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Announcements

Buffalo weatherman performs Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' Dec. 20

By Billie Owens

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) is proud to host Mike Randall in Batavia on Sunday, Dec. 20 for “Charles Dickens Presents: A Christmas Carol.”

The program will take place at 2 p.m. at St. James’ Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St. (Route 5) in Batavia.

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Downtown businesses wanted to take part in Christmas in the City Festival

By Billie Owens

Downtown Batavia businesses are wanted to join in the holiday spirit at the 14th Annual Christmas in the City Festival, which will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4.

Activities will include entertainment in the stores and on the main stage at the Batavia City Centre, a variety of vendors selling food and holiday gifts. There will be free horse and wagon rides, coupons for Saturday shoppers and lots more for all ages.

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Young volunteers wanted to grow an indoor garden for seniors

By Billie Owens

Genesee Youth Bureau is starting an intergenerational project that will bring together underserved groups in our community. Teams of youth assisted by Genesee County RSVP volunteers will create and care for an indoor garden to help supplement the diets of the senior population in Genesee County.

Youth will take responsibility for building and caring for the garden. They will also learn about and in turn educate the community about how to make the produce part of a healthy diet during tough economic times. Youth will also gain understanding about the environment and the needs of the community while learning more about themselves and building their self-esteem. Youth will have a chance to interact and bond with the senior population.

The bureau is looking for youth between the ages of 5 to 18 to take part in this project. This is a great way for youth to get involved in their community and earn community service hours.

To get involved and learn more, call 344-3960.

Muckdogs want to reach out to your group or event

By Billie Owens

The Muckdogs are always looking for community events to strengthen community ties and be good citizens. The baseball team wants schools, businesses and charitable and civic organizations to take advantage of its outreach efforts.

“It’s important for us to assist with area charitable initiatives and give back to the community that supports us,” said Muckdogs General Manager Travis Sick. "This year, the Muckdogs continued to strengthen their community ties by helping local charities raise money, and being a conduit through which $1,600 was raised this past season.  The Muckdogs continue to field requests during the off-season."

Call the Muckdogs office at 343-5454 to find out how your group or event may fit in with the Muckdogs’ Community Outreach.

For example, the Muckdogs’ players have regularly done in-season autograph sessions, while the staff and mascot visit local classrooms and other places throughout the year, getting the word out about the organization, and how it might help charitably.  Homer, in particular, made nearly 20 appearances at local schools, a nursing facility, library and charity tournaments. The Muckdogs have also collected money and food for a local animal shelter. 
 
Prior to the season, the Muckdogs kick off the season’s community relations by hosting a job fair at Dwyer Stadium, where area youth are selected for stadium jobs. Similarly, a National Anthem contest is conducted, giving local singers a chance to show their expertise and sing the National Anthem at a home game.
 
In partnership with the Hillside Family of Agencies, several baseball clinics were organized in conjunction with Muckdogs players. These clinics provide an opportunity for children of all ages to learn baseball fundamentals and meet players. Additionally, the Muckdogs staff conducted seven “Launch-A-Ball” fundraising games on-field, with proceeds for Hillside topping $500.
 
The Muckdogs also hosted a night at the ballpark for Genesee County ARC, to provide ARC members from surrounding counties a chance to participate in a pre-game parade and receive recognition on the field.

Volunteers needed for Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle campaign

By Billie Owens

It's time once again to call for volunteer bell-ringers to assist in the Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle campaign.

The nonprofit Christian charity is seeking anyone interested in ringing a bell to solicit donations for needy families this holiday season to call or log on to find out more.

In Batavia, the phone numbers are 343-6284 or 343-4342. Or you can call this around-the-clock toll-free number 1-877-764-7259 or visit the Web site at www.redkettles.org

These are tough times for a lot of people and your assistance is needed now more than ever.

mayhem riders mc needs bussineses in batavia to help families in need

By chris johnson

mayhem riders mc

needs batavia area bussinesses to help in our quest to help area families in need at christmas time.we currently have a fund drive going to collect gently used clothing and toys for these families.we would also like to give each family a night out,thats where your generosity comes in,the ideal scenario would be to send the family to a restaurant then to the movies,or anything like that.so please if you can try and help us make this happen,the families we help very rarely get to take their familys  for a night out.what we do is not a hand out,it is a step up.so please contact us so we can work together to help area families.

 

                                                                                          C.A.J        president/founder

                                                                                                           mayhem riders mc

http://www.mayhemriders.com

webmaster@mayhemriders.com

check out our website to learn more about us,we are a family oriented motorcycle club

Tuesday is National Memory Screening Day

By Billie Owens

Tomorrow is National Memory Screening Day. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of American (AFA) and Assemblyman Steve Hawley encourage all seniors in the City of Batavia and the surrounding region to have a memory screening.

The free screening will available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Kmart Pharmacy, located at 8363 Lewiston Roadin Batavia.

"Memory loss is one of the first signs of the onset of Alzheimer’s and it is imperative we do everything in our power to protect seniors from this devastating disorder,” Hawley said in a press release.

At the screening, qualified healthcare professionals will offer confidential memory screenings and information about Alzheimer’s disease, along with information regarding local resources for healthy aging.

Approximately 4.5 million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or related illness and it is estimated that the number will triple to more than 16 million by mid-century. The greatest risk factor for memory loss and Alzheimer’s is age, with this risk doubling every five years after the age of 65.

As part of this year’s awareness campaign, AFA also hosted commemorative candle lighting ceremonies nationwide on Nov. 15. For more information about any other memory loss questions, please visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org or call 866-AFA-8484.

 

Join Local Cub Scouts for an Evening of Family Entertainment to Benefit Local Families

By Leela Chadbourne

 

Who: Elba Cub Scout Pack 17
What: Nickel City Reptile and Exotic Show
Where: Elba Fireman’s Rec Hall on Rte 98 in Elba
When: November 18th, 7 pm sharp
 
Please join Elba’s Cub Scout Pack 17 for an evening of family “fun”draising and laughs.  Come, bring a donation of a non-perishable food item and sit back, laugh and enjoy the entertainment of Jeff Musial and Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics. The show will be held at Elba Fireman’s Recreation Hall on Rte 98 in Elba on Wednesday November 18th at 7pm sharp. Doors will open to the public for seating at 6:45 and refreshments will be served following the show.  All food donations will be combined with our local Scouting For Food collection and will help provide assistance to local families this holiday season through the help of Car-A-Van Ministries. We will also be selling tickets for a 50/50 raffle with proceeds going to Car-A-Van Ministries.

GCC to hold open auditions for 'Chicago' and 'Anansi the Spider'

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Center for the Arts at Genesee Community College is holding open auditions for two musicals, scheduled for the spring of 2010.

Auditions for "Chicago" and children's theater "Anansi the Spider and the Middle Passage" are scheduled at 6 p.m. for Monday, Dec. 14 and Tuesday, Dec. 15 in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at the Batavia Campus. These auditions are open to the public and all ages and types of actors are welcome.

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School of Irish dance holds fundraiser to pay for competition costs

By Billie Owens

There will be a fundraiser for the McMahon School of Irish Dance from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22 at St. Joseph School, located at 2 Summit Drive in Batavia.

Teams and solo competitors from the dance school will provide entertainment. Come out and support the dancers in their effort to raise money to compete in the Regional Championships in Philadelphia over Thanksgiving.

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The Manor House Open House

By Howard B. Owens

BATAVIA , NY -- With expansion finally complete, The Manor House Senior Community is ready to show off its new apartments.  Anybody interested can tour the apartments and amenities Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Personal tours are available, and suite reservations will be accepted. For more information, call (585) 344-2345.

The Manor House is located at 427 E. Main St, Batavia, NY.

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Alexander Pack 650 Food Drive

By Pam McCarthy

This Saturday, November 14th the Alexander Pack 650 Cub Scout group will be having their annual Round Up for Food Drive. The non-perishable food will be collected, sorted and taken to a local food pantry to hand out to needy families. If you would like to donate items you may by:
1.        If a door hanger was left on your door you may put the items in a bag and place them outside of the door where the hanger was left. Please put the food out by 9am so the scout may pick it up.

2.        If you did not receive a hanger and would like to donate you may bring the item to the Alexander Elementary School Cafeteria from 9:30am till 11am.

3.        You may also call 716-560-1659 and a local scout with his parent will pick them up at your house. If there is no answer please, leave a message and someone will get back to you.

This round up is for the Alexander District but other local scouts may also be doing a food drive. Contact your local Cub Scout pack for details on their drive. 

THANK YOU in advance for helping your community and the scouts working towards their requirements and extra badges.

Spaghetti dinner Wednesday to benefit local cancer charity

By Billie Owens

Genesee Cancer Assistance will benefit from a big spaghetti dinner from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11.

The charitable fundraiser will be at the Holy Name of Mary Church hall, located at 8656 Church St. in East Pembroke.

Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children 5 to 12. Takeouts are available.

For tickets call, 343-5553, or just show up and pay at the door.

It's sponsored by Francesco Rinaldi, Tops Market in Batavia and the Batavia Downs Casino.

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This week at Batavia Christian Fellowship

By Walter Wojkowsk
'Believing in God's Promises' is the title of this week's message by Pastor Charlie Piscitello of the Batavia Christian Fellowship.  Worship services followed by  friendly fellowship and light refreshments will be offered at the YWCA, 301 North Street, at 11:00 AM Sunday, November 8th, and all are welcome to join us. 
 
You and your family and friends are also cordially invited to join Batavia Christian Fellowship and Heart of Christ Fellowship in a Thanksgiving Celebration on Sunday, November 22, 2009 at the YWCA, 301 North Street here in Batavia. Thanksgiving Praise and Worship will begin at 10:30 AM with a Thanksgiving meal to follow. This event is FREE and open to the public!  All we ask is that you reserve your meal by calling Pastor Charlie at 343-7623 NO LATER than November 15th.  We look forward to counting your presence with us among our many blessings!

 

 

Ricky Palermo honored for aiding those with spinal-cord injuries

By Billie Owens

Ricky Palermo has spent nearly 30 years working tirelessly to help find a cure for spinal-cord injuries.

On Dec. 4, UMMC and the Jerome Foundation will recognize his efforts when he is given the 25th Annual Health and Humanitarian Award at a luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant in Batavia.

Both foundations are honoring Palermo for three decades as a national research participant, and for his regional advocacy and local fundraising on behalf of curing spinal-cord injuries.

Wes Audsley, CEO of Genesee/Wyoming counties' YMCAs, cited Palermo's tireless efforts to find a cure for spinal-cord injuries when choosing him as a nominee. Palermo was injured 28 years ago in an accident which left him paralyzed from mid-chest down.

"This humble man has contacts and influence in all corners of our community, based solely on the content of his character and the sincerity of his work. Everyone takes Ricky's call, everyone contributes to Ricky's cause, and everyone feels better for the experience of knowing and working with Ricky," said Audsley in a press release.

The Miami Project is the world's most comprehensive spinal-cord injury research center and is based at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. It was the inspiration for Palermo's drive to raise funds and awareness for those with spinal-cord injuries.

In 1997, Palermo and his family started the Ricky Palermo Foundation. Since then, it has raised $500,000 in support of the Miami Project, United Memorial Medical Center and the Genesee/Wyoming counties' YMCAs.

Palermo is a member of the Board of Directors of the Genesee County YMCA, where he has developed an exercise program for those with spinal-cord injuries. His foundation offers free rehabilitative exercise opportunities for people suffering from paralysis, regardless of the level of injury. It also offers counseling and hope, says Audsley. The program is funded by contributions to Palermo's foundation.

The Health and Humanitarian Luncheon is open to the public. Reservations can be made by contacting the United Memorial Medical Center Foundation at 344-5301. Seating will be limited so early reservations are recommended.

'Cinderella' will delight young and old starting Thursday night

By Billie Owens

The perenially popular fairy tale of "Cinderella" comes to life beginning 7:30 p.m. Thursday, the opening of the 61st annual Rotary Club of Batavia Musical.

The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic will also be performed Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 and there's a matinee at 2 on Sunday, Nov. 8.

The production is directed by Patrick D. Burk and takes place in the Batavia High School Auditorium, located at 260 State St., in the City of Batavia.

Tickets are $16, available online at <bataviarotary dot com> or at Hawley & Associates Insurance Center, 260 State St. in downtown Batavia, Lawley Genesee in Jefferson Square, or at the door.

More than 40 friends, students, associates, neighbors, citizens, Americans and so forth have put countless hours and great effort into bringing the community this enchanting story. Ditto dozens more in the orchestra and production crew.

It's very much a family show and little ones are welcome -- encouraged -- to come dressed in a befitting costume.

This stage performance of "Cinderella" is one-hour-45-minutes long and has a happy ending, but there's soooo much to keep you entertained until then!

"Once upon a time there was a young maiden named Cinderella, who lived with her wicked stepmother and two wicked stepsisters..."

You are cordially invited to come reimagine the magic, timeless tale of romance-against-the-odds. And invite someone you care about.

Both photos were taken during rehearsals and provided by the Batavia Rotary Club.

Route 63/Ellicott Street roadway project focus of open house Oct. 28

By Billie Owens

There's going to be an open house from 2:30 to 4:30 and again at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 to discuss the pavement rehab project planned for Route 63/Ellicott Street. It takes place on the second floor of Batavia City Hall, located at One Batavia City Center.

Representatives from the state Department of Transportation will provide the following information about the project, which spans from Ellicott and Main streets to Cedar Street:

  • Pavement repairs, milling and asphalt resurfacing, new pavement markings
  • Re-striping lanes from the four now there, down to three
  • Expanding parking on both sides of the street
  • Construction work planned for summer 2010
  • Traffic maintenance on Ellicott during construction operations using daily lane closures
  • Having both nighttime and daytime construction

For questions or comments, call Dan Farrelly at (585) 272-4875 or e-mail him at dfarrelly@dot.state.ny.us

Here's the official project description:

The DOT is preparing plans to repair and resurface 1.7 miles of Route 63 (Ellicott Street) in the City of Batavia.

The scope of the work includes asphalt pavement repairs, pavement milling 2.5 inches in depth, a 2-inch-thick asphalt overlay, new pavement markings and cleaning of drainage structures.

The pavement markings are planned to change the traffic pattern from four lanes to three lanes, with parking on both sides of the road.

This work will restore a smooth ride, as well as preserve and extend the service life of the Ellicott Street pavement.

Regarding traffic control, traffic on Route 63 (Ellicott Street) will be reduced to a single lane in each direction during pavement repairs and resurfacing operations. Day and nigh time lane closures are planned.

No Route 63 traffic detours are proposed.

400 Towers' Election Day Baked Good Sale

By Bea McManis

400 Towers' Election Day Baked Good Sale

The vote is in, the best bakers live at 400 Towers.  The popular Election Day Baked Goods Sale is back by popular demand.

Where:  400 Towers' Lobby

When:   Tuesday, Nov. 3

Time:     6am - 9pm

Also, check out the Residents' Craft and Gently Used Sale in the 400 Towers' Community Room.

The 400 Towers' Baked Good Sale and Residents' Craft and Gently Used Sale sponsored by the 400 Towers' Residents' Council.

 

 

Sheriff supports amendment to let inmates toil for nonprofits

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Sheriff supports a proposed state constitutional amendment to permit inmates to work for nonprofit agencies.

Sheriff Gary Maha is asking voters to approve this as well come November.

According to the Sheriff's press release today, it was never intended that the state Constitution prevent a Sheriff from assigning inmates to a work crew at a nonprofit agency or organization. The current law prohibits the practice when an inmate is "contracted, given or sold" and dates back to at least 1898. It was probably intended to prohibit the sale of inmate labor to contractors or private parties.

Nowadays, the Sheriff's Office typically assigns inmates to work at cemeteries, libraries, service organizations, parks, playgrounds and other locations operated by nonprofits. The inmates aren't paid and are always supervised.

Current provisions in state law do not prevent inmates from working for the state or other municipality. Therefore, most people thought that inmates who volunteered for work detail could also work for nonprofits. The labor is considered part of their rehabilitation program, not a form of required or compensated labor.

But a few years ago, the state Commission of Correction -- the agency which oversees all correctional facilities in New York -- began questioning the practice of inmate labor for nonprofits and suggested that the state Constitution be clarified in this regard.

So the state Legislature passed a bill to allow county jail inmates to work for charitable organizations. Having passed the Legislature in 2007 and 2009, this issue will be on the November ballot for voter consideration.

Sheriff Maha is asking voters to approve the proposed New York constitutional amendment permitting inmates to work for nonprofits.

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