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Announcements

Richmond library to dedicate Roy Mason paintings in honor of the late Ted & Rosemary Surowka

By Billie Owens

Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia is hosting a Reception and Dedication Ceremony on Wednesday, June 29 at 6:30 pm. 

All are invited to the dedication of the library’s Roy Mason paintings in memory of the late Ted and Rosemary Surowka, commemorating their many years of service to the Batavia City Schools and the Richmond Memorial Library.

A performance by the musical group “Folk ‘o the Road” will follow. More information is available in the library and at www.batavialibrary.org.

Corfu Free Library hosts Reading Invasion at Darien Lakes State Park

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Residents, friends and patrons of the Corfu Free Library are invited to come to Darien Lakes State Park for an evening of reading at 7 p.m. on June Wednesday, June 8. 

The June 8 Reading Invasion will take place at Darien Lakes State Park, located at 10475 Harlow Road in Darien Center, on the island, which you can access via a footbridge.

A Reading Invasion is a way to simply enjoy reading your favorite book with others. There are no discussions, no rules, just a time to read together in public. 

Participants are invited to bring family, friends, a comfortable chair or blanket and of course, a book.

The raffle for the “Anne of Green Gables” gift basket will also take place at the conclusion of the Reading Invasion. Tickets will be available at the event and are $1 each. The gift basket features an Anne of Green Gables doll and three books in the Anne of Green Gables, the popular series written by Lucy Maud Montgomery.

The Corfu Free Library periodically hosts Reading Invasions at different locations throughout the year. Residents are encouraged to check the library’s website at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org, stop by 7 Maple Avenue in Corfu for program information, or call the library at (585) 599-3321.

UPDATED: Scrap metal drive to benefit shelter animals set for June 4-5

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Come out and support the animals of the Genesee County Animal Shelter by donating scrap metal.

Volunteers for Animals are collecting scrap metal to raise money for the animals from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 4th and Sunday, June 5th in the parking lot at the shelter, located at 3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

Metal of any kind will be accepted: railings, doors, garbage cans, file cabinets, bicycle frames, gutters, pipes, poles, fencing, window frames, lawn furniture, tools, shelving, washing machines, dryers, stoves, wheel barrows, wagons, etc.

We CANNOT take propane tanks, air-conditioning units, or refrigerators.

Scrap service provided by Ed Arnold EAS Scrap Processors of Corfu.

UPDATE 12:58 p.m., June 1: Due to the overwhelming response from donors wishing to have their scrap metal items picked up, the Volunteers for Animals are going to be extra busy doing just that between now and the weekend. So people are encouraged to find a way to bring their own scrap metal donations to the site, if arrangements have not already been made.

GC 4-H youth compete at state Horse Communications event

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo: Alexandria Tarbell, left, and Alianna Baris.

Press release:

Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H youth who competed in the 2016 New York State 4-H Horse Communications Event at Cornell University in Ithaca on Saturday, May 14! Representing Genesee County 4-H in the Junior Individual Presentations category were Alianna Baris from the Mystic Riders Club and Alexandria Tarbell from the Rustic Riders Club.

4-H youth from across New York State came together to compete in the NYS 4-H  Horse Communications Contest, which is an event for qualifying youth (decided at the regional level) to compete and show off public speaking and communication skills. The event is centered around the horse world, encompassing a wide variety of topics.

The communications program offered by 4-H is one of the most beneficial programs, allowing youth to learn and practice public speaking skills that can be used in future.

Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, and the NYS Horse Program are proud of all the youth who participated in this educational event.  Congratulations ladies!

For more information regarding local opportunities in 4-H Youth Development call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at 585-343-3040, ext. 101 or e-mailgenesee4h@cornell.edu. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.

GC Master Gardeners free lunchtime monthly series 'Garden Talk' to begin June 7

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This summer join the Genesee County Master Gardeners for our monthly series, “Garden Talk."

Taught by Master Gardeners, the programs will be held once month, during the “lunch hour” from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Bring your lunch to the CCE office (420 E. Main St, Batavia) and join us to learn more about gardening! This series is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

The next program will be held June 7 with the topic, “Introduction to Beneficial Insects." Most of the insects that live in your garden or landscape are beneficial. They do little or no harm to you or your plants. Some of these good guys even provide free pest control for you. So who are these allies? Come find out at our June session.

On July 12 learn about propagating perennials from cuttings. If you are looking for an easy way to create more plants for your garden, we’ll offer you some tips during this program.

Join us on Aug. 2 for a demonstration on using flowers from your garden to make beautiful arrangements.

Need a Garden Talk schedule? Contact Brandie at 585-343-3040, ext. 101. Future topics and other Master Gardener events will be posted on the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County Web site at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/

Independent Living in Batavia offers free grief and loss support groups starting June 7

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Anyone who is dealing with the pain of a loved one’s passing, or other heartaches, is welcome to attend any of eight FREE grief and loss support groups to be held at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), starting June 7th.

They will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the next four months, at ILGR’s offices at 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia. The precise dates are: June 7th and 21st, July 5th and 19th, Aug. 2nd and 16th, and Sept. 6th and 20th.

Group facilitator David Dodge described its purpose and structure: “This group is an opportunity for members to discuss what they are currently experiencing, relating to grief and loss, in order to feel a sense of increased support. We will also be doing some activities in order to get participants to do self-reflection related to what they are thinking or feeling.”

Participants are requested to register, beforehand. To do so or get more information, please call David Dodge at (585) 815-8501, ext. 415.

Salvation Army to hold free summer program for kids on Thursdays: 'Expedition Norway'

By Billie Owens

"Expedition Norway" is the theme of a free summer program for children in grades K-6 sponsored by The Salvation Army.

It will be held every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 14 through Aug. 25 at the headquarters at 529 E. Main St. in the city.

Transportation to and from The Salvation Army is available to children in the city.

A morning snack and lunch is provide each week.

Participants can experience the unique food, fun games and activities of Norway. Make new firends and learn about an amazing culture. There will also be incredible music and surprising adventures!

Attend four out of the six sessions and get a free pass to the Niagara Falls Aquarium.

Phone 343-6284.

GC Church World Service CROP WALK Committee thanks all who helped raise more than $4,300 this year

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On behalf of the Genesee County Church World Service CROP WALK Committee, we would like to thank all who participated, either by walking or supporting someone who did. This year the walk raised more than $4,300.

Walking in Batavia and the Village of Corfu, more than 100 people, from children to senior citizens, came together to raise money, helping to provide hunger-related education and services locally and throughout the world.

Local recipients included the YWCA’s Domestic Violence Program and Genesee County United Way’s Backpack Program. Non-perishable food items were also donated and given to the food pantry in Genesee County.

Next year’s walk is scheduled for April 29th. All are welcome to join in the planning and in helping to raise awareness and funding, one step at a time.

(Rev. James Morasco, Morganville United Church of Christ)

Independent Living offers four introductory classes on Medicaid benefits

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The general public is invited to attend any of four FREE hour-long seminars on the benefits, requirements and application procedures for health care assistance for low-income individuals from New York State Medicaid.

Dubbed “Medicaid 101,” they will take place from 2 to 3 p.m., and 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, and Tuesday, May 24, at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia.

The instructor, ILGR Facilitated Enroller David Dodge, describes the seminars: “Medicaid 101 will be a presentation designed to help the community better understand Medicaid and the benefits that come with Medicaid coverage. In addition, our Medicaid Application Assistance Program (MAAP) will be discussed, so participants can be informed about the option to have someone assist them with their application should they choose to apply. 

“This would also be an opportunity for folks to schedule an appointment with me. However, we would not be providing actual Medicaid application assistance at this event due to its public nature and our HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) government-mandated privacy obligations.”

Those interested can receive more information, get a Resource Packet with Medicaid materials, and sign up for the seminars by calling David Dodge at (585) 815-8501, ext. 415.

Awards ceremony Thursday at Richmond Library for winners in Landmark Society's court-grade drawing contest

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
Each May, the Landmark Society of Genesee County invites all of the school districts in Genesee County to participate in the annual Fourth-Grade Architectural Drawing Contest. This year the awards ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 19th, in the Reading Room of the Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia.
 
The following prizes will be awarded:
    *1st Place Prize: $50.00, a framed certificate, and a copy of The Architectural Heritage of Genesee County, NY.
    *2nd and 3rd Place Prizes (each): $25.00, a framed certificate, and a copy of The Architectural Heritage of Genesee County, NY.
    *20 Honorable Mention ribbons and certificates, as well as a certificate for all participating artists.
 
The public is welcome to attend. All the entries are currently hanging in the downstairs children's room at the Richmond Memorial Library.
 
In addition to providing a wonderful venue for displaying the students' creative artwork, the contest provides the children an opportunity to explore local architectural styles and to develop an appreciation for our architectural heritage.

GCC students showcase photography at Park & Forest Center, opening reception is Friday evening

By Billie Owens

From information provided by Genesee Community College.

This year's Genesee Community College Photography Exhibition at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Center officially opened last Saturday and there's a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 20.

Light refreshments will be served while patrons take in the views and just breathe.

The show featuring the photographs of GCC student runs through Sept. 11.

The center is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road in East Bethany.

The art of photography relies on the individual to go to a location and use elements and principles to capture on analog, black and white film or a digital file, a composition of original art.

Compared to how a painter or sculptor works, this is a very different process. A painter can work in a studio for long periods of time to forge their idea from pure thought. The photographer has to create their art by being at the location and have the subject in front of the lens. Cellphone cameras have made it quite easy for folks to snap a picture and post it to one of many social media platforms, but are they really thinking about the longevity and meaning with that effort?

"Throughout the year and through hands-on assignments, students have learned how to create exciting images using manual aperture and shutter speed settings," Joe Ziolkowski, GCC assistant professor of Photography said. "Now they have the opportunity to show off their creations."

For more information, contact Joe Ziolkowski at jlziolkowski@genesee.edu or Shannon Morley, Genesee County conservation education programs coordinator at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or by calling (585 )344-1122.

City of Batavia Community Garden to hold Open House June 4

By Billie Owens

Press release:

An open house is being held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 4th, to showcase the City of Batavia Community Garden.

Make your way to 12 MacArther Drive, just behind the Youth Center and see how the old wading pool has been transformed. The garden is a collaborative effort between Leadership Genesee's Class of 2011, the City Youth Bureau and Cooperative Extension's Master Gardeners.

It is a perfect option if you lack space, or just want a plot ready for planting that comes with expert support. There are plenty of beds still available at $15 for a 4 by 4 or $25 for a 4 by 8 foot plot for the 2016 growing season.

Join us on June 4 or contact the Youth Bureau at 345-6420 for more information, or visit our Facebook page for more information.

'Unplugged' - Family Game Night is Saturday at The Salvation Army

By Billie Owens

Unplug and enjoy quality, family time for all ages at The Salvation Army on East Main Street, Batavia, on Saturday, May 14, starting at 7 p.m.

Starting at 7 p.m. there will be games and activities for all ages and families. This includes adult coloring and puzzles, a bounce house, and at 7:30 an adult Yahtzee contest.

There will also be Wii Frisbee Disk Golf and Outdoor Challenge, apples to apples, headbands and more! At 9 p.m. there will be a teen life-size Tic-Tac-Toe game.

Plus popcorn and snacks, too!

Muddy, wet fun planned for waders of Black Creek and pond adventurers

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Explore a new world as you meet the residents of streams and ponds this spring at Genesee County Park and Forest.

Wade into the waters of Black Creek and meet the tiny, overlooked and underappreciated animals of the stream during Stream Safari, from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday May 14th. Learn about how they live, what they eat, and what eats them!

Find out what they can tell us about the waters of the stream as we catch them, identify them and count them. Meet us at the Interpretive Nature Center at Genesee County Park & Forest. Wear waterproof boots! Equipment provided.

Dive into some wild creature encounters with Pond Discovery from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 11th. Be prepared to get muddy and wet!

You will be using a net and sharing a bucket of water to catch animals, and then identify and learn about them from a Naturalist Guide. Meet us at the Interpretive Nature Center at Genesee County Park & Forest. Equipment provided.

Preregistration is required for all programs. Cost is $5/person, $10/family.

To register call (585) 344-1122. For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Dementia caregiver support groups meets the third Wednesday each month at 7 p.m. in Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be stressful and isolating, but support groups can provide coping tools and a welcome embrace from others in the same position.

The Alzheimer's Association Western New York chapter sponsors a number of caregiver support groups across the eight-county region it serves.

In Batavia, the chapter organizes a caregiver support group meeting starting at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at Richmond Memorial Library, located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

This group and others like it are designed to help participants deveklop methods and skills to solve problems. The groups encourage caregivers to maintain their own personal, physical and emotional health, as well as optimally care for the person with dementia.

Visit WHY chapter's Web site at  alz.org/WNY or call 1-800-272-3900.

Also, on summer solstice, the longest day of the year, Alzheimer's Association supporters and groups take part in a day-long fundraising effort called The Longest Day. It's June 20.

GC Ag Society to hold Livestock Fitting, Showmanship & Judging Clinic for youth, register early

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Ag Society will present a Livestock Fitting, Showmanship & Judging Clinic May 20-22 at the Genesee County Fairgrounds. It is located at 5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia.

It is intended to be a learning opportunity for young people. All youths age 8 to 19 are particulary welcome and they do NOT have to be members of 4-H or Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Friday, May 20, is Livestock Game Night. Saturday, May 21, is a Livestock Clinic. Sunday, May 22, there will be industry speakers talking about nutrition, genetics and the ag business.

Topics covered during the weekend will include: Nutrition & Care, Basic Training, Showmanship Overview & Practice, Fitting & Hoof Trimming, Livestock Species Knowledge, and Judging & Oral Reasons.

Tickets are $30 per youth, which includes a T-shirt and chicken BBQ. Accompanying adults are $15 (but if they want a T-shirt and chicken BBQ, it's $30).

Camping is available for the weekend. Cost is $25 one night, or $40 for both Friday and Saturday nights.

Early registration is recommended.

Any questions, call Heather Weber 585-297-3032.

 

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main Street, Batavia NY 14020

Phone: (585) 343-3040 ext. 101 Fax: (585) 343-1275

http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/

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

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

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