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37th annual Stefani-Costa family reunion held July 30 at Wildwood Park, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

(Photo above: Dorothy (Stefani) Bater, of Le Roy, and sisters Dolores (Stefani) Lathan, of Le Roy, and Ruth (Stefani) Tracy, of Rochester, were the oldest in attendance at this year's Stefani-Costa family reunion.)

Submitted photos and press release:

The families of the late Baptist and Christina (Costa) Stefani, and Dominic and Johanna (Rigoni) Costa gathered for their 37th consecutive annual family reunion at Le Roy’s Wildwood Park on Sunday, July 30, 2017. Wildwood Park is located on Munson Street Extension near the Le Roy Community Swimming Pool. Both founding families made their homes in Lime Rock (New York).

Linda (Orlando) Totten, of Elba, Carol (Orlando) Panepento, of Pavilion, Gloria (Orlando) Oliver, of Le Roy, and Amy Panepento, of Le Roy, hosted the event.

After a potluck buffet and cookout, followed by selections from a sweets table, the family held a short business meeting.  A review of family news since last year included the following:

  • Dorothy (Stefani) Bater, of Le Roy, was the oldest person in attendance at age 90, followed closely by Dolores (Stefani) Lathan of Le Roy, who is one day younger. 
  • The youngest family member to attend was 14-month-old Ryder Christopher Barclay, of Byron. He is the son of Samantha Blake and Joe Barclay. Ryder’s proud parents are expecting another addition to their family in April.
  • The only new member of the family is Abby Grace Aradine, born on on Oct. 17, 2016. She is the daughter of Jeffrey and Bethany (Pocock) Aradine, of Bergen. Her older sister, Kate, was last year’s youngest reunion participant.
  • Michelle Goldstin and Tim Sisson, of Piffard, have recently become engaged to be married.
  • Rena C. Wagner, 90, of Batavia, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2017. She was born Dec. 17, 1926 in Asiago, Italy, and was a daughter of the late Peter and Battastina Dalle Ave Costa. She is survived by her brother, Victor (Jean) Costa, of Le Roy, and her sister, Mary Regone, of Virginia.

Next year’s event chairs are Marilyn (Costa) Pocock, of Bergen, Darlyn (Costa) Hawkins, of Le Roy, and Richard Costa, of Stafford.

(Photo below: Jennifer (Slane) Blake, of Elba, enjoyed the reunion's beautiful weather with grandson Ryder Barclay.)

Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction results

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Program would like to thank all of the businesses, families and friends who supported the 47th Annual Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction.

The auction was held Thursday, July 20th at the Genesee County Fair. Market goats, lambs, steers and hogs that were raised by local 4-H members were auctioned by William Kent Inc. The results of the auction are as follows:

(Melissa Keller with her Champion market goat.)

Champion Market Goat

Exhibited by Melissa Keller

Purchased by Pumpkin Hill Veterinary Clinic, Byron

Reserve Champion Market Goat 

Exhibited by Cody Ehrmentraut 

Purchased by Crossen’s Christmas Tree Farm, Basom  

(Madelynn Pimm with her Champion market lamb.)

Champion Market Lamb

Exhibited by Madelynn Pimm

Purchased by Reisdorf Oil & Propane, Batavia

Reserve Champion Market Lamb

Exhibited by Melissa Keller 

Purchased by Crossen’s Christmas Tree Farm, Basom

(Morgan Hofheins with her Champion market steer.)

Champion Market Steer 

Exhibited by Morgan Hofheins

Purchased by Paul Marshall Produce, Elba

Reserve Champion Market Steer 

Exhibited by Shianne Foss 

Purchased by Alden State Bank, Alden

 (Hudson Weber with his Champion market hog.)

Champion Market Hog 

Exhibited by Hudson Weber 

Purchased by The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, Stafford

Reserve Champion Market Hog 

Exhibited by Raegan Weber 

Purchased by Kreher’s Farm Fresh Eggs, Clarence

The Genesee County 4-H Program would also like to extend a special thank you to the following businesses and friends for their donations to the 4-H livestock program this year: Baskin Livestock, Cedar Street Sales & Rentals, HTI Recycling LLC, Nutreco USA Inc., Purina Animal Nutrition, Scott Adams Trucking, Stephen Hawley & Assoc. LLC, The Nesbitt Family, Tompkins Bank of Castile and William Kent Inc.

GOW Opioid Task Force goals beginning to take shape

By Julia Ferrini

How do rural counties with limited resources combat an issue as multifaceted as heroin and opiate addiction?

Quite simply, they collaborate to find common-sense practices to beat the dragon.

In January, officials, doctors, healthcare providers, and community members from three counties -- Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming -- formed the GOW Opioid Task Force.

Its goal is to not only raise awareness of the growing epidemic but to also find and compile: a list of resources available to addicts and their families; data on the number of overdoses, deaths, and uses of naloxone within each county; and identifying roadblocks to treatment.

During the July meeting, a roadmap of sorts was laid out for the Task Force.

From the time an individual is born, they are, to some degree, rated on performing tasks independently. Doctors gauge a child’s progress: Sits independently. Walks independently. Teachers grade a student’s performance: Works independently. It’s a skill desirable to some employers: Must be able to work independently.

It is a mantra instilled in a person's mind from a very young age: Be an individual. Don’t follow the crowd. Learn to be independent. Yet, there are times, when being independent becomes counterproductive to the needs of a community.

Although each of the GOW counties are afflicted with the same problem – the increase in overdoses and deaths due to heroin and opiates – independently, there are gaps in services and help for both addicts and their families. However, collectively, the Task Force can help fill those gaps.

In an effort to find where each county is lacking and how to get funding for the resources it needs, the Task Force determined three areas to address: community education and action, data compilation and access to care.

Community education and action

Three goals were created to better educate the public:

    • Educate students, parents and community about the dangers of heroin and opioid use – Narcan training and education, sharps and medicine disposal sites, and develop materials for distribution;

    • Identify resources and local partnerships to help prevent use – pharmacies, law enforcement, recovery services, and mental health service; and

    • Develop recommendations for future goals and action steps to prevent use – encourage attendance and participation in Task Force meetings, recovery coaching, peer speakers, and more.

Data

Part of the requirements for applying for State funding is to have the data and statistics to back up the need. However, compiling those numbers becomes a collaborative effort between multiple agencies. Additionally, the task is further hindered by the fact that the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s (ME) Office handles cases from its own and the GOW counties. Subsequently, toxicology reports are often not received back for six months or more.

According to a recent report, the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office has performed 1,020 autopsies in 2016. In 2015 it was closer to 900. In 2008 approximately 975 were performed and in 2005 860. The years 2012 and 2013 both showed approximately 880.

The goals of this group are to develop a tool to track data, identify the data each county already has, and perform a gap analysis to identify missing data and create a plan to overcome any barrier.

Access to care

Again, a barrier addicts and family members face is access to care in relative proximity to where they live.

Officials say when an addict is ready to get the help they need to begin the recovery process, there is an immediacy to their need.

One of the goals of this group is to map out the access to care in the Western Region Naturally Occurring Care Network (NOCN).

The NOCNs include the Finger Lakes, Monroe, Southeastern, Southern, and Western regions of New York State.

In addition to finding a place to receive care, the group also identified eight groups of potential entry points for families and individuals in crisis. They include hospital emergency rooms, crisis hot line, primary care physicians, law enforcement, community-based organizations, healthcare homes, community-based groups, and schools and colleges.

Nationwide, every 17 minutes someone dies from an opioid overdose. About two years ago, there were 100 deaths in Erie County. In 2015, it more than doubled. In 2016, that number could reach over 500. That’s about 10 per week. February alone recorded 23 overdose deaths in just one week.

In Wyoming County, between 2010 and 2014 the number of opioid-related emergency department admissions increased 47.6 percent – 42 and 62. The number of opioid-related inpatient hospital admissions rose from 61 to 91 respectively – a 49.2-percent increase. 

According to a recent article in The Batavian, there were five deaths in Genesee County that the Monroe County Medical Examiner attributed to the overuse of opiate-related drugs in 2013.

In 2016, 17 deaths with toxicology completed were attributed to drug mixtures that included opiates, with four toxicology reports for last year still pending.

To date in 2017, there are seven deaths where toxicology is still pending.

Of the 17 known OD-related deaths in 2016, only five were attributed to heroin mixed with other drugs, whether prescription drugs and/or over-the-counter medications. (Note: the ME for 2016 was Erie County.)

There were nine deaths caused by a combination of prescription opiates mixed with other drugs.

There was one death caused by "acute and chronic substance abuse."

Of the 18 overdose deaths in 2015, 14 involved prescription opiates used in combination with other drugs and two were caused by heroin used in combination with other drugs.

In 2014, there were 12 drug-induced deaths. Nine of the 12 involved prescription opiates combined with other drugs. Heroin, used singularly or in combination with other drugs, contributed to three deaths. 

Between 2010 and 2014 those who were admitted for treatment for any opioid in Western New York was 7,679 in 2010. By 2014, the number of people seeking treatment rose by almost a third – 10,154 – a 32-percent increase.

Across the state, those in treatment for heroin use was 55,900 in 2010; in 2014, the number was 77,647. Deaths across the state due to heroin overdose increased 163 percent (215 in 2008, and 637 in 2013) and opioid overdoses increased 30 percent (763 to 952).

While nearby counties like Erie and Monroe have access to more mental health services and rehabilitation centers due to their populations, Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties struggle to find those same services closer to home for their residents.

The next meeting date and time for GOW Opioid Task Force to be determined.

For more information, Kristine Voos at Kristine.Voos@co.genesee.ny.us

Now at GO ART!: 'Color Impressions' fiber art exhibit

By Billie Owens

Information from GO ART!

Color Impressions by MAF: Fiber Art Exhibit is now on display at GO ART!  201 E. Main St. (Seymour Place) in Downtown Batavia. It ends Sept. 10.

Mary Ann takes fiber art to another level. Her combinations of cloth, paint and color, stitches and design, and pieces of this and that, meld into an art form that is exciting and unique. It is visual, tactile and dimensional.

There will be an artist reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24, at Seymour Place.

Gallery Hours:

  • Thursday, Friday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Second Sunday of the month 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Artist Terry Weber opens art gallery, studio and antique shop in Old General Store on Route 63 in East Bethany

By Billie Owens

Terry Weber, a member of the Batavia Society of Artists, has opened an art gallery and antique shop and has an art studio in the Old General Store on Route 63 in East Bethany.

Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays -- or anytime you see the "Open" flag flying outside.

If you are a member of the Batavia Society of Artists and mention your membership, you'll get a 15-percent discount on your entire purchase.

The location is five miles south on Route 63 from Batavia.

The Facebook page is under "Bethany Arts."

Nominees sought for 49th annual LeRoyan of the Year Award, deadline is Aug. 25

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Le Roy American Legion, Botts-Fiorito Post #576, is again seeking nominees for selection as the 2017 ”LeRoyan of the Year” Award. This year will mark the 49thconsecutive year in which the award has been presented.

Recognizing the importance of your organization’s position within the community, we would like to provide you with the opportunity to input and nominate a candidate(s) of your choosing.

This Award, is presented on behalf of the American Legion as part of the Legion’s “Americanism” Award and recognizes people who demonstrate the following qualities:

  • A man or woman who exemplifies the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of flag and country, regardless of race, creed or color;
  • Good citizenship by carrying out these principles, often beyond what is expected;
  • Service to the community, signified by excellence in life of purpose and accomplishments;

Copies of the nomination applications may be obtained at the Legion post; feel free to make copies as needed.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION IS:  FRIDAY, AUG. 25.

Mail or drop off sealed applications to:

American Legion, Botts-Fiorito Post #576

Attn: Jerry Diskin, LeRoy of the Year Award Committee

53 W. Main St.

Le Roy, NY 14482-1426

Senior Luncheon at Salvation Army on Tuesday cancelled, offices to be closed one day due to water service problem

By Billie Owens

The Salvation Army offices on East Main Street will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday Aug. 1st, and the Senior Luncheon will be cancelled due to an interruption in water service at that location only. We plan to be back up and running our regular events on Wednesday. 

 
Todd Rapp
Office Manager
The Salvation Army
529 E. Main St.
Batavia NY 14020

Town of Alabama's Veterans Memorial dedication is Saturday morning

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Town of Alabama Historical Society will host a dedication ceremony of the Town of Alabama Veterans Memorial at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5.

The event will take place at the Alabama Town Hall, located at 2218 Judge Road, South Alabama.

Light refreshments will be served. The Town Museum will also be open.

If you would like more information about the Veterans Memorial, please contact Joe Cassidy, of the Town of Alabama Historical Society at (585) 813-2812 or email jcassid3@rochester.rr.com

GCC to get $450K state grant for at-risk students

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The New York State Education Department announced today (July 31) that 44 colleges and universities in New York will receive Liberty Partnerships Program grants totaling more than $17 million. Genesee Community College in Batavia will receive $450,000 in grant money from this program.

The Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) is New York State’s only state-funded dropout prevention program directly connected to higher education which prepares students for post-secondary education and careers. Recipients of these higher education initiative grants will provide comprehensive programming for at-risk students to successfully graduate and transition into postsecondary education or a career path.

“It’s critically important that we develop new strategies to influence students as active participants in their own learning,” Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa said. “LPP grants make it possible for colleges to create strong school and community partnerships to help keep New York’s children in school and continue into higher education and careers; it’s a priority for the Board of Regents and State Education Department.”

“So many of the at-risk students we’re trying to encourage to stay in school don’t have access to support,” Commissioner MaryEllen Elia said. “With these grants, students will have access to skills assessment, tutoring, personal and family counseling, as well as mentoring programs to help ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to further their education and achieve success in life.”

To be eligible, the Institution of Higher Education must have two partnerships:

1) A local education agency (LEA) that falls within the one of the categories below:

  • school eligible for schoolwide programs under Title 1, Section 1114 of the Every Student Succeeds Act, and the families of these students; 
  • school with at least 40 percent of students eligible for free or reduced-priced lunch;
  • school identified as a focus, struggling, persistently struggling and/or persistently dangerous schools; or
  • rural school with students at risk.

2) A Community Based Organization (CBO)

LPP was established by Governor Mario Cuomo in 1988 to address the significantly elevated high school dropout rate among New York’s youth. The drop-out prevention initiative serves approximately 13,000 students in grades 5-12. The program is designed to support the successful transition of middle and high school students at-risk of dropping out of school into graduates, fully prepared for the rigors of higher education and the competitive demands of a fluid workplace in a global economy.

There are currently 41 LPP programs at higher education institutions, working in collaboration with school districts and community-based organizations, across New York State. LPP provides students with one year of continuous services which include skills assessment, tutoring, academic and personal counseling, family counseling and home visits, and mentoring programs.

2015-16 Highlights

Statewide, the Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) served 13,461 students. The average number of students per site was 328. A total of 443 partner schools participated in Liberty Partnerships programing during the 2015-2016 program year. 

Ninety-five percent of Liberty Partnership participants were promoted to the next level of education. A total of 2,110 seniors participating in the Liberty Partnerships graduated high school resulting in a 92-percent program-wide graduation rate. The majority of seniors plan to attend college or work full-time, with 92 percent graduating seniors planning to attend college. Sixteen percent of LPP graduating seniors planned to enter the workforce.

New Funding Cycle

Funding for LPP grants is from 2017 to 2022 and the project period is Sept. 1 through Aug. 31. Funding in years two through five is dependent on satisfactory performance, legislative appropriation, and the submission of an updated proposed project budget approved by SED.

For more information, please see the NYSED LPP website.

REMINDER: Batavia Jr. Blue Devil Basketball Camp to be held at John Kennedy School Gym Aug. 14-18

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Jr. Blue Devil Summer Basketball Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 14-18 at the John Kennedy School gymnasium.

The camp is open to boys and girls entering grades 3 through 8 in the fall. Cost is $65 and includes a camp T-shirt.

Campers are asked to bring their own basketball and put their name on it.

The camp will feature Coach Jim Fazio, the Batavia Jr. Blue Devil youth director, and youth coaches and current and former Blue Devil players.

The focus will be on the offensive fundamentals of the game, including shooting, passing, dribbling, and ball handling, with a major emphasis on shooting. There will be daily contests with full court and half court games.

Please note that Batavia City School District is not responsbile for any injury that may happen during camp.

Checks should be made payable to:  Batavia Boys Basketball Boosters; mail to Jim Fazio, 5190 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

To contact Coach Fazio, call 356-0901 or email  jfazio@gvboces.org

With payment, please provide the following information and include a parent's or guardian's signature:

  • Camper's name
  • Address
  • City
  • Age
  • Grade child will enter in the fall
  • School
  • Phone number
  • Medical concerns
  • T-shirt size (specify youth -- small through extra large, or adult -- small through extra large)

John Kennedy School is located at 166 Vine St. in the City of Batavia.

Byron Heritage Festival is Saturday, includes kids' fishing derby, 5K run, townwide sale, BBQ, music & fireworks

By Billie Owens

The Byron Heritage Festival will take place all day on Saturday, July 29, at the park behind the Byron Fire Department on Route 262.

It starts with a Fishing Derby at Trestle Park for children age 12 and younger from 8 to 9 a.m. Sign-ins begin at 7:30. The Fishing Derby is sponsored by the Byron Kiwanis Club.

The 5K Run, sponsored by the Byron Rescue Squad, begins at 8:30, with registration starting at 7 a.m. Registration forms are available online at www.byronny.com or at the Byron Fire Hall.

A townwide garage sale starts at 9 and ends when sellers choose.

Chicken BBQ, also sponsored by Byron Kiwanis, starts at 4 and ends when sold out.

Live music will be featured from 4 to 9 p.m. Koko and The Moon Crickets perform. This entertainment is made possible from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the NYS Council on the Arts with support of the governor and the State Legislature, and administered by GO ART!

The festival ends with fireworks.

Troopers to celebrate century of service with four-day event at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

The New York State Troopers will celebrate a century of statewide service July 27-30 with an event to be held daily on those dates from noon to  6 p.m. at Batavia Downs Gaming & Casino. It is located at 8315 Park Road, Batavia.

As always, admission and parking are free.

Here's what you can look forward to at the Downs' event:

  • Largest historical display about the NYSP in Western New York
  • Vintage Motorcycles & Troop Cars
  • Fingerprinting Demonstration
  • Trooper Exam Information
  • Historic Photos & Videos
  • Canine Demonstration

Tompkins Bank of Castile sponsors 11th annual countywide blood drive on Aug. 1

By Billie Owens

Press release:

As the proud sponsor the 11th annual Genesee County Mega Blood Drive, Tompkins Bank of Castile is calling on all eligible donors to give blood on Tuesday, Aug. 1 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia. It is located at 8200 Park Road.

“Tompkins Bank of Castile has been a proud sponsor and supporter of the annual blood drive in Batavia for years,” said Gregg McAllister, VP, Marketing Communications, Tompkins Bank Of Castile. “This year’s blood drive comes at a time when the Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage, which makes donations more important than ever.

"This is an opportunity for everyone in our community who is able to do so, to make a blood donation so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they need.”

According to the Red Cross, the shortage of blood donations may lead to delays in urgent medical care to vulnerable patients. Blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, and more donations are needed now to replenish the blood supply. According to the Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood, and approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day nationwide.

The blood drive will also honor the area’s everyday heroes with the second annual “Battle of the Badges” competition for first responders such as Mercy EMS, Batavia City Fire Department, Town of Batavia Fire Department, State Troopers, Batavia City Police and the Sheriff’s Office.

However, donors don’t need to be a first responder to participate in the blood drive on Aug. 1, and walk-ins are welcome. All those who donate can do so to honor our local first responders, and all participants will receive a Target e-gift card.

To make an appointment to donate to the blood drive, please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.

Wilmot Cancer Institute in Batavia to host Survivors Night with the Muckdogs

By Billie Owens

Press release:

For the second year, UR Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute (WCI) will host Survivors Night on Friday, July 28 at Dwyer Stadium with the Batavia Muckdogs. Anyone who has been impacted by cancer is invited, including patients, survivors and caregivers.

The game starts at 7:05 p.m. and fireworks will follow. 

More than 15.5 million cancer survivors are living in the United States today and that number is expected to exceed 20 million by 2026. In Genesee County alone, approximately 400 people are diagnosed with cancer each year. The purpose of Survivors Night is to unite those impacted by cancer to celebrate cancer survivorship.

“Cancer is something that touches almost everyone at some point in life and Survivors Night is a way for us all to come together for a fun family night to celebrate life beyond cancer,” says Tiffany Paine-Cirrincione, associate director, Advancement and Community Events for Wilmot Cancer Institute.

“We encourage anyone in the community who is a cancer survivor or patient, or who has loved or cared for someone with cancer, to join us.”

Tickets for the game cost $4 each, and participants receive a Wilmot Warrior Walk T-shirt for each ticket purchased. They can be purchased at WCI Batavia, 262 Bank St., Batavia. Questions can be directed to Karen Soria at (585) 344-3050.

REMINDER: Batavia Cheerleading's Summer Youth Cheerleading Camp is Aug. 4-5; register now

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
Batavia Cheerleading will be hosting its annual Summer Youth Cheerleading Camp from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4th, and on Saturday, Aug. 5th, from 9 a.m. to noon at VanDetta Stadium in Batavia, weather permitting (If it rains we will be in Robert Morris School gymnasium.).
 
The cost is $40 per cheerleader (ages 4-13 welcome!) and participants will learn cheers, jumps, stunts and basic tumbling skills as well as a routine that demonstrates all of the skills learned. Parents are invited to attend a performance at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5th, at VanDetta Stadium.
 
All cheerleaders who participate will receive a T-shirt, snacks on both days and pizza lunch on Saturday prior to our big performance. We are also hosting the youth camp participants during half time at the Blue Devils first home opener game on Sept. 8th.
 
Register today! Please submit: name, age, T-shirt size, emergency contact name and phone number and email address. Please send cash or check to Batavia City Schools, Attention: Cheerleading, 260 State St., Batavia, NY 14020.
 
Email bataviacheerleading@gmail.com for any additional questions!

Mark Your Calendar: 'Hogs for Paws' to benefit shelter animals is Aug. 12 at Stan's H-D

By Billie Owens

Hogs for Paws, the annual fundraising event for the Genesee County Animal Shelter, is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12 at Stan's Harley-Davidson, located at 4425 W. Saile Drive, Batavia. 

Attendees are asked to please bring an item on the shelter's Wish List or make a monetary donation. All monetary donations will go toward the spaying and neutering of shelter animals prior to adoption.

Wish LIst items include:

  • Canned and dry cat and dog food
  • Small blankets and beds
  • Bleach
  • Laundry detergent
  • Paper towels
  • Non-clumping (plain, old-fashioned) cat litter

The event at Stan's will features vendors, a T-shirt sale, 50/50 raffle, the opportunity to buy pet ID tags, microchipping and much more!

Stan's is sponsoring the event along with Volunteers for Animals.

Questions? Contact Ashley at (585) 343-9598.

51 Genesee County 4-H exhibits to be showcased at NY State Fair

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo: 2017 State Fair selections in the Kennedy Building at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.)

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Office would like to thank all of the local 4-H members who entered exhibits in the 2017 Genesee County Fair.

We would also like to thank all of our volunteers, judges, family and friends who came to support our youth; we could not do it without you!

There were so many great exhibits to choose from and they will be on display in the Kennedy Building on the Genesee County Fairgrounds now through Saturday, July 22.

Congratulations to the following Genesee County 4-H members whose exhibits have been selected to advance to the New York State Fair, which will take place in Syracuse Aug. 23- Sept. 4.

For more information about the New York State Fair visit: http://nysfair.org/  

Section B – Educational Exhibits

  • Renee Chapell – “How Music Affects Your Mood”
  • Steven Zocco – President Lincoln Diorama

Section C – Communications and Expressive Arts

  • Melissa Keller – Poster of the Circulatory System
  • Melissa Keller – Business Plan – “Keller Pork”
  • Gabriella Zocco – “Caring for Pigs” Diorama 

Section DA – Food and Nutrition

  • Mae Grimes – Maple Syrup
  • Melissa Keller – Peanut Butter Cookies
  • Melissa Keller – Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
  • Caroline Luft – Gluten Free Muffins
  • Clare Mathes – Blueberry Muffins
  • Teagan Mathes – Blueberry Pie
  • Maggie Winspear – Lemon Zucchini Bread

Section DB – Fine Arts and Crafts 

  • Clare Mathes – Watercolor Painting with Sailboat
  • Corrine Rhoads – Cat Perler Beads “Corrine’s Cat Creations”
  • Mary Sweeney – Charcoal Cow Portrait
  • Mary Sweeney – Acrylic Painting of Landscape with Barn

Section DC – Hobby Crafts and Home Environment

  • Amelia Brewer – Hand Painted Decorative Rocks
  • Jillian Brewer – Quilt
  • Cole Carlson – Metal Chicken Feeder
  • Katie Ewert – Decorative Picture Frame with Boot
  • Melissa Keller – 4-H Ribbon Quilt
  • Aubrianna Martinez – Owl Pillow
  • Eva Rhoads – Ribbon Chandelier 

Section DE – Textiles & Clothing

  • Clare Mathes – Chicken Feed Bag with Pocket
  • Caroline Pelton – Retro Dress
  • Mason Werth – Rope Halter

Section E – Visual Arts and Photography

  • Melissa Keller – Photo of Easter Table
  • Melissa Keller – Photo of Rye Field
  • Melissa Keller – Dog Portrait 
  • Georgia Luft – Photo of Chickens 
  • Alexandria Tarbell – Rustic Rider Club Logo Design
  • Colton Tarbell – PowerPoint Presentation on RC Vehicles 

Section F – Horticulture

  • Jillian Brewer – Fairy Garden in Wagon
  • Mae Grimes – Floral Design
  • Melissa Keller – Chicken Feeder Container Garden
  • Melissa Keller – Galvanized Bucket Container Garden
  • Melissa Keller – Terra Cotta Pot with Pig Transfer Container Garden
  • Melissa Keller – Container Garden 
  • Melissa Keller – Fairy Garden in Wagon
  • Georgia Luft – Fairy Garden in Suitcase 
  • Hudson Luft – Fairy Garden in Crate
  • Alexandria Tarbell – Rhubarb
  • Alexandria Tarbell – Marimo (Houseplant Aquarium) 
  • Evan Winspear – Celosia

Section M – Veterinary Science

  • Melissa Keller – Field Guide of Endangered Species

Cloverbuds – For Display Only

  • Layla Baker – Bug House
  • Aiden Hyman – Poster of Kentacloth
  • Levi Miller – Hunting Poster
  • Michael Shisler – Star Drawing
  • Otto Uberty – Tie-Dye T-Shirt
  • Wyatt Uberty – Bandana Pillow

Teens learned about Environmental Science at Career Exploration Camp at Genesee County Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Environmental Science Career Exploration Camp provided adventure and learning July 10th – 14th at Genesee County Park & Forest.

Eighth- through 11th-graders from six different local schools formed a class of elite Environmental Science trainees. Each day consisted of time in the forest and wetlands with hiking, identifying invasive insects, taking tree measurements, navigating, stream sampling, performing bird surveys and more.

Camp instruction was sponsored by Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry, Genesee County Youth Bureau, NYSDEC, USDA APHIS, Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, NYSDEC ECO, Genesee ARC Trash & Recycling facility, GLOW Region Solid Waste, and CC Environment & Planning.

Presentations and hands-on activities were led by professionals in 10 different fields including Forestry, Conservation Law Enforcement, Wildlife Management, and Environmental Planning.

Campers learned a ton while enjoying lunch and snacks each day from camp sponsors: Alex’s Place, Subway, Mark’s Pizzeria, Batavia’s Original, D&R Depot, and Tops Friendly Markets of Le Roy.

Special thanks to all of the volunteers and sponsors for making this excellent experience possible for the next generation of conservation professionals! 

Kiwanis to hold Division Council meeting and dinner Saturday in Pavilion, must RSVP

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Division, NY District Kiwanis will hold a Division Council Meeting to "Meet the Candidates" and dinner on Saturday, July 22, at BW Restaurant & Reception Center. It is located at 11070 Perry Road in Pavilion.

The event is hosted by Kiwanis from Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford & Pembroke, Corfu and Darien.

Cost is $30 per person. This is a "Take a Bite Out of Lyme" fundraiser.

Time is divided as follows:

  • Social Hour -- 5:30 p.m.
  • Meeting convenes -- 6:30 p.m.
  • Dinner -- 7 p.m.
  • Meeting adjourned -- 9 p.m.

Come and enjoy Kiwanis fellowship and year-end celebration!

Meet the candidates for Kiwanis Governor-Elect 2017-18:

  • Lt. Gov. John ("Hank") Baker (Niagara Frontier South)
  • IPLG Bruce Brooks (Long Island Southwest)

RSVP to Penny Arnold (585) 356-3413 or pennyarnolddunigan@yahoo.com

Or to Charlene Schoenenberger (585) 584-3738 or schoenenberger50@gmail.com

Safe Summer Children's Carnival is July 27 at Falleti Ice Arena, Batavia

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County AmeriCorps Program, in collaboration with the Genesee County and Batavia youth bureaus, is planning the annual Safe Summer Children’s Carnival open to the public to take place from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, at Falleti Ice Arena, 22 Evans St. in Batavia.

One dollar buys a ticket to play 10 games, and children can win “funny money” to redeem for prizes.

Entertainment by “The Checkers” is scheduled from 10:30-11:00 a.m. and the games will run from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch break. Folks from the community should to bring a bagged lunch or plan to leave for lunch.

There will also be several community agency booths that youth can visit to earn a chance to win one of many grand prizes at this year’s event. For more information on the carnival please contact Chelsea at the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960.

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