batavia

Here is a solid home for the money. Really great use of space -- seems larger than the square footage reflects!! First floor laundry and very large first floor bedroom and bath make it great for that person who needs first floor everything. There are two additional rooms up or loads of storage space if needed! Living room has gas fireplace. New tear off roof three years ago. Yard is large and backyard is private. Nice shed with electric for hobby person.

Perfect for starting out or downsizing! Call Lynn Bezon today to see this listing today 585-344-4663 or click here for more information!

Press release:

Batavia Downs officials are reporting a shortage of Wiener Dog entrants into the famous Weiner Dog races, which are to be held in conjunction with their annual Family Fun Day at the track on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 27.

All entered dogs receive a Doggie Gift Bag courtesy of Genesee Feeds. The owners of all dogs receive gaming free play, and the top three in the championship race, receive clubhouse buffet certificates and additional Free Play for the gaming floor.

The winner’s total prize package including the gaming free play is valued at $200.

Dachshund owners wishing to participate should call Batavia Downs’ Wiener Dog race coordinator Arna Tygart at 585-343-3750, ext. 6437, and leave a message. Staff will call back to confirm. The races are limited to the first 80 dogs that register.

Press release:

Not many organizations celebrate their golden anniversary while opening up two new buildings valued at $25 million. And even fewer can claim they were founded through a successfully passed public referendum that was supported by a grass roots citizen campaign in the mid-1960s.

Genesee Community College is proudly recognizing both these historic events with a series of special events next month.

With the anniversary theme "Our true-blue past, Your golden future," GCC is focusing forward on an exciting future while simultaneously reflecting on a rich history with strong traditions. Underlining all of the College's efforts -- then, now and long into the future -- is student success. The new 18,478-square-foot Student Success Center exemplifies this most vividly as GCC transforms various student services into a stream-lined process under a new "success coaching" academic model.

Meanwhile, on the west side of the Batavia Campus, the new Richard C. Call Arena is now the largest open, flexible floor space in the GLOW region (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties). The two-building Arena complex features an adjoining two-story lobby and concession stand area, classrooms, coaches offices, a fitness center, meeting rooms and a press box overlooking the Lacrosse / Soccer Turf Field.

Additionally, the interior Arcade walkway has four mural-sized photo collages expounding on this region's dynamic agricultural history as well as the vast economic impact of agribusiness in GLOW.

Together, these two new buildings are collectively valued at just over $25 million, and they position the College to expand student success and opportunity through the coming years, while augmenting the economic growth of the GLOW region. To celebrate the opening of these buildings and recognize the College's 50th Anniversary, the following series of events are planned for September at the Batavia Campus.

• Richard C. Call Arena Dedication and Student Success Center Open House
• 5 - 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 7

This special event will be attended by the many donors who contributed to the "Creating Our Future Together" capital campaign and supported the College's successful fundraising efforts with $5.2 million dollars to support the new facilities at the Batavia Campus as well as endowed scholarships for students in the College's six campus centers. Tours of the new facilities will be ongoing throughout the event, and the Dedication Ceremony will commence at 6 p.m. in the Richard C. Call Arena with a reception immediately following. (This event is by invitation only.)

• Genesee Community College Convocation
• 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 12 / Stuart Steiner Theatre 

This formal academic ceremony marks a milestone in the life of a college or university. Afternoon classes will be cancelled allowing students, faculty, staff, honored guests and community members to join in the solemn ceremony that recognizes not only the College's 50th Anniversary but also its promising future with the new facilities, new academic programs and courses, and the forward-thinking student success services. GCC's last convocation was in 2006 to recognize the College's 40th Anniversary.

• Presentation/Lecture by Heather Ann Thompson, Ph.D.
• 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 12 / T102

As part of the Historical Horizons lecture series, Pulitzer Prize and Bancroft Prize winning author Dr. Heather Ann Thompson will cap off the College's special Convocation Day, delivering a presentation, "Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and its Legacy," based on her award-winning book. Attica State Prison is part of GCC's history with inmate education a part of its programming in the 1980s. Dr. Thompson's book provides a definitive account of the prison uprising in 1971. She utilized sources available to no other researchers to write a reliable tome that upends the myths and exposes cover-ups of that violent event that captured international attention. For a complete listing of the Fall 2017 lecture series go to: https://gcchistoricalhorizons.wordpress.com/.

• GCC's Annual Fall Fest / Cougar Weekend
• Friday - Saturday, Sept. 22-23

The two-day event provides fun and festive activities for all with the following schedule featuring the return of some favorite events and a few new opportunities as well. All events are FREE and open to the public unless otherwise indicated.

• FRIDAY EVENT: Third Annual Cougar Crawl
• 5-8 p.m., Sept. 22 / Various Stops in Downtown Batavia

The GCC community, be they current students, faculty or staff, alumni, retirees or general supporters are all invited to stroll through downtown Batavia making special stops for special treats at various businesses, many owned or operated by GCC alumni. The event kicks off at City Slickers / Ken's Charcoal Pits and winds up at T.F. Brown's Restaurant with various stops to businesses such as The YNGoddess Shop, The Hidden Door / Pollyanna and Dot, and Center Street Smoke House. Cougar Crawl stops are still in development and subject to change. Cost is $15, or 2 for $25 and will NOT be sold at the door.

• SATURDAY EVENT: Sept. 23, Public Open House and Facility Tours
• Public Open House and Facility Tours / 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This is the chance for the general public to tour the new Richard C. Call Arena and Student Success Center. Visitors can catch a view of the Turf Field from the new Press Box, check out the new Fitness Center and Arena and explore both floors of the Student Success Center.

• "Rods and Rock" Classic Cruise
•  11 a.m. - 4 p.m. / North Parking Lot

For those who love classic cars, trucks and motorcycles, the popular "Rods and Rock" Car Cruise returns on Saturday in GCC's north parking lot.

• "Lollapalooza Golden Gala" Concert with the Genesee Symphony Orchestra
• 5 p.m. / Richard C. Call Arena

The first music to grace the new Richard C. Call Arena will be from the Genesee Symphony Orchestra, the College's orchestra-in-residence. Led by Conductor and Music Director S. Shade Zajac, the GSO is presenting a variety of musical selections especially arranged for this one-time event under the theme, "Lollapalooza Golden Gala." A reception with light refreshments will immediately follow the performance. The concert is free with general admission seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

"September is shaping up to be an exciting month in the life and history of Genesee Community College," James M. Sunser, Ph.D., president of GCC, said. "We are so grateful to many thousands of people who have positively impacted GCC through the years.

"From our trustees and donors, to legislators and advisory council members, hardworking students and involved alumni, and of course, our dedicated faculty and staff who make a difference in the lives of our students each and every day-we have been truly blessed with a supportive community that makes our middle name. Next month, we hope to recognize and remember all of you!

Press release:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced more than $1 million has been awarded to three municipalities in the Finger Lakes to help local businesses expand and create 67 jobs in the area.

The award comes from the federally funded Community Development Block Grants program, which provides financial assistance to eligible counties, cities, towns and villages to help develop viable communities by providing decent affordable housing and attracting, retaining, and spurring job creation.

Today's announcement complements Finger Lakes Forward -- the successful initiative that is driving economic growth in the region.

"With this funding, we are investing in New Yorkers while fostering partnerships with local businesses across the region," Governor Cuomo. "The Finger Lakes has seen economic growth and resurgence in recent years and by investing in these businesses, we remove barriers and offer them the support they need to succeed in this state."

The Town of Batavia was awarded $465,000 to assist Freightliner & Western Star, Genesee County was awarded $225,000 to assist in the expansion of Resurgence Brewery in the City of Batavia, and the Town of Lima was awarded $315,000 to help Bristol ID Technologies expand its production facility.

Funds will be used to purchase machinery and equipment. Awards announced today include:

$465,000 to the Town of Batavia in Genesee County to assist Freightliner & Western Star of Batavia in constructing a 45,000-square-foot truck service and education facility

·         This expansion will create 31 full-time jobs over two years, with 18 to benefit low - moderate income persons. Freightliner & Western Star is an affiliate of Fleet Maintenance Inc. of West Seneca and a certified Women's Business Enterprise. The facility will consist of service bays, a warehouse, and a classroom and service bay to accommodate up to 20 students as part of the BOCES vocational diesel technician training program. The service operation will serve local businesses as well as truckers using the New York State Thruway, which is adjacent to the project site. The project will link Genesee Valley BOCES with hands-on technical training to students in a workplace environment, and inject more than $8.1 million into the local economy.

$225,000 to Genesee County to assist Resurgence Brewery in expanding their facilities and creating the Resurgence Powerhouse and Beer Garden

·         This funding will help create 15 full-time jobs over two years, with 13 to benefit low - moderate income persons. Resurgence Brewery, located in the City of Batavia is a wild beer fermentation and production brewery for specialty or craft beers. The expansion is part of downtown Batavia's Ellicott Station development project, and furthers Governor Cuomo's Craft Brew initiative, designed to increase tourism and economic development. The proposed project will inject $790,000 into the economy. Empire State Development also provided $145,000 for the project.

$315,000 to the Town of Lima to assist in the expansion of Bristol ID Technologies

·         Bristol is a leading card manufacturer known for innovative advances in card technology within many markets including ID/Security, Gift/Loyalty, Promotional & Print, and Hospitality. The project will involve the acquisition of the company's current facility, construction of an 8,000-square-foot building expansion, and the acquisition of high volume machinery and equipment that will allow for improved efficiency and a substantial increase in capacity and output. The project will create 21 full-time jobs over two years, with 17 to benefit low - moderate income persons, and inject more than $5.3 million into the local economy.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Craft beverage production in New York is thriving under Governor Cuomo, who has worked hard to cultivate and promote the industry. The expansion of Resurgence Brewery will generate economic activity and support the growing momentum of the Finger Lakes region."

RuthAnne Visnauskas, commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal said, "The awards announced today are yet another example of the Community Development Block Grant program at work creating jobs and stimulating local economies. The program is an invaluable tool in the economic development tool box and will allow businesses to purchase the machinery and equipment they need to grow and meet demands. HCR is proud to be part of the Governor's investments and commitment to move the Finger Lakes forward."

Assemblymember Stephen Hawley said, "I am very pleased with the distribution of two Community Development Block Grant awards to businesses within my district. Supporting local economic growth and encouraging a broad range of jobs is of central importance to any community. By helping these local businesses expand their markets and create economic confidence, we can encourage job growth and more opportunities for citizens of Western New York to chase dreams of owning their own business."

Raymond Cianfrini, chair of the Genesee County Legislature, said, "Resurgence Brewery will be a welcome addition to Batavia and will add to the continued boom we are seeing in this area. Governor Cuomo has made the renaissance of the Finger Lakes and the growth of the craft beverage industry important priorities and we are happy to be part of the excitement."

Gregory Post, supervisor of the Town of Batavia, said, "This is an exciting opportunity for the Town of Batavia and the entire county. Freightliner & Western Star's expansion will provide jobs for area families, valuable education, and training for students, and help grow our local economy. I'm very happy to see the progress we're making in Batavia and throughout the region thanks to Governor Cuomo's commitment to strategic economic development investments that move the Finger Lakes forward."

Jeff Ware, owner of Resurgence Brewing Company, said, "The state's award to Genesee County will go a long way towards the upfront costs of opening our doors and helping to bring Batavia back to life. We are seeing this entire region grow thanks to the Governor's commitment to the Finger Lakes economy, and we are proud to be part of this area's exciting future."

Deborah Gawron, president of Freightliner & Western Star, said, "We are thrilled to be expanding Freightliner & Western Star into the Finger Lakes and adding to the economic growth that is taking place throughout the region. It's wonderful to have the support of Governor Cuomo and New York State and to be part of the effort to move the Finger Lakes forward. We look forward to offering good jobs and future opportunities to local residents, as well as top-notch truck service to area businesses."

Announcement:

Due to the water disruption on the north end of Vine Street, the John Kennedy Parks Program will be relocated to the Batavia Youth Center (12 MacArthur Drive) for the day.

The kids and their rec. leaders will walk to the center, which is next door to the Batavia High School, and will return to JK Park by 4 p.m. for pick up.  Lunch will be served to the kids at the Youth Center. 

For questions or concerns, please call the Youth Bureau at 585-345-6420. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Press release:

On Thursday, Aug. 10, the City of Batavia Water Department will be doing an emergency replacement of a water valve. The water will be turned off on Vine Street from East Ave to Bank Street and all of Farwell Drive.

We will keep water service interruption to a minimum. This work may result in a period of discolored water in this general area after service is restored. Residents should check to make sure water clarity has returned before resuming activities such as laundry which may be impacted.

(Submitted photo)

Alexander Davis found a place for himself when he started playing the bassoon at Batavia High School.

Now, at 27 years old, he is completing his fellowship at the Tanglewood Music Center in Boston.

Davis went to SUNY Fredonia for music education and completed his master’s degree at Stony Brook University. He started playing bassoon because he said it was a weird instrument.

“At first, I was playing saxophone,” Davis said. “When I started going to All County Festivals, I saw a bassoon for the first time, and said I had to play it.”

Davis said he was drawn to the instrument, but that his mom really pushed him to play music.

“She taught me that music was something that connected to me easily,” Davis said. “When she had me start band in eighth grade, I was hesitant. Now that I’m here, I couldn’t be more thankful for how much she loved me.”

Throughout his career, Davis said he has looked up to multiple professionals, including Laura Koedke, Frank Morelli and Monica Ellis, all bassoon players. Each bassoonist, influenced him in a way no other person did.

“Each one taught me something about myself that I didn’t know,” Davis said.

Davis is part of Xelana Duo, which has brought him to play in venues such as The National Opera Center, and played with ensembles such as the New Juilliard Ensemble, and the CityMusic Cleveland Chamber Orchestra.

Davis said he pursues every opportunity he can. He would like to see himself in a chamber orchestra, teaching at a college, playing a lot of chamber music, or having his own studio in the future.

Batavia gave Davis the opportunity to have many experiences, he said.

“Kids that grew up in New York City and Rochester, there are more kids auditioning to be in groups, trying to be in ensembles,” Davis said.

During a musical at Batavia, Davis was able to be a character on stage during the first half, and a member of the orchestra pit during the second.

“Because it was a very intimate setting, I was able to do everything I wanted to do,” Davis said.

Growing up in Batavia helped shape Davis into the musician and person he is today.

“Batavia was the perfect place,” Davis said. “You could be a big fish in a small pond.”

Press release:

The Batavia Concert  Band concluded is 2017 Summer Concert Series in Centennial Park with some fantastic music, a great crowd, and two special awards.

In 2016, the Batavia Concert Band established the Pam Frisby Memorial Friend of the Band Award. Pam was the former board president and long-time enthusiast and support of the Batavia Concert Band.

At the Aug. 9 concert, current Board President Jill Franclemont presented the 2017 award to Genesee Community College, who has graciously provided rehearsal space and a rain venue for the Band for past 20 years.

In Pam’s honor, the Band donated $50 to the Genesee Community College Foundation. Accepting the award on behalf of the Foundation is James Smith, a member of the Board of Directors.

In addition, the Bob Pastecki, Batavia Concert Band finance director also presented the 2017 Scholarship to Cheya-Rain Eagle on behalf of the Board of Directors. Cheya is a Music Therapy major at Fredonia and has been a member of the Batavia Concert Band for several seasons.   

The Batavia Concert band wishes to thank all of our sponsors, patrons, and GO ART! for their fantastic support for the 2017 Summer Concert Series!

The City of Batavia is advertising an opening for a new assistant city manager, filling the vacancy left when Gretchen DiFinate resigned to accept a job as a city manager in her home state of Alabama.

The job pays $77,000 to $93,000 depending on qualifications and requires a bachelor's degree in public or business administration or related field, and a minimum of five to seven years experience in municipal government at a management level.

The successful candidate, if from outside the city, will be required to become a city resident within six months of appointment.

DiFinate announced her resignation in July after accepting a job Pelham, Ala., at an annual salary of $136,000.

Press release:

Once again the Richmond Memorial Library will be offering a series of computer classes designed for those who are finally ready to take the plunge and learn the ins and outs of computers and those who would like to improve their computer skills. There is no charge.

Registration is required and can be done by stopping at the library or calling 343-9550.

The classes that you can choose from are:

Windows 10 – Introduction to Windows 10, the latest operating system from Microsoft.  Use our machine or bring your Windows 10 machine.

• Wednesday, Sept. 6 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Computer Basic & Internet Basic – Learn to read a computer advertisement and get the one that’s right for you: desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone. Explore! Discover! Learn! Surf the Internet using a common browser. Find out about websites and links; use search engines to find information you want to know.

• Wednesday, Sept. 6 – 1 to 4 p.m.

Email Start to Finish – Learn about email and sign up for a new account, if desired.  If you already have an email address log into it and let’s get the most from it!

• Friday, Sept. 15 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Gadgets and Gear/Open Access – Bring your questions and gadgets! Ereaders, phones, laptops, tablets!

• Friday, Sept. 15 – 1  to 4 p.m.

Internet Resources: Safety, Security, Fun! – Take your Internet experience to the next level! Examine Youtube, Twitter, Wikipedia, and your Library Catalog! Help keep your computer, yourself, and your loved ones safer while surfing.

• Wednesday, Sept. 27 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Gaga for Google! Cut, Copy, Paste! – Do you use Google? This powerful tool is more than a search engine! We’ll explore some of its many uses. Please note: This class is for people who are very comfortable using the Internet, and also navigating Web pages. We will also copy information from the Internet into the Microsoft Word program.

• Wednesday, Sept, 27 – 1 to 4 p.m.

Facebook Combo – Learn about Facebook and sign up for an account, if desired.  If you already have an account, let’s get the most from it!

• Tuesday, Oct. 3 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Library Downloads – Learn about all the options the library offers – eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and magazines.  See what is available, see how to download it to your device.

• Tuesday, Oct. 3 – 1  to 4 p.m.

Windows 10 – Introduction to Windows 10, the latest operating system from Microsoft.  Use our machine or bring your Windows 10 machine.

• Friday, Oct. 20 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Gadgets and Gear/Open Access – Bring your questions and gadgets! Ereaders, phones, laptops, tablets!

• Friday, Oct. 20 – 1  to 4 p.m.

Computer Basic & Internet Basic – Learn to read a computer advertisement and get the one that’s right for you: desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone. Explore! Discover! Learn! Surf the Internet using a common browser. Find out about web sites and links; use search engines to find information you want to know.

• Wednesday, Nov. 1 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Internet Resources: Safety, Security, Fun! – Take your Internet experience to the next level! Examine Youtube, Twitter, Wikipedia, and your Library Catalog! Help keep your computer, yourself, and your loved ones safer while surfing.

• Wednesday, Nov. 1 – 1  to 4 p.m.

Press release:

The Batavia High School Class of 1953 will hold its 64th Reunion Luncheon at the Dibble Family & Event Center, 4110 W. Main St., Batavia, on Thursday, Aug.17th.

Cost of the luncheon is $20 per person, payable at the door. Attendees will gather at 11:30 a.m. for social time and sit down for a buffet lunch at noon.

Please RSVP to Mary at 343-8549, Corky at 343-5864 or Bette at 344-1255 by Monday, Aug.14th. Hope to see you there!

A car crashed into a tree at 5038 Clinton Street Road near Stringham Drive. Unknown injuries. Town of Batavia firefighters and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 12:44 p.m.: One person inside is conscious and alert but may need extrication.

UPDATE 12:49 p.m.: The driver struck a couple of parked vehicles as well. Mercy EMS is attending to him now. Possible medical issue.

It's been a busy summer in the Batavia City School District, with new teachers and aides being hired, planning for the capital improvement project, custodial staff getting buildings and grounds ready for a new school year, and a search for a new principal for the high school. And after all that, Superintendent Chris Dailey said he just can't wait for the school year to start Sept. 7.

"What I'm really excited about is our kids are starting to come back into school," Dailey said. "It's too quiet in July. Yes, we've had summer school here but it will be nice to have all our kids back soon. We're really excited to get everybody back."

One of the big pending tasks is replacing Scott Wilson as principal of Batavia High School.

Wilson left to become principal in Gates-Chili, where he taught for 13 years. He's maintained a residence just a block-and-a-half from the school.

"He took an opportunity to go back home where he where he started, so that gives us another opportunity to her great educator here at the high school," Dailey said.

The application deadline is Aug. 16 and there's been a lot of interest in the job, Dailey said.

"We've had a flurry of applications in the last week and we're expecting between 30 and 40 candidates," Dailey said. "We will thoroughly vet them, get down to one or two to share with the faculty for opening days and then hopefully have someone in place before September when students come back."

There will also be a new principal at Jackson Primary School this fall, with Kia Evans taking over for Diane Bonarigo. Bonarigo, who retired, is filling in as the interim principal at the high school until a replacement for Wilson is hired.

Fall sports teams start practice on Monday and teachers are already starting to prep their classrooms.  

Students and parents won't see many changes at the schools, other than a lot of new faces among faculty and staff.

"We've had some amazing additions to our faculty," Dailey said. "The impact that will have on our kids is going to be amazing. At the end of this month, we have new teacher orientation and I'm just really excited to get these people involved with our kids."

Photos by Jim Burns.

Write up by Mike Jamil:

A beautiful night finally for softball at Kibbe Park.

Number 6 seed TF Brown's Commissioner's Crew three-peats, pulling off the upset, defeating #4 seeded home team Fava Brothers Lawn Care 14-11.

Fava Brothers Lawn Care had won the two prior matchups (both regular season) but choked away the championship honors in the third contest.

The losing team did receive a participation trophy that states "Congratulations On Another Failed Season," since we're not so worried about soft feelings in The New Batavia Softball League. At least I'm personally not. Play better or you're eliminated. No hedge/handicap here.

The gag gift participation trophy wasn't all they got. They got two complimentary cans of corn as well, which was a symbol representing their crunch time hitting. So they did not go home empty-handed.

Very worthy opponents and lots of absolutely great people on that Fava Brothers team.

Lots of friendly bragging rights needed.

Everybody contributed and played their role for the winning team. Everybody was important and needed.

Members of the championship team TF Brown's Commissioner's Crew are Captain Mike Jamil, Keith Oklevitch, Austin Oklevitch, Chris Densmore, Alex Jarvela, Justin Cooper, Dan Dioguardi, Stefan Krna, Keith Hammond, and Koko Irvin. Ronnie Sumeriski, the normal left fielder, and Michael Greene the normal right fielder, were unable to make it to the big game but were assets all season long as well as the first night of the playoffs.

Forced the commissioner to play defense which can be a very bad idea at times. Very gritty, clutch bunch.

That concludes the 2017 Thursday Batavia Men's Spring/Summer Softball League. Was a great group of people from the teams top to bottom. Very evenly matched. We don't care to be like other leagues. We're Batavia Softball. Signing off.

The Sheriff's Office would like to unite a rowboat with its owner after the small craft was found on the Tonawanda Creek in the area of Kiwanis Park and Wortendyke Road.

There's no indication that anybody fell out of it and there's been no missing person report, said Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble, so at this point, Dibble thinks it likely became unmoored from its dock somehow.

The Sheriff's Office is asking that if you're missing a boat and think it might be yours, call Deputy Kevin McCarthy (585) 345-3000, ext. 3237.

Be prepared to provide a detailed description.

Press release:

Join us at Dwyer Stadium Aug. 30th for our youth baseball clinic!

Kids ages 6-14 will receive a day of on-field instruction from the Muckdogs players and coaches on Aug. 30th from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Children will learn from the pros in the areas of hitting, fielding, pitching, catching, base running and bunting.

Later that evening, campers will be able to come back to Dwyer for a private autograph signing with the team 30 minutes before the gates open (5:30 p.m.) and then be recognized on the field prior to the Muckdogs game vs. the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Cleveland Indians affiliate).

Campers will also receive a special T-shirt not available in the team store, a clinic photo, two tickets to the Aug. 30th game, as well as lunch, all for only $40.

Registration forms are available at Dwyer Stadium and online at muckdogs.com. Space is limited and all registrations and payments must be turned in by Monday, Aug. 21st.

Press release:

Each year, every student wishing to receive busing to school by Student Transportation of America (STA) must file a new Transportation Request/Change Form with the District Business Office so that routes can be configured.  The form was mailed to all students who received transportation from STA last year but, to date, only 241 of those 1053 forms have been returned to the Business Office. Those 241 families have been called, so anyone who has not received a call from the Business Office confirming transportation still needs to send in the form. Regardless of eligibility, children will not be able to receive transportation services unless a 2017-2018 form is turned in. 

Routes will be established by mid-August, so a Transportation Request/Change Form for each student is needed by this Thursday, August 10, 2017. Forms are available several places: online at www.bataviacsd.org under Business Office/Transportation, at the Business Office in the Administrative wing at Batavia High School, at each school’s main office, or by contacting the Business Office at 343-2480 x 1002. They can be mailed or brought in to Kelly Snyder in the District Business Office, Batavia City School District, 260 State Street. Late transportation requests are accepted and will be processed as time allows, but that could be after the start of school.

Exceptions:

Children who were transported by Attica Bus Service in 2016-2017, and have been recommended for transportion by Attica Bus Service for the 2017-2018 school year, should disregard this message.

New enrollments for 2017-2018 including Universal Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and transfers, should disregard this message as transportation requests were handled during registration.

Eligibility Guidelines:

Jackson Primary School (Pre-K, K and Grade 1)

Busing is provided for all students whose families request it.

John Kennedy Intermediate (Grades 2,3,4)

Busing is provided for all students who live more than 0.50 mile from school, or who live outside the City limits.

Middle School (Grades 5,6,7,8)

Busing is provided for all students who live more than 1.00 mile from school, or who live outside the City limits.

High School (Grades 9,10,11,12)

Busing is provided for all students who live more than 1.50 miles from school, or who live outside the City limits.

Press release:

Three Batavia natives are giving a nod to the city’s past with an exciting plan they hope will be a cornerstone of Batavia’s future.

Eli Fish Brewing Company will be the official name of a microbrewery currently under construction in the former JJ Newberry Building at 109 Main Street, the brewery’s owners announced today. The name is in honor of Eli Fish, who operated Fish’s Malt House, a brewery located on the corner of Elm and Main Streets in the 1800s. The brewery, which reportedly had the capacity to produce 16,000 barrels of beer annually in 1883, burned many times during Fish’s ownership, with Fish rebuilding it each time at the same location.

Eli Fish Brewing Company is led by Batavia natives Matthew Gray, owner of Alex’s Place in Batavia, as well as Buffalo Brothers Pizza and Wing Co. in North Carolina, Jon Mager, a third-generation owner in Arctic Refrigeration in Batavia, and Matthew Boyd, a partner in both Alex’s and Buffalo Brothers Pizza and Wing Co., who oversees Buffalo Brothers’ five North Carolina locations. The owners expect to open Eli Fish Brewing Company by the end of the year.

“Eli Fish was a renaissance man who played an important role in the development and growth of early Batavia, and his entrepreneurial and rebuilding spirit really spoke to us,” Mager said of the decision to name the microbrewery. “That’s the same spirit and vision we want to bring to this project and bring people back to Main Street.”

The brewery will house 20 taps, featuring ten beers brewed in-house and ten rotating beers from around New York State. Along with New York beers, the bar will also pour craft cocktails and fine wines, all sourced from New York State wineries and distilleries. The brewery operation will be a seven-barrel system, with all brewing performed on site, using locally-sourced ingredients.

Eli Fish Brewing Company will be the cornerstone of a $2.8 million renovation of the Newberry building into a mixed-use development with a restaurant incubator, known as FreshLAB, joining the brewery on the first floor and apartments planned for the second and third floors.

“Newberry’s was a destination for generations of Batavia residents,” Gray said, recalling the store’s lunch counter and creaky wooden floors. “We want to make this building, and the Main Street corridor, a destination again. Jon, Matt and I were all born here. Our families saw the decline of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, and we want to be part of Batavia’s next renaissance.”

The FreshLAB restaurant incubator will feature three commercial kitchens, with Eli Fish Brewing Company operating the largest kitchen and serving a menu of locally-sourced seasonal fare, including gourmet salads, sandwiches, soups, platters and bread. The other two kitchens will be available to start-up restaurateurs to develop and grow more dining concepts within Genesee County. The vision is to have tenants occupy the turnkey kitchens for short-term leases of approximately 18-24 months, sharing the food hall dining room during which time they can focus on unique menu offerings, sourcing local ingredients and honing their operational systems, such as ordering product and paying their bills.

“The idea is to help other restaurateurs and entrepreneurs develop their businesses without the financial burden of outfitting their own locations right off the bat,” explained Boyd. “Once they have perfected their operation and their lease matures, the vision is that they will then plant their roots and continue their operations in Genesee County, creating an opportunity for a new eatery to locate at FreshLAB.”

The incubator concept was fueled, in part, by statistics that show local residents spend more than $13 million annually on dining and nightlife outside of Genesee County.

“People want a choice,” added Gray, who labels himself a “serial restaurateur.” “Every eatery at FreshLAB should bring a fresh perspective and their own culinary vision to the kitchens. We’re looking to provide a culinary experience you can’t enjoy elsewhere in the area.”

The partners’ development vision for the Newberry building is being supported by the City of Batavia, Batavia Development Corp., Genesee County Economic Development Corporation, USDA Rural Development, National Grid and New York Main Street.

The announcement of the Eli Fish Brewing Company name comes as beer lovers from throughout the region prepare to celebrate the Beertavia craft beer festival on Saturday, August 12 from 3-6 p.m. at the corner of Bank Street and Alva Place. The event, presented by Alex’s Place, will feature offerings from more than 20 breweries and cideries, as well as live music. Information is available at www.downtownbataviany.com.