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Press Release:

Organizers with GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare unveiled plans for the third annual career exploration event for students interested in career pathways and opportunities in the healthcare sector. Approximately 600 students from grades 8-12 from 28 schools will gather at Genesee Community College on March 17, 2025, to connect with various healthcare businesses and organizations to learn about careers in the healthcare sector across the GLOW region.

“GLOW With Your Hands and the GLOW region workforce development ecosystem are providing opportunities for students to learn about career opportunities right in their own backyard,” said GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare Co-Chair, Karyn Winters. “Whether it is manufacturing or healthcare our goal is to educate our local students about the many alternative pathways available for them after high school.”

Representatives from hospitals and health systems and professionals in nursing, mental health, social services, and emergency responders will be on hand to interact with students to discuss their careers and pathways into their respective fields. While some careers might begin immediately after high school, attendees will also be able to explore educational pathways in the healthcare sector through BOCES and degrees available at local colleges and universities.

“Our facility has been serving the community for 100 years and we are proud to participate in this event because we want to ensure we have the best possible talent from the next generation of our workforce to provide a high level of care,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO, Medina Memorial Health. “The healthcare sector is in dire need of workers, especially in rural communities, and we want to convey to the students that they can have a successful and rewarding career in healthcare without having to leave the area because they think these opportunities don’t exist here.”

“The support and participation of so many healthcare organizations in this annual event have generated significant interest among hundreds of students about careers in healthcare of which they simply are not aware,” said Kelly Kiebala, Director, Orleans County Job Development Agency. “The interaction between students and healthcare professionals allows for meaningful conversations where students learn what skills, credentials and training are required for a career in the healthcare sector.”

Among the businesses and organizations supporting the 3rd annual event are the M&T Charitable Foundation, Western New York Rural Area Health Education Center, Goodwill Vision Enterprises, and the New York State Department of Labor.

“Like our partners in the manufacturing sector, the healthcare entities associated with this flourishing event are excited to have this opportunity to meet so many students and perhaps get them started on a pathway in the healthcare field,” said Angela Grouse, Co-Chair of GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare. “The support of these businesses and organizations as well as the hundreds of volunteers make this such a worthwhile event for students across the region and in turn is building the foundation for the next generation of the healthcare workforce.” 

There are still sponsorship opportunities for the March 17 event at the Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($2,500), Silver ($1,000) and Bronze ($500) levels. 

For more information about GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare visit www.GLOWWithYourHands.com/healthcare or contact Chris Suozzi at csuozzi@gcedc.com.

Press Release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer serving New York, northern Pennsylvania, and western Vermont, is proud to launch this year’s Check Out Hunger campaign. The initiative will take place in all Tops stores from Sunday, January 19, through Saturday, February 8.

Since its inception in 2004, Tops’ annual Check Out Hunger campaign has raised nearly $6.5 million dollars for participating food banks, making a significant impact in the fight against food insecurity. 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, among households with children, 17.9% (6.5 million households) experienced food insecurity in 2023. Additionally, 5.1% of all U.S. households (6.8 million households) faced exceptionally low food security, where normal eating patterns were disrupted due to limited resources. These statistics highlight a concerning trend in food insecurity across the nation.

By participating in the Check Out Hunger campaign, community members can help make a difference. Simply tell your cashier at Tops that you’d like to support the campaign, and you can contribute $2, $3, or $5 to help provide food for local food banks. 

“Eradicating hunger and supporting our neighbors in need is central to Tops’ mission,” said Ron Ferri, President, Tops Friendly Markets. “We are proud to stand behind this effort year after year.” 

The following food banks will benefit from this year’s Check Out Hunger campaign: 

• FeedMore WNY
• Food Bank of Central NY
• Foodlink of Rochester
• Food Bank of the Southern Tier
• Food Bank of the Hudson Valley
• Food Bank of NW PA
• Food Bank of Central PA
• Food Bank of NE NY
• Food Bank of Vermont

For more information about Tops Friendly Markets and its charitable initiatives, visit www.topsmarkets.com/Community/Living_Here_Giving_Here.

Gunner Pietrzykowski, a Batavia High School sophomore, has an easygoing way of working with a CNC machine that’s new to the State Street engineering class as of fall 2024.

The 15-year-old was demonstrating the steps involved with the computer numerical control router, which takes a computer-generated design and cuts or chisels out the shape. 

“This is the first design we’ve made on this machine,” Gunner said Friday at the school. “It’s a sumo robot for Tech Wars.”

He and fellow 10th-grader Lawrence Chen were working on getting the machine’s blade at the right depth to completely cut through the piece of wood. It first made a perfect circle and then cut an arc out of the other half of the wood.

“I’ve always liked working with my hands and learning visually, and always liked computers and working with machines and tools,” Gunner said, sharing what he first learned in fourth grade Innovator’s Club. “We were doing Lego robots, small and simple. It was a start.”

Six years later, he has more recently been interested in aerospace engineering, with an eye toward designing airplanes or airships, he said. Since Charlie Voorhees’ class received this machine, funded by the district and Genesee County Economic Development Center, it has made a difference in executing projects, the teen said.

“It makes life a whole lot easier with cutting; it’s easier to get it right on the machine by doing it on a computer without wasting materials,” Gunner said. “Before, it took three or four designs, with all the angles and shapes.”

Using the machines is Lawrence’s favorite part of class, he said. He has especially enjoyed the sumo project.

“It’s really cool, we’re going to make robots and going to compete,” he said.

EDC Executive Vice President of Business and Workforce Development Chris Suozzi likes the fact that Gunner’s early start in the field has aligned with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies, up through high school and into his newfound aerospace interests, he said. 

Offering this opportunity for hands-on learning with this machine opens another door for jobs and a career, he said. He visited the classroom last year and Voorhees told him of a need for the CNC equipment, which.

“I said, it's beautiful because I have opportunities from our agency that helps, and I'm trying to do a lot more in K through 12 to inspire kids about opportunities like this and tying that into local careers,” Suozzi said. “So we have legacy companies here, Graham Manufacturing, Liberty Pumps and Oxbo expanding and brand new Edwards Vacuum at STAMP is going to be coming online at the end of this year with over 280 jobs to start and ramp into 600 jobs, and their number one criteria for a job is CNC technicians. So there's an abundance of opportunities for kids to get into this track, into this career pathway.”

Why is this an important topic for the general community?
“Well, I think the important part of it is, this machine, in particular, is really close to what students would find out in the industry. So it's exposure to equipment that they could, right out of high school, they could go out and find a job, and already have had experience on this type of equipment in here,” Voorhees said. “It helps us do all kinds of different projects that normally we accomplish, but we use a lot of different hand tools, and there's a fair amount of error when you're dealing with hand tools and human error. So this really eliminates it. They draw it in a program called V carve Pro, and then they just send the program over to the CNC, and then it does all of the work exactly how they drew it.

“I think this is an opportunity to really prepare students for opportunities out in the workforce. It also provides our students in this class … principles of engineering,” he said. “So these are students that are interested in pursuing fields for further education and engineering, so that they could go to college to be an engineer and have real hands-on experience, and not just classroom experience.”

Suozzi added that students are coming out of high school if they’ve attended a BOCES trades program, making more than $60,000 a year, and after a company’s apprenticeship, can be making $80,000 in their fourth year, plus having skills for jobs that are in demand. Amada Tools is another of those local companies, and it helped to set up the CNC machine and often has jobs available, he said. 

“I always say workforce development is a team sport,” he said. “So we all are in it to win it but we all help each other to see these kids flourish and have great careers here locally in Genesee County.”

Photos by Howard Owens

Press Release:

Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown announced today that Batavia Downs will hold several events across Valentine’s Weekend, February 14 – 16, including Valentine’s Day specials inside of Fortunes Restaurant, the Brew Fest on Saturday, and a special Sunday Brunch inside of the Genesee Room.

On February 14 and 15 Fortune’s Italian Steakhouse will feature a Dinner for Two special that includes $80 in Free Play and choice of several Prime Rib and Seafood combos. Drink Specials, A la carte entrees, and appetizers will also be available. Full menu can be found on the Batavia Downs website or Social Media pages. Reservations are highly recommended by calling 585-FORTUNE (367-8863).

Also on Saturday the 15, the 6th annual Batavia Brew Fest, presented by Genesee Brewery and Rohrbach Brewing Company, will run from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. For $30, attendees receive 2 and a half hours of beer sampling from many WNY breweries along with light snacks and $15 in Free Play. Hotel packages that include tickets are available as well. Tickets are available now at BataviaConcerts.com and the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop located in the lobby of the main entrance of Batavia Downs.

Finally, on February 16, Valentine’s Ballads and Brunch at Batavia Downs will be held inside of the Genesee Room with seatings at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Brunch will consist of a live omelet station, Breakfast Buffet and a complimentary Mimosa for those 21+. $5 Bloody Marys will also be available for purchase. Light Music will be provided by Matt and Mandy. Full Menu can be found on the Batavia Downs website or Social Media pages. Cost is $25 per person with each person receiving $15 in Free Play when a reservation is made. Walk-ins will receive $10 in Free Play. Please call (585) 344-6143 to reserve your spot.

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Press Release:

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners for their monthly Garden Talk programs starting February 6, at noon.  Master Gardener Denise K. will be our host for “Right Plant, Right Place.”  Did you know that plants have preferences for the types of sites where they prefer to grow?  Denise will discuss how soil influences your garden plants, as well as what other basic environmental factors influence plant growth.  By understanding your site, you will be able to pick the right plants to match your growing conditions.

March 6 – “Adaptive Garden Tools” with Master Gardener Brandie W.  Adaptive garden tools can help make gardening easier and more comfortable for people with physical limitations.  Gardening should and can be a therapeutic and enjoyable activity for people of all abilities.  Whether you have limited mobility, strength, perception, or dexterity, there are tools and methods available to help you be a successful gardener.  Adaptive gardening tools not only enhance accessibility, but also empower individuals to create and maintain beautiful and thriving gardens.  Learn more about which adaptive tools may benefit you and help you overcome barriers and experience the joys of gardening again.

April 3 – “Diagnostic Tips for Gardeners” with Master Gardener Jan B.  What’s wrong with my plant?  The art of plant disease diagnosis is a bit like being your own garden CSI.  We’ll help you hone your Sherlock Holmes skills so that you can use your powers of observation and reasoning to identify plant disease problems.  Is it fungal, bacterial, viral or not a disease at all?  We’ll also cover some basic management techniques.

Future Garden Talks and other Master Gardener events will be posted on the CCE Genesee County website http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events.

Garden Talk programs start at Noon and can be 30 to 60 minutes long, depending on the topic.  This free series is open to all, but registration is required.  You can attend in person at the CCE office (420 East Main Street, Batavia) or via Zoom. 

Many of our Garden Talk programs are recorded and posted to our CCE Genesee YouTube page at www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXK_W80PkoUBj-HBm8OFMA/videos .

To attend in person please contact Elizabeth at 585-343-3040 x101 or emk268@cornell.edu.  To register for a Zoom link, visit the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events.  A Zoom link will be sent to your email with your personal link to the event.

“CCE of Genesee County is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.”

Press Release:

GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare is building momentum for its third annual hands-on career exploration event for students to experience healthcare careers.

More than 600 students from Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties will take part in the event, held at Genesee Community College on March 17. Students will learn first-hand about exciting career opportunities in the healthcare sector by meeting representatives and professionals from a variety of healthcare organizations, careers, and training programs.

“The support of our regional sponsors play an integral role in the success of GLOW With Your Hands,” said Angela Grouse, Co-Chair, GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare. “We ask for your help in motivating the future leaders of our community to these impactful careers.”

“Since 2019, GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing and Healthcare have welcomed over 5,000 local students, educating them about the abundant local opportunities while providing businesses an interactive event to engage with those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare,” said Karyn Winters, Co-Chair, GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare. “By supporting this year’s event, our sponsors grow real opportunities for our students.”

Sponsorships for the March 17 event are available at the Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($2,500), Silver ($1,000), and Bronze ($500) levels.

For more information about GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare sponsorship, please visit https://www.glowwithyourhands.com/healthcare-sponsors-and-vendors.

Press Release:

Get in-person tax help and e-file for free at Richmond Memorial Library this tax season Richmond Memorial Library is pleased to partner with volunteers from the New York State Department of Tax and Finance to offer income-eligible citizens assistance with filing their taxes online this tax season.

Tax Department employees will walk you through your income tax returns, step-by-step, as you complete and e-file your tax return for free.

• If you earned $84,000 or less in 2024, you qualify. 
• Safe and secure online tax software.
• Use on-site computers, or your own laptop, tablet, or mobile device.
• You only need basic computer skills and an active email account.

Sessions will be offered on Thursdays –February 6, February 13, February 20, February 27, March 6, March 13, March 20, March 27, April 3 and April 10. Appointment slots are 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. 

Those interested must schedule an appointment. For more information or to make an appointment, contact the library at 585-343-9550 x3 or visit the reference desk. 

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross Street in the City of Batavia. Find the library online at batavialibrary.org.

A Byrne Dairy & Deli, including a freestanding fuel canopy and four fuel pumps, to be operated 24 hours a day, has been proposed to fill the property at 606-622 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Andrew (Ken) Mistler,  property owner of 606-622 and 624 E. Main St., has agreed in writing to a variance since the project is within 500 feet of a public place of assembly, Whole Life Fitness at 624 E. Main St. The project and variance are to be considered during a city Planning and Development meeting next week.

The meeting has been set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

Applicant Christian Brunelle of Sonbyrne Sales Inc. submitted renderings and the proposed project to city planners to remove existing structures, including the former Country Max store, and construct a 4,332-square-foot, one-story convenience store and gas station. 

Entrepreneurial Opportunities JUST LISTED! 52 Swan Street Batavia-City, NY 14020. Fantastic opportunity in heart of City that offers multiple business possibilities OR keep it for your own private work/storage space!!This is a super solid 2662 sq ft masonry building that has 3 overhead doors 6 year old roof and finished office space with private entrance to street. The building sits on a partially fenced large lot offering plenty of parking and area to drop your trailer or outside equipment! This type of opportunity doesn't come around often at this price-take advantage of it! Call Reliant Real Estate today, call 585-344-HOME (4663).

A new Paul McCartney tribute band, Band on the Run, from Rochester, played its debut concert on Thursday at Batavia Downs.

Photos by Howard Owens.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce welcomed Ashley Mooney, DDS, as one of the newest businesses to open locally on Wednesday.

Mooney's new office is at 214 East Main St., Suite #1, Batavia.

Photo by Marc Tillery/WBTA

Press Release:

The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation has unveiled its 2025 event lineup, offering engaging activities throughout Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee, and Wyoming counties. 

“We’ve thoughtfully planned events to cater to both the ‘north’ and ‘south’ regions, with many centered in the Olean and Batavia areas,” said Melissa Sullivan, CEO of Total Senior Care and HomeCare & Hospice. 

The year kicks off on February 23 with the enchanting Princess Party, tentatively planned at Bartlett Country Club in Olean. Little ones can enjoy a royal day filled with nail and hair makeovers, princess dance lessons, crown crafting, and a delightful lunch fit for royalty. Next, bring home a touch of spring with the Hospice Bouquet Sale in early March, offering beautiful flower arrangements to brighten your home while supporting compassionate care.

New to the lineup, the Superhero Bash on Sunday, March 30 at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia promises action-packed fun for kids, including cape and shield crafting, obstacle courses, and superhero freeze dance, with snacks to keep young heroes energized. 

May features two impactful events: the Hospice Hope Walk, Ride, Run Together at Lincoln Park in Olean on May 21, where participants of all ages can honor loved ones and support hospice care; and the Senior Health & Wellness Fair on May 28 at Total Senior Care in Olean, offering free health screenings, a blood drive, and more.

Golf enthusiasts can tee off for a cause at the inaugural Hospice Golf Classic on June 24 at Terry Hills in Batavia, while craft lovers can enjoy the Autumn Artisan Market & Craft Show on October 4 at Total Senior Care in Olean.

Tailgate Thursday, a fan-favorite event, returns on October 9 at Batavia Downs, combining wings, football fun, and games to support hospice care. The year concludes with the cherished Tree of Life Celebrations in November and December, held in both Batavia and Olean. These ceremonies honor and remember loved ones through candlelight, music, and personalized ornaments placed on a holiday tree. 

“The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation is committed to supporting the vital work of HomeCare & Hospice through philanthropy and community engagement,” said Melissa Sullivan. “We’re excited to bring these events to life and look forward to connecting with our communities.” 

The Foundation also offers businesses the opportunity to join the Hospice Heroes Program, gaining valuable exposure while making a meaningful impact through sponsorships or in-kind support.

For event details, sponsorship opportunities, or registration forms, visit www.homecare-hospice.org or call 716-372-2106. Mark your calendars and join us for a year filled with fun and purpose! 

Press Release:

Two projects in the City of Batavia submitted to the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) are projected to generate over $7 million in local benefits.

The GCEDC board of directors will consider initial resolutions for Graham Corporation’s expansion project and 202 Oak St, LLC’s hotel renovation at its January 16 meeting.

Graham Corporation is proposing to construct a new radiographic testing building at their manufacturing facility. The $3.3 million investment will add to an existing manufacturing building.

Graham Corporation is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $120,000 and a property tax abatement estimated at $20,934 based on the incremental increase in assessed value generated by the expansion. The project is estimated to generate $1.2 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $16 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

202 Oak St, LLC is proposing to renovate the former Super 8 hotel’s 54 units. The $2.5 million investment would create 11.5 new full-time equivalent positions.

202 Oak St, LLC is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $104,163, a property tax abatement estimated at $257,823 based on the incremental increase in assessed value generated by the project, and a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $19,000. The project is estimated to generate $5.8 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $20 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

In addition, the project is estimated to generate over $40,000 annually in bed tax revenue for the county once the renovated hotel is ramped up.

The GCEDC board meeting will be on Thursday, January 16 at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia.

Meeting materials and links to a live stream/on-demand recording of the meeting are available at www.gcedc.com.