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Announcements

Alzheimer's Association of WNY to hold free seminar on 'Effective Communication Strategies' April 11

By Billie Owens

The Alzheimer’s Association of WNY will hold a seminar titled “Effective Communication Strategies” from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11th, at the Batavia Health Care Center, located at 257 State St. in Batavia.

The seminar is designed to provide practical information and resources to help dementia caregivers learn to decode verbal and behavioral messages from people with dementia.

The goals of the program are for participants to better understand the changes in communication that occur with disease progression and how they manifest in the person with dementia, and to be able to identify ways to connect at each stage of the disease.

Town of Oakfield celebrates 175th Anniversary with Open House on April 11

By Billie Owens

You are welcome to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Town of Oakfield from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, at the Community & Government Center, located at 3219 Drake Street Road in Oakfield.

The Town Board will be re-enacting the first board meeting of 1842, followed by its regular board meeting at 6:30.

RSVP, regrets only, at 948-5835, ext. 101.

Boy Scouts fundraising for future camping trips

By Steve Ognibene

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Scout leaders and boys from Troop 6006 are promoting their Pasta Dinner fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. next Saturday, April 1st, at the First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia.

Dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, Italian bread, dessert and beverages. 

Pre-sale tickets are available now until March 31st and cost $10 for two tickets. To buy tickets, contact Tracy Grover 585-762-4613, Steve Ognibene 585-409-8358, Paul Marchese 585-300-7058, or they can be purchased at Marchese Computer Products, 220 Ellicott St., Batavia, during normal business hours.

They can also be purchased at the door: adults $7, children 10 and under $5.

All proceeds will go toward purchasing new camping gear and scout activities.

City Public Works to present 20-year Tree Management Plan on Wednesday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Department of Public Works has completed a Tree Management Plan to guide its efforts over the next 20 years. It was funded by a 2015 grant from the NYS Urban and Community Forestry Council, with technical support was provided by Urban Forest Analytics LLC, based in Geneva. A formal presentation of the plan, open to the public, will be given at City Hall at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22.

The primary goal of the plan is to establish a substantially enlarged and healthier tree population whose larger canopy cover at maturity will supply a significant increase in benefits to the City. Such benefits include environmental services such as carbon dioxide storage and energy use reduction, and can be assigned a monetary value using the i-Tree software developed by the USDA Forest Service. Results show that for every $1 invested by the City of Batavia in the trees on streets and in parks, the community currently receives back about $1.34 in environmental benefits.

Many social benefits have been demonstrated by recent research: reduced road rage, improved worker productivity, increased social ties and neighboring, better physical and mental health, greater consumer activity, etc. Though more difficult to equate with monetary value than environmental benefits, these are of equal importance for the City’s well-being.

The plan lays out a two-phase approach to maximize these benefits for the entire City. Phase 1 covers the first seven years, and focuses on stabilization: removal of trees in poor condition along with replacement, and upgrading maintenance tools and techniques. Phase 2 aims for sustainability: significant increase in street tree density across the City, planning for Park planting, greater citizen involvement, etc.

The plan and supporting documents are available online at:

http://www.batavianewyork.com/bureau-of-maintenance/pages/tree-documents

Elba school board changes April meeting date, reminds potential board candidates of looming deadline

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Elba Central School Board of Education has moved its April 2017 meeting to Monday, April 3 at 7 p.m. in the Library Media Center.

Also, District residents interested in running for membership on the Board of Education can pick up candidate petitions in the District Office on any business day between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Each petition must be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District. There are two seats available, each for five-year terms. Petitions nominating candidates for the office of Board of Education member must be filed with Donna Harris, Clerk of the Board, in the District Office of Elba Central School, 57 S. Main St., Elba, NY 14058 no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 17.

Mark Your Calendar: Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble Spring Concert is April 30 at Elba Central School

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble will hold its Spring Concert in the auditorium of Elba Central School at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 30.

Philip J. Briatico is the conductor.

It will feature these works:

  • "A Copeland Tribute" -- Clair Grundman
  • "Barnum & Bailey's Favorite" -- Karl King
  • "Ghost Train" -- Eric Whitacre
  • "New York: 1927" -- Warren Barker
  • Highlight's from Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Carousel"
  • "When Jesus Wept" -- William Schuman
  • Sounds of the Carpenters
  • "Hymn to a Blue Hour" -- John Mackey
  • "Bond...James Bond" -- arrangements by Stephen Bulla

Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors age 55 and up, and veterans; $5 for students with I.D.; children ages 5 and under are free. Get a Family Deal for $25 for mom and dad and up to four children.

Also, there will be a Meal Deal printed on the back of the tickets, offering a deal at Chap's Elba Diner, which can only be used immediately following the concert for 10 percent off the dining bill.

This program is made possible, in part, by the Reach Grant program administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

The purpose of the Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble is to serve and to provide the Greater Genesee Valley audience with new and familiar live music, to serve its membership with the opportunity to perform challenging wind ensemble literature and to create the opportunity for the conductor and musicians to grow their collective musical talents.

To contact the ensemble, email  geneseevalleywindensemble@gmail.com

Attention youth ready and willing to work: Job Fair next Thursday in Batavia

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Job Development Bureau will hold a Youth Job Fair from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, March 23. It will take place at the Genesee County Career Center, located at 587 E. Main St., Batavia.

Eleven employers and 13 vendors are scheduled to attend. They will assist youth graduating from high school secure employment on a short-term or long-term basis, and vendors such as Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, Genesee Community College, and Empire State College will have representatives there to talk to the youth about vocational or educational goals.

In addition, representatives from the Department of Labor will be on hand to review students' resumes.

For questions or to participate in this event, contact Jay Lazarony, senior employment & training counselor, Genesee County Career Center, 587 E. Main St., Batavia. Phone 344-2042, ext. 4212, or email  jlazarony@co.genesee.ny.us

Kindergarten registration for Batavia City School District begins Monday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia City School District’s Jackson Primary School staff looks forward to welcoming its new kindergarten students for 2017-2018!

Registration for children eligible to begin kindergarten in the 2017-2018 school year starts Monday, March 13.

Parents/guardians are asked to register their eligible child(ren) by May 25 in order to assure a screening appointment in early June and a placement letter by early August.

Children who will be 5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2017, are eligible.

Registration is at the District’s Business Office, located in the administration wing of Batavia High School (260 State St.), on school days between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

To register a child, parents must bring:

-- Proof of Residency as evidence of physical address, which must be two (2) of the following: (We will make copies for our records.)

  • Mortgage statement/lease
  • Electric or gas or bill
  • Water bill
  • Cable bill
  • Letter from attorney/realtor on their letterhead with confirmation of address and anticipated moving/closing date.
  • School tax bill
  • Current payroll check

--  the child’s birth certificate,

--  the child’s Social Security card, and

--  the child’s complete immunization records.

 Kindergarten screening appointments will be scheduled for June 6-8, and placement letters will be mailed the first week of August. In addition, parents/guardians will be notified of an evening orientation for themselves.

Parents of all new students to the District are also asked to register their child in the Business Office with the same documentation.

Current 2016-2017 UPK students will be provided with information to complete for registration into kindergarten by mail.

If you have questions, please call the Business Office at 343-2480, ext. 1002.

Shake! Shake! Shake! Dancers need for global 'Shimmy Mob' to raise money, awareness for domestic violence victims

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Join us at Shimmy Mob and be a part of dance history for a great cause on Saturday, May 13th! This will be the first year Batavia is participating in this "flash mob" type bellydancing event.

Shimmy Mob is actively seeking dancers and instructors of all backgrounds to participate.

This event is a community event run on a global level and has several purposes in promoting local and worldwide awareness of domestic violence and its victims and in raising money for them. The designated local charity for the proceeds is the YWCA.

Details and registrations at www.shimmymob.com.

The Shimmy Mob registration includes links to online videos of the choreography breakdown, and the official 2017 “Shimmy Mob” T-shirt to wear on the day of the event.

Registration deadline is March 31.

For additional information on the Batavia Shimmy Mob, please contact Connie Boyd (343-3220) or Jessica Whiting (281-9408).

Town of Pavilion Republican Committee seeks new members

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Town of Pavilion Republican Committee is seeking two new members to join the Committee. 

Any town resident interested in one of the positions is asked to send a letter to: 

Town of Pavilion Republican Committee 
c/o Kevin Clary, Chair 
Box 28 
Pavilion, NY 14525

Volunteers for Animals buy engraving machine to personalize pet ID tags

By Billie Owens

From Volunteers for Animals:

We all know that it is important to have ID tags on our pets but how many of us don't have them? Be honest. VFA is committed to helping families get lost and missing pets back home.

Since 2006, we have offered low-cost microchipping and continue to encourage it. But we all know that ID tags on our pets will help get them even faster, many times by passing the Shelter altogether.

To help encourage getting our pets properly tagged, VFA recently purchased an engraving machine. Now you can stop by the Genesee County Animal Shelter during regular adoption hours to have a personalized ID tag engraved while you wait. All we are asking is for is a donation for the tag and to go home and get the tag on your pet.

We are also encouraging you to put collars and ID tags on your cats, including indoor cats. No one plans for our cats and dogs to escape the house or yard, so please plan ahead!

Public Health Column: Radon gas poses risks

By Billie Owens

Press release from the Genesee County Health Department:

Radon gas is a naturally occurring colorless, odorless gas that results from the breakdown of uranium in the soil and water which can cause lung cancer when exposed to high levels over a period of years. The risk for disease increases if you are a cigarette smoker.

Radon can enter any building, new or old, with dozens of counties in New York identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as “red zones” which have the highest potential and predicted average indoor radon screening levels.

Radon can enter a building several ways, including:

  • Cracks in concrete slab
  • Pores and cracks in concrete blocks
  • Slab-footing joints
  • Exposed soil
  • Cracks between poured concrete and blocks
  • Loose pipe fittings
  • Water

“Testing your home with a short-term radon test kit is an easy and quick way to determine if you are exposed to dangerous levels of the gas. Whether you are purchasing a new house or would like to test your current home, testing is an important safety measure,” said Environmental Director, Sarah Balduf.

To test your home, the EPA recommends placing a test kit in lowest level of the house that you most use (i.e. if you frequently use the basement, place the kit there. If not, use the first floor). Do not place a test kit in the kitchen or bathroom. The specific type of kit will determine how long to leave the kit in place, but can range from two days to one year. Short term test kits are a good starting point and are deployed in a home for two to seven days, while a long-term test kit can be deployed for up to a year.

Once the test time has ended, reseal the package and send it in to be analyzed per the instructions. Typically test kits are available through the New York State Department of Health, some County Health Departments or your local hardware stores. The Genesee County Health Department Radon Program offers short-term radon test kits for residences in Genesee County, as well as educational materials and in-services on the danger of radon, prevalence and mitigation options for new or existing homes which are all available at no charge.

For more details about the program or to receive any of these services call the department at 585-344-2580, ext. 5555, or visit http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/health/radon2.html.

The results you receive from testing will decide your next steps. If your results indicate high levels of radon, you may need to mitigate (fix) your home. A radon screening of 4 picocuries/liter means that some level of home improvement is needed. The EPA states that no level of radon is completely safe so even if your results are low, talk to an expert to make sure your home is fully protected. To fix any radon problems in your home, the EPA recommends using a qualified contractor.

For more information on radon gas visit https://www.epa.gov/radon or call your local health department.

For information about general health department services contact:

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

at www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/health/index.html. Visit Facebook at Genesee County Health Department and Twitter at GeneseeCoHealthDept.

  • Orleans County Health Department at: 589-3278 or check out their website

at: www.orleansny.com/publichealth.  Visit Facebook and Twitter at OrleansCoHealth.

Le Roy students help send message that NYS Tobacco Control Programs save lives and money

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death in New York State; 28,200 lives are lost due to tobacco dependence every year.

New York State (NYS) Tobacco Control Programs (TCP) have been proven to reduce youth smoking and help current smokers quit, which saves lives and millions of state tax dollars. However, higher rates of smoking persist among individuals with less than a high school education (22.4 percent), income less than $25,000 a year (22.2 percent) and those with poor mental health (27.2 percent).

“We’ve made great strides in combatting the tobacco epidemic, but more work needs to be done to reduce the significantly higher smoking rates among disparate populations in our region and throughout the state,” said Shelly Wolanske, Youth Engagement Coordinator at Tobacco-Free Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. (GLOW).

That’s the message Tobacco-Free GLOW and Reality Check youth delivered last month to state lawmakers in Albany. Participating in the legislative visits were: Xandria Jackson, Chloe Schmitter, Melissa Park, Kailie DeWald and Paula Hernandez, all students at LeRoy Junior-Senior High School. They met with Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, Assemblyman Mike Norris and Assemblyman Stephen Hawley.

Annually, the group visits the New York State Capitol to educate lawmakers about the success of established tobacco control programs and opportunities to further reduce the burden of tobacco addiction on New Yorkers. They described the valuable work being done in the GLOW region to reduce smoking rates and to keep youth from starting smoking, which begins at 13 years old, on average.

Elba fire department to offer Bingo this year, starting Tuesday night, March 7

By Billie Owens

The Elba Volunteer Fire Department wants the public to know that it is starting up Bingo again for the year at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7, at the fire hall, located at 7143 Oak Orchard Road, Elba.

Ken Miller, president of the fire department, notes that the Queen of Hearts is now more than $6,400! Also, there will be other jackpots offered.

No Blarney! to perform on Irish Music Night March 10 at HLOM

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum presents its annual Irish Music Night at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 10. The music will be provided by the well known local group No Blarney!

The event will be held at the Holland Land Office Museum at 131 W. Main St., Batavia. Light refreshments will be served and the museum will be open for visitors to tour.

Tickets for Irish Music Night can be bought by calling the museum at 585-343-4727, or by purchasing in person at the museum. Tickets are $5 in advance, or $7 at the door. Space is limited so advance purchase is recommended.

Family of Oakfield's Patrick J. Pedro announces new scholarship in his name

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The family of Patrick J. Pedro is pleased to announce the establishment of a scholarship in his name to be awarded to a high school senior at Oakfield-Alabama Central School. Patrick was a graduate of the school and a highly accomplished person. He passed away in May after a very difficult battle with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).

Patrick grew up in Oakfield, where he later became the 2008 Inductee in the Oakfield-Alabama High School Alumni Hall of Fame. He received his undergraduate magna cum laude from Bucknell University and a Law degree from University of Notre Dame where he received awards at graduation for legal writing and appellant advocacy. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

Patrick was an attorney employed by Bond, Schoeneck and King in Syracuse in 1984, became a partner in 1993 and practiced there his entire career until his retirement at the end of 2014. He practiced primarily in the areas of business law and health care law, and his clients ranged from start-up companies to some of the most prominent individuals and businesses in central and northern New York State. At BS&K he was deputy department chair of the Business Law Department, chair of the Health Law Practice Group, and the firm’s Marketing Partner.

He supported the visual and performing arts in the community as a performer in community theater, a patron and board member of the Syracuse Opera and The Everson Museum of Art.

-- The scholarship will provide a graduating HS senior with tuition assistance toward a college degree related to his or her professional goal. The profession pursued will ultimately serve his or her community and society as a whole.

The college must be an accredited 4-year institution that offers degrees toward the recipient’s professional goal which may include but is not limited to the following:

Law, Business, Engineering, Communications, Medicine – Health & Human Services, Psychology, Visual and Performing Arts, Education, Sciences, Mathematics, Languages, Political Science, Sociology or Physical, Occupational or Speech Therapy.

Criteria:

  • GPA of 90 or above upon graduation;
  • School Involvement – including but not limited to: School government, music, theatre, sports, academic clubs;
  • Community Involvement – volunteer work, involvement in applicant’s place of worship, organizations not associated with school or nonprofit organizations.
  • Exhibits EXCELLENT character in relating to peers, colleagues, teachers and supervisors.

Applicant submission criteria:

  1. Resume outlining the above criteria.

  2. Character reference from a HS teacher.

  3. Applicant will submit an essay stating short- and long-term professional goals, and the activities and experiences that have led to this decision (i.e. Why do you want to pursue this degree/profession?).

To make your tax-deductible donation, checks may be forwarded to: Oakfield-Alabama Dollars for Scholars Inc.

P.O. Box 102
Oakfield, NY 14125
Please write “Patrick J. Pedro Scholarship” on the Memo Line
Include a return self-addressed envelope so that your tax-deductible receipt can be mailed back to you.

If you would like to be part of a mailing list to get periodic updates regarding the scholarship fund, money awarded and recipient information, please send your name and email address to pjpscholarship@gmail.com. If you would like to speak with someone directly, please contact Andy Pedro at (585) 344-7017.

The family of Patrick Pedro would like to thank you in advance for your donation that will help create and maintain this scholarship in Patrick’s honor for many years to come!

City of Batavia seeks nominees for 2016 Recognition Awards

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia is currently seeking nominations for the 2016 Recognition Awards.

If you know of someone that you would like to nominate please complete the nomination form and submit to Lisa Casey by Friday, March 3.

The awards will be presented by City Council at a future City Council Meeting.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

An outstanding individual in the community that demonstrates excellence in volunteerism. This individual goes above and beyond normal responsibilities creating a lasting and beneficial impact.

HOMEOWNER OF THE YEAR

An engaged resident who has given extra effort to go above and beyond in maintaining their home and enhance their neighborhood.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

A business that has demonstrated community involvement and represents entrepreneurial spirit while providing exceptional customer service, professionalism and integrity.

Nomination forms available by the following:

  • City website: www.batavianewyork.com under the home page
  • Can be picked up at the City Manager’s Office
  • Call (585) 345-6333 to have form emailed to you
  • Email at Lcasey@batavianewyork.com
  • Mail nominations to: Lisa Casey, City of Batavia, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY 14020
  • Fax nominations to (585) 343-8182 request to send nomination form

Local youths lobby for Albany's support

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo of Assemblyman Stephen Hawley with youth representing the Batavia City Youth Bureau, the Genesee County Youth Bureau and the Orleans County Youth Bureau along with staff from the Batavia City Youth Bureau and the Genesee-Orleans County Youth Bureau.

Press release:

Earlier this month, local youth from Genesee and Orleans County met with Senator Ranzenhofer, Senator Ortt and Assemblyman Hawley to get supprt by investing money in the Youth Bureau System. The youth asked for help in urging the $1.7 million to be restored for the 2017-2018 Youth Bureau Development Program.

The Youth Development Program allows youth bureaus, along with many other community based organizations to operate after school prevention programs, which help youth succeed. The youth all shared their experiences being involved with the Youth Bureau System and how it has positively impacted their lives.

Award-winning journalist to speak at GCC as part of Fashion Speaker Series

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Hélène Biandudi turned a fascination with the game 20 Questions and family dinners into an award-winning career. Her desire to be a journalist began at the age of 8 in her makeshift production studio in her childhood home, and on Wednesday, March 8 she will visit Genesee Community College as part of the Fashion Business Program Speaker Series.

Biandudi is an acclaimed journalist, documentary filmmaker and the host and producer of the PBS weekly news magazine show, "Need to Know" on WXXI Television in Rochester. Her desire is to shed light issues affecting the underserved and to connect cultures and communities through the power of story, and her work includes covering the first inauguration of Barack Obama, the death of music icon Michael Jackson, and the CBS/Vogue Fashion's Night Out program. She previously worked at the CBS Primetime show "48 Hours Mystery" in New York City where she contributed to several documentary specials for the network.

Among her current projects is "The Empty Hanger," an original series created by Biandudi, which uncovers and reveals the untold and often overlooked stories of the people who design, manufacture, tailor, study, wear, talk about and claim to be forever changed by clothing. The goal of the series is to challenge and expand how consumers view fashion choices and everyday dress by examining the varying degrees of impact and influence of clothing on our culture.

Don't miss the chance to listen to Hélène Biandudi on Wednesday, March 8, from 1 – 2:30 p.m. in room T102 of the Conable Technology Building at the GCC Batavia Campus. The event is free and open to the public; however, seating will be limited. Those wishing to attend can RSVP by calling (585) 345-6830.

For further information on Biandudi's work and projects, visit her website at www.helenebiandudihofer.com.

St. James in Batavia hosts 23rd annual Friday Lenten Fish Fry starting March 3 through April 7

By Billie Owens

The 23rd annual Lenten Fish Fry will be held each Friday beginning March 3 and running through April 7 at St. James Episcopal Church. It is located at 405 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Choose baked or fried fish, French fries or baked potato, coleslaw or apple sauce, and enjoy homemade desserts.

Cost is $9 fish fry; $4 for dessert; $1 per beverage.

Take-outs available starting at 4:30; Eat-in starting at 5 p.m.

St. James congregants are especially pleased to welcome St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Le Roy and St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Stafford as their partners.

All are welcome!

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