Announcements

The St. Jerome Guild prepares the annual “Step into Spring” fashion show, basket raffle, and luncheon prepared by Michael Tomaszewski, on Sunday, May 5.

 The Guild and Genesee Community College will host "Fashion Show Weekend" with Genesee’s annual fashion show, “Limitless” scheduled on Saturday, May 4.  

The Guild is excited to highlight several clothing stores in Batavia: JCPenney, Kohl’s, and Marshalls. More than 20 models will feature the Jerome Jewelry Collection and fashions for toddlers, teens, women, men and seniors.

The event will be held at Fr. Slomba Hall, 19 Sumner St., Batavia, at noon. Presale only tickets are available for $20 at the Jerome Center Gift Shop, 16 Bank St., Batavia. For more information call 585.343.6030, ext. 4198.

The Guild continues to support UMMC/Rochester Regional Healthcare as a corporate donor giving thousands of dollars to capital fundraising initiatives over the years and has contributed countless volunteer hours on a variety of fundraising events. The proceeds in the amount of $5,000 from last year’s fashion show purchased four natal bassinets.

The Guild has offered an annual Health Career Professional Scholarship to hospital employees and high school seniors for decades. Currently, the scholarship is being awarded to outstanding employees who are continuing their education in the medical field.  

The Guild’s volunteerism has served the medical community for more than 100 years. In years past, the Guild sponsored fundraisers for St. Jerome Hospital; such as, casino nights, formal dances, fashion shows, and Mother’s Day breakfasts to name a few.

Pictured above modeling for the fashion show, back row is (from left): Mariah Ognibene, Alyssa Ognibene; front row, Lena Ciszak and Mia Ognibene.  Photo below at Jerome Center Gift Shop: Debbie Pellegrino gift shop volunteer, and Annette Labarbera, president of St. Jerome Guild.

Submitted by, Marilyn C. Dickinson, secretary St. Jerome Guild Inc. Board of Directors. If you have questions, contact 585.356.9398.

Press release:

The Alden Area Ecumenical Choir is presenting its spring concert this month titled “A Little Talk With Jesus In The Heavenly Sunlight.” Good Christian choral and solo music followed by a refreshment reception will make for a fun time.

The choir always takes a free-will offering to benefit local and global needs. This year’s offering will benefit Rise Against Hunger, supported by the Marilla Methodist Church and Neat Repeats, a clothing ministry supported by the Alden Presbyterian Church.

The choir offers two concerts, Friday evening, April 26, at 7 o'clock and late Saturday afternoon, April 27, at 4 o'clock. The Friday concert will be at the Alden Presbyterian Church, 13298 Broadway in Alden, at the corner of Crittenden. The Saturday concert is held at the First Baptist Church, 306 E. Main St., Batavia, between Summit and Swan streets.

Press release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau will host the 16^th annual Family Game Night in celebration of National County Government Month.

The event will take place on Thursday, April 25^th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at County Building 2, 3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

The night will consist of interactive booths for families to learn more about the services provided by the county through the departments as well as prizes and activities. The cost is $5 for a family of four and $3 for an individual which includes a light dinner and beverages.

Each family will take home one brand new board game after they visit each booth. Families also have the chance to enter to win free Muckdogs game tickets as well as free six-inch subs from Subway!

Adults must be accompanied by a child to receive the board game.

Please call the Youth Bureau for more information or to register at 344-3960.

The Genesee County Youth Bureau would also like to thank Batavia Kiwanis Club, Batavia Muckdogs, Upstate Milk, Big Pauly’s Pizzeria, Batavia’s Original, Walmart, Settler’s Family Restaurant, Subway, and Tops Friendly Markets for making donations to this event.

Submitted information and photos from VA WNY Healthcare System:

A luncheon was held today at the Quality Inn in Batavia for VA Voluntary Service volunteers to recognize their many hours of volunteer service to veterans at VA WNY Heatlhcare System.

Irvin Bratz, in photo above, is pictured with Danielle Bergman, interim associate director for VA WNYHS. Bartz was specifically recognized for his 7,500 hours of volunteer service.  

Below, members of the Brockport Elks Lodge provided a donation to VA Voluntary Service in the amount of $1,500.

Below, the luncheon was well attended.

Below, VA Chaplain Brian Stuttler with VA volunteers.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) needs to fill two vacancies and is looking for a few good architects (we really need those!), historic district residents (and these!), historians, or volunteers who have significant interest in the commitment to historic preservation.

If this sounds like you, and you are a City resident, submit your application today!

The HPC works toward the protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of landmarks and historic districts in the City of Batavia. For about an hour a month you can help preserve our historic community.

Volunteer today to see the difference you can make! Applications are available at the City Clerk’s office or online at www.batavianewyork.com in the documents section of the Citizen Action Center.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact City Clerk Heidi J. Parker:

Office of the City Clerk

One Batavia City Centre

Batavia, NY 14020

Phone:  (585) 345-6305, opt. 5, opt. 1

Fax:    (585) 343-9221

E-mail:  hparker@batavianewyork.com

Darien Lakes State Park 2019 Concert Schedule

All concerts are on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Shelter #2 and they are free to attend. Day area admission to the park is free after 5 p.m.

Darien Lakes State Park is located at 10475 Harlow Road, Darien Center. Phone is 547-9242.

Please remember that Darien Lakes State Park is a “Carry in/Carry out” park.

Please help support park events by supporting the Natural Heritage Trust. Donations to the Natural Heritage Trust for Darien Lakes State Park can be made at the park or online at www.nysparks.com.

June 25 -- Corfu/Pembroke Community Band

Come and kick off the beginning of the 2019 concert series with the hometown sounds from the Corfu/Pembroke Community Band. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the classic concert band ensemble.

July 2 -- NY Rockin’ Revue Gone Country

It’s all country tonight. They will be bringing out the banjo, fiddle and pedal steel guitar. It’s Patsy Cline, Charlie Daniels, Hank Williams Sr. and many more.

July 9 -- Ghost Riders

The Ghost Riders will lift your spirit with drivin’ “hardcore country” music with a twang that makes listeners of all ages want to get out and dance and have fun.

July 16 -- The Swooners

Enjoy the music of every decade, from the Roaring '20s thru the Big '80s and beyond. They will make you want to dance, sing, laugh -- and cry.

July 23 -- Auslanders

German night is back with the sounds of the Auslanders! This popular Buffalo band has been entertaining for years, as one of the area's most enjoyed Oktoberfest bands. Authentic German selections and a polka here or there will keep your feet stomping and spirits high!

July 30 -- Old Hippies

The music of the Old Hippies is acoustic and a varied brand, be it their own creative songs or recognizable covers from a golden musical era: the '50s,'60s, '70s and on and on...nostalgic to those who lived it and romantic to those who didn’t.

Aug. 6 -- The Batavia Swing Band

Listen and dance to Batavia’s premier swing band as they play the most popular swing, jazz, and Big Band music from over the years.

Aug. 13 -- The Band Anastazja

Armed with a banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, bass, spoons, eight kids, Mom, Dad and Gramma. The Band Anastazja travels here, there and everywhere to entertain folks with their unique style of music and their genuineness in real life stories that they tell and the songs to accompany them.

Aug. 20 -- In The House

Their repertoire includes dance hits and classics from the '40s to present. Their music includes R&B, blues, disco, country, gospel and classic rock.

Aug. 27 -- The Boomers

The Boomers have a vast repertoire of classic songs, which includes favorites from the '40s thru the '90s.

Sept. 1 -- NY Rockin' Revue  ***Fireworks Afterward***

Whether it’s classic rock, country or old-time favorites, NY Rockin’ Revue provides it all. Enjoy a night of great music and dancing, along with a firework show following.

Submitted photos and press release:

On Saturday, April 6, Oakfield Historical Society held the 2019 Grand Opening of its Research Center & Museum. The theme this year is “Community Organizations."

New this year is a permanent display dedicated to U.S. Gypsum Company in Oakfield. There has been a steady stream of requests to see these artifacts and for information on the workers, many of whom were immigrants.

Throughout the years, the USG employed a great proportion of the town’s residents. It was an honor to have current USG Oakfield site Plant Manager Duane VanDuuren performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Current and past employees also attended the celebration.

The Oakfield Historical Society is located at 7 Maple Ave., Oakfield, and is open on Sundays 1-3 p.m. (excluding holiday weekends).

Press release:

The City of Batavia is “All In” to revitalize our city through economic development and housing programs that will raise our standard of living and make our community one of the most attractive places, to live, work, and play.

The City is considering applying for Federal grant assistance to help income eligible owner-occupied single-family homeowners with essential home improvements.

Sometimes the smallest things we can do for our neighborhoods can have the biggest impact. Home improvements are a catalyst for changing the look and feel of a neighborhood and improving residents’ quality of life.

Here in Batavia, Summit Street is a perfect example of a street coming back to life with vibrancy and is now a model for other transformations across our City. When one resident makes improvements to their home, others follow.

Grant funds would enable homeowners to make home repairs with grant and deferred-loan funding. Any single-family homeowner is encouraged to apply.

If you own a single-family home in need of repairs please download the survey from the City’s “Useful Links” tab on the City’s homepage at www.batavianewyork.com. Click on Residential Rehabilitation Survey or pick up a survey in the City Manager’s office at City Hall.

The deadline to submit surveys to the City Manager is April 19.

The City’s goals include the following:

1.        Create a viable urban community with decent housing.

2.        Ensure a suitable living environment for all (safe, sanitary and habitable dwellings).

3.        Expanding economic opportunities for all including persons of low to moderate income.

4.        Rehabilitate the City knowing that it starts with one building at a time.

The City of Batavia is requesting your full cooperation to help us obtain housing rehabilitation grant funding. Please complete and mail in or drop off the surveys to: City Manager’s Office, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY, 14020.

Press release:

Genesee County 4-H Fur and Feather Club along with Wyoming County 4-H Rabbit Ears Club are hosting a double rabbit and cavy youth show on Saturday, April 27, at the Genesee County Fairgrounds, 5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia.

The show is open to all local youth ages 19 and younger (you don’t need to be a 4-H member). Showroom opens at 8 a.m., health checked by 9 a.m., judging promptly begins at 10 a.m.

Entry Fee is $3 per animal if postmarked by April 19; or fee is $4 day of show. Participants may enter in both shows.

For complete show rules and entry forms please visit here, or contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101.

Notice of Three Public Hearings

(1) Genesee County shall conduct a public hearing on fair housing practices and to identify any concerns and issues with fair housing practices in Genesee County. The public hearing will be held at the Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia, at 5:30 p.m., April 10. All persons who wish to speak will be heard. Written comments will be accepted upon delivery to: Clerk, Genesee County Legislature, 7 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 prior to the hearing. The hearing location is in compliance with accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

(2) There has been introduced before the Legislature of the County of Genesee, a Local Law Introductory No. Two, Year 2019, which regulates the transfer of secondhand articles. The Genesee County Legislature will conduct a Public Hearing on the proposed law at the Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia, at 5:30 p.m. on April 10. All interested persons will be heard.

(3) A public hearing will be held at 4:30 p.m. on April 11 at the Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia, to discuss the implementation of the HP Hood LLC Project that received Community Development Block funding from the New York State Office of Community Renewal (Project No. 444ED893-17). The purpose of the hearing is to obtain citizen views regarding any aspect of the project’s implementation including, but not limited to any construction, financing, and employment opportunities resulting from the project. The hearing facilities are handicapped accessible. Written comments are invited and will be accepted upon delivery to the courthouse address above. The hearing location is in compliance with accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Press release:

Earth Day is your chance to give back to your community and take care of the Earth! Join us at DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia for the 19th annual Earth Day Celebration and help with park cleanup from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 20.

Let's celebrate Earth Day early (it's actually Monday, April 22) and help keep the park beautiful and the habitat safe and healthy for wildlife.

Leanr to make cool things from recycled materials and enjoy a naturalist-guided hike to discover the natural wonders in the park.

Enjot wild ganes, free fun and more.

Service groups, students, 4-H'ers and Scouts can earn community service hours and meet badge requirements.

Don't miss a special presentation by theBuffalo Zoomobile from 2 to 3 p.m., weather permitting!

Special thanks to the Genesee Finger Lakes Cahpter of the Air & Waste Management Association for their generous support of this Earth Day celebration.

Meet at Pavilion 2 for all activities. DeWitt Recreation Area is located at 115 Cedar St. in the City of Batavia.

This event and all activities are free and open to all. Please preregister for activities by calling (585) 344-1122.

Here's the day's schedule of activities:

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Park Cleanup Projects
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Recycled Crafts
• 12 to 1 p.m. -- Wild Planet Games
• 1 to 2 p.m. -- Wild Planet Guided Hike
• 2 to 3 p.m. (weather permitting) -- Special Guest: World Safari by the Buffalo Zoomobile -- Meet fascinating animals from all different places on planet Earth!

Press release:

Spring is a season when thoughts often turn to Earth. It is thus fitting that the Genesee Chorale celebrates nature and the planet in its April 5 and 7 concerts, “Voices of the Earth.”

The April 5 concert begins at 7 p.m. at Pavilion High School, 7014 Big Tree Road, Pavilion.

The April 7 concert begins at 4 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia., and will have the added feature of a display of art work by area students created in connection with GO ART!

In a time of concern about climate change the future of our planet, “Voices of the Earth” was a theme that came easily to Ric Jones, who directs the 70-member Chorale.

“As a lover of nature and spending time outdoors, I am always drawn to themes of nature in music,” he said. “As I was researching music, I found myself selecting music with themes of nature, and music that centered around beautiful poetry.

"It was a natural step from there to decide to make a program focused on the Earth. And with the devastation we are seeing in our world, I think it is important to draw attention to it, and our responsibilities for it.”

He looked for music that would challenge singers, and that would be both enjoyable and inspiring for singers and audience. Several of the selections are taken from poetry. For example, “There Will Come Soft Rains” and “The Cloud” are poems by Sara Teasdale, and “The Peace of Wild Things” is a poem by Wendell Berry.

Another poem, “Little Birds” by Octavio Paz in Spanish, was set to music by Eric Whitacre, who incorporated bird calls into the piece, as well as a surprise ending.  Listeners may also be surprised by special effects in “Whispering Waters.”

“I think the audience will really enjoy some of the nontraditional things we are doing with the choir,” Jones said. “Bird calls, sounds of water, etc. I also think they will really enjoy our special guest musicians, Bob Holley on bongos and Fran Woodworth on flute. The bongos help give 'Gently (Walk on the Earth)' a pop/world beat feel."

More traditional pieces include “The Pasture,” which invokes a pastoral America; “Linden Lea,” a Dorset (a coastal county in Southwest England) folk song; “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” an Anglican hymn; and an arrangement of “For the Beauty of the Earth.”

“I most want the audience to listen to the words,” Jones said. “The text is so important in these works. There are many moving words and much poetry designed to make us, as humans, stop and think  about the world around us.”

Tickets are $10 each. They may be purchased via credit card or PayPal through Chorale’s website box office, www.GeneseeChorale.com. They are available as “will call,” or from Chorale members, or at the door. Further information is available on Chorale’s website.