batavia

Press release:

The phones at Richmond Memorial Library are currently down. The issue is being worked on, and we apologize for any inconvenience. We are open our normal hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Access your account and more at batavialibrary.org!  

As city management and the Batavia Development Corp. pursue ways to attract developers to take over Brisbane Mansion, which now houses the police department, at least one City Councilman sees another option.

And Councilman Al McGinnis made that known during Monday’s conference session. He referred to a prior time after taking a serious walk-through of the property.

“We talked about back then the boutique hotel, a law firm, and apartments, and it simply wasn’t available. The Brisbane Mansion is old, that’s its only function. There was never any famous authors out of there, there was never any books written about it. No treaty was signed there. No famous or infamous people, no historical point at all,” McGinnis said at City Hall. “The one thing that we have to do in City Council is we’re stewards of the taxpayers’ money. At some point, we need to listen to the taxpayer, ask them: do you want to spend any money on the Brisbane? We could make a fortune on the land; the building itself is a wreck. We need to think about what are we going to do as City Council for the value of our citizens. Because guaranteed, they’re gonna say well, now we want a PILOT program, we want a tax break, we don’t want that.”

As a point of correction, there have been pieces of history written by the late City Historian Larry Barnes about the Brisbanes and the piece of property at 10 W. Main St. that was built in 1853, including a play scripted by Derek Maxfield and Barnes. 

The city landmark is listed by the Historic Preservation Commission and formerly served as City Hall from 1918 to 2004 after being the home of George and Sarah Brisbane. Their son Albert was a nationally known author in the 1800s, and his son, Arthur, who worked primarily for William Randolph Hearst, was one of the nation's leading newspaper editors in the later part of the 19th Century. He is buried in the Historic Batavia Cemetery.

City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. wanted to clarify that, no matter what the city opts to do with the building, “I would never vote to knock it down.”

“I’m sorry, I just can't. It's too historical. It was on some of our police letterhead at one point," he said. "So I think that a private entity could do whatever they want. I don't think at this point we were gonna fix it up. I think we're gonna do an RFP, is that right?”

City Manager Rachael Tabelski confirmed that, yes, she thought the council had given direction for the site to be put out for a request for a proposal once the police department had vacated the building. Jankowski agreed while McGinnis emphasized that “we need to find out from the public if they want to proceed with this or not.”

“The only feedback I had when we were talking about this was to let it go out to the private sector. Let it be refurbished into something. The engine house was in worse condition, and it’s still here. St. James rectory was basically falling in, and that’s still here. So with the right person and tender loving care, the building has a purpose,” Jankowski said. “And I think we should RFP it out and let someone else tell us what vision they have to preserve the building and go from there. 

"I mean, we're not even at that point that there might be somebody waiting in the wings for us to make that opening and jump on it (Tabelski added that multiple developers have expressed interest). So there you go," he said. "So I don't think we're going to spend any taxpayer money; we're just going to be opening up the opportunity for the person who gets that to maybe get an opportunity to get some historical grants and things.”

Director of Economic Development Tammy Hathaway said that she and city management are in progress with pursuing consolidated grant funding to prepare for when the police department vacates the premises to its new headquarters downtown. A new police facility is being built at the corner of Alva Place and Bank Street.

“The role of the BDC is really to support the city in its efforts to get it out to RFP and be prepared so that when the police department does vacate that building … we can shrink up the amount of time that the city retains ownership of that building afterward. That's absolutely what we want to do. So in our efforts to make sure that we're prepared to help and support the city and get it out of their ownership, that's definitely what our plans are,” Hathaway said Tuesday morning. “It’s not our intention to spend any money towards it. Rachael said 85 percent of the RFP is already complete, so it's ready. We've had conversations, cursory conversations with developers, as we always do, about what underutilized buildings and sites we have throughout the city so that we're always prepared. And after having exhausted a technical grant from HCR last year to have a reuse analysis completed — we did that with the idea of what is the best use for this —  how do we promote this to developers?”

In-site Architecture analyzed and recommended market rate housing and/or a boutique hotel as the best use for the property. The city’s prospective grants would be to prepare for the redevelopment and renovations to the mansion, with a required match to come from the project developer after submitting a successful request for proposal. 

“Ever since I got hired, it was the intent to support the city in making sure that they’re putting that building back on the tax rolls as quickly as possible,” Hathaway said. “After the police department exits, but then it comes down to a developer too, and when they go through it, there really should be no reason, honestly, that it wouldn’t qualify for historic tax credits.” 

The Regional Economic Development Council Initiative is offering capital improvement grants for pro-housing communities for 2024, and the city of Batavia is an eligible applicant. 

City Council supported the application, including investing grant funds into Main St. 56 Theater property roof repairs and mall fund reserves. 

Press Release:

YWCA of Genesee County is excited to announce a $50,000 grant from the Garman Family Foundation, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, to add Crisis Counseling Services for Genesee County.

For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. 

Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org.

"Case Managers at the YWCA already offer intensive support, safe temporary shelter, 24 crisis hotline services, court advocacy, information and referral, support groups and safety and transitional planning for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and stalking. This new, full-time crisis counselor position will provide more therapeutic services, complementing the services, complimenting the work we are already doing and adding a much needed piece of continued healing and support for the people we assist," says Jamie Rada, Executive Director. 

For more information on the YWCA of Genesee County Crisis Counselor Position please visit www.ywcagenesee.org or contact the YWCA at 585-343-5808 or info@ywcagenesee.org.

Press Release:

Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation will be flushing fire hydrants on Wednesday, June 26 from approximately 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Please be advised that flushing may cause some discoloration of water. This does not represent a health hazard. However, citizens are cautioned to determine if the water is clear before washing clothes (or any other processing) as staining may occur. If you experience discolored water run the cold water in all your faucets for approximately 5-10 minutes.

Premier Genesee regrets any temporary inconvenience you may experience however, the flushing program is necessary to maintain a good water supply for our community.  We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Press Release:

As part of The Salvation Army of Batavia’s Christmas in July celebration, several events are planned throughout the summer to highlight and benefit The Salvation Army’s programs and services in Genesee County.

These events include a Red Kettle Christmas in July fundraiser, Salvation Army night at a Batavia Muckdogs game on July 20, a chicken barbeque in August, back-to-school supply and hygiene product donation drives, and more.

“We have seen a steady increase in families and individuals coming to The Salvation Army for assistance as the cost of living continues to have the biggest impact on those already struggling,” said Captain Bradley Moore of The Salvation Army of Batavia. “With so many new community members coming to us for help, our dollars are being stretched thin.”

Throughout the year, The Salvation Army of Batavia helps more than 10,314 families and individuals through its food pantry, emergency assistance program, Christmas and toy assistance programs, and youth and senior programs.

“Donations from these summer events stay in our community and will help us to continue our vital programs and services throughout the year to help those most in need in Batavia and Genesee County,” Captain Moore added.

Donations to The Salvation Army of Batavia can be made at any of these upcoming events. Online donations can be made by texting TSABatavia to 31333 or by visiting https://give.salvationarmy.org/Batavia2024. Cash or checks can be dropped off, or mailed to, The Salvation Army of Batavia, 529 East Main Street, Batavia.

Press Release:

The Batavia City School District is proud to acknowledge the Batavia High School students who received awards and recognition at our recent 2023-2024 BHS Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 13, at the Frank E. Owen Auditorium at Batavia High School.

"I am incredibly proud to congratulate our BHS students on their outstanding achievements this year," said BHS Principal Jennifer Wesp. “Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance have truly paid off, and it is an honor to see them recognized. To our seniors, the Class of 2024 - you have reached a significant milestone, and we hope these achievements serve as a catalyst for your future success. Congratulations again to all our students!"

101 students were honored at the event, with our seniors receiving a combined $83,725 in monetary awards and scholarships. Members of the junior and sophomore classes were also recognized with non-monetary awards.

The honorees included:

Elijah Abdella, Senior

• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award
• US Air Force Math & Science Award

Zoey Arroyo, Senior

• Kelly Deneka Memorial Scholarship

Alan Audelo, Senior

Adelaide R. Kenny Award

Andrew Beal, Senior

• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin
• Eleanor Treiber Arts Award
• Glenn S. Loomis Award
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award
• Emma Bigsby, Senior
• American History Award
• Dr. Edith Ryan-Catherine Long Memorial Award
• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin
• GCC Advanced Studies: Semifinalist for the Outstanding Scholar Award for Excellence in World Language
• John M. Secord Jr. Memorial Award
• NYS Academic Excellence
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award
• Walter Delbridge Memorial Award

Lilyana Burke, Senior

• Class of 2020 Award
• Community All Stars
• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin
• Philip Reake Memorial Award
• Student Government Award

Ayden Carlson, Senior

• Eleanor Treiber Arts Award

Julia Clark, Senior

• Dominic F. Valle, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
• GCC Advanced Studies: Outstanding Scholar Award for Excellence in Social Science
• Rob O'Geen Memorial Art Award

Cassidy Crawford, Senior

• Batavia Rotary Presidential Scholarship Finalist
• Eleanor Treiber Arts Award
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award
• US Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award

Matthew Doeringer, Senior

• AP Science Award
• Batavia Business & Professional Women's Club Scholarship
• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin
• Frank Innes Memorial Award
• Kenneth Hay Memorial Scholarship
• NYS Academic Excellence
• Quincy Jones Musicianship Award
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award

Cassie Ernst, Senior

• James R. Owen Memorial Scholarship

Prudence Favaloro, Senior

• ATOP Scholarship
• Kelly Deneka Memorial Scholarship

Ryan Fazio, Senior

• Batavia Business & Professional Women's Club Scholarship
• Batavia Lions Club Scholarship
• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin
• Glenn S. Loomis Scholarship
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award

Seamus Fisher, Senior

• NYS Comptroller Achievement Award
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award

Carolynn Flint, Senior

• Eleanor Treiber Arts Award

Mekhi Fortes, Senior

• Frank Innes Memorial Award

Leilani Maria Frias, Senior

• Community Diversity & Inclusion All-Star
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award
• Triple "C" Award

Sophie Fryer, Senior

• Batavia Music Boosters Winterguard Award

Abrianna Gabriel, Senior

• Batavia Business & Professional Women's Club Scholarship
• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin
• NYS Comptroller Achievement Award

Addison Glynn, Senior

• Batavia Music Boosters Annual Award
• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award

Owen Halpin, Senior

• Michael R. Houseknect Memorial Scholarship

Lillian Horgan, Senior

• Burk Family Scholarship for Trade Education

Aleeza Idrees, Senior

• Batavia Business & Professional Women's Club Scholarship
• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin
• Genesee County Medical Association Award
• Kiwanis Richard Rung Citizenship Award
• NYS Academic Excellence
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award

Ayla Kelsey, Senior

• Class of 1986, Michael A. Tenebruso Memorial Award

Kaelee Kelso, Senior

• Batavia Music Boosters Annual Award

Alex Kingston, Senior

• Knights of Pythias Achievement Award

Orion Lama, Senior

• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin

Nicholas Martinucci, Senior

• American History Award
• Batavia Lions Club Scholarship
• Batavia Rotary Presidential Scholarship Finalist
• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin
• John M. Secord Jr. Memorial Award
• Mary Delbridge Memorial Citizenship Award
• NYS Academic Excellence
• Semper Fidelis Marine Corp Music Award
• Student Government Award
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award

Kirstin Mattice, Senior

• Batavia Teacher's Association Scholarship
• Roger Medley, Polish Falcons Scholarship

Freya Mellander, Senior

• Batavia Winterguard Scholarship
• John Philip Sousa Bank Award
• Natalie Walker Owen Foreign Language Scholarship
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award

Eli Michalak, Senior

• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin
• NYS Comptroller Achievement Award

Sophia Minuto, Senior

• Batavia Lions Club Art Roth Award
• Batavia Rotary Club Memorial Presidential Scholarship
• Class of 1965 Freedom Award
• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin
• GCC Advanced Studies: Semifinalist for the Outstanding Scholar Award for Excellence in English
• Student Government Award
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award

Sophia Moore, Senior

• NYS Comptroller Achievement Award
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award

Giana Mruczek, Senior

• GCC Advanced Studies: Semifinalist for the Outstanding Scholar Award for Excellence in Social Science
• Julie Grazioplene-Hahn Memorial Scholarship
• Roger Medley, Polish Falcons Scholarship
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award
• US Navy Inspirational Leadership Award

Michael Nardone, Senior

• Angelo J. Branciforte Scholarship Award

Brennen Pedersen, Senior

• Ann Robertson Memorial Scholarship

Julia Preston, Senior

• Batavia Business & Professional Women's Club Scholarship
• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin
• Genesee County Medical Association Award
• Vietnam Veterans of America, Dana Fry Scholarship

Parris Price, Senior

• Community Wellness All-Star
• Frank Innes Memorial Award
• Student Government Award

Cyaundra Quezada, Senior

• Burk Family Scholarship for Arts
• The Korzelius Scholarship

Liliana Showler, Senior

• NYS Comptroller Achievement Award
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award
• Donavin Solis, Senior
• AP Chemistry Achievement Award
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award
• US Air Force Math & Science Award

Harrison Southall, Senior

• Dean Richmond Award
• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin

Ben Sputore, Senior

• Frank Innes Memorial Award

Anna Stevens, Senior

• GCC Advanced Studies: Semifinalist for the Outstanding Scholar Award for Excellence in Social Science

Tori Swinarski, Senior

• Louis Armstrong Jazz Award

Anna Varland, Senior

• Batavia Business & Professional Women's Club Scholarship
• Batavia Rotary Presidential Scholarship Finalist
• Burk Family Scholarship - Dorothy Alice Pratt Memorial Award
• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin
• Esther VanDetta Memorial Scholarship
• Kay Dean Memorial Scholarship
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award

Lily Wagner, Senior

• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award
• Walter Delbridge Memorial Award

Isabella Walsh, Senior

• Batavia Rotary Presidential Scholarship Finalist
• Dr. Paul Stomper Science Pin
• Robert Hunt Memorial Scholarship
• Sports Medicine Award

Katelyn Witherow, Senior

• Frank E. Owen Music Educator Award

Peyton Woeller, Senior

• NYS Academic Excellence
• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award
• Triple "C" Award

Quinn Woeller, Senior

• Summa Cum Laude-Presidential Outstanding Academic Award
• US Navy Outstanding Scholar Award

Ava Anderson, Junior

• John M. Secord Jr. Memorial Medal in Mathematics (Silver)
• Notre Dame Club of Rochester Junior of the Year Nominee
• RIT Humanities & Social Sciences Award
• Social Studies Achievement Award

Cameron Baiocco, Junior

• St. Bonaventure University Bonnie Scholarship Award

Makayla Balonek, Junior

• Alfred University Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering Award

Madeline Bellamy, Junior

• University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Science Award

Abigail Bestine, Junior

• Alfred University "Outside of Ordinary" Scholars Award

Aubrey Bisher, Junior

• St. Bonaventure University Bonnie Scholarship Award

Allison Bisnett, Junior

• St. Bonaventure University Bonnie Scholarship Award

Kylee Brennan, Junior

• Elmira College Key Award

Lila Callan, Junior

• RIT Women in STEM Award

Jeremiah Childs, Junior

• RIT Business & Leadership Award

Allison Debo, Junior

• RIT Art & Design Award

Maddison Dennis, Junior

• Student Sage Award

Nicole Doeringer, Junior

• RIT Science & Math Award

Lillian Emerson, Junior

• University of Rochester Frederick Douglass & Susan B. Anthony Award

Kahler Evans, Junior

• AP Chemistry Achievement Award
• Clarkson University HS Achievement Award

Will Fulton, Junior

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal Program

Grant Gahagan, Junior

• Alfred State - Pioneer Leaders Award - 4 yr degree

Cameron Garofalo, Junior

• AP Chemistry Achievement Award
• LeMoyne College Heights Award

Sam Grillo, Junior

• AP Chemistry Achievement Award
• RIT Computing Award

Faith Guiste, Junior

• Marist College Greystone Technology Award

Ava Higgins, Junior

• Elmira College Key Award

Kelsey Kirkwood, Junior

• University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award

Abbigayle Leone, Junior

• Keuka College George H. Ball Community Achievement Award

Nathan Michael, Junior

• Harvard Prize Book

Alexandra Morrill, Junior

• University of Rochester Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology

Jameson Motyka, Junior

• St. Bonaventure University Bonnie Scholarship Award

Madeline Ohlson, Junior

• Outstanding Artist of the Year Award

Mia Pellegrino, Junior

• LeMoyne College Heights Award

Jake Phillips, Junior

• St. Lawrence Book Award

Makenzie Rich, Junior

• Lulu Westbrook Griffin/Frances Willard Award

Kayla Richenberg, Junior

• Student Sage Award

Campbell Riley, Junior

• St. Bonaventure University Bonnie Scholarship Award

Isabelle Scott, Junior

• Keuka College George H. Ball Community Achievement Award

Bridget Taggart, Junior

• St. Bonaventure University Bonnie Scholarship Award

Trevor Tryon, Junior

• Clarkson University HS Leadership Award

Alyssa Turner, Junior

• Alfred State - Pioneer Leaders Award - 2 yr degree

Madilyn Underhill, Junior

• Keuka College George H. Ball Community Achievement Award

Payton Vickery, Junior

• Chatham University's Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award

Matthew Wittmeyer, Junior

• St. Bonaventure University Bonnie Scholarship Award

Allyson Wormley, Junior

• Keuka College George H. Ball Community Achievement Award

Aaden Calletto, Sophomore

• Chemistry Achievement Award

Drew Stevens, Sophomore

• Chemistry Achievement Award

Dominic Southall, Sophomore

• Chemistry Achievement Award

Helaina Staley, Sophomore

• Chemistry Achievement Award

Ava Darling, Sophomore

• Chemistry Achievement Award

Gretchen Redder, Sophomore

• Chemistry Achievement Award

Landon Hamilton, Sophomore

• Chemistry Achievement Award

Ben Chen, Sophomore

• Chemistry Achievement Award

Anthony LeCointe-Naegely, Sophomore

• Chemistry Achievement Award

Isaac Varland, Sophomore

• Chemistry Achievement Award

The Batavia High School Class of 2024 graduation ceremony will be held on Friday, June 28, at 7 p.m., at VanDetta Stadium.

Louvan S. "Ty" Norman, 38, of Treyer Street, Rochester, is charged with four counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd and four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. Norman was arrested on a sealed indictment warrant on May 29 following an investigation by the Local Drug Task Force. Norman is accused of selling quantities of crack cocaine to agents of the task on four separate occasions while in the city of Batavia. He was arraigned in County Court and released under supervision.

Nathaniel L. Beglinger, 32, of Peaviner Road, Alexander, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. Beglinger was arrested on May 21 on a sealed indictment warrant stemming from an investigation by the Local Drug Task Force. Beglinger is accused of selling quantities of crack cocaine in Alexander to agents of the task force. He was arraigned in County Court and released on his own recognizance.

Kyle J. Stack, 38, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd and three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. Stack was arrested on June 21 on a seal indictment warrant at his place of employment. Stack is accused of selling quantities of crack cocaine to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force in the city of Batavia. He was arraigned in County Court and released on his own recognizance.

Andre D. Coley, 32, of South Platt Street, Albion, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd.  Coley was arrested on May 23 on a sealed indictment warrant upon his release from custody in the Orleans County Jail on unrelated charges. Coley is accused of selling quantities of crack cocaine to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force on two occasions in the city of Batavia. He was arraigned in County Court and released on his own recognizance.

Mathew P. Parker, 34, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. Parker was arrested on May 21 on a sealed indictment warrant by Batavia PD NET officers following an investigation by the Local Drug Task Force. He allegedly sold quantities of crack cocaine to an agent of the task force. He was arraigned in County Court and released on his own recognizance.

Galena Ann Esainko, 31, of Lippold Road, Darien, is charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child and harassment 2nd. No information was released by the Sheriff's Office on what led to the charges. The alleged incident was reported on June 19 at 8:10 p.m. at a location on Lippold Road, Darien. Esainko was held pending arraignment.

Andres Manuel Cabrera, 29, of Pershing Parkway, Mineola, is charged with attempted assault 2nd (with intent to cause injury to a police officer), criminal mischief 3rd, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, and intent to damage property. Deputies responded to the Quality Inn and Suites at 12:18 a.m. on June 17 to investigate a criminal mischief complaint. While conducting an investigation, deputies attempted to detain Cabrera. Cabrera is accused of attempting to run from officers and then fighting with officers. Hw arrested and transported to the jail for processing. He was released on an appearance ticket. The arresting officers were Deputy Jacob Kipler and Deputy Mason Schultz.

Amethyste Rose Fleming, 25, of Bowen Road, Alexander, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and criminal mischief 3rd. According to deputies, Flemming's child left the house unattended for hours while the temperatures exceeded 90 degrees. They also alleged Fleming's son got outside the residence unattended and walked approximately a quarter of a mile down the road with Fleming's two German Shepherds to a neighbor's house, where the dogs attacked a goat. The incident was reported at 4:39 p.m. on June 18. Fleming was transported to the jail and held pending arraignment. 

Ryan Michael Bolivar, 43, of South Elm Avenue, Fresno, Calif., is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, vehicle lights not meeting standards, and drinking or using cannabis in a motor vehicle. Bolivar's vehicle was stopped at 10:17 p.m. on June 20 on Lewiston Road by Deputy Jacob Kipler. He was transported to the jail for processing and released.

Jamie L. Dalba, 42, of Pine Street, Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Dalba was allegedly found in possession of cocaine at 3:42 a.m. on June 24 at a location on South Pearl Street, Oakfield. He was processed at the jail and released.

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is investigating the larceny of a Silver Cannondale Quick Disc 3 Bicycle. See attached stock photo. The larceny occurred in the Town of Batavia last night on June 23, 2024. The bicycle was cut from a bike rack attached to the victim's vehicle. If anyone locates this bicycle or has any information requiring the larceny please contact the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Jenna Ferrando, at 585-343-5000.

Press Release:

Energetic and personable, with a warm sense of humor and jovial laugh, Melissa Vinyard is only half joking when she tells people that she was “predisposed to be an alcoholic with a last name like Vinyard.”

That’s because the 57-year-old Batavia resident was born to an alcoholic mother, who succumbed to the disease in November 2017.

“My mother was my best friend and worst enemy at the same time,” Vinyard said. “She told me that if I was going to drink, I needed to drink like a lady – whatever that means.”

What it turned out to mean was that Vinyard would become addicted to alcohol and drugs, needing substances to make it through each day. Fortunately for her, however, she broke free from the cycle of addiction and has been in recovery for six years.

Moreover, through her connection with UConnectCare (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse), where she spent time in treatment, Vinyard’s path of sobriety has resulted in her being hired last June as the nonprofit agency’s coordinator of The Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road.

“Who would have ‘thunk’ it after all that I went through?” she said.

Vinyard says that her introduction to alcohol started in her mother’s womb.

“I’d like to say I had my first drink in utero because my mother was an alcoholic who drank through her pregnancy,” she said. “I can remember my first few sips of alcohol. My mother loved to entertain, and at our Christmas parties, she would pretend to hire me to be the waitress. And I would be cleaning up and seeing the half-drank wine glasses.

“I’d say to myself, ‘What’s this? Such a really pretty color. I took a couple of sips, and automatically, it was like, this is luscious. I put it in my mouth, and it started to tingle. I swallowed it, and it burned into me. What have I found? I didn’t know what I had actually found, but what I knew was that I felt better.”

She said she didn’t want to lose that “feeling” and embarked on a life of heavy drinking and drug use.

Vinyard grew up in Geneseo, graduating from Geneseo High before helping her mother, Kerry Holmes, run their beauty salon in the village. She became, in her words, “a townie,” partying with the college students and then a “highly-functioning alcoholic” – consuming large volumes of beers and wine coolers – with cocaine use mixed in.

The oldest of five children, she said she was married twice but both ended in divorce.

“I was a good mom; I attended all of my sons’ sporting events, but I wasn’t a good wife,” she admitted.

Vinyard attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Geneseo back in 2010, but she went back to drinking – even after she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer and had to undergo a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Six years later, she suffered a stroke at work, prompting her doctor to tell her that she was going to die if she kept drinking.

“I said, ‘Tell me what I need to do?’ she recalled. “I was too afraid to live and too scared to die.”

With her family’s tough love approach, Vinyard checked herself into the Margaret A. Stutzman Addiction Treatment Center in Buffalo. Just ten days into her rehabilitation, her mother died of complications from her drinking at the age of 71.

Mourning the loss of her mother and being evicted from her home by her then fiancé, Vinyard entered intensive outpatient treatment at GCASA, followed by 2 ½ years at the agency’s sober living for women residence.

“I went through all the steps and was in group (therapy) every day,” she said. “GCASA saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself.”

Vinyard enrolled at Genesee Community College, taking drug and alcohol counseling courses, and stayed in recovery despite suffering major injuries when struck by a car while crossing the street on East Main in Batavia four years ago.

In 2020, Vinyard became a peer advocate with the agency, working at The Recovery Station and the detox center. She has also assisted in the clinic and the mobile unit.

“I’m living my recovery out loud because GCASA saved my life,” she said, adding that she since has found spiritual support at a church in Batavia and is leading a spirituality group at The Recovery Station.

Vinyard shared that the “very first person that I met at church, who greeted me, was a woman named Judy.”

She said Judy had responded to a call for prayer from Vinyard’s brother and sister. The two women became pen pals and now they keep in touch regularly through her church.

“I have found a spiritual connection to Jesus Christ and was baptized,” Vinyard said. “When I came up from the water, it felt like the inside of me had taken a shower. It was the first time that my inside matched my outside.”

The path to recovery begins with U. At UConnectCare; we want you to work with us. For more information on employment opportunities, go to www.uconnectcare.org.

Press Release:

The ARTiculations Ability Exhibition - a forum for artists with disabilities in Genesee, Wyoming, and Orleans counties to display their work publicly - will re-open with a new artist at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) in their office at 319 West Main Street in the Crickler Executive Business Center in Batavia on Thursday July 1.  Titled “Art Unspoken”, it features the work of Megan Benzee.

She states, “I am an artist experiencing a genetic disorder. I enjoy sharing artwork with the world. I want to make everyone’s life full of color and meaning. I hope to make pieces that hold a place in someone’s heart.”

A reception with light refreshments will be held for the artist at the ILGR office from 4 - 6 p.m. on Monday July 8.  A product of a partnership between ILGR and the University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), the Exhibit will be on display through September 30.

Background

Megan’s adoptive parents first encountered her at the age of 10 weeks in Guatemala; she came home to Wyoming County with them at 5 months and is now an 18-year-old U.S. citizen.  Her family had to take her to Philadelphia to see specialists about her rare, incurable, genetic disease, but Horseback Therapy, using a retired therapy horse, kept in a neighbor’s stable, has permitted her to function without her electric wheelchair on occasion. When homebound, she expresses herself through her art, and, although self-taught, she credits her amazing teacher Diane Campbell for encouraging her since Sixth Grade and recently won the District-wide Iroquois Superintendent’s Award.

An admirer of the late Mexican surrealist painter Frida Kahlo and similar artists, she loves to do pet portraits for people, particularly the eyes, often drawing with her bird Claude on her shoulder and her cat Esther on her lap.

An invitation

Other artists with disabilities residing in the Genesee, Orleans & Wyoming County areas are encouraged to submit their work to this juried competition, as there will be additional ARTiculations planned quarterly exhibits in the future.

For questions on the event, please call Catherine DeMare at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

At home on Saturday, the Batavia Muckdogs played a non-league game against the Buffalo All-Stars and lost 9-8. 

Since it's a non-league game, the loss doesn't count in the standings, nor to the stats count, so there is no box score to provide game stats.

The Muckdogs play a home game at Dwyer on Sunday (today) at 4 p.m.

Once again in partnership with Sunnking Sustainable Solutions, Assemblyman Steve Hawley hosted his annual electronics recycling drive on East Main Street Road in Batavia on Saturday.

Photos by Howard Owens.

For 26 years, Kathy Panepento, founder and key figure in Crossroads House's operations, has provided a "steadfast and unwavering commitment" to the community, Assemblyman Steve Hawley noted at Panepento's retirement party on Friday.

"For nearly three decades, Kathy Panepento rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable services to Crossroads House, truly earning the admiration, esteem and affection of her colleagues and the community," Hawley said, reading from an Assembly Citation.

In those 26 years, Panepento has been director of residential care, end-of-life doula services, and served on the board of directors.

"Thank you all for being here and sharing this event and to celebrate my retirement," Panepento said. "But it wasn't just me. It was the board of directors, the volunteers, the nurses, and the staff. It takes a village to keep Crossroads house operational. And I know, even when I leave, it's in good hands."

Panepento was a registered nurse and end-of-life doula in the late 1990s when she realized that Batavia didn't have a residential end-of-life care facility.  While recognizing most people with a terminal condition would prefer to pass peacefully at home, that isn't an option for many people, so she thought the community should provide a facility with 24-hour care.

She kicked off the organization of what eventually became Crossroads House, which opened at 11 Liberty Street. Batavia First Presbyterian Church paid $1 a month in rent for a former parsonage. 

The first resident entered Crossroads House on Jan. 7, 1998.

"She has left her mark as a caring member of the community," Hawley said.

City Council President Eugene Jankowski and County Legislator Gary Maha also presented Panepento with proclamations.

Jankowski praised Panepento as a role model for the community and mentor to the employees and volunteers at Crossroads House.

Crossroads House wouldn't have been possible, Panepento noted, without the support of her family, especially her husband Frank, who recently retired from the Batavia City School District.

For retirement, Panepento is planning to get her commercial driver's license so she can get behind the wheel of a Class B recreational vehicle and take off with Frank to see the country. She also plans to spend time with her grandchildren and research family ancestry. 

A master researcher, author and presenter of local history, Larry Barnes became the face of all things Batavia as the city historian for 16 years until his retirement in December 2023. Soft-spoken but adamant about capturing various moments and people of history, including his latest penned venture into the lives of Black Batavians, Barnes, 83, passed away on June 21 at The Gateway Home in Attica, where he had received end-of-life care. 

A GCC psychology professor-turned-historian in later life, Barnes also authored several books and scripted a play about the Brisbane Mansion, which is still a hot topic as city management works to put it on the selling block after the police station moves out into new digs downtown. 

Barnes was present throughout the years of discussions about what to do with the police department in an antiquated building that once housed the Brisbane family, and he was pleased to see a final solution. He advocated for repurposing the West Main Street site instead of demolishing the property and its valuable city history. 

Barnes was very active in the community, having served with several history-related groups, including the Landmark Society of Genesee County, Batavia Historic Preservation Committee, Genesee County Historians Association, Government Appointed Historians of Western New York and the Association of Public Historians of New York State.

It was when Barnes was a member of the Holland Land Office Museum board and city historian that Ryan Duffy met and made a connection with him. Duffy is the museum's executive director and the recently appointed city historian to take the reins in January.

“Larry was a mentor to me,” Duffy said Saturday. “When I came on to the museum, he was always there to help me out with anything with local history. He was always a resource for me and for the museum in general. 

"He was the person who wanted me to become city historian after him. So he always admired what I did, and always, you know, pushed me to do more, but I always looked up to him in his research, and I always used it as a resource too, so there's a lot of things that he covered that I think if he hadn't covered it, we might have forgotten about it," Duffy said. "So his impact will be felt forever.”

Barnes was also a go-to source for area organizations, groups and even journalists who picked his brain about certain city topics, gleaning background for news articles. His gentle and willing manner, combined with a dry sense of humor, made interviews easy and informative.

For Duffy, he wants to make sure “I keep the legacy going,” he said.

For Barnes, the historian role was one of many passions that included photography, extemporaneous public speaking (he won a national competition in school), doing methodical research, and putting his highly creative skills to both fun and practical purposes by crafting small whimsical designs up to building two beloved homes.

He took his volunteer role seriously, even to the point of braving the wintry elements during the city's bicentennial celebration by standing on an outdoor stage to address the snow-covered crowd. 

That volunteer gig shifted to a paid position, but only after Barnes' 16 years were nearly up -- when City Council voted to pay the role a $5,000 per year stipend. 

His faithful service and untold hours were a testament to his belief in the importance of documenting history at any -- or no -- cost, which is a stepping off point for Duffy from here forward.

His body is to be cremated, and his earthly remains will be privately interred in the Historic Batavia Cemetery, another site that Barnes knew well.

A Celebration of Life service will be at 2 p.m. July 28 at the Main Street 56 Theater in Batavia. It will be a time of reflection, remembrance, celebration and sharing.

Go HERE for the full obituary.   

Although Cornerstone Church has been a source of controversy for at least one prior event on its expansive 20-acre grounds, there's no denying its ability to host popular speakers, including this weekend's outspoken Christian leader Mario Murillo, expected to bring in thousands of attendees for each of four nights beginning Sunday.

Cornerstone Church "will transform into a powerhouse of hope and healing," organizers say, "be there as miracles unfold, lives are touched, and hearts find renewal."

The tent has been set up at 8020 Bank Street Road, Batavia for Murillo's visits, which are to include a message of hope and healing each night from Sunday through Wednesday beginning at 6 p.m., Pastor Paul Doyle said.

"There is no cost. Come as you are. General seating. Plenty of parking. We're expecting big crowds," Doyle said Friday. "People are coming from all over New York State and outside states as well, so come early if you can."

Doyle said that when Murillo came to the Batavia church in August 2021, he drew 4,000 people each night. His claim to fame is his humble birth as a Christian with the courage to give church a try.

“Someone dared me to go to church because I had been outspoken against the Christian faith,” Murillo said. “They said if I was going to bash it, I should at least consider it. So I went, and while I was there, there was a visiting team from New York City who were former heroin addicts and gang members. 
They gave their stories and it really affected me. I realized I was called to be a Christian minister.”

According to his bio, Murillo rose from poverty in the Mission District of San Francisco.  After being revolutionized by Christ, he felt a call to the University of California at Berkeley. Sharing his faith on this riot-torn campus seemed beyond impossible.  His attempts to communicate were repeatedly rejected, which led him to pray a prayer that would define the rest of his life.

“If you called me to this campus, you must help me.” The help arrived in stages.  It began with words— a way of saying things that were different than audiences were accustomed to — that seemed to tumble out of his mouth.  A small group of students quickly grew to a regular crowd of hundreds. 

Then, something else happened: students began to report healings. They would testify that in the name of Jesus, their sickness had vanished. Murillo quickly understood that any report of healing should be verified by doctors.  He also steadfastly maintained that the Gospel must remain his central theme.  Miracles must be regarded as byproducts of preaching the Word of God, he said. At this point,  thousands began to attend his rallies.

His international ministry was launched after a four-day conference in San Jose, Calif., which was extended for six months, with a total attendance of nearly 250,000 people.

Since then, Mario’s voice has been heard by millions around the world, bringing a message that zeroes in on society's hurts. His material states that he presents Christ "clearly, intelligently and openly declares the power of Jesus to totally transform a life." He offers an invitation for anyone interested to "come and see. Christ has the power to end addiction, racism, violence and disease."

“I have a profound belief in the power of God in the modern era because I have seen it at work,” Murillo said. “But the power of God has been counterfeited, commercialized and misappropriated. And the problem is that once that happens, then we’re maligned.”

Cornerstone hosted the ReAwaken America Tour in 2022, much to some protesters' dismay,  and brought General Mike Flynn to the campus earlier this year. 

For more information about Maurillo's visit, go HERE and click on EVENTS.

At age 74, Batavia resident Dave Barone accomplished a rare feat on Wednesday. He played 18 holes of golf at Batavia Country Club and show a career-best round of 70, two strokes under pare and four strokes under his age.

His friend Doug Cercere, who referred to Barone as a local bowling legend, credited the accomplishment to "Hours of practice that contributed to his single-digit handicap and this very impressive score over the 6,500-yard course."

His round was witnessed by Mickey Hyde, Nick DiFlippo, and Cercere.

Press Release:

The Batavia City School District is proud to announce that Ms. Volpe’s 6th grade Reading Class has won First Place in the prestigious statewide video contest hosted by the Rural Schools Association of New York State. 

This impressive project involved 21 students and took about two weeks to complete, showcasing their creativity, technical skills, and dedication.

"We are immensely proud of Ms. Volpe and her 6th grade Reading Class for their incredible achievement. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and collaboration of our students. They have truly captured the spirit of Batavia Middle School, showcasing the best of what our school and community have to offer. Congratulations to each student involved and to Ms. Volpe for her outstanding guidance and support throughout this project," said Batavia Middle School Principal Nathan Korzelius.

The theme for this year's contest was "The Miracles of Rural Education." The project began with a class discussion on the concept of miracles and brainstorming examples within their school, other schools, and the Batavia community. They then divided into groups, each responsible for planning a script, deciding on filming locations, and creating a filming schedule.

Throughout the project, students analyzed previous years' winning videos to gather insights on what made them successful. Using this research, they meticulously planned, filmed, and edited their own video. 

The collaborative effort included selecting transitions, incorporating images, and adding music, resulting in a polished and compelling video that highlights the unique aspects of Batavia Middle School.

David A. Little, Esq., Executive Director of the Rural Schools Association of New York State, praised the students' accomplishment, stating, “The contest is intended not only to support student creativity and technical skill, but to encourage pride in their school and their community. For Batavia to have won First Place in a statewide competition that includes large districts and BOCES with studio quality equipment is a testament to the quality of their instruction and the dedication of their students.”

The following students participated in the winning project:

• Alexsandra Bernard
• Lilyana Berner
• Christopher Bombard
• Nate Clarke
• Gavin D'Amico
• Harper Davis
• Kristian Demers
• Callum Fancher
• Shae Finn
• Malachi Harris
• Arlo Hoisington
• Sienna Kibler
• Jace Maid
• Jack McCarthy
• Mason McEwen
• Noah Morris
• Elliyanna Murphy Smith
• Cattaleya Rojo-Hallock
• Gabriella Smith
• Cole Woodward
• Taryn Wright

Press Release:

The Governor’s office recently announced Round XIV of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative, which includes capital grant and tax-credit funding combined with a wide range of programs from multiple State agencies, including $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development (ESD), available to projects on a continuous basis.

The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council is focused on supporting projects that advance or address strategic priorities including the four core focus areas of Industry Growth, Built Environment, Workforce Development, and Quality of Life. New this year, up to $10 million for the Small Manufacturer Modernization Program; and up to $40 million for the Capital Improvement Grants for Pro-Housing Communities Program.

We are fortunate that the Finger Lakes Region’s Empire State Development office has offered to join local organizations in Wyoming County (Wyoming County IDA and Chamber of Commerce) and Genesee County (GCEDC and Chamber of Commerce) in holding two in-person Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) information sessions for details regarding funding available in Round XIV of the REDC initiative on:

• Wednesday, June 26 at the Genesee County Economic Development Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia. The program begins at 10 a.m., with a Q & A session to follow.
• Thursday, June 27 at the Wyoming County Ag & Business Center, Second Floor Conference Room, 36 Center Street, Warsaw. The program begins at 9:30 a.m. with a Q & A session to follow.

“We encourage our municipalities, small businesses, and manufacturers to join us to learn the opportunities available in this year’s CFA and connect with Empire State Development representatives that can assist in submitting successful applications,” said Mark Masse, GCEDC Senior Vice President. “CFA programs can accelerate investments and infrastructure that grow our communities.

The Information sessions will consist of an overview of available funding programs, application tips, as well as time for questions about the CFA process. As a reminder, the application deadline for most CFA programs is July 31 at 4 p.m.

"We are very appreciative of our partners from Empire State Development for working with us to conduct this important informational program for our businesses in Wyoming County," said Jim Pierce, Executive Director of the Wyoming County IDA. "These workshops are a great opportunity for local businesses and officials to learn about the variety of development programs available that will help to grow and continue to build our businesses and local communities. We hope everyone interested takes advantage of this opportunity."

Additional information on programs is available online on the Regional Council website https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov and Available Resources Guidebook at https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/2024_Available_CFA_Resources.pdf

Seating to both events is limited and RSVPs are requested.

• For the Batavia session, please RSVP by June 25 to jkrencik@gcedc.com. For more information or questions, please contact the GCEDC at 585-343-4866 or jkrencik@gcedc.com.
• For the Warsaw session, please RSVP by June 26 to scott@gowyco.com. For more information or questions, please contact Jim Pierce at 786-3764, or Scott Gardner at 786-0307.

The Batavia Muckdogs took it on the chin on Wednesday evening for only the second time this season, falling to the Niagara Falls Americans 8-6.

Start Gavin Chandler had a strong outing, going 5 2/3 innings while surrendering only four hits and giving up one run. He had six Ks.

He was relieved in the sixth by Isidro Jimenez with a runner in scoring position. Jimenez induced an inning-ending grounder from Vincent Mauro.

The wheels came off for Batavia in the seventh inning as Jimenez and Brycton Berry (Notre Dame grad) gave up seven runs (six earned).

That left the hometown team down 8-2.  

The Muckdogs tried to make a game of it in the bottom of the seventh, scoring four runs but couldn't keep the momentum going to overcome the Americans lead.

Lucas Lopez and Jake Butler each had two hits for Batavia. Lopez had two RBIs.

Jimenez took the loss in his first appearance of the season.

Now with a record of 10-2, Batavia remains at the top of the West Division of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, 1.5 games ahead of the Auburn Double Days.

The Muckdogs travel to Elmira tomorrow and are home again on Friday against Geneva. Game time on Friday is 6:35.