By Marilyn Dickinson, Board Secretary, St. Jerome Guild Board of Directors

The St. Jerome Guild Inc., annual "Noel Nook" will take place at The Jerome Center at 16 Bank St., Batavia, on Friday, Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. All customers will enjoy a 10-percent discount on the entire order (some exclusions apply).

The Guild, a not-for-profit volunteer organization has been serving the healthcare community for decades and celebrated their 100-year jubilee a few years ago. The Guild continues to be an active organization donating vital equipment to UMMC.

The Guild operates the Jerome Center Gift Shop at the Bank Street Campus and we invite the community to enjoy punch and cookies and browse our new Christmas and holiday items in the Shop and in the enormous "Nook" room.

If you like home goods then you will find bar and wine accessories, eclectic and wine caddies depicting doctors, golfers, nurses, firefighters, musicians, athletes, and gardeners are customer favorites.

You will love the expressions of wall and counter art, kitchen towels, spatula sets, mugs, aprons, Santas, snowmen, crystal candle holders and warmers, angels, elegant glittered and country trees, hundreds of ornaments, cardinals, llamas, holiday wreaths, flags, hundreds of ornaments, throws, centerpieces, night lights, jams and jellies.

Gift cards are also available.

‘Tis the season to wear customer favorites of stylish ponchos and shawls, woven caplets, fur-trimmed and wool hats and gloves, gorgeous scarves, and headbands. Petite Ginger Snaps, that are interchangeable with bracelets, necklaces and rings come in a variety of colors, shapes, and stones.

We continue to carry our selection of stylish handbags. Our reasonably priced "Jerome Jewelry Collection" includes rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces sets, some with semi-precious stones, and a wide assortment of watches, and children’s jewelry.

Other popular items are cozy baby jackets in blue, pink and leopard, oneses, tummy blankets, picture frames, milestone items, and a variety of children's toys and plush animals.

You will be surprised at the price point of our Famous Beekman Brothers’ products of hand creams, soaps and lip balms. We offer Warm Buddies, too, which include anti-stress spa mist, and eye masks.

The St. Jerome Guild Inc., has fulfilled pledges of well over $100,000 to the UMMC facilities expansions and initiatives, and supports the UMMC Foundation projects as a major sponsor.

Last spring, the annual fashion show and basket raffle proceeds purchased a needed Accuvein illuminator for the Maternity Department, and the year prior fashion show proceeds purchased four neonatal basinets from the hospital wish list.

For years, the Guild offers to UMMC employees pursuing educational careers, our annual Health Professional Scholarships.

Children who visit the Jerome Center Urgent Care are comforted with plush animals and cancer patients receive care bags of personal items.

The Guild sponsors the Jerome Center Annual Employee Recognition Day in thanks for their efforts serving the community.

Guild members donate thousands of volunteer hours working at the Shop and for UMMC events, including the Teddy Bear Clinic.

St. Jerome Gift Shop business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, managed and operated only by Guild volunteers.

New members are welcome to join the Guild throughout the year and a membership tea is held in September. Members attend regular monthly meetings that include a program and guest speakers.

The Guild also manages a monthly lottery and the community is invited to participate. Please join our Facebook page to view our inventory at: St. Jerome Gift Shop.

(Submitted photo.)

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department joins fire departments nationwide in promoting the annual "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" campaign on Sunday, Nov. 3.

Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano encourages all residents to adopt the simple, life-saving habit of changing smoke alarm batteries when they change their clocks back from daylight savings time to standard time.

“It’s an easy, inexpensive, and proven way to protect your family and your home,” Chief Napolitano said. “Plus, with winter quickly approaching and most everyone turning their heating systems on, it also makes this an ideal time to make sure your heating system is working properly.

"This is a great opportunity to check yourcarbon monoxide detectors as well.”

Today’s home fires grow in size faster than ever, typically allowing as little as one to two minutes to escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds, due to current home furnishings burning faster and producing more toxic gases and smoke. One thing that is instrumental in reducing deaths is to close doors to prevent the fire from spreading and to facilitate escape.

Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with either no smoke alarms or non- working smoke alarms. Smoke alarm failures usually result from missing or dead batteries or disconnected wires.

The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping; a working smoke alarm provides critical extra time needed to get out safely.

According to the NFPA, the maximum life cycle of a smoke alarm is 10 years from the date of manufacture, not the date of installation. Beginning in 2002, all smoke alarms must have a manufacture date marked on the outside of the smoke alarm. If your smoke alarm does not have a manufacture date or if you’ve had it for morethan ten years, it needs to be replaced.

The City of Batavia Fire Department recommends purchasing smoke alarms with 10-year lithium batteries. All smoke alarms should be tested monthly.

“The City of Batavia Fire Department has a free smoke alarm installation program,” Fire Chief Napolitano said. “If you do not have a smoke detector or if you are unsure the batteries are working properly, members of the City of Batavia Fire Department will come to your home and ensure that you have a working smoke detector, absolutely free of charge. Call (585) 345-6375 to set upan in home appointment.”

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! You have a right to safe workplace. Federal laws state that your employer must provide a work area with no known health or safety hazards. You also have the right to: 

• Be protected from toxic chemicals;
• Request an OSHA inspection, and talk with the inspector;
• Be trained in a language you understand;
• Work on machines that meet safety regulations;
• See copies of the workplace injury and illness log;
• Get copies of test results done to find hazards in the workplace;
• Be provided required safety gear, including but not limited to: Hardhat, gloves and harness;
• Report an injury or illness, and get copies of your medical records If you or someone you know has been injured or fallen ill due to unsafe work conditions. 

Call Dolce Panepinto at 716-852-1888 immediately. We understand how life-altering a work injury can be, and we are here to help.

Reader Tera Reinhardt sent us a couple photos taken on South Lake Road in Pembroke, where there was some weather-related damage.

St. Joseph School will host the "Popcorn Ball" from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2.

The school is located at 2 Summit St. in the City of Batavia.

Food will be catered by Eli Fish Brewing Co.

Live music will be performed from 7 to 10 p.m. Dance to the sounds of "Groove."

Plus there will be a euchre tournament, ticket raffle, and lottery.

For more information, contact the school at 343-6154.

The Batavia Bulldawg Beginners (pictured above) became the first ever Beginners-level champions today with a 19-13 win over Pembroke.

The Mini division (pictured below) also won with a 19-12 win over Newfane.

More pictures here: Beginners; and here Minis.

Byron firefighters are responding to a reported controlled burn at 7068 Swamp Road. The location is between Hessenthaler and Pocock roads.

Today, firefighters from the City of Batavia Fire Department hosted a luncheon for the winners of this year's Fire Prevention Coloring Contest and their families at the fire headquarters on Evans Street.

The contest theme for 2019's Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 6-12) was: “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and Practice your Escape.”

The seventh annual coloring competition was open to Batavia schoolchildren in kindergarten through fifth grade.

At a date to be determined, the first-place winners will get a ride to school in a city fire engine.

The winners, announced and posted on The Batavian Wednesday, are:

Honorable Mention: Harmony Warner – John Kennedy School, Miss Carpenter, Fourth Grade

Honorable Mention: Azaria Burnett – Batavia Middle School, Mrs. Korzelius, Fifth Grade

(Photos courtesy of the City of Batavia Fire Department.)

The Le Roy Oatkan Knights kicked off sectional play with a 19-0 win over Avon on Friday night.

The defense held Avon to just 26 yards total offense.

Andrew Englerth ran for 84 yards on 18 carries. Kyler LaCarte also gained 84 yards on 18 carries and scored once on the ground. He was 10-13 passing for 88 yards and a TD. Jake Hill have five receptions for 46 yards and scored two TDs, one on a reception, the other rushing.

Photos by Ed Henry.

Top photo: Cole Rauscher skis over the Avon QB.

Chase Bordonaro fights for key yardage.

 Kyler LaCarte tugs a would-be Avon tackler.

Andrew Englerth splits the Avon defense.

Alex Panepento finds himself surrounded by Avon Braves.

The Alexander Trojans shutdown Clyde-Savannah in a first-round game of the Class D Section V playoffs for a 30-0 win.

Running Back Ty Woods opened the scoring with a two-yard TD run in the first quarter. In the second quarter, he scored again as the Trojans began to take control of the game. Late in the second quarter, Dylan Busch connected with receiver Josh DeVries for a score. 

Alexander's first score of the second half came on a 30-yard field goal by Eric Cline, which was set up on a third-and-28 screen pass to Devin Dean for a 15-yard gain.

A few plays later, Alexander scored again on a 31-yard run by Woods. Cline missed a point-after-attempt for only the second time this season.

On defense, Ethan Heineman had two sacks and two tackles. Woods had 12 tackles on the night. Nick Kramer notched a sack and 10 tackles. Adding to the team sack total were Dean and Gavin Smith-Crandall with one each. Kam Lyons had an interception to go along with two receptions on offense.

The Trojans will face the winner of today's Red Jacket vs. Geneseo game today in its next playoff game.

This past wednesday night was the YMCA second annual Fall Pickleball Tournament. First place went to Mike Lear and Steve Ognibene, pictured center. Second place went to Josephine Fallado and Mike Ianni, pictured far left. Third place went to Larry Riegel and Art Smith, pictured far right.

The event was organized by the Pickleball Club Committee -- Sue Lewis, Karen Spiotta, Chloe Budenhagen and Becky Swanson. The tournament was a fun night with lots of excellent pickleball play. 

If you would like to learn how to play, come to the YMCA on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, or Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 9. You do not have to be a YMCA member to play and can purchase a pickleball card at the front desk or ask to try it out for the day.

The Batavia High School Blue Devils went into the playoffs as the favorite for the first game, but the season ended with a one-sided victory that had the Blue Devils fighting from behind from five minutes into the game. 

Batavia lost the coin toss, but the underdog Palmyra-Macedon Red Riders elected to kick. This was the start of their control of the game.

Batavia received the ball and was done with a three and out to punt. The Red Riders then took the ball and did almost nothing and then were forced to punt.

Unfortunately Batavia committed a personal foul on the punt and created a first down for the Red Riders. This early foul by Batavia changed the course of the game. Given a second chance, the Red Riders were able to drive the field and eventually score leading 7 to nothing a few minutes into first quarter.

The Blue Devils eventually fought back and answered with a TD of their own. This was quickly followed by another TD form the Red Riders that left Batavia chasing them the rest of the game. At the half, Batavia trailed by 7 with the Red Devils at 14. 

In the second half, the Blue Devils looked like they were going to change the course of the game with sporadic breakout plays, but they were never quite able to connect the dots and catch up to the Red Riders.  

As the fourth quarter started Batavia needed to score on two possessions to capture the lead. Even trailing most of the game, Batavia’s determination and spirit made the prospect of a come-from-behind victory seem very possible.

Unfortunately with a late fourth quarter interception Batavia sealed their fate and the Red Riders went home with an upset victory.

Final score: Blue Devils 15, Red Riders 32.

Congratulations Batavia High School Blue Devils on yet another winning season! 

A one-vehicle rollover with entrapment and injuries is reported in Alabama on Bloomingdale Road. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

The Recovery WOW program at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse held a "Monster Mash" Halloween bash this evening at the Northgate Free Methodist Church south campus on Bank Street in Batavia. Posing in front of the "master of ceremonies" for the event are Trisha Allen, Maliyah Santos and Maliyah's mom, Madeline Rodriguez. Allen and Rodriguez are employed as Peer Recovery Advocates (Peers), assisting those in recovery.

This couple added some mystery to the festivities, which included food, refreshments (non-alcoholic, of course), games, costumes and wholesome fun.

No party is complete without the tunes. DJ Tymovez (Tyler Thomas) provided the sound.

Peers Amy Kabel, left; Nicole Anderson and Charlene Grimm provided service with a smile.

"Commando" Nick Volpe, another GCASA Peer, has the cauldron brewing in his bit of skulduggery.

Disclosure: Photos by Mike Pettinella, GCASA publicist.

Submitted photo and press release:

The 37^th annual Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County will be presented to Tom and Lynn Houseknecht (photo above), of Batavia, at noon on Friday, Dec. 6 at a luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant.

The award presented by The Jerome Foundation recognizes volunteer men and women of Genesee County who have helped promote emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of the area’s residents.

Nominations reflected “ordinary people who reach far beyond themselves to the lives of those in need, bringing hope, care, and friendship, and helping build a stronger, healthier community.”

In naming the Houseknechts for this year’s award, The Jerome Foundation will recognize more than 25 years of volunteer service and community involvement by the Houseknechts. They have been supporters of multiple charitable causes in our community including: ARC of Genesee Orleans, UMMC (and previous Genesee Memorial Hospital), Notre Dame High School, St. Joseph School, YMCA, CASA, Batavia Rotary Club, and Resurrection Parish among others.

Shelley Falitico, ARC director of Development and Community relations, nominated the couple, saying “Tom and Lynn have always been involved in volunteering in our community, whether working behind the scenes, or being out front leading Capital Campaigns.

"As the co-chairs of our agency’s capital campaign, their dedication and compassion for the people we serve is evident. Individuals with disabilities and their families served at the ARC of Genesee and Orleans have received love, support, education and acceptance from Tom and Lynn.

"Their approachable demeanor is admired and respected. Tom and Lynn Houseknecht have helped build a stronger, healthier community and provided friendship and care to those in need."

The Houseknechts were also nominated by Dan Ireland, president of United Memorial Medical Center.

Ireland said “Tom and Lynn have been an integral part of shaping healthcare in our community for many years. Lynn has championed many supportive events through her involvement with United Memorial Hospital League, serving in many impactful roles. Tom has served over 15 years as a board member on the United Memorial Board as well as the last five years on the Rochester Regional Health Board and has been a key liaison between the Boards through the merger process.

"One of the most notable things about Tom and Lynn is that they are always looking out for what is best for healthcare in our community.”

CASA, a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that advocates for the best interest of abused and neglected children in Genesee County is one of many charities the Houseknechts have been involved with. In support of their nomination, CASA Board Chair Barb Hale writes “I am truly impressed with all that Tom and Lynn have been able to accomplish as true community leaders. They are able to recognize vulnerable populations in need of help and take the initiative to provide leadership to establish and perpetuate this very help. They are inspirational role models. They show us all how to make positive things happen.”

Karen Green, principal of St. Joseph’s School noted, “Tom and Lynn are outstanding members of our local community, always giving back and striving to make things better. They never hesitate to lend a hand wherever it is needed and always do so with a positive and caring attitude.”

And community member Amanda Malloy said, “Lynn has made selfless contributions to myself and my family in our time of need by restoring our faith in humanity. She understands that sometimes a person may need support and friendship in order to overcome a difficult time. Lynn has been a support for me and my family but most importantly, she has given us hope.”

Family friend Kerry Landfried also nominated the Houseknechts and wrote, “Tom and Lynn Houseknecht are compassionate, always acting in the spirit of helping others. With enthusiasm, they have welcomed so many community members in their home to work on capital campaigns or committees. I believe Tom and Lynn Houseknecht have largely helped all of us lead a better, healthier life.”

The cost to attend the Dec. 6 luncheon at Terry Hills honoring the Houseknechts is $25 per person.

The event is open to the public and reservations can be made by sending a check to: The Jerome Foundation, P.O. Box 249, Batavia, NY 14021.

Seating will be limited so early reservations are encouraged.

From the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:

On Thursday afternoon (Oct. 24) two Rochester men were arrested following an investigation by the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force into the transportation and possession of crack cocaine in and around the City of Batavia.

• Walter H. Bennett (AKA "Black"), 29, of Van Auker Street, Rochester, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor.
• Rayqaun K. Balkum, 19, of Atkinson Street, Rochester, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor; promoting prison contraband, a Class E felony; tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony; and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. James Diehl conducted a traffic stop of the car that Bennett and Balkum were traveling in on Ellicott Avenue in the city Thursday afternoon. An investigation ensued.

It is alleged that Bennett and Balkum were found to possess 64 bags of crack cocaine. Both were arraigned in city court this morning (Oct. 25) and put in Genesee County Jail.

Bennett's bail was set at $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond; Balkum's bail was set at $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond.

The task force is comprised of police officers from the county Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD and Le Roy Village police.

Task force members in this case were assisted by BPD, county Sheriff's deputies and the District Attorney's Office.

Notice of Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given that the Genesee County Legislature will meet at the Genesee County Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. for the purpose of holding a Public Hearing on the Tentative Genesee County Budget for 2020.

A copy of the Tentative Budget will be available in the Office of the Clerk of the Legislature, 7 Main St., Batavia, where it may be inspected by any interested person.

Pursuant to Section 359 of the County Law, the maximum salaries that may be fixed and payable during said fiscal year to members of the Genesee County Legislature and to the Chair thereof are as follows:

• Members of the Legislature -- $12,606 each
• Chair of the Legislature -- $16,587

Press release: 

The City of Batavia is looking for residents of the City of Batavia to fill seats on various boards and committees. There are several openings on boards and committees within the City of Batavia, and the city manager is seeking interested candidates to join these decision-making and advisory bodies.

“If you are interested in our community and want to be a part of the future of Batavia, we encourage you to sign up and volunteer for a committee or board,” said Martin Moore, Ph.D., City of Batavia manager. “The work our committees and boards perform help our City to be a better place to live, work and play.”

Signing up for boards and committees is a great way to help the community and to develop your personal leadership skills. Volunteering will also build your personal self-confidence and skill set in team building.

“City Council is asking for help shaping the future of our City,” said Eugene Jankowski, City of Batavia Council president. “A way to do that is to volunteer to serve on one of our committees. We know your time is valuable and your input is always appreciated.”

Current openings include:

Board of Assessment Review

Positions with the BAR are available for volunteers. These members will preside over grievance day and hear formal grievance complaints from businesses and residents of the city regarding their assessments.

Community Garden

Members of the Community Garden meet to plan activities related to the upkeep and maintenance of the community garden.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission is responsible for the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of landmarks and historic districts.

Youth Board

The Youth Board provides leadership development programs for youth, increases youth outcomes by providing a variety of programs, services and activities.

Zoning Board of Appeals

Hear appeals when a person believes a variance should be made for their property.

Applicants must be residents of the City of Batavia. Applications are available at the City Clerk’s Office or online here.