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Village and Town of Oakfield to flush hydrants Oct. 19 through 23

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Village of Oakfield’s Department of Public Works plan to flush hydrants throughout the Village and Town of Oakfield beginning Oct. 19th and concluding Oct. 23rd. Residents may notice some discoloration in water and possible low pressure.

(Also, a reminder to Village residents -- street parking regulations change beginning Nov. 1st through April 30th.)

BZ Glide goes worst to first in Batavia Open trot

By Billie Owens

(Photo of BZ Glide in the forefront driven by Mike Caprio.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Neither wind, rain, gloom of night nor five worthy competitors could keep BZ Glide from completing his appointed rounds as he once again won the $9,500 Open trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Oct. 15).

After intermittent late-afternoon downpours provided a wet and tacky racing surface for the evenings’ events, Vernon Downs invader Hold On Tightly (John Cummings Jr.) found good footing off the gate and went right to the lead. He maintained that position unchallenged for the bulk of the mile, setting pedestrian off-track fractions of :30.1, 1:01.4 and 1:31.2 in the process. During those same fractions, BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) sat last, gapped two-lengths off, watching it all happen.

But six furlongs at the back of the bus was long enough. Into the final turn, Caprio pulled BZ Glide three-deep before fanning out four-wide at the top of the lane. The pair switched into overdrive, swooped the field and passed Hold On Tightly at the wire to win by a length in 2:01.4.  

It was the seventh victory in 17 starts for BZ Glide ($3.60) and the winner’s share of the purse enhanced his 2015 financial situation to $50,570 for owner Caprio Stable, LLC. Alana Caprio trains the 6-year-old altered son of Yankee Glide.

On a night that went against recent trends, only one driver scored multiple wins on the card; John Cumming Jr. had two. Other than that, 10 different drivers won the remaining 10 races and the Downs top two leading reinsmen, Kevin Cummings and Dave McNeight III, were blanked.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on tonight (Oct. 16) at 6:35.

NY Business Teachers Association honors Norte Dame teacher

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Business Teachers Association of New York State awards the Julian A. Milkes Award for Outstanding New Business Educator each school year. Notre Dame High School is proud to announce that its Business Teacher, Lindsay Warner, is the recipient of the 2015 award.

The Julian A. Milkes Award recognizes exemplary efforts of new business educators early in their careers. Individuals must have made significant contributions to Business Education through some combination of program development, professional association activities, professional contributions (through presentations/publications), and civic and community involvement. They will have been involved in innovative, unique and novel programs and have shown extraordinary professional commitment early in their careers.

Retired principal Joseph Scanlan, Ph.D., said “Mrs. Warner has brought Business Education into the new millennium at Notre Dame High School.”

Lindsay’s hard work and diligence have resulted in Notre Dame obtaining college course accreditation for three high school business courses she currently teaches in conjunction with Genesee Community College.

“She is a mover and shaker who teaches business courses using real life business applications," Scanlan said. "Course requests for the courses she teaches are off the charts as the word has traveled quickly that her classes are indeed the real deal."

Warner also masterminded her senior-level marketing class’s participation in the Virtual Business Competition held at GCC in March. The Notre Dame “Cupcakery” team captured four first-place awards and one for second in the competition with 12 other regional schools. She planted the seed, encouraged them to do their best and oversaw their efforts.

Warner has also started a quality shadowing experience program, which is placing interested juniors and seniors in real-life career opportunities during the school year and summer vacation.

A Notre Dame High School graduate, she received her master's in Education from Nazareth College in 2009. She holds a NYS Professional Certification in Business and Marketing Education. She lives in Le Roy with her husband, Jeremy, and two young sons. Congratulations to Lindsay on this prestigious award!

Late registration for tonight's bat program and hike at county park available via e-mail or online

By Billie Owens

We are informed that the phones are not working at the Genesee Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center. So if you want to attend tonight's program about bats, including a slideshow and guided nature tour afterward, please register via e-mail to: Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us

Or message the park people on Facebook, Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry.

Either way, registration is required.

You will learn that bats are experts at staying warm -- they have a fur coat, keep a cozy home, and they love to cuddle!!

Explore the world of your local and exotic furry flying friends with a fascinating indoor presentation by a local bat expert. See a slideshow filled with awesome pictures, hear about the lives of bats, learn how they help humans and what you can do to return the favor. After the presentation, attendees will venture out on a creatures of the night hike!

Program is $5/person, $10/family.

Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center is at 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

Bicyclist struck on Veterans Memoral Drive, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A bicyclist was struck by a vehicle and is possibly injured on Veterans Memorial Drive in front of Peebles department store. Town of Batavia fire is responding. Mercy medics are on scene to evaluate the patient.

UPDATE 11:15 a.m.: The town assignment is back in service.

American Legion Commander visits Batavia

By Billie Owens

barnett2va2015.jpg

American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett visited Batavia Friday and spoke with veterans at the VA Center.

His Fall Meetings in communities nationwide are aimed at publicizing three things, primarily: the Walk with Veterans campaign to raise awareness about veterans; the VA healthcare system and its value; and role the Amercian Legion plays in fighting for veterans' rights regarding education, jobs, and mental health/reintegration services.

He told the local group that he believes the Veterans Administration is a system worth saving, that it provides greatly needed services for veterans and their families.

Barnett mentioned the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act, which the legion successfully lobbied in favor of, state licensing credits, the expanded GI Bill of Rights and new educational opportunties, including the ability to transfer educational benefits to spouse or children.

"We're fighting for benefits that affect them," he said. "We fight for veterans and their families."

Asked about efforts to shore up declining membership, especially among younger vets, Barnett said education and awareness are key. They can't help fix problem if they aren't aware of them.

Since active duty military personnel and National Guards reservists can't lobby legislators about proposed defense cuts, Barnett said, so it's imperative that newly retired and non-active personnel fill that gap, both for the sake of U.S. safety and preparedness, and the benefits and services at stake.

Asked about the alarming rate of suicides among young veterans, he noted that every day 22 veterans take their life. Barnett said the VA is branching out in its efforts to help self-healing, "with less reliance on narcotics, over-medication that may have occurred in hospitals nationwide."

Plus, they've help develop creative programs to help war-weary vets meld back into society and overcome bad experiences, citing a program that pairs vets with horses in Saratoga and another equine program in Montana. There's also the "Dogs for Heroes" program.

And no one is better suited to understanding the wounds of war better than other veterans, Barnett said.

Photo and information provided by our news partner, WBTA.

GO ART! announces call for artists to display winter-related 2-D work for 14th annual Holiday Group Show

By Billie Owens

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council announces a call for artists to submit up to five pieces of winter-related 2-D work for the 14th annual Holiday Group Show. The exhibit will be held Nov. 5 through Dec. 17 at the Batavia Satellite Gallery inside the Genesee County Senior Center, 2 Bank St. in the city.

Drop-off dates are 9 a.m to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 29 and 30, at GO ART! Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia. (The Batavia Satellite Gallery is equipped with the Walker Hanging System.) Remember to include the completed inventory form with your work when you drop it off.

There will be a meet-the-artists reception at the Senior Center from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, during Batavia's Christmas in the City event.

Pick-up dates are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 22 and 23, at GO ART! Seymour Place.

General Guidelines:

1)  The exhibit invitation is open to all artists in 2-D media;

2)  All artwork submitted must be winter-related;

3)  Work MUST be framed, wired and ready for hanging. NO sawtooth hangers;

4)  GO ART! reserves the right to accept or refuse pieces;

5)  All questions should be directed to GO ART! by calling (585) 343-9313 or via e-mail  info@goart.org

6)  The inventory/release form should accompany your artwork when you drop it off. These can be picked up at GO ART! or printed out from our Web site;

7)  All artwork should be labeled on the back with name, title, medium and price;

8)  Items may be offered for sale. If sold, GO ART! will receive 10-percent commission;

9)  Insurance is the responsibility of the artist.

Wicked Elphaba takes mare Open; Monti wins four

By Billie Owens

(Photo of Wicked Elphaba with reinsman Ray Fisher Jr.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Wicked Elphaba started slow but finished strong to take the $10,000 Open mares pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Oct. 14).

Wicked Elphaba (Ray Fisher Jr.) quickly found herself with a ten-length deficit when Aurora Borealis (Kirk Desmond), Seascape Hanover (John Cummings Jr.) and Country Delight (Jack Flanigen) all battled for the lead in a brisk :27.1 quarter. From there, Seascape Hanover took the front and cut the mile while leaving Country Delight hung out to dry.

As the group passed the half and moved towards five-eighths, Fisher pulled Wicked Elphaba and brushed strongly up the backside. At the three-quarter pole, Wicked Elphaba tipped three-deep around the fading Country Delight, drew even with the front-running Seascape Hanover, and then flew by to take the lead. The mare paced away down the lane to win by three lengths in 1:56.  

It was the fifth win of the year for Wicked Elphaba ($9.20) and the first in the top class for distaff pacers at this meet. The winners share pushed her 2015 earnings to $25,873 for owner Tanah Merah Farms. The 5-year-old Western Terror mare is trained by Ryan Swift.

Drew Monti had a grand slam on Wednesday night, taking pictures with Climate Hanover ($2.80), Missevil ($9.70), R T Lange ($32.20) and Diditagain Hanover ($26.00). Shawn McDonough and Dave McNeight III both had doubles on the card as well.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 16) at 6:35 p.m.

Focus group on Monday to offer citizens with disabilities a say in how federal money should be spent for their services

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A focus group on Monday, Oct. 19th, will enable New Yorkers with disabilities in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, New York City and Batavia to have their voices heard on which programs most deserve Federal Independent Living funds allocated for the Empire State in the next three years.

The entity designated by the federal government to oversee this process, the New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC) has been gathering consumers’ input on the statewide plan for Independent Living (SPIL) for 2016-2019.

In our region, Western New York Independent Living, Inc. (WNYIL), is facilitating this effort by holding the focus group from 2 to 4 p.m. at its 3108 Main St. facility near Hertel Avenue, in Buffalo’s University District. However, video conferencing will permit participation by those at Independent Living of Niagara County, 746 Portage Road, near Pine Avenue in Niagara Falls, and at Independent Living of the Genesee Region at 113 Main St., Suite 5, in Batavia.

Funding ideas presented for past SPIL three-year plans that bore fruit include: the Statewide Self-Advocacy Network (SSAN) in which community-change advocates across New York work collaboratively to help localities become more disability-accessible; development of programs, such as Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Services (CDPAS), which give individuals control of their own Home Care Attendants; plus research into an array of disability issues, and training to enhance the quality of local services.

Those who wish to register can call Johanna at (716) 836-0822, ext. 120. Additional information is available from Todd Vaarwerk at (716) 836-0822, ext. 101.  Space is limited.

WNY Independent Living, Inc. is Western New York's largest cross-disability, consumer-directed, non-residential organization for persons with disabilities. At WNYIL, individuals of all ages and all types of disabilities learn to exercise their freedom of choice to take control of their own lives in order to live more productively in, and contribute to, the community.

The power and the glory of pipe organ music to be showcased at free concert, with sacred hymns and tunes by The Doors, Led Zep and more

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Crossroads House in conjunction with St. James Episcopal Church is offering a FREE Community Concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, titled “A Showcase of a Local Treasure."

“Our community is fortunate to have such a rare treasure in an acoustical setting second to none," said Crossroads House Executive Director Jeff Allen. "In keeping with St. James' 200th Anniversary and the City of Batavia’s Centennial, this concert is given as a gift back to a generous community that has supported us since 1996.”

This will NOT be your typical organ concert. In showcasing the amazing dynamics and broad range of this historic pipe organ, numbers will include sacred hymns as well as songs by The Doors, The Allman Brothers Band, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and more.

Pipe organs have largely been relegated to Sunday morning worship services for centuries and the gift of their sound is kept to a select audience. 

“I liken most pipe organs to a Ferrari that is only backed in and out of the garage once a week, at this concert, we will take the Ferrari out on the open road and reveal it’s amazing horsepower,” Allen said.

Playing the organ will be St. James organist David Lange who will offer powerful renditions of the sacred hymns and Jeffrey Fischer who will put the pedal to the metal and play the modern rock classics.

Again, the concert is free and no offering will be taken, just come and enjoy. You will love it madly.

Date: Friday Oct. 23rd at 7 p.m.

Place: St James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia.

Notre Dame HS hosts annual Fall Open House this Sunday afternoon

By Billie Owens

Press release:

From 2 to 4 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 18th Notre Dame High School will hold its annual Fall Open House for prospective students. Everyone is invited to come “Experience the Difference” of a Notre Dame education.

Teachers will be on hand along with many clubs and sports coaches. The Notre Dame experience is affordable for all, financial aid and scholarships are available.

Notre Dame is a Catholic school with a physically and emotionally safe learning environment welcoming to all. Our Tradition of Excellence continues with a graduation rate of 100 percent for the Class of 2015, with 100 percent attending college earning $4 million in scholarships.

Please join us to learn more about our small school community with big school possibilities. The school is located at 73 Union St. in the City of Batavia. Phone is 343-2783.

Fire briefly reported at multi-family dwelling in Corfu Village

By Billie Owens

An apartment house fire in Corfu Village was reported a few minutes ago and five fire departments were called to the scene. The location is 9 E. Main St., between Corfu Plaza and West Main Street. A minute later, a dispatcher said the fire was out and all responders could go back in service, with the exception of Corfu.

The caller said flames and smoke were visible.

The other responders toned out for service were the city's Fast Team, Darien, Pembroke, East Pembroke and Mercy medics.

Got a hip replacement? Had minor surgery? Thank the people who process the tools -- it's their special week

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Central Service professionals are being celebrated for their important role and commitment to patient safety during the annual International Central Service Week, Oct. 11 - 17.

At almost every facility where surgical procedures are performed -- such as United Memorial Medical Center -- there is a highly skilled group of people that are often overlooked and almost never thanked! They are the behind the scenes people, the people that the patient never meets. The people that reprocess and prepare hundreds, if not thousands, of pieces of reusable medical instruments and devices.

Central Service is the heart of the hospital, because without them they could not operate. Without Sterile Instruments surgeons, nurses and scrub techs (these are also the people that do get thanked) would just be people standing around with gloves on. We put the tools in their hands!

Central Service professionals are integral members of the health care team who are responsible for decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, disassembling, packaging, and sterilizing reusable surgical instruments or devices in a health care facility that are essential for patient safety.

If you or someone you love has undergone a surgical procedure, a central service professional was directly responsible for the cleaning and sterilization of the instruments used throughout your operation.

Please join us in honoring these dedicated professionals!

Head-on collision with entrapment reported at Alleghany and Judge roads, Alabama

By Billie Owens

A head-on collision with entrapment is reported at Alleghany and Judge roads. Alabama fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:46 a.m.: One car failed to yield to another at the intersection, according to law enforcement. There was no entrapment and no injuries are reported. One car has heavy front end damage and the other is slightly damaged. Each vehicle had an older driver and passenger, and they were all sitting inside their vehicles when help arrived, awaiting the tow trucks.

Zonta Club seeks money, toiletries and more for project to help 500 local domestic violence victims

By Billie Owens

The Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County is assembling personal care packages for victims of domestic violence and is working with the YWCA to distribute 500 bags.

The club is seeking donations to assist in the project. If you could contribute one or more items from the list below, it would be greatly appreciated!

  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • Dental floss
  • Mouthwash
  • Lotion
  • Hairbrushes/combs/hair accessories
  • Shaving cream
  • Disposable razors
  • Deodorant
  • Journals/pens/pencils
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Cotton balls
  • Q-Tips
  • Socks
  • Loofahs
  • Emery boards
  • Nail polish remover

***Volunteers will be assembling the bags at the Dibble Family Center in Batavia from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday Oct. 21.

You could also opt to make a tax-deductable donation of $50/$100/$150/$200 to help purchase items needed.

Checks can be made payable to:

Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County

And mailed to:

Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County

C/O Beth Kemp

ZONTA Domestic Violence Bag Project

3977 W. Main Street Road

Batavia NY 14020

 

For more information or to drop off items, contact Beth at 993-7747 or e-mail at  billing@myTshirtsEtc.com

About Zonta International

The nonprofit organization has been empowering women through service and advocacy since its founding in 1919. It seeks to empower women worldwide by improving their legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status at both local and global levels.

Youth blood drive coordinators needed Dec. 15 through Jan. 15, hosts eligible to win $2,500 scholarship

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This winter high school and college students can help save lives and be eligible to win a scholarship of up to $2,500 by hosting an American Red Cross blood drive. Registration is now open through Nov. 15 to host drives between Dec. 15 and Jan. 15.

“Winter is a difficult time to collect enough blood to meet patient needs with inclement weather and seasonal illnesses reducing the number of volunteer donors that come out to give,” said Red Cross Communications Manager Cara Leyna Noble. “Our Leaders Save Lives program gives students an opportunity to learn valuable leadership skills and help ensure blood is available for patients in need of lifesaving transfusions by recruiting their friends and family to give blood.”

The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded high school and college students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply around the winter holidays. Blood donations made at high school, university and college blood drives account for as much as 20 percent of blood donations through the Red Cross. Around the winter holidays, when school is not in session, blood donations often decline.

Students who host a drive can be eligible to win a scholarship up to $2,500 for higher education and earn a gift card. A total of six scholarships will be awarded to students who host a blood drive collecting 25 blood donations or more. All students who collect at least 25 pints at their blood drive will receive a gift card to giftcertificates.com.

For more information and to register to host a Leaders Save Lives blood drive, visit redcrossblood.org/leaderssavelives.

How to donate blood:

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Rock Vinci wins the Italian-American race at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

(Pictured from left: Mary Bucceri, Sara Tenney and Rock Vinci. Photo courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Although it was Columbus Day at Batavia Downs, it was Groundhog Day for Rock Vinci. That is because Vinci won the special Italian-American drivers race (known as the Christopher Columbus Pace) for the second year in a row, in the identical time as last year and with another bombs-away payoff.

Vinci left with his horse, the 12-1 Bruener, before giving way to 102-1 Put It In Gear (Denny Bucceri). Past three-eighths, the prohibitive 1-9 favorite, Feets Of Magic (Drew Monti), pulled to try and take the lead from Put It In Gear. But while those two jousted until the top of the stretch, Vinci snuck Bruener up the pylons and won going away in 1:58.2. The winner paid $26.20.

Last year, Vinci won the "race for the cannolis" with Windsong Destroyer off a similar two-hole trip, also in 1:58.2 and returned a healthy $16.80.

Aside from the gratitude of owner Joe Kilburg, trainer JD Perrin and his driving percentage of the purse, Vinci was also presented with a half dozen gourmet cannolis in the winners's circle and gets to retain his bragging rights for another year.

Car crash at routes 5 and 77, person may have head injury

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at routes 5 and 77. A person possibly has a head injury. Law enforcement is on scene. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy medics are responding.

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