Announcements

Byron Fire Department will hold a Sportsman’s Raffle on Saturday, Sept. 30^th at Byron Fire Hall, 6357 Townline Road, Byron.

Doors open at noon, event is from 1 – 5 p.m., meal included with ticket.

Tickets ($20 each) for the event may be purchased from any member of our department.

Tickets may only be purchased by those 18 years of age and older.

Each ticket allows the holder entry on the day of the event, food (snacks & meal) and beverage, as well as a chance to win one of 15 prizes (refer to ticket itself).

Ticket holders do not need to be present to win; winners of firearms will be subject to federal background check. Event will also include a door prize, additional side raffles and pull tabs.

Proceeds benefit Byron Fire Department.

For more info contact Joe Wells 585-409-1270.

Submitted photo and press release:

The 17th Annual Van Hulburt Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit Crossroads House took place on Thursday, Aug.17^th at the Batavia Country Club.

The tournament is hosted by the Hesperus Lodge No. 837 in Bergen and the Hulburt family. Van Hulburt was an educator and leader in the Bergen community and his family dedicates the proceeds from the tournament each year through the Lodge of which Van was a member.

The tournament is the longest running outside fundraiser for Crossroads House and has raised over $80,000 since its inception.

A check in the amount of $7,300 was presented to Crossroads House on Sept. 7^th at the Lodge.

Pictured from left are: Marty Krause, tournament chairman; Helen Hulburt, wife of Van Hulburt; and Jeff Allen, Crossroads House executive director.

The Sleds of Stafford Snowmobile Club will present the 11th annual Vintage Snowmobile/Outdoor Show starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17, at BW's Restaurant/DC Meadows.

The venue is located at 11070 Perry Road in Pavilion.

Entrance fee is $3 per person.

There will be new and used equipment, accessories and trailers.

Refreshments, breakfast and lunch available for purchase.

Door prizes to be awarded at 2 p.m. There will be progressive 50/50 raffle tickets sold ($5 donation); the winner will be drawn at the steak dinner at the end of the day. You can also buy steak dinner tickets.

Genesee County DMV personnel will be on hand from noon to 3 p.m. for sled registrations only license renewals. Sleds of Stafford membership renewals will also be available. Payments by check only!

For more information contact, Kelly Cordell at 356-9150.

Press release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will hold its Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Terry Hills. The meeting is free to attend and all are welcome.

Light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Venue size is limited; RSVP by Oct. 10 to Samantha at 585-343-3040 *123 or sls428@cornell.edu if you plan to attend.

Press release:

The consequences of domestic violence can last a lifetime. It is an epidemic that affects individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race or religion. It takes place in many forms – physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse – and the results are devastating. For that reason, the Assembly Minority Conference Steering Committee has been tasked to address the complex issues involved in the prevention of, and response to, domestic violence in New York communities.

The committee will hold regional forums focused on identifying gaps in services and programs for domestic violence victims, enhancing and creating pathways which ensure greater safety for victims and ensuring law enforcement measures are in place to hold abusers accountable. The third event will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the YWCA of Genesee County, 301 North St., Batavia.

“Domestic violence is a scourge that affects the lives of its victims forever. We must employ every tool to combat its devastating impact and protect those who have suffered under its oppressive grasp,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia). ”By hosting this event, those impacted by domestic violence and those who work to prevent it can open up a dialogue and search together for new, innovative ways to mitigate domestic violence for its countless victims.”

Representatives from nonprofit service providers, community-based domestic violence experts, law enforcement and the criminal justice system have been invited to attend and provide testimony. Additionally, the committee will welcome written and/or oral testimony from families and those with firsthand experience of the tragic devastation domestic violence can inflict. 

“Domestic violence continues to tragically impact families across the state. As a former police officer, I have seen firsthand the toll these incidents can cause,” said Assemblyman Al Graf (R,C,I,Ref-Holbrook). “We must remain committed to a comprehensive approach which provides victims with the necessary tools and support to escape dangerous situations and holds abusers accountable for their gross actions.”

“Every day, victims of domestic abuse are forced to live in fear, suffer debilitating anxiety and face uncertainty about the well-being of themselves and their loved ones. This is simply unacceptable,” said Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,C,I-Gowanda) Steering Committee Chairman.

“These forums will provide an opportunity to gather information about what is and isn’t working from all stakeholders involved, including those in law enforcement, the criminal justice system and community support programs. We want to help make our communities safer by providing greater protections for victims of domestic abuse and enacting policies that further prevent these situations from occurring.”

Press release:

If you’re in Genesee, Orleans or Wyoming counties, and have issues with dealing constructively with your anger, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will soon begin a series of FREE 12-week Anger Management workshops.

The group will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. every Tuesday from Sept. 19^th to Dec. 5^th, at ILGR’s office, 113 Main St. at Center Street, Suite 5, in Batavia.

Facilitated by Independent Living specialist Debra McKnight, the purpose of this group is to help individuals with anger Issues using different Conflict Resolution Strategies to better manage and resolve conflicts in their lives.

It is open to individuals who are mandated by the courts or boards of parole, as well as the general public, and Completion Certificates will be issued to those attending all 12 sessions.

Participants MUST preregister to attend; to RSVP or get more information, please call Debra McKnight at (585) 815-8501, ext. 408, or email her at dmcknight@wnyil.org.  

ILGR is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Press release:

As summer comes to an end, Darien Lake is preparing for its third annual Harvest Festival by bringing in local performers, food trucks, crafters and more throughout the park amidst the fall foliage.

Harvest Festival will run the last three weekends in September including these dates 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and Oct. 1, when the park will close for the season. 

Harvest Festival activities that are included with park admission:

• Local Food Trucks including Lloyd’s Taco Truck, Meat the Press and Cheesy Chick
• Stage Entertainment including international bands, local performers and dance groups
• Regional Arts and Craft Vendors
• Ignite the Night Laser show on the lawn Saturdays at 8 p.m.
• Keg Tap and Beer Slides (for ages 21 and up)
• Haymazing Adventure – a fun kids' maze
• Fall-themed food in the park
• Harvest Fest Express hayrides

Vacations guests will have access to special harvest themed activities on Friday evenings before the Festival including: Magical Pumpkin Forest, in which guests will plant seeds at night and then “harvest” their pumpkins in the morning. There will be fall-themed crafts in the hotel, and the movie “Little Rascals” will play on the lawn at 9 p.m.

For more information about participating artists and vendors and to find the lowest rates on Fall Getaway Packages, visithttp://www.darienlake.com/harvest-festival. 

WHEN: Sept. 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and Oct. 1

Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.           

Sundays: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About Darien Lake

Darien Lake’s wide variety of entertainment has made it “destination fun” since 1964. Located 45 minutes from Niagara Falls between Buffalo and Rochester, today the park boasts more than 50 rides, including six world-class roller coasters; dozens of family-friendly rides and entertainment; the region’s largest water park complete with wave pool; and a 20,000-seat, world-class performing arts center, operated by Live Nation.

The park is open until Oct. 1^st, and welcomes overnight guests in a wide range of accommodations – from a full-service hotel and modern cabins to rental RVs and campsites. For more information or to order season passes, visit www.DarienLake.com

The Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network Inc. presents the fourth annual "Ride to Remember" this Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Oakfield Alabama Baptist Church. But due to local road construction, there will be a chicken BBQ instead of a ride this year.

Doors open at 11 a.m. and chicken BBQ will be served starting at noon until sold out (300 dinners available). The church is located at 2210 Judge Road in Oakfield.

To purchase presale BBQ tickets for $10 each, go online to www.wnypbn.org

Tickets will be $12 on the day of the event.

There will also be a basket raffle. Prizes include Disney tickets, Seaworld tickets, Southwest Airline tickets, and a "Jim Kelly autographed mini."

All proceeds benefit the network and the "Remembering Love in a Heartbeat" Project.

For questions, more information or to make a donation, contact John J. Ritter Jr. at John.Ritter@irco.com

Submitted photos and press release:

Holly Eschberger, of Le Roy, has not only been participating by fundraising and walking in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, she has been an active member of the Batavia Walk planning committee for several years.

This year's event is Saturday, Sept. 23 and close to 850 people are expected to participate and their goal is to raise $76,000, which supports the free programs and services of the local Chapter, as well as vital research.

“I don't think people understand that you actually die from Alzheimer’s," Eschberger said. "It is not just part of aging. You lose your loved one emotionally/mentally long before you lose them physically and it is absolutely devastating.

"I got involved with the Walk as a way to honor my grandma who I lost to Alzheimer’s. I'm inspired by the coming together of friends and families that have this common thread of watching a loved one decline with Alzheimer’s. It is heart wrenching, but it's also comforting to be surrounded by so many people who understand.”

Eschberger named her walk team “Erma’s Army” after her beloved grandmother (inset photo, above right). Holly’s team and hundreds of others provide a vital source of financial support for the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter, which offers free programs and resources for all those facing the challenge of dementia in the eight-county WNY region.

Participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is free, but fundraising is encouraged, with incentives awarded when various goals are met, such as an official purple walk T-shirt earned when individual fundraising reaches $100. A percentage of all funds raised are earmarked for research, to ensure that one day, there will be a first survivor of Alzheimer’s disease. A higher percentage of funds stays in WNY, to ensure continuing access to free education, consultations, support and social programs for all impacted by dementia.

The Batavia Walk takes place on the grounds of the Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation at 278 Bank St. The site opens at 9 a.m. with snacks and refreshments, photo area, entertainment and access to basket and 50/50 raffles. A brief ceremony launches the walk at 10 a.m. and participants will head out on the approximately two-mile route at about 10:15 a.m. Additional entertainment, such as well-known cartoon characters and a "bubble brigade" will pop up along the way, with more food when walkers return to the main site.

Individuals and teams can register, join a team or donate on-line at alz.org/WNY/walk, by calling 1.800.272.3900 or in person the morning of the walk.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is made possible locally through the support of several WNY companies, including Batavia Health Care Center, The Manor House and United Healthcare.

Below are members of "Erma's Army."

Friday, Sept. 22 is National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. This year’s theme, "10 Years Standing Together to Prevent Falls in 2017," seeks to raise awareness about falls prevention and unite professionals, older adults, caregivers, and family members to play their part in preventing falls.

The Genesee County Office for the Aging will be hosting a Falls Prevention Workshop from 11:30 to 1 p.m. on that day at the Senior Center at 2 Bank St., Batavia. We will have fall prevention tools and tips, balance testing, and blood-pressure screening.

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injury among older New Yorkers. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs. Falling is not an inevitable result of aging. Through awareness, evidence-based interventions, clinical fall risk assessment and referral, home modifications, and community partnerships, we can reduce falls and fall injuries among older adults.

Press release:

The Jerome Foundation is seeking nominations for the 35^th annual Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County.

The award recognizes outstanding men and women whose volunteer efforts have improved the physical, emotional or spiritual well-being of the greater Genesee County area.

“We are fortunate to have many caring and committed volunteers devoted to the sick or to those in need, and helping build a stronger, healthier community for all of us,” said Justin Calarco-Smith, president of The Jerome Foundation.

Past recipients have included doctors, nurses, educators, clergy, and community volunteers.

Nomination forms are available by emailing Michael Grammatico at   michael_grammatico@ml.com   or calling 585-344-3326.

Organizations or individuals may nominate candidates. Consideration will be given to actual accomplishments achieved through volunteer service and subsequent improvements to quality of life.

Nominations should be submitted on or before Oct. 4.

The 2017 award winner will be honored at a luncheon on Friday, Dec. 1, at Terry Hills Restaurant.

The Town of Bethany Republican Committee will host a pulled pork BBQ at Pavilion A of Genesee County Park from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8.

Food is catered by Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew in Le Roy.

Tickets are $12 each; $6 for children ages 5 to 12; free for kids under 5.

There will also be prize raffles and a 50/50 raffle.

Take-outs available.

Genesee County Park & Forest is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road in East Bethany.

Press release:

The families of David Swinton and Christina Volpe are proud to announce "Play It Forward," a basketball event and fundraiser to be held at 6 p.m. on Nov. 4 in the Notre Dame High School gym at 73 Union St. in Batavia.

Join us in celebrating these recently deceased Batavians for their achievements in sports and their impact on local youth.  

Members of the school alumni and staff, as well as former teammates of Christina, will play to raise funds for local charities.  

One-hundred percent of all money raised will be donated to local causes. 

The evening will begin with a welcome and greetings from Wade Bianco, principal of Notre Dame High School, and Mike Rapone, the school's Athletic director. The event will feature basket raffles, and food and beverages will be available for purchase.  

The event will center on an alumni game, which we are certain all will enjoy.

Alumni of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate. The more the merrier, with family fun being the entire measure of success. We are planning a co-ed pickup style game, with a running clock, in which players can sub in and out as freely as necessary.

We will have officials, but we hope to see a premium of offense, and  minimum defense!

In October 2015, Christina Volpe died suddenly at St. Francis Hospital in Greenville, S.C. A graduate of Notre Dame High School and Roberts Wesleyan College, Chrissy was an outstanding player in volleyball and basketball. Many of her records set at Notre Dame are still unbroken.

Throughout her educational career, she was a source of motivation for teammates and aspiring athletes.

In November 2016, David Swinton passed away tragically while enjoying the great outdoors, one of his many passions. As a beloved and respected teacher, Dave worked with students at Genesee Valley BOCES in crisis intervention. He coached varsity soccer and softball at Notre Dame, as well as modified basketball.  

His kindness and good humor were major keys to his success.

The community is invited to come for an evening of sport and camaraderie as we remember the lives of these two people who eagerly played it forward.  

Please call to get your name on the list to play in the Alumni Game. 

"It is when you give of yourself that you truly give." (Kahlil Gibran)

Contacts:

• Mike Rapone, ND Athletic Director  

           michael.rapone@ndhsbatavia.com

           MVolpe4@Rochester.rr.com      

           (585) 343 278, ext. 115

• Margaret and John Volpe   

           585-813-1110

• Jane Swinton  

           585-548-2898

Press release:

A new restaurant ownership training course is slated to begin in October featuring two monthly classes over the winter, or approximately 26 hours of training that concludes in February.

The program involves two juried tastings that each class participant is required to prepare. Registration opens online Friday, Sept. 8^th at www.freshLabBatavia.com. Top contestants of the freshLAB Foodie Challenge may win free tuition to attend the freshLAB Boot Camp. 

A range of small business specialists and industry experts have been coordinated by the Batavia Development Corporation to prepare the aspiring restaurant owners for a business sector that is reported to have a multimillion dollar opportunity in Genesee County.

Genesseans are assumed to spend approximately $20,000,000 to eat, drink and be entertained some place other than Genesee County. The downtown strategy is to keep the dining dollars local by becoming a dining and entertainment destination that will capitalize on the market opportunity.

“We are hosting a Foodie Challenge Sept. 23rd to stir food creativity,” said Barb Shine, coordinator of the program and Batavia Development Corporation Board member. “Good flavors come first, we want creative cooks to consider opening his/her restaurant.

"To follow, we’ve assumed a bigger role to coordinate the Boot Camp. We’ve corralled the necessary resources and experts for talented and industrious operators to seriously consider the restaurant business.”

Research and local experience shows that a written business plan is not a sufficient judge of a candidate’s readiness to get started or grow. In fact, 59 percent of hospitality businesses fail within three years according to Restaurant Management Software POS Sector study. One reason for failure is noted as the lack of a strong concept setting the business apart from the competition.

The Boot Camp instruction has carved-out more than three hours to discuss the trends and market opportunities in food service, a highly competitive and shifting business.

“What’s your 'Because?” " asked Katie Frilllici, representative of JFS/Curtze food distributor. “You must have a compelling reason for people to select your eatery over another.” 

JFS/Curtze should know, they have been in the food business for 135 years. Frillici and her colleagues have been invited to participate as guest instructors for the Boot Camp where they, too, will share trade ideas to help develop a winning concept. JFS/Curtze is a full-line food service distributor now serving eight states.

Other select instruction will be led by Palmer Food Services, Chef Tracy Burgio of Batavia Career & Technical Education Center and Matt Gray, entrepreneur and owner of five restaurants. Legal, insurance and regulatory representatives in addition to agriculture business educators will be on hand.

Tentative Boot Camp program schedule:

• October: Program Orientation and introduction of restaurant operations, concepts, etc.;
• November: “Back of House” featuring inventory management, food safety in addition to a juried tasting prepared by Boot Camp participants;
• December: Finance and accounting for the restaurant business, freshLAB support area;
• January: Concept development and business pitch, topped with final juried tasting;
• February: Independent study, final business plan due;
• March: two candidates will each open a restaurant at freshLAB restaurant incubator turn-key space, pre-approved for a $30,000 special rate loan

Industry experts will lead the classroom training in operations, marketing and financial management. Other mentors will guide menu planning to inventory management, distributor purchasing to farm sourcing. Estimated Course Value more than $1,300 being offered for $349.

The Boot Camp is considered a prerequisite for entrepreneurs considering to lease space at the new freshLAB restaurant incubator foodhall now under construction on Main Street, Batavia. The Foodie Challenge will reward the top five competitors by offering TUITION FREE invitation to the Boot Camp.

freshLAB restaurant incubator was conceived to strengthen the local food service industry and capitalize on more than $20,000,000 that leave Genesee County each year when residents eat, drink and enjoy entertainment elsewhere.

The project is funded, in part, by USDA Rural Development to intentionally link regional agriculture to the menu. A program coordinated by the Batavia Development Corporation in cooperation with the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Batavia Business Improvement District and Batavia Career & Technical Education Center. https://freshlabbatavia.com/

(The Batavian file photos.)

Press release:

The annual Western New York Gas & Steam Association Rally is celebrating its 51^st year Sept. 7 - 10! This year’s rally will have live music, a flea market, daily tractor pulls, parades, farming equipment from the past 100 years and more.

Since 1966, families have attended the annual rally. They’ve come in droves to explore more than 100 years of farming equipment history, bargain with 170 vendors at the flea market, and enjoy classic fair foods and daily demonstrations – including threshing, a working blacksmith shop, saw mill and working models, even a pumpkin cannon!

Each year, the Association honors different equipment at the rally. For its 51^st celebration, the honorees are Massey-Harris/Ferguson, Dejardins and Delco. You’ll also see antique tractors, steam engines, gas engines, tractor pulls, working models, woodworking and construction equipment.

The rally will take place at 10294 Gillate Road in Alexander, just 15 minutes south of Batavia. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $7 for adults, and free for children 12 and under -- and with free parking, it’s an affordable way to spend a fun family weekend.

Rally Schedule

Thursday, Sept. 7

9 a.m.    --    Huge Flea Market Opens -- 170 Vendors

3 - 6:30 p.m.    --   Pasta Dinner

4 p.m.   --    Consignment Auction - Auctioneer: Bontrager Real Estate

7 p.m.   --   Truck Pull - Street Legal Stock 4x4

Friday, Sept. 8

9 a.m.   --   Flea Market

12 p.m.   --    Old Time Tractor Stone Boat Pull

3:30-6:30 p.m.    --   Shopkeepers Concert

4-7 p.m.   --    Live WCJW Broadcast

5 p.m.    --    Steamed Sweet Corn

7 p.m.   --   Tribute to First Responders & Firefighters

7 p.m.   --    Start Tractor Pull, Steamer Pulls, Semi Trucks, Superstock, Modified and Superfarm, Tug-A-War -- Steam Engine vs. Kids (will happen during the evening Tractor Pull performance)

Dusk   --    Children’s Movie

7:30-10:30 p.m.    --    Kelly’s Oldtimers -- live music with round & square dancing

Saturday, Sept. 9

9 a.m.   --   Flea Market

10 a.m.   --   Tractor Pull - Antique - Semi-antique -- 1959 & older, EGTPA & Stock -- off the lawn garden tractors & team pulls (continuing through the day & evening)

12 p.m.   --    Pedal Pull ages 3-10

1 p.m.    --    Alexander Firemen's Band Concert

2 p.m.    --   Lawnmower/Tractor Parade ages 11-18

3:30-6:30 p.m.   --    Shopkeepers Concert

5 p.m.    --     Steamed Sweet Corn

6 p.m.   --   Veterans Benefit Outdoor Concert -- with Not Quite Right and Route Two40 Ride, Tug-A-War -- Steam Engine vs Kids (will happen during the evening Tractor Pull performance)

7:30-10:30 p.m.    --    Don Newcomb & Rawhide -- live music and round & square dancing

Sunday, Sept. 10

9 a.m.    --    Flea Market

9 a.m.   --   Church Service

10 a.m.    --   Car Show

12 p.m.    --     Tractor Pull - Farm Stock & Team Pulls

1-3 p.m.    --    Niagara Frontier Fiddlers Concert

To learn more visit www.VisitGeneseeNY.com.