Skip to main content

Announcements

FOUND: Senior, neutered, declawed black cat on South Main Street, Batavia

By Billie Owens

FOUND: A neutured, declawed senior cat "in not that great shape" that is 99.5-percent black -- he sports a few white hairs on his belly. No collar or microchip.

"He's an old guy; his eyes are watery. He's in pretty rough shape," says Wendy, who is spreading the news of the "Old Tom" in hopes that maybe he somehow got out of his home and his owner is looking for him.

Old Tom was found at a stranger's residence on South Main Street near River Street in Batavia on Friday and was taken to the Genesee County Animal Shelter. A volunteer promises to send us a photo of him tomorrow to post with this announcement.

If his family is not found, maybe a senior would like another senior to bond with and will adopt him, n'est-ce pas

If you can help, please call 343-6410.

UPDATE Monday, Oct. 31, 9 p.m.: So, it turns out, this is "Fatty," and Fatty is 17 years old, has always been an indoor/outdoor cat, and belongs to Mark Fanara. Mark will go to the shelter tomorrow at 1 p.m. to reunite with Fatty.

Kiwanis Club of Batavia sponsors AMBA Wellness Program at YWCA

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Kiwanis Club of Batavia is sponsoring an AMBA (Annual Multiphasic Blood Analysis) Wellness Program on Saturday, Nov. 5.

AMBA is a blood analysis program that screens for coronary disease, kidney disease, anemia, liver disease, and diabetes – all for $40.

The program will occur from 6 to 10 a.m. at the YWCA of Genesee County, 301 North St., Batavia.

Please call 1-800-234-8888 to schedule an appointment.

Personal physician authorization is required, so please have your physician’s name and address available when making your appointment.

For more information, please contact Mike Rimmer at:    mrimmer1@rochester.rr.com

GCC celebrates NYS History Month with GC Heritage Fair Nov. 5, theme is 'Presidential Elections'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

November is New York State History Month and to honor the occasion, the Genesee County Federation of Historical Agencies and the Genesee Community College History Club are sponsoring a Genesee County Heritage Fair in the William W. Stuart Forum at GCC from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5th.

With the 2016 presidential election just days later on Nov. 8th, the theme of the heritage fair will be "Presidential Elections." Museums and historical agencies from all over Genesee County will set up booths for visitors to explore. Many will feature presidential memorabilia. In addition, there will be local history books on sale, craft demonstrations, historical impressionists and much more.

In keeping with the presidential theme, local schools will participate through two special contests. Elementary school students will be asked to draw portraits of their favorite president. Junior and senior high students will be asked to write short essays. Winners of both contests will be announced at the event. Additionally, event organizers are asking the community at-large to vote on their top ten favorite presidents by completing the online survey available at this link: https://surveyplanet.com/57fe980f5820315e61af75c7. The results will be tallied up and shared at the end of the Heritage Fair.

“During the most contentious election process of modern times, the organizers of the Genesee County Heritage Fair are excited to fuse some of our nation’s presidential election history with the current and lately, contentious topic,” said Derek Maxfield, associate professor of History at GCC, advisor to the College’s History Club and a member of the planning committee. “Through the various displays and history initiatives, we hope to remind everyone how important voting is to preserving our democracy.”

New York State History Month was created by the New York State legislature in 1997 and represents an opportunity for historians to assert the vital importance of preserving and learning about our state’s history. It is also a time to engage with the public through programs and learning opportunities about the history of New York State and the ways in which we can help preserve our history.

Further information on New York State History Month can be found at http://files.ctctcdn.com/9499bee6001/9e234d9f-c057-4176-a9da-d7e98c2cc00c.pdf

For more information on the GCC History Club, visit https://gcchistoricalhorizons.wordpress.com/.

Holiday benefit concert for Batavia Peace Garden is Nov. 13 at BHS

By Billie Owens

The critically acclaimed Irrera Brothers and soprano soloist Colleen Marcello will be featured in a holiday benefit concert Sunday, Nov. 13, for the Batavia Peace Garden.

"Peace on Earth" will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in the auditorium of Batavia High School.

The concert is presented by the Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden & the International Peace Garden Foundation.

Tickets are $15; student admission is $10.

Advanced purchase of tickets is recommended. They can be purchased at Roxy's Music Store on West Main Street in Batavia, or at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, which is moving on Nov. 1 to its new location at 8276 Park Road, Batavia.

For information, call 343-2387 or 201-7100.

City Police Department offers safe trick-or-treating tips

By Billie Owens

Press release from City of Batavia Police Department:

SUBJECT: Halloween Trick or Treating

DATE / TIME OF OCCURENCE: Monday, Oct. 31 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

If you plan on going door to door make sure you are properly supervised by a parent or responsible adult.

Do not go to homes where the porch lights are off

Use a flashlight to let drivers see you, and see where you are going.

To avoid tripping or injury don't wear costumes that are loose fitting and too long.

Don't wear masks that obscure your vision, make up is a good alternative to masks.

Wear reflective, bright colors to be seen by drivers after dark.

Walk on the sidewalks, or as near to the curb as possible if there are no sidewalks.

Observe safety rules when crossing or walking on the streets, and stay clear of traffic.

Parents should inspect any treats before you eat them!

The Batavia Police HIGHLY RECOMMEND as an alternative to going door to door, attend one of the Halloween events sponsored by local businesses.

Choose costumes that are marked flame retardant.

Make props such as magic wands and swords out of cardboard, rather than metal or wood.

Give and accept wrapped or packaged candy only.

Go out in daylight and carry a flashlight in case of delay.

Have children stay within their neighborhood; only visit homes you know.

All “Trick or Treating” shall be completed by 9 p.m.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Tops will offer 11-percent discount to military personnel, vets and their immediate families on Veterans Day, Nov. 11

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, western Vermont, and north central Massachusetts announced today that the company will offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11-percent discount off of their grocery bill this Veterans Day.

On Friday, Nov. 11, Tops Markets will honor an 11-percent discount off of a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location.  Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11-percent discount off of their total purchase that day.

In Genesee County, there are two Tops locations: 390 W. Main St. in Batavia and 128 W. Main St., Le Roy.

“The respect and gratitude we have for the people who serve and have served in the military is immeasurable, and for that we are forever grateful,” said Frank Curci, Tops chairman and chief executive officer. “We wanted to support local military personnel by giving back to our associates and customers who have courageously defended our country and made many sacrifices through their military service.”

Tops is a longtime supporter of military associates and customers. The company’s actions include support of the American Veterans Tribute Traveling Wall, Honor Flight Missions, sending care packages for troops serving domestically and overseas, VA hospital visits, and participation in veteran job fairs, parades and expos.

GC Office for the Aging partners with Rochester Gay Alliance for 'Traveling LGBTQ Potluck & Program' Nov. 12

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Office for the Aging is proud to partner with the Rochester Gay Alliance SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) program to bring an event to our County!

The Traveling LGBTQ Potluck & Program will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, located at 6188 Main Road in Stafford.

Meet! Greet! Eat!

All are welcome. Meet news friends.

Featured program is "Gay Pioneers."

Bring a dish to pass.

Also, Rochester Gay Alliance SAGE is looking to connect with LGBTQ veterans and people who served in the military regardless of discharge status.

Learn more about what SAGE Vets & ROC Vets can do for you!

Contact: Kimberly.Perl@co.genesee.ny.us

City announces four newly minted licensed plumbers

By Billie Owens

Press release from the city Department of Public Works:

The City of Batavia is pleased to announce that Ryan Toal, Anthony Cellino, Robert Marvin and Erich Postler have passed the necessary exam and successfully met the requirements to become licensed plumbers in the City of Batavia.

GCC seeks Hall of Fame nominees, welcomes suggestions for honoring outstanding alumni

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Over the past 10 years, nearly 35 outstanding graduates of Genesee Community College have been inducted into GCC's Alumni Hall of Fame. The College Foundation knows there are many more outstanding graduates who've made a lasting impact on their communities and invites nominations for the 2017 Alumni Hall of Fame. Submissions are due by Dec. 31.

Candidates nominated for the Alumni Hall of Fame should be individuals who've contributed significantly to their profession and have provided distinguished service to the community and/or service to Genesee Community College. Nominees must have completed their GCC degree at least ten years prior to nomination. Past inductees have represented a wide variety of career fields, from law enforcement to economic development.

Nominations may be submitted by the nominee or by friends, family, work associates or other colleagues who are familiar with the nominee. Nomination forms can be downloaded from GCC's alumni website www.genesee.edu/alumni/HallofFame/ and emailed or sent to the College's Alumni office.

A selection committee will choose honorees. New inductees will be honored at a reception in March 2017, and their photo and a short biography will be featured on a plaque displayed in the Alumni Hall of Fame, located on the second floor of the Conable Technology Building. 

"I am just beginning to appreciate the many amazing accomplishments of GCC alumni both within our local community and beyond," said Jennifer Zambito, the new assistant director of GCC's Alumni Affairs Office. "I am excited to meet, greet and promote so many kind and generous members of the GCC Cougar family.

For the full list of previously inducted Alumni Hall of Fame members please visit http://www.genesee.edu/offices/alumni/hall-of-fame/

For more information, contact Jennifer Zambito, assistant director of GCC's Alumni Affairs at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6265 or jmzambito@genesee.edu.

Genesee County to participate in statewide STOP-DWI Halloween crackdown Oct. 28-31

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI Coordinator Matt Landers announced today that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Batavia Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.

Halloween is meant to be scary, but not when it comes to driving. When it comes to drunk driving Halloween can turn the roads into a horror fest. While we spend time trick-or-treating and hosting parties with our loved ones, law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives. The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on Oct. 28th and will end on Oct. 31st. New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.

Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce drunk driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem.

“Fall can be a tricky time of year to drive: driving in the rain at night, slippery leaves on the road surface, and lighting conditions, in general, all add to the challenges of fall driving,” said Genesee County Undersheriff William Sheron. “Halloween parties, football games and other social gatherings can include the consumption of alcoholic beverages. "We will have extra patrols out during the Halloween season. Plan ahead. If you’re going to drink, make sure you have a safe ride home.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Halloween is a particularly deadly night due to drunk drivers. In 2015, over half (52 percent) of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night (6 p.m. Oct. 31 to 5:59 a.m. Nov. 1) involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher.

The STOP-DWI Halloween Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and implemented by the STOP-DWI Foundation. Throughout the remainder of the year the Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign will also target Thanksgiving and the national Holiday Season in December.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. Have a safe and happy Halloween Weekend!

Candy-filled motorcycle saddlebags will delight local children behind Ken's Charcoal Pits on Saturday evening

By Billie Owens

This information is provided by the Genesee County Chapter of  ABATE -- American Bikers Aimed Toward Education

It's almost "Baggerween"! Instead of going house to house, get candy by going from motorcycle saddlebag to motorcycle saddlebag.

Bring your kids down to a safe well-lit place place to "trick-or-treat" from 6 to 8 p.m. on Satruday, Oct. 29, in the public parking lot behind Ken's Charcoal Pits, located at 59 Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

All motorcycles are welcome as long as the riders bring candy for the kids. Load up your ride and come on down!

Anyone who would like to serve as a Bagger to help create a fun night for local children is welcome help bag candy.

For info, please e-mail Jason:    roadcaptain110@gmail.com

Happy Halloween!

Summit at GCC Nov. 5 on finding transportation solutions for the disabled and seniors

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On Saturday, Nov. 5, 150 private and public transportation providers, leaders, legislators, advocates and families will convene to focus on transportation solutions for people with disabilities and seniors in the Western and Finger Lakes region of New York State.

The summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Genesee Community College, Conable Tech Building, One College Road, Batavia.

Free, wheelchair accessible transportation is being provided by Aspire of WNY in Erie and Niagara counties and Livingston Wyoming Arc in Livingston and Wyoming counties. Lunch is being provided by Key Bank for all participants.

Transportation for rural, suburban, and urban areas throughout Western New York and the Finger Lakes region is the focus of this gathering of officials and community members concerned with transportation for work, recreation, and health for people who do not or cannot drive. There continue to be many gaps in service, especially with recent public bus and service system funding cuts.

Participants will highlight these concerns and gather with experts in the field to develop recommendations for solutions. The intention is to develop the partnerships and collaborations that will be needed to bring in funds to the area and develop projects to meet these needs.

The event is led by a collaborative of public and private provider and advocacy organizations who support people who have transportation needs. It will be attended by representatives from the NFTA, RGRTA, GBNRTC, NYS Department of Transportation, Parks and Recreation, Western NY Independent Living Center, Medical Motors, and several nonprofit service provider agencies.

Panelists who have worked on collaborative solutions to transportation problems in both urban and rural areas will be presenting.

A unique aspect of this event is the opportunity for transportation providers and designers to collaborate with transportation riders and citizens to look at solutions together. 

Register here:

Good, clean winter coats, hats, gloves, mittens wanted for local charity

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is accepting winter coats, hats, mittens and scarves for the upcoming winter season! Please donate only items that are clean and in good (gently used), or new condition.  

We are accepting ALL SIZES for men, women and children!

A tax deductible receipt is available upon request.

Please drop off donations at: 5073 Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee Inc. is a nonprofit human service agency committed to serving the needs of the financially disadvantaged. Our mission is to serve others with dignity and respect, that help people become self-sufficient. 

All donations are given away free of charge to those in need.

Fourth annual Traditional Martial Arts Tournament to be held Nov. 5 at Le Roy High School gym

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The fourth annual Traditional Martial Arts Association Tournament will be held at the Le Roy High School Gym Saturday, Nov. 5th, with eliminations starting at 10 a.m.

The tournament will consist of Sparring (point fighting), Individual Kata (forms), Team Kata, Weapons Kata, Self Defense, and MMA Grappling.

Tournament organizers are Soke William Cavalier (Livonia Tatsu Do School), Hanshi Dick Borrell (Borrell’s Karate Academy, Batavia), and Renshi Fred Merica (Le Roy Karate & Self Defense Center/ Main Street Fitness). All three have been close associates and tournament/ clinic organizers for the past 35 years.

John Ferrar from Bedroc MMA in Rochester will be sponsoring the MMA Grappling portion of the tournament.

Ages of competitors will start as young as 4 years old with no age limit. We have had competitors in the past well into their 70s. Divisions are broken down by skill level and age.

Spectators are welcome at $5 each and students at $4 each. To see a flier go to www.fitness-martialarts.com and click the link at top of page “November 2016 TMAA Tournament- Download Flyer” or call 585-414-3181.

There will also be a breaking demonstration at noon. They break everything from boards, bricks, coconuts, and Louisville Sluggers with their shins.

Anyone interested to help be a scorekeeper please call 585-414-3181 for more information, minimum -- 15 years old, no experience needed.

Tournament sponsors are:

  •     Northwoods Sporting Club / Le Roy 
  •     Chapin Manufacturers / Batavia
  •     Ben’s Appliances / Batavia
  •     Joe Spadaro / S&S Limo / Le Roy 
  •     Sport of Kings Restaurant / Batavia
  •     Cameron Construction / Le Roy
  •     Scofield Rolloff Services / Stafford
  •     Le Roy Karate & Self Defense Center / Le Roy
  •     Borrell’s Karate Academy / Batavia
  •     Livonia Tatsu Do Karate / Livonia

Employment for People with Disabilities Event is Nov. 15 at Terry Hills

By Billie Owens

Independent Living of the Genesee Region, along with other community-minded partners, will be hosting an Employment for People with Disabilities Event, including a panel discussion of consumers who have found work, a Job Fair of potential employers, and a FREE breakfast!

This is made possible by Restoration Society Inc.’s ACE Employment Services, the Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans Counties, and the Genesee County One-Stop Career Center, with funding by a Grant from the Local Business Advisory Council. 

Genesee County: It will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesday Nov. 15th at Terry Hills Golf Course, Restaurant and Banquet Facility, 5122 Clinton Street Road, in Batavia.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by breakfast at 8:30; the 9:15 a.m. Consumer Employment Panel includes: David Dodge, Todd Vaarwerk, Veronica Frost and Gail McKee.

They will discuss issues such as the Americans with Disabilities Act barring disability-based discrimination in hiring, and the expectation that employers should make “reasonable accommodations” for employees with disabilities, as long as they are not an “undue burden."

Employment seekers should bring their résumés, be “dressed for success” and ready to talk to hiring managers at the Job Fair, starting at 10:30 a.m. We will be recruiting employers to participate in the Fair up to the day of the event.  

For more specifics and to register to attend, contact Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411, or by email at dbecker@wnyil.org. A limited amount of transportation may be available; if you need it, inquire when you register. Pre-registration is required for you to attend, so arrangements can be made.

This is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

By Billie Owens

Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming County Public Health Column:

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is this week, Oct. 23-29. The Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming County Health Departments encourage you to learn about lead, lead poisoning, and the importance of preventative testing in order to make our community a healthier one.

Lead is a metal found in the earth and it is a poison. For years, lead was used in paint, gas, plumbing and many other items. Since the late 1970s, lead paint was banned in the United States, however other countries may not have regulations regarding the use of lead products. Lead can be found in the soil, deteriorated paint, household dust, contaminated drinking water from old plumbing, lead-glazed pottery, some metal jewelry, and at some jobsites (typically construction, manufacturing and mining).

Lead poisoning is preventable but when ingested, even a small amount can cause severe and lasting harm. Exposure to lead can happen from breathing air or dust, eating contaminated foods, or drinking contaminated water. All houses built prior to 1978 are likely to contain some lead-based paint. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 24 million housing units have deteriorated leaded paint and elevated levels of lead-contaminated house dust.

Lead dust, fumes and paint chips can cause serious health problems. Too much lead in the human body can cause serious damage to the brain, nervous system and red blood cells. Everyone, young and old, can be affected if exposed, but children and pregnant women are considered at highest risk. Young children between 6 months and 6 years old are more likely to suffer health problems from lead exposure. Lead poisoning can slow a child’s physical growth and mental development and may cause behavior problems, intellectual disability, kidney and liver damage, blindness and even death.

“New York State Department of Health requires health care providers to obtain a blood lead test for all children at age 1 and again at age 2,” said Brenden Bedard, director of Community Health Services for Genesee and Orleans counties. “Up to age 6, your doctor or nurse should ask you about ways your child may have had contact with lead.

"Pregnant women are at high risk because lead can pass from mother to her unborn baby, as well as be responsible for high blood pressure and miscarriage. Also, be concerned if you or someone in your home has a hobby or job that brings them in contact with lead."

Prevention is the key! Protect yourself and your family from possible lead exposure by talking to your Primary Care Provider about lead testing. There are also many precautions that can be taken to protect yourself and your family; here are a few. Prior to consuming food, make sure hands are washed, clean your home weekly, do not allow your child to chew on something that is dirty, avoid wearing shoes in the house, and hire a qualified professional if you suspect there is lead in your home that you want removed.

For information about this topic or Health Department services contact,

  • Genesee County Health Department at: 344-2580, ext. 5555, or visit their website

at www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/health/index.html. Visit Facebook at Genesee County Health Department and Twitter at GeneseeCoHealthDept.

  • Orleans County Health Department at: 589-3278 or check out our website at: www.orleansny.com/publichealth. Visit Facebook and Twitter: the user name for both is OrleansCoHealth.
  • Wyoming County Health Department at: 786-8890 or visit their web site at www.wyomingco.net/health/main.html

Citywide leaf collection begins Oct. 31, continues through Dec. 2

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Citywide leaf collection will begin Monday, Oct. 31 and continue through Friday, Dec. 2.

Residents of the following streets can rake to the parkway, but do not place in the street:

  • Clinton Street
  • Oak Street
  • Main Street (including East and West Main Street)
  • Pearl Street
  • South Main Street (between Oak Street and Walnut Street)
  • Walnut Street
  • Richmond Ave (between Oak Street and Prospect Avenue.

If your street has a route number (i.e. Route 5, Route 33, Route 63 and Route 98), then please keep leaves out of the roadway.

All other streets are asked to rake leaves to the curb line, taking care not to block storm drainage structures/ catch basins.

Leaf operations typically have one crew on the Southside beginning on River Street, moving East in areas South of Main Street; and second crew on the Northside will work from Grandview Terrace moving west, north of Main Street. A third crew will work using a vacuum along main roads and numbered routes. It takes about two weeks to go through the entire city.

Any resident with leaves can also bring them to the Yard Waste Station on Law Street until it closes for the season on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Beginning Nov. 7th, the hours of the Yard Waste Station operation will be adjusted to 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAF COLLECTION

  • Leaf piles must be clear of sticks and other debris;
  • Grass clippings, flower potting material, branches, pumpkins and gourds cannot be picked up and residents are encouraged to bring those items to the Yard Waste Station;
  • Leaves should not block traffic;
  • Leaves should not be piled near intersection corners; this causes sight issues for motorist/ bicyclists/ pedestrians;
  • Keep leaf piles clear of drainage ways and catch basins; blocked drainage leads to localized flooding;
  • Leaves should not be piled around mailboxes, power poles, fences, fire hydrants or other obstacles; 
  • Do not park on leaf piles; the heat from a vehicle exhaust system could start a fire.

Domestic Violence Awareness: Focus at YWCA's annual breakfast was on children, wrongly viewed as 'secondary victims'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and, as often as domestic violence is discussed during October, there is often one missing component in the message.

“Domestic violence is a devastating social problem that affects every segment of the population. Children are considered secondary victims of domestic violence and this is not the case,” says YWCA’s Support Services coordinator Sherry Crumity. “Children often hear and see violence at home, and through that exposure they have emotional, mental and social damage that can affect their developmental growth.”

That was the message during YWCA’s annual Partner Agency Breakfast Wednesday at the nonprofit’s North Street site. The event is a way to recognize those people that work in law enforcement, legal and justice systems, government, business and human service fields to help reduce domestic violence in the community.

Why the focus on children? Since 2015, two dozen victims and 46 children have sought safe housing at YWCA’s shelter. That means 46 little lives have all been touched by domestic violence right here in Genesee County this past year alone. Nationally, one in 15 kids is exposed to intimate partner violence each year and 70 percent of abusers seeking treatment witnessed domestic violence as a child.

This type of violence does not happen in a vacuum, said Dr. Alisa Hathaway of Project Stronger at Mount Hope Family Center. She explained it simply after a video showed one young girl’s sadness due to the abuse in her home.

“She feels invisible,” Hathaway said to the audience of about 50 people. “There’s not something wrong with her but what has happened to her.”

Children exposed to domestic violence exhibit signs of aggression, anxiety, stress, destruction of property, depression, bedwetting, challenging authority, headaches and/or nightmares, Crumity said.

Since services for children began at YWCA earlier this year, seven out of 10 have met the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. It can be a long-lasting struggle, she said. She has worked with adult clients who have gotten “stuck” at the age they first witnessed domestic violence.

“Children who have witnessed domestic violence often have confused and contradictory feelings.  When the violence happens, children may feel scared and ashamed, or they may even think that they caused the problem,” she said. “Worse, they can grow up thinking that it's okay to hurt others or let other people hurt them.”

While most people are aware that domestic violence may include emotional, verbal, physical, sexual and even financial abuse, trauma and its signs may not be as obvious. Trauma is one’s response to a perceived threat to survival or emotional well-being. Even if a child seems “fine” on the outside, that doesn’t mean he or she is truly emotionally stable, Hathaway said.

In fact, care providers need to pay attention to those kids in particular, she said. They can be feeling shutdown, numb and separated from normal life, and therefore pull away from activities and relationships.

Crumity believes that it’s crucial for partner agencies, which also include health care professionals, schools and churches, to be trained in trauma-informed care and the effects domestic violence has on children.

“This way they are able to identify and refer families to services,” she said. “The training conducted today by Dr. Hathaway was a major step in addressing the gaps in services for children exposed to domestic violence.”

What to do? Hathaway offered some “essential elements” for providing this type of care:

  • Recognize the impact trauma has had on a child;
  • Help the child to feel safe and understand his or her problem behaviors;
  • Respect and support the child’s positive, stable relationships;
  • Be an advocate for the child and encourage trauma-focused assessment and treatment.

There is another element that is the anchor to all of these suggestions, Hathaway said.

“Take care of yourself,” she said. “It is equally important that trauma care providers take care of themselves.”

For more information about domestic violence and YWCA’s services, call (585) 343-5808 or YW’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at (585) 343-7513.

Local Democrats mobilize 'to fight voter apathy'

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
Local Democratic Committee across Western New York are mobilizing to fight voter apathy and get people to the polls this Nov. 8th. For eight days, through eight counties, candidates and volunteers will be spreading the message of political education and involvement.
 
Their mission? Get every eligible voter to the polls. Local volunteers throughout the region will be urging their friends, families and neighbors to help stop the decline in voter participation. 
 
"This year takes on extra importance." says Michael Plitt, chair of the Genesee County Democrat Committee. "There are so many issues to evaluate today, right down to the local council level, that will shape our lives tomorrow.
 
"People need to realize that it isn't just about the presidential elections, but also about the representatives that will directly help them and their communities."
 
An array of candidates will be taking the time to stop and speak with members of the community before volunteers hit the streets. Their primary role will be to remind people of their polling location and hours.
 
The event will be hosted at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27th, at 43 Main St., Le Roy.
 
Special guests will include Batavia's very own Diana Kastenbaum, candidate for the 27th Congressional District, Erie County Minority Leader -- Tom Loughran, candidate for the 61st Senate District and Judge Lynn Wessel Keane, candidate for the 4th Judicial Supreme Court. 
 
The public from all parties are encouraged to attend and participate.

Authentically Local