batavia

A much-coveted piece of downtown property will soon be home to Hunt Real Estate, Chief Executive Officer Peter Hunt says.

The company has purchased 97 Main St., Batavia, at the corner of Main and Jackson streets. Give them a few months, and his blossoming staff  — of about 16 people and growing — will be operating out of the site. 

Company leaders chose to add a branch in Batavia because it provides an integral connection between two of the company's major markets, Hunt said.

“First, it provides a very powerful link for us between Rochester and Buffalo. We've watched the market closely and believe that there's stability there and that there's a seeming energy and a renewed spirit of investment, particularly along Main Street, that we weren't a part of,” he said, addressing the company’s impending move. “We’re very excited about it.”

Peter Hunt lives in Buffalo, and he was pretty familiar with this area as a hockey coach, and that athletic role brought him to Batavia whenever his team played at the ice rink. Hunt Real Estate has been in temporary digs at 5 Jackson St. for the past year. The new space will have room — an estimated couple of thousand square feet on each of three floors — for growth of personnel and offices, and an apartment on each of the second and third floors, he said.

“And also we see the way the real estate market has changed, particularly since the pandemic descended on us. We see that communities like Batavia have a great opportunity for both improvement of the quality of life and also growth because it's becoming increasingly desirable to be in small to midsize cities and communities that have the kind of natural beauty that Batavia has all around it,” he said. “And we think that being part of that renewed excitement about communities like Batavia will be very important to us.”

Hunt followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and joined the family business right out of college. His son Charlie Hunt has done the same, and the chief operating officer has 10 years in at this point. The company has 58 branches from Boston, MA to upstate New York and in Phoenix, AZ. The company deals in mortgage, titles, insurance, residential/commercial sales. It is poised to provide services that no one else offers in Batavia, Peter Hunt said.

“Our vision very simply is ‘always there for you,’ which means that we are an integrated real estate and homeownership services organization, which we are the only one of currently serving Batavia,” he said. “So we're excited about adding value to the relationships that our sales professionals have with our customers and clients.”

With an eye toward growth, another sales professional was recently added to the Batavia branch, and 97 Main will eventually include two apartments to be renovation projects on the upper floors of the building. 

“Which really, I think, are going to be very cool units. You may know that they are in a  beautiful space in terms of high ceilings and beautiful windows, and so it's going to be a great spot,” he said. “We intend to grow; that's always our goal. As far as I'm concerned, growth is the name of the game in any business.”

Real estate sales were at a record high in 2021 — the best in sales during the company’s entire 110-year existence, he said. There’s a balancing act of supply and demand, and Hunt believes “there’s way, way less supply than there is demand,” which will keep pushing the market upward.

“So in order for that market to really cool down, there'd have to be a huge influx of inventory, more homes for sale. Percentage-wise, there has been huge growth, or there'd have to be a huge lessening of demand. Interest rates have moved up just very little over the last two months, and that will move affordability to make things less affordable. And we think that will affect demand a little bit, but not a real lot, because there's still a lot of pent-up demand for a nice house, a decent place to live,” he said. “We are four generations into the business, and while I guess I didn't wake up at age six or seven and say, ‘gee, I want to be in real estate,’ it's always been, obviously, part of our family culture.”

Batavia’s market includes many older homes, as compared to brand new projects, which make for a great product in the eyes of younger homebuyers, he said.

"It's all of Upstate that has had, really, a shortage of brand new housing for a long time. So the existing housing — you say older homes — really remain in high demand,” he said. “Young people, in particular, will see that as an opportunity to get a very nice home for still a very reasonable price compared to other parts of the country, and also the opportunity to improve that house and make it more valuable.”

The timeline is to get moved in and settled at 97 Main St. in the next few months, before focusing on apartment renovations, he said. He expects work to begin on the two apartments at the end of this year or early in 2023. The former Genesee Bank building also housed Thomas & Dwyer shoe store in downtown retail's heydays, and more recently House of K, Foxprowl Collectables, and other varied businesses.

Top and bottom photo by Howard Owens.

Top Photo from front left, Carol Hunt, Branch Manager Michelle Schlossel, Annette Rotondo, Gavin Townsend, Carson Marzolf, and back row left, Stephanie D'Alba, Bob Kwandrans, Marie Scofield, and Office Administrator Lauren Becht. 

The property at the corner of Main and Jackson streets, Batavia.

A motor vehicle accident is reported at State Street and Fairmont Avenue, Batavia.

Injuries are reported.

City Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 9:15 p.m.: Two cars, blocking.

UPDATE 9:20 p.m.: Two vehicles, no extrication required, three patients, two sign-offs.

Press release:

Regarding the upcoming vacant position of Council at large representative on City Council, City of Batavia Republican Committee Chairman Richard Richmond invites qualified individuals seeking to serve in this role to submit a letter of interest to him by February 17, 2022 

Mail Letters of interest to:

City of Batavia Republican Committee
PO Box 260
Batavia, NY 14021

To be qualified for the position, the prospective representative must be a resident of the City of Batavia and a member of the same political party as the representative who most recently served in the seat—in this case, a Republican.  These are requirements of Section 3-3 of the City Charter. ( Officially resigning, and his last day February 12, 2022, Jeremy Karas was a registered Republican; therefore, his replacement must also be a registered Republican).

The City Republican Committee expects to recommend an individual to the City Council, which has the appointment power to fill the vacancy temporarily.  The Council appointment will run through the calendar year 2022.  At the general election in 2022, there will be a special election to fill the remaining  3-years of the regular four-year term of office for the mentioned position.

 

An Olympic Torch passed through Batavia today with a spot at the Ice Arena where members of the Ramparts passed it into the arena and then were given a chance to sake it around the ice rink.

Above, Levi Bennett during his turn to carry the torch.

Click here for more information

Michael David Hazzard, 31, of Morgan Road, Scottsville, is charged with assault 3rd.  Hazzard allegedly hit a person 15 times in the face with a closed fist while at a location on Dublin Road, Bergen, at 2:30 a.m., Jan. 23. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Siavaija Treyevionna Lewis, 20, of Clifford Avenue, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Lewis is accused of stealing merchandise from the Target Store in Batavia at 5:11 p.m., Jan. 25. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jeryn Chanel Boggs, 28, of Clifford Avenue, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Boggs is accused of stealing merchandise from the Target Store in Batavia at 5 p.m., Jan. 25. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jerome Dwane Hightower, 22, of Princeton Street, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Hightower is accused of stealing merchandise from the Target Store in Batavia at 5:11 p.m., Jan. 25. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Todd Alan Brumber, 57, of Sumner Road, Darien, is charged with DWI, moving from lane unsafely, speed not reasonable and prudent, and failure to keep right. Brumber was reportedly involved in a property damage accident at 8:31 p.m., Jan. 23, at 9434 Alexander Road, Batavia. He was arrested by Deputy Trevor Sherwood.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department will be repairing a water line on Lehigh Avenue, on January 27, 2022. The location will be just south of the underpass on the curve. Due to the location, the street will be closed to traffic at Ellicott Street as well as the city line. The closure is planned for 8 a.m. The road should reopen by 3 p.m. Motorists should plan to have an alternate route in place.

We thank the public for their patience.

Press Release:

The Empire State Games will be making a stop in Batavia with the Olympic Torch on their way to Buffalo this Saturday, January 29th.  The representatives from Empire State Games expect to reach the Batavia Ice Rink (soon likely to be known as the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena) at 8 a.m.  They will arrive through the front doors and go to the Rink and pass the torch to an awaiting Genesee Amateur Hockey Rampart player who will proceed to skate around the rink and pass the torch off to other Rampart players.  There will be a photo shoot in front of the trophy case before their departure.

 

A two-car vehicle accident is reported at Oak Street and Richmond Avenue, Batavia.

One person is still in a vehicle, unknown if injured.

City Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:21 a.m.: Two flat-bed tows are requested to the scene. No reports of serious injuries.

Press release:

GO ART! has partnered with more than TWENTY local shops, vendors and artists to give TWO happy couples the wedding of their dreams.

The contest is free to enter! To enter, the couple needs to send us a video of why they deserve to win, and fill out an application form. These can be found at goart.org/wedding. All couples are welcome regardless of gender or sexuality, we just ask that both marriers be 21+. We'll be sharing their stories on social media for everyone to vote on the winners, starting February 14, 2022, so we ask that all contestants follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GeneseeOrleansARTS/)!

These special Batavian weddings will take place at GO ART!'s own Seymour Place (1) at 201 E Main St. The historic Seymour Place has facilities for a ceremony, reception for up to 35 guests plus a wedding party of six, a cash bar with bartender provided, dance floor, and bridal and groomsmen's suites for the wedding party to prepare.  The reception will be catered by either Eli Fish or Main Street Pizza, see details below for a full list of what we'll be providing! 

Provided for the big day: 

• Hotel stay for the couple and $25 per person of free play at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel 
• Photographs (2) by Iburi Photography
• Invitations from Applied Business Systems  

Ceremony: 

• Officiants: Thomas Jennings or Valeria Antonetty 
• Rings (3) by Valle Jewelers 
• Ceremony Pianist - Jeff Fischer
• Flowers (4) by Beverly's Fowers & Gifts 

Reception: 

• Wedding Cake (5) by KMC Custom Cakes
• DJing by DigiTill Media Arts 
• Champagne courtesy of YNGODESS
• Favors from Oliver's Candies 
• Linens from Sterling Tents 
• Centerpieces by Trunks Up Company 

Wedding Party Pampering:

• Tuxedo rentals (6) will be provided by Charles Men's Shop
• Wedding Party Updos (7) by Wisteria 
• Wedding Party Barbering (7) by My Cut Barbershop 
• Makeup (8) by Carrie Richards & Kristen Geroult owners of Glam Spa Studio inside of Wisteria Studios
• Wedding Party Pedicures (8) by Artemis 

Each couple can choose one of the following ahead of your wedding! 

• Couple's Dance Lesson(s) by The Dancing Place Dance Academy
• Couple's Tattoos (9) at Synapse Artistry 
• Two Massages from Mandy Taylor LMT 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Couples must allow their images to be used for promotional purposes, both as part of their applications and all wedding photography & videography.

No profanity or nudity is allowed in submitted videos.

(1) Wedding must take place on a weekday, dates are subject to availability of GO ART!'s facilities and vendors. 

(2) Services include up to 8 hours of coverage, final images will be edited and uploaded to a personal gallery for viewing online; additional add-ons are available for purchase i.e. hours, prints, albums, USB, etc. 

(3) Select rings or a $150 credit towards the purchase of two rings 

(4) For a wedding party of six

(5) Select cakes or $250 credit 

(6) up to three tuxedo rentals, additional costs to be agreed upon between vendor and marriers

(7) barbering and updos for up to six people total, taken in any combination

(8) for a wedding party of six (total for both sides of the party), does not have to be used in its entirety

(9) Value of $60 per person, no combining, final design pending artist approval 

** IMPORTANT NOTICE: **

HOW TO ENTER

For giveaways, there is no purchase necessary to enter. 

When you provide your email and enter in the giveaway you are also added as a subscriber to all the local shops, vendors and artisans involved in the giveaway. 

Giveaways are open to ANYONE 21 and over.  In this case, both people to be married must be 21.

GIVEAWAY

No physical product/s will be mailed out.  The winner's names will be on file with the local shops, vendors, and artisans. If at any point the specific giveaway is no longer available, GO ART! reserves the right to substitute the giveaway to a similar and comparable product/s.

If the giveaway is to be canceled/closed, GO ART! will notify entries/subscribers.

The winner of the giveaway assumes all responsibility of the product/s received.

WINNER SELECTION

The winner will be selected on the date specified for each campaign or post.

The method of selecting the recipient is votes cast by a panel(s) and social media subscribers.  GO ART! reserves the right to choose or eliminate and participants.

NOTIFICATION

You will be notified within a week of the final tally/decision. You will receive an email or phone call stating that you are the winner.

CLAIMING OF GIVEAWAY

You have five business days to respond back to the notification that you are a winner. As soon as you confirm your acceptance of the giveaway, you will receive all the official paperwork to be signed and returned within two weeks.

We are not responsible for the unclaimed giveaway after the 5 business days mentioned. If the giveaway is unclaimed within the above-mentioned period, it will be given to the next couple in line for the winnings.

When accepting this giveaway, the winner acknowledges and accepts that as a give-away only. The winner is responsible for providing the correct email. GO ART! or any participating shop, vendor or artisan is not responsible for any email deleted, spammed, or accidentally lost. The winner is responsible for checking their spam folder. This giveaway is for gift purposes only and cannot be replaced with cash.

The winner releases and forever discharges GO ARY!., its partners, its representatives, and contractors from any and all actions, causes of actions, claims, and demands, for damages, creative differences, loss or injury, howsoever arising, which heretofore may have been or may hereafter be sustained by us in connection with the giveaway product provided by GO ART! including all damages, loss or inquiry not now known or anticipated but which may arise in the future and all effects and consequences thereof.

GIVEAWAY CANCELLATION & CHANGES

GO ART! reserves the right to revise, cancel, or close giveaways at any time. Should this occur, all entries/subscribers will be notified.

ODDS OF WINNING

The odds of winning do not get enhanced when you enter multiple times. Please note that you only need to enter once.

BANNING

GO ART! reserves the right to prohibit entry from any person we believe to be abusing these rules.

TECHNICAL ERRORS

GO ART! or its affiliates cannot be held responsible for technical failures on the part of the website, entry form, software, or human error, which could result in missing or invalid contest entries.

GO ART! and its affiliates are also not responsible for email notifications rejected or that do not reach a contest winner. GO ART! reserves the right to cancel a contest at any time or to correct results to rectify software, technical or human errors.

LAWS

The contest is subject to all applicable Federal, Provincial and Municipal laws.

These rules are subject to change without notice.

• Organization: Genesee Orleans Arts Council (GOART!) 
• Contact: Allison Hamilton 
• What: Go Art’s Wedding Give Away 
• When: Nominations / Entry Now, Contest Opens on Social Media on 2/14/22
• Where: goart.org/wedding
• Cost: FREE; 21+ 
• Number for more information: 585-343-9313
• Website: goart.org
• Event Email: info@goart.org 

The Town of Batavia blocked out the hours of 5 to 7 p.m. to distribute free COVID-19 test kits at Town Hall.

All 110 kits were gone by 5:30 p.m., according to Clerk Teressa Morasco.

The kits were only available to Genesee County residents, proof of residence required, and there was a limit to two per household.

At about 5:40 p.m., City Fire received a report of an object next to a vehicle on fire with the fire spreading to the vehicle at 18 Elm St., Batavia.

Lt. David Green said the owner of the vehicle had tried hitting a latch in order to open using a propane heater.

It's been a week and Mark Fanara, owner of High Voltage Tattoo at 110 W. Main St., Batavia, is feeling increasingly frustrated that nobody can park in front of his business because of the massive pile of snow in the very limited space available for parking at his location.

He said he's called the city's maintenance department twice and that his landlord called as well and was told the snow would be removed today.  

Snow removal in front of city businesses is a perennial complaint of local shop owners, especially downtown where businesses often rely on the ability of customers to park along Main and walk into stores.

Dave Howe, Charles Men's Shop, said it is frustrating to have snow piled up or piling up, because it does hurt business, especially when the snowstorm comes on a holiday, as it did a week ago on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day.

"It's important for retail because bank clerks and school teachers and city workers all have the day off and it can be really busy for us," Howe said. "It's unfortunate because here we are generating tax money for the county, the state, and the city.  But I get it. It's money. It'd budget. It's overtime."

The Batavian spoke with City Manager Racheal Tabelski about the situation at High Voltage Tattoo before checking on the snowbanks downtown.  As for High Voltage, she said, "It's on DPW's list and they will get to it as soon as they can."

She has yet to respond to a text message about the snowbanks along Main Street in the downtown area.

UPDATE 11:15 p.m.: Tabelski said tonight that, yes, snow removal on Main Street in downtown continues to be an issue with every big snow event. "I absolutely sympathize with businesses trying to survive with customer access in the snow.  As you are aware, the crews have been doing the best they can. If it would stop dumping 4-5 inches on us each night, crews could get back to removal and these areas cleaned up sooner. I am hopeful they will get to public parking lanes quickly."

The snowbanks have been cleared from in front of City Hall.

Bubba's Landscaping cleared the snow from in front of the YNGodess Shop. Owner Chris Crocker said it took the crew about an hour using a snowblower and shovels.

Crocker said she understands the storm came on a federal holiday, and the city may even be short staff, "but then get on WBTA or The Batavian and explain it," Crocker said. "Tell the community what is going on and the community will come together."

She said her biggest concern is the safety of citizens who are forced to walk in the street to get to not just her business but Alberty's and the bank.  Some of those people are elderly, she noted.

"I don't want anybody to get hurt," she said.

The snowbank in front of the Masonic Temple building, the location of several businesses, including Charles Men's Shop.

Press Release:

On December 17, 2021, four members of the City of Batavia Police Department’s Emergency Response Team graduated from DCJS Basic SWAT School training in Livingston County. Basic SWAT School is a four-week intensive school focused on advanced weapons and tactics, forced entry (manual and mechanical), medical training, chemical deployment, distractionary device deployment, multi-terrain navigation, high-risk apprehensions, and specialized event security. The school was hosted by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and was put on over a four-month period.

“The skills and tactics learned are essential to the functions of our Emergency Response Team and will enhance operations even further for our Team.”, stated Chief Shawn Heubusch, “I would like to thank Sheriff Dougherty and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office for hosting us. I want to congratulate the men and women of our department that successfully completed this intensive training and are now more capable to serve our community in times of crisis.”

Top photo: Asst. Chief Chris Camp, Officer Wesley Rissinger, Officer Felicia DeGroot, Officer Arick Perkins, Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk, Chief Shawn Heubusch, and ERT Commander Sgt. Eric Bolles

Matthew Zakrzewski, 42, of Batavia, is charged with arson 5th. It is alleged that at 9 p.m., Jan. 16, Zakrzewski entered the bank yard of a residence on Bank Street and set a canvass shed on fire causing damage to the shed and its contents. Zakrzewski who is being held on other charges was issued an appearance ticket.

Matthew Zakrzewski, 42, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd and petit larceny. Zakrzewski is accused of trespassing on private property at 9:06 p.m., Jan. 16, and stealing a bicycle. Zakrzewski was arraigned in City Court and ordered jailed on $100 bail.

Kenneth Marrocco, 29, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 3rd and criminal mischief 4th. Marocco was arrested on a warrant issued in relation to an incident reported at 5:43 p.m., Dec. 28, on Ross Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in City Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Adam Bortle, 38, of Wayland, is charged with petit larceny. He is accused of shoplifting from a local business on Dec. 17.  He was arrested at the Livingstone County Jail by Officer Kevin DeFelice on a City Court arrest warrant. He was jailed pending arraignment and following arraignment, released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Michael L. Jackson, 41, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He is accused of a theft on May 16. He was arrested on a warrant and released on an appearance ticket.

Kyle A. Hillyard, 29, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Hillyard was arrested by a Batavia PD patrol officer following an accident reported at 12:09 p.m., Jan. 16, on East Main Street. Hillyard allegedly fled the scene of the accident, He was issued an appearance ticket.

Alexandro Rodriguez, 25, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal possession of a controlled substance. At 4:58 p.m., Jan. 17, Rodriguez allegedly pulled another person to the ground causing her to injure her hand. He was also allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Laquisha M. Bloom, 36, of Medina, is charged with assault 3rd. Bloom is a suspect in an incident reported at 11:15 p.m., Jan. 17, at a location on Bank Street. Bloom turned herself in at Batavia Police headquarters. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jose A. Alvarado, 33, of Albion, is charged with sex offender failure to report a change of address within 10 days. Alvarado was reportedly living at the Days Inn but was allegedly located living at an address in Albion in an investigation conducted by Det. Jason Ivison. Alvarado is currently on federal probation.

Michael Ross Whiteman, 49, of South Federal Street, Perry, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, open alcohol containers, and inadequate exhaust system. Whiteman was stopped at 12:58 a.m., Nov. 4, on Cockram Road, Byron, by Deputy David Moore.

Nicholas M. Canty, 24, of Buffalo, is charged with fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle and reckless driving. Canty was arrested by State Police following an incident reported at 1:54 a.m., Jan. 22, in the Town of Batavia. Canty was issued an appearance ticket.  No further details were released.

Joshua D. Quaintance, 33, of Byron,  is charged with DWI. Quaintance was stopped at 4:10 p.m., Jan. 20, by State Police.  He was issued an appearance ticket. No further details were released.

Article by Matt Holman, Ski Coach

Saturday was a picturesque day at Swain. Cold, sunny and partly cloudy. A perfect day for ski racing. The racecourse was all but bulletproof on Wheels Run after a large amount of natural snowfall followed by a few days of cold temperatures.

One Run of Giant Slalom:
Sophomore Lily Wagner had her best finish of her young career. She finished in 13th place in the morning giant slalom race. Lily has been training hard all season and we are finally seeing the results. This is her second top 15 finish this season. Sophia Minuto was 21st, Abby Bestine was 26th and Quinn Woeller was 29th. The Girls finished 6th. Boys competitors Ben Stone was 18th and Ethan Bradley was 24th. 

Two Runs of Slalom:
Lily Wagner finished 18th, Sophia Minuto 22nd, Abby Bestine 23rd, Quinn Woeller 24th.  Ben Stone 20th 

Quinn's second run time was an improvement of a full second and finished 3rd on the team. This team's improvement this year has been phenomenal, The team is looking forward to Monday's training session with a two-run Slalom Race on Wednesday 1/26

Photo submitted by Matt Holman. Lily Wagner, Sophia Minuto, Abby Bestine, and Quinn Woeller

Press Release:

Genesee County has received 2,580 free COVID-19 test kits from New York State to distribute to Genesee County residents. Starting the week of January 24, 2022, test kits will be available at town, village, and city municipal buildings during their regular business hours, while supplies last. Residents should contact their local municipality for details of when the municipal building is open and the availability of test kits. A maximum of 2 kits (4 tests) per family will be distributed and attendees will be required to show proof of Genesee County residency in order to receive kits. The following locations will have a limited supply of COVID-19 test kits:

• Town of Alabama
• Town of Alexander
• Town of Batavia
• Town of Bergen
• Town of Bethany
• Town of Byron
• Town of Darien
• Town of Elba
• Town of LeRoy
• Town of Oakfield
• Town of Pavilion
• Town of Pembroke
• Town of Stafford
• Village of Alexander
• Village of Bergen
• Village of Corfu
• Village of Elba
• Village of LeRoy
• Village of Oakfield
• Batavia City Hall, Clerks Office

“Residents should use at-home COVID-19 tests after a possible exposure to someone with COVID-19 or when they exhibit symptoms of COVID-19,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Testing is one mitigation strategy that can help reduce the community spread of COVID-19.” For Free PCR and rapid testing, you can go to the NYS COVID-19 Testing site located at GCC Albion Campus Center at 456 West Avenue, Albion. Walk-ins and registration allowed Monday- Saturday. To register: https://appointments.bioreference.com/nystatecovidtesting.

To report a Positive At-home Test:
Individuals can visit the GO Health website COVID-19 Testing page under Emerging Issues (GOHealthNY.org) and choose the appropriate Home Test button for their respective county. Individuals should complete the at-home tests according to the directions provided. When the test is completed, individuals should take a picture with the individual’s name, the date and the time they took the test legibly written in permanent marker within 15 minutes of reading the test. Towards the end of the online form, the individual will be required to upload the picture on the website and attest to the authenticity and truth of the form. If there are any missing sections that
are required, the form is invalid. At this time, individuals do not need to report negative at-home test results. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is to self-isolate immediately. You may not be contacted regarding your contacts, so it is important to notify your close contacts (those who you spent 15 minutes or more in a 24 hour period 2 days prior to symptoms or 2 days prior to a positive test result). It is important to continue with self-isolation from household members as much as you are able. Isolate for 5 days and if you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, your symptoms are getting better, and you can tolerate a tight-fitting mask you can return to work/school but you are still required to wear a tight-fitting mask for 5 more days. If you must share space, make sure all in contact with you are wearing masks covering their nose and mouth and frequently shared items/surfaces are sanitized often. To access isolation orders and isolation release paperwork visit our website at GOHealthNY.org (COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine Documents & Information) and complete and print out or print and hand write the forms from the county you reside in and provide to your employer or school.

Residents can sign up for an upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinic to receive their first dose, booster shot, or pediatric dose at the GO Health website at https://bit.ly/GOHealthCOVID.

Press Release:

On Wednesday January 19, 2022, Batavia resident Chief Warrant Officer-4 Bob Bialkowski US Army (Ret) had the honor and privilege to attend and participate at a funeral in Arlington National Cemetery. I and five other members of a Pilot’s Fraternity from Buffalo attended the funeral of Edward A. Kozlowski, Jr. originally from Buffalo, NY. Ed was a fellow member of our fraternity.

Ed was a highly decorated Army helicopter pilot that had been shot down in Vietnam three times during 1969, once behind enemy lines which required an assault helicopter to provide aerial cover to drive back the enemy so that Ed and his crew could be rescued. In 1971 Ed became a member of the N.Y. Army Guard in Niagara Falls that I was a member of. After about a year Ed was chosen to transfer to the Air Force where he attended fixed wing flight school and went on to serve his country flying Aerial Refueling Tankers at SAC in Rome N.Y. Ed’s next tour he was assigned to flying the Top Secret AWAC aircraft at Tinker A.F. base for ten years where he was an Instructor and Aircraft Commander. Ed retired as a Major and went on to fly commercial aircraft for several years.

His funeral at Arlington was with full Military Honors. We were honored to walk to the ceremony site behind a Caisson with Ed’s remains, pulled by six horses with a full contingent of an Air Force Marching Band, Color Guard, Armed Unit and Squad of Armed Rifle men for the salute. Ed’s service was held near the burial site where the band played several times; an Air Force Chaplain read psalms and the presentation of the flag to the family was made.

Representatives of the Secretary of Defense were also in attendance to offer their condolences. There were approximately thirty members of the Air Force that participated. We then walked to Ed’s grave site with his family to say our final farewells. Walking on the grounds of Arlington where over fifty thousand veterans, many of whom paid
the ultimate price are buried was one of the most humbling experiences in my life. Participating in the funeral service was a great honor that I will always remember. We will be forever grateful to the Kozlowski family.

      

Press Release:

The Town of Batavia will be distributing free COVID test kits on Monday, January 24, 2022. The distribution will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Batavia Town Hall DRIVE-UP WINDOW. There are 110 available test kits, with two tests per kit. Those attending must be a Genesee County resident and may take up to two kits per household, while supplies last. Must provide proof of residency.