It was back to normal for Batavia on St. Patrick's Day on Thursday as revelers hit the local dining establishments and watering holes to party in public for the first time on the holiday in two years.
We visited O'Lacy's, Center Street Smokehouse, and Eli Fish Brewing. The Rince an Tiarna Irish Dancers performed at both Center Street and Eli Fish.
It has been a nearly two-month hiatus for Jennifer Gray’s newly named restaurant just over the Batavia border, and she’s not alone in waiting for it to be re-opened.
Gray has been posting updates on social media about The Tiny Piney on Main Road, Stafford, with as many as 2,000 anxious viewers.
“A lot of people follow it,” she said to The Batavian Thursday. “It’s just a weird little bar that people go to, a nice little quiesce place. I’m hoping to open next week, as soon as I get the license in the mail.”
Gray had purchased the bar and grill, formerly known as Pine Grove Inn, in March 2021. A temporary liquor license came along with that until New York State Liquor Authority informed Gray that there were “a couple of pieces of missing paperwork.” She had to shut down the place until the new license was processed and sent to her.
She posted a “temporarily closed” sign on Feb. 3 this year, and has anxiously been waiting for the permanent license. There was a mix-up in the Tiny Piney’s address, which is physically situated in Stafford but has a mailing address of East Main Street, Batavia, she said. She was told that the license was sent out this past Monday, and she is expecting to get it any day now.
Gray has been making some aesthetic changes, with tropical colors and decor. For those former customers concerned with the decades-old ceiling memorabilia of hand-written messages, that’s not going anywhere, she said.
She has two people helping to form volleyball leagues and a drop-in King’s Court, which is to get going by May. Two new volleyball courts have been carved out of the backyard and filled with sand. Outdoor lighting will ensure nighttime play.
Part of the bar’s new name hints at its size: “it’s tiny” Gray said, and accommodates 35 people. However, the large back deck accommodates the same amount of patrons and doubles the total capacity.
The menu has been slightly shifted to include more fresh — versus frozen — foods, and Gray’s certified Angus beef hamburgers are her jam. Well, those and her freshly created margaritas and the Tiny Piney punch — a coconut-flavored concoction with rum and vodka.
Jennifer is not a new face in town, as she has helped out husband Matt when needed at their restaurant, Alex’s Place, worked for a couple of years at Genesee Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, and has filled in for temporary leadership gaps at GO-ART! and United Way. When COVID-19 hit, she resigned from the orthopedic firm, and her most recent role has been as a busy hockey mom of two children.
Now she has found her “vibe” at the tiny pub at 5609 Main Road.
“It’s just a chill place,” she said.
For more information about volleyball leagues, call (585) 201-7283. For re-opening updates, go to https://m.facebook.com/The-Tiny-Piney-126142346292656/?ref=py_c
Images of the pub's new logo and a burger creation are from Jennifer Gray.
The Batavia High School Production Club opens the romantic musical comedy Mamma Mia at 7 p.m. on Friday the school's auditorium.
Tickets purchased online in advance at www.showtix4u.com are $10. At the door, they are $10 for students and $12 for adults.
Additional performances are Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Click here to view these properties and more!
A truck hauling an as-yet-unidentified fluid has rolled over on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 381.1 in the westbound lane.
There is a leak.
The driver is out and walking around but may have sustained a shoulder injury.
Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS responding.
UPDATE 2:27 p.m.: Stafford to stand in at Town of Batavia Station #2 and Oakfield to stand in at Town of Batavia Station #1
UPDATE 2:36 p.m.: Stafford cannot get a crew. Standing down.
Press release:
The YWCA of Genesee County announced that it hold its Women of Inspiration Brunch on April 30, 2022, at the Batavia Country Club, 7909 Byron Road, Batavia, NY 14020, from 11:00 am-1:00 pm. Tickets are $35 each and may be purchased in the following ways: Scan the QR Code, visit ywcagenesee.org or make a check out to The YWCA of Genesee County and send to 301 North Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Tickets are limited to the first 125 people and may be purchased up to and including April 10th, 2022.
Executive Director, Millie Tomidy-Pepper said that four local women will be honored with the “Women of Inspiration Award” for the awe-inspiring ways in which they each live out the mission of the YWCA every day.
Recipients include:
- Rev. Dr. Roula Alkhouri, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church
- Maureen Notaro, Principal, Jackson Primary School
- Marci Redband, Accounting Specialist, Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union
- Jaquelyn Swinarski, Retired Teacher, Robert Morris School, Community Volunteer
In addition to the Women of Inspiration Awards, The YWCA of Genesee County will be presenting Synia Morrison, Senior at Batavia High School, with the Frances G. Francis Scholarship Award.
Officer Miah Stephens, School Resource Officer from the Batavia Police Department, will be this year’s guest speaker.
The YWCA is grateful to everyone who took the time to nominate these amazing women and look forward to celebrating their inspirational lives on April 30, 2022.
For the last 112 years the YWCA has been Eliminating Racism. Empowering Women and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom, and Dignity for all.
Press release from the Town of Batavia:
Starting March 21st through the fall of 2022, a contractor for the Town of Batavia, CATCO, will be installing new utilities, reconstructing, and resurfacing Park Road from the intersection of NYS Route 63 to NYS Route 98.
To complete this project, the following changes will be implemented during construction:
For this project Park Road, northbound traffic will be detoured onto Veterans Memorial Drive, and Park Road southbound traffic will remain on Park Road. This means only a single lane of traffic will be established for southbound travel. The timeline for completion is November 2022.
We ask that you bear with us during construction and consider making changes to your daily commute or plans to visit any establishments along Park Road since traffic will be restricted during construction. Alex’s, Tops Plaza rear entrance, and Batavia Downs will remain accessible only while traveling southbound. See attached Traffic Flow Map. Construction updates on this project, in addition to other Town of Batavia projects, can be found here: www.townofbatavia.com
Q. What is a Workers’ Compensation claim?
A. A Workers’ Compensation claim is a legal action that occurs when you get hurt during the course of your employment. In New York State you cannot sue your employer. When you get hurt at work, the Workers’ Compensation system provides for lost time financial payments and medical treatment required as a result of your work-related injury.
Q. How do I know if I have a Workers’ Compensation claim?
A. If you sustain an injury during the course of your employment, you should contact our office for a free case evaluation as soon as possible. We can help you determine if you have a Workers’ Compensation claim and assist you in filing the proper paperwork.
Q. How long do I have to file a Workers’ Compensation claim?
A. You are required to report your injury to your employer within 30 days. There is also a two-year time limit to file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Board. Failure to adhere to these time limits can result in a denial of your claim.
Q. Is a Workers’ Compensation claim my only recourse if I am hurt at work?
A. In New York State, you cannot sue your employer. In some circumstances, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed in addition to a Workers’ Compensation claim. This includes, but is not limited to, injuries sustained in a work-related motor vehicle accident, constructions injuries, or injuries sustained at a location not owned by your employer. Our team of attorneys at Dolce Panepinto will assess your claim to ensure that every legal avenue available to you is pursued.
Q. How much does a Workers’ Compensation Attorney cost?
A. Workers’ Compensation fees are generated on a contingent basis. This means that we only receive payment if we generate money in connection with your Workers’ Compensation claim. More information on contingent fees can be found here. Additionally, our attorneys can explain our attorney fees in greater detail.
Q. Do I need an attorney?
A. While an attorney is not required, it is strongly recommended that you retain an attorney. The Workers’ Compensation Law is complex, confusing, and often difficult to navigate. The insurance carrier will have an attorney fighting on their behalf, we recommend that you have an attorney fighting on your behalf. Having an attorney means ensuring your rights are protected, maximizing your benefits, and making sure your questions and concerns are addressed.
Dolce Panepinto works tirelessly to protect the rights of injured workers by making sure that those responsible are held accountable. If you or a family member are injured at work, or in your private life, contact us today for a free case evaluation at (585) 815-9003. For further questions regarding Workers' Compensation Law or to contact Dolce Panepinto: click here.
Press release:
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that La Fermière, a family-owned French yogurt and desserts company, will establish its U.S. production operations in New York State. The company has committed to constructing a 45,000 square-foot yogurt and dairy desserts production facility at Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in Batavia, with plans for future, additional expansion. As a result, La Fermière, expects to create up to 135 New Jobs in the region. Additionally, the company will utilize millions of pounds of milk provided by New York dairy farmers to create its globally renowned dairy products. Agribusiness is a core pillar of the locally designed Finger Lakes Forward plan, a comprehensive plan that is working to revitalize and grow the regional economy.
"We’re proud to welcome La Fermière to Genesee County, bringing jobs and opportunity to the Finger Lakes region,” Governor Hochul said. “This investment shows that our bold economic recovery plan for the Finger Lakes is working, attracting new businesses and helping communities across the region grow and thrive."
Empire State Development is assisting this project with up to $1.35 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits in exchange for job creation commitments. Genesee County, Greater Rochester Enterprise, and Invest Buffalo Niagara are providing support for the company’s growth in New York State. The total project cost has been placed at $25.8 million dollars. The company expects to be operational at the site by November of 2023.
Located in the Town of Batavia, Genesee County, the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park was developed as the largest food and beverage greenfield in the northeastern U.S. to connect the region’s agricultural production, talent and transportation networks. The 250-acre Ag Park and the surrounding area has become the Dairy Processing Hub of the Northeast, with more than 1 million square-feet of operations and approximately 1,000 workers employed across multiple production and supply chain companies.
Founded in Marseille, France in 1952, the company was purchased by Groupe Tarpinian in 2002. In the mid to late 2010s, La Fermière began working with a New York state-based co-packer in an effort to bring its sustainably packaged French yogurt to the U.S. market. The company had considered site locations throughout the country for its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility but selected New York, thanks to the focused support from both the State and its regional economic development partners.
La Fermière President and CEO Jean-Jacques Tarpinian, said, “We are very excited to launch this project of building our very first yogurt and dessert production facility in Batavia, New York. The great support of the state and GCEDC team really helped us in our decision. The Batavia site meets our main requirements for success: quality milk and large cream supply, logistics hub and workforce availability. Being close to local farmers, at the heart of milk production, was key for us, as we will use up to 6 million gallons of milk every year. Our five-year presence in the U.S. market expanded beyond our expectations. This state-of-the-art facility will help us achieve our very ambitious goal in the U.S. market, which offers large opportunities by manufacturing the best all natural yogurts and desserts, with innovative recipes and process.”
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Hope Knight said, “La Fermière’s new plant in Batavia will boost farmers, add great-paying local jobs that will support the dairy industry’s continued growth and success, and further strengthen the region’s agricultural base. The company’s decision to establish its production facility here is further proof that New York State is an agribusiness leader.”
Steven G. Hyde, President and Chief Executive Officer for Genesee County Economic Development Center said, “La Fermière’s decision to locate their U.S. operations in Genesee County demonstrates that investing in shovel-ready sites like the Genesee Valley Agribusiness Park draws great companies to New York. We are excited to work with La Fermière to see this project to succeed as we continue to grow our food and beverage-manufacturing workforce. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, businesses are finding the right sites and ready communities in New York for their growth.”
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “We are proud to welcome La Fermière to New York State as they expand their business in Genesee County, a major win for dairy in New York State. By choosing New York, La Fermière has highlighted the strength and diversity of our state’s dairy industry, which continues to attract new businesses and produce delicious, world-class dairy products for all to enjoy. Having La Fermière’s U.S. production facility located in New York will create new jobs and increase demand for New York dairy farmers’ milk, which is certainly a win-win for our dairy farmers and our communities. We look forward to partnering with La Fermière as they put down roots here and look forward to the continued success and expansion of the Genesee Valley Agribusiness Park.”
Senator Edward A. Rath III said, "Creating jobs in our community is critical. Our economy has struggled during the pandemic, creating new opportunities will help with revitalization. I commend La Fermière for bringing their production to Genesee County and I congratulate Batavia on this great opportunity."
Assemblyman Stephen Hawley said, “The arrival of La Fermière into the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in Batavia is another sign that our region is truly a burgeoning agri-business hotspot within New York State. The Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park’s ability to enable manufacturers to make use of our high quality, local dairy has helped springboard our rural economy into the next generation, getting more of our farmer’s product into grocery stores nationwide and providing jobs to our highly skilled workforce. It’s been an incredible asset to the development of our rural economy, and its success is a testament to the quality of what our farmers are able to offer to companies seeking to produce specialty products at a massive scale.”
Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelley Stein said, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for guiding La Fermière to Genesee County and building another opportunity for great careers for our youth. La Fermière and recent investments by O-AT-KA Milk Products, Dairy Farmers of America, HP Hood, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, and Yancey’s Fancy show that Genesee County is the ideal place for dairy processing growth. These investments have a tremendous positive impact for our farm families, highly skilled and dedicated farmworkers, robust agricultural economy, and welcoming communities.”
Town Supervisor Greg Post said, “The Town of Batavia is pleased to welcome another investment into our agri-business economy. La Fermiere’s high-quality products and operations are a great fit with our community’s hub of dairy processing, robust workforce training, and commitment to supporting business growth.”
Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Bob Duffy, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, and Denise Battles, President SUNY Geneseo said, “The dairy industry is a major driver of the local economy. This is tremendous news for Genesee County and for the region as a whole. We want to thank La Fermière for choosing to make this significant investment at the thriving Ag-Park as this project will create solid employment opportunities and, at the same time, support the robust dairy farming industry that is available throughout the Finger Lakes region.”
Press release:
Robin Ettinger has been promoted to senior branch office administrator at the Batavia branch office of financial services firm Edward Jones. Ettinger has been with Edward Jones the past 10 years.
Michael Marsh, the local Edward Jones financial advisor, said Robin Ettinger is very deserving of the promotion.
"Ettinger has demonstrated an outstanding ability to juggle the many complex tasks and responsibilities associated with helping run this office. I'm very pleased that her exceptional ability and dedication to the firm have been recognized and rewarded," Marsh said.
Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in St. Louis, provides financial services in the U.S. and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the investments its financial advisors offer to the location of branch offices, caters to individual investors and businesses. The firm's nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients with a total of $1.8 trillion in assets under care. Visit edwardjones.com or the recruiting website at careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.
Please place your orders by the end of the day, Friday, March 18th. Call 585-343-6154.
Batavia PD requested a search of the creek by City Fire's water rescue team and other first responders because Hyde's jacket was found near the creek yesterday.
The 29-year-old's body was recovered at 12:35 p.m. and positively identified as the missing man.
"At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Lewis Hyde," stated Batavia PD in a press release.
The release says there has been an extensive search for Hyde since he was reported missing and that the creek became a focal point of the search yesterday. The first phase of the search included air reconnaissance.
The water rescue team meticulously searched the creek between South Lyon Street and River Street starting early this morning.
There is an ongoing investigation by Batavia PD. There will also be an autopsy but investigators do not suspect foul play.
The release states:
The Batavia Police Department greatly appreciates the assistance of the City of Batavia Fire Department, Genesee County Emergency Management, New York State Police, ALERT – Advanced Local Emergency Response Team, Mercy EMS, Alden Fire, Niagara Frontier Search and Rescue, Massasauga Search and Rescue Team, Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center and the Genesee County Coroner’s Office in this matter.
There is no reason to believe the man, Lewis Hyde, went into the creek, said Investigator Eric Hill, Batavia PD, but because he was last seen in the area and his jacket was found yesterday on the bank of the creek, officials decided it best to undertake a search.
"We're doing our due diligence and hoping we don't find him," said Hill.
By 12:30, crews had searched the north half of the creek and were halfway done with the south side, and Hyde had not been located.
If his body is not found in the creek, it provides hope he's still alive, Hill noted.
Hyde is described as being 5’10”, 180 pounds.
He was last seen at 2 a.m. March 11, wearing a tan coat, jeans, and black boots.
Anyone with any information is asked to please contact the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350.
Anthony Daniel Micucci, 27, of Darien Alexander Townline Road, Alexander, is charged with five counts of criminal contempt 1st, criminal contempt 2nd, stalking 3rd, and stalking 4th. Micucci was arrested on a warrant for allegedly violating a complete stay-away order of protection. Micucci was also arrested by State Police on charges of stalking 3rd and two counts of criminal contempt 2nd. He was jailed without bail.
Matthew Scott Williams, 34, of Hundredmark Road, Elba, is charged with harassment 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Williams is accused of head butting a person while in the presence of a child during a disturbance reported at 9:15 a.m., March 10, at a residence on Hundredmark Road, Elba
Michael Joseph Elmore, 31, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration. Elmore allegedly refused to obey lawful orders by deputies during an investigation at Days Inn in Batavia at 4:45 a.m., March 13.
Michael Andrew Kos, Jr., 43, of Hampton Brook Drive, Hamburg, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. At 8:25 p.m., March 10, Deputy Nicholas Charmoun and Sgt. Andrew Hale were dispatched to the Kwik Fill on West Main Street Road, Le Roy, for a report of a suspicious condition behind the building. At that location, they located Kos and upon investigation determined he was allegedly too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. He was transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and issued an appearance ticket.
Lauralee Pacer, 36, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear. Pacer had previously been issued an appearance ticket.
Shante R. Williams, 38, of Batavia, is charged with bail jumping 3rd. Williams was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.
James D. Hooten, 33, of Batavia, and Brittanee J. Hooten, 33, of Batavia, are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. James and Brittanee are accused of shoplifting from the Kiwk Fill at 99 Jackson Street, Batavia. They were issued appearance tickets.
Shawn M. Twardowski, 39, of Le Roy, was arrested on multiple warrants for failure to appear for trespass and petit larceny. Twardowski was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.
Lyndsay T. Young, 38, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Young is accused of striking another person in the face causing a scratch under the person's eye at 2:34 p.m., March 4, at a location on State Street, Batavia. Young was issued an appearance ticket.
Jolene Y. Stevens, 33, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear. Stevens was arraigned in city court and released on her own recognizance.
Rufus G. Johnson, 28, of North-Chili, is charged with petit larceny. Johnson is accused of stealing merchandise from a business in Batavia. He was allegedly located with the merchandise and arrested. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Matthew S. Williams, 34, of Elba, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and criminal contempt 2nd. Williams was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 1:03 p.m., March 11, in Elba. His release status is unknown. No further information released.
Tammy Hathaway presented the Geneseean of the Year Award to fellow Geneseean Jay Lazarony, recipient of the 2021 honor. Hathaway was one of several people touting Lazarony’s worthiness during the awards event Saturday at Batavia Downs Gaming.
After accepting a tiara from Chamber President Eric Fix, because she is “the queen,” Hathaway began a tribute to the GLOW Work Force Development Board executive director for his 25 years of working with thousands of youngsters in various roles throughout Genesee County.
“Jay is a pretty amazing human being,” Hathaway said.
Karyn Winters, director of Genesee County's Business Education Alliance, nominated him for being an "exemplary professional and volunteer," and embodying what's great about Genesee County," she said. He founded GLOW With Your Hands in 2019 and has been a "selfless, kind, motivating and fearless leader," she said.
"While his career alone warrants recognition, what truly makes Jay an admirable Geneseean is his infectious enthusiasm to mentor local youth," Winters said in her nomination.
Colleagues, staff, and program participants continued the trail of accolades via pre-recorded videos played on several screens throughout the banquet room. Jocelyn Sikorski has known Lazarony through the county’s Youth Bureau for more than 20 years, she said, and has witnessed his focus on “looking out for the best interests of youth and our families.”
“He’s a very caring and outgoing man,” she said. “I want to honor Jay and say great job, you are so deserving.”
When Lazarony applied for the executive director position seven years ago, the board made “a unanimous decision” to hire him, board member Norb Fuest said.
“He just exceeded our expectations, to say the least,” Fuest said. “Our training numbers have been some of the best in the state, a lot of that because of Jay.”
Entrepreneur Jessica Pratt, co-owner of several businesses in Genesee County, including Whole Life Fitness in Batavia, knows first-hand about Lazarony’s impact, she said. He has helped her become “the person I am today,” she said.
Lazarony thanked and acknowledged his family, wife Donna and children Christina, Scott, and Nick and his grandchildren, several colleagues within Genesee County, and his staff from the GLOW regions of Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.
He noted a group of counselors that, during the pandemic’s social distancing requirements, turned "traditional services into a virtual system and continued to provide unemployment opportunities during a very, very difficult time,” he said.
“What I was most impressed with was the time and understanding they gave to each and every customer case with massive layoffs,” he said.
He also took a few minutes to urge the audience of at least 200 people to “give youth a chance.” He shared a story of a young man named Justin, a program participant who wasn’t sure of his abilities to pursue a job in nursing. Lazarony made him a promise that if he did all of the work, Lazarony would find the funding to help him succeed on a career path. Justin became a nurse practitioner and worked at a facility where Lazarony’s father spent his last days until he died on December 28.
Justin called the family to notify them, and his demeanor was proof that he had absorbed his lessons well, Lazarony said.
“He provided the information with dignity and respect,” Lazarony said. "Take a chance on them."
Other award recipients included:
Valle Jewelers for Business of the Year, presented by Guy Pellegríno, who grew up next door to the Valle family, he said.
“What a wonderful family,” he said. “I’m so proud to introduce you, you so earned this. I looked up to Mary and Dominic; I was so in awe.”
Owners Stephen Valle and Carrie Lawrence, along with former owner and mom Mary Valle, accepted the award. In a pre-recorded video, Mary recounted the story of the store’s humble beginnings 70 years ago. It was founded by Grandpa Dominic, who arrived in New York City with $16 in his pocket. The physical location moved from Carey Mansion to Genesee Country Mall to its current spot at 21 Jackson St., all in Batavia.
Her son Stephen added that over the years the jewelry business has changed, but “customer service has not.” He thanked the chamber, the store’s “fantastic staff” and one person who has been integral to the business’ success, his late father Dom.
“We’re missing one man,” Stephen said, taking an emotional breath. “But we know he’s smiling down on us.”
Theresa DeMars nominated Valle Jewelers for its customer service, engagement with and support of the community, steadfast participation in downtown events, and being a “fixture in our community for three generations,” DeMars said.
“Valle Jewelers is a community staple, a true family-run business, and one of our best-kept secrets,” she said in her nomination.
Alleghany Farm Services for Agricultural Business of the Year, presented by last year’s recipient L&M Specialty Fabrication.
Their business protocols pushed the company into its sixth state and garnered the attention of Jeanna Clark of M&T Bank and Farm Credit East. Clark’s nomination cited several reasons, including how the company has:
Farm Credit East also cited the company’s impressive expansion statistics and lauded it for its remaining loyalty to Genesee County with headquarters in Basom.
Company partners Drew and his son Chad Klotzbach accepted the award. The business began in the 1980s with a landscaping focus, followed by Alleghany Farm Services, which was founded by Drew and his wife Dianne in 2001.
The process is about much more than sticking a pipe in the ground to drain water from a field, Drew said. And Alleghany Farm Services has mastered that process to become one of the leaders of drainage issues in the Northeast.
Business Operations Manager Christina Fetzer acknowledged those who helped make the company a success.
“We wouldn't be where we are today if it wasn't for the support of the ag community and our loyal customers. Every project that we do is unique and we take pride in being able to customize a solution that will benefit each farm,” she said. “Our goal is to build long-lasting relationships with each customer to provide ongoing education, maintenance, and guidance. A large portion of our growth has been through word of mouth from our existing customer base. And for that, we are very thankful.”
Drew thanked the Chamber, the company’s employees, and the ag community.
Batavia Muckdogs for Entrepreneurial Business of the Year. Dan Ireland, representing Rochester Regional Health, commended owners Robbie and Nellie Nichols and General Manager Marc Witt for their efforts to bring “baseball back to Batavia in 2021.”
“They didn’t just bring baseball back,” Ireland said. “You revitalized it. We want to say thank you for what you did.”
Their first year at Dwyer Stadium couldn’t have gone any better, Witt said.
“The community embraced everything we threw at them,” he said. “We’re already off to a great start. We can’t wait for the first pitch in June. We found zero challenges and accomplished all our goals. Thank you to the community.”
There was a dance competition, an Alzheimer’s Walk, a Dogs Trick or Treat Halloween event, and other public happenings at the Bank Street facility, plus participation in off-site activities including the Memorial Day parade, he said. Batavia Muckdogs drew the community support, he said, including from City Manager Rachael Tabelski who “was true to her word,” and the very first team sponsor, Bill Hayes of Turnbull Heating & Cooling.
In his nomination of the Batavia Muckdogs for the award, lifelong Batavian Tom Turnbull said the city and county have been enriched because of Robbie and Nellie Nichols’ hard work and community spirit.
“While the Batavia Muckdogs may not seem like a new business due to the continuation of the name (from the former New York-Penn League), the new Batavia Muckdogs … are not only an incredible local business success story but have enhanced the quality of life for the residents of Genesee County,” Turnbull wrote.
Photos by Howard Owens. Top photo: Jay Lazarony reacts to words of tribute for him as 2021 Geneseean of the Year during Saturday's 50th Genesee County Chamber Awards dinner at Batavia Downs Gaming.
Tammy Hathaway, the 2020 Geneseean of the Year, received a tiara from Chamber President Eric Fix.
Lazarony acknowledged his GLOW Workforce Development Board staff during his acceptance speech.
Carrie Lawrence, Stephen Valle, and Mary Valle say a few words of thanks and remembrance for Valle Jewelers' Business of the Year Award.
Drew and Chad Klotzbach of Alleghany Farm Services accept their Agricultural Business of the Year Award.
Batavia Muckdogs General Manager Marc Witt and owner Robbie Nichols accept and say thank you for the Entrepreneurial Business of the Year Award.
The crowd watches speakers at the podium and on screens placed throughout the gold-adorned room at Batavia Downs.
I remember how I felt when I left home to go to college. I was nervous and excited at the same time. I knew I was going to miss my hometown. I was a little homesick and looked forward to coming home for a visit.
How could two words cause so much damage to our Main Street? So I went to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary for a definition. It was defined as The process where an urban neighborhood or area is improved and rehabilitated.
The renewal process can include demolishing old or run-down buildings, constructing new, up-to-date housing, or adding features like a theater or stadium.
In looking for a better definition, I came across Bill Kauffman's words on Urban Renewal from his book Dispatches from the Muckdog Gazette. His words I could identify.
In 1991 he wrote, "The city fathers rushed headlong into urban renewal, whereby the federal government paid Batavia to knock down its past: the mansions of the founders, the sandstone churches, the brick shops, all of it Batavia tore out—literally—its five-block heart and filled the cavity with a ghastly mall, a dull gray sprawling oasis in a desert of parking spaces. The mall was a colossal failure, but it succeeded in destroying the last vestiges of our home-run economy. JC Penney and Wendy's were in; the Dipson Theater and the Dagwood Restaurant were out."
Yes, some of the buildings needed repair, and some were the home for rodents, but people lived in those upper apartments; it was their home.
Urban Renewal demolished our history and our memories.
Today, we see the value in preserving our history. Almost simultaneously with the destruction of Urban Renewal, the Landmark Society was created. The mission of the Landmark Society of Genesee County was the preservation, protection, improvement, restoration, or reproduction of places and objects of historic or civic interest and natural or architectural beauty. Catherine Roth was very instrumental with this new group as one of the charter members.
Today local artists and authors preserved postcards, paintings, and drawings. For example, the late Pat Burr took the north and south side of Main Street and painted every store standing in the 1950s. Her artwork is priceless. Don Carmichael, another incredible artist, sketched many of the early buildings of Batavia.
Many or most can agree that Urban Renewal did not make our city better, it did not provide homes to the people living above the businesses downtown, and it certainly did not enhance our downtown. If you want to learn more about Genesee County's History, please visit the Holland Land Office Museum under the directorship of Ryan Duffy on 131 West Main Street. In addition, they have the Joseph Ellicott Book Store with shelves of books on local history.
Our county historian, Dr. Michael Eula, can be found at the Genesee County History Department at County Building 2, 3837 West Main Street Road is another excellent resource on our county history.
Every time I drive down Main Street, I remember what we had and lost due to someone's idea that Urban Renewal would enhance our city.
Anne Marie Starowitz is a writer and teacher living in Batavia.
The Batavia Police Department is seeking assistance from the public in locating Lewis Hyde. Hyde is described as being 5’10”, 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a tan coat, jeans and black boots. Hyde was last seen on March 11th, 2022 at approximately 2:00 a.m. on West Main Street in Batavia. Anyone with any information is asked to please contact the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350.
Notre Dame hosted a 5K race along with a run and walk for families this morning with proceeds raised going to the school's athletic programs and GLOW Arc.
Sheriff's investigators are in the early stages of a homicide investigation at 10216 Alexander Road, Alexander, according to Chief Deputy Joseph Graff.
Late tonight, deputies responded to the Blumer Dairy Farm for a report of a disturbance. At about 10:20 p.m., Alexander Fire was dispatched for smoke coming from an employee bunkhouse and dispatchers informed responding units that the fire could be related to the disturbance. They were also informed that a person may have been stabbed at that location.
Graff declined to discuss the incident further while at the scene and said there will be a press release at some point with more information.
The bunkhouse is at the back of the farm property.
UPDATE: This is a double homicide, according to a statement from the Sheriff's Office. The statement says this was an isolated incident and there is no threat to public safety. There was no further information released.
Press release:
The Bureau of Inspection will be closed Monday, March 14th through Wednesday, March 16th. Documents may be dropped off at the Department of Public Works. The Bureau of Inspection will reopen on Thursday, March 17th at 8:30 a.m.
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