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Announcements

Muckdog fans encouraged to wear denim Wednesday

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Muckdogs will host the first Canadian Tuxedo Appreciation Night at 7:05, gametime, Wednesday, June 24.

The head-to-toe denim fashion affair will take place as the Muckdogs take on the Williamsport Crosscutters.

Fans and staff alike are encouraged to show their support for the Muckdogs by donning the denim and committing a JOJO (Jeans-On-Jeans Offense). Urban Dicitonary.com defines the Canadian Tuxedo as “an outfit consisting of a denim jacket and denim jeans.”

The Muckdogs would like to use their platform and standing within the Batavia community to orchestrate the comeback of the Canadian Tuxedo. Muckdogs general manager of baseball operations, Travis Sick said: “The Canadian Tuxedo has been unfashionable for far too long, and the Muckdogs would like to be the first to rally support for denim-on-denim and shock the fashion world. Change has obviously been a major topic this past year, and we decided what better way to contribute than to bring back denim?” 

Fans who dress up will have the opportunity to be a part of the “Best Dressed” Competition with prizes for the winners. In addition, fans who accessorize their Canadian Tuxedo with flare from the 1980s (i.e. mullets, mustaches, REO Speedwagon T-shirts, etc.) will be awarded Cool Points and render the judging process biased and favorable toward their cause.

For more information, or questions regarding Canadian Tuxedo Appreciation Night contact the Muckdogs Front Office at (585) 343-5454, or visit StocktonPorts.com.

Bethany revs up for Family Cruise Night

By Billie Owens

Muscle cars, big rigs, antique cars and motorcycles will be on display from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 27 during Family Cruise Night at Bethany Airport Field.

Those wanting to show off their rides are welcome to do so. There will be People's Choice judging.

If it rains, the event will be held Sunday, June 28 instead. The airport is located across from the BVFD headquarters at 765 Amity Road.

Family Cruise Night is put on by the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary and the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department, with all proceeds benefiting them.

Event Date and Time
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GO ART! Reach and Ripple Grants 2010

By Heather Grant

Yes it is that time of year again!  The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!)  is preparing for the 2010 cycle of the Reach and Ripple Grant Program and I am excited to be a part of it this year.  I recently accepted the position of Decentralization Regrant Coordinator at GO ART! and I am looking forward to meeting all of the organizations and individual artists who are interested in working on new artistic and cultural programs throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties. 

The Decentralization Regrant Program is an excellent program offered by the New York State Council on the Arts and administered locally by GO ART!.  This will be the 31st year for GO ART! to provide this program to the local community.  Although the funding amount has not been announced yet- we are expecting about an 8% cut due to the economic downturn and the cuts made to NYSCA this year.  But this should not deter any organization or individual from applying to the program! 

This program is unique in our region because it offers two separate types of grants.  The first is called the Reach Grant.  This funding is available to nonprofit organizations or individuals sponsored by a fiscal agent that meets NYSCA and GO ART! criteria.  Awards in this category may range from $400-$5000.  The second is the Ripple Grant.  This funding consists of two grants of equal value (last year's amount was $2250) awarded to individual artists residing in Genesee or Orleans Counties who wish to create new arts and cultural projects with a community context. 

Free grant application workshops are being scheduled now and will begin June 18th!  Applications materials will also be available beginning June 18th.  For further information you may go to www.goart.org or contact Heather Grant, Regrant Coordinator at hgrant@goart.org

FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK

By Robin Walters

We at Care-A- Van had received the following flyer.. just wanted to share this information as a reminder.

 

FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK

FEATURING:  HOTEL FOR DOGS-  PG

WHEN: JUNE 20TH

TIME: DUSK (8:30-9:00 PM)

                         GATES OPEN AT 7:30                     

WHERE:  DWYER STADIUM

Please bring a blanket or a lawn chair to sit on .

Concession stands will be open at your cost

Sponsored by:  Genesee & Orleans County Reality Check Programs, Genesee County Youth Bureau and the Batavia Muckdogs

For more information please call 344-3960

 

 

Happy Birthday Howard

By Bea McManis

A very happy birthday, Howard.  Many happy returns of the day.

So nice to finally meet you last night.

Youth Cheer Camps Scheduled For This Summer

By Patricia Hawley

Cheerleading Camps for children ages 5 through 18 are being scheduled for this summer, beginning June 29 and continuing through August 12. Various age levels can participate in the cheerleading camps, which will be held at the Community Park located on Bank Street Road (at the E. Saile Dr. intersection) in Batavia. Camps include:

· Youth Cheer: Three levels for ages 5 – 7, 8 – 10, and 11 – 13. Participants will learn the fundamentals of cheerleading, sideline cheers, dance, and basic stunting and tumbling. One-week camps runs Monday through Wednesday from

9:00 a.m.- Noon. Cost: $100.
5-7 year old Cheer Academy Camp: June 30 – July 1 OR July 20 – 22
8-10 year old Cheer Academy Camp: July 6 – 8 OR July 27 – 29
11-13 year old Cheer Academy Camp: July 13 – 15 OR August 3 - 5 
 

· Cheerleading Boot Camp: For ages 13 – 18. This camp is designed for the cheerleader who wishes to prepare for high-school try-outs this fall. The camp includes intense stretching and conditioning, jump & sequence, tumbling and basic stunting. (Note: this camp runs twice a week – on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 1 – 3 p.m. from July 6 - 29.) Cost: $200; Two-week option (July 20 – 29) $125 

All camps are organized by GeneseExcel Sports and will be run by Krista Shamp, former Batavia High School Cheerleading coach. Shamp led two teams to championship titles; the first-ever win in Section V history for Batavia Cheerleading. She also is a five-time Section V Coach of the Year. “My staff and I are devoted to inspiring young athletes to understand and enjoy the sport of cheerleading. We have many years of experience collectively ranging from high school cheerleading to college national teams, All-Star performances to professional cheerleading. My hope is that we can bring a new level of expertise and spirit to local cheerleading.”

GeneseExcel is a privately owned company dedicated to providing Genesee County with recreational opportunities. Ted Hawley, owner of GeneseExcel, has been involved with youth soccer for over 15 years. He also has 30 years of experience with rugby – as a player and a referee. “I think there’s a need for athletic camps and clinics in this area, especially during the summer months, when many kids are training for school sports. GeneseExcel is committed to providing building blocks to not only develop skills, but to enhance the skills they may already have.

Applications will be accepted until July1. For additional information about cheerleading camps, or GeneseExcel soccer camps, please contact Ted or Patty Hawley at 585.343.3329 or email info@geneseexcelsports.com.

Summer Soccer Camps Planned for Area Youth

By Patricia Hawley

 YOUTH SOCCER ADACEMY PROVIDE BUILDING BLOCKS FOR YOUNG ATHLETES

 GeneseExcel Sports is pleased to offer soccer camps for children ages 8 – 18 this summer. Four separate sessions begin Thursday, July 16 and continue through Saturday, August 8. All camps are held from 9:00 a.m. – Noon and include a free t-shirt for participants.
 
“Our youth camps will focus on the building blocks of soccer, particularly the habit-forming fundamentals of the game,” according to Ted Hawley, GeneseExcel owner and camp coach-coordinator. Practices will cover dribbling & first touch; passing techniques; shooting & finishing; understanding & movement off the ball; and more. In addition, teamwork and sportsmanship will be emphasized daily.
 
Camps include:
  • First Session: Ages 8 & 9 boys and girls July 16 - 18. Cost: $100
  • Second Session: Ages 10 & 11 boys and girls July 23 - 25. Cost: $100
  • Third Session: Ages 12 & 13 boys and girls August 6 - 8. Cost: $100
  • GeneseExcel’s 2009 Premier Soccer Camp featuring former Lady Rhino’s Captain and current Elmira College Varsity Women’s soccer coach Liz Masterson. Ages 9-17, July 30 – Aug. 1. This camp is designed for the advanced player who wishes to strengthen his/her skills while improving their technical and tactical awareness in a competitive environment. They will learn the work ethic that will take them to the next level. Cost: $130
 Masterson was a four year member of the Women’s Soccer program at St. Lawrence University. Throughout her time with the Saints, Masterson garnered a variety of honors both on and off the field. She was a four-time First Team All-Liberty League award winner, a First Team East Regional honoree in 2002, and a First Team NSCAA All-American selection in 2003. In the summer of 2005, Masterson made the jump to the professional level playing for the Massachusetts Stingers of the Women’s Professional Soccer League. After one season with the Stingers, she then joined the Rochester Rhinos in April of 2006 where she captained the Semi-Professional team through its first two seasons of existence.  
 
GeneseExcel is a privately owned company dedicated to providing Genesee County with recreational opportunities. Hawley has been involved with youth soccer for over 15 years and is past Coaching Director and President of Genesee Lancer’s – the area’s elite travel club. He presently serves as assistant coach for the Lancers’ U-15 league as well. He coached in the Genesee Amateur Soccer Association for seven years and served as assistant for the Batavia High School Girls Varsity soccer team. A long-time devotee of local rugby, Hawley has over 30 years of experience as both a player and a referee and currently serves as treasurer for the NYS Rugby Referee’s Society.  
 
Applications will be accepted until July 10. Free T-shirt for participants who register by July 1. For more information call: 585-343-3329 or info@geneseexcelsports.com

Genesee ARC Plans Open House

By Genesee ARC News

Genesee ARC is hosting an open house this Saturday, June 20th at 11 Coe Avenue. The community is invited to tour the residence which is home to six young women with disabilities.

The 3,000 square foot home was funded with grant monies targeted at innovative services for individuals with disabilities. It features an open floor plan and is fully accessible.

The open house runs from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a ribbon cutting and introduction of residents scheduled for 1:30 p.m.  Refreshments will also be served. All are welcome to attend.

 Anyone with questions about the open house may call Marie Fragnito at the ARC Residential offices at 344-1678.

Michael Napoleone Memorial Baseball Tournament set for July

By Billie Owens

Twelve teams of children from Western New York and Canada will vie for the championship July 24-26 at the Second Annual Michael Napoleone Memorial Baseball Tournament.

The competition will be be held at Batavia's Dwyer Stadium. Teams pay a fee of $350 to enter. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit foundation established in Michael's memory to help support research for pediatric cancer and the Lend A Hand For Hope organization.

Players are aged 14 and under. Several teams have already signed up. These include:

Southtown Knights

Event Date and Time
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AmeriCorps benefits youth and communities

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Youth Bureau’s AmeriCorps is spreading the word on how graduating seniors can improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through community service and volunteerism.

Over the course of the last five months, Project Director Kathy Frank and Victoria Rippel, Americorp member, have been educating high school groups about the benefits of serving in AmeriCorps.

They spoke to more than 250 students at eight different county schools. Students learned that membership benefits of the program include earning a living allowance while serving and receiving an educational award to help further their studies. Members also receive training in a number of areas including youth development, first aid, CPR and customer service.

Also, members gain valuable job skills and have the ability to explore career interests. National members serve on either a full- or part-time basis and work on a number of different projects ranging from environmental preservation and poverty reduction to tutoring and education. While in some programs nationwide members work together and live together, the Genesee County program has members working on individual projects and training. There will be new opportunities for students here in the fall.

There are AmeriCorps members at about 28 sites nationwide. Students are encouraged to look on the national AmeriCorps website (www.americorps.org <http://www.americorps.org/> ) for opportunities.

For more information on these openings on the national web site or contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960 or emailing Kathy directly at kfrank@co.genesee.ny.us. To join, you must be at least 17 years of age and a U.S. citizen.


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Salvation Army Majors bid farewell June 21

By Billie Owens

A Fairwell Open House for Salvation Army Major Leonard Boynton and his wife, Major Karen Boynton, will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 21 at the Batavia Salvation Army, which is located at 529 E. Main St..

The Boyntons are moving on after having devoutly served the community here since 1996.

For more information call 343-6284.

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June chamber mixer is Thursday at Brighton Securities

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will hold its June Business After Hours get-together from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18 at Brighton Securities, located at 212 E. Main St.

Brighton Securities is a local, independently owned stock brokerage and financial services firm with a 40-year history of serving Western New York.

Cost is $5 per member and $10 for non-members. There will be a 50/50 raffle to benefit The Michael Napoleon Foundation, plus door prizes, raffles, hors-d'oeurves and refreshments.

Please RSVP by calling 343-7440 or emailing chamber@geneseeny.com.

Event Date and Time
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Free boater course offered for safety certification

By Billie Owens

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C -- Batavia), the Monroe County Sheriff's Parks and Marine Unit and the NY State Parks Police, will host a free boater safety course for the public on Saturday, June 20.

There is, however, a $10 fee to process a permanent boater safety certificate with the NY State Department of Parks.

It will be held at Hamlin State Park from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. State law requires all boaters to pass an eight-hour boater-safety course, such as this one, if:

  • You operate a personal watercraft such as a jet ski, and are at least 14 years old.
  • And/or you wish to operate a motorboat, other than a personal watercraft, and are at least 10 years old but less than 18.

Anyone caught boating without a safety certificate may face fines and/or imprisonment.

“We are fortunate to live in one of the best tourist destinations in the Northeast. This summer, I encourage everyone to rediscover their own backyard and am inviting all boaters to join me at this free and informative event,” Hawley said.

Hamlin Park is located at 1 Camp Road in Hamlin and the course will take place in Shelter 1. Participants are encouraged to bring a bag lunch. To RSVP, contact Hawley's office at 585-598-5780.

Batavia Rotary Club builds first kitchen for Zambian school

By Billie Owens

The helping hands of the Batavia Rotary Club have reached out -- all the way to Zambia in Africa -- to build a new, modern kitchen at a school there.

The unique service project is being done in conjunction with Rotary clubs in St. Catherines, Ontario, and Lusaka Central in Zambia. They are replacing a stone fire pit in a Malambanyama school with a kitchen capable of feeding more than 300 people daily.

The project is estimated to cost $13,050 (U.S. currency) and half of it will come from Batavia and Ontario Rotarians and the Rotary International Foundation will provide matching funds. Members of the Lusaka Club in Zambia will oversee the purchase and installation of the kitchen appliances and utensils.

The kitchen is being constructed at Children’s Town School, a residential school and vocational training center that houses more than 300 students and staff. Children’s Town currently uses stone and concrete fire pits for all of their cooking, according to Ramon Chaya, Batavia Rotary Club president.

Malambanyama is located in central Zambia, on the African continent where the Development Aid from People to People in Zambia (DAPP) established Children’s Town in 1990.

It cares for former street children from Lusaka in cooperation with Zambia's Ministry of Education and Ministry of Community Development and Social Services.

Children’s Town School has already constructed an indoor room to be used for a kitchen, and has installed the necessary electrical and plumbing connections. The $13,050 grant will enable the school to purchase a modern stove, refrigerator, oven, oversized pots, dining tables and chairs, electrical fittings, tiles and miscellaneous plumbing materials.

The project came about as the result of conversations between members of the Batavia Rotary Club and St. Catherines Rotary Club. Both clubs are part of Rotary International District 7090, and members of the clubs frequently share information about projects and activities.

The possibility of an international service project caught the attention of longtime Batavia Rotarian Edmund Leising. He and member Mary Raymond worked with St. Catherines Rotary members to prepare a Rotary International Foundation matching grant application. Each club agreed to contribute $3,000 to the project, Rotary District 7090 agreed to contribute $1,950, the Lusaka Central Club agreed to contribute $100, and the Rotary International Foundation came in with a commitment of $5,000.

Most people living in the United States and Canada cannot imagine life without the ordinary convenience of a modern kitchen. Yet kitchens are rare in some parts of the world, including rural Zambia, and most cooking is done outside in large – and sometimes unsafe and unsanitary – pits.

“Being able to provide something as simple as a stove, a refrigerator, and utensils will make a big difference in the daily lives of more than 300 people,” Leising said.

Rotary International is a worldwide organization of clubs comprised of civic-minded business and professional people. One of the longstanding aims of the club is the promotion of international goodwill. More than 20 years ago, Rotary International – with the support of hundreds of thousands of members worldwide -- set out to eradicate polio. Through these efforts, a world without polio is now very close to being reality.

Every year the Batavia Rotary Club provides volunteer and financial support to dozens of charitable causes and organizations. It recently completed a commitment of $250,000 for upgrades at United Memorial Medical Center. The club was founded in 1919 and has about 100 members.

Batavia's VA Med Center celebrates 75 years

By Billie Owens

Since 1934, Batavia VA Medical Center has cared for America's veterans. And to celebrate 75 years of service, the center has lots of festivities planned for Saturday, June 27.

The center is located at 222 Richmond Ave. A parade will kick things off at 1:30 p.m., beginning at the gate opposite Redfield Parkway. This will be followed by a formal program in front of Building 1.

Assemblyman Stephen Hawley will emcee the program with William F. Feeley, director of VA WNY Healthcare System, who will deliver the keynote address.

The celebration will include military displays on the lawn along with band concerts and history displays in the Building 4 recreation hall and patio area. Free parking will be available at Batavia Downs on Park Road with shuttles beginning at noon. Redfield Parkway and Richmond Avenue will be closed during the parade.

For more information and to participate in the parade, please contact Kathleen Martin at 585-297-1196.

Holiday Inn gets top to bottom overhaul

By Billie Owens

The area's largest hotel, the Holiday Inn of Batavia, has announced the completion of a major renovation project.

Exterior improvements include a new roof, a complete facelift of the building with new stucco, additional blacktop pavement and new landscaping. Interior upgrades include new Moen shower heads and curved shower rods, plus refrigerators and microwaves in all 195 rooms.

In addition, new heating/air conditioning units have been installed along with new bathroom vanities in family suites. There are now Sealy pillow-top king and full bed mattresses in the Holiday Inn rooms, plus new floor tiles in all bathrooms. Automatic doors are being installed and new carpeting will soon be put in the lobby and banquet rooms. The pool area has been repainted and new flooring installed.

"We invite the community to come by to see all of the exciting changes that are taking place," said General Manager Becky Spar, adding, “We have spent so much of our energy on ensuring the quality of service that our guests receive. ... I think it’s important for our community to know that we are diligently working to improve our facility."

Those interested in holding an event at the Holiday Inn should contact Sue Mondi in the sales office at 344-2100.

Car wash to help pay for tombstone of local teen

By Billie Owens

A charitable car wash, dubbed  a "scrub in for Scotty" is set for 1 p.m. Sunday, June 14 in the parking lot in front of Billygoats, next to Settlers Family Restaurant in Batavia.

The event will help a Settlers' waitress, Diane, pay for her son's grave marker. All donations gratefully welcome.

Diane's son, Scotty R. "Scooter" Johnson, died unexpectedly at his parents' Oakfield home May 25. He was just 19 years old. The family needs the community's help to offset funeral expenses. There will be food and beverages available at the "scrub in."

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Batavia Concert Band sets summer schedule

By Billie Owens

The wide-ranging and ever-popular Batavia Concert Band will perform as follows this summer:

June 14

12:45 p.m. for Flag Day ceremony at the VA Medical Center

Conductor: Bob Pastecki

Sponsor: VA Flag Day Committee

June 24

7 p.m. at Centennial Park*

Conductor: Wayne Burlison

Sponsor: GCASA

July 1

7 p.m. at Centennial Park*

Conductor: Phil Briatico

Sponsor: UMMC

July 4

Noon at Centennial Park

Conductor: Phil Briatico

Sponsor: Picnic in the Park

July 8

7 p.m. at Centennial Park*

Conductor: Brad Meholick

Sponsor: Kiwanis Club of Batavia

 July 15

7 p.m. at Centennial Park*

Conductor: Brad Meholick

Sponsor: Rotary Club of Batavia

 July 22

7 p.m. at Centennial Park*

Conductor: Jane Haggett

Sponsor: Torrey Farms

 July 23

6:30 p.m. at Trigon Park in LeRoy

Conductor: Jane Haggett

Sponsor: The Village of LeRoy

 July 29

7 p.m. at Centennial Park*

Conductor: Jane Haggett

Sponsor: GO-ART

 Aug. 5

7 p.m. at Centennial Park*

Conductor: Derek Reiss

Sponsor: H.E. Turner & Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Homes

 Aug. 12 -- Dizzy

7 p.m. at Centennial Park*

Conductor: Derek Reiss

Sponsor: Dizzy

* Note *: Rain venue is at the Genesee County Nursing Home

 

 

Muckdogs announce 2009 promo schedule

By Billie Owens

The Muckdogs have announced their promotional schedule for this season at Dwyer Stadium.

The Daily News will sponsor the Muckdog Monday promotion. You can get a $1 off your ticket price when you redeem the Muckdog Monday coupon that will run in the Saturday morning editions of the Daily News.
 
Free Dog Night presented by Zweigles will take place every Tuesday home game. The first 200 fans through the gates will receive a voucher that can be redeemed at the Muckdogs concession stand for a free hot dog at that night’s game. Also on Tuesday, KRAFT Singles presents KRAFT Tuesday Night Tickets. Fans can bring a KRAFT Singles wrapper to the Muckdogs box office for a buy one ticket get one free from KRAFT Singles. Visit kraftsingles.com for more details.
 
The Family 4-pack promotion will take place every Wednesday. Four general admission tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and a 2009 program can be purchased for only $30.
 
Fireworks will light up the sky every Friday night at Dwyer Stadium, as well as the annual Fourth of July Independence Day celebration. Every Saturday will feature a pre-game concert on the concourse. The “Rock the Ballpark” events are presented by Tim Hortons of Batavia and New Energy Impact features Papa and Mama Root, an oldies rock and roll tribute band and original music recording artists. All performances begin at 6 p.m., weather permitting.
 
Other games of note include:

Opening Day/Magnetic Schedule Giveaway/Fireworks  -- Friday, June 19
Father’s Day/Post-Game Catch on the Field  -- Sunday, June 21
Renew Your Vows with Pastor Sick -- Sunday, July 12
Reusable Shopping Bag Giveaway (1st 500 fans) -- Saturday, July 18
“Muckdog Gazette” Giveaway -- Tuesday, Aug. 4
Frisbee Giveaway (1st 500 fans) -- Wednesday, Aug. 5
“First Pitch Fly In” to benefit Mercy Flight -- Thursday, Aug. 6
Team Photo Giveaway (1st 500 fans) -- Saturday, Aug. 15
Championship Souvenir Travel Mug Giveaway (1st 500 fans) -- Saturday, Aug. 22
 
Fireworks Nights:

June 19, 26

July 3, 4, 10, 17, 24

Aug. 14, 28.
 
The Muckdogs home opening game is at 7:05 p.m. Friday, June 19 against the Auburn Doubledays.

For a complete 2009 promotional schedule go to www.Muckdogs.com <http://www.muckdogs.com/> or call the Muckdogs office at (585) 343-5454.

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