Press Release:

Six Flags Darien Lake, The Coaster Capital of New York, is thrilled to announce its fan-favorite lineup of special events for the 2025 season, beginning with Opening Day on May 16. From Star-Spangled Night to Fright Fest, there is something exciting for everyone to enjoy when they visit this year.

Mind Eraser, the suspended looping coaster will reopen for 2025 with a newly profiled track, a fresh new paint job, and the addition of two new trains which include comfort updates such as wider seats and a new restraint system. The ride is 110 feet long with five inversions including a heart-loop. It is New York’s only suspended looping coaster. The ride closed in 2024 for these improvements and upgrades. The ride will open with the park this season offering guests a whole new smoother and comfortable ride experience.

“This is the most exciting summer to visit Darien Lake ever,” expressed Six Flags Darien Lake President Christopher Thorpe. “Whether you’re visiting for a new ride experience like Mind Eraser, the refreshing water park, a rocking night out at a concert, our laser show, or any one of our incredible signature seasonal events, the fun starts now. Our welcoming team is committed to ensuring our guests have a spectacular visit and create memories that last a lifetime.”

2025 Event Lineup

Opening Day (May 16) - Welcome back to Six Flags Darien Lake! Experience an unforgettable day of thrills, entertainment and more when the park opens for the season.

Hurricane Harbor Opening Weekend (May 17-18) - Jump back into the poolside fun at Hurricane Harbor! Ride the slides, relax in the pool, or stay cool in one of our exclusive cabanas. Bring your bathing suit and take the plunge when Hurricane Harbor opens to the public.

Star-Spangled Night (July 4) - Celebrate the spirit of our nation at Six Flags Darien Lake with a breathtaking patriotic fireworks show. Perfect for all ages!

Live Nation Concert Series (various dates) - Get ready for the ultimate summer experience at Darien Lake Amphitheater! Join us for a thrilling Live Nation concert series featuring top artists like The Lumineers, Dierks Bentley, Kesha, Nelly, and Blink-182 and more. Concert-goers receive admission to Darien Lake, Hurricane Harbor, and more with ticket purchase. Stay where you play with an overnight adventure in our hotel, RVs or cabins, or rough it by camping at one of our campsites. Rock on! Complete listing of concerts here.

Kingdom Bound (July 27-30) - Experience Kingdom bound, a three-day Christian music festival at Darien Lake featuring four stages and 50+ artists. Guests receive admission to Darien Lake and Hurricane Harbor, special experiences, and more. Complete information at https://www.kingdombound.org/.

Oktoberfest (Aug. 30-Sept. 14, Select Days) - Enjoy the mouthwatering tastes of Oktoberfest right here at Six Flags Darien Lake! Indulge and savor the tastes and sounds of Germany, as we offer authentic German food, beverages, music and family-friendly entertainment. Plus, the park’s most popular rides are open, making Oktoberfest a must-do event for the whole family. Prost!

Fright Fest (Sept. 20-Oct. 25, Select Nights) - Get your fright on this fall when Fright Fest returns to Six Flags Darien Lake! The theme park transforms into a scream park filled with Halloween attractions that offer unforgettable thrills and unspeakable horror. Discover your scream with eerie scare zones, thrilling night rides, amazing live shows, and spine-chilling haunted houses.

Kids Boo Fest (Sept. 20-Oct. 25, Select Days) - The spooktacular fun returns this fall at Six Flags Darien Lake with Kids Boo Fest! Filled with Halloween activities, entertainment, trick-or-treat trails and other not-so-scary experiences, Kids Boo Fest is perfect for the little ghouls and ghosts in your family.

On select summer nights, be dazzled by the Laser Light Spectacular show beginning at dusk. Set to exciting music, and enhanced on weekends with fireworks, this laser show is a must-do way to celebrate the end of your day of thrills.

Guests can enjoy unlimited visits to Six Flags Darien Lake and Hurricane Harbor through Labor Day with a Silver Season Pass for only $55 (plus tax) through May 27. For more information on tickets, season passes, events or hours of operation, visit https://www.sixflags.com/darienlake.

The best way to enjoy the park is by booking one of many unique lodging accommodations to extend the fun. Learn more about the best deals at https://www.sixflagsdarienlakelodging.com/.

Six Flags Darien Lake is now a smoke-free environment. For the convenience and comfort of all guests, smoking of any kind, including vapor and e-cigarettes, is not permitted inside the park.

Press Release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to welcome Dr. Michael Boston of SUNY Brockport as our next Guest Speaker on Saturday, May 3 at 11 a.m. Dr. Boston of SUNY Brockport will be presenting on "Female Conductors of the Underground Railroad in Western and Central New York." Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan on attending.

Every first Wednesday is Night at the Museum at the Holland Land Office Museum. Come to the museum between 5 and 8 p.m. for extended hours on Wednesday, April 7 for those who cannot make it during our regularly scheduled ones! For Night at the Museum, you will get special personal tours from staff and volunteers, and see more behind the scenes! We hope to see you there! Admission is the regular pricing listed on our website!

Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next Trivia Night on Thursday, May 8 at 7 p.m. Come and test your knowledge our county and study up on the history of Genesee County. 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 the DSP Trio for a concert on Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. The local jazz group of Derek Reiss, Skip Taylor and Peter Mark will get your toes a tapping with a great selection of jazz music. Admission is $5 or $4 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Java with Joe E. Series on Thursday, May 22 at 9 a.m. Richard Beatty will be presenting on "Dr. Seuss Goes to War." In conjunction with the new exhibit at HLOM, Richard Beatty will present a look back at Dr. Seuss's virtually unknown WWII era political cartoons. Author Richard H Minear, now retired Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, discovered that there existed 400 drawings that ultimately became the subject matter for his 1999 book, "Dr. Seuss Goes to War, the World War II Editorial Cartoons of Theodor Seuss Geisel." Come and hear about Seuss's contribution to the war effort years before his name became famous for his wildly popular children's books. Thank you to Tim Horton's of Batavia for sponsoring the refreshments for Java with Joe E. for 2025.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Concert Series on Friday, May 23 at 7 p.m. Bart Dentino will be playing an acoustic selection of music that will include original compositions and songs by such artists as James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, The Beatles, and others. Bart was twice selected Best Performer and Best Vocalist of the Year by Freetime Magazine. It was the first time in the magazine’s history an artist was selected in two individual categories. Admission is $5 or $4 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 Musuem is proud to announce the latest presenter in our Guest Speaker Series on Thursday, May 29 at 7 p.m. Vic Vignola will be presenting on his book "Contrast in Command: The Battle of Fair Oaks, May 31-June 1, 1862." His presentation describes the golden opportunity McClellan presented Confederate leadership at Seven Pines/Fair Oaks on May 31, 1862. A day which developed into one of contrasts regarding leadership and command decisions made by Johnston, Sumner, and others. Award winning author/historian Victor Vignola is a lifelong student of the Civil War. His first book Contrasts in Command: The Battle of Fair Oaks – May 31 – June 1, 1862. He has also authored magazine articles for the American Civil War, and North and South publications. Vic conducts Civil War history programs and conducts tours of various sites. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

NOTE: The Batavian asked a spokesman for the Social Security Administration about the reason for the temporary closure. He said, "The Batavia SSA office underwent renovations to feature additional interviewing booths, which will allow us to provide better service with additional privacy for our visitors.  On Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2, 2025, the office will be temporarily closed to walk-in visitors while we finalize renovations."

Press Release:

The Batavia Social Security office located at 571 East Main Street, Batavia, NY, will be temporarily closed on Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2. The office will reopen to the public on Monday, May 5th, 2025, at 9:00am. Local telephone services at the Batavia Social Security office will remain available at 1-866-931-7103. 

People who need to conduct their Social Security business in person may visit the following Social Security offices:

• 4050 West Ridge Road, 2nd Floor, Rochester, NY
• 200 East Main Street, 2nd Floor, Rochester, NY   

Social Security office hours are from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.   

Social Security’s customers can now make appointments for all types of services instead of waiting in line, resulting in a better overall experience and reductions in wait times. 

Customers can still wait in line if they cannot or do not want to make an appointment.  Staff at local offices are being particularly mindful of vulnerable populations, people with disabilities, and other groups needing specialized or immediate attention when they walk in.  People can schedule an appointment by calling their local office (recommended) or 1-800-772-1213, which also has a call-back feature.  People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

Many Social Security services are conveniently available online at www.ssa.gov.  People may create their my Social Security account, a personalized online service, at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.  If they already receive Social Security benefits, they can start or change direct deposit online, request a replacement SSA-1099, and if they need proof of their benefits, they can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter from their account.  People not yet receiving benefits can use their online account to get a personalized Social Security Statement, which provides their earnings information as well as estimates of their future benefits.  The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services. 

Need a Social Security Number card? 
Please note for many situations people only need their number and not the actual card.  If they need a card, they should start the process online. 

People can visit www.ssa.gov/number-card to submit a request for a replacement card, start an application for an updated card, or to request a Social Security number for the first time.  Some people may not need to visit an office and, if they do need to visit an office to complete the application, they will save a lot of time by starting online. 

Want to apply for benefits?  
People can apply online for most benefits.  In many cases, there are no forms to sign.  The agency will review the application and reach out with questions or for more information.  Visit www.ssa.gov/onlineservices to apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare. 

Need proof of benefits, want to check the status of an application or appeal, or curious what else people can do online?   

Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount or www.ssa.gov/onlineservices today. 

7 West Avenue Elba! Super solid and so so so charming! Unique and pretty STONE home - they honestly don't build them like this one anymore!! This lovely older home sits on Elba’s nicest avenue! This 2600+ sq. ft. home has been lovingly taken care of, maintained and updated throughout the years with updated mechanicals and modernized kitchen and baths; but keeping all the charm of the good ole days! Starting with the extra large and homey kitchen with pantry closet and sweet built-in wooden booths and table. There are tons of cupboards and beautiful large window for daydreaming; as you do your work! Large formal dining area with lovely wood and glass pocket doors lead to oversized foyer/sitting room and large living room with fireplace and lovely leaded glass windows. First floor also has bedroom and full bath if needed, but there are four more very large bedrooms upstairs as well. All the bedrooms are extra large and some with double closets to boot. There are lovely hardwood floors and one of the rooms currently has small kitchenette which could make a cool upstairs playroom/rec area/bonus room. Besides all of this don’t forget to enjoy the peaceful enclosed front porch for quiet afternoons and evenings as well as the awesome barn/outbuilding with large loft area and the super deep back yard. Located in heart of Village and steps away from park, Elba School, diner and candy store - this home will be sure to charm you! Call Reliant Real Estate today; call 585-344-HOME (4663).

Press Release:

Each year, letter carriers across the country head out on their routes on the second Saturday in May to collect donations of non-perishable food items to benefit local food pantries. Since launching in 1993, the National Association of Letter Carriers' annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has grown into the nation's largest one-day food drive, helping to fill the shelves of food banks in cities and towns throughout the United States.

The need is great, but you can help. We invite you to join letter carriers and our partner organizations in the fight to end hunger in our communities by participating in the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

Simply leave your donation of non-perishable food in a bag near your mailbox on the second Saturday in May, and your letter carrier will do the rest.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is calling out the Majority for its inability to present a finished state budget. The budget, which was due on April 1, is now over three weeks late with no end in sight. Without a finalized proposal, local organizations such as school boards will have to prepare their own budgets without any idea of how much revenue they will be getting from the state.

“The delayed budget is a slap in the face to our local school districts courtesy of Gov. Hochul and the Majority in Albany,” said Hawley. “How can our school boards create their budgets if they don’t even know what funds they will be getting? This isn’t just a mild inconvenience. They are setting our schools up for failure. We need real leadership if we want to provide for our local school districts.”

What was supposed to be a time when the state Legislature was not scheduled to be in session has turned into a colossal waste of taxpayer funds. Currently, Gov. Hochul is costing taxpayers $40,000 per day in per diems and mileage to bring members back to Albany. That’s nearly $300,000 that could have been avoided had the Majority presented a budget on time. 

Hawley has introduced a proposal that would prevent the governor from receiving a paycheck until the budget is passed. Currently, the same standard is applied to the state Legislature, and Hawley believes this should be the case for the governor as well.

“The fact that the governor can continue to hold up budget negotiations and still cash her paychecks is completely ridiculous,” said Hawley. “Working New Yorkers across this state understand that if you don’t do your job, you don't get paid. We cannot continue to waste taxpayer dollars while making zero progress on the budget. There’s no reason why Gov. Hochul should not be held to the same standard as every other elected official in the Capitol.”

Press Release:

The Batavia Concert Band is beginning its 101st season, and is actively recruiting youth musicians to join us for a couple of amazing concerts in beautiful Centennial Park this summer!

Eligible student musicians need to be able to play level 2/3 music.

Session One

Tues. July 8 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC
Tues. July 15 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC
Tues. July 22 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC
Wed. July 23 - 6:30 p.m. Arrival, 7 p.m. Concert in Centennial Park

Session Two

Tues. July 29 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC
Tues. Aug. 5 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC
Tues. Aug. 12 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC
Wed. Aug. 13 - 6:30 p.m. Arrival, 7 p.m. Concert in Centennial Park

For more information, please contact Lindsey Almeter at Lalmeter@albionk12.org or 716-949-5376.

The registration link may be found here Cadet Band registration.

Welcome home to 8465 Violet Lane! This gorgeously updated 4 bedroom, modern colonial is situated on a .5 acre lot in a quiet cul-de-sac. Entering this pristine 2,790sqft home, you are greeted by a grand staircase and welcoming foyer. Enjoy the formal dining room, or the updated eat-in kitchen. The impressive great room has a built-in fireplace & vaulted ceiling; perfect ambiance for the holidays! Convenient home office! Natural light streams through professionally tinted windows, ensuring efficiency & privacy. Enjoy the long-term protection of the maintenance-free metal roof. Upstairs, enjoy the primary suite w/ walk-in closet, and en-suite master soaking tub. The luxuries abound in the other 2.5 baths and spacious first floor laundry. 1,600sqft of finished basement, feat: built-in bar, optional LRoom, 2 additional storage rooms, a newer on-demand hot water tank & furnace. Between the 20'x25' reinforced (hot tub ready!) vinyl deck wrapped around a new 24' above ground pool and the 15'x11' stamped concrete patio, ample outdoor space and a fully wrapped NEW vinyl fence for added privacy. Also includes an attached 2 car garage with epoxy floor, and a 12’x20’ Amish-made shed! Call Sunny Rathod today!!

Press Release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Genesee County has established a scholarship opportunity to provide financial support to an individual pursuing their education at an institution of higher learning in the fields that represent the mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension. 

Applicants must be a student in Genesee County and accepted at an accredited college or university and enrolled in or matriculated in an eligible program or major. Eligible programs or majors that fall under: Agriculture, Animal Science, Horticulture, Environmental & Nature, Food & Agribusiness, Food Systems & Technology, Nutrition, and Youth Development. 

Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to one Genesee County HS student and one adult student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. Applications must be received by May 2, and the scholarship recipients will be announced at the CCE Genesee’s Board Meeting in May.

For more information, please contact our office at 343-3040 or visit our website at https://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/about-us/2025-cce-genesee-scholarship. 

Press Release:

As part of our ongoing effort to ensure public safety and maintain a smooth flow of traffic, the Batavia Police Department would like to remind residents and visitors of the importance of adhering to parking regulations in our city. 

Did you know that improperly parked vehicles can: 

• Block traffic lanes and sidewalks, causing congestion and hazards for pedestrians and motorists alike.
• Obstruct emergency responders, such as fire trucks and ambulances, from reaching their destinations quickly.
• Limit parking availability for businesses, residents, and visitors, negatively impacting local commerce and quality of life. 

To avoid fines and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in Batavia, please remember to: 

• Park in designated parking spaces only, and within the marked lines.
• Avoid parking in areas with posted "No Parking" signs or zones.
• Keep a safe distance from fire hydrants, crosswalks, and intersections.
• Be mindful of time restrictions and parking permits in designated areas. 

All parking regulations for the City of Batavia can be found in the Batavia Municipal Code. 

By following these simple guidelines, you can help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in Batavia. 

Remember, parking regulations are in place to protect you, your neighbors, and our community. If you have any questions or concerns about parking regulations in Batavia, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Batavia Police Department. 

Together, let's make our city a better place to live, work, and visit!
 

Press Release:

The New York State Governor’s Youth Council is seeking passionate, dedicated youths ages 13-21 to apply for their 2025-2026 term. Members of the Youth Council meet virtually with their Regional Peers and Regional Representative at least twice a month. Members also participate with Statewide Peers at youth led events. 

2025-26 Topics Include:

• Youth Mental Health
• Social Media Impact on Youth
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
• Youth Voice & Engagement
• Environmental Changes to Our Communities

How to Apply:

Those youth interested in applying will need to complete an online application process. Applications are due Monday, May 19. Visit, https://nysylc.secure-platform.com/a/ to apply now.

If you want to make a lasting impact on issues you see in your community, please apply. You can be the voice and change you want to see. 

For additional information, contact Genesee County Youth Bureau at Genesee.Youthbureau@dfa.state.ny.us or 585-344-3960.

Not even the rain could dampen the spirits of more than 200 participants who took part in the inaugural Pembroke Teachers' Federation (PTF) Heart & Sole 5K on Saturday.

Thanks to their efforts, the PTF raised $2,815 in support of Genesee County Mental Health.

The top three male and female winners (distance of 3.47 miles):

Male Overall:

1st: Jeff Dibble - 22:55 

2nd: Mitchell Humel - 23:40

3rd: Toby Behan - 25:18

Female Overall:

1st: Alyssa Antinore - 26:20

2nd: Brooke Reynolds - 26:47

3rd: Cherie Cousins - 26:59 
 

Photos by Kara Richenberg
 

Shad Nowicki, an Ellicottville resident who has gained a national reputation as a pop artist specializing in vivid portraits of movie characters, appeared at Foxprowl Toys and Collectibles on Ellicott Street, Batavia, on Saturday.

He met with fans and discussed his work for six hours.

Owner Bill Hume said Nowicki "has been commissioned directly by many celebrities to do work for them and is very well-known in the Comic-Con circuit."

John F. Innes III, age 61, of Stafford, who passed away on March 29, was honored today with a truck memorial parade on Saturday from the Genesee County Fairgrounds through Stafford.

More than 50 trucks participated in the parade.

It was organized by Bruce Scofield, owner of Scofield Transfer & Recycling Inc., where Innes worked for nine years.

"He was like family to everyone at Scofield Transfer & Recycling," Scofield said. "He was a great employee. He never called in sick the entire time he worked for me."

Scofield said more than 250 people attended a celebration of life after the parade.

Photos by Howard Owens.

 Oakfield-Alabama beat Alexander in softball on Saturday, 8-0.

The winning pitcher was Savannah Durham, who went all seven innings, scattering five hits while striking out eight and walking one.

Offense:

• Allie Williams, 2-4,  2 RBIs
• Emma Moeller, 1-3, 2 RBIs
• Chloe Lamb, 1-1, triple
• Tori Davis, 1-1,  RBI
• Allison Harkness, 1-4, RBI
• Piper Hyde, 1-3
• Raine Denny, 1-4, double, 3 runs scored
• Ysa Schrauger, 1-3

 

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski

Batavia lost to Eastridge in Lacrosse 14-3 on Thursday.

Batavia's goals were scored by Jon Smith, Gavynn Trippany, and Trey Rodriguez.

Face off wins:

• Jeremiah Childs 11 of 12
• Trey Rodriguez 5 of 8

Goalie saves:

• Jimmy Rachow 9 saves, 7 allowed
• Branden Flanagan 8 saves 7 allowed

Batavia's record is 1-4 

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Wholesome nutrition, doing chores as needed, daily exercise and family have been the staples to ensure Celia Puccio’s longevity all these years.

Just how many years? A native of Batavia, she just celebrated her 103rd birthday earlier this week.

Celia grew up on Hutchins Street with her parents, Josephine and Rocco, grandmother, and nine siblings, plus brother Tony’s hunting dogs. They grew a garden and canned vegetables, baked bread, sharing chores either before and/or after school, she said.

“I did whatever had to be done, they were always baking or cooking, and we had to pick up after them,” Celia said at her Oak Street home. “They did the canning process, and you had to clean up all the messes.”

Was it ever tough to get attention or enough to eat in that brood? “Never,” she said. “It was wonderful.”

“My brother said ‘never eat everything on your plate, give some to the dogs,’” she said.

His sisters would clean up after dinner, and Mary didn’t listen to him; she ate everything on her plate, Celia said with a smile. Celia went to Lincoln, then Jackson Elementary School, finally attending the former Batavia Jr-Sr High School on Ross Street. She didn’t graduate, because “I met him,” as a junior, she said, pointing to her framed wedding photo of her and the late Charley Puccio from decades ago.

She dropped out of school a year early and married Charley, and they first moved in with her grandmother in Oakfield before settling into their longtime home on Oak Street. Charlie set up a barbershop with his uncle, beginning at age 12 before meeting the love of his life. He incrementally built onto the original structure as money allowed, to create a larger home, barber shop and garage. Those renovations more than doubled the space, Celia said.

He died in 2002 after the couple was married for nearly 60 years. And the barbershop carries on with daughter Kathy, who stays with mom about three days a week. Just thinking about all of that commotion and dry wall dust made Celia wince a bit.

“I wouldn’t want to go back,” she said. “I was a stay-at-home mom ,and in later years I worked as an assistant cook at the high school. I enjoyed cooking for the family.”

Every Sunday meant the air was filled with simmering homemade tomato sauce — with tomato paste added in — for the weekly spaghetti supper.

Her meals have been nutritious, such as beans and greens of all kinds, with lots of garlic. And she used to take daily walks, meeting four girlfriends at the corner of Oak and Richmond. She also refused a few habits, such as smoking and drinking.

Walking is more difficult now, and Celia likes to watch cooking shows and use a bike pedal machine. She pointed to a picture frame of scrolling family photos.

“They mean more to me than TV,” she said.

Family includes four children, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two twins on the way for a September arrival. That's a new goal to make, her daughter said. 

Visits with family are golden.

“I enjoy it very much,” Celia said, sharing a piece of life advice she’s learned along the way. “Just love one another.”

Will Bardenwerper's book about baseball in Batavia and America has been getting national attention and is currently ranked #17 on Amazon's list of best-selling baseball books.

 The book, "Homestand: Small Town Baseball and the Fight for the Soul of America," is resonating with readers and reviewers.

That may signal, Bardenwerper said, that people are looking for small-town values of community.

"I think it speaks to the fact that maybe there is a real hunger for these kinds of places where people can come together for an affordable price and have a good time and kind of put some of the division that we find in our society behind us for a few hours and just have fun," Bardenwerper told The Batavian during a book signing at Eli Fish Brewing Co. on Saturday evening.

There have been several book reviews of Homestand published, including in major publications such as the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal.

The book addresses the growing divide in America between the corporatist world of Major League Baseball and the grassroots game in places like Batavia, which lost its historic minor league team when MLB broke with tradition and consolidated its minor league affiliates. That decision turned out to make baseball in Batavia better with the arrival of Robbie and Nellie Nichols, owners of the revived Batavia Muckdogs of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.

If highlighting that dichotomy has ruffled any feathers in the executive suites at the MLB, Bardenwerper hasn't heard about it.

"I don't know to what extent it is or isn't on their radar," Bardenwerper said. "If it is, I'm guessing they just kind of would like it to go away."

If you missed Bardenwerper at Eli Fish, there is another book signing Saturday (today) in Medina at Author's Note Bookstore, as part of Independent Bookstore Day. Bardenwerper will be in store from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Other authors participating are Doogie Horner from 10:30 to noon and Mylisa Larsen from noon to 1:30 p.m. Author's Note is located at 519 Main St., Medina.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the release of a newly updated Barn Quilt Trail brochure and companion website, enhancing the way locals and visitors can experience one of the largest collections of hand-painted barn quilts in New York State. 

Created by Le Roy Historian Lynne Belluscio and the Le Roy Historical Society, the self-guided driving tour now features nearly 120 barn quilts throughout Le Roy and the surrounding countryside. The updated brochure and interactive website at LeRoyBarnQuilt.org offer full-color photos, quilt stories, and four scenic driving routes that guide travelers through the rural beauty and charm of Genesee County.

“Folks really like the new brochures and are amazed at all the new barn quilts that have gone up recently,” said Belluscio. “Even local people who thought they had seen them all are going back out to find the new ones. They also enjoy using the barcode to learn more about the stories behind each quilt. We hope folks will see the billboard on the Thruway, take Exit 47, and enjoy the rural byways. Now’s a great time to look for them before the leaves come out—and of course, we hope they’ll stop to have something to eat while they’re in town.”

The Barn Quilt Trail began in 2011 as a bicentennial project for the Town of Le Roy and has since grown into a beloved regional attraction. Barn quilts now adorn barns, garages, homes, and other structures, each one a piece of public art that shares a unique story rooted in family heritage, community spirit, and local pride. 

These updated trail materials celebrate that storytelling tradition while making the experience more accessible and engaging for travelers seeking authentic, heritage-rich adventures. Barn quilt trails have become a hallmark of rural tourism, and in Le Roy, they represent a deep connection to agriculture, art, and history.

Printed brochures are available locally at the Genesee County Visitor Center (8276 Park Road, Batavia) and at many Le Roy locations, including:

Crocker’s Ace Hardware, Attic to Basement, Le Roy Post Office, Woodward Library, Le Roy Historical Society, Town and Village Offices, JELL-O Museum, No Finer Diner, Frost Ridge Campground, Timberline Campground, Genesee Country Campground, Tracy B’s Microbrewery, and Pully’s Farm Market.

It was Drive YouTractor to School Day at Byron-Bergen High School, and four seniors participated.

They were:

• Justin DeLeo
• Zachary Brookhart
• Carter Kuiprrs
• Kasey Pagels

Photos by Jamey Pagels