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Announcements

Singers wanted for Genesee Chorale, first session is Sept. 11 at St. James Church

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Enjoy singing? Enjoy meeting others who like to sing? Add to your enjoyment by singing with the Genesee Chorale! An open rehearsal from 7 to 9 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 11, kicks off a season of preparing for Dec. 2 and Dec. 4 concerts focusing on Christmas memories.

All voices, levels of experience welcome – Director Ric Jones and section leaders will help you learn the music.

When you join, a small fee helps cover the cost of music. High school students are exempt from dues.

For more information check our website, geneseechorale.com, or just come to the Sept. 11 session at St. James Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia.

We look forward to hearing you!

Batavia Area Jaycees to hold 31st annual Labor Day 5K Run & Walk on Sept. 4 at MacArthur Park

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
The Batavia Area Jaycees are proud to announce their 31st Annual Labor Day 5K Run & Walk, to be held on Sept. 4 at MacArthur Park in Batavia.
 
Participants should check in from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Race time is 10 a.m. The registration fee for runners is $25 if pre-registered and $30 afterward, including the day of the event. Walkers can register for $20. Runners and walkers 17 and younger is $15.
 
Awards will be presented to the top finishers.
 
Registration forms are available online at www.bajny.com and this year you can register online at Score-This. A direct link is: 
https://register-this.com/?raceid=20170904BAJC

Public comment welcome on draft plan for chronic wasting disease in State's deer population

By Billie Owens

Press release:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos recently announced the release of a draft New York State Interagency CWD Risk Minimization Plan for public comment.

The plan describes proposed regulatory changes and actions that DEC will take to minimize the risk of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) entering or spreading in New York. It was designed to protect both wild white-tailed deer and moose, as well as captive cervids including deer and elk held at enclosed facilities.

DEC biologists worked with the State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets veterinarians and wildlife health experts at Cornell University to craft a comprehensive set of steps that are the most advanced CWD prevention strategies in the nation.

"New York is leading the way in protecting our valuable deer and moose herds," Seggos said. "Not only does this horrible disease kill animals slowly, but wild white-tailed deer hunting represents a $1.5 billion industry in the state.

"Our CWD Risk Minimization Plan is in the best interest of all of us who care about wildlife and especially about the health of our wild white-tail deer herd. Gov. (Andrew) Cuomo's commitment to high-quality hunting opportunities in New York also supports our taking action now to prevent a serious problem down the road."

Disease prevention is the only cost-effective way to keep CWD out of New York. Together with the State Department of Agriculture and Markets, New York is using cutting-edge science and common sense to ensure that everything possible is done to protect the state's herds from CWD.

"The Department's veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians were responsible for the early detection of New York's only CWD incident and played critical roles in the response to the discovery of CWD in 2005,” said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball.

“Our staff continue to work hard to control the risk of this serious disease and maintain our early detection system. This plan will further support these efforts to protect our wildlife."

CWD, an always fatal brain disease found in species of the deer family, was discovered in Oneida County’s wild and captive white-tailed deer in 2005. More than 47,000 deer have been tested statewide since 2002, and there has been no reoccurrence of the disease since 2005. New York is the only state to have eliminated CWD once it was found in wild populations. In North America, CWD has been found in 24 states, including neighboring Pennsylvania and Ohio, and two Canadian provinces.

CWD was first identified in Colorado in 1967 and is caused by infectious prions, which are misfolded proteins that cannot be broken down by the body's normal processes. They cause holes to form in the brain. Prions are found in deer parts and products including urine and feces; they can remain infectious in soil for years and even be taken up into plant tissues. It is in the same family of diseases, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, as "mad cow" disease in cattle.

Millions of cattle were destroyed because of mad cow disease in England and Europe in the 1990s and the disease also caused a fatal brain condition in some humans that ate contaminated beef products. Although there have been no known cases of CWD in humans, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that no one knowingly eat CWD-positive venison.

The proposed plan would streamline operations between DEC and the State Department of Agriculture and strengthen the state's regulations to prevent introduction of CWD.

Some examples of the proposed changes include:

    • Prohibit the importation of certain parts from any CWD-susceptible cervid taken outside of New York. Require that these animals be deboned or quartered and only the meat, raw hide or cape, and cleaned body parts, such as skull cap, antlers, jaws, and teeth, or finished taxidermy mounts be allowed for import into the state;

    • Prohibit the retail sale, possession, use, and distribution of deer or elk urine and any products from CWD-susceptible animals that may contain prions, including glands, or other excreted material while allowing New York captive cervid facilities to continue to export deer urine outside of the State;

    • Maintain and reinforce the prohibition on the feeding of wild deer and moose in New York State;

    • Provide DEC Division of Law Enforcement the necessary authority to enforce Department of Agriculture and Market's CWD regulations;

    • Explore possible penalties or charges to defray costs associated with the removal of escaped cervids from the environment or the response to disease outbreaks;

    • Require all taxidermists and deer processors (people who butcher deer for hire) to dispose of cervid waste and waste byproducts in compliance with 6 NYCRR Part 360, such as in a municipal landfill;

    • Promotion of improved fencing methods for captive cervids to further prevent contact with wild deer or moose;

    • Partner with the State Department of Agriculture and Markets to enhance captive cervid testing while continuing DEC's rigorous surveillance testing in hunter-harvested deer;

    • Improve record keeping and data sharing between departments through joint inspections of captive cervid facilities, electronic reporting, and animal marking;

    • Improve handling requirements, record keeping, and disease testing of wild white-tailed deer temporarily held in captivity for wildlife rehabilitation; and

    • Develop a communication plan and strategy to re-engage stakeholders, including captive cervid owners and the public, in CWD risk minimization measures and updates on CWD research.

The New York State Interagency CWD Risk Minimization Plan has had extensive outreach and vetting by sporting groups in the state to address the concerns of myriad stakeholders while maintaining the strength of purpose to protect the public and the environment. The plan updates reporting requirements, improves communication to stakeholders, and simplifies regulations to reduce confusion while protecting our natural resources.

The draft plan is available for public review on the DEC website

Written comments on the draft plan will be accepted through Sept. 1. Comments can be submitted via email at wildlife@dec.ny.gov, subject: CWD Plan or by writing to NYSDEC, Bureau of Wildlife, 625 Broadway, Albany 12233-4754.

Collins supports Student Agriculture Protection Act of 2017

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Legislation is currently being debated in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce that would lower the tax burden for students involved in 4-H programs and provide them with an opportunity to invest their earnings in future projects, college funds, or savings accounts. Congressman Chris Collins released the following statement, in which he highlighted his support for the bipartisan legislation titled the Student Agriculture Protection Act of 2017.

“4-H programs offer constructive ways for students to expand their knowledge of agriculture and animal sciences,” Collins said. “With agriculture being the largest industry in New York’s 27th Congressional District, those who participate in local 4-H programs will soon be amongst the primary contributors to Western New York’s economy. For this reason alone, it’s critically important that incentives are set in place that will drive up participation and spread awareness of 4-H programs.”

If signed into law, the Act would create a tax exemption for the first $5,000 of revenue earned by students 18 years old or younger from either the sale of livestock or agriculture projects completed through 4-H or Future Farmers of America programs. In effect, it will eliminate the tax-filing burden for eligible students and allow them to invest their earnings in future projects or college funds.

“Plain and simple, the Student Agriculture Protection Act is an investment in the next generation of American farmers. This bill will have a direct and positive impact on New York’s 27th Congressional District and will ensure the U.S. remains the world leader in agriculture. As a proud cosponsor, I will continue my advocacy in support of this legislation to ensure it is put up for a vote on the House Floor.”

For more information on H.R. 1626, the Student Agriculture Protection Act of 2017, click here.

At Youth 4-H Flower Fair, kids learned about gladiolus, sunflowers and more from master gardeners

By Billie Owens

Back row: Teagan Mathes, Clare Mathes, Maggie Winspear. Front row: Evan Winspear, Mae Grimes.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Genesee County Master Gardeners hosted a youth 4-H flower fair on Aug. 8th at the Kennedy Building on the Genesee County Fairgrounds.

This event gave youth a chance to exhibit flowers that may not have been available during our county fair. Youth participated in classes such as “Best Gladiolus,” “Largest Sunflower by Diameter,” “Best Table Arrangement” and more.

Thank you to all of the 4-H’ers who participated and our volunteer judges.

Judge measuring diameter of a sunflower.

Get the look: Richmond library to give out 1,000 of NASA's solar-eclipse-viewing safety glasses

By Billie Owens
Submitted photo: Ronnie Scroger, age 6, and his mother, Tracey Cook, join library employees Marie Barcomb and Bob Conrad to model the safety glasses that will be available at Richmond Library programs Aug. 14 to 21.
 
Press release:
 
Due to heavy regional interest, the Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia will begin distribution of a limited supply of solar eclipse-viewing safety glasses at library eclipse-themed family programs already scheduled for Aug. 14th, 16th, and 18th.
 
The remainder of glasses will be distributed on a first-come basis at an eclipse-viewing lawn party hosted by the library on the afternoon of Aug. 21, after a brief safety demonstration.
 
"We got a thousand pairs of these glasses from NASA," Library Director Bob Conrad explained. "But under the terms of their grant, we can only distribute them after a safety demonstration that's a part of our summer reading program.
 
"Originally, those demonstrations were all going to be on the afternoon of August 21st, during the eclipse. But we're getting so many calls from people who don't live here or who are traveling for the eclipse, that we decided to start distribution early by including the safety demo at all of next week's family programs."
 

Those programs include a library craft project at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 14th ("Make a Sun Magnet"); a cooking program at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16th ("Make and Eat Your Own Moon Pies"); and a movie to be screened at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21st (the 2015 animated DreamWorks feature "Home").

"I guess we couldn't afford the rights to 'Space Jam,' " Conrad joked.

The programs are billed For All Ages, but registration is recommended to guarantee a space. Register on the library's website at batavialibrary.org, or by calling the Children's Room at 343-9550.

According to an interactive map published by NASA's educational outreach website (eclipse2017.nasa.gov/libraries), Batavia's public library is the only one in a five-county region surrounding Buffalo to participate in the educational program, along with libraries in the Rochester area, Jamestown and Geneseo.

'Growing Old Gracefully' is topic of free Ladies Night program and pasta dinner at Senior Center

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Pasta with a purpose! The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Genesee County presents a free Ladies Night program on Tuesday, Aug. 29: "Growing Old Gracefully -- Spirit, Mind & Body." 

It will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the GC Senior Center, 2 Bank St., Batavia. A pasta dinner will be served at 5:30; program begins at 6.

Guest speakers are Amber Haag (LCSW, CASAC) whose topic is "Spirituality through the lifespan to help navigate the aging process," and Miranda Zagorski, health coach, of Blue Cross / Blue Shield of WNY. Zagorski will explore the basic functions and structure of the human brain and discuss lifestyle changes that can improve and maintain a healthy brain.

There is limited seating. Please register by Aug. 25 by calling the Care and Crisis Helpline at (585) 344-4400 or email hbaxter@ywcagenesee.org

Ladies Night is provided free of charge through the support of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Genesee County and Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County.

September at GCC -- building dedication, convocation, Homecoming, Fall Fest and more

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Not many organizations celebrate their golden anniversary while opening up two new buildings valued at $25 million. And even fewer can claim they were founded through a successfully passed public referendum that was supported by a grass roots citizen campaign in the mid-1960s.

Genesee Community College is proudly recognizing both these historic events with a series of special events next month.

With the anniversary theme "Our true-blue past, Your golden future," GCC is focusing forward on an exciting future while simultaneously reflecting on a rich history with strong traditions. Underlining all of the College's efforts -- then, now and long into the future -- is student success. The new 18,478-square-foot Student Success Center exemplifies this most vividly as GCC transforms various student services into a stream-lined process under a new "success coaching" academic model.

Meanwhile, on the west side of the Batavia Campus, the new Richard C. Call Arena is now the largest open, flexible floor space in the GLOW region (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties). The two-building Arena complex features an adjoining two-story lobby and concession stand area, classrooms, coaches offices, a fitness center, meeting rooms and a press box overlooking the Lacrosse / Soccer Turf Field.

Additionally, the interior Arcade walkway has four mural-sized photo collages expounding on this region's dynamic agricultural history as well as the vast economic impact of agribusiness in GLOW.

Together, these two new buildings are collectively valued at just over $25 million, and they position the College to expand student success and opportunity through the coming years, while augmenting the economic growth of the GLOW region. To celebrate the opening of these buildings and recognize the College's 50th Anniversary, the following series of events are planned for September at the Batavia Campus.

  • Richard C. Call Arena Dedication and Student Success Center Open House
  • 5 - 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 7

This special event will be attended by the many donors who contributed to the "Creating Our Future Together" capital campaign and supported the College's successful fundraising efforts with $5.2 million dollars to support the new facilities at the Batavia Campus as well as endowed scholarships for students in the College's six campus centers. Tours of the new facilities will be ongoing throughout the event, and the Dedication Ceremony will commence at 6 p.m. in the Richard C. Call Arena with a reception immediately following. (This event is by invitation only.)

  • Genesee Community College Convocation
  • 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 12 / Stuart Steiner Theatre 

This formal academic ceremony marks a milestone in the life of a college or university. Afternoon classes will be cancelled allowing students, faculty, staff, honored guests and community members to join in the solemn ceremony that recognizes not only the College's 50th Anniversary but also its promising future with the new facilities, new academic programs and courses, and the forward-thinking student success services. GCC's last convocation was in 2006 to recognize the College's 40th Anniversary.

  • Presentation/Lecture by Heather Ann Thompson, Ph.D.
  • 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 12 / T102

As part of the Historical Horizons lecture series, Pulitzer Prize and Bancroft Prize winning author Dr. Heather Ann Thompson will cap off the College's special Convocation Day, delivering a presentation, "Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and its Legacy," based on her award-winning book. Attica State Prison is part of GCC's history with inmate education a part of its programming in the 1980s. Dr. Thompson's book provides a definitive account of the prison uprising in 1971. She utilized sources available to no other researchers to write a reliable tome that upends the myths and exposes cover-ups of that violent event that captured international attention. For a complete listing of the Fall 2017 lecture series go to: https://gcchistoricalhorizons.wordpress.com/.

  • GCC's Annual Fall Fest / Cougar Weekend
  • Friday - Saturday, Sept. 22-23

The two-day event provides fun and festive activities for all with the following schedule featuring the return of some favorite events and a few new opportunities as well. All events are FREE and open to the public unless otherwise indicated.

  • FRIDAY EVENT: Third Annual Cougar Crawl
  • 5-8 p.m., Sept. 22 / Various Stops in Downtown Batavia

The GCC community, be they current students, faculty or staff, alumni, retirees or general supporters are all invited to stroll through downtown Batavia making special stops for special treats at various businesses, many owned or operated by GCC alumni. The event kicks off at City Slickers / Ken's Charcoal Pits and winds up at T.F. Brown's Restaurant with various stops to businesses such as The YNGoddess Shop, The Hidden Door / Pollyanna and Dot, and Center Street Smoke House. Cougar Crawl stops are still in development and subject to change. Cost is $15, or 2 for $25 and will NOT be sold at the door.

  • SATURDAY EVENT: Sept. 23, Public Open House and Facility Tours
  • Public Open House and Facility Tours / 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This is the chance for the general public to tour the new Richard C. Call Arena and Student Success Center. Visitors can catch a view of the Turf Field from the new Press Box, check out the new Fitness Center and Arena and explore both floors of the Student Success Center.

  • "Rods and Rock" Classic Cruise
  •  11 a.m. - 4 p.m. / North Parking Lot

For those who love classic cars, trucks and motorcycles, the popular "Rods and Rock" Car Cruise returns on Saturday in GCC's north parking lot.

  • "Lollapalooza Golden Gala" Concert with the Genesee Symphony Orchestra
  • 5 p.m. / Richard C. Call Arena

The first music to grace the new Richard C. Call Arena will be from the Genesee Symphony Orchestra, the College's orchestra-in-residence. Led by Conductor and Music Director S. Shade Zajac, the GSO is presenting a variety of musical selections especially arranged for this one-time event under the theme, "Lollapalooza Golden Gala." A reception with light refreshments will immediately follow the performance. The concert is free with general admission seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

"September is shaping up to be an exciting month in the life and history of Genesee Community College," James M. Sunser, Ph.D., president of GCC, said. "We are so grateful to many thousands of people who have positively impacted GCC through the years.

"From our trustees and donors, to legislators and advisory council members, hardworking students and involved alumni, and of course, our dedicated faculty and staff who make a difference in the lives of our students each and every day-we have been truly blessed with a supportive community that makes our middle name. Next month, we hope to recognize and remember all of you!

Series of free computer classes to be offered this fall at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Once again the Richmond Memorial Library will be offering a series of computer classes designed for those who are finally ready to take the plunge and learn the ins and outs of computers and those who would like to improve their computer skills. There is no charge.

Registration is required and can be done by stopping at the library or calling 343-9550.

The classes that you can choose from are:

Windows 10 – Introduction to Windows 10, the latest operating system from Microsoft.  Use our machine or bring your Windows 10 machine.

  • Wednesday, Sept. 6 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Computer Basic & Internet Basic – Learn to read a computer advertisement and get the one that’s right for you: desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone. Explore! Discover! Learn! Surf the Internet using a common browser. Find out about websites and links; use search engines to find information you want to know.

  • Wednesday, Sept. 6 – 1 to 4 p.m.

Email Start to Finish – Learn about email and sign up for a new account, if desired.  If you already have an email address log into it and let’s get the most from it!

  • Friday, Sept. 15 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Gadgets and Gear/Open Access – Bring your questions and gadgets! Ereaders, phones, laptops, tablets!

  • Friday, Sept. 15 – 1  to 4 p.m.

Internet Resources: Safety, Security, Fun! – Take your Internet experience to the next level! Examine Youtube, Twitter, Wikipedia, and your Library Catalog! Help keep your computer, yourself, and your loved ones safer while surfing.

  • Wednesday, Sept. 27 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Gaga for Google! Cut, Copy, Paste! – Do you use Google? This powerful tool is more than a search engine! We’ll explore some of its many uses. Please note: This class is for people who are very comfortable using the Internet, and also navigating Web pages. We will also copy information from the Internet into the Microsoft Word program.

  • Wednesday, Sept, 27 – 1 to 4 p.m.

Facebook Combo – Learn about Facebook and sign up for an account, if desired.  If you already have an account, let’s get the most from it!

  • Tuesday, Oct. 3 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Library Downloads Learn about all the options the library offers – eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and magazines.  See what is available, see how to download it to your device.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 3 – 1  to 4 p.m.

Windows 10 – Introduction to Windows 10, the latest operating system from Microsoft.  Use our machine or bring your Windows 10 machine.

  • Friday, Oct. 20 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Gadgets and Gear/Open Access – Bring your questions and gadgets! Ereaders, phones, laptops, tablets!

  • Friday, Oct. 20 – 1  to 4 p.m.

Computer Basic & Internet Basic – Learn to read a computer advertisement and get the one that’s right for you: desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone. Explore! Discover! Learn! Surf the Internet using a common browser. Find out about web sites and links; use search engines to find information you want to know.

  • Wednesday, Nov. 1 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Internet Resources: Safety, Security, Fun! – Take your Internet experience to the next level! Examine Youtube, Twitter, Wikipedia, and your Library Catalog! Help keep your computer, yourself, and your loved ones safer while surfing.

  • Wednesday, Nov. 1 – 1  to 4 p.m.

Members of Notre Dame HS Class of '72 trying to organize a 45th reunion

By Billie Owens
Liz Barrett and Marguerite Badami are trying to organize a reunion for the members of Notre Dame High School Class of 1972.
 
Tentative plans for a 45th reunion call for a social after the Homecoming Football game on Sept. 30th.
 
Please contact us at the following website if you are a member of our class and share with us your ideas for a reunion:
 
 
Thank you,
Liz Barrett and Marguerite Badami

STOP-DWI Night at the Ballpark rescheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 16

By Billie Owens

Come on down to the Batavia Muckdogs game and enjoy a safe summer night with us! STOP-DWI Night at the Ballpark is happening on Wednesday, Aug. 16, gates opening at 6 p.m. The Batavia Muckdogs are playing the Williamsport Crosscutters.

(This game was originally scheduled last Friday, Aug. 4, but was canceled due to rain.)

Genesee County STOP-DWI and the Genesee County Youth Bureau are hosting this family event. 

The first 300 youth under the age of 16 get in free and there are Muck Bucks given to the first 200 youth to use toward items in the ballpark. There are an additional 500 giveaways and prizes for everyone. Fun and interactive education booths and displays will be on hand. Participating agencies include the Sheriff’s Office, City Police, Le Roy Police, Probation, the Genesee County Youth Bureau and Genesee County STOP-DWI.

A grand prize giveaway, a youth bike, sponsored by Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle will be on display and drawn that evening. So join us for a great night at the ballpark and the Friday night fireworks!

Sponsors that are helping make this event possible include: Genesee County Sheriff’s Department Assoc., NYS Assoc. of Chiefs of Police, UMMC, Batavia Police Benevolent Assoc., Le Roy Moose Family Center, Batavia Lions Club, Western NY Assoc. of Chiefs of Police, GCASA Prevention, Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, Polish Falcons Nest, Gerace Realty LLC and Tops Friendly Markets.

Pictured above: Matt Landers, STOP-DWI coordinator; ; John Roche, owner of Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle; and Jocelyn Sikorski, STOP-DWI Board chair, and Chelsea Green with the Genesee County Youth Bureau.

BHS Class of '53 to hold luncheon at Dibble Center Aug. 17, RSVP by Aug. 14

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia High School Class of 1953 will hold its 64th Reunion Luncheon at the Dibble Family & Event Center, 4110 W. Main St., Batavia, on Thursday, Aug.17th.

Cost of the luncheon is $20 per person, payable at the door. Attendees will gather at 11:30 a.m. for social time and sit down for a buffet lunch at noon.

Please RSVP to Mary at 343-8549, Corky at 343-5864 or Bette at 344-1255 by Monday, Aug.14th. Hope to see you there!

Batavia Middle School Open House is Sept. 7, food trucks will be there at 4:30

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7, Batavia Middle School will host its annual Open House Program. Parents and students are invited to attend the evening program.

Participants may visit classrooms and other learning areas in a relaxed manner. Parents and students are free to visit any and all of their child’s teachers.

The Open House Program is focused on getting acquainted with one another, and learning about the curriculum that will be the focus for your child this year. Individual conversations about your child should be held at a parent-teacher conference, which can be set up at any time by calling the Counseling Center.

Starting at 4:30 p.m., there will be food trucks in front of the school, where you can purchase dinner before Open House.

There will be refreshments in the cafeteria, along with a Parent Portal table to sign up to be able to view your child’s electronic grade book. In addition, there will be informal tables with information about various clubs.

Fifth-grade Student & Parent Orientation

Batavia Middle School will have a brief orientation program on Thursday, Sept.7, at 4:30 p.m., prior to Open House, in the Batavia Middle School Auditorium for fifth-graders and their parents.

Come and get acquainted ~ Staff looks forward to working with you as your child transitions to middle school. If you have any questions, please call Brian Sutton, 5/6 Assistant Principal at (585) 343-2480, ext. 3001.

Transfer Student Orientation

All students in grades 6-8, who are transferring to Batavia Middle School are invited to attend an orientation program at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30, in the Middle School Auditorium. The program will include an overview of the middle school and will be followed by a building tour.

School counselors will be available for students and parents.

Attention students: Aug. 31 is deadline to apply for GC Youth Court

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Calling all eighth-11th-graders, the Genesee County Youth Court is recruiting new members!

Youth Court is a voluntary alternative for young people who face disciplinary action through school or law enforcement. Youth who are referred admit to the charge and appear before a court of their peers. Three youth judges listen to both sides of the issue and determine an appropriate disposition.

The goal of youth court is to improve youth citizenship skills and decrease problematic behavior.  

Youth Court members learn: about the judicial process and law enforcement; to develop group decision making, leadership and public speaking skills; to participate in all roles of the courtroom -- judge, prosecution, defense and bailiff.  

Genesee County 8-11th-graders who are interested can go online to download an application from the website www.co.genesee.ny.us, where you will find a link on the Youth Bureau page. Applications are due by Aug. 31. Interviews of potential candidates will take place in September with the training to begin in October. 

For more information on the Genesee County Youth Court, please contact Chelsea Elliott at the Genesee County Youth Bureau, 344-3960.

City of Batavia Republican Committee seeks to fill three vacancies

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Republican Committee currently has three vacancies that represent the south side of the City and are seeking City residents who would be interested in serving.

The requirements include being a registered Republican and residing in the City of Batavia.

If you are interested in getting involved in making the City of Batavia a better place to live and work we want to hear from you!

Anyone who is interested can e-mail City Republican Chairman David Saleh at salehdavej@gmail.com.

GC Republican Women's Club to hold 'Lucky Numbers' event at T.F. Brown's on Aug. 21, RSVP by Aug. 11

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Women's Republican Club will host a "Lucky Numbers" event at T.F. Brown's Restaurant beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21. Keynote speaker is Brian Kolb, NYS Assembly Republican leader.

Cost is $30 per person and includes hearty hors d' oeuvres.

Attendees are asked to please bring an item for Eagle Star Housing. Needed items include: board games, playing cards, movies, books, toiletries, toothpaste, toothbrushes, first aid supplies, bath products and nonperishable foods.

The event will be held on T.F. Brown's patio, located at 412 Main St., Batavia. RSVP by Aug. 11.

Pay by credit card or check, payable to GCWRC c/o Michele Smith, 20 Canterbury Lane, Bergen, NY 14416.

To donate in advance or to donate a basket, contact Melissa Haacke at (585) 314-4501 or email her at:   mhaacke5@gmail.com

Hawley: Seats still open for Patriots Trip to Washington, D.C.

By Billie Owens

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) poses with veterans and their family members in front of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., during a previous year’s Patriot Trip.  

Submitted photo and press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) would like to remind veterans of his upcoming 10thAnnual Patriot Trip to Washington D.C., which will take place from Sept. 21 -24. In 2016, more than 100 veterans and their family members attended the trip.

The Patriot Trip provides these heroes with a great opportunity to connect with fellow veterans and honor the memory of their fallen brothers and sisters.

All veterans, even those who have attended the trip previously or live outside of the 139thAssembly District, can still sign up. The approximate cost of the trip is $375, which includes meals, transportation and admission to the memorials.

“Having the opportunity to meet and spend time with so many local veterans truly is a blessing and I can honestly say I look forward to this trip every year,” Hawley said.

“There is still plenty of room for veterans to sign up, even those who have been on a previous year’s trip, and I encourage all veterans and their family members who are interested to look into joining us on this spectacular journey.”

Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:

  • Gettysburg
  • World War II Memorial
  • Korean Memorial
  • Lincoln Memorial
  • Vietnam Memorial
  • Naval Academy at Annapolis
  • Arlington National Cemetery with wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns

Dinner at the Spates Community Club on Fort Meyer

**Staying at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, Md.**

*Early registrants will be visiting the White House, others will visit an Embassy and/or the U.S. Capitol*

If you or a veteran you know want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip X, please call 585-589-5780 or email carneyj@nyassembly.gov. To view photos from previous years, use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.

Global breastfeeding event Friday, plus baby clothes swap, car seat safety checks

By Billie Owens

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center and Oak Orchard Health will host a regional event that’s part of the international Global Big Latch On, a synchronized breastfeeding event that will include thousands of breastfeeding women and their babies/children across the world.

Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and their babies are invited to gather on Friday, Aug. 4 in Batavia, at 213 E. Main St.

This event is part of a global effort to raise awareness about the important health benefits of breastfeeding.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the countdown to the Big Latch On starts at 10:30 a.m.

The event will also feature a gently used clothing swap (newborn to 24 months), where mothers can donate clothes and/or find clothes they need for their babies.

The City of Batavia Fire Department will conduct a free car seat safety check and the Genesee County Health Department will be onsite with information on lead poisoning prevention and vaccinations.

The Global Big Latch On was organized by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action as part of World Breastfeeding Week to raise awareness of the important health benefits of breastfeeding. As a worldwide peer support and community development event, it aims to strengthen national and global support for breastfeeding and to improve the health of children and women around the world.

Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed, as long as they have accurate information, and the support of their family, the health care system and society at large. World Breastfeeding Week takes place Aug. 1-7.

Annual Children's Carnival at Austin Park is set for Aug. 18, volunteers needed

By Billie Owens

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is hosting its fourth annual Children’s Carnival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18th at Austin Park in the City of Batavia.

Several agencies and businesses will be hosting game and activity booths for children and families. Local police and the city fire department will be present. Care-A-Van Ministries will again be cooking hot dogs FREE for all. Game tickets are 10 for $1.

Please bring your children and enjoy a safe, affordable, FUN day at the park with many crafts, games and prizes!

Volunteers are needed! Please call 343-7798 for information.

Event is sponsored by MVP Healthcare.

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