Announcements

The American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" comes to Batavia on Friday, Aug. 13! This is an overnight event and will take place from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following morning.

It's at the Van Detta Stadium track, at 120 Richmond Ave. in Batavia, and is open to walkers and runners of all ages.

"Relay for Life" will involve teams of people running or walking around the track. Everyone is encouraged to participate, even if they cannot stay for the whole thing. However, each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times for the duration of the event (since "cancer never sleeps").

The overall event will consist of three parts -- a "Survivors Lap" in which those who have lived through the ordeal of cancer circle the track to celebrate their shared victory, a "Luminaria Ceremony" commemorating loved ones lost to cancer, and a "Fight Back Ceremony" in which participants make a personal commitment to fight cancer.

There is a fee of $10 per person, due at the time of registration. For more information, call Stacie Waddell at 1-800-227-2345 or visit relayforlife.org/bataviany.

Genesee Region Insurance Professionals (GRIP) awarded their $1,000 Harry K. Lown Memorial Scholarship to Karrie Mrowczynski (Letchworth Central School).

Patricia Lown, wife of the late Harry K. Lown, was on hand to witness the first time this award was given in his honor. It will be bestowed annually.

The event was held at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility in Batavia.

Karrie will be studying Business Administration and Entrepreneurship at University of Buffalo in the fall.

Here's some important information from the Disaster Services of Western New York, Tri County Chapter.

Summer Water Safety Guide

Staying safe around water doesn’t mean just having kids wear water-wings.

A recent American Red Cross survey shows that almost half the adults surveyed on water safety say they’ve had an experience where they nearly drowned, and one in four know someone who has drowned.

While more than 90 percent of families with young children will be in the water at some point this summer, almost half (48 percent) plan to swim in a place with no lifeguard.

With so many planning to be in, on or near the water, it is 
important to follow the basics of water safety, maintain 
constant supervision of children and to get trained!

Practice Water Safety

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well.
• Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross 
water-orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; 
teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets 
around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
  

Maintain Constant Supervision

• If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers — many children who drown in home pools 
were out of sight for less than five minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.
• Actively supervise children whenever around water — even if lifeguards are present. 
Always stay within arm’s reach of young children.
• Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.

Know How to Respond to an Aquatic Emergency

• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
• Enroll in Red Cross water safety, first-aid and CPR courses to learn how to respond.
• Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first-aid kit.

What You Should Do

Contact your local Red Cross chapter to find out which aquatic facilities in your area offer Red Cross 
courses, and sign up!

Saturday night, July 31, marks the first big giveaway at Batavia Downs Casino. (Harness racing returns to the Western New York standardbred track for the 64th season on July 26.)

Batavia Downs Casino and the New York Sire stakes are partnering in a Glass Giveaway. This unique beverage glass has all of the Downs 2010 Sire Stakes dates listed on it.

“We’re again pleased to work with Mr. Goold and the Sire Stakes folks on our first major giveaway of the season," said Michael D. Kane, vice president of Live Racing and OTB branch operations. “We’re confident our racing fans we be pleased with this promotion.”

Beginning at 5 p.m., the first 750 racing fans that swipe there Player's Club card will receive a ticket good for NYSS glass that can then be redeemed in the Paddock Room after the 7th race of the evening.

Racing fans are reminded that first race post time is now 6:40 p.m. For a complete list of the August racing promotions, please visit <http://www.bataviadownscasino.com/>.

Emmanuel Baptist Church in Batavia will hold Vacation Bible School (VBS) July 25-29.

This year's program is called "Sun Quest Rainforest." Participants follow Jesus on a life-changing adventure, a week full of excitement and new experiences for children ages 4 to 12. Adults are welcome, too!

Heidi Richmond is back for her second year as director of VBS, held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration is at 6 p.m.

“I love to see the kids' faces as we bring the word of God to them,” Richmond said.

Parable Falls Bible story, Rockin’ Rainforest assemblies, Toucan’s Tree-mendous crafts, Canopy café snacks and Jumpin’ Jungle games are the five different sections that the children will be going to to learn about Jesus and his disciples.

The children are divided into three groups -- the Amazing Anacondas, Funky Frogs and the Creepin’ Crocodiles. Throughout VBS the children will be learning songs to perform for parents and friends at 8:30 p.m.m Thursday, July 29, the close of VBS.

“Knowing if you bring just one kid closer to God then it makes the whole thing worth it,” Richmond said.

Nursery is also available for children younger than 4. They will also have the opportunity to hear stories and play games.

“If they will sit still for a story, they will hear a story, if all they want to do is play and jump around then that is fine, too,” Richmond said.

Every day the children have to learn a new memory verse and each day has a crazy theme, such as crazy hair day, backwards day and crazy sock day, just to name a few.

At the end of each night, everyone joins together in the sanctuary to watch and listen to the ending skit, led by Pastor Dale Gooch. Each night the children are left with a cliffhanger. They need to come back the following night to find out what happens next.

“Every child has something different they enjoy but the skits are the overall favorite for everyone,” Richmond said.

Emmanuel Baptist Church’s congregation has helped a great deal with VBS. They have given craft supplies, helped build the scenery and served as group leaders during the program.

“It would not be possible without all the volunteers, we have over 30 volunteers,” Richmond said.

Each year VBS has a mission project. This year it is the Care-A-Van toiletry drive. Each child will be bringing in donations such as: Toothpaste; brushes/combs; shampoo and conditioner; deodorant; toilet paper; Kleenex; body wash/hand soap; socks; and underwear.

All these essential items go to needy families in the area. Care-A-Van ministries are headed by Paul and Bridget Ohlson.

Care-A-Van is an outreach program that helps those in need around the city of Batavia. If you have ever seen a big red van or bus driving around Batavia, then you have seen Care-A-Van.

VBS is an opportunity for children to meet new people, get new experiences and learn about God. Come down to Emmanuel Baptist Church and see what it is all about.

The church is located at 190 Oak St. in Batavia. For any questions or information about the program, please call 343-4905.

There has been a change of date for the voter outreach program demonstrating how to use the new electronic voting machines which was scheduled on Wednesday, July 28.

It will still take place in Pembroke Town Hall, but the date has been changed to Thursday, July 29 instead. Hours are the same, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The Pembroke Town Hall is located at 1145 Main Road in Corfu.

The Genesee County Board of Elections apologizes for any inconvenience.

All Genesee County Chamber of Commerce members and their guests are invited to attend the chamber’s annual Member Appreciation Night starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26.

This year, the chamber will host “A Night at the Ballpark.” Ticket price include general admission to the game and an all-you-can-eat buffet under Party Tent in the “The Hot Corner.”

The buffet will be served between 6 and 7 p.m. and includes hotdogs, hamburgers and cheeseburgers with all the fixings, pasta salad, potato salad, watermelon, potato chips, ice-cold beer and soda.

The cost is $18 for adults, $9 for children 4-12 and free for children 3 and under.

Tickets along with an additional event wristband MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE AT THE CHAMBER OFFICE, 210 E. Main St., Batavia. If you do not purchase your tickets at the Chamber Office you will NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE PARTY TENT.

Chamber office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. Please call Kelly B. at 343-7440 for any questions.

Batavia Downs Casino will hold its annual Weiner Dog Races and Family Fun Day on Sunday, Aug. 29.

The whole family is invited to visit with Mr. Scribbles, Pringles the Clown, and get free pony rides 2 to 4 p.m. for the kids. Sahlens hot dogs and sodas will be just $1 at the Paddock Room concession stand beginning at noon.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., the Weiner Dogs will take to the track! Petco of Batavia is the official sponsor of the event and will supply doggy bags to the owners of the participating dogs.

This year, six separate heats will be held with the fastest dachshund that dashes down the track in each heat declared the winner. The winners will be given an opportunity to race in the championship following the final heat and compete for prizes. Last year, Jean Smart’s 2-year-old dachshund, “Jake Arnold," was a narrow winner.

If you would like to enter your dachshund, please contact Arna Tygart at 343-3750, ext 437 beginning July 26.

At the Genesee County Fair, the local chapter of MOPS -- Mothers of Preschoolers -- has a tented booth at the far end of the bathroom that is a changing station.

Say the MOPS, "We offer a clean place to change the little ones and also a nice clean comfortable place to breastfeed.

"Stop by and get info about joining our MOPS family with your little one or just stop in, say 'Hi!' and use our facility.

           In an effort to keep our community safe from drugs and crime, GCASA and the City of Batavia Police Department will be kicking off the sixth annual National Night Out event at Austin Park in Batavia. The event is set for Tuesday, August 3^rd from 5:30-8:30pm with a family friendly movie to follow afterwards.

The Genesee Community College Board of Trustees elected Trustee Charles R. Ruffino as board chair for the 2010-2011 year at its annual meeting Monday.

Ruffino has served as vice chair for the last two years. He is a resident of Batavia and a retired New York State Department of Education administrator.

Trustees elected Maureen T. Marshall as vice chair. She lives in Elba, and is owner and operator of Elba-based Torrey Farms.

Diane D. Torcello was named secretary. She resides in Pavilion and works as a Bank of Castile branch manager.

In other business, the board of trustees:

• Heard President Stuart Steiner report that State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher sent him a letter expressing her pleasure at serving as Genesee's 2010 commencement speaker in May.

• Heard Steiner report that Genesee will receive $417,424 in Perkins Vocational and Technical Education funding for the coming year. The grant will provide support for career-oriented programs at the college.

• Heard Steiner report that the New York State Education Department has given final approval for the college's new Veterinary Technology degree program and Polysomnographic Technology degree program. The college may now accept students for both programs.

Batavia Downs has announced a brand-new scholarship race to give away $7,500 for college-bound students. The event will feature students from area schools, accompanied by professional drivers, in a "dash for the cash" on Saturday, Sept. 11.

“We are really pleased to be able to help support the education of students in our community in such a unique way,” said Batavia Downs General Manager Michael D. Kane. “We hope the students who participate not only walk away with scholarship funds, but also a greater understanding of the sport of harness racing.”

The students and their professional driving partners are: Emily Sallome, of Batavia High School, with Mike Pokornowski; Kaley Falkowski, of Batavia High, with Jim Mulcahy; Eric Harrower, of Batavia High, with Ron Beback, Jr.; Michael Norway, of Oakfield Alabama High School, with Mike Baumeister; and Tyler Pingrey, from Notre Dame High School, with Jim Graham.

This summer, the students will attend at least five training sessions at the track with their driver to learn the safety and skills needed to drive a horse. Then between the fourth and fifth live harness races on Sept. 11, they will line up behind the starting gate and compete for scholarships of $3,000, $2,000, $1,200, $800, and $500, depending on their finish.

“Five organizations came together to sponsor these scholarships as an investment in the youth of this community,” Kane said. “This scholarship event is sponsored by the horsemen, breeders, owners, and raceways of Western New York through the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State, the Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association, Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs Casino.”

Harness Horse Breeders is partnering with other New York tracks this summer to offer scholarships to students across the state.

Batavia Downs, America’s oldest lighted harness track, opens its 64th racing season on Monday, July 26, for 72 racing dates. Racing will be at the new post time of 6:40 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. There will also be a special 1:15 p.m. post on Sunday, Aug. 29.

For more information, visit <http://www.batavia-downs.com/>.

This is an e-mail from Sandy Gillard, the longtime children's librarian at Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia, who recently retired.

I would like to thank Dan Crofts for the beautiful pictures and article about my retirement from the Richmond Memorial Library. I would also like to thank all of the people who sent cards, stopped in to see me, or expressed good wishes for my future.

It is so gratifying to know what a generous and thoughtful community we live in. I would like to share any recognition I have received with my family (especially my husband, Craig) and with the staff and board of the library both past and present.

As a group these people have worked hard to create one of the most outstanding libraries in the country. Lastly, it is important to remember the taxpayers who have supported our library and have made all of this possible.

As I look forward to the future, I plan to continue to live and volunteer in Batavia because it is a wonderful place to call home.

Sandy Gillard
Retired Children's Librarian of the Richmond Memorial Library

Care to spend a few hours in a simpler, less complicated era? If so, then it might be worth the twenty minute ride to West Jackson Corners this Sunday, July 18th. Olde Tyme Days festivities will begin at approximately 11 a.m. right across the road from East Shelby Community Bible Church. There will be plenty of food and refreshments on hand, none costing more than a penny! Hot dogs, homemade pies (rhubarb, cherry, blueberry, apple, peach, blackberry etc.) homemade ice cream, homemade bread and more will be available.

Here the ladies are serving up homemade bread and other snacks. Note the open hearth in the background.

One of the woodworkers diplaying his craft. In addition to woodworking, Olde Tyme Days offers demonstrations in blacksmithing, tinsmithing, weaving, candlemaking and much more - and the opportunity to try your hand at any or all.

There will be horse-drawn wagon rides through the countryside and pony rides for the kids.

Lots of singing....

and laughter-inducing entertainment...   is the order of the day.  If you've got a free hour or two come Sunday, come on out to Olde Tyme Days where the food is a penny and the activities are free! Located on East Shelby Rd. two miles north of Swallow Hollow Trail.  

"Sand Between Your Fingers" was the third program for teens in the Richmond Memorial Library's Summer Reading Program.

They got to try their hand at sand art, mixing a variety of colored sands to make "sand pens," which they could then take home and use for writing and drawing.

The library's Teen Program is open to students entering grades six through 12. The program extends through Aug. 4, so sign up soon if you haven't done so already!

Visit the library, at 19 Ross St. in Batavia, or call 343-9550 for more details.

It's not to late to sign up and be a part of the Second Annual Caring for the City Day.

Last year Care-A-Van Ministries and Dr. Russ Marchese and his staff held the first Caring for the City day. 58 folks received free dental care, 37 received free hair cuts from Continental Beauty Salon, staff from United Memorial Medical center was on hand for free blood pressure screenings and education on breast cancer, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Lake Plains joined in too with offering their free services.

Local Pastors partnered together as well to offer a prayer table.

Many volunteers were on hand to help out as well.  The date for this years Caring for the City Day will be Friday, August 20th from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM at 401 East Main Street, back parking lot behind Dr. Marchese's office.

While Dr. Russ and his staff are busy offering the free dental service inside, we are hoping that more agencies, churches and volunteers will be on hand out in the parking lot offering their services. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to come together to be a blessing to others and to help educate the community of the services you offer.

If you or your agency or church are interested in being a part of this awesome day, please call Paul Ohlson at 343-0328 by this Friday, July 16th.

The Batavia Rotary Club has pledged $25,000 to the Genesee Community College Foundation over the next five years. The club's gift will be matched by the federal government.

The Endowment Challenge Fund of the U.S. Department of Education recently awarded the college a matching grant for its endowment fund -- up to $80,000 per year for the next five years. The money helps support, retain and aid deserving student facing financial hardships.

"As a long-time Rotarian and college employee, I was delighted the Rotary recognized the benefit of doubling the scholarship fund under the Endowment Challenge grant," said Ray Chaya, a long-term member of the Batavia Rotary and a former president.

Chaya has also been a member of the college's staff for more than 30 years.

"Year in and year out, we see how scholarships change students' lives – empowering them to become productive members of our community," Chaya said. "It is a win-win for everyone."

The Genesee Community College Foundation was formed in the mid-eighties as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing service to and support of the college. Its 34-member board of directors is comprised of business and civic leaders. Last year, the foundation's philanthropic support provided 536 scholarships to Genesee students totaling $284,184.

Additional contributions to support for the foundation may be sent to the Genesee Community College Foundation, One College Road, Batavia, NY, 14020. For more information contact the foundation at 345-6809 or <http://foundation@genesee.edu>.

Cargill Animal Nutrition and its employees in the Northeast Region helped to contribute more than $77,000 to United Way chapters in communities throughout New York and Vermont last year.

To be exact, employee donations and corporate matches raised $77,856.

Local United Way donations came from employees at Cargill facilities in Albany, Batavia, Gouverneur, Jamestown, Liverpool and Salem, NY; plus and Swanton, VT.
 
United Way works across the United States and in 45 countries worldwide on programs that support youth education, workforce training, increased access to health care, and more.

Cargill Animal Nutrition, Northeast Region employs 341 people at 14 facilities in New York and Vermont and surrounding areas.

Last year, Cargill Northeast Region gave a total of $105,381 in donations, from high school scholarship programs to contributions to nonprofit organizations.