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Press Release:

Elba Central School is proud to announce its recognition as a recipient of the prestigious USDA Healthy Meals Initiative "Innovation in Food Nutrition" Award for the 2024-2025 school year. 

This national honor highlights Elba's commitment to providing students with nutritious, innovative, and delicious meals that support their overall well-being and academic success.

The "Innovation in Food Nutrition" Award celebrates schools that demonstrate outstanding efforts to improve school meal programs, integrate locally sourced ingredients, and engage students in nutrition education. Elba Central School earned this recognition by implementing creative strategies, including:

Locally Sourced Ingredients: Partnering with local farmers to bring fresh, seasonal produce and dairy products directly to the cafeteria.

Student-Centered Menu Design: Collaborating with students to design menus that reflect their preferences while ensuring meals meet USDA nutrition standards.

Nutrition Education Programs: Offering hands-on learning opportunities, such as cooking classes and school garden initiatives, to empower students with lifelong healthy eating habits.

“This award reflects the hard work and dedication of our food services team, educators, and community partners,” said Gretchen Rosales, Superintendent of Elba Central School. “At Elba, we believe that healthy meals are a cornerstone of student success, and we are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts to prioritize their well-being.”

Elba Central School has also taken a groundbreaking step by constructing a new greenhouse on campus to grow fresh vegetables for the school’s salad bar. This hands-on initiative allows students to learn about sustainable agriculture while contributing to their own nutritious meals. 

Additionally, the school runs a summer-long farmers market, managed by students, where produce from local farms is sold to the community. The market provides practical business experience for students and also strengthens the bond between the school and local families, promoting a culture of health and sustainability. Not only do students sell fruit and vegetables, but also honey, maple syrup, and flowers. 

This past summer, Elba families also had the opportunity to participate in a community garden experience; this allowed residents to maintain a produce garden on the school grounds to grow vegetables and herbs. Recipes were shared at Open House in the fall of items such as pesto, pasta with zucchini, and salsa - made with ingredients straight from the gardens.

Kim Walczak, Food Service Director at Elba Central School, added, “Our team has worked tirelessly to create meals that students love while ensuring they meet the highest nutritional standards. This award inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and serving as a model for schools nationwide.” 

The USDA Healthy Meals Initiative is part of the federal government’s broader effort to promote health and reduce hunger among school-age children. Elba Central School has received a grant to further expand its innovative programs and share its best practices with schools across the nation.

Elba Central School is dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive, especially when provided with delicious and nutritious meals. With a focus on academic excellence, community involvement, and student wellness, Elba Central School is committed to preparing students for a bright and healthy future.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

On Sunday January 5 at Batavia Downs, Thurman Thomas will host his final regular season Tailgate Party at 34 Rush for the Bills-Patriots game.

There will be 3 drawing for Playoff tickets at halftime and at the game's end. You can receive free entry at Players Club starting at 11 a.m. You MUST be present to win.

Fans also have the chance to win Bills merchandise and also get a photo with Thurman Thomas.

There will also be samplings by Genesee Brewing Company and food/drink specials. Come on in and cheer Buffalo onto a victory! 

Happy New Year everyone!
 

Press Release:

The Elmira Impact are set to kick off the new year with a special two-game series against the Hershey Cubs at Dave McCarthy Memorial Arena on January 4 and 5.

The matchups are as follows:

Elite Division

• Jan. 4 at 8:25 p.m.
• Jan. 5 at 5:55 p.m.

Premier Division

• Jan. 4 at 5:40 p.m.
• Jan. 5 at 1:35 p.m.

Children 12 and under receive free admission. Tickets can be purchased at elmiraimpact.com/tickets.

Get ready for an action-packed weekend of hockey as the Impact take on their rivals to start the new year.

Press Release:

Beginning on January 1, the Genesee County Treasurer's Office will collect all 2025 property tax payments for the Town of Alexander. Please note that this applies to the Town of Alexander only, all other current 2025 town and county taxes will be collected at the other respective towns.

2025 Town of Alexander tax payments can be made in person or by mail to: 

Genesee County Treasurer’s Office, 15 Main Street Batavia, NY

Checks should be made payable to Genesee County Treasurer. For added convenience, online payments can also be made at: https://genesee.go2gov.net/faces/search.jsp

Important Notice: No tax payments will be accepted at the Alexander Town Hall in 2025, all payments must be made to the Genesee County Treasurer’s Office. 

For questions or additional information, please contact the Genesee County Treasurer’s Office at 585-815-7803.

Press Release:

In the wake of Governor Hochul’s recent announcement regarding an “inflation refund” plan, Republican Senators George Borrello, Dean Murray, and Pam Helming, all members of the Senate Committee on Small Business, Commerce and Economic Development, have called on the governor to take decisive action to alleviate the burdens facing New York’s small businesses.

In a joint letter, the Senators urged Governor Hochul to dedicate state funds to paying off the roughly $6 billion in Unemployment Insurance (UI) Fund debt that is still owed to the federal government, a critical step that they argue would provide a more effective and long-term solution to alleviating inflation and reducing consumer costs.

The senators highlighted that New York State’s UI Fund debt, accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic, has placed an undue financial burden on small businesses, forcing them to shoulder higher unemployment insurance premiums. These increased costs threaten to stifle recovery efforts for small businesses that are already grappling with inflation and other economic pressures.

"Instead of following the commonsense approach of other states and using some of the billions in federal COVID aid to pay down the unemployment debt, the governor unfairly shifted the burden to businesses and employers through the Unemployment Insurance Assessment Surcharge (UIAS),” said Senator George Borrello, 57th District. “Since the UI deficit stems from the government-mandated shutdown during the pandemic, it is only fair that employers are not left to shoulder these costs."

Senator Dean Murray, the Ranking Member of the Committee, emphasized the connection between this issue and rising consumer costs.

"By eliminating a massive expense for employers and businesses, we are helping them and allowing them to lower the costs of goods and services, which in turn, helps consumers. Instead of a one-shot check, this brings long-term relief for everyone,” said Senator Dean Murray, 3rd District.

The legislators also underscored that addressing the UI debt would demonstrate the state’s commitment to supporting its small business community.

“The state must take full financial responsibility for its UI debt to the federal government and end this burden on our small businesses and family farms,” said Senator Pam Helming, 54th District. “If we truly want to help our employers grow and protect local jobs, we must reduce the cost of doing business in New York State. Our economic success depends on it.”
The senators are calling on the governor to act swiftly and decisively to address the issue before it further impacts New York’s economy.  Their letter is attached.

Press Release:

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to donate to our local parks! 

The Bergen Business & Civic Association(BBCA) is proud to make a $4000 donation to the Town of Bergen for the beautification of Robbins Brook Park. 

Our organization wants to thank YOU, the community, as the money earned at our Bergen Park Festival all goes back into our local parks! As you can see this year was very successful.

We wish you all a safe and jolly Holiday season, and we can't wait to start planning for 2025.

Press Release:

A full slate of both girls and boys basketball is scheduled for February 8 and we hope to see you there. Batavia High School will take on the Notre Dame Irish for a full day of both JV and Varsity girls and boys basketball. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.

Game times are to be determined and will be played at both Batavia High School and Genesee Community College.

Admission will be Adults $5 & Students $2, Children 5 & under -free!

There will be a 50/50 raffle at each game.

The Foundation will be running concessions and are looking for donations of soda, water, pizza, candy and chips! Monetary donations are also gratefully accepted. All donations assist our fundraising efforts!

The Foundation will also be looking for volunteers during the games to assist with raffles and concessions. Students will be awarded community service hours if volunteering.

Please call Laurie for any donations, volunteering, or questions at 585-409-3275.

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation was established in 2007 in memory of Michael Napoleone who died at the age of 8 of Burkitts Lymphoma, a form of pediatric cancer. Since its start, the Foundation has given over $750,000 to families facing the challenges of a pediatric cancer diagnosis. They have donated over $75,000 to Youth programs from their grant funding, and supported research in the amount of $95,000. They also donated $50,000 to Golisano Children's Hospital and recently just completed their  $25,000 gift  to United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

The Foundation depends solely on volunteers and less than 3% of monies raised are applied to administrative costs.

Come out and watch your hometown teams and support a great cause!

Press Release:

The Board of Assessment Review currently has one position to fill. The term is a five year term and will expire on September 2029. The Batavia City Council is seeking a City resident who is interested in volunteering as a member of this committee and has knowledge of property values.

Residents interested in applying for this position can obtain a Committee/Board Volunteer Application from either the City Clerk’s Office or on the website at www.batavianewyork.com, Find It Fast. The deadline to submit applications to the City Clerk’s Office is March 31. 

For further information about this board, please contact the City Bureau of Assessment at 345-6301.

Press Release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GOART!) is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated 2025 Winter Art Series. Offering a diverse array of classes and workshops designed for multi-aged individuals. 

The upcoming series is designed to engage art enthusiasts across the region. Participants can expect a diverse lineup that caters to a wide range of interests. From young children to adults, everyone is invited to explore their creative potential or enhance their artistic skills through our engaging programs.

Be on the lookout for the GOART! Winter Event Calendar highlighting the schedule of classes and other events, which will be widely distributed or can also be picked up at GOART! 

Individuals and families who are eager to learn what classes will be offered are encouraged to visit our website for information on registration and other details. The 2025 winter art series offerings allow participants to choose from a plethora of classes that align with their interests and schedules. Included in this series are Dotting Mandela and wearable-art classes.

In addition to adult classes, we are pleased to offer specialized sessions within our Explore Art program for youth up through twelfth grade. Our diverse curriculum ensures that there is something for everyone, including cooking classes for kids.

The upcoming series will also feature a six-week Hand Building Pottery class for youth in seventh through ninth grade, providing a comprehensive journey through various pottery techniques. 

Additionally, our wearable fiber-art series will teach youths of all sexes how to crochet items such as hats, leg warmers, and fingerless gloves, emphasizing both creativity and practical skills. For those interested in jewelry making, we will offer classes tailored for young adults and adults, further expanding the scope of our wearable art series. 

Furthermore, our annual youth art camp, scheduled for February 17-21, promises an enriching and immersive experience for young artists. Families are encouraged to secure their spots promptly, as space is limited. Scholarships are also available for those in need of financial assistance.

GOART! is also delighted to offer ongoing opportunities for artistic exploration, such as our drumming sessions with the Drum Circle, held monthly on the fourth Wednesday. 

The public is invited to explore our website for detailed information on all our classes and events, with more exciting offerings to come throughout the year. 

As spaces are limited, we recommend early registration to ensure participation in your preferred classes. GOART! extends deep gratitude to our teachers who will be sharing their expertise and passion with our community and we eagerly anticipate welcoming you to our creative space, where you can nurture your artistic talents and engage with other individuals who share similar interests. 

For further details and to register for classes, please visit our website - www.https://goart.org. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our workshops and for you to experience with others the creativity that unfolds in our classes.

Press Release:

Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown reminds New Year's Eve revelers that Batavia Downs has a full line-up of free activities to ring in the new year that includes music, fireworks and a balloon drop.

The night starts with DJ Eddie Woo live inside 34 Rush at 8 p.m. that includes music and dancing, and is free and open to the public.

That will be followed by a live Fireworks show, by Youngs Explosives of Rochester, that will start at 10:30 p.m. on the outdoor track area. Patrons can view the fireworks show from the enclosed second floor grandstand area.

And then at the stroke of midnight, a balloon drop inside 34 Rush to celebrate the start of 2025.

Batavia Downs President and CEO said, "Batavia Downs has become a destination spot not just in Genesee County but in Western New York. With all we have to offer from almost a thousand gaming machines, a fabulous hotel, great
dining options and of course live racing, that’s why people love coming here. And Batavia Downs will be the place to be on New Year's Eve with shows, restaurants, fireworks and much more."

And the action continues at Batavia Downs in 2025 with the start of the Live Winter Racing Season on Monday, January 6th. Racing will be Mondays and Thursdays until February 24th with post time at 3 p.m.

Press Release:

Join the Richmond Memorial Library for a Blizzard of Reading winter reading program from January 6 through March 1! The basics? Read books, stay cozy, and have a chance to win prizes!

Teens 13-17 and adults 18 and up are invited to take part in A Blizzard of Reading. Participants can earn up to 6 grand prize entries!

• Read four books (or three books and one magazine) (4 entries)
• Attend a library program (one entry)
• Play the “Who Said It?” game around the library by matching the quote to the book/ author. (one entry)

Grand prizes: One teen and one adult will each win a $50 gift card to Author’s Note bookstore in Medina. All participants will receive a small prize beginning February 21. Participants must have a valid library card from a NIOGA library to be eligible to win grand prizes.

Registration begins online or at the library on Monday, January 6, at 9 a.m. Visit batavialibrary.org for more info.

A Blizzard of Reading is sponsored by the Friends of Richmond Memorial Library.

Press Release:

The Town of Alexander Republican Committee is seeking a qualified resident of Alexander for the vacant elected position of Town Clerk. 

If interested or have any questions, please contact Republican Chairwoman Barbara Eddy at 585-507-9930 no later than Monday, January 6.  

Press Release:

Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night @ the Museum on Thursday, January 9 at 7 p.m. In honor of the presidential inauguration this month, come and test your knowledge of when a President of the United States takes office. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to welcome back as its first Guest Speaker of 2025, Civil War historian and author Chris Mackowski on Tuesday, January 21 at 7 p.m. In honor of the birthday of Stonewall Jackson, Chris will be presenting on his book, "The Last Days of Stonewall Jackson" of the Emerging Civil War series. The presentation will cover Jackson's military career and the last fateful days during the Battle of Chancellorsville that led to his mortal wounding. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. If you plan on attending, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

The Holland Land Office Museum’s first Java with Joe of 2025, will be on January 23! Our Executive Director, Ryan Duffy, will be talking about the life and legacy of Batavia’s own Medal of Honor and Order of the First Volunteer of the Civil War from New York recipient, Charles Rand! Admission is FREE and both coffee and donuts will be provided! Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

Press Release:

The Town of Alabama Republican Committee is looking for candidates to immediately fill two positions on the Alabama town council due to resignations. The prospective candidates will be recommended to the Town of Alabama Board to fill the remaining year of the term.

Also, the Alabama Republican Committee is looking for candidates to run in the 2025 November election. The committee is looking for two (2) town council candidates for 4-year terms and also a candidate for Genesee County Legislator to be elected for a 4-year term in November of 2025.

All interested candidates are asked to send their information to Earl LaGrou, 7420 Macomber Rd., Oakfield OR by email to earl@lwemail.com.

All letters need to be in no later than January 11.

Press Release:

The Justice for Children Advocacy Center (JFCAC) has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Batavia.

The Justice for Children Advocacy Center serves children that have been victims of sexual or physical abuse or witness to violence. The mission of the JFCAC is to seek to reduce the incidence of child sexual and physical abuse, to minimize trauma to alleged victims, and to promote healing for victims and their families by collaborating with a variety of professionals to provide services at a single, child-friendly location. 

The JFCAC works closely with law enforcement and Child Protective Services to provide on-site forensic interviews for children, mental health therapy, medical examinations, and victim advocacy. Victim advocates will work with the child and family throughout the life of a court case and beyond.

Many children testify in grand jury and criminal court proceedings and are brave enough to give Victim Impact Statements at the sentencing proceedings of their perpetrators. The JFCAC will utilize this grant to purchase “Pocket Hug” tokens for children to hold in their hand or pocket while in court. 

This Pocket Hug will serve as a reminder of their bravery and strength, and of the support they have behind them. 

The coin is inscribed with the following, “You are Strong, you are Awesome, you are Loved, you are Not Alone, you are Tough, you are Brave, you are a Fighter.”

Facing a court room, a jury, defense attorneys, and their perpetrators is a terrifying experience for child victims and one that requires an immense amount of strength. The children may or may not have adequate family support, and the JFCAC strives to help these children feel as supported as possible. 

Advocates and parents cannot always be present while a child is testifying or facing court, but these pocket hugs will remind the children that we are right there with them. This will assist the children in cultivating a sense of courage and strength while facing their perpetrators. The JFCAC and Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Rotary Club of Batavia for its generosity.

“We are so grateful to the Rotary Club of Batavia for their work in the community and for this incredible gift. We’re excited to begin distributing the Pocket Hugs and are proud to be among such wonderful community partners as the Rotary Club,” stated JFCAC Program Coordinator Trisha Reynolds.

Press Release:

The Holland Land Office Museum will be closed from Wednesday, January 1 through Saturday, January 18. The staff and volunteers of the museum will be working getting the museum ready for a brand new year in 2025 full of new exhibits, displays, programs and special events. 

The museum will be resuming its regular operating hours of Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 4 pm on Tuesday, January 21. For further information or questions please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

Press Release:

Leadership Genesee presented awards honoring the 27 members of the Class of 2024 at the Annual Graduation Celebration at Terry Hills on December 5.

Class members from the private sector include Alleghany Farm Services, CPL, DelPlato Casey Law Firm, Genesee Patrons Cooperative Insurance, Lawley, Liberty Pumps, and Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union Also included from the public sector were members from City of Batavia, Genesee Community College, Genesee County IT Department, Social Services, Health Department, Mental Health, Office for the Aging, Probation, GV BOCES Early College High School, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee County Economic Development Center, Oakfield Betterment Committee, Town of Alexander, Town of Batavia, Go Art!, LeRoy Ambulance Service, Inc, UConnectCare (GCASA) and WNY Rural Area Health Education Center.

Leadership Genesee Director Peggy Marone shared at graduation, “Every class who have spent a year learning about our community as well as themselves, have taught me something. A leader should never stop looking within themselves to assess how they’re doing as a leader and when something needs to be addressed, change direction and work to improve.”

Leadership Genesee is a year-long community education committed to exploring Genesee County and encouraging the leader within all of us. Our goal is to provide well-prepared servant leaders for Genesee County ready to accept responsibility for our community’s shared concerns.

One participant said they felt the experience strengthened their commitment to personal development and to serving others by making meaningful contributions to our community. 

Class speakers Jill Mapes and David Bell shared, “We are heartened knowing that those in this room will not hesitate to continue positive impacts outside of this room, to help a ripple of intention become a wave of compassionate change. More than anything else, we believe that this is what makes each and every one of us “leaders.”

The Class of 2025 will begin their journey in January, LG’s Silver Anniversary. 

Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information about Leadership Genesee, please visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee.

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) voted in favor of a short term funding bill to keep the federal government open through March 14, 2025.

H.R. 10545 - Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 passed the House by a vote of 366-34 with one present.

“In November, the American people overwhelmingly rejected the Biden administration and Senate Democrats' reckless spending, which wastes taxpayer dollars on Green New Deal pet projects, cripples our economy, and raises the national debt,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “In November, voters made it clear that they are fed up with the way Washington is currently run and issued a mandate for Republicans to deliver a fiscally responsible budget that cuts outrageous spending and reins in Washington’s bloated bureaucracy.”

"Passing a short-term Continuing Resolution is essential to avoid a shutdown under the Biden administration and ensures that we can enact our America First agenda in the new year. With Republicans set to have a majority in Congress and President Trump set to return to the White House in 2025, we will have the opportunity to implement the fiscally conservative, America First priorities that voters demanded. In the meantime, a Continuing Resolution was necessary. While this process was difficult, I am relieved we reached an agreement to prevent a shutdown and were able to secure critical funding. Thank you to President Trump, Speaker Johnson and our great leadership team for their extraordinary efforts."

“This legislation provides $10 billion in economic assistance to farmers struggling with crop loss, government overregulation, and external market forces, while also extending current farm bill programs through September 30, 2025. Additionally, a shutdown would severely impact military families in our district, cripple our defense industrial base, and hinder Customs and Border Protection Agents working to secure our border. During a shutdown, servicemembers risking their lives for our freedoms and border agents responding to an unprecedented crisis would go unpaid. Even worse, a shutdown while the Biden administration controls all the federal agencies would have surrendered complete control to un-elected staff due to the complete absence of leadership by President Biden."

“House Republicans have already begun working on implementing policies necessary to usher in a new era of leadership. We are committed to growing our economy, reducing inflation by reducing taxes, cutting wasteful spending, securing our borders, and unleashing American energy dominance. House Republicans are dedicated to delivering a more efficient, transparent and accountable government that returns the Constitutional power back to the American people."