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A new event that many who attended, including the organizers, hope will return in future years premiered in Jackson Square on Friday night, the night before the Ramble Music and Arts Fest.

It was an open mic for local musicians and an open art session for local visual artists.

More than 200 people attended, and more musicians than time available signed up to sing and play.

Jo David Arts and Iburi Photography presented the event.

Jo David Arts is a partnership between local artists Mary Jo Whitman and Brian Kemp.  Iburi is a photography studio on Jackson Street that started hosting increasingly popular open mic sessions about five months ago.

"We're excited to bring this event to Jackson Square," Whitman said. "This is a great opportunity for local performers and artists to showcase their work and connect with the community in a fun and supportive environment."

The open art night is an extension of the First Fridays Open Art event at GO ART!, which was created by Kemp, who compared the event to a pick-up game of basketball.

"You just get together," Kemp said. "Like, I never got together with anybody and done art before until I had this idea, 'Well, I play basketball with other people, why can't I do art with people?' We're all working on our own thing, but sometimes we'll do collabs where somebody works on something that somebody else works on the same thing."

The Ramble started at 10 a.m. on Saturday and runs until 10 p.m., with music on two stages -- Jackson Square and Jackson Street. There will also be art and artists, activities, and food and beverages.

For a lineup of musical acts playing the Ramble this year, click here.

To view or purchase photos, click, here.

Press Release:

Northgate Church is thrilled to announce the dedication and grand opening of the Northgate Playground on July 14 at noon. We warmly invite the community to join us at Northgate’s North Campus, 8160 Bank Street Road, for this special event.

The Northgate Playground is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk, with the exception of Sundays from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. This new playground offers a safe and fun environment for children and families to enjoy. For more information, please contact the Northgate office at 585-343-4011 or visit our website at northgatefmc.com.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

A 3-on-3 basketball tournament fundraiser to benefit the Genesee County Spartans is scheduled for this Saturday, July 6 at Ri-Dan’s Sports Park on West Main Street Road, Batavia.

Youth competition (three age groups) was set for 9 a.m. to noon with adult competition (18+) set for noon to 3 p.m.

The Spartans, 3-1, play again on July 13, traveling to Lockport - hoping to avenge a June 1 loss to the Wildcats.

More than 150 runners and walkers participated in the annual Batavia Kiwanis Independence Day 5K at Centennial Park in Batavia. 

The top male winner was Justin Vrooman from Batavia with a time of 17:05.  The top female winner was Becca Galanti from Alden with a time of 23:44.

To view all results, click here.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Bella Nugent, a 12-year-old from Batavia, did her friend a favor at Wednesday's Batavia Muckdogs baseball game.

She drew a picture of an eagle in hopes of winning the Harley-Benton ST-style guitar The Batavian was offering as a prize in its eagle-drawing contest.

Bella's drawing was among the 20 staff picks of favorite drawings and was randomly selected from those 20 entries to win the grand prize.

She was so overcome by the surprise of winning that when she got to The Batavian's booth, she had to sit down.

Then she gave the guitar to her friend, Brooklynn Dewe, who has been learning to play guitar and was equally thrilled by the gift.

The Batavian staff also selected three honorable mentions by Miranda Tamburlin, 16, from Batavia; Annaliede Evans, 15, from Chili; and Laya Laite, 15, from Batavia.  They each received a gift certificate to Dave's Ice Cream.

As first explained a year ago when The Batavian launched this contest:

An eagle is the primary essence of The Batavian’s logo, borrowed from the Upton Monument, which sits at the intersection of routes 5 and 63 in downtown Batavia. Publisher Howard Owens wanted to capture that symbol along with the name of this city he now holds dear after setting down roots more than 15 years ago.

“The Upton Monument is our community's most important and significant landmark, and the eagle that sits atop of it represents independence and courage, two characteristics of good news organizations,” Owens said.  "When planning our new logo, the eagle seems a natural way to represent our commitment to the community and to fearless and honest journalism."

The guitar contests are something Owens said he wanted to do to give back to the community to promote an appreciation for the magic and beauty of music among its youth.

Photos by Philip Casper.

Batavia erased a two-run deficit in the sixth inning of Wednesday's home game against Geneva in front of a capacity crowd on an Independence celebration fireworks night and beat Geneva 7-5.

The Muckdogs improved to a 18-4-1 on the season.

Garrett Brunstetter, who pitched an inning of hitless and scoreless ball, picked up the win. 

Starter Ty Woods went five innings, surrendering four hits and three runs (one earned).

James Bolton, a SUNY Cortland student from Webster, was the offensive star of the game, going 2-4 with two RBIs and a walk.

Trevor Dutra also picked up a pair of RBIs, going 1-4.

The Muckdogs are in first place in the PGCBL West Division, four games ahead of the Auburn Double Days.

Their July 4 game is away against the Niagara Falls Americans.

Photos by Philip Casper.

It’s been more than a year since Savarino Companies announced it was closing, altering the Ellicott Station plans for dozens of prospective tenants, city and county officials, downtown businesses, and the community at large. And although officials sounded hopeful out of the gate, there's still a lack of answers for who will take care of this mess one year later.

Recent work at the site was a tease, at least for some, that the company would continue with the project at 50-56 Ellicott St., Batavia. But in the latest response to The Batavian’s ongoing coverage and questions, Savarino indicated that the work was to satisfy a city request.

“Owner Ellicott Station LLC, its lender and Contractor Savarino Companies LLC continued work to complete the exterior and secure the residential building as requested by the City and HCR, among others,” company owner Sam Savarino said by email Tuesday.

It was apparently not nearly enough, according to City Manager Rachael Tabelski, who noted the overgrown shrubs and foliage surrounding the property.

“Property is an eyesore,” she said. “As owner of the site, they need to cut the grass. They will be cited.”

When asked if he would possibly continue work or do so with another developer, he went back to July 13, 2023, when the Genesee County Economic Development Center served him notice that “the project was in default of its agreement for sales tax exemption and PILOT” and the agency “refused to extend the extant sales tax exemption.”

“The GCEDC reaffirmed its declaration on July 31, 2023, and is attempting to claw back funds. Without the sales tax exemption and PILOT, the project is imperiled and endangered. This includes the commercial project as well as the residential project,” he said. “Ellicott Station LLC has formally and vigorously opposed the basis of the GCEDC action and reserves rights for resulting damages.”

To date, Savarino has not paid the 2023 school taxes or 2024 city or county taxes, and owes $20,000 on the three Ellicott Street parcels, Tabelski said. She did not reply to the question about whether the city has any leads from interested developers for the project. 

But then again, as the property owner, Savarino really remains the one who has the question, and he, too, has declined to answer it.

The Batavian asked newly promoted GCEDC CEO Mark Masse if there was any possibility that, given the time and money already invested by Savarino, if his agency would consider working with him to complete the Ellicott Station project.

 “So the board made its decision based on the factors presented before them to terminate those benefits,” Masse said. “If there was a change in the project or there was going to be something different, he's more than welcome to submit another application for the board's consideration. We have not received any applications from him or any other companies.”

And as far as that or any other project on the Ellicott Street property, do you have any leads? Are you working with any developers at this point?

“We have not received any applications from any companies looking to participate in that project,” he said.

Are you actively leading the charge or involved in it, or who would you say is at this point?

“That I don’t know. You’d have to talk with Sam,” Masse said.

As far as the clawback, at what point are you in that process?

“So we took the necessary steps to terminate the agreements, and then we submitted the information to the necessary agencies, who would be the ones to consider potential clawback on the funds,” he said.

He said that EDC is out of the situation now. The Batavian asked him, as CEO of the agency that touted this project as a boon to the city and county, for an overall comment about what it means to see the complex sitting there and the property’s surroundings not in great upkeep.

“At this point, it’s a private project, and we generally don’t comment on private projects,” he said, adding that to his knowledge, the agency has not been in contact with the Office of Homes and Community Renewal, which also provided tax credits to Savarino.

As for the city’s focus, housing certainly has been on the list by providing grants for rehabilitating current eligible homes and seeking ways to fulfill its designation as a pro-housing community. One way is to apply for a grant, along with Batavia Development Corp., to prepare for the redevelopment of Brisbane Mansion into a future boutique hotel or small-scale apartment complex. The city wouldn’t actually be doing the renovations, but rather, some developer with the right project proposal would hopefully take on that work and expense.

The grant application also covers a portion of Batavia City Centre — the concourse in particular, with a goal to increase the usability of public space by making it “more inviting and functional for the community.” The stage that has been in the concourse for years has been removed as one measure toward updating the site’s interior. Four of the centre’s entrances, known as silos, are being replaced. 

Now, if only the multi-level, 55-unit apartment complex smack in the middle of downtown could get some attention from somebody.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

The Ramble Team is once again partnering with the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) to bring the Batavia Ramble and Explore Art Festival to Jackson Square and Jackson Street, on Saturday, July 6, from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. 

This fun-filled festival has something for everyone, including 25+ bands performing on two stages, an Explore Art tent for kids, street performances, food, and much more!

The Festival Team thanks local sponsors, Casella, Cedar Street Sales & Rentals, Edward Jones, ESL Federal Credit Union, Genesee Production Group, R.A. Haitz, L & L Transmission, Logan Music, and OATKA Milk Products for their generous support. 

GO ART! also receives grant funding from the New York State Council on the Arts, Rochester Area Community Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts to support our Explore Art activities. 

Stephen Kowalcyk, Ramble Coordinator, says, “We are looking forward to another great year! We have a lot of returning bands from last year as well as some new acts performing at The Ramble for the very first time.” 

Ramble performer David Knaudt says, “The Ramble never disappoints! Such a fun time and how lucky are we in Batavia to have a music festival.” 

In the time-honored Ramble tradition, local and regional classic and newer bands will entertain from morning to night. 

This year’s lineup includes The Royal Halls, Sons Of Luther, Bad Sign, Prospect, Dave Knaudt, Indigo Flow, David Holnbeck, Don Thomas, Steve Fisher, Tom Ryan and Friends, Distant View, Groove, The Real News, Lonesome Road, Driven, The Cowboy Vampires, GumShoe, Surging Motion, Soulshine Band, Paul K Almeter, PD3, The Remediators, Jack Waite, Shotgun Pauly, and The Rock-A-Bully’s. 

For decades, the Ramble has been an annual reunion to welcome musicians back who once called Batavia home, while celebrating our continued local and regional musical talents.

From the festival start to 5 p.m., the Explore Art tent will offer hands-on workshops in diverse arts, crafts, and dance, with several mini-concerts and demos. Come make your own bracelet with Ukrainian beadworker and pysanky artist, Irene Grassman (10:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.), or craft a clay medallion of Arabic calligraphy and designs with Nada Odeh (11:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.).

You’ll see a colorful and exciting demo of Afro Panamanian dance at 11:00 a.m., followed by a workshop at 12:30 p.m. to create a Carnival mask or headdress with the artists from Grupo Cultural Latinos en Rochester. 

Local favorites, Troupe Nisaa, will present Middle Eastern dancing at noon. Try easy and fun old-time dancing at 1 p.m. with the Orleans County String Band, who will continue afterwards with a mini concert. 

To cap off the day, the Allegany River Seneca Dancers will show and teach you how to do a traditional hoop dance at 2:30 p.m., with a cornhusk doll making workshop at 3:45 p.m.

Everyone is invited to help create our new Explore Art banner throughout the day. Created by local artist, Jill Pettigrew, the banner features dozens of famous artworks in coloring-book design, ready for you to color in to your imagination’s delight. All of our Explore Art activities are family friendly and can accommodate all ages.

Arts vendors on Jackson Street will offer a variety of handcrafted wares including woodcrafts, jewelry, painting, health and beauty products, home decor, ceramics, paper arts, and needlecrafts. Attendees can enjoy caricatures and face painting as well. 

Street food includes hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage, chicken fingers and ice cream, with neighborhood restaurants and customary beverages available.

Put Saturday, July 6 on your calendar and come down for a few hours–or the whole day–to enjoy music, arts, food, and fun.

Back at home for July 4-eve, the Muckdogs take on the Geneva Red Wings again, following their 24-11 victory at Geneva last night.

Pound (GEN) v.s. Woods (BAT)

#GoDogs

Press Release:

Registration is now available for Acting for Large Markets, a 2.5-hour acting class focused on on-camera techniques featuring brand specialist Andria Schultz and NYC casting director Amy Gossels.

The class is free for members of the GLOW region and costs $25 for non-members. In-person slots will be prioritized for GLOW members, with any remaining in-person slots available on a first-come, first-served basis. The rest of the class will be conducted via Zoom.

The in-person session will be held at Main Street 56 Theatre located at 56 Main St, Batavia.

Class size is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

To register, email the following information to iamandyrich@gmail.com: 

• Are you a GLOW member?
• Would you like to attend in person?
• Which date would you prefer: Aug 3 or 4?

A confirmation email will be sent upon acceptance into the class. Payment methods accepted include Venmo, Cashapp, PayPal, check, or cash (@iamandyrich on all platforms).

Interested individuals are encouraged to forward this information to others who may be interested.

Peter J. Cino, 56, of Batavia, is charged with menacing 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon 4th and harassment 2nd. Cino is accused of hitting another person on June 13 at a location on Bank Street during an argument and of threatening that person with a hammer. He was arraigned in City Court, and an order of protection was issued. On June 15, police learned that Cino was possibly in possession of a firearm he had not surrendered as required by the order of protection. Officers obtained a search warrant and located a rifle in the bedroom closet.  He was then charged with criminal contempt 2nd and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon 3rd. He was arraigned and ordered held in jail.

Michael Norman, no age or address provided, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance 2nd, a Class A2 felony, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, and conspiracy 2nd. Danielle Michael, no age or address provided, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, conspiracy 2nd, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Marcus Mobley,  no age or address provided, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. The three suspects were arrested on May 28. It's alleged that Norman Michael contacted his wife and arranged for her to sell a large quantity of narcotics to Marcus Mobley. After the sale, Batavia NET officers conducted a vehicle stop on Mobley's vehicle, which led to a narcotics seizure. Release status not provided.

Kenneth B. Jordan, 31, of Batavia, is with strangulation 2nd, attempted assault 3rd, unlawful imprisonment 2nd, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Police responded to a report of a disturbance on June 22 at a location on Liberty Street. Jordan is accused of strangling a victim and refusing to let her leave a residence. Two children were present at the time of the incident. Jordan was arraigned and ordered jailed.

Angelina J. Baumgart, 33, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th, criminal possession of stolen property 4th, criminal possession of stolen property 3rd, criminal impersonation 2nd, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd. A Batavia police officer initially stopped Baumgart's vehicle on June 8 for an alleged stolen license plate. After an investigation, police determined the vehicle itself was stolen. Baumgart allegedly lied about her name and was found in possession of crack cocaine. She was arraigned and ordered held in jail.

Jeanna M Hattaway, no age or residence provided, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Hattaway's vehicle was stopped on Jan. 30. allegedly found in possession of a small club wrapped in razor wire as well as methamphetamine and cocaine. She also had two warrants pending from two separate cases. She was arraigned and released.

Jamie A. Dutton, 31, of Batavia, and Sandra L. Marsceill, 53, of Batavia, are charged with petit larceny. The pair are accused of stealing a hammock chair from Aldi. They were issued appearance tickets. Dutton was also charged with petit larceny on June 26 by State Police in connection with an alleged theft reported at 1:15 a.m. on that date in the town of Batavia.

Jessica D. Delcour, 41, of Wyoming, was arrested on a warrant on June 18. Delcour was initially arrested on Feb. 16 on a charge of criminal trespass 2nd. The warrant was issued after she allegedly failed to appear in court. She was arraigned in City Court and released. 

Isaiah J. A. Munroe, 34, of Batavia, is charged with criminal tampering 3rd. Munroe is accused of causing a disturbance at Advance Auto Parts on June 14 and shoving a cashier's computer, keyboard, and receipt printer off the county. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Adrienne S. Bechtold, 28, of Batavia, was arrested on June 13 on three warrants. The warrants were issued after Bechtold allegedly failed to appear in court, on three separate criminal cases. She was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail on $2,500 bail, $5,000 bond or $10,000 partially secured bond. 

Michael J. Miller, 46, of Batavia, was arrested on June 21 on a warrant alleging failure to register a change of address as a sex offender. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed without bail.

Katty L Jackson, 28, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Jackson is accused of damaging an iPad on June 26 during an argument at a residence on Pearl Street. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Benjamin G. Evans, 35, of Batavia, was arrested on two bench warrants on June 24. Both warrants stem from incidents where Evans was charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Evans was arraigned and released. 

Michael C. Smith, 32, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Smith is accused of shoplifting at Aldi. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Steven Kevin Underhill, 27, of Webber Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with reckless endangerment 2nd. Underhill is accused of firing a shotgun on July 1 while in a residential neighborhood and under the influence of a narcotic. Underhill was processed at the jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Robzeem Estevez, 29, of Hillside Avenue, Syracuse, is charged with trespass. Estevez is accused of being on private property on Park Road on July 2 at 9:28 a.m. after previously being barred from being on the property. He was issued an appearance ticket.

An 18-year-old is charged with obstruction of governmental administration 2nd in connection with an incident reported at 1:47 p.m. on June 30 in the town of Batavia. The juvenile is from Le Roy. The State Police state an investigation is pending.

The parking lot was packed at St. Anthony's on Tuesday evening for a community picnic hosted by City Church to coincide with July 4th week.

"We typically have a summer picnic, but we thought it would be nice on the week of the fourth," said Ryan Macdonald. "We’re just loving being part of the community, so we love getting everybody together. It's a nice opportunity for neighbors to meet."

It's probably the largest turnout yet for a community event at St. Anthony's since City Church purchased the property. Macdonald estimated more than 1,000 people would attend over the course of the evening.

"We're grateful and thankful just to bring everybody together," Macdonald said. "Everybody's so happy. Everybody's just had a wonderful time. You see the ice cream line. The band's been fantastic. And so we're just really glad to be a part of the community."

Photos by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

The Richmond Memorial Library and the Richmond Reads Committee are proud to announce The Last Ranger by Peter Heller as the 2024 Richmond Reads selection. The selection was announced in a special event at the library on Monday, June 24 at 7 p.m.

Richmond Reads is a community one-book program designed specifically for the Richmond Memorial Library community. The goal of the program is for the community to join together in reading the chosen title, and then to participate in subsequent discussions and programs. Each year, the Richmond Reads committee reads countless books, searching for the perfect community read.

The Last Ranger was published in July 2023 by Alfred A. Knopf. When a conflict between a local poacher and a wildlife biologist turns violent, Yellowstone Park Ranger Ren Hopper must determine what really happened while battling his own personal demons in this literary thriller by bestselling author Heller.

“We always look for something unique, something that will really engage many different types of readers,” shared Community and Adult Services Librarian Samantha Stryker. “This novel is many genres rolled into one- mystery, thriller, environmental, literary. The beautiful nature writing absolutely resonated with our committee and we hope our readers will find it equally impactful.”

Peter Heller is the best-selling author of The Last Ranger, The Guide, The River, Celine, The Painter, and The Dog Stars, which has been published in twenty-two languages. He is a longtime contributor to NPR, and a former contributing editor at Outside Magazine, Men’s Journal, and National Geographic Adventure. Peter is also the author of four books of literary nonfiction. 

Heller was born and raised in New York. He attended high school in Vermont and Dartmouth College in New Hampshire where he became an outdoorsman and whitewater kayaker. He holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop in poetry and fiction and lives in Denver, Colorado.  His latest novel, Burn, will be released in August 2024.

Peter Heller will visit the Richmond Memorial Library on Thursday, October 24 for an author visit and book signing. There will be book discussions and other programs as the date gets closer. In the meantime, readers are encouraged to borrow or purchase the book!

Copies are available to borrow at the library in regular print, large print, and as an audiobook or eBook on Libby. Copies are also available to purchase for $20 for hardcover and $15 for paperback. Copies of select other titles by Heller are also available to purchase at the library for $15 each. Visit the library or batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads for all information!

Press Release:

The Holland Land Office welcomes back as its next presenter in its Guest Speaker Series on Thursday, July 18 at 7 p.m., Joyce Thompson-Hovey. She will be presenting "The Baker Boys of Stafford," about the incredible lives of Colonel Lafayette Baker and his brother Captain Calvin Baker, who were both spies for the Union and heavily involved in the manhunt for John Wilkes Booth. The Bakers lived for a time in Stafford.

Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend. 

"This project is made possible with funds from the statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!"

Press Release:

Genesee Community College (GCC) is excited to announce the launch of its newest program, the Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking Associate in Applied Science Degree, commencing this fall. This innovative program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for careers in network administration, systems administration and cybersecurity analysis.

In today's digital landscape, Network Administrators, Systems Administrators, and Cybersecurity Analysts play a crucial role in ensuring the secure operation of organizations' computer systems and networks. They are responsible for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting various information technology systems, including networks, cybersecurity measures, communication systems, and operating systems such as Microsoft Windows and Linux.

What sets GCC apart is our commitment to providing hands-on experience through practical labs and technical electives. Students will not only learn theoretical concepts but also apply them in real-world scenarios, gaining proficiency in assembling, testing, and troubleshooting computer systems.

The Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking curriculum at GCC covers a comprehensive range of topics, including cybersecurity, networking, desktop support, server administration, and information technology systems. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving technology industry.

"At GCC, students have the opportunity to pursue IT degrees and certifications in areas such as networks, cybersecurity, communication systems and operating systems," said James M. Bucki, Sr., director of Information Technology Programs at GCC. "Our program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in cybersecurity analysis, network administration and system support."

GCC's Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking program can optionally be completed 100 percent online. All cybersecurity courses are offered via HyFlex providing flexibility for students to balance their studies with other commitments. Whether you're starting your career in IT or looking to advance your existing skills, the Cybersecruity Systems and Networking Degree offers the perfect opportunity to pursue your passion for technology. Learn more by visiting: https://www.genesee.edu/academics/programs/cybersecurity-systems-and-networking/

For more information contact Vice President, Admissions, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.

While James DiLullo is a proud Batavia native who just brought in a cast and crew from Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Bergen, Waterloo, and yes, his own hometown, to film “Kitty,” the short work he scripted and produced at John Kennedy Intermediate School, he likes to tout the idea of regional versus local.

After all, he introduced all of those out-of-town visitors to a taste of this area, literally, through the food and beverage businesses that treated them aesthetically, as they commuted from their residences and experienced the scenery, Thruway system and landmarks in and around the city of Batavia. 

“We were showing a lot of these regional people what Batavia is, and, you know, many of them don't see it from off the Thruway. They only know the Thruway exit. So it was cool to show local families Batavia is more,” DiLullo said Monday from his family farm in Cattaraugus. “I would like to thank the teacher whose room we used and district leadership and facilities director Chad Bliss and Jason Smith for allowing this to occur.”

The city school district, parks and police department, and GO Art!, which awarded him a $5,000 grant, Batavia Players and Pat Burk were all on board with the project and helped make it a smooth effort, he said.

It was two days of filming at the Vine Street school, with a cast of 19 children from Rochester, Bergen, Waterloo and Batavia, and the lead feline character, Bunny Pitbull Buzzkill, who has experienced her “first and last acting performance,” he said. 

Not that production was in any way negative, he said. In fact, he was quite pleased with excellent performances by a primarily youth cast. It went “better than planned,” he said. 

“Beyond better. It blew my mind what what we did this weekend, it was just, it's really accomplished all my goals. As stated in the previous article, we got a lot of positivity and a lot of inspiration. We had a special set visitor one day — both of our lead little girls in the film play hockey; they're both 8-year-old hockey players. So I had Mr. Gerry Meehan visit the set  … he's a business associate of mine, so I had him visit the set and provide some inspiration beyond film for those children. So that was excellent. It was excellent to be able to include a local legend in the filming process. He's not part of the crew or anything, he was just a visitor, we called him to set a little perk for our girls because they were hockey girls so it made sense.”

He wanted to treat the two young actors who are involved in hockey to a surprise, so Meehan, the first captain for the Buffalo Sabres and former general manager, stopped by for a surprise visit. 

DiLullo made the six-and-a-half-minute film and invested the grant money here in Genesee County. Meant to pique the curiosity and imagination of an audience, this short film is based on DiLullo’s childhood experiences with pets and how perceptions may differ from those of adults. Putting the four-legged star into action had its trials, he said.

“It was a challenge. Dealing with animal talent is never easy,” he said.

Part of his goal was to focus on the regional aspect of the project — working locally here and putting Batavia in the center “geographically as well as economically,” he said. While stationed in Batavia, he also brought in talent from other areas in Western New York.  He went through a Rochester casting agency and struck gold for finding what he needed.

“It’s local and exposing local, but the talent is regional,” he said. “The region has the primary talent. And it was excellent. I couldn't have asked for a better performance.”

After relaxing with family for the Fourth of July weekend, he will head back to his home in Los Angeles and work on post-production — audio, music, post-sound, color correction, and making important connections. 

“It’s locating an executive producer that can help expose the film to more people, so all the post production has to occur,” he said. “And we're hoping to do that very quickly in order to have a finished product by the beginning of September so that we can start to send that out to various film festivals and get some attention on the project and the wonderful creatives and technicians who executed it from Western New York.”

He’s grateful for the support of four businesses, Cinquino’s Pizza, The Yngodess Shop, Pub Hub Coffee Shop and Everybody Eats, he said.

In turn, he likes to reciprocate when possible by doing business here, purchasing local goods and services, and even treating the crew to some local fun when it’s available. Once filming was wrapped up, several of the Kitty crew attended Barracuda at Batavia Downs, DiLullo said.

While it may seem like an aside, he sees it as an extension of what he’s always trying to do: strengthening the local economy by bringing in outside dollars. He did just that by treating his crew to a concert at Batavia Downs.

“It was the best way to end a hectic shooting schedule; it was just to relax and slam some blues with 4,000 boomers. And just have fun. That was a great show,” he said. “So shout out to Batavia Downs for their concert series and bringing the quality acts that are relatable to many generations, right? 

“Several of us, including producers, attended the Heart show, and it was excellent. We had a blast. So there’s a lot going on in Batavia. There’s a lot happening; it’s just harnessing that and then bringing the dollars from outside in,” he said. “That’s my goal, bringing the dollars, show the world it can be done here and it can be done efficiently and economically.”

The film is dedicated to the memory of Florence Lullo, a longtime supporter of baseball in Batavia and DiLullo’s grandmother.

Press Release:

Please be advised that the City of Batavia Water Department will be repairing a water main on Center Street on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. 

The water will be turned off from Main Street to School Street. The length of time the water will be off is unknown. Traffic will be closed in the area of Center Street from School Street to Main Street while the repairs are being made.

As always, when the water is restored, it may be discolored. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

We apologize for any inconvenience and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.

On the road again this time in Niagara Falls... 

Benedict (BAT) v.s. Blandino (NF) 

#GoDogs