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Pavilion man reenlists with NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Major General Anthony P. German, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Specialist Douglas Vagg, from Pavilion, has reenlisted to continue service with the 152nd Engineer Support Company.

"New Yorkers count on our Citizen Soldiers to be ready and be there when disaster strikes," German said. "And our nation counts on our soldiers when duty calls for overseas service. I congratulate our members for choosing to stay in service and striking that balance between military duties, education or employment commitments and family obligations."

"Every one of the men and women serving in our 16,000 strong Army and Air National Guard plays an important role and these Soldiers who continue to reenlist provide experience and continuity for whatevery challenges lay ahead for our New York National Guard family."

County leaders statewide call on the State to reimburse counties for district attorney salary increase

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
On behalf of the state's 57 counties, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) has called on the State Legislature to pass a chapter amendment to the 2016-17 State Budget that would require the state to pay the costs with mandated district attorney pay increase.
 
"This is a quintessential state mandate. The state raised the salary of an elected county official and they are making local taxpayers fund it," said NYSAC President William E. Cherry, the Schoharie County treasurer. 
 
On Dec. 24,  the New York State Commission on Legislative, Judicial, and Executive Compensation voted to recommend increasing all state judge salaries in 2016 and 2018. The recommended increase placed Supreme Court judges' salaries at $193,000 in 2016 and $203,000 in 2018 and placed County Court Judges at 95 percent of a Supreme Court Justice's salary. On April 1st the State approved the Commission's recommendation.
 
State Judicial Law 183-a links judicial salaries with county district attorneys' (DA's) salaries, requiring DA's salaries to be equal or higher than either the County Court Judge or Supreme Court Judge in a county, depending on full or part-time status.
 
"This is unprecedented," said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. "For over 50 years, the state has paid for every DA salary increase mandated on counties. It has always been a fundamental issue of fairness. The state has historically funded these salary increases through the state budget."
 
On April 1, the State adopted a budget that is more than $150 billion statewide, but did not include the approximately $1.6 million for counties to fund the DA salary increases. Interestingly, the state also did not include a general fund allocation for the judges' salaries, forcing those raises to come out of the Judiciary budget.  
 
The raise will cost each county approximately $30,000 in funds not allocated from their 2016 county budgets -- a cost of approximately a third of their total allowable property tax cap growth for all government operations in 2016.
 
"This was an unintended consequence of the demands of meeting an on-time budget, and it can be fixed with a simple chapter amendment that can be passed when lawmakers return in May," Cherry said.

Weekend of dance performances to benefit GCC's nonprofit Forum Players Theatre Company

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Forum Players Theatre Company, which is an integral part of the College's Theater program, is planning a weekend dance program to benefit the nonprofit organization. Tara Pocock, adjunct instructor, and student Blake Carter will present several dance performances the weekend of Friday, May 13 through Sunday, May 15, in the Stuart Steiner Theatre on the GCC Batavia Campus.

Carter, a Batavia native, has choreographed a dance called, "Ring Around the Rosie," which tells the horror story of a young boy and his mother who move into a house with a dark past; a house infested with demons who want one thing... the boy. Due to some adult language used in the production, anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

There will be two opportunities to catch the event, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2016 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14. Tickets are just $6 and all proceeds from the shows benefit GCC's Forum Players Theatre Company.

Then on Sunday, "Spring into Love," an hour-long production will be presented by the dance troupes of Anastasia's Spotlight Dance in Churchville. The performance will be choreographed by Stacy Bechtold, studio owner and director, and Pocock. The performers will be singing and dancing Christian melodies as well as songs brought to Disney by the studio.

A total of 40 students ranging in age from 7-18 years old will take part in the performance that is scheduled at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15. This event is free, but audiences are encouraged to make generous donations in support of GCC's Forum Players Theatre Company.

Le Roy student become a member of Criminal Justice Club at Ashland University

By Billie Owens

Avery Mallaber, of Le Roy, is a member of the Criminal Justice Club at Ashland University.

Mallaber is majoring in Criminal Justice.

Mallaber is a 2015 graduate of Le Roy Central High School.

The purpose of the Ashland University Criminal Justice Club is to conduct activities which will add to the intellectual, cultural, and social development of students majoring in criminal justice. The members of the criminal justice club have visited sites such as correctional facilities and crime labs in order to increase their knowledge of the criminal justice field. The club also has heard lectures from guest speakers including criminal investigators, federal law enforcement agents, federal probation officers and local police officers.

Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.

Byron Fire Department's Open House was fun for all

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

On Sunday, April 24, the Byron Fire Department held an Open House and welcomed community members to come and check them out. Volunteer firefighters, EMTs, and ladies’ auxiliary members were on hand to greet the public and show off their equipment and hall. The event was blessed with a warm and sunny day. 

Adults and families with young children were welcomed, and each child was given a junior firefighter’s hat and a toy fire truck. Those lucky children were encouraged to explore the equipment, they climbed into the fire trucks and ambulance. Firefighters boosted the children into the driver’s seat and some of the kids were delighted to blow the sirens.

The Byron Rescue Squad is very involved in the health and well being of their community and have responded to an amazing 170 calls in 2015. These EMTs proudly showed off their well-equipped ambulance and even let the kids get comfy lying on the gurney.

Inside the hall the EMTs did blood-pressure checks and gave out some health info and tips. Firefighters were available to hand out some in-home fire prevention information and smoke detectors. Members of the ladies’ auxiliary, which has hosted Genesee County’s Dances for Adults with Developmental Disabilities for the past 12 years, were on hand to provide refreshments and serve up a free lunch of spaghetti and meatballs.

Byron Fire Department is always accepting applications for membership. Open meetings are on the second Monday evening of the month at 7 o'clock.

The Harloff Family thanks all for Josh's charity benefit on April 30

By Billie Owens

Here's a thank-you note sent in recently from the mother of Josh Harloff, who was the subject of a charity benefit on April 30.

Thank you to everyone who came out for our son, Josh Harloff's benefit, on Saturday, April 30, and also for all who donated baskets, gift cards and money!

A big thank you to my brother, Jeff Fluker, and my sister-in-law, Sandy, and my two nephews, Bradley and Jamie, and everyone who helped them cook, set up, sell tickets and clean up!

It was much appreciated.

The Harloff Family

Clarion Hotel is now the Quality Inn & Suites, plus new bedding and better Wi-Fi

By Billie Owens

The Clarion Hotel on Park Road in Batavia is now the Quality Inn & Suites. Prices are unchanged. But the wireless service, which had problems previously, has been replaced with state-of-the-art Wi-Fi service and the bedding is all new, too.

So says General Manager of the location, Evan Sakeeb.

"We're bringing a lot of new stuff with the new name," Sakeeb said. "We're constantly changing, working to better serve our customers."

Whereas the Clarion was only one of 158 nationwide, the Quality Inn & Suites is a more with familiar brand with many more U.S. locations.

"Quality Inn is more familiar and more popular," he said.

The owner of the Batavia location remains the same, Chan Patel.

More changes/upgrades are planned there soon and will be announced later.

Our news partner WBTA contributed to this report.

Various mysteries to be discussed at May 19 Book Club meeting at Corfu Free Library

By Billie Owens

Press release:

May Means Mystery at Corfu Free Library

Members of the Corfu Book Club will be discussing the mystery book of their choice and each one will have their own title to share. The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at the library located at 7 Maple Ave. in Corfu.

“Usually all of the members read the same book, but May gives each reader the opportunity to pick one of their favorite authors or titles and share that at our meeting. We have a nice collection of mystery titles at the Circulation Desk and people can just stop by to pick out what they may want to read and discuss,” says Diana Reding, Library director.

New members are always welcome. Book Club meetings usually are about an hour in length and light refreshments are also served.

At the end of the May meeting, the members choose the book that they will discuss at the following month’s meeting and a wide variety of genres are always considered.

For more information about the Corfu Free Library Book Club and the library’s other programs please call the library at (585) 599-3321. Additional details can be found online at the library’s Web site at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org.

BHS Class of '76 to hold 40th reunion in July, contact info sought for many

By Billie Owens

Batavia High School Class of 1976 is having a 40th reunion on July 1 and July 2. If you have not received an announcement, it may be because you are listed below.

The following are classmates that we have no address or phone number for. If you know where any of these folks can be reached, please notify the Reunion Committee at: 585-356-7276. THANK YOU!

  • Greg Andrews
  • Jeff Baker
  • Betsy Baker
  • Debbie Balicki
  • Mary Ann Barone
  • Joe Barzuk
  • Ray Bernard
  • Don Betties
  • Barb Bullock
  • Scott Burns
  • Jim Burr
  • Barb Cadieux
  • Paul Caito
  • Tom Caruso
  • Don Cecere
  • Luann Cervone
  • Deborah Coughlin
  • Madeline Davenport
  • Elizabeth DeLaPave
  • Sonya DeJesus
  • Richard Delgado
  • Mike Dispenza
  • Sandy Duggan-Giuliani
  • Deborah Dunn
  • Helen Flint
  • Wanda Heath
  • Gary Hiscutt
  • Deborah Hodge
  • Vicky Hopfer
  • James Howe
  • Susan Hursh
  • Catherine Johnson
  • JoEllen Keene
  • Janet Kensinger
  • Margaret Koert
  • Carl Kruger
  • Lorene Kuehl
  • David Lang
  • Doug Lapp
  • Eileen Lawson
  • Clara Luque
  • Gordy Majors
  • Bill Mapes
  • Tim Mortellaro
  • Dave Mosicki
  • Jim Orosco
  • Russell Peet
  • Wanda Polk
  • Linda Poteat
  • Jim Reilly
  • Mike Ricobono
  • Blair Rockefeller
  • David Ronan
  • Keith Samuelson
  • Tom Saraceni
  • Joanie Scappa
  • Steve Shaw
  • April Smith
  • Gary Snyder
  • Gary Spadacino
  • Peggy Stevens
  • Mark Stewart
  • Doug Stone
  • Donna Sullivan
  • Georgeanne Syracuse
  • Ed Taggert
  • Ruth Terrill
  • Jeff VanBuren
  • David Walsh
  • Yvonne Watts
  • Doug Young

Hawley introduces bill to make state reimburse counties for district attorneys' mandated pay raises

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced he has introduced legislation mandating that counties be reimbursed for the increase in state judges’ and county district attorney salaries set to take place this year.

In December 2015, the New York State Commission on Legislative, Judicial and Executive Compensation recommended a salary increase for all state judges and county district attorneys in 2016 and 2018.

“This is yet another expensive Albany mandate that, if unaddressed, will hit the wallets of taxpayers the hardest,” Hawley said. “Our state judges and district attorneys do a superb job enforcing the law and bringing criminals to justice, but, as a proponent of local control, I contend that bureaucrats should not be telling our counties what they must pay local officials.

"Many Upstate counties’ budgets are already consumed by expensive costs like Medicaid, which, in some instances, comprise at least 90 percent of the county budget. Spending decisions like these should either be covered by the state or left up to local control. Taxpayers should not be forced to pay for Albany’s irresponsible spending epidemic.”

Ranzenhofer-sponsored bill to prevent release of sportsmen's personal info passes NY Senate

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A bill to further protect sportsmen’s personal information has passed the New York State Senate by a vote of 54 to 4. The bill, S.2951, would prevent information submitted on hunting, fishing and trapping licenses and permit applications from being disclosed or released outside of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer sponsors the bill in the State Senate.

“At a time of growing concern for identity theft, it is important to strengthen the rights of hunters and trappers to maintain their personal privacy and security. This bill will ensure that DEC may continue to protect sporting license applicants’ just expectation that personal information will be kept private,” Ranzenhofer said.

Existing law does not contain restrictions on the release of information for holders of licenses and permits. The bill would also require the DEC to establish procedures to ensure information is protected from disclosure.

DEC recently installed a new database system to maintain information on sporting licenses and permits. Among the personal details entered into the database include: individual’s first and last name, date of birth, height, eye color, driver’s license number, mailing address, telephone number, and whether the licensee is permanent 40-percent military disabled.

“Clearly, this information contains intimate details related to personal matters, such as medical conditions and physical attributes. The release of any of these details would be an unwarranted intrusion into an individual’s privacy. This bill would diminish the potential for identity theft by enacting further protections for sportsmen,” Ranzenhofer said.

The bill has been sent to the New York State Assembly. Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther has introduced the bill in the State Assembly. If enacted, the bill would take effect immediately.

All Finger Lakes youth ages 5 to 19 welcome to learn about fowl at Poultry Palooza, deadline to RSVP is May 23

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Did you know that chickens make amazing backyard pets? They help control the bug population, eat table scraps, and provide nutrient-rich, great-tasting eggs! Learn how chickens make ideal 4-H projects for youth in rural, suburban, and urban settings by attending Poultry Palooza!

This program, presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee and Monroe Counties, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, at the Kennedy Building on the Genesee County Fairgrounds, 5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia.

This event is open to all Finger Lakes area youth ages 5–19. Youth do not need to be 4-H members to participate. Youth ages 5–8 must have an adult present.

Poultry Palooza will feature two levels of workshops: beginner and advanced. The beginner level workshop is for youth who are new to owning poultry or are thinking of starting a poultry project. The advanced level workshop is for youth who are familiar with poultry and wish to advance their knowledge.

Workshop topics include: proper bird handling, flock management, nutrition, diseases, showmanship and more!

The registration fee is $10 per youth and includes lunch (or youth may bring their own), and a copy of the "4-H Poultry Resource Handbook" courtesy of the New York State 4-H Rice Fund. (One resource guide per family will be provided.)

The registration deadline is May 23. For a complete event brochure and registration form, please visit http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events or contact the Monroe County 4-H Office at 585-753-2568 or monroe4h@cornell.edu.

United Way's Annual Day of Caring is May 18, more than 3,200 'people hours' will benefit nonprofits

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On May 18, the Genesee County United Way will be employing the resources of 350+ voluteers for the 9th Annual Day of Caring. The United Way Day of Caring provides local businesses with volunteer opportunities throughout Genesee County where their employees can harness their energies to make Genesee County a better place to live.

This year there are more than 35 nonprofit agencies that will benefit from volunteer support to paint, landscape and perform general beautification projects.

The kick-off event at Dwyer Stadium is sponsored by Lawley Genesee. It starts at 8 a.m. and includes breakfast and cheers performed by each volunteer team. There's an official ceremony at 8:30 and a team photo will be taken as is customary before the day's work begins. People fan out to work on various projects and then wrap up by meeting at 3 p.m. at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility on Clinton Street Road. Stories will be told, a slide show of the day will be shown and all will have a good time!

It is estimated that a total of more than 3,200 people hours will be contributed throughout the day with an estimated $48,000 in labor costs provided. Perhaps the largest single volunteering day in Genesee County!

For more information you can email UW Regional Director Erik Fix at erik.fix@uwrochester.org or call 585-356-2814.

Spring Shoot planned at Alabama Hunt Club using black powder firearms

By Billie Owens

If you like traditional shooting with black powder firearms, or know someone who does, then you might be interested in the public Spring Shoot planned by the Alabama Hunt Club later this month.

According to Bob Smith, who is on the board of directors of the hunt club, there will be target matches for all black powder muzzle loaders, including flintlock, percussion, in-line and bench guns. The shooting range is from 25 to 200 yards.

The Spring Shoot will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Satruday, May 21, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, at the club, located at 1857 Lewiston Road in Basom (near Oakfield, ZIP is 14013).

The club is trying to preserve the traditional shooting of black powder firearms and it also supports the conservation of wildlife. In fact, it has a section of land set up for that purpose.

For more information call John at (716) 714-5514 or Sam at (585) 297-7747.

Today is the day Emory Upton of Genesee County made history 152 years ago

By Billie Owens

May 10th, 1864, Spotsylvania Court House: The Day A Man From Genesee County Made History

by Don Burkel (president, Holland Land Office Museum)

“I will carry those works” were the words spoken on May 10th, 1864 by a 24-year-old West Point graduate from West Batavia. He was about to become the third youngest Union Brigadier General during the War of the Rebellion.

Colonel Emory Upton, whose Second Brigade in the First Division, Sixth Corps, Army of the Potomac, demonstrated great tactical skill at the Battle of Rappahannock Station in November, 1863, was selected to lead twelve hand picked regiments of the Sixth Corps to break the lines of Confederate General Doles’ Georgia brigade, known as Doles’ Salient.

It had been decided that a column formation, made up of four rows of three regiments, 4,500 troops, rather than the old linear form, would have greater success in penetrating Doles lines. At 6:10 p.m., young Upton leading on horseback, advanced his troops double quick over 150 yards of open field, and without firing a shot advanced over the Rebel rifle pits.

His veteran troops held the enemy’s works for little over one hour awaiting support from General Mott’s division, which never came. As dusk approached, and without any reserves, Confederate General Ewell’s corps repulsed Upton’s forces. Without support Emory had no choice but to order the withdrawal of his regiments. His casualties amounted to 1,000 dead and wounded. The young Colonel, was slightly wounded, and deeply upset about the lack of support did capture several colors, a battery and 1,200 prisoners.

Captain Kidder, whose 121st New York Volunteers (Upton’s Regulars) participated in the attack said, “the men from the Green Mountain State think that there never was such a splendid man and officer as Colonel Upton.” Grant was also impressed by this young officer’s success, and ordered General Hancock’s Second Corps, of 20,000, to follow up with the same strategy on May 12th to assault the apex of the Mule Shoe, known as the Bloody Angle.

There was no relief for Upton as his Second Brigade regiments were called upon to assist Hancocks’ troops by advancing to fill a gap in the heavy fighting at the Bloody Angle. Due to Emory’s bravery and tactical skill, General Grant recommended that Upton receive his promotion to Brigadier General because of his meritorious and gallant service at Spotsylvania Courthouse.

The dedicated and ambitious Emory Upton was promoted to Major General of Volunteers after commanding a cavalry division in 1865. He earned a reputation for his leadership and tactical skills at the battles of Rappahannock Station, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Winchester, Selma and Columbus.

General Upton’s well-known book of tactics, military policy and ideas of reform would eventually change the structure and the efficiency of the army. We should honor this noble soldier from West Batavia for having changed the course of warfare. His place in history is duly noted in fields of Spotsylvania, Va., on May 10th.

Be sure to visit the Holland Land Office Museum and view the Upton collection.

Matthew Anauo, of Elba, honored for achievement in writing at RIT

By Billie Owens

Rochester Institute of Technologys College of Liberal Arts honored student achievement in writing with the presentation of the 2016 Henry and Mary Kearse Distinguished Lecture and Student Writing Award Ceremony.

Award winners included Matthew Anauo, of Elba, a first-year Electrical Engineering major representing the Department of Public Policy, with "Rethinking Third-Party Doctrine for the Digital Era."

"This is our big event of the year where we honor students in each of our programs who have done some outstanding writing in classes in the College of Liberal Arts," said Dean James Winebrake. "It really allows us to recognize and celebrate the good work of our students."

Winebrake also said the awards are also a good reflection of the faculty.

"There's not a prouder moment in a faculty member's career than to see one of their students win an award like this," he said.

It was the 36th year the awards have been presented. Faculty committees in each department within the College of Liberal Arts select student awardees from a variety of disciplines whose work embodies the ideals and standards of excellence, creative endeavor and scholarship.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls 18,600 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the United States.

Genesee Amateur Hockey Association honors several at annual awards banquet

By Billie Owens

Press release:

April 10th the Genesee Amateur Hockey Association held its Annual Awards Banquet at Batavia Downs. The event was attended by 330 players, family members and honored guests. Jen Bower, president of GAHA served as the Master of Ceremony for the event.

The Sponsors were recognized as GAHA is extremely grateful for their support of youth hockey in the Batavia area. The 2015-16 team sponsors were: Alex’s Place, Baltz Concrete, Castilone Chrysler Doge Jeep, Clark~Patterson~Lee, Collin Crane Memorial, Falleti Motors, Garland Enterprises, Graham Manufacturing, Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, Reed Eye Associates, T.F. Brown's, Toyota/Scion of Batavia and Turnbull Heating and Air.

Other sponsors at the Red, White and Blue level were: Bed & Bones Pet Lodge, Chesley’s Automotive, Falleti.com, Ken Barrett, Valle Jewelers, Viele Construction, Lambert’s Design Jewelers, Tomaszewski Funeral Home and T-Shirt’s Etc.

The Beginner Program is sponsored by Tim Horton’s.

Erik Triftshauser presented the individual teams and recognized their accomplishments throughout the season. Overall GAHA had a great hockey season and four teams participated in the State finals. The 2015-16 season was made up of 14 teams including a girls team which excelled. GAHA also had a Session I and II Beginners Program, which included 50 players many of whom will move up to team play next season.

Three local companies/foundations also contributed not only as sponsors but additional financial contributions toward GAHA’s cross ice boards for our Mite Program – these young teams play cross ice to better their skating and hockey skills and these boards will be used to divide the ice. Those contributors are the David McCarthy Memorial Committee, Alex’s Place and Viele Development and Construction.

The 2015-16 Genesee Amateur Hockey Associations awards were given to:

Jack Porter Coach of the Year for the Empire Division was presented to Kevin Snieszko, and for the WNY Division to Michael Webb.

WNY Division Manager of the year to Chaunda Hertel and for the Empire Manager of the Year to Sarah Lemley.

Zac Johnson Memorial Award to a GAHA player who shows dedication and love for the game of hockey was presented to Hagan Triftshauser.

Jon Wiseman Sportsmanship Award presented to an Empire Player who exhibits outstanding sportsmanship was awarded to Jimmy Reardon.

Pam Borden Memorial Award presented to a GAHA player who best exemplifies strength, determination and perseverance while dealing with adversity awarded to Nick Baumler.

Tom Scott Volunteer of the Year Award to Kathy Antinore.

Matthew Mondi Award to be presented to a Mite (4-8 yrs.) player and this year awarded to Samuel Pies.

Sharon Valyear Dedication Award was presented to two female players that showed hard work and commitment to the sport of hockey and was awarded to Katie Smith and Katie Carmichael.

Herbert Heschke Memorial Award is presented to a Squirt Empire (9-10 yrs) player who has shown the greatest improvement this season is awarded to Alex Bartz.

USDA offers new loans for portable farm storage and handling equipment

By Billie Owens

Press release:

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide a new financing option to help farmers purchase portable storage and handling equipment.

Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Administrator Elanor Starmer announced changes to the Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program today during a local and regional food roundtable in Columbus, Ohio. The loans, which now include a smaller microloan option with lower down payments, are designed to help producers, including new, small and mid-sized producers, grow their businesses and markets.

“As more communities reconnect with agriculture, consumer demand is increasing for food produced locally or regionally,” Dolcini said. “Portable handling and storage equipment is vital to helping farmers get their products to market more quickly and better maintain product quality, bringing them greater returns. That’s why we’ve added this type of equipment as a new category for our Farm Storage Facility Loan program.”

The program also offers a new “microloan” option, which allows applicants seeking less than $50,000 to qualify for a reduced down payment of five percent and no requirement to provide three years of production history. Farms and ranches of all sizes are eligible. The microloan option is expected to be of particular benefit to smaller farms and ranches, and specialty crop producers who may not have access to commercial storage or on-farm storage after harvest. These producers can invest in equipment like conveyers, scales or refrigeration units and trucks that can store commodities before delivering them to markets. Producers do not need to demonstrate the lack of commercial credit availability to apply.

“Growing high-value crops for local and regional markets is a common entry point for new farmers,” Starmer said. “Since they often rent land and have to transport perishable commodities, a loan that can cover mobile coolers or even refrigerated trucks fills an important gap. These producers in turn supply the growing number of food hubs, farmers markets or stores and restaurants interested in sourcing local food.”

Earlier this year, FSA significantly expanded the list of commodities eligible for Farm Storage Facility Loan. Eligible commodities now include aquaculture; floriculture; fruits (including nuts) and vegetables; corn, grain sorghum, rice, oilseeds, oats, wheat, triticale, spelt, buckwheat, lentils, chickpeas, dry peas sugar, peanuts, barley, rye, hay, honey, hops, maple sap, unprocessed meat and poultry, eggs, milk, cheese, butter, yogurt and renewable biomass. FSFL microloans can also be used to finance wash and pack equipment used post-harvest, before a commodity is placed in cold storage.

AMS helps thousands of agricultural food producers and businesses enhance their marketing efforts through a combination of research, technical services and grants. The agency works to improve marketing opportunities for U.S. growers and producers, including those involved in specialty crop production and in the local and regional food systems. Visit http://www.ams.usda.gov/ to learn more about AMS services.

Today’s announcement will further advance the efforts of USDA’s Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative, which coordinates the Department's work to develop local and regional food systems. USDA is committed to helping farmers, ranchers, and businesses access the growing market for local and regional foods, which was valued at $12 billion in 2014 according to industry estimates. Under this Administration, USDA has invested more than $1 billion in more than 40,000 local and regional food businesses and infrastructure projects. More information on how USDA investments are connecting producers with consumers and expanding rural economic opportunities is available in Chapter IV of USDA Results on Medium.

To learn more about Farm Storage Facility Loans, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/pricesupport or contact a local FSA county office. To find your local FSA county office, visit http://offices.usda.gov/.

Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union to host inaugural 5K/10K run to benefit its Jr. Banking Scholarship

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union is hosting its inaugural 5K/10K on Saturday, June 11th, to benefit the TVFCU Jr. Banking Scholarship. TVFCU will be awarding deserving high school seniors scholarships to put toward furthering their post-secondary education. 

Local runners, walkers, and those who love to be involved in 5K/10Kraces please contact the credit union. It is looking for race participants and those who want to volunteer to work on the day of the race.

All participants can visit this Web site: www.tvfcubatavia.com click on the 5K/10L logo on the left hand side and then follow the instructions on the landing page to register to participate.

Both runs begin at 9 a.m. at the credit union. The routes are available to view on the TVFCU Web site.

Race fee is $25 from now until May 25th and a race T-shirt is guaranteed. After May 25th, race fee is $30 and a T-shirt is not guaranteed. 

Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union
10 Jefferson Square
Batavia, NY 14020

Kristine B. Duran, CEO
kduran@tvfcubatavia.com

Phone (585) 343-5627
Fax (585) 344-2383

Assemblyman Hawley delivers a speech to Assembly Chamber in honor of West Point Day in Albany

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today honored members of the U.S. Military Academy during West Point Day in Albany.

Cadets from all across New York State as well as many officers joined legislators in the Assembly Chamber for passage of a resolution honoring the institution, which has guarded New York and the valuable Hudson River from invasion for more than 200 years.

“The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has a tremendous tradition and was critical in protecting our state during the American Revolution,” Hawley said. “As a veteran and son of a veteran, I can relate to the extraordinary sacrifices made by West Point Cadets. I want to thank all the members of West Point for enriching the heritage of New York State and their role in protecting our great nation.”

Hawley currently serves as Ranking Republican Member of the Assembly’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee and sponsors a plethora of legislation which would increase services and free programs for veterans. He delivered an impassioned speech during today’s ceremony praising West Point.

“Tens of thousands of brave souls have graduated from the U.S. Military Academy, and today is a day to recognize the courageous contributions they made so we may all sleep safely at night,” Hawley said.

“Four years of molding, intense physical and mental training, academically rigorous coursework, and military expertise help shape cadets into some of the best and brightest soldiers in the U.S. military. As you leave West Point and enter the Armed Forces, I, along with my colleagues, thank you for your service and for enriching this prestigious academic and military institution.”

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