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Announcements

Free Financial Education seminar offered at Le Roy HS library

By Billie Owens

A free Financial Education seminar will be held at Le Roy High School in the library at 6 p.m. on Thurday, June 14.

It is located at 9300 South Street Road, Le Roy.

Instructor Diana Wagner will present simple financial concepts to help individuals and families: control and eliminate debt; save for retirement; and properly protect income.

The focus is on having a solid foundation for a good financial future and helping young people start out on the right foot making sound choices and forming beneficial habits.

Please register to participate by calling 768-8131.

Ignite Buffalo to offer grants up to $100,000 to area small businesses

By Billie Owens

Press release from the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce:

Ignite Buffalo is providing local small businesses a new opportunity for growth through a grant program that will award up to $100,000 to Western New York businesses.

Ignite Buffalo is a business grant and mentorship program that promotes sustainable growth, job creation, and ongoing education to local small business owners. Ignite Buffalo is presented by 43 North in partnership with national and local partners including Facebook, M&T Bank, Quickbooks, AWS, WordPress.com and Woo Commerce.

Finalists selected will be in the running to receive one of 27 grants awarded ranging from $25,000-$100,000 and free access to a curated mentorship program. Within this program, business owners will gain access to industry experts offering ongoing educational programming, access to resources and curated workshops.

All applicants need to do is tell their business story. Applications can be made online at www.ignitebuffalo.org and must be submitted by June 13 at noon EDT.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and 43 North will be hosting an informational meeting regarding the Ignite Buffalo grants on Thursday, May 31, from 4-6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at the Batavia City Centre, 105 Main St., Batavia. Food and refreshments will be served.

The meeting is free and open to the public. You can register for the meeting on the Chamber’s website at www.geneseeny.com.

'Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer's Disease' -- free program at Manor House June 13

By Billie Owens

Press release:

During the month of June, designated by the Alzheimer’s Association® as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, you can take advantage of a free educational program being offered by the Association’s Western New York Chapter.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease makes planning for the future a very important task for families. Concerns about care planning and programs that can help offset costs mean that families need accurate information about legal and financial matters specific to the disease.

"Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s Disease" is an opportunity to learn about important legal and financial issues to consider, how to put plans in place and how to access legal and financial resources in the community.

The Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter is offering the program on Wednesday, June 13, at 4:30 p.m. in The Manor House at 427 E. Main St. in Batavia. A light meal will also be provided.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Making legal plans that fit individual and family needs;

• Legal documents and what they mean;

• How to find legal and financial assistance;

• Practical strategies for making a long-term plan of care;

• Government programs that can help pay for care;

The program is free and open to the public, but seating reservations are requested by calling 1-800-272-3900.

Town of Bethany Republican Committee seeks candidates to endorse for Highway Superintendent

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Town of Bethany Republican Committee seeks Highway Superintendent candidates for consideration of endorsement on the Election Ballot this Fall.

The committee will hold its Endorsement Meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5, at Bethany Town Hall, located at 10510 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

Interested candidates please contact Thomas J. Douglas, chairman, via email: tdgoldenrod@yahoo.com or call 585-356-0824 on or before Tuesday, June 5th.

Genesee County Courthouse phone numbers will change on June 1

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Please be advised that the Courts and Commissioner of Jurors Office in the Genesee County Courts Facility (1 W. Main St., Batavia) will be converting to the New York State Court’s IP phone system on Friday, June 1, at which time their phone numbers will change.

The new main number for each Court is listed below:

Genesee County Courts Facility – main number

(585) 201-5715

Genesee County Supreme Court

(585) 201-5728

Genesee County Court

(585) 201-5731

Genesee County Surrogate’s Court

(585) 201-5733

Genesee County Family Court

(585) 201-5717

Genesee Commissioner of Jurors Office

 

(585) 201-5719

Batavia City Court

 

(585) 201-5764

 

This information will also be posted on the Eighth Judicial District's website, which can be accessed here and the Genesee County Court’s Web page here.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact my office at your convenience and we will endeavor to assist you.

NYS Unified Court System

Eighth Judicial District

District Executive Andrew B. Isenberg

(716) 845-2506 

Batavia Concert Band Board of Directors has one vacant board seat

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Are you interested in helping to ensure a 93-year-old Batavia tradition continues? Are you a lover of music and culture? If so, the Batavia Concert Band has the perfect opportunity!

There is currently one vacant seat on the Batavia Concert Band Board of Directors. In addition to being part of a community treasure, your responsibilities include collaborating with other directors and band staff to make each season of summer music possible in Centennial Park.

Would you like more information? Please contact General Manager Jason Smith at 585-590-0743.

Bus service employees glad to lend a helping hand during United Way's 'Day of Caring'

By Billie Owens

Photo of Student Transportation of America (STA) volunteers who helped out in the Genesee County 2018 United Way Day of Caring: Front row from left, Stephen Ognibene, Lori Beherns, Tonya Phillips; back row from left -- Ron Stingham, Sandra Fialkowski and Chris Clark.

Submitted photo and information from Doug Coupe, director of Communications, STA:

The local United Way in Genesee County kicked off their "Day of Caring" last Wednesday (May 16) and we had six volunteers from the bus service Student Transportation of America help out.

We have a small school bus terminal of 35 routes locally, had 31 trips yesterday going on, and our employees were still able to accomplish their part in the "Day of Caring."

They were able to help the Eagle Star House in Pembroke, which assists homeless veterans transition into living on their own again. We are so proud of these employees and residents of your community for being able to help out.

New hours at Genesee County DMV office starting tomorrow -- Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is changing its daily operating hours, effective Monday, May 21. The new five day/week lobby hours will be 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

County DMV staff will continue to work on higher-than-anticipated transaction volumes and area auto dealer work in the last hour of the work day and with overtime resources.

Because of our County DMV’s reputation as a top-notch service center and expeditious processer of DMV records and changes, a significant number of adjacent counties' residents have also been coming to Batavia for their face-to-face transactions.

County Clerk/DMV staff and administrators recognize that the increased wait times and increase in transaction volumes make for a less than optimal situation, the change to this revised daily routine/access is an experiment to see if the wait times can reduce and the levels of frustration all around can be reduced/eliminated.

Genesee County wants to thank all our loyal citizens and customers for their continued use of our County DMV which enhances our state reimbursement revenue and controls or reduces the need for property tax revenue to support the overall $541,000 annual County Clerk/DMV division budget.

'Park Paws' dog walk at GC Park & Forest, must preregister

By Billie Owens

Bring your best friend and join us for Park Paws Dog Walk at the Genesee County Park and Forest from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday May 26th!

This guided walk is great for socialization and healthy exercise! Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center in Genesee County Park & Forest.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Current license or proof of rabies vaccination is required. Aggressive dogs will not be allowed to participate.

Cost is $5/dog. Preregistration is required! Call (585) 344-1122 to register!

Meet at Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

Call 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website at here, or contact Shannon Morley at:  Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or 344-1122.

WNY Rebels Youth Basketball Team to host golf tournament in Batavia Aug. 11

By Billie Owens

An Amateur Athletic Union youth basketball club -- WNY Rebels -- will host a golf tournament on Saturday, Aug. 11, at Batavia Country Club.

It is located at 7909 Batavia Byron Road, Batavia.

Straight Tee times starting at 9:45 a.m. until 11:15 a.m.

The first fully paid teams will be accepted this year.

Cost is $75 per golfer, or $300 per (four-person) team and includes 18 holes of golf with cart, a hot dog or hamburger with beverage at the turn, and dinner afterward. 

Dinner is a 1/2 BBQ chicken with all the fixings. Golfers also get a T-shirt.

There will also be a closet-to-the-pin challenge and a longest-drive challenge.

"This four-man scramble will be best ball."

Please join us for a day of fun!

There will also be a 50/50 and basket raffles.

If you have questions, please contact: Aaron McFollins at (585) 993-7309; or Otis Thomas at (585) 993-0244.

Mail checks to:

WNY Rebels c/o Otis Thomas 

46 Tracy Ave., Batavia NY 14020

Lady Irish Summer Men's Basketball League to begin second season July 1, teams must pay to join by June 6

By Billie Owens

The Lady Irish Summer Men's Basketball League will enjoy its second year this season, which starts July 1.

There are seven league games scheduled and a two-week playoff tournament. Referees are certified.

Cost to play is $500 per team, and the first 10 paid teams will participate. No favorites.

All games and stats will be reported to The Batavian.

All games will be played on Sundays at Notre Dame High School in Batavia.

A managers meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6 at Notre Dame. At that time, teams will pay to be in the league.

If a team manager is unable to attend the June 6 meeting, a team member should go instead.

Contact Otis Thomas for more info via email at:  otisthomas33@yahoo.com

Reminder: GC Master Gardeners host Spring Garden Gala on Saturday, rain or shine

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Rain or shine, the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Spring Garden Gala on Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

This annual plant sale features a variety of perennials, many of which are from the gardens of Master Gardeners. There will also be a selection of house plants and locally grown geraniums. Plant sale starts promptly at 10 a.m. No early birds please.

Step inside and visit the Basket Auction for gift certificates and a variety of themed baskets. Gently used garden books will also be for sale. Basket Auction drawing starts at 12:30 p.m.

Bring in a soil sample from your garden or lawn for a free pH test and Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions. There will also be a demonstration at 11:30 a.m. on how to divide some common perennials.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants, books and other interesting items. Arrive at 10 a.m. for the best plant selection. Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

For more information contact Brandie Waite at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office in Batavia.

Visit our website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information.

EverPresent Church invites all to its Grand Opening Weekend -- movie, open house, Sunday service

By Billie Owens

Press release:

EverPresent Church invites you to visit our new location at 4 Batavia City Centre, Batavia. We are excited to announce our Grand Opening Weekend on May 18-20 at the former Homestead Center also former home to Roxy’s Music Store.

EverPresent Church was founded in 2013 in the local YMCA. Not long after its beginning the church found a new home at 8 City Centre, formerly Center Stage Dance Co. Although EverPresent Church embraced its new location, we still longed for a space we could call home.

The conversation started back in 2015 with the owner of The Homestead Center but a deal wasn’t stuck until the summer of 2017.

Since our move into our new location we have been very busy settling in and making it our own. We are excited to be holding services and If you are looking for a warm friendly environment with a caring community of believers this just might be the place for you.

We are a family oriented church with great vision for you and our community. We are excited to see what God has in store for our church and anticipate great things for the future of Batavia.

If you are looking for a church and it’s been difficult to find where you fit or feel comfortable, this is the place for you! We are Real People, living Real Lives, with a Real Hope! We invite you to check it out and celebrate together as we help one another on this journey called life.

Grand Opening Weekend

  • Friday, May 18th at 5:45 p.m. -- MOVIE NIGHT showing “THE GREATEST SHOWMAN." Free popcorn and water; pop available to purchase.
  • Saturday, May 19th -- OPEN HOUSE from 2 to 5 p.m. Come by and check out the place, get some info about the church, and meet the pastors. 
  • Sunday, May 20 -- SUNDAY SERVICE at 10:30 a.m. Join us for a time of worship and an encouraging message.

We guarantee that you will experience God and His love through the people at EverPresent Church. We look forward to meeting you!

"Real People. Real Life. Real Hope!"

Milling of pavement on Lehigh Avenue, Batavia, rescheduled, work begins Tuesday, May 15

By Billie Owens

Press release:

There will be traffic delays on Lehigh Avenue in the City of Batavia Tuesday, May 15th, between 7 a.m. 5 p.m. for milling operations.

Roadwork involving the milling of pavement will begin at Ellicott Street, working toward Creek Road. Local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.

All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the day.

Once milling is complete, the roadway will be prepared for paving. An additional memo will be issued with specific dates and times for this work.

Please contact the Bureau of Maintenance with any questions. Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

Phone: 585-345-6400, Option 1

Fax: 585-343-6199

www.batavianewyork.com

Free Financial Education seminar offered at Le Roy HS library on May 18

By Billie Owens

A free Financial Education seminar will be held at Le Roy High School in the library at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 18.

Instructor Diana Wagner will present simple financial concepts to help individuals and families: control and eliminate debt; save for retirement; and properly protect income.

The focus is on having a solid foundation for a good financial future and helping young people start out on the right foot making sound choices and forming beneficial habits.

Please register to participate by calling 768-8131.

Learn nature photography basics at Genesee County Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Learn nature photography basics and tricks of the trade from photographer Bill Moon. 

Bring your camera or phone and capture great images from Genesee County Park & Forest! Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park and Forest on Saturday May 12th from 10 a.m. to 1  p.m.

This program is FREE! Pre-registration is recommended. Call 585-344-1122 to reserve your spot! 

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

'Mark Twain Live!' comes to Stone Church in Bergen May 17

By Billie Owens

Mike Randall will perform his one-man show "Mark Twain LIve!" at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, at the Stone Church Presbyterian Church in Bergen.

Cost is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors 65+; and $10 for students.

For tickets, call 494-2153 or 682-6147.

The church is located at 7549 S. Lake Road, Bergen.

Randall, the senior meteorologist for WKBW-TV in Buffalo, has been performing this act for more than 40 years.

He is endorsed by the Mark Twain Museum of Buffalo and has performed this act nationwide, from off-Broadway in NYC and the State Department in Washington, D.C., to the Associated Press Television-Radio Association awards in Los Angeles.

The Daughters of the American Revolution awarded him a special honor for authenticity.

Find out more at www.MikeRandallLive.com

Girl Scout Troop 31750 completes requirements for Silver Award, shelter animals benefitted

By Billie Owens
Girl Scout Troop 31750 members are, pictured above from left: Maggie Johnson, Susie Aquard, Myah Fisher, Megan Aquard and Kaitlin Pusateri; not pictured is Kieara Waterbury.
 
Submitted photo and press release:
 
Girl Scout Troop 31750 is proud to announce the completion of requirements for their Silver Award.
 
Girl Scout Troop 31750 members are Maggie Johnson, Susie Aquard, Myah Fisher, Megan Aquard, Kaitlin Pusateri and Kieara Waterbury.
 
Their project was to raise money for the Genesee County Animal Shelter in Batavia, as well as making two dog beds and several cat toys.
 
They also each acquired certification as shelter volunteers, enabling them to walk the dogs, and play with the cats outside of their cages.

Dinner Dance for ages 55 and up with tunes from the '40s to the '60s to be held May 31 at Ascension Parish

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A dinner dance with music of the '40s, '50s, '60s, and a little bit of country, organized with Genesee County residents age 55 years and older in mind is scheduled for the evening of Thursday, May 31, at the Ascension Parish Center, 17 Sumner St., Batavia.

Presale tickets for the "Always on My Mind Dinner Dance" are $15 and available for purchase at the Senior Center, 2 Bank St., Batavia, through May 18 or until sold out. Tickets will not be available at the door.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m.; dinner service will begin at 5:30 p.m.; dancing and music start about 6:30.

The dinner menu is: black angus top round beef with mushroom sauce; roasted chicken breast with cornbread stuffing; rosemary roasted red potatoes, vegetable, green garden salad, fresh rolls and butter, beverages, crumb-topped (French) apple pie.

Ruth Spink, director at the Genesee County Office for the Aging, noted that, “As I was growing up, my folks would go out to dinner and dancing on a regular basis. Whether it was through church or my dad’s horse clubs, they’d be out on the dance floor every chance they got.

"When I was old enough and even beyond college, I’d join them. Restaurants all over the area had dance floors and bands playing. Sadly, those days are pretty well gone. Often, the only chance you get to have a meal and enjoy some good music and dancing is if you go to a wedding.

"We want to give people a chance to hear music of their era and feel those memories come rushing back.”

She also went on to say that, “This will be a fun evening whether you dance or not, have a date, come alone, or come with friends.”

Catering will be provided by Fred Hamilton; Chris Kalen will "spin the tunes"; and the Senior Center Quilters will be selling tickets for a chance to win a handmade patriotic quilt; and there will also be a basket raffle.

Further information is available by calling the Senior Center at 343-1611.

Below is a request for the DJ in advance -- The Chords' "Sh-Boom" from 1954. 

Final rehearsal for world premier of 'The Waking' written for Genesee Chorale is April 30, you're invited

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The world premier of "The Waking," a composition by Composer-in-Residence of the Genesee Chorale Daniel Baldwin, pictured left, is happening next month.

Baldwin will be available for a meet-and-greet with the public beforehand at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 30, at St. James Church on Main Street in Batavia. An open final rehearsal by the Genesee Chorale of “The Waking” will follow at 7 o'clock.

The work, commissioned by Genesee Chorale, will be featured in the Chorale spring concerts entitled "The Call of Humanity" at 7 p.m. May 4 at St. James Church, Batavia, and 4 p.m. May 6 at Pavilion Junior-Senior High School. Presale tickets are $8, available from any Chorale member or online at GeneseeChorale.com. Tickets at the door are $10.

World Turmoil vs. Unity and Peace

As Genesee Chorale Director Ric Jones began the process of putting together this concert program, all he could sense was turmoil in the world.

He said he felt that there was a large divide in the world, a divide that seemed to grow larger every day. He wanted to counteract that divide, and encourage people to embrace unity and peace.

Thus was born “The Call of Humanity,” a mix of contemporary, Gospel, choral and classical music, including the debut of one piece written specifically for the Genesee Chorale -- "The Waking."

“I tried to do a variety of mini-themes within the program,” says Jones. “In the words of Mother Teresa, 'Prayer is about helping the needy.' Other selections, such as 'We Shall Overcome,' 'Harriet Tubman' and 'MLK,' address civil rights and some of the mega figures who have had an impact on that movement."

Anchored in Poetry

The lyrics of "Across the Bridge of Hope" come from a poem written by a group of young friends in Ireland; one of the boys was killed in the fighting shortly after their poem was written.

Two pieces form the foundation of the concert program, "Song of the Universal” by Ola Gjeilo from a Walt Whitman poem, and Baldwin's “The Waking,” from a Theodore Roethke poem. 

“Song of the Universal” was the first piece to “grab” Jones as he went through the selection process.

“The text is beautiful,” he said, “and I love the composer. I kept going back to it. I decided I’d make it the centerpiece.”

“The Waking” stems from Jones’ desire to find “something different that inspires the Chorale and brings the community into Chorale.” Luckily, GO ART! grant money was available, so, with the blessing of the Chorale’s Board, Jones began the fun and frustrating process of choosing text and composer for an original piece.

He and his wife, Karen, pored over “a ton of different poems,” but kept coming back to Roethke’s famous poem. (To read Roethke's poem "The Waking," click here.)

“I liked the rhythm in the text,” says Jones, “and I like the overall message.”

The text was also an inspiration for Baldwin.

“The majority of text chosen for me to set is older and in the public domain,” Baldwin said in an e-mail interview. “The poem (Jones) sent was contemporary and very well done, but also spoke to me in a way I was not expecting.

"When writing vocal or choral music, text is the most important element and must flow naturally (speech, even conversational speech, has its own rhythms, etc.).”

It Begins with Text

For Baldwin, the text is the beginning.

“I always write out the poem by hand and apply rhythms to the text based on what feels natural when reading the poem aloud,” he said. “Then, based on the message and perceived mood of the poem, I assign themes to these rhythms, harmonize, etc. It’s a process!”

Baldwin said he hopes that people “read through the wonderful text in advance of hearing the piece. A vocal or choir performance is the musical equivalent to a dramatic reading.  I set the poem how I heard it and how the text affected me. I hope the audience enjoys my interpretation.”

Director Jones has published some of Baldwin’s other works as part of his Imagine Music business.

“I love his music,” Jones said, “and I’ve watched him evolve. His music feels cinematic to me usually – that epic sound with grandiose chords. I wanted to see what he’d do with this text.”

What Baldwin did was surprise Jones.

“This was more on the contemporary side,” Jones said. “It is different than I expected, and the first time I heard it, I went ‘hmmm,’ but as I listened, there was something haunting about that motif.”

It is, he notes, a challenging piece and Chorale members have had to work hard to prepare it for concert.

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