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House of K turns 5 today

By Howard B. Owens

One of Batavia's real entrepreneurial success stories -- House of K -- is five years old today.

Owner Kamilla Kabel is celebrating the special anniversary with door prizes, special discounts and tasty seasonal treats.

Kabel said her business started as a dream to bring Danish fashion to Western New York. The successful downtown business brings in customers from all over the region, including Buffalo and Rochester.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today for its anniversary.

Local Anglicans celebrate milestone with special guest

By Billie Owens

It's been a good year for the Anglican Community Church in Batavia. Several months ago, the congregation was accepted as a member of the Convocation of Anglicans of North America (CANA), and to top it off, this month the church is hosting a VIP.

That would be Bishop David Bena.

The local Anglican church was established in 2004 and since then, its goal has been to become a member of CANA. And so sanctioned, it now has oversight by bishops, much to the Anglicans' delight.

"After being in sort of limbo, to become members of CANA, it is a great joy to have Bishop Bena come so far to meet us," said parishioner Onolee Grower. "It is a strong visible sign of our inclusion into a wonderful church. Knowing there is a real person --  not just a name at some distant place -- to turn to for guidance and help is a real comfort."

Parishioner Terrey Lee agrees that Bena's visit marks a milestone.

"It is a great pleasure as well as a great honor to have his presence known in our church," Lee said. "This visit marks, for us, an inclusion into a large family of Anglicans across North America.

"We all believe in one Lord, his Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. We are now part of a great Communion of believers. This single accomplishment has been of the utmost importance to our church and each of its members."

Even as the parishioners look forward to Bishop Bena’s visit on Sunday, Oct. 25, they cannot forget their struggle to become a part of CANA. It took a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance to realize their dream. They credit church leaders and also "the grace, love and blessings of our Lord" with the success.

Reverend George Quibell, an Anglican priest from Canada, has led the church.

Canon Simon Howson is also scheduled to attend the special service and luncheon for Bishop Bena. Before the inception of Batavia's Community Anglican Church, its parishioners attended St. James Episcopal Church on Main Street, which was led by Howson.

(Parishioners say he was removed by a Bishop on false charges and exonerated last year. Canon Howson remains a priest in good standing in another diocese, having settled his lawsuit against the Bishop and the Diocese of Western New York for an undisclosed sum and a full letter of apology and exoneration, a copy of which is on file at the Anglican Church.)

About Bishop Bena:

The Rt. Rev'd David J. Bena, Suffragan Bishop of Albany, was consecrated as a bishop for Albany in 2000. For seven years, he served under Albany's senior bishop, the Rt. Rev'd Daniel Herzog, to help make Albany one of the largest and most active dioceses in the nation.

Bena retired from his post in Albany and in March 2007 joined CANA, which is an orthodox Anglican church body offering Americans an authentic connection to Anglican Communion.

Since the Albany diocese is a staunch supporter of the Anglican Communion and traditional theology, Bishop Bena's move to CANA came naturally. He now serves as CANA's Suffragan Bishop, assisting CANA's Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns with leading the growing number of CANA congregations and clergy. 

"I have sensed God's call to minister to disenfranchised Anglicans around America who are in need of episcopal oversight." says Bena. "I feel extremely privileged to have been asked to take on this ministry."

Bishop Minns is also glad to have Bishop Bena on the CANA team.

"The growing CANA family will be tremendously blessed by the presence of Bishop Bena," says Minns. "He brings years of experience and lots of high-energy leadership to CANA. I count David as a personal friend, and am very happy that he's here."

Bena served as a Marine officer in the Vietnam War. He did his undergraduate work at Stetson University, and completed his training at Virginia Theological Seminary (in Alexandria). He served as both an Air Force chaplain and a parish priest for over two decades. 

Bena has earned a doctorate from the Graduate Theological Foundation, which is an interreligious institution based in South Bend, Ind.. He also holds an honorary doctorate from The Episcopal Church's Virginia Theological Seminary.

Bena and his wife, Mary Ellen, have been married 40 years. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.

About the Anglican Community Church:

Parishioner Lee said: "The Anglican Community Church is made up of members who are not only part of a congregation that worships together; we are a church family with a true commitment to our church and to each other.

"Since planting the church, we have experienced deaths, weddings, births, baptisms, and confirmations. All of these were dealt with as a church family, with care and great love for one another being shown to all members. Such life changes as these have brought us closer to one another as well as closer to God."

Kiwanis Club of Batavia 51st Annual Pancake Days...

By Anita Strollo

Kiwanis Club of Batavia's 51st Annual Pancake Days

Saturday - October 24, 2009

First Presbyterian Church Service Building

Corner of Main Street & Liberty Street, Batavia

Adult-$5.00-Child(10 & under)$3.00-Senior Citizen(62 & over)$3.00

 Hot pancakes, sausage, all the trimmings, fresh cider, giveaways, music, a great sit down fully served hot breakfast at a great price...

To purchase tickets or for more informaton contact Anita at 585-813-5371 or see a Batavia Kiwanian!

See you there...

Fotogs soughts for entries in ACORNS contest

By Billie Owens

The public is invited to participate in the second Nature Photography Contest sponsored by ACORNS. It's one way of encouraging visitors to enjoy Genesee County parks.

The contest invites photography enthusiasts, from now until March 31, to enter by submitting their photos which must be taken at either the Genesee County Park and Forest or the DeWitt Recreation Area.

Images may show animal behavior, portraits of wildlife in natural habitat, plant life, natural landscapes, weather or people interacting with nature.

Photos can be entered by completing the entry form at:

http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/dpt/park/2009acornsphotocontest.pdf

You may also obtain the contest rules and entry form or more information by contacting Julia Garver at (585) 343-8514 or jagarver@yahoo.com.

The photos will be judged on creativity, photographic technique and originality. Winning entries will be exhibited at the Nature Center in the Genesee County Park and Forest and may be published in various other printed materials and on the ACORNS web site.

Winners will be announced in April 2010. Additional information about the
contest is posted on:

http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/dpt/parks/2009acornsphotocontest.pdf.

ACORNS (Association for Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces,
Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) organization to serve and support parks owned and managed by Genesee County. Its mission is to serve the public by fostering environmental
education, recreational opportunities and responsible environmental stewardship.

Woolly Bookworms kicks off Saturday at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

The book discussion group for youngsters called Woolly BookWorms will hold its first meeting of the season at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10., in the Children's Room at Richmond Memorial Library.

It is located at 19 Ross St. in Batavia.

Woolly BookWorms is for third- through fifth-graders and their favorite adult.

On Saturday, the group will discuss its book selection of the month "Sarah, Plain and Tall," by Patricia MacLachlan.

Event Date and Time
-

GCC physical therapy instructor earns doctorate

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College has announced that Christopher Caputi, instructor in the Physical Therapist Assistant program, has earned his doctorate in Physical Therapy. It was granted by Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.

Caputi came to Genesee in the fall of 2007 as an adjunct instructor and became a full-time instructor in January 2008. He currently teaches Kinesiology and Physical Therapy Patient Care courses to first-year students. He is also the academic coordinator of Clinical Education for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program and is the advisor of the PTA Club.

He has been a physical therapist since 1992 when he worked in hospitals, outpatient clinics and sports medicine. He has also worked as an adjunct instructor at D'Youville College's Physical Therapist program.

He holds a bachelor's as well as a master's degree from D'Youville College in Buffalo and is a certified spine-care specialist by the McKenzie Institute International and a certified clinical instructor by the American Physical Therapy Association.

"Chris is a great asset to the Physical Therapist Assistant department here at Genesee," Peggy Kerr, director of the Physical Therapist Assistant program said. "He has a wealth of information to share with his students and empowers students on a daily basis. His doctoral degree truly enhances his abilities as an engaging and well-respected faculty member."

A resident of Tonawanda, Caputi is married to his wife, Melissa, and has a son, Cameron, and a daughter, Nicole. His hobbies include athletics and in his spare time he can be found in the newly renovated gym at Genesee.

Permalink: https://readme.readmedia.com/news/show/Genesee-Community-College-Professor-Earns-Doctorate-in-Physical-Therapy/959304
 

The Lord's Sabbath

By Kevin Palmiter

The First Seventh Day Baptist Church of Genesee is holding a bible study , the Helping Hand, at Calvary Baptist Church Lake Road in LeRoy. Anyone interested please come on over. It is the first and third Saturday of each month at 4:00 p.m.. As we grow so will the dates we meet. We are a Baptist group with a difference; we recognize the biblical Sabbath ( 4th commandment - Saturday) as a day of worship in obedience of our God and King. For more info call me at 259-2989. Hope to see you there...

Feline adoption extravaganza at Petco on Saturday

By Billie Owens

From noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10., the Batavia Petco (located in the Target Plaza on Veteran's Memorial Highway in the Town of Batavia) will be hosting its third major adoption event during its One Year Anniversary Celebration.

Cats and kittens of all ages, colors and stunning personalities will available for adoption. Most of the animals are spayed or neutered. All are tested for FIV/FeLV, current with shots and happen to be the best cats available in the county, arguably, the nation.

The adoption fee is $30 (if the animals is not spayed or neutered, there is a refundable $35 deposit). Petco will be handing out free giveaways and Volunteers For Animals will be strutting the cats. Everyone is encouraged to come out and visit the cats.

Petco, Volunteers for Animals and Genesee County Animal Shelter joined forces in October 2008 to help homeless cats find a home. Since the opening of the Batavia Petco a year ago, over 235 cats and kittens from the GCAS have been adopted out of the store! It has been an amazing year.

Come on down! You never know, maybe you'll meet your next best friend!

www.vol4animals.org <http://www.vol4animals.org>



 

YMCA and Five Star Bank team up to build character in fifth-graders

By Billie Owens

The Genesee/Wyoming YMCA and Five Star Bank are launching a collaborative initiative called “Five Star KIDS!” designed to help youths served by both organizations.

It kicked off in the Batavia City Elementary Schools and is, or will soon be, at Warsaw Elementary School. The City of Batavia and Warsaw School districts are, of course, also participating.

Five Star KIDS! targets fifth-graders with a goal of engaging them and empowering them through fun events, positive role models and challenging activities. Its central theme throughout the school year is character building.

"Five Star Bank and the YMCA have a long-standing partnership and this program is an extension of that collaboration,” said Five Star Bank Regional President John Witkowski. "Having the opportunity to advance the YMCA’s ongoing efforts to improve health and wellness as well as promote teamwork and leadership in our kids is part of what being a community bank is all about.”

The program will culminate in June with an all-day program at the YMCA’s Camp Hough on Silver Lake. For Batavia City School fifth-graders, that will be the first time they are all together before they going on to Middle School next fall.

Five Star KIDS! works to develop their spirit, mind and body and be supportive of their family and community. Participants will be encouraged to: become active in community organizations or causes; work hard at school and improve their grade; respect their bodies by eating right, exercising and making healthy decisions, strengthen family ties and; get involved and make a difference in their community.

The fifth-graders get Five Star KIDS! "passports" which they display during program days but get to keep throughout the year. YMCA staff and teachers will focus on promoting the YMCA’s four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and will recognize demonstrations of character-driven behavior from individual students as well as entire classes.

Students will be able to accumulate recognition stickers throughout the year and turn them in for program rewards in the spring.

The Five Star KIDS! passports represent a ticket to the future,” said Genesee County YMCA branch director Erik Fix. “We hope to show that good behavior, good decisions and hard work can add up and help get kids where they want to go.”

Five Star Bank has made a $7,500 contribution to the Genesee/Wyoming YMCA to develop and deliver the Five Star KIDS! initiative during the 2009/2010 school year.

Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions on Tap

By JIM NIGRO

The eighth annual Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner will be held Saturday, October 17th at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility. A social hour will take place at 5pm with the dinner being held at 6pm.

This year’s inductees are:                                                                                                                

Thomas Briggs            1965

Edward Dawson          1965

Joseph Fiannaca         1987

Nancy Platt                  1963

Anthony Miceli             1963

Paul Sherwood            1946

Pat Woodring               1965

Tickets are $30 and available at the Athletic Director’s office at Batavia High School. For more information please call 585-343-2480, ext. 2003

Free weekly belly dancing classes start Oct. 4 at GCC

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College is swinging into the fall semester with free belly dancing lessons. Offered on Sundays, starting Oct. 4 and running through Dec.19, the classes are free and open to the public.

Belly dancing classes are sponsored by the Global Education Committee and the Student Government Association of Genesee Community College.

The classes are offered in the Stuart Steiner Theatre, Dance Studio Room E214 at the Batavia Campus. Beginner's lessons run 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays, advanced lessons follow from 3 to 4 p.m..

Previous belly dancing experience is suggested for those attending the Advanced Lessons. Beginner's lessons teach the basic steps and how to combine them, while advanced classes focus more on choreography.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing. Classes are open enrollment; participants can start at any time and do not need to sign up.

Belly Dancing classes are taught by Genesee instructor and Director of Human Services, Connie Boyd. She has been dancing for about 34 years and has taught lessons on and off throughout that time. She reviews steps each week, therefore if a participant misses a class, they can pick up where they left off.

"There are many health benefits that can result from belly dancing," Boyd said. "It is great exercise; it's very aerobic and works your abdominal muscles. Besides having healthy outcomes, Belly Dancing is beautiful to watch, very self-expressive and there is great costuming! I encourage anyone to gather together a group of friends and attend a lesson to see what belly dancing is all about."

There's no class on Sunday Nov. 29. For further information please contact Nina Mortellaro at 585-343-0055 ext. 6228.

Permalink: https://readme.readmedia.com/news/show/Genesee-Community-College-Offers-Free-Belly-Dancing-Classes/961104
 

Fire Prevention Week spotlights simple safety rules

By Billie Owens

Once a child touches a hot stove, as the cliché goes, he learns his lesson -- stay away from a hot stove. But this doesn't take into account the pain and suffering. Burns should not be part of the learning process.

That’s why the City of Batavia Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for Fire Prevention Week 2009 – Oct. 4 to 10 – to urge residents to “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned.”

This year’s campaign focuses on ways to keep homes fire safe and prevent painful burns.

The statistics are staggering. Each year roughly 3,000 people die as a result of home fires and burns, and more than 200,000 individuals are seen in the nation’s emergency rooms for burn injuries.

“The most common types of burn injuries result from fire or flame burns, scalds and contact burns,” said Lt. Jay Steinbrenner. “Burns are painful and can result in serious scarring and even death.

"When we take extra caution in our homes to ensure that the curling iron is out of children’s reach or pot handles are turned away from the edge of the stove, such injuries are entirely preventable. Keeping our homes safe from fire and preventing devastating burn injuries is a healthy change we can make happen.”

By following simple safety rules, you can “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned.”

  • Keep hot foods and liquids away from tables and counter edges so they cannot be pulled or knocked over.
  • Have a 3-foot “kid-free” zone around the stove.
  • Never hold a child in your arms while preparing hot food or drinking a hot beverage.
  • Be careful when using things that get hot such as curling irons, oven, irons, lamps, heaters.
  • Install tamper-resistant receptacles to prevent a child from sticking an object in the outlet.
  • Never leave a child alone in a room with a lit candle, portable heater, lit fireplace or stove, or where a hot appliance might be in use.
  • Wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking.
  • Set your hot water temperature no higher than 120 degrees.
  • Install anti-scald valves on shower heads and faucets.

Three Genesee County women get endorsement from Eleanor Roosevelt committee

By Billie Owens

Earlier this week, the Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee announced 150 winners of its 2009 Campaign Grants and Endorsements. Three are from Genesee County.

This information is from a press release:

The Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee was designed to build a new generation of pro-choice Democratic women candidates, informed voters and activists in New York State. It was founded in 2001 by former New York State Democratic Committee Chair Judith Hope.

This year, the ERLC awarded Sara Burk-Balbi of Batavia an endorsement in her race for Batavia City Council-at-Large, Alice Burkhardt-Calmes of Darien an endorsement in her race for Town Clerk of Darien and Jennifer Keys of LeRoy an endorsement in her race for LeRoy Town Council.

Genesee County Democratic Chair Lorie Longhany said: "The Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee’s endorsement is very important support for their campaigns and demonstrates confidence in their ability to win these offices. All three wonderful women are proud to be a part of Eleanor’s Legacy."

“To receive such an important endorsement is really an honor,” says Sara Burk-Balbi.  “Eleanor Roosevelt was not only an active First Lady of the United States, she was a front runner on the importance of women in our political system. Her support of women’s issues as well as the issues of children and families was astounding and life-long. I am proud to be one of three women in Genesee County to receive this honor.”

Keys stated: “This shows the commitment that the ERLC has in helping to elect women candidates across New York State. I accept their support with gratitude."

Alice Burkhardt-Calmes said: “I am pleased that this organization realizes the importance of women in local races. It shows their support of grassroots campaigns at the local level."

Since its founding, the ERLC has elected over 400 women to state and local office across New York State and equipped over 600 women with the skills they need to run and win. The ERLC endorses progressive women candidates with a demonstrated commitment to upholding a woman’s right to choose and to promoting the values of the Democratic Party. To be eligible, a candidate must be pro-choice, female, and an enrolled Democrat running for state or local office in the state of New York.

The ERLC will celebrate this year’s grantees at their Annual Fall Luncheon with special guests Abby Disney, Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. This year’s luncheon honors Geraldine Ferraro with the Pioneer in Politics – Lifetime Achievement Award.

Byron-Bergen library trustees cite 'loss of venue,' cancel 2009 craft fair

By Billie Owens

A press release:

On Sept.14, the Byron-Bergen Public Library's Board of Trustees voted to put the annual Craft Fair on hold until 2010 due to the loss of our venue. The Board of Trustees understands the importance of this annual event and is fully committed to securing a new location. That process will begin early next year in anticipation of a Fall event. Please watch for additional details as they become available.

Twenty Fire Police students pass course

By Billie Owens

General Municipal Law requires every Fire Police officer to complete the OFPC approved Fire Police course before performing general duties of maintaining safe conditions at an emergency and traffic direction and control.

Sheriff Deputy Ed Vlack instructed Fire Police students on pre-planning and various laws related to their responsibilities tied to the fire service. He also defined terms and helped students interpret them, which included a review of the oath of office. They learned to understand their role working with the conventional police officer. These skills enable participants to perform their duties more effectively.

Completing the nine-hour course on Sept. 19 were:

Alabama -- Betsy L. Riexinger

Town of Batavia -- Joseph A. Avino, Jr.

Bethany -- George W. Larish, Gregory J. O'Brien

Caledonia -- Larry J. Silvernail

Carlton -- Robert Chevier

Corfu -- Joshua B. McMartin, Robert G. McNally, Louis M. Reeb

East Pembroke -- Christina L. Homer-Roviso, William J. Lampke, Jr.

Elba -- Caitlin E. Zipfel

Marilla -- Sean A. Biggs

Newstead -- Michael A. Mutter

Oakfield -- Ryan T. Cook

Pavilion -- Adam J. Pfendler, Tyler F. Schiski, Doug Wright, David Beehler, Jr.

Stafford -- Brian M. Breemes

Free parenting classes focus on positive child rearing, healthy lifestyles

By Billie Owens

NOTE: AS OF 2010, THIS CLASS IS NO LONGER OFFERED.

Free parenting classes are being offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, focusing on positive child rearing and healthy lifestyles.
 
Parents who participate in these classes learn about key parenting communication skills including setting limits, responsibility, communication and positive discipline strategies. In addition, they gain knowledge about nutrition for healthy growth and development.
 
This six-part series is taught by Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice. There is no cost for Genesee County residents but there is a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties.
 
For more information or to register, contact Mariellen by calling 585-343-3040 ext. 105 or stop by the Extension Center at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.
 
Classes are from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building on E. Main. Street of Genesee County, 420 East Main Street in Batavia.
 
Here's the line-up:

Oct. 13 - Anger in the Family: Learn to diffuse anger, encourage positive behavior at the table and about the basics of family nutrition.
 
Oct. 20 - Responsibility and Your Children: Learn to encourage responsibility, teach kids about kitchen safety and how to cook as a family.
 
Oct. 27 - Disciplining Your Children: Learn parenting styles and techniques and how to encourage good food choices.
 
Nov. 3 - Setting Limits and Expectations: Learn to set effective limits and age-appropriate expectations and to reduce cravings with healthy snacks.
 
Nov. 10 - Winning Ways to Talk with Kids: Learn to improve communication with active listening, to educate children about meal planning and how commercialization affects your budget.
 
Nov. 17 - Family Enrichment: Learn to problem solve, teach cooperation, evaluate routines and develop self-esteem.

NOTE: AS OF 2010, THIS CLASS IS NO LONGER OFFERED.

Effort under way to create a Tonawanda Creek Watershed Committee

By Billie Owens

Here's a letter we received from the Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District, which is seeking participation in creating the Tonawanda Creek Watershed Committee.

It's written by district technician and coordinator Elizabeth Bentley-Huber.

Tonawanda Creek is our county’s priority watershed. Presently there is not a Tonawanda Creek Watershed Committee in Genesee County. My goal is to form a whole watershed effort coordinating a variety of people and organizations to work together to address common interests and concerns.

I would like to reach out beyond the political boundaries. Stakeholder identification is a key component to the formation of a watershed committee, to ensure that all interests in the watershed are represented. These stakeholders can help indentify other stakeholders who may have not been identified yet.

I am contacting you and other departments/agencies/organizations in anticipation that you may be interested or know someone in your field of expertise that would represent your department/agency/organization on a watershed committee for the entire Tonawanda Creek watershed including Erie, Niagara, Wyoming and Genesee counties.

Watershed partnerships are important to effective watershed management. Established watershed partnerships are an invaluable resource for a newly forming group and these existing partnerships can provide answers to many questions a new group may have when forming.

It is important right now to begin with the existing groups within the watershed. Several people have been in contact with me expressing interest in participating in a Tonawanda Creek Watershed Committee, including an environmental program manager and a Tribal representative, both from the Environmental Protection Agency and an engineer with the Department of Environmental Conservation.

I also have been in contact with Erie, Niagara and Wyoming County Soil & Water Conservation districts. Aside from promoting better communication between counties, there is a need for technical advisement to provide general environmental information, make resources available and involve people with more expertise in specific fields in their area.

I would like to have a preliminary meeting with department/agency/organization representatives before conducting a formal meeting opened to the public due to the amount of information existing on the Tonawanda Creek Watershed.

Please contact me with any questions or concerns at (585) 343-2362. I will be happy to speak with you. If possible I would like to have the preliminary meeting in the first week of November. Please let me know as soon as possible. Thank You.

Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District

Attention: Elizabeth Bentley-Huber
USDA Center, 29 Liberty St., Suite 3, Batavia, NY 14020-3247
Office (585) 343-2362, Fax (585) 345-1815



 

Down syndrome support group celebrates 20 years

By Billie Owens

The Down Syndrome Parent Support Group of Genesee County, Inc., is now 20 years old.

It will celebrate the feat at its annual Autumn Leaves Auction at 6 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the Batavia First United Methodist Church on Lewiston Road. The cost is $8 pre-sale and $10 at the door and includes a bidder number, lite meal and a fabulous dessert bar.

Call group President Dawn Fisher 948-9222 for tickets.

All items are new and donated by members, friends, and area businesses. There is a Live Auction with about 100 items that Auctioneer Dennis Bezon auctions off for the group. And there will also be a Silent Auction.

The local DSPSG was started by Kay and Rod Cook, but others were instrumental in helping get things off the ground, including Dana and Bryan Phelps, Ron and Sharon Cummings and Stephen and Mary Northrup. All have a child with Down syndrome.

Kay Cook served as the president for 18 years and the others have served on the board of directors or in an officer position.

The group has given back so much to the community and the families who have children with Down syndrome. Every year the group gives two scholarships to high school seniors who will go to college and major in a field related to developmental disabilities.

In addition, it has given big screen TVs to different ARC homes when they opened. Its family reimbursement program has helped many families with the cost of dance lessons, horse riding lessons, challenger sports programs and attorney fees for families who are setting up a special needs trust for their child with Down syndrome.

The group has had several speakers who helped educate parents about issues pertaining to Down syndrome. It also gives out camping scholarships to members who have Down syndrome.

Members of the group have benefitted from funding to attend the National Down Syndrome conferences throughout the United States and Canada. These gatherings are full of information for parents and the young adults with Down syndrome who simultaneously attend their own conference.

Many children with Down syndrome are great self-advocates and take great pride in their accomplishments. They want people to know that they are a person first and foremost who happens to have Down syndrome. They want to become an intregal part of the community.

Come and be a part of that community Oct. 10. It promises to be a great night of tasty food, great company and great bargins. This year's proceeds will go to Genesee ARC for their capital campaign to remodel the old St. Mary's School now called "The Community Center."

Town of Batavia Fire Department Open House this Sunday

By Howard B. Owens

Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Town of Batavia Volunteer Fire Department will hold an open house at its station at 8382 Lewiston Road.  Lowe's is sponsoring the event through its "Heroes Project." The retailer has paid for 150 smoke detectors, 50 CO detectors and 200 kits for kids to build wooden fire trucks as well as hot dogs, chips and soda for the event. Any county resident who shows up can get a free smoke or CO detector.

It's also a chance for area residents to see the department's equipment and learn more about what the all-volunteer department does, said organizer Joshua Finn.

"There are a lot of guys who put in a lot of our hours and have worked hard for a lot of years and we just want people to come out and see what we do," Finn said.

Safety training is also a big part of the day, which kicks off Fire Prevention Week.

"It's important to get people to start thinking about what they would do if they were in an emergency," Finn said.

Lt. Nate Fix said the department will also be doing training sessions for BOCES and the child care facilities in the department's coverage area. 

Pictured above are Jason Pfleger, John Mullen, both firefighters, Lt. Nate Fix, Chuck Hammer, admin manager for Lowe's in Batavia, Fire Department VP Joshua Finn, and Scott Maloy and Bill Leonard, firefighters.

Letter rom Rose Mary Christian for County Legislature Wards 1 & 6

By Rose Mary Christian

 “Elect  Rose Mary Christian – Genesee county Legislature” sending you a report on issues for Face book…

Sent;: Wednesday September 29, 2009 7: 50 am
 
Subject:  Political season in full swing
 
Hello everyone, I hope things are well with you. This is my first time to send you a message about my campaign. My yard signs are up and I’m almost done going door to door and the reception has been great.
 
I would like to   extend  a special thank you to those of you who have donated to my campaign, and helped me in any way may it be by word of mouth, displaying my signs, disturbing the first drop off of literature. A special thank you to the Democrat County Committee, City Committee and Working Families Party, and to the Independents   (Better Batavia).
 
Well I have been attending the 2010 budget conference meetings and am surprised that there will be an increase in the Tax rate of 22% to offset increased levy.  
 
The dollar amount on the Property Tax is increased by $ 2.14
 
2009 Estimated Property Tax Rate based on the requested budget is now $ 11.96
 
The increase  in Property TAX  is unacceptable for working families.   We need to downsize government.
 
This budget does not include the 2010 CSEA General Unit increase . The CSEA workers are working without a contract which also is unacceptable
 
Genesee County will continue to receive an extra 1% sales tax and .25 mortgage tax.   That will go for another two years. If elected I would approve the local law enacting the tax extensions from the State.
 
Well I think I have said enough today and hope to have other news soon so in the mean time I wish you peace and God Bless America. 
    
                                                                                             Rose Mary

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