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Minor injury accident in the Village of Elba

By Billie Owens

A two-car, minor-injury accident is reported at 14 N. Main St. in the Village of Elba. It is not blocking traffic. One person has an arm injury.

UPDATE 5:14 p.m.: Elba is back in service. Law enforcement is on scene to manage traffic flow. Tow trucks are called in.

Registration deadline for Fancy Nancy Party at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Join us at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 7, at the Richmond Memorial Library for a Fancy Nancy Tea Party. The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Be ready to transform into a beautiful butterfly, listen to a few Fancy Nancy stories and enjoy a fancy dessert. Come dressed in your fanciest outfit!

Recommended age for participation is 3 years old and up.

Event Date and Time
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Boy Scouts of America to honor distinguished citizens at May 23 Boypower Dinner

By Billie Owens

The Iroquois Trail Council Boy Scouts of America will recognize six distinguished citizens at the 37th Annual Boypower Dinner scheduled for May 23 at Genesee Community College.

The keynote speaker will be Vice Admiral Dirk J. Debbink, chief of U.S. Navy Reserve and a Distinguished Eagle Scout.

The Boypower Distinguished Citizen’s Award recognizes positive countywide impact through community and professional service, and a long tenure of service both through business and personal involvement in community causes.

Event Chairman Roger Triftshauser, D.D.S., and Scout Executive James McMullen are pleased to announce the 2012 Honor Roll of Distinguished Citizens:

Betty Lapp (Genesee County) serves as Board Chair of the United Memorial Medical Center and the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership.

Mitchell McLaughlin (Wyoming County), executive vice president of Five Star Bank, serves as chairman of the board of the Wyoming County United Way.

David Bellavia (Orleans County), a decorated veteran of the Iraq War, is active in efforts to support war veterans.

James Culbertson (Livingston County), Livingston County clerk, has served on numerous community boards and has chaired past Livingston County United Way campaigns.

Husband and wife team Ken Kaufman and Michelle Farina (Niagara County) have used their musical talents to raise relief funds for a variety of local and international causes. Ken is also well known as the organist for Buffalo Sabres home games.

The annual Boypower Dinner is the premier event to raise monies to support scouting programs for nearly 4,000 boys from 7-20 years of age and girls ages 14-21 in Genesee, Wyoming, Orleans, Eastern Niagara, and Livingston counties.

“We couldn’t ask for a better group of role models for our Scouts,” Triftshauser said.

The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. The scouting organization is composed of 2.7 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 20, 1.1 million volunteers and nearly 300 local councils throughout the United States and its territories.

Indian Falls United Methodist Church celebrates 150 years with dinner and rededication service

By Billie Owens

In honor of 150 years, Indian Falls United Methodist Church is having an anniversary celebration on Saturday, June 9.

There will be fellowship and hors d'oeuvres from 5 to 6 p.m.

After that, there will be the rededication of the church.

Dinner is served at 6. Cost is $5 per person or $20 for a family of four or more. There is a program following dinner.

On Sunday June 10, worship is at 10 a.m. followed by a casual luncheon.

RSVP to 585-762-9105 by May 25.

If overnight accommodations are needed, call 585-762-8859 .

Relay at Alexander School for scholarships and fire prevention activities

By Billie Owens

The Alexander Dollars for Scholars and the Alexander Volunteer Fire Department are together hosting the 14:00.5 Relay for education and fire prevention from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 9.

It will be held at the Alexander School track and will benefit scholarships and fire prevention activities. The school is located at 3314 Buffalo St. in Alexander.

We are seeking teams to walk or run the track for as much of the duration as they desire.

There will be door prizes, raffles, a DJ, concessions, and fire truck displays throughout the day.

For additional information, contact event chair Barbara Krazmien at krazbam664@rochester.rr.com or Jim Burkhardt at 300-3044.

Local students achieve academic excellence at Buffalo State

By Billie Owens

The following students were recognized for outstanding academic achievement at Buffalo State's 55th annual Honors Convocation:

  • Abigail Copenhaver, a dietetics major from Corfu

 

  • Jillian Hunt, a career and technical education major from Corfu

 

  • Cara Robinson, a early childhood and childhood education major from Elba

 

  • Jessica Stabell, a anthropology major from Darien Center

To qualify, students must earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher and have accumulated a minimum of 45 credit hours. Buffalo State's Honors Convocation is held each spring to celebrate students who have achieved this level of academic excellence.

Founded in 1871, Buffalo State offers 166 undergraduate programs with 11 honors options and 65 graduate programs, including 19 postbaccalaureate teacher certification programs.

Rummage sale in the College Forum held by Alpha Epsilon Gamma

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College's Alpha Epsilon Gamma service organization will hold a rummage sale in the College Forum at the Batavia campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 10.

The college is located at One College Road in the Town of Batavia.

Event Date and Time
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First Pillage the Village 'Yarrrd' Sale

By Billie Owens

The premiere Pillage the Village "Yarrrd" Sale will be held at College Village, adjacent to the Batavia campus of Genesee Community College, starting at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 10, rain or shine! It ends at 5 p.m.

College Village is located at 8170 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road.

The College Village residential community is winding down for the summer as students prepare to leave at the end of the semester. This means a golden opportunity to fill the coffers of with some prized bounty!

Event Date and Time
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Batavia Society of Artists' Spring Show opening reception at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Socity of Artists will hold an Opening Reception for its Spring Show from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 17, in the Gallery Room at Richmond Memorial Library.

It is free and open to the public.

Also Genesee Community College student Dustin Pratt recipient for the Virginia Carr-Mumford Scholarship and will receive a certificate. He is showcasing his artwork at the reception.

The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Event Date and Time
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Accident with injuries at Harper and Richley roads, Darien

By Billie Owens

A car accident is reported at Harper and Richley roads in Darien. The car is on fire. There is entrapment. Injuries are reported. Mercy Flight is called. The helicopter is now in Buffalo and refueling. Darien Fire Department is responding along with Mercy EMS. The bird will land at the scene. It has a seven-minute ETA. One patient will be transported via Mercy Flight, two others via ambulance.

UPDATE 7:34 p.m.: Mercy Flight has a three-minute ETA and will land in a "wide open field" west of the roadway. Harper Road is shut down.

UPDATE 7:38 p.m.: Mercy Flight is on the ground.

UPDATE 7:47 p.m.: One patient has been transported to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 7:55 p.m.: All patients are being taken to ECMC.

UPDATE 9:31: Darien is just now back in service and the roadway is being reopened.

Stabbing on Center Street in the city

By Billie Owens

There is reportedly a fight among three or four people at 15 Center St., the City Church Youth Center. Law enforcement is responding as are medics. One person was stabbed.

UPDATE 8:16 p.m.: A male, age 22 or 23, is being taken to UMMC with a cut on his left cheek that is "longer than it is deep." Also, police call for firefighters to respond to wash away blood on the sidewalk. City Engine 12 is responding.

UPDATE 8:25 p.m.: Engine 12 has accomplished its mission and is back in service.

UPDATE 10:20 p.m. (by Howard): Officer Dan Coffey, tonight's shift commander, said at about 9:30 p.m. that officers were still conducting interviews and "sorting things out." No arrests, and there's no description of a suspect available.

Salvation Army Community Center spring schedule begins May 21

By Billie Owens

The Salvation Army announces its Spring 2012 Community Center Schedule. It begins Monday, May 21. The Salvation Army Community Center is located at 529 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.           

Open Gym and Game Room                                    Ages 13 and up

            Mondays & Thursdays  6 to 8 p.m.               Cost: $1 per hour

 

Men’s Pick Up Basketball                                          Ages: 18 and up

            Tuesdays 6 to 8 p.m.                                       Cost: $1 per hour

 

Youth Open Gym                                                       Grades 1-8

            Thursdays 3 to 5 p.m.                                    Cost: Free

 

Teen Open Gym                                                        Ages 13 and up

            Saturdays 7 to 9 p.m.                                    Cost: Free                                   

For more information contact: Major Patty at 343-6284 or email at patricia.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org

Free guided walking tours of historic Batavia architecture, reservations required

By Billie Owens

From 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, the City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission, in conjunction with the Landmark Society of Genesee County and The New York Landmarks Conservancy, will host free guided walking tours of some of Batavia's historic architecture.

May is National Preservation Month. The guided tour will bring guests to various locations that will highlight the historic significance of the “hidden gems” as well as explain the history behind some buildings that are now “lost treasures.”

The sites include GO ART!, the Masonic Temple, City Church, the Cary Mansion location, the First Presbyterian Church, the First Baptist Church, a couple of houses on East Main Street, St. James Episcopal Church, the Richmond Mansion location, the Richmond Memorial Library, and the Ross Street Historic District.

The First Presbyterian Church, locally designated as historic, and St. James church, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Their participation in the event is part of The New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Second Annual Sacred Sites Open House weekend.

The Cary Mansion location will be receiving an historic marker through the help and research of City Historian Larry Barnes, made possible by a grant from the Pomeroy Foundation of Syracuse.

Guests will also get to enjoy refreshments as well as a special organ performance by Charles Bradley. However, you MUST reserve your space for the FREE guided tour. Call Marcia Gann at 343-8218 to reserve your space.

To close off the event, The Landmark Society of Genesee County will host its 39th Annual Preservation Awards & Dinner that evening at 6 p.m. at St. James. The dinner will honor property owners for the thoughtful care and/or restoration work they have done.

The cost is $15/person. Anyone interested in attending the dinner must call Lucine Kauffman at 757-2455 or Laurie Oltramari at 343-1457 by Saturday, May 12th.

FYI: Ag plastic containers to be collected for recycling next month

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District is planning the next collection of ag plastic containers for recycling in between June 11-29 (exact date to be determined). A second pickup is planned for late September / early October.

Acceptable containers:
•       1-gallon jugs to 55-gallon barrels made from #2 high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
•       250-gallon totes accepted but must have all metal removed and be cut into 2' x 2' strips
•       5-gallon buckets must have metal handle removed
•       All containers must have caps and booklet removed and MUST be clean, empty, and pressure rinsed or triple rinsed

Pre-registration is required. Please call us to advise of the approximate amount of containers you will have for pickup. Collection dates and locations are based on the anticipated amount to be collected. Large plastic bags in which to store your clean containers are available free through our office.

Elizabeth Bentley-Huber
Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District
29 Liberty St., Suite 3
Batavia, NY 14020
Phone: 343-2362
Fax: 345-1815

Ten students honored at NYS health occupations leadership conference

By Billie Owens

Ten local students representing Genesee Valley Educational Partnership were honored at the New York State Health Occupations Students of America Leadership Conference held last month in East Syracuse.

These exceptional students earned six medals, three achievement awards, two service project awards, one Barbara James Gold Community Service Award, one Presidential Gold Community Service Award, one “Outstanding New York State HOSA Officer Award" and one HOSA Chapter Poster Award.

Ten members of the HOSA chapters from the Batavia campus participated in competitive events and leadership activities.

Members from Charter #17115: Heather Hicks (Batavia High School); Feyza Osmancikli (Oakfield-Alabama Central School); and Courtney Zufall (Attica).

Charter # 17125: Mechelle Bradley (Caledonia- Mumford); Kelly Cook (Elba); Jeffery Elleman (Alexander Central School); Jessica Fuller (Byron-Bergen High School); Brianna Hofert (Elba); Jenna Pangrazio (Elba); and Keri Ramsey (Alexander Central School).

Charter #17115 earned the HOSA Chapter Poster Award, and Feyza Osmancikli earned First Place in Job Seeking Skills.

Charter # 17125: Mechelle Bradley earned Third Place in Medical Photography; Kelly Cook earned First Place in Interviewing Skills and Third Place in Personal Care; Jeffery Elleman earned First Place in Medical Photography; Jessica Fuller earned Second Place in Interviewing Skills.

Brianna Hofert earned a Barbara James Gold Community Service Award; a Presidential Gold Community Service Award -- and the most prestigious award -- New York State Outstanding HOSA Officer for 2012. Brianna is required to attend the National HOSA Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla., where she will be honored for all three of these awards. (Brianna participated in the National HOSA Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C., September 2011.)

Kelly Cook was elected to serve as a New York State HOSA State Officer for the 2012-2013 School year. Kelly will serve in the role of NYS secretary and Region E vice-president. Kelly is required to attend Officer Training Camp June 25-28 in Albany.

Heather Hicks, Feyza Osmancikli; Courtney Zufall; Jenna Pangrazio, Mechelle Bradley, Kelly Cook, Jeffery Elleman, Jessica Fuller and Keri Ramsey participated as volunteers in the New York State HOSA Courtesy Corp. Keri Ramsey also volunteered her time as a patient in two competitive events, “EMT” and “First Aid and Rescue Breathing."

Susan Mills (NY State HOSA chaperone, and Attendance Officer for GVEP), Jenna Pangrazio, Kelly Cook and Jessica Fuller earned the NY State HOSA Achievement Award.

All students who have received a first-, second- or third-place honor, per the HOSA National Charter, have earned the right to attend the National HOSA Leadership Conference in Orlando.

Karen Emerson attended the event as a chaperone. Richard Queal provided transportation for the group. Don Shucknect was the male chaperone, Mary Beswick was a bus chaperone, and Sue Mills was the extraordinary overnight chaperone and HOSA supporter. Bonny Shelby is the HOSA advisor and Health Dimensions instructor for the students named above. Shelby is also a registered nurse at the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership -- Batavia campus.

Help us reach our fund-raising goal to send these students to Nationals by joining us for a pancake breakfast at Applebee's Restaurant in Batavia from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 12. Tickets are $5.

Multiple injury accident on Harlow Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident involving multiple injuries and possible entrapment is reported at 714 Harlow Road near Broadway Road. Mercy Flight is on in-air standby. Darien Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:58 p.m.: A responder on scene reports there is no entrapment.

UPDATE 12 p.m.: Law enforcement in on scene. An ambulance from Alden is also called to the scene. A responder reports that one vehicle has a 17-year-old driver and three passengers -- all under the age of 2. The driver of the other car has minor scratches. One of the vehicles is a Jeep.

UPDATE 12:09 p.m.: Mercy Flight is cancelled.

UPDATE 12:22 p.m.: One patient is being taken to Erie County Medical Center via the Alden ambulance. One patient is being transported to UMMC by Mercy medics.

UPDATE 12:31 p.m.: Mercy is taking one patient to Women's and Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

UPDATE 12:37 p.m.: An adult female patient is being taken to ECMC, but it is not clear if this is a new transport or if the rig that was going to go to Buffalo was re-routed.

UPDATE 12:53 p.m.: Darien is back in service.

Grass fire reported on north side of Thruway

By Billie Owens

A grass fire is reported on the north side of the Thruway by mile marker 394, in front of Area 51 Motocross Prack. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 4:58 p.m.: As firefighters discussed how best to get to the grass fire, the NY Thruway Authority notified the dispatch center that the blaze is off the Thruway and cannot be accessed by driving down Harloff Road where the motocross park is because there's a fence blocking access to the Thruway.

Car and motorcycle accident on Genesee Street, Darien

By Billie Owens

A car and motorcycle accident is reported at 519 Genesee St. (Route 33) in Darien. The motorcyclist is alert and conscious and complaining of a headache. Mercy EMS and Darien firefighters are responding.

The location is between South Lake and Fargo roads.

UPDATE 2:51 p.m.: Darien is back in service. The motorcyclist is being transported to UMMC.

Accident on Norton Road and Route 262, Elba

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at Norton Road and Route 262. One person is complaining of a facial injury. It is partially blocking the roadway. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 2:23: A second ambulance is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 2:41 p.m.: A Mercy rig is transporting two patients to UMMC after their vehicle "broadsided" another vehicle, causing "moderate front-end damage" to the vehicle occupied by the patients. The driver is a 70-year-old man who has lacerations on his upper and lower lips and seat-belt marks and bruising. The passenger is a 30-year-old woman with bruising from her seat belt. CORRECTION: A family member informs us the patients were 17 and 13.

UPDATE 2:48 p.m.: The driver of the other vehicle is also being taken to UMMC by Mercy. The 33-year-old man is complaining of shoulder pain.

UPDATE 2:53 p.m.: Elba is back in service.

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