Announcements

Genesee County Master Gardeners will host their annual Spring Garden Gala from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 21 at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

The plant sale starts promptly at 10. It will feature indoor and outdoor plants.

The features also includes a Chance Auction, free soil pH testing, gardening advice by certified Master Gardeners, children’s activities and refreshments for a nominal fee.

New this year – handmade bird feeders by Cindy Smith.

The Chance Auction drawing begins at 12:30. Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants for your own garden!

For more information contact Amy Berry at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 343-3040, ext. 101, stop by the extension office on East Main Street, or visit our Web site at www.genesee.shutterfly.com.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a three-year extension of our alliance with electric energy supplier, Integrys of New York” said Lynn Freeman, chamber president.

“This is a win-win situation!” Freeman said. “The businesses in Genesee County win by reducing their electricity costs and the chamber benefits by helping the businesses in our backyard to see continued success.”

Integrys Energy Services of New York, Inc., (Integrys of NY), was one of the first Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) to market electricity to customers in Western New York and has been serving Genesee County since 1997.

Customers that will benefit from Integrys are in the industrial, commercial, educational, municipal and agricultural sectors.

“It cost nothing to sign on to the program and we will even complete the application for the business,” Freeman said.

Call the chamber at 343-7440 for more information and an application.

Peaceful Genesee, a coalition dedicated to making Genesee County a nonviolent community, is inviting people to an AVP (Alternatives To Violence Program) workshop to be held on May 13-14 at First Presbyterian Church, at 300 E. Main St. in Batavia.

AVP is a program that gives participants the chance to bond through creative and fun exercises, learn peaceful methods of resolving conflicts and transform conflicts into opportunities for personal and societal change. It is based on the belief that there is good in every person and that all people have the potential to find positive and peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

Attendees are expected to participate, but may opt out of certain exercises if they are uncomfortable participating in them.

According to the notice submitted by Peaceful Genesee, the upcoming workshop will consist of  "a basic introduction to the philosophy and skills of nonviolent conflict resolution." It will last from 5:30 until 9:30 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The cost of the workshop is $30 per person and includes 2 meals -- dinner on Friday and lunch on Saturday. Scholarships are available -- contact Audrey Mang at 716-633-1140 for more information.

A $10 registration fee is due to Lisa Wittmeyer, c/o Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, 5073 Clinton Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020 by Friday. A $20 balance is due at the workshop.

Make checks payable to Peaceful Genesee.

Contact Lisa at 343-7798 or Vivian Waltz at vivian@sisterkarencenter.org for further details.









Millions of Americans wil unite in prayer at thousands of events from coast to coast to observe the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 5th. The theme for this year is "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" and is based on the verse from Psalm 91:2 which states " I will say to the Lord my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.

In 1 Timothy 2:1-6 the Apostle Paul says, "I urge then,first of all, that petitions prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.

According to these verses, we are urged to pray for all those in authority. We are to pray so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This pleases God, and when you obey his word, it brings peace into your heart and life. The world in which we live may be in turmoil, but for those in Christ, there is peace, hope, and joy for the future. His word says that we should pray so that all people would come to a saving knowledge of the truth. The truth is that Jesus Christ gave his life as a ransom for all who call on him. He died on the cross for all so that we may be made holy and righteous in his sight.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God says, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray , and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from  Heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Because of these verses in scripture and many more like them, I urge you to join us as we seek God in prayer.

The Batavia Assembly God Church will open its doors from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.  There will be a variety of prayer stations set up where you can join us in focusing on specific areas of prayer. You may also stop by the altar or take up a seat in a pew and pray for your own individual needs. If you need prayer, there will be people available to pray with you.

There will be a bible study with a prayer emphasis on Wednesday night,  May 4th starting at 7:00 PM. We invite you to come and help us pray earnestly for our families , our communities , and our churches. Let us pray for our president and all our leaders who govern, that they will humble themselves and seek God's guidance. Everyone is welcome, and we look forward to seeing you there.

God is our mighty fortress in whom we can trust. May we trust him that through our prayers he will move upon our nation to bring healing, peace and his blessing. Let us pray that through our prayers people will come to know him and turn to him.







Thousands of women across the country join together for National Women Build Week April 30 – May 8.

In the days leading up to Mother’s Day, construction crews of female volunteers will raise their hammers at Habitat for Humanity construction sites across the country. Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County, Inc., are looking for local women to volunteer for a day at one of
our Batavia Habitat construction sites during this nine-day event.

Construction or home improvement experience is not necessary.

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to p.m. on Saturday May 9 at 11 Raymond Ave. in the City of Batavia. If you are interested in volunteering in the Women’s Build event please e-mail us at info@geneseehabitat.com before May 5th.

From 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, April 30, the City of Batavia will celebrate both Earth Day and Arbor Day. Rain or shine.

The morning will begin at Austin Park on Jefferson Avenue with an Energy Smart Program presentation. There will also be giveaways and several displays including: a seed starting display by the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners; a composting display by GLOW; city recycling Information; a Youth Bureau Craft Booth, National Grid lighting display and handouts, Garbage Art by GoArt!, and a Smoke Free Now Booth by GCASA.

Volunteers will then be assigned a City Park or downtown in the area of Main and Ellicott streets to pick up debris. The volunteers will be asked to regroup at Austin Park at 11:45 a.m. for tree planting ceremonies and a complimentary lunch sponsored by Reality Check.

A challenge has been given to the local fifth-grade classes and the class with the most participants in our Earth Day event will be announced at noon. The winning class will receive a pizza party for their fifth-grade class at their school.

The City of Batavia Youth Bureau has organized this event for the community.

The trees for the planting ceremonies have been donated by Lowes and Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union. ARC is also donating their services and supplies for the event and Tim Horton’s is donating coffee and TimBits for the volunteers.

The city is seeking volunteers to give a few hours of their time to get out and recognize Earth Day & Arbor Day and to help Clean up & Green up Batavia!

If there are any questions, please contact: City of Batavia Youth Bureau, located at One Batavia City Centre. Phone is 345-6420. FAX is 344-0260. E-mail:   funke@batavianewyork.com

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a nine-day familiarization tour of China from Nov. 1 through 9.

Very similar to their successful trips in 2009 and 2010, the chamber is offering the community the unique opportunity to travel to China for the low price of $2,099. Price includes air fare (from JFK), bus to/from JFK, hotel stays, three meals a day, bus tours (with guides), admission to tourist spots, and airport taxes throughout the trip.

Of professional interest, this trip will present opportunities to learn a great deal about how the Chinese business system operates. The group will tour many memorable sites, both ancient and modern, and enjoy a multitude of unforgettable experiences in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou.

In addition, there is the option to visit Xian (Terra Cotta Warriors) or to Guilin (Elephant Trunk Hill) for an additional fee.

The chamber believes this trip to be an exceptional value. For more details call Melissa at the chamber at 343-7440, ext. 27, and sign up to attend an informational meeting at 5:30 p.m. on May 17 at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

Details on the trip can also be found at www.geneseeny.com/china

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will officially kick off its 2011 Membership Drive at 8 a.m. tommorrow, April 26, its office on Main Street.

Chamber President Lynn Freeman and Director of Membership and Special Events Kelly Bermingham will be joined by board members Lori Stupp and Chad Zambito for the kick-off, which will include an overview presentation for volunteers.

Five years afo, the chamber had nearly 1,000 members. That number has dwindled down to less than 800 today. Freeman believes that the current economic conditions have contributed to the decline.

“In today’s business climate, business owners are looking to trim expenses, he said. "Unfortunately, they sometimes fail to realize that a chamber membership can add to your bottom line in the long run so the campaign is really focused on educating the public on member benefits."

According to Freeman, the most popular benefits include the ability for chamber members to purchase health insurance for themselves and their employees. The chamber also offers “Member 2 Member” discounts which provides a 10 percent discount to chamber members and their employees at local businesses like Turnbull Heating and Air, Oliver’s Candies and Alex’s Place.

Freeman also said the chamber is currently working on an additional savings program that he believes will be very popular with members. Bermingham expects to train more than 20 volunteers who, along with chamber staff, will then visit nearly 200 perspective businesses during a three-day blitz scheduled for May 10-12.

“It’s been a while since we have done a membership drive and we are really excited to get out in front of perspective members and explain our benefits,” Bermingham said.

Along with health insurance and the “Member 2 Member” program, the chamber provides business promotion, consulting and advocacy.  If you are interested in participating in the drive or in joining the chamber, contact them today at 343-7440.

This information comes from Genesee Community College.

In his last year as President of Genesee Community College, Stuart Steiner, Ed.D, -- leader of the school for more than 37 years -- will give students one last farewell before he heads into retirement. At the request of the Student Government Association, Steiner has agreed to serve as commencement speaker at graduation on Sunday, May 22.

Commencement ceremonies begin at 1 p.m. in the Anthony B. Zambito Gymnasium of the Batavia campus.

Since Genesee Community College was founded in the 1960s, Steiner has been a tireless leader ever-focused on the future of the college and student success. Originally, he served as Dean of Students for a short period and then became Dean of Instruction/Executive Dean until 1975. That year, he became president of the college. He is the second-longest serving community college president in the nation.

When announcing his retirement earlier this year, Steiner pointed out that he felt comfortable handing the reins to someone else because in so many measurable ways, Genesee is truly in the best shape it has ever been.

Enrollment has reached an all time high and Genesee finds itself fiscally sound thanks in part to record breaking fundraising efforts over the past year. The School of Nursing is up and running in the new Med-Tech building across from the Batavia Campus building. There is new campus center in Lima, and the sophisticated Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery – located next to the Stuart Steiner Theatre – was met with enthusiasm when it opened earlier this month.

Steiner has managed all this recent prosperity and growth without raising tuition for the past two years.

"We've asked Dr. Steiner to speak at graduation, not only because we look up to him as an educational professional, but because we want to thank him for what he's done for us as students here at Genesee," said Ian Dries, president of the Student Government Association. "Without him, our education wouldn't have been the same."

While the event is open to the public, seats in the gymnasium are reserved for family and friends of graduates. The ceremony will be streamed live throughout the campus through a video cast to the Stuart Steiner Theatre, T102 and on every monitor on campus – including the Student Union and cafeteria for those who would like to tune in. Tickets are not necessary to watch the ceremony in these areas.

Immediately following commencement, a reception with punch and light refreshments will be hosted in the Forum for all guests and graduates.

The college is also offering free child-care services during commencement for children 8 weeks to 5 years of age. Please sign your children up in the Student Activities office or call 585-343-0055, ext 6261.

Show you care about the Earth and pitch in for a clean-up day at the Genesee County Park & Forest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 30.

Stop at the Nature Center for children's crafts and "orienteering" with the Sea Cadets after clean up. Free tree seedlings. Pizza will be served for lunch.

Call 344-1122 to sign up. The Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center, 11095 Bethany Center Rd., E. Bethany.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C – Batavia) recently announced his fourth annual Patriot Trip for veterans to tour Washington, D.C. It is scheduled for Sept. 22-25.

“The Patriot Trip is an event that I look forward to with great anticipation every year,” Hawley said. “As a veteran, the son of a veteran, and a member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, supporting New York’s veterans is a source of both pride and responsibility.

"While I continue to advocate for legislation supporting veterans, the Patriot Trip allows me to share my appreciation for the sacrifices made by the heroes protecting our way of life. Over 375 people have participated in this trip over the years, and I am overjoyed to add another chapter to this story with the veterans of the 139th
Assembly District.”

Patriot Trip IV will include roundtrip private coach transportation from Western New York to Washington, D.C., and accommodations at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia. The trip also includes tours of the WWII, Vietnam, Korean and FDR Memorials as well as Arlington Cemetery and the Udvar Hazy Aerospace Museum.

Most meals are included with the trip. The total cost is approximately $300.

For more information about trip details, pricing, or to sign up, please call Assemblyman Hawley’s District Office at (585) 589-5780.

The YWCA of Genesee County, Inc. and the Bank of Castile are pleased to announce the 2011 Honorees as Fabulous Females.

They are: Elisa Di Pietro, of Batavia, Michelle Fuller, of LeRoy, Jane Scott, of Stafford, and Dorothy Taylor, of Batavia.

The four women will be honored at the YWCA’s 13th annual Fabulous Females Luncheon on May 7 at Genesee Community College.

Tickets are $25 person. Reservations may be made by contacting the YWCA at (585) 343-5808.

Honorees are women selected from a pool of nominations based on their community, professional or personal achievements and association with YWCA. The selection committee was made up of a panel of past Fabulous Females award recipients and chaired by YWCA board member, Esther Leadley.

The final meeting of the school year for the Woolly Book Worms is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14, in the Children's Room of Richmond Memorial Library.

This is a book discussion group for students in grades 3 to 5 and their favorite adult.

On May 14th, the group will discuss "Erie Canal Sal" by Gretchen Murray Sepik. She is a local author and storyteller who will be attending the meeting to portray her historical costumed narrative of "Surly Sal the Erie Canal Cook."

After her performance, Sepik will lead the book discussion and sign books.

Please register adults and students online at <http://www.batavialibrary.org/>

Discussion titles are available at the Children's Room desk. For more information call the library at 394-9550, ext. 4 or consult the Web site. The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Batavia Cub Scouts Pack 6069 is having a chicken BBQ from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 14.

This is to help support the pack's plans to go to Gettysburg, Pa., in September. The boys and their families are very excited about this big trip, so please come out and help them get there.

Tickets are $8.50. If you want to buy a ticket in advance, please give Heather a call at 585-300-9195.

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee announces that surplus food distribution is back!

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, food will be distributed in the Kennedy Building at the Genesee County Fairgrounds to qualified residents. You may pick up for someone else with a signed permission slip.

You must bring the following:

• Proof of residence, which can be a water, gas, electric or telephone bill.
• Some form of identification.
• Proof of Income. Please bring one of the following: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) grant award letter; Social Security Disability (SSD) award letter; Social Security (SSA) end-of-the-year letter; Heap Grant award letter; WIC card; Department of Social Services budget sheet; or your most recent income tax return.

In determining eligibility, these are the maximum income guidelines:

One person -- Weekly $385.31 / Monthly $1,669.67 / Yearly $20,036

Two people -- Weekly $518.37 / Monthly $2,246.25 / Yearly $26,955

Three people -- Weekly $651.42 / Monthly $2,822.83 / Yearly $33,874

Four people -- Weekly $784.48 / Monthly $3,399.42 / Yearly $40,793

Five people -- Weekly $917.54 / Monthly $3,976 / Yearly $47,712

Six people -- Weekly $1,050.60 / Monthly $4,552.58 / Yearly $54,631

Seven people -- Weekly $1,183.65 / Monthly $5,129.17 / Yearly $61,550.00

Eight people -- Weekly $1,316.71 / Monthly $5,705.75 / Yearly $68,469.00

For each additional person add: Weekly $133.06 / or Monthly $576.58 / or Yearly $6,919.00.

The eligibility guidelines reflect 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Guidelines last revised 7/1/09.

Please call Community Action with any questions 343-7798, ext 16.

Terry Hills Restaurant is OPEN FOR THE SEASON!

Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Sunday Brunch.

It is offering new and improved menu items, draft beers and spirits, too! Be among the first in the Genesee County to visit us for lunch or dinner. Daily features will be highlighted. Reservations are always suggested, 343-0642, or dine@terryhills.com.

Be sure to sign up for the Birthday Club. You will receive a free round of golf, or a free Sunday brunch on your special day.

The staff hopes to see you at “The Hills” soon.

The restaurant, banquet facility and golf course are located at 5122 Clinton St. Road in Batavia.

Oakfield resident Julie Caton will sign copies of her new book "White Heart" at Present Tense at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 14.

Based on the actual life of Madeleine de Roybon D'Allone, "White Heart" is a compelling story of faith, love, and recovery.

Trapped in the extravagance and the artifice of the French Court during the reign of the Sun King, Louis the XIV, Madeleine de Roybon D'Allone becomes desperate for an escape. When the king himself offers her the opportunity to flee to the New World, Madeleine eagerly accepts.

Madeleine soon embarks on a new life in Ontario, but the trials of her past are not so easily left behind. Life on the frontier is fraught with its own opportunities and danger. Madeleine explores roles such as teacher to the Hurons, lady voyageur, and proprietor of a fur-trading post on Lake Ontario. Yet when the Iroquois attack her homestead and take her captive, her life and spiritual faith change forever.

The book signing is free and open to the public. Present Tense, a locally owned, independent bookstore, is located at 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY. For more information or to reserve a copy of the book ahead of the event, call (585) 815-7640, or visit  <http://www.presenttensebooks.com>.

Caton is a licensed psychologist certified by the State of New York and has completed a doctoral program in Counseling Psychology at the University of Buffalo. Providing psychotherapy to children and adults is the primary focus of her Oakfield practice.