Files photo of 245 Liberty St., Batavia being demolished in July 

City school board members approved more than $89,000 in change orders this week for work being done at Jackson Primary and Batavia High schools.

The nine change orders — additional expenses usually for “unforeseen” work discovered during the job-in-progress — ranged from $1,369 to $24,443. With no questions or discussion, the board approved the financial revisions during its regular meeting Monday at the high school.

Work includes:

• Having to disconnect and remove an unforeseen utility service at Jackson Primary for $7,209.
• Development, labor and materials associated with installing a fence, posts, and to extend sidewalks to accommodate setting the fence posts within a walkway at Jackson Primary, $9,592.
• Installing curb work along Liberty Street and Blakely Place at Jackson Primary, $4,112.
• Removing the unforeseen underground storage tank during excavation at Jackson Primary, $3,311.
• Having to lower the ceiling grid system in room 167 as well as construct a bulkhead and lower 40 square feet of ceiling to accommodate lighting at BHS, $1,369.
• Installing insulation to the exposed water lines at BHS, $1,392.
• Installing plyron flooring (impact resistant, hardboard-faced plywood) in lieu of plywood sub-flooring at stage sacrificial floor at BHS, $18,394.
• Labor and materials for plumbing and heating company to replace the incoming gas line at the loading dock at BHS, $19,266.
• Labor and materials to replace an underground gas line feeder from the loading dock to the gas meter at BHS, $24,443.

A capital project stemming from 2020 at Jackson Primary includest the expansion of outdoor amenities at the southside school.  It has included demolition of a building at 245 Liberty St., Batavia, which was donated to the city school district in December 2017. Taking down the former Country Pride Bakery Mart is part of a plan to create additional parking and green spaces, and a pedestrian walkway adjacent to Jackson Primary School. 

Work at the high school includes an emergency replacement of two water boilers.

It says right on the building, "Arts Council," but GO ART! Director Gregory Hallock has been concerned that people don't realize that Seymour Place at 201 East Main St. is a place anybody can come in and see art.

"I think a lot of people don't see our sign, and a lot of people still think we're a membership club," Hallock said. "Yes, we have members but you don't have to be a member to come in."

His solution: Install some works of art -- in this case, sculptures -- in the garden plots in front of the red brick building at the corner of East Main and Bank streets in Batavia.

Hallock and the GO ART! staff had become familiar with the work of Bill Schutt from his showing at the Ramble, what's on display at Eli Fish Brewing Co., his entries into an art competition there, and knew he worked in metal, which seemed like the perfect medium for sculptures placed outside the building.

It might come as a surprise to some that Schutt is an artist.  The Basom resident has been a volunteer firefighter for 32 years and spent a dozen years working for either Genesee County Emergency Management or Mercy EMS.

He often tinkered around the house, working with metal, installing bookshelves or other useful items for the house, often embellishing whatever he made with artistic touches. A few years ago he became inspired to make sculptures using scrap metal on his property.

He's recently branched out into making larger pieces, so the commission from GO ART! came at an opportune time to expand his portfolio.

Schutt's pieces are about "our shared humanity," he said.

The first one is a riff on a popular social media meme about the difference between equality and equity. In the meme, three people of different heights are shown standing on boxes, trying to see over a fence to watch a baseball game.  They're all on the same size box.  The tall person can see, the smallest person can't see at all. That is equality, according to the meme. When the boxes are restacked, so the tallest has no box, the medium-height person has one, and the shortest has two, all three can see.  The meme labels that configuration, "equity."

The second sculpture is of people in silhouette. Their faces look the same but they're all different based on hairstyle and the jewelry they wear.

"It's kind of a reminder that we are more the same than we are different," Schutt said. "We need to celebrate our differences and find our common humanity.  Art does that. It brings together all walks of life."

Hallock loved the work, he said.

"I didn't know what he was going to do, and I'm pleasantly pleased with the pieces," Hallock said.  "The message of equity and unity is there."

Submitted photos.

Catrina Colvin and her family are hoping that their apricot-colored mini toy poodle has been spotted -- and perhaps rescued from the cold -- since he went missing at the corner of York and South streets around 7 p.m. Sunday in Pavilion.

Thomas Jefferson was in his yard for a few minutes, and when Catrina's mom opened the door for him to come back inside, the 7-pound fluffly pooch was gone. 

"We're hoping and praying someone saw him walking down by the corner and picked him up to get him some warmth," Catrina said Monday. "After four hours of searching, he's still nowhere to be found. My kids are absolutely devastated and we're not doing so well ourselves."

At 14 years old and mostly blind, the family thinks that perhaps he became confused with the falling snow. He never stays out longer than a minute or two because he gets cold quickly, Catrina said.

"He's always been my baby boy and I can't imagine life without him," she said. 

Her family has checked with the local animal shelters with no luck. Anyone with information or sightings is asked to please call her at 585-315-3971. 

Photos are submitted of Catrina, top, her daughter Alli, and brother Roy with Thomas Jefferson.

The local bowling community rolled out the red carpet for an Oakfield resident and longtime kegler who has been battling bladder cancer.

A 3-person no-tap tournament to benefit Claude Schultz that took place at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia on Saturday generated $1,385 to help pay for the 62-year-old tractor trailer master technician’s medical bills.

“I would like to thank the Genesee Region USBC bowlers, Mark and Penny Brown (tournament directors) and Mancuso Bowling Center for putting this event on for me,” said Schultz, who was at the fundraiser along with his wife, Cathy, two of his daughters and three of his grandchildren. “This means a lot to my family and me.”

Schultz has been out of work – and off the lanes – since undergoing two operations in August and September and, after that, six weeks of chemotherapy. He said he goes back to the doctor on Dec. 6 for an “exploratory’ procedure.

If all goes well, Schultz said his plan is to substitute on a league with his friends at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen after the first of the year.

Thirty-nine teams competed in the tournament, with seven earning prize money.

The team of Shayne Herold, Aaron Philp and Adam Philp placed first with a 2,428 score to win $630. The team of Scott Shields, Tom Rohl and Brown finished second with 2,414 ($360), and Rick Underhill, Fred Gravanda and Matt Balduf placed third with 2,390 ($200).

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced that Brian Cousins has been selected as their new President.  Cousins will succeed Erik Fix, who left to take a position with the City of Batavia.

“The Board of Directors is excited to work with Brian,” said Board Chair Mickey Hyde. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills from his previous career.  The Board has been very impressed with his vision and enthusiasm for Genesee County and the Chamber of Commerce.”

Cousins is currently the Director of Accommodations at Six Flags Darien Lake.  He has over 25 years of experience at Darien Lake where he has held various roles in marketing, operations, entertainment and accommodations.

Cousins is a graduate of Genesee Community College and SUNY Fredonia, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communications.  He is a graduate of Leadership Genesee, Class of 2018.    

Cousins lives in Corfu with his wife, Cherie.  His start date with the Chamber is Dec. 19.  

Press release:

After coming close on a couple occasions, Batavian Derek Leach achieved bowling perfection earlier this week in the Mancuso Real Estate Doubles League at Mancuso Bowling Center.

The 42-year-old right-hander rolled a 300 game in game three of what turned out to be a 678 series on lanes 11-12. His previous high games were 299 and 298.

Two others broke the 700 mark in the Monday night league -- left-hander Brian Cline of Middleport, 279--758, and righty Jason Quilliam of Batavia, 268--751.

Elsewhere around the Genesee Region USBC:

• Mike Pettinella of Batavia posted 268--772 in the Turnbull Heating Triples League at Mancuso's, raising his average to 228;

• Roger Allis of Medina rolled 300--656 in the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes, for his seventh USBC-certified perfect game.

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

A motor vehicle accident with a possible head injury is reported on Route 33 just west of Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford.

Stafford Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 10:14 p.m. A chief on scene reports two vehicles roadside and the bridge is "really icy."

Callie McCulley, a former standout with Notre Dame in her high school basketball career, helped the University of Rochester to its second straight Chuck Resler Tournament Championship with a 55-44 win over #21 ranked Messiah University.

McCulley was named the tournament MVP after Saturday's win. On Friday, she set a school record for blocked shots in a game. 

After the first two games of her senior season, McCulley is averaging 9.5 points per game and 10.5 rebounds.

Her former ND Coach Tom McCulley said McCulley, from Le Roy, "has really been grinding to be a top player.  She was an Academic All-American last year."  He said UofR has a good shot at winning a berth in the NCAA Tournament this season.

For more on UofR's tournament win, click here.

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens from 2018. 

The Byron-Bergen Bees went into Saturday's state championship semifinals in girls soccer with a track record of dominating opponents to the point of a more than 125-point differential on the season.

But they ran into a Sauquoit Valley team ready to play defense, rarely giving clear space to Mia Gray and Mackenzie Haegen, who each scored more than 40 points this season.

With 10 minutes left in the game, the Indians' Addison Lazarek scored her team's second goal, which held up to give Sauquoit Valley a 2-1 win in a game played at Cortland High School.

The Indians also struck first in the first half on a goal by Olivia Kalil.

A few minutes later, Emma Starowitz scored Byron-Bergen's only goal.

Sauquoit entered the game with two losses, while the Bees were undefeated.

For more on the game, visit UticaOD.com.

Photos by Kevin Smith/Cortland Voice

Ja'vin McFollins tossed two TD passes, including one in the closing seconds of the game for a come-from-behind victory on Saturday in Brockport to give the Batavia Blue Devils the Section V Class B championship.

Batavia beat Monroe 14-8.

The 19-yard TD pass to Vincent Arroyo left one second on the clock and Julia Petrie kicked her second point-after of the game.

Batavia scored first in first quarter on a McFollins to Cole Grazioplene 38-yard TD pass.

McFollins was 9-16 passing for 172 yards.  He was intercepted once.

Cam McCinic was the leading rusher with 66 yards on 16 attempts.

Grazioplene had three receptions for 85 yards and Arroyo snagged two passes for 58 yards.

Garrett Schmidt led the defense with 13 tackles and Avion Bethel had eight and McClinic six.  Schmidt also forced a fumble and a fumble recovery.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

To help the Pembroke Dragon's football team and community celebrate not just the team's sectional title, but their first boys sectional title in any sport in school, history, volunteer firefighters lined up their trucks and escorted the team buses to the school yesterday.

Participating were the volunteer departments of East Pembroke, Pembroke, Indian Falls, and Corfu.

Submitted photos.

A ceremony honoring veterans took place Thursday at the Western New York National Veterans Cemetery in Pembroke.

Bill Joyce, head of the Genesee County Veterans Council and president of the Western New York National Cemetery Memorial Council, arranged the ceremony, which took place on the 247th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Cemetery director James Metcalf said the observance was scheduled on Thursday to allow veterans to spend Veterans Day (Friday) with their families.

Metcalf opened the ceremony with a welcome to all veterans in attendance and a shout-out to Tun Tavern, the brewery in Philadelphia, which is regarded as the site where the U.S. Marine Corps held its first recruitment drive during the American Revolution.

Metcalf and Brenda Serena, a U.S. Army veteran and Erie County Officer in Charge, placed a wreath under the giant American flag.

“Today, we gather to honor our veterans' memorial service and sacrifice by placing this wreath in this National Shrine,” Metcalf said. “This day is your day and it’s an honor to spend it with you.”

He urged those in attendance to remember and recognize the service, sacrifices and selflessness of the nation’s veterans.

“These veterans raised their hands and swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States,” Metcalf said. “By fighting our nation’s wars and defending us all during periods of peace between wars, veterans have protected our way of life and the freedoms we enjoy – the freedom to speak without fear, to vote as we see fit and to gather as we do today.

“We owe them all a debt of gratitude for the burdens they have borne,” he said. “And so, today, we recommit ourselves to upholding that promise and all the principles of democracy for which veterans have fought and bled to defend. That is our most sacred responsibility as Americans – today, on Veterans’ Day and every day.”

After Metcalf and Serena placed a giant wreath under the flag, an Honor Guard of members of the Medina American Legion and VFW presented a three-gun salute.

Metcalf said in the future, Veterans’ Day observances will be more formal when the construction of the cemetery is complete.

Joyce explained the WNY National Cemetery Memorial Council was formed to help the cemetery with projects, such as purchasing golf carts to get veterans to funeral services.

Submitted by Coach Brandon Ricci

The Pembroke Dragons improved to 10-1 on the season by defeating the Canisteo-Greenwood Redskins 40-20 in the sectional finals.

It is the first boys sectional title for any sport in the school's history. 

Behind the blocking of JJ Gabbey, Octavius Martin, Jayden Mast, Jayden Bridge, Ben Steinberg, Chase Guzdek and Caleb Felski, Tyson Totten rushed 40 times for 376 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Caleb Felski added 100 yards rushing and a score of his own to compliment Totten after starting quarterback and safety Cayden Pfalzer got knocked out of the game in the first quarter thrusting Totten into that role.

The Dragons played good defense, by staying on the field on offense by a time of possession that was over 2-1 in favor of the Dragons.

The Dragons will play in the regional crossover game at Pittsford Sutherland on Friday at 7 p.m. vs. Morrisville-Eaton, the champion out of section III. 

Photos by Elizabeth Gabbey

Neither team expected the outcome they got Saturday in the sectional title game for Class D in Brockport, a lopsided win for Oakfield-Alabama/Elba over Alexander 35-7.

"I don't think we were (expecting a lopsided win) either," said OAE Head Coach Tyler Winter. "You know, both teams being undefeated, both teams dominating each game that they've played up to this point. We weren't sure what to expect. The only thing that we knew going into (the game) is that one of us was going to get punched in the mouth early, and both teams were going to be uncomfortable."

The Aggies scored first and that seemed to set the tone of the game.

Trojans' Head Coach gave a frank assessment of his team's performance.

"We just kind of got behind early and never could dig out from it," Sawyer said. "Too many mistakes. We had a couple of bad snaps, and Oakfield-Alabama/Elba was opportunistic on penalties. We just couldn't keep our offense on the field. Defensively we need to tackle better if you're gonna tackle these Oakfield Alabama/Elba boys. So, just not a good day for us today."

Senior running back Noah Currier was the game's MVP.  He rushed 22 times for 156 yards and three touchdowns.  

Bodie Hyde also made all-team. He had 23 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown. 

Adding to the scoring was Connor Scott, who dashed into the endzone to close out OAEs scoring in the fourth quarter on an 11-yard run.

On defense, Hyde had eight tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Brayden Smith had nine tackles and a sack. T.J. Andrews had nine tackles. Kyle Porter had four tackles, a fumble recovery, and an interception.  Aiden Warner had eight tackles.

The Aggies held Alexander to 105 yards rushing and 14 yards passing.

For the Trojans, Tyler Marino led the team in rushing with 15 carries for 67 yards and a TD. 

OAE Held Alexander to 105 yards rushing and only 14 yards passing.  

Tyler Marino led the Trojans in rushing with 15 carries - 67 yards and 1 TD.  Woods was 2-7 passing for 14 yards and 1 int.

Defensively Kaden Lyons and Mason Bump led the Trojans with eight tackles each.

Coming out of half-time, Winter said he and his coaches felt they had set the pace in the first half and, with some adjustments, take over the game over the final two quarters.

"We thought in the second half, we could play with tempo a little bit, that we could just really put the exclamation point on this game and run away with it," 

The Aggies were up 14-0 at the half and scored three more touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters.

Currier wasn't surprised by the win.

"We knew coming into this game against Alexander, they're a tough team," Currier said. "They're physical. They're fast. But we knew we were better. We just had to come out and execute, do everything perfect. And we did. I think we did."

He thinks his team has something special that helped it deliver a big blow to the Trojans.

"We're bringing the heat every day in practice, every time we're in the game," Currier said. "I'll tell you why. We just have the energy. I mean everyone, not only me, but all 11 on each side of the ball, bring the energy. I think that's what makes us who we are."

Hyde said he was also confident coming into the game, especially coming off of last year's title win.

"You go back to back to the amount of success we had last year, we know what it takes to get back here and have success," Hyde said. "We put in a ton of work over the offseason with whether that's in the weight room, whether that's seven on sevens or 11 on 11 scrimmages in the middle of June at Batavia. We were working all offseason and we knew the work we put in would make us able to get back to this spot and become successful again."

Smith also pointed to weight room work as a key to the team's success.

"We were lifting all summer," Smith said. "My D line, they're strong, they're big, they're fast. They make a new line of scrimmage for us. We can free flow to the ball and we can meet them in the hall and we can take them back and get some TFLs (tackles for losses)."

Winter said all that off-season preparation pays off in the postseason.

"Once November rolls around, we know that that we're going to play our style and our type of game and finish the opponent," Winter said.

Next up for OAE is last year's far-west opponent, Randolf. Hyde, for one, thinks his team is ready.

"I think we can go a long way. I know, obviously, this is really good right now," Hyde said. "We're gonna celebrate this for the next few days, but Monday, it's back to work. We play a really good Randolph team that we know pretty well. We played them last year. They know us, so it's gonna be huge to get back to work and stay locked in to see how far we really can go with this team."

As odd as it might sound, Alexander's season is not over.  There are eleven sections in New York High School Athletics, so to ensure there are 12 teams available for the final brackets, the second-place teams from one section get to play a state tournament quarter-final.  This year, it is Section V's turn to send second-place teams to the quarter-finals. Alexander will represent Section V Class D in Albany next week.

That puts Coach Sawyer in a challenging position -- getting his team ready for another big game after a big defeat in a sectional title game.

"I hope this bothers our kids, it should you know, but on Monday, Monday is the start of a new week and we need to come back and fix a few things and move forward," Sawyer said. "We could sit here and be upset about this loss and waste the next opportunity, which is right here in front of us. I mean, we've got a game in six days and, yes, it's our first loss of the season so these guys haven't had this taste, you know what I mean? And but we'll come back strong and put a game plan together and go try to win out east."

Winter said going into the game, he knew could be in Sawyer's position so he has some advice for the Alexander squad.

"It's funny you say that because that's a perspective that we had to take a look at -- how does a coach pick their team up off the ground after a loss in the sectional files and say, 'Hey, we got to play,'" Winters said. "If their teams is built anything similar to our team, we love each other. We have a lot of fun. So although today might be really tough, and probably tomorrow as well, by the time Monday rolls around, let's say we're at least fortunate that we get to play another game. And if so, maybe they can even use us in the future as a potential motivator. I mean, they might see us again, and I'm sure that they want a different storyline to go with that."

Top four photos by Kristin Smith.  Top photo, game MVP Noah Currier.

Brodie Hyde.

Photos below by Philip Casper.

Tyler Marino scores Alexander's lone touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Alexander's all-team winner, Connor Thompson.

Trent Wood.

If you are the owner of this cat, or know who is, the light tan and cream feline has apparently been hanging out in the city's north side for quite some time, a concerned citizen says. Please contact joanne@thebatavian.com with any information you may have about this seemingly young, lost kitty in Batavia.

Submitted photo.

Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County had the first of its two-day Holiday Festival Saturday at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. The event will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the venue, 8315 Park Road, Batavia.

This is the club’s 10th annual artisan and vendor marketplace, with at least 100 vendors, a visit from Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a Buffalo Bills door prize.

Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County has a mission to enrich the lives of women and girls, and is dedicated to advancing the status of women worldwide through advocacy and action.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Just as Americans across the country are eager to hit the road for post-COVID travel, Batavia City Schools staff has wanderlust in mind for student trips.

From a chorus trip to New York City and a student excursion to see the inner workings of Washington, D.C., to a competitive journey in an effort to secure a hockey championship in Albany, the trips will be up for review during the board’s meeting next week.

It’s set for 6 p.m. Monday in the Superintendent’s Conference Room at the high school, 260 State St., Batavia.

Teacher Melanie Case is proposing that the Mixed and Treble Chorus take a two-day trip in April 2023. This will give students an opportunity “to perform in a major city, to see a professional musical on Broadway and also to view major historical landmarks, providing a connection with the eighth grade social studies immigration unit,” her supporting materials state.

If approved, the students will not only see the Statue of Liberty, but also perform a cappella style (though still pending), and walk to see the 9/11 Memorial, have dinner at Margaritaville and watch a live theater performance. An estimated cost of about $420 per student is based on a minimum of 40 people registered with First Choice Educational Tours.

A Close-Up trip is proposed by Alex Veltz for six days in Washington, D.C. in March 2023. This program has given students “an in-depth look at the U.S. government and current issues" since it was formed in 1971, according to the supplemental material. Not merely a sight-seeing tour, this program offers learning experiences, workshops, interactive discussions and presentations.

Cost per student is $2,200, with Genesee Valley BOCES paying 60 percent, and students responsible for about $1,000 each,  materials state.

Coaches Marc Staley and John Kirkwood are pitching a trip for the Albany Academy Holiday Tournament. This two-day trip is for Batavia Notre Dame hockey team (United) to play a game on each of the two days, and hopefully ending as a tournament winner.

There will be "no cost for the school with bussing or hotel expenses," organizers said. 

Student fundraisers have begun to offset expenses, including sponsorships, community discount cards and restaurant donations.

Appointments, work change orders and contracts fill most of the remaining agenda.

File Photo of a United hockey player earlier this year, by Howard Owens.

Genesee County veterans gathered today at the locations and landmarks associated with the local men and women who served the nation in times of war and peace.

The ceremonies started at 9 a.m. at Genesee County Park, where former Assemblyman Dan Burling was the keynote speaker and he celebrated the freedom that the men and women who served helped secure.

"We just had an election yesterday," Burling said. "And though it may not appear to be everything that we want it to be, it was a free election. It was a free election that was guaranteed by the men and women who have served this country over the years, over many, many, many years and still served today."

Other ceremonies were held at the VA Hospital, the NY State Vets Home, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (Upton Monument), Trigon Park, the War Memorial at Jerome Center, and GCC.

"We're all brothers and sisters," Burling told the veterans in Bethany. "We all served together and anyone who puts the uniform on, who puts their hand on the Bible and swears that they will defend this nation is a friend of mine and a friend of everyone, so I want to thank you all, all my friends."

Photos from Genesee County Park, the VA Hospital, and the Upton Monument.  Photos by Howard Owens.

Dan Burling, middle.

Frank Panepento, a teacher at Batavia Middle School, Nathan Korzelius, middle school principal, and Danielle Bergman, assistant medical director of the VA Center.  Middle school students made wood blocks with a patriotic etching as a gift for veterans at the VA Center.