batavia

If you've been hearing helicopters overhead Thursday evening in Genesee County, often in Batavia, there's an explanation, according to a source.

The CH-47 Chinooks are partaking in military drills, the source said.   

TICKETS FOR THE 2025 WINGS OVER BATAVIA AIR SHOW GO ON SALE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON FRIDAY
Labor Day Weekend Air Show to Feature the USAF F-35A Lightning II Demo Team

BATAVIA – On Friday, December 20, tickets for the 2025 Wings over Batavia Air Show will go on sale online to the general public at 8:00 AM for the August 30 -31, 2025, show at Batavia Airport.  The 2025 show features the United States Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demo Team, the award winning Pyromusical show finale each evening that intermixes flying with fireworks, pyro, drones, and a specially curated soundtrack, and additional performers to be announced in the coming weeks. 

 Beginning Friday, tickets can be purchased at www.wingsoverbatavia.com/tickets.  A variety of different seating packages is available, from general admission to premium club and box seats. Children twelve and under are admitted into the general admission of the air show for free.  For companies and organizations seeking upscale hospitality options, branding opportunities and on-site exposure, corporate partnership opportunities are available. Email info@WingsOverBatavia.com for additional information. 

 Air show enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up to become an Air Show Insights member.  Members receive updates on air show performances, notices of special promotions, and access to advance ticket sales.  Membership is free at www.WingsOverBatavia.com.  The full lineup of 2025 Wings over Batavia performers will be announced in the coming weeks and featured at www.wingsoverbatavia.com/performers, and additional show details are available by visiting www.WingsOverBatavia.com and the show’s social media channels.

 About the USAF Lightning II Demo Team

The USAF F-35A Lightning II Demo Team travels the world demonstrating the incredible capabilities of the F-35A, the first and only stealth, supersonic, multi-role fighter jet on the planet. The F-35A can reach speeds up to 1,200 MPH, and its helmet mounted display system is the most advanced system of its kind. Accordingly, each year air shows everywhere compete for the F-35, but only a select few are approved by the Air Force.

Additional images and b-roll of the USAF F-35A Lightning II Demo Team are available by contacting Rob Nichols at (330) 760-7582 or Rob@herbgillen.com.

Press Release:

On Friday, December 20, tickets for the 2025 Wings over Batavia Air Show will go on sale online to the general public at 8 a.m. for the August 30 - 31, 2025, show at Batavia Airport. The 2025 show features the United States Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demo Team, the award-winning Pyromusical show finale each evening that intermixes flying with fireworks, pyro, drones, and a specially curated soundtrack, and additional performers to be announced in the coming weeks.

Beginning Friday, tickets can be purchased at www.wingsoverbatavia.com/tickets.  A variety of different seating packages is available, from general admission to premium club and box seats. Children twelve and under are admitted into the general admission of the air show for free.  For companies and organizations seeking upscale hospitality options, branding opportunities and on-site exposure, corporate partnership opportunities are available. Email info@WingsOverBatavia.com for additional information.

Air show enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up to become an Air Show Insights member.  Members receive updates on air show performances, notices of special promotions, and access to advance ticket sales.  Membership is free at www.WingsOverBatavia.com.  The full lineup of 2025 Wings over Batavia performers will be announced in the coming weeks and featured at www.wingsoverbatavia.com/performers, and additional show details are available by visiting www.WingsOverBatavia.com and the show’s social media channels.

Press Release:

Main Street Pizza in Batavia has once again demonstrated its commitment to the local community with a generous donation to Genesee Cancer Assistance. Owner Vic Marchese presented a donation from his "Pink Box" campaign, contributing a portion of sales from October to support cancer patients in need.

For the entire month of October, Main Street Pizza donated $1 from every large pizza sold to Genesee Cancer Assistance, which provides financial support to families caring for a loved one battling cancer. 

Before the presents were handed out to the hundreds of children inside City Church's St. Anthony's Community Center, Pastor Ryan Macdonald reminded the families gathered in the gym why there is a yearly Christmas celebration.

He shared from Matthew 1:20-24. The passage where Joseph learns that Mary will conceive a child through the Holy Spirit is a bit of stunning news that Joseph took some time to consider after an angel told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife.  Macdonald said Joseph was considering the truth.

"The truth that Jesus was coming to the earth," Macdonald said. "The truth is that Jesus is the Christ of Christmas, and he came for you and me. If you go through this season and you don't recognize what Joseph did, he recognized the truth, you'll miss the reason for the season."

Macdonald also thanked the more than a dozen sponsors who provided the funds to buy the presents for the children.

"Let me tell you something: without Jesus, this night's not possible," Macdonald said. "Without Jesus Christ, we couldn't come together like this. Without Jesus Christ, I couldn't go to people and say, 'Hey, will you help us make this night possible?'"

The stage was full of hundreds of toys.  One side of the court was lined with 30 bicycles waiting for their new owners, and after Macdonald's message and short prayer, the families lined up in front of the stage to take their turns for the children to pick out their own presents. The church compiled a list of children who were getting bikes.

The night included face painting, games, pictures with Santa, hot chili, and basketball.

Photos by Howard Owens.

With just a week to go before Christmas, the folks at St. James Episcopal want to throw one last musical get-together to feature the church’s grand organ and three pianos, plus vocalists, during a concert this week.

Carols and Keyboards will be at 7 p.m. Friday at the church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia. 

Led by choir director John Novak, the one-hour concert includes four musicians performing “mostly familiar Christmas carols,” with piano duets, piano and organ duets and vocal solos, Novak said.

Church musicians Peter Geise, Jeff Thompson, and Tim Smith, all from the Western New York area, will join Novak to perform and lead some songs and sing-alongs with the audience.

The line-up includes “O Holy Night,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Go Tell it on The Mountain,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “and other seasonal favorites,” Novak said.

“There will be a piece with all four musicians playing ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas,’” he said. “It’s a fun closing piece.”

Novak, the business administrator at Letchworth Central School District, has been the choir director at St. James for about three years. He had been commuting to a church in Buffalo, and when he moved to Silver Lake, he found a job and a closer location in Batavia.

“It’s a great fit,” he said. “There are a lot of wonderful people.”

Church member Maureen Scoville added that, in addition to carols and keyboards, cookies will be served in the parish hall after the concert. 

She and Novak hope to see community members there to enjoy some festive music and sweet treats as the calendar draws closer to a busy Christmas week.

There is no admission to the concert. A free will offering will be taken. 

The plea deal Michael Elmore made to avoid a 25-year prison term capped his sentence at 20 years, and that is precisely what County Court Judge Donald O'Geen handed down Tuesday morning.

Elmore admitted to his role in causing the death of Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello at Batavia Downs in March when he entered a guilty plea on Nov. 18 to aggravated manslaughter in the first degree.

In court, after O'Geen had heard from members of Sanfratello's family, from District Attorney Kevin Finnell, and from Elmore's own attorney, who said he believed Elmore was truly remorseful, Elmore apologized to the family for his actions.

That apology appeared not to sway O'Geen, who noted that Elmore seemingly left Batavia Downs in the early morning of March 10 to dispose of a pellet gun he was carrying and then returned swinging heavy gold necklaces heading straight toward Sanfratello and a security guard with the intent of fighting them.

Finnell said the pellet gun could have looked like a real gun if Sanfratello had seen it during a confrontation, so Elmore needed to dispose of it before starting a fight to protect himself.

The incident began in 34 Rush, a bar inside Batavia Downs, and Finnell noted that surveillance footage reveals not just the initial incident but the degree to which Sanfratello was known in the community and that he was highly regarded.  People are seen shaking his hand and patting him on his back as he escorts Elmore and Elmore's fiance, Lyndsey Wilcox, from the facility. 

Finnell argued that Elmore should receive the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison under the terms of the plea deal.

The initial incident in the bar, he said, at most would have resulted in an appearance ticket but Elmore chose to escalate the situation.

Elmore chose that route even as Sanfratello was showing great patience with Elmore and Wilcox, doing his duty as a dedicated public servant but not in an over heated way, but remaining calm and cheerful.

Sanfrantello was just doing his job, Finnell told the court.

Three of the sergeant's children addressed the court, delivering victim impact statements.

Ian Sanfrantello, a corrections officer and volunteer firefighter who was dispatched with the Town of Batavia Fire Department to Batavia Downs on March 10, so the first in his family to learn of his father's death.

He said he stood in the lobby just about 10 feet away as Mercy EMS medics worked desperately to save his life.

"I was the one who had to make the excruciating call to my sister, waking her from her peaceful sleep to tell her that our dad was gone," Ian said.

It fell on Ian to tell the rest of the Sanfratello family "the heartbreaking news."  He also comforted deputies who were visibly shaken by what had just happened.

"But the hardest thing I had to do that night was wake my grandmother and tell her that her baby boy -- her son -- had been taken from us while doing what he loved."

Ian said he's still trying to make sense of the tragedy.

"I find myself asking why anyone would do something so heartless to someone they didn't even know," Ian said. "But that's the nature of criminals, and the man responsible for this is a career criminal.

"My dad dedicated his life to making Genesee County a safer place for everyone," he added. "Because of the actions of these two individuals, the people of this county lost a true hero -- someone who loved what he did and made a difference every day. And I lost my dad."

Kyla Sanfratello said it was hard to process the news that morning that she had lost her dad, as the text messages of condolences poured in.  She thinks about all that was taken from her -- her dad someday walking her down the aisle, meeting his grandchildren for the first time some day, the kiss goodbye and the hugs. 

"Not having him text me on my birthday or see him for all the holidays has been so hard and will still be hard because the truth is, he should still be standing here today, but he's not because he was taken," Kyla said.

Alexis Sanfratello called Elmore's actions "selfish." 

"I am not sure why people think they do not have to obey the police. If you had only listened," she said, "my dad would still be here."

Elmore's sentence includes five years on probation upon his release. On his conviction for obstruction of governmental administration he received a sentence of 364 is jail, to be merged with his state prison term. He must pay mandatory fees and surcharges of $375. The judge signed multiple orders of protection for members of Sanfratello's family and witnesses to the crime.

Wilcox entered a guilty plea on Nov. 18 to assault in the second degree, a Class D violent felony. She pleaded to “causing physical injury to a police officer who was in the act of performing his official duties.” 

She is scheduled for sentencing at 10 a.m. on Jan. 21.

Press Release:

The Wings over Batavia Air Show announced today that the U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team will headline the 2025 show. The announcement was made this week at the International Council of Air Show’s (ICAS) annual convention in Las Vegas where the Air Force confirmed the F-35A’s participation in next summer’s show at Batavia Airport, August 30-31.

The USAF F-35A Lightning II Demo Team travels the world demonstrating the incredible capabilities of the F-35A, the first and only stealth, supersonic, multi-role fighter jet on the planet. The F-35A can reach speeds up to 1,200 MPH, and its helmet mounted display system is the most advanced system of its kind. Accordingly, each year air shows everywhere compete for the F-35, but only a select few are approved by the Air Force.

“We are thrilled to showcase the F-35 at this summer’s show,” said Dennis Dunbar, Director of Wings over Batavia Air Show.  “Shows across the world compete for the F-35A Lightning II Demo Team, and it speaks to the great confidence the Air Force has in our team in Batavia to help showcase this technological marvel here in 2025.  We cannot wait for our crowds to witness the incredible power and capabilities of this aircraft.”

Tickets for the 2025 show will soon be available on the Wings over Batavia Air Show website www.wingsoverbatavia.com/tickets. Corporate partnership opportunities are available for companies and organizations seeking upscale hospitality options, branding opportunities, and on-site exposure. Visit www.wingsoverbatavia.com/sponsorship for more information.

The full lineup of 2025 Wings over Batavia performers will be announced in the coming weeks and featured at www.wingsoverbatavia.com/performers.  Additional show information is available by visiting www.wingsoverbatavia.com and the show’s social media channels. Air show enthusiasts are encouraged to become members of Air Show Insights, where they can receive updates and promotions in advance of the 2025 show. Membership is free at www.wingsoverbatavia.com.  

Attachment: high resolution image of the F-35. Additional images and b-roll of the USAF F-35A Lightning II Demo Team are available by contacting Rob Nichols at (330) 760-7582 or Rob@herbgillen.com.

Press release:

The City Church Christmas Events this week!

Tuesday is our Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway at the Community Center on 114 Liberty St. in Batavia.  We will have food, fun, Santa, hats, gloves, bikes and toys to giveaway.  Every child walks away with a gift and all are welcome to come on out to celebrate the season!

Thursday is our Christmas Concert with local vocal artists.  This will be a night of Christmas music, and we will have a time of community afterward with some soups and chili.  This will begin at 7 p.m. at 210 East Main St. in Batavia.

Sunday is our CHRISTMAS SERVICE - “EXPERIENCE JOY THIS CHRISTMAS”  with treats, Santa, a Kids Party at 10 a.m. and an encouraging message inspired by the word of God.  All are welcome at 210 East Main St at 8:30 & 10 a.m.  

There is no better time than the present to allow God to be a part of your life! Let’s come together this Christmas Season.

Press release:

UConnectCare recognized 18 employees with longevity awards at its annual holiday luncheon on Tuesday at Terry Hills Restaurant in Batavia.

Among those honored was President/Chief Executive Officer John Bennett, who joined the nonprofit agency in 1999 after starting his professional career 14 years earlier as an adolescent and jail counselor.

In 2006, Bennett assumed the oversight of the Residential Services and in 2012, he was hired to be executive director and now serves as CEO.

In her introductory speech, Virginia Taylor, a former UConnectCare board president, cited Bennett’s passion and caring nature as hallmarks of his career.

“John’s passion for creating the full continuum of services so individuals don't have to leave their community has been the driving force behind all that he has accomplished,” she said. “We are extremely proud of the organization under John's leadership, and his commitment to our community is nothing short of exemplary.”

Bennett expressed his appreciation for all those who have dedicated their lives to helping others become sober and to live productive lives.

“As my career winds down – and some of your careers are just starting -- I just hope that we continue to have people coming into this work because it is so important,” he said.

“Most of the time we’re just planting seeds, and we just want to leave the door open for these people to come back. That’s the key to the work we do. It’s never to judge people or make people feel demeaned. If you’re kind to them -- if you love them -- they’ll come back to see you again.”

Other UConnectCare employees recognized for longevity:

25 years – Amy Klos, customer relations manager.

20 years – Leslie Pfalzer, Information Technology director.

15 years – Diane Hooper, Batavia clinic secretary.

10 years – Dana Joy, Albion clinic supervisor; Sheila Harding, assistant director of Prevention.

5 years – Jessica Budzinack; coordinator of Outreach & Family Support; Lisa Fitzak, secretary; Mike Pettinella; media specialist; Christen Foley, Prevention Resource Center project director; Keith Lyons, driver; Lucy Sweeney, counselor; Nick Volpe, The Recovery Station operations manager; Sue Gagne; outreach RN; Jake Nadolinski, residential cleaner; Cheyenne Richardson, residential counselor; Rachel Tebor, residential technician; Rob Shields, residential technician.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

The joint Ascension and Resurrection Parish Faith Formation celebrated the 3rd Sunday of Advent (December 15) by bringing joy to our homebound parishioners by signing Christmas cards. Families also decorated ornaments and brought hats and mittens for the “Tree of Warmth” giving tree.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

New York State Senator George Borrello toured Eco Waste Solutions new manufacturing facility in Batavia on December 9. The facility produces Expeditionary Solid Waste Disposal Systems (ESWDS) for the United States Army. Senator Borrello also met with Eco Waste Solutions employees.

“Senator George Borrello is keenly aware of the positive impacts of small businesses in communities such as Batavia, and we appreciate the opportunity to showcase the incredible work being done here by our dedicated and skilled workforce,” said Jean Lucas, CEO, Eco Waste Solutions.  “We are extremely proud of the fact that our company produces these high-quality sustainable technology systems right here in Batavia and Genesee County which are then delivered to US mission sites across the world.” 

During his visit, Senator Borrello received an up-close look at Eco Waste Solutions advanced manufacturing processes, which include the production of cutting-edge thermal waste conversion systems.  The ESWDS eliminates the need to rely on burn pits which were a long-standing source of toxic exposure on overseas missions, resulting in cancers and other health issues among personnel.

“We are excited to have Eco Waste Solutions join the growing number of businesses, particularly in the advanced manufacturing and technology sectors, who are bringing their operations to the GLOW, Finger Lakes and western New York regions,” Senator Borrello said. “These businesses, particularly in smaller communities, have an extremely positive economic impact and provide good paying jobs to our residents.”

Press release: 

The Salvation Army is joining forces across New York State to encourage people to consider donating $20 on the 20th of December as a last-minute push to raise much-needed funds during the 2024 Red Kettle Campaign.

“The need is great for struggling local families and individuals, particularly during the holiday season,” said Captain Brad Moore of The Salvation Army of Batavia. “We are counting on the kindness of those in our community to come out to a Red Kettle this Friday and donate a $20 bill as it will go a long way to help those in need during the holiday season and beyond.”

According to Captain Moore, the community’s financial support and kindness during the holidays help The Salvation Army to assist more than 11,000 local families and individuals throughout the year through Food Pantry, Clothing Vouchers, Senior Luncheon, Back-to-School Backpacks, Christmas Assistance and more.

“As of today, The Salvation Army of Batavia has raised about 73% of our $100,000 goal for Red Kettles this year,” Captain Moore said. “With just under a week until Christmas, a $20 donation at a local Red Kettle would make a huge difference in helping those who need it this year in our community.”

Donations to The Salvation Army of Batavia can be made at any Red Kettle from now until Christmas Eve. Online donations can be made by texting Kettle to 31333 or by visiting https://salarmy.us/empredkettle. Cash or checks can be dropped off, or mailed to, The Salvation Army of Batavia, 529 East Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Press Release:

The Genesee Community College(GCC) History Club will once again be hosting the Historical Horizons Lecture Series with a full line up for Spring 2025. For those who may be unfamiliar with the lecture series, these are talks on a variety of topics of historical interest, open to both the campus community and the public every first Wednesday during the semester. Lectures will be held at 7 p.m. in T102 on GCC's Batavia Campus and will also be available to join via Zoom. All talks will be followed by a Q&A session with the speakers.

Spring 2025 Historical Horizons line up:

February 5: Historic Chronicles of Genesee County

By Michael Eula, Genesee County Historian

Genesee County has seen trials, tribulations and triumphs throughout its storied history as national events have been brought to its doorstep. Join author Michael Eula as he reveals the historic chronicles of Genesee County.

SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL EVENT

March 5: A Single Blow: The Battles of Lexington & Concord

By Phil Greenwalt

The history of the Battles of Lexington and Concord were the culmination of years of unrest between those loyal to the British monarchy and those advocating for more autonomy and dreaming of independence from Great Britain in the future. Join historian Phil Greenwalt as he unfolds the facts of April 19, 1775, uncovering the amazing history that this pivotal spring day ushered in for the fate of Massachusetts and thirteen of Great Britain's North American colonies with a Single Blow.

April 2: General Grant and the Verdict of History: Memoir, Memory, 

and the Civil War

By Dr. Frank Varney

General Ulysses S. Grant is best remembered today as a war-winning general, and he certainly deserves credit for his efforts on behalf of the Union. But has he received too much credit at the expense of other men? Have others who fought the war with him suffered unfairly at his hands? Come hear Dr. Varney talk about his newest book General Grant and the Verdict of History: Memoir, Memory, and the Civil War.

May 7: Julia Ward Howe

By Joyce Thompson-Hovey

American poet and author Julia Ward Howe, most famous for writing the lyrics to "Battle Hymn of the Republic", was a remarkable woman who was a tireless social activist. Come hear her fascinating story.

Genesee Community College invites the public to join them for these enlightening lectures, providing a unique opportunity to engage with historical topics and esteemed scholars. Mark your calendars for an enriching experience at the Historical Horizons Lecture Series this Spring.

For more information, please contact the Office of Student Engagement and Inclusion at sei@genesee.edu.

When Brothers McClurg, a Grammy-nominated Christian Americana band with roots in Buffalo and a base in Batavia, gather around a mic, they aim to do their part to serve God.

Guitarist Jeremy Thompson looks at it like this: "I feel like it's the kid with the five loaves and the bread just walking up and saying, 'This is what I got, and I want to use it for you, Lord,' you know? (John 6:1-13) If it blesses somebody, that's great. That's just to simplify it because God can do more with our little bit. I just want to get to the end and know that I used my gift in the most fulfilling way."

Not that the talents of Thompson and brothers Anthony Hoisington and Chris Hoisington are anything less than exceptional, but they know they're called not to shine in the spotlight but to do their part to serve God.

On Thursday, they will bring their talents for uplifting music to Northgate Free Methodist Church, where Anthony is the worship leader. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but concertgoers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items as a donation to the Salvation Army.

Brothers McClurg's journey in music and faith starts with Anthony's and Chris's grandfather, Bill McClurg, a minister and musician. He inspired more than just the name of their band.

"We lived right next door to our grandparents," Anthony recalled during a group interview with The Batavian in their Harvester Center recording studio. "We kind of shared a driveway. My grandfather and my parents traveled as a Southern Gospel group (the McClurg Family Singers) from Upstate New York, which is kind of funny, an ironic thing, and then they retired off the road when I was probably like, eight or nine.

Bill McClurg, a guitar player, continued in the ministry and discovered that, at least in the 1980s, many nursing homes didn't have pastors who would come in and host a service, especially with music. 

Young Anthony and Chris were enlisted to assist. Most of the nursing homes were in Erie County -- the family lived in Akron.

"We would sing and play with him," Anthony said. "It was rather pathetic, but it is what we did. From an early age, he modeled for us a work ethic when it comes to music, but also, sort of, you should go find your niche and your audience. His was, you know, older folks, but that really got us our start, just playing and singing behind him.  Half the time, the audience was excited that we were there and that we didn't need to be perfect." 

Youth group musicians
As young teenagers, they were involved with their church's youth group, and Thompson was involved in his. The youth pastors of the two groups were friends, so the groups would sometimes visit each other's churches, and the home church would lead the worship service, including music.

When they saw Thompson play, they were, like, "Who's that guy?" Anthony said.

"It was about how loud we could get it," Anthony said. 'And back then, it was about how much aggression we could put into music. And he was ripping up there. And I was like, 'Man, I gotta talk to that guy.' The youth group we grew up in was very music-focused. I mean, it was like a bunch of hippies."

Thompson said his youth group was into sweater vests and soccer.

Teenage musicians, of course, are going to want to explore more than just Christian music, even if that doesn't entirely meet parental approval.

"We had parents that were like, if it isn't Christian, you can't listen to it," Anthony said. "We snuck around that, but then, as we got older --I think I would give credit to our parents -- when we started playing in rock bands when we were teenagers, the three of us, we were playing in bars at 16, 17, 18, and we had parents who almost looked at it like a proselytization avenue."

Their parents didn't expect them to play just in church basements and regularly turned up at their gigs. 

After all, where would Jesus go?

"Yeah, we don't mind singing about Jesus. We certainly believe in Him, and that's a huge part of our thing. But we also wanted to be able to sing about life and about girls and whatnot, not in a way that was crass or whatever, but just honest. And we were surrounded by a culture of Christian musicians that wanted to do that," Anthony said.

Growing as songwriters
When it came time to start writing songs together, Anthony and Chris gravitated toward Christian themes. They began performing together at Christian music festivals and at churches. They started to build a base of fans.  They played at Kingdom Bound at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, which led to a Nashville-based record label, Integrity, offering them a contract. 

They then decided they needed a name better representing their musical heritage and family legacy. In homage to Pappy McClurg, they settled on Brothers McClurg.

Given their background in Southern Gospel, it might not be surprising that they drifted toward a sound based around acoustic guitars and tight harmonies. Still, with the rock and folk influences and a bit of bluegrass, they don't fit neatly into a Southern Gospel framework, though they've played those festivals.

Thompson joined the duo early on to make it a three-piece, and they traveled and recorded with a bigger backing band. As Thompson pointed out, traveling with a band is expensive, so one day, they asked him to grab an acoustic guitar and join them.

"Then you naturally land on a spot of like folk, southern grass, or whatever you want to call it, and that was just super natural to us because it wasn't like, 'Hey, let's do this because it would be cool," Thompson said. "It just happened."

Brothers McClurg recorded three albums for Integrity before being dropped by the label, though the album Join the Sound, did crack the Top 40 on the Billboard charts. They were soon signed to an independent label based in Watertown, but the band, this time, decided they wanted to produce the album themselves. 

Escaping Nashville
Anthony said they weren't always satisfied with the final product on their first albums. Their Southern Gospel-inspired sound, ironically, didn't fit with Nashville's penchant for pop song production. 

He decided to take the advance from the new label and lease space for a studio in the Harvester Center, and record the album -- which became their Christmas album, Going Back to Bethlehem -- in Batavia. They could record at their own pace. The lease was for a year.  The album was finished in six months.

Anthony's connection with Batavia began when he was still involved with his church near the University at Buffalo. A young lady from Batavia started attending UB and got involved with that church. Eventually, they married, and Anthony moved to Batavia, at first as worship director for an Assembly of God church and later at Northgate, where he's led worship for 19 years.

Once musician friends found out the studio in the Harvester Center was available for the six months on the lease, they started calling -- from California, Tennesee, and Ohio -- looking to use the studio for their projects.  The temporary studio became the permanent home base for Brothers McClurg. They launched a record label, Old Bear Records, now with 19 artists signed. 

With the studio space, Chris Hoisington emerged as a producer. And he clearly has the mind of a producer. Throughout the conversation at the studio on Friday, his comments often focused on the sound, structure and content of things.

When the topic of Old Bear artist Eric Lee Brumley comes up, he immediately explains what makes Brumley different from many Christian artists.

On Brumley's newest album, Electric Chair, the brothers share some writing credits, and Chris is the producer.

It was fun writing with Brumley, he said, because Brumley is more interested in Bible stories, even ones that do not necessarily end well, like David and Bathsheba.

"When you do Christian music, everything has to be victorious, but it's like, 'Let's talk about some of the sad stories, what you can learn from those outcomes, and how it reflects now," Chris said. 

Chris lives in the Boston Hills area, south of Buffalo, a ski area called Kissing Bridge.  He helps with worship services twice a month with the Free Methodist Church in Fredonia and every couple of months with another church in Olean. 

The music he's been listening to most recently is the music that introduces him to new sounds.

"I think influences for all us varies depending on what we're everybody's listening to," Chris said. "I've been listening to a lot of mid-Midwestern EMO lately, so bands like American Football, this band, C Clamp, just like odd music, but they're all cool guitar parts that interchange between the band members. I've been getting back into bands again because I went through a phase of not really listening to bands because nowadays, everybody's a solo artist."

He said as a producer, the most fascinating music today is perhaps soundtracks.

"They're just creating music based on a visual, so that's a way cool way to make records," Chris said. "They're making music off of whatever they want to make based on a narrative that's happening in the movie. Then, when you pull away, you've created this bizarre music."

From that, he's learned, he said, that you can think more about feel than "we need a guitar part on every song, or we need to have a drum part on every song. We can try a lot of different things." 

He's especially proud of the Christmas album. He said it's a good example of mixing different sounds, from acoustic arrangements to full band performances, including some instrumentals and a bit of narration from "Pappy" McClurg.

"For me, that's probably my favorite thing we've done," Chris said. "It's got that nostalgic thing to it." 

Chris produced or co-produced many of the tracks on Bellsburg (The Songs of Rich Mullins), a multi-artist compilation. Mullins was a Christian singer-songwriter who died in a car accident in 1997.  The album was nominated for multiple Grammy awards. 

Chris and Anthony are working on a similar multi-artist compilation, one of original material based on parables in the Bible and will include such major Christian artists as Terry Taylor, Randy Stonehill, and Phil Keaggy.

He said of a conversation with Stonehill, "I'm like, 'Dude, just write the song.' We want to help shape the production. That's what's nice about what we've always done with Old Bear. Break the rules because we don't have to adhere to anybody's idea of what (it should be). To us, it's like, let's just make Christian music, but the kind that we actually like to hear it, not because we're trying to market it to some Bible app or whatever the case may be."

They've also kicked around a tribute album to the Louvin Brothers classic, Satan Is Real.

When the subject of the Louvin Brothers comes up, both Anthony and Chris acknowledge them as an influence.  There's a general idea in music that siblings make the best harmonies, called "blood harmonies," and Brothers McClurg, including Thompson, who has been playing with Anthony and Chris since they were young teens, think they capture that sound, which was the inspiration for their two albums Around the Mic and Around the Mic Two.

Brothers McClurg are also working on their next album, which the brothers said will be a little different, which Anthony, Chris, and Jeremy are bringing in their own songs and not all of them are explicitly Christian-themed.

For Anthony, music, he said, is for him the most natural way to communicate his faith.  It's doing what he can do to spread what faith in Jesus Christ means.

"If you were to put me in front of a bunch of people, you're not sure what they believe, it is really hard for me to communicate verbally, without music, to communicate what faith looks like to me. If you just said, 'Hey, preach about it or talk, talk, take the music out of it, it would be really hard. Naturally, it's way easier to just sing about it. It's more concise, more to the point, and I think it's a better representation of how I feel. I've always looked at it like there is a purpose for me to do that, and there's no more natural way for me to say what I believe in."

Thursday's show will draw from the Brothers McClurg Christmas album, Christmas song covers, and some of their back catalog.

Old Bear artist The Local Hang-Ups, from Rochester, will play a 20-minute opening set. The duo, Katy Martin and Abbey Sitterley, is inspired by the likes of the Everly Brothers and Simon & Garfunkel.

Northgate Free Methodist Church is located at 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

While members of Ascension Parish attend the remaining noon mass on Sundays, they are clinging to an appeal process that has reached the second phase in steadfast efforts to fight the Buffalo Catholic Diocese’s attempts to permanently close the doors of Sacred Heart Church in Batavia.

The group Friends of Ascension has been working to keep members informed, signing petition mandates, contributing through participation and financial support, and not letting the light die out at their south side parish. 

Longtime member Nancy Brach sent out an email this week providing an update to all.

“Thanks to everyone who has assisted us in this process. This includes our core group, parishioners, those who signed mandates, who attended events and masses, who wrote letters, who volunteered, who proudly wore their buttons, who provided information for our appeal, who publicized the challenges we are facing and who encouraged and supported us in this effort,” she said. “While our main focus is keeping our church open, there is much more to this fight.  It is about how the Diocese, and Dioceses across the country, are treating their parishes.  And we are not so unaware that we do not realize that some churches should close, whether because of their physical condition, their financial viability or their underutilization.

“But to close healthy churches that are needed, cared for and loved in their communities is another story,” she said. “It is clear that individual parishes are being closed due to the transgressions of the Diocese.”

She referred to a “Buffalo News” article quoting attorney Ilan Scharf about the Diocese, defendants in sex abuse lawsuits that have their own assets, including cash investments, and real estate, that should be considered in any settlement discussions.

“If the diocese is going to survive as an entity, other parishes, even those without claims directly against them, can make a contribution to help fund a settlement,” Scharf said. “It’s been done in every other settlement across the country.”

While this may be legally correct, it is ethically wrong to punish people for the sins of others, Brach said.  

“It is obvious that she is just looking for a bigger pot to divide among the legal team and those she is representing,” Brach said. “But she intends to take the money from people who are not responsible for the crimes.  That is wrong.

“We hope we will be successful in our appeal,” she said. “But it is also important that we can serve as an example of standing up for what is right and that we can encourage other parishes to fight back, instead of giving up.”

Liz Zilbauer of Save Our Buffalo Churches posted to that article and also emailed the Ascension group her thoughts about the situation with the Diocese and notion that other parishes can help to pay for these ongoing sex abuse lawsuits. 

“Claimant attorney Ilan Scharf is quoted as explaining Canon Law allowing for 'the assets of merged or suppressed parishes to be used elsewhere within the diocese.' What? Used elsewhere? Actually, with each parish, a separately incorporated entity, the sale money and assets of a parish belong to that parish unless and until that parish is (legitimately) extinguished and its property sold,” Zilbauer said. “Then that money can go to the bishop, but only under certain circumstances, and when legitimate grave cause justifies the closure."

Zilbauer concluded that there is no grave or just cause in the great majority of these closures or that a grave cause could actually have "been accurately determined by the process inflicted on us.” 

She included an excerpt from an appeal letter to the dicastery that a canon lawyer encourages parishes to send. It "really sets the record straight" regarding "what is legitimate here and what is not," she said.

“In his decree for [name of] Parish, Bishop Fisher notes the need to amass a substantial sum of money to settle numerous civil claims in Federal Bankruptcy Court, and that the possibility of alienating [parish's] properties has been suggested,” she said. “We strongly object to the potential of our longstanding parish community being sacrificed to satisfy the temporal and pecuniary obligations of the diocese for civil claims that are unrelated to the actions and activities of our parish community. We have informed the Bishop of this objection within our appeal letter. 

“I think we diocesan parishioners need to be vigilant against the loopholes ripe for exploitation suggested by ‘net assets’ especially considering it seems to have been the plan all along to use the settlements as pretext for a mass-reduction of footprint … continuing to threaten the parishes, and in fact, deepening the threat, when they have less and less rational/practical justification for doing so,” she said. "Ironically, this is happening during the Christmas season and at the door of the 2025 Jubilee Year — which is defined, in part, by a forgiveness of all debts. It will be during this year that the diocese doubles down on the collection of debts we neither owe nor they have any right to take.” 

This second step of an appeal went to the Holy See, which has 90 days to respond. If Ascension receives a denial or no response, it can appeal to the Church's Supreme Court, the Apostolic Signatura, which follows its own regulations “in a different process that requires appellants to hire an advocate in Rome approved by the Signatura.” 

There is no strict timeline or constraint for the response, and the Signatura may give extensions during this process. 

For previous story about the process and remaining church mass, go HERE.

Officers with Batavia PD, as well as sheriff's deputies later in the morning, participated in the 10th annual Shop with a Cop event at Walmart on Saturday. 

Shop with a Cop allows local children who are selected with the help of school resource officers and school officials from each school in Genesee County to buy Christmas presents for themselves or for friends and family members. Children are provided funds and their own personal police officer or deputy to accompany them on a Christmas shopping trip in the store.  

Walmart hosts and staffs the event.  Walmart also provides funding and goody bags for each child. 

Grant money from Walmart, donations from the City of Batavia Police Benevolent Association, City of Batavia Civil Employee’s Association (CSEA), the City’s “Jeans for Friday” program, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Employee Association and donations made in the memory of Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello makes the event possible. 

Photos by Howard Owens.

Batavia's Just King's Social Club held a toy drive and a visit with Santa in City Centre on Friday night.

WBTA, Ken Barrett Chevrolet, and the Salvation Army teamed up on Friday for their annual toy drive for the families of Genesee County.