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Announcements

GC Youth Court is recruiting new members, deadline to apply is Aug. 1

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 & law enforcement; develop group decision making, leadership and public speaking skills; participate in all roles of the courtroom: judge, prosecution, defense, and bailiff.  

Genesee County eighth-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. 1st. Interviews of potential candidates will take place in August and 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.

Public Health Column: Learn how to protect your family against lead poisoning

By Billie Owens

Public Health Column from the Genesee County Health Department:

Is your child or grandchild at risk for lead poisoning? If you live in a home with peeling paint that was built before 1978, this may be something to consider.

Most commonly, kids get lead poisoning from lead-based paint, which was used in many U.S. homes until the late 1970s, when the government banned the manufacture of paint containing lead. That is why kids who live in older homes are at a greater risk for lead poisoning.

Lead poisoning is caused by swallowing or breathing in lead dust. Lead is a metal that can harm children and adults when it gets into their bodies. In addition to lead based paint in the home, there are many sources of lead including, but not limited to: paint on old toys, furniture, and crafts, dust, soil, drinking water, air, folk medicines, cosmetics, children’s jewelry and toys, workplace and hobbies, lead-glazed ceramics, china, leaded crystal, pewter, imported candies and/or food in cans, firearms with lead bullets, foreign made mini-blinds, car batteries, and radiators.

Lead can harm a young child's growth, ability to learn and may be linked with tooth decay / cavities, hearing loss, and behavior problems. Lead can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy.

There are generally no symptoms or signs to help you know if your child has lead poisoning. A person with lead poisoning usually does not look or act sick. The best way to find out if your child has lead poisoning is by testing. The most common test is a quick blood test. It measures how much lead is in your bloodstream.

Because children continue to be at risk, New York State requires health care providers to test all children for lead with a blood lead test at age 1 year and again at age 2 years. At every well-child visit up to age 6, health care providers must ask parents about any contact their child might have had with lead.

If there's been a chance of contact, providers are required to test for lead again. Parents can ask their child's doctor or nurse if their child should get a lead test, and what the lead test results mean.

Brenden Bedard, director of Community Health Services of Genesee and Orleans counties, commented on why it is important for pregnant women to be tested for lead, too.

“Mothers who live in an older home and are exposed to lead dust can inhale the particles, and pass it on to their baby," Bedard said. "Some of the effects that lead can have on their unborn child include: delayed growth and development, premature delivery, low birth weight, and in some cases may result in a miscarriage.”

If you are pregnant, talk to your provider about getting tested for lead.

Although lead poisoning is preventable, lead continues to be a major cause of poisoning among children. Thousands of children are still at risk. Here are some simple things parents and caregivers can do to reduce a child’s exposure to lead:

  • Find the lead in your home. Most children get lead poisoning from lead paint in homes built before 1978. It is important to find and fix lead in your home as soon as possible. Have your home inspected by a licensed lead inspector;
  • Before purchasing an older home, ask for a lead inspection;
  • Get your child tested. Even if young children seem healthy, ask your doctor to test them for lead;
  • Learn about drinking water. Water pipes in some older homes may contain lead solder where lead may leach out into the water. Let cold water run for one minute before drinking it, especially if it has not been used for a few hours;
  • Give your child healthy foods. Feed your child healthy foods with calcium, iron, and vitamin C. These foods may help keep lead out of the body. Calcium is in milk, yogurt, cheese, and green leafy vegetables like spinach. Iron is in lean red meats, beans, peanut butter, and cereals. Vitamin C is in oranges, green and red peppers, and juice.
  • Clean up lead dust. When old paint cracks and peels, it makes lead dust. Lead dust is so small you cannot see it. Children get lead poisoning from swallowing dust on their hands and toys. Use a damp cloth and a damp mop to reduce the spread of dust;
  • Understand the facts! Your local health department can provide you with helpful information about preventing childhood lead poisoning.

For information about Health Department services contact:

  • Genesee County Health Department at: 344-2580, ext. 5555, or visit their website here.

Batavia Blue Devils Youth Football Camp is July 16-17 at BHS

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Blue Devils Youth Football Camp will be held on Monday and Tuesday, July 16-17, behind Batavia High School, located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

Time is 9 to 11:30 a.m. both days.

Cost is $40.

It is for students entering grades one through eight in the fall.

Hosted by Head Coach Brennan Briggs and the BHS Football staff.

Bring shorts, T-shirt, cleats and water bottle.

Register by July 5 to guarantee correct T-shirt size.

Make checks payable to:  Blue Devils Touchdown Club

Mail payment and the following information to Brennan Briggs, 103 Oak St., Batavia  NY 14020 OR  to: Batavia Middle School, 96 Ross St., Batavia NY 14020, ATTEN: Brennan Briggs.

  • Name of Camper
  • Camper is entering Grade ___
  • Emergency Contact Name and Phone Number
  • T-shirt Size: ADULT ___ Or  YOUTH ___

The camp will feature: speed challenge; flag football games at the end of each day; current BHS football players, as well as alumni will speak and work with campers; T-shirts distributed and pizza after Tuesday's camp.

Here's the breakdown of what will be taught for each position; all drills will be modified for age groups:

  • Quarterbacks -- Hand placement, 3-step, 5-step, footwork drills, throwing mechanics, and ball-handling drills;
  • Wide Receivers -- Stance, start, footwork drills, hand drills, route running;
  • Running Backs -- Stance, start, footwork drills, run blocking, pass blocking;
  • Offensive Line -- Stance, start, run-blocking drills, pass-blocking drills;
  • Linebackers -- Stance, start, footwork drills, tackling-form drills, run stopping, pass defending;
  • Defensive Backs -- Stance, start, footwork drills, man coverage, zone coverage, pass defending;
  • Defensive Line -- Stance, start, 1 v. 1 drills, speed and quickness off the ball.

The Batavia Blue Devils are 3-peat Section V Class B Champions.

FREE Summer Solstice Outdoor Labyrinth Walk in Stafford, sponsored by Blue Pearl Yoga

By Billie Owens

Everyone is welcome to participate in the FREE Summer Solstice Outdoor Labyrinth Walk sponsored by Blue Pearl Yoga.

It will take place in Stafford at 9072 Fargo Road from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 21.

Please join in this unique walking meditation.

What is the appeal of Labyrinths?

Labyrinths are tools used by many cultures and religions throughout history.
Labyrinths can be walked meditatively as a tool for personal, psychological, and spiritual transformation. 

"The Path Reveals the Mystery of Life Unfolding."

Serving as a living metaphor, the labyrinth experience is known for helping to remember one's true Self by connecting us to the depths of our soul. Taken one step at a time, their purpose is to further those looking to bring more spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical well being into their lives, and to gain insights and answers. 

Some frequent labyrinth users call the experience a meditation in motion, fusing movement and inner calm. Concentrating only on the course before you, your pace slows, your breathing deepens and your mind becomes clearer.

Questions? Call Sandy at 344-1765.

Free weekday Summer Lunch for children served at Mill Street Park in Le Roy starts Monday

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
The ninth annual Summer Lunch at Mill Street Park in Le Roy starts on Monday, June 25.
 
Free, kid-friendly lunches are served Monday-Friday from noon to 12:45 p.m. for children and teens through age 18. The food service program ends Friday, Aug. 17.
 
Rain location is St. Mark’s Church, side entrance on the corner of Church and Main streets.
 
The Summer Lunch is a community effort organized by St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
 
More information at www.stmarksleroy.org or 585-768-7200.

ILGR to host free series of financial workshops on Wednesday mornings beginning July 11

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will be holding a FREE series of Financial Workshops for the community on Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for six-weeks, starting July 11.

You can select the topics that appeal to you, and do not have to attend all six.

They will take place at ILGR's primary office, 113 Main St., Suite 5, near Center Street, in Batavia.

Light refreshments will be provided, and participants will receive a small free gift for every class they attend.

THE TOPICS

July 11 -- Learn about checking and savings accounts

July 18 -- Changing your life through better money management

July 25 -- Jump-start saving on a limited budget

Aug. 1 -- Learn to read and clear up your credit report

Aug. 8 -- Financial planning

Aug. 15 - Caring for children with disabilities: the financial side

For more information, and to please RSVP by the day before the workshop you would like to attend, contact Jennifer at 585-815-8501, ext. 412.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (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.

Public hearing on the next GCC budget is June 27 in the Old Courthouse

By Billie Owens

Notice of Public Hearing on Genesee Community College Budget

The Genesee County Legislature will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed budget for the Genesee Community College for the fiscal year beginning Sept. 1, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 27, in the Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia.

All interested persons will be heard.

The Budget for Genesee Community College for the year Sept. 1, 2018 through Aug. 31, 2019 is $40,153,000 with Genesee County’s share as sponsor in the amount of $2,586,374.

Pamela LaGrou, Clerk

Genesee County Legislature 

Free meals for kids this summer in Oakfield, Alabama, Byron and Bergen

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Oakfield-Alabama and Byron-Bergen Central School districts announce their participation in the federal (USDA) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) offering delicious, convenient, economical and healthy meals July 9 through Aug. 10. Meals will be provided to all children without charge.

No paperwork necessary; although O-A participants are asked to register online for the Oakfield town park program.

Oakfield-Alabama

There will be a free lunch-only program just for children at the Elroy Perkins Memorial Town Park on Drake Street in Oakfield (also known as the Oakfield Town Park). Food will be served from 12 to 12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Register online for the Oakfield park program, then just show up for a great lunch. 

For questions, call the school district cafeteria at 948-5211, ext. 4234; or the Town of Oakfield at 948-5835.

Byron-Bergen

Both breakfast and lunch will be served weekdays in the cafeterias at Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School (6917 W. Bergen Road, Bergen). Breakfast is served from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m.; lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at both locations. Adults can eat, too, and will pay $2.50 for breakfast and $4 for lunch.

Also, at the Byron Community Park, lunch only will be available just for children from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The park is located behind the Byron Fire Hall. Kids eat free.

For questions, call 494-1220, ext. 1015.

About the USDA

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.

To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Ave., SW Washington, D.C., 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

GC Office for the Aging will be distributing Farmers' Market coupon booklets

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County Office for the Aging will be distributing Farmers’ Market Coupons to income-eligible seniors, 60 years of age and older.

The coupon booklets will be available at 2 Bank St., Batavia, on the following dates/times:

  • 10 a.m. -- 12 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10
  • 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Thursday, July 12 
  • 1 -- 4 p.m. on Monday, July 23
  • 10 a.m. -- 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25

**Before these dates, if you live in senior housing, a flier will be posted about when the Office for the Aging will be at your location.

Anyone 60 or older in your household can have a coupon booklet; you must still be income eligible and the booklet must be given to each person individually.

Coupons will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, until they are gone.

If you have any questions call please call 343-1611.

  • You must be age 60 or older. Please bring ID.
  • If you reside in public/subsidized housing, you qualify regardless of income, but please bring proof of address.

***  2018 Income Guidelines  ***

Household of 1 = $ 1,872/mo.

Household of 2 = $ 2,538/mo.

Household of 3 = $3,204/mo.

Third annual Father's Day Retro Jam & Musicians Reunion is Sunday at Stafford Fire Hall

By Billie Owens

The third annual Stafford Firemen's Father's Day Retro Jam & Musicians Reunion is 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 17.

It will be held behind the Stafford Fire Department on Route 5 in Stafford.

Bring your own lawn chairs and coolers. A food truck will be available.

"Good fans, good families, good food, good music, good friends, good times!"

Band schedule is subject to change, but so far the lineup is:

  • Ryan & Scott
  • Front Porch Pickers
  • Ghost Riders
  • Rick Howe Band
  • TONK! Bros.
  • Patrice & Friends
  • Rock-a-Bully's
  • KW Does Country

S.H.E. Boutique pop-up consignment sale event at Dibble Center this Thursday and Friday

By Billie Owens
Attention women and teen girls! Get excited for the best sale of the summer! S.H.E. Boutique is coming back to Batavia again this season!
 
S.H.E. Boutique is an upscale women's consignment sale that will be held at the Dibble Family Center on June 14th and 15th. Admission is FREE! Dibble Family Center is located at 4120 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.
 
Shoppers can find the following types of items: new and like new clothing for juniors and women, shoes, jewelry, handbags, athletic wear, accessories, books and some home decor. All inventory is registered and scanned prior to being sold.
 
Dates and Times:
 
Thursday, June 14th: 4 - 7:30 p.m.
* Cash bar open and professional stylist, Jenna Matthews, on site to help you shop. The perfect girls night out!
 
Friday, June 15th: 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
*3:30-5:30 everything left is 50-percent off
*5:30pm-6:30 p.m. DOLLAR SALE for charity
 
Jessica Lahti of  Rodan & Fields and Megh Hoisington of  Sseko will be selling products. 
All unsold items will be donated to My Sister's Closet in Batavia and the Gateway Home Comfort Care Facility of Attica.
 
Visit www.mothertimemarketplace.com/she for more information.

'The Bark-arrific Saturday Ice Cream Social' is June 23 at State Street Animal Hospital

By Billie Owens

State Street Animal Hospital is hosting "The Bark-arrific Saturday Ice Cream Social" from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 23, at the hospital, located at 7950 State Street Road, Batavia.

Just show up with your friendly K9 friend and join the State Street crew for this special event.

All dogs must be leashed to attend. Dog-safe ice cream will be served, and there will be ice cream for human companions as well.

While this social is specifically for dogs, they love your feline friends, too, and treats will be provided for owners to take home to their kitty comrades.

Parasols, gloves and hats, strictly optional. Wet Wipes probably aren't.

Four new exhibits to be shown at GO ART! in Downtown Batavia this summer

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
Four new exhibits are coming to GO ART! this summer and there will be a reception for each one and the bar will be open at historic Seymour Place, located at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.
  • Ty's Painted Poles by Ty Dickey -- June 14 -- Aug. 4  /  Reception: June 21 6-8 p.m. 
Ty Dickey resides in Detroit, Mich. His works have been well received, in exhibitions at the Carr Cultural Center and the Baltimore Gallery in Detroit.

Dickey creates his works from a strong African-centered viewpoint, drawing inspiration from his surroundings. His latest works are decorative fabric spools, a mixed media form that incorporates recycled cardboard paper and acrylic paint. 

Each piece is elegant and unique; the same design is never painted twice. 

Several of the pieces incorporate Ghanaian adinkra symbols. Other pieces are freeform, with geometric shapes and doodles that are created in the moment.

  • Peru Children by Daniel Cotrina Rowe -- June 14 -- Aug. 4  /  Reception: June 21, 6-8 p.m. 

Daniel Cotrina Rowe is a native of  Cajamarca, Peru. He studied at the Fine Arts School of "Mario Urteaga." Rowe's artwork is included in the Latin American Artists Registry of the prestigious Latin American Museum of Long Beach, Calif. (MOLAA).

Rowe currently directs the Art Center called Archikwayra, in which he shares his experience as a painter with talented children from the community of Otuzco in Cajamarca. Because art is not taught in schools in the area this program is extremely important to bring art to children in their community.  All of the artwork is done by children who attend the programs at the Art Center and all pieces are for sale.

The sales from Rowe's show will be used to purchase supplies for the Archikwayra so the children can continue to learn and enjoy art!

  • "UNWORLDLY" Members' Challenge Show -- June 7 -- Sept. 8  /  Reception June 21, 6-8 p.m.

 

  • Framed by Lyn Kang -- July 12 -- Sept. 8  /  Reception: July 19, 6-8 p.m.
Lyn Kang is a painter, born in Seoul, South Korea, and currently resides and works in Western New York. Her artwork has been featured in Vienna, Virginia, New Zealand, and South Korea.
 
She says "I experience frames all over. The relationship between various elements in a frame is tolerated. They are interwoven within the frame. They are entrapped in colors, but do not find a way to feel sympathy. They are placed to live under one frame. No way out. What frame do you live under?"
 
GO ART!
343- 9313
Gallery Hours: Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.  Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mr. Magic, with his unique 'FUNBELIEVABLE' style, to perform free at Woodward library June 20

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Greg Phillips -- AKA "Mr. Magic" -- has been performing since the age of 7.

He is a Le Roy High School graduate and is returning to his hometown for a FREE Libraries Rock! Magic Show!

It will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20, at Woodward Memorial Library.

Mr. Magic's unique and “FUNBELIEVABLE” style has come from years of real world experience in front of thousands of audiences of all kinds.

He has studied magic, clowning, mime and performance with some of the world’s greats to make his presentations the best they can be. You’ll be entertained with lots of styles of magic, comedy and storytelling. His infectious personality and style will draw you in!

Registration is appreciated by calling 768-8300. This program is for all ages!

Woodward library is located at 7 Wolcott St. in Le Roy.

Hawley to host free electronics recycling event in Batavia June 23

By Billie Owens

Assemblyman Steve Hawley invites you to join him at a free electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 23, at the parking lot of the East End Business Center, 5130 E. Main St., Batavia.

Enter off of Ag Park Drive; it's next to National Grid.

This E-waste event is in conjunction with Spectrum and Sunnking.

***There is a limit of four television tubes per vehicle.

Bring your old broken cell phones, computers, monitors, printers, audio and video equipment, small devices, other electronic equipment.

For more information, contact Hawley's office at (585) 589-5780 or email  hawleys@nyassembly.gov

Free program on legal, financial planning for Alzheimer's disease to be held at The Manor House June 13

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease makes planning for the future a very important task for families. Concerns about care planning and programs that can help offset costs mean that families need accurate information about legal and financial matters specific to the disease.

"Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s Disease" is an opportunity to learn about important legal and financial issues to consider, how to put plans in place and how to access legal and financial resources in the community.

The Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter is offering the program at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13, at the The Manor House at 427 E. Main St. in Batavia, which is also providing an American Sign Language interpreter and a light meal.

Topics to be discussed during the 90-minute program include:

  • Making legal plans that fit individual and family needs;
  • Legal documents and what they mean;
  • How to find legal and financial assistance;
  • Practical strategies for making a long-term plan of care;
  • Government programs that can help pay for care.

The program is free and open to the public, but seating reservations are requested by calling 1-800-272-3900.

Batavia Concert Band launches 93rd season of free public concerts June 27

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Concert Band will be returning for their 93rd season of public concerts in Batavia’s Centennial Park (rain venue is the Stuart Steiner Theater at Genesee Community College).

Concerts will be held at 7 p.m. on June 27, July 11, July 18, July 25, Aug. 1, and Aug. 8, as well as the ever-popular July 4th Picnic in the Park sponsored by GO ART!

The July 25th concert will feature percussionist Christopher Taylor, Alexander Central School District Music teacher, as part of the Pam Frisby Memorial Concert Series.

The band will also perform a special tribute concert on Aug. 1st in memory of Neil Hartwick, made fully possible with memorial donations. Hartwick was a longtime and beloved music teacher at Batavia and Brockport whose former students have and continue to play in the Batavia Concert Band.  In addition, he was a good friend of the Batavia Concert Band, and his former students have been invited to join the band for this tribute concert.

The Batavia Concert Band’s repertoire has something for everyone: marches; Big Band and swing numbers; popular songs from musicals and movies; rock favorites; classical adaptations, and everything in-between.

The Band consists of 45-55 brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from talented high school students to 60-year veterans. Many have professional experience, others are advanced amateur musicians, but one thing is for sure -- all love to play!

Returning for his sixth season as conductor is John Bailey, Instrumental Music teacher at Lyndonville Central School.

The July 4th Picnic in the Park concert will be conducted by Joshua Pacino.

Founded in the early 1920s, the Batavia Concert Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except World War II.

Concerts are currently supported and funded in part by GO ART!, local businesses, program advertisers, and individual patrons. The City of Batavia graciously supplies chairs for musicians, while Genesee Community College generously donates rehearsal space and a rain venue.

The Band also sponsors 50-50 raffles at every concert, bake sales, and other fundraisers. Individuals or businesses interested in supporting the Band should contact a Board member at any concert.

The Batavia Concert Band is also excited to announce WBTA 1490 as the Official Media Sponsor for our 2018 summer concert series! Be on the lookout for appearance by band members on WBTA’s “Main & Center” program, where we will go into some depth about the band’s makeup and its history. Also be listening for weekly radio ads promoting the musical selections for the upcoming concerts, and announcing our weekly sponsors.

Downbeat for regular season concerts is 7 p.m., Wednesday evenings, in Centennial Park, Batavia. (* In the event of rain, concerts will move to Genesee Community College’s Stuart Steiner Theatre. Notices will be posted at the NW corner of Centennial Park, announced on WBTA radio AM1490, posted on http://TheBatavian.com, and on the Batavia Concert Band’s website http://bataviaconcertband.net.

All concerts are fully funded by local businesses and sponsors and are open to music lovers of all ages. Light refreshments are available. Bring your family and friends, lawn chairs or a blanket, and enjoy. We’ll meet you in the park!

This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!

For more information on the Band, how to sponsor, etc. see http://bataviaconcertband.net

Special ceremony to honor the American flag to be held Sunday afternoon at VA Medical Center, Batavia

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This Sunday, June 10, the public is invited to the Batavia VA Medical Center for a special ceremony to honor the American flag.

The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. honoring those service men and women who have fought to protect that flag and our country.

There will be a motorcycle procession, Special Presentation of Colors, and a special thank you from the Batavia Middle School to honor Mr. Leo Pelton (98 years young) for his service in World War II.

"Let's Ride" -- motorcyclists carrying the names of our fallen warriors listed on Batavia's memorial wall -- will gather at Stan's Harley-Davidson, 4425 Saile Drive, Batavia, at 11:30 a.m. for the noon memorial ride to the Batavia VA Medical Center. They will present those names to the veterans in the hospital to let them know they are not forgotten and present a new American flag on their behalf to the hospital.

Essays will be read by the student winners from BMS who won the essay contest on “What the American Flag Means to Me.“ 

St. Joseph’s of Batavia Brass Ensemble will perform its patriotic/military set for the VA patients and the general public.

It promises to be a great afternoon! Come on out and be part of this special celebration. Help us make this a very special Thank You to our veterans and service people!

The Batavia VA Medical Center is located at 222 Richmond Ave. in the City of Batavia.

Next week is National Flag Week. Flag Day is Thursday, June 14. The National Flag Day Foundation holds an annual observance for Flag Day on the second Sunday in June, which includes a ceremonial raising of the national flag, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, singing of the National Anthem, a parade and other patriotic events.

'Poetry in Batavia' -- poet Stephen Lewandowski reads at GO ART! June 14 and so can you

By Billie Owens

GO ART! and local poetry lovers will have a special event featuring poet Stephen Lewandowski at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, at historic Seymour Place in Downtown Batavia. It is free and open to the public.

At "Poetry in Batavia," Lewandowski will read poems and this will be followed by an open reading -- an opportunity for people to read their own work or that of a favorite poet.

Lewandowski has published 13 books of poetry, and his poems and essays have appeared in regional and national environmental and literary journals and anthologies.

He was a student of poet Howard Nemerov, a graduate assistant to philosophical essayist William Gass and later studied with folklorist Louis Jones.

His two most recent books are "Under Foot" from May Apple Press in Woodstock (2014) and "Last Settler in the Finger Lakes" from Foothills Publishing in Avoca (2015).

He is working on "Local Life, a Natural History of the Finger Lakes."

GO ART!, in the Seymour Place building, is located at 201 E. Main St. The bar will be open for those wishing to purchase beer or wine.

Summer goings-on at the Holland Land Office Museum

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
We are gearing up for summer here at the museum and are very excited to bring in new speakers and events for you!
 
Thursday, June 7th, the museum will be welcoming Joyce Thompson-Hovey. She will be speaking on "Civil War Music." This program begins at 7 p.m. and is $3 per person and $2 for museum members.
 
Wednesday, June 13th, the museum is having Kathy Woika speak on "Kitchen Gardens of the Past Surviving in the Present." Program begins at 7 p.m. and are asking for a $3 donation.
 
Thursday, June 14th, is our History Family and Team Challenge Night! Come on out and test your knowledge of seemingly trivial facts against family and friends. $3 per person, $2 for museum members and please call for team pricing. Snack and Drink concessions will be available, however, not included in the price of admission. 
 
Tuesday, June 19th, the Genesee Area Genealogists will be hosting Pamela Vittorio here at the museum. Vittorio will be presenting on "Dating and Identifying Family in Old Photographs" and "A Connecticut Yankee in the King's Rangers." This event will begin at 7 p.m.
 
Thursday, June 28th, will be another installment of Java with Joe E. This month Richard Beatty from the Darwin Martin House will be speaking on the house and its history. Coffee and pastries are from 9-10:30 a.m. 
 
Keep an eye out for our History Heroes Summer Program, led by Anne Marie Starowitz. This year the program will be July 17-20 and 24-27 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Check out the museum's website or contact us for more information.
 
As always, if you have any questions, please call the museum at 585-343-4727 or email. Check out our website for more updates and exciting events.
 
Have a wonderful day!
The Holland Land Office Museum
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