On November 22 at 6 p.m., the 24th Annual Wonderland of Trees at the Holland Land Office Museum (HLOM) will officially kick off with our opening gala! Come view over 30 community trees and some amazing decorations! You will not want to miss out on all the amazing decorations, basket raffle, community atmosphere, and so much more!
The DSP Jazz Trio will provide the music and food will be provided by Batavia's Original Pizzeria and The Alabama Hotel, along with desserts from A Sweet Ending Bakery!
Tickets are $20, $15 for museum members, and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased through the museum’s website hollandlandoffice.com or at the museum.
Rochester Regional Health (RRH) is proud to announce its inclusion in Becker’s Hospital Review’s esteemed list of the nation's Top 100 Health Systems with Outstanding Oncology Programs.
This recognition highlights the exceptional work of the Lipson Cancer Institute and its dedication to providing top-tier, patient-centered cancer care. The list recognizes institutions which have “garnered national acclaim for advancing cancer care via their cutting-edge clinical trials and life-changing research.”
Becker's Hospital Review, a leading source of business and legal information for healthcare industry leaders, evaluates hospitals and health systems based on their cancer care services, patient outcomes and overall excellence. Organizations cannot pay to be featured on this list, making this recognition a true testament to the quality of oncology care provided by Rochester Regional Health.
“This recognition of the quality of cancer care being provided by the Lipson Cancer Institute is just one more example where Rochester Regional Health is distinguishing itself as a leader in healthcare in our community, our state and across the nation,” said Richard “Chip” Davis, PhD, CEO of Rochester Regional Health. “Our team’s dedication and expertise make us a leader in oncology, and we are grateful that they go above and beyond to ensure that our patients and their families receive the best care possible.”
This recognition by Becker’s comes on the heels of another recent accreditation for Rochester Regional Health. In August, the Lipson Cancer Institute received a three-year full accreditation as a Network Cancer Program from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. This accolade distinguishes Rochester General and Unity Hospitals as the only network of cancer centers in upstate New York granted this honor.
“Lipson Cancer Institute is proud to have met the rigorous guidelines required by the American College of Surgeons to achieve this prestigious accreditation,” said Prad Phatak MD, Executive Medical Director of Oncology at RRH. “This honor underscores the work of our multidisciplinary oncology teams who tirelessly provide gold-standard cancer care for our patients while understanding that treatment extends far beyond the physical to include mental and emotional health as well.”
These recognitions by Becker’s and The American College of Surgeons continue to shine the spotlight on Rochester Regional Health and the Lipson Cancer Institute as a beacon of excellence in cancer care, reinforcing the clinical expertise and dedication our clinicians and team members demonstrate every day.
It seems like deja vu for former Oakfield-Alabama Cross Country star Zachary Hall, as the now Roberts Wesleyan Senior Cross Country runner cruised to an East Coast Conference (ECC) title.
Former Oakfield-Alabama standout Cross Country and Track & Field runner Zachary Hall had an interesting start to his running career. Hall had seen plenty of success early and often on the track, claiming multiple sectional championships and racing at the 2019 NY State Outdoor Track & Field Championships, but struggled to reach the mountain top when it came to Cross Country. As a high school Senior, Hall’s goal was to win a Cross Country sectional championship. Hall had watched two of his teammates win the title he wanted so badly in the two years leading up to his Senior season. He was hungry to come out on top at the 2020 Class DI Sectional Championships and he did just that on his home course with a time of 16:50.
After a successful Senior season at Oakfield-Alabama, Hall would look to continue his success on the trails at the collegiate level. Hall committed to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) where he would run the 2021 Cross Country season for the Tigers.
However, it did not take long for Hall to realize he did not want to be an engineer. After talking with former high school teammate and now Roberts Wesleyan alumni Karly Smith, Hall decided to transfer and enroll at Roberts that January. Hall would join many familiar faces on campus and make plenty of new friends, even meeting his fiancé.
At Roberts, Hall would lace up his spikes yet again and race for the Redhawks. For the Redhawks, Hall found his stride as a Sophomore, finishing 4th at the ECC Cross Country Championships. Heading into his Junior season however, Hall had goals for the track, as he wanted to break the 15-min mark in the 5000 meter run.
After being very close to going sub-15 in the 2022-23 Track & Field season, Hall wanted to join his four teammates Lee Sortore, Blake Kasper, Owen White, and Jackson Doran as a member of the exclusive sub-15 min 5K club. Heading into the 2023-24 season Hall seemed prime to do just that. At the 2023 ECC Cross Country Championships Hall finished 5th overall and helped the Redhawks clinch their ninth straight conference championship.
Throughout the Indoor season Hall would be very close to eclipsing sub-15, but would fall short. Hall would go on to win the 5K conference title for the indoor season and was eager to see results come during outdoor.
Hall would start off the outdoor season at the Redhawk Invitational on his home track with teammate Blake Kasper pacing him, only to finish with a time of 15:08 and face plenty of disappointment. After that race Hall had lots of time to prepare for his next 5K which would come during the Bison Outdoor Classic at Bucknell University.
Hall’s moment came and it was no disappointment, as he cruised to a 14:47 finish in the 5K alongside all of his teammates. Hall would go on to improve upon that time during the Harrison Dillard Twilight at Baldwin-Wallace University, running a 14:46 and would also go on to win the 5K conference title for the outdoor season as well.
Zachary Hall celebrating with his teammate. Photo by Jen Reagan
Photo of Malick and her students at the Busy Bee Café. Photo by Gretchen Spittler.
Press Release:
Natalie Malick’s 3rd through 5th-grade students have relaunched the Byron-Bergen Elementary School beverage service. Formally known as the Coffee Cart, the students renamed the program Busy Bee Cafe and created a new logo, menu, and loyalty program cards.
“The idea for the rebrand really started with the students,” said Malick, a 12:1:1 Teacher at Byron-Bergen Elementary School.
Busy Bee Cafe is more than a beverage service. Students learn small business skills such as money management, inventory, ordering, and comparison shopping.
“I like the money part,” said a participating student. “They give me one dollar, and I give them fifty cents back.”
“One of the great aspects of this project is that the kids work toward short-term and long-term goals,” said Malick. “They need to get the service ready for Friday, but they also need to plan for every additional Friday this year.”
Busy Bee Cafe is a stationary self-serve beverage counter outside of Malick’s classroom. Previously a morning service, the cafe now opens at 11 a.m. every Friday and offers a wider variety of beverages including sparkling flavored waters.
“Mrs. Malick and Mrs. Ladley do a great job working with students to put all of this together,” said Byron-Bergen Elementary Principal Kristin Loftus. “It is a wonderful lesson in all the pieces that are necessary for starting and running a business! What better way to help students understand why learning math, reading, and problem-solving in school is so important.”
All proceeds from Busy Bee Cafe are put toward the continuation of the program.
Photo of two Byron-Bergen Teachers showing off their Busy Bee Café rewards card. Photo by Gretchen Spittler
We’ve Only Just Begun” Sr. Luncheon, the theme this month is HONORING OUR VETERANS. It will be held on Tuesday, November 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the South Alabama Firehall, Route 63 (2230 Judge Road, Oakfield).
We will be starting lunch promptly at 11:45 a.m. We are open to the public and welcome all!
Our speaker this month will be William Joyce, Director of our Genesee County Veterans Service Agency. He will be talking about the new Western New York National Cemetery located in Indian Falls, NY as well as all the services they offer to our Veterans. All Veterans are invited to attend our luncheon. We are open to the public and welcome all.
You won’t want to miss this informative program this month! Bring your favorite dish to pass OR make a donation at the door! Come and enjoy lunch and an afternoon of fun with old and new friends.
We will also be taking paid reservations for our Annual Christmas Luncheon, on December 10. We moved it up a week because so close to Christmas! It will be catered by the Alabama Hotel for $15 per person.
All Reservations must be paid in advance and received by December 1. Please contact LaNora Thompson at 630-888-8966, mail checks to LaNora Thompson, 3611 Batavia Oakfield Twnln Rd, Oakfield, or pay in person at the November luncheon. You must have a reservation paid in advance!
Each year, on November 20, people worldwide take time to remember those lost to anti-transgender violence. This year, Batavia will host GLOW OUT!’s annual vigil and ceremony - and add a community meal to the program – for the event’s 25th anniversary.
“We hosted four last year, one in each of the GLOW counties,” said Sara Vacin, GLOW OUT! Executive Director. “This year we’re holding an art exhibition after the vigil, and a meal to honor and celebrate our trans elders.”
This year’s vigil will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, at the Old Courthouse at 7 Main Street in Batavia. A free meal of turkey, potatoes, vegetables, and dessert will be served in the Church fellowship hall (300 East Main) at 7 p.m. This space will also host a display of art submitted in remembrance and support of transgender and nonbinary people.
Broadly, the word “transgender” means anyone whose gender identity or expression is outside of societal norms, while “nonbinary” means a person who does not identify with either male or female – or may experience fluidity in that regard. Some transgender or nonbinary people might take medications or have surgeries to affirm their gender; others might not.
In the US, transgender and nonbinary people are bullied, homeless, incarcerated, and targets of violence at much higher rates than their cisgender (non-trans) peers. These experiences contribute to the additional truth that transgender and nonbinary people are more likely to consider, attempt, and complete suicide than cisgender people.
But the event – and transgender advocacy in general – is about more than mourning.
“It’s important for us to support and celebrate and love our trans siblings and friends while they’re alive,” Vacin said. “We can give people their flowers now!”
First observed in 1999, the International Transgender Day of Remembrance began after Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman, was killed in her Boston apartment. Annually, the remembrance ceremony is held in acknowledgment of the friends and loved ones taken by anti-transgender violence. As transphobia intersects with sexism and racism, a large proportion of victims (every single year) are trans women of color - specifically, Black and Latina. Rita Hester’s murder remains unsolved.
Wednesday’s event is in partnership with SUNY Brockport’s Pride Association, and will include prepared remarks and a list of those lost to anti-transgender violence in the US since November 2023, the period recognized for the International Transgender Day of Remembrance.
As of this writing, 28 transgender or nonbinary Americans have been killed since last November. While this is a decrease from last year (32), and following a thankfully downward trend (51 in 2021; 41 in 2022), many official lists are incomplete because of the misreporting and underreporting of these crimes.
Some have been disrespected in death by using their “dead name”, the name they were assigned at birth. As we all know, one person lost to hateful violence is too many.
“This event is to remember those lost, yes,” said Vacin, “but it’s also to come together in love and support of those we are still fighting for – and will continue to, every day.”
The vigil begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday November 20 at the old Batavia Courthouse.
National Home Care & Hospice Month, which was created by Jimmy Carter in 1978, is a month-long celebration that recognizes healthcare professionals who provide care wherever the patient calls home.
HomeCare & Hospice, which proudly serves Cattaraugus, Allegany, Genesee and Wyoming counties, will be taking the time to celebrate their administrators, clinical staff, volunteers, personal care aides and home health aides.
“We have amazing staff who truly provide the best care to our communities,” said Melissa Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer. “We are looking forward to showing our staff even more appreciation throughout the month.”
Special recognition dates are celebrated nationally throughout the month including Home Health Week November 18 - 22.
During Hospice Month in November, local libraries in Arcade, Olean, Wellsville, and Batavia will feature special Hospice displays. These displays will include books from the libraries' own collections, along with informational materials provided by HomeCare & Hospice. Stop by and learn more about hospice care and the valuable resources available to support patients and families.
National Home Care & Hospice Month is a great time to become a volunteer with the organization. HomeCare & Hospice is seeking caring individuals in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee or Wyoming counties who would be interested in becoming hospice volunteers.
Both patients and their families not only require the help of the medical, aide, spiritual, and social work team provided by HomeCare & Hospice, but also need the support and respite that can be carried out by compassionate members of the community. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteer opportunities, please contact Pat Meek at 585-343-7596.
When facing the challenges of a serious illness, it’s important to remember that the right support can make all the difference. Hospice care focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life, ensuring that patients and families are never alone on this journey. Don’t wait until the situation feels overwhelming—call now to explore how hospice can help. Anyone can make the first call to hospice—whether it's a doctor, nurse, discharge planner, friend, family member, or the patient.
Reach out today and discover how we can support you during life’s most difficult times. For more information on services available, please call 585-343-7596. For more information on the history of HomeCare & Hospice, please visit https://homecare-hospice.org/about/.
The Byron-Bergen Bees won its state championship semifinal against Burke Catholic on Saturday, 4-0.
The Bees play for the state championship on Sunday against Stillwater High School.
Byron-Bergen jumped to an early lead with a goal at 1:20 into the game. Riley Shallenberger scored on an assist from Mia Gray.
Bee's goalie Natalie Prinzi saved a penalty kick with 29:39 left in the first half.
Mia Gray scored the Bees' second goal with 25:00 minutes left in the first half. Grace DiQuattro scored a goal 41 seconds later on an assist from Libby Starowitz.
In the second half, Mia Gray scored the Bee's final goal, assisted by Grace DiQuattro, with 12:42 left in the game.
Megan Jarkiewicz was awarded The Sportsmanship Award.
The Batavia Blue Devils lost in its quest for a sectional title on Saturday at SUNY Brockport to Eastridge, 28-14.
It was Batavia's first loss of the season.
Stats:
Bronx Bucholz, 16-31 passing for 184 yards and a TD. He had two interceptions. On the ground, he gained 64 yards and scored a touchdown.
Carter Mullen, five receptions for 72 yards. He also had an interception.
Lakoda Mruczek, seven catches for 55 yards.
Justin Smith, three receptions, 48 yards and a TD.
Brock Bigsby, 11 tackles
Karvel Martino, six tackles and a sack.
Also on Saturday, East Rochester/Gananda beat Le Roy/Cal-Mum 26-13. Jack Egeling rushed for 108 yards on 20 carries. Brady McClurg ran for 27 yards and TD on seven carries. Connor Elmore scored on a 10-yard run. DJ O'Geen had eight tackles.
Nominator Tim Hens ’01 congratulates Matt Gray ‘11.
Press Release:
Nominator Tim Hens LG ’01 said, “Almost everyone around knows Matt Gray, he is an entrepreneur, family man and all-around supporter of life in Genesee County. They also know how much he has done for Genesee County, and I’m thrilled he has been named Leadership Genesee 2024 Outstanding Alumnus.”
Matt was very active with Leadership Genesee right after his graduation, participating in many design teams and activities, but has dialed back in recent years. Leadership Genesee was his first experience with defining Servant Leadership. He entered the class of 2011 looking for learning and networking opportunities and graduated from the program with a deeper understanding of himself, his family and friends and most certainly, the community around him.
Matt shared, “Leadership Genesee was the first place that he realized we have an obligation and opportunity to positively affect the lives of those around us, to serve others.”
He believes we have a unique opportunity for our individual efforts to have a great impact on our surroundings. Small efforts can have big gains in a small community. Joining others with the same vision and goals is rewarding and fun.
He has not lost his passion for LG as he continually supports and donates to the organization through his many community ventures. While Matt has not been as directly involved with Leadership Genesee lately, it is only because he is engaged in every other organization that you can imagine. He spends his entire time making life better for the residents of Batavia and Genesee County.
Leadership Genesee is networking gone wild. Matt shares, “Most all the experiences that I have had in my professional life since graduating, can be traced back one way or another to LG. Connections are. made, conversations are had, and opportunities open.”
LG Director Peggy Marone shared, “I am over the moon happy for Matty. His involvement in Leadership Genesee as an organization helped map our future. His leadership and visionary thinking have improved our community in hundreds of ways, and he puts his ideas into positive collaborative action. After his conversations with Jonathan Mager LG ’12, the idea of Eli Fish Brewing Company was born.”
Matt Gray Photo by Laurie Pfaff LG ‘09.
Matt’s community involvement includes being Vice-Chair of the Genesee County Economic Development Center Board of Directors, Leadership Committee for the Wings Over Batavia Air Show, City of Batavia Planning and Development Committee member, City of Batavia Community Garden Board President, and Genesee Amateur Hockey Association.
One of his greatest passions is economic development. Matt walks the walk in this area running several successful restaurants including Alex’s Place, Eli Fish Brewing Co., Matty’s Pizza, and revitalizing the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena as General Manager.
Matt is making Genesee County so much better in so many ways as Leadership Genesee provided him with opportunities to learn about the inner workings of government, industry, and charitable organizations in our county as well as friendships that will last a lifetime.
“If you like being challenged and are willing to be open-minded and engaged, Leadership Genesee is for you” Matt said.
Additional community involvement includes: GCEDC Employment and Compensation Committee – Chair; Genesee County Funding Corporation – Vice Chair; Batavia Development Corporation Loan Committee; Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Place Branding Committee; GCEDC Housing Committee; BDC Housing Committee; City of Batavia Opportunity Area Committee; City of Batavia Zoning Update Committee; Batavia Ramparts Hockey Coach; Batavia Ramparts Coaching Committee.
Past involvements include GCEDC Audit & Finance Committee; City of Batavia Planning & Development Committee; City of Batavia Downtown Revitalization Initiative Committee; City of Batavia Comprehensive Plan Committee; Vice Chair; Leadership Genesee Steering & Curriculum Committees.
Matt and his wife, Jen Gray LG ’15 live in Batavia with their two children: Leo 17 and Lilly 15.
This holiday season, Ashley Bringenberg Photography invites families to create lasting holiday memories while supporting a cherished local cause.
Limited-edition holiday portrait sessions will be held from November 16-24, with a $99 session fee that includes a holiday-themed portrait session and a custom keepsake ornament. 100% of session fees will be donated to Crossroads House, Batavia’s comfort care home serving Genesee, Wyoming, and nearby counties.
“A holiday portrait captures a special moment in time, and knowing it also supports Crossroads House makes it that much more meaningful,” says Ashley Bringenberg, owner of Ashley Bringenberg Photography. “Our goal is to raise $1,000 to help fund a new stair lift, so Crossroads House volunteers can safely access all areas of the home as they continue their compassionate work.”
Funds from the Making Spirits Bright campaign will support the purchase of a stair lift, enhancing accessibility for Crossroads House’s dedicated volunteers who help provide essential end-of-life care. In addition to the session and ornament, participants can also invest in custom wall art and keepsakes to celebrate their holiday memories.
To book a holiday portrait session or learn more, please visit ashleybringenberg.com/holiday.
Conservation students at the Genesee Valley BOCES Batavia Career and Technical Education Center recently took part in an intensive STOP THE BLEED training program led by Mercy Flight. This nationally acclaimed campaign, developed by the American College of Surgeons, empowers individuals to respond quickly and effectively to bleeding emergencies until first responders arrive.
Through hands-on sessions, these students learned essential skills that equip them to manage injuries in situations where immediate help may not be available—a key competency given the nature of their fieldwork, which involves operating heavy machinery like chainsaws.
The training, facilitated by Mercy Flight and attended by 35 conservation students, introduced practical, life-saving techniques including wound packing, direct pressure application, and tourniquet use. These skills are crucial not only within the classroom but also beyond it, where many of these students spend time in remote or rural areas, hunting, farming, or working in challenging outdoor environments. The STOP THE BLEED program provided them with tools they can use anywhere to help save lives.
“The safety and preparedness of our students are top priorities here at Genesee Valley BOCES,” stated Rachel Slobert, Principal of the Batavia Campus. “This training prepares our students for real-life situations, whether in the workplace or beyond, and strengthens their confidence in responding to emergencies. Partnering with Mercy Flight allows us to provide this invaluable training.”
Mercy Flight instructor Terry Thompson led the sessions, starting with a comprehensive presentation that included videos, slides, and a Q&A segment. Thompson also shared impactful real-life stories that underscored the importance of prompt action in emergencies. Following the presentation, students moved into hands-on exercises, learning each step of the STOP THE BLEED process. They practiced wound-packing, applying pressure, and using tourniquets.
Jerry Krajna, the conservation teacher at GV BOCES, stressed the need for safety preparedness within the program. He reviewed the location and usage of all safety supplies, including gloves and STOP THE BLEED kits, to ensure students know how to access and use these tools in an emergency. He also emphasized the importance of the walkie-talkie system used when students work outdoors, ensuring they can quickly call for help if needed.
Mercy Flight recently received a grant from the BJ’s Charitable Foundation for the purchase of additional STOP THE BLEED training kits. With these new resources, Mercy Flight is able to provide more sessions within the community, broadening the availability of emergency training for students and staff alike. Pamela Cherry, a representative from Mercy Flight, was present throughout the training, supporting students and emphasizing Mercy Flight’s commitment to community emergency preparedness.
Krajna emphasized that these skills benefit not only the students but also strengthen the community’s overall ability to respond in a crisis. He expressed pride in equipping students with the knowledge needed to act quickly and effectively when every second counts, highlighting the vital importance of this training.
When conductor Shade Zajac discovered the piece “From the Diary of Anne Frank” by American composer Michael Tilson Thomas, who was already “a big hero of mine,” he says, he also thought of his sister Gemini, a freelance actor and vocalist who could embrace the emotional importance of the work.
That was during the pandemic, and Gemini lives in Philadelphia, so it took some time for this concert to come together for Genesee Symphony Orchestra.
“I was just struck by what a great piece of music it is. So of course, two years go by and everything worked out that we could do it this season. I think people will have a bit of an idea what the piece might be, just because we know how her story ends, unfortunately, which is tragically. But the remarkable thing about the piece and about her writing, and all of the text comes from her diary, obviously, is that how optimistically and how hopeful she views not only the world, but people,” Zajac said during an interview with The Batavian. “One of the most striking lines is towards the end she writes, I'm paraphrasing here, but deep down, I truly believe that people are good at heart, which is incredible, that this 13-year-old girl hiding in an attic while people are disappearing or being shot or, all this kind of horrible stuff that's going around, that she can still be so optimistic and have such a view of, not just the world, but of people.”
Genesee Symphony Orchestra’s program is to begin at 6:30 p.m. with a pre-concert chat/lecture followed by the concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at Stuart Steiner Theatre, Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia.
Anne Frank was a teenager caught up in the horror of the holocaust, and she began to write in a diary two days after her birthday on June 14, 1942. She documented her life in hiding amid Nazi persecution during the German occupation of the Netherlands. She died in February 1945.
“Even after they were discovered and she was sent away to the camp at first she was still in a good mood. There were other children, there were people that she could be with. It was only right up to the very end. And she talks an awful lot about being in nature, that she wants nothing more than to stick her head out of the window and breathe the air and listen to the birds and all this,” Zajac said. “And it's this love of nature that connects the second half of the program, which is the Beethoven “Pastoral” Symphony, which is all about nature, being in nature, and having nature be a safe haven, having it be a cure for feeling depressed or dejected, or an escape from all the terrible things.”
The first half features the orchestra as a strong backdrop to Gemini’s reading Anne Frank’s words from the diary. There are somber moments accentuated with heavier strings offset with fluttering woodwinds, and long paused notes held to emphasize points throughout the essay.
The program also includes Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F Major “Pastoral,” one of those lengthy classical numbers that is pretty, flowing, and if you close your eyes — possibly conjures visions of someone running about in a field with butterflies or perhaps watching clouds floating overhead.
There’s a connection between Anne Frank and Beethoven, Zajac said, and it’s one of isolation. While Anne’s was forced upon her by being captured, Beethoven’s was self-imposed due to his embarrassment at being deaf and unable to hear and understand most conversations. Throughout both stories, there’s a message about “just finding hope in really terrible times,” he said.
Zajac hopes that the audience can glean some of the overall contemplative essence that while we can celebrate a Thanksgiving in the end, it came with steep cost and some have paid dearly. It’s a heavy program, he said, but a thought-provoking one that features a little food for thought to this concert menu.
Gemini Zajac
This is a third visit to perform with GSO for Gemini (pronounced Gemin-ee), who has her bachelor’s in fine arts from University of Buffalo and performs with Sesame Place in Philadelphia. Similar to her brother, she grew up with creative interests, realizing early on that it was more than a passing whim.
“I just kind of remember one show I was in in high school and I didn’t get the part that I wanted, and I remember being back stage during one of the performances, going ‘it’s not the part that I wanted, but if I’m going to pursue theater, then I have to be ok with getting parts that I don’t want, because that’s part of the lifestyle.’ And it was at that moment where I was like, oh I’m thinking about pursuing my career in theater,” she said. “So it was that moment where it was, I guess, the deciding factor. I’ve always enjoyed doing just kind of anything creative, and that’s just what’s pulled me most.”
When Shade talked to her about doing the Anne Frank piece, he felt confident about it being a role for her, one that she could breathe life into.
She quickly agreed that it was quite an emotional piece.
“Incredibly. I know I talked about it on my little video on Instagram and the Facebook page, how I talked about that a lot of people don't feel safe and seen in this world. And that's a lot of what this piece talks about, in as much as finding the hope," the 26-year-old said. "But it's one of those things that I know lots of people personally who experience those fears and those things throughout the world, just because of who they are and their differences, and it just breaks my heart, that they have to go through things like that and they don't feel safe or welcomed in certain areas. And when I'm reading this piece, it just makes me think how how they're feeling, and how awful it is that they are feeling this, experiencing this.
“But also with that idea that these people that I know, they're still hopeful, they still see the good in people, and they're still fighting for, you know, their place in this world," she said. "And I think that's the part that really gets me, is that no matter what, there always is that hope and that drive to find your place.”
She has been rehearsing with a recording while being out of state, and described the music as having “moments where it gets very beautiful and light, and whimsical.”
“But there's also moments that are very haunting, and that contrast is it keeps the listener very engaged, because it kind of flows one way and then the other from that beauty and that fear,” she said. “It’s a very emotional piece, and I hope that people, they feel that emotion, not necessarily the emotion that I'm feeling on stage, from narrating and from the words, but the feeling of the music and what they take away personally.
“I really hope that people will get that same feeling of, people go through this, they're still going through this, and that's horrible, that people are still going through these kinds of fears and emotions,” she said. “But there’s always that hope, and I think that what people really should take away is that treating people with kindness, respect and equality is so important now more than ever, and to continue to do that.”
Tickets are $17 adults, $12 seniors, and free for students with a student ID, and are available at Mr. Wine & Liquor, GO ART!, YNGodess, The Coffee Press, Holland Land Office Museum, Gillan Grant and at www.geneseesymphony.com.
The two sides in Stafford v. Pontillo seem as far apart as ever after the attorney for James Pontillo, owner of the former Odd Fellows Hall at 6177 Main Road, issued a statement this week that is flatly contradicted by the attorney for the town of Stafford.
In a statement, Pontillo's attorney, Chris Hummel, said, "The town of Stafford brought a claim for 'abandonment' as well as a laundry list of claimed code violations back in May 2024. Now that the matter has been vetted and challenged by Mr. Pontillo and his legal team, the only thing that appears to be abandoned is the 'abandonment' claim itself. The town has sought to seize ownership and possibly demolish Mr. Pontillo's property for what now appears to be a few petty code violations, at worse. The property was never abandoned. It is a vacant commercial structure that is sealed and protected and often tended to. Mr. Pontillo has dutifully paid all of his real property taxes on the property."
David Roach, attorney for the town, responded, "Mr. Pontillo's press release is a hodgepodge of objectively verifiable lies and contextually misplaced statements. Anyone who can read the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and observe the condition of Mr. Pontillo's building, inside and out, will arrive at that conclusion."
Pontillo and the town have been at odds over the building, which Hummel, in his statement, acknowledges is historic, since Pontillo acquired it at auction from Terry Platt in 2010. While Pontillo has expressed big plans for the building, including opening a pizzeria, for which he's already installed ovens and other kitchen equipment, none of these plans have come to fruition.
He's never acquired a building permit, except for a new roof, to carry through renovation efforts and has been reportedly told, according to public documents acquired by The Batavian, that before he can get a building permit, he must submit stamped, engineered architectural plans. He has never submitted such plans.
Documents reveal that the town has reviewed the consequences of ownership of the building falling to the town and were advised by a former town attorney that either demolition or restoration would be exceptionally costly.
In his statement, Hummel makes other claims that Roach's statement quoted above indicates he believes are false.
That in 2016 the town hired its own engineer who inspected the property and gave the building a "clean bill of health." And Then two weeks later, a member of the same firm, whom Pontillo says was never in the building, later retracted the first letter and recommended legal action against Pontillo.
That Pontillo provided two separate engineer reports to the court that state "without reservation" that the building is "basically" safe and structurally sound. "Of about 14 of the alleged code violations in the town's complaint, perhaps two of them have merit."
Hummell states, "The town has hunted down Mr. Pontillo for eight years, and the preset situation involves perhaps a couple of broken windows, some peeling paint, and a canopy/awning repair."
On Friday, Roach told The Batavian the issues to be resolved are more serious than Hummel indicates.
"There is no resolution to this case yet," Roach said. "The Town is trying to work with Mr. Pontillo on his three-pronged proposal: (1) the building will remain vacant and unsafe for occupancy due to ongoing code violations; (2) Mr. Pontillo will replace deteriorated and thus unsafe structural members so as to reduce the risk of collapse; and (3) exterior work will be performed to protect the building from the elements and eliminate the conditions that currently render it a blight, all in accordance with sections under the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code."
50 S Main Street Oakfield, NY 14125. Here’s your opportunity to move right in to a super solid and clean village home in great location! This 3 bedroom home has great layout and space-definitely appears much larger than sq footage indicates! First floor features welcoming back mudroom with laundry and leads into a bright and cherry kitchen with new laminate flooring tons of cupboards, oversized island perfect for doing all your cooking prep or entertaining or work from home station! Formal dining room was fully gutted, rewired, and insulated and leads to oversized living-room. Main floor also has first floor bedroom and full bath. Upstairs has two good sized bedrooms and living space perfect for sitting area/toy room/office space. The home sits on a fantastic deep Village lot , fully landscaped with awesome large two tiered low maintenance deck. The rear yard is also fully fenced perfect for pets, kids or gardens! There is also a 20x28 garage and a 10x12 shed both with electric for all your outside storage needs or hobbies The yard adds so much opportunity for those who love hanging out and has one of the most unique gold fish ponds you will come across! The home is within walking distance of school, shopping and restaurants as well as being minutes from thruway entrance . This home has been well maintained and is ready to go now! Delayed negotiations until November 24 at 5:00. Call Lynn Bezon at Relaint Real Estate today! 585-344-HOME (4663)
As the season of gratitude and giving approaches, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Holiday Basket Giveaways. These events are designed to help income-eligible families celebrate the holiday season by providing them with a bountiful basket filled with traditional Holiday essentials.
The Thanksgiving basket includes a turkey or chicken, traditional side dishes, and a seasonal produce box, offering a wholesome, nutritious feast for families to enjoy.
The Christmas Basket Giveaway includes toys for children under 18 years of age and essentials for the holiday meal.
Eligible families are encouraged to sign up before Friday, November 15th to receive a Holiday Basket. Interested individuals can contact the agency for more information or to sign up:
Community Action is also looking for businesses or organizations that would like to adopt a family for the Holiday Season. For more information on adopting a family, please call Kristina at the main office 585-589-5605.
Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown greets Genesee County legislators during a meet-and-greet Q&A with county and city leaders Thursday at the Old County Courthouse. Photo by Joanne Beck
Byron Brown had his facts and figures at the ready for a meet-and-greet with Genesee County and city municipal leaders Thursday, a quality that didn’t go unnoticed as he answered questions and gave well-polished objectives for the future of Batavia Downs.
The newly hired president and CEO was, in a word, “comfortable,” Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein said.
“So this is my first time in meeting Mr. Brown, and I believe that he was well prepared. He had his facts, and his numbers absolutely spot on," Stein said after the 50-minute meeting in courthouse chambers. "And the fact that he prepared for us in such a way, I think, speaks volumes about his willingness to be part of a community here in Genesee County and that he will value the host that we are, our city, our town and our county."
During the session, Stein asked Brown about the revenue that is typically distributed from Batavia Downs to 17 municipalities, including Genesee County. She noted that since the hiring of him and Steven Casey, chief administrative officer and Director of Communications Michael DeGeorge, those three salaries add up to more than the revenue from video lottery terminal money for Genesee County in a year. “That money has already been spent,” she said.
“So I'm sure that that's a conversation that we will continue to have going forward, as I think there were too many questions at the same time coming, but we'll continue that with our board member, Mr. Zambito, and we will continue to probe and push on that because the work of the last three years with (former CEO) Henry Wojtaszek have just been stacked on top of each other,” she said. “Really, nice growth stats, and we've enjoyed those, and it helps our taxpayers here in Genesee County. He's got big shoes to fill, and we're going to give him room to do that, but we also want him to know that we're paying attention.”
As for paying, those first year salaries are $295,000 for Brown, $190,000 for Casey and $130,000 for DeGeorge for a total of $615,000.
Chuck Zambito is on the Western Regional Off-Track Betting board as a representative of and liaison to Genesee County.
“It’s a great corporation,” Zambito said. “The gaming industry is changing every day. Our goal is to make the corporation better, stronger and more profitable.”
After introductions of each legislator, council member and Brown’s team, Brown parlayed some numbers into talking points for his new missive as the new leader of the Park Road enterprise. He reviewed some of his resume, including having been a member of Buffalo City Council, three terms in the state Senate and most recently as mayor for five terms, earning title to being "the longest serving mayor in the history of the city," he said.
“And one of the things that attracted me to this position is the revenue that it provides to 17 member municipalities in Western New York,” he said. “I thought that that was critically important, and wanted to be able to not only protect the revenues that are provided but to try to grow the revenues that are provided to the 17 member municipalities.”
Since OTB was established in 1974, the gaming facility has provided more than $260 million to those 17 municipalities, he said, with more than $13 million going to Genesee County.
“From my perspective, as former mayor of the City of Buffalo, I think that these revenues are important to the municipalities that receive them, so my new and existing management team will be working to preserve and to grow revenues. I also know here in Genesee County and in the city and town, it is important that this organization continue to be successful and profitable," he said. "It is an important employment source for this community, and we certainly ought to make sure that those employment opportunities are protected and preserved.
"And if we can grow for the folks that live in this part of our state, obviously with the property, with the corporation being physically located in Genesee County, the majority of the employees at Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation reside in Genesee County," he said. "And so, this is a large employer, over 430 employees, and my focus with the management team and certainly the board of directors will be to protect the employment base, to grow the employment base, and to continue to provide revenues for this community and the other municipalities that derive revenues from OTB.”
County Legislator Marianne Clattenburg asked if Brown was keeping public safety in mind as the track backs up to city neighborhoods, and “the track has always been safe,” she said.
“Public safety will definitely be a priority of mine. My record in public service is one of being a strong supporter of public safety, law enforcement, and fire service. When I was in the New York State Senate, I had a very close relationship with the State Police. Certainly, as mayor of the City of Buffalo, I worked very closely with our police department, one of the largest municipal police departments in the state of New York, outside of New York City, actually the second largest police department, and enjoy strong support from deputy sheriffs in Erie County, Buffalo Police Officers, New York State Police," he said. "And in any community, public safety is critically important. Legislator Deleo is one of our security officers at the property. They do a very good job on the property. We also have a relationship with the Sheriff's Department, which certainly will continue.
"Yesterday … many people from Batavia Downs attended the road dedication for Sergeant Sanfratello, and it just brought back to me how important public safety is," he said. "That certainly was a tragedy that occurred, and we will be working very closely with law enforcement, very closely with our security officers, to make sure that on the property, in the property, around the property, we are maintaining a safe environment.”
Legislator John Deleo added, “Batavia Downs is one of our polished diamonds, and I hope it continues to shine.” He also expressed concern about “whether we’re on parity now” or if more was going to the state. “If we’re not, I hope that you can break this situation and keep the money home.”
“That is a great point; we are not at parity right now,” Brown said. “That is part of our legislative agenda. As a former state senator, I served on the Gaming, Racing and Wagering Committee in the New York State Senate, so I have familiarity with the operation of that committee. We will be very focused, very aggressive in pursuing the legislative agenda that the board has established for us,” he said. “That certainly is one of the items in the legislative agenda and we have been formulating our strategies so that we can hit the ground running when the legislature goes back into session in January.”
The legislative process is one where relationships are “critically important,” he said, and he believes that his background and that of his team are keys to opening more doors of the process, at least to “be able to get in the door and have a conversation about the things that are important to WROTB … and to Genesee County,” he said.
“One of the issues that we're really zeroing in on is the tax rate and getting parity. We have a higher tax rate than other properties, and we want to make the case to the state that it made sense to bring us into parity with other properties, not only because it would make Western Regional Off-Track Betting more financially profitable but it would also produce greater revenue to the 17 member municipalities, and that will strengthen 17 municipalities in Western New York, including Genesee County,” Brown said. “One of the things that I have learned in government is there are threats that are seen and threats that are unseen. We will be paying close attention, and we will be very plugged into what's happening in Albany so that we can stay ahead of the curve. We don't want to find things out after they've already happened to us; we want to know what's happening before threats arise and try to pick those things off before it's too late to do anything to prevent them. So that will be our approach. Legislatively, we're going to be very active in Albany.”
City Councilman Bob Bialkowski said that some city residents have complained about the noise levels and timing of concerts — continuing later at night past city ordinance — and Brown said he is “a stickler for the rules.” He offered to meet with neighbors to hear about issues when necessary.
“We don’t want a growing, thriving business and a declining community,” he said. “If a concert is supposed to end at a certain time, it will end at that time.”
Another goal is a potential hotel expansion, which the board has already been exploring. A property should at least be refreshed every seven to 10 years, he said, to continue a strong patronage of the hotel.
“The hotel is one of the, if not the, most successful in the region,” he said. “We have been able to improve the quality of the three restaurants and have been getting good reviews. That keeps people coming back.”
He referred to a Downs commercial and said that he’s had to practice the tagline “over and over,” predicting he might just show up in one of the promotions sometime: "You’re not going to just like coming here, you’re going to love coming here,” he said, really punching his voice on the love.
“We plan on being very visible, not just in the property, but very visible in the community as well. And I have a history of extensive community engagement in the different government offices that I have been in,” he said. “One of the things that I took real pride in is getting out with the people, getting out into the community, and building strong relationships with the community.”
Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. had shared concerns about times when VLT money was withheld at the state level, which caused financial stress for the city. Brown said he would“certainly work to help with that” and that it’s part of the mission to strengthen and grow the corporation, as it was when he was mayor working with the Seneca Nation and its casino. There were times when expected monies did not come, he said, and he was urged to give up, but “we stayed plugged in” to the governor’s office and the Senate Commission, and the situation eventually turned for the better.
“We hope to be very articulate about the needs of the corporation and the needs of the surrounding local community, and we will be a voice with you in expressing the needs of the community to our legislators and to our governor,” he said.
Jankowski appreciated the meeting and Brown’s words, he said.
“And I'm confident that he has all the skills he needs and the intentions to do a really good job in Genesee County. I liked his answers to our questions. He seems very thorough, he seems very well thought out. And I think he has a really good plan, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do with the Batavia Downs,” Jankowski said. “He obviously has no control over (VLT distribution), but as someone who's actually working at the downs and may have input in that decision, I'm confident that he will go to bat for our county and try to keep us in the loop as far as continued payouts and so on, so that our budget is able to keep up with the rising costs of a lot of things. We look forward to that VLT money to help us through that. So I think he realized how important that was to us, and I think he's going to do his best to help us out with that.”
Byron Brown meets City Council members. Photo by Joanne Beck
Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown takes questions from county and city leaders during a meet-and-greet event Thursday at the Old County Courthouse. Photo by Joanne Beck
Chuck Zambito, center, the Genesee County representative on the WROTB board, leads a Q&A session Thursday with county and city leaders and Batavia Downs CEO Byron Brown, seen here with his team of Chief Administrative Officer Steven Casey, back left, and Director of Communications Michael DeGeorge, right. Photo by Joanne Beck
Keegan Fisher and his dad, David, a U.S. Army veteran, of Batavia. Photo by Joanne Beck
Batavia High School’s combined chorus usually sings a few patriotic songs for the school’s annual tribute to veterans, and ninth-grader Keegan Fisher was there for his dad’s first visit to the ceremony.
Although he has no aspirations to follow his father’s path to serve in the U.S. Army, Keegan respects how it has shaped him.
“I think it’s pretty cool. He doesn’t take any (nonsense) from anyone,” the high school freshman said Thursday after the hour-long ceremony. “He doesn’t like when people don’t treat others right.”
His dad, David Fisher, is a 1987 BHS grad who has been too busy to attend any of the school's previous veteran ceremonies. He was glad to have had the opportunity to make this one on his birthday, he said.
“I attend all the veterans events that I can. I'm with the Patriot Guard riders. We escort people to their final resting place, and that usually winds up taking quite a bit of my time … going to the National Cemetery, local cemeteries, wherever the vet decides to be buried at, that's where we go,” Fisher said. “Not only being a veteran, but being a combat vet, we really don't get a whole lot of thank-yous. So when we do, when we get something like this, it means a lot.”
Hesigned up for the Army because he “didn’t really anything to do after high school,” and ended up soaking up an eight-year experience to the fullest, he said.
“I wanted to travel, so I kind of figured, what better way to travel then joint he service; they sent you everywhere. It actually turned out to be probably the best decision I’ve ever made,” he said. “I grew up a lot. I learned different cultures from around the world. I also learned the worst that people can do to each other as well. It was just a good experience all the way around. I enjoyed every minute, or almost every minute, of it. I did six months in Panama and two years in the Gulf War.”
High School Principal Jenny Wesp welcomed all of the visiting veterans and noted the high school’s own vets, Greg Ciszak, Chris Weicher and Chris Gorton, plus Board of Education member Chezeray Rolle.
The chorus sang the “Batavia Alma Mater,” the “National Anthem,” and “Flanders Field,” based on a poem by John McCrae dating back to World War I. The poem's setting is Flanders, a former county in what is now Belgium with a strategically favorable location on the North Sea — great for trade and commerce while also an invitation for many battles, Wesp said.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Sharon Chaplain, U.S. Air Force veteran Photo by Joanne Beck
The BHS wind and string ensembles performed patriotic numbers tucked around keynote speaker and Air Force veteran Sharon Chaplain, who attended Jackson Elementary and Batavia Middle schools from 1979 to 1983 before moving out of the area.
Now a resident of Brockport, she shared her humble beginnings at Jackson.
“To say I was quiet and shy is really an understatement,” she said. “I didn’t speak in school. In fact, one of my high school teachers used to read my lips because I wouldn’t speak up. I’d get so nervous that I would throw up. In fact, I threw up in the Jackson school library when I started school there.”
She asked the audience of mostly high school students, “How many of you have ever been told you can’t do something?” and promised to return to that question at the end of her talk.
Despite her immense timidness, Chaplain wanted to attend college, but she realized two things: college is expensive when paying for it yourself, and that it could be the means to an end of being stuck with her mother. Yes, she loves her mother, but “she was a little bit controlling and I knew that if I didn’t do something drastic, I would be stuck with her for the rest of my life,” Chaplain said.
So, she decided to take a test to join military service. Her first choice was the Navy, which had already met its quota, so she entered the Air Force. She passed that initial test and received notice that she was to begin that November.
“And everybody said ‘you’re not even going to make it through basic training. And to be honest with you, I didn’t think I was going to do it. I wasn’t athletic, didn’t go out for sports,” she said. “But I knew that I had to do something. So I got on the plane … and if you’ve ever seen anything about basic training in the military, it’s pretty much, and I can verify this, it’s pretty much you’re getting screamed at, you’re cleaning and you’re exercising the whole time. And after a couple days, I thought I made the worst mistake in my life.”
It took some more time for her to have a bit of a paradigm shift: this existence, minus perhaps all of the exercising, wasn’t much different than living with her mother, she said. And she observed that when recruits cried or complained, “the instructors were screaming at them all the more.”
She pushed through and graduated basic training, moving on to technical school, where she learned her job and first assignment. Chaplain ended up being sent to South Korea, a place she hadn’t envisioned when dreaming about where in the world she might get sent to. Her stint was during Desert Storm, and it took more perseverance to be stationed in hostile territory, she said.
During some letter exchanges with folks back home, her enthusiasm for mail waned until she received a package from a 9-year-old girl who sent her puzzle books and games and began to ask her questions. They communicated until Chaplain wrote what would be the final letter. She suggested that this little girl respect the flag and the “Star-Spangled Banner” and those who wear the uniform and what that represents for the United States.
She didn’t hear back from that girl for several years, and wondered if she had offended her. It wasn’t until 25 years later that they met each other, and discovered how each had comforted the other during difficult personal times through those letters and their words.
“So to bring it back to where I started, if anybody tells you you can’t do something, you can’t make a difference, remember this story. A 9-year-old girl made a difference in my life,” she said. “You know, all you have to do to make a difference is take one small step outside of your comfort zone because that's what she did, and that's what I did in joining the service, and that's all it is.”
Veterans who attended Thursday's veterans ceremony at Batavia High School includedfront row left, Lurando Mata, U.S. Army and Air Force Reserves; Donald Weyer, U.S. Army; Tom Cecere, U.S. Navy; Rocco Pellegrino, U. S. Navy; back row left, David Reiss, U.S. Navy; Vincent Pontillo, U. S. Marine Corps; Jose Ortiz, U.S. Army; Chris Weicher, U.S. Marine Corps; Vic Digregorio, U.S. Navy; and David Panek, U.S. Navy. Photo by Joanne Beck
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1ST CITY OF BATAVIA 4-5 bedroom Duplex apartment with 1 Bedroom, Living room, laundry room, dining room, bathroom, and small kitchen on first floor. 4 bedrooms 2nd floor. Newly painted. Some new carpet. Basement storage. 1/2 garage use for storage/ not parking. Large yard. $1,100/month includes trash pickup, Refrigerator, Gas Stove. You pay gas, electric, water. No dogs. Good references required with background check. Pathstone approved. Near ARC. Mike 585-993-4002
