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Announcements

Batavia Blue Devils Athletic Hall of Fame event set for Oct. 8

By Billie Owens

The 10th annual Batavia Blue Devils Athletic Hall of Fame gala will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility. It is sponsored by the Batavia Coaches Association.

Cost is $30. Social hour begins at 5 p.m. with dinner and the induction ceremony to follow at 6 p.m. Terry Hills is located at 5122 Clinton St. Road in the Town of Batavia. Phone is 343-0860.

The following individuals will be inducted:

Gerald Maley, '48

Wayne Benedict, '72

William Monroe, '74

David Weiss, '85

Michael Wormley, '85

Kathy Hancock Marcus, '90

Brad Mazur, '91

Tickets are available at the Athletic Directors office located at Batavia High School, 260 State St. For more information please call (585) 343-2480, ext. 2003.

Fall gala, classes announced by local Cornell Cooperative Extension

By Billie Owens

"Hands on with the Harvest” Fall festivities have been announced by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, located at 420 E. Main St., in the City of Batavia.

This season programs will include:

Sept. 13 – Arrangements from the Garden

The best bouquets and arrangements come from your garden! Join Master Gardeners for a “hands-on” workshop as they show you how to use flowers from the garden. Create your own masterpiece to take home. Cost is $15 per person, which includes supplies. (Bring your own scissors.) This program will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kennedy Building (Genesee County Fairgrounds) Route 5, Batavia. Class size limited to 15 people. Pre-registration and prepayment is required by September 8. Please contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 101, to register.

Sept. 17 – Harvest Gala

Join the Master Gardeners for their annual Harvest Gala. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County. Activities include a plant sale featuring indoor and outdoor plants, mum sale, Chance Auction, free soil pH testing, and gardening advice by Master Gardeners. The plant sale will start promptly at 10 in the parking lot. The Chance Auction drawing will start at 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 – Growing Garlic

For thousands of years garlic has been used as food, a spice and a medicine. Join Master Gardener Jim Schnellinger as he shares his tips for growing garlic in the home garden. The class will take place at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County from 6 to 8 p.m. Cost is $10 and includes handouts, coffee and dessert. Pre-registration is required by Sept. 23. Please contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 101, to register.

Oct. 12 – Winter Birds

Feeding the birds is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby in the midst of chilly winter weather. Join Master Gardener Jan Beglinger as she shares backyard feeding tips and shows you the birds that may visit your yard this winter. The class will take place at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County from 6 to 8 p.m. Cost is $10 per class which includes handouts, coffee and dessert. Pre-registration is required by Oct. 7. Please contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 101, to register.

Oct. 26 – Garden Secrets

Looking for answers for your yard and garden? Want to increase your confidence and experience level? Master Gardener Pam Conklin will take you on a photo tour of some little-known garden spaces cared for by Master Gardeners (including the emerging GOArt! gardens). Hear the stories behind them and learn what all this has to do with your own gardening journey.  Discover the secrets to creating and maintaining beautiful plantings for the enjoyment of others, whether in your own backyard or at the corner of Main and Bank. The class will take place at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County from 6 to 8 p.m. Cost is $10 and includes handouts, coffee and dessert. Pre-registration is required by Oct. 21. Please contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 101, to register.

Classes size are limited so register early.  Pre-register for the classes by stopping by the Extension Center or visit the website at <http://www.genesee.shutterfly.com/>, or contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 101.

Salvation Army's 36th annual Harvest Festival features big sales and spud dinner

By Billie Owens

The 36th annual Harvest Festival put on by The Salvation Army is set for 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7.

It will be held at its community center, located at 529 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be a mega rummage sale, featuring toys, books linenes, housewares, bric-a-brac, hourly grab bag sales and much more.

From 9 a.m. to noon there will be a blow-out bake sale with famous apple pies, sweets, farm produce and coffee.

Then at 6 p.m. the Spud Fest will begin and baked potatoes will be sold, with a bar of 10 toppings to choose from, along with a drink and dessert for $10.

For more information or to make donations, please call 343-6284.

11th Annual Public Swiss Steak Dinner

By Kim Gloskowski

Saturday, September 17th

Serving 5-7 p.m.

Carry-Outs Available at 4:30 p.m.

Emmanuel Baptist Church

190 Oak Street, Batavia

Adults $9   Children 6-12 $4   5 & under Free

For reservations & more information

call 219-4855

Dinner includes:

Swiss steak, real mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, green beans, rolls, homemade dessert, beverage

Event Date and Time
-

Batavia Area Jaycees' seeking sponsors, participants for annual Labor Day Run & Walk

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Area Jaycees will hold their 25th Annual Labor Day 5K Run & Walk on Sept. 5 at MacArthur Park in Batavia.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race will begin at 10. The race fee is $12 for runners and $10 for walkers, with the fee going to $15 for the day of the race.

Medals and prizes will be given out to the top male and female runners afterward. Sign up early to receive a free T-shirt.

The Batavia Area Jaycee’s 5K course is USA Track & Field certified #NY-06038-JG.

The Batavia Area Jaycees are also still looking for sponsorships for this event; if interested in participating or being a sponsor call 585-343-5775 or email us at bajny@yahoo.com.

Chamber offers free workshop on energy efficiency, assistance options

By Billie Owens

A free workshop to learn more about energy efficiency and opportunities for businesses to reduce energy costs will be held on Tuesday morning, Sept. 13, at The Generation Center, 15 Center St. in Batavia.

You must register by Sept. 9 to attend. To do so, call the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce at 343-7440.

On the day of the workshop, check-in and networking begins at 8. The workshop runs from 8:30 to 10. Refreshments will be served.

Topics include:

  • Free energy assessments and comprehensive audits
  • Subsidized installation and rebates for energy efficient measures
  • Other incentives and assistance available to qualified businesses

Speakers include energy experts from the local Small Business Development Center, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), National Grid and Lime Energy.

UMMC receives premium designation for geriatric nursing

By Billie Owens

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia announced today that it has received NICHE designation for 2011-2012 from the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University College of Nursing.

The NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) network, of nearly 300 hospitals across the United States and Canada, allows organizations to share knowledge, experiences and best practices to improve elder care and to promote the role of patients and families in directing the care they receive.

In 2011 the first Baby Boomers turned 65. Improving geriatric nursing competencies is more important than ever as a large segment of our population becomes seniors. The NICHE program is designed to upgrade the quality of care for hospitalized older adults by increasing awareness of geriatric issues and implementation of hospital geriatrics protocols.

The process to achieve NICHE designation included participation in a leadership training program by three members of the nursing management team. The team identified clinical and operational priorities through a review of performance improvement and risk management data and developed and presented a NICHE action plan.

YWCA seeks applicants for upcoming employment skills training

By Billie Owens

The YWCA of Genesee County, Inc., is seeking applications for its ninth session of Power UP!  This is a workforce initiative is designed to provide women with the skills and tools they need to advance in their career or seek the job they want.

The Fall session begins Saturday, Sept. 17. To find out more and to sign up, contact the YWCA, located at 301 North St. in Batavia. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Phone is 343-5808.

Abbey Grinham was a participant last year. At the age of 69 and having sought employment for two years to no avail, she decided that it was time to make a change. The Power UP program was her solution.

By working with her mentor, Sherry Szemplenski, and other professional advisors on the team, Abbey changed her life. She recreated her resume, changed her appearance from head to toe,  improved her computer skills, learned how to manage her money and, overall, felt so much better about herself upon completing the program.

“I loved going every week, the professional presenters were great, and I learned so much," Grinham said. "I learned about the YWCA and was introduced to more people in the community.  Power UP motivated me to move forward. It gave me the confidence to seek and find a job in Batavia. I love the program!"

Clothing giveaway tommorrow at St. Jame's church thrift store

By Billie Owens

The St. Jame's Episcopal Church Second Chance Thrift Store, located at 405 E. Main St. in Batavia, will hold its summer clothing giveaway from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25.

Everyone is welcome and there are hundreds of free items of good quality clothing and shoes for the whole family.

(Also note that the thrift store will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday starting Sept. 1.)

Elba Historical Society hosts author of two books about the Civil War

By Billie Owens

The Historical Society of Elba will present a program on the Civil War beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, at the museum.

The museum is located on the Maple Avenue Extension in the Village of Elba.

Wilbur Dunn, who has written two books on the 8th New York Heavy Artillery, will speak. His book "The Full Measure of Devotion" will be available for purchase.

Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will follow the program as will a short meeting for the society's members.

***Members should also note that prior to the Civil War presentation, there will be a meeting starting at 5:30 in the Elba Fireman's Rec Hall to discuss the upcoming Roast Beef Dinner and Chinese Auction (Thursday, Oct. 6) and the Barn Dance (Saturday, Oct. 15) Torrey's Barn on Route 98, south of Elba.

Independent Living of Genesee Region has two new employees

By Billie Owens

Earlier this summer, Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR) hired two new people.

Melissa Golpl is the new full-time outreach specialist/disability rights advocate. She has experience as an advocate for policies which serve to eliminate discrimination and promote inclusion using the "Independent Living Philosophy."

She is very active in local and statewide advocacy. Golpl comes to ILGR from Independent Living of Niagara County, where she served as disability rights advocate. She has also been a community advocate for the Mental Health PEER Connection.

Golpl will coordinate systems advocacy for Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties. In addition, she is trained as a certified trainer of the American with Disabilities Act and is available to train people upon request. As an outreach specialist, she will work on a program in Niagara and Orleans counties that seeks to identify individuals living in nursing homes who are able to move back into the community.

Edna Painter was hired as a full-time, temporary outreach specialist. Most recently, she has served as a program aide at Stepping Stones Day Treatment in Warsaw and as a meal site manager for the Wyoming County Office for the Aging. She received a diploma from the Olean Business Institute.

As the outreach specialist, Edna will arrange community activities for the agency, including support group development and targeted outreach to various agencies. Painter is available to speak to individuals, groups and organizations about how ILGR can assist individuals with disabilities.

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR), part of the WNY Independent Living Inc., Family of Agencies is located in Batavia at 113 Main Street, Suite 5.

The agency provides individuals of the Genesee Region with four "Core Services; Information & Referral, Peer Counseling, Independent Living Skills Training and Individual and Community Advocacy."

For more information about ILGR or to begin receiving services, please call (585) 815-8501, ext. 400, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

GC Chamber of Commerce announces 22nd annual local ag tour

By Billie Owens

The 22nd annual Genesee County Decision-makers' Agriculture Forum will focus on "Homegrown Markets" and it takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 21, beginning at the Batavia United Methodist Church.

The church is located at 8221 Lewiston Road (Rt. 63) in the Town of Batavia.

The ag tour, sponsored by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, is free but you must register by Sept. 14.

To register for the tour, call the chamber at 343-7440, ext. 27, or stop by the office at 210 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia. You can also RSVP by emailing your name, business and address to: chamber@geneseeny.com.

The day will begin at 7:15 a.m. with registration, breakfast and speaker Stephen Tudhope, chair of the chamber's ag committee.

At 7:50, it's time to load the buses and travel.

(8 o'clock) First stop is First Light Farm & Creamery, a farmstead dairy and creamery that produces artisanal goat and cow milk cheeses. Brothers Trystan and Max Sandvoss learned the art and science of cheese making and animal husbandry in the Pacific Northwest, working for three different artisanal creameries over four years.

(9 o'clock) Second stop is Grassland Dairy. Brent and Polly Tillotson established their 100-cow, 260-acre organic dairy farm in 2008. Understanding and transitioning their farm to organic took them three years. Brent's experience growing up on his family's farm resulted in acquiring useful skills and knowledge, which helped him with this new venture.

(10:15) Last stop is Fenton Produce, LLC. Fenton's is a family owned and operated, third-generation farm -- the same farm that Paul's uncles bought in the early 1930s. There is a strong heritage of farming on Paul's side -- but this is the first generation to be a produce-only farm. They are strictly a vegetable farm that grows produce for the retail market. In addition to attending farmers markets and running their CSA, they also sell produce to 10 Wegmans stores in the Buffalo area and Tops in Batavia, along with selling to local farm stands in the area.

(11:15) Wrap up and return to the church.

World-renowned fencing referee to lead referees' clinic at EnGarde:Batavia

By Billie Owens

World-renowned fencing referee Jon Moss will be appearing at EnGarde:Batavia, a local fencing school located on Harvester Avenue, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday Aug. 27.

Moss, who holds the highest possible rating for a fencing referee, is a 42-year veteran of the sport.  He currently coaches at the University of New Hampshire and Tanner City Fencing Club and  serves as head referee at Fencing Officials Commission.

Moss will be on hand to certify perspective referees in the sport at the area’s only fencing school, which is owned and operated by Genesee County native, Colin Dentino. 

The sport of fencing requires skilled referees as the official is involved on every call and must adjudicate every action.

“It is vitally important that we train and maintain referees -- especially now since we are currently forming the Genesee Fencing League," Dentino said. "We’ll require skilled officials who are armed with the latest rules and guidelines."

After completing this clinic, and passing the referee exam, participants will be certified with the United States Fencing Association.

EnGarde:Batavia continues to grow since it opened its doors in the Artisan Center one year ago.  Besides the Jon Moss Referees' Clinic, EnGarde:Batavia also offers fencing camps and clinics for all ages/skill levels as well as their popular Molten Sword Tournament.

Dentino believes that fencing is underrated as a sport and has several benefits helping develop stamina, flexibility, strength, dexterity, hand/eye coordination, as well as physical and mental agility.

Donations of clean, gently used clothing wanted for Batavia community giveaway

By Billie Owens

The First Presbyterian Church, located at 300 E. Main St. in Batavia, will have a Community Clothing Giveaway from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28, and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 29.

Donations of clothing for infants, boys, girls, men and women are wanted, including shoes, sneakers, purses and hats. Winter clothing and children's clothing are especially welcome!

Please drop off your clean, gently used clothing at the church between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and again in the evening from 6 to 8, tommorrow and Thursday.

If you'd like to help or have questions: please call Nancy at 585-343-9134 or email at brach@brachmachine.com

Third annual 'Caring for the City Day' huge success

By Robin Walters

 

The third annual Caring for the City Day was a huge success. This day is co-hosted by Care-A-Van Ministries and dentists Russ Marchese and Marcella Morales-Ross and staff. This year the team was joined by 19 local agencies and churches as well. The main event of the day is the free dental clinic. Sixty patients received free dental services ranging from X-rays and cleanings, to fillings and extractions. The patients ranged in age from young children to the elderly. The clinic is held for those who do not have dental insurance.

Batavia Photo Club was on hand and offered free family portraits to the families. The families could actutally have their picture taken and it was printed on the spot. One couple noted that they had not had a family portrait taken in 13 years.  Free haircuts were given by Michelle Andre and Ellen Stanton. P.C. Publications was giving away free books to all who attended. Fidelis Health Care and Lake Plains were on hand to help those who did not have health insurance apply for benefits.

Emmanuel Baptist Church member Heidi Richmond did free face painting for the children. Community Action staff and volunteers offered a variety of goodies. Salvation Army was on the grounds offering their services and a variety of free bread to all. Other agencies and churches participating were: Agri-Business Child Development; Cornell Co-Op; UMMC; Office for the Aging; Indepdent Living; GCASA Smoke Free Program; St. Paul Lutheran Church; Habitat for Humanity; and there was a prayer table hosted by Pastor Charlie Piscitello and his wife, Judy.

Care-A-Van Ministries wants to thank Russ, Marcela and team and all of the agencies, churches and volunteers who helped make this day possible. You all truly made a difference for those living in your community!  Be sure to check out Care-A-Van's Facebook page for all pictures from this event.

 

Darien Lakes Theme Park seeks actors and workers for Family FrightFest

By Billie Owens

Press release:

What:

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort is now hiring actors to make the 2011 Family FrightFest the most fearsome and fun season yet.

Who:

Friendly and fear-provoking actors are needed for scenes taking place at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort. Join the team of ghouls to shock and horrify guests inside Manic Mansion and out in the campgrounds for the Fright Night Field Trip. Take kids through a Halloween adventure while painting pumpkins and handing out treats. Not an actor? Positions are also available in ride operations, food service and retail.

When:

The Family FrightFest kicks off Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 17 through Oct. 9.

Where:

Applicants should visit DarienLakeJobs.com and complete an application.

THE BATAVIA AREA JAYCEES 25TH ANNUAL LABOR DAY RUN AND WALK

By Melissa George

THE BATAVIA AREA JAYCEES 25TH
ANNUAL LABOR DAY RUN AND WALK

Batavia, NY: The Batavia Area Jaycees are proud to announce the 25th Annual Labor Day 5K Run & Walk being held on September 5, 2011 at MacArthur Park in Batavia, NY. 

Registration will begin at 8:00am and the race will begin at 10:00am.  The race fee is $12 for runners and $10 for walkers, with the fee going to $15 for the day of the race.  Medals and prizes will be given out to the top male and female runners after the race.  Sign up early to receive your free t-shirt.

The Batavia Area Jaycee’s 5K course is USA Track & Field certified #NY-06038-JG.

The Batavia Area Jaycees are also still looking for sponsorships for this event; if interested in participating or being a sponsor call 585-343-5775 or email us at bajny@yahoo.com

 

Free Community Dental Clinic To be Held Friday,August 12th

By Robin Walters

Care-A-Van Ministries will be hosting the 3rd annual "Caring for the City Day" free community dental clinic with Dr. Russell Marchese, Dr. Marcela and their team.

This dental clinic is for those who do not have dental insurance. Cleanings, fillings, and extractions will be offered.

17 other local agencies and churches will also be on site to offer free services, information and assistance to those attending  Caring for the City day.

Batavia  Photo Club will be offering free family portraits to the families. The families will go home with their just taken photo.  Other agencies on hand will be Circle of Love, Community Action, Agri- Business Child Development, Cornell Co-op, Emmanuel Baptist church, Fidelis Care, UMMC, PC Publications, Lake Plains, Office for the Aging, Indpendent Living, Smoke Free Now, Salvation Army, and  Prayer Table by Pastor Charlie Piscitello. We are also hoping to be offering free hair cuts.

There will be face painting and games for the children as well.  The time is from 8:00 A.M until 3:00 PM at 401 East Main street. It is on a first come first served basis. Last year, Dr. Russ, Dr. Marcela and team gave free dental care to 68 patients.  We truly do appreciate everyone's support and prayers for this special community day!

Elba Presbyterians to hold 2nd Annual 5K Run/Walk

By Gretel Kauffman

After the success of its first effort a year ago, the First Presbyterian Church of Elba has organized another 5K Run/Walk in Elba for 9 a.m. Aug. 20.

The course is a lovely country route through some of the back roads of Elba. (See the website for a specific course map.) There will be a water stop at the turn around point, and refreshments will be available after the race.

The first 75 registrants will receive a T-shirt.

Participants can pre-register, either online at www.elba5k.com or by sending the completed registration form (available online) and payment to Dave Bateman (address listed at the bottom of the article), or they can register on race day.

Race day registration begins at the Elba Veterans Memorial Park at 8 a.m. and ends at 8:45 a.m. All participants must meet at the park during that time to receive their number and confirm their attendance. 

Registration fees are as follows: 

Before Aug. 13: $15 (under 18: $12)

Race Day: $18 (under 18: $15)

Family rate before Aug. 13: $12 per runner (multiple runners at same household, mail forms together)

Sponsorship forms are also available online.

All proceeds of the race will be used toward the mission and ministry of the First Presbyterian Church of Elba.

For more details, see www.elba5k.com. 

Where to send your registration form and payment: 

Dave Bateman, 5 Lincoln Ave., Batavia, NY 14020

American Legion Auxiliary #332, Batavia, donates $1,000 for annual Patriot Trip

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C – Batavia) recently announced that the American Legion Auxiliary #332 Batavia has contributed $1,000 to his annual Patriot Trip, a program that brings area veterans to Washington, D.C., for a tour of military monuments and memorials.

The crucial funding will be used to help provide a profound experience available to as many local veterans as possible.

“The contribution made by American Legion Auxiliary #332 will directly serve the veterans participating in this year’s Patriot Trip, and I cannot thank the people of this organization enough for their generosity and commitment to supporting Western New York’s veterans,” Hawley said.

“The Patriot Trip is an inspiring, moving experience for everyone involved, and donations such as the one presented by Auxiliary President Brenda Burg are vital in the effort to provide a trip that will have a lifelong impact on our proud veterans.

"Contributions go directly to enhancing this experience for our local veterans, and it is groups like Auxiliary #332 that make the Patriot Trip affordable for our patriots.”

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 World War II, Vietnam War, Korean War and FDR memorials, as well as Arlington Cemetery, the Marine Museum, the Udvar Hazy Aerospace Museum and the U.S. Capitol.

Most meals are included with the trip cost of approximately $300.

Individuals and organizations interested in making a contribution, as well as those looking for more information about trip details, pricing, or to sign up, please call Assemblyman Hawley’s district office at (585) 589-5780. Approximately 20 openings remain!

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