Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Genesee County will hold its Annual Meeting and Recognition Dinner on Tuesday, October 29, at 5 p.m. at Terry Hills Restaurant, 5122 Clinton Street Rd., Batavia.
CCE of Genesee County cordially invites you to join us for dinner and help us recognize our Volunteer of the Year recipients.
Cornell Cooperative Extension friends, volunteers, and members of the community are welcome to attend.
Please register by October 21st by visiting our website or contacting Yvonne Peck at dp3@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040 Ext. 123.
A Bergen-based project already given the go-ahead by Genesee County Economic Development Center and pending additional financial incentives got the good news this week that a state grant will be coming its way.
Empire State Development announced Tuesday that of the nearly $25 million in awards for the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York grant program, $1.26 million has been slated for the village of Bergen. GE Bergen Owner LLC has a $43.6 million project in the works at Apple Tree Acres Corporate Park.
This project will support electrical infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to the electrical substation and distribution lines, which will increase capacity to serve anticipated load growth, according to the news release. These upgrades will allow Apple Tree Acres Corporate Park to further develop an additional 47 shovel ready acres intended for future manufacturing.
In June, the GCEDC granted GE Bergen Owner LLC’s proposed 196,000-square-foot facility in the town of Bergen, including approximately $1.75 million in sales tax exemptions, a property tax abatement of about $2.15 million as a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and a mortgage tax exemption of $366,000.
The facility would be leased to an end user and is to create 60 new full-time jobs and generate $38 million in wages and benefits as well as revenues for local governments over the course of 10 years according to the deal.
The project was pending, subject to receiving incentives from Empire State Development Corp.
The state shovel-ready program, first announced in February 2022, is designed to prepare and develop sites across the state to further New York’s shovel-readiness and increase its attractiveness to large employers and high-tech manufacturing companies.
This program is intended to help diversify New York State’s economy while generating new investments for businesses, communities and job creation. To date, FAST NY has awarded $200 million to 25 sites, with locations in every region across Upstate New York.
Bergen was the only municipality in Genesee County to receive a grant award in this round.
"Through the FAST NY program, our strategic investments are helping communities across Upstate New York develop shovel-ready sites to attract new and expanding businesses in key industries,” ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said in the news release. “These awards will support the development of five sites across Upstate New York, with the potential to attract businesses and manufacturers looking to establish or grow a footprint here, creating jobs and generating regional economic growth."
This year, Governor Kathy Hochul secured an additional $100 million in funding for the FAST NY program through the FY25 state budget.
FAST NY grants are awarded for pre-development activities and infrastructure investments to develop sites that will attract many eligible industries —including high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, clean-tech renewable energy, life sciences, agribusiness, optics, transportation equipment, materials processing, industrial machinery manufacturing and other advanced manufacturing. These sites can also be used for interstate distribution and logistics.
For more information, or to apply for a FAST NY grant, visit esd.ny.gov/fast-ny.
Matthew R. Taylor, 41, of Batavia, is charged with assault 1st, robbery 1st, and menacing 3rd. Taylor is accused of engaging in violence with another person on East Main Street on Sept. 22. He is accused of demanding money and causing serious injury to the other person. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed.
Jeffrey A. Tyler, no age provided, of Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, criminal possession of stolen property, and multiple traffic offenses. Tyler was stopped at 12:17 p.m. on Sept. 6 by Officer T.J. Mummery of Le Roy PD. During an investigation, Mummery determined Tyler was a convicted felon and was allegedly in possession of an unregistered handgun, which was also loaded. Tyler was reportedly towing a trailer that contained a stolen ATV. Tyler was held pending arraignment.
Sugeiry Vazquez, 35, of Otis Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful fleeing from a police officer in a motor vehicle 3rd, reckless endangerment 1st, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, unlicensed drive, and speeding. Deputy Alexander Hadsall initiated a pursuit of a vehicle on Route 20 in Darien at 10:40 a.m. on Sept. 24 after learning that a vehicle had fled a T.J. Maxx in Erie County after the theft of clothing items. Hadsall attempted to stop the vehicle but the vehicle did not yield to emergency lights. The pursuit continued into the town of Byron, where it crashed into the front lawn of a residence. The occupants fled on foot and were later located in a cornfield by the Sheriff's Office K-9. The driver of the vehicle was arrested. Vazquez was arraigned and released under supervision.
Christina L. Riley, 36, of Batavia, is charged with attempted robbery 3rd, grand larceny 4th, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd. Riley is accused of fighting with another person on Sept. 21 at an unreleased location and of attempting to steal that person's child while several children were present. Raily was arraigned and released.
Jennifer A. Schellerer, 38, of Batavia, and Dennis J. Williamson, 42, of Rome, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Schellerer and Williamson were arrested on Sept. 20 after police received a report of two people passed out in a car at the Mobile gas station on East Main Street, Batavia. They were allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine. Williamson was also charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th for allegedly possessing a stolen license plate. They were issued appearance tickets.
Michael J. Holler, 38, of Rochester, was arrested on a warrant on Sept. 22. Holler was initially arrested on a charge of petit larceny on Sept. 18. He allegedly failed to appear in court as ordered. He was arraigned and released.
Gracien R. Ibambasi, 30, of Batavia, is charged with menacing 3rd and endangering the welfare of a child. Ibambasi is accused of threatening another person in the presence of two children. He was arrested on Sept. 22, arraigned in City Court and released.
Phillip P. Heale, 41, of Batavia, and Jessica D. Delcour, 41, of Batavia, are charged with petit larceny. Heale and Delcour are accused of shoplifting at Aldi in Batavia on Sept. 14. Based on an investigation, they were charged with a second count of petit larceny. They are accused of shoplifting on Aug. 8 at the same store. They were issued an appearance ticket.
Patrick O. Spikes, 43, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Spikes is accused of hitting another person during an argument on Central Avenue on Sept. 17. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Jennifer L. Stack, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. She was arrested on an arrest warrant on Sept. 13. She was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine during a traffic stop on Jan. 18. She was arraigned and released.
Cylie Rose Gebo, 27, of Macedon Center Road, Palmyra, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Gebo was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine and a pipe by Deputy Robert Henning at 8:25 a.m. on Sept. 26 on West Bergen Road, Bergen. She was issued an appearance ticket.
David Allen Leach, 30, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with assault 3rd. Leach is accused of attacking two people during an argument at 10:19 p.m. on Sept. 25, at a location on Main Road, Pembroke. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and held pending arraignment.
Joseph Allen Hogan, 56, of Prairie Trail, West Henrietta, is charged with petit larceny. Hogan was arrested on Sept. 25, accused of stealing $494 from another person at Batavia Downs at 1:04 a.m. on Sept. 17. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Zachary James Pernick, 26, of Paradise Lane, Tonawanda, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Pernick is accused of damaging a wall inside Batavia Downs at 2:31 a.m. on Sept. 28. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Shaunda Lee Hill, 35, of South Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Hill is accused of shoplifting at Walmart at 4:41 on Sept. 27. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Devin Ralph Zortman, 25, of Highland Avenue, McKees Rocks, Pa., is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or more, failure to signal, and drinking alcohol or consuming cannabis in a motor vehicle. Zortman was stopped at 12:29 on Sept. 29 on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, by Deputy Mason Schultz. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Christopher James Johnston, 48, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. The details of the alleged incident where not released other than it was reported 12:54 p.m. on Oct. 1. Johnston was held pending arraignment.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are offering their final 2024 free drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics in October. Funding for the rabies clinics are provided by the New York State Department of Health.
The Genesee County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Thursday, October 10 from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia)
The Orleans County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Saturday, October 19 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion)
Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum.
“We encourage all Genesee and Orleans County residents to take advantage of our last rabies immunization clinics of 2024 and ensure their pets are protected against rabies,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “Rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in both counties and is a preventable viral disease.”
To prevent the spread of rabies, the health department reminds residents to take the following precautions:
Keep your pets up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
Obey leash laws. Keep your pets under direct supervision and on a leash so they do not come in contact with wild or stray animals. If an animal bites your pet, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the health department.
Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, touch, or attract wildlife (raccoons, skunks, bats, bunnies, rabbits, and foxes) or stray dogs and cats.
Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
Prevent bats from entering living quarters. If you find a bat in your home, safely capture it and call the health department. DO NOT release it! For a video on how to safely capture a bat, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puP8qbATPKg
Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood or if you see an animal showing signs of rabies. Signs of rabies in animals may include aggression, excessive drool or saliva, confusion, hair loss, and loss of movement or function.
For more information about GO Health Programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is teaming up with the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program as a part of its Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign. Since 1980, the program, a project of the Adelphi University School of Social Work, has provided New Yorkers with information and emotional support as they battle breast cancer.
The campaign encourages individuals to take care of their breast health in three ways: getting a mammogram, learning about breast cancer programs in their community and talking to someone who can help. This year’s motto is “When Survivors Unite, Hope Ignites.” The hotline, which is staffed by volunteers who are breast cancer survivors, directs callers to resources and provides a listening ear.
The program can be reached by phone at 800-877-8077 or online at breast-cancer.adelphi.edu.
“I’m proud to be partnering with the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to spread awareness and increase support,” said Hawley. “Every year, more than 2 million women worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer. This is why it is important to know the risk factors and get regular screenings. I encourage all residents of the 139th Assembly District to take advantage of these free resources as we continue to raise awareness this month.”
The City of Batavia Fire Department released a new technology to assist in emergencies back in 2022. In honor of Fire Prevention, which starts in October, we are working to add more participants in our free Community Connect application. This application is focused on protecting residents and their property in the most effective way possible during an incident or major disaster.
Community Connect is a secure, easy to use platform that allows residents to share critical information about their household in order to aid first responders and emergency service personnel to respond more efficiently and effectively; ultimately resulting in better incident outcomes.
In addition to the residential portal, Community Connect also helps business owners and managers keep people at their commercial properties safe by giving First Responders access to critical documents such as evacuation procedures, occupant rosters, hazardous material lists and more.
Additionally, designated contacts at properties that joined the program will receive immediate alerts via text message when First Responders are dispatched to the building address or home.
Community Connect is completely voluntary and residents are individually able to decide which information they are comfortable sharing. Residents simply create a profile and enter critical property and occupant information which is then made available to public safety agencies at the time of dispatch.
Data provided by residents within Community Connect is 100% secure and is used only for the purpose of better serving the resident during emergency situations.
First Due is on a mission to end first responder and citizen injuries due to a lack of information. First Due is focused on providing solutions for fire and EMS agencies and the communities they serve, all with the goal of ensuring optimal preparedness for disaster situations.
About City of Batavia Fire Department:
The City of Batavia's Fire Department is ready to respond to emergency calls 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. In addition to fire suppression and emergency medical services, the Department also provides first responder EMT-Defibrillator training services, hazardous materials response and several technical rescue services. At any hour of the day, City of Batavia firefighters can be found at the City's fire station cleaning and maintaining the City's investment in emergency apparatus, conducting training exercises, assisting citizens and/or visitors, performing preplans, conducting public education classes, commercial fire safety inspections and multi-dwelling inspections, or a number of other activities that enhance the public’s safety.
For any questions related to the Community Connect program, please reach out to Jeff Whitcombe, Lieutenant at 585-345-6375 or jwhitcombe@batavianewyork.com
I remember walking into the Holland Land Office Museum and looking at the large portrait of a young child hanging on the wall.
It brought me back to a time when I took my daughters to have their yearly picture taken. It was either at J.J. Newberry or W. T. Grant Department Store. The cost of the sitting was free, and the price for an eight by 10 picture was 99 cents.
You had three choices for background. If your child behaved and smiled, you could be on your way in 15 minutes, but if your child was not in the mood for that milestone 5-year-old portrait, you might have to leave without a picture.
As difficult as it was to get a photo of a 5-year-old picture in 1981, the process was much more challenging in the 1850s.
When Alva B. Willis from Elba wanted a portrait of his five-year-old son, Charlie, referred to as his favorite son, Willis needed to find an artist, which was a difficult task.
One day, a peddler/sign painter put up a sign at Willis Tavern stating that he would do paintings of all kinds at a reasonable rate. Mr. Willis commissioned this artist to paint his son’s portrait.
In the 1850s, making paints and brushes was tedious. The brushes were made of squirrel and oxen hair tied together and inserted into a turkey quill. The quills were attached to wooden handles that were also made by hand. The different-sized brushes were distinguished by comparing them to the size of a bird. For example, the smallest brush would be called a lark, and the largest brush would be a swan.
Making the paint was also quite an ordeal. The Colors were dull or muted earth pigments, red, yellow, ochre (yellow-brown), and lamp black (bluish-black). The pigments were ground into a powder and put into small containers. When needed, the powder was mixed with linseed oil.
The next order of business was what Charlie should wear for his portrait. It was decided that he would wear his Sunday best. His mother made him a soft red dress embellished with many tiny stitches at the neck and hem. White pantaloons, daintily embroidered with delicate flowers, covered his knees. This was not an unusual outfit for a young boy in the 1850s.
The setting for the picture was at Spring Creek in Byron. It was a four-mile wagon ride for Charlie and his father. In the spring, Charlie was positioned with a fishing pole and a line of three freshly caught fish in one hand. On the ground beside him was his white hat, and in the band of the hat was a large ostrich feather.
It was a long and tiring day for Charlie to stand in the hot July sun for four to five hours.
He would celebrate at the end of the day that he was free until tomorrow, when this ordeal would begin again.
Charlie’s father was thrilled with the results and promptly paid the artist $160.00 for the portrait.
Unfortunately, the portrait was never signed, and the story did not end there. Charles' great-grandson, Donald Prichard of Georgia, donated the portrait to the Holland Land Office in the 1990s. Many visitors have enjoyed viewing the portrait over the years, but it began to need restoration. So, after months of being away for conservation, the portrait of Charles Willis is back at the museum.
So, please visit the Holland Land Office Museum and view a portrait of the 5-year-old Charlie with a fishing pole, holding a line with three fish, and posing in a red dress with white pantaloons.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) voted against a three-month funding bill that would extend bloated government spending and maintain current levels of excessive funding.
H.R. 9747 - Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 passed the House by a vote of 341-82.
"With over $35 trillion in national debt, it is unfortunate that we continue to write a blank check to the Biden-Harris administration, allowing them to spend at current levels," said Congresswoman Tenney. "Once again, instead of making serious cuts to excessive federal spending, Congress is merely putting a band-aid on the problem. House Republicans have passed five of the Fiscal Year 2025 spending bills, covering nearly 71% of overall discretionary spending. This includes the Defense Appropriations Bill and the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which provides $600 million for building the wall along the Southern Border and funding for a record 22,000 Border Patrol Agents. Yet, Senator Schumer and Senate Democrats have refused to pass any of these bills, forcing a potential government shutdown. Schumer shut the government down in 2018, but he's threatening to do it again with a refusal to include priorities that the American people want and need in this dangerous world.
"Unlike my Democratic colleagues in the House, I voted for a continuing resolution last week that would keep the government open while securing our elections and provide necessary supplemental funding to the Virginia Class Submarine program. However, unlike last week, this continuing resolution fails to include the SAVE Act, which would close loopholes requiring proof of citizenship to vote, thus enhancing election security at a critical time just weeks before the 2024 election. As Co-Chair of the Election Integrity Caucus, this legislation is paramount in ensuring that noncitizens, especially illegal aliens, cannot undermine or dilute the sacred right to vote, which is the heart and soul of our Constitutional system where we must protect self-governance against authoritarian joint control. Furthermore, this continuing resolution omits vital initiatives to strengthen border security, despite our border agents facing an unprecedented crisis, and does not provide supplemental funding for Virginia Class Submarines, threatening our supply chains and our military readiness.
"House Republicans are committed to passing spending bills through regular order, allowing for robust debate and giving the American people a voice in the appropriations process. Therefore, I could not support this resolution that continues excessive spending, which, in many ways, prioritizes Democrats' initiatives over the needs of hardworking families – while also adding to the national debt and fueling the cruelest tax on all Americans – Inflation."
The Genesee County Board of Elections is offering residents a local registration opportunity to ensure they are prepared for the upcoming election. On Saturday, October 5, from 2 - 9 p.m., the Board of Elections office in County Building 1 at 15 Main St., Batavia, will be open for residents to register to vote or apply for an absentee ballot.
This extended weekend schedule provides a convenient time for residents to take care of their election-related needs. Please note that only the West Entrance of County Building 1 will be accessible. This entrance is off the central courtyard between County Building One and the Old Courthouse. Look for the “1999” next to the door.
In addition, the Board of Elections would like to inform voters in the Town of Bergen of a change to their polling location. On Election Day, November 5, voters who previously voted at Bergen Town Hall will now cast their ballots at the Gillam Grant Community Center, located at 6966 W. Bergen Rd., Bergen, directly across from the school.
For more information or questions about registration, absentee ballots, or polling locations, please contact the Genesee County Board of Elections at (585) 815-7804.
Richmond Reads presents programs in advance of author visit The Richmond Memorial Library is excited to announce a slate of events in advance of the 2024 Richmond Reads author visit on Thursday, October 24.
Richmond Reads is a community one-book program designed specifically for the Richmond Memorial Library community. The goal of the program is for the community to join together in reading the chosen title, and then to participate in subsequent discussions and programs.
This year’s Richmond Reads selection is The Last Ranger by Peter Heller. Published in July of 2023, The Last Ranger is described as “a lush and vivid mystery set in Yellowstone National Park where a skirmish between a local hunter and a wolf biologist turns violent, and a park ranger, facing his own personal demons, sets out to determine what really happened.” (publisher description)
Heller is the best-selling author of The Guide, The River, Celine, The Painter, and The Dog Stars, which has been published in twenty-two languages. Heller is also the author of four nonfiction books, including Kook: What Surfing Taught Me About Love, Life, and Catching the Perfect Wave, which was awarded the National Outdoor Book Award. He holds an MFA in poetry and fiction from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and lives in Denver, Colorado.
Peter Heller will visit the Richmond Memorial Library at 7 pm on Thursday, October 24. He will give a talk, reading, and sign books. There is no registration for this event, but space is limited and will be first come, first served.
Copies of The Last Ranger are available for sale at the front desk at RML for $20 (hardcover) and $15 (paperback). Several of Heller’s other books are also available for sale for $15. Books will be for sale the night of the author visit.
The Richmond Reads committee is pleased to offer several other programs leading up to the author visit:
Wednesday, October 2 at 7 p.m.: Join the International Wolf Center for their “Wolves at Our Door” program on Zoom. Register at batavialibrary.org/calendar
Monday, October 7 at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, October 9 at 9:30 a.m.: Community Book Discussions. Join us to discuss The Last Ranger. Copies are available to borrow or purchase at the library. The only requirement to attend is to read the book!
Thursday, October 10 at 6 pm: Movie Screenings at RML: Richmond Reads Edition- Join us to watch the first episode of Ken Burns’ documentary The National Parks: America’s Best Idea as we learn about the advent and history of America’s National Parks. Refreshments served. 120 minutes, rated TV-G.
Richmond Reads Review Contest: Write a review of The Last Ranger for a chance to win dinner with Peter Heller and the Richmond Reads committee on Thursday, October 24, courtesy of the Friends of the Library! Contest closes on October 16 at 5 pm. All information, contest rules and entry form are available at the library or at batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads.
For more information, visit batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads.
Richmond Reads is sponsored by the Richmond Memorial Library and The Friends of Richmond Memorial Library with special sponsorship from the Alfred C. O’Connell Library at GCC.
Screen shot of a video provided to The Batavian from two years ago when Ryan Macdonald was installed as senior pastor at City Church. Marty Macdonald is speaking near the end of the installation referring to all his friends, fellow pastors, on the dias with him, including Pastor Paul Doyle (second from left).
After the dust settled — or seemingly so — since articles had been published about alleged sexual abuse by well-known Batavia pastor Marty Macdonald, his attorney sent letters of cease and desist to at least three people and/or websites involved in disseminatinginformation related to the allegations.
Dee Parsons, editor for The Wartburg Watch, published an article on her website on Sept. 13 about Melissa Hobson’s allegations that Macdonald had groomed and sexually abused her from the age of 12 to 18. Todd Wilhelm has frequently commented on the Wartburg site and on X, formerly known as Twitter. Each of them received a letter.
Paul Doyle, pastor of Cornerstone Church in Batavia, also received one, regarding “Defamation Claim of Pastor Martin Macdonald and The City Church.” His letter demanded that he “immediately retract statements” that he made via posted videos on the Cornerstone Church website from the pulpit on Sept. 15, and on Rumble.com.
The letter further demands that Doyle cease and desist from further publishing of any disparaging or defamatory statements about Macdonald or City Church.
“Please be aware that failure to immediately comply with this demand will result (in) legal action against you,” states Attorney Anjan Ganguly.
Not only has that not stopped Doyle, but it fueled him to record a 15-minute video — something he said he was“compelled” to do to address the subject of his statements and emulate the Apostle Paul, who spoke up when he saw wrongdoing (per 1 Corinthians:5), he said.
“If you know me at all when I know I’m speaking the truth and people tell me to be silent, I double down,” Doyle said. “I don’t fear that letter. I have nothing to hide, but I do have things to expose. Marty, you were the one from the pulpit who said you never had the opportunity to defend yourself, so if you want to make this a legal case, it will allow you to defend yourself."
He “officially” called for Marty and his son Ryan Macdonald to step down as pastors of City Church and be replaced with someone else by the church leadership. Doyle specifically speaks to Marty, Ryan and Marty’s wife, Patti. He makes his claims again that the senior Macdonald sexually abused Hobson and chides Ryan for, while on the pulpit, speaking as if “this is a nuisance of a story … that this little pest of a story is raising its head again.”
“You have inherited your father’s deception,” he said. “I consider all of you complicit. How do you preach a gospel of repentance when you don’t repent?”
He went on to offer his definition of sexual abuse while describing the details given by Hobson about her encounters with Macdonald. He doesn’t want her to go through any more turmoil, he said, and since Macdonald has not come forward with any admission, “you have left me no other choice but to take the lead on this,” Doyle said.
“When I see leaders not doing the right thing, I am compelled to speak up,” he said, naming other prominent pastors. “I am going to call out the apostles in this region. Let the light shed on this darkness. I’m going to shine the light on it.”
Doyle’s message apparently isn’t about forgiveness — he and Hobson’s family have already forgiven Macdonald, he said — it’s about protocol in the church.
“There’s a process,” he said. “I don’t see anything that says the end justifies the means.”
Doyle gave the Macdonalds 48 hours to respond to his video or he was going to release it to the public, which he did on Friday, Sept. 27. He ends it with a plea.
“I implore you, please do the right thing so that forgiveness, restoration and healing can come,” he said.
The Batavian asked Ryan Macdonald for comment about the video, and he referred to attorney Anjan Ganguly, who has been representing Marty Macdonald and The City Church.
Ganguly sent a statement that reiterates Marty Macdonald’s denial of having sexually abused Melissa Hobson, emphasizing that he is “dumbfounded by Pastor Paul’s most recent accusations,” especially given that Doyle and his wife have had social outings with Macdonald and his wife in recent years when no such conversation came up.
The statement also includes a video of when Ryan Macdonald was installed as a senior pastor at City Church two years ago, and Doyle was part of the ceremony, even participating in the blessing.
“If Pastor Paul knew about this alleged problem for decades, why would he support Pastor Ryan’s installation as senior pastor?” it states. “Why is he now calling for his resignation?”
As to the underlying allegations, "history simply does not bear them out," according to the statement. "Pastor Paul suggests that he was aware of the alleged acts at the time they were happening. But, Pastor Marty would point to the fact that years later Ms. Hobson invited him to officiate her wedding, which he did. This simply does not square with the allegations Pastor Doyle is putting forth."
The Batavian was not able to substantiate the claim that Macdonald officiated Hobson's wedding; however, she was married in 1992, at least eight years before revealing the alleged abuse to her parents and attempting to deal with the aftermath of her emotional turmoil.
“Pastor Marty, Pastor Ryan, and the entire leadership of The City Church stand with survivors of sexual abuse. They unequivocally condemn the abuse of children, and consider such acts to be an abominable sin,” it states. “The City Church never has and never will willfully disregard such reprehensible acts by its pastors, staff, volunteers, or members.”
For a full copy of the statement and to view the video of Ryan Macdonald's installation as senior pastor, click here.
NYSTIA Board Chair - Corey Fram, GeneSEEtheEclipse team members: Matt Mitchell - Corporate Communications, Colleen Onuffer - Travel Alliance Partnership, Glenn Clark - Crafting A Brand, Kelly Rapone and Lauren Humphrey, Genesee County Chambe of Commerce. Also pictured, Ross Levi – I Love New York, Bridget Cerrone – Advance Media New York. Submitted photo.
Press Release:
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that the GeneSEEtheEclipse program has received an Excellence Award from the New York State Tourism Industry Association. The Tourism Excellence Awards ceremony was held in Saratoga Springs on September 12.
The Tourism Excellence Awards celebrate the most creative and successful campaigns, publications, individuals, and projects from across the state.
“For fourteen months leading up to April 8, our Chamber team was engaged within our community, informing and inspiring residents, community leaders, and area businesses that a significant once-in-a-lifetime event was going to occur. Our community fully rallied around our beloved “Genny The Cow” and the full GeneSEEtheEclipse initiative. Over eighty eclipse-related special events and promotions were created by hundreds of community members representing civic groups, organizations, and area businesses. We thank our community and share this honor with all of you,” said Brian Cousins, Chamber President.
“Although the day was unfortunately overcast, it was still a truly spectacular experience. Visitors from around the world traveled here and watched alongside our residents, and did experience the eerie temperature drop and see the sky become dark, mid-day for 3 minutes and 42 seconds,” said Kelly Rapone, Tourism Marketing Director. “We would like to thank all of our community members who joined in to commemorate this historic event for our residents,” she said.
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Guest Speaker Series on Wednesday, October 9 at 7 p.m. Thomas Reigstad will be presenting his new book, "The Illustrated Mark Twain and the Buffalo Express," which was just published in February.
The book collects ten entertaining feature stories published by Mark Twain in the Buffalo Express of 1869 and 1870, accompanied by illustrations drawn by six artists over nearly 115 years alongside my commentary. There are drawings by Twain himself, by his contemporaries John Harrison Mills and True Williams, by Calvin and Hobbes cartoonist Bill Watterson, and by Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonists Tom Toles and Adam Zyglis. 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.
"This project is made possible with funds from the statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!"
Join the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night @ the Museum on Thursday, October 10 at 7 p.m. This month's trivia will be at GO Art! located at 201 E. Main St. Batavia. You can enjoy a drink there at Tavern 2.o.1. Looking back at Black Tuesday in 1929, our topic will be the Roaring Twenties. 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 announce the next edition of its Guest Speaker Series on Tuesday, October 29 at 7 p.m. Museum Director Ryan Duffy will be sharing the details of the most momentous day in the history of the Holland Land Office Museum, "Land Office Day: October 13, 1894."
On that day, thousands flocked to Batavia, including members of the Presidential Cabinet, to witness the dedication of the Holland Land Office as a museum under the ownership of the Holland Purchase Historical Society. Our history has now stretched 130 years this year and still going strong. 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.
"This project is made possible with funds from the statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!"
On October 19, at the Holland Land Office Museum at 11 a.m. our Curator Tyler Angora will present on Victorian Mourning practices. Learn how, during the 19th century, death and mourning practices became huge traditions and practiced by many! Admission is $5 for non-members and $3 for members, contact the museum if you are interested in attending!
The Holland Land Office is proud to announce the next edition of our Java with Joe E. series on Thursday, October 24 at 9 a.m. This month we welcome James Morasco and Bart Dentino as they perform, "Vincenzo's Dream: The True Story of One Family’s Journey From Italy to America Through the Generations." Admission is free with coffee and cookies. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
“By the time of Vincenzo’s death in 1983 he had seen and experienced, among other things, the use of the automobile as it replaced the horse and buggy. Modern medicine. WWI, The Great Depression, WWII, and the Vietnam conflict. And although he did not believe it to be real, he watched TV as Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon."
Using poetry, song, and storytelling Jim and Bart share an intimate and profound tale that to this day, continues to unfold. Listen as Vincenzo’s story is weaved, connecting the threads of time to produce the fabric for each generation that follows. Thank you to Pub Hub Coffee for their sponsorship of Java with Joe E. for 2024.
All motorists please be aware the following streets (listed in the following predicted order) will experience traffic delays on Wednesday, October 2 and Thursday, October 3, between the hours of 6 a.m. - 4 p.m. for resurfacing operations:
Wednesday, October 2
Williams Street
Osterhout Avenue
Evans Street
Jefferson Avenue
Thursday, October 3
Porter Avenue
Dellinger Avenue
Thomas Avenue
Douglas Avenue
While work is being performed in these areas, local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.
All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the operation. All motorists that regularly use these streets are asked to seek alternate routes while the delays are in place.
This work is weather-dependent and will continue on the next business day if necessary.
Contact the Bureau of Maintenance at 585-345-6400 opt. 1 if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your cooperation.
With students back in school this month, public health leaders from Tobacco-Free Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties (TF-GOW) say it's important to be aware of the risks of vaping, as well as a new nicotine product called nicotine pouches. Many users say they’re a safer way to use nicotine, but that is not the case.
“We’ve been working with schools and communities the last several years cracking down on vaping, but there’s another addictive nicotine product gaining popularity among teens: oral nicotine pouches,” says Brittany Bozzer, Reality Check Youth Outreach Coordinator for Tobacco-Free GOW.
According to Bozzer, the pouches are smokeless, and teens tuck them into their upper lips—making them harder to detect. They are sold in small containers under different brand names, including Zyn, Velo, Rogue, and On!, and come in a variety of youth-friendly flavors including mint, fruit, menthol, coffee, and cinnamon.
How much nicotine is in oral nicotine pouches?
Nicotine concentrations differ across oral nicotine brands. In the United States.
Zyn (the most popular brand) is sold in 3 and 6 mg.
Velo is sold in 2,4 and 7mg.
On! is sold in 1.5, 2, 3.5, 4 and 8mg.
On! Plus offers nicotine strengths of 6, 9 and 12mg.
Youth can get nicotine pouches online that contain up to 17mg per pouch.
2024 Findings on Youth Tobacco Use: Youth vaping less
Findings showed that there was a significant drop in the number of U.S. middle and high school students who reported current (past 30 days) e-cigarette use – a decrease from 2.13 million (7.7%) youth in 2023 to 1.63 million (5.9%) youth in 2024.
Evidence shows that as e-cigarette products have faced federal flavor restrictions recently, high school students are vaping less. But experts at Tobacco-Free GOW are concerned that as kids move away from vapes, they may move toward nicotine pouches because they have appealing flavors.
“My tobacco control colleagues across New York State and I have seen different kinds of tobacco and nicotine products rise in popularity all the time, but we’ve learned over the years what works,” says Bozzer. “We're very concerned that the industry continues to find new products, new ways to addict our kids, and we’ll keep focusing on Zyn as well as youth vaping.”
More on nicotine pouches
They are pillow-like pouches that deliver nicotine directly into the bloodstream through the mouth's membrane lining. Created in 2014 by the company Swedish Match.
In addition to being perceived as a safer, and therefore, "healthier" addiction than vaping, nicotine pouches directly appeal to children and young people for a few other reasons.
Like JUUL pods, nicotine pouches are sold in a variety of "fun" flavors such as peppermint, cinnamon, coffee, and citrus-which makes them pleasant to use.
Social media sites like TikTok feature "Zynfluencers," whose content mainly consists of themselves using and promoting the pouches. This is concerning, especially considering 47.4% of all TikTok users in 2024 are under 30 years old.
Harms of Nicotine Pouches and Vapes
Nicotine can harm brain development which continues until about age 25.
Youth can start showing signs of nicotine addiction quickly, sometimes before the start of regular or daily use.
Using nicotine during adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
Adolescents who use nicotine may be at increased risk for future addiction to other drugs.
Help for quitting: DropTheVape and Vaping Conversation Guide from the American Lung Association (ALA) DropTheVape is a free text-based youth and young adult vaping cessation service for smokers aged 13-24 provided by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). The service is evidence-based and was developed by the Truth Initiative® with input from young people who wanted to quit vaping.
This program makes it easier to stop. Any New York State resident in the targeted age bracket can text “DropTheVape” to 88709. Enrollees receive interactive daily text messages tailored to their sign-up date or their target quit date. Messages include motivation, tips, coping strategies, and exercise to help build their belief that they CAN quit.
In a press conference in Buffalo at 5 p.m., Mayor Byron Brown confirmed that he is stepping down as mayor in order to become the president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting.
The announcement comes less than a week after the OTB board unanimously approved a contract offer for Brown that will pay him an annual salary of $295,000.
Brown will replace Henry Wojtaszek, who has overseen record revenue growth and profits for the 17 municipalities that own the OTB in recent years. His final day with the OTB is Dec. 31.
Brown said he will retire in the coming weeks without a specific date. His start date at Batavia Downs has not been announced. Board President Dennis Bassett said on Thursday that he expects Brown to start before the end of the year so he can learn about his new role from Wojtaszek.
Bassett praised Brown as the most qualified candidate from a pool of applicants from throughout the United States and from overseas.
"We think that we have done a thorough job to get where we are today," Bassett said on Thursday. "The success we had and what we need for tomorrow to continue our success. And I cannot say it enough that we are extremely fortunate to get an individual like Mayor Byron Brown to lead this organization after the job Henry Wojtaszek has done. I think we've just been extremely fortunate. And we look to continue to grow. We look to continue to venture into things that we have not ventured into before."
The 65-year-old Brown became Buffalo's mayor in 2006. He served in the state Senate from 2001 to 2005. He was a member of the Buffalo Common Council from 1996 to 2001. He has a dual bachelor of arts degree in political science and journalism from Buffalo State College. He worked in sales for a year at Bristol-Myers before starting a legislative staff career.
Wojtaszek's most recent annual salary is $299,000.
One of the primary expectations for Brown as he steps into the new leadership role is to open doors in Albany so that Batavia Downs can grow its business. Bassett has expressed interest in sports betting, online betting, and table games, all potential revenue sources that the state has denied Batavia Downs so far.
"Brown expressed to us that he's taken over a position now that he's managing a corporate entity, and he's looking to make sure that we run this organization in a corporate way and not in a political way," Bassett said.
At Monday's press conference, Brown did not discuss any aspects of his new job or what he hopes to accomplish. He expressed his pride in Buffalo, the job that leadership has done together, especially during recent tough events, and expressed optimism about the city's future.
A slide that is part of the final housing needs assessment presentation, shows the number of jobs estimated to be needed due to STAMP by 2040. Image from Urban Partners presentation
A county advisory board with plenty of collaboration and housing of all types for all income levels should be on the horizon for Genesee County if municipal leaders want to get ahead of what’s coming in the next 20 years, consultants from Urban Partners say.
That seemed to be the thrust of the summary recommendations from a housing study by Christopher Lankenau and Isaac Kwon presented this week as part of a five-phase needs assessment that included public surveys, current and future business developments, housing stock, occupancy rates, demographics and trends.
Speaking of trends, renter-occupied homes in Genesee County have increased over the past decade. However, while the demand for rentals has increased, availability has become “very, very low,” Lankenau said, with a total of 6,497 rentals in Genesee County and 3,456 in the city of Batavia.
While the study found a need for housing to accommodate people in all categories—from low-income to market-rate levels—Lankenau said he would recommend an apartment complex in the city of Batavia for very low—to low-income renters, but with a caveat. The Batavian asked him about it, considering Ellicott Station just happens to be sitting half-baked and idle on the city’s south side.
“I know there's often criticism concentrating low-income housing in certain areas, but it often happens for a reason, too, because of just the availability of amenities. Yes, so I think yes would be an answer. Still, it would be about a fair distribution of low-income housing to ensure that people in Le Roy or other more concentrated parts of the county also have that opportunity, and they don't have to move to Batavia, for example,” he said. “I don't know if that directly answers your question, but I think yes, Batavia could afford some more … and would be a good location for additional low-income housing on a smaller scale, not some of the more recent stuff that has been built, over 20 to 40 units, the days of the really large tax credit projects, so I think those kinds of smaller projects that could integrate pretty nicely into existing communities.”
Despite declining population here, the future planned development and expansion of STAMP is anticipated to be “a huge game-changer,” he said. STAMP is to generate a significant housing need for workers while a growing senior population will require its own supply of new housing stock, he said.
“What is the county going to need to provide?” he said. “STAMP is anticipated to generate a significant need for workers while a growing senior population is going to be a significant need.”
How much do you need? Estimates put the number to 5,028 workers by 2035 and upwards of more than 7,200 workers created by STAMP — the 1,250-acre Science, Technology & Advanced Manufacturing Park —d as of 2040. The projected related household change is an additional 5,710 due to the STAMP employment surge alone, the consultants said.
The study found that the anticipated growth of new residents in the county translates to a need for 308 new units per year for the next 16 years. That totals 6,164 new supply — owner-occupied and rental housing — to accommodate a senior base of folks 65 years and older, as well as the effects of the STAMP development in the western part of the county.
Recommendations include increasing the housing variety in the county to offer more attainable options for those populations that will be seeking a place to call home, facilitating the expansion of new housing development in the county’s priority development areas to both stimulate and prepare for growth associate with STAMP and other economic development; expand housing options for the growing senior population; and stabilize and rehabilitate the county’s aging housing stock.
A suggested way to implement this is to secure community support for a diversified housing stock by:
Creating a countywide housing working group.
Sharing the housing study broadly throughout the county.
Proving evidence-based information to elected officials, municipal leaders and planning/zoning boards.
Support municipalities in partnership with the pro-housing community program.
Continuing to encourage redevelopment and infill projects in the city and villages.
Continuing to encourage new residential development in priority development areas.
“So diversifying the housing choices. The first strategy, we think, is basically getting support for a more diversifying housing stock. You know, most people are used to single-family detached homes. That's what they see them most on larger lots. People think density is not necessarily a great thing, but I think that's we think that’s what the county really needs,” Kwon said. “More people are looking for that type of thing, market over less maintenance. For less maintenance, less size, closer to amenity. That's what we mean by diversified housing stock.
“We're suggesting several action steps for that, including a housing working group consisting of developers and a landlord basically, kind of around a basis, like putting our heads together and discussing what's missing. What are some challenges? How do we overcome those challenges?” he said. “I think it's a good place to start. Just start talking about this using the study.”
Another way to diversify housing choices is to accommodate all life stages, the consultatnts said, by reducing barriers for first-time home buyers. This could be done by developing or expanding programs/incentives to assist potential homebuyers and examine the feasibility of establishing employer-assisted housing programs.
The consultants also suggested to retain and create new income-restricted rental housing.
Key action steps toward this goal include to:
Evaluate the feasibility of establishing a county housing trust fund and collaborate with private/nonprofit housing development organizations to preserve new income-restricted rental housing;
Collaborate with the same agencies to build new income-restricted rental housing targets to low- and very low-income residents. Coordinate with social service providers and housing development organizations to build and/or retain homes for low-to-moderate-income residents with special needs; and
Work with regional partners to identify a fair and sensible distribution of income-restricted housing throughout the county.
Other steps they suggested are to create a countywide housing advisory board consisting of elected officials and/or representatives from each municipality to identify and address specific housing challenges, identify key housing initiatives and pursue housing opportunities, and coordinate with municipalities to identify grants for infrastructure improvements that will assist developers with financing new housing projects.
They coined it a “housing czar” of sorts who would deal with approvals, landlords, and developers. Each municipality would also ensure that developments comply with the comprehensive plan, and these plans “fall in line with the zoning, emissions and goals of the town” to incorporate growth, Kwon said.
“And they’re aware of it and complies with the plan, the zoning … where you offer them some concessions, whether it’s tax or density, that kind of thing, just exploring that stage before things get too crazy to decide,” he said. “And then, of course making sure the infrastructure can absorb this growth.”
Not that they want to discourage growth: “We need to build more houses,” he said. “It’s making sure that developers build more homes for the workforce that’s coming in, and that can be a variety of homes. The employees moving in who may want a large, higher-end home, but you’re probably going to have, for the most part, a pretty middle-class workforce that is going to afford to have it be built.”
They also want to incentivize developers and home builders to construct more market-rate for-sale housing, including smaller homes targeted to the workforce sector, and promote the development of mixed-use and multi-family apartments, townhomes, and condominiums in Priority Development Areas with existing infrastructure near transportation and services.
Because many seniors seem to want to stay in their own homes versus going to a nursing or assisted living home situation, action steps toward that end include initiating a senior home modification program that offers grants, low-interest loans, and/or volunteer labor to help mobility-challenged seniors live safely in their current homes, plus continued promotion of the county’s Handyman Program to assist low-income seniors with small household repairs, they said.
These action steps for seniors would help them to remain independent for longer time periods by making their current living situations safer with modifications such as ramps.
At the other end of the spectrum, they also recommended supporting general home renovations for older houses — including incentives for the demolition and replacement of distressed homes — and establishing a county land bank to address any problems of vacant, abandoned, derelict, contaminated or tax delinquent property and encourage the repair and rehab of vacant rental units and other vacant spaces to increase the supply of critically needed apartments for low-and moderate-income renters.
The Genesee County Youth Bureau will be hosting its 21st annual Family Game Night! The event will take place on Friday, October 4 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Batavia City Centre, Batavia (Please use the entrance of City Hall).
The night will consist of interactive booths with activities, games and prizes for families and youth serving organizations. This event is free and includes pizza and a beverage. Each family will take home one brand new board game after they visit the booths so they can start their own family game night!
Just for attending you will be entered into a raffle to win one of several prizes from businesses all around Genesee County. Adults must be accompanied by a child to receive the board game.
Please call the Youth Bureau for more information at 344-3960. The Genesee County Youth Bureau would also like to thank Alabama Hotel, Batavia Kiwanis, and Batavia’s Original Pizzeria for sponsoring the event & the Batavia City Centre for hosting the event.
Julie Calvert and Brittany Bozzer, team members of Tobacco-Free GOW, share information and resources on the impacts of tobacco use and how to get support with quitting. Submitted photo.
Press Release:
Batavia Downs held its annual Employee Health Fair yesterday. Staff from Tobacco-Free Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties (TF-GOW) answered questions and provided educational materials about the dangers of vaping and tobacco use.
“Attending employee health fairs like this is the best way for us to reach community members and help improve their heath,” said Julie Calvert, community engagement coordinator for Tobacco-Free GOW. “We can address concerns people have about smoking, about their kids vaping and help them get the information, resources and support they need.”
The health fair gave the TF-GOW team the opportunity to connect with their Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center colleagues from the Department of Indigenous Cancer Health.
Indigenous communities face some of the greatest cancer health disparities, higher mortality rates and persistent challenges in health equity. Together, their goal is to reduce the impact of cancer.
The New York State Smokers' Quitline is a confidential service for all New York State residents who wish to overcome dependence on commercial tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
Free offerings include individualized coaching and assistance with quit-planning from highly trained tobacco treatment specialists, text and online chat support and free shipping of stop-smoking medications such as nicotine patches, nicotine lozenges or nicotine gum for those 18 and older.
Residents of all ages may contact the Quitline for support and educational materials. In addition, the Quitline encourages teens and young adults (ages 13-24) to text “DROPTHEVAPE” to 88709 to join “This Is Quitting,” a free texting support program for help with quitting vaping.
For more information, text QUITNOW to 333888 or call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) seven days a week, beginning at 9 a.m.
Members of Tobacco-Free GOW and the Department of Indigenous Cancer Health, both programs of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, share information on cancer screening, as well as how to live a tobacco-free life. Submitted photo.
Parris and Holly, a Batavia-based folk/pop duo, headlined the second of a four-night residency at GO ART! on Thursday, with featured artist Alex Feig opening.
The residency continues on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. with Billy Lambert as the featured guest artist and on Oct. 24 with Chris Humel.
