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Press release:

As of 2 p.m.:

• Genesee County received 17 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Alabama, Batavia, Darien, Elba and Le Roy. 
  • One of the new positive individuals is a resident at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Batavia.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.
  • One of the individuals was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Nineteen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Eight of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

• Orleans County received one new positive case of COVID-19.
• The new positive case resides in Barre.
• The individual is in their 0-19s.
• The individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Twenty-nine of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.

Three of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

Masses this weekend at Resurrection Parish in Batavia are cancelled due to some individuals that came to a funeral at St. Joseph's last week.

Here's a note from Rev. Ivan R. Trujillo, pastor at Resurrection RC Parish, Batavia:

I regret having to advise our parishioners that I am taking a pre-emptive measure and cancelling our weekend Masses for Nov. 21^st and 22^nd, as well as on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26^th. Weekend and Thanksgiving Masses will be online through Facebook and our website as usual.

We have been notified by the Health Department that five members of a family attending a funeral last week have tested positive for COVID-19.

As we have been strictly following all of the recommended guidelines by the State and our Diocese -- such as wearing masks, social distancing, limiting the number of people attending, movement around the church, and disinfecting the entire interior of the church after EVERY Mass -- I believe we are doing the best we can to stay safe.

In addition, we have notified the Diocese regarding our situation. However, we cannot know for certain that everyone entering our church is healthy.

We will be temporarily closed to have some extra cleaning done and continue to disinfect every day (even though no one will be in the church).

I hope everyone will feel comfortable returning to Mass on the (Nov.) 28^th.

Sincerely,

Fr. Ivan

Health Alert

From the Genesee County Health Department:

The Genesee County Health Department has received seven positive COVID-19 tests from individuals who attended funeral service arrangements on the following dates and locations:

• Nov. 11th -- Gilmartin Funeral Home (333 W. Main St., Batavia) between the hours of 3 to 7:30 p.m.
• Nov. 12th -- Resurrection Roman Catholic Church (303 E. Main St., Batavia) between the hours of 9 to 10:30 a.m.
• Nov. 12th -- Saint Joseph’s Mausoleum (Ellicott Street, Batavia) between the hour of 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Nov. 12th -- Polish Falcons of America (123 S. Swan St., Batavia) between the hours of 12 to 6 p.m.

Contact tracing is in progress; however unidentified individuals may have unknowingly been in contact with the positive cases.

We advise all individuals who were at the locations listed to monitor their symptoms for 14 days.

If symptoms of COVID-19 develop, contact your primary care provider to seek testing immediately and self-isolate until you receive your test results.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include but are not limited to: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.

For more information please visit: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home

Press release:

With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, we here at T.F. Brown’s Restaurant have decided to give our staff the week of Sunday, Nov. 22 through Saturday, Nov. 28 off to enjoy their families. During this very stressful time we are most concerned for the safety and well-being of our staff and loyal customers. 

Mancuso Bowling Center will remain open for league play only at the usual times.

We, as everyone in our community, are trying to manage the safety of our dedicated staff the best we can and this planned break, we believe, is in their best interest and the best interest of the community at large.

We would like to wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving week and we will see you when we reopen Nov. 29^th.  

Rick Mancuso

T.F. Brown’s Restaurant

Mancuso Bowling Center

Above, "Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse" by Charles Malone, of Oakfield, who uses soils from the area to color his work.

Submitted images and press release:

This week marked the opening of the "Genesee Valley 100: A Community Painting Project" of the Genesee Valley Conservancy.

The project had only two simple directives for artists: use the provided 12X12 canvas, and paint something inspired by the Genesee Valley.

Organized by Genesee Valley Conservancy, a nonprofit celebrating 30 years of protecting habitat, open space, and farmland within the Genesee Valley, this project aims to capture the beauty and undefinable essence that the organization has been working to protect.

The Genesee Valley 100 exhibit of paintings is viewable online on the Conservancy’s website and in person during regular business hours at the Silver Lake Brewing Project in Perry (Wyoming County) through the end of the year. It is located at 14 Borden Ave.

Online is where all sales take place, which benefit both the local artist and the Conservancy.

This year, three Genesee County artists participated and one close by in Attica: Charles Malone, of Oakfield; David Burke, of Bergen; Susan Kinney, of Oakfield, and Linda Fix, of Attica.

In creating such a collection of work and exhibiting them to the public, the organization hopes to inspire people to recognize the importance of the local lands and natural resources that surround and benefit us. Lands that future generations will be grateful if we properly care for them today.

Agricultural lands provide jobs and local food, supporting a large part of our rural economy. Lakes providing drinking water depend on the open spaces and forests surrounding them to naturally filter runoff so it is clean and safe to drink. Thriving habitat provides unique places to explore, recreate and enjoy fresh air while breaking from screens and devices.

A range of diverse styles are on display and artists of all levels of experiences participated. High school students and amateurs have pieces hung next to lifelong and professional painters. This is another unique part of this show. No one is juried to get in. Everyone interested is welcome to submit their painting, no questions asked.

The goal is to see what inspires people about the Genesee Valley and, in turn, present those images to the public to inspire others to recognize what a beautiful and special place we live.

While each individual piece warrants up close inspection, hung together at the brewery the collection is an impressive mosaic that is a work of art itself.

In trying to reach a broad audience for the project, the show is intentionally hung in a nontraditional space for art, that is to say, not in a gallery. The hope is people not seeking art out will be confronted by the project and be exposed to some great local artists and to images of our beautiful landscape. 

Paintings represent locations within the Genesee Valley from the headwaters of the Genesee River in Pennsylvania all the way to the shores of Lake Ontario, and everywhere in between.  

Forty-three communities are represented by painters this year. Fifty-one artists are first-time participants in the Genesee Valley 100. Thirty-four return from 2018, the first year of the project, that also featured original paintings. Eighteen artists this year are returning from last year’s project, which was oriented just to photographers, but held the same 12x12 requirement and that the work be of the Genesee Valley.

About Genesee Valley Conservancy

It is a nationally accredited nonprofit conservation organization working to protect the habitat, open space and farmland in the Genesee River watershed. Over 21,360 acres of natural habitat and productive farm and forest land have been conserved by Genesee Valley Conservancy and private landowners. The organization also owns nature preserves open to the public year-round for recreation and education.

For more information visit www.geneseevalleyconservancy.org

Below, "Bergen Swamp Trail" by David Burke, of Bergen.

Below, "Rainy Morning at Armson Farms" by Susan Kinney, of Pavilion.

Below, "Nature's Wonder" by Linda Fix, of Attica.

Below, a portion of the 12" by 12" works in this year's "Genesee Valley 100: A Community Painting Project."

Press release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension – Executive Director Candidate Public Presentations

The public is invited to virtual public presentations of the candidates for the position of Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County.

They will take place on Monday afternoon, Nov. 30:

• Jocelyn Sikorski -- 4 to 4:30 p.m.
• Julianna Frisch -- 4:45 to 5:15 p.m.

Please visit genesee.cce.cornell.edu for Zoom links.

Any questions can be directed to Yvonne Peck at (585) 343-3040, ext. 123, or email: genesee@cornell.edu

Nya Thomas, softball standout at Notre Dame High School, has signed with Genesee Community College. Thomas is the daughter of Otis and Nicole Thomas.

Photo*: Teagyn Thomas, Nya Thomas, Nicole Thomas, Gunnar Thomas; Back row. JC Kabel Edge (her coach on her travel team), and Mike Rapone, ND's athletic director.

*Otis Thomas was in quarantine and couldn't attend the signing.

Submitted photo and information.

Press release:

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me and my State Senate campaign!"  Running this year was a vastly different experience but I am proud of our effort and humbled by this victory," said Ed Rath, of his victorious bid for the 61 State Senate seat. "I would also like to wish my opponent well following a spirited campaign.

"It has been an honor getting to know the residents of the 61st District and I am deeply grateful for the trust they are placing in me. I am looking forward to bringing our Upstate values to Albany and providing a strong voice for families, taxpayers and businesses throughout the 61st District. You have my word that I will tirelessly fight to continue our strong representation of WNY!”

Press release:

New Positives – As of 2 p.m. 

• Genesee County received 20 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Alexander, Batavia, Elba, Le Roy, Pembroke and Stafford. 
  • Four of the new positive individuals are residents at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Batavia.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
  • None of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Twenty-six of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Eight of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

• Orleans County received three new positive cases of COVID-19.
• The new positive cases reside in Albion and Barre.
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 40s and 50s.
• None of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Four of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Three of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• "We are saddened to report that one of our county residents who had tested positive for COVID-19 (over 65 years of age) who lived in the community, has passed away. Due to privacy issues, we are not releasing further details about this individual. We would like to express our sincerest sympathy for this individual’s family and friends.”

From Derek Geib, owner of Bourbon & Burger Co.:

The purpose of this is to add to the vague press release about Bourbon & Burger Co. by the Genesee County Health Department and to clear up any misinformation that is out there.

First of all, we are open and we plan to be for many years to come.

Second, the individual reported was not in the building after receiving a positive test result.

Third, there is no concrete proof that the individual was positive while in the building.

The person reported a headache on Nov. 8, was here Nov. 9, and received a positive test result Nov. 11 -- a full 48 hours after being in the building.

Fourth, no one in Bourbon & Burger during the dates in the press release has been placed on mandatory quarantine, nor have they been told by the Health Department that they needed to get tested.

These are the facts.

We will tell you what the Health Department isn’t telling you but should be -- COVID-19 IS EVERYWHERE. What they also know is it is in the big box stores, the chains and the fast-food restaurants. It is not confined to your four hometown restaurants as it may seem from their press releases.

You should be practicing caution everywhere and monitoring your symptoms no matter where you’ve been.

We have served thousands of you since this pandemic began without incident, we are following every protocol and guideline that is out there to keep everyone safe. The government has turned its back on our industry, we can’t afford for our community to do so as well because of misinforming press releases.

This industry is barely hanging on and all of Batavia's restaurants need you now more than ever. The only way we all make it though this is together.

Press release:

St. Ann’s Community is one of several skilled nursing and independent living facilities in the Greater Rochester area to receive rapid testing devices from the Centers for Medicaid Services (CMS) with the goal of rapid detection of COVID-19 in nursing home staff.

That includes St. Ann’s Community at The Greens, an independent living community in Le Roy.

Per guidance from New York State, staff must be tested a minimum of once per week in order to minimize virus exposure and spread to residents and other staff members.

The devices provided to St. Ann’s Community by CMS, known as the BD Veritor ™Plus System, can read a sample in approximately three seconds and give a COVID-19 positive or negative result. The process currently consists of a nasal swab which takes a sample from each nostril. The swab is then placed inside of a vial with a solution, and the vial deposits three drops onto a cartridge. The cartridge then rests for 15 minutes and is inserted into the device for a rapid result. 

This rapid testing has made for a much easier and more efficient way of testing the nearly 1,200 staff members at St. Ann’s Community.

While the testing of staff may be more efficient with the devices, the difficultly comes with the data obtained from the rapid testing devices. New York State requires the data for all testing completed for each individual to be uploaded within three hours to the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) for results and lab tracking.

This data then needs to be electronically submitted and uploaded to the Electronic Clinical Laboratory Reporting System (ECLRS), which has caused more work and time dedicated to data analyzation and uploading of information for compliance purposes.

This is all done while ensuring St. Ann’s has the necessary staff, tools, and processes to carry out the testing and uploading of data. Fortunately, St. Ann’s has well-equipped information technology and medical teams who assist in these complicated and time-consuming matters.

“I believe we’re the first of the Alliance for Senior Care homes, and perhaps the first of any Rochester area skilled nursing facility to test, capture, and upload live data [not just test data] to New York State,” said Aaron Fields, chief information officer at St. Ann’s Community. “This means we’re no longer reliant on just one testing method, and we now have multiple options for COVID-19 testing.

"In our current ever-changing world, it has made our access to testing supplies better and our results and reporting times faster, especially when so many of these supplies are in high demand and there are frequently long wait times for results with other testing methods. We have a fantastic team in place which makes this that much easier. It’s really putting us ahead of the curve for point of care testing.”

Press release:

There are a lot of plans and celebrations being postponed or even cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic this season. Leaders are encouraging people to stay home and avoid large events and gatherings. However, for nearly 30 years, The Genesee Community College Foundation has welcomed the holiday season by hosting a very special event -- Encore -- and global coronavirus pandemic or not, Encore must go on!

For months, GCC has been working with its generous and community-focused sponsor, Tompkins Financial, to ensure that the critical scholarship funds generated through the Encore event do not become another loss to the Coronavirus pandemic. Tom and Kim Cox are the cochairs and the outcome is nothing short of extraordinary!

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra & The Genesee Chorale will perform for Encore 2020 ONLINE.

Encore 2020, focused on the opportunity to "Be the Light" will be broadcast online through special ticketed access on Saturday, Dec. 12 at exactly 6 p.m. at https://gccfoundationinc.org/.

"Moving the Encore celebration online has truly taken some holiday magic," said Justin Johnston, vice president of GCC's Development and External Affairs. "Teams from multiple areas of the College and partners in our community have come together and created an evening that will fill everyone's homes with a festive warmth that can only come from knowing you are helping someone in need."

Encore 2020 VIP tickets include an extra special treat that supports local area restaurants through this difficult time as well! Click here to order your ticket access to the performance and select your favorite restaurant to take your Encore celebration on Dec. 12 to the next level!

For sponsorship and other information, visit https://gccfoundationinc.org/ or contact the Foundation Office at (585) 345-6809, or foundation@genesee.edu today.

Press release:

New Positives – As of 2 p.m. 

• Genesee County received 17 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Alexander, Batavia, Darien, Elba, Le Roy and Pembroke.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.
  • None of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Twenty-one of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Nine of (all) positive individuals are hospitalized.

• Orleans County received nine new positive cases of COVID-19.
• The new positive cases reside in Barre, Carlton, Clarendon, Murray and Ridgeway.
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
• Three of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Six of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Four of the positive individuals are hospitalized.

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Restrictions Currently in Effect (as of Nov. 13)

Bars, restaurants and gyms, as well as any State Liquor Authority-licensed establishment, must close in-person service from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily.

• Indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences will be limited to no more than 10 people. 

Faith-based Organizations

Consider continuing or reinstating remote worship due to increased numbers of positive COVID-19 cases to protect your more vulnerable population.

For those who are at risk of complications for COVID-19 or the flu, consider to connect with your house of worship remotely to lessen the risk of contracting COVID-19 or the flu.

If you are sick or experiencing new symptoms, STAY HOME and worship remotely. Don’t share your germs with others.

Time-Distance-Masks-Hands!

In order to limit the spread of COVID-19 you need to rethink any upcoming gatherings. The more time you spend with nonhousehold members, the more at risk of spreading the virus and putting our counties in a micro-cluster which will increase restrictions. Even small gatherings have the potential to have an impact on our hospital systems as we are seeing an increase in hospital admissions and ICU admissions. Limit time with nonhousehold members…Keep at least 6 feet or more…Properly wear a mask/face covering over your nose and mouth…and Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or 60-percent alcohol hand sanitizer, as well as sanitizing frequently touched surfaces/items.

Gathering Size

According to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 202.45, all nonessential gatherings of up to 50 individuals of any size for any reason at venues (celebrations, weddings, or other social events at public facilities or private venues) unless otherwise designated (ex. religious gatherings), are now allowed for those regions in Phase 4.

So long as appropriate social distancing, wearing cloth masks/face coverings over their mouth and nose, and cleaning and disinfection protocol requirements are followed. With the recent uptick of individuals testing positive and the stricter guidance placed by the Governor, it is important to remember that those who plan and host nonessential gatherings (whether at a venue or a private residence) as noted above, can be fined up to $15,000, and/or cause our counties to be considered a micro-cluster which will place the area under stricter restrictions.

Micro-clusters: The initiative will take the most significant action within the cluster (Red Zone), moderate action in the area surrounding the cluster to stop the spread (Orange Zone), and precautionary action in the outlying communities (Yellow Zone). To learn more about the Cluster Action Initiative go to https://forward.ny.gov/ny-forward.

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum's Wonderland of Trees sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile will occur from Nov. 20th to Dec. 31st.

This year there will not be an opening night kickoff event. All the wonderful decorated trees can be viewed during the museum's normal business hours of Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Museum visitors will be limited to 25 at a time.

Masks and social distancing protocols are required.

A basket raffle will also take place until Dec. 18th when the winners will be drawn.

Musical concerts will be performed by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra on the evenings of Dec. 4, 11, and 18, with a limited audience of 12 Preregistration is required. The concerts will also be broadcast live for all to experience.

Normal museum admission rates will apply. For more information visit hollandlandoffice.com or call the museum at (585) 343-4727.

Press release:

This Thursday, Nov. 19, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Batavia Middle School and John Kennedy Intermediate are hosting a COVID-19 friendly event for all Batavia City School District families.

The annual Warm the Night will be held at Batavia Middle School at 96 Ross St.

Families are invited to come and pick out gently used and new winter clothing (including coats, hats, gloves, scarves and boots) for members of their family.

In addition, representatives from many community agencies will be available with information about their programs and services. The growing list of agencies includes:

• Community Action of Genesee and Orleans
• Catholic Charities
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• AmeriCorps
• Liberty Center
• Neighborhood Legal Services
• Connect 2-1-1
• Batavia City Fire Department  

Also, Christina Kulesz, DC, a Batavia chiropractor, will be there for free chair massages. There will be other free giveaways as well, including free Timbits and hot chocolate.

Press releases from St. James Episcopal Church:

Due to COVID-19, the third annual Basket Raffle at St. James church is cancelled that was planned for this Friday (4 to 6 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

However, the drive-thru Pie Sale/Pickup is still a go! To pick up or buy pies, enter between H.E. Turner & Co. funeral home (403 E. Main St.) and the church (405 E. Main St.). We will meet you at your vehicle.

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Also St. James Episcopal Community Women (ECW) is selling tickets for chicken BBQ dinners.

The meal includes a half chicken, coleslaw and potato. They are prepared by Alex's Place  -- and to be picked up by you -- at the Alex's Take Out, located at the side of the restaurant at 8322 Park Road in Batavia. What a great holiday gift!

Tickets are $11 and are valid for an order phoned into Alex's Place for nearly a year -- until Nov. 15, 2021.

For tickets, please call Carol at (585) 343-5177 or the church office (585) 343-6802, ext. 1.

Press release: 

New Positives – As of 2 p.m.

• Genesee County received 20 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Alexander, Batavia, Darien, Elba, Le Roy, Oakfield and Pembroke.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s.
  • One of the individuals was on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Fifteen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Nine of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Two of the previous positive individuals were transferred to another county. This has been reflected in our PUI numbers.
• Orleans County received 10 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Albion, Barre, Clarendon, Shelby, Murray and Ridgeway.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 60s, and 70s.
  • Three of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Eight of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Four of the positive individuals are hospitalized.