Josh Graham’s career path began awhile ago as a kid going on ride-alongs with his firefighting grandpa.

And now, the torch has seemingly been passed on to Jaxon, Graham’s 11-year-old son. Jaxon has regularly accompanied his dad to the Arcade department to clean or roll the hose and other tasks. In other words, “he’s right there with us,” Graham said.

The father-son team intends to be a firefighting duo for some time to come no matter where they are.

“He’s got his Arcade Fire Department jacket. He gets a weekly allowance if he does his chores, and he likes us to put that on Amazon; he’s been ordering medical equipment to build his own EMT bag,” Graham said Tuesday at his office at Batavia City Fire headquarters. “I plan on seeing myself retire from here.”

Graham, a Corfu native now living in Arcade, has been in the fire business for more than 20 years, ever since he volunteered as a firefighter at age 16. He was hired by the city as fire chief, and has been learning his new role for about a month now.

Equipped as an assistant fire chief with Arcade, associate degrees in Strategic Operations Management and in Fire Science and a bachelor's degree in Fire and Emergency Management, Graham reached the rank of Senior Master Sergeant in the military, and  held the position of Deputy Fire Chief with his Reserve Flight.

The 37-year-old was only hesitant about one thing when taking his current administrative position.

“If there was a reservation about taking this position, it was probably that I love riding in that truck on calls. Where I came from, the fire chief and the deputy chief did not respond to calls, unless there was something catastrophic. This position is kind of unique in that I can go to whatever calls I want to go to,” he said. “So even though I'm not riding in the fire truck, I can still respond to the calls. I'm still assisting on the scene and things like that.”

That doesn’t mean he can skimp on administrative duties, and he has been working on paperwork, schedules, new and future hires, trainings, and — tis the season — the city’s annual budget.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski has been knee-deep in the budget process, she said, beginning to meet with department heads to find out what their needs are, and what can and cannot be included in the overall financial plan. For Graham, he is determining what equipment, materials, and other costs will be part of his roughly $4.4 million budget this next year.

“So we're at the very beginning of all that, but the city manager has been great," he said. "And anything that our initial talks, that she and I discussed, and something that we need is justified, she's been very understanding of that stuff. So, there's a balance … it's just finding that balance that allows us to continue to operate efficiently and serve the community while not going crazy.”

Renovations have been slated for the Evans Street station, including at the one bathroom available to the men and women personnel, he said. Work has just been put out for bid, so that’s likely a project that will go into next year.

So what is it about the role of firefighter — and chief — that has drawn him in so deeply?
“I've always wanted to be a firefighter since I was a kid. I just like the thought of helping people. And 9/11 had a lot to do with it as well,” he said. “I was a junior in high school when 9/11 happened … that made me want to serve my country, so I figured I would join the military as a firefighter.”

He, his wife Carrie and Jaxon live in Wyoming County and will continue to do so until Graham has passed his six-month probation period. After that, the family will move to the city, per residency requirements. The new chief is also a state fire instructor, which means teaching classes periodically in his home county.

While much has remained the same when responding to fires and accidents, two things have changed, he said: more lightweight structures that don’t hold up to flames and electric vehicles. EV batteries are "super hot" and can burn for hours. Although he hasn't encountered such a situation here yet, it's something to be aware of and trained for, he said. A typical vehicle fire may use up to 1,000 gallons of water, versus 20,000 to 30,000 for electric vehicle batteries, he said. 

When asked what moments hang with him from being on the job, he first thought about the survivors: to be there and calm them down and help them to get through the incident. He also remembers saving people who were in cardiac arrest — dramatic saves that don’t often happen when people are having heart attacks, he said.

Six new hires and a transfer from Jamestown have meant more training and initiation of personnel. But he doesn’t believe in fixing what isn’t broken, and the city fire department is in great shape, he said.

“When I came in, I saw that they were doing a fantastic job,” he said. “My goal is to maintain the same level of proficiency and level of care that’s been provided for quite some time.”

His induction has been more about meeting people, learning about what and who is at the station, and throughout the city, including Tabelski, the Public Works Department personnel and city police, he said.

To say he’s been busy is an understatement.

“I told someone I think I’ve eaten lunch three times since I started,” he said with an unreluctant smile. “It’s absolutely a lifestyle, for the last 20 years.”

The department is climbing its way back up to full platoons, with an expected total of 36 people in the next year. Retirements, transfers, and — yes, still — COVID issues have bogged down hiring practices for the last couple of years, he said. He's ready to lead.

"I always say I have a servant leadership style," Graham said. "My job is to make sure that everybody that works here has everything they need to do their job, and that would include their morale, it would include the equipment, training, anything that may come up as a hindrance to them being able to do their job and serve the community is something that I need to handle."

In his free time, Graham enjoys hunting deer and turkeys, and camping and riding ATVs with his family.

Photo: Newly appointed City of Batavia Fire Chief Josh Graham at the Evans Street station. Photo by Howard Owens.

Press Release

The Batavia Police Department in collaboration with the Village of LeRoy Police Department and Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will hold the 8th annual “Shop With a Cop” event. The event will take place Saturday, December 10th at the Walmart located at 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. 

Approximately 30 children will be participating in Saturday’s event, and any excess funds raised will be banked towards next year’s event. Each child will have the opportunity to take a photograph with Santa and meet their individual police officer before browsing the store.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work and effort put forth by our officers into organizing this event for the community and in particular Detective James DeFreze who does a tremendous job every year in putting this event together,” Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said. “We are proud of the efforts of our department to have started this event eight years ago, and by partnering with the Le Roy Police Department and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, this has become a highly anticipated event in the community.”

Donations have been received from Wal-Mart, H.E. Turner & Company, Inc., the Batavia Police Benevolent Association, Civil Service Employee Association (CSEA), Bonarigo and McCutcheon law office, and other members of the community.

Approximately $2,800 has been raised to date.  Those interested in donating can contact Detective James DeFreze at jdefreze@batavianewyork.com.

“On behalf of our department, the Village of LeRoy Police Department and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office we would like to thank Walmart for their generosity and assistance in making this event possible,” Heubusch said.

File Photo of City Police Chief Shawn Heubusch participating in Shop With a Cop in 2021. Photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

The Genesee County Interagency Council, Inc. honored Esther Leadley at their monthly meeting on Nov. 16 with their first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award.  The council recognized Esther with a plaque citing “outstanding service and commitment” to the council for 26-plus years.

Leadley began her career in Genesee County in 1985 with Genesee Community College working with displaced homemakers.  From there, Leadley worked as a member of the Genesee County Legislature and the EOP in Geneseo, as well as served on many area boards and councils.  Leadley is currently a board member of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, as well as a Community Advocate.

Sparked by 26-year-old team captain Hayden Allis of Medina, the BBA North team edged the BBA South team, 62-61, Saturday in the 28^th edition of the Karl Marth Cup challenge match at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

The 26-year-old right-hander, one of seven members of the Allis family on the team, averaged 267 for his four games and won the maximum number of points (10.5) in the event, which features competition in Doubles, Singles, Baker Doubles and Baker Team. In Baker matches, bowlers alternate frames.

Allis’ first three games totaled 815, qualifying him for a United States Bowling Congress-certified honor score, and his overall performance resulted in him being named the Scott Wright Memorial Award winner.

The BBA North team now leads the series, 16-12. The tournament began in 1994 and now held in memory of Karl Marth, a Batavia Bowling Association Hall of Famer, who passed away in 2003. It was not held in 2020 due to COVID-19.

The BBA South, which was led by Scott Shields of Batavia who averaged 246 and won eight points, dominated in Doubles before the North rallied to win both the Baker Doubles and Singles. Shields was selected as the Joe Trigilio Memorial Award recipient for his effort.

The outcome came down to the final frame in the Baker Team event, with Jake Rosenbeck of Medina striking out in the 10^th frame to lock up the victory for the North. Rosenbeck averaged 232 for his four games.

Other members of the winning team were Alex Allis, Mike Allis, Roger Allis, Scott Allis, Tom Allis, Mike Lavender (who is married to Amy Allis), Dean Cadieux Jr., Tim Talbot, Scott Gibson and Jason Mahnke.

For the South, Geoff Harloff averaged 236, Scott Culp 230 and Matt Balduf 230. Other members were Ed Doody (non-playing captain), Fred Gravanda, Steve O’Dell, Josh Elliott, Mike Johnson, Jim Pursel, Jason Quilliam, Paul Bacon and Paul Spiotta.

Submitted photo. The BBA North team, from left, Roger Allis, Mike Lavender, Jason Mahnke, Hayden Allis, Tim Talbot, Tom Allis, Dean Cadieux Jr., Alex Allis, Mike Allis, Scott Allis, Jake Rosenbeck, Scott Gibson.

The Health Department would like to set up a mobile clinic to provide various services, such as health checks and vaccines, and had issued a request for proposals. Only one bid came in — for a 25-foot and a 30-foot recreational vehicle from Don Brown Bus Sales, Inc. of Johnstown, Public Health Director Paul Pettit said during Monday’s Human Services meeting. 

Pettit asked that the county reject the bid in lieu of finding something for a smaller price tag.

“We've been working on trying to get a mobile RV in place with some of the COVID money. We could have utilized one of these to do things through all of the last couple years with our testing clinic and also the vaccines,” Pettit said. “Unfortunately, when we put it out, all things came in over our price point. So I'm working with Jeff to modify that and put it back out again, and hopefully get something that's within the budget. So we have to reject this one.”

The bid would have been about $40,000, which is several thousand more than what’s available, he said. When asked for other uses of the mobile van, Pettit pointed to migrant outreach.

“So we do go to the farms and different things, we take it out to different clinical activities in the evening. And it’s available for other departments, essentially a mobile vaccination clinic,” he said. “But if we use it for other purposes, we're also looking to get a sprinter van, and they are in Orleans County. So we'll have different types of approaches and so forth … and to have it available, again for, hopefully, we don't have to use the word pandemic again, but for a similar situation.”

Pettit proposed an inter-municipal agreement for a shared position of director of health promotions and epidemiology coordinator to the current agreement between Genesee and Orleans counties. The annual stipend for shared administrative staff listed in this agreement will increase to $8,500 annually, effective Jan. 1, 2023.

A year from then, effective Jan. 1, 2024, the contract would include a 2 percent cost of living increase. Related expenses to this move are eligible for state aid, the resolution states.

Epidemiology is the study of the presence or absence of diseases, including the frequency and origins of diseases that occur in different groups of people.

Human Services Committee members were also asked for preliminary approval of a grant from the Housing and Urban Development agency to support a lead removal effort in Genesee, Orleans, Livingston and Wyoming counties.

The total grant of $2,455,000 would help minimize hazards, especially from older homes that may contain higher levels of lead in paint.

“So you're dealing with homes with younger kids, typically. We obviously are going to get their blood level tested when they want to do it, and if it's elevated, that's where we get involved. But there's probably a lot of scenarios where these homes just don't have the kids anymore, and you're not getting blood tests,” he said. So the XRF machines (considered the gold standard in lead paint testing) are pretty amazing. And they literally — you could shoot this wall and it can tell you all the layers of paint. They literally can read it right through a textbook. Yeah, I mean, it's pretty amazing.”

The committee agreed to pass the resolution on to the Ways & Means Committee, and then on for a final vote by the Legislature. The $2.455 million grant would be for related lead detection and treatment through December 2026.

At least one question that readers and The Batavian had about the new electric vehicle charging stations on the west side of town has been answered: they are open for business.

Two Teslas were captured in action this weekend at the station on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. Emails and a phone call this past week to Lisa Appelbaum, project developer of Charging Infrastructure, were not returned, nor were emails to Tesla's Press Office returned for comment. 

Photo by Howard Owens.

Press Release

In celebration of Batavia Middle School’s 100th anniversary, the Batavia City School District is hosting a celebration on Thursday, December 8, at 7:00 PM with a special concert by the Batavia Middle School Band, Orchestra, and Chorus, as well as a presentation of the recently restored historic bells that called students to school more than 150 years ago. 

Construction of the current Batavia Middle School building began in 1922. The building originally housed both junior and senior high school students. The existing Batavia High School building was built in 1961, and 96 Ross Street was officially redesignated Batavia Middle School. 

“We’re proud to be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Batavia Middle School. The history of 96 Ross Street is the foundation of the Batavia City School District. Whether through the old Batavia High School building or the Middle School building we enjoy today, generations of Batavians have passed through these halls,” said Superintendent Jason Smtih. “Batavia Middle School is a jewel in our District, and we can’t wait to see what the next 100 years will bring.” 

Over the last year, Batavia Middle School staff members, in collaboration with Genesee Valley BOCES, worked to restore a pair of historic bells that were once used at 96 Ross Street, then Batavia High School, through 1924.

With support from the Batavia City School District leadership team and in collaboration with our BCSD Maintenence Department and the Genesee Valley BOCES Auto Body Department, the bells have been restored to working condition and will be placed inside the Batavia Middle School auditorium on both sides of the stage. 

“It’s been so rewarding to restore these historic bells to their original beauty and purpose,” said Batavia Middle School Principal Nathan Korzelius. “It truly was a collaborative effort between our BMS team and the wonderful crew of teachers and students at Genesee Valley BOCES. These bells will be displayed proudly and will remind every student who passes through these halls of the history of this wonderful building.” 

The 100-year celebration and presentation of the restored bells will take place in the Batavia Middle School Auditorium (96 Ross Street) on Thursday, December 8, at 7:00 PM. The school’s band, orchestra, and chorus will perform a special arrangement designed especially for this event. The celebration is free and open to the public.

A battle of the publishers this weekend came close to a tie, pitting former Daily News publisher Tom Turnbull against Howard Owens, publisher of The Batavian. The match-up was for GO Art!'s Bartender Challenge, a fundraiser for the Batavia-based  nonprofit.

After about two dozen patrons participated, the total tips were counted: $164 for Turnbull and $159 for Owens. All in good fun, it ended well with a contribution of $323 for Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council. 

Photos by Stephen Ognibene.

Downtown merchants, through the Business Improvement District, hosted their annual Christmas in the City Parade on Saturday evening.

Photos by Philip Casper.

Press release:

Genesee Region USBC bowlers produced three 300 games and two 800 series during another week of prolific league bowling.

At Mancuso Bowling Center, Middleport left-hander Brian Cline added to his long list of honor scores by finishing with a 300 game for an 815 series in the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Night Doubles League.

Cline's games were 268-247-300, raising his average to 239. According to his list of achievements on the United States Bowling Congress website, he has a remarkable 43 800 series and 63 perfect games since August 2001.

At Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Batavia right-hander Tom Fluker notched his 12th USBC-certified 300 game in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League. His games were 204-300-238 for a 742 series.

The previous week, Fluker picked the 4-6-7-10 ("Big Four") to earn a special award from the GRUSBC.

At Legion Lanes in Le Roy, Shayne Herold of Batavia registered his second perfect game in the American Legion Thursday Men's League. The right-hander started with 279 and 300 before struggling in game three for a 737 series. 

And at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Robbie Hanks of Spencerport spun 279-269-256--804 for his fifth USBC-certified 800 series. The son of hall proprietor Randy Hanks, he raised his average to 233.

In the Turnbull Heating Triples League at Mancuso's, Batavian Mike Pettinella finished with 269-277 for a 793 series, upping his average to 230, and in the Wednesday Nite Ladies League, also at Mancuso's, Kim Williams closed with 227 for a 638 series.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Alexander held a Christmas parade on Saturday afternoon.

Photos by Philip Casper.

As part of Christmas in the City on Saturday, EverPresent Church in City Centre hosted a live nativity.

Submitted photos.

Press release:

Currently, the City of Batavia Police Department's non-emergency phone line, (585) 345-6350, is experiencing an outage.  Anyone looking to contact the City of Batavia Police Department is asked to call 345-6351 until further notice. 

This outage does not affect 911 calls, anyone experiencing an emergency should contact the Genesee County Dispatch Center using 911.

Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia held a Vintage Christmas celebration on Friday evening.

The church will host another Vintage Christmas event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday. 

It includes a nativity walk through the woods with live animals, food, tree lighting, s’mores roasting over an open fire, Santa and outdoor Christmas movies.

Photos by Allison Lang.

A fire that involved several vehicles Saturday afternoon on Appletree Avenue was "under control fairly quickly, especially with the wind we had today," Bergen Fire Department reports.

The fire was reported to be at Insurance Auto Auction, 7149 Appletree Ave., Bergen.  

Responding fire departments included Bergen, Le Roy, Churchville and Byron. The International Association of Arson Investigators became involved with the incident.

"IAA management was on scene minutes after the 911 call was received, and worked with our department to form a game plan," Bergen Fire Department said. "They assisted us with anything we needed and provided two loaders to move vehicles. There were no EV cars involved in the fire. Thank you for everyone’s support and kind words, all first responders returned home safely."

"Come support local authors with a night of meet and greets, readings, Q & A's, and book signings," DiSalvo said. "This event features five authors -- Greg Van Dussen, David Neth, Sammy DiSalvo, Andrew Freeman, and Mary Ellen Reardon -- from the Western New York community, and some of their most recent works."

GO Art!’s cash bar will be available during this event.

Go HERE for a full list of events for the evening. To learn more about GO Art!, call 585-343-9313.

Members of the Batavia High School choir perform a special concert Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in Batavia.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Carter Ianiro, 2, shares some special time with Santa Claus Saturday at Santa's Village in Batavia City Centre. 

Downtown Batavia was bustling with visitors and shoppers during the annual Christmas in the City Saturday at Batavia City Centre and along downtown streets. Hosted by the Business Improvement District, this year's indoor activities featured Santa's Village, with a workshop, carolers, dancers, and the jolly ol' elf himself, Santa Claus.

As with any successful event, planning and hands-on help make it happen. And Christmas in the City is no exception.

“We spent a week here decorating and setting up the chairs for people,” BID Executive Director Shannon Maute said. “And there’s face painting, cookie decorating, ornament making, and we’re trying to get people to the horse and buggy from 3 to 6, and then it will swing by and pick up Santa and me for the parade.”

Morning long rain slowed down by the afternoon, which should make for a drier horse and buggy ride up to 6 p.m. That will take off from Center Street Smokehouse on Center Street, and tickets may be purchased at Adam Miller Toy & Bike shop.

Batavia City Centre was filled with kids playing games, people shopping the many vendor items, eating and drinking, and, of course, some whispering in Santa’s ear.

“I am very excited about the turnout. I thought it would be busy but didn’t know it was going to be this busy,” said Maute, aka Santa’s elf. “Most of the kids are saying they just want to have a happy Christmas, they’re not even asking for gifts. This is great, it’s not great weather out, so I’m glad we had a backup. Hopefully, the wind calms down for the parade. It has been a really nice turnout, with lots to do, we have a kid's zone where kids could play with the toys.

“And having it in this space really brings everyone together, and they’re having a really great time,” she said.

The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. and runs from Jefferson Avenue to Summit Street along Main Street.

BID Executive Director Shannon Maute, aka Santa's elf.

Christmas in the City draws plenty of visitors to Batavia City Centre Saturday for some shopping, games, face painting, woodwork crafts, musical entertainment, a live nativity and Santa Claus. The vendor fair goes to 8 p.m. Photos by Howard Owens.