Mercy Flight

Last night, I had the privilege of attending a meeting of the Genesee County Legislature. It was not only my first visit, but the first session attended by the 4-H local government interns—check back with us this afternoon to hear more about that and hear their first impressions.

Before the meeting kicked off, I had a few minutes to chat with Legislator Charles Zambito. We talked about the upcoming county budget determinations and the worries over what will happen at the state level, since state funds make up such a huge portion of county funds. Zambito told me that this was not only a worry in Genesee County, but in counties all over the state. A minor budget cut at the state level becomes amplified for the counties, and some services and programs could face extinction if the cuts get severe. Nevertheless, he said, they will do their best to preserve.

Chairwoman Mary Pat Hancock spoke briefly about the recent meeting in Niagara Falls of the New York State Association of Counties. She was pleasantly surprised to see that so many folks could make it up to our neck of the woods. Many of those from downstate, it turned out, had never even been to the falls, let alone past the Hudson.

Hancock also spoke about the Genesee County Career Center, which lists jobs at all skill levels around the county. She mentioned a few last night for jobs such as machinist, office manager and nurse's aide. Right now, the Career Center posts its jobs on the America's Job Exchange site for New York, where you can search and apply for jobs all over the state.

This morning, I spoke with Jeanne Ianita at the Career Center, and we're going to see if The Batavian can host those job listings, as well. We'll let you know if that comes to pass.

As for the business portion of the meeting, all of the resolutions on the agenda were passed, including the approval of $15,000 for Mercy Flight for this past year's service. Mercy Flight has requested $20,000 for 2009.

Sleds of Stafford Snowmobile Club

2nd Annual Vintage Snowmobile and Snow Show
Sunday September 14th, 2008

BW’s Restaurant
11070 Perry Road (in Pavilion)
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Rain or Shine


·    New Snowmobiles, ATVs, Helmets, Trailers, Accessories, Gear and Much More!!
·    Sleds of Stafford Membership Drive
GENESEE COUNTY DMV WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE FROM 12 NOON TO 3PM, TO RECEIVE & REVIEW SNOWMOBILE REGISTRATIONS.  ONLY CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS, MADE PAYABLE TO THE "GENESEE COUNTY CLERK" WILL BE ACCEPTED.
·    Used snowmobile & snowmobile equipment corral ($5 per sled or table. Larger quantity of items subject to more )
·    50/50 drawing, Blow up Sled and other raffles and door prizes

Proceeds to help benefit Mercy Flight. $2 Adult admission, kids 12 and under free
Set up and pre-registration for vintage sleds:  8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Judging:  11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (ballots in by 1:30 p.m.)
$5.00 per sled - $15.00 total for 3 sleds or more

Classes: Antique 1967 & Older (Original & Restored), Race 1973 – 1985, Classic 1968 – 1973 (Original & Restored), Mini (Original & Restored), Classic 1974 – 1985 (Original & Restored), Cutter Combo, Trail Muscle Pre 1973 (Original & Restored), Best of Show, Trail Muscle 1974 & Up (Original & Restored, and President’s Choice

For More Info Contact: Dave 585-734-3361 or email Sledsofstafford@rochester.rr.com
Or visit our website at:  www.sledsofstafford.com/show

Batavia Middle School will get a rock climbing wall. The city School Board approved the purchase of the $55,000 wall at its meeting last night, according to the Daily News. Reporter Joanne Beck writes: "The district can afford the purchase with surplus year-end funds from 2007-08, Business Administrator Scott Rozanski said."

At the same meeting, following the purchase of the rock wall, the board then approved an increase in breakfast and lunch prices at city schools, reported Beck. Breakfast will now be $1.10 at the elementary school and $1.25 at the middle and high schools; lunch will be $1.55 and $1.85, respectively.

Work on the Walnut Street roundabout and street reconstruction will be postponed until next year. City Manager Jason Molino told the Daily News that "the decision was made by contractor CATCO." It was decided to hold off on the project "to minimize disruptions to the normal traffic flow," and meetings will be held in February to "help people understand how best to navigate and use the roundabout."

Mercy Flight and the Batavia Muckdogs will join together for a fundraiser that will grant two lucky raffle winners the chance to ride a helicopter from the airport to Dwyer Stadium and throw out the first pitch of that night's game. A $10 ticket will include admission to the Muckdogs game on August 4, as well as entry into the drawing. "Mercy Flight will get $6 out of every $10 ticket sold." Tickets can be purchased at Dwyer Stadium and at Mercy Flight's base at Genesee County Airport. Winners will be announced at the August 1 Muckdogs game.

Congratulations to Batavia's 11-year-old Little League Baseball all-stars whop took home the District 3 championship last night in the second straight defeat of Oakfield. In its past three games, Batavia has outscored its opponents 34-4. Talk about an offensive powerhouse!

As always, we encourage you to get out and pick up a copy of the Daily News at local newsstands. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.