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Save a Life Tour: Alcohol Awareness program

By Julia Ferrini

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The last text he sent, before hitting an Amish buggy with three children inside, was "I love you" to his wife. He's not even sure if he was looking at the road at the time of the accident. The next thing he knew, the windshield shattered and when he stopped, a person rolled off the roof of his van and onto the hood.

Debbie was struck by a teen who was texting while getting her mail from her roadside mailbox. She now has limited mobility, memory loss and other health issues. The accident left her entirely dependent on relatives. Debbie doesn't remember the accident at all. She went from being active to inactive in a just a second. 

“I made the choice that texting was more important to me than those two men were to their families,” said a young man. “That accident was preventable. I just had to put my phone away and drive.”

These stories and others were shown to Alexander and Warsaw high school students Friday during the Save a Life, Alcohol Awareness tour program at Alexander High School. The presentation, given by tour manager Clay Martin, is to put a spotlight on what drivers do in their cars -- it matters, even if there are no passengers.

“There's no message that would be worth picking up that phone,” Martin said. “Remember, many people may not get a chance to see these videos, but if you make it a point to remember, the avalanche of waiting until it's safe to write that text will propel and maybe it will start a chain of safer driving.”

The Save A Life Tour is a comprehensive high-impact, safe-driving awareness program that informs, educates and demonstrates the potentially deadly consequences resulting from poor choices and decisions made by a driver. The program specifically places emphasis on distracted and impaired driving, driver experience, improper driver behavior, and seat belt usage. The Department of Defense, as well as the Connecticut and Rhode Island departments of transportation, also use this program.

“All good driving begins with making simple habits,” Martin said. “Most people pick up their cell phone at a stop light, but most accidents occur at an intersection. You have to be prepared and pay attention. You have to be aware of not only your actions but those who are around you as well.”

Just a few seconds of distraction can take you the distance of a football field when driving at 55 mph. According to Martin, a drunk driver has driven 327 times before something happens. In 2012, a total of 3,326 people died in distracted-driving-related accidents and more than 421,000 people sustained injuries.

Alcohol has an amazing way of blurring the consequences, Martin told the teens. “Alcohol gets silly names like 'liquid courage' and 'beer muscles', but what it really does is put a barrier between you and a rational choice.

“There is a list of people in your phone that you can call for a ride,” Martin said. “I bet if you start in the As, by the time you reach the Cs you could have someone willing to pick you up on Christmas Day during a snowstorm.”

Not only did the students view a presentation, two simulators were set up for them to try to experience what it was like when the driver is distracted behind the wheel or has been drinking.

“It was hard to do,” said Alexander Middle/High School Principal Shannon Whitcomb. “It got more difficult as I kept going.”

“I think it has an impact. I don't know that we can determine how much, but you can tell by the attentiveness of our students that they were learning from the presentation and hopefully help them with choices in their future,” said Alexander School Superintendent Kathleen Maerten. “It’s providing education in a realistic manner. The experiential part is certainly important. The stories shared on the video have an impact as well. I think his point is that, even if you're not the driver and you're the passenger, you can advise the driver. The responsibility is not only in the hands of the driver it's the passengers as well.” 

Alexander High School senior Raven Quackenbush said “The scariest thing about it is something happening to my family. I’d rather it happen to me, than the ones I care about.”

“I have texted when I was driving and I swerved, but I don't do that anymore,” said Alexander senior Jessica Meyers. “I'm so aware of what I'm doing that it's not worth it. When you're driving with other people that are in your car, you're responsible for their lives. I appreciate it when parents trust me.”

Quackenbush said: “You have to ask yourself -- 'Is this more important than my life?' It's not too hard to say hey, can you check that for me. You can pull over for five seconds.” 

The Alexander Central School Parent Teacher Association sponsored the program as a way to remind students to make good decisions.

“It’s especially important because our prom is next weekend,” said Alexander Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) student President Hunter Doran. “We know that there will be those who decide to drink.”

“We just want them to be safe,” said SADD Advisor Shawnie Woeller. “You're not always going to hit them all. I've been doing this for so long that it use to bother me, but I have to take the stand that if we can affect one kid’s life, it does make a difference.”

“It resonates with me every time I watch this,” Doran said. “I don't ever want to have to deal with it, but the possibility is that I may have to. I want to educate myself as much as possible. 

I have no problem telling someone to stop. I see these people every day, I don't want them to end up in a hospital because of it (distracted/drunk driving).” 

“I want to be an example,” Woeller said. “I want to remind kids that there is a way to have fun, but you have to know when to stop."

According to Whitcomb, the kids can make the connection between the selfishness of taking their phone out to text while driving. Any way getting the word out works, different presentations affect different kids.

“I don't think we give kids enough credit,” Whitcomb said. “We just need to give them the information and trust the will make good choices.”

“Other families matter, too,” said Warsaw High School Junior Ashley Scott. “I wouldn’t get in a vehicle with anyone drinking, I would take their keys away.”

“I think it’s cool that they gave the stories and then let the kids use the simulators,” said Warsaw ELA teacher Jen Smith. “They way they set this up was perfect. Even though our prom is over with, the summer is starting and you have grad parties. It’s a good way to end the year as a reminder. 

“This should also be shown to adults. It would be a benefit. I don't think you can get enough of stuff like this,” Smith said. “I wonder if people even really think about it until it affects their community or family.”

According to SRO officer at Warsaw Central School Tim McGinnis, it’s a good barometer of what can happen if a driver decides to text or drink and drive. McGinnis agrees that it absolutely makes the kids see a reality of what can happen. While he said that it sometimes may take time for the information to really hit them and sink in, he’s hoping it is a deterrent to poor choices, which can have long-term effects on everyone.

“It helped me realize that it can impact more than just a driver,” said Warsaw junior Nate McGuire. “I felt sorry for them at first. It shows the impact of one very small moment and how it can impact the rest of their lives.”

“My favorite feedback I get is when the kids come back and tell me they had a conversation about this in another class,” Martin said. “That's what we want the kids to do, get talking about it. Those stories represent the people who are affected.”

“It’s not even tempting for me to drink if I’m going to drive,” Quackenbush said.

“I don’t care what people think if I don’t drink,” Meyers said.

Both girls said there is so much more to do with their time.

For more information about the program visit www.savealife.com

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Batavia Rotary Club's annual Fly-In Breakfast at county airport

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Rotary Club's 2015 Fly-In Breakfast will be held from 7 a.m. to noon on Sunday, June 21 (Father's Day) at the Genesee County Airport, 4701 Saile Drive, Batavia. Rotarians will cook breakfast for more than 1,500 guests, as well as dozens of pilots who will fly their aircraft to the Batavia airport that morning.

Tickets are $8 for adults; $5 for children ages 4 to 12; and free for children under the age of 4. Tickets for the event may be obtained from any member of the Batavia Rotary Club or at the door.

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City schools share data from community survey

By Billie Owens

Batavia City School District will host a Data Cafe on June 2, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the High School’s library. At this cafe, Diane Reed, Ph.D., our Outside Educational Expert (OEE), will share information from the Data Triangle Survey, completed by our community last fall, and then will facilitate conversation regarding the information. Light refreshments also will be provided.

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Assemblyman Hawley holds office hours this afternoon at GCC

By Billie Owens

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C–Batavia) is hosting his regular outreach office hours for Genesee County residents at Genesee Community College this coming Friday, May 22.

It will be from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Conable Technology Building Room T123 at the college, located at 1 College Road, Batavia. Staff members from Assemblyman Hawley’s office will be there.

To schedule a separate appointment with the assemblyman, please contact his office at hawleys@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling 813-9319.

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McTeacher's Night is May 20 to benefit BHS Class of '16

By Billie Owens

McTeacher’s Night Benefits Batavia High School Class of 2016
On Wednesday, May 20, Batavia High School faculty members will work at the new McDonald's, 573 E. Main St., from 4:30-7:30 p.m., to benefit the Class of 2016. For McTeacher's Night, McDonald's will donate 15 percent of all sales (drive-thru and dine in) to the Class of 2016.

 

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Stafford Garden Club's annual Plant Auction at Stafford Town Hall

By Billie Owens

Stafford Garden Club will be hosting its Annual Plant Auction on Wednesday, May 20, at the Stafford Town Hall, located at the corner of Route 237 and Route 5. The auction starts at 6:30 p.m. 

Feel welcome to bring your extra garden plants to share.

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SADD hosts county-wide dance for fifth- through eighth-graders at GCC

By Billie Owens

On Friday, May 8th from 7-9 p.m., Genesee Countywide SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) is sponsoring a county-wide dance at Genesee Community College. The dance is open to all fifth- through eighth-graders in Genesee County. Admission at the door is $5.

There will be refreshments available for minimal cost, glow bracelets and necklaces along with a great DJ. So come out and join us for some fun!

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Adult Book Discussion of 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr

By Leslie DeLooze

The Adult Book Discussion Group will meet at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross Street, Batavia on Wednesday, May 6 at 7:45 a.m. to discuss “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr.  The Evening Book Discussion will be held the same day, May 6 at 6:00 p.m.  Copies of the book are available at the front desk.  For more information, call the library at 343-9550, ext. 8 or visit www.batavialibrary.org.

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Batavia Peace Garden 'birthday' dinner party at Terry Hills

By carol grasso

Hi everyone, May 9th we are having a Birthday Party for the Aunnal Dinner for the Peace Garden.  Former Miss Teen New York State Corin Stellakis will be our guest speaker this year. The dinner is at Terry Hills Restarant 5:00pm cocktails and dinner at 6:00pm. $25.00 per ticket. Please call if you would like to go.585-343-1027. We are honoring Kathy Jasinski, Rob Borroughs, Kelly Rapone,and Potters Lumber Yard,( Mary Dix). Hope to see you there. Mark your calendars!!

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Register by April 13 for Master Gardeners' class on creating a cutting garden (April 15)

By Billie Owens

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners on Wednesday, April 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. to learn about creating a cutting garden. Cut flowers are not difficult to grow and the range of flowers is diverse; from annuals, perennials, bulbs and herbs to shrubs and even ground covers!

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Movie at Richmond Library - 'Princess Bride'

By Billie Owens

Sponsor:  Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia

Event:  Billy Wilder Movie Series

Place:  Richmond Memorial Library

Date & Time:  Thursday, April 16 at 6 p.m.

Other Information: Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward. This month’s movie is “Princess Bride." A fairy tale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love. He must find her after a long separation and save her. They must battle the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin to be reunited with each other.

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Learn how you can benefit from Historic Tax Credits at free workshop Downtown

By Billie Owens

Learn how you can benefit from Historic Tax Credits and other funding sources to rehab your home, business or historic barn at a free workshop at GO ART! on Tuesday, March 24.

The presentation will begin at 6 p.m. at Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia. It is hosted by the Landmark Society of Genesee County in conjunction with Buffalo-based Preservation Studio.

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Batavia Middle School hosts Mexican-themed Family Night with free dinner from Rancho Viejo, and prizes

By Billie Owens

Batavia Middle School is hosting Family Night from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, at the school. You are invited to learn about clubs and middle school activities available to students.

The theme of the evening is Mexican. There will be Mexican punch, flower making, and the shake-shake-shake of maracas. Don't miss Mr. No The Balloon Guy.

Grand door prize is a Vizio 32" flat-screen TV. Plus, free raffle giveaways from local businesses.

Enjoy FREE DINNER catered by RANCHO VIEJO!!!

See you then!

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Stafford Historical Society meeting with HLOM director speaking about Tonawanda native Ely Parker

By Billie Owens

On Wednesday, March 25th, the Stafford Historical Society will be having its first of the season's monthly meetings at 7 p.m. in the courtroom of the Town Hall at 8903 Route 237.

Our speaker will be Jeff Donahue, director of the Holland Land Office Museum, who will speak on the life of Ely Parker. It will be an interesting program of how a Native American, born on the Tonawanda Reservation, became the military secretary to General U.S. Grant, among many other accomplishments.

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GO ART! hosts annual Reach, Ripple and Spark Grant Awards Ceremony at Seymour Place

By Billie Owens

GO ART! hosts the 17th annual Reach, Ripple and Spark Grant Awards Ceremony on Friday, March 13th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia.

The evening will kick off with a performance by 2015 Reach Grant Recipient -- The Genesee Chorale Children's Chorus.

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Veness Strollo Ladies Auxiliary in Batavia hosts Spring Fling at VFW Hall to benefit vets

By Billie Owens

On Saturday, March 21, the Vaness Strollo Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post #1602 will host a Spring Fling to benefit veterans' programs here and overseas. It will be held at the VFW Hall, located at 25 Edward St. in Batavia.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and pizza and snacks will be available for purchase. Entertainment will be by 87 Southbound, a popular country and rock band.

A $3 donation will be collected at the door.

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Go on an Amphibian Adventure at GC Park and Forest

By Billie Owens

Be part of the magic this Spring with adventures in amphibian life at Genesee County Park and Forest.

Listen to the chorus of spring and get to know your small, slimy singing neighbors with Amphibian Adventure on Saturday April 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. After we learn to identify our pest-eating pals, we head into the wetlands and woodlands to search for them, listen to them, and find out what we can do to help take care of them.

Pre-registration is required. Cost is $5/person, $10/family.

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Explore GC Park and Forest during 'Full Worm Moon' evening hike

By Billie Owens

Press release:

"Frolic in the Forest" this Spring At Genesee County Park and Forest!

Be part of the magic this spring with full moon hikes, adventures in amphibian life, and forays into the pond at Genesee County Park and Forest. Explore the forest by moonlight as we search for animals, see new growth, hear old stories, and discover the world waking up from a long, cold winter.

Long ago each full moon was given a name to mark the season of the year. Join us for the Full Worm Moon in March, the Full Fish Moon in April, and the Full Flower Moon in May.

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Seminar at BHS on 'Guiding the College-bound Athlete'

By Billie Owens

An hour-long seminar to help prepare parents and athletes for the recruiting road ahead — complete with all its bumps — will be held beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5th, at Batavia High School Cafeteria. Mark Chmielinski will be the speaker. Interested participants are asked to come early, if possible, to receive a number of handouts and watch a POWERFUL pre-program video.

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