Announcements

On Friday and Saturday, Aug. 6 and 7, The City Church in Batavia is having a "motorcycle event" at the Holiday Inn.

This is an annual event through STAR Touring and Riding. The charity of choice through STAR is "Feed the Children."

On Friday, Aug. 6, a tractor-trailer from Feed the Children will be coming to the Holiday Inn, Batavia, around noon. The hotel is located at 8250 Park Road.

From there, bikers will escort the truck to The City Church parking lot on Center Street. City Church will then distribute goods to families in need.

The Oakfield Rod & Gun Club will commence “Open Trap Shooting," starting Saturday, Aug. 14 and continuing each Saturday thereafter.

It runs from 2 to approximately 7 p.m., weather permitting. The club is located at 3199 Maltby Road in Oakfield.

Prepare for your fall hunting. The public is welcome.

BATAVIA – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will be offering the popular Master Gardener Training series from 5:45 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday evenings, Sept. 8 through Nov. 17.

Participants will also be required to attend an additional session from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30.

Pre-registration by Aug. 27 is required. No walk-ins are allowed. The fee for the series is $200 per person and includes a NYS Master Gardener Manual on a CD.

Sessions will be held at the Kennedy Building located on the Genesee County Fairgrounds on Route 5 in Batavia.

Master Gardener Training teaches participants about: garden botany; growing fruit at home; herbs; insects; perennials and annuals; organic gardening; pruning; soils and fertilizers; turf grass; vegetable gardening; weed identification; woody plant materials; and how to diagnose plant diseases/problems.

Graduates of the program are eligible to become “Certified” Master Gardeners by completing volunteer work at their local Extension Office.

More information can be found on the extension website at <http://genesee.shutterfly.com/gardening>.

To register, contact Amy Berry at (585) 343-3040, ext. 106, or stop by the extension office located at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Here's a notice to all Oakfield Rod and Gun Club members.

The OR&GC will hold a meeting at 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m., at which time the club will discuss and vote on amending Article XVII of the OR&GC bylaws.

This Article involves Honorary Members and members attaining age 65 being exempt from dues.

Former Batavian Barry Bower and Batavia Daily News reporter Virginia Kropf will explore the mysterious disappearance of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart next week at the invitation of GO ART!

The event is part of the regional arts council's popular Salon Series.

Titled "The Cryptographers: Barry Bower & Virginia Kropf," it will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10 in the Gathering Room of the Shirt Factory Cafe, located at 115 W. Center St., in Medina.

A contribution of $20 for non-members and $18 for GO ART! members is requested. Reservations are required and can be made by phone at (585) 343-9313, e-mail at info@GOart.org, or by stopping in to GO ART!, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St. in Batavia (open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays).

Amelia Earhart disappeared July 2, 1937. She became the first woman to win the Distinguished Flying Cross after being the first woman to solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Earhart worked to inspire and help women interested in flying careers and formed the Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots. She disappeared over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to circumnavigate the world. Her mysterious disappearance has been a source of speculation and conspiracy theories ever since.

Barry and "Ginny" will share what tantalizing clues they have uncovered in their quest to decrypt this riveting legend. Barry is a former City of Batavia councilman who now resides in Pennsylvania and devotes most of his time to researching Earhart's disappearance. When not working for The Daily News, Ginny has also devoted a lot of time piecing together clues of this famous mystery.

This Salon is paired with a themed dinner that includes "airline" chicken, fresh fruit and bread and dessert. Refreshments, wine and beer included.

Limited edition posters of Roz Hayes' original painting that depicts Amelia Earhart will be available for sale!

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) is a private nonprofit organization, which believes that art and culture enriches, inspires and educates, while strengthening a community's identity.

Therefore, GO ART! initiates a broad range of opportunities for artists and cultural organizations, and facilitates cooperative efforts among the cultural, business, service and educational communities for the people who live in and visit Genesee and Orleans counties.

Thirty Batavia students have been awarded a Back-to-School Shopping Spree from Target and The Salvation Army.

They are among the more than 12,000 kids nationwide who will each receive an $80 Target GiftCard to buy school supplies.

From 8 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, the local students will have the opportunity to visit the Batavia Target on Veterans Memorial Drive. They will get to buy backpacks, calculators, pens and pencils, art supplies, binders, clothing and other must-have supplies just in time for back-to-school.

Each child will also be given a reusable Target shopping bag and be paired with a volunteer chaperone for their fun day of shopping.

Genesee County CASA for Children is having a Chicken BBQ on August 13th from 12pm-6pm in the parking lot of the CourtHouse at 1 West Main St. Batavia, NY.  All proceeds to benefit the abused and neglected children in Genesee County that are served by dedicated volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

Tickets are $8.00 pre-sale and $8.50 at the event.  Dinners include chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, and rolls.  This event is being catered by Tom Roviso Catering of E. Pembroke.  Tickets can be purchased by stopping in to CASA at the Courthouse (inside Family Court waiting area), by calling Tara Pariso at 344-2550 ext. 2331, or from any CASA board member or volunteer.

Please show your support for the hard work that CASA does to ensure that all children find safe, permanent homes.

The City Church in Batavia is going to have a "Back-to-School Giveaway" this Sunday, Aug. 8, at its 10 a.m. service.

A readers writes: "I am so thrilled that an organization is finally realizing that school supplies are such a burden come the time that school starts!

"With a family that has more then one child, it is so hard to afford everything they need for the coming school year."

The church plans to give away folders, binders, pens, pencils, crayons, highlighters... everything needed for going back to school.

The nondenominal church is located at 210 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

For more information, call the church at 343-6895.

The Indian Falls Fire Department will hold an open house, and dedicate a new fire truck, on Saturday, Aug. 21.

It will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the fire department, located at 8030 Alleghany Road, in Pembroke, at the corner of Akron Road.

There will be FREE hotdogs, hamburgers and fun and games for the whole family.

Plus, there will be blood-pressure checks, first-aid demonstrations for adults and children and an automobile extrication demonstration.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle.

In an effort to keep our community safe from crime and drugs, GCASA and the City of Batavia Police Department will host the sixth annual National Night Out event at Austin Park in Batavia.

The event is 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 3 with a family friendly movie shown afterward.

National Night Out is a collaborative effort to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

This year’s event will feature various agencies in the community such as the City and County Youth bureaus, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, NYS Troopers, Mercy EMS, Genesee County Emergency Management, City of Batavia Fire Department, Care-A-Van Ministries, Genesee County YMCA, GCASA’s SafeHomes Program and the Drug-Free Marshals.

There is no cost to attend. Concessions will be available at a minimum cost.

There will also be a featured performance by singer Lisa Barrett and various activities for kids. Prizes will be given away around 8:15 p.m. with a free movie sponsored by Genesee County Reality Check starting at dusk.

National Night Out is a smoke-free family event. Come join us for some fun! For more information about National Night Out contact Kevin Keenan at 815-1875 or Rich Schauf at 345-6312.

The Festival of Fur is noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 31 at Genesee Feeds and Needs, located at 3860 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia. (Across the street from the animal shelter.)

It is a good time for pet people, former residents, new residents, supporters of the Genesee County Animal Shelter and families to get together and talk pets, have some BBQ chicken and all the fixins (sold until sold out), get Fido microchipped, etc.

The Amazing Kayden will demonstrate his prowess catching freestyle discs. Microchipping dogs and cats is available for $30. There will be fun raffles and a 50/50 drawing.

If you'd like a caricature of your pet, bring a photo. In addition to Genesee Feeds, the event is sponsored by Dave's Ice Cream, which is giving away free doggie ice cream cups (only one per pooch!). There will also be T-shirts for sale.

This event takes place rain or shine. Come on over with Rover! All proceeds benefit Volunteers for Animals.

Here's a news release aimed at college students from the WNY Tri County Chapter of the American Red Cross, which serves Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Here's a class you really should take!

Renter’s Insurance 101

Logic #1: I am in school; my parent’s insurance covers my stuff.

Reasoning: If you live on campus, your parent’s policy MAY cover your belongings, but if you have your own apartment, you are out of luck!

Logic #2: I can’t afford it and I don’t really have anything in my apartment.

Reasoning: According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost of a renter's insurance policy with $25,000 of property coverage and $100,000 in liability coverage only cost around $16 per month.

If you don’t think you own enough stuff to justify that, look around your room. CDs bedding, computer equipment, YOUR BOOKS! You can’t afford not to get it!

Logic #3: My roommate has renter’s insurance so I am covered.

Reasoning: Ah, good for you for getting a smart roommate. Too bad you think
his policy will cover your things -- it won’t!

Logic #4: My building is totally secure. No one can break into here!

Reasoning: Are you willing to bet your new Mac on that? Renters are 79 percent more
likely to be victims of burglary than homeowners.

Logic #5: My landlord is great -- he has my back!

Reasoning: Your landlord’s insurance covers structural damage. It doesn’t cover your belongings or legal obligations if something is damaged or someone gets hurt inside of your apartment.

PUT RENTER’S INSURANCE ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST TODAY!

Fifteen students from Genesee County are attending summer medical camp today at VA WNY Healthcare in Batavia.
 
The daylong session was sponsored by the Genesee Valley Business Education Alliance, which partnered with VA to provide the seventh and eighth graders this opportunity.

The children got to see what it takes to run a medical facility and observed a variety of careers in action throughout the facility, including engineering, environmental management service, medical units, dental, police, nutrition and food, and education.

These students participated: Ross Chua, Baylee Noelle Desjardins, Bethany Ezard, Bekah Ireland, Rebecca Krenzer, Abby Lyons, Jordan Mangefrida, Daniel Meloon, Mary Purdy, Cole Sherman, Kate Simmons, Zachary Swapeceinski, Cassie Winspear, Haley Wise and Sara Zakes.

Genesee Community College has named Kathryn Seweryniak, of Batavia, as director of Veterinary Technology. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in animal and biomedical science to the college's new academic program.

Seweryniak comes to Genesee from a successful nine-year tenure at the University of Rochester as a technical associate in the Environmental Medicine/Lung Biology and Disease program.

Previously, she served as a licensed veterinary technician in several small and large animal clinics. Her academic career started at Medaille College where she was an adjunct faculty member in the Veterinary Science/Laboratory Animal technology program.

She has also instructed at SUNY Delhi and in Purdue University's Large Animal Teaching Hospital. Seweryniak previously served on the NYS Board for Veterinary Medicine, and currently is a member of the NYS Association of Veterinary Technicians.

She earned an associate's degree in Veterinary Science Technology/ Laboratory Animal Science from SUNY Delhi, a bachelor's degree from Medaille College in Liberal Studies/ Veterinary Science Technology and a master's degree in Natural Science (Epidemiology/Oncology) from SUNY Buffalo in the Roswell Park Graduate Studies program.

In addition to her degree work, she has also been extensively published in the areas of platelet research, COX-2 inhibitors, prostaglandins, Graves eye disease, cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation and cancer research.

Seweryniak officially joined the Genesee faculty earlier this month. For further information contact Michael Stoll, associate vice president for Academic Affairs/dean of Math Science and Career Education at 343-0055, ext. 6326.

Deacons of First Presbyterian Church Batavia are hosting a golf tournament on Aug. 7 at Batavia Country Club.

It is located at 7909 Batavia Byron Road. Registration for the scramble format begins at Noon. Tee time is 2 p.m. Cost is $65 per person and includes greens fee, cart, lunch and steak dinner.

Shot gun starts at 2 p.m. Indiviuals will be matched with incomplete teams. Hot dogs and drink will be served at the turn. There will be door prizes and a silent auction. Awards will be handed out at dinner.

Proceeds benefit Deacons' local outreach programs. For more information and to receive a registration form, contact the church office at 343-0505.

The Batavia Muckdogs heartily welcome the 3rd Annual Drug-Free Marshals Night at the Ballpark, Friday, July 30. Gates open at 6 p.m. and just before the game starts at 7:05, the entire audience will be sworn in, by Senator Mike Razenhofer, as new "Drug-Free Marshals."

On the field along with Sen. Razenhofer will be Muckdogs players, little leaguers, local officials, local law enforcement and the event planner, Sue Hawley, prevention educator at GCASA Prevention.

“Everyone who participates in becoming a Drug-Free Marshal avows to remain drug-free and also encourages others to remain drug-free as well," Hawley said. "They personally sign a pledge that they bring home to their parents, grandparents or just someone they love, which states they have chosen to, and will, lead a drug-free life.”

When asked at a local park this week why taking drugs is a bad idea, some of the children in attendance replied, “because you can die,” “because they can cause cancer” and “because they can ruin your life."

“Even at such a young age, it shows that these children are well aware of the harmful effects of taking drugs,” said a camp counselor.

Hawley said she always thought that the Drug-Free Marshals program should be brought to this community.

"It is a wonderful program that targets our young children from ages 5 through 13," she said. "Traditionally teenagers are given drug education and a lot of money goes to these programs.

"The mission of Drug-Free Marshals is to talk about this subject to our younger children and have them make a promise to themselves to ‘live a drug-free life’ and ‘show my friends that a drug-free life is my choice and is more fun.'"

For more information about Drug-Free Marshals: Sue Hawley GCASA Prevention, 815-8172, or e-mail: shawley@gcasa.org.

The American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" comes to Batavia on Friday, Aug. 13! This is an overnight event and will take place from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following morning.

It's at the Van Detta Stadium track, at 120 Richmond Ave. in Batavia, and is open to walkers and runners of all ages.

"Relay for Life" will involve teams of people running or walking around the track. Everyone is encouraged to participate, even if they cannot stay for the whole thing. However, each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times for the duration of the event (since "cancer never sleeps").

The overall event will consist of three parts -- a "Survivors Lap" in which those who have lived through the ordeal of cancer circle the track to celebrate their shared victory, a "Luminaria Ceremony" commemorating loved ones lost to cancer, and a "Fight Back Ceremony" in which participants make a personal commitment to fight cancer.

There is a fee of $10 per person, due at the time of registration. For more information, call Stacie Waddell at 1-800-227-2345 or visit relayforlife.org/bataviany.

Genesee Region Insurance Professionals (GRIP) awarded their $1,000 Harry K. Lown Memorial Scholarship to Karrie Mrowczynski (Letchworth Central School).

Patricia Lown, wife of the late Harry K. Lown, was on hand to witness the first time this award was given in his honor. It will be bestowed annually.

The event was held at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility in Batavia.

Karrie will be studying Business Administration and Entrepreneurship at University of Buffalo in the fall.

Here's some important information from the Disaster Services of Western New York, Tri County Chapter.

Summer Water Safety Guide

Staying safe around water doesn’t mean just having kids wear water-wings.

A recent American Red Cross survey shows that almost half the adults surveyed on water safety say they’ve had an experience where they nearly drowned, and one in four know someone who has drowned.

While more than 90 percent of families with young children will be in the water at some point this summer, almost half (48 percent) plan to swim in a place with no lifeguard.

With so many planning to be in, on or near the water, it is 
important to follow the basics of water safety, maintain 
constant supervision of children and to get trained!

Practice Water Safety

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well.
• Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross 
water-orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; 
teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets 
around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
  

Maintain Constant Supervision

• If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers — many children who drown in home pools 
were out of sight for less than five minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.
• Actively supervise children whenever around water — even if lifeguards are present. 
Always stay within arm’s reach of young children.
• Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.

Know How to Respond to an Aquatic Emergency

• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
• Enroll in Red Cross water safety, first-aid and CPR courses to learn how to respond.
• Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first-aid kit.

What You Should Do

Contact your local Red Cross chapter to find out which aquatic facilities in your area offer Red Cross 
courses, and sign up!