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Announcements

Muckdogs return home Sunday for two games against the Crosscutters

By Billie Owens

The Muckdogs return home this Sunday, July 25, for a two-game series with the Williamsport Crosscutters, an affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Game time is 5:05 p.m., with gates opening at 4.

With every Sunday, we’ll once again have Bob Evans Restaurant’s Post Run the Bases with Homer. All kids have the opportunity to run the bases with Homer after the game! Every child who runs the bases will receive a free kid’s meal coupon courtesy of Bob Evans Restaurant.

Monday, July 26, the Muckdogs will once more face the opposing Crosscutters. Game time begins at 7:05 p.m., with gates opening at 6.

Monday offers a Bike Raffle courtesy of the Lion’s Club of Batavia. The Lions Club will be giving away a bike to one lucky boy and one lucky girl. It will also be Muckdog Monday presented by The Daily News, where fans receive a $1 off a general admission ticket with coupon in the Saturday edition of The Daily News.

Monday is also a Knot Hole Gang game courtesy of Turnbull Heating & Air. At every Knot Hole Gang game, members can get a general admission ticket for just $2 and their parents/guardians also receive a $1 off their ticket.

To find out more information on the Knot Hole Gang, check out muckdogs.com.

For tickets, call the Muckdogs Box Office at 343-5454, ext. 1005.

Chamber of Commerce member appreciation night is Aug. 26

By Billie Owens

All Genesee County Chamber of Commerce members and their guests are invited to attend the chamber’s annual Member Appreciation Night starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26.

This year, the chamber will host “A Night at the Ballpark.” Ticket price include general admission to the game and an all-you-can-eat buffet under Party Tent in the “The Hot Corner.”

The buffet will be served between 6 and 7 p.m. and includes hotdogs, hamburgers and cheeseburgers with all the fixings, pasta salad, potato salad, watermelon, potato chips, ice-cold beer and soda.

The cost is $18 for adults, $9 for children 4-12 and free for children 3 and under.

Tickets along with an additional event wristband MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE AT THE CHAMBER OFFICE, 210 E. Main St., Batavia. If you do not purchase your tickets at the Chamber Office you will NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE PARTY TENT.

Chamber office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. Please call Kelly B. at 343-7440 for any questions.

Weiner Dog Races set for Aug. 29 at Batavia Downs Casino

By Billie Owens

Batavia Downs Casino will hold its annual Weiner Dog Races and Family Fun Day on Sunday, Aug. 29.

The whole family is invited to visit with Mr. Scribbles, Pringles the Clown, and get free pony rides 2 to 4 p.m. for the kids. Sahlens hot dogs and sodas will be just $1 at the Paddock Room concession stand beginning at noon.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., the Weiner Dogs will take to the track! Petco of Batavia is the official sponsor of the event and will supply doggy bags to the owners of the participating dogs.

This year, six separate heats will be held with the fastest dachshund that dashes down the track in each heat declared the winner. The winners will be given an opportunity to race in the championship following the final heat and compete for prizes. Last year, Jean Smart’s 2-year-old dachshund, “Jake Arnold," was a narrow winner.

If you would like to enter your dachshund, please contact Arna Tygart at 343-3750, ext 437 beginning July 26.

MOPS' FYI: There's a tented booth at the fair for changing diapers, breastfeeding

By Billie Owens

At the Genesee County Fair, the local chapter of MOPS -- Mothers of Preschoolers -- has a tented booth at the far end of the bathroom that is a changing station.

Say the MOPS, "We offer a clean place to change the little ones and also a nice clean comfortable place to breastfeed.

"Stop by and get info about joining our MOPS family with your little one or just stop in, say 'Hi!' and use our facility.

National Night Out Set For August 3rd

By Kevin Keenan

           In an effort to keep our community safe from drugs and crime, GCASA and the City of Batavia Police Department will be kicking off the sixth annual National Night Out event at Austin Park in Batavia. The event is set for Tuesday, August 3rd from 5:30-8:30pm with a family friendly movie to follow afterwards.

          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 Bureau’s, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, NYS Troopers, Mercy EMS, 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; however, concessions will be available at a minimum cost to participants. There will also be a featured performance by Lisa Barrett and many fun activities for kids. Prizes will be given away around 8:15pm 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 contact Kevin Keenan at 815-1875 or Rich Schauf at 345-6312.
 

GCC board selects new officers; vet and sleep tech programs get final OK

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Community College Board of Trustees elected Trustee Charles R. Ruffino as board chair for the 2010-2011 year at its annual meeting Monday.

Ruffino has served as vice chair for the last two years. He is a resident of Batavia and a retired New York State Department of Education administrator.

Trustees elected Maureen T. Marshall as vice chair. She lives in Elba, and is owner and operator of Elba-based Torrey Farms.

Diane D. Torcello was named secretary. She resides in Pavilion and works as a Bank of Castile branch manager.

In other business, the board of trustees:

• Heard President Stuart Steiner report that State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher sent him a letter expressing her pleasure at serving as Genesee's 2010 commencement speaker in May.

• Heard Steiner report that Genesee will receive $417,424 in Perkins Vocational and Technical Education funding for the coming year. The grant will provide support for career-oriented programs at the college.

• Heard Steiner report that the New York State Education Department has given final approval for the college's new Veterinary Technology degree program and Polysomnographic Technology degree program. The college may now accept students for both programs.

College-bound students vy for scholarship money by harness racing at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Batavia Downs has announced a brand-new scholarship race to give away $7,500 for college-bound students. The event will feature students from area schools, accompanied by professional drivers, in a "dash for the cash" on Saturday, Sept. 11.

“We are really pleased to be able to help support the education of students in our community in such a unique way,” said Batavia Downs General Manager Michael D. Kane. “We hope the students who participate not only walk away with scholarship funds, but also a greater understanding of the sport of harness racing.”

The students and their professional driving partners are: Emily Sallome, of Batavia High School, with Mike Pokornowski; Kaley Falkowski, of Batavia High, with Jim Mulcahy; Eric Harrower, of Batavia High, with Ron Beback, Jr.; Michael Norway, of Oakfield Alabama High School, with Mike Baumeister; and Tyler Pingrey, from Notre Dame High School, with Jim Graham.

This summer, the students will attend at least five training sessions at the track with their driver to learn the safety and skills needed to drive a horse. Then between the fourth and fifth live harness races on Sept. 11, they will line up behind the starting gate and compete for scholarships of $3,000, $2,000, $1,200, $800, and $500, depending on their finish.

“Five organizations came together to sponsor these scholarships as an investment in the youth of this community,” Kane said. “This scholarship event is sponsored by the horsemen, breeders, owners, and raceways of Western New York through the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State, the Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association, Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs Casino.”

Harness Horse Breeders is partnering with other New York tracks this summer to offer scholarships to students across the state.

Batavia Downs, America’s oldest lighted harness track, opens its 64th racing season on Monday, July 26, for 72 racing dates. Racing will be at the new post time of 6:40 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. There will also be a special 1:15 p.m. post on Sunday, Aug. 29.

For more information, visit <http://www.batavia-downs.com/>.

Retired children's librarian thankful for appreciation

By Billie Owens

This is an e-mail from Sandy Gillard, the longtime children's librarian at Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia, who recently retired.

I would like to thank Dan Crofts for the beautiful pictures and article about my retirement from the Richmond Memorial Library. I would also like to thank all of the people who sent cards, stopped in to see me, or expressed good wishes for my future.

It is so gratifying to know what a generous and thoughtful community we live in. I would like to share any recognition I have received with my family (especially my husband, Craig) and with the staff and board of the library both past and present.

As a group these people have worked hard to create one of the most outstanding libraries in the country. Lastly, it is important to remember the taxpayers who have supported our library and have made all of this possible.

As I look forward to the future, I plan to continue to live and volunteer in Batavia because it is a wonderful place to call home.

Sandy Gillard
Retired Children's Librarian of the Richmond Memorial Library

OLDE TYME DAYS: Take a Step Into Yesteryear

By JIM NIGRO

Care to spend a few hours in a simpler, less complicated era? If so, then it might be worth the twenty minute ride to West Jackson Corners this Sunday, July 18th. Olde Tyme Days festivities will begin at approximately 11 a.m. right across the road from East Shelby Community Bible Church. There will be plenty of food and refreshments on hand, none costing more than a penny! Hot dogs, homemade pies (rhubarb, cherry, blueberry, apple, peach, blackberry etc.) homemade ice cream, homemade bread and more will be available.

Here the ladies are serving up homemade bread and other snacks. Note the open hearth in the background.

One of the woodworkers diplaying his craft. In addition to woodworking, Olde Tyme Days offers demonstrations in blacksmithing, tinsmithing, weaving, candlemaking and much more - and the opportunity to try your hand at any or all.

There will be horse-drawn wagon rides through the countryside and pony rides for the kids.

Lots of singing....

and laughter-inducing entertainment...   is the order of the day.  If you've got a free hour or two come Sunday, come on out to Olde Tyme Days where the food is a penny and the activities are free! Located on East Shelby Rd. two miles north of Swallow Hollow Trail.  

Teen readers get 'sand between their fingers' at the Richmnond Library

By Daniel Crofts

"Sand Between Your Fingers" was the third program for teens in the Richmond Memorial Library's Summer Reading Program.

They got to try their hand at sand art, mixing a variety of colored sands to make "sand pens," which they could then take home and use for writing and drawing.

The library's Teen Program is open to students entering grades six through 12. The program extends through Aug. 4, so sign up soon if you haven't done so already!

Visit the library, at 19 Ross St. in Batavia, or call 343-9550 for more details.

Volunteers and Agencies Needed for Second Annual Caring for the City Day

By Robin Walters

It's not to late to sign up and be a part of the Second Annual Caring for the City Day.

Last year Care-A-Van Ministries and Dr. Russ Marchese and his staff held the first Caring for the City day. 58 folks received free dental care, 37 received free hair cuts from Continental Beauty Salon, staff from United Memorial Medical center was on hand for free blood pressure screenings and education on breast cancer, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Lake Plains joined in too with offering their free services.

Local Pastors partnered together as well to offer a prayer table.

Many volunteers were on hand to help out as well.  The date for this years Caring for the City Day will be Friday, August 20th from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM at 401 East Main Street, back parking lot behind Dr. Marchese's office.

While Dr. Russ and his staff are busy offering the free dental service inside, we are hoping that more agencies, churches and volunteers will be on hand out in the parking lot offering their services. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to come together to be a blessing to others and to help educate the community of the services you offer.

If you or your agency or church are interested in being a part of this awesome day, please call Paul Ohlson at 343-0328 by this Friday, July 16th.

Rotarians pledge $25,000 to GCC foundation over next five years

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Rotary Club has pledged $25,000 to the Genesee Community College Foundation over the next five years. The club's gift will be matched by the federal government.

The Endowment Challenge Fund of the U.S. Department of Education recently awarded the college a matching grant for its endowment fund -- up to $80,000 per year for the next five years. The money helps support, retain and aid deserving student facing financial hardships.

"As a long-time Rotarian and college employee, I was delighted the Rotary recognized the benefit of doubling the scholarship fund under the Endowment Challenge grant," said Ray Chaya, a long-term member of the Batavia Rotary and a former president.

Chaya has also been a member of the college's staff for more than 30 years.

"Year in and year out, we see how scholarships change students' lives – empowering them to become productive members of our community," Chaya said. "It is a win-win for everyone."

The Genesee Community College Foundation was formed in the mid-eighties as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing service to and support of the college. Its 34-member board of directors is comprised of business and civic leaders. Last year, the foundation's philanthropic support provided 536 scholarships to Genesee students totaling $284,184.

Additional contributions to support for the foundation may be sent to the Genesee Community College Foundation, One College Road, Batavia, NY, 14020. For more information contact the foundation at 345-6809 or <http://foundation@genesee.edu>.

Cargill Animal Nutrition raises nearly $78,000 for United Way

By Billie Owens

Cargill Animal Nutrition and its employees in the Northeast Region helped to contribute more than $77,000 to United Way chapters in communities throughout New York and Vermont last year.

To be exact, employee donations and corporate matches raised $77,856.

Local United Way donations came from employees at Cargill facilities in Albany, Batavia, Gouverneur, Jamestown, Liverpool and Salem, NY; plus and Swanton, VT.
 
United Way works across the United States and in 45 countries worldwide on programs that support youth education, workforce training, increased access to health care, and more.

Cargill Animal Nutrition, Northeast Region employs 341 people at 14 facilities in New York and Vermont and surrounding areas.

Last year, Cargill Northeast Region gave a total of $105,381 in donations, from high school scholarship programs to contributions to nonprofit organizations.

GCC's criminal justice program adds forensics and Homeland Security

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College's Criminal Justice Program has added special concentrations within its Associate's in Applied Science curriculum.

Forensics as well as Homeland Security/Emergency Management join the traditional Policing, Corrections Counseling and the general concentrations already offered.

"Genesee's Criminal Justice Program has a strong history of excellence," said Barry Garigen, professor of Criminal Justice and program coordinator.

"The concentrations will enhance learning and allow students to focus on emerging areas within the field while still continuing to receive the traditional educational foundation necessary to become successful criminal justice professionals."

The Forensics Concentration includes two science electives and two specialized courses. They are taught by Criminal Justice faculty member Karen Wicka.

Introduction to Forensics (CRJ125) is a three-credit course that will familiarize students with the basic principles of CSI (crime scene investigation) and the scientific concepts and techniques used in a forensic laboratory.

Students participate in crime-scene analysis, evidence collection and evidence preservation. They also work in a number of forensic crime labs involving various branches of forensic science including fingerprinting, toxicology, serology (the study of blood serum) and impression evidence.

This fall, the class is offered from 12:20 to 1:15 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and from 12:25 to 2:25 p.m. on Fridays.

Forensic Anthropology, (CRJ118), also a three-credit course and it examines human skeletal remains in the context of medico-legal issues.

Students analyze the scientific evidence of skeletal or badly decomposed remains to establish circumstances of death, and identify the decedent by estimating age, gender, racial affinity, stature, pathologic conditions, and traumatic injury.

The course also introduces human osteology (the study of bones), and presents methods and techniques used in forensic anthropology. The course discusses case reports, contexts in which human remains are found, and methods of recovery.

Forensic Anthropology is taught by Kristi Krumine and will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Kristi has extensive experience in both the practice of and teaching of forensic anthropology and archaeology.

Another new and exciting concentration of Genesee's growing Criminal Justice program is Homeland Security /Emergency Management.

Introduction to Emergency Management (CRJ122) will be offered on Tuesday evenings this fall.

This course examines the need for, and principles of, emergency management in formulating and implementing effective responses to all hazards including natural and man-made disasters.

Students will review contingency planning, hazard and risk assessment, joint operations, law and ethics, mitigation, prevention, emergency response and recovery procedures. CRJ122 will be instructed by Brad Mazur, a member of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

Homeland Security (CRJ119) will be offered during the spring semester and presents a comprehensive overview of homeland security from an all-hazards perspective.

Students examine threats to homeland security stemming from natural and technological disasters, domestic and international terrorism, and weapons of mass destruction. They also review the roles and responsibilities of governmental agencies, not-for-profit and private agencies, and individual citizens concerning homeland security operations.

Students can still enroll for fall in these or any other criminal justice courses.

For further information on Genesee's Criminal Justice program, please contact Barry Garigen, Criminal Justice professor and program coordinator at 343-0055, ext. 6307 or <http://bjgarigen@genesee.edu> or visit <http://www.genesee.edu/legal/crimjust>.
 

Get ready to 'blast off' to a galaxy of Bible school fun Aug. 9-13

By Daniel Crofts

The following news release was submitted, along with the photo, by Roula Alkhouri, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, at 300 E. Main St. in Batavia:

"The Galatic Blast Mission Control Center of Vacation Bible School at First Presbyterian Church in Batavia is inviting children between the ages of 5 and 11 to board the Starship Galactic Praise on Aug. 9 for an exciting voyage to Galactic Blast: A Cosmic Adventure Praising God.

"After a high-energy opening on the Starship Galactic Praise, the cadets will spacewalk to the Good News Galaxy. The Cadets will also take spacewalks to the Moons and Tunes Asteroid, the Orbital Observatory, the Rocket Rec Comet, and the Astro Café.

"Starship Galatic Praise will begin its voyage at 9 a.m. on Aug. 9 and return daily at noon. The last day of the voyage will be Aug. 13. Parents are invited to attend the closing voyage Friday, Aug. 13.

"This camp experience is open to the public and free of charge. To register, please go to www.firstpresbny.com or call us at 343-0505."

Ghost Riders' Flat Bed Tour starts at 6

By Billie Owens

The Ghost Riders Flat Bed tour begins tonight at 6.

The gang will fuel up at O'lacy's at 6 and then entertain folks at the Vets Hospital, home and assisted living facility, state home and all community nursing homes and low-income housing areas 'til 9 o'clock.

At each stop, they all gather outside for a few minutes of music and laughs and maybe a good story.

EVERYONE is welcome to follow along...

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Genesee County Fair is July 20-24

By Billie Owens

Here's a news release from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County about this year's fair and the 4-H Club.

It’s summer. And it’s been awesome! Looking for something to do? Something that will support our community, and our youth, and our roots? Something that will be fun, relaxing, easy to do, and, if you aren’t careful, you might even learn something?

It’s the Genesee County Fair – July 20 through 24. Five bucks per carload to park, and then free admission. Where else are you going to get a deal like this?   

The Genesee County Fair has been in existence for 170 years! That’s 170 years of countless volunteers working to entertain each of us, right here in Genesee County.

These numbers speak to the rich history of our community, its foundation, and the drive of countless residents collaborating to make our community stronger, involving youth in positive activities, and trying to give each of us something positive to experience and remember.

The fair is sponsored by the Genesee County Agriculture Society, a non-profit organization, made up of farmers, businesses, and concerned citizens, dedicated to preserving and promoting agriculture in an effort to enhance the quality of life in our community.

Why is this important? Well, if you like to eat, drive, wear clothes, use blankets, live in any kind of structure, agriculture should be important to you – since everything begins with agriculture.


The fair – it brings up all kinds of memories for each of us. The fair has certainly changed over time, but then, what hasn’t? Regardless of what you might think of the fair, I happen to know that there are many 4-H youths and their families and their leaders and their educators that work all year long for the opportunity to show everyone what they have been learning.

4-H is just one component of the fair. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, the home for the 4-H program in our county, is celebrating its 90th Anniversary - 90 years of educating youth in our community.

During the fair, 4-H members have the opportunity to showcase their projects. These hands-on experiences help youth improve skills, learn the importance of following rules carefully, gain confidence in interacting with judges and speaking with confidence about their project, all while handling the excitement and nerves that come from public presentations.

Please show your support for this event. The fair is an important staple in the 4-H program. Projects and animals are judged according to county standards with a select few being awarded the opportunity to be displayed at The New York State Fair in Syracuse.

In case you don’t know about 4-H, it is the world's largest, dynamic, informal educational program for young people and is based on democratic principles. Nearly 7 million youths, ages 5-19, participate in 4-H Youth Development experiences.

For more information, please contact Paul Webster at  HYPERLINK "mailto:pvw7@cornell.edu" pvw7@cornell.edu, or 343-3040, ext. 117.

See you at the fair!

Batavia Lions Club names new president

By Billie Owens

Bob Swanson took the reins of the Batavia Lions Club last night from outgoing President Steve Watson an an induction ceremony at Bohn's Restaurant.

As the club's new president, Swanson outlined his plans for the upcoming year which, of course, includes continued involvement in the Batavia community and continued efforts to serve local residents with vision problems.

In addition, Swanson spoke about two specific projects in which he has a special interest and would like the Lions to pursue during his upcoming tenure. Those are “Project New Hope” and the “Lions Hearing Conversation Society.”

The former assists veterans and their families facing the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. The latter helps community members to afford quality hearing aids.

The primary aim of Lionism is best expressed in its motto, “We Serve.”

Each year, Lions perform services and provide goods for thousands of people throughout the world. Lions Clubs are non-political, non-sectarian service organizations composed of community members from all walks of life.

The Batavia Lions Club has 53 men and women who enjoy good fellowship while working to assist their fellow Batavians and to make Batavia a better community.

The club currently meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Bohn’s Restaurant. For more information, please write to: Membership Chairman, Batavia Lion Club, P.O. Box 456, Batavia, NY 14020 or simply speak to any member.

Fishing Derby - Oakfield Rod & Gun Club

By joseph bradt
Please join Oakfield Cub Scouts Pack 19 on Saturday, July 17th for our first Cub Scout Sponsored  fishing derby at the Oakfield Rod and Gun Club (@ Maltby Rd. and North Pearl St. Oakfield) from 10AM - 1PM. All kids ages 5-17 welcome. $6 entry fee includes hot dog, chips and drink. There will be food  available for those not participating in the derby. Kids should bring their own bait. No lures. Prizes will be awarded.
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