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Announcements

Woodward library sets up new little Free Community Library at Le Roy Town Hall

By Billie Owens
 
Submitted photo and press release:
 
In cooperation between the Woodward Memorial Library and the Le Roy town government, a permanent "free library" has been set up in the Town Hall at 48 W. Main St.
 
All residents and visitors will be able to access the library during the Town Hall's regular business hours. The library is managed by the Woodward Memorial Library staff, who will deliver books for all ages once a month -- more frequently if necessary. Books are completely free to individuals who wish to take one or two. 
 
The Library reached out to the town government about starting a free library in the Town Hall to provide an additional resource to the community. It is a central location for people passing through town.
 
It also can provide entertainment for children while their parent/caregiver is taking care of errands in the building. They will be able to pick out a book to read while they're there but then take it home as well.

Northgate church to host free 'Vintage Christmas' event on Dec. 8

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Northgate Free Methodist Church invites the community to a "Vintage Christmas" event from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8th.

Enjoy a festive Christmas tractor hayride through our community prayer walk, complete with carols and a retelling of the Christmas story. Come roast marshmallows around our bonfire, eat s’mores, drink hot chocolate, while the children are invited to create ornaments for the tree.

There will be a brief devotional, presented at 6 p.m., to ready our hearts and minds for the Christmas season, accompanied by a spectacular tree lighting. This is a free event, open to all ages, come and go as you please.

Northgate Free Methodist Church is located at 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia. For more information, contact the Northgate office at (585)343-4011 or email office@northgatefmc.com

GC 4-H Program wants to start new local clubs

By Billie Owens
Submitted photo: New Clever Clovers 4-H Club – Byron.

 

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Program is looking to grow more local clubs. Want to start your own local 4-H club but don’t know where to start? You can start a 4-H Club in five easy steps!

  1. Complete the 4-H Volunteer Application Packet
  2. Attend an orientation meeting with 4-H Staff
  3. Enroll five youth members in your club (ages 5 to 18)
  4. Have members choose a club name
  5. Plan a club meeting schedule with parents and youth

The meeting times, locations, and topics are up to the club leader(s). If you are interested in becoming a leader and forming a new club, please contact Brandie or Jessica at the 4-H Office for more information. Call 585-343-3040 or email genesee4h@cornell.edu

CMVA 19-6 Broken Arrow donates $1K to Batavia PTSD Clinic

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

CVMA 19-6 Broken Arrow chapter donated $1000 in gift cards to the VA PTSD Residential Programs on Monday (Nov. 19) at the Batavia VA. The gift cards to Walmart, Tops and Target will be used to enhance programming for veterans while at the facility.

It gives us so much joy to able to give back with all the help from the folks that contribute to “Vets helping Vets," an organizer said.

Thanks again to all our supporters!

About CMVA
The nonprofit Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is a group of combat veterans who joined together to form a brotherhood of men and women who have in common the trials of serving in defense of our country and the love of riding.
 
The association is comprised of combat veterans, supporters, and auxiliary members who share a love of riding motorcycles. Its mission is to support and defend those who have defended our country and our freedoms.
 
The Western New York Chapter is based in Akron.
 
Below, from left, are: Andy McCann, Patrick McCann, Chad Liggetto, Brian Fitzgerald and Nick Pilozzi.

Elba School is hosting 'Pancakes for Paws' at Applebee's to benefit Sheriff's K9 Fund

By Billie Owens

"Pancakes for Paws" flapjack fundraiser to benefit the Genesee County Sheriff's Office K9 Fund will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9, at Applebee's Restaurant in Batavia.

This event is sponsored by the Elementary School Council of Elba Central School.

Tickets are $6. For this special fundraiser, tickets WILL BE available at the door. However, Applebee's would like to anticipate the number of people who will attend, so please contact either of the following two people with a head count for your party:

  • 1) Elba schoolteacher Mrs. Pietrzykowski at 757-9967, ext. 1480, or email her at:   gpietrzykowski@elbacsd.org
  • 2) Carolyn DellaPenna, confidential secretary to the GC Sheriff, at 345-3000, ext. 3510, or email her at:   Carolyn.DellaPenna@co.genesee.ny.us

Applebee's is located at 8322 Lewiston Road.

Deputy Christopher Erion -- a 1993 graduate of Elba Central School -- recently lost his K9 service dog Destro to cancer.

The initial cost to get another police dog is estimated to be nearly $15,000.

Sixth annual Caryville Inn 5K & Turkey Trot is Thursday, benefits Sheriff's K9 Fund

By Billie Owens

The sixth annual Caryville Inn 5K & Turkey Trot will be held on Thanksgiving Day -- Thursday, Nov. 22 -- in memory of K9 "Destro."

Registration begins at 8 a.m., with race starting at 9 at Caryville Inn, located at 25 Main St. in the Village of Oakfield.

Proceeds benefit the Genesee County Sheriff's Office K9 Fund.

Preregistration is $20, with T-shirts available for participants while supplies last.

Register via email:   caryvilleinn@gmail.com

Or in person at Caryville Inn during normal business hours.

Questions? Call 948-9780.

Buffalo Community Foundation accepting GC applications for grant money

By Billie Owens

BUFFALO – The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is now accepting applications for the 2019 Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Funds competitive grant process.

Grants will support the following areas of interest:

  • Caregivers
  • Community Assets*

  • Design and Access

  • Youth Sports

Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located within the eight counties of Western New York, including: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming.

For Caregivers and Design and Access grants, government agencies also may apply.

*For Community Assets grants, only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that reside in Erie County may apply.

Applications are due Jan. 7.

For more information about deadlines and eligibility, and to apply, please visit

www.cfgb.org/nonprofits/grants/ralph-wilson-legacy/

###

About the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, a 501 (C)(3) organization, was established in 1919 to enhance and encourage long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. The Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. For nearly 100 years, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to its care. For more information, visit www.cfgb.org.

About the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Funds
The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Funds were established at the Community Foundation to provide support to four areas that were important to Mr. Wilson: caregivers, community assets, design and access, and youth sports. Endowment funds, like these created to honor Mr. Wilson, are designed to grow over time and provide funding for charitable causes according to a client’s wishes.

Le Roy Ambulance Service offers free blood pressure screenings

By Billie Owens

Press release:

According to the American Heart Association 46 percent of Americans have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

High blood pressure threatens your health and quality of life. Left untreated, it can cause stroke, heart failure, vision loss, heart attack, kidney disease, and sexual dysfunction as well as a variety of other health problems.

Le Roy Ambulance Service recognizes these risks, and is now offering free blood pressure screenings to members of the public. We will check your blood pressure for free as often as you’d like and track it over time to monitor for changes.

If you’d like to take advantage of this free service, simply stop into the Le Roy Ambulance base between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. and our on duty crew will be glad to assist you. It is located at 1 Tountas Ave. in the Village of Le Roy.

If they do not answer the door, they are likely out handling a 9-1-1 call and we would ask that you stop back at a later time. As always, if you have an emergency please dial 9-1-1 immediately.

Le Roy Ambulance is proud to support preventative health measures to work toward our goal of a happy, healthy community.

Genesee County part of statewide STOP-DWI efforts next week

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI Coordinator Matt Landers announced today that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.

On Thanksgiving weekend, millions will hit the roads eager to spend time with family and friends. It’s one of the busiest travel times of the year, and unfortunately more people on the roadways means the potential for more vehicle crashes.

In a combined effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads. The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on Wednesday, Nov. 21st and will end on Sunday, Nov 25th.

Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem. New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.

The STOP-DWI Thanksgiving Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Throughout the remainder of the year the Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign will also target the national Holiday Season in December.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

You can help to make a difference by Having a Sober Plan! Download our mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp

Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

St. James holds pie sale, soup sale, and basket raffle this Saturday

By Billie Owens

St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia announced that its first Pie Sale/Basket Raffle will be held this Saturday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the church, 405 E. Main St. Admission is free.

Known for the wonderful desserts served at Lenten Fish Fries, the bakers of the parish have been busy in the church kitchen making apple and pumpkin pies for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Stop in to buy a homemade pie for $8. Hot soup (eat-in or take-out) will also be available for sale.

A variety of gift baskets have been assembled, including a cash treasure chest and a lottery tree. Tickets will be on sale throughout the event and you need not be present to win.

Dorian Ely, one of the organizers, said, “We hope the community will support this beautiful historic church by stopping by on Saturday, purchasing some raffle tickets, a pie, and maybe even grabbing a cup of hot soup to speed them on their way during this busy holiday season.”

The phone number at the church is 343-6802.

NYS DOT to hold public meeting Nov. 14 on proposed roundabout in Alabama

By Billie Owens

Public Notice

The NYS Dept. of Transportation will have a public information meeting at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 14, at the Alabama Fire Department Recreation Hall, 2230 Judge Road, Alabama.

This meeting is open to the public and will provide information regarding the proposed roundabout at the Ledge/Alleghany Road intersection.

One-man show of Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' at GCC Dec. 21, benefits college History Club

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The Genesee Community College History Club is excited to once again celebrate the holiday season as Charles Dickens, played by WKBW-TV's Meteorologist Mike Randall, presents "A Christmas Carol." All are invited to the College's Batavia Campus on Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. to enjoy this festive and heart-warming storytelling experience. 

A multifaceted actor, Randall studied both theater and meteorology in school and since 1983, Randall has reported the weather on WKBW-TV in Buffalo. An award-winning reporter, his interview repertoire includes such talents as Willie Nelson, Jerry Lewis, John Candy, Steve Allen, Gregory Peck and Robert Goulet. In September 2017, Randall was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Back in 1868, Charles Dickens toured the country bringing his classic novel, "A Christmas Carol" to audiences everywhere. Nearly century and a half ago, Dickens' performances were completely sold out in Buffalo. For the last decade, with only a replica of Dickens' famous velvet, fringed reading lectern and a copy of "A Christmas Carol," Randall has been transforming himself into Dickens, recreating the original tour atmosphere in stages, halls, classrooms and many other venues.

Randall performs in a period costume with a beard and wavy hair, and through his expert theatrics he brings Charles Dickens to life. He plays each of the novel's characters with distinguishing voices and mannerisms capturing all of the subtle comedic timing of Dickens' original work.

The performance will take place at GCC's Batavia Campus in the Stuart Steiner Theatre. Tickets for the performances are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Advanced ticket purchases are strongly recommended as seating is limited! 

Proceeds from the performance will go to the Genesee Community College History Club.

"When the History Club presented this event last year, many people indicated they enjoyed it so much that they'd like to see it," said Derek D. Maxfield, GCC's associate history professor and advisor to the History Club. "As the program helps my students learn about value of coordinating and planning events that embrace history and engage the community, it is a simultaneously a pleasure to watch local friends and families enjoy a holiday event that is fun for all ages." 

For advanced tickets or more information, contact Associate Professor of History Derek D. Maxfield at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6288, or via email: ddmaxfield@genesee.edu.

New executive director announced for United Way, starts Nov. 19

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

United Way of Genesee County’s Board of Directors announced the selection of Tammy Hathaway as Executive Director. She will begin her duties Nov.19th.

Prior to joining United Way, she was employed as Account Executive at Tompkins Insurance Agencies and the Bank of Castile.

Erik Fix, former United Way of Genesee County Executive Director, announced his departure from the organization in September. Jennifer Gray has served as Interim Executive Director as United Way and the Genesee County Board of Directors performed a thorough search for the position.

Hathaway brings 17 years of experience working and volunteering in the non-profit and human service arena to the United Way of Genesee County. She previously conducted the PathStone Homebuyer Program as a part of Habitat for Humanity for Genesee County. Most recently, she has been an active United Way of Genesee County Board Member and has been a champion of the Genesee and Orleans Regional Arts Council, GO-ART!

“The Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Tammy in this capacity," said Theresa DeMars, United Way of Genesee County Board chair. "Her experience and passion for the community makes her an ideal fit. We are looking forward to have Tammy grow the United Way of Genesee County and lead us into the future.”

United Way of Genesee County’s 2019 Campaign is underway, led by the Women of the Board.

For more information about United Way of Genesee County, please visit this website:  uwgeneseecounty.org

Veterans Day ceremonies scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 11 in Genesee County

By Billie Owens

From William R. Joyce, CSM (retired), director, Genesee County Veterans Service Agency:

"Honor, respect and guard your freedom for it comes from the blood of those who gave their life for it."

Veterans Day Ceremonies Schedule for Sunday, Nov. 11

  • 9 a.m. -- Genesee County Park & Forest (VVA)
  • 10 a.m. -- Batavia VAMC
  • 10:15 a.m. -- NYS Vets’ Home
  • 11 a.m. -- Upton Monument
  • 11:30 a.m. -- Jerome Center (UMMC)

Organizations Participating

  • Veterans of Foreign Wars of Genesee County
  • Genesee County American Legion
  • Disabled American Veterans – Chapter #166
  • Marine Corps League – Hansen Brothers Detachment
  • Vietnam Veterans of America – Chapter #193

Call of entries for Nov. 7 public artwork show at Moonjava Cafe

By Billie Owens

The Independant Living Center of the Genesee Region is calling for entries of artwork to be exhibited in the "Art of the Town" free public art display on Wednesday, Nov. 7.

The exhibit will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at Moonjava Cafe, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia.

For information and submission guidelines, contact Cathy DeMare at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400.

The exhibit is presented by ILCGR, Moonjava Cafe and the University Heights Arts Association.

Bang a gong: Blue Pearl Yoga hosts Healing Sound Bath Nov. 10

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Blue Pearl Yoga (200 E. Main St., Batavia) will host a Healing Sound Bath from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10 featuring Sonam Targee of Ancient Universal Medicine, Rochester.

Targeee will also be teaching a three-hour Nada Yoga Workshop that afternoon in cooperation with the Yoga Teacher Training occurring at Blue Pearl.

He is a professional complementary medicine practitioner and musician with more than three decades of experience counseling thousands of people in the art of gaining the knowledge necessary to improve their health.

A Sound Bath is a musical and spiritual journey, a healing meditation through the use of sound and music. It is deeply relaxing and comforting, allowing you to let go of anxiety and worries, open your heart and create a profound sense of inner peace, the place where healing can happen.

The sounds come from many instruments from all around the world, and can include crystal singing bowls, five-metal singing bowls, voice, flutes from around the world, shakers and rattles, didgeridoo, hammer dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, tanpoori, tabla, frame drum, gongs, recorders, harmonium, and harmonica.

The music is evocative of ancient temples, caves, and ancient tree groves. No participation other than active listening is required. It’s like a purifying shower of love through sound!

A Sound Bath uses the ancient Indian system of Nada Yoga, the science of sound for transformation. In Yogic philosophy (and quantum physics) everything in the universe is made of energy and possesses a basic vibration that interacts with everything else, including your body and mind. If you can imagine your body like a guitar, disease and discomfort can arise because your guitar strings are out of tune, the music of the body has literally gone out of tune.

We can use music, sound, and the principles of Nada yoga to “tune” our bodies, bring back equilibrium, and facilitate healing. Come and experience why music soothes the savage beast. It’s cool science! All are welcome!

Cost is $25 (or two class card punches). Purchase by Friday, Nov. 9. Tickets can be purchased at bp-yoga.com.

Great Batavia Train Show is Nov. 11 at Richard C. Call Arena

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers announces that their semi-annual Great Batavia Train Show will be held at the Richard C. Call Arena in Batavia on Sunday, Nov. 11. The new venue on the campus of Genesee Community College offers unmatched convenience and for attendees and vendors.

•  Date: 
Sunday, Nov. 11

•  Location: 
Richard C. Call Arena at Genesee Community College

•  Admission: 
$6 adults, $3 under 18, children under 13 are free

•  Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

•  Features: Vendor tables, door prizes, free parking

For more than 40 years the Great Batavia Train Show has been one of the premier hobby events in Western New York. Our move to the Richard C. Call arena at Genesee Community College has allowed us to grow the event in a state-of-the-art facility.

All forms of model railroad and train-related merchandise will be available. Items offered include all scales of model trains, clothing, historic railroad items, books, videos and toys. Modeling demonstrations, and door prizes featuring great railroad items, will be part of the fun. 

About the organizing group: 


The Genesee Society of Model Engineers has promoted the hobby of model railroading in the Western New York area for nearly 50 years. This not-for-profit organization is headquartered at 50 Main St. in Oakfield. In our facility above the M&T Bank, our membership maintains four operating model train displays. An open house is offered free to the public each December, and visitors are welcome on Tuesday evenings.

 Train Show Chairman: 
Mike Pyszczek

•  Phone: 
585-768-4579

•  Email: 

bataviatrainshow@gsme.org

•  Website: 
www.gsme.org

•  Mailing address: 
GSME, P.O. Box 75, Oakfield, NY 14125

Alexander Fire Department hosts annual Fall Gun Raffle Saturday evening at rec hall

By Billie Owens

The Alexander Fire Department will be hosting its annual Fall Gun Raffle at the rec hall from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3rd.

Tickets are $25, which will include 25 guns and four cash prizes.

Also, floor raffles with eight guns, 50/50, pull tabs and door raffles will be included throughout the evening. Only 975 tickets will be sold.

Ticket admits one person.

Tickets are available at the Alexander Country Deli, Sunnyside Cycle or by calling 585-507-9930.

Alexander Fire Department Rec Hall is located at 10708 Route 98, Attica.

Elba native and retired city firefighter has exhibit of paintings in Richmond library

By Billie Owens

These are some of the works by native of Elba artist Andy Hare and they are being exhibited at Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia through Oct. 31.

He retired after serving 25 years in the City of Batavia Fire Department and currently lives in his hometown of Elba. He and his wife, glass artist Dawn Hare, and daughter Hayley moved back after spending six years in coastal Georgia.

"I've been painting for years and am self taught," Hare wrote us in an email. "I work in mostly oil, with a side order of watercolor. It's mostly nature, lots of skies and water. I like doing seascapes, golf scapes, and lots of lighthouses (they sell pretty easy!).

City firefighters announce winners of 2018 Fire Prevention Coloring Contest

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Fighters are proud to announce the winners of our sixth Annual Fire Prevention Contest. With more than 400 artwork entries from Batavia Schools, this contest was very difficult to judge.

The theme was: “LOOK. LISTEN. LEARN. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.”

Congratulations to the following winners:

Grade K-1:

First Place -- Adam Laska -- St. Joseph School, Ms. Zambito, 1st grade

Second Place -- Savannah Conrad – St. Joseph School, Mrs. Case, kindergarten

Third Place -- Elliana Fava -- St. Joseph School, Ms. Zambito, 1st grade

Honorable Mention -- Ella Thaine -- S.t Paul Lutheran School, Mrs. Porter, 1st grade

Grade 2-3:

First Place -- Lillian McClellan -- St. Paul Lutheran School, Mrs. Porter, 3rd grade

Second Place -- Abilene Foss -- St. Joseph School, Mrs. Clattenburg, 3rd grade

Third Place -- Leo Russell – John Kennedy School, Mrs. Dobbertin, 3rd grade

Honorable Mention -- Olivia Bezon – St. Joseph School, Mrs. Starowitz, 2nd grade
 
Grade 4-5:
 
First Place -- Celes Paratore -- St. Paul Lutheran School, Mrs. Porter, 5th grade
 
Second Place -- Libby Grazioplene – Batavia Middle School, Mrs. Leone, 5th grade
 
Third Place -- Sinciera Jackson – Batavia Middle School
 
Honorable Mention -- Sophie Koladzinski – Batavia Middle School
 
The first-place winner of each group will receive a ride to school on a City Fire Engine, dates TBA.
 
An awards luncheon will be held this Saturday, Oct. 27, from 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. at the Fire Station on Evans Street for all the winners listed above. These students and their families are encouraged to attend.
 
Thank you to all the teachers and students who participated in this year’s contest and congratulations to our winners!

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