It looks like a go for a new Tim Horton's on the west side of Batavia. The Town Planning Board was given a chance to see the final plans for the coffee shop and adjacent retail building last night and it doesn't appear there will be any opposition.

The final site plan is expected to be approved at the board's next meeting Oct. 1.

The location is between West Main Street Road and Lewiston Road behind Rite Aid. There will be driveways on Lewiston Road and Colonial Boulevard.

One Colonial Boulevard resident was at Tuesday's meeting, Amy DiSalvo. Tim Horton's architect Matt Oats showed how the plans included a privacy fence along DiSalvo's property and she said she was satisfied with the plan.

The Tim Horton's will seat 48 people, including 16 in an outdoors patio area. it will also have a drive-thru.

On the West Main Street side of the road will be a retail building that can accommodate from one to three tenants. There are no signed leases yet for the space. 

The entire parcel with both buildings erected will have 45 parking spaces.

Construction on the retail building can begin as soon as the site plan is removed. 

Workers can't build the Tim Horton's building until the current brick building on Lewiston is removed, with demolition requiring environmental approvals.

Bob Bender, project manager for Benderson Development, said he hopes construction can begin in November and weather permitting, construction will take 90 days.

The franchise owner for the location has not yet been announced.

On an overcast day, I drove past this farmfield on Route 262 in Bergen and thought on a bright, blue-sky afternoon it might make a good picture. Yesterday, with a little available time and the sun heading west with a clear sky, I drove out the same location to make this picture.

Kevin Scroger was mowing the grass on the shoulder with his granddaughter Leyna Perkins, age 3 1/2. He told me the field was soybeans, near time for harvest. He's also pictured with his grandson, Carter Perkins, age 1. You may remember Kevin from the piece we did on the Hawleys' barley harvest.

The bottom picture is of Marty McDonald's barn and silos in Stafford.

About two dozen community leaders and interested residents hopped on a bright yellow school bus on a perfect blue-sky day to visit a couple of local farms and learn about soil and water conservation.

The event was the annual ag tour sponsored by the chamber's agriculture committee.

"Trenching is the word of the day," said Susie Boyce, representing an area insurance company. "You really don't think about how the farmers are all trenching to get the water out of the fields. It's not something that I drive by a field and say, 'oh, that field is trenched.' It's not something the everyday person thinks about."

Every year the ag tour focuses on a different topic related to farming. This year, the primary topic is about how technology is helping farmers protect soil better and increase yields through better field drainage.

The first stop was out in the muck where Chad Klotzbach and his father Drew, owner of Alleghany Farm Services, talked about how they can lay a drainage system in a farmfield with  half-inch precision to ensure the most efficient water drainage.

Keeping sections of fields from flooding increases crop yields.

The second stop was CY Farms, where Christian Yunker explained their drainage strategies and showed off a large tractor and implement that can level a farmfield with a precise 1-percent grade.

From CY Farms, the group went to a nearby field owned by Torrey Farms where Travis Torrey and George Squires, from the Soil and Water Conservation District, talked about how the Torrey's reclaimed a good portion of the field from overgrowth and are using different crops grown in concert to help protect and preserve the soil.

"This is stuff you're not going to get sitting in my office every day," County Manger Jay Gsell said about the ag tour. "This (the tour) is a valuable investment every year to go out and see how the different farms are doing things. Here we are, the number-one vegetable grower in the state and we're seeing how these guys aren't just growing vegetables but they're responsible stewards of the land."

Sam Leadley, husband of Legislator Esther Leadley, expressed a bit of awe at seeing how far agriculture technology has advanced. He worked on prototypes of precision plows at Cornell in the 1950s, and now the basis of that technology is commonplace on farms.

"It (the tour) gives you an overall perspective on the county as a whole," Leadley said. "We see our potential for increasing the productivity of our farmland. There's not a lot more to put into production so we've got to get more out of every acre."

Nobody's making more land, was an oft-repeated phrase yesterday, and Squires noted that with land assessments going up (meaning higher taxes for farmers), increasing crop yields is critical for farmers to remain profitable.

"I think every operation we've stopped at has been impressive," said Danielle Dills, a staffer for Rep. Chris Collins and a resident of the area who grew up on a family farm. "I take note of the hard work that goes into producing what we eat. It's not just planting something and picking some produce. It's investing in the land and making sure the practices you do to get that produce are conservationally sound and improve the area we live in."

Shelia Hess, representing New York Green and owner of her own consulting business, Conservation Connects, spoke to the group in the morning before the tour about the "green Genesee road map," an effort to develop a comprehensive plan for environmental conservation in Genesee County.

She said there's always a tension over competing needs for land and a plan would help balance those demands with the needs of conservation.

"We can't make more land so the competition goes up about what we do with the land we have," Hess said. "There is a three-way tug of war between natural resource conservation, whether it's wetlands or forest, development, whether residential or commercial, and farming. You can take any piece of property from Genesee County and there's always that conversation -- what's the best use of this property. I think we're going to see that tension increase, so it's a good time to look at a plan so communities can start to think about a bigger picture and not go site by site."

Chad Klotzbach

Sam Leadley asks a question.

Drew and Chad Klotzbach

Christian Yunker

Yunker and George Squires

Yunker and Jay Gsell

Travis Torrey

Gsell listens to Torrey and Squires with others in the group.

George Squires

The Batavian: State mandating another $1 million in county expense to run jail

The Wyoming County father who slammed his 7-year-old son to the floor while shopping at Walmart in May will spend nearly six months in jail.

Christopher P. Cummings. 28, could have avoided straight jail time if he hadn't violated the terms of his plea bargain, which included no additional arrests.

Cummings entered a guilty plea in June to one count of endangering the welfare of child and would have received a sentence known as "shock probation" (intermittent jail followed by five years probation). But he was subsequently arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol in Genesee County and on a DWI charge in Wyoming County.

"Whenever you've appeared in court you've been polite and cooperative," said Town of Batavia Judge Thomas Williams. "Outside of court is where the problem is, and it seems you have not really accepted accountability for your conduct. You haven't dealt with the issues that brought you here in the first place."

Cummings said nothing during sentencing nor did Williams ask him for a statement.

He was immediately taken into custody by a deputy in the courtroom along with two other current jail inmates.

Williams also barred Cummings from any contact with his son for three years, though that order could be modified to allow visitation by Family Court.

Cummings was located by State Police within two hours of the incident after a photo of Cummings was posted on The Batavian and dozens of readers contacted local law enforcement agencies with tips.

Police, and readers, were concerned that the boy may have been injured. The boy was not injured in the incident.

Also in Batavia Town Court today:

• Two of the four men suspected of participating in a $10,000 heist of smartphones from the AT&T store on Veterans Memorial Drive appeared in court. The cases of James P. Garcia and Anthony F. Bovenzi-Ortiz were continued until Oct. 15 pending possible grand jury indictment or a plea offer.
• John J. Saddler, 26, charged with attempted rape, appeared in court and his attorney Mehmet Okay said he was seeking a pre-trial hearing for his client. ADA Will Zickl said he would oppose such a hearing at this time because there is a parole detainer on Saddler. Justice Williams acknowledged that under state bail guidelines he should not have set bail for Saddler (at $10,000) at his initial court appearance, though bail was continued at that amount pending any possible petition by Saddler to Judge Robert C. Noonan in County Court for a bail review.

From Matt Landers:

The Genesee County Republican Committee had its reorganizational meeting last night to select a slate of officers for the upcoming year. Reelected for another term was Chairman Richard Siebert, who resides in Stafford, Vice-chairman Don Read from Pembroke, 2nd Vice-chair Roxanna Given from Elba, Secretary Kathy Jasinski from the Town of Batavia and Treasurer Matt Landers from the City of Batavia. Dave Saleh stepped down as the Committee's parliamentarian, after serving the Committee for more than a decade. Replacing Dave as parliamentarian will be Mark Boylan from Le Roy.

In addition, John Rizzo from Le Roy and Barbara Eddy from Alexander were elected to serve as Genesee County's representatives on the State Republican Committee.

Press release:

The American Legion Botts Fiorito Post 576 announces Selby Davis as the recipient of the Americanism Award. This award is to recognize people who demonstrate the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of flag and country, regardless of race, color or creed. Good citizenship by carrying out these principles, often beyond that expected of him or her, also service to the community, signified by excellence in life of purpose and accomplishment.

Selby is the director and chef of Grace’s Kitchen. The purpose of the Kitchen is to provide a free dinner for the community one night a week, currently on Tuesday. It is a volunteer effort on her part, and is a great commitment to Shelby’s time, keeping her close to home all year long.

Many volunteers continually come forward to help in the kitchen and dining room, on a week-to-week basis. It was not difficult gathering volunteers: they come in great numbers -- a testament to the need that the Kitchen addresses. 

She has one donated freezer and uses her personal freezer for storage of frozen items purchased from Foodlink and those donated by local farmers and others. LCCP's office, located at the parsonage for the First Baptist Church, houses a pantry and one other room for the storage of dry goods for Grace's Kitchen. 

Selby has been the president, vice president and board secretary for LCCP. She also works at the Oatka Festival, the annual auction, and most other fundraising events LCCP holds. She is now a staff member.

Selby has served on the boards of the Ronald McDonald House, Jones Chemicals, and the Children’s Home Association (as president, VP, and secretary). She has served on the Women’s Initiatives Network of the YWCA, on The Fabulous Females Brunch committee for 11 years (one as chairperson), and also on the selection committee for the Fabulous Females Award. This award honors women who have served the community in a way that is true to the ideals of the YWCA.

Selby has also volunteered on the board of deacons and session of the First Presbyterian Church, for Our Lady of Mercy Parish, and currently serves on the vestry of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Le Roy.

Selby has two sons Nicholas, 27, currently attending the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at UNC Chapel Hill, N.C., and Jeffrey, 24, working in Arlington, Va. She was very involved in their upbringing -- attending all school and church events, hockey and basketball practices and games, and golf matches, and taking them on trips to see our wonderful United States of America.

She is the daughter of Frank Davis and the late Nancy Jones Davis. She also has a sister, Hannah Davis ,and three brothers, Ben, Hugh and Andrew.

Selby has a deep connection to Le Roy and a commitment to the needs of people in the community. She has the ability to address these needs with a combination of grace and humor she seeks to serve at every turn of her life and uses her many skills to initiate, organize and implement activities that will best serve her community.

She will be honored Oct. 12, at the American Legion Botts Fiorito Post 576, 53 W. Main St. Le Roy. For information contact The American Legion at 768-2090.

Funeral services have been set for Kevin Doktor, a local businessman killed in a heavy machinery accident Sunday at his home in Corfu.

Doktor owned Doktor's Welding on Route 5 in Corfu and enjoyed auto racing and making his own inventions.

Friends are invited to a time of sharing and memories from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, at J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.

The funeral service is at 10 a.m., Saturday, at Pembroke Community Church, 692 Main Road, Corfu.

(Full Obitutary)

Visit Genesee County’s Alpaca Farms year-round but also especially on National Alpaca Farm Days! By Lindsay Hawkins

Recently, the tourism staff of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce spent some time with Jake, Florence, Oliver, Stella, Alita and Al. If you’ve never visited one of the County’s six alpaca farms, those names might not mean much to you, but friends were made (human and fleece-y) at Alpaca Odyssey, Northwoods Alpacas, Triple B’s Alpaca Farm, and Enchanted Forest Alpacas.

At every farm, we learned something different about alpacas. We learned that alpaca fleece wicks away moisture, females carry their babies (crias) for 11 to 13 months, they spit when they’re mad (at you or one another), and that alpaca farms draw international visitors! 

These farms are open to visitors year-round, but the industry celebrates its craft with National Alpaca Farm Days each September. This year the event will be Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28-29. Several of our farms are participating and welcome your visit!

More details after the jump (click the headline to view more):

Alpaca Delights

10311 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany, NY 14054 

(585) 344-2983

Made in America hand-spun yarn donated by their alpacas! Visit the alpacas and purchase yarn at their small store. 

How to visit this farm:

• Open by appointments on weekends.
• Participating in this year’s National Alpaca Farm Days (September 28 and 29) 

Alpaca Odyssey

8100 Marble Road, Akron, NY 14001

(585) 542-3939

www.AlpacaOdyssey.com

Alpaca Odyssey & Mercantile of Akron has only been open for four years, but they have quite the collection of alpacas from this hobby-turned-business – twenty-five (and one llama) to be exact. Owners Cathy Marble & Michael Margarucci say they have mostly Huacaya alpacas (the fluffy ones) but they do have several Suris (longer, curly hair, more rare and expensive), as well. Their large, flat property is great for groups and is handicapped accessible. Wide-open land lends itself to petting, feeding, and walking the alpacas.  Be sure to browse the store shared with Triple B’s and pick up some homemade alpaca crafts!

How to visit this farm:

• Groups and families can bring a picnic lunch and watch the alpacas roam the grounds. Visiting the farm is free, however there is a suggested donation of $2 per person for a tour, feeding, and /or walking experience with the alpacas.  
• For groups of 10 or more, the farm will offer a tour, 30-minute fiber-spinning demonstration, and the opportunity to create a simple alpaca fiber craft.  Advance registration is required for this group experience and there is a suggested donation of $4 per person.  
• Participating in this year’s National Alpaca Farm Days (September 28 and 29) 

Alpaca Play Pen, LLC

10869 Bowen Road, Attica, NY 14011

(585) 591-2520

www.AlpacaPlayPen.com

Handmade alpaca items and custom orders are their specialty! From the pasture to you -- purchase goods such as socks, hats, sweaters and scarves made from the soft and warm fiber of an alpaca! The folks at the Alpaca Playpen farm enjoy raising these charming animals and creating useful garments. 

How to visit this farm:

• Farm visit by appointment.

• Products and alpacas are available for requested local events. 

Here’s where you’ll find Alpaca Playpen next:

9/21 -- Alpacas and products onsite at Sweet Jenny's on Main Street in Williamsville  

9/22 -- Alpacas and products onsite at Johnny Bears Restaurant in Darien  

9/28-29 -- Products for sale at the AppleUmpkin Festival in Wyoming, NY 

10/5-6 -- Attending the Agricultural Fair at the Genesee Country Village & Museum  

Enchanted Forest Alpacas

7477 Selden Road, Le Roy, NY 14482

(585) 768-7219

Enchanted Forest Alpacas in LeRoy was the smallest of the four farms visited (in size – not spirit!), with 11 alpacas. Owner Martha McCutchen grew up on the farm in the house out front, where she used to care for her family’s horses and livestock. Martha is a strong advocate that alpacas are fiber animals – NOT meat animals. She is a member of a fiber guild and Alpaca Breeders of WNY and has alpaca products for sale at the Hobby Horse in Le Roy. 

How to visit this farm:

• Perfect for small groups who want a hands-on experience. Visitors will need to call ahead for the whole package -- a tour, feeding, watching an alpaca video, and creating a felt ball craft. 
• Participating in this year’s National Alpaca Farm Days (September 28 and 29) 

Northwoods Alpacas

6499 North Lake Road, Bergen, NY 14416

(585) 494-1371

www.NorthwoodsAlpacas.com

Northwoods Alpacas in Bergen has 24 alpacas – none of whom like the rain. Apparently, they’ll stand outside in the middle of winter, but even though the moisture can’t reach their skin, they ran for cover when it started sprinkling! Several pregnant alpacas are due in the fall, bringing their total occupancy close to 30. Owners Bob and Belinda Grant aren’t worried. They have plenty of land on their farm for everyone to roam. 

How to visit this farm:

• Northwoods’ can accommodate parking for a bus, as well as larger group tours -- which include petting, feeding, and walking the alpacas. There is a suggested donation of $2 per person and groups get a discount at the onsite store! 
• The upscale store is a cool breath of fresh air from the summer humidity (or a warm spot in the winter!) Sweaters, scarves, hats, blankets, a wall full of socks and yarn, and golf attire fill the stocked space. 
• Participating in this year’s National Alpaca Farm Days (September 28 and 29) 

Triple B’s Alpaca Farm

1892 Sharrick Road, Darien Center, NY 14040

(585) 547-9271

It’s not every day that one gets to see an hour-old newborn alpaca! It was like a scene from “Bambi” – the shaky legs trying to walk, nuzzling close to his mother, and falling into to the grass. That brings the count to 23 alpacas for Triple B’s, with five more due to deliver soon. Since opening in Darien Center in 2006, the Burgess family has been breeding alpacas and caring for them like they do their cats and dogs. 

How to visit this farm:

• The alpacas are visible from the road, roaming the fields that are dedicated just to them. Visits to the Burgess’ are encouraged in all seasons, though spring and summer lend the most accessible conditions. 
• Feeding, walking, and (if you come at the right time of year) watching the alpacas being sheared. A suggested donation of $2 a person helps support a local family farm!

Visit Genesee County Tourism for a complete list of agritourism businesses, or to request the Genesee County Agritourism brochure.

The Girl Scouts of Western New York is having a Great Girl Scout Sign-up Day. The recruitment is to get new girls of all ages to sign on to experiment in being artistic and creative. Come join us! The event will be this Saturday Sept. 21, from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. at the Batavia Girl Scout Office, 5 Jackson St., Batavia.

For more information contact Melissa Landers at 585-993-0462 or mlanders@rochester.rr.com

Pictured above from left are: Allison Lougheed finance consultant, Jessica Costley events coordinator, Melissa Landers registrar, Michelle Maniace service unit manager/product sales manager and Laura Ranalli secretary/recognition the new service unit team. (They are also leaders and co-leaders.)

On Friday, we reported on an inmate at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility who was taken to UMMC after missing 55 straight meals while on a hunger strike. We sought further information from Immigration Customs Enforcment and today received this statement from Vincent Picard, a public information officer with ICE:

A Liberian immigration detainee at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility was placed on Hunger Strike protocol by the ICE Health Service Corps Aug. 28 after missing nine consecutive meals. He was hospitalized Sept. 13 in order to ensure he receives appropriate medical care and supervision. The detainee, who was convicted of felony burglary in Virginia in 2011, has stopped eating in protest of his pending removal from the United States.

Over the last four years, ICE has focused on sensible, effective immigration enforcement that prioritizes the removal of criminal aliens and egregious immigration law violators.

The inmate remains hospitalized at this time.

An Orleans County man arrested for an alleged burglary in progress in Niagara County is a possible suspect in a series of bold burglaries in the Village of Oakfield, according to Investigator Kris Kautz, of the Sheriff's Office.

Jonathan K. Banks, of 4886 S. Townline Road, Ridgeway, is charged with one count of second-degree burglary after allegedly breaking into a house at 5:20 a.m. Thursday, according to OrleansHub.

Banks is also a person of interest in similar burglaries in Albion and Medina.

In all the cases, according to investigators, a person entered homes, often while the residents were there, and grabbed purses and other items that might contain money or valuables and left quickly.

Kautz said there may be search warrants executed today on Banks' property and residence.

In May, Banks was charged with endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly taking a 12-year-old girl from Albion to Buffalo overnight.

He was jailed in Niagara County on $15,000 bail or $30,000 bond.

These are the plaques to be presented Saturday at Terry Hills to the Batavia Blue Devils 2013 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.

Gregory S. Snyder, 45, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and unlawful possession of marijuana. The Wyoming County Sheriff's Office received two separate complaints of a man walking in the middle of the roadway on Route 98, Town of Attica. About 90 minutes later, there was a complaint of a man walking in the middle of the roadway on Route 98 in the Town of Bennington. Synder was reportedly located by deputies walking on Route 98. Snyder was charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing the flow of traffic. Upon his arrest he was allegedly found in possession of marijuana. Snyder was reportedly transported to the Village of Attica and released to a sober third party.

Charles Howard Sims, 43, of McIntyre Road, Caledonia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and two counts of criminal mischief. Sims allegedly choked a woman during a domestic incident. He also allegedly ripped her shirt and also damaged a door. Sims was jailed on $250 bail.

Jacob Duane Defisher, 17, Roanoke Road, Pavilion, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Defisher allegedly pushed another person and then punched that person causing the person's lip to bleed and swell.

Louis Michael Biro, 52, of East Shelby Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, refusal to take breath test, failure to stop for stop sign, speeding (unreasonable speed, special hazards), unapproved/no face shield on motorcycle. Biro was allegedly driving at the time when a one-vehicle accident occurred involving a motorcycle at 10:12 p.m. Sept. 9 on Bloomingdale Road, Alabama. The accident was investigated by Deputy James Diehl.

The NYS Commission on Corrections has found that the Genesee County Jail is understaffed and under a complex formula for staffing is mandating that the county hire 10 more corrections officers.

The 10 officers, including two supervisors, are needed to fill the two new posts the commission says the jail needs to comply with state regulations.

The requirement for the new positions is non-negotiable from the commissions point of view, Sheriff Gary Maha told legislators during the county's Public Service Committee meeting today.

When Legislator Robert Baush asked if the mandate is in response to any problems at the jail, such as guards getting beat up, Maha said, no, nothing like that at all.

It's merely a head count by the commission for the size and configuration of the jail and the number of inmates it holds.

Baush said he didn't understand the state requiring the county to spend nearly $1 million more a year when there's no real problem to solve.

Maha said there's really no higher authority than the commission for the county to go to in order to appeal the decision.

The other option for the county -- which will have to happen eventually anyway -- is build a new jail at a price tag of $31 million. A two-story jail wouldn't need the same level of staffing as the existing older three-story jail, but then a new jail would have space for female inmates, meaning female corrections officers would be needed.

If the county refused to comply, the commission would make the county close portions of the jail and reduce the number of inmates, which would mean shipping some inmates to other facilities at a higher cost to the county.

At the end of the discussion, legislators concluded there is no avoiding the expense of hiring 10 more corrections officers.

"It's not something we can bury our head on," Legislator Ray CIanfrini said. "We've got to do it and it's our job to figure out how to do it."

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Tuesday Sept. 17 from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area north of East Main Street and east of Bank Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected.

These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

There's a plan in place to build a new terminal building at the Genesee County Airport. There's just no money to pay for it.

The feds have provided grants for the architectural work -- $200,000 so far, with another $200,000 in planning the work required. And the feds will pay for demolition of the current terminal building, which sits partially within the Federal Aviation Administration's required safety zone near a runway.

The feds right now are not paying for new terminal construction.

The new terminal and associated hangar will cost about $6.5 million.

County Highway Superintendant Tim Hens discussed the status of the terminal project at today's Public Service Committee meeting.

There may be some grant money available soon to help cover the cost, but if grant money doesn't come through, the current plans may need to be put on a shelf, Hens said, until funding is found.

At the meeting today, county legislators expressed full support for replacing the current, aging terminal, but how to pay for it is the vexing problem.

The county could issue a construction bond, but that would mean interest payments, so legislators peppered Hens with suggestions to ask airport users -- including Mercy Flight, the State Police and some local corporations -- to help pay for the new terminal.

Because the terminal is a critical link in economic growth, Legislator Ray Cianfrini wondered if the Genesee County Economic Development Center shouldn't kick in some cash.

"We have a lot of site selectors flying in and business people from around the country," Hens said. "For a lot of these people coming to our county for the first time, their first impression they have of our county is the airport terminal. When you're talking about a site the size of STAMP, big companies like Apple and Intel might fly in here and the terminal is their first impression."

The proposed new terminal would be two levels with space for current tenant Boshart (also leasing the new hangar attached to the new terminal), a cafe, office space, conference room space and space for a new flight school.

Press release:

The Jerome Foundation and United Memorial Medical Center Foundation are seeking nominations for the 29th annual Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County. 

The award recognizes outstanding men and women whose volunteer efforts have improved the physical, emotional or spiritual well-being of the greater Genesee County area.

“We are fortunate to have many caring and committed volunteers devoted to the sick or to those in need, and helping build a stronger, healthier community for all of us,” said Justin Calarco-Smith, president of The Jerome Foundation.

He noted the significant accomplishments of Ed and Beverly Corcoran, the 2012 Health and Humanitarian Award recipients, who organize and run Stephen’s Table, a soup kitchen that provides lunches six times a week for those in need of a nutritious meal.

Nomination forms are available from UMMC Foundation Office at 127 North St., calling 585-344-5300, or online at www.ummc.org. Organizations or individuals may nominate candidates. Consideration will be given to actual accomplishments achieved through volunteer service and subsequent improvements to quality of life. Nominations should be submitted on or before September 27.

The 2013 award winner will be honored at a luncheon on Friday, Dec. 6 at Terry Hills Restaurant.

Press release:

The Chamber’s Annual Awards Committee has announced the 2013 Annual Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Clarion Hotel, Park Road, Batavia. This is the County’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism.

The Chamber has committed to running a new special event, The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Annual Home Show (March 28, 29, 30). With the addition of this event, the Awards Ceremony will now be taking place two months earlier than previous years. For this reason, nominations MUST BE RECEIVED BY Nov. 1 to be eligible for consideration.

Please note that a brief write-up will qualify your nominee for consideration. Nominations are now being accepted for Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Business of the Year, Agricultural Business of the Year, Innovative Enterprise of the Year, Special Service Recognition & Geneseeans of the Year. Business nominees must be a Chamber Member (If unsure of your nominee, call the Chamber to verify).  

Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 210 E. Main St., Batavia and can also be down loaded from the Chamber Website at www.geneseeny.com.

If you would like more information, feel free to call Kelly J. Bermingham, director of Membership & Special Events at the Chamber office, 343-7440, ext. 26.