Bella Nugent, Brooklynn Dewe, and Howard Owens. Photo by Philip Casper.
Bella Nugent, a 12-year-old from Batavia, did her friend a favor at Wednesday's Batavia Muckdogs baseball game.
She drew a picture of an eagle in hopes of winning the Harley-Benton ST-style guitar The Batavian was offering as a prize in its eagle-drawing contest.
Bella's drawing was among the 20 staff picks of favorite drawings and was randomly selected from those 20 entries to win the grand prize.
She was so overcome by the surprise of winning that when she got to The Batavian's booth, she had to sit down.
Then she gave the guitar to her friend, Brooklynn Dewe, who has been learning to play guitar and was equally thrilled by the gift.
The Batavian staff also selected three honorable mentions by Miranda Tamburlin, 16, from Batavia; Annaliede Evans, 15, from Chili; and Laya Laite, 15, from Batavia. They each received a gift certificate to Dave's Ice Cream.
As first explained a year ago when The Batavian launched this contest:
An eagle is the primary essence of The Batavian’s logo, borrowed from the Upton Monument, which sits at the intersection of routes 5 and 63 in downtown Batavia. Publisher Howard Owens wanted to capture that symbol along with the name of this city he now holds dear after setting down roots more than 15 years ago.
“The Upton Monument is our community's most important and significant landmark, and the eagle that sits atop of it represents independence and courage, two characteristics of good news organizations,” Owens said. "When planning our new logo, the eagle seems a natural way to represent our commitment to the community and to fearless and honest journalism."
The guitar contests are something Owens said he wanted to do to give back to the community to promote an appreciation for the magic and beauty of music among its youth.
Photos by Philip Casper.
Bella Nugent's winning drawing. Photo by Philip Casper.
Photo from last year's Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Submitted photo.
It’s championship season!
After building a great roster, staying on track after missed opportunities and close calls, and finishing with clutch performances, my Boston Celtics are hanging another banner.
Leading the NBA standings all season, the Celtics had to earn their place at the top. It took years to go from contender to champion, and it was worth it.
I’m pleased that we have another group here locally that’s ready to do the start down a championship path this summer at the Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Bootcamp.
We’re launching this year’s boot camp on July 8 with our largest ever group of participants.
This summer, over a dozen from Genesee County and surrounding communities will have six-weeks of PAID on-the-job training with companies like US Gypsum, McCabe Electric and Craft Cannery. They gain hands-on experience, a deep understanding of what’s ahead, and start to realize their career goals.
In just six weeks, participants get started on a multi-year apprenticeship opportunity that will grow with their careers.
In addition to paid work in the field, students get 96 hours of classroom instruction at the Batavia Career & Technical Education Center’s mechatronics lab. This is where we just celebrated 100 graduates in the first 4 years of GV BOCES electro-mechanical trades program.
Pre-apprenticeship instruction features state-of-the-art training equipment, an environment that will bring students along as they gain experience and show their progress. Electrical basics, motor controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, and programmable logic controls are among the topics they will gain.
This is a great opportunity to get noticed and get ahead of their peers. After completing the bootcamp, many of our previous graduates have gone on to registered apprenticeship programs with their partnering employers.
That’s the path we see putting more and more students into “Make a Million in Mechatronics & Metal Trades”.
You start early, and quickly build up your professional standing and wages.
These careers in electro-mechanical trades are in demand across all industries. With the skills gained in this program, graduates have their pick of opportunities in Genesee County and our region.
I’m excited to get this year’s program underway.
There’s always more work to be done. Do you have a graduate that’s not sure what to do after high school, or has a degree that they don’t have a path to use, or uncertain about their professional career? That’s where I excel. We recently launched a “7-Steps to a Great Genesee Career” checklist and getting started with a Career Coach is Step 1 whether you’re 14 or 24.
Set up a Coaching Session with myself and Dr. Sheila Eigenbrod by emailing me at csuozzi@gcedc.com, calling or texting me at 585-409-1301, or signing up at gcedc.com/careerchecklist.
Chris "Coach Swazz" Suozzi is VP of Business Development for the Genesee County Economic Development Center.
It’s been more than a year since Savarino Companies announced it was closing, altering the Ellicott Station plans for dozens of prospective tenants, city and county officials, downtown businesses, and the community at large. And although officials sounded hopeful out of the gate, there's still a lack of answers for who will take care of this mess one year later.
Recent work at the site was a tease, at least for some, that the company would continue with the project at 50-56 Ellicott St., Batavia. But in the latest response to The Batavian’s ongoing coverage and questions, Savarino indicated that the work was to satisfy a city request.
“Owner Ellicott Station LLC, its lender and Contractor Savarino Companies LLC continued work to complete the exterior and secure the residential building as requested by the City and HCR, among others,” company owner Sam Savarino said by email Tuesday.
It was apparently not nearly enough, according to City Manager Rachael Tabelski, who noted the overgrown shrubs and foliage surrounding the property.
“Property is an eyesore,” she said. “As owner of the site, they need to cut the grass. They will be cited.”
When asked if he would possibly continue work or do so with another developer, he went back to July 13, 2023, when the Genesee County Economic Development Center served him notice that “the project was in default of its agreement for sales tax exemption and PILOT” and the agency “refused to extend the extant sales tax exemption.”
“The GCEDC reaffirmed its declaration on July 31, 2023, and is attempting to claw back funds. Without the sales tax exemption and PILOT, the project is imperiled and endangered. This includes the commercial project as well as the residential project,” he said. “Ellicott Station LLC has formally and vigorously opposed the basis of the GCEDC action and reserves rights for resulting damages.”
To date, Savarino has not paid the 2023 school taxes or 2024 city or county taxes, and owes $20,000 on the three Ellicott Street parcels, Tabelski said. She did not reply to the question about whether the city has any leads from interested developers for the project.
But then again, as the property owner, Savarino really remains the one who has the question, and he, too, has declined to answer it.
The Batavian asked newly promoted GCEDC CEO Mark Masse if there was any possibility that, given the time and money already invested by Savarino, if his agency would consider working with him to complete the Ellicott Station project.
“So the board made its decision based on the factors presented before them to terminate those benefits,” Masse said. “If there was a change in the project or there was going to be something different, he's more than welcome to submit another application for the board's consideration. We have not received any applications from him or any other companies.”
And as far as that or any other project on the Ellicott Street property, do you have any leads? Are you working with any developers at this point?
“We have not received any applications from any companies looking to participate in that project,” he said.
Are you actively leading the charge or involved in it, or who would you say is at this point?
“That I don’t know. You’d have to talk with Sam,” Masse said.
As far as the clawback, at what point are you in that process?
“So we took the necessary steps to terminate the agreements, and then we submitted the information to the necessary agencies, who would be the ones to consider potential clawback on the funds,” he said.
He said that EDC is out of the situation now. The Batavian asked him, as CEO of the agency that touted this project as a boon to the city and county, for an overall comment about what it means to see the complex sitting there and the property’s surroundings not in great upkeep.
“At this point, it’s a private project, and we generally don’t comment on private projects,” he said, adding that to his knowledge, the agency has not been in contact with the Office of Homes and Community Renewal, which also provided tax credits to Savarino.
As for the city’s focus, housing certainly has been on the list by providing grants for rehabilitating current eligible homes and seeking ways to fulfill its designation as a pro-housing community. One way is to apply for a grant, along with Batavia Development Corp., to prepare for the redevelopment of Brisbane Mansion into a future boutique hotel or small-scale apartment complex. The city wouldn’t actually be doing the renovations, but rather, some developer with the right project proposal would hopefully take on that work and expense.
The grant application also covers a portion of Batavia City Centre — the concourse in particular, with a goal to increase the usability of public space by making it “more inviting and functional for the community.” The stage that has been in the concourse for years has been removed as one measure toward updating the site’s interior. Four of the centre’s entrances, known as silos, are being replaced.
Now, if only the multi-level, 55-unit apartment complex smack in the middle of downtown could get some attention from somebody.
The Ramble Team is once again partnering with the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) to bring the Batavia Ramble and Explore Art Festival to Jackson Square and Jackson Street, on Saturday, July 6, from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
This fun-filled festival has something for everyone, including 25+ bands performing on two stages, an Explore Art tent for kids, street performances, food, and much more!
The Festival Team thanks local sponsors, Casella, Cedar Street Sales & Rentals, Edward Jones, ESL Federal Credit Union, Genesee Production Group, R.A. Haitz, L & L Transmission, Logan Music, and OATKA Milk Products for their generous support.
GO ART! also receives grant funding from the New York State Council on the Arts, Rochester Area Community Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts to support our Explore Art activities.
Stephen Kowalcyk, Ramble Coordinator, says, “We are looking forward to another great year! We have a lot of returning bands from last year as well as some new acts performing at The Ramble for the very first time.”
Ramble performer David Knaudt says, “The Ramble never disappoints! Such a fun time and how lucky are we in Batavia to have a music festival.”
In the time-honored Ramble tradition, local and regional classic and newer bands will entertain from morning to night.
This year’s lineup includes The Royal Halls, Sons Of Luther, Bad Sign, Prospect, Dave Knaudt, Indigo Flow, David Holnbeck, Don Thomas, Steve Fisher, Tom Ryan and Friends, Distant View, Groove, The Real News, Lonesome Road, Driven, The Cowboy Vampires, GumShoe, Surging Motion, Soulshine Band, Paul K Almeter, PD3, The Remediators, Jack Waite, Shotgun Pauly, and The Rock-A-Bully’s.
For decades, the Ramble has been an annual reunion to welcome musicians back who once called Batavia home, while celebrating our continued local and regional musical talents.
From the festival start to 5 p.m., the Explore Art tent will offer hands-on workshops in diverse arts, crafts, and dance, with several mini-concerts and demos. Come make your own bracelet with Ukrainian beadworker and pysanky artist, Irene Grassman (10:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.), or craft a clay medallion of Arabic calligraphy and designs with Nada Odeh (11:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.).
You’ll see a colorful and exciting demo of Afro Panamanian dance at 11:00 a.m., followed by a workshop at 12:30 p.m. to create a Carnival mask or headdress with the artists from Grupo Cultural Latinos en Rochester.
Local favorites, Troupe Nisaa, will present Middle Eastern dancing at noon. Try easy and fun old-time dancing at 1 p.m. with the Orleans County String Band, who will continue afterwards with a mini concert.
To cap off the day, the Allegany River Seneca Dancers will show and teach you how to do a traditional hoop dance at 2:30 p.m., with a cornhusk doll making workshop at 3:45 p.m.
Everyone is invited to help create our new Explore Art banner throughout the day. Created by local artist, Jill Pettigrew, the banner features dozens of famous artworks in coloring-book design, ready for you to color in to your imagination’s delight. All of our Explore Art activities are family friendly and can accommodate all ages.
Arts vendors on Jackson Street will offer a variety of handcrafted wares including woodcrafts, jewelry, painting, health and beauty products, home decor, ceramics, paper arts, and needlecrafts. Attendees can enjoy caricatures and face painting as well.
Street food includes hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage, chicken fingers and ice cream, with neighborhood restaurants and customary beverages available.
Put Saturday, July 6 on your calendar and come down for a few hours–or the whole day–to enjoy music, arts, food, and fun.
At a time when wellness has become a more talked-about topic in the public sphere, Marcus King has made his own musical statement via the release of “Mood Swings,” his third solo outing.
The Rick Rubin-produced effort is full of songs drawing from a particularly dark time in King’s life where he faced certain mental health challenges stoked by anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Originally started back in 2019, this 11-song outing was interrupted by the pandemic and a particularly toxic relationship King was emerging from before meeting his current wife Briley Hussey. When the world started to open up again, King came out of the other end of it with 2022’s “Young Blood.”
Despite the success he enjoyed with that particular effort, the South Carolina native was in no shape to continue the deep emotional dive the still-unrealized “Mood Swings” would require of him.
“This album really started before “Young Blood,” and when everything opened back up, it felt like there was some pressure to get back out and get to work,” King recalled in a late-April interview. “‘Mood Swings’ was definitely not anywhere close to being done. The album is a journey and an experience for me and I hadn’t completed it. During that whole process of doing ‘Young Blood,’ I was really coming through a lot of substance abuse [issues]. I wasn’t entirely present when I was doing that record. When I look at that record retrospectively, I feel really detached from it. ‘Mood Swings’ is very much the truest representation of me being as honest as possible [as an artist].”
Songs like the title cut, “Bipolar Love” and “Save Me,” find King delving deep into his psyche and past mental health wounds and Rubin played a key role in helping King navigate and complete the album. The storied producer, who has been meditating since he was 14 and is heavily in metaphysics, provided the environment to achieve this in summer 2023 while working with King at his Malibu-based Shangri-La studio and his spread in Tuscany, Italy. The 28-year-old guitarist/singer-songwriter was grateful to go through the experience.
“A big part of the record was trying to sample ourselves in a way,” King said. “Once we had all the basic tracks done, me and Rick could sit down with them. We went through everything and tried to strip it down to its truest, most vulnerable and most honest depictions of the songs. With this subject matter, [Rick is] the only guy I could imagine handling it. He really pushed me to go deeper and deeper and to access places, traumas and memories that I didn’t even know were troublesome to me. Sometimes you have to heal before you can really talk about something, and I feel like we did that with this record. The journey within was a really fascinating one because he’s all about putting yourself first and the audience second and I didn’t really understand that concept until now.”
With all the recording under his belt, King is on tour with his eight-piece band. Among the early gigs he’s played was a guest spot on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and a recent slot performing at the Grand Ole Opry. The latter was a particularly special show given that Rubin reached out to King back in 2019 after seeing a clip of the latter performing on that hallowed stage.
“The Grand Ole Opry is like going to see your grandparents pretty much,” King said with a laugh. “I try to go by there as much as possible and they’re always really sweet and really welcoming as possible. You don’t go there and smoke reefer in the dressing room. You’re on your best behavior and go out and play your best songs. It’s always cool to go back there. That stage just carries a lot of weight for me. You go there and you’re surrounded by people like Vince Gill and the Marty Stuarts of the world. Vince Gill, to me, is the closest thing I can get to George Jones, who is my hero and his hero. He sang at George’s funeral that was held at the Grand Ole Opry. They’ve got the circle there and in it they have an original piece of the stage from when it was still over at the Ryman Auditorium. You get up there, stand in the circle and perform. It was a blessing. We had my dad come and play with us. There is always something new and special to take away when you go and play the Opry.”
King intends to carry that vibe with him as he embarks on a jam-packed tour slate that will carry him throughout the rest of the year and will include a pair of dates in his home state of South Carolina on August 24 and August 25 that’s been dubbed the Marcus King Family Band reunion. That bill will also include The Avett Brothers, Band of Horses, Sierra Ferrell, Richy Mitch & the Coal Miners, and Nikki Lane with $1 from every ticket sold going towards Curfew Foundation – Marcus King’s charity that provides and assists those struggling with sobriety, addiction and also helps fund music education.
“The tour is going to be a reinterpretation of all these songs from the ‘Mood Swings’ album. It’s going to be reinterpreted in the sense that we like to give the listeners and the audience something fresh and a new experience to go home with,” King explained. “We want everybody to come and reach that same level and opportunity to leave everything at the door, check it all, and be part of something together. It’s going to be one great night of music and hopefully a big night of letting it all go and giving yourselves to the music. This year is dedicated to family, fellowship, love, looking within and just growing more mindfully every day.”
Marcus King will be performing at Darien Lake Amphitheater on Thursday, July 11.
The Corfu Farmers Market is excited to announce the opening date for the 2024 season - Monday, July 8! The market will be open every Monday from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. until September 23. The market is held at the Corfu United Presbyterian Church located at 63 Alleghany Rd., Corfu.
The Corfu Farmers Market is a community staple, providing fresh, locally grown produce and handmade goods to the area. Over 10+ vendors this year with amazing offerings.
New this year is the 2024 Corfu Farmers Market Music Series - 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! The lineup includes:
July 8 - Davey O.
July 15 - Tim Wright
August 12- Southpaw Sal
August 19 - Sara Elizabeth
and more!
On the last monday of every month local team trivia, and weekly food trucks.
Weekly our children who visit the market can Find the Sunflower - sponsored by Reeb Family Moving, hidden amongst a weekly vendor. Join us on the second Monday of every month for a Scavanager Hunt, Rock Painting, and Carnival games, sponsored by the Corfu United Presbyterian Church.
Joining us on Monday, July 15 the Genesee County Office for the Aging will be at the Corfu Farmers’ Market from 4-6pm to distribute Senior Farmers’ Market coupons to income-eligible individuals 60 years of age and older.
We look forward to welcoming back our loyal customers and meeting new ones in the 2024 season.
For more information about the Corfu Farmers Market and the upcoming season, please visit our website at www.corfuny.gov or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Genesee County law enforcement agencies, including the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Batavia Police Department, and the Village of LeRoy Police Department will be participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.
The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign will start Wednesday, July 3 continuing thru Sunday, July 7. The Fourth of July is a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends but all too often festivities turn tragic.
The fact is this iconic American holiday is also one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to impaired-driving crashes. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaigns aim to further reduce the incidence of impaired driving.
Impaired driving is completely preventable – all it takes is a little planning.
Registration is now available for Acting for Large Markets, a 2.5-hour acting class focused on on-camera techniques featuring brand specialist Andria Schultz and NYC casting director Amy Gossels.
The class is free for members of the GLOW region and costs $25 for non-members. In-person slots will be prioritized for GLOW members, with any remaining in-person slots available on a first-come, first-served basis. The rest of the class will be conducted via Zoom.
The in-person session will be held at Main Street 56 Theatre located at 56 Main St, Batavia.
Class size is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
A confirmation email will be sent upon acceptance into the class. Payment methods accepted include Venmo, Cashapp, PayPal, check, or cash (@iamandyrich on all platforms).
Interested individuals are encouraged to forward this information to others who may be interested.
Peter J. Cino, 56, of Batavia, is charged with menacing 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon 4th and harassment 2nd. Cino is accused of hitting another person on June 13 at a location on Bank Street during an argument and of threatening that person with a hammer. He was arraigned in City Court, and an order of protection was issued. On June 15, police learned that Cino was possibly in possession of a firearm he had not surrendered as required by the order of protection. Officers obtained a search warrant and located a rifle in the bedroom closet. He was then charged with criminal contempt 2nd and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon 3rd. He was arraigned and ordered held in jail.
Norman Michael
Michael Norman, no age or address provided, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance 2nd, a Class A2 felony, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, and conspiracy 2nd. Danielle Michael, no age or address provided, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, conspiracy 2nd, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Marcus Mobley, no age or address provided, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. The three suspects were arrested on May 28. It's alleged that Norman Michael contacted his wife and arranged for her to sell a large quantity of narcotics to Marcus Mobley. After the sale, Batavia NET officers conducted a vehicle stop on Mobley's vehicle, which led to a narcotics seizure. Release status not provided.
Kenneth B. Jordan, 31, of Batavia, is with strangulation 2nd, attempted assault 3rd, unlawful imprisonment 2nd, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Police responded to a report of a disturbance on June 22 at a location on Liberty Street. Jordan is accused of strangling a victim and refusing to let her leave a residence. Two children were present at the time of the incident. Jordan was arraigned and ordered jailed.
Angelina J. Baumgart, 33, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th, criminal possession of stolen property 4th, criminal possession of stolen property 3rd, criminal impersonation 2nd, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd. A Batavia police officer initially stopped Baumgart's vehicle on June 8 for an alleged stolen license plate. After an investigation, police determined the vehicle itself was stolen. Baumgart allegedly lied about her name and was found in possession of crack cocaine. She was arraigned and ordered held in jail.
Jeanna M Hattaway, no age or residence provided, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Hattaway's vehicle was stopped on Jan. 30. allegedly found in possession of a small club wrapped in razor wire as well as methamphetamine and cocaine. She also had two warrants pending from two separate cases. She was arraigned and released.
Jamie A. Dutton, 31, of Batavia, and Sandra L. Marsceill, 53, of Batavia, are charged with petit larceny. The pair are accused of stealing a hammock chair from Aldi. They were issued appearance tickets. Dutton was also charged with petit larceny on June 26 by State Police in connection with an alleged theft reported at 1:15 a.m. on that date in the town of Batavia.
Jessica D. Delcour, 41, of Wyoming, was arrested on a warrant on June 18. Delcour was initially arrested on Feb. 16 on a charge of criminal trespass 2nd. The warrant was issued after she allegedly failed to appear in court. She was arraigned in City Court and released.
Isaiah J. A. Munroe, 34, of Batavia, is charged with criminal tampering 3rd. Munroe is accused of causing a disturbance at Advance Auto Parts on June 14 and shoving a cashier's computer, keyboard, and receipt printer off the county. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Adrienne S. Bechtold, 28, of Batavia, was arrested on June 13 on three warrants. The warrants were issued after Bechtold allegedly failed to appear in court, on three separate criminal cases. She was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail on $2,500 bail, $5,000 bond or $10,000 partially secured bond.
Michael J. Miller, 46, of Batavia, was arrested on June 21 on a warrant alleging failure to register a change of address as a sex offender. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed without bail.
Katty L Jackson, 28, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Jackson is accused of damaging an iPad on June 26 during an argument at a residence on Pearl Street. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Benjamin G. Evans, 35, of Batavia, was arrested on two bench warrants on June 24. Both warrants stem from incidents where Evans was charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Evans was arraigned and released.
Michael C. Smith, 32, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Smith is accused of shoplifting at Aldi. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Steven Kevin Underhill, 27, of Webber Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with reckless endangerment 2nd. Underhill is accused of firing a shotgun on July 1 while in a residential neighborhood and under the influence of a narcotic. Underhill was processed at the jail and released on an appearance ticket.
Robzeem Estevez, 29, of Hillside Avenue, Syracuse, is charged with trespass. Estevez is accused of being on private property on Park Road on July 2 at 9:28 a.m. after previously being barred from being on the property. He was issued an appearance ticket.
An 18-year-old is charged with obstruction of governmental administration 2nd in connection with an incident reported at 1:47 p.m. on June 30 in the town of Batavia. The juvenile is from Le Roy. The State Police state an investigation is pending.
The parking lot was packed at St. Anthony's on Tuesday evening for a community picnic hosted by City Church to coincide with July 4th week.
"We typically have a summer picnic, but we thought it would be nice on the week of the fourth," said Ryan Macdonald. "We’re just loving being part of the community, so we love getting everybody together. It's a nice opportunity for neighbors to meet."
It's probably the largest turnout yet for a community event at St. Anthony's since City Church purchased the property. Macdonald estimated more than 1,000 people would attend over the course of the evening.
"We're grateful and thankful just to bring everybody together," Macdonald said. "Everybody's so happy. Everybody's just had a wonderful time. You see the ice cream line. The band's been fantastic. And so we're just really glad to be a part of the community."
Photo of Genesee County ACORNs volunteer Pete Stanbridge reading a passage from the book at the title reveal event on Monday, June 24 at RML. Submitted photo.
Press Release:
The Richmond Memorial Library and the Richmond Reads Committee are proud to announce The Last Ranger by Peter Heller as the 2024 Richmond Reads selection. The selection was announced in a special event at the library on Monday, June 24 at 7 p.m.
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. Each year, the Richmond Reads committee reads countless books, searching for the perfect community read.
The Last Ranger was published in July 2023 by Alfred A. Knopf. When a conflict between a local poacher and a wildlife biologist turns violent, Yellowstone Park Ranger Ren Hopper must determine what really happened while battling his own personal demons in this literary thriller by bestselling author Heller.
“We always look for something unique, something that will really engage many different types of readers,” shared Community and Adult Services Librarian Samantha Stryker. “This novel is many genres rolled into one- mystery, thriller, environmental, literary. The beautiful nature writing absolutely resonated with our committee and we hope our readers will find it equally impactful.”
Peter Heller is the best-selling author of The Last Ranger, The Guide, The River, Celine, The Painter, and The Dog Stars, which has been published in twenty-two languages. He is a longtime contributor to NPR, and a former contributing editor at Outside Magazine, Men’s Journal, and National Geographic Adventure. Peter is also the author of four books of literary nonfiction.
Peter Heller, author Photo by John Burcham.
Heller was born and raised in New York. He attended high school in Vermont and Dartmouth College in New Hampshire where he became an outdoorsman and whitewater kayaker. He holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop in poetry and fiction and lives in Denver, Colorado. His latest novel, Burn, will be released in August 2024.
Peter Heller will visit the Richmond Memorial Library on Thursday, October 24 for an author visit and book signing. There will be book discussions and other programs as the date gets closer. In the meantime, readers are encouraged to borrow or purchase the book!
Copies are available to borrow at the library in regular print, large print, and as an audiobook or eBook on Libby. Copies are also available to purchase for $20 for hardcover and $15 for paperback. Copies of select other titles by Heller are also available to purchase at the library for $15 each. Visit the library or batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads for all information!
The Holland Land Office welcomes back as its next presenter in its Guest Speaker Series on Thursday, July 18 at 7 p.m., Joyce Thompson-Hovey. She will be presenting "The Baker Boys of Stafford," about the incredible lives of Colonel Lafayette Baker and his brother Captain Calvin Baker, who were both spies for the Union and heavily involved in the manhunt for John Wilkes Booth. The Bakers lived for a time in Stafford.
Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan 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!"
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) voted in favor of three appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2025 to strengthen our national security and secure our borders.
H.R. 8752, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act; H.R. 8771, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act; and H.R. 8774, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, all passed the House by votes of 212-203, 212-200, and 217-198, respectively.
"Supporting the brave men and women who safeguard our nation and promoting our national security is of utmost importance when crafting funding bills to implement these crucial initiatives," said Congresswoman Tenney. "By passing these three appropriations bills, we are combating the Biden administration's failed policies that have left our borders wide open, weakened America's standing on the world stage, and abandoned our troops. These comprehensive and commonsense bills aim to restore fiscal responsibility in Washington, counter the China-supplied fentanyl crisis, support Israel and our allies, secure our borders, and address the migrant crisis plaguing our communities. While these bills were not perfect, and I am particularly disappointed that the Department of Defense Appropriations Act did not reverse President Biden’s cuts to the Virginia Class Submarine program, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to improve these bills before they become law."
"These spending bills address the growing threats facing America from all angles—domestically, at our borders, and overseas—while protecting our hard-earned tax dollars. I will continue advocating for fiscally responsible funding bills like these while in Congress. I look forward to passing all 12 Appropriations bills individually this year and ending the annual omnibus cycle."
Tenney’s Priorities included in the FY25 Defense Appropriations Bill:
$4.5 million increase for Civil Air Patrol
Language included in the bill prohibiting funding for the transfer of National Guard personnel and functions to the Space Force without consent of the relevant governors.
Fully funds the request for the Navy's Columbia Class Submarine.
Fully funds the request for Advance Procurement for the Navy's Columbia Class Submarine.
$70 million total increase for Impact Aid and Impact Aid for children with disabilities.
Defunds Biden’s unconstitutional Executive Order 14019
Defunds “Federal Acquisition Regulation: Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate-Related Financial Risk” rule
Eliminates the salary of Secretary Lloyd Austin
Tenney’s Priorities included in the FY25 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill:
$360 million for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
$360 million for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program.
Report language in support of the Coast Guard's acquisition of a Great Lakes Icebreaker.
Eliminates the salary of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
Prevents CBP from reducing hours at the Port of Buffalo station
Tenney’s Priorities included in the FY25 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill:
$50 million included for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC).
Bill language prohibits funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
No funds provided for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Bill language prohibits funds for labs in adversarial nations, including the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
Defunds Biden’s unconstitutional Executive Order 14019
Prevents funding to pay the salary of, reinstate, or reemploy Robert Malley
Genesee Community College (GCC) is excited to announce the launch of its newest program, the Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking Associate in Applied Science Degree, commencing this fall. This innovative program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for careers in network administration, systems administration and cybersecurity analysis.
In today's digital landscape, Network Administrators, Systems Administrators, and Cybersecurity Analysts play a crucial role in ensuring the secure operation of organizations' computer systems and networks. They are responsible for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting various information technology systems, including networks, cybersecurity measures, communication systems, and operating systems such as Microsoft Windows and Linux.
What sets GCC apart is our commitment to providing hands-on experience through practical labs and technical electives. Students will not only learn theoretical concepts but also apply them in real-world scenarios, gaining proficiency in assembling, testing, and troubleshooting computer systems.
The Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking curriculum at GCC covers a comprehensive range of topics, including cybersecurity, networking, desktop support, server administration, and information technology systems. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving technology industry.
"At GCC, students have the opportunity to pursue IT degrees and certifications in areas such as networks, cybersecurity, communication systems and operating systems," said James M. Bucki, Sr., director of Information Technology Programs at GCC. "Our program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in cybersecurity analysis, network administration and system support."
GCC's Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking program can optionally be completed 100 percent online. All cybersecurity courses are offered via HyFlex providing flexibility for students to balance their studies with other commitments. Whether you're starting your career in IT or looking to advance your existing skills, the Cybersecruity Systems and Networking Degree offers the perfect opportunity to pursue your passion for technology. Learn more by visiting: https://www.genesee.edu/academics/programs/cybersecurity-systems-and-networking/
For more information contact Vice President, Admissions, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
Six Flags Darien Lake, the Thrill Capital of New York, will celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks show on July 4. Dazzling Patriotic fireworks set to Patriotic music will light up the night sky at 9:45 p.m. after our Laser Light Spectacular show.
Guests can experience heart-pounding coasters and exciting attractions along with our Laser Light Spectacular show running each night July 3 - 7. The Theme Park is open 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Hurricane Harbor is open 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Six Flags Darien Lake’s 2024 summer events include:
Laser Light Night Time Spectacular, guests can enjoy our Laser Light Spectacular show on select nights, in Darien Square from 9:15 - 9:45 p.m.
July 4 Fireworks Celebration, Celebrate the holiday with coaster thrills, delicious, sweet chills, and exciting firework illuminations at night from 9:45 – 10:10 p.m.
NEW FOR 2024, Bews & Bites, Saturdays, and Sundays July 6 through July 21, this family friendly festival features a selection of seasonal craft beers, delicious cuisine from all over the world, live music, dancing, and a selection of local craft artisans.
Six Flags Darien Lake now operates daily through August 5. Single day tickets are now available to purchase online for as low as $29.99. For more information on these offers, visit www.sixflags.com.
Nikki Lane knows exactly where she wants her music to be – right between rock ‘n’ roll and country.
And that’s exactly where it winds up on “Denim & Diamonds,” the album she released last September, and in her, at times, raucous shows.
“That’s the spot for me throughout my career,” she said in a recent phone interview. “I’ve finally gotten there on this record. I listened to rock ‘n’ roll. When I talk, it sounds country. I tell stories in my songs, so that’s it (country) too. But I want to have an edge to it.”
Told that when she’s hitting the sweet spot between rock ‘n’ roll and country, she’s in the same place as Elvis Presley, when he tore up the South with his mid ‘50s rockabilly, Lane was flattered by the comparison.
“I don’t deserve it, but to hear my name in any sentence that has Elvis in it is an honor,” she said. “That’s kind of like Homme.”
Homme would be Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, who produced “Denim & Diamonds,” Lane’s fourth album. So how did she get Homme, who collaborated with Iggy Pop a few years back, to work on her record?
“My previous manager had the idea, he was kind of a music fan first…I was kind of like ‘Bulls***t’ If you think you can get that guy on the phone, fine,’” Lane said. “I felt really lucky to get him during a time when we had so much time off and so little time. I got to have an edgier push to my music.”
That desire to be edgier emerged months before she teamed up with Homme.
After recovering from a too-long stint on the road that was ended by COVID-19, the “Highway Queen” (“After touring so long, I realized that wasn’t just my most popular sign, it was me.’) Lane started writing new songs, among them, the pulsing, hook-filled, Stones-riff driven, Springsteen name-dropping rocker “First High.”
But she said Homme inspired her to take closer to the rock n’ roll edge.
“You’ve just got to lean into it more and more,” Lane said. “That’s fun to be able to find inspiration in someone’s art as a muse for the new project. It was really fun to work with a bunch of artists I didn’t know – ‘will they like me? I like me.’ I’ve been really lucky with my producers Dan (Auerbach), Dave Cobb and Josh, they pick the right people and the key is to go for it.”
Many of the “Denim & Diamonds” songs rock even harder live than they do on record – songs, like the country-tinged “Born Tough,” the Stones-ish “Black Widow” and the swaggering title cut, an “I can by my own damn denim and diamonds” song of independence.
But there’s some quieter, more country-ish material, like the gently rocking, inspirational “Try a Little Harder” and “Good Enough,” a sweet song based on her grandparents’ lifelong relationship – “I decided I should write at least two love songs in my career,” she quipped.
That song is, obviously, taken from Lane’s life. So are many of the rest of her compositions, even though they don’t immediately sound autobiographical.
“The thing I’ve seen is a lot of songs start from my standpoint, then shift to the people who are going through it, what they’re doing,” Lane said. “It’s like the movie ‘Big Fish,’ which is one of my favorites, telling a big story through real stuff.
“In my family that’s kind of what our life has been, a little over the top,” she said. “Nikki Lane is the character that came from being a real girl who couldn’t control all these little things but found a way through. I use it to my advantage.”
Lane’s been called the Queen of Outlaw Country and is an annual hit at the Americana Music Awards and Festival. But, she says she only uses the words, “outlaw” and “Americana” to help people get a bead on where her music is coming from.
“My dad’s friends listen to the radio,” she said. “They haven’t even made it to Sirius XM…When I go to Montana and the fishing guides are listening to Cody Jinks and (Chris) Stapleton, which they’ve heard on the radio, it gives you a bridge to them, that I’m similar. What I know is I’m not pop country. Outlaw or Americana helps tell people that.”
Lane was in the middle of a few days off at her Nashville home, resting up and trying to get over the allergies that hit her in the previous few weeks – “If we were out, I’d have had to cancel the show tonight,’ she said during the interview. “My voice is shot.”
Then she was to head off on a tour that will take her through the end of the year.
As she often does, Lane was planning to drive herself, separate from her band, so she can roll into a city and “buy up all your antiques.” And, she said, the band likes it because “it’s the first time we’ve been to sound check on time in years, which is probably true.”
Some of those purchases will end up in High Class Hillbilly, the Nashville shop she’s run for a decade that handles vintage clothing and Americana, including items she’s picked up on tour.
Lane has kept HCH going, even though she’s spending less and less time in Music City.
“I really like being able to put my heart into something good,” she said. “I know the store’s good. The music career, I felt a lot of uncertainty. I kept the store just in case. Now I keep it just because.”
Other purchases can end up on stage as Lane dresses in eye-catching vintage outfits during her shows.
“I got to do some modeling early on because I’m tall and I try to find things that look cool,” she said. “It’s fun to play dress up. Now it’s part of Nikki Lane, I lean into it and into the character.”
Nikki Lane will be performing at Darien Lake Amphitheater on Thursday, July 11.
Aaron Ettestad, production assistant; Mike Bouquard, sound; and Any Morin, cinematographer work on the set of "Kitty" at John Kennedy Intermediate School in Batavia during filming. Photo by Howard Owens.
While James DiLullo is a proud Batavia native who just brought in a cast and crew from Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Bergen, Waterloo, and yes, his own hometown, to film “Kitty,” the short work he scripted and produced at John Kennedy Intermediate School, he likes to tout the idea of regional versus local.
After all, he introduced all of those out-of-town visitors to a taste of this area, literally, through the food and beverage businesses that treated them aesthetically, as they commuted from their residences and experienced the scenery, Thruway system and landmarks in and around the city of Batavia.
“We were showing a lot of these regional people what Batavia is, and, you know, many of them don't see it from off the Thruway. They only know the Thruway exit. So it was cool to show local families Batavia is more,” DiLullo said Monday from his family farm in Cattaraugus. “I would like to thank the teacher whose room we used and district leadership and facilities director Chad Bliss and Jason Smith for allowing this to occur.”
The city school district, parks and police department, and GO Art!, which awarded him a $5,000 grant, Batavia Players and Pat Burk were all on board with the project and helped make it a smooth effort, he said.
It was two days of filming at the Vine Street school, with a cast of 19 children from Rochester, Bergen, Waterloo and Batavia, and the lead feline character, Bunny Pitbull Buzzkill, who has experienced her “first and last acting performance,” he said.
Not that production was in any way negative, he said. In fact, he was quite pleased with excellent performances by a primarily youth cast. It went “better than planned,” he said.
“Beyond better. It blew my mind what what we did this weekend, it was just, it's really accomplished all my goals. As stated in the previous article, we got a lot of positivity and a lot of inspiration. We had a special set visitor one day — both of our lead little girls in the film play hockey; they're both 8-year-old hockey players. So I had Mr. Gerry Meehan visit the set … he's a business associate of mine, so I had him visit the set and provide some inspiration beyond film for those children. So that was excellent. It was excellent to be able to include a local legend in the filming process. He's not part of the crew or anything, he was just a visitor, we called him to set a little perk for our girls because they were hockey girls so it made sense.”
He wanted to treat the two young actors who are involved in hockey to a surprise, so Meehan, the first captain for the Buffalo Sabres and former general manager, stopped by for a surprise visit.
DiLullo made the six-and-a-half-minute film and invested the grant money here in Genesee County. Meant to pique the curiosity and imagination of an audience, this short film is based on DiLullo’s childhood experiences with pets and how perceptions may differ from those of adults. Putting the four-legged star into action had its trials, he said.
“It was a challenge. Dealing with animal talent is never easy,” he said.
Part of his goal was to focus on the regional aspect of the project — working locally here and putting Batavia in the center “geographically as well as economically,” he said. While stationed in Batavia, he also brought in talent from other areas in Western New York. He went through a Rochester casting agency and struck gold for finding what he needed.
“It’s local and exposing local, but the talent is regional,” he said. “The region has the primary talent. And it was excellent. I couldn't have asked for a better performance.”
After relaxing with family for the Fourth of July weekend, he will head back to his home in Los Angeles and work on post-production — audio, music, post-sound, color correction, and making important connections.
“It’s locating an executive producer that can help expose the film to more people, so all the post production has to occur,” he said. “And we're hoping to do that very quickly in order to have a finished product by the beginning of September so that we can start to send that out to various film festivals and get some attention on the project and the wonderful creatives and technicians who executed it from Western New York.”
He’s grateful for the support of four businesses, Cinquino’s Pizza, The Yngodess Shop, Pub Hub Coffee Shop and Everybody Eats, he said.
In turn, he likes to reciprocate when possible by doing business here, purchasing local goods and services, and even treating the crew to some local fun when it’s available. Once filming was wrapped up, several of the Kitty crew attended Barracuda at Batavia Downs, DiLullo said.
While it may seem like an aside, he sees it as an extension of what he’s always trying to do: strengthening the local economy by bringing in outside dollars. He did just that by treating his crew to a concert at Batavia Downs.
“It was the best way to end a hectic shooting schedule; it was just to relax and slam some blues with 4,000 boomers. And just have fun. That was a great show,” he said. “So shout out to Batavia Downs for their concert series and bringing the quality acts that are relatable to many generations, right?
“Several of us, including producers, attended the Heart show, and it was excellent. We had a blast. So there’s a lot going on in Batavia. There’s a lot happening; it’s just harnessing that and then bringing the dollars from outside in,” he said. “That’s my goal, bringing the dollars, show the world it can be done here and it can be done efficiently and economically.”
The film is dedicated to the memory of Florence Lullo, a longtime supporter of baseball in Batavia and DiLullo’s grandmother.
Producer and Director James DiLullo. Photo by Howard Owens.
Please be advised that the City of Batavia Water Department will be repairing a water main on Center Street on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
The water will be turned off from Main Street to School Street. The length of time the water will be off is unknown. Traffic will be closed in the area of Center Street from School Street to Main Street while the repairs are being made.
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.
Adam Troy Shipwash, 44, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with possession of dangerous contraband in prison 1st, possession of contraband while in prison 2nd, attempted criminal contempt 2nd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. In connection with an incident reported at 9:20 am.. on June 26, Shipwash was arrested that afternoon. Full details of the events that led to his arrest were not provided, except that he is accused of possession of a controlled substance while in the Genesee County Jail and that he attempted to contact a protected party. He was arraigned on June 27.
Allyson Paige Lawrence, 29, of Minnick Road, Lockport, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Lawrence and Warren Thomas Cotton and Paige were located behind the strip mall at 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan at 11:40 p.m. on June 10 and allegedly found with unopened merchandise in a Walmart cart. When the subjects saw a patrol vehicle approaching, the two people started walking away. Both subjects reportedly tried to avoid the deputy and disobeyed lawful orders to stop. The subjects were detained. Upon investigation, Lawrence and Cotton were charged with petit larceny and accused of shoplifting from Walmart.
Martin James Dolivo, 66, of English Road, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, and moving from lane unsafely. Dolivo was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle accident at 7:31 p.m. on June 29 on Vallance Road, Le Roy. The accident was investigated by Deputy Zachary Hoy and Deputy Jonathan Dimming. Dolivo was released on appearance tickets.
Lisa Ann Strong, 41, of West Proverbers Court, Lecanto, Fla., is charged with trespass. Strong was arrested for allegedly entering private property on West Main Street Road, Batavia, after being barred from the property. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Alec R. Posa-Whittington, 24, of Briarwood Terrace, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th, unlawful imprisonment 2nd, and harassment 2nd. Posa-Whittington is accused of preventing a person from leaving a residence and from placing a call to 9-1-1 during a disturbance on Briarwood Terrace, Batavia, at 4:12 a.m. on June 29. Posa-Whittington is also accused of making unwanted physical contact with the person. Posa-Whittington was held for arraignment.
