On Oct. 20, Zeke Lynn succeeded former chairman Rich Richmond as chairman of the City Republican Committee.

"I am a local born Batavian at heart with strong ties to the community through entrepreneurship, volunteering, and political involvement. I aim to bring a fresh and accessible perspective to the Republican Party, as well as create an opportunity for the younger generation to get involved with local politics. As we enter into a new chapter of politics I look forward to serving and being a resource to my community."

On Monday, Councilwoman Tammy Schmidt submitted her formal resignation, effective this Sunday. This leaves a vacancy for the Sixth Ward council member position. 

Lynn encouraged any Republican interested in serving on Council to submit an email expressing interest in the position.

Press Release:

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, several local women-owned businesses have joined forces for Women Supporting Women, a donation drive benefiting the YWCA of Genesee County.

The initiative will run throughout November, collecting essential everyday items for women affected by domestic violence in the community. Participating businesses are hosting donation boxes where community members can drop off needed supplies, including toiletries, feminine hygiene products, and other personal care items.

All donated items will go directly to women in need, providing support and comfort during challenging times.

Community members are encouraged to make donations at any of the following participating businesses:

- Bar Olo
- Blue Pearl Yoga
- Mrs. Green's Cannary
- Meraki Beauty
- Eden Cafe & Bakeshop
- Jagged Edges Salon
- DixieLand Images

Donations may also be made directly to the YWCA of Genesee County.

The Women Supporting Women donation drive will continue through the end of November, offering community members an opportunity to support local women experiencing difficult circumstances.

For more information about the donation drive, including a list of needed items, visit dixieland-images.com/womensupportingwomen.

Reminders of how the Deal of the Day program works:

• To make purchases, you must be registered. Deal of the Day uses a registration system that is not connected to the registration for commenting on The Batavian (the main user login in the upper left of the homepage).
• Once registered you must sign in using the "sign-in" link in this box.
• You click on the orange button, which appears if the item is not sold out, and it takes you to a PayPal button. This allows you to pay either with your PayPal account or with a credit card/debit card. The login for PayPal is completely separate from our accounts.
• The first person to successfully complete the PayPal transaction wins the gift certificate.
• You are eligible to buy the same item only once in a four-month period. We use the registration system to track this for you so you don't have to.
• Only one gift certificate from the same business PER HOUSEHOLD is allowed in each four-month period. We do not have a way to automatically track duplicate purchases within a household; however, if we notice such a purchase, we reserve the right to cancel the purchase and refund the purchase money. Each individual buyer must use his or her own PayPal account for purchases. It's important that participating businesses not be asked to redeem multiple gift certificates from the same person/family at the same time.
• You will receive your physical gift certificate through postal mail. If you have questions about the receipt of your gift certificate before opening a dispute with PayPal, please use the contact email address below.
• Gift certificates should be used within 30 days of receipt.
• Sign-in issues? First, make sure you are registered for Day using the link at the top of this post; Second, if you know you're registered, use the "sign-in" link in this post; do not use the "login" box on the left side of the page.
• Problems, questions, concerns about the Deal of the Day? Email Kara Richenberg:   kara@thebatavian.com

After Michael Napoleone died at the tender age of 8 after a battle with Burkitt’s lymphoma/leukemia, his parents Mark and Laurie knew they wanted to continue his legacy. 

They just weren’t quite certain how as they gathered some people around their backyard picnic table.

“Laurie said ‘I’m going to start a foundation.’ I was like, OK. And so we didn’t really know what to do. We talked to a few people. They pointed us in the right direction, and we sat around that picnic table on Ross Street, and really didn’t know what we were going to do,” Mark said. “But we knew we wanted to help kids who had cancer. So we got a couple of our friends together and said, ‘this is our vision, this is what we wanted.” We had no idea how to do that, but we wanted to raise money and help kids who were diagnosed with cancer, and help families who had kids diagnosed with cancer.”

The idea evolved into the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation. Founded in 2007, the nonprofit began small and wide open for invitations of possible events, he said. The goal was to raise money, and everyone on board brought the passion, as they raised one or two thousand dollars at a time, he said.

“We talked to other foundations, and they told us don’t burn out your volunteers, don’t burn out your board with little things. Little things are fine when you start to get going, but look at something a little bigger” he said. “And we tried to get something bigger and bigger, and so we wanted to put all our efforts towards something that was going to be substantial enough to sustain a couple of years.”

Events grew larger, along with the fundraising opportunities — from sharing about the foundation on a Batavia football field to morphing into Kentucky Derby parties and tailgate events for Buffalo Bills games.

With a tagline of “Lend a Hand for Hope,” the foundation has extended that hand to more than 670 families, with a total of $1,025,350 going toward family giving, $79,280 for youth, and $104,350 for research. 

Michael was 7 years old when diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma, an aggressive form of blood cancer.  

“Diagnosed on Thanksgiving Day in 2005, the next 14 months became a nightmare of chemotherapy, radiation, relapse, transplant, and a fight against a relentless disease,” Laurie said. “Michael passed away on Dec. 30, 2006. Through those very dark days, family, friends and strangers brought light by means of help and assistance through fundraisers, financial, and emotional support.”

The many blessings through the goodness of others allowed the Napoleone family to know they were not alone and that “true goodness and God’s blessings” became an anchor in the midst of one of life’s worst storms, she said. 

Upon Michael’s passing, they poured their love for Michael into giving back to others that would find themselves in the midst of a childhood cancer diagnosis. The Napoleones wanted to pay forward all that they had received when the community rallied around the family to assist with food, gas, medical bills, and other necessities, the couple said.

The Foundation moved from the picnic table to a structured board of directors, consistent meeting times, and a group of committed individuals to focus on a mission to assist families, Laurie said.

“It was also important to think about Michael and his love of sports,” she said. “And though family assistance was the priority, the mission also included funding to local youth activities and research to find improved treatment and hopefully more cures.”

What began as a grassroots organization in Batavia has blossomed into reaching families “all over New York State,” Mark said. Assistance has been increased to about $2,000 per family now, he said, which can help with medical and other expenses that ease a family’s burden.

“Some families have no money, their income is under $10,000. It really hits you,” he said. “There are people out there that really need your help to pay their bills.”

It can become dire when a utility bill can't be paid and a child's medicine must be refrigerated, he said.

Throughout all of the stories, fundraising, events, and effort, Michael is with them “every day,” his dad said.

“He’s the inspiration behind it all. His legacy is still going, and he’s still touching people with his heart,” Mark said. “He had a good heart.”

The Napoleones, on behalf of the Foundation, said thanks to all who have given a “hand for hope.”

“You have truly made a difference for the families served and the efforts as the mission moves forward,” Laurie said.

Mark added that moving forward will mean some type of celebration of the Foundation’s 20th anniversary in 2027. Plans are in the works, he said, since “it’s quite a milestone” to endure and raise more than $1 million for the cause.

“Giving money to the families is our most important part of our foundation. I always said from day one, we'll always have money to give to families because that's the most important thing. I mean, research is important, the money towards youth grants is important, but the most important one is helping families out,” he said. “We're like, wow, a million dollars. But it's kind of bittersweet. We were happy that we had raised enough money to give a million dollars to these families. But on the other hand, there's a lot of sick kids out there that we gave a million dollars to, and it's not changing. We keep getting requests every month. I mean, research can't go fast enough.”

To Lend a Hand for Hope, donations may be made via Venmo @MNMF8, mailed to P.O. BOX 267, Batavia, NY, 14020 or through the website. 

Germayne D. Session, 32, Roxcie D. Teal, 46, and Melvin Lloyd, 38, were each charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd with intent to sell, criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th and criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on East Main Street and observed narcotics inside. When officers attempted to remove the occupants, the vehicle fled. The three were later taken into custody without incident in a driveway on Margaret Place after a citizen reported people trying to get into another vehicle there. Large amounts of narcotics and paraphernalia were recovered. All three were arraigned on Oct. 12.

Avon defeated Byron-Bergen, 1-0, in a girls soccer sectional semifinal Tuesday night.

Emma Geary scored the game’s only goal for Avon with 18:08 remaining, sending the River Hawks past Byron-Bergen and into the next round of sectional play.

Photos by: Jennifer DiQuattro Photography

Registration is open for the 2026 Batavia Christmas in the City Parade, which will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.

Organizers are inviting businesses, organizations, groups and teams to take part. There is no fee to participate. The deadline to register is Monday, Nov. 16.

To register, participants must complete the parade registration application and a hold harmless agreement, which must be signed. Both forms are combined in one PDF. They can be returned by email to BataviaChristmasInTheCity@gmail.com.

Organizers will give registered participants more information on parade staging, arrival times and lineup instructions closer to the event.

Organizers also ask that groups not include their own Santa Claus in the parade. Santa is reserved for the official Christmas in the City festivities.

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel announced that on Thursday, Oct. 29, it will kick off Halloween weekend by hosting its second annual Trick or Treat at the Track event.

“We had such a great turnout last year for Trick or Treat Night at the Track that we look forward to doing it again,” said Byron Brown, president and CEO of Batavia Downs. “We have a number of family-friendly events planned this Thursday as we begin a busy weekend of activities at Batavia Downs.”

Starting Thursday at 4 p.m., kids 13 and under can trick-or-treat in costume at five locations inside Batavia Downs during the live racing event that night. Trick-or-treating will conclude after the costume contest.

Trick-or-treat locations include: The Witch’s Winner’s Circle on the first floor. Candy can also be picked up at The Ghostly Grandstand, The Hair-Raising Hotel, The Wicked Wager Window inside the ITW and The Creepy Clubhouse on the second floor.

Inside the Genesee Room on the second floor, there will be several tables with Halloween-themed coloring sheets for kids to color on. Crayons will be provided.

“No one loves Halloween more than kids,” said Ryan Hasenauer, vice president of business development at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel. “This is an opportunity for area families to enjoy a fun night at the track collecting candy, meeting horses while also taking part in activities like holiday coloring and a costume contest.”

Following the first race, kids 13 and under are invited to the winner’s circle to meet and pet Tiko, our outrider horse. After the second race, kids 13 and under can stay in the winner’s circle area for a costume contest. Winners will receive Buffalo football goodies from Batavia Downs.

While kids are allowed in all racing areas, NYS Gaming Regulations do not permit anyone under 18 on the gaming floor.

On Friday, Oct. 30, join Batavia Downs inside 34 Rush for a pre-Halloween get-together with live music from Monster Boogie. Food and drink specials will be available inside 34 Rush that evening, and guests can enjoy the first night of the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland.

On Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31, Batavia Downs will be hosting several events:

Those 18 or older will receive $5 free play for dressing in costume — per NYS Gaming Regulations, your costume may not conceal or change your identity, nor can it feature any real or faux weapons. Guests in costume will also receive an entry into $100 gift card giveaways at 9 p.m.

Drawings: $100 free play Hot Seat Drawings will be taking place on the gaming floor from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. These winners will also receive a pair of tickets for a guided tour of the Rolling Hills Asylum. At 9 p.m., three winners will be selected to win $100 in Amazon and Old Navy gift cards. At 9:30 p.m., a drawing for $2,500 cash will take place.

Racing: Batavia Downs has live racing at 5 p.m. Saturday is the second day of the annual Breeders’ Cup races from Keeneland. Wagering is available in the Clubhouse, Park Place or at the ITW. The Breeders’ Cup Classic is at 6:16 p.m., featuring last year’s champion, Forever Young, as well as this year’s Derby and Belmont winner, Golden Tempo.

Halloween festivities at 34 Rush: Guests can watch the Buffalo Sabers game at 4 p.m. and enjoy food specials like $12 flatbread pizzas, $17 wing special and $20 pizza/wing combo, alongside drink specials including a bucket of Bud Light bottles for $25. Local rock band Knight Patrol will be providing live music that evening beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Press release:

The City of Batavia will be replacing one of its high service pumps at the Water Filtration Plant on Wednesday at around 8 a.m. The high service pumps push treated water into the city’s distribution system. Replacing this pump may cause discoloration or cloudiness in your water.

We apologize for any inconvenience. We appreciate your patience as we work to install the new high service pump and return to normal operation.

The congressional race in the 24th District pits incumbent Republican and Conservative candidate Claudia Tenney, of Cleveland, N.Y., against challenger Alissa Ellman of Lockport, a Democratic and Working Families parties candidate. The Batavian asked the candidates five questions about various topics to see how they would take on various challenges if they win. Tenney and her campaign had not responded to the questions as of this afternoon.

1. What should Congress' priorities be regarding support for veterans? Is enough being done for veterans at the federal level, and if not, what else needs to be done?

2. How do we make New York State more affordable, especially when you're talking about healthcare costs and the cost of electricity?
"We can cut the cost of electricity by building new sources of power. I'm a big fan of wind and solar to augment our current energy infrastructure. We don’t need to reduce or stop using our current energy production to add more; my goal is lower prices for the working class. I also think we can reduce energy prices by opposing new data centers."

3. Given the criticism and concern from local leaders in Genesee County and from some residents, where do you stand on the issue of large solar projects leasing valuable farmland locally? Do you see large solar development as a good thing for your district, or should it be more restricted, and why?
"I think solar investment is a good thing. We obviously want to make sure these developments fit in well with our region’s infrastructure and agriculture, but more energy sources will help lower energy costs."

4. What do we need to do to respond to concerns of businesses about the business climate in the state of New York? What is the biggest cause of the problems facing businesses and how do we address that cause?
"Tariffs and energy costs are the biggest problems facing the businesses in New York. Plenty of businesses I have visited are feeling strained by the rising costs of goods and power. I will vote to end the illegal tariffs and the illegal war in Iran to lower costs." 

5. Why are you the better candidate for the people's vote -- what sets you apart from your opponent?
"I am a veteran and a working-class mom. I’m disgusted by the money that funds most politicians. Seventy-five percent of my money comes from NY-24, and 82% from New York state as a whole. If we want to fight corruption and get real change, we need to elect people who will represent the people of this district."

Since it opened about eight months ago, Freedom Athletics Center in Le Roy has become a home for athletes and families, and has given more athletes something to cheer about.

"Before Freedom Athletics Center, families looking for these opportunities often had to travel outside the county to larger programs in the Rochester or Buffalo areas. For some families, that travel simply isn't realistic when you factor in work schedules, other children, transportation, and the financial commitment," said Director Kelly Crocker. "We wanted to change that. Our goal was to bring quality instruction, competitive opportunities, and year-round skill development directly into our community while keeping the programs as affordable as possible."

The facility at 3 West Avenue

When you first get to 3 West Avenue, you'll see a Dollar General store. Going down the driveway between Dollar General and a white house will bring you to the 3,600-square-foot building. The cheer season began July 20 and ends with the Nov. 14 New York State All-Star Alliance (NYSAA) state competition. However, there is also year-round training.

In the beginning, the cheer athletes practiced at local parks in Caledonia.

"When the weather became too cold, we were fortunate enough to have the support of the Caledonia-Mumford School District, which allowed us to utilize gym space. We're incredibly grateful for that support," Crocker said. "As our program continued to grow, so did the requests from parents and athletes for additional tumbling classes, skill development, and opportunities beyond our recreational season. For nearly two years, we searched for a permanent space that could accommodate everything we envisioned. When we finally came across the property at 3 West Avenue in Le Roy, we knew we had found an opportunity to bring those ideas together. We saw a tremendous need for these opportunities in Genesee County, not only for our own athletes but also for so many children throughout the area who don't have easy access to competitive cheerleading and tumbling instruction."

The space, home to Freedom Athletics Center since February, was previously part of MVP Physical Therapy. It features a full nine-panel cheerleading floor, with a half-court basketball court underneath. 

"This allows us to utilize the same space for multiple sports and activities, making the facility much more versatile for our athletes and the community," Crocker said. "But one of the things we're most proud of is that Freedom Athletics Center isn't just a home for our own programs. It's a space we want to share with other local youth organizations. That's why we offer our facility to local nonprofit youth programs at a very affordable rental rate. Just this year, we've had the opportunity to welcome Byron-Bergen softball, Le Roy soccer, and a local basketball program into our space."

More information may be found at https://freedomathleticscenter.com.

Freedom Rec Cheer, Freedom X Elite and tumbling classes

Freedom Rec Cheer was established in November 2023, beginning with just 62 athletes. The first official season kicked off in July 2024.

"The idea came from seeing a growing need among parents and athletes who wanted something beyond traditional sideline cheerleading," Crocker said. "Their opportunities to compete were often limited by the rules and schedules of the football and cheer leagues they belonged to. We wanted cheerleading to be more than just a sideline activity. We wanted our athletes to have their own sport, their own competitions, and their own opportunities to shine."

In traditional football and cheer leagues, athletes are often limited to just one to three competitions per season. With Freedom Rec Cheer, Freedom Athletic Center expanded that to five or six competitions, including the Nov. 14 NYSAA state competition.

Since it started, Freedom Rec Cheer has grown to nearly 100 athletes.

A volunteer-driven organization

There are currently eight board members and 12 Freedom Rec Cheer program coaches, along with coaches supporting our new all-star program. All volunteer their time.

"Some of our coaches bring more than 10 years of cheerleading experience, while others are just beginning their coaching journeys. What makes our organization special is that we're all moms who share the same passion: making sure our kids love the sport and have every opportunity to succeed," Crocker said. "We dedicate countless hours outside of our own jobs, families, and responsibilities to make these programs possible."

The Freedom Rec Cheer program has 12 volunteer coaches who work with recreational athletes for a three-month season. Freedom X Elite has three or four coaches working with its new all-star athletes. Because Freedom X Elite is just getting started, the staff anticipates needing additional coaches as enrollment increases and teams continue to grow.

"We also recently welcomed an amazing tumbling coach to our team just a few months ago," Crocker said. "She plays an important role in our monthly tumbling classes, helping athletes of different ages and skill levels build confidence, improve their technique, and develop new skills. Our coaches are involved in much more than practices. They help with competitions, athlete development, team bonding, fundraising, and creating an environment where every child feels supported."

As the facility and programs continue to expand, so does its need for coaches and volunteers.

"We're incredibly fortunate to have people who believe in what we're building and are willing to give their time to make these opportunities possible," she said. "While the volunteer team has continued to evolve as the Athletics Center grown, the heart of the organization remains the same - parents and community members coming together to create something meaningful for local children."

 

5173 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, New York 14020 - Welcome home to this completely gutted and beautifully remodeled nearly 2,000 sq ft home, where virtually everything has been touched or redone! Step onto the inviting covered front porch with its warm wood ceiling and enter into an oversized, bright kitchen offering abundant cabinetry, generous workspace and a large pantry closet. The spacious front living room is filled with natural light from beautiful windows, while just off the kitchen you’ll find a comfortable family room with sliding doors leading to a pretty patio and built-in fire pit overlooking gorgeous rolling fields and countryside views.The first floor also offers a full bath and a versatile bonus room—perfect for a first-floor bedroom, home office, playroom or media room. Upstairs you’ll find three large, comfortable bedrooms and a huge full bath with convenient laundry.There truly isn’t a bad view from any window, upstairs or down! Updates include siding, roof, windows, mechanicals, flooring, carpeting, cabinetry, fixtures and so much more. Come be pleasantly surprised by all this home has to offer—literally nothing to do for years to come but move in and enjoy!

Scott and Marissa Way had finally found a nice apartment in Batavia that was downtown, affordable, and convenient for the newlywed couple.

They liked everything about City View apartments above the former Save-A-Lot space, except for one thing: the overnight parking fee, Marissa said Monday. The couple attended a City Council conference meeting to share their frustration about having to pay the entirety of the 2026 parking fee, $300, to cover the next two months.

“And then in January we would be required to purchase new stickers for the 2027 year. It's a little ridiculous that I have to pay $600 to park two vehicles in the city of Batavia for a little over a year,” she said. “I believe that it should be a pro-rated system, and I ask if any of you would like to pay this price if you had to. The worst part was me essentially being told ‘tough luck’ by the staff working there.”

Way said that when she came to City Hall to buy parking stickers, staff laughed when she stressed the challenge of putting food on her table versus paying for items that are “completely unreasonably priced,” she said.

The city’s fee is $150 a year per vehicle, which meant a total fee of $300 for the couple’s two vehicles. That was for October to Dec. 31. They will have to pay the fee all over again in January. 

No contingency has been set up for people who buy a parking permit later in the year. That’s about to change, City Manager Rachael Tabelski said.

“I worked with (City Clerk-Treasurer) Heidi to look at doing a six-month, where you get half the amount off if it’s after August,” Tabelski said. “We wouldn’t do it monthly because we can’t have renewals every single month. But we have looked into it, and we’re looking to make that change.”

Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. was all for that, or something — “even quarterly, whatever you guys can do,” he said.

“It doesn’t make sense to pay for two months, and then pay another full year,” he said.

Councilwoman Kathy Briggs questioned why there's a fee at all. 

"It's overnight parking. Why can't it be free?" she said. Maintenance costs and snowplowing are offset with that fee, Tabelski said, and it's more reasonable than in bigger cities.

They are "great apartments" that the Way couple has moved into, Tabelski said.

“We’re glad to have you in Batavia,” she said.