Announcements

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute will begin its annual Honorary Membership drive in Genesee County within the next 10 days, according to Sheriff Gary T. Maha.

The institute was established in 1979 and is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization, and contributions to it are tax deductible.

While the Sheriff’s Office is a unit of county government, many of the concerns of Sheriffs' and other law enforcement agencies are best addressed on a statewide level. The Sheriffs’ Institute provides centralized training programs and services for all Sheriffs’ Offices, where those programs and services would be unavailable or impractical on a single county basis.

The flagship program of the Sheriffs’ Institute is the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp for "economically challenged" children. The Sheriffs’ camp, in its 34th year of operation, is located on Keuka Lake and approximately 800 children statewide attend, including about 20-25 disadvantaged children from Genesee County.

The Sheriffs’ Institute pays the entire cost of the camp stay and transportation. Most children attending wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity for vacation travel or a summer camp experience.

The Sheriffs’ Summer Camp program combines summer recreation with activities designed to teach an understanding of, and respect for, our laws and the men and women who enforce them. The strong camper-to-counselor ratio allows for individual attention with an emphasis on the development of self-esteem.

“In these difficult economic times, we can not forget our youth who will not have the opportunity for a summer camp experience or a summer vacation,” Maha said. “By becoming an honorary member you are supporting the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp for economically disadvantaged children.”

In addition, the Sheriffs’ Institute operates a scholarship program that provides one scholarship to each of New York State’s Community College’s Criminal Justice Programs. This program is designed to help attract the best and the brightest to the criminal justice vocation.

Financial support for many of the Sheriffs’ Institute programs comes from Honorary Membership dues. Invitations for Honorary Membership are extended on a non-partisan basis, and the invitees are selected at random. Any persons interested in supporting the efforts of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute by becoming an Honorary Member should contact the Sheriff, if they do not receive an invitation in the mail, or visit our web site at: HYPERLINK "http://www.sheriffsinstitute.org"www.sheriffsinstitute.org to download an application.

All donations made to the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute are tax deductible. In addition, Sheriffs’ Institute is registered with the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau.

Here's a reminder about open burning regulations from Tim Yaeger, coordinator of Genesee County Emergency Services.

Last year, on Oct. 14, new rules took effect in New York regarding open burning. All open burning is prohibited with several exceptions including the following:

• Campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed.
• Small cooking fires are allowed.
• Fires cannot be left unattended and must be fully extinguished.
• Only charcoal or clean, dry, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned.
• Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires are allowed.
• In towns with a total population less than 20,000, you may burn tree limbs with attached leaves. The limbs must be less than 6 inches in diameter and 8 feet in length (also referred to as brush). However, this is not allowed from March 16 through May 14 due to the increased risk of wildfires.
• Open burning of residential wastes in any city or village, or in any town with a population of 20,000 or more has been prohibited since 1972.

Burning trash <http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/32065.html> is now prohibited statewide in all cases. Our existing incinerator rule already prohibits burning household trash in wood stoves, fireplaces, and outdoor wood boilers. DEC recommends that you recycle <http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/43706.html> all appropriate materials (such as newspaper, paper, glass and plastic) and compost <http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8799.html> your organic kitchen and garden waste.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/regs/4261.html

Below are some commmonly asked questions and their answers.

Can prescribed burns be performed?

Yes. Prescribed burns, the burning of forest land to achieve a vegetative or wildlife management goal, can be performed but only in accordance with DEC regulations. Check with your regional DEC office.  (For Genesee County:  Contact Region 8 DEC - 585-226-2466).Yes, with some restrictions on the use of acquired structures and in accordance with guidance from NYS Dept. of State's Office of Fire Prevention and Control. The Fire Services Bureau may be reached at 518-474-6746.

Are individual open fires to control plant and animal disease outbreaks allowed?

Yes, as approved case-by-case by DEC, upon the request by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets.

Can I dispose of a flag or religious item in an open fire?

Yes, in a small-sized fire if it is not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.

Can a town prohibit open burning that the state allows?

Yes, towns, villages, cities and counties can pass ordinances that are stricter than, and not inconsistent with, the open fires regulations. You should check with local authorities to find out if local law requires a permit or prohibits open fires.

Can explosives, or other dangerous contraband, be burned?

Yes, on an emergency basis by police or other public safety organizations only.

Can brush piles be burned at transfer sites?

No, the practice of burning large piles of brush collected from local residents at town or county transfer sites is prohibited. The individual landowners in small towns may burn their brush on site as stated above. Downed limbs and branches generated at a transfer site are also allowed to be burned on site with the same restrictions.

Where should I call to report an illegal open fire?

To report environmental law violations call 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332).

The department has received many questions regarding DEC's implementation of  HYPERLINK "http://www.dec.ny.gov/regs/2492.html" Part 215, regarding open fires. This document is intended to inform the general public about open fire regulation in New York and assist the regulated community in understanding the requirements of  HYPERLINK "http://www.dec.ny.gov/regs/2492.html" Part 215.

This notice of special recognition is for the set production crew who worked behind the scenes to make Batavia High School's musical last weekend a success.

These individuals' contributions were a key reason the show, "Once Upon A Mattress," was eyecatching and entertaining, according to Mary Elise Isler, choral director of the Batavia City School District. But, until now, they received no public recognition of their efforts.

Isler sent us this:

“It takes a village to raise a child” is a well known and understood proverb. This is also true for a musical show. There are many people, hands and talents responsible for making a good production.

Last weekend the students at Batavia High School performed “Once Upon A Mattress." The show was a wonderful success thanks to the many hands that contributed to it.

In our program, we acknowledge our thanks and give our recognition. However, it was brought to my attention today that a large part of our production crew was not even listed in the program.

I am sure if you came to our performance, the work of their hands and talents was very obvious. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and to extend my sincere thanks and congratulations to BHS art teacher, Mrs. Linda Chadwell and many of her art students, who created the visual scenery and painted the sets for our show.

Mrs. Chadwell spent many hours guiding the students, drawing the scenery, and then using the paints to build brick walls, grow vines and add detail to our beautiful sets. Day by day the wood slowly transformed to become a beautiful castle yard complete with moat walls and a tower.

Special thanks to students: Andrea Raphael, Ashley Elmore, Whitney Case, Megan Jacques, Steve Larkin, Tamalyn Brown-Penders, Nikki Suozzi, Missy Fite, Maria Yefremenko, Ilsy Cruz, Becca Meloon, Shamiqua Hickman, Chantal Hickman, Miranda Moore, Samantha Mitchell, Rachel Henrici, Helen Zickl, Keith Welch, Niha Idrees, Alexis Logsdon, Maria Robusto, Kelsey Hill, Dana Torcello, Lindsay Wrobel, Shelby Fryer, Tylin Torcello, Jenny Schultz, Tilar Clark, Rachel Piacente, Brett Wolf, Stephanie Falcheck, Kelly Jones, A.J. Sanchez, Natalie Allen, Ronnie Murray, Mikala Phillips, Nate Palmer, Rebecca Hall, Hailey Sundown, Leah Cargill, Devon Nichols, Kaelie Grazioplene, Taylor Muoio, Sara Weiss, Natalie Allen, and Mrs. Chadwell.

The BHS Production Club extends kudos to Mrs. Chadwell, her team of artists and everyone else who made this show a success.

World-renowned hunter and speaker Chad Schearer is the keynote speaker at First Baptist Church in Pavilion at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 9. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend "Outdoor Evening with Chad Schearer."

For more information visit <www.1stbaptistpavilion.com>.
 

Genesee Community College will host a Job Fair dedicated to careers in the health career industry on from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 11, at the William Stuart Forum.

The event will introduce potential new employees to employers, and also provides healthcare businesses an opportunity to present their trade and services to the local community. More than 40 local and regional health care companies will be available to answer questions, accept resumes and distribute material relating to their company.

For more information please contact the Career and Transfer Center at 345-6888.

GCC is located at One College Road in Batavia.

This Friday, March 12, the troopers from the New York State Police in Troop “A” will challenge the faculty from Byron-Bergen School District to a charity basketball game. This will be the fourth year that the two groups have squared off on the court.

The Byron-Bergen faculty won the three previous games, but the troopers hope to end that winning streak and come home with a victory this time around.

The game will take place this at 6 pm at the Byron-Bergen High School Gymnasium, 6917 W. Bergen Road, Bergen. Admission is $1 for students and children and $2 for adults. The Byron-Bergen Sports Booster Club is sponsoring the game and all proceeds will benefit the Katelin Ivision Fund.

The event is open to the public and everyone is welcome to enjoy a night of fun and laughs -- and fierce competition!

Five Batavia churches will open their doors to view and learn the history of their beautiful stained glass windows. Batavia’s Stained Glass Window Tour is from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 11.

Tickets are $10 and include a tour book and dessert reception at 4 p.m. at St. James Church.

The churches participating are First Presbyterian, First Baptist, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic, St. Paul Lutheran and St. James Episcopal. The event is sponsored by the Landmark Society of Genesee County and all proceeds benefit the St. James Restoration Fund. 

For ticket information, please call 343-6802.

 

This information was provided by Tim Yaeger, emergency services coordinator for Genesee County.

Flood Awareness Week is next week, March 15-19.

Spring’s arrival in New York State is always a welcome sight to those who have braved months of harsh winter conditions and its chilling winds, blowing snows and frosty ice. However, it is important to remember that this is also the time of year when flooding can occur quickly and without much warning.

Spring rains and winter snow and ice thaws can cause flooding and affect homes, property and, most importantly, your safety. New York's Safety and Emergency Management Office joins the National Weather Service offices serving New York State in observance of Flood Awareness Week.

Use the tips below and on SEMO’s website to learn what to do before flooding occurs, how to stay safe during such an event, and where to find help when you need it.
<www.semo.state.ny.us>

Terms to Know

Flood or Flash Flood Watch: Indicates that flooding or flash flooding will occur within a few hours of heavy rainfall, a dam or levee failure, or that water is being released from an ice jam.

Flood or Flash Flood Warning: Inundation of a normally dry area near a stream or other watercourse, or unusually severe ponding of water has been reported or is imminent. Be prepared! Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.
Develop an emergency plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated. Know what to do and when to do it.

Be prepared!

• Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing, and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place.
• Plan what to do with your pets.
• Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small kit of disaster supplies in the trunk of your car.
• Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.
• Have emergency supplies on hand.

Before the flood

• Stay informed! Monitor the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Weather Radio or your local radio and TV station broadcasts of information. Subscribe to NY-ALERT <www.nyalert.gov> to receive the latest information for your location.
• If local officials advise evacuation, do so promptly.
• If directed to a specific location, go there.
• Know where the shelters are located.
• If there is time, move essential items and furniture to the upper floors of the house. Disconnect electrical appliances that cannot be moved. Do not touch them if you are wet or standing in water.
• If you are told to shut off water, gas, or electrical services before leaving your home, then do so.
• Secure your home: lock all doors and windows.

Travel with care

• Leave early to avoid being marooned on flooded roads. Follow recommended routes. Do not go sightseeing.
• As you travel, monitor local radio broadcasts for the latest information.
• Watch for washed-out roads, earthslides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and falling or fallen objects.
• Watch for areas where rivers or streams may suddenly rise and flood, such as highway dips, bridges and low areas.
• Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
• If you are in your car and water begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.

The hidden danger -- crossing low water

• Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related! When driving your automobile during flood conditions, look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges and low areas.
• Even the largest and heaviest of vehicles will float.
• Water moving at two mph can sweep cars off a road or bridge.
• As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Do not drive through flowing water!
• A hidden danger awaits motorists where a road without a bridge dips across a creek bed.
• Motorists develop false confidence when they normally or frequently pass through a dry low-water crossing.
• Road beds may have been scoured or even washed away during flooding creating unsafe driving conditions.
• Those who repeatedly drive through flooded low-water crossings may not recognize the dangers of a small increase in the water level.
• Driving too fast through low water will cause the vehicle to hydroplane and lose contact with the road surface.
• Visibility is limited at night increasing the vulnerability of the driver to any hidden dangers.
• Heed all flood and flash flood watches and warnings.
• Remain aware of road conditions!

After the flood

• Stay informed! Listen to the radio or TV or bulletins from NY-ALERT for instructions from local officials. And heed them.
• Wait until an area has been declared safe before entering it. Be careful driving, since roads may be damaged and power lines may be down.
• Before entering a building, check for structural damage. Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter or tank. Let the building air out to remove foul odors or escaping gas.
• Upon entering the building, use a battery-powered flashlight. Do not use an open flame as a source of light. Gas may be trapped inside.
• When inspecting the building, wear rubber boots and gloves. Watch for electrical shorts and live wires before making certain the main power switch is off.
• Do not turn on electrical appliances until an electrician has checked the system and appliances.
• Throw out any medicine or food that has had contact with floodwaters. Test drinking water for potability. Wells should be pumped out and water tested for drinking.
• If the public water system is declared “unsafe” by health officials, water for drinking and cooking should be boiled vigorously for 10 minutes.

Emergency supplies to stock

Food and Water
Bottled water – one gallon per person per day
Ready-to-eat canned foods – vegetables, fruits, beans, meat, fish, poultry, pasta, soup, juice
Milk – powdered, canned or shelf-stable brick pack
High-energy foods – peanut butter, jelly, nuts, dried meat (for example, jerky), granola, trail mix
Staples – sugar, salt, pepper, instant coffee, tea bags, cocoa
Instant and small children’s needs – baby food, formula, disposable diapers
Specialty food – for elderly or people on special diets
Pet food

Health & Hygiene
Prescription medication – at least one week’s supply
First-aid kit
Pre-moistened hand wipes – towelettes or baby wipes
Disinfectant no-rinse hand soap
Toiletries
A list of family physicians, important medical information and the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers

Personal
A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes for each family member
Sleeping bags, bedding or blankets for each family member
An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and solution (be sure to check the expiration dates)
Identification, credit cards / traveler’s checks / cash, and photocopies of important family documents including home insurance information

Household supplies and equipment
One gallon liquid chlorine bleach
Battery-powered radio or television
Flashlights
Extra, fresh batteries for radio, television and flashlights
Manual can opener
Plastic bags – zip sealing, garbage
Fire extinguisher (small canister A-B-C type)
Food thermometer – able to measure temperature from 0 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit

Tools
Rope
Shovel
Hammer and nails
Utility knife
Work gloves
Duct tape
Electrical tape
Clean-up supplies
Broom
Buckets
Dust masks
Disinfecting spray
Mop
Paper towels
Rags (to clean with)
Rubber gloves
Scrub brush
Sponges
Trash bags

Emergency plan

• Meet with your family members and discuss the dangers of possible emergency events including fire, flood, severe weather, hazardous spills and terrorism.
• Discuss how you and your family will respond to each possible emergency. Know how to contact all family members at all times. Think 24/7 and 365.
• Draw a floor plan of your home. If possible, mark two escape routes from each room.
• Select two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home (a real possibility during the day when most adults are at work and children are at school).
• Identify an out-of-town friend or relative as your “emergency family check-in contact” for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Make sure all family members have the correct phone number. It is often easier to call out-of-town during an emergency than within the affected area.
• Post emergency contact numbers near all telephones, including: local police, fire and health departments, poison control, your children’s schools, doctors, child/senior care providers and insurance agents.
• Have your family learn basic safety and first-aid measures.
• Keep family records in a waterproof and fireproof safe.
• Have emergency supplies on hand.
• Teach adults how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches. If, for any reason, you do turn off natural gas service to your home, call your natural gas utility to restore service. Do not attempt to restore gas service yourself.
• Make arrangements for your pets. Most shelters do not allow pets. Prior to an emergency, contact your county or local emergency management office and ask them where you could leave your pet. Have identification, leash and proof of vaccination for all pets. Have current photos of your pets in case they get lost.

The Association for Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces, Inc., (ACORNS) is one of nine nonprofit park and trail groups selected to receive a Capacity Building Grant from the statewide advocacy organization, Parks & Trails New York.

ACORNS was formed to provide service and support of the parks owned and managed by Genesee County. Its mission is foster environmental education, recreational opportunities and responsible environmental stewardship of local parks.

The Parks & Trails grants are designed to help groups increase organizational visibility and generate community support, grow membership and attract additional volunteers. ACORNS' grant will be used for membership and volunteer recruitment brochures and banners.

"Grassroots groups play a key role in the development and promotion of our state's many parks and trails, which make such a significant contribution to the economy of our cities, towns and villages as well as to the health and well-being of their residents," said Robin Dropkin, executive director, Parks & Trails New York.

"Made possible by a generous private donor, these nine grants are a small investment in strengthening our state's not-for-profit park and trail organizations that will reap big benefits, enabling these groups to leverage more private funding and marshal more volunteer power to better fill the gaps in government spending created by challenging economic times.

Parks & Trails New York received 55 applications from organizations located in 30 counties throughout the state. This is the second year that Parks & Trails New York has offered funding assistance.

“This grant comes at a critical time as we implement our membership-growth strategy and expand our outreach efforts,” said Julia Garver, President of ACORNS. “Our organization relies on the hard work and commitment of volunteers, and as funding for projects in the parks in Genesee County is jeopardized, we need to continue to grow our volunteer base. We are grateful for the support of Parks & Trails New York, and its recognition of the incredible value of volunteers.”

For 20 years, Parks & Trails New York has helped hundreds of groups and municipalities build, maintain, and promote parks, greenways, and more than 1,200 miles of multi-use trails.

More information on the grant program and Parks & Trails New York can be found on the website, www.ptny.org or by calling 518-434-1583. More information about ACORNS can be found at http://acorns.shutterfly.com/ or by calling 585-343-8514.

Free family movies are offered at the Richmond Memorial Library for its March Family Matinees series.

Snuggle up with the kids and relax while enjoying G- and PG-rated films newly released on DVD. Bring the whole family, pack a blanket, pillow and picnic lunch to the Chldren's Room at 1 p.m. on Saturdays this month (6th, 14th, 20th, 27th).

Call the Children’s Room 343-9550 x4 for more information. The library is located at 19 Ross Street in the City of Batavia.

The New York Agriculture in the Classroom program known as Agriculture Literacy Week takes place March 15-19 and is available to second-graders at no cost to them.

It is being coordinated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County and coincides with National Agriculture Week.

Volunteers who are involved in agriculture are needed in classrooms. If you would like to get involved as a teacher or reader, please contact Barb Sturm at CCE-Genesee County at 343-3040, ext.122 or e-mail at <bbs228@cornell.edu>.

How many kids really understand where the food on their table comes or, for that matter, where the kitchen table comes from? The importance of trees in our everyday lives is the learning focus this year.

Second-graders will be with visited by a community member involved in agriculture. This year, "The Tree Farmer," written by Chuck Leavell and Nicholas Cravotta, will be read to the class and then donated to the school library. Teachers will also receive a resource packet including additional lessons and information on the timber industry.

New York Agriculture in the Classroom is a partnership of Cornell University, NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, NYS Education Department, and NY Farm Bureau. The program works with cooperative extension educators, teachers, farm bureau members, and others throughout the state to foster an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of agriculture and the total food and fiber system.

There will be a summer opportunities and activities fair at Alexander Central School on March 19. 

The Genesee County Business Education Alliance is looking for local agencies, groups and organizations from Genesee and Wyoming counties that are holding summer activities and opportunities for middle school students. 

You are invited to set up a booth or table to promote and give information to students. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Melinda Chamberlin at 343-7440 ext. 25 or at <mchamberlin@geneseeny.com>.