to the tastes of cheese lovers near and far.  The Kutter's store was the recipient of an Agricultural Business of the Year Award in 2009.

The owners also wanted to clarify that it is the retail store that’s closing, and not the manufacturing business of Yancey’s Fancy, which is under separate ownership.

“I hope you will have fond memories of our store and we will most certainly have fond memories of you,” they continued.  “God bless you all. Love and Respect, Heather and Brian Bailey, Owners.”

Obviously, the feelings are mutual, with several comments from folks expressing sadness and memories about having shopped at the store or family members going there for favorite items (cheese curd was apparently a popular one), even traveling from out of state -- including North Carolina -- to do so.

The owners announced a sale that will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

File Photos of top, Kutter's Cheese Factory on Main Road in Corfu, the Hot Stuff Yancey's Fancy buffalo mascot during a Kutters' customer appreciation day, and above, an assortment of cheeses at the shop, by Howard Owens.

UPDATE: There was a long line outside of Kutter's this morning. Photo courtesy WBTA.

Anybody up for a little downward dog?

In their ongoing quest to provide programs for the community’s well-being, organizers of The GOOSE Community Center and Warrior House of WNY will now be offering a yoga series, thanks to a Univera health equity award, Susan Zeliff says.

The award from Univera Healthcare will support Warrior House of WNY and its Aging Strong Program to promote physical health among senior adults aged 55 and older in rural Genesee County. Based in Oakfield, Warrior House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of veterans and families throughout Western New York through support services that promote social and emotional development for overall health and well-being, said Zeliff, Warrior House co-founder and treasurer.
 
“Aging Strong is a community-based fitness and nutrition program that informs and empowers older adults to make healthy choices about eating, and safely increase their level of physical activity,” Zeliff said this weekend. “In our part of Genesee County, the need for this type of program is great, but existing resources were few. That is until Univera stepped in with underwriting support.”    
 
Warrior House of WNY is located at 33 South Main St., in The GOOSE Community Center, a name borrowed from the former site of the Yellow Goose and an acronym for the Warrior House motto: God is On Our Side Every day. 
 
Univera Healthcare is a nonprofit health plan that serves members across the eight counties of Western New York and invited nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations serving Western New York to apply for Health Equity Awards to help fund health and wellness programs that address racial and ethnic health disparities.

Health Equity categories included but were not limited to: Reducing health disparities in racial, ethnic, LGBTQ communities, people with disabilities, people living in rural or urban communities, or other groups that may be at higher health risk for medical issues and conditions (chronic or acute), behavioral health or mental health conditions, and negative outcomes from the above, including death or suicide.
 
“Working together with organizations such as Warrior House, we are confronting the crisis in health disparities, and addressing long-standing gaps in care and services in underserved communities,” Univera Healthcare President Art Wingerter said. 

Univera Healthcare invited organizations to apply for awards of up to $30,000 each to help fund programs to improve health equity in communities of color, especially within Black and Latino communities. These segments of the community continue to suffer from health care and social disadvantages due to racism and discrimination. Award categories include, but were not limited to, improving the community’s physical health and mental health, reducing social disparities in health care, and ensuring access to health care services. 

The funding from Univera Healthcare will support six nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations across Western New York, that were chosen after a comprehensive review process that included input from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to assess each proposal. Grant recipients were selected based on clear, defined goals and measurable results for reducing health disparities and improving health equity.

Univera Healthcare presented the award to Warrior House on Feb. 2. The goal of the Aging Strong program is to promote physical health among senior adults 55 and older through a community-based fitness and nutrition program that informs and empowers older adults to make healthy choices about eating and safely increasing their physical activity levels, Zeliff said.

Secondary goals include cultivating supportive networks among older-aged community members, promoting health education and literacy through fitness and nutrition workshops, and awareness of available assistance from local health service providers and the Warrior House food pantry.

Funds will be used for program evaluation, materials, food, and for exercise instructor Denise Gliden. She will be hosting a chair yoga at 10 a.m. on Thursday mornings beginning March 16 and a Vinyasa-style yoga at 6 p.m. on Wednesday nights beginning March 22. 

“Our Univera Award will allow us to provide these classes for free. Our goal is always to provide low to no-cost programs. We never want costs to keep people from participating in our programs,” Zeliff said. “It is awards like this that help us make this possible. At this time, we are not putting a limit on the class size. We are hoping to benefit a lot of people with this program.”

For more information, go to Warrior House of WNY or Univera Healthcare.

Submitted photo of Michele Hrichan, Univera Healthcare Medicare Sales; Olivia Linke, Univera Healthcare Community Affairs Director; Susan Zeliff, Warrior House of WNY co-founder and Treasurer; Art Wingerter, Univera Healthcare president; and Kimberly Burr, Univera Healthcare Marketplace Enroller. 

Press release:

The Rural Police Training Academy is proud to announce its 35th anniversary of providing top-quality training to police officers and pre-employment recruits in Western New York.

Since 1985, the RPTA has accepted recruits from across the region, offering a yearly basic course that runs from early April to the following early March, as well as a variety of in-service courses throughout the year in cooperation with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.

The RPTA's basic course features classes on Tuesdays, a majority of Wednesdays and Thursdays, from April to the end of December. Physical agility testing is required for enrollment, which will be scheduled in the weeks leading up to the start of the Academy.

Both full and part-time officers, including those over the age of 35, are welcome to enroll, as well as pre-employment candidates who are at least 19 years old and have no felony or criminal convictions. A background investigation is required for all pre-employment candidates.

"We are thrilled to celebrate 35 years of providing exceptional training and education to law enforcement professionals in Western New York," said director of the Rural Police Training Academy Doug Brooks. "The RPTA is dedicated to producing well-prepared, confident officers who are committed to serving their communities with the highest level of professionalism."

"Congratulations to the Rural Police Training Academy on their 35th anniversary of providing top-quality training to police officers and pre-employment recruits in Western New York. The RPTA plays a vital role in training and preparing law enforcement professionals, and their commitment to producing well-prepared and confident officers who serve their communities with the highest level of professionalism is commendable. We are proud to have such an outstanding organization in our community," said Dr. Craig Lamb, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Genesee Community College.

Applications are now being emailed for the 35th Annual RPTA Class beginning in April 2023. If interested, please email RPTA Director Brooks at rpolice@genesee.edu and ask that an application packet be sent to you for the 2023 Academy. Your email should include your name, phone number and preferred email. Seats are limited! More information can be found at https://www.genesee.edu/about/offices-departments/best- center/professional-development/rural-police-training-academy/.

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) on Thursday sent a letter to the Biden administration slamming it for failing to comply with a legally-mandated reporting requirement on Iran’s military capabilities. The letter, which was addressed to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, follows her failure to submit a report to Congress on the military capabilities of Iran, which is legally required by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022. The report was due 180 days following the passage of the NDAA. It is now 233 days late.

This report requires a detailed description of the advancements in the military capabilities of Iran, especially regarding the capabilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah and the Houthis. Further, this report requires detailed accountings of attacks against U.S. servicemembers and our allies by Iran and its proxies.

“At a time when the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to escalate tensions in the Middle East and threaten our allies like Israel, Congress required the Biden administration to provide a detailed report on the regime’s military capabilities,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This report is now 233 days late. The administration’s failure to comply with this legally required reporting requirement from Congress is unacceptable and I am calling on the Director of National Intelligence act immediately to provide this information. Not only is the failure to send this report a clear violation of the law, but it is also detrimental to our national security. I look forward to promptly receiving this report from Director Haines, as well as an explanation for the delay of more than 200 days.”

Tenney’s full letter is available here.     

Press release:

Gretchen Hawley was inducted into membership of the Batavia Rotary Club this month and continues a long-standing family tree that stretches back to the club's founding. 

Her great-grandfather, Warren W. Hawley Jr., was one of the club's charter members in 1919 and served as club president in 1924.  He was also honored for 60 years of perfect attendance in 1979. 

Next in line is her grandfather, R. Stephen Hawley, who was club president in 1966, then her father, Theodore P. Hawley, who was club president in 2009. 

Other relatives who have been Batavia Rotarians include Warren W. Hawley III, her great-uncle, and Stephen M. Hawley, her uncle.

Gretchen is a native Batavian who has recently returned to the community.  She is a physical therapist and specializes in working with multiple sclerosis patients through her business called the MSing Link.

"I grew up watching my dad and grandpa be part of Rotary, so I knew that once I was in a position to volunteer, I'd want to do it with Rotary," she said.

Rotary International is a volunteer-driven organization whose motto is "Service Above Self."

Locally, the Batavia club makes multiple contributions to the community, such as $18,000 in college scholarships to area students each year, said President John McGowan. 

Rotary is also contributing $250,000 toward the Healthy Living Campus under construction on Main Street, a joint project for the YMCA and United Memorial Medical Center.

Most recently, Rotary has offered a $150,000 matching pledge for the renovation of the local hospital's Intensive Care Unit, McGowan said.

For more information about Batavia Rotary, go to www.bataviarotary.com.

Press release:

Kids in Batavia and surrounding areas have benefitted from the Kiwanis Club of Batavia for 100 years. 

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia has a long history of community service through various club-sponsored programs and support of youth and community-serving organizations.

On Feb. 22, 1923, with 56 original members led by former Batavia Mayor Ashton W. Caney, the club received its charter from Kiwanis International.

With members in 80 countries and geographic locations, Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. 

In its early history, the Kiwanis Club of Batavia founded a Fresh Air Health Camp, which brought hundreds of children from inner cities into rural WNY for a week of camping.  Kiwanis was also a long-time sponsor of an annual Soap Box Derby, which was revived last year by the Batavia Improvement District. An early signature project was raising money to build a community pool formerly at MacArthur Park. To mark its 75th Anniversary, the club financed new playground equipment at Austin Park that remains to this day.

A more recent signature community project was the raising of over $200,000 for the Justice for Children Advocacy Center, allowing them to renovate an existing structure to provide state-of-the-art services to the children under their care. Its current signature project is funding the Books for Babies Program facilitated by the Richmond Memorial Library.

The club conducts three popular holiday events annually; Thanksgiving Morning Skate at the David. M. McCarthy Ice Arena, Easter Egg Hunt at Centennial Park, and an Independence Day 5K run/walk in Batavia. 

The club proudly holds an annual Law Enforcement Recognition event in conjunction with the Batavia Police Department, Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, Genesee Justice and the Genesee County Magistrates Office.

The club also presents three Richard Rung Memorial Scholarships each year; one each to a graduating Senior at Batavia High, Notre Dame and Genesee Valley BOCES.

“Our main objective is to improve the lives of children, one community at a time,” said David Rumsey, club president.  “As Kiwanians, we are proud of our accomplishments.  I encourage and welcome everyone to join in the proud traditions of Kiwanis.”

Kids in the community need Kiwanis. The Kiwanis Club of Batavia is proud to serve them and hopes to do so for another 100 years.  For more information, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/kiwanisclubofbatavia or their website at www.bataviakiwanis.org.  The club meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday at 12:10 at Batavia’s Original Pizza and welcomes new members.

Press release:

Effective January 27, 2023, Deputy Sheriff Cory W. Mower retired after 26 years of service with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. 

Deputy Mower started his career on December 28, 1996, as a Correction Officer at the Genesee County Jail.  On January 25, 2003, he was appointed a Deputy Sheriff on Road Patrol.  During his tenure, he earned two Commendations.   

“Everyone here at the Sheriff’s Office wishes Cory the very best in his future,” stated Sheriff Sheron.