Wednesday News Brief

Batavia Announces Annual Fall Leaf Collection

The City of Batavia says its annual Fall Leaf Collection Program will begin in the coming weeks. Residents are reminded to place leaves only in the parkway area between the sidewalk and curb, not in the roadway.
Officials warn that piles of leaves in the street can create dangerous driving conditions, clog storm drains, and put city crews at risk by forcing them into traffic lanes. The city’s vacuum equipment is designed to pick up leaves safely and efficiently from the parkway.
Residents are asked not to mix in branches, sticks, or other debris that can damage equipment, and to keep piles clear of fire hydrants, utility poles, and mailboxes.
Collection will continue until most leaves are picked up or snowfall begins. Public Works Director Tom Phelps thanked residents for their cooperation, saying proper placement ensures safer, faster service for the entire community.

GLOW Corporate Cup Raises Funds for YMCA, Crossroads House

The 12th annual GLOW Corporate Cup welcomed nearly 800 participants this August, raising money for the GLOW YMCA Scholarship Program, which ensures no one is turned away due to financial need.
As part of the event, teams competed in the T-shirt contest, with Genesee Dental taking the top prize for the second time. Their design, created by Brian Kemp of T-Shirts Etc., earned a $500 donation from Merrill Lynch, which Genesee Dental directed to Crossroads House in Batavia, a nonprofit comfort care home serving Genesee and Wyoming counties.

Batavia Republicans Announce At-Large Council Candidates

At their annual organizational meeting, the City Republican Committee announced three endorsed candidates for the at-large seats on Batavia City Council in the upcoming November election.
Incumbent Eugene Jankowski Jr., a retired police lieutenant and lifelong Batavia resident, is seeking another four-year term. He’s joined by fellow incumbent Richard Richmond, a retired New York State correction officer with more than 40 years of service.
Newcomer Nicholas Lord, a health care director and adjunct professor, rounds out the ticket. A Batavia native, he’s running for his first term.
The candidates say their priorities include keeping property taxes low while maintaining essential services, strengthening public safety and code enforcement, investing in infrastructure and housing, supporting youth sports, upgrading local parks, and advancing downtown revitalization.
They plan to visit neighborhoods in the weeks ahead to hear residents’ concerns and share their vision for the city.

YWCA Launches Domestic Violence Awareness Month Campaign

The YWCA of Genesee County is marking October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month with the theme “Rooted in Safety, Rising in Strength.” Events include a purple ribbon display at the Upton Monument, a food truck rodeo and open house, community outreach during the Batavia Wine Walk, and a “Together We Rise” breakfast and panel at Main Street 56 Theater.
The YWCA provided more than 1,500 services to survivors last year, offering safe shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and prevention education. Community members are encouraged to participate, support survivors, and learn how to help build a safer, stronger Genesee County.

Volleyball

In Genesee County volleyball Tuesday night, Geneseo topped Pavilion 3–1, Byron-Bergen edged Oakfield-Alabama in five, and Alexander beat Lyndonville 3–1. Batavia swept Greece Arcadia in straight sets, led by Lilly Gray’s eight kills and six aces, while Mollie Banford and Karisma Wescott added strong performances. Elba stayed hot with a 3–0 win over Holley — Madison Marks finishing with eight kills and two aces as the Lancers improved to 8–2 on the year.