batavia

Press Release:

Genesee Valley BOCES is thrilled to announce an Open House event at the Batavia Campus on Oct. 26, scheduled from 5 - 7 p.m. This event is exclusively for parents and guardians of current or prospective students, providing an exceptional opportunity to explore the diverse educational offerings and pathways at the Batavia Campus.

Discover the opportunities awaiting you at the Batavia Campus Open House on Oct. 26, 5 - 7 p.m. Delve into Career and Tech, ITP, Alternative Education, Transitions, and WEST programs. Immerse yourself in our classrooms, engage with instructors, and witness the inspiring paths of our students. Your journey to the future begins now!

Parents and guardians attending the Open House will have the chance to explore various facets of the educational experience.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse career opportunities available, including programs in Career and Tech. Explore the offerings and support provided by our Intensive Therapeutic Programs, fostering a holistic approach to education.

Delve into the Alternative Education and Transitions programs, designed to cater to unique educational needs and ensure a smooth transition to the next phase. Learn about the WEST (Workforce and Employability Skills Training) program, which equips students with essential skills for success in the workforce.

The Open House provides an opportunity to interact with dedicated instructors and staff from various programs, gaining insights into the learning environment.

This Open House is designed to strengthen the connection between parents, guardians, and the educational community, promoting collaboration and informed decision-making regarding the educational journey of their students.

Join us on Oct. 26 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Genesee Valley BOCES in Batavia. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the educational landscape and discover the possibilities that await.

Press Release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that tickets are now available for several indoor events happening in the Park Place Event Center this Winter. 

On Sunday, Nov. 5, the Batavia Bacchus Wine Festival will take place from 1 - 3:30 p.m.  Attendees will be able to sample various wines from across the United States from over 12 wineries.  Early Access Tickets are $25 and attendees get back $20 in Free Play and have access to grazing stations.  The event will end with plenty of time for all attendees to get wherever they are going for that night’s Buffalo Football Game at 8:15 p.m.

On Thursday, Nov. 30, The Uncle Louie Variety Show will return to Batavia Downs. The Uncle Louie Variety Show is composed of two hilarious Italian-American comedians, Carlo Russo and Lou Greco. Their unique Italian Comedy has delighted audiences across the country and in their yearly appearance at Batavia Downs. Doors are at 7 p.m. with the event beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 for VIP tickets and $15 for regular tickets. Ticket holders will receive $10 in Free Play.

On Friday, Dec. 8, Batavia Downs welcomes back Marsha McWilson as she performs her yearly Christmas Concert.  Marsha brings a high-energy show that features Christmas Classics and other favorites.  She and the other performers have entertained concertgoers for many years at Batavia Downs.  Doors are at 6:30 p.m. with music beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and concertgoers will receive $10 in Free Play.

Hotel Packages for select events can be found on the hotel deals page at https://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/hotel-deals/

Other events scheduled for November include the Experience Psychic Fair and the Zonta Holiday Festival and Vendor Show.  Information on these events and the Summer Concert Series will be found in the coming weeks on the Batavia Downs Facebook page.

“Our amazing events team has put together another packed schedule,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “We are happy to be bringing back events that our valued guests have enjoyed each year while also introducing new events like the Wine Festival.”

Tickets for these events are available now on www.BataviaConcerts.com

Press Release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is holding a FREE “MEET THE CANDIDATES” DAY to enable local residents with disabilities, or anyone from the community, to hear and discuss issues with some of those who are on the ballot in the November General Election.  

While it is an “off-year election” our Chief Policy Officer Todd Vaarwerk points out that those who achieve local positions now may be the State and National leaders of tomorrow!  So, whatever your political views, this is YOUR year to get involved!

The event is to take place on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in ILGR’s Conference Room at 319 West Main Street in the Crickler Executive Business Center, Batavia.  As seating is limited, people can also attend over the Zoom Meeting platform online.  

To get the Zoom link, RSVP with Cathy DeMare at 585-815-8501, extension 400. She can also answer questions about the event.  It will be also accessible via a live stream on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ILGR14020 and WNYIL’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/WNYIL.

If an attendee wishes to be familiar with the “hot” disability issues, sheets of suggested questions will be provided; but participants are encouraged to ask about public concerns that are close to them.  The building is fully disability accessible.

The Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

In a rare Saturday afternoon game for Batavia at Van Detta Stadium, the Blue Devils beat Rochester Prep 40-0.

Batavia improves to 5-2 and is currently seeded #3 in Class B with one regular season game left on the schedule.

The Batavian has not received stats for the game.

Photos by Debra Reilly

Retired postal carrier and wounded retired Vietnam veteran Larry Fuchs reports that his German bike, valued at $2,000 was stolen on Friday.

He said the bike is his only mode of transportation.  

He reported the theft to the police he said but was hoping members of the public might be able to provide information to recover the bike.

"It would mean the world to me to recover my only transportation," Fuchs said. 

Information that may assist in the recovery of the bike can be submitted to Batavia PD at (585) 345-6350 or the submit a tip feature at www.bataviapolice.org.

Press Release:

The ARTiculations Exhibition at Independent Living is featuring the paintings of Peter Langden from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 at the Independent Living Center located at 319 West Main St., Batavia. An Artist Reception is being held from 4 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16. Light refreshments provided.

Artist statement:

As a young boy, I always wanted to be an artist when I grew up. I spent time drawing whenever I could, I found a new outlet for my restless energies. While I did not take to formal schooling too much I did graduate high school with an art major in 1988, and from there making art continued to hold my interest. In 1995 I took up painting after I had finished up years of making metal sculpture. Through the years afterwards I went through difficult times but my art was always there for me. It was back in 2018 when I bought my first easel and by that time I was well committed to the idea that I was working on what I considered my life’s work. I still like to draw but it seems that people like my paintings.

Press Release:

Close to 80 guests gathered at Terry Hills Banquet Facility on Saturday, Sept. 30 for the 11th Annual CASAblanca Casino Fundraiser put on by the Genesee County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children. 

"It was wonderful to see so many people come out to support such an important cause. The evening was filled with laughter, basket raffles, a silent auction, and Las Vegas-style casino games provided by Upstate Vegas Events out of Rochester NY." Said Jennifer Metz, Executive Director of Genesee County CASA. 

There was a special guest speaker who was very familiar with the work that Genesee County CASA for Children does. Her name is Madi Coniglio and she spoke about her experience with CASA and how CASA helped to change the trajectory of her life.

“When I first started with CASA my hope and stability returned. My voice was heard, and I was listened to for once. In a Life full of doubt, I knew I never needed to doubt CASA’s ability to make sure I would be safe and loved.” Madi stated.

Pamela Wentworth, Board of Director Member and Volunteer Advocate, and the Honorable Thomas Williams, Genesee County Family Court Judge, also shared a few words with the crowd on Saturday.

“The guests had a great time playing games, enjoying the delicious meal catered by the wonderful staff at Terry Hills, and socializing with each other. I'm sure it was a night to remember for everyone who attended. The event was a huge success, and those funds will go to support the important work of CASA for Children throughout the community. Overall, it was a fantastic evening for a great cause, and everyone left smiling,” said Metz. 

“We are extremely grateful for the support of our sponsors, who make our work possible. It is thanks to their generosity that we can make a difference in our community.” Metz continued. 

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our "Ricks Café" sponsor, West Middlebury Baptist Church, as well as our King-level sponsors, Empire Building Diagnostics and Liberty Pumps. We also want to thank our Queen-level sponsors, including Upstate Niagara Cooperative - OATKA, Batavia Downs and Gaming, Terry Hills Golf Course & Banquet Facility, Western Regional Off Track Betting Corp, and Main Street Pizza Company. Finally, we would like to acknowledge our Jack-level sponsors: Tompkins Community Bank, Craig and Kimberly Yunker, Dr. Robert Marchese, Lawley Insurance, Batavia Legal Printing, and Torrey Farms, INC. Thank you all for your incredible support! We would also like to thank Ken Barrett Chevrolet-Cadillac, Genesee Feeds, The Torrey Foundation in memory of Jordyn, Jennifer L. Kapela Froebel DDS, Becker Farms, Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, Buffalo Bisons, Genesee Country Village & Museum, Zeliff Aviation, Strong Museum of Science, and the many area businesses that graciously provided beautiful gift baskets, gift certificates, and silent auction items for this year's event. We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community.” 

Genesee County CASA is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to train and supervise a diverse group of volunteers to advocate for children who have been abused and/or neglected.  The family court system appoints cases to CASA and we then assign them to our volunteer advocates.

The children appointed to us are at risk of being removed from their homes or they have already been placed into the foster care system. CASA's goal is to ensure that all of these children have safe and permanent homes as quickly as possible. A child who has a CASA advocate has significantly fewer placements than a child without one. The involvement of a CASA advocate helps to improve the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of the child.

“We are always recruiting new advocates,” said Metz. 

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer or would like more information about the program, please contact Executive Director Jennifer Metz at 585-815-7809 or send an email to director@geneseecountycasa.org. 

This week’s open house of the DelPlato Casey Law Firm was an exciting mix of longtime planning, contemporary architecture, embedded history and future growth, as attorney Peter Casey welcomed dozens of well-wishers to the elaborate, upscale space in Downtown Batavia.

For those longtime locals who had seen the space at 73 Main St. before it was occupied by Alberty’s Drug Store, Thursday brought some nostalgia back with a central staircase that led down to a break room that once upon a time was the ground level of Sleght’s Book Store. 

Sleght’s book and stationery store was part of downtown from 1907 to 1999, housed for 20 years at the Genesee Country Mall until 1975 when it moved across the street to 70 Main St. 

This blond wooden staircase is definitely a focal point, with a geometric light fixture of squares overlapping with one another hanging over top of the backlit handrails. A great deal of attention was paid to lighting, from the series of black cylindrical hanging lights at the entrance to the subtle wall sconces juxtaposed with more utilitarian long tube lights over workspaces.

“Specifically, as many people who are from the area know, this was the home to Sleght’s Book Store for many, many years. You'll remember the stairs, it did go down a little bit smaller than these ones here. And then afterward, the Alberty Drug Store occupied this space for 20-30 years at least. I wanted to thank Greg Gluck … and his parents ran Alberty’s Drug Store. They were kind enough to entrust this building to us, and I thank Greg for allowing us that opportunity,” Casey said. “As for the work that we've done here, there's a few things to kind of know that we think are pretty cool.”

Some of those things include the names of the conference rooms, each one with a theme, including the W. Douglas, after Doug Call, who was a partner with Mike DelPlato when at the office next door for many years — and “among many other talents, for anybody that knew Doug, he was a woodworker, and he built the table that’s in the conference room,” Casey said. 

“He was a good man, an excellent attorney, and he was a minister and a sheriff. So we know where he is now,” he joked. “He was a great mentor to me and many other lawyers in the community. So we want to honor his legacy here forever. He also hired my mom Mary Kay, to be his secretary. So, I guess I kind of owe him for getting me the job.”

The site also has an Oakfield Room, since the firm serves so many clients from the Oakfield area, and a City Conference Room in front along Main Street, which doesn’t need much explaining, he said.

“But we’re really proud to be here in downtown. We’ve got a great city view out there,” he said. “The pictures, you’ll see the photos hanging up primarily in the conference rooms, as well as out here. Those were Howard Owens’ originals. And those are just stunning photos, we’re so happy that you were able to help us with those.”

There were plenty of nods to go around, from Ray Cianfrini and his law firm, which partnered with DelPlato and Casey in 2015, David Ciurzynski Consulting, which was instrumental in getting the project off the ground over the course of three years, David Schoell, the architect who assisted with the staircase and light fixtures, Thompson Builds as general contractor, Tompkins Bank, the Small Business Administration, Batavia Development Corporation and the City of Batavia.

“So none of this happens, not a swing of a hammer, a piece of drywall, none of this happens without, honestly, without you people, without our friends and our clients. And, you know, I'd like to just give you all a round of applause,” Casey said, pausing to clap for the rooms filled with attendees. “I really do believe that, and I know I speak for my staff when I say this, that, you know, we get to know you initially as lawyer and client. But you've become our friends. At least, we think so. And you're here tonight. So we mean that from the bottom of our hearts. I remember Mike saying that when I first started out as an attorney, you know how elated he is just to be able to help his friends. And, you know, this project, in part, was to be able to better serve you and be more accessible. So we're so happy to be here to be able to continue to serve you for a long time.”

He thanked DelPlato for his partnership especially given “as great of a lawyer as he is, as wonderful as a legal career as he’s enjoyed, he’s an even better person.”

“I could not have been more fortunate to be able to learn from such a patient, understanding and kind human being,” Casey said, then referring to his former partner and his mom Mary Kay. “They both retired in the last couple of years. And you know, due to COVID and then not wanting to admit that they retired, we never had a party. So here we are … cheers to Mike and Mary Kay for a happy, healthy retirement.”

He also thanked his mom for her help and support over the years and pointed to the three other women who help with firm operations -- paralegal Karen Vallese, legal secretary Kathy Grayson and secretary Michelle Clattenburg.

Grayson came on board two years into the planning stages of the renovation, so floor plans had been drawn up and she was hearing about what was to come. 

The finished result did not disappoint.

“I love the office, it’s beautiful, it’s modern … it’s so inviting,” she said. “It was comfortable and cozy, but he kind of outgrew the space. And being upstairs, some clients had a problem with the stairs. This is more accessible being downstairs.” 

Casey was one of the city property owners who qualified for money through BDC’s revolving loan fund that can be used for loans and/or grants. Casey’s renovation qualified for a $20,000 grant. BDC Director Tammy Hathaway said that she doesn’t look at the funds going to people as much as being invested into the properties themselves.

“It’s the injection into the actual building stock that we have. Beyond Peter Casey and Mike DelPlato, whoever's going to own this building, we're still going to experience it. So we want to make sure that we're extending the longevity and the life of these buildings in our community,” Hathaway said. “This building alone, as many of them in our downtown, have history. There are so many people out there right now that are attending that remember when it was Sleght’s, they remember when that staircase was open. So to see it come back into life, what was it going to be if Alberty Drug Store wasn't here? Well now we know. Somebody was going to be here. And what a fabulous renovation for all of us to experience.”

As city officials pursue market-rate cottage and condo neighborhood development in the area coined as Creek Park behind the McCarthy Ice Arena, the idea has been met with mixed reactions online.

An aerial view photo was posted on the city’s social media site, which prompted several responses, from “What happened to the outdoor ice rink that was potentially in the works?” to “This is an awful idea. Rather than take such a large green space in the city, develop it into something everyone can use — shelter picnic area, fenced-in dog park, etc.” and “That’s one of the only green spaces in that area of town. I know it’s not as cost-effective for companies, but I wish we would push for reusing abandoned spaces rather than destroying green space.”

Some people definitely seem to be fixated on the flailing Ellicott Station, stalled since August and in limbo as to when and if it will get finished. Case in point, one commenter said, “I hope they can find someone to finish the project on Ellicott Street first,” while another said, “stupid idea. Got one now that just stands there unfinished.” 

Not everyone was a naysayer, however. As one poster said, he thought that “done right, with the proper restrictions on the developer/owner, to prevent what Savarino did, this would be a great idea.” 

The Batavian asked City Manager Rachael Tabelski if those comments would be taken into consideration, even if it seemed as though a majority were trending negative, as can happen on social media. 

“Yes, we like to get feedback, and we appreciate the views of residents and potential residents alike,” Tabelski said.  “The site lends itself to both uses, housing and usable green space.  The intent and design of the site will be for mixed-height residential, not a five-story building like Ellicott Station.  It will incorporate green space and make use of the waterfront. We are working on renderings for the site, but these are the concepts we are interested in seeing on the site.”

Those renderings are below courtesy City of Batavia.
 

Creek Park, one of the city’s latest real estate initiatives that sits alongside Tonawanda Creek and behind the ice arena, may be eligible for the Brownfield Cleanup Program, which comes with related tax credits.  

The city has agreed to spend $15,000 of committed funds to contract with Roux, which has merged with Benchmark Environmental Engineering & Science PLLC and Turnkey Environmental Restoration LLC, to prepare the limited PHASE II environmental investigation in the Creek Park area. 

The city had to wait for the Batavia Development Corporation to obtain the title of 60 Evans St. from the Town of Batavia, which it has done. 

City Council approved the expense and environmental study during its business meeting this week. Meanwhile, the city floated its idea of developing Creek Park on social media.

With its 14th win of the season, and no defeats, The Batavia Blue Devils Girls Soccer team clinched the Monroe League Division 4 crown.

Batavia beat division rival Greece Olympia 6-1.

With one regular season game left, the Blue Devils are ranked #1 in Class A at 14-0-1 with 4.367 seeding points and Aquinas trailing at 13-1-2 and 4.188 seeding points.

Batavia's final game is Friday at home against Greece Athena (Class AA, 8-5-0).

On Wednesday, Batavia Sophomore Ella Shamp started the scoring 11 minutes into the game off a pass from Ella Radley.  Anna Varland added a penalty kick goal three minutes later, and Ella Shamp added another goal in the first half off an assist from Anna Varland.  

Batavia added three more goals in the second half by Ella Radley, Ady O’Donnell, and Anna Varland, with assists from Jaimin MacDonald, Anna Varland, and Isabella Walsh.  

"The team is peaking at the right time and is really having fun," said Head Coach Roger Hume."They just want to play and play hard.  

Growing up in Batavia as one of seven siblings, Lydia Bruce learned to be part of a team early on, she says.

“I came from a big family, and I always embraced the role. We’re very close, we always grew up doing everything together. We were always raised to push each other and support each other,” Bruce said during an interview Wednesday. “I embrace each day as a new opportunity to just be better and do better. That’s my philosophy and what I push for. And to be in a positive work environment.”

It’s that positive work environment — and her role as general manager — that earned Bruce recognition as a top-performing manager at the East Main Street McDonald’s and recipient of a Ray Kroc Award. 

Established in 1999, the award goes to managers who embody the corporation founder’s “vision of excellence,” with Bruce being one of 395 managers named from 70 markets around the world. 

As she was approaching graduation from Batavia High School in 2005, Bruce began to work at McDonald’s restaurant as a crew member, working in the kitchen and serving customers.

She attended Brockport State College and transferred to Buffalo State College with the intention to pursue a teaching career, all the while continuing to work at a McDonald’s to earn money while she gradually crept up the promotions ladder. 

Then something unintentional happened. “My career at McDonald’s started to take off in 2008-09,” she said. She became an assistant manager. 

“I could see what a great career it was, what it had to offer me, and my main thing was always teaching, you know, that was my core,” she said. “And I could see that I could still do that with my career at McDonald's. So for me, it was like a green light. And I've been doing it ever since.”  

She moved back to her hometown in 2010 as she continued climbing those rungs, moving to shift manager within two years and then gradually working her way up from system manager to general manager.

“So when I moved back to Batavia, the opportunity presented itself for me to come back here and work as a general manager. And so I took it because, you know, this is my hometown, and I wanted to see where I'm at in my career and field fruition here in my hometown, where, you know, obviously, I am a local, so I know how much we can help in the community,” she said. 

"I’m a strong supporter," she added, "and just watching my crews succeed, and my managers succeed, and making sure that they have the adequate training as far as growing McDonald's as a business and growing their personal lives and their personal journey of their own, and watching them grow both personally and professionally, is the most satisfying thing to me. Just always being their coach and always being their supporter is such a daily blessing to me.”

As for receiving the award, “I was completely surprised. It was an honor,” she said, adding that she would consider more of an investment in the future.

“McDonald’s offers so many opportunities, I do aspire to grow professionally,” she said. “It is something I would be looking forward to in the future. The majority of my family is in Batavia, and my children are here.”

She also pointed to a company stat about one in eight Americans working or having worked at one of the more than 40,000 McD’s in the world, offering employment to a diverse population of folks. Her daughter, Bridgette Nordee, may be following in mom’s footsteps, working now as a crew member.

Bruce worked at five different locations during her journey since high school, helping to improve performance and ensure each location was set up for success, company officials said. She has remained close to the pulse of education by hosting multiple McTeacher’s Nights each year, which raise money for PTAs, and as an advocate for the Archways to Opportunity program, an educational strategy that gives McDonald’s employees an opportunity to grow and learn by providing them assistance with improving English skills, earning a high school diploma, working towards a college degree, or helping to make an education and career plan with advisors.

Bruce’s award includes a cash prize, a trophy and a trip to McDonald’s Worldwide Convention in Barcelona, Spain. 

“I’m extremely appreciative to be receiving the Ray Kroc Award this year. I’m consistently looking for ways to grow both personally and professionally and am so honored to be presented with this recognition,” Bruce said. “McDonald’s has provided me with so many wonderful opportunities to grow in my career and serve my local community. I love watching my crew succeed and support one another to reach our goals.

“I’m always taking the high road, just pushing positivity and having a welcoming environment, pushing a positive mindset,” she said. “I just go into each day trying to be better than I was yesterday."

McDonald's independent franchisees and regional management nominate restaurant managers for the Ray Kroc Awards to recognize their hard work, dedication, and commitment to McDonald's and its customers.  Restaurant managers play a critical role in delivering an outstanding customer experience and ensuring that McDonald’s is a great place to work, officials said.

“We are extremely proud of Lydia and her dedication to our team, customers and the Batavia community,”  local McDonald’s Owner/Operator Harry Schatmeyer said. “She is a true testament to the people-first culture we promote here at McDonald’s and is well deserving of this recognition.”

Press Release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Genesee County will hold its Annual Meeting and Recognition Dinner on Tuesday, October 24 at 5 p.m. at Terry Hills Restaurant, 5122 Clinton Street Rd., Batavia.

CCE of Genesee County cordially invites you to join us for dinner and help us recognize employees and volunteers. Cornell Cooperative Extension friends, volunteers, and members of the community are welcome to attend.

Please register by October 16 by visiting our website or contacting Laura Guiste: leg224@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040 Ext. 101.