Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night @ the Museum on Thursday, January 9 at 7 p.m. In honor of the presidential inauguration this month, come and test your knowledge of when a President of the United States takes office. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to welcome back as its first Guest Speaker of 2025, Civil War historian and author Chris Mackowski on Tuesday, January 21 at 7 p.m. In honor of the birthday of Stonewall Jackson, Chris will be presenting on his book, "The Last Days of Stonewall Jackson" of the Emerging Civil War series. The presentation will cover Jackson's military career and the last fateful days during the Battle of Chancellorsville that led to his mortal wounding. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. If you plan on attending, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
The Holland Land Office Museum’s first Java with Joe of 2025, will be on January 23! Our Executive Director, Ryan Duffy, will be talking about the life and legacy of Batavia’s own Medal of Honor and Order of the First Volunteer of the Civil War from New York recipient, Charles Rand! Admission is FREE and both coffee and donuts will be provided! Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
The Town of Alabama Republican Committee is looking for candidates to immediately fill two positions on the Alabama town council due to resignations. The prospective candidates will be recommended to the Town of Alabama Board to fill the remaining year of the term.
Also, the Alabama Republican Committee is looking for candidates to run in the 2025 November election. The committee is looking for two (2) town council candidates for 4-year terms and also a candidate for Genesee County Legislator to be elected for a 4-year term in November of 2025.
All interested candidates are asked to send their information to Earl LaGrou, 7420 Macomber Rd., Oakfield OR by email to earl@lwemail.com.
All letters need to be in no later than January 11.
The Justice for Children Advocacy Center (JFCAC) has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Batavia.
The Justice for Children Advocacy Center serves children that have been victims of sexual or physical abuse or witness to violence. The mission of the JFCAC is to seek to reduce the incidence of child sexual and physical abuse, to minimize trauma to alleged victims, and to promote healing for victims and their families by collaborating with a variety of professionals to provide services at a single, child-friendly location.
The JFCAC works closely with law enforcement and Child Protective Services to provide on-site forensic interviews for children, mental health therapy, medical examinations, and victim advocacy. Victim advocates will work with the child and family throughout the life of a court case and beyond.
Many children testify in grand jury and criminal court proceedings and are brave enough to give Victim Impact Statements at the sentencing proceedings of their perpetrators. The JFCAC will utilize this grant to purchase “Pocket Hug” tokens for children to hold in their hand or pocket while in court.
This Pocket Hug will serve as a reminder of their bravery and strength, and of the support they have behind them.
The coin is inscribed with the following, “You are Strong, you are Awesome, you are Loved, you are Not Alone, you are Tough, you are Brave, you are a Fighter.”
Facing a court room, a jury, defense attorneys, and their perpetrators is a terrifying experience for child victims and one that requires an immense amount of strength. The children may or may not have adequate family support, and the JFCAC strives to help these children feel as supported as possible.
Advocates and parents cannot always be present while a child is testifying or facing court, but these pocket hugs will remind the children that we are right there with them. This will assist the children in cultivating a sense of courage and strength while facing their perpetrators. The JFCAC and Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Rotary Club of Batavia for its generosity.
“We are so grateful to the Rotary Club of Batavia for their work in the community and for this incredible gift. We’re excited to begin distributing the Pocket Hugs and are proud to be among such wonderful community partners as the Rotary Club,” stated JFCAC Program Coordinator Trisha Reynolds.
The Holland Land Office Museum will be closed from Wednesday, January 1 through Saturday, January 18. The staff and volunteers of the museum will be working getting the museum ready for a brand new year in 2025 full of new exhibits, displays, programs and special events.
The museum will be resuming its regular operating hours of Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 4 pm on Tuesday, January 21. For further information or questions please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
When Pete Zeliff’s team presented a plan to host the World Aerobatic Championships in rural Batavia, he was clinging to hope that something might sway the Commission Internationale de Voltage Aerienne (more commonly known as CIVA) delegates.
After all, the competition has been in places such as Las Vegas, and the last time it was in the United States, it was in 2013 in Sherman-Denison, Texas, a metropolitan area with a population of more than 137,000.
“I was really surprised, I thought it was a long shot,” Zeliff said to The Batavian Thursday. “When it’s been here in the U.S., it’s been in places like Las Vegas. So, to go from Las Vegas to Batavia, New York, is a long stretch.”
And surprised he was, along with planning team members Shad Coulson, John Smutny, Doreen Hillard-Zeliff, Jennifer Vukovic, Monique Hartmann, and Rob Holland, a past world participant. Now, there will be one right here from Aug. 22 through 31 in 2026. The last event was in 2024 in Poland, and they are held every two years.
The team flew to Greece to make its pitch for the international event to be held at Genesee County Airport. One major reason why this site was chosen, Zeliff believes, “had to do with how well the Air Show went the last two years,” and an important logistical detail that there’s no tower or commercial air traffic.
Add to those assets the number of hotels and restaurants in the surrounding area, and Batavia made the cut, Zeliff said.
“There’s normally anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 people over the 10 days that they compete that will attend the competition. And there will be 40 to 60 competitors from around the world,” he said. “There’s three to five Americans that will compete, and the rest of them will be from Europe and Australia and New Zealand. The competition goes for 10 days, and the competitors will get here four days early and practice before the competition starts.”
Part of the set-up includes nearby practice sites at Bethany Airpark (8NK4), Geneseo (D52), LeRoy (5G0) and Perry-Warsaw (01G). Part of practice means having an aerobatic box set up to line up the arena for competition. That block of airspace is approximately 3,300 feet long by 3,300 feet wide by 3,300 feet high, according to an “In The Loop” article on the CIVA website.
For safety, a minimum height above the ground is established, and severe penalty points are assigned if the pilot flies below the minimum height. The minimum height above the ground is 1,500 feet for the Primary and Sportsman categories, 1,200 feet for Intermediate, 800 feet for Advanced, and 328 feet for the Unlimited category, it states.
At the start of each category flight, the first pilot will fly past the judges at the minimum height to give them a visual reference for that height. When the pilot flies into the box, he looks down at a marked playing field. The aerobatic box markings are an L-shape in each of the 4 corners, a T-shape in the middle of each side, and an X-shape in the center of the playing field.
“When competitors compete, they have to stay within those guys; it protects the air space and the people on the ground,” he said. “They’ll fly three different routines in each category or class.
Given that this will be a first for Zeliff to actually watch a World Championship event himself, what prompted his interest in it for Batavia? He first mentioned Rob Holland, quite the skilled pilot from New Hampshire who has won the national competition 13 times in a row, he said.
“But he’s never won the overall world. And he’s one of the ones that came to us and asked what we thought about putting in an application to hold it in Batavia,” Zeliff said. “I thought it would be great to have a really world-class competition in Batavia.”
He described this competition as “the Olympics of aerobatics,” and medals are awarded to the winners in the end.
CIVA will be sending its own panel of judges for the event, and Zeliff said there are already various committees set up locally to handle the organization of the event. The proposed schedule begins with an unofficial practice day on Aug. 18, the Opening Ceremony on Aug. 22 and official contest flights to run through Aug. 31. It will end just five days before Wings Over Batavia 2026 is to begin on Sept. 5, which is the beginning of Labor Day weekend that year, he said. There has been talk about possible packages for attending both events, but no details have been finalized, and ticket sales will be announced closer to the end of 2025, he said.
In addition to the county airport being a non-towered airfield surrounded by mostly farmland, there are four hangars available for use with a total of 20,800 square feet to hangar aircraft, providing office space and a hospitality area.
The team’s presentation listed Batavia as being “blessed with an abundance of hotels within 1.5 miles of the contest site,” and being able to provide meals, transportation, shelter and dedicated team villages, Wi-Fi, judges’ stations at major points of the compass, portable restrooms, hydration and snacks for the event.
During late August, the weather has historically been “quite favorable for a successful contest,” with average temperatures at 70.3F, a wind speed of 7 mph and average precipitation of .13 inches.
The planning team has also proposed to Live Stream the contest, modeled after the U.S. Nationals experience for the last three years. The addition of the Live Stream has many benefits, the team said in a news release, including commercialization of the sport, benefits to the local economy, viewing access for friends and family of the competitors, additional sponsorship opportunities, and the video remains accessible online after the end of the event.
There was no application fee, however, the budget for this event is estimated at $400,000, Zeliff said. Competitors pay a fee to participate, and other revenue will be raised through sponsorships and ticket sales. Unlike the air show, there won’t be tents and concession stands on the airport grounds, so participants and visitors are likely to visit nearby restaurants and stores to buy food and other necessities.
“The big thing is, if you’ve got 3,000 people, you have to put them up in hotel rooms,” he said. “They’re gonna eat breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, and have rental cars and all that.”
Douglas Grant Goodwin, 33, of Maple Road, Alabama, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Goodwin, currently in custody at the Genesee County Jail, made a phone call to a specific person at 11:44 a.m. on Dec. 15 in violation of an order of protection. Goodwin is also charged with promoting prison contraband 2nd. Goodwin is accused of possessing two mobile phones while being incarcerated.
Philip Roy Chin, 37, of Conrad Drive, Greece, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Chin is accused of intentionally damaging a door by kicking it multiple times at 4:45 p.m. on Dec. 15 at a location on West Main Street, Batavia.
Roy Joseph Knauss, 34, of East Main Road, Le Roy, is charged with harassment 2nd. Knauss is accused of spitting on and kicking another person during a fight at 2:55 p.m. on Dec. 15 at a location on East Main Road, Le Roy. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Linda Maria Doucette, 59, of Lake Road South, Brockport, is charged with DWI. Doucette was stopped at 7:33 p.m. on Dec. 17 following a traffic complaint on Peachey Road, Beren. Doucette was released on a ticket.
Daniel Lawrence Kensy, 41, of Schlemmer Road, Lancaster, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to keep right. Kensy was stopped at 12:05 a.m. on Dec. 18 on Pearl Street Road, Batavia, by Sgt. Mathew Clor. Kensy issued tickets and released.
Use the Coupon Code GOLOCAL2025 for 10 percent off for all of 2025 on either a monthly or annual plan. Offer good through Jan. 1.
Local news is what holds communities together. Local news reporters are the ones who keep tabs on local elected officials. Without local reporters, you would know very little about what is happening in your community. You would be in the dark.
1st row: Jill Mapes, Jennifer Waldron, Adam Doktor, Heather Tabor, Lauren Casey, Bill Bogan, Missy Blum, Carla Aceto, Raylyn Kingdon 2nd row: Adam Wheeler, Destin Danser, Peter Mittiga, Karen Vallese, Arvind Sridharan, Jamie Lindsley, Kelly Starchok, Katy Hobbs, Sheila Harding, Tim Hagen, Krista Galdun, Jessica Riley, Melanie Rhodes 3rd row: Craig Wagner, Mark Williams, Branden Riggs, Dave Bell, Jodi Fisher Photo by Laurie Pfaff, LG 2009
Press Release:
Leadership Genesee presented awards honoring the 27 members of the Class of 2024 at the Annual Graduation Celebration at Terry Hills on December 5.
Class members from the private sector include Alleghany Farm Services, CPL, DelPlato Casey Law Firm, Genesee Patrons Cooperative Insurance, Lawley, Liberty Pumps, and Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union Also included from the public sector were members from City of Batavia, Genesee Community College, Genesee County IT Department, Social Services, Health Department, Mental Health, Office for the Aging, Probation, GV BOCES Early College High School, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee County Economic Development Center, Oakfield Betterment Committee, Town of Alexander, Town of Batavia, Go Art!, LeRoy Ambulance Service, Inc, UConnectCare (GCASA) and WNY Rural Area Health Education Center.
Leadership Genesee Director Peggy Marone shared at graduation, “Every class who have spent a year learning about our community as well as themselves, have taught me something. A leader should never stop looking within themselves to assess how they’re doing as a leader and when something needs to be addressed, change direction and work to improve.”
Leadership Genesee is a year-long community education committed to exploring Genesee County and encouraging the leader within all of us. Our goal is to provide well-prepared servant leaders for Genesee County ready to accept responsibility for our community’s shared concerns.
One participant said they felt the experience strengthened their commitment to personal development and to serving others by making meaningful contributions to our community.
Class speakers Jill Mapes and David Bell shared, “We are heartened knowing that those in this room will not hesitate to continue positive impacts outside of this room, to help a ripple of intention become a wave of compassionate change. More than anything else, we believe that this is what makes each and every one of us “leaders.”
The Class of 2025 will begin their journey in January, LG’s Silver Anniversary.
Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information about Leadership Genesee, please visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) voted in favor of a short term funding bill to keep the federal government open through March 14, 2025.
H.R. 10545 - Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 passed the House by a vote of 366-34 with one present.
“In November, the American people overwhelmingly rejected the Biden administration and Senate Democrats' reckless spending, which wastes taxpayer dollars on Green New Deal pet projects, cripples our economy, and raises the national debt,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “In November, voters made it clear that they are fed up with the way Washington is currently run and issued a mandate for Republicans to deliver a fiscally responsible budget that cuts outrageous spending and reins in Washington’s bloated bureaucracy.”
"Passing a short-term Continuing Resolution is essential to avoid a shutdown under the Biden administration and ensures that we can enact our America First agenda in the new year. With Republicans set to have a majority in Congress and President Trump set to return to the White House in 2025, we will have the opportunity to implement the fiscally conservative, America First priorities that voters demanded. In the meantime, a Continuing Resolution was necessary. While this process was difficult, I am relieved we reached an agreement to prevent a shutdown and were able to secure critical funding. Thank you to President Trump, Speaker Johnson and our great leadership team for their extraordinary efforts."
“This legislation provides $10 billion in economic assistance to farmers struggling with crop loss, government overregulation, and external market forces, while also extending current farm bill programs through September 30, 2025. Additionally, a shutdown would severely impact military families in our district, cripple our defense industrial base, and hinder Customs and Border Protection Agents working to secure our border. During a shutdown, servicemembers risking their lives for our freedoms and border agents responding to an unprecedented crisis would go unpaid. Even worse, a shutdown while the Biden administration controls all the federal agencies would have surrendered complete control to un-elected staff due to the complete absence of leadership by President Biden."
“House Republicans have already begun working on implementing policies necessary to usher in a new era of leadership. We are committed to growing our economy, reducing inflation by reducing taxes, cutting wasteful spending, securing our borders, and unleashing American energy dominance. House Republicans are dedicated to delivering a more efficient, transparent and accountable government that returns the Constitutional power back to the American people."
While many people find the holidays to be joyful, they can be a difficult and stressful time for some. This is especially true for those who battle with mental health or substance use difficulties. During this season, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) and the Genesee and Orleans County Mental Health Departments want to encourage everyone to be proactive and to know where to get support.
“This can be a challenging time for many people,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We want people to look out for others and know where to go for support.”
Tips for Mental Health Well-Being during the Holiday Season:
Accept your feelings: It is okay to feel overwhelmed or sad. Allow yourself to process emotions without judgment. Help is available.
Stay connected: Reach out to friends, family or someone you trust.
Set boundaries: It is okay to say no to things you can’t take on.
Take breaks: Listen to music, take a walk, or do something you enjoy.
Maintain healthy habits: Avoid the use of drugs or alcohol. Instead, consider using healthy substitutes such as exercise or relaxation methods.
If you use drugs, never use them alone and always have someone with you.
Carry naloxone (Narcan), which can save a life during an opioid overdose. For free naloxone, text KIT to 877-535-2461.
“Help is always available and just a call away,” stated Danielle Figura, Director of Orleans County Mental Health. “Reaching out to someone you trust or calling the Care & Crisis Line (585-283-5200) can be the first step toward hope and healing.”
Understanding the risk factors and warning signs of someone experiencing a mental health crisis can promptly prevent a crisis from occurring.
“Warning signs are often missed, dismissed or overlooked until it’s too late, stated Lynda Battaglia, Director for Genesee County Mental Health. “It is vital to remain vigilant and engage in open conversations. Be proactive so that together we can ensure that no one feels alone or without hope.”
Know the Signs of a Mental Health Crisis:
Risk Factors Include:
A history of depression, anxiety, or trauma.
Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
Lack of social support or healthy relationships.
Access to dangerous items like firearms or medications.
Warning Signs Include:
Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless.
Making concerning statements about self-harm.
Sudden changes in behavior, such as mood swings, withdrawing from social activities, acting anxious, giving away possessions, or reckless behavior.
Trouble sleeping.
How to Help Others:
Ask questions: Check in with them and offer support.
Listen without judgement: Be a good listener and show compassion.
Reassure Them: Remind them that they are not alone and that help is available.
Secure Dangerous Items: Remove access to weapons or pills.
Carry naloxone (Narcan) to respond to an emergency.
The following are some mental health and substance use resources available:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline- Dial 988 or visit and chat at 988 Lifeline.
Veterans Crisis Line- Dial 988 (press 1) or text 741741.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline- 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - A confidential, free 24-hour helpline that can provide referrals to local treatment facilities and support groups. To find a local treatment facility, visit FindTreatment.gov. To find support for issues with mental health, drugs, or alcohol, visit Samhsa.gov/find-support.
The Intermediate School Student Council hosted their annual December Drive to help collect food donations for the Corfu Food Pantry.
Currently, the Pantry is helping 50 families in our Corfu/Pembroke communities. In total, the Intermediate School students and staff collected 1,889 items!
On December 20, students and staff braved the elements to deliver donations. It took the entire 6th grade, entire 5th grade, and two 4th grade classrooms to deliver all of the food!
The Intermediate School Student Council also held a friendly competition to see which classroom in each grade collected the most food. The winners are:
NOW HIRING seasonal agribusiness positions. CDL A & B Drivers to deliver bulk crop nutrients. Potential long-term opportunities. Great for retirees! GENERAL LABOR positions. Daily variety of indoor/outdoor responsibilities. Loader experience a plus. SIGN-ON BONUS and plenty of OT during spring/summer months. Apply in person at: 8610 Route 237, Stafford, NY www.cecrocker.com
