Batavia Downs hosted Will Holton's Soulful Christmas in Park Place on Thursday evening.

Featured performers included Carlton Wilcox (not pictured), Jetaun Louie, and jazz trumpeter Brian Freeman, a member of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.

Photos by Howard Owens.

This year's annual Night of Christmas Music at City Church featured members of the church's congregation.

It takes an army of more than 100 volunteers to roll out the Angel Tree program in Batavia, said Todd Rapp, the director of operations for the Salvation Army in Batavia.

Every year, there are hundreds of gift items to be sorted and packed into numbered, labeled boxes that go to the families who requested specific items to help make their Christmases more cheerful.

"We couldn't do it without the volunteers," Rapp said.

On Thursday, the Salvation Army distributed gifts and food to more than 200 families, which means about 500 local children will receive gifts this Christmas.

There were at least 30 volunteers on Thursday at the South Campus of Northgate Free Methodist Church to assist with the distribution.

There are also volunteer counselors who meet with individual families to gather children's wish lists and identify items the families need. Those requests became Angel Tree tags that donors purchased from trees at Walmart and other locations in town.

Some donors bought everything on a list. Others purchased single items.

For families that didn't meet the deadline for Thursday's distribution, they are placed on a waiting list and are invited into the Northgate gym later to pick up to three items from donated gifts that weren't part of the distribution. There are hundreds of such items available after the boxing for the distribution is completed.

The Angel Tree program served families still recovering from financial strain. Rapp said many were catching up after the government shutdown affected SNAP benefits.

"Primarily, it's for folks who find themselves in a situation where they need some help at Christmas time," Rapp said. "We're seeing a lot of people who are still trying to catch up after the government shutdown, with the SNAP benefits and all of that. So they come to us. We sit down with them, we go through their kids' wish lists, and the tags go out on the trees, out at Walmart, and a couple of other locations in town."

The community purchased items worth 300,000ドル to 350,000ドル. The gifts ranged from toddler toys and diapers to gift cards for teenagers.

"Whatever we can possibly get," Rapp said, describing the range of items provided.

The program operates through a partnership between The Salvation Army, local businesses and community donors. After families register and provide their children's needs and wishes, volunteers create paper Angel Tags that hang on Christmas trees in public locations. Donors adopt an angel by taking a tag, purchasing the items and returning unwrapped gifts to designated drop-off points.

The Salvation Army then collects, organizes and distributes the gifts to parents in time for Christmas morning.

The Angel Tree program was founded in 1979 by Lt. Colonels Charles and Shirley White in Lynchburg, Virginia. The Whites placed the first tree in River Ridge Mall, featuring 472 angels made from Hallmark cards listing children's names and clothing sizes.

The program gained national attention after being featured on ABC Nightline and Larry King Live. It has since expanded to serve more than 1 million children annually across the United States and operates worldwide.

While primarily focused on children ages 0-12, the program adapts to meet a range of family needs.

"The community bands together, buys those items, and we box them up, make sure everything's good and hand them out," Rapp said.

Photos by Howard Owens

Rochester-based country music recording artist Claudia Hoyser visited Mr. Wine and Liquor in Rochester on Thursday evening to promote her personal brand, Hoyser Country Drunken Bean Classic Coffee Whiskey.

Hoyser is releasing her second album, Before the Dawn. This is her first LP to get a vinyl release, with a vinyl release party at 5 p.m. Friday (tonight) at the Record Archive in Rochester. The album will be available on streaming services on Jan. 9. Hoyser has been traveling to Nashville to collaborate with songwriters in Tennessee, and the album was recorded in Nashville.

Photos by Howard Owens.

There's a trend blossoming inside Batavia City Centre that involves local artists, nature, and bringing the outdoors in.

It began with Bill Shutt’s metal tree on the east end, complemented by David Burke’s lily pond beneath. Then Batavia artist Mary Jo Whitman unveiled her three-dimensional piece earlier this month at the west end.

Burke has now returned with a six-panel landscape that captures various, yet cohesive, scenes from prior works.

"It’s six 36-by-48-inch panels. They're all put together. So it's one large image. I was originally going to do something more abstract, but I kind of lean toward more of a landscape, to bring nature indoors into the city centre area," Burke said while discussing his piece in the concourse. "So it's based on three different images I've had in the past. One is from DeWitt Park of the lake, and the other was just some trees from another painting. I did some wildflowers from another painting, and I just decided to combine those elements. And I thought it turned out pretty nice, something bright and cheery for inside this big space."

He worked on the project -- depicting cloud-dotted blue skies, grass and tree branches peppered with fresh foliage and blooms -- for a couple of weeks for two or three days each, he said.

It didn’t really take that long, "because I love painting on larger surfaces."

"It does go quicker than painting a smaller painting," he said. "I could put them all up together on one wall and paint them, which was a lot easier than doing it on the floor or individually. So that worked out good."

Burke, originally from Rochester and now living in Bergen, has "kind of been an artist all my life," but only began to hunker down with it in the last decade.

"I never got really serious until I got older and I had more free time, about almost 10 years ago now. I started really getting more serious about painting, and it's just what I totally love to do," the 69-year-old said. "So yeah, and these years since then, I've gotten a bunch of grants to go out, and I just do a lot of sculpture painting. I've had shows in lots of different galleries around this area, in Rochester and Fairport, and a few other places in Brockport."

This most recent painting was made possible by GO Art!’s regrant program, which awarded him 5,000ドル. This isn’t the first time the nonprofit infused a Burke tree project: his 10-foot-by-40-foot mural of a tree shadow in Oakfield is on The GOOSE exterior wall.

"I’d like to say thanks to GO Art! for providing all these opportunities for me, and a bunch of other artists to do a lot of cool stuff," he said.

Press Release:

Mrs. Green’s CANNAry, Genesee County’s first licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary, invites the community to join them on Friday, December 19, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., for the Green Team Christmas Give-Back, a special holiday fundraiser benefiting Crossroads House.

In the true spirit of the season, all Mrs. Green’s budtenders will come together as one united Green Team, working collectively to support the local community. Throughout the day, customers may tip any budtender (Taiya, Alyssa, or Hailee) with 100% of tips donated directly to Crossroads House. To further amplify the impact, Mrs. Green will match the total amount raised, doubling the contribution.

"This event was inspired by our budtenders," said owner Shelly Wolanske. "They approached me wanting to do something meaningful for the community and chose to donate their own tips to Crossroads House. I was proud to match what they raised."

In addition to the charitable give-back, customers can enjoy:

• Special pricing on assorted products
• Free giveaways throughout the day
• Entries to win Mrs. Green’s Christmas Baskets and Mystery Stockings

The event also marks the kickoff of Mrs. Green’s CANNAry’s extended holiday hours, now open Monday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mrs. Green’s CANNAry is a locally owned, 100% woman-owned adult-use cannabis dispensary proudly serving Batavia and the surrounding region. As the first legal dispensary in Genesee County, the business is committed to responsible cannabis retail, community engagement, and giving back locally.

Mrs. Green’s CANNAry is located at 204 E. Main Street, Batavia. For more information, visit www.mrsgreenscannary.com or follow Mrs. Green’s CANNAry on social media.

Looking back on the first 110 years of LAPP Insulator's years in business, officials and executives said they're also looking forward to future success while being recognized on Wednesday by Assemblyman Steve Hawley as a historic New York Business.

LAPP's leadership team told those in attendance that the past 110 years (though none have been around that long) has been a trying, yet rewarding journey.

To qualify for recognition, a company must be nominated by a public official. Hawley, seeing the longevity and dedication of this Le Roy-based business, decided this was the company he would nominate. According to Hawley, after lots of paperwork and qualification reviews, the honor can be granted to the nominee.

"The minimum qualification to qualify for the historic business registry is 50 years," Hawley said during a recognition event at the company. "They just made it over the top, founded in 1916."

Through its history, LAPP has been a source of employment for people in Le Roy and beyond, said Chief Financial Officer Edward Dickey. It was only in recent years that the struggle to retain employees emerged.

"We're really having trouble getting and keeping people. I'm sure most companies in the area are," Dickey said. "We really want to get our rates up to market, and hopefully bring some more tailored people into the labor force."

Although the company, like any other, faces challenges, employees expressed their faith in the business they work for.

Chad Edwards, Lapp's plant manager and an employee of Lapp Insulators for seven months, said that working on the management team has been both a rewarding experience and a welcome challenge.

"It's rewarding and fun. It's a lot of work," Edwards said. "But it's really important to sustain. We have people who have been here for 50 years, 40 years."

According to Edwards, LAPP Insulators has never strayed from using porcelain as the material for its insulators. In fact, the process of manufacturing the porcelain and the technology used in their plant to make it have remained essentially the same.

Community officials from Le Roy and Genesee County also came to witness Hawley receive the certificate indicating membership in New York's Historic Business Registry, to express their thanks to a business that has given back to their community in so many ways.

"I just want to say thank you for being a part of the community," said LeRoy Village Mayor Greg Rogers. "Not only the jobs you provide. It's the support to all the charities and sports, and everything else, with a longstanding commitment from LAPP Insulators to every aspect of the village of LeRoy."

Now, as the company continues to grow, its new historic title in hand, employees remain curious and energized thinking about what comes next.

"We're happy to be American-made, we're happy to be union-supported, and we're excited for another 110 years," Dickey said.

"Me too," Hawley said. "And, I'll be back in 100."

Elba defeated Byron-Bergen 70-25 in Girls Basketball on Wednesday night.

Brea Smith led Elba with 22 points. Lydia Ross added 16 points and Ava Buczek had 12 points. Brynn Stackhouse scored eight points and Brooklyn Jachimowicz had nine points.

"Our defense was very good tonight," Elba coach Charlie Pangrazio Jr. said. "We worked very hard to keep the ball in front of us to slow down BB. Good win against a well-coached and never-quit Byron."

Pangrazio said the bench play is improving.

"Our bench play is really getting better, which will help us the rest of the season," he said.

Photos by Kristin Smith

Press release:

The Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming (GOW) County Health Departments, along with local hospitals and community partners, are asking residents to share their thoughts on the Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).

The CHA looks at the main health needs and challenges in our communities. It uses data and feedback from local residents to understand what the greatest needs are. The CHIP uses this information to set goals and make plans to improve community health.

"The CHA and CHIP show the health challenges and needs in our communities," said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). "The CHA helps us see what is happening now, and the CHIP outlines what we will focus on moving forward."

"Community feedback is very important," said Laura Paolucci, Public Health Administrator for the Wyoming County Health Department. "We welcome ideas and input from residents and partners to make sure the CHA and CHIP match the needs of our communities."

Residents and community partners can review the 2025-2030 CHA/CHIP Executive Summary or the full report to learn more about local health priorities and share feedback through a short survey.

· View the Executive Summary and/or full GOW CHA/CHIP Report: https://bit.ly/GOHealthCHACHIP · Submit your feedback: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CHA2025Feedback

Your input will help shape the health priorities and services in Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties for the coming years.

Members of the Key Club, a student chapter of the Kiwanis Club, at Batavia High School volunteered on Wednesday as bell ringers for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign.

City Church in Batavia served more than 500 meals Tuesday night at its 15th annual Community Christmas celebration at the St. Anthony's campus on Liberty Street — the biggest turnout in the event's history.

Pastor Ryan Macdonald said the church organized the event to share the love of Christ with people who may not have heard the message before.

"Jesus said, when you did it for people, you did it unto me," Macdonald said. "And so we do what we do for people, but we do it under the Lord."

The evening included a full Christmas dinner for families, gifts for all children in attendance, and two big-screen televisions raffled off to registered attendees.

Macdonald said volunteers from the church made the event possible.

"It takes literally an army of people to put together a night like tonight," he said.

The celebration is an extension of City Church's Tuesday night activity program at the St. Anthony's campus on Liberty Street. The program feeds children and provides activities throughout the year, including special events for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Easter.

Macdonald delivered a brief message to the crowd, focusing on what he called the meaning of Christmas.

"Christmas is more than a moment like this," he said. "Christmas is a message. And if we left here tonight and you didn't know the message, you'd miss the moment."

He said Jesus came to be with people, not to remain distant.

"Some of you want joy during this Christmas season. You want fulfillment in this Christmas season. You want hope in this Christmas season," Macdonald said. "It won't come through a dinner. It won't come through a gift. It won't come through a party. It comes through the gift of Jesus Christ."

Press release:

A holiday-type send-off for the 2025 Live Racing Season at Batavia Downs will take place on Saturday, Dec. 20, on the final scheduled night of racing, highlighted by Fan Appreciation Night.

There will be something for everyone, including 2ドル betting vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis, 1ドル programs, plus a special visit from Santa Claus as he begins his trek from the North Pole and a Christmas showdown race between Elf and The Grinch.

The night will also feature a chance to meet some of the top drivers in person.

Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown said, "What a great way to end the 2025 Live Racing Season with a fun-filled family event as we salute our loyal racing fans. I want to thank all our patrons and sponsors for their support. It's been an outstanding racing season, including the very successful New York Sire Stakes "Night of Champions" in September, and we are already looking forward to 2026."

"We look forward to celebrating our customers, many of them who have been long-time fans of racing at Batavia Downs. We're grateful for the support, enthusiasm, and energy they bring each race night," said Nicolle Fortes, General Manager of Live Racing.

Fans will also have a chance to win a variety of prizes by spinning the Batavia Downs Prize Wheel.

Ryan Hasenauer, Vice President of Business Development, said, "We are so appreciative of all our racing fans and invite them to come spin the wheel for a prize while also bringing kids to meet Santa just days before his magical trip around the world."

Patrons attending Fan Appreciation Night can also make dinner reservations in our historic Clubhouse, featuring our classic Prime rib and shrimp buffet. For reservations, call 585-344-6143.

Post time for Dec. 20 is 5 p.m. and parking, including valet service, is free. Dollar programs that night will be available in the lobby gift shop, ITW, 34 Rush and Homestretch.

Byron Brown and the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation Board of Directors recently announced that the 2026 Winter Racing Season will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Races will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m. through Feb. 5.

Fan Appreciation Night schedule of events:

• 4 p.m. — Clubhouse opens
• 4-6 p.m. — Meet Santa Claus, Finish Line Suite/Grandstand area
• 4:15-4:45 p.m. — Meet the drivers and photos outside Clubhouse doors
• 5-6 p.m. — Spin the wheel outside Clubhouse doors
• Between fourth and fifth races — The Grinch vs. Elf showdown race
• Following the last race — End of season awards

Press release:

HomeCare & Hospice is urgently seeking compassionate volunteers in Genesee County to provide companionship and support to hospice patients who have chosen to spend their final days at home. While medical teams deliver essential care, many patients and their families benefit deeply from the presence of caring volunteers who offer comfort, conversation, and companionship.

"Our hospice patients often face isolation due to illness, and volunteers play a vital role in bringing connection and comfort during this difficult time," said Patricia Meek, Volunteer Coordinator at the Batavia HomeCare & Hospice office. "Whether it's visiting patients at home, reading to them, or simply listening, volunteers help brighten their days and provide caregivers much-needed respite."

Volunteers from all backgrounds are welcome. Training and necessary immunizations are provided, and schedules are flexible to fit individual availability.

If you are interested in making a real difference as a Patient Volunteer, please contact:

Patricia Meek
Volunteer Coordinator
HomeCare & Hospice
29 Liberty St., Suite 6
Batavia, NY 14020
Phone: 585-343-7596
Email: pmeek@HomeCare-Hospice.org

HomeCare & Hospice provides a continuum of care that allows individuals to remain at home while receiving the support they need—from skilled nursing and rehabilitation for those with chronic or acute conditions to compassionate end-of-life care through our hospice program. For more information, please visit homecare-hospice.org, or email ckelsey@homecare-hospice.org.

Press release:

On Thursday, Dec. 11, Santa made a stop at the Byron Fire Department at the Adults with developmental disabilities dance. Santa had everyone line up to meet him and even brought presents to distribute. He told everyone that they were on his nice list and even sang a Christmas carol or two. In the DJ booth was house favorite, DJ JT, serving up snacks, and all of the wonderful volunteers.

Their next dance is Jan. 8, for 80s Night. Dances are from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and are open to anyone with developmental disabilities aged 13 and up residing in Genesee County. Proper staffing is required. If you would like more information or wish to contribute to or volunteer, please contact Morgan Leaton at 585-815-3157 or morganrleaton@gmail.com.

Press Release

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is pleased to announce the newest ARTiculations Ability Exhibition, featuring the work of Batavia artist Llana Cowie. The exhibition will be open to the public beginning Jan. 1, 2026 at ILGR, located at 319 West Main St. Rear Left, Batavia, NY, 14020, with an opening reception scheduled for 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, during which attendees are invited to hear Cowie speak about her work and artistic journey.

Presented in partnership with the University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), the exhibition is part of ILGR’s ongoing ARTiculations Ability Exhibitions program, which highlights the creativity and perspectives of artists with disabilities across Western New York. The exhibition will remain on display through March 31, 2026.

About the Artist

Llana Cowie is a self-taught artist from Batavia who has been painting and drawing for more than 60 years. A devoted photographer, much of her artistic inspiration is drawn from her own photographs. Cowie describes her work as a way of staying grounded in the present and connected to what truly matters—the simple moments and details that are often overlooked.

About ARTiculations Ability Exhibitions

ARTiculations is a collaborative program between ILGR and the University Heights Arts Association designed to expand access to the arts, support artists with disabilities, and bring community-focused exhibitions to shared public spaces throughout the region.

For more information on Llana Cowie’s ARTiculation Exhibit, or ARTiculations Ability Exhibitions, please call (585) 815-8501 .

A controversial proposal for a STREAM data center at WNY STAMP is back before the board of directors for the Genesee County Economic Development Center on Thursday, with the board scheduled to consider establishing lead agency status for an environmental review of the project.

GCEDC's STAMP Committee and Board of Directors are expected to consider formalizing the agency's position as the lead agency after receiving a new proposal from STREAM US Data Centers for the construction of a 2.2 million-square-foot facility at the industrial park in Alabama.

The previous proposal, which STREAM withdrew after deciding to pursue a larger project, was 900,000 square feet. The previous project would have consumed 250 megawatts of electricity. The new project is expected to need up to 500 megawatts.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Centre in Batavia.

If GCEDC moves forward, other agencies would have 30 days to accept or dispute GCEDC taking the lead role for the State Environmental Quality Review Act process.

The decision would come amid ongoing opposition to the project from some local residents, the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, and environmental, faith, and other groups across New York.

"As a resident of Genesee County, I am outraged by STREAM's new and monstrous plan," said Adrienne Yocina, a Pembroke resident active in the Rethink STAMP campaign. "I urge all my neighbors and community members to join me in echoing the Tonawanda Seneca Nation's call for NYSDEC to take over as lead agency. GCEDC being in this role is the definition of the fox guarding the henhouse and would lead to even more harm and failed promises."

The Tonawanda Seneca Nation sent a letter to the state Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner on Dec. 15 demanding that DEC take over as lead agency for the environmental review.

"DEC must take lead agency status for SEQR review of this hulking data center facility," Chief Roger Hill wrote. "GCEDC cannot be entrusted with this vital role."

STREAM's new proposal calls for a massive complex of three structures more than 100 feet tall, occupying more than 2.2 million square feet.

In the original project, STREAM proposed an investment of 6ドル.3 billion. No application has been filed yet, so the new cost isn't available yet.

The proposed project would be built in phases over at least a decade.

That project was expected to create 122 permanent jobs, with salaries ranging from 70,000ドル to 140,000ドル.

STREAM, or Project Double Reed as it was initially known, was one of multiple data center projects pitched to GCEDC earlier in the year. Mark Masse, GCEDC CEO, said at the time that the project was the best of the proposals.

"Our job was to determine which project was the best for the community and STAMP, and based on the information provided to us by the three projects, Project Double Reed will have the smallest environmental impact and will best address concerns expressed by the Nation with respect to visual and noise impacts and with respect to local benefits," Masse said at the time.

Opposition voices cite environmental concerns among their reasons for objecting to the proposal, including the potential use of diesel fuel and the apparent heavy reliance on electricity.

The Tonawanda Seneca Nation's Reservation Territory abuts the parcel under consideration for the WNY STAMP. The Nation's Council of Chiefs has long opposed industrial development at STAMP.

In an April 2025 letter to the New York Power Authority, the Nation wrote that it "strongly opposes any allocation of low-cost hydropower to a data center at STAMP."

In September, GCEDC voluntarily rescinded approvals for STREAM's smaller data center plan. The rescission followed litigation by the Tonawanda Seneca Nation and the Sierra Club.

Documents indicate that the project will use effectively no water for cooling. All water consumption will be for sanitary and domestic use.

STREAM intends to take advantage of space that was previously part of a Plug Power-owned parcel, which paused construction of its green hydrogen manufacturing facility in 2023.

The prior proposal was for a 59-acre parcel. The new proposal for a 90-acre project.

STREAM's plan also calls for onsite storage of 114,000 gallons of diesel fuel and discharge of 20,000 gallons of sanitary wastewater per day. Currently, GCEDC plans to store sanitary wastewater discharge from STAMP operations in a large onsite sewage tank. Wastewater would be transported daily by diesel truck to a municipal wastewater facility in the Village of Oakfield for disposal.

Under the previous proposal, the relevant local taxing jurisdictions would have received 128ドル million in PILOT payments, which, officials said, was actually more than STREAM would have paid in property taxes without a PILOT. Total revenue for county agencies might have exceeded 218ドル million. The new fees are not yet available.

A primary reason for supporting the project, according to local officials, was that the project would help offset the cost of a needed 250ドル million water project for Genesee County.

"This project will help the county cover the shortfall of the water project," GCEDC president Mark Masse said at the time. "It will help maintain rates for all Genesee County residents for water. It will help the health and welfare of all county residents through the water project."

Oraid J. Blackshear Jr. and Alexander N. Parsons (ages and residence not provided) were each arrested Nov. 29 on three counts of criminal possession of a weapon 3rd. The charges stem from an investigation at an apartment on North Spruce Street, where Blackshear and Parsons were found in possession of an illegal pistol. Both were arraigned and released.

Brian W. Herdtner, 37, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Herdtner allegedly damaged a TV during an altercation on Tracy Avenue on Nov. 29. He was arraigned in centralized arraignment court.

Alexander C. Preedom, 22, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful imprisonment 1st, menacing 2nd and criminal possession of a weapon. Preedom was charged Nov. 17 following an incident at an apartment on East Main Street, where he allegedly refused to let the victim leave the apartment while in possession of a knife. Preedom was arraigned and released.

Bryson R. Gentile, 20, of Batavia, is charged with menacing 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon 2nd, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon 3rd and criminal use of a firearm 2nd. Gentile allegedly pointed a gun at another person in a parking lot on Bank Street on Nov. 10. He was arraigned and released.

Craig D. Brown, 45, of Rochester, is charged with DWI. Brown was charged Nov. 23 following a traffic stop on Clinton Street. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

Noah A. Giesler, 26, of Albion, is charged with DWI. Giesler was charged Nov. 23 following a traffic stop on Oak Street. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

Brian R. Dilcher, 40, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Dilcher was arrested Nov. 20 following a traffic stop. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

Anibal R. Caalcuc, 24, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Caalcuc was charged Nov. 27 following an investigation into an accident where he allegedly crashed his truck into a house on Willow Street. Caalcuc was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

Jon H. Bush Jr., 42, of Batavia, was arrested Nov. 26 on an arrest warrant. The warrant was issued when Bush failed to appear in court after being issued an appearance ticket. He was arraigned and released.

Felicia M. Hirsch, 39, of Pavilion, was arrested Nov. 26 on an arrest warrant. Hirsch allegedly failed to appear in court after being issued a misdemeanor traffic ticket in March. She was arraigned and released.

Elizabeth A. Lindner, 39, of Batavia, is charged with soliciting in a public place, three counts of trespass and petit larceny. Lindner was arrested Nov. 12 for allegedly asking people for money on Ellicott Street. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She was arrested Nov. 14 for allegedly returning to Byrne Dairy on East Main Street after previously being trespassed. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. Lindner was arrested Nov. 15 for allegedly trespassing at McDonald's on East Main Street. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She was arrested Nov. 21 for allegedly stealing bottles and cans from Ascension Parish on Sumner Street. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Derrick L. Washington, 53, of Batavia, was arrested Nov. 22 on three bench warrants. The first warrant stems from a traffic stop in January on Oak Street, where Washington was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. The second warrant is related to a traffic stop in April on Clinton Street, where Washington was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. The third warrant stems from an incident on Nov. 5 on Thomas Avenue, where Washington allegedly ran from police when they attempted to arrest him on active warrants. Washington Blind Boys of Alabama

Bill A. Thomas, 66, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree. Thomas was allegedly found in possession of a stolen bicycle on Nov. 21 while at an address on Ellicott Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Cindy L. Marcello, 56, of Batavia, was arrested Nov. 20 on an arrest warrant for petit larceny. The warrant stems from an incident in 2022 when Marcello allegedly stole merchandise from Tops. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

Austin A. Heideman, 28, of Batavia, was arrested Nov. 16 on a bench warrant. The warrant stems from an incident in May when he was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. Heideman was arraigned and released. Heideman was arrested again on Nov. 26 on a charge of criminal contempt in the second degree. He was charged after allegedly being located at a residence on Ellicott Street in violation of an order of protection. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

Nashiem R. Harris, 27, of Batavia, was arrested Nov. 14 on two bench warrants. Both warrants are related to incidents where Harris was issued misdemeanor traffic tickets but failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

Jack M. Fox-Salah, 28, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. Fox-Salah allegedly stole merchandise from Tops Nov. 12 and fled from police on an e-bike when officers attempted to stop him. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Patricia A. Larson, 75, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Larson allegedly stole property from another person on Nov. 25 at an address on East Main Street. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Amy E. Kirk, 46, of Batavia, is charged with DWAI drugs. Kirk was charged Nov. 18 following a traffic stop on West Main Street. She was issued traffic tickets and released.

Nicole M. Dellapenna, 39, of Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. Dellapenna was charged Nov. 14 after police responded to a report of a suspicious person on Masse Place. Dellapenna allegedly ran from police and resisted arrest. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Steven R. Sikora, 26, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Sikora was charged Nov. 9 following a traffic stop on East Main Street. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

Christina M. Rose, 58, of Depew, is charged with DWI. Rose was charged Nov. 16 following a traffic stop on East Main Street. She was issued several traffic tickets and released.

Nathan T. Stanton, 21, of Hilton, was arrested Nov. 16 on a trespass warrant. Stanton was initially arrested in October for allegedly trespassing at UMMC. The warrant was issued after he failed to appear in court. He was arraigned and released.

Alicia M. Lyons, 46, of Perry, is charged with aggravated harassment in the second degree. Lyons allegedly called the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center 154 times in approximately six hours on Nov. 12 for no legitimate purpose. She was issued an appearance ticket at the Wyoming County Jail, where she is being held on unrelated charges.

Jason M. Perry, 43, of Batavia, is charged with harassment in the second degree. Perry allegedly punched another person on Dec. 3 during an altercation in Hyde Park. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

Seth D. Sharp, 23, of Byron, is charged with DWI. Sharp was charged Nov. 28 following a traffic stop on East Main Street. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

Anthony M. Itacqua III, 33, of Coe Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, moved from lane unsafely and cross divider limited access highway. Itacqua was arrested Dec. 1 at about 6:55 a.m. on Route 63 in Batavia. Itacqua was arraigned in Batavia City Court and his license was temporarily suspended after he refused to submit to a chemical test. He is due back in court Dec. 16.

As a baby boomer, I keep looking back at all the Christmases at our parents' homes and then at our Christmases in the house we have lived in for 49 years.

Today, we began decorating our house for Christmas 2025. As I was unloading our family manger from 1959, a gift from our parish priest, I carefully removed each piece from the large Christmas box. The 65-year-old manger brought back memories of our home, filled with my five siblings, where the manager was proudly displayed every Christmas. Although the figurines are a little chipped now, each one tells a story. One of our daughters loved to set it up, and it was always interesting and fun to see how she arranged it. She even remembers the story of the donkey losing its ear as Barbie was riding on it over the manger, and it dropped. My mom enjoyed taking pictures of us kneeling before the manger over the years.

It's difficult when you get older and reflect on your early Christmases; you can't help but miss those times. I long for the big family gatherings at my parents' house, the joy of driving around to see the houses all lit up, and our visits to the Blind School to see the little Christmas village.

Christmas was so special; attending church during the holidays, strolling down Main Street on Friday nights while shopping for gifts — everything was beautifully lit up, and we would meet people who greeted us with "Merry Christmas." We never wondered who was coming home for Christmas; we were all coming home.

My favorite stores lined both sides of Main Street. I remember going to Newberry's and W.T. Grant to buy gifts for my brothers and sisters. As children, we loved walking down Main Street, excited to visit those stores. I knew that when I was older, our parents would take their annual trip to Adam Miller's to buy us a special gift.

Walking down Main Street, we could hear Christmas music wafting from the many stores decorated for the holiday. C.L. Carr's was a special department store with four floors of everything you needed for the holidays. And how could I forget the elevator that took us to the various floors? The lower level was the last stop to pick up all your gifts, beautifully wrapped, for free.

I still remember going to Genesee Hardware's toy floor to buy a wedding gown for my Barbie doll in the late '60s.

I loved the holiday meals we shared around our dining room and kitchen tables, which had many leaves to accommodate us all. I miss our home and celebrating the holidays with my family.

Since our parents are no longer with us, it makes celebrating these occasions difficult. We all feel blessed to see our parents' dining room table at my brother's house, my mother's china at my other brother's house, and the kitchen table that once seated all eight of us at my sister's house. Another special memory is the kitchen door that displayed the dates and heights of all the grandchildren; our father loved keeping track of that. That door now belongs to my sister. My mom loved music, and her piano, which is at my other brother's house, will always be remembered for her playing it surrounded by her children.

Even though our parents are gone, along with other cherished family members and friends, we will always feel the warmth in our hearts as we remember our Christmases past. Merry Christmas, baby boomers, and my wonderful readers.