When faced with the decision whether to sleep in on the Thanksgiving holiday or get up early and spend some time at the McCarthy ice arena Thursday morning, Patrick Suozzi didn’t have to think twice, he says.
The Batavia High School senior threw on some warm clothes and headed to the Evans Street rink, along with several high school students, for a first-time gathering of the Batavia Key Club.
“It’s awesome,” the 17-year-old said. “It’s a good way to give back to the community and help the kids. I’ve been helping kids color and will help them skate.”
A yearly tradition since 2007, Batavia’s Kiwanis Club has hosted a Community Skate at the ice rink every Thanksgiving. It draws many kids and families to kick off the day with some skating, mingling and hot cocoa, with this year being no exception, said Pete Guppenberger, one of the longtime Kiwanis hosts of the event.
Suozzi knows Guppenberger, he said and has become more familiar with the club and how it does activities in the community. That has made him want to become more involved, especially now that teacher Allison Chua has taken on the role of adviser for the Key Club.
“The reason I started it was because, years ago, we had talked about it, and we were gonna have a Kiwanis Key Club, and then it kind of fizzled out. And I do a whole bunch of other things for the school, and I do the newsletter … and I'm the freshman class adviser, and I'm involved in a bunch of other activities and clubs, but Mr. Smith, when he joined the Kiwanis Club, came to ask me about running a Key Club, and I thought, yeah, I think we need that at the school because in this time of COVID, and all these things that had happened, I think we all realized how important it was to help in the community and help each other,” Chua said. “And this club is all about reaching out to the community and helping, so I'm all about that.”
Key Club International is the high school branch of the Kiwanis International family, classified as a Service Leadership Program and, more specifically, as a Kiwanis Youth Program. Many Key Clubs are sponsored by a local Kiwanis club. Chua will help to organize the students, and then they will lead their own school club, which is to provide opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership, according to Kiwanis Key Club International.
There were 67 students that showed up to the initial meeting at BHS — Chua jokes that they were drawn to the pizza being served — and that has settled down to about 45 that will remain in the club.
On Thursday, 17 students came to the ice rink for this first service-based activity. Students sat and colored pictures with kids near the concession stand while others helped anyone who needed assistance with skating around the rink.
Drew Stevens has grown up in a “hockey family,” she said, and likes to skate. The 10th-grader came with a few of her friends.
“It’s a good way to be helpful with kids and families while doing something I like to do,” she said.
Lila Callan, a junior, agreed.
“It’s a good way to get involved with the community, and on Thanksgiving,” she said.
A third friend also thought that it was “a good way to get volunteer hours,” while doing things such as arts and crafts, she said.
There will be plenty of opportunities for them to rack up hours while getting out into Batavia, Chua said, since local nonprofits have expressed a need for more volunteers and the ideas keep building — doing garden work, cleaning cars of snow in winter, shoveling, to name a few.
They want to help in the community. And they're glad that there's something they can do. And, of course, it does help them because service organizations are always good for the building of their resume, and for being part of a community of helpers and learning, and I think colleges are looking for that now,” she said. “They're looking more for a well-rounded student. It's not just about how high your grades are. It's more about who you are as a person, what you do for people, and how you work collaboratively with others. And I'd be glad to give recommendations to these kids that are working hard, and that'll be a pleasure for me to be part of that.”
Photo of Louie The Lilac courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
After a convincing victory off class relief last week, Louie The Lilac moved back to the feature race and won again in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Nov. 22).
Kevin Cummings fired Louie The Lilac to the front and led every step of the way. After setting the pace at :28.1, :58.2 and 1:26.3 with Xenia’s Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) trying to match steps in the pocket, Louie The Lilac turned for home and bolted to the line on top by three lengths in 1:55.3.
It was the ninth win of the year for Louie The Lilac ($3.90) who is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Sam Smith.
Cummings ended the night with three wins to lead all drivers.
In the $11,500 mid-level conditioned event for distaff pacers, The Stunning Nun N (Jim Morrill Jr.) made her first start back since September a winning one after she led from gate to wire in 1:57.2 by an easy 2-½ lengths over A Black Diamond (Dave McNeight III).
The Stunning Nun N ($7.70) is owned by her trainer Mike Deters, in partnership with Joel Warner, John Manning, and Barbara Jensen.
Deters along with Sam Smith and Mike Ohol all had two training wins on Wednesday.
The $10,000 guaranteed Pick-5 was hit on Wednesday. The combination of 5/3/1,8/1/3 returned $408 for a 50-cent wager. The carryover was $3,035 and the guarantee generated $13,907 in new money.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 25) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $3,080 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Good music was part of the Thanksgiving celebration at Ri-Dans in Batavia on Wednesday night with the Rusty Fisher Band and the Growlers Blues Band both taking the stage.
A bicyclist has reportedly been hit by a car on West Main Street, Batavia, between Bogue and Woodrow.
City Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 2:09 p.m. by Joanne Beck: The patient was initially unconscious, but came to and is being examined by Mercy EMS and is likely going to be transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
A Town of Batavia resident and business owner reiterated his objections Tuesday night to a proposed Genesee Biogas plant earmarked for the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park but, once again, project developers attempted to alleviate his concerns over the smell of its emissions.
Speaking at the Batavia Town Planning Board meeting at the Town Hall on West Main Street Road, Eric Biscaro questioned Lauren Toretta, president of CH4 Biogas, and Sara Gilbert of Pinewood Engineering, about the extent of the odor from the facility, which is set to be constructed on Ag Park Drive, not far away from Ellicott Street Road.
“If you go by O-AT-KA (Milk Products Cooperative) on lots of given days, the odor there is enough to … it’s bad,” Biscaro said. “So, it’s seems that it would be more intense at your place if you’re going to bring it over from O-AT-KA and (HP) Hood and Upstate (Niagara Cooperative). If you’re going to be worse than O-AT-KA, then I’m going to tell you that I’m going 100 percent against this.”
Biscaro mentioned his neighbors on Ellicott Street Road and also those on Shepard Road when he added, “We really don’t want you to do that to us.”
The scene mirrored what played out six months ago when Biscaro, as a member of the Genesee County Planning Board, voiced his opposition to the digester based on the potential odor.
Last night, as was the case in May, Gilbert and Toretta, responded by stating that measures are in place to mitigate the smell as the digester handles sanitary waste primarily from the three Ag Park enterprises.
Gilbert said the digester storage tanks feature a process that is “entirely enclosed,” unlike the system at O-AT-KA that has open air containers where “odors can get into the air and get wind dispersed.”
“It is an enclosed process, it has odor filtration, and we also have an odor mitigation plan that we’ve started to prepare if there’s a breakdown in the process; a way to identify it and rectify it,” she said.
Toretta called the digester, which was first proposed about nine years ago, a “next level” project and a “landmark facility” that comes with numerous technological advances.
Biscaro then brought up the placement of the facility and wondered why it couldn’t be shifted further north on Ag Park Drive, closer to HP Hood and Upstate and farther away from people’s homes.
“This is the parcel that the Ag Park asked us to be on,” Toretta replied, noting that Hood is planning an expansion and has use for more of its property. “We also oriented the site as far from the road as possible, up against the tree line …”
Prior to Biscaro’s comments, Gilbert updated planners on the project, emphasizing that waste from the food processing plants will be shipped to lagoons approved by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and not to the City of Batavia wastewater treatment plant.
She said the waste is deemed by the DEC as “good material for fertilizer.”
Gilbert addressed other key points such as making sure the project aligns with federal requirements concerning environmental impact, stormwater treatment, water usage, truck traffic and wildlife protection.
She noted that county planners have recommended approval of a height variance for the storage tanks, and that the next step is to return to the Town Planning Board to take on the State Environmental Quality Review process.
413 East Main Street, Batavia. 1144 Square feet of office space for lease is located in an ideal location, close to downtown. The office space is ready for immediate occupancy. Call Michelle Dills today for more information!
With no winner of the Pick-5 last Saturday (Nov. 18), there is a carryover of $3,035 for that wager on Wednesday (Nov. 22) and Batavia Downs will be offering a $10,000 guaranteed Pick-5 pool. This is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and free program pages courtesy of Trackmaster will be available on the USTA’s website under the Handicapping/Strategic Wagering links.
The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, the pool will be carried over to the Pick-5 wager on the next day of racing.
Free full card program pages for Wednesday and every live racing night at Batavia Downs can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab and you can watch all the action free and live on the track’s YouTube Channel.
Post time for the first race on Wednesday is 6 p.m.
Photo of Kathleen Klaiber courtesy of genesee.edu.
It is with immense joy and pride that we announce GCC Professor of ESL and English Kathleen Klaiber as the recipient of this year's New York State TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) College ESOL Professor of the Year Award.
Kathleen Klaiber has been honored as the College ESOL Professor of the Year. She has had a distinguished career marked by excellence along the way. Professor Klaiber is a two-time recipient of the SUNY Chancellor Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities.
In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Professor Klaiber exhibited exceptional resilience and innovation. Recognizing the diverse needs of students scattered across the globe in six different time zones, she devised the FLEXESOL Approach to Teaching in the High Flex Modality. This groundbreaking initiative showcased her dedication to ensuring a seamless educational experience for students worldwide.
Beyond her individual accomplishments, Professor Klaiber stands out as an active and motivating professional within the NYSTESOL and academic communities. Her unwavering support has significantly enhanced communication and interactions among NYSTESOL members and practitioners.
The New York State TESOL (NYSTESOL) organization proudly advocates, advances, and enriches TESOL education and professionalism throughout the state. Comprising professionals committed to the education of English language learners at all levels, NYSTESOL focuses on classroom practices, research, program and curriculum development, employment, funding, and legislation.
Kathleen Kleiber's recognition as the State TESOL College ESOL Professor of the Year reaffirms her commitment to excellence and innovation in TESOL education. Her impact extends beyond the classroom, shaping the future of language education in New York State and beyond.
For more information contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
2023 File Photo of Genesee County Manager Matt Landers during this year's budget hearing. The county Legislature adopted the final $183 million budget Monday, which included an increase of $20 million in expenses from 2023 and a property tax levy of $32.7 million and related $8.08 per $1,000 assessed tax rate. The Legislature also ratified a CSEA contract to be worth about $1.56 million in 2024.
Both Genesee County Manager Matt Landers and Legislature Chairwoman Shelley Stein were happy that a contract was approved with the Civil Service Employees Association Monday, both said during the Legislature’s meeting at the Old County Courthouse.
Negotiations ended with legislators approving increases of $1 plus 5 percent for 2024, 4 percent for 2025 and 3 percent for 2026 for the CSEA general unit, Local 819 Union.
“I’m really proud of not getting ourselves into a long, protracted, drawn-out battle,” Landers said.
The county legislators agreed to a three-year contract to begin Jan. 1, 2024, and run through Dec. 31, 2026. It will have an approximate cumulative budget impact of $1.23 million, with a FICA cost of $99,000, and retirement of $203,000, for a total of $1.56 million for 2024.
“We are grateful for the staff that provides the public service here,” Stein said.
Just in time for Thanksgiving, she was thankful to “put this contract to bed and move forward,” Stein said.
In other salary-related action, the Legislature set a hearing for a proposed local law regarding the salaries and increases of elected county officials, as listed below.
Landers said each salary has been increased based on a 2.5 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) and other varied reasons. The original salary and reason for the increase are listed next to the proposed new salary.
Commissioner of Elections - $52,966, combined with COLA, longevity pay of $800 and a step increase, would be - $55,741 ($2,775 more)
Human Resources Director - $101,565, combined with COLA, longevity pay of $1,000 and a grade adjustment, would be - $113,980 ($12,415 more)
Commissioner of Social Services - $94,325, also with COLA, an increase in longevity pay of $800, and a multiple-step increase, would be $108,624 ($14,299 more)
Treasurer - $110,639, combined with COLA, and an increase in longevity pay of $1,400, would be - $114,780 ($4,141 more)
Sheriff - $116,121, combined with COLA, and an increase in longevity pay of $1,400, would be - $120,399 ($4,278 more)
Highway Superintendent - $127,922, with COLA, an increase in longevity pay of $1,400, would be - $132,495 ($4,573 more).
The public hearing will be at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the Old County Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia.
Members of the Anna Ingalsbe Lovell DAR Chapter have continued their holiday tradition of honoring residents of the Batavia VA. Cindy M. Baker, Center for Development and Civic Engagement Specialist, met with Robin Laney Ettinger and Pam Ware to accept this year’s gifts of TOPS gift cards, flatware, and snacks.
Twelve families in Batavia will likely have a more filling and flavorful Thanksgiving than might otherwise have been possible, thanks to the students at John Kennedy Intermediate School, City Fire, and Batavia PD.
The students packed Thanksgiving dinner prep kits to be delivered by Batavia PD to the selected families.
Firefighters delivered turkeys and all the fixings for a complete holiday dinner.
Jim Morrill Jr. put on a driving clinic at Batavia Downs Saturday night (Nov. 18) winning nine of the 13 races on the card. Morrill’s run included a natural hat trick in races two through four, a natural grand slam in races seven through 10 and victories in both feature races. Morrill also had one third and posted an unbelievable .778 UDR for the night.
Morrill broke his own single night win record of eight that he set back in 2005 at Batavia and was tied a year later by John Cummings Jr.
Morrill won the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot with E Street, who ran his own personal win streak to four. E Street sat in the pocket behind Crazy Ritz (Jim McNeight Jr.) through quarters of :28.4, :59.3 and 1:29, and then continued to follow until the top of the stretch. It was there Morrill dipped into the passing lane and let E Street sprint to the line with no urging to win in 1:58.2.
E Street ($3.70) is owned by Elite harness Racing and trained by Rachelle Mungillo.
Morrill’s other feature win was with Venier Hanover in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace. Morrill put Venier Hanover on the point and dominated the field from there. After getting to the half in :56.3 with Parmesan N (Austin Sorrie) and Stranger Things (Jim McNeight Jr.) trying to keep pace, Morrill gave Venier Hanover his head and scorched a :27.3 third panel that put four lengths between him and the rest of the group. Venier Hanover then rounded the last turn and scooted home, wrapped up in 1:54.3.
It was the 52nd career win for Venier Hanover ($4.50) who is owned by Monique Cohen and trained by Shawn McDonough.
Morrill completed his nonagon with BJ’s Smitty (1:58.3, $14.00), Virgil N (1:54.1, $4.70), Play The Field (1:56.2, $5.50), Prairie Panther (1:55.4, $2.70), Credit List (1:58.2, $3.60) Rebellious (1:56.2, $2.20) -- who registered his 70th lifetime win -- and Vulcan Star N (1:54.4, $9.80).
Morrill started the night as the leading driver at the current Batavia meet with 147 wins, but just four ahead of Kevin Cummings (143). Now Morrill has a double-digit lead after the dust settled Saturday as he now has 156 wins to Cummings 145 (Cummings won two races as well).
Morrill also started the night with the second-highest UDR among all drivers in North America with a .436, just .001 behind J. Brandon Campbell (.437). Morrill may move into first place after Campbell registered a win and two seconds (.704 UDR for the night) in three starts at the Century Mile today in Edmonton, Alberta.
Mike Deters was the top trainer at Batavia on Saturday with three winners, all driven by Morrill.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 22) at 6 p.m. and there will be a $2,113 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo from GCC's 42nd fashion show in May 2023 by Nick Serrata.
Press Release:
Genesee Community College's Fashion Business Program is thrilled to announce the theme for its highly anticipated annual fashion show, scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 6 p.m. The event will take place at the Richard C. Call Arena, promising an unforgettable evening that pays homage to the timeless connection between cinema and fashion.
In a world where streaming services have reshaped the way we consume entertainment, "A Night at the Cinema" aims to revive the enchantment of a bygone era when movie theaters were the epicenter of cinematic magic. The theme celebrates the profound influence that movies have had on the world of fashion and invites attendees to relive the nostalgia of a night out at the theaters.
"Movies have been a constant source of inspiration for the fashion industry, shaping trends and influencing style for decades. However, with the rise of streaming services, the communal experience of going to a movie theater has somewhat diminished," said Laura Taylor, Assistant Professor of Fashion Business and Merchandising. "With 'A Night at the Cinema,' we seek to recreate the joy of watching a film on the big screen and the shared experience of being in a movie theater with loved ones."
The fashion show aims to transport attendees to a world where the silver screen reigns supreme, evoking the magical ambiance of classic cinemas. Attendees can expect to witness a collection of stunning designs that capture the essence of iconic movie moments.
"Our goal is to create an atmosphere that not only showcases the fusion of fashion and film but also reignites the love for the cinematic experience. Movie theaters provide a unique space for shared adventures, and it's time for us to embrace that communal spirit once again," added student Peter Wybron.
Join us on May 4, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the Richard C. Call Arena for "A Night at the Cinema," where fashion and film collide for a night of elegance, nostalgia, and shared cinematic adventure. For ticket information, please email fashionshow@genesee.edu.
For more information contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
Photo of Louie The Lilac courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
It’s been seven weeks since Louie The Lilac had her picture taken at Batavia Downs, but that all changed on Wednesday night (Nov. 15) after she easily handled a group of mid-level conditioned mares in the $11,500 feature race.
Kevin Cummings got away fifth with Louie The Lilac as Isla Seelster (Drew Monti) led at the half in :58.1. Bet I’m Lucky (Jim McNeight Jr.) pulled first-over at that station and was followed closely by Louie The Lilac. Bet I’m Lucky grabbed the lead at three-quarters but Louie The Lilac was next in line for the top and took it midway through the last turn. From there, Louie The Lilac paced away to a 3-¼ length victory in 1:55.2.
It was the eighth win of the year for Louie The Lilac ($2.60) and owner Mike Torcello. Sam Smith trains the winner.
Kevin Cummings and Dave McNeight III were the top drivers on Wednesday with three wins each while Sam Smith, Dave Russo and Shawn McDonough all registered two training wins apiece.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 18) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $1,559 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
A two-vehicle accident has slowed traffic in one lane of westbound traffic of West Main Street, Batavia Friday afternoon. The accident is just past the Oak Street intersection.
There is no information on injuries. Batavia Police Department has arrived on scene.
