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Finally, after making a move over to Ellicott Street, having a “soft” opening and trial period, Judy Hysek was ready for an official reopening celebration this week.

Hysek, owner of Eden Cafe & Bakeshop at 242 Ellicott St., Batavia, had to overcome more than a physical move, as the new site’s renovations included much electrical work, a lingering permit process, and, once again, COVID jumped into the middle of yet another business owner’s plans.

Her place, Eden Cafe & Bakeshop, has been settling into its new home for a few months now since moving out of Eli Fish Brewery on Main Street. Her vision unfolded in colors of cream and rosy melon, light olive green and two shocks of cobalt blue from the wall artwork made of recycled plastic Domino sugar bags.

People have suggested that Hysek take her shop to a larger city in the next county, but she believes Batavia — a place she is from and loves — needs the plant-based options that she offers.

“There are other vegan eateries in the larger cities, and we want to serve the people here locally,” she said. “We will always be in Batavia.”

Hysek first moved into shared space with Eli Fish a year after winning a regional Foodie Challenge in 2017. A year ago, one of her customers, Stephen Valle, approached her about a space he had available on Ellicott Street. Now, after months of hard work and testing the water with limited hours, Eden Café has now been christened with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and Business Improvement District staff welcomed another business owner and helped with the celebration.

Her menu is full of vegan options, however, she stresses that meatless doesn’t mean boring or bland. From the growing number of customers, it would seem they agree. There are cauliflower wings, breaded, baked to order and served with mild to hot barbecue sauce or a house-made sweet maple mustard, or Cattleman’s Gold. Cauliflower has become hot in the food industry, and cauli wings as they’re called offers a meaty-like bite with seasonings and a sauce.

There’s a selection of burgers — made with a Beyond Meat brand patty that Hysek said comes “really, really close” to the real thing — are served with grilled pineapple, house-made pickled onions, teriyaki and mayo, or with a more traditional lettuce, tomato and French’s fried onions. There are also house-made chipotle black bean and chickpea patties, crunchwraps, salads, bowls and Eden’s popular carrot dogs. There’s also a little something for the sweet tooth — fresh-made pies, such as a luscious lemon meringue.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for dining in or take-out. For more information, call (585) 815-4487 or go to Eden. 

Top photo: Judy Hysek cuts the ribbon during a grand reopening celebration this week at Eden Cafe & Bakeshop in Batavia. Photo submitted by Steven Falitico; cauli wings and lemon meringue pie cover both spectrums of savory and sweet. Photos by Howard Owens.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) introduced the Property Tax Reduction Act of 2022. The legislation would prohibit state governments from shifting their Medicaid burden onto local county governments. 

“New York State is the only state to impose this Medicaid burden onto their local county governments, forcing property taxes higher and putting unnecessary financial strain on residents across the state. County governments in New York must devote massive amounts of their property tax revenue to this Medicaid obligation – it costs Erie County over 70 percent of its local property tax revenue annually. This legislation corrects this inequity, demands much-needed state fiscal responsibility, and provides tax relief to families and homeowners,” said Jacobs.

“Since taking office, I have made it a priority to do everything I can to once again make New York an affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. By passing this legislation, county governments and their taxpayers will be financially liberated from this oppressive burden. In turn, they would be able to put these saved local funds toward cutting local taxes and making critical investments to bring prosperity and growth back to their regions,” Jacobs said. 

“The cost of living has risen exponentially for New Yorkers. From sky high property taxes to today’s 41-year-high inflation, people across our state just cannot catch a break. I’m honored to join the Property Tax Reduction Act once again to ensure counties across New York are not burdened with the State’s high costs of Medicaid spending. This will lower property taxes and force the State to live within its means and finally make important decisions about how to allocate and reduce spending. Enough unfunded mandates and costly burdens have been passed down to our local governments, it’s time we set New York on a path toward fiscal responsibility,” Rep. Tenney said.

The Property Tax Reduction Act would require New York State to absorb the full costs of its Medicaid spending by reducing the state’s Federal Financial Participation (FFP) commensurate with the counties’ share of spending. This reduction is phased in over four years starting in 2025. In 2020, New York counties outside of New York City collectively are forced to contribute $2.3 billion towards the state’s share of Medicaid.

Rep. Jacobs was joined by Representatives Zeldin (NY-01), Stefanik (NY-21), and Tenney (NY-22) in introducing the legislation.

Background
The federal Medicaid program is jointly funded by the federal government and states. New York State shifts a significant portion of its obligation onto local county governments. New York is the only state in the nation to place this significant financial burden on counties. New York counties have no say in how the Medicaid program is run but are required to pay a significant amount of its costs. In 2020, Erie County was forced to pay the state $215 million – or 73% of its property tax revenues – for this Medicaid obligation. Niagara County paid $46 million – or 50% of the county’s property tax revenues. 

Press release:

The Byron Rec Program ended its 15th year on August 12th.

The program averages 20 to 30 children Monday through Friday for three hours per day for seven weeks. The program is free and includes lunch.

The program was the vision of Laura Platt and Debra Buck-Leaton.

Buck-Leaton is the Byron Town Clerk and an EMT in the Byron Rescue Squad, she is very active within the community. Platt, a homemaker, and child-care provider for over 30-plus years is president of Byron Ladies Auxiliary. She is an EMT and treasurer of the Byron Rescue Squad. Platt won this year’s award as the most active EMT attending more emergency calls than any other EMT in the squad. Last year, Platt received an award from Strong Memorial Hospital at the department’s annual awards banquet for saving a life at the scene of a chainsaw accident. Platt is also instrumental in heading up the fund-raising efforts for a new ambulance to replace the squad’s 14-year-old ambulance. Incidentally, the Byron Rescue Squad responds to more calls than any other volunteer squad in all of Genesee County. The Byron Rescue Squad has 13 active EMTs, some with advanced certification and 1 first responder.

The Byron Rec Program is a grassroots community project that answered a basic need of keeping local children busy while providing a free, safe, fun place to come to during the summer. Miss Emily (Marble) was selected as the first leader back in 2007 at the program’s start. Some 15 years later, she is still the welcoming, familiar face at the playground. During her 15 years, she completed college, became a teacher, and got married. However, if you ask her, she’ll tell you she loves her summer job that she bicycles to from her home in Bergen.

Seven years ago as the number of children increased there became a need for an assistant. Through the county’s Job Development program Mr. Knickerbocker (Nathan) came to us while still in high school. He enjoyed working with the children and with Miss Emily so much that he was eventually hired as the permanent assistant. He is now in his seventh year, has finished college and is currently seeking a teaching position.

Together the two have become a constant in the lives of many, many Byron children. Together they have created many memorable experiences for their kids over the years. The program includes several field trips yearly. While many are to local parks within walking or biking distance, they have also travelled by bus to Fantasy Island, the Genesee County Park, Seneca Park Zoo. This past week, Miss Emily initiated a geocaching adventure, which the kids really enjoyed.

However, a program started by community-minded volunteers and leaders also includes hopes to instill volunteerism to their younger community members. Over the last few years, the children, with their leaders, have paraded to the nearby Byron Cemetery with buckets, brushes and rags in hand they work to clean tombstones and tidy up the local graves.

“The children love coming to the cemetery, and Miss Emily makes it fun, they also know that they are helping! said Platt.

She added, “As a special treat, they get some ice cream, too!”

A few years ago their volunteering effort was to assist a local disabled veteran by helping clean up the outside of his home. The children not only helped spruce up his home, but they also warmed his heart with some big hugs! “I’m especially proud to share with the children how wonderful it feels to help others,” said Platt.

This year to bridge the gap a week before the school lunch program started, food from the North Bergen Food Pantry was donated and some local volunteers made up and delivered lunches to the program. Parents of the children participating in the program have also stepped up and have picked up the lunches at Byron Bergen School and volunteered as chaperones on field trips. “This program is community at its very best,” said Platt. “It is my hope that it will outlive me!”

Submitted photos

Press release:

It’s Not Too Late! Genesee County Office for the Aging ordered more Farmers Market Coupons. They are available at: 2 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020, Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

Anyone 60 or older in your household can have a coupon booklet. You must still be income eligible.

For any questions, please call (585) 343-1611

** 2022 Income Guidelines **
Household of 1 = $ 2096/mo.
Household of 2 = $ 2823/mo.
Household of 3 = $ 3551/mo.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C, I-Batavia) is announcing there are still several openings available to take part in his Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., taking place from Sept. 15 to 18, 2002. Veterans and their family members will be hosted on a tour throughout the area to visit historical sites and landmarks constructed to pay tribute to their service and the nation they’ve fought for. This year’s trip will feature stops at war memorials and other notable locations, including the Arlington National Cemetery, and the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War memorials, with a stop in Gettysburg.

“Some of the most meaningful memories of my lifetime come from experiences I’ve had on our Patriot Trips witnessing heroes who’ve risked their lives to defend our country get to see the monuments built to honor their bravery and sacrifices,” said Hawley. “After having to pause the tour due to the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am very excited to begin our trips once more and encourage all interested to look into joining us on this incredibly meaningful journey.”

Participation in the trip is open to all military veterans and their family members and will cost between $425 to $500 per person. Those interested in participating in this year’s trip are encouraged to reach out to Assemblyman Hawley’s district office at 585-589-5780 for more details. 

Assemblyman Hawley encourages those interested, or who knows someone who might be interested but who may need financial assistance, to contact their local veterans’ services agency. They may be able to provide some assistance, so Hawley encourages those interested to reach out to their county’s agency using the numbers below:

• Genesee County: 585-815-7905
• Orleans County: 585-589-3219
• Erie County: 716-858-6363
• Monroe County: 585-753-6040

Prince Wilson Raul Cruz

A Genesee County Grand Jury has indicted two men of murder for the death of two dairy farm workers in Alexander in March.

Raul Cruz, 18, of Warsaw, and Prince Wilson, 23, of Albion, are both charged with murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, arson in the second degree, and petit larceny.

They both face a minimum prison sentence of 15 to 40 years in prison if convicted.

They are accused of killing Elibander "Ivan" Morales and Marcelino Gomez Hernandez at 10216 Alexander Road, Alexander on March 11.

Morales was 30 and Hernandez, 29.  Both were born in Mexico and had been employed in the U.S. for an unspecified amount of time.

Deputies responded to the dairy farm at 9:59 p.m. March 11, when dispatchers received a report of a disturbance in a bunk house. A short time after deputies responded, smoke was seen coming from the bunkhouse and Alexander Fire was dispatched. The fire was quickly extinguished. 

Deputies found two victims dead inside the bunkhouse.

 Cruz and Wilson are accused of killing Morales and Hernandez, of setting the fire, and of stealing cash, a suitcase, a laptop, and other personal property.

Previously:

• Two men in custody in Alexander double homicide
• Victims in Alexander double homicide identified
• Defendant in double murder claims he's not getting along with his attorney

Apparently Batavia is the only area in Genesee County with a reported power outage that occurred at 1:47 p.m. Wednesday, according to National Grid. The outage has affected 2,455 customers, including those on the city's north side, and specific reasons for the outage were not available from National Grid staff at 2:14 p.m.

National Grid has estimated that the outage is expected to be restored by 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Terrance Leon Dandridge, II, 26, of Brisco Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with falsely reporting an incident.  Dandridge was arrested following an investigation into an incident at 4:38 p.m., Aug. 6, on Route 98 in Elba. Deputies investigated a claim by Dandridge that he had been kidnapped from his residence in Buffalo and driven to Elba and left tied up in his vehicle before he was able to escape and was discovered in the roadway.  Dandridge suffered no apparent injury but was transported to an area hospital for evaluation. Dandridge is accused of making up his claims of being kidnapped and tied up.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Eric Peter Doleman, 52, of Kilian Road, Pembroke, is charged with petit larceny. Doleman is accused of shoplifting at Price Shopper on Lewiston Road, Batavia, at 2:45 p.m., Aug. 3. Doleman allegedly placed an item of merchandise in his pants prior to walking out of the store without paying for the item. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Geovanny Lopez, 33, no address provided, is charged with felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, circumventing an interlock device, and speeding.  Lopez was stopped at 12:32 a.m., Aug. 4 on I-490 in Le Roy by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell.  Lopez was released on an appearance ticket.

(Name redacted upon request), 47, of Alexander Road, Alexander, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. xxxx is accused of using text messages, Facebook Messenger, and voice mail to contact a person he was barred from contacting by court order on July 16. xxxx was arraigned Bethany Town Court on Aug. 7 and ordered held in the Genesee County Jail on $2,500 bail, or $5,000 bond, or $10,000 partially secured bond.

Adam Mark Kopper, 35, of Slusser Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kopper is accused of stealing $737 from his employer, an unnamed retail store on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, between July 13 and July 16. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Christine Marie Caplis, 42, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Caplis was arrested on a warrant after being observed on a bicycle in the City of Batavaia at 8:34 p.m., Aug 13. At the time of her arrest she was allegedly found in possession of a narcotic. She was arraigned in City Court and ordered to appear again on Aug. 18.

Robert Drewry, 56, of Sycamore Street, Buffalo, is charged with petit larceny. Drewry is accused of stealing money from a vehicle on Harloff Road, Batavia, at 6 p.m., June 8.

Anthony S. Brooks, 32, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd, unlawful imprisonment 2nd, and criminal mischief 4th. Brooks was arrested after a report of a disturbane on Highland Park at 6;10 p.m., July 31. He was jailed on $5,000 bail, $10,000 bond, or $20,000 partially secured bond.

Brian M. Clark, 45, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Clark is accused of stealing alcohol from his employer and consuming iit while at work at 4 a.m., July 23, on Ellicott Street.. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Leonard E. Aguayo, 35, of Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd.  Aguay0 is accused of opening a window of a residence on Ellicott Street at 3 a.m., July 28, and throwing an object at a person inside. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Katherine J. Briggs, 43, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Briggs is accused of contacting a person in violation of a court order. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Karrie A. Morrow, 39, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Morrow was arrested on Aug. 5 on a warrant related to an incident reported at 12:30 p.m., July 12 at a location on West Main Street, Batavia. Morrow was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision. No further details released.

Dustyn W. Wilcox, 37, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Wilcox is accused of threatening a neighbor during a dispute reported at 7:07 p.m., Aug. 10, at a location on Wood Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Gregory W. Houseknecht, 31, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and menacing 3rd. Houseknecht is accused of threatening to harm people and menacing them during an argument reported at 5:09 p.m., Aug. 8, at a location on Oak Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered to return to court on Aug. 18. Houseknecht was arrested again at 12:30 a.m., on Aug. 9, on East Avenue, and charged with criminal contempt 2nd for allegedly violating an order of protection stemming from the earlier incident. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on bail.

Timmy J. Frazier, 65, of Tonawanda, is charged with trespass. Frazier was allegedly at a business on East Main Street, Batavia, at 11:48 a.m., Aug. 8, and refusing to leave. When police arrived on scene, he was again advised to leave the property and refused to do so.  He was arrested. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Benjamin A. Boyce, 41 of Batavia, is charged with dog running at large. Boyce is accused of failing to maintain control of his dog and letting it run loose in a neighbor's yard at 4:34 p.m., Aug. 3. He was ordered to appear in City Court on Aug. 23.

Jason H. Freeman, 40, of Batavia, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration. Freeman is accused of failure to appear in court on the charge, which stems from an incident reported at 5:56 p.m., May 22. Freeman was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Zac Condidorio presented a project to expand the offerings, seating and view at Eli Fish Brewing Company during Tuesday’s city Planning and Development meeting.

There would be a wood frame deck, two levels, a patio furnace, brand new canopy to replace the old one, catenary lighting and a brick veneer, said Condidorio of Whitney East Inc. in Rochester. There was only one question neither he nor any committee members knew: was the building on the National Register of Historic Places?

Gray had originally proposed a more elaborate — and costly — “rock cage enclosure as a bench, with some wooden seating” that turned out to be too expensive, Condidorio said.

“He’s eliminated that thought process,” the contractor said. “To make the barrier between the public and the brewery is to have movable planter boxes, and basically, you can move them so that the city can maintain the space in the wintertime.”

There would also be a gate system for people to enter and exit between Jackson Square and the brewery at 109 Main St., Batavia.

Committee Chairman Duane Preston asked about the fire pit that is in the blueprint. That’s “not in my contract,” Condidorio said, “I don’t know what Matt is doing with that.”

Gray, operating under AGRV Properties, Inc. applied for the permit and approval for the approximately $140,000 addition to be built onto the back of Eli Fish and facing Jackson Square. He has also applied for a $20,000 grant from Batavia Development Corp. from its Revolving Loan Fund monies.

BDC’s board and City Council approved the request. Aid from grant funding will allow the applicant to replace the rear, exterior stairs and doors and assist in the cost of adding a large two-level patio attached to the rear of the building.

Condidorio’s building permit application is to construct a wood frame deck with steel frame wall mounted canopy and permanently installed patio furniture with a barrier at the rear of the property. The canopy will be clear roofing material so that the canopy stands out with the decking. There will be some ground level seating, which extends out to the property line, he said, pointing to the enlarged blueprint he displayed for committee members.

Modern catenary lighting, he said, which forms a curve with lights hanging freely from a wire, rope, or chain from two points that are not in the same vertical line, will be featured. Lighting is to flow downward, with no uplighting mapped into the project, he said, emphasizing that it’s to be an industrial style vibe.

Since there are apartments in and around the square, a committee member asked about disturbing neighbors and hours of operation. Condidorio believed Eli was open to 11 p.m., he said, and reviewed the lighting again. According to the company’s online hours, they go to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9 p.m. on other days.

Gray, who was not able to make the meeting, was relieved to receive a thumbs-up on the project, except for the historic register question. Turns out he knew the answer.

“Yes it is. It was added to the registry in 2018,” Gray said. “We are excited to be able to move forward with Eli's beer garden in Jackson Square. It is a project that's three years in the making, and (he and partners are happy) to finally get to this point in the project. It will seat up to 60 guests on two levels, half which will be covered.”

Condidorio was anxious and ready to begin work on the patio as soon as possible, he said. Eli Fish should be ready before the next Jackson Square concert series, Gray said. 

“We are expecting a May 2023 grand opening on the space,” Gray said.

The Batavian left messages with Preston and Code Enforcement Officer Douglas Randall regarding if and how being on the National Register will alter any of the construction plans or process.

To view the project, click here.

Top photo: Contractor Zac Condidorio shows one of the blueprints of the Eli Fish patio project; the rear space at present to be converted. Photos by Joanne Beck.

Attention all chili aficionados: cooks and tasters are invited to participate in the first-ever Smoke-off and Chili Cook-off Saturday at Jam at the Ridge.

Campers at the Le Roy site are organizing the contest, and anyone from the public can join the culinary fun by showing up with your own equipment and ingredients, and cook. Said to be first documented in an 1828 journal, according to allrecipes.com, chili varies from sweet to hot peppers, beans or no beans, rice, pasta, meat or vegetarian style, and assorted types of tomato sauce.

Organizers plan to begin offering samples around 2 p.m. for $1 donation, and judging is set for 4 p.m.

Besides the satisfaction of being named as the best chili chef in the area, participants will also help to raise funds — all proceeds, including the $20 entry fee, are going — for American Legion and local veterans.

There will also be raffle and silent auctions, with sports memorabilia and tickets to local sporting events as some of the items.

It’s free to enter the park and event for spectators, and $20 for anyone outside of the camp who wants to participate in the cook-off. Bring your own coolers and chairs, or visit the full bar and restaurant on site at 8101 Conlon Road, Le Roy. The Jam’s renaissance event will also be happening this weekend.

For more information about events, go to jamattheridge.com or call  (585) 768-4883.

 

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department will be shutting down the water main on State Street, from the Richmond Ave intersection to just South of Park Ave on Wednesday, August 17, 2002, for a water main valve cut in.  Additionally, the water will be shut down on Oak St, from the Richmond Ave intersection, to just north of Pickthorn Drive in the 110 block of Oak St, for the abandonment of the 6” water main on Richmond Ave.

The length of time the water will be off is unknown.

As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored.  Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

We apologize for any inconvenience and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.

Public Notice:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that I, as Supervisor, do hereby call a Special Meeting of the Town Board to be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at the Byron Town Hall, 7028 Rte. 237, Byron, New York.  The purpose of the Special Town Board meeting will be to consider calling a Public Hearing regarding the proposed WIIA sewer project and the issuance of $9.8 million in Serial Bonds.   

Peter Yasses
Supervisor

Publisher's Note: Legal Notices/Public Notices are published by The Batavian for free as a public service pending revision of state law that will allow digital news publications to publish legal notices that meet the legal requirements of such notices. Clerks: Email your notices

DSP Jazz Trio is offering two opportunities to enjoy the last weeks of summer with some "laid back, easy listenin' jazz favorites" in Genesee County.

The trio is Derek Reiss, trumpet and flugelhorn, Skip Taylor on an electronic drum set, and Pete Mark, trombone and vocals. They will be playing from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at TF Brown's, 214 East Main St., Batavia, and beginning at 6 p.m. Aug. 25 in Elba Village Park on Route 98, Elba.

The group will also jazz things up from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Bent's Harvest Restaurant, Medina.
 

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Outlaw Festival Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on August 14, 2022:

Anthony M. Digangi, 32, of Big Tree Road, Wales Center, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return

Cassandra M. Morales-Diaz, 32, of Orchard Road, Silver Springs, is charged with harassment 2nd after allegedly grabbing another patron by the neck causing a minor injury.

Donald K. Lasker, 53, of Springville Avenue, Amherst, is charged with harassment 2nd after allegedly pushing a Live Nation employee in the chest and neck.

Batavia Society of Artists will be hosting its Member's Summer Art Show, kicking it off with an opening reception this week at Go-Art/Seymour Place, 201 East Main St., Batavia. The free reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, and light refreshments will be served.

Fifteen artists and 39 paintings will be on display, and there will be a People's Choice Award in lieu of a traditional judge for the exhibit. Spectators will have an opportunity to cast their vote, and the winning artist will receive a $75 prize during the reception. 

"So please come out and vote for your favorite painting," organizers say.

A cash bar will be available at Tavern 2.0.1.

Submitted photos of Batavia Society of Artists' works.

Press Release

GO ART! Announces Upcoming Statewide Community Regrant Program Funding Opportunities and Schedule of SCR Grant Workshops. What is the SCR Program? The Statewide Community Regrant Program (formerly DEC) was developed by the New York State Council on the Arts in 1977 in response to a mandate by New York’s Legislature that there be a greater local involvement in funding decisions, affecting local non-profit organizations, offering artistic or cultural services and programs, and to ensure New York State’s cultural funding reached every part of the State.  The program is funded statewide – in all 62 counties, and funds are regranted by local arts agencies through a transparent peer panel funding process. 

An organization or individual with a fiscal agent that meets NYSCA and GO ART! criteria may request regrant funds.  Through the Statewide Community Regrant Program (also known as the SCR Program), GO ART!, NYSCA and the New York State Legislature hope to extend, upgrade and increase the arts and cultural programming in Genesee and Orleans Counties. The goal is to make state arts support available to geographically, economically, and ethnically diverse segments of the state’s population. 

SCR grants are designed to support and develop the capacity of individual artists, collectives, and small nonprofit organizations to develop high quality local arts projects and programming and contribute to Genesee and Orleans County communities by providing opportunities for the public to experience and engage with the arts. Emphasis is placed on the quality and artistic merit of proposed projects and the depth and authenticity of audience experience, participation and engagement. 

Through the SCR Program, GO ART! awarded over $100,000 to individuals and organizations throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties last year alone and over 1.5 million dollars in the 35 years that GO ART! has been administering the program.

Applications will be accepted from Sept 15 – Nov 1, 2022 for the 2023 SCR Grant Cycle.

Funding Opportunities:
Community Arts Grants (Reach Grants) provide seed grants to individual artists, collectives and arts organizations for projects and activities that enable Genesee and Orleans County communities to experience and engage with the performing, literary, media, and visual arts. Individual Artist Commission (RIPPLE Grant) supports local, artist-initiated activity, and highlights the role of artists as important members of the community. The Commission is for artistic projects with outstanding artistic merit that work within a community setting. 

The Arts Education Program (Spark Grant) is offered in two funding strands: K-12 In-School Projects and After-School and Community-based Learning. Funds can support arts education projects that take place in-school during the school day and/or in after-school and community-based settings for youth and/or senior learners and must be carried out in partnership with a public school or a community-based organization. Emphasis is placed on the depth and quality of the creative process through which participants learn through or about the arts. Projects must focus on the exploration of art and the artistic process. Inter-curricular collaboration for in-school projects is encouraged but not required.

Funding amounts differ from program to program, but the maximum allowable project request from each applicant is $5,000. Applicants may submit up to THREE separate project requests in any grant cycle, with the total of all requests not to exceed $5,000.

Who is Eligible?

• Nonprofit organizations, NYS incorporated nonprofits, agencies of local government (not New York State agencies)
• Individual artists, groups or collectives, unincorporated entities must have a fiscal sponsor or community partner (see specific program guidelines)
• All applicants must be over the age of 18 and have a permanent address in the county in which the programming will take place.

Selection Process:

Awards are based on a competitive, transparent peer panel review process. A panel composed of artists, arts administrators, and community leaders (who work and/or reside in Genesee or Orleans county) review each project on the basis of its own merits and against others in the application pool. Awards are based on panel recommendations at the completion of the review
process. Limited funds are available, and priority is given to applications that meet the specific program criteria published within SCR guidelines.

Schedule of upcoming SCR Grant Workshops ALL potential applicants are required to attend a grant workshop. Registration is required at least two days prior to the scheduled workshop.

• Sat, 8/27 @ 10am GO ART! 201 E Main Street, Batavia
• Sat, 9/3 @ 10am, Virtual (zoom link will be provided upon registration)
• Tue, 9/6 @ 6pm, Woodward Memorial Library, 7 Wolcott St, Leroy
• Sat, 9/10 @ 10am, Hoag Library, 134 Main St, Albion
• Mon, 9/12 @ 5pm, Hollwedel Memorial Library, 5 Woodrow Drive, Pavilion
• Tue, 9/13 @ 6pm, Orleans YMCA, 306 Pearl Street, Medina
• Sat, 9/17 @ 10am, Haxton Memorial Library, 3 N Pearl St, Oakfield
• Mon, 9/19 @ 6pm, Virtual (zoom link will be provided upon registration)
• Tue, 9/20 @ 5pm, Byron-Bergen Public Library, 13 S Lake St
• Sat, 9/24 @ 5pm, Yates Community Library, 15 N Main St Lyndonville

For more information on the application process, to register for a workshop, to apply, or nominate a panelist please visit www.goart.org/grants. If you have any questions about the program contact the SCR Program Coordinator, Mary Jo Whitman, at mjwhitman@goart.org.

Although he has “aged out” of his junior sailor role, Batavian Charlie Kegler Jr. made enough of an impression upon Team Zing owner Bob Hesse to earn a regular spot on the crew for the upcoming Canada’s Cup sailboat racing competition.

Last winter and this spring, Kegler (photo at right) handled the “floater” position for Team Zing, which represented the Youngstown Yacht Club at the IC37 Winter Series Lauderdale Cup race in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Kegler, who is entering his senior year at Batavia High School, figured that he wouldn’t be able to continue with that crew for this season’s races because he turned 17 in June – making him too old for the lone junior sailor post.

As fate would have it, however, one of the team members announced he would not be able to make the trip this year and stepped aside. Kegler threw his hat into the ring and, due to having gained experience in multiple areas on the boat, he was selected to fill the vacancy.

In his new “runner” role, Kegler will be called upon to trim the runners used on running backstays of offshore boats to adjust mast bend for different wind conditions.

The 26th Canada’s Cup will pit defending champion Royal Canadian Yacht Club, out of Toronto, against the Youngstown crew on Sept. 1-5 in Toronto.

“It feels great and I count it a privilege to be back with Team Zing after sailing last year in Canada's Cup and over the winter in Fort Lauderdale with all of them,” said Kegler, whose father, Charles, is vice commodore of the yard at YYC. “I am excited to be in my new crew position adjusting the running backstays.

“We have learned much more about the boat and proved we can win against excellent competition in the IC37 Class. We’re very confident going into this event.”

Kegler has fared well in other competition this summer, placing first in a Can-Am Regatta race on a J-111 class sailboat called Moneypenny, owned and skippered by Doug Clarke. He is part of the bow team on Moneypenny, manning the mast position.

Team Moneypenny is anticipating traveling to Cleveland later in September to race in the J-111 North American Championship and to Key West, Fla., in January for the Southernmost Regatta.

He also competed in the Junior Can-Am Regatta at YYC and in the 420 North American championship at the Buffalo Canoe Club, located at Crystal Beach, Ontario. The majority of the 420 fleet are collegiate sailors, many from climates that allow for year-round racing and practicing.

Previously: Batavia High student finds smooth sailing as junior member of Youngstown Yacht Club racing crew

Submitted photo: Charlie Kegler, in blue life vest, and his teammate maneuver their sailboat in waters off shore of the Youngstown Yacht Club.

In an ongoing effort to meet people right where they’re at, the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse staff is offering an “open access” first step to substance use disorder recovery.

“We’re pleased to announce that men and women seeking detoxification are able to come to our Detox Center (attached to the Atwater Community Residence at 424 East Main St.) without appointment from Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. to begin their path to wellness,” said Allison Parry-Gurak, GCASA’s director of Residential Services.

Upon arrival at the recently-opened Detox Center, which provides 16 beds for short-term (usually three to seven days) detoxification treatment and services, the person in need will be screened by a medical professional and, if appropriate, will be assigned to a bed the same day, Parry-Gurak advised.

The facility enlists the services of medial and technical staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week and counseling services 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Our Detox Center employees are specially trained and certified to assist people who require these short-term services – those showing mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms and suffering from mild, moderate or severe substance use disorder stemming from alcohol, opioid or benzodiazepine addiction.”

Parry-Gurak said the Detox Center – along with GCASA’s supportive living residences – have beds available.

“We encourage people not to try and detox at home,” she said. “Here, we will provide the care and treatment they need – meeting with a counselor every day, participating in individual and group therapy sessions and supported by peer advocates – before guiding them to medically-assisted treatment.”

The Detox Center is, in many cases, the initial phase in the road to recovery provided by GCASA.

After detoxification, patients can transition to the Atwater Community Residence, a 17-bed facility for men and women that provides counseling and treatment services for up to a six-month stay.

“The criteria (for admission) is a bit different,” Parry-Gurak said. “People have to have at least 10 days since their last (substance) use, but it is open to those struggling to an expanded area of substance use disorder.

GCASA’s supportive living program features 24 beds in Genesee and Orleans counties.

Parry-Gurak said supportive living works well for adults who have been in recovery for some time and are ready for independent care.

“It’s apartment-style living, with openings for men and women,” she said, adding that appointments are required for entry into Atwater and the supportive living homes (by calling 585-813-6508).

As far as the Detox Center’s benefits, she said having the facility in Batavia makes it much easier for Genesee area residents to get immediate help.

“In the past, we would have to send people to Erie County Medical Center, Strong Memorial (in Rochester) to Warsaw (Wyoming County Community Hospital),” she said. “With our center now open and having all insurance approvals in place, we’re providing that immediate care for those still actively using.”

For more information about the Detox Center, call 585-815-1860.

Submitted photo: The Detox Center at GCASA, which opened in March, is attached to the rear of the Atwater Community Residence on East Main Street.

Disclosure: Mike Pettinella is the publicist for GCASA.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement after voting against the reconciliation package falsely named the “Inflation Reduction Act” that was forced through the Senate and House without bipartisan consensus. 

“Despite record inflation and an economic recession, Democrats have once again used the partisan reconciliation process to force through a wildly irresponsible bill filled with billions in new taxes and spending. The bill will ratchet up taxes on companies that will drive our economic comeback and hire 87,000 IRS agents to audit Americans of all income levels.

“This legislation is not an inflation reduction bill. It will not ease your pain at the pump or when buying groceries, and it will not improve our economy or pull us out of Biden’s recession. This bill is a massive expansion of the federal government and its administrative power over our economy and your wallet. It is irresponsible and the last thing Americans need as we endure a recession caused by Democrats’ reckless spending.”

Press release:

School is out which means expanding Genesee County Workforce Training Programs began to help students prepare for skilled labor jobs with employers in the GLOW region.

The Genesee Valley BOCES has hosted the recently completed Cornell in High School Dairy Processing Bootcamp and the start of the Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship bootcamps that connect high school graduates from the GLOW region with local manufacturers within the dairy processing industry and mechatronics field.

During Cornell in High School, recent high school graduates were provided classroom instruction and on-site training for potential career opportunities with area companies. Students attended the Dairy Processing Bootcamp free of cost and received a $500 value training certificate.

“It was encouraging to see the strong turnout and engagement by students who are ready for careers in dairy processing,” said Cornell Dairy Processing & Marketing Specialist, Anika Zuber Gianforte. “Students gained valuable skills and connections through Cornell and our participating employers that they can use to grow rewarding careers right in their backyard."

The Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Program trains students in a wide variety of mechatronic simulation settings to prepare them for in-demand career opportunities in positions such as machine builders, CNC mechanists, electronics technicians, and other positions within the mechatronics field. Students receive in-class instruction along with paid on-the-job training with local employers such as Bounduelle and Tambe Electric.

“Youth and pre-apprenticeship programs allow students to better prepare for high-demand mechatronics careers,” said Rich Turner, Director of Workforce Development for the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association. “The combination of classroom and on-the-job training is giving students the skills needed for our advanced manufacturing workforce while setting them up for success for years to come.”

Genesee County workforce training programs continue to grow year after year as there is strong demand among area companies for workers. There are hundreds of immediate job openings in the food and beverage manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, and service technician sectors.

“Thanks to our local government partners, companies are expanding their operations by investing in our shovel-ready sites and creating new jobs,” said GCEDC Vice President of Business & Workforce Development Chris Suozzi. “Companies are taking notice of the favorable business ecosystem being built in the GLOW region and the ability to hire into an engaged and ready workforce.”

The workforce development schedule will continue into the school year, with the annual GLOW With Your Hands on Sep. 27 in Batavia.

Submitted photos