Announcements

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!

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!

Press release:

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR) is pleased to announce that Director James C. Moody has been selected to serve as the program coordinator / facilitator for “Step Up to Stop Falls in Genesee County.”

Moody will coordinate activities of four workgroups (Exercise, Community Education, Home Assessments and Health Fairs) and manage partner accountability to carry out the project plan.

Local partners include the Genesee County Office for the Aging, University of Buffalo, Genesee Community College Nursing Program, Summit Physical Therapy – UMMC and Catholic Charities of Western New York. These partners are working with several other Genesee County agencies.

Moody will also work with the project's executive leader, Office for the Aging Director Pamela Whitmore, to develop long-term plans that involve all community residents.

Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths, hospitalizations and emergency department visits among adults 65 and older. Falls can result in lasting, serious issues, affecting mobility, independence and mental health.

Genesee County residents age 65 and older average more than 425 visits per year to the emergency department because of falls. Typically, 177 of those incidents result in a hospital stay. The annual cost for these services is more than 3 million dollars!

Step Up to Stop Falls in Genesee County is a prevention project funded by the Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York to provide Genesee County elderly residents with information needed to help reduce the risk of falling and thus, reduce costs to the community.

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR), part of the WNY Independent Living Inc., Family of Agencies, has primary offices at 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia. The agency provides individuals of the Genesee Region (Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties) with four core services: information and referral; peer counseling; independent living skills training and individual and community advocacy.

For more information about ILGR, to become involved in the Falls Prevention Project or to begin receiving services, please call 815-8501, ext. 400, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Like to hear a good banjo and fiddle? Well, you're in for a treat. The Wissmann Family will perform live bluegrass music starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, at the Oakfield-Alabama Baptist Church.

The church is located at 2210 Judge Road. A free-will offering is appreciated.

    Tim Tetrick, also known as "The Bionic Man," makes his first-ever Batavia Downs & Casino appearance on Wednesday night (Aug. 3) when the New York Sire Stakes' 2-year-old pacing fillies roll into town.
    First race post time is 6:40 p.m.
    The 30-year-old Tetrick is currently leading all of North America in wins with 457 and purse earnings totaling $7,773,683. Throughout a career that began in 1998, he's won 6,425 and his drives have earned $98,024,539.
    His best year came in 2007 when he won 1,189 races. In 2008 his drives earned more than 19 million dollars.
    Tetrick is listed to drive in the first race, a $9,000 Open for fillies and mares and all five New York Sire Stake races, carded as races 2,5,7,8 and 11, with each division worth over $24,000 in purse money. Tim will have a long day as he is scheduled to drive in the first 11 races at Harrah's Chester, located in Chester, Pa., in the afternoon.
    Racing fans unable to attend the races can watch all the action via live streaming video at www.bataviadownscasino.com. Simply click on the "Live racing" section and then on the "streaming video" link.

A customer appreciation and grand reopening celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Santy's Tire & Service. There will be a car wash, too, and proceeds will go to the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

The business is located at 56 Ellicott St. in Batavia. Phone is 343-1885.

WBTA will broadcast live there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a free hot dog lunch and lots of giveaways.

A set of four tires, with a retail value of up to $450, will be raffled along with a $100 prize package from Batavia Downs & Casino.

You can either buy a raffle ticket(s) or get it by bringing one item(s) from the shelter's wish list: dry cat/dog/kitten food, canned dog/cat food, paper towels, bleach, non-clumping cat litter, dog collars and leashes, laundry soap, and cat toys.

If you're thinking ahead to winter, there will also be a representative from Sno-Way International to answer all your snowplow questions.

Come on down!

The 11-year-old Batavia Little League All Stars play at 6 p.m. Monday in a championship game at McArthur Park.  Parents are hoping for a good turn out of local residents to support the team.

This information is from the Batavia Players.

Come join the Kids Summer Youth Theater Camp at the Harvester 56 Theater, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia, from Aug. 1-11.

Cost, including all material and a daily snack, is $110. Of that, $55 is nonrefundable and due at registration. The balance is due on the first day of class.

Offered to kids from 6 to 12 years old, there are two sessions per day, Monday thru Friday. The first session is for 6 to 9 year olds from 9 a.m. to noon. The second session is fro 9 to 12 year olds from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Both groups will be introduced to, and learn about, the basics of theater and performance: development of characters; interact in theater games; and perform in their own production complete with lights, sound and costumes at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 11.

Each group will have its own lead teacher and supervisor. Special instruction is fencing, stage combat and dancing will be provided.

To register, either call Patrick D. Burk, 343 9721 or visit www.BataviaPlayers.org to access a registration form. Space is limited in both sessions, submit your registration today!

The Batavia Music and Arts Advocacy Group (B-MAA) will hold an organizational meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at the GOArt! building (corner of Bank and Main streets in Downtown Batavia.

For this meeting, RSVPs are encouraged for seating purposes.

All parents of children involved in music and art in the Batavia City School District are encouraged to attend.

Our mission is to increase community awareness of the importance of the arts as core education as defined by the U.S. Department of Education, and to motivate and guide local efforts to
maintain and improve music and art education in the Batavia City Schools.

For more information, to RSVP, and to get involved, please e-mail: artsadvocacy14020@yahoo.com or call Cheri Kolb (344-1735) or Lauren Hoerbelt (343-1842).

The Board of Directors of the YWCA of Genesee County has announced the appointment of Jeanne M. Walton to the position of executive director. The board along with the Selection Committee was very impressed with her enthusiasm and sincere dedication to the
mission of the YWCA.

She is a graduate of the University of Rochester and brings more than 20 years of small business management expertise to the facility. Walton has a broad-spectrum background that yields a complete understanding of the needs of the community and how to implement processes and programs to serve the community in a new and progressive fashion

Walton says she's excited to use new and innovative means to enhance the image of the YWCA while creating programs that are designed to serve women, children and businesses in the region.

“The YWCA of Genesee County has the potential to be a premier facility in this area," Walton said.  "I will work hand-in-hand with the staff, volunteers and board of directors to accomplish this in a new and fresh way.”

Walton resides in the Town of Batavia with her two children.

For more information on the YWCA of Genesee County, its mission, and community involvement opportunities, please contact the YWCA at 343-5808; email us at ywca@rochester.rr.com or visit our website www.ywcagenesee.org

After a sold-out world premiere of its dinner show,"13 Memento Mori Lane," Yorkshire Hall in Pembroke has announced a "held over" performance at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13.

The original "comedy/mystery/farce," is accompanied by a formal dinner. A special introductory ticket price of $22.95 includes the dinner, show and gratuity. Tickets are limited to advance sales only, and can be ordered by calling (585) 762-8160 or (716) 474-4300.

Yorkshire Hall is operated by the Walker family, owners of Holiday Hollow, and is located in the newly built theater on the Holiday Hollow property at 1410 Main Road (Route 5) in Pembroke. More information about the show is available at www.Yorkshire-Hall.com.

Press release:

The BEST Center at Genesee Community College is pleased to announce the first class of Building Leadership Excellence students have completed their 12-week leadership course.

Building Leadership Excellence is an intensive, hands-on program designed to develop the proven skills needed to manage, influence, create, inspire and lead organizations. Participants learn to think and act strategically, resulting in enhanced management performance and improved organizational skills in decision making, coaching, innovative problem solving and conflict resolution.

The program is designed for managers, supervisors, team leaders and future leaders. Each session is filled with real-life examples and practical techniques for achieving results. Topics covered include communicating effectively, understanding personal styles, mentoring, creative problem solving, building strong teams and several other key management issues.

"Building Leadership Excellence is a great opportunity for managers from all walks of life and industries to come together and work in an engaging and dynamic team environment," said Lina LaMattina, director at The BEST Center. "Today's organizations are looking for innovative leadership and this program offers that knowledge and skills set to the participants."

Congratulations to our first graduating class! We know these leaders are doing great things in their organizations:

Joyce Kingdom, Genesee ARC, Batavia

Paul Saskowski, Genesee ARC, Batavia

Joanna Barefoot, GCC

Laura Keenan, GCC

Judy Welch, Livingston/Wyoming ARC

Mary Pat Hancock, Genesee County Legislature

Matt Slezak, Texas Brine

Joseph Demmer Jr., Willow Group

June Redden, Willow Group

Robyn Brookhart, Liberty Pumps

Dave Williams, Liberty Pumps

Erica Southwood, Livingston/Wyoming ARC

The next Building Leadership Excellence program will begin in August with a full-day kick off session from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 11. Participants will attend 10 half-day sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 18 and 25, Sept. 8, 15 and 22, Oct. 6, 13 and 20, and Nov. 3 and 10.

A graduation celebration, that includes final project presentations to participants' supervisors, will take place in a full-day session on Nov. 17. This intensive, skill-building program also incorporates 10 hours of one-on-one coaching for each participant in an effort to enhance his or her ability to apply new skills in the workplace.

Genesee Community College's BEST Center (focused on Business and Employee Skills Training) is a local provider of business consulting, community training and workshops for companies of all sizes and in all industries.

It offers a variety of tailored programs on-location at businesses across the GLOW region, or at any of Genesee Community College's seven campus locations (Albion, Arcade, Batavia, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw).

For further information on The BEST Center, please contact Lina LaMattina, director, at 343-0055, ext. 6299, or visit The BEST Center online at www.bestcenter.org

Six Genesee Community College instructors and staff members embarked on an English language collaboration program in Sao Paulo, Brazil on July 5. They went to the South American country to teach English to students at FATEC Americana, a state-run technology-based institution.

The travelers abroad included Charley Boyd, professor English; Connie Boyd, director of the Human Services program; Karen Taylor, associate dean of Records; Barb Shine, associate professor of Business and Entrepreneurship; Dennis Shine, associate professor of Drafting; and Donna Ehrhart, professor of Fashion Business and Computer Information Systems.

Accompanying them were Don Brown, vice president of Charles Men Shop; Chris Davis, student at the University of Buffalo; Lew Scialdone, instructor of English for Speakers of Other Languages at BOCES; Dolores Quiles, associate professor of English at SUNY Ulster; and Darryl Blumel, director of Studies at Southbank Institute of Technology in Brisbane, Australia.

The trip was a two-week exchange of language as well as information about culture, history and geography. Brazilian students and American teachers benefitted from a dialogue about differences and similarities between the two cultures.

Teachers focused on topics that contrasted the two cultures' holidays, climates, history, current events, politics, job seeking as well as cultural elements such as music and cooking. New this year was the discipline-specific collaborations that included culture, textiles and entrepreneurship.

This was the second trip for Connie and Charley Boyd, who traveled last summer to FATEC.

"We are so excited to return to Brazil," Connie Boyd said before leaving. "This language and cultural collaboration has been so eye opening and enjoyable. We are anxious to return to FATEC Americana to work with new students, as well as some of the same students that we met last summer."

The group documented their travels on Genesee's Study Abroad blog. Their blog posts can be viewed at <http://www.gccblogs.wordpress.com>.

For more information please contact James Goodwin, director of Curriculum Development at 343-0055, ext. 6322.

Submitted by Bea McManis:

Come pitch with us!

Wyoming Horseshoe Club

Rowley Road, Wyoming, NY

Every Wednesday – Sign up 6:45 p.m. Start at 7 p.m. (through Aug. 30)

Unique Scoring System -- Indoor and Outdoor Pits

For information and directions, contact:

Bob Winspear -- (585) 343-0554

Ken Hirsh -- (585) 703-4186

The Washington Avenue Players will proudly present "The First Annual City Business Brains Competition" -- an original comedic dinner theater presentation, on July 28, 29 and 30.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Program begins at 6:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall, St. Paul Lutheran Church, located at 31 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia. Tickets are $12.50. There is no reserved seating.

For tickets and information call 343-0488.

This was sent from reader James Renfrew. It is also listed on the events calander for July 30.

Byron Heritage Festival

Byron Fireman’s Park

Saturday, July 30, 2011

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

To:   Vendors interested in participating in the Byron Heritage Festival

From: Town of Byron

 Re:  Booth reservations and deadlines

 The Town of Byron will hold its 5^th annual “Byron Heritage Festival” on Saturday, July 30, 2011

 Thanks to your support and the support of our sponsors we continue to grow every year. We look forward to a wide variety of arts and crafts, games and attractions for the children, live music,  and great food  including a chicken BBQ. We are also welcoming back the classic car show. The parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. and the evening will end with a fireworks extravaganza for all to remember.

We would like to extend an invitation to you to participate in the Byron Heritage Festival. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to reserve your space. Please contact the Town Office, at 548-7123. to obtain a vendor application sheet with more information. You may return the vendor application to:  Town of Byron,  7028 Byron Holley Road, Byron NY 14422

There is also a Town-Wide Garage and Yard Sale taking place in Byron on Saturday, July 30th, with various residences around the town involved.  Free table space in the center of town next to the church for anyone wishing to participate in the yard sale may be reserved by contacting the Byron Presbyterian Church (548-2800).   

  Thank you for your interest in our event. We look forward to your participation.

A detailed schedule of the Heritage Day events will be posted in the next week. 

Laura Bestehorn, Byron Heritage Festival Committee

Press release:

ALBANY, NY:  The New York State Sheriffs' Association and the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute recently hosted the 25th Annual Undersheriffs’ Training Conference. Pictured above are Tony Perez, acting deputy commissioner, NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (left); Tom Beilein, chairman, NYS Commission of Correction, (2nd from left); Sean Byrne, acting commissioner, NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (2nd from right); and Peter R. Kehoe, executive director, New York State Sheriffs’ Association (right), presenting an award certificate to William A. Sheron Jr., of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office (center).

The Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in coordination with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is available to provide information about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the special funding that is available to farmers within the Oak Orchard, Oatka and Black Creek watersheds.

The two funding sources that are available to eligible farmers within the Great Lakes priority watersheds include the Black and Oatka Creeks Sediment Reduction Grant and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Funding from both programs will provide financial and technical assistance for installing conservation practices aimed at protecting water quality in the streams and tributaries of Lake Ontario.

“The Great Lakes are an important part of our region supplying drinking water to more than 40 million people and supporting many different sectors including manufacturing, tourism, energy, and agriculture,” said Heath Eisele, district conservationist for the Batavia NRCS field office. “Continued protection of the Great Lakes will take a multipronged approach."

Applications are currently being accepted for both funding programs. The deadline for submitting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program is July 1. The deadline for submitting applications for the Black and Oatka Creek Sediment Reduction Grant is Aug. 1.

To contact the Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District, phone 343-2363. For more details or additional conservation program information contact Heath Eisele at heath.eisele@ny.usda.gov.

Present Tense Bookstore in Batavia is offering a series of weekly creative writing workshops focusing on poetry, short stories, novels, creative nonfiction, children’s and young adult books, personal essays, memoirs, among others.

The workshops, taught at the bookstore by retired literature professor and regional novelist Bob Comenole, are generally five weeks in long.

Classes will meet once a week in evening or afternoon sessions. Scheduling is to be determined, depending on how many people sign up for the worskhops and their creative writing interests. But it is anticipated that workshops will begin later this summer or early fall.

They are designed for both beginning writers who wish to learn fundamental techniques and seasoned writers wishing to acquire more advanced skills; there are no prerequisites.

For more than 20 years Bob Comenole has taught writing, literature and communications at several colleges, including Miami University, Siena College, the State University of New York and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

He's the author of "Bushel & Lamp" and the novella "The Long Night of Clement C. Craggogre," and has just completed work on a collection of short stories called "Perplexed by the Egg & Other Stories," as well as a collection of essays. He was also the producer of the children’s television series "StoryBrook."

To view what past students have said about the writing workshops, visit: http://www.infinitelycurious.us/Academy/

The fee is $89 for five 2-hour sessions, plus individual conferences with the instructor. Call or visit the store for further details on the workshops or to sign up.

Present Tense is located at 101 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia. Phone is 815-7640. <http://www.presenttensebooks.com>