EverPresent Church is hosting Flight or Fight for Our City! a free community event and concert on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Austin Park in Batavia.
Join special guests Nicky Gracious and Joe Nester who will provide music and testimonials based on their journey in active recovery. Both know firsthand what it is to live a life caught up in drug & alcohol abuse.
Their songs reflect the struggles of addiction and the heartache and pain that so often follows that lifestyle. Come and be inspired by those who have been down and out and have turned their lives around.
There will also be agencies and organizations presenting resources and information on what they have to offer and how they can help.
We will not be silent, and you no longer have to suffer alone. There are people who care and want to help. By meeting others with similar backgrounds, you will be encouraged and empowered to know that your life has a purpose, and you too can overcome and be strengthened by us coming together.
If you are struggling or suffering from any form of addiction, abuse, anxiety, depression, suicide, whatever the case may be…. there is hope!
Nicky Gracious Submitted photo.
Nicky Gracious
Nicholas Greathouse, now Nicky Gracious, began his life as an abused child in a very troubled and pain-filled environment, including having to witness constant domestic harm inflicted on his mother. His youth was spent in and out of various juvenile facilities and group homes.
Many nights, in an effort to soothe himself, he would gaze up to the stars in hopes that “something wonderful” might happen; but then his negative thoughts would tell him: “Nope. No chance. Great things don’t happen to nobodies like you!”
His first felony was at age 10 for Grand Theft Auto. At 16, he ran from the law for a false murder accusation, and by 18 he was in prison. He spent the next 20-plus years behind bars, and after being released with no real-life skills, he fell into the dark world of illegal drugs. He lied, cheated, and was abusive to everyone, including his wife.
Eventually, he overdosed and felt a void as if dead, but was miraculously revived with Narcan. Suddenly, he began hearing strange voices, causing yet another type of trauma. Diagnosed a Paranoid Schizophrenic, he was put on prescription medication to suppress symptoms, but nevertheless, he felt like he had gone crazy and could not continue to live this way.
In ultimate, utter despair, he quit taking his pills and cried out loud to God; “In the name of Jesus (Yeshua), please just kill me!”
Immediately and powerfully, God answered him! He put to death his old self, and restored Nicky as a brand-new creation in Christ Jesus! Nicky now writes and performs music to proclaim this very Truth of the amazing love and mercy of God; who redeems the lost, sets the oppressed free, and restores to those the incredible hope that “something very wonderful” can and WILL happen to ALL who call on the name of Jesus Christ the Lord!
Joe Nester Submitted photo.
Nester Nation
Joe Nester was once a homeless drug addict until he was pulled out of the fiery pits. Ever since he surrendered to Christ God has used him to write music that reflects his unique blend of musical styles, combining elements of contemporary Christian, acoustic rock, and some pop. His powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics create an emotional connection with listeners, inviting them on a journey of faith and redemption. Drawing inspiration from his own experiences, Joe's songs touch on forgiveness, redemption, and the power of God's love, mercy, and grace.
Emory Mest was all smiles as Alishia Foss and later his mother, Kelsey Mast, swung him into the water spray at the park on Wednesday afternoon when temperatures were in the 90s. Photo by Howard Owens.
Area residents have been seeking out the spray park in Austin Park, Batavia, seeking some relief from the heatwave that has rolled through Genesee County.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory in effect until 8 p.m. on Thursday. With temperatures in the 90s, the heat index is hitting around 100.
The Batavia High School Class of 1984 is thrilled to announce their 40th reunion celebration! Mark your calendars for an evening filled with memories, laughter, and fun on Saturday, August 24 from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Mingle and Reconnect with Old Friends
Alumni and guests are invited to gather for an informal get-together at the Terry Hills Golf Course & Banquet Facility 5122 Clinton Street in Batavia. This relaxed atmosphere is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with classmates, reminisce about old times, and create new memories.
Delicious Food and Drinks
Throughout the evening, enjoy a generous spread of hearty hors d'oeuvres complemented by a cash bar. Your ticket price of $30 includes food and one drink (house draft beer, house wine, or house liquor).
RSVP and Stay Connected
We encourage everyone from the Class of 1984 to attend this special event! To RSVP go to BHS Class of ’84 Reunion on Facebook where you can venmo your payment, user name BHS Class of 84 Batavia. If you do not have a Venmo account, checks will be accepted payable to “BHS Class of 84 Batavia NY”. Please mail to: Kelly J. Bermingham, 8276 Park Road, Batavia.
To update your contact information, or ask any questions, please reach out to:
Tacarie M. Broadbent, 18, of Batavia, was arrested on May 23 on a warrant. He is charged with menacing 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon 4th, criminal mischief 4th, obstruction of governmental administration 2nd, and assault 2nd. The warrant stemmed from an incident reported on May 3. Broadbent was accused of threatening another person with a knife. When police arrived on scene, he allegedly attacked and injured responding officers. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed.
Jennifer Moore, 38, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, inadequate muffler, and insufficient tail lamp. Akeem Gibson, 34, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. A vehicle driven by Moore was stopped by deputies at 1:45 a.m. on June 1 in the area of Park Road and Oak Street, Batavia. During the traffic stop, deputies requested the assistance of Officer Stephen Quider and K-9 Batu, Batavia PD. As a result of the investigation, Moore and Gibson were accused of possessing a large quantity of narcotics. Moore and Gibson were held pending arraignment.
Norman P. Michael, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, tampering with physical evidence, and construction of governmental administration. Michael was arrested on May 27 after an officer working with the Neighborhood Enforcement Team allegedly witnessed Michael make a drug transaction. Michael allegedly fled from the officer and that he threw a large quantity of narcotics down a storm drain. The police did not release whether the drugs were recovered. Michael was arraigned in City Court.
Paul Harrison Pelton-Wibbe, 26, of Lewiston Road, is charged with criminal possession of a firearm or knife. At 6:35 p.m. on May 30, deputies were dispatched to the town of Alabama. The nature of the call is redacted from the press release. The suspect, Pelton-Wibbe, reportedly left on a bicycle prior to the deputies arriving. he was located but allegedly refused to stop for deputies. He was taken into custody after an alleged brief struggle. A search allegedly revealed his possession of a 4 Kung Fu Stars. A further section of the press release was redacted. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Rachel A. Baehr, 37, of Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Baehr is accused of not returning a friend's dog she was caring for. She allegedly sold the dog to another person. Baehr was issued an appearance ticket.
Michael D. Strobele, 46, of Buffalo, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Strobele is accused of attempting to smuggle methamphetamine into the UMMC emergency room on Sept. 23. Strobele was arrested on May 21 and issued an appearance ticket.
Samuel R. Blackshear, 23, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd and endangering the welfare of a child. Blackshear is accused of fighting and causing injury to another person while in the presence of a child. Blackshear was arraigned in City Court and was released.
Nathan W. Campbell, 43, of Batavia, is charged with burglary and petit larceny. Campbell is accused of stealing merchandise from Tops on May 11 after previously being barred from the property. He was arraigned and released. Campbell was arrested again on May 23 on a trespass charge for allegedly entering Tops again. He was issued an appearance ticket. On May 17, Campbell allegedly entered a church on East Main Street where he had been previously ordered not to enter. He was charged with trespass and issued an appearance ticket. He allegedly entered the same church again and was charged again. He was also charged with open alcoholic container in public. He was again issued an appearance ticket and released.
Alicia M. Lyons, 44, of Batavia, was arrested on May 14 on seven warrants. She is charged with resisting arrest after allegedly failing to appear in court on seven prior charges and fighting with an officer when the officer attempted to take her into custody in the warrants. She was arraigned in City Court and ordered held in jail.
Nancy L. Lawrence, 72, of Batavia, is charged with soliciting alms. Lawrence is accused of being in the area of M&T Bank asking people for money. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Alice E. Torres, 59, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Torres is accused of hitting another person during a fight on Woodrow Road on May 12. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Katie L. Farewell, 35, of Batavia, is charged with unnecessary noise. Farewell is accused of playing loud music on May 11 in violation of Batavia Municipal Code. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Ronald W. Ball, 58, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd and harassment 2nd. Ball is accused of entering another person's residence without permission and striking and shoving that person. He was arraigned and released.
Valeria A. Antonetty, 43, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Antonetty was charged following a vehicle accident on May 11 in the drive-thru of McDonald's on East Main Street, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Paul W. Schwandt, 56, of Alexander, is charged with DWI. Schwandt was allegedly involved in a fight in the McDonald's parking lot on East Main Street on May 11. He was arraigned and released.
Michael C. Mirabal, 51, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on May 15. He was initially charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs on Dec. 8. He allegedly failed to appear in court as ordered. He was arraigned in City Court and released.
Jennifer L. Allegue, 52, of Batavia, was arrested on May 14 on a warrant. Allegue was initially charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd, after a traffic stop on Jan. 25. The warrant was issued after she allegedly failed to appear in court. Allegue was arraigned and released.
Garret J. Walker, 21, of West Seneca, is charged with DWI. Walker was stopped on May 7 on West Main Street by a Batavia patrol officer. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Douglas G. Goodwin, 33, of Basom, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation 1st. Goodwin is accused of driving a motorcycle in the city of Batavia on May 26 while his driver's license was restricted by more than 10 suspensions. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.
Alvin E. Way, 63, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal contempt 2nd. Way was arrested on May 18, accused of entering a residence on River Street in violation of an order of protection. He was arraigned and jailed.
Steven J. Godinho, 39, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Godinho was arrested on May 17, accused of damaging a TV during a fight on Richmond Avenue. He was arraigned in City Court and released.
Donald D. Ryan, 40, of Pembroke, and Melvin G. Draper, 40, of Pembroke, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Ryan and Draper were reportedly in a vehicle stopped for an alleged infraction on May 22 in the city of Batavia. K-9 Officer Stephen Quider and K-9 Batu were requested to the scene. After a positive alert, police searched the vehicle and reportedly located a quantity of narcotics. Ryan and Draper were issued appearance tickets.
Alena N. Burr, 23, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Burr is accused of pushing a Batavia patrol officer on May 19 during a disturbance at a residence on South Main Street. Burr was issued an appearance ticket.
Kevin Q. Thomas, 35, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on May 22. He is charged with criminal trespass 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd. Thomas is accused of entering a residence on Feb. 10 and fighting with another person in the presence of a child. He was arraigned and released.
Justin M. Wotherspoon, 27, of Batavia, was charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Wotherspoon was arrested on May 22 and accused of violating an order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Amanda L Dennis, 43, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Dennis is accused of shoplifting at Tops. She was issued an appearance ticket.
John W Biasell, 55, of Batavia, and Bill A. Thomas, 64, of Batavia, are charged with open containers in public. They were charged on May 16. They were allegedly found in the Peace Garden with open alcoholic beverage containers. They were issued appearance tickets.
Peter C. Ayala, 59, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Ayala was stopped on May 17 on School Street by a Batavia patrol officer. He was issued several tickets and released.
Alice E. Torres, 59, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Torres is accused of punching and kicking another person at a residence on Woodrow Road on May 12. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Michele A. Struzyk, 64, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4 and two counts of harassment 2nd. Struzyk is accused of hitting another person and of damaging property during a fight on Richmond Avenue on May 16. Struzyk is accused of intentionally slamming a door into a responding officer. She was arraigned in City Court and released.
Michael S. Mault, 29, of Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol. Mault was stopped on June 8 for allegedly speeding. He was issued traffic tickets and released.
Jeremy Lyons, 39, of Mount Morris, was arrested on a warrant on May 18. On April 28, he was charged with DWI. A warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to appear in court. Lyons was arraigned and released.
William E. Tolliver, 61, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Tolliver was stopped on June 10 by a Batavia patrol officer on Washingto Avenue on possible vehicle and traffic law violations. He was issued traffic tickets and released.
Jacob W. Patterson, 28, of Batavia, was arrested on June 7 on a warrant. Patterson was located by a Batavia patrol officer in the area of Jackson Street and Central Avenue. When the officer attempted to stop him, he allegedly ran from police. He was taken into custody in the back yard of a residence on Dawson Place. He was arraigned and released.
Ryan A. Maxwell, 20 of Batavia, is charged with two counts of harassment 2nd. Maxwell is accused of punching a male and slapping a female during an argument in Austin Park on June 6. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Michael S. Mattern, 50, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and trespass. Mattern is accused of refusing to leave a business on June 7 and attempting to punch an employee. He was arraigned and released.
John T. Grande, 54, of Buffalo, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. He was arrested June 5. Following an investigation by a Batavia police officer, Grande was arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle on April 22 under the influence of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Danny J. Torok, 37, of Rochester, was arrested on a warrant on June 7. Torok allegedly failed to appear in court as ordered on a driving while ability impaired by drugs charge. Torok entered to a guilty plea and was sentenced to 15 days in jail.
Dannie J. Sims, 68, of Albion, is charged with grand larceny 4th and petit larceny. He is also charged in a separate incident with petit larceny and harassment 2nd. Sims is accused of stealing a wallet from a customer at Tops. He was arrested on May 31 when he returned to Tops and was identified as the suspected thief after allegedly stealing merchandise from the store. Sims was issued an appearance ticket.
Paul W. Schwandt, 56, of Alexander, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd and menacing 2nd. Schwandt is accused of threatening another person with a golf club during a confrontation on East Main Street on June 3. He was arraigned and released.
Mark A. Remington, 50, of Batavia, is charged with sex offender failure to register, 2nd offense. He was arrested on May 30. Remington is a registered sex offender. It’s alleged that Remington possessed an unregistered social media account and phone number. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.
Benjamin G. Evans, 35, of Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Evans was charged on May 30 after patrol officers reportedly observed him riding a bicycle. They attempted to arrest him on an outstanding warrant, but Evans allegedly fled from police on his bike. He was eventually taken into custody in the backyard of a residence on State Street. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Jeanna M. Hattaway, 37, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Hattaway is accused of shoplifting from Family Dollar on East Main Street, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Christopher William Fowler, 35, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI. Fowler was stopped at 7:23 on May 15 on Pearl Street, Oakfield, by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Sean Michael Conway, 47, of Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd, aggravated unlicensed operator, and unlicensed driver. Conway was stopped at 10:38 a.m. on May 17 by Deputy Jenna Ferrando on West Main Street Road, Batavia. He was held pending arraignment.
Brandon J. March, 39, of South Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. March is accused of using the Genesee County Jail 13 times to call a person he was ordered by a court to not contact. He was arrested on May 12 and held pending arraignment.
Jason W. Warner, 42, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Warner was stopped on May 31 for allegedly running a red light. She is accused of driving while intoxicated and also having switched plates on her vehicle. She was arraigned and released.
James Carl Malone, 27, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Malone is accused of striking a woman with an open hand during a disagreement at 6:45 a.m. on May 31 at a location on Clinton Street Road. He is also accused of scratching the woman on her chest. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Ryan Philip-Harrison Clarke, 34, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Clarke is accused of throwing objects at a moving vehicle on West Main Street, Le Roy, at 2:02 p.m. on June 3. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
Layliana Monet Shine, 19, of Albion, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and harassment 2nd. Shine was charged following an incident reported at 9:18 a.m. on June 8 on Pratt Road, Batavia. She was held pending arraignment.
Laurie A. Pearse, 53, of Gabbey Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of a firearm 2nd, grand larceny 4th, and falsely reporting an incident. Peare was arrested on June 5 for allegedly stealing a firearm from a location in Pembroke. She is also accused of calling 9-1-1 to make a false report of a domestic incident to obtain a police response. Pearse was held pending arraignment.
Mark David Heidenreich, 34, of Colony Run, Attica, is charged with harassment 2nd. Heidenreich is accused of threatening to beat somebody up at 2:30 p.m. on June 9 at a location on Hyde Park in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Allyson Paige Lawrence, 29, no fixed address, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Lawrence was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine at 1:30 a.m. on June 3 on Veterans Memorial Drive. The narcotic was allegedly found in her purse during a custody search. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Jordan Richard Rose, 23, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Rose is accused of violating an order of protection on April 21 on Prole Road, Stafford. He was arrested on June 10. He was arraigned and released under supervision.
Christopher George Mayorga, 48, of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with three counts of criminal possession of a weapon 4th. He is accused of possessing on June 13 two shotguns and a rifle as a convicted felon. He was held pending arraignment.
Danny Devon Williams, 35, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. Williams is accused of fighting at 3 p.m. on June 11 in the Genesee County Jail, resulting in an injury to another inmate. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Marissa Bea Torres, 33, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Torres is accused of breaking the windshield of a vehicle during an argument at 11:11 a.m. on June 18 at a location on Park Road, Batavia. There were allegedly two children in the victim's car at the time. She is also accused of possessing a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
Andres Manuel Cabrera, 29, of Pershing Parkway, Mineola, is charged with obstructing government administration, driving left of pavement markings, unsafe passing, making a U-turn on a grade or curve, and signaling illegally from a parked position. Cabrera is accused of fleeing from a traffic stop at 8:21 on June 15. He eventually stopped on Route 5 at Boyce Road. He allegedly refused to leave the vehicle and locked the doors. He was arrested, processed at the Genesee County Jail, and released on an appearance ticket.
The Batavia Concert Band will be returning for its 100th year of free public concerts in Batavia’s Centennial Park (the rain venue is the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College).
Concerts will be held on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, and August 7. Light refreshments will be available for purchase, including freshly popped popcorn–an audience favorite!
The Batavia Concert Band’s repertoire has something for everyone: marches, Big Band and swing numbers, popular songs from musicals and movies, rock favorites, classical adaptations, and everything in between.
This year, the Band has some special treats and performers to honor the centennial anniversary, so check out the website and Facebook pages throughout the season.
The Band consists of 45-55 brass, woodwind, and percussion players ranging from talented high school students to 60-year veterans. Many have professional experience, and others are advanced amateur musicians, but one thing is for sure, all love to play!
Returning for his eleventh season as conductor is John Bailey, Instrumental Music teacher at Pembroke Central School District and the organization is under the leadership of General Manager Jason Smith, along with a talented group of officers and a dedicated Board, led by Board President Dan Fischer.
The June 26 concert will be conducted by Batavia native and resident Joshua Pacino, current band director at Batavia’s Notre Dame High School. The Perry High School band director, Dillon Hirsch, will conduct the July 10 concert.
Guest performers this year include BHS graduate and professional trumpet player Joey Pero, who will be joining us on July 17. On July 24, accomplished organist Jeremy Rath, and Kendall graduate and musician, will be our Pam Frisby Guest Artist.
In celebration of the Band’s 100th anniversary, local composer Larry Tallman has written a special piece for the Band, and the premiere of that piece will be at our final concert on August 7.
Founded in the early 1920s, the Batavia Concert Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except during World War II and in 2020 during COVID.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!
Concerts are also currently supported and funded in part by Platinum Sponsors Genesee Community College, Brighton Securities, Farm Credit East, and WBTA, as well as local businesses, program advertisers, service organizations, and individual patrons. Individuals or businesses interested in supporting the Band should contact a band member at any concert.
The Batavia Concert Band is also excited to announce the return of radio station WBTA (AM 1490 / FM 100.1) as the Official Media Sponsor for our 2024 summer concert series! Be on the lookout for appearances by band members on WBTA’s “Main & Center” program, where we will go into some depth about the band’s makeup and its history. Also, be listening for weekly radio ads promoting the musical selections for the upcoming concerts and announcing our weekly sponsors.
For information, please visit our Facebook page and www.bataviaconcertband.net to learn more about the Band and our sponsors, and “we will see you in the park!”
Summer Reading for all ages kicks off on Monday, June 24 at Richmond Memorial Library! This year’s theme is “Adventure Begins at the Library.”
Children
Celebrate Smokey the Bear’s 80th birthday with this year’s kids’ summer reading program! Kids up to age 12 will receive a chain and reading log with sign-up. Read or be read to and earn beads, brag tags, and more!
Starting June 24, weekly 10 a.m. programs for kids include Family Yoga with Nana Yoga (begins July 1 on Mondays), All Ages Story Time (Tuesdays), Play Café (Wednesdays), Nature Story and Craft (Ages 5-10 on Thursdays) and Little Scientists (Ages 7-11 on Fridays). Some programs require registration, please call the library or visit our website for more info!
Family Fun Fridays: Join us every Friday at 2 p.m. for a fun adventure for the whole family! No registration is required.
June 28: Paris and Popsicles – Sign up for summer reading, have a popsicle, and meet the NYS Trooper dog!
July 5: Seneca Park Zoomobile
July 12: African Drumming with Mayukwa
July 19: Wondermakers Interactive Storytelling
July 26: Nickle City Reptiles
August 2: Benjamin Berry
August 9: To be announced
August 16: Buffalo Museum
Teens & Tweens
Teens ages 13 -17 are invited to play Summer Reading BINGO! Complete reading and library challenges for a chance to win weekly and grand prizes. Weekly prizes include gift cards generously donated by Dave’s Ice Cream, Sprinkles Creamery, Mancuso’s Bowling Center, The Coffee Press, Cinquino’s, and The Vintage Cow. Thank you to our generous local sponsors! Grand prizes include a bookish basket, a gift card to Lift Bridge Books, and more. Anyone can play but you must have a valid library card in the NIOGA system to be eligible for prizes. Register at the library or batavialibrary.org starting June 24.
Weekly teen/tween programs:
Silent Reading Club: Tuesdays at 2 p.m. – all ages welcome!
STEAM Adventures with Challenge Island: Wednesdays at 2 p.m. – ages 8 and up
Adventures with Food Series- Thursdays at 3 p.m.
Board Games – Fridays at 2 p.m.
Some programs require registration, please visit our website for all the info.
Adults
Play Adult Summer Reading BINGO starting June 24!
Open to adults ages 18 and up. Complete reading and library challenges for a chance to win weekly and grand prizes! Weekly prizes include an Oliver’s Basket, gift cards to The Coffee Press, Dave’s Ice Cream, Sprinkle’s Creamery, Batavia’s Original, and Harrington’s (this prize donated by the Friends of RML). Thank you to our local sponsors! Grand Prizes include a bookish basket, a gift card to Lift Bridge Books, and more. Anyone can play but you must have a valid library card in the NIOGA system to be eligible for prizes. Register at batavialibrary.org or at the library starting June 24. Check our calendar for events throughout the summer!
Library Adventure Map program with NIOGA:
Library patrons are invited to participate in Nioga Library System’s “Library Adventure Map” program this summer, beginning June 24! This program is open to all patrons and community members within Niagara, Genesee and Orleans Counties. A library card is not required to participate in the program! To participate, patrons will pick up a Library Adventure Map and first sticker at their local Nioga library. Patrons may visit any of the public libraries listed on the map and show their map to a staff member to receive a unique library-specific sticker. Think of the stickers as badges! Learn more at the library!
Summer Reading is sponsored by the Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library.
Batavia City Schools celebrated its Pre-K students on Monday with a moving-up ceremony at Van Detta Stadium, where members of the class are likely to receive their high school diplomas in 2037.
The Pre-K students enter kindergarten in the fall.
The following local students were named to the University at Buffalo's spring 2024 dean's list:
Aaron Bacon of Basom
Cameron Carlson of Bergen
Jack Conti of Corfu
Bonnie Edwards of Batavia
Lydia Evans of Batavia
Katarina Luker of Alexander
Ryan Meides of Darien Center
John Panepento of Le Roy
Ryan Pfeiffer of Corfu
Evan Preston of Batavia
Adeena Riedel of Batavia
Tyler Sanders of Corfu
Annie Slenker of Alexander
Kailyn Tresco of Le Roy
UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.
"Our undergraduate dean's list students have dedicated themselves to exemplary work in and out of the classroom," Ann Bisantz, dean of undergraduate education, says. "It's an honor to acknowledge these students and celebrate their accomplishments with the entire university community."
UB named 4,000 students named to its spring 2024 dean's list.
To qualify for the dean's list, full-time undergraduate students must demonstrate academic excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.600 while completing a minimum of 15 or more UB credit hours, of which 12 are graded (A-F) credits. Students are named to the dean's list at the end of the fall and spring semesters.
The University at Albany is celebrating students for the Spring 2024 Dean's List.
The Dean's List at UAlbany recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of full-time undergraduate students.
To qualify for the Dean's List, students must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher in their first semester of study and a GPA of 3.50 or higher in subsequent semesters.
The following students have been named to the Dean's List for Spring 2024 at UAlbany:
Tim Onello, on TV screen, delivers opening remarks on Saturday during a 140th Anniversary Celebration for Chapin International at the company's headquarters at 400 Ellicott Street, Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens.
One hundred and forty years ago, homes didn't have electricity, and there were no amateur photographers.
That's right. In 1884, neither General Electric nor Eastman Kodak's founders had launched their history-making companies, nor had Nabisco or Coca-Cola product their game-changing products to market yet.
But a pair of young businessmen in Oakfield, Ralph E. Chapin and brother-in-law Frank Harris, had devised an idea for a better container to store kerosene for lamps and Chapin Manufacturing was born.
On Saturday, Chapin International celebrated its 140th Anniversary under a massive tent at the company's headquarters at 400 Ellicott St., Batavia.
At 140, Chapin is Genesee County's oldest manufacturing company.
What makes Chapin special, and why has it not only lasted for 140 years under family ownership, said CEO Tim Onello, about to answer his own question: Dedication to excellence, quality and innovation, resilience, loyalty, and the people of Batavia.
"Chapin is a tough company that has survived World Wars, the Great Depression, the Great Recession, COVID, and other world events over the past 140 years," Onello said.
The company has always chosen long-term stability over short-term profit, Onello said. It has kept a sense of family and community through generations of employees.
"A company is a reflection of the people that are hard-working town with small town values that drive the culture," Onello said.
Onello then thanks top executives, introducing them individually, the board of directors, and a number of employees who have been with the company for decades.
Onello also recognized the accomplishments of his predecessor, Jim Campbell, who led the company for 20 years.
Campbell, he said, worked tirelessly to lead the company and guide it to new heights.
"He was a visionary, tough, loyal to the company and very loyal to the employees," Onello said. "Under his leadership, the company achieved record growth and is well-positioned to compete in the future."
The board's chairwoman, Andris Chapin, spoke of the company's history when her great-grandfather and Frank opened a hardware store in Oakfield and quickly noticed that customers struggled with keeping their home kerosene for their lamps stored safely. They decided they could build a better can and began manufacturing cans in the basement of their store.
The line of cans was successful and Ralph and Frank were looking at branching out into author products, such as sprayers, when a fire broke out in the basement. The hardware store destroyed, they moved into an abandoned Methodist church in Oakfield. That location also caught on fire, though a lot of product and machinery were saved.
That's when the business partners decided to go their separate ways. Ralph bought out Frank's share of the manufacturing business in 1896 and moved it to a hay barn on Liberty Street in Batavia. At that location, the business grew and expanded quickly.
When the company moved into plastic around 1981, it needed to find a new location. It so happened that Sylvania closed its factory on Ellicott Street, and Chapin moved in.
Today, Chapin has seven manufacturing locations, including one in China and one in Indonesia. Chapin Internation employees more than 400 people in the U.S.
Chapin remains family-owned, with 13 descendants of Ralph Chapin holding shares. The youngest is 11, and the oldest is 100.
Andris said Chapin is successful because of its employees. She noted that about 92 percent of the people attending the celebration were current and former employees.
"I can't thank you enough for all that you've done for us, for my family, for yourself, for me," Chapin said. "We've been happy to employ you and to help you."
Ralph Chapin, right, a Chapin board member and co-owner, whose great-great-grandfather helped start the company in Oakfield, prepares to toast Chapin International's 140th anniversary.
CEO Tim Onello made the toast: "Andris, I speak for everybody in the room and offer our sincere thanks to you and your family for your unwavering commitment to our employees, their growth and safety and keeping this company headquartered in the city of Batavia for all these years. Congratulations to you and your family. And congratulations to Chapin on its 140 years. Cheers." Photo by Howard Owens.
Guests entering the celebration. Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
CEO Tim Onello greets Assemblyman Steven Hawley and Rep. Claudia Tenney. Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Bill Kegler, VP of operations for Chapin Photo by Howard Owens.
Foreground, Bill Campbell, VP of business development at Chapin Photo by Howard Owens.
Chris Ace, a three-decade employee of Chapin Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Sen. George Boreelo and Assemblyman Steve Hawley present a Legislative Proclamation to Andris Chapin. Photo by Howard Owens.
Rep. Claudia Tenney, Andris Chapin, and Assemblayman Steve Hawley Photo by Howard Owens.
Hiram Kasten as Joey Bishop in the Las Vegas production of The Rat Pack. Submitted photo.
Comedian, stage and TV actor, and Batavia resident for more than a decade, Hiram Kasten, passed away Sunday morning at Crossroads House. He was 71.
Kasten's TV roles included a recurring part of Seinfeld, the character Michael, a co-worker of Elaine Benes (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus). He had guest starring roles in “Mad About You,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Some of his other TV credits included “7th Heaven”, “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “Saved by the Bell,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Cybill,” and “L.A. Law.”
One of his proudest roles was playing Joey Bishop in the hit Las Vegas review The Rat Pack.
While working in New York, Kasten met his future wife, a young lady from Batavia, Diana Kisiel. They married on June 15, 1986. They later relocated to Los Angeles, where they lived for 25 years before moving to Batavia.
Their daughter, Millicent Jade Kastenbaum, now lives in Manhattan and is an assistant district attorney.
Hiram is the son of Samuel Kastenbaum and Mildred Polansky Kastenbaum. He was born in the Bronx on Oct. 30, 1952.
Asphalt was laid today along the north side of the Alva Place parcel, where a new police station is under construction.
After learning in April that contractors planned to close off the entire parking lot during the construction of the police station, neighboring business owners, many of them with medical offices, complained about losing easy access to handicapped parking. The city worked with the project manager and devised a plan to reconstruct a portion of the parking lot quickly so it could be returned to service for those businesses and their clients.
City Manager Rachael Tabelski said she expects spaces to be striped next week, and the lot will open soon after that is completed.
The Business Improvement District's Cider Walk returns to Downtown Batavia on Saturday, June 22.
The second annual walk starts at 3:45 p.m. with registration at Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union on Jefferson Avenue. Registration ends at 5:45 p.m. and the walk continues until 8 p.m.
Paid participants can stop at 18 different downtown businesses to sample a variety of ciders as well as shop at local retailers.
Tickets are available at YNgodess Shop, TVFCU, and Eventbrite.
Ticket sales are limited to 300.
Participants must be 21 years of age or older. The BID asks "no children, please."
"Come Downtown, taste great ciders, meet new people, see old friends, and create memories while you shop small and support your local businesses," said BID Director Shannon Maute.
