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.

Still need a few gifts? We’ll be open Christmas Eve until 3 p.m. Stop by Oliver’s or Sweet Life Country Store for chocolates, sweet treats, and easy, ready-to-gift favorites for family and friends.

Raine Denny scored 17 points to lead Oakfield-Alabama to a 49-33 victory over Caledonia-Mumford on Monday.

Hadley Hicks added nine points and Allie Williams scored five points and grabbed five rebounds and had three assists for the Hornets.

Allison Harkness had four points, five assists and four rebounds. Chloe Luttrell and Emma Moeller each scored four points.

Rylee Denny had two points and two assists, Alexa Clark scored two points and grabbed six rebounds and Harper Hicks scored two points for Oakfield-Alabama.

"It was a great team win with 9 of our 12 players getting into the scoring column," Oakfield-Alabama coach Jeff Schlagenhauf said. "A solid team effort."

Raine Denny had three assists.

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski

Brea Smith scored 29 points and grabbed 17 rebounds to lead Elba to an 87-27 victory over Barker on Monday.

Lydia Ross added 24 points and had 13 steals for the Lancers.

Brynn Stackhouse and Brooklyn Jachimowicz each scored nine points. Ava Buczek had eight points, eight assists and eight steals for Elba.

"We are starting to figure out our defense, which turns into a fast-paced game on offense," Elba coach Charlie Pangrazio said. "We will continue to pick our pace up on both ends of the floor to get better."

Elba plays Byron-Bergen on Wednesday.

Photos by Debra Reilly

The Genesee County Office for the Aging closed its 2 Bank St. facility following a water outage and relocated staff and services to temporary locations.

OFA staff began operating from temporary locations, including County Building 2, on Monday. The office will remain at the temporary locations until further notice.

Senior Center programming is on hold from Monday through Dec. 26. Senior Center activities will resume Monday, Dec. 29, with most activities at the Genesee County YMCA and some at alternate locations.

"I am embracing the opportunity to demonstrate how amazing OFA staff, county colleagues, and county leadership pull together to do hard things for the good of our community and others, the true meaning of the Holiday season," OFA Director Jessica Riley said.

Riley thanked the New York State Office for the Aging, Aging-NY, Genesee County YMCA, the county manager's office, Legislature, IT Department, HR Department, Facilities and county colleagues for their support in relocating staff, programs, utilities and services.

Community members with questions can contact the Office for the Aging at 585-343-1611.

Individuals seeking walk-in services at County Building 2 should follow posted instructions in the building and call the listed OFA extension upon arrival.

Wade Bianco, former principal of Notre Dame High School in Batavia, received the 2025 National Football Foundation Northeast leadership award at the organization's 23rd annual Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet on Sunday.

The event took place at the RIT Conference & Convention Center.

Bianco served as master of ceremonies for the banquet. He is the president of the Rochester chapter of the National Football Foundation.

Bianco coached at Avon, Oakfield and West Irondequoit during his career. He was selected coach of the year eight times and won sectional championships in 1986 and 2010.

He was named Section V coach of the year in 2010 and coached in the Eddie Meath All-Star Game five times. Bianco served as Monroe League chairman for seven years and was inducted into the Section V football Hall of Fame in 2016.

More than 135 students were honored at the banquet.

Jacob Johnson of Pembroke received a silver award in boys football. Addison Tonzi of Le Roy received a silver award in girls flag football.

Silver award winners received 250ドル scholarships. Gold award winners received 500ドル scholarships.

All youth players and cheerleaders received plaques and dinner at the event.

The Genesee Community College Foundation held its annual Encore Gala on Saturday at the college's Forum.

The event, themed "Celebrating the Season," raised money for student scholarships at GCC.

For over 30 years, Encore has provided funding for student scholarships at Genesee Community College.

Tompkins Financial Corporation served as the presenting sponsor for Encore 2025.

The DSP Jazz Trio entertained during. The cocktail hour included a special holiday fashion display presented by GCC fashion program students in the William W. Stuart Forum.

The event included a dinner.

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra performed a holiday concert in the Stuart Steiner Theatre.

All proceeds from the gala benefit student scholarships at Genesee Community College.

Photos courtesy Genesee Community College.

Press Release

The OFA office at 2 Bank Street remains closed, and services will continue to be provided from alternate locations.

Beginning Monday, Dec. 15, OFA staff will be operating out of County Building 2, located at 3837 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY, and services will continue in this temporary arrangement until further notice.

Community members with questions or in need of more information are encouraged to call the Office for the Aging at 585-343-1611. Individuals seeking walk-in services at County Building 2 should follow posted instructions and call the listed OFA extension upon arrival.

Elba beat Attica 58 to 40 in basketball on Friday.

Scoring for Elba:

• Bing Zuber, 18
• Ryan Marsceill, 18
• Alex Roscoe, 11
• Nicholas Scott, 9

Photos by Debra Reilly

Sonya Miller-Alwardt is collecting shoes in Batavia to support beagles rescued from laboratory testing facilities.

The drive benefits Beagle Lovers and Rescuers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing beagles used in lab testing. The deadline is Jan. 20 with a goal of 5,000 pairs of shoes.

"With so many advancements in technology, it is heartbreaking to think that innocent animals are enduring unnecessary suffering for outdated testing practices," Miller-Alwardt said.

Miller-Alwardt attended a vigil organized by Beagle Lovers and Rescuers and learned about facilities in the area that breed animals for testing.

"It was an eye-opening experience that made me realize the proximity of facilities breeding animals for testing, right in our backyard," she said. "I knew I had to take action."

The shoe drive works through Funds2Orgs, which pays Beagle Lovers and Rescuers by the pound for donated shoes. The shoes help entrepreneurs in developing nations start businesses.

The funding supports investigations, legal advocacy, rescue operations, rehoming efforts, public awareness campaigns and the promotion of modern technology alternatives to animal testing.

Miller-Alwardt has collected more than 200 pairs of shoes.

Four Batavia businesses serve as collection locations:

• The YNGODESS at 73 Main St.,
• Country Max at 4160 Veterans Memorial Drive,
• Mrs. Green's CANNAry at 204 E. Main St. and
• Genesee Feeds at 3860 W. Main St.

"We believe that together, we can make a significant impact, both for the animals in need and for our community spirit," Miller-Alwardt said. "Every pair of shoes collected is a step toward helping these deserving animals find a better life."

Submitted photos.

Santa and Mrs. Claus visited Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle on Center Street in Batavia on Saturday.

Submitted photo.