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Press release:

Organizers of the Wings Over Batavia Air Show scheduled for Labor Day weekend in 2023 are in the process of putting together a team to handle the numerous volunteer positions necessary to ensure a successful event.

“The show starts by recruiting community residents who are committed to providing a welcoming and safe family-friendly event,” said Dennis Dunbar, air show chair.

Dunbar, president of Dunbar Airshows, is the director of Air Shows and Attractions at SUN ‘n FUN in Lakeland, Fla., as well as chairperson of the board of the International Council of Air Shows.

He has listed about two dozen air show volunteer positions that will complement the paid show employees and municipal leaders during the event, which is set for Sept. 1-3, 2023, at the Genesee County Airport.

Those volunteer posts are as follows:

• Volunteer manager;
• Security manager;
• Jet team liaison;
• Tac-Demo team liaison;
• Performer liaison;
• Static display liaison;
• Marketing manager;
• Media/PR manager;
• Sponsorship manager;
• Exhibits manager;
• Revenue manager/treasurer;
• Hotel manager;
• Transportation manager;
• Admissions manager;
• Concessions manager;
• Hospitality manager;
• First manager;
• Field services manager;
• ADA manager;
• Recruiting liaison;
• FOD (Foreign Object Debris) manager;
• Special operations manager.

Additional volunteers will be needed in these various areas, Dunbar noted.

Those interested in volunteering are asked to contact Dunbar at dennisjdunbar@rocketmail.com.

Press release:

The St. Jerome Guild, Inc., annual "Noel Nook" will take place at the Jerome Center at 16 Bank St., Batavia on Nov. 11, 14, 15 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m, Saturday, November 12 and from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Guild operates a new gift shop at the UMMC Kiosk at the North Street Campus, Santa’s Nook will be held on November 18, 19 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Please wear a mask at both locations.  All customers will enjoy a 10% discount on the entire order (few exclusions apply). We invite parents and their children to mail their Santa’s letters in the North Pole Post located outside each gift shop location.

‘Tis the season to wear customer favorites of home interiors and stylish coats, ponchos, capes, and shawls, woven caplets, fur-trimmed and knit hats and gloves, tops, slacks, and gorgeous scarves, from K & K Interiors, Carmen & Coco, Mud Pie, Demdaco, Simply Noelle, and Gantz, to name a few. Our updated selection of Petite Ginger Snaps, that are interchangeable with bracelets, necklaces and rings come in a variety of colors, shapes, and stones.  We continue to carry our selection of stylish handbags.  Our reasonably priced 'Jerome Collection’ includes rings, bracelets, earrings, necklace sets, with semi-precious stones, and children’s jewelry.  Popular items are cozy baby jackets in blue, pink and leopard, tummy blankets, picture frames, milestone items, and a variety of children's toys, plush animals and clothes.  Patrons love the all-natural goat milk, sulfate free body products for men and women from Beekman 1802 of creams, soaps, makeup remover, and lip balms.

You will find bar and wine accessories, and eclectic and wine caddies depicting doctors, golfers, nurses, firefighters, musicians, athletes, and gardeners.  Enjoy the expressions of lighted wall art, holiday wreaths, kitchen towels, spatula sets, mugs, nutcrackers, Santas, snowmen, Snowbabies, crystal candle holders and warmers, glittered elegant trees and angels, and lighted country trees.  Included are gorgeous lighted ornaments, cardinals, flags, throws, centerpieces, decorative lighting and night lights.  Gift cards are also available. 

The St. Jerome Guild, Inc., a not-for-profit volunteer organization, has been serving the local healthcare community for decades and celebrated a 100-year Jubilee a few years ago and the group continues to be an active organization donating vital equipment to UMMC. The Guild’s 2020 Hometown Heroes Star Initiative honoring all UMMC employees for their humanitarian efforts during the height of the pandemic raised $3000. These funds contributed toward the Guild’s $7000 purchase of an urgently needed freezer to store the Covid vaccine. In 2022, the Guild pledged $20,000 over the next five years toward the Intensive Care Unit Expansion at UMMC North Street, and donated $1000 toward the Foundation Cornerstone initiative.  The Guild’s Gift Shop is excited to be moving from Bank Street to UMMC’s new location being build off of Rt. 98 in the summer of 2023. 

For decades, the Guild offers to UMMC employees pursuing higher educational careers, our annual Health Professional Scholarships.  Children who visit the Jerome Center and Emergency Department are comforted with plush animals. Cancer patients receive care bags of personal products. The Guild sponsors the Jerome Center Annual Employee Recognition Day to thank employees for their efforts serving the community. Guild members donate thousands of volunteer hours working at both shops and on UMMC Foundation projects.

St. Jerome Gift Shop business hours vary Monday through Friday from 9 am – 3 pm, and Saturday from

9 am - 12 noon.  New members are welcome to join the Guild throughout the year and a membership tea is held in September.  Members attend regular monthly meetings that include a program and guest speakers. The Guild manages a monthly lottery and the community is invited to participate. Please join our Facebook page to view our inventory at: St. Jerome Gift Shop.

Submitted photo:  Jeff Gillard - Santa; Donna Gillard - Mrs. Santa. Children by Santa, Natalie and Jackson Cummings.  Children by Mrs. Santa, Vincent and Vienna LaBarbera.  

Press release:

Following the kickoff of National Financial Planning Month in October, Tompkins Community Bank has announced the launch of Smart Spend, a unique new checking account that qualifies for “Bank On” certification.  

The new product aims to expand community access to banking through the elimination of overdraft fees for account holders. In addition to minimizing opportunities to overdraw, the Smart Spend accounts have no minimum balance requirement, making it one of Tompkins’ most inclusive banking options for underbanked or previously unbanked community members.   

“Offering Smart Spend will make banking more equitable and accessible for all in our community, and it’s an important step in the right direction,” said John McKenna, president of Tompkins, Western New York and CEO of Tompkins Community Bank. “It’s our hope that Smart Spend will cater to the ever-growing diversity of financial needs we serve, and allow more individuals to establish a financial footprint, securely build their credit history and develop healthy saving and spending habits.” 

As part of its ongoing commitment to offering financial education, Tompkins hosts an ongoing series of free, virtual webinars on a variety of topics, including fraud protection, first-time homebuying, and overall financial wellness. For a schedule of upcoming events and instructions on registering, please visit https://www.tompkinsbank.com/about-us/community-events. 

Smart Spend is now available in all 16 branches serving the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming and Erie Niagara counties in Western New York. Key features of the account include a monthly maintenance cost of only $5.00, no overdraft or nonsufficient fund fees, the ability to pay bills and make purchases, and federal deposit insurance. In addition to the new program, Tompkins has also developed a corresponding Smart Spend savings account, available only to Smart Spend checking account holders. For more information, please visit https://www.tompkinsbank.com/. 

Smart Spend is officially certified by the national Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards for 2021–2022. The national safe account Standards, co-created by consumer advocates, leading national nonprofit organizations, civic leaders, and other financial institutions, designate both core and strongly recommended features that ensure low cost, high functionality, and consumer safety. 

Press release:

Tompkins Insurance Agencies has once again been designated a “Best Practices” Agency, recognizing it as part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies across the United States. The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has included the Batavia-based agency in its “Best Practices” group for the fourth consecutive year. After a full review of its financial stability and operational excellence, Tompkins Insurance was one of the 282 agencies to qualify, chosen from more than 2,600 independent agencies nationwide.   

The Big “I” and Reagan Consulting of Atlanta, Ga., have collaborated since 1993 to conduct this annual study of industry-leading independent insurance agencies. The study focuses on business practices, including revenue growth and profitability, financial stability, expense management, and sales and operations productivity.  

“To be named a ‘Best Practices’ agency for the fourth year running is an honor we don’t take lightly,” said David S. Boyce, president and CEO of Tompkins Insurance. “It proves, for us, that our mission to offer local, personalized and independent services for clients in communities within Western New York, Central New York and Southeastern Pennsylvania is working. And we aim to continue serving businesses within these communities at a high level for years to come.” 

This recognition comes on the heels of Tompkins Insurance being ranked again this Fall among the Top 100 commercial insurance agencies in the U.S., by both Business Insurance and Insurance Journal. 

Press release:

Sixth Grade students at Pembroke Intermediate School participated in the Korman Challenge Reading Contest during the month of October.

Students were challenged to read a book written by author Gordon Korman during the month to be invited to the Korman Party, which was held on Nov. 4.

By the end of the month, 24 students completed the challenge!

Students were invited to a special party where they watched a special video message from Gordon Korman himself! Students then received a special certificate recognizing their achievement.

To wrap up the special day, students enjoyed pizza generously donated by Homeslice Pizzeria 33! 

Submitted photos.

Press release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont, announced today that the company will once again offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11 percent discount off of their grocery bill this Veterans Day.  This marks the tenth year Tops has been extending this discount to military personnel and their families.

On Friday, Nov. 11, Tops Markets will honor an 11 percent discount off of a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location.  Customers should present proof of service that they or an immediate family member are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11 percent discount off of their total purchase that day. 

“The respect and gratitude we have for the people who serve and have served in the military is immeasurable, and for that, we are forever grateful,” said John Persons, president of Tops Friendly Markets.  “We wanted to support local military personnel by giving back to our associates and customers who have courageously defended our country and made many sacrifices through their military service.”

Tops is a longtime supporter of military associates and customers. Since the inception of the Tops 11% military discount, Tops has saved veterans and their families $681,317 on their groceries.  The company’s support of military organizations includes, but is not limited to, support of the Wall that Heals, American Veterans Tribute Traveling Wall, Honor Flight Missions and golf tournaments, the 10th Anniversary Veterans Race, sending care packages for troops serving domestically and overseas, VA hospital visits, participation in veteran job fairs, parades and expo, and Tops Stars for Our Troops program by which stars from embroidered US Flags slated for retirement are presented to Veterans, active duty personnel, and first responders. 

Press release:

November is designated as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a global effort to reduce stigma for a disease that affects both smokers and non‐smokers and takes more lives annually than breast, prostate, colon and pancreatic cancers – combined.

Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer, but lung cancer can occur in people that have never smoked. Other risk factors include being exposed to secondhand smoke, having a family history of lung cancer, exposure to asbestos, and exposure to radon gas. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an estimated of 21,000 Americans die from radon-related lung cancer every year.

The leading cause of lung cancer amongst non-smokers is radon exposure. Radon is a clear, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that is naturally found in the Earth. Radon dissolves in groundwater and forms pockets under homes and buildings. The primary method of radon exposure is through cracks in home foundations, new or old. In fact, one-fifth of all houses in the United States have dangerous levels of radon. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if you smoke and live in a home with high radon levels, your risk for developing lung cancer significantly increases. 

Homes with a radon level over 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/l) need to be evaluated by a Certified Radon Mitigator to determine the type of radon reduction system that may need to be installed.  “By knowing your home's radon level and reducing it if necessary, you can protect yourself and your family,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

Testing for radon is fast and inexpensive and is the only way to determine the radon levels in your home. GO Health encourages residents to test for radon when buying a home, doing a major renovation, every 2 years if there is a mitigation system installed or every 5 years otherwise. When purchasing a new house, make sure the seller completes a radon test kit and has the results available.  If you are building a new home, make sure to have radon-resistant construction features installed and tested prior to moving in.

You can purchase a short-term radon test kit from your local hardware store or through a radon-testing laboratory. For more information about radon visit, https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radiological/radon/radon.htm. For more information about radon or other GO Health programs and services, visit www.GOHealthNY.org.

Press Release:

The folks at the Haxton Memorial Library are helping adults and children get into the holiday spirit with two special craft nights at the library. The session for adults is on Thursday, November 17 and the children’s program is on Thursday, December 8 at the library. Both start at 6:45 and run until 8 p.m.

Becky O’Donnell will provide step-by-step directions in the making of both a greeting card and an ornament that participants can take with them and use for the holidays. Becky is a talented local crafter who loves to share and inspire people through paper arts.

“I have been stamping for over 30 years and teaching for 25. I do this mainly to make people happy and share the joy of creating something special,” she says. 

Both programs are a part of the "Talented Thursdays" at the Haxton Memorial Library, where local artists share their talents with community members and create different forms of art.

Participation is free, materials are all provided, and registration is necessary. These programs are open to anyone interested in crafting and enjoying some socialization with the other crafters in the group.

For more information or to sign up, stop by the Haxton Memorial Library at 3 North Pearl Street in Oakfield or call (585) 948-9900.

This project is made possible with funds from the statewide community regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GOART!

The Haxton Memorial Library provides residents a variety of programs, events and materials that are listed on the library’s website at www.HaxtonLibrary.org.

Press release:

Kids of all ages are invited to take a StoryWalk outside the Haxton Memorial Library along the sidewalk on Drake Street. A StoryWalk is an outdoor reading activity that allows children, families, and people of all ages to read a story placed on posts in a row, combining literacy and activity into one enjoyable experience. 

The story outside for the Fall season this year is Froggy’s Halloween by Jonathan London. The lovable and trouble-prone Froggy tries to find the right costume for Halloween. While his trick-or-treating does not go as he planned, he certainly enjoys himself anyway.

To make the experience even sweeter, children can stop inside the library after reading the story and answer a question about it for a special treat.

To read this fun tale and get a treat, stop by the Haxton Memorial Library at 3 North Pearl Street in Oakfield.

The Haxton Memorial Library provides residents a variety of programs, events and materials that are listed on the library’s website at www.HaxtonLibrary.org.

Submitted photo.

Press release:

On Thursday, Nov. 3, Byron-Bergen Elementary students took part in the Turkey Trot.

The annual run through the district’s scenic nature trail is designed to promote physical health, life-long fitness habits, and community service. The run is just under 1 mile and takes place during Physical Education class time. It is the culmination of a unit in which students train on the track and on the trails to prepare for the event.

“I love this event,” said Physical Education Teacher Danielle Carson. “I hope it helps the students realize that, if they work hard, they can do hard things. I also hope they understand that when we work together, we can help our community.”

In addition to taking part in the run, students were invited to donate wrapping paper or ribbon to the Byron-Bergen School District Holiday Gift Drive. The annual community service project provides holiday gift items to local families in need. Students have the rest of November to bring in their donations, but Carson has already collected over 100 items. 

Photos by Gretchen Spittler.

Press Release

It's official! The 2022 National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Men's Soccer Championship will be played at Genesee Community College in Batavia Wednesday to Sunday.

Spectator tickets for championship matches will be on sale at GCC's Richard C. Call Arena only. All spectator ticket purchases must be made in cash and an ATM is available on campus:

Daily Passes are $10 per adult. Children ages 10 and younger are free. Tournament Passes are $20 per adult.
Genesee Community College students, staff and faculty can attend this event for free. Parking is free.

The entire event will also be broadcast on the NJCAA Network and available through the following pay-per-view options:

Single Day Passes are $10
Tournament Passes are $25
Championship Game Only Passes are $5
All-Access Passes which include all 2022-23 NJCAA Championship events are $100

The nationally ranked Genesee Community College Men's team earned the third seed in the NJCAA National Championship on October 30 with their win over Mohawk Valley Community College in the Region III, Division III, North B District Finals.

"Genesee Community College is honored to host the 2022 NJCAA Men's Soccer National Championship Tournament," said Director of Athletics Kristen Schuth. "I congratulate all of the student athletes on their hard work and dedication on their quest for a NJCAA National Title. We are grateful that our state-of-the-art facilities were chosen to be part of that."

For more information, contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.

Photo submitted by GCC.

Press Release

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its Annual
Membership Meeting on Nov. 17 at Terry Hills Golf Course & Banquet
Facility, 5122 Clinton St., Batavia.

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., Buffet Lunch begins promptly at noon.

Cost $25 per person.

The Agenda for the Meeting will be a review of 2022, a look ahead into 2023 and election of 2023 Chamber Board Members. To register directly online, visit the Chamber’s website here or call Kelly B. at 585-343-7440, ext. 1026.

Deadline for registration is Friday.

Press Release

Continuing the community service it has offered for years, the Western New York Independent Living Family of Agencies is enabling citizens with disabilities to participate in the electoral process by offering FREE curb-to-curb rides in its vans, one standard and one wheelchair-lift-equipped, to polling places in Erie, Niagara, and Genesee Counties.

This includes daytime rides to the Early Voting Sites through Friday November 4th: There are 11 in the Districts in the City of Buffalo, and 27 in the various other Erie County municipalities, four spread throughout Niagara County, and one site in Genesee County.  The addresses are found on the websites of your Boards of Elections. 

Also, of course, we offer voters with disabilities rides to their local polling places between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov.8.  Rides are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and seats are extremely limited!  We cannot guarantee they will be available if they are requested the day of the event. 

Please learn the address of your polling site and make your reservations as soon as possible at 716-836-0822, extension 108 or 150.

Voting is your right and duty as a citizen, and it is our pleasure to assist!

 

Press Release

Join the Richmond Memorial Library in assisting families in need in our community.

The RML Teen and Tween Programming Group will sponsor a food drive collection from November 1st-November 18th, 2022 at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St, Batavia.  Below are some suggestions of acceptable items. Please make sure all items are not past expiration and are non-perishables! 

A donation bin will be located in the foyer of the library and donations can be dropped off during regular library hours.  Donations will be delivered to the Salvation Army.  Questions can be directed to Teen Services Librarian Felicia Cecere (fcecere@nioga.org) or Library Assistant Ellen Brokaw (ebrokaw@nioga.org).

Suggested Items for Donation:

Boxed Stuffing Mix, Instant Mashed Potatoes, Jars of Gravy (or Gravy Mix Packets), Canned Yams, Cranberry Sauce, Canned Vegetables, Cornbread Mix, Canned Pie Fillings, Pie Crust Mix, Box Dessert Mixes, Drink Mixes, Coffee, Tea, Crackers, Foil Baking Pans, Paper Products.

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St in the City of Batavia. The library is open Mon-Thurs 9 am - 9 pm and Fri & Sat 9 am - 5 pm. For more about the library, visit batavialibrary.org

 

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C - Batavia) today praised the recent announcement that Edwards Vacuum, a British-based world leader in vacuum and abatement equipment in the semiconductor industry and part of the Atlas Copco Group, has chosen the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP)  in 139th A.D. as the location for its new $319 million, U.S. dry pump manufacturing facility. The specific technology that will be produced at the new facility is an integral part of the sensitive manufacturing process.

This highly-protected technology and process will make the new facility one of a few globally that will have the ability to produce this product. Hawley noted that this serious investment will attract some of the best minds and leaders in the semiconductor field across the world to relocate and grow in Western New York.

“New York continues to be a serious global player in the semiconductor world, and for our community to be home to this future facility reinforces the meaningful commitment we all have to bring jobs to our area and grow our economy,” said Hawley. “The trickle-down positive impact this will have on the district, for economic growth, our schools and future success, cannot be underscored. Creating 600 jobs is significant and I could not be prouder to have those jobs located in our region.”

With the recent global supply chain issues that have caused shortages in product and increases in prices for everything from cars to cell phones, Hawley believes this will better position New Yorkers and Americans across the country to economically benefit from this investment.

“This is welcome news not only for the significant local economic impact, but this will help everyday New Yorkers and Americans to better afford the wide array of consumer goods tied to the semiconductor technology. It’s an extremely exciting day for our region and I look forward to future growth,” concluded Hawley.

Press release:

The Genesee County Master Gardeners are excited to announce that we will be collecting NEW, unwrapped BOOKS for the annual Toys for Tots campaign.  Collecting new books is a goal of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.

Books enhance a child’s ability to read and to communicate effectively.  The books that are collected will go to children and youth ages preschool through high school.  A gift of a new book delivers a message of hope and instills self-confidence to children in need.

You can drop off books at the Genesee County Cooperative Extension office, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  We will have a collection bin set up near the reception area.  Donations of new books can be made at the CCE office through Dec. 5.

The Genesee County Master Gardeners thank you in advance for your support.

Press release:

Genesee Community College has begun its 2023 - 2028 Strategic Planning Process and welcomes input from the community! While GCC is continuously evaluating itself against numerous measures, this planning process is a chance to realign the institutional priorities with the ever-changing environment of higher education and the complex economic demands of the communities it serves.

Written in 2018, the current 2018-2023 Strategic Plan is themed "Framing Our Future" and identified five priorities:

• Student Support and Success
• Teaching and Learning
• Diversity and Inclusive Excellence
• Fiscal, Operational and Infrastructure Sustainability
• Campus and Community Engagement

This new planning process is not only evaluating the progress made in these key areas, but helping to identity the next phase of GCC's strategic growth.

"The strategic planning process offers the college community the opportunity to revisit, re-envision, and reaffirm the way we help our students and our organization achieve success. With the many challenges facing higher education and the diverse students seeking a quality postsecondary experience, I firmly believe that our next strategic plan will be pivotal in guiding the college to the future," said College President James Sunser.

Dean of Human Communications and Behavior, Tim Tomczak, and Dean of Students, Patty Chaya, have been named co-chairs of the strategic planning efforts. Under their leadership, the steering committee, which includes faculty, administrators, staff and community partners, will perform assessments of the progress made under prior plans and using the feedback collected, identify new strategic priorities for the next five years. The assessment process will include a formal S.W.O.T. analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) and several forums for feedback.

In an effort to ensure the next Strategic Plan addresses the primary needs of the communities GCC serves, the College has established a webpage with an online form to collect comments, suggestions and ideas from the general public.

Citizens, business leaders, alumni, students, supporters, stakeholders and the general public are invited to visit www.genesee.edu/about/offices-departments/administration/strategic-planning-23-28/ to complete the input form, and remain informed about the progress of the College's Strategic Planning process.

These information input forms can remain anonymous, and the data collected will be shared directly with the steering committee. Any questions regarding the Strategic Planning process can be directed to strategicplanning@genesee.edu.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors advanced five projects totaling approximately $582.5 million of investments at its board meeting on Tuesday.

The board accepted initial applications from Hecate Energy Cider Solar LLC for a proposed $550 million utility-scale solar project in the towns Elba and Oakfield and for community solar projects in the town of Batavia and LeRoy totaling $20 million. The board also approved final incentives for a $12 million tourism hospitality project.

Hecate Energy Cider Solar LLC is proposing to construct a 500-megawatt utility-scale solar farm on multiple agricultural properties in the towns of Elba and Oakfield. The $550 million project would generate $73.5 million for host municipalities through a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and community host agreements, including:

• $13.18 million to Genesee County
• $19.38 million to the Town of Elba
• $12.92 million to the Town of Oakfield
• $16.85 million to the Elba Central School District
• $11.24 million to the Oakfield-Alabama School District

Public hearings will be scheduled for Hecate Energy Cider Solar LLC’s proposed project agreements in the town of Elba and the town of Oakfield.

The GCEDC board also approved a final resolution for 8250 Park Road LLC. The project proposes to invest $12 million for extensive renovations to the Quality Inn & Suites and Palm Island Indoor Water Park.