Announcements

Press release:

Even though summer is long gone, residents with a craving for chicken BBQ are in luck. A delicious chicken with sides will be available at the upcoming Corfu-Pembroke Winterfest thanks to volunteers from the Corfu Free Library. 

Winterfest takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at Pembroke Intermediate School, 58 Alleghany Road in Corfu. The Corfu Free Library will be selling a chicken BBQ dinner at Winterfest that includes barbequed chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, and a roll and butter. The chicken will be cooked by volunteers from the Corfu Fire Department. 

The boxed chicken BBQ dinners can be picked up from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at this annual family-friendly event. Pre-sale tickets are available at the library for $9 and will also be sold at the door for $10. 

“We sold out last year, so we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance to be sure to get your dinner,” says Diana Reding, Library director. 

Winterfest offers residents a time to enjoy music, entertainment, food, prizes, raffles in addition to the chicken BBQ. Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend.

The Corfu Free Library offers a variety of special programs and services and residents are encouraged to check the library’s website at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org or stop by 7 Maple Ave. in Corfu for program information, or they can call the library at (585) 599-3321.

Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend the opening of their new offices and tourism visitor center with a public ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19. 

An open house of the new Chamber facilities will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. The new office, located at 8276 Park Road in Batavia, houses a new tourism visitor center and office spaces for both the Chamber of Commerce and Genesee County Tourism staff. 

The two-level, 3,400-square-foot space was a former physical therapist's office. Funds from the Chamber of Commerce and county bed tax surplus paid for the building and renovations.

The upstairs level houses the chamber’s offices and board room. The new board room offers flexible seating arrangements which will help in hosting meetings and seminars. 

In addition to larger office, meeting, administrative and parking space, the Chamber sought out the Park Road location due to its proximity to Batavia’s hotel district and New York State Thruway.

The new visitor center will have 24- hour accessibility for travelers. During normal business hours, a staffed visitor center will be open to greet and assist guests. During off-hours, the front vestibule with visitor information will be available. Large maps, brochure displays and staff at the service desk will assist guests during their stay in Genesee County. 

Volunteer forms are now available for community members who are interested in greeting visitors and assisting them at the new center. Forms can be picked up at the Park Road location or can be requested by email at visit@geneseeny.com. 

Press release:

The Genesee Community College’s Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Program and Genesee County Youth Bureau are partnering to offer Genesee County sophomores, juniors and seniors the Genesee County Youth Lead Program. 

We are currently recruiting our fifth class and are looking for 15 youth representing our nine high schools who would like to improve their leadership skills and expand their knowledge of the community and resources therein. Genesee Youth Lead is designed to help our youth assess their strengths, weaknesses and potential for personal and intellectual growth. We provide the opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills by being a part of a team, the community and by hands-on learning within the county. This fall students were able to take field trips, speak directly with government officials, and so much more.

The Youth Lead Program will take place at Genesee Community College & Genesee County Youth Bureau beginning March 18th at GCC with a Meet & Greet and then class to follow. The class sessions are 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturdays; March 18, 25 and April 1, 8, 22, 29, and May 6 and 13. The program will cost $55 and the students will earn one college credit through Genesee Community College. The areas of the community to be explored during the fall program are Government & Law Enforcement, Health & Human Services, and Agriculture. If there is an economic hardship please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau. 

Applications for the program will only be accepted until Feb. 24th and can be found at:http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/youthbureau/. Please contact Chelsea at the Genesee County Youth Bureau with questions at (585)344-3960 or at Chelsea.Elliott@co.genesee.ny.us.

Press release:

City Bureau of Maintenance crews have started picking up Christmas trees, and will continue to pick up trees through Jan. 31.

City residents are asked to place their trees in the parkway without bags, stands, or decorations as these can damage equipment. Please keep trees free of snow and ice so they are visible.

Press release:

For nearly 80 years, Ferrellgas has provided propane service to homes, farms, and businesses in our community and across the nation. With the help of local residents, Ferrellgas plans to deliver more than just propane this holiday season.

Ferrellgas is collecting new and gently used coats, hats, scarves, and gloves this year and putting them into the hands of less fortunate members of our community.

Donations can be given to Ferrellgas deliverymen or brought to the Ferrellgas office at 655 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020 through Dec. 30. At the end of the coat drive, Ferrellgas will donate items collected to one or more local charities.

“Ferrellgas is proud to provide a product that helps keep people in our community warm and provides some comfort in their lives,” says Doug Muha, Ferrellgas’ local director of Operations. “But we realize that too many local residents will struggle to stay warm this winter because they don’t have an adequate coat. Our goal is to help provide one to as many people here as possible. Thanks to the generous members of our community, we look forward to doing just that.”

Muha said local residents do not have to be customers of Ferrellgas to participate in the coat drive.

More information about Ferrellgas can be found at www.Ferrellgas.com.

The "Benefit for Bob" chicken BBQ to benefit Bob Yungfleisch, former chief of the all-volunteer East Pembroke Fire District, will be held on Sunday, Nov. 6.

This is a take-out-only dinner and Chinese auction at the East Pembroke Fire Hall. Cost is $10 per person. Pick up is from noon till sold out.

Advance ticket sales are strongly desired.

It is important to contact the fire hall or organizer Don Newton IN ADVANCE about buying tickets and/or making a donation so people know how many chicken dinners to buy. They don't want to buy too many unnecessarily or not have enough for those who show up.

The East Pembroke Fire Hall is located at 2623 Main Road in East Pembroke. Phone is (585) 762-9044. Email:    epfd@rochester.rr.com

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce an expansion of its annual schedule of events for veterans at the Batavia Campus Center. Veterans of all ages, active duty, reserve or separated veterans, along with their families and friends are invited to GCC for special opportunities on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 10-11.

"We look forward to the opportunity to showcase the many offerings and opportunities we have here at GCC for veterans," Marie Giardino, program director of Adult Educational Opportunity Center (AEOC) said. "While these special events are planned around Veterans Day, our services continue throughout the year at all of our campus locations."

On Thursday, Nov. 10, from 1:45 – 3:45 p.m. in the College Forum, the Batavia campus will host a Veterans Career and Community Fair, giving veterans the opportunity to meet with potential employers and interact with numerous community agencies that offer an array of helpful services. Veterans can interact with regional service providers in higher education, vocational training, healthcare, housing and transportation. Among the organizations that will be present (subject to change):

• Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY Inc.

• Rochester Regional Health

• Bonduelle USA Inc.

• Five Star Bank

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• ATB Staffing Services

• National Tractor Trailer School

• NY Army National Guard

• Navient/Pioneer Credit Recovery 

• ConServe

• Darien Lake Amusement Park

• Fidelis Care New York

• United Memorial Medical Center

Veterans should plan on bringing their resumes, a copy of their DD214 forms, and if they are looking for employment -- "dress to impress!"

Prior to the Career and Community Fair from 1 – 1:45 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to listen to Purple Heart recipient Benjamin Randle Jr., director of Veterans Affairs at D'Youville College, who will speak about the life changing educational opportunities. Randle is a Vietnam War Veteran and his talk will occur in room T102 in the Conable Technology Building.

The annual Veterans Day "Faculty Connect" Open House in Batavia is scheduled from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, and it's the biggest recruitment event of the year at GCC.

Visitors have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with professors and instructors at the Academic Fair which runs from 9 to 9:45 a.m., and gain inside knowledge about GCC's many majors and long-term career projections. The admissions, financial aid and advisement staff are available to answer questions, and visitors can enjoy complete tours of the Batavia campus, College Village and the College's Nursing labs, as well as the dedicated Veterans Lounge. Those looking for a comprehensive review of the academics, admissions and the overall GCC experience should register for this event! Go towww.genesee.edu/OpenHouse or call 866-CALL-GCC.

After the Open House, a series of special Veterans Day events adds to the day, honoring the brave men and women who have defended our country. Tim Palmer, a  Navy veteran, GCC adjunct history instructor and recent SUNY Chancellor Award recipient will serve as keynote speaker for this year's event. Veterans from all eras will be recognized with the Wall of Honor photo display; a rotating photo show of veterans related to any and all GCC students, faculty and staff; a thank you board will be available and open for all to sign; and motivating music, literary readings and refreshments rounds out the day.

For a complete listing of GCC's Spring 2017 course schedule featuring hundreds of courses, go to http://www.genesee.edu/courses/schedule/

FOUND: A neutured, declawed senior cat "in not that great shape" that is 99.5-percent black -- he sports a few white hairs on his belly. No collar or microchip.

"He's an old guy; his eyes are watery. He's in pretty rough shape," says Wendy, who is spreading the news of the "Old Tom" in hopes that maybe he somehow got out of his home and his owner is looking for him.

Old Tom was found at a stranger's residence on South Main Street near River Street in Batavia on Friday and was taken to the Genesee County Animal Shelter. A volunteer promises to send us a photo of him tomorrow to post with this announcement.

If his family is not found, maybe a senior would like another senior to bond with and will adopt him, n'est-ce pas? 

If you can help, please call 343-6410.

UPDATE Monday, Oct. 31, 9 p.m.: So, it turns out, this is "Fatty," and Fatty is 17 years old, has always been an indoor/outdoor cat, and belongs to Mark Fanara. Mark will go to the shelter tomorrow at 1 p.m. to reunite with Fatty.

Press release:

Kiwanis Club of Batavia is sponsoring an AMBA (Annual Multiphasic Blood Analysis) Wellness Program on Saturday, Nov. 5.

AMBA is a blood analysis program that screens for coronary disease, kidney disease, anemia, liver disease, and diabetes – all for $40.

The program will occur from 6 to 10 a.m. at the YWCA of Genesee County, 301 North St., Batavia.

Please call 1-800-234-8888 to schedule an appointment.

Personal physician authorization is required, so please have your physician’s name and address available when making your appointment.

For more information, please contact Mike Rimmer at:    mrimmer1@rochester.rr.com

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is moving to its new location next week.

As of Nov. 1, the chamber's official new address will be 8276 Park Road, instead of 210 E. Main St., Batavia.

The phone lines will remain the same: (585) 343-7440, (fax) 585-343-7487.

Press release:

November is New York State History Month and to honor the occasion, the Genesee County Federation of Historical Agencies and the Genesee Community College History Club are sponsoring a Genesee County Heritage Fair in the William W. Stuart Forum at GCC from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5th.

With the 2016 presidential election just days later on Nov. 8th, the theme of the heritage fair will be "Presidential Elections." Museums and historical agencies from all over Genesee County will set up booths for visitors to explore. Many will feature presidential memorabilia. In addition, there will be local history books on sale, craft demonstrations, historical impressionists and much more.

In keeping with the presidential theme, local schools will participate through two special contests. Elementary school students will be asked to draw portraits of their favorite president. Junior and senior high students will be asked to write short essays. Winners of both contests will be announced at the event. Additionally, event organizers are asking the community at-large to vote on their top ten favorite presidents by completing the online survey available at this link: https://surveyplanet.com/57fe980f5820315e61af75c7. The results will be tallied up and shared at the end of the Heritage Fair.

“During the most contentious election process of modern times, the organizers of the Genesee County Heritage Fair are excited to fuse some of our nation’s presidential election history with the current and lately, contentious topic,” said Derek Maxfield, associate professor of History at GCC, advisor to the College’s History Club and a member of the planning committee. “Through the various displays and history initiatives, we hope to remind everyone how important voting is to preserving our democracy.”

New York State History Month was created by the New York State legislature in 1997 and represents an opportunity for historians to assert the vital importance of preserving and learning about our state’s history. It is also a time to engage with the public through programs and learning opportunities about the history of New York State and the ways in which we can help preserve our history.

Further information on New York State History Month can be found at http://files.ctctcdn.com/9499bee6001/9e234d9f-c057-4176-a9da-d7e98c2cc00c.pdf

For more information on the GCC History Club, visit https://gcchistoricalhorizons.wordpress.com/.

The critically acclaimed Irrera Brothers and soprano soloist Colleen Marcello will be featured in a holiday benefit concert Sunday, Nov. 13, for the Batavia Peace Garden.

"Peace on Earth" will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in the auditorium of Batavia High School.

The concert is presented by the Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden & the International Peace Garden Foundation.

Tickets are $15; student admission is $10.

Advanced purchase of tickets is recommended. They can be purchased at Roxy's Music Store on West Main Street in Batavia, or at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, which is moving on Nov. 1 to its new location at 8276 Park Road, Batavia.

For information, call 343-2387 or 201-7100.

Press release from City of Batavia Police Department:

SUBJECT: Halloween Trick or Treating

DATE / TIME OF OCCURENCE: Monday, Oct. 31 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

If you plan on going door to door make sure you are properly supervised by a parent or responsible adult.

Do not go to homes where the porch lights are off

Use a flashlight to let drivers see you, and see where you are going.

To avoid tripping or injury don't wear costumes that are loose fitting and too long.

Don't wear masks that obscure your vision, make up is a good alternative to masks.

Wear reflective, bright colors to be seen by drivers after dark.

Walk on the sidewalks, or as near to the curb as possible if there are no sidewalks.

Observe safety rules when crossing or walking on the streets, and stay clear of traffic.

Parents should inspect any treats before you eat them!

The Batavia Police HIGHLY RECOMMEND as an alternative to going door to door, attend one of the Halloween events sponsored by local businesses.

Choose costumes that are marked flame retardant.

Make props such as magic wands and swords out of cardboard, rather than metal or wood.

Give and accept wrapped or packaged candy only.

Go out in daylight and carry a flashlight in case of delay.

Have children stay within their neighborhood; only visit homes you know.

All “Trick or Treating” shall be completed by 9 p.m.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Press release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, western Vermont, and north central Massachusetts announced today that the company will offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11-percent discount off of their grocery bill this Veterans Day.

On Friday, Nov. 11, Tops Markets will honor an 11-percent discount off of a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location.  Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11-percent discount off of their total purchase that day.

In Genesee County, there are two Tops locations: 390 W. Main St. in Batavia and 128 W. Main St., Le Roy.

“The respect and gratitude we have for the people who serve and have served in the military is immeasurable, and for that we are forever grateful,” said Frank Curci, Tops chairman and chief executive officer. “We wanted to support local military personnel by giving back to our associates and customers who have courageously defended our country and made many sacrifices through their military service.”

Tops is a longtime supporter of military associates and customers. The company’s actions include support of the American Veterans Tribute Traveling Wall, Honor Flight Missions, sending care packages for troops serving domestically and overseas, VA hospital visits, and participation in veteran job fairs, parades and expos.

Press release:

The Genesee County Office for the Aging is proud to partner with the Rochester Gay Alliance SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) program to bring an event to our County!

The Traveling LGBTQ Potluck & Program will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, located at 6188 Main Road in Stafford.

Meet! Greet! Eat!

All are welcome. Meet news friends.

Featured program is "Gay Pioneers."

Bring a dish to pass.

Also, Rochester Gay Alliance SAGE is looking to connect with LGBTQ veterans and people who served in the military regardless of discharge status.

Learn more about what SAGE Vets & ROC Vets can do for you!

Contact: Kimberly.Perl@co.genesee.ny.us