batavia

Press Release:

This holiday season, Batavia Downs is celebrating with thrilling offers & exciting events: Bob’s Christmas Resource Day by the Little Free Pantry, a chance to see celebrity chef Anne Burrell, an opportunity to “Get Paid To Stay”, and fantastic Thanksgiving/Black Friday promotions.

An Afternoon with Anne Burrell – Sunday, November 24 

Batavia Downs is hosting "An Afternoon with Anne Burrell" at 3 p.m. inside of Park Place, featuring the Food Network star and chef extraordinaire, Anne Burrell. Guests will enjoy live cooking demonstrations, culinary tips, and stories from Anne’s celebrated career. 

Tickets for this exclusive event are available at www.BataviaConcerts.com. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now to watch one of the most beloved chefs in the country! A dinner option is also available for a complete culinary experience.

Bob’s Christmas Resource Day by the Little Free Pantry – November 26

Batavia Downs is thrilled to host a community resource event with the Little Free Pantry. Taking place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, inside the Park Place Event Center, this initiative ensures that local families in need can receive items at no cost and with no questions asked. Batavia Downs is committed to providing resources for support to the local community.

Thanksgiving/Black Friday Happenings – November 28 and 29

WROTB President & CEO Byron Brown & the Board of Directors invite you to come celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with dining specials, gaming promotions, and an unbeatable hotel offer!

Dining Specials: Stop by 34 Rush to enjoy the November specials, such as the Salted Caramel Apple Cider, or Cranberry Turkey Sandwich! More details are available here: https://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/club-bud-light/ No reservations are needed.

November 28 Promotion:

Enjoy Thanksgiving Hot Seats! Use your Player's Club card at any machine between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a chance to win $100 Free Play every hour!

November 29 Promotions:

Bring in any receipt from a Batavia area retailer between 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. today (dated November 29, 2024, valued at $5 or more) to receive $5 Free Play! *Visit Player's Club to redeem. Gas stations & markets do not count. Must earn 5 pts., one redemption per person, per promo period.

Stop by before or after you shop to enjoy Black Friday Hot Seats! Use your Player's Club card between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a chance to win $100 Free Play every hour!

For full promotion rules, visit https://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/gaming/promotions/. 

Stay the Night on Thanksgiving with the “Get Paid To Stay” hotel deal! For $129 plus tax, you will receive a hotel room, $60 Free Play per guest (based on double occupancy), a $20 gas card, your choice between Two Premium “On The Rocks” Premade Cocktails or 4 beers at Club Bud Light, and a complimentary breakfast buffet in the morning! Learn more & book at https://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/hotel-deals/.

For more information on these events or to learn about other activities at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, please visit our website or contact us directly.  

High construction costs and high interest rates have temporarily shelved plans to expand the Hotel at Batavia Downs.

The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Board of Directors voted on Thursday to temporarily "pause" expansion plans on the recommendation of outgoing CEO/President Henry Wojtaszek.

Wojtaszek said the executive team sought construction estimates for the proposed expansion and the estimates -- not bids -- came in at $16 million and $16.5 million, which is about $4 million more than the original cost estimate.

"Because of the high cost of the estimate to build a hotel and the high cost of borrowing, we recommended to the board that they delay their decision and come back and review (the proposal) in six months to a year," Wojtaszek.

The Hotel at Batavia Downs is currently an 84-room luxury facility that opened in 2016. It was originally constructed and operated by ADK Hospitality, a Buffalo-based company. It costs ADK $5.4 million to build the hotel. The OTB purchased the hotel in 2021 for $8 million.

Officials were looking at an expansion that would essentially double the size of the hotel, with a new wing added to the north side of the current hotel.

Byron Brown, the new CEO and president, said pausing expansion given the current construction market makes sense.

"The construction companies that reviewed this felt that costs in the construction industry are extremely high right now and that interest rates are high right now, and we should delay seeing if construction costs come back down and if interest rates go down," Brown said. "And, you know, one example of this is if you even look at reporting on the Bills new stadium project, construction expenses have ballooned by over $560 million over original estimates."

Asked about the possibility of new import tariffs, as promised by the incoming White House administration, raising the cost of construction, thus making the project even more expensive to pursue, Brown said, "That's why we made the recommendation to delay moving forward with the hotel expansion, so that we would give the board the opportunity, with the management team to look at these things and to look at the costs, and if costs come back in line, then we would be able to move forward. And if costs don't come back in line, that would be something that the board would need to consider."

The board, Wojtaszek said, will likely look at a scaled-down expansion (fewer new rooms) at its December meeting to see if it could be financially feasible. 

The board may also be asked to authorize construction BIDs to see if maybe they come in lower than the estimates, Brown said.

As he stepped into his new role as president and CEO, Bryon Brown noted that the hotel has helped contribute to revenue growth at Batavia Downs and he said he supported expansion.

"(The hotel) has led to this corporation becoming a lot more profitable," Brown told The Batavian in October. "So purchasing the hotel in the first place was a very good decision. From my perspective, just being able to evaluate this during the week that I've been here, I think expanding would be a good decision as well. But again, I don't want to try to speak for the board."

Brown said delaying expansions is a disappointment for all concerned.

"The management team and the board are all disappointed. I'm disappointed," Brown said. "You know, we did not anticipate the numbers being this high with the increase in construction costs and interest rates, but we have to make a sound business decision, and that's what we're doing by recommending that the hotel expansion be delayed at this time."

A gathering Wednesday evening was to remember those Americans who have died due to anti-transgender violence, but just as significantly, to celebrate the loved ones still coping and living as a transgender or nonbinary person subjected to potential bullying and violence, including Clyde Macioszek.

Macioszek has plenty of friends who are trans, and “I am trans myself,” admitting that it has been difficult at times because of how people have responded to the Batavia resident.

“I think it’s important to remember the ones we’ve lost and sort of make a community to bring them together, of other trans people or allies, to sort of make sure we don’t lose more, and to sort of know the importance of these people and the lives that they lived,” Macioszek said during the fourth annual local vigil of International Transgender Day of Remembrance. “It’s affected me very negatively, and I sort of try to hide it from a lot of people due to the negative view on trans people. I think it helps spread a little bit of awareness, and I think it really just helps build community.”

Organizers from GLOW-OUT! and Brockport Pride Association believed this was the largest gathering so far of an estimated 50 or so people. Macioszek and Nate Clarke carried flags with the transgender colors of blue, pink and white and candles were distributed for the ceremony.

Lauren Berger, the new secretary for GLOW-OUT! and a member of the Brockport group, reminded everyone that the reason they’re gathered is to support their trans friends and loved ones and remember those lost to transgender violence.

The day began as a memorial service for Rita Hester in November 1997, and a group of trans women in San Francisco began to commemorate those lost to anti-trans violence two years later, with the tradition continuing on and growing internationally ever since.

These same types of ceremonies were happening all over the country and in Puerto Rico, she said. A list of names of those killed, or whose bodies were found, from fall 2023 to November of this year was read aloud. 

“They had families, friends, and communities who loved them. They struggled with issues that affect millions of Americans — substance abuse, mental illness, homelessness, incarceration, domestic violence and bullying,” she said. “But unlike cisgender Americans, they also faced transphobia. We owe it to their memory and to our future to recognize the importance of supporting our transgender siblings, community members and friends. We must celebrate those still with us, and remember those lost.”

One by one, followed by reading each name, was the age, and most were startlingly young — from age 14 and several in their 20s up to a handful in their 50s. There were 69 people, and they were the ones reported and living in the United States, organizers’ data stated. There are more than 300 victims from around the world, according to tdor.translivesmatter.info. There was no one from Genesee County; however, the very first name was Allen O’Donnell, 20, of Brockport, who died on Oct. 1, 2023.

As the names were read, a glowing colored candle was placed on the courthouse steps. It was a demonstration of how quickly and tragically life had been taken as steps filled up with color. A message was shared through U.S. Senator Corey Booker’s quote: “hope is the active conviction that despair will never have the last word.”

“GLOW-OUT! really started doing the Trans Day of Remembrance vigil, because it's something that lots of groups are doing all over the world because of the remembrance event. But over the years, in our experience doing it, we've really tried to strike a balance of that phrase you might have heard or seen as not just mourn the dead, but fight for the living. That whole balance of coming together in remembrance, and there's a real solemnity to that,” Berger said. “And we're mourning, this is really sad. A lot of names on this list, they're very young, you know? It's just really tragic. And so there really can be … the sense of despair, or that it's really kind of just adding to feeling kind of deflated, or like, okay, this was really depressing, I just went to a funeral, now what? And so over the years, we've really aimed to strike more of a balance to give folks something that is the reason for hope, the reason for looking forward to tomorrow, the reason to be proud of the resilience and the survival of the people that are in our lives still and from there, it was really easy to shift in this mindset, content-wise, that we are here in remembrance and in mourning, but we also have the opportunity to love and support people while they're alive.”

GLOW-OUT! broadly defines “transgender” as anyone whose gender identity or expression is outside of societal norms. At the same time “nonbinary” means a person who does not identify with either male or female – or may experience fluidity in that regard. Some transgender or nonbinary people might take medications or have surgeries to affirm their gender; others might not. 

In the US, transgender and nonbinary people are bullied, homeless, incarcerated, and targets of violence at much higher rates than their cisgender (non-trans) peers, the nonprofit said. These experiences contribute to the additional truth that transgender and nonbinary people are more likely to consider, attempt, and complete suicide than cisgender people.

That’s another big reason for the vigil: to promote awareness and transgender advocacy of available resources, including GLOW mental health programs, crisis hotlines and a trans lifeline, and several other related support groups.

“All of these norms that are so violent and negative are what people have been told is what they should be feeling. And so when we are coming together in the spirit of who you are is valuable. Who you are matters. You are worthy of love and acceptance and joy exactly as you are. That's running counter to this narrative that some people might hear, directly or indirectly. And it also is this idea that we, again, are remembering the dead. However, we also are here for people who are still alive and people who aren't, who are not here yet, that we are going to fight for as a community with as much love as anybody else deserves,” Berger said. “So, to see more people than any other year just tells me that even though we're still dealing with this violence, we're still dealing with transphobia and sadness, we also are seeing more resilience and response and people saying that they're not going to tolerate that in their house, in their community, in their schools, in their towns. And that's stronger than ever, which is really encouraging.”

For more information, go to glowout.org.

Photos by Joanne Beck.

Design plans for the city school district’s $45 million capital project have been submitted and work is expected to begin in spring of 2025, says Brian Trott of CPL Architects.

Trott and his colleagues from Campus Construction Management gave an update on the project that was approved by voters in December 2023 during this week’s Board of Education meeting. The project is broken out into three phases. The first one was designed through spring 2024, with an estimated SED review to be done and bid awards completed this winter.

“The construction documents are completed. They've gone into the State Education Department, and we're waiting for approval on that phase. The state Education Department takes approximately eight months, unfortunately; six months for the review of the technical review of the architects and engineers, unfortunately, and about two months for the fiscal associate or project managers,” Trott said, answering board member Alice Benedict’s question of how long the review process takes. 

“Phase Two design development documents were completed," He said. "So we put most of the scope on documents … and in that process, we went through three rounds of user groups, updated the Facilities Committee, and we studied how able the project would be with our New York State agent. Phase Three, the majority of that project development will start next month, we’ll get to kick off with the district. So that's the big picture.”

Actual work is estimated to begin by spring of 2025 for Phase One, the fall of 2025 for Phase Two items and spring 2026 for Phase Three, with “substantial completion” to be done by spring 2026 and fall 2027, respectively, Campus Construction associate Allison Thompson said. 

Costs for each phase are estimated to be about $10 million for the first phase, $20 million for the second and $15 million for Phase Three, for a project budget of $45,060,486, still falling within the targeted and approved range, Trott said. 

Three of the district's schools are undergoing reconfigurations. Robert Morris will become an early childhood center and absorb UPK and kindergarten from Jackson Primary at the Union Street school. Jackson currently houses pre-kindergarten through first grade and will take on second grade as part of this new reconfiguration.  

John Kennedy will lose second grade and take back fifth grade from Batavia Middle School. So JK will house grades three through five and BMS will again be for grades six through eight. There are no planned grade changes at the high school.

Phase One work at Robert Morris is to include replacing the playground and fencing, and roof replacement at selected portions; a full building roof replacement at John Kennedy Intermediate, except for the new addition; and roof restoration at selected areas at the high school.

Phase Two at Robert Morris includes:

• Kindergarten/UPK toilet rooms
• Kindergarten new casework, sink and cubbies
• Meeting/evaluation room
• OT/PT room, resource rooms
• Gym renovations
• Masonry repairs on exterior brick
• Canopy bird repellency
• Fire alarm replacements
• Public address/clock replacement
• Blue light notification system replacement
• Retaining wall south end gym egress
•  Partial corridor flooring replacement
• IT infrastructure replacements

Phase Two at John Kennedy:

• Fire Alarm system replacement
• Public address/clock replacement
• Blue light notification system replacement
• IT infrastructure replacements

Phase Two at Jackson:

• Building mounted lighting (back/East busload and vestibule)
• Foundation wall repair (cafe exit door 12)
• Fire alarm system replacement
• Public address/clock replacement
• Blue light notification system replacement
• IT infrastructure replacements
• Replace fading retaining wall
• Pavement replacement around failing retaining wall

Phase Two at Batavia Middle School:

• Full building corridor floor replacement 
• Dumbwaiter abatement and convert to MEP chase 
• Gender neutral restroom and staff restrooms 
• Auditorium second floor glass safety railing and stage lighting. 
• Fire alarm replacement 
• Blue light notification system replacement 
• IT infrastructure improvements 
• Foundation repairs, and rebuild front entry stair 

Phase Two at BHS:

• Public address system replacement
• Blue light notification system replacement
• IT infrastructure replacements

Phase Two at Richmond Memorial Library:

• Storefront door and hardware replacement
• Miscellaneous minor improvements

Phase Three includes:

John Kennedy

• Gym Divider Removal – Replace with Curtain
• JV Softball Field minor upgrades
• Loading Dock Trench Drain Replacement
• Replace Collapsed Drain Tile Near Loading Dock

BMS

• Parking lot improvements and gym divider removal/replace with curtain

BHS

• Synthetic turf JV baseball and varsity softball fields 
• Auditorium renovation (does not include shell, pit, and catwalks) 
• Gender neutral restrooms (single use) 
• Moisture/structural repairs near gym 
• Gym a – backstop motors/hoist and painting 
• Boiler system replacement 

District residents approved the capital project by a vote of 315 to 97 during a special vote on Dec. 14, 2023.

Press Release:

Western Regional Off Track Betting (WROTB) President and CEO Byron Brown presented representatives from the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) with a check for $25,215.30 to help those who been affected by breast or gynecologic cancer.

On September 27, a dinner and night at the races fundraiser with raffles to benefit the BCCR was held inside the Batavia Downs Clubhouse. Businesses and donors located in Western NY sponsored several races that night. Some monies came from the local harness racing community as some owners, trainers and drivers donated all or a portion of their earnings from the night to the BCCR. Through the dinner, donations, raffles and auctions for items, the event raised $25,213.30.

“I'm honored, along with the Batavia Downs Board of Directors,  to present a check of over $25,000 to the Breast Cancer Coalition,” Brown said. “Breast Cancer Awareness Month just concluded in October but our focus should be year around with more than 360,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone. Early detection is critically important because - so the quicker you act the bigger the impact.”

"The Breast Cancer Coalition Community is profoundly grateful for the incredible support Batavia Downs provides year after year,” said Christina Thompson, President and Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Coalition. “While we appreciate every contribution to our organization, the unwavering dedication from Batavia Downs and its staff holds special meaning. Their support extends beyond October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month—they stay engaged with us throughout the year, referring friends and family to our programs. They also recognize how challenging it is for a community-based organization to secure the vital funding needed to deliver our exceptional programs and services to survivors across Central and Western New York. Thanks to Batavia Downs’ enduring partnership, we can continue serving our community with the care and resources they rely on.”

Press Release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation will welcome all guests to an evening of fine dining and holiday music at its annual Encore holiday gala on Saturday, December 14 at 5 p.m. This year's event theme, "Twelve Days of Christmas," celebrates the traditions of the holiday season and features a special holiday concert program choreographed by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra.

For over 30 years, Encore has provided crucial funding for student scholarships at Genesee Community College. The Foundation is pleased to announce the continued support of our Presenting Sponsor, Tompkins Financial Corporation, for Encore 2024. "Tompkins banking, insurance and wealth teams are proud to continue our partnership with GCC, in support of our friends, neighbors and all those we serve here in western New York," said David Boyce, President & CEO, Tompkins Insurance Agencies.

There are several opportunities remaining to sponsor the Encore event. These sponsorships are critically important to the scholarships GCC provides its students and are available at several levels this year:

• Conductor's Circle: $1,000
• Golden Baton Society: $600
• Inner Circle: $300
• Individual Platinum Patron Ticket: $100

Help make a difference and make your reservations today at www.gccfoundationinc.org/encore or contact the Foundation Office at 585-345-6809. Tickets are limited so reserve yours today!

For more information contact Justin Johnston, Vice President, Development, Admissions and External Affairs at 585-345-6809, or via email: foundation@genesee.edu.

Penny Sallome has a message for Bob Darch from the Grandview Cemetery board of directors: You're appreciated. 

Darch is past treasurer and the current VP, but also a tireless volunteer, Sallome said.

"He is a genuine giving guy," Sallome said.  "He spends countless hours picking up garbage, fixing plants that fall over, trimming, picking up sticks -- you name it, he does it.   His presence is seen almost daily by anyone who is in the cemetery."

Sallome said the board appreciates all that Darch does for the cemetery and how much he cares about the community's families who have loved ones interred there.

"He truly puts his whole heart and soul into taking care of them," Sallome said. "We could not do this without him."

Press Release:

GO ART! is pleased to welcome the public to view the fine art collection of Ryan Gaebler at an exhibition reception on Thursday, November 21.

Ryan grew up in Pavilion and was influenced by his parent's love for antiquing. They would often explore auctions, yard sales, and thrift stores together in search of hidden treasures. 

One particular childhood memory that stands out for Ryan is when he was eight years old. He spent a night in a camper and woke up the next morning to set up his stand at a flea market, showcasing and selling baseball and football cards - a hobby he would continue for many years. 

In 2006, Ryan relocated to Batavia, and in 2011, another nostalgic memory of visiting flea markets with his parents in his youth was triggered by a visit to a small flea market at the Fairgrounds in Batavia, where he met Dave Thompson; an encounter that would significantly help to guide his path into the world of collecting, and played a pivotal role in his career as a fine arts collector.

Dave Thompson sold different kinds of art, antiques, and glassware. 

Ryan said “I bought a couple of nice paintings from him for $15-$20 apiece. I saw the beauty in them! I started going back week after week talking to Dave. He told me about some of the local artists to look for and I started going to Bontrager’s Auction and other types of sales looking for these artists. One of the first pieces I found was a RW Ware drawing at Bontrager’s.”

We could assume that Ryan's journey into the world of art collecting reached a significant milestone in 2013 when he participated in his first antique show and sold three RW Ware paintings to Jim Owen.

We invite you to see the impressive collection featuring artists such as Roy Mason, and RW Ware, meet Ryan during the reception, and hear more about the journey that got him to the place of a successful fine art collector this Thursday, November 21, starting at 5 p.m.(Ryan’s talk at 6 p.m). 

You will learn more about some of the individuals and opportunities that have influenced his development in this field and how dealing with art, antiques, and collectibles has brought him joy and changed his life.

This event is free, but the experience will be invaluable! We look forward to welcoming you to this event!

Press Release:

Western Region Off Track Betting (WROTB) and Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown was joined by staff from Make-A-Wish Western New York, as Batavia Downs Presented them with a check for  $9,310.  These proceeds were from this past summer’s Chair Rentals, Glow in the Dark Jewelry and Can Coolers sales at Batavia’s Rockin’ the Downs Outdoor Summer Concert Series.

“On behalf of the Batavia Downs Board of Directors, I want to recognize and thank the volunteers of Make of Wish Western New York for making this happen,” Brown said.  “Through their efforts over $9,300 was raised to help children with critical illnesses. Hopefully with the money raised another wish can come true.”

Throughout the 9 concerts of Batavia Downs’ Rockin’ The Downs Summer Concert Series, volunteers at the Make-A-Wish chair-rental booth rented out chairs and sold glow jewelry and Make  A Wish branded can coolers.  The chairs were adorned with the Make-A-Wish logo and the message:  The person sitting in this chair is helping to transform lives.

“Make-A-Wish is incredibly appreciative of our partnership with Batavia Downs for the “Rockin’ the Downs” Summer Concert Series to raise both awareness and crucial funds to help support children and families fighting critical illnesses, not only in the Batavia community but throughout this 17-county region,” said Ben Marchione, Regional Director, Make-A-Wish® Western New York.  “Thank you to all the concert goers who supported this year’s efforts and to Batavia Downs for making it possible. It is only through vitally important partnerships such as this that we are able to continue to serve our essential mission. We are very thankful for the opportunity.”

The 2025 Concert Series lineup is expected to announced before year’s end.

Eric J. Merritt, 35, of Buffalo, is charged with felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation 1st, driving without an ignition interlock, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Merrit was charged following a motor vehicle accident reported on Oct. 29 on West Main Street, Batavia. He allegedly left the scene of the accident. Merritt reportedly has two prior DWI convictions in the past 10 years. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Danny D. Williams, 36, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Williams is accused of violating an order of protection on Nov. 5 by being with the protected person. He was arraigned and jailed.

Kyle N. Kendall, 20, of Batavia, and Aiyana J. Luke, 25, of Batavia, are both charged with criminal mischief, 2nd, reckless endangerment of property, and City Code violation for unnecessary noise. Kendall and Luke are accused of causing damage to city-owned parking lot on Liberty Street on Oct. 19. They were arrested on Nov. 2 They were arraigned and released.

Alicia M. Lyons, 45, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st, menacing 2nd, nd harassment 2nd. Lyons is accused of fighting with another person on Oct. 27 in violation of an order protection. She was arraigned and released.

Alexander C. Colon-Colon, 30, of Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing. Colon-Colon is accused of fighting with another person on Oct. 31, placing his hands around that person's next, and as a result, the person was unable to breathe. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Jerry N. Stephens, 42, of Rochester, was arrested Oct. 30 on a warrant. He was issued a misdemeanor traffic ticket on May 13. The warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Perrion T. Swan, 34, of Rochester, was arrested on Oct. 31 on a warrant. The warrant was issued for Swan when he allegedly failed to appear in court after being issued a misdemeanor traffic ticket on Aug 20. He was arraigned and released.

Brandon M. Weig, 37, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Weig is accused of possessing crack cocaine on July 26. Weig was arrested on Nov. 5 and issued an appearance ticket.

Press Release:

St. James Episcopal Church is known for the wonderful desserts served for many years at Lenten Fish Fries. Those same bakers have been busy in the church kitchen making apple and pumpkin pies for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Pre-order 9” homemade pies for $14 or
take your chances and stop in on Friday or Saturday during the basket raffle.

A variety of gift baskets have been assembled, including homemade quilts, Bridgerton Spa basket, lottery tree, books, and more. Tickets will be on sale throughout the event and you need not be present to win.

Dorian Ely, one of the organizers, said, “We are no longer doing fish fries, but the bakers are still going strong having made even more pies this year. Events like these help us with our outreach efforts including the street-front Blessing Box which provides non-perishable food and personal care products to the community; school supplies, winter hats and gloves for area children; dresses for girls in Uganda; humanitarian aid to Ukraine; and other efforts. We hope to see many of our neighbors coming in to purchase raffle tickets and a pie or two.”

The sixth annual Pie Sale and Basket Raffle will be held at St. James Church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia on Friday, November 22, from 4 - 6 p.m. and Saturday, November 23, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Admission is free. For information or to pre-order, call the church at 585-343-6802.

Michael J. Elmore ended an eight-month ordeal Monday that began with the tragic events that took the life of Sgt. Tom Sanfratello with a guilty plea to aggravated manslaughter in the first degree.

Elmore faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for “intending to cause serious physical injury to a police officer, and as a result, causing the death” of Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello on March 10, 2024, at Batavia Downs. 

Represented by attorneys Joseph Lobosco and Zack Baisley, a soft-spoken Elmore in his tan Monroe County Jail jumpsuit pleaded guilty to the Class B violent felony and to obstructing government administration in the second degree of “trying to intentionally prevent a police officer from performing his official duty by means of intimidation, physical force, or interference” before Judge Donald O’Geen in County Court. 

His plea deal includes a “no more than 20-year determinant sentence,” when he could have served a few more years, Genesee County District Attorney Kevin Finnell said. 

“Michael pled guilty to the top count in the indictment, and he pled guilty to a cap of 20 years, whereas the maximum, if there were a trial, would have been 25,” Finnell said. “I believe that's an appropriate plea for this case, based upon the facts and the indictment.” 

Elmore was indicted by the Grand Jury on counts of:

• Aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, a Class B felony. He is accused of intending to cause serious physical injury to a police officer and, as result, causing the death of a police officer;
• Aggravated criminally negligent homicide, a Class C violent felony. He is accused of causing the death of Sanfratello with criminal negligence;
• Assault in the first degree, a Class B violent felony. Elmore is accused of causing the death of Sanfratello while in the commission of another crime, burglary in the second degree;
• Burglary in the second degree, a Class C violent felony. He is accused of knowingly entering a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime in the building and threatening to use or did use a dangerous instrument.

The incident that led up to Sanfratello's death before midnight on March 9, a Saturday night following a pair of events at Batavia Downs, when Sanfratello and Batavia Downs security responded to the Rush 34 bar for a disturbance. There, Sanfratello confronted Lyndsey Wilcox, 39, of Batavia and ordered Wilcox to leave the building. While being escorted out, she allegedly became combative with Sanfratello. She is accused of hitting Sanfratello several times with the intent to injure him. 

As Wilcox was being arrested, Elmore became involved and was also ordered to leave. He reportedly walked out of the building and came back in with a chain in his hand (a chain he was apparently wearing that night).

During the struggle, which included assistance from Batavia Downs security, Sanfratello reportedly tried to deploy his taser in an attempt to subdue the person attacking him.

According to initial reports, Sanfratello suffered a medical emergency during the struggle, which continued into Sunday, and became unresponsive. There was extensive effort, according to witnesses, to revive him with CPR. He was later pronounced dead by a county coroner.

Wilcox also entered a guilty plea Monday to Count 6 of the indictment, 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.” 

Elmore and Wilcox were both indicted on counts of:

• Burglary in the second degree, a Class C violent felony. Elmore and Wilcox are accused of remaining unlawfully in a building with the intent to commit a crime in the building and, while in the building, causing serious physical injury to another person;
• Assault in the second degree, a Class D violent felony. Elmore and Wilcox are accused of causing physical injury to a police officer who was in the act of performing his official duties;
• Obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. The pair is accused of trying to intentionally prevent a police officer from performing his official duty by means of intimidation, physical force, or interference.

Wilcox had also been separately charged with resisting arrest, a Class A Misdemeanor. She was accused of intentionally trying to prevent her legal arrest.

“The offer for Lyndsey included a maximum of six months incarceration, and she's done at least that at this time, so she couldn't get any more jail time. Initially, it's a revocable sentence promise, and it's a revocable, I guess, not a revocable plea, but it has conditions that she refrain from violating the law, cooperate with the probation department, and so forth. So that's why she was released,” Finnell said. “Her involvement was less than Mr. Elmore, and that's why her plea offer was to a D violent felony, and his was to a B violent felony. If Lyndsey had gone to trial and were convicted of the top count that she was charged with, I believe her sentence cap would have been 15 years on the top count.”

Her attorney, John LaDuca, with DuBois Law in Rochester, had asked that she be released on her own recognizance, however Finnell had requested that it be under supervision for her own benefit until sentencing. O’Geen agreed with Finnell, giving her a release under supervision with Genesee Justice.

“This is partially for your benefit,” he said. “If you slip up, the consequences are very large.”

Wilcox was ordered to appear to Genesee Justice after any court appearances and be accountable to that agency. O’Geen asked her attorney if she had any prospects of employment, and LaDuca said there were a couple of job opportunities “that are waiting for her.”

She cannot leave Genesee County without permission from the court or Genesee Justice and is subject to drug testing, and cannot operate a motor vehicle since she has no driver’s license. O’Geen also issued a curfew of 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., which “can be adjusted around work hours as necessary.”

Elmore was remanded to jail without bail. He is scheduled for sentencing at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 17. That may include letters and/or spoken testimony from the victim’s or defendant’s side, Finnell said. 

Wilcox will be sentenced at 10 a.m. Jan. 21.

“I was glad that we could resolve this matter for our client, in our indications likely favorably. So that's the disposition that she chose to go with, and I'm glad that we could resolve this, this was more appropriate at this point,” LaDuca said. “So she's looking forward to getting on to probation, being a good probationer, anyway, so that's a level of supervision in any effect. She would be sentenced to probation at sentencing, and then it's shock probation, but she's already served more than this six months time, so when she gets sentenced, then her time is already served.”

For complete prior coverage of the case and related articles, click here. 

Press Release:

The Board of Directors of The Jerome Foundation is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 39th Health and Humanitarian Award is Jay Gsell. 

This prestigious award recognizes volunteer men and women of Genesee County who have helped promote the emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of area residents.

In nominating Jay Gsell for the award, his neighbor James Patric notes “when we moved next door to Jay, he immediately came out of his house – introduced himself, welcomed us and said “how can I help?” So began a cherished friendship and our four children look forward to “Mr. Jay’s treats” left on the back steps. 

As a dedicated volunteer with Rotary, United Way, Salvation Army, GLOW with your hands, Premier Nursing Home, to name a few, Jay exemplifies the spirit of humanitarianism through his unwavering commitment to these causes. 

Chris Suozzi, GCEDC, adds “Jay is first to volunteer and assist us with GLOW with your hands and the Box Car Derby – events that support our community youth. He brings energy and enthusiasm which is unmatched”.

Fellow Rotarian Susie Ott states “Jay is someone who volunteers not for recognition but I think he deserves to be recognized for all that he does and the people he has helped during his living and working in our community.”

Mr. Gsell will be honored at a luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant on Friday, December 6, at noon. Tickets are $30 per person.

For reservations, please send check to: The Jerome Foundation, PO Box 249, Batavia by November 29. For more information contact Chris Fix, 585-356-3419.

Daquan J. Butler, 28, of Brooklyn, is charged with assault 1st, burglary 1st, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Butler is accused of illegally entering a residence on Liberty Street, Batavia, on Aug. 25, 2023, and stabbing an adult male inside the residence. A child was in the house at the time. Butler was located in New York City by U.S. Marshals and returned to Batavia. He was arranged in County Court and jailed.

Asa A. Wooton, 20, of Batavia, is charged with reckless endangerment 2nd, menacing 2nd, criminal possession of. weapon 4th, and criminal mischief 4th. Wooten is accused of threatening another person with a knife and damaging property on Oct. 28 during a fight on Mill Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Devonte T. Griner, 30, of Rochester, is charged with reckless endangerment 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, harassment 1st, and vehicle and traffic charges. Griner is accused of following another vehicle in the city of Batavia on Oct. 28 and using his vehicle to intentionally attempting to run the other vehicle off the road. Griner was located a short time later and taken into custody. He was arraigned and released.

Shquanebin Lone, 38, of Akron, is charged with burglary 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd. Lone is accused of unlawfully entering a dwelling on Bloomingdale Road, Basom, at 7:42 p.m. on Nov. 3. Lone allegedly committed crimes in the dwelling in the presence of a child. She was held pending arraignment. 

Megan Marie Gray, 22, of Alabama, is charged with trespass. Gray was reportedly barred from Walmart and allegedly entered the store at 2:15 p.m. on Nov. 6. She was released pending arraignment.

Reinaldo Aponte, 60, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 4th, DWI, unlicensed operation, stopped on a highway, and failure to signal turn. Aponte was stopped by Deputy Jeremy McClellan at 1:59 a.m. on Nov. 3 on West Main Street Road, Batavia. Apointe was arraigned and released.

Thomas Duane Booth, 48, of Conlon Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Both allegedly violated an order of protection on Nov. 12 at a location in Le Roy. He was arraigned and was released.

Paul Donald Rich, 63, of Crane Road, Medina, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Rich was arrested by Deputy Alexander Hadsall after a vehicle was found on its side  at 8:57 p.m. on Nov. 12 on Knowlesville Road, Alabama. Rich allegedly had a BAC of .17. He received treatment for possible injuries in the accident at ECMC. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

John Alano Dirosa, 44, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with assault 3rd. Dirosa was charged following an investigation into a fight reported at 9 p.m. on Nov. 12 on Main Street in Elba. 

Keith A. Lowery, 55, of Little Canda Road, Bethany, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, five or more suspensions, equipment violation, and dirty/covered plate. Lowery was stopped at 1:01 a.m. on Nov. 14 on Richmond Avenue, Batavia, by Deputy Stephen Smith. Lowery reportedly had four active warrants at the time of the stop.e was held pending arraignment.

Rhiannon Joy Graff, 44, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or higher, driving without insurance, aggravated unlicensed operation, and registration suspended. Graff was stopped at 12:54 a.m. on Nov. 15 on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Mason Schultz. Graff was prossed at the jail and released.

Lakara Denise Johnson, 34, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving while intoxicated with a child less than 16 in the vehicle, endangering the welfare of a child, and open container. Johnson and a male passenger were reportedly involved in a physical domestic fight in a car while driving back from Rochester at 9:52 p.m. on Nov. 10, with three children in the car. The vehicle was stopped on Seven Springs Road by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.  Johnson was ticketed and released.

Michael Charles Riggi, 54, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Riggi is accused of stealing $40 cash from another person while at Walmart on 3:55 p.m. on Nov. 15. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Trevon L. Armstrong, 39, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on Oct. 16. Armstrong was initially arrested on a charge of criminal mischief 4th, for allegedly damaging a window on Nov. 16, 2023. The warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to reappear in court. Armstrong was arraigned in and held on bail. 

Justin R. Nadrowski, 32, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd. Nadrowski is accused of entering the Spirit Halloween store on Oct. 26 at 1:05 a.m. through an unlocked door. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Donald D. Ryan, 41, is charged with petit larceny. Ryan is accused of taking down payment to complete work at a residence on Clifton Avenue but never showing up start the job. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Cori L Cleland, 39, of Perry, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Cleland was allegedly found unresponsive in her vehicle on Oct. 21. She was issued an appearance ticket.\

Cody A. Bush, 38, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. Bush allegedly injured another person during a fight on East Avenue on Oct. 18. He was arrested on Oct. 26 and issued an appearance ticket.

Brant G. Matthews, 30, of Le Roy, was arrested on Oct. 26 on three warrants. Matthews allegedly failed to appear in court on three separate criminal cases. He was arraigned and released.

Thomas J. Mitchell, 35, of Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration. Mitchell is accused of running from police when they attempted to detain him on Oct. 20 in connection with a separate incident. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Press Release:

On November 22 at 6 p.m., the 24th Annual Wonderland of Trees at the Holland Land Office Museum (HLOM) will officially kick off with our opening gala! Come view over 30 community trees and some amazing decorations! You will not want to miss out on all the amazing decorations, basket raffle, community atmosphere, and so much more! 

The DSP Jazz Trio will provide the music and food will be provided by Batavia's Original Pizzeria and The Alabama Hotel, along with desserts from A Sweet Ending Bakery! 

Tickets are $20, $15 for museum members, and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased through the museum’s website hollandlandoffice.com or at the museum.

Press Release:

Each year, on November 20, people worldwide take time to remember those lost to anti-transgender violence. This year, Batavia will host GLOW OUT!’s annual vigil and ceremony - and add a community meal to the program – for the event’s 25th anniversary.

“We hosted four last year, one in each of the GLOW counties,” said Sara Vacin, GLOW OUT! Executive Director. “This year we’re holding an art exhibition after the vigil, and a meal to honor and celebrate our trans elders.”

This year’s vigil will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, at the Old Courthouse at 7 Main Street in Batavia. A free meal of turkey, potatoes, vegetables, and dessert will be served in the Church fellowship hall (300 East Main) at 7 p.m. This space will also host a display of art submitted in remembrance and support of transgender and nonbinary people.

Broadly, the word “transgender” means anyone whose gender identity or expression is outside of societal norms, while “nonbinary” means a person who does not identify with either male or female – or may experience fluidity in that regard. Some transgender or nonbinary people might take medications or have surgeries to affirm their gender; others might not. 

In the US, transgender and nonbinary people are bullied, homeless, incarcerated, and targets of violence at much higher rates than their cisgender (non-trans) peers. These experiences contribute to the additional truth that transgender and nonbinary people are more likely to consider, attempt, and complete suicide than cisgender people.

But the event – and transgender advocacy in general – is about more than mourning.

“It’s important for us to support and celebrate and love our trans siblings and friends while they’re alive,” Vacin said. “We can give people their flowers now!”

First observed in 1999, the International Transgender Day of Remembrance began after Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman, was killed in her Boston apartment. Annually, the remembrance ceremony is held in acknowledgment of the friends and loved ones taken by anti-transgender violence. As transphobia intersects with sexism and racism, a large proportion of victims (every single year) are trans women of color - specifically, Black and Latina. Rita Hester’s murder remains unsolved.

Wednesday’s event is in partnership with SUNY Brockport’s Pride Association, and will include prepared remarks and a list of those lost to anti-transgender violence in the US since November 2023, the period recognized for the International Transgender Day of Remembrance.

As of this writing, 28 transgender or nonbinary Americans have been killed since last November. While this is a decrease from last year (32), and following a thankfully downward trend (51 in 2021; 41 in 2022), many official lists are incomplete because of the misreporting and underreporting of these crimes. 

Some have been disrespected in death by using their “dead name”, the name they were assigned at birth. As we all know, one person lost to hateful violence is too many. 

“This event is to remember those lost, yes,” said Vacin, “but it’s also to come together in love and support of those we are still fighting for – and will continue to, every day.” 

The vigil begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday November 20 at the old Batavia Courthouse.

Press Release:

National Home Care & Hospice Month, which was created by Jimmy Carter in 1978, is a month-long celebration that recognizes healthcare professionals who provide care wherever the patient calls home.

HomeCare & Hospice, which proudly serves Cattaraugus, Allegany, Genesee and Wyoming counties, will be taking the time to celebrate their administrators, clinical staff, volunteers, personal care aides and home health aides.

“We have amazing staff who truly provide the best care to our communities,” said Melissa Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer. “We are looking forward to showing our staff even more appreciation throughout the month.”

Special recognition dates are celebrated nationally throughout the month including Home Health Week November 18 - 22.

During Hospice Month in November, local libraries in Arcade, Olean, Wellsville, and Batavia will feature special Hospice displays. These displays will include books from the libraries' own collections, along with informational materials provided by HomeCare & Hospice. Stop by and learn more about hospice care and the valuable resources available to support patients and families.

National Home Care & Hospice Month is a great time to become a volunteer with the organization. HomeCare & Hospice is seeking caring individuals in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee or Wyoming counties who would be interested in becoming hospice volunteers. 

Both patients and their families not only require the help of the medical, aide, spiritual, and social work team provided by HomeCare & Hospice, but also need the support and respite that can be carried out by compassionate members of the community. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteer opportunities, please contact Pat Meek at 585-343-7596.

When facing the challenges of a serious illness, it’s important to remember that the right support can make all the difference. Hospice care focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life, ensuring that patients and families are never alone on this journey. Don’t wait until the situation feels overwhelming—call now to explore how hospice can help. Anyone can make the first call to hospice—whether it's a doctor, nurse, discharge planner, friend, family member, or the patient. 

Reach out today and discover how we can support you during life’s most difficult times. For more information on services available, please call 585-343-7596. For more information on the history of HomeCare & Hospice, please visit https://homecare-hospice.org/about/.