Friday News Brief
Written by Dan Fischer on April 11, 2025
WBTA Wins BID Business of the Year
A Batavia senior is making waves in the world of healthcare—before she’s even graduated.
Nahiely Dones, a student in the Health Dimensions program at the Batavia CTE Center, has earned first place at the Spring HOSA Leadership Conference—for the second year in a row—in the highly competitive Personal Care event.
She first won the title as a junior, and returned this year not just to defend her crown, but to prepare for her upcoming Certified Nursing Assistant exam in May.
Nahiely says the competition helped her work through nerves and gain confidence in high-pressure situations. And it came in handy—this year’s twist was an unexpected one: instead of a standard hospital bed, she had to make a king-sized bed during the competition. Still, she handled it with professionalism and poise.
“I wasn’t used to that size bed,” she said. “But we practiced so much in class. Repeating skills, reviewing them… I had a strong base to build on.”
Her teacher praised Nahiely’s dedication and compassion, saying she’s grown not just technically, but personally—overcoming anxiety, learning to stay calm under pressure, and always looking to improve.
Nahiely plans to start working in healthcare this summer, and eventually become a trauma care nurse. She says HOSA helped shape her path, and taught her that even when things get tough, “you just have to keep going and never give up.”
Psychic Fair at the Batavia Downs This Weekend
Looking for a little insight into your future—or maybe just some good vibes this weekend?
The Psychic Fair is happening at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel starting today, and running all weekend long. You’ll find psychic readings, spiritual mediums, aura photography, crystals, jewelry, numerology, and more.
It kicks off today from 1 to 6 p.m., then continues Saturday from 11 to 6, and wraps up Sunday from 11 to 5. Whether you’re curious, a believer, or just looking for something unique to do, it’s a great chance to explore the metaphysical side of things.
You’ll find it all at 8315 Park Road in Batavia. For more info, call 585-343-3750.
Flag Football Tournament Coming Up
A Beloved Restaurant is Set to Reopen
Howard Owens with the Batavian reports, A Batavia favorite is back—with a new name and a familiar face behind the bar.
After 45 years in the family, the Mogadore Hillton is reopening as The Mog Bar & Grill, now run by Amy Smith and her husband David Scroger. Amy’s mom, Jane Smith, retired in December, but the community wasn’t ready to say goodbye—so Amy stepped in to keep it going.
The bar has deep roots—originally opened by Amy’s grandfather in 1971, and later expanded into a restaurant by her mom. Amy literally grew up there, and now the family’s next chapter begins.
The Mog serves up cozy, country bar classics—pizza, wings, burgers, and Friday night fish fries, with a homemade special from Jane each week.
Amy says The Mog is all about family and community. “People come in as customers, then become friends, and then become family,” she said.
The grand opening is April 19th at 8100 North Pembroke Road. For hours and info, call 585-762-9917.
Eat for a Good Cause
Grab dinner and give back! Today, from 3 to 6 p.m., Gunsmoke Country Grill in Le Roy is donating 20% of all pre-tax orders to support the Hope Center’s free community programs at no extra cost to you!
Enjoy their famous fish fry or anything off the menu. Dine in or call (585) 538-6569 for takeout.
